Book of Mormon Lock-In
I spent the weekend camped out in the church building with eight girls, ages 12-18. Together we read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in 24 hours (pausing only for a four hour snooze and some food/yoga breaks).
To be completely honest, when the other leaders first invited me to participate, I hesitated. I thought of the migraine that would surely come without adequate sleep. I thought of all the other things I could get done over the weekend.
I didn't think of Christ.
I didn't think of the relationship I would build with Him as I read His words. I didn't think of the love I would develop for His young daughters as we sat cross-legged on the floor. I didn't think of the sweet spirit that would enter my heart.
I didn't think of the life-changing experience I would have.
We read the Book of Mormon like a novel instead of like a textbook. I enjoyed seeing how the characters all connected. I enjoyed reading about their lives. They were real people who experienced political and familial drama just as we do today. There are obvious patterns throughout the scriptures where the people ebbed and flowed in their relationship with Christ. When they remained close to Him, they had overwhelming peace and joy. When they distanced themselves from deity, their lives got much harder.
I realized that pattern is the same in my life, and reading the Book of Mormon this time through (I've read it multiple times before) strengthened my resolve to always stay close to Him.
To be completely honest, when the other leaders first invited me to participate, I hesitated. I thought of the migraine that would surely come without adequate sleep. I thought of all the other things I could get done over the weekend.
I didn't think of Christ.
I didn't think of the relationship I would build with Him as I read His words. I didn't think of the love I would develop for His young daughters as we sat cross-legged on the floor. I didn't think of the sweet spirit that would enter my heart.
I didn't think of the life-changing experience I would have.
We read the Book of Mormon like a novel instead of like a textbook. I enjoyed seeing how the characters all connected. I enjoyed reading about their lives. They were real people who experienced political and familial drama just as we do today. There are obvious patterns throughout the scriptures where the people ebbed and flowed in their relationship with Christ. When they remained close to Him, they had overwhelming peace and joy. When they distanced themselves from deity, their lives got much harder.
I realized that pattern is the same in my life, and reading the Book of Mormon this time through (I've read it multiple times before) strengthened my resolve to always stay close to Him.
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