Specific Insigts from reading the Book of Mormon
For me, the book of Mormon has always been an important constant source of spiritual food. I grew up in the church, and was taught very early the important of reading daily. I was thus nourished daily, and grew in spiritual light throughout my life. Although I have read it cover to cover many times, these past two semesters have opened my eyes to the Book of Mormon at another level.
It seems that only now I am starting to become familiar with the stories, time frames, and doctrines. Many probably reach this on their full time missions, but my focus was directed on learning the language and working with the Preach my Gospel Lessons that I didn’t get to that point. Upon coming home from my mission, I was strengthened in some very difficult times through studying it. At this time in my life though, it was difficult for me to absorb the details.
In reading the Book of Mormon quickly for class and having to write insights papers regularly in a journal, I have begun to put together people and places. My testimony has continued to grow and my love for the Book of Mormon has increased. I’ve always enjoyed the spirit that comes into my life from reading it, but my love for the Book of Mormon and awe for it has increased. One of the most interesting insights I received while studying came as I was reading what Alma teaches about the faith in Alma 32.
Alma teaches us about how we develop faith. Similar to a seed growing into a tree, it requires many different requirements to be met in order to grow, and produce good fruit. I pondered the analogy of a seed, and applied it to relationships. As I thought about the ramifications of dating, and finding an eternal companion, I found many insights that have come to my mind throughout the course of the semester in relation to that metaphorical seed. One specific insight came as I thought about the fertility of the soil. While some people may have great interest in an individual, unless there is interest back, the seed of friendship leading to a relationship won’t even grow. Yet, just because the soil is initially dry, doesn’t mean that the relationship can’t flourish, it may just need extra nourishment and strength. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if two people both have interest in each other, but don’t nourish the relationship, it will still die or at least not produce good fruit.
Other interesting parallel includes the quantity of seeds planted, the type of nourishment we give and the process of pruning. I also have thought about how to apply this principle by relating talents and interests to seeds as well. This concept is teaching me the importance of patience and diligence. I may have many talents that haven’t developed, simply because I have not given them the nourishment and or time to grow. Additionally, if I apply myself to develop talents, but put them aside, neglecting to nourish them, they tend to die.
These insights gave me an excitement for what I can learn by the Holy Ghost that specifically applies to my life. Throughout the semester I have come to find many other illuminating insights that have all increased my love for the Book of Mormon.
- Benjamin Limb, BYU-Idaho, 29 June 2010
It seems that only now I am starting to become familiar with the stories, time frames, and doctrines. Many probably reach this on their full time missions, but my focus was directed on learning the language and working with the Preach my Gospel Lessons that I didn’t get to that point. Upon coming home from my mission, I was strengthened in some very difficult times through studying it. At this time in my life though, it was difficult for me to absorb the details.
In reading the Book of Mormon quickly for class and having to write insights papers regularly in a journal, I have begun to put together people and places. My testimony has continued to grow and my love for the Book of Mormon has increased. I’ve always enjoyed the spirit that comes into my life from reading it, but my love for the Book of Mormon and awe for it has increased. One of the most interesting insights I received while studying came as I was reading what Alma teaches about the faith in Alma 32.
Alma teaches us about how we develop faith. Similar to a seed growing into a tree, it requires many different requirements to be met in order to grow, and produce good fruit. I pondered the analogy of a seed, and applied it to relationships. As I thought about the ramifications of dating, and finding an eternal companion, I found many insights that have come to my mind throughout the course of the semester in relation to that metaphorical seed. One specific insight came as I thought about the fertility of the soil. While some people may have great interest in an individual, unless there is interest back, the seed of friendship leading to a relationship won’t even grow. Yet, just because the soil is initially dry, doesn’t mean that the relationship can’t flourish, it may just need extra nourishment and strength. On the opposite side of the spectrum, if two people both have interest in each other, but don’t nourish the relationship, it will still die or at least not produce good fruit.
Other interesting parallel includes the quantity of seeds planted, the type of nourishment we give and the process of pruning. I also have thought about how to apply this principle by relating talents and interests to seeds as well. This concept is teaching me the importance of patience and diligence. I may have many talents that haven’t developed, simply because I have not given them the nourishment and or time to grow. Additionally, if I apply myself to develop talents, but put them aside, neglecting to nourish them, they tend to die.
These insights gave me an excitement for what I can learn by the Holy Ghost that specifically applies to my life. Throughout the semester I have come to find many other illuminating insights that have all increased my love for the Book of Mormon.
- Benjamin Limb, BYU-Idaho, 29 June 2010
Ben -
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I REALLY should start posting blogs like this, but I guess I just don't feel comfortable when most of my readers are non-members. It was great being your mission companion on Sunday! Love the blog! Read mine too! lol.
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