The Book of Mormon

President Marion G. Romney said the following in the April 1980 General Conference:

"I feel certain that if, in our homes, parents will read from the Book of Mormon prayerfully and regularly, both by themselves and with their children, the spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein. The spirit of reverence will increase; mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow. The spirit of contention will depart. Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom. Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents. Righteousness will increase. Faith, hope, and charity - the pure love of Christ - will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness."

I have seen the fulfillment of this promise in my life. Reading from the Book of Mormon each day with my family as I grew up had a tremendous impact on me. Later, as I got older, my personal study of the Book of Mormon strengthened my testimony and helped me grow spiritually. Unfortunately, lately I have not been as consistent with my daily Book of Mormon reading, and I can feel the difference it makes in my daily life.

I am reminded of the challenge President Gordon B. Hinckley gave to the church just five years ago in the August 2005 Ensign. He challenged us each to read or reread the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. He also gave a promise to those who would do so:

"Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God."

I have determined to accept this challenge again five years later, just as I did when it was first given. There are 124 days left in the year. The Book of Mormon has 239 chapters and 531 pages. That means one has to read 2 chapters a day or just more than 4 pages a day to meet the challenge. Regardless of whether you accept this challenge with me, the continued daily study of the Book of Mormon will bring the blessings promised above. And these blessings are great indeed.

Not of it

Dear Family,
Here I am as promised. I am open to any and all suggestions as to how we handle "England Family Preachin'" I think we will start with Craig and Maggie for the week of Aug. 23 thru Aug. 29 then Paul and Kaylene will take the next week and so on for now.For this round we will begin with addressing whatever you would like and we'll see how that goes and maybe try some assigned topics in the future. The general message for this week is to be in this world but not of this world. That is much easier said than done. Without a daily plan in place I would suggest that it might be next to impossible. Let's each make some suggestions as to how this can be done. That's my topic for the week ending Aug. 22.
My suggestion is to make a list of the things that bring the world into our homes and then monitor them to see that the ways of the world are not being welcomed into our homes. This calls for constant vigilance. I love you all and am looking forward to hearing from each one of you.


Love Dad

YOU ARE ALL INVITED

Dear Family,
It has taken me longer than it should have but you are all now officially invited to be authors on this blog sight. You all need to accept the invitation and then I found out this morning that I have to accept you.
Maggie has as of this morning been officially accepted. The rest of you will be as soon as you accept your invitation. I will write more later today.

Love ya all

Love Dad