14 June 2013

In 39 days, I finished the Book of Mormon again.  Time to start over according to our Book of Mormon prophet.  It is such a privilege to teach the Book of Mormon to these students.  I started last semester teaching the first half of the book.  I am now in the second half of the book.  Bonnie is teaching the first half of the Book of Mormon in English.  There are many kids who take her class, wanting more of the Book of Mormon, and more practice for English. It is a wonderful experience for her, and she is beaming as she prepares, and as she teaches it.

Some days in the classroom, I spend the whole 90 minutes speaking, discussing, asking questions on one or two verses, like Alma 13.  Yesterday, I spent much   of the time with Helaman 10 and 12.  There is such wisdom, counsel, and enlightenment in the Book of Mormon.

As I continue to read this book, I get a very strong urge to talk with some of my  heros, like Teancum, Moroni-general,  Moroni-last Nephite, Mormon, Lehi-the general, Nephi/Lehi of Helaman's book, Jacob, Sam-Nephi's brother, Ammon, Enos, Nephi's wife (the first one), (No, not the first wife, but the first Nephi) Alma, both  of them, Mosiah, Jared and his brother, etc.  I am sure they could add to the stories we already have of them.

When I teach the investigators on a myriad of subjects, I always bear witness of the Book of Mormon, how much I love it, a few of Joseph Smith's statements about it, and tell them they can get a copy from the  missionaries.

It continues to be amazing to me the added insights I get each time I read it.  It is sort of like peeling away a layer at a time, and each time I read it, there is another hidden layer that I did not see the last time I read it.

It continues to give me answers to prayers, questions, direction what I should do, what I should teach, and so many other things.  I continue to collect data, ideas, and future books and/or stories I shall write about it one day.

I always tell the kids I teach that it is my favorite book.  Anyone who knows me very well, knows of my deep, special feelings for this marvelous book.  Thanks, Father.