This Week's Journey
Read: 1 Nephi 3-6 and Our Heritage pages 5-13
Watch/Explore: The Book of Mormon From Manuscript to Press
Write: Write about a time when you had to show faith as Nephi did.
Follow the journey on twitter: @SeattleNStakeRS
We hope that you have had a wonderful week of reading and writing. We don't always take time to read the Introduction, Title Page, and Testimonies that precede the beginning of The Book of Mormon, but I wanted us to pause over them because they can give us so much insight.
Years ago, a member of our then Stake presidency shared in Stake Conference that during a time in his life when he was not participating in church, he and his wife embarked on a year-long backpacking journey around the world in a quest for personal peace. One day when he was sitting on a mountainside in Tibet feeling particularly lost, he remembered that he had packed a Book of Mormon. He pulled it out of his backpack, and although he had read the book many times, this time he really noticed for the first time these words in the Introduction:
The crowning event recorded in the Book of Mormon is the personal ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ among the Nephites soon after His resurrection. It puts forth the doctrines of the gospel, outlines the plan of salvation, and tells men [and women] what they must do to gain peace in this life and eternal salvation in the life to come.
At that moment, he knew that he needed to return to activity in the church, and to access the peace available in the Book of Mormon and in the gospel.
Sisters, what would you do to "gain peace in this life?" I promise you that if you join us in reading the Book of Mormon, studying our history, and writing your own personal history you will find peace.
This week's journal writing comes from our very own Michelle Quinn, who is a writer through and through. This is just an excerpt from a longer journal/blog entry in response to the prompt to write about a woman who inspires you:
A WOMEN TO RELATE TO
It is significant to me that Sister Dew is single, as she, "gets it," and can talk with unmatchable credibility to the singles. She does not dwell on but also does not forget her desire for a husband. This is tricky to do. She has a sharp whit when it comes to her single status. Just listen to one of her most recent talks given at BYU, "Will You Engage in the Wrestle?" (17 MAY 16). She is the perfect example for me.
Sister Dew consumes church material mercilessly and is not ashamed to admit how many talks she's read and given. She STUDIES the gospel. She used to teach gospel doctrine and shares how much she enjoyed this calling, although it was hard to fit into her busy life schedule (but she made it work!). In listening to her interview of Elder and Sister Oaks for the Mormon Channel podcast Conversations she confesses to just how much prep in talk-reading she did before the interview. This woman is prepared. That unfailing effort to keep preparing (for all things) is inspirational to me.
Sister Dew has written the biographies of TWO of the president's of the church (Ezra Taft Benson, and Gordon B. Hinckley). She's been a counselor in the general Relief Society presidency for 5 years (1997-2002), traveled extensively, has a high-powered CEO career with Deseret Book (starting in 2002 after her church service), and is not afraid to spread truth, and defend the faith. She does not mince words or try to rationalize behaviors and thoughts contrary to church doctrine. She is constantly learning, and is not afraid to plow into uncharted and new territory to find understanding. She constantly seeks the guidance of the Lord and to find answers through temple worship. Oh, and she also plays the piano marvelously.
Thank you Michelle for sharing your thoughts and insights with us!
May your week be filled with peace.
With love,
Marni Campbell, Theresa Roth, Michelle Quinn, & Jenni Currit
Your Stake Relief Society Presidency
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