42-(11/13/23) BOOK OF MORMON TESTIMONY

 42-(11/13/23)

Hello Family,

This week Aunt Marianne sent out an invitation from Brogen’s mission to all the families of their Colorado missionaries, inviting them to share their testimony of the Book of Mormon. These would then be collected and sent to the missionaries in preparation for this new years study of the Book of Mormon as a church and for them as a mission.

So this week Mama gave me the idea that I should share my testimony not only with Brogen, but with all of you. My invitation would be for you to write your testimony of the Book of Mormon down and to share it with someone. If you are not sure with whom to share it, may I suggest you share it with your siblings. I promise that your testimony will be a strength to each others. I love you so so much,

Dad

Elder Blackewell, 

I am grateful for this opportunity to share my testimony of the Book of Mormon with you. It means so much to me, and to my testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It brings so much joy into my life, and sharing my testimony of it is one of my favorite things to do!

As a young boy, I can remember living in the house at the end of Cemetery Road, the house we as kids referred to as the ‘log house, maybe being 6 or 7 years old. I remember your Grandpa and Grandma Miller gathering the family for scripture study around the fire place in the mornings. We weren’t perfectly consistent in our reading, but my parents tried and I am forever grateful for their valiant effort. That effort has left a lasting impression on my mind. We as kids each had our own paperback copy of the Book of Mormon to follow along in as we took turns reading. We also each had our very own red marking pencil. I felt so old, organized, and capable. What I didn’t realize at the time was that those early feelings of studying the Book of Mormon were the beginning of what today has become a strong and permanent anchor to my faith, a joy to my life, and a sure testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. 

As I became a little older, towards the end of my Primary years, I can still hear my Primary teacher Sister Luwilla Weber challenging us to read the Book of Mormon before graduating from Primary. 

I also remember in those early years that Grandma and Grandpa had purchased a set of Book of Mormon picture books, the kind with the gold bindings and detailed drawings and paintings of Book of Mormon stories on their covers. I remember on Sunday’s taking those books and finding a quiet place (which was next to impossible in a family of ten children) and reading those stories on my own for the first time, not fully appreciating or understanding the seed of faith and truth that was being planted inside of me. I distinctly remember feeling the warm burning sensation of the Holy Ghost testifying to me that I was reading truth, that I was reading the word of God. That feeling made me feel so safe as a young boy.

Since those early childhood years of the Book of Mormon laying down what would become a solid foundation for my faith in Jesus Christ, my testimony of the Book of Mormon has grown from a small seed into a thriving tree. A tree whose roots continue to grow deep into my heart and soul, making me the person I am today. The Book of Mormon is the anchor to my faith in God, in His eternal plan, in His son Jesus Christ, and in my faith to follow His Holy Prophets. It is for me, as it is prescribed for all of us, the keystone of my faith and of my religion. 

My testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon has brought and continues to bring absolute purpose and clarity into my life. Because of its teachings I know my Heavenly Father’s Plan I am to follow, and why and how to follow it. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior, and that His Atonement and Resurrection are real and true. I know that Jesus Christ’s doctrine is straightforward, simple to understand, and essential for all to follow. I know because of the Book of Mormon that I must constantly strive to offer up a broken heart and contrite and repentant spirit that I might have the power of the Holy Ghost in my life. Power to sanctify, lift, and direct me back home to my Heavenly Father. The Book of Mormon contains a fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which to me simply means that it is a complete guide for each of us to accomplish the work God sent us here to accomplish. God’s work and glory is to bring us, his children, home. The Book of Mormon is His instruction to us on how He will accomplish this, His work. 

My testimony is that the Book of Mormon is true. Because I know this, I know that Joseph Smith saw God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ as he said he did. Because of the Book of Mormon I know that the Priesthood of God has been restored to the Earth to govern and direct sacred saving ordinances and covenants. Ordinances that bring God’s power into the lives of children, enabling them to navigate mortality and return to His presence. The Book of Mormon is true! The Holy Ghost has born witness of this in my life countless times, from my early childhood, until now. The Spirit’s powerful witness to my soul of peace and direction is what brings me back to its pages again and again, day after day. This sacred book directs my life! It directs how I am to lead as a husband and father, how I am to treat those I work with, how I am to serve in His kingdom. All of this direction I receive through the guiding influence of Holy Ghost as I ponder and study the word of God contained in the Book of Mormon. It absolutely is true! It is my greatest possession because of the truths it teaches and the power of Holy Ghost it carries. I testify that reading and studying its pages brings me, and any sincere reader, closer to Jesus Christ. To any earnest seeker of light or truth, I know that they will find it to be the same powerful influence in their life as it has been in mine. I know this to be true, because it is the very purpose for which God brought this book to be. And am eternally grateful to Him for it, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

We love you Elder Blackwell, and are so proud of the work you are doing. Keep it up!

Uncle Roarke

Holly'a testimony: 

I can't totally put into words my love of the Book of Mormon, but I can try.  The Book of Mormon has been a constant and a source of peace my whole life.  I haven't always given the time and focus to it that I should have in different seasons in my life, but every time I return to it, and recommit to make it a bigger part of my daily routine, I am blessed. I know it true.  I know it is a another testament of Jesus Christ.  I know that as we study and ponder it- we will find clarity in our own lives.  It teaches us about the character of Christ. It is filled with a history of faithfulness. It warns us of the snares of Satan.   It fills my heart with the spirit which helps me feel guided in every single other thing in my life. 

 My most favorite scripture is Mormon 5:23-- the very first part, I can't even read it without feeling emotional (which I know - is not that surprising since I am the unofficial biggest crybaby in the entire Miller extended family) but still it's powerful and beautiful and makes me feel so safe and loved by the Lord: Here it is: Mormon 5:23

"Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God?"  Really what more do we need to know?  With that understanding we can move forward in faith and trust in every one of His promises, with full reliance upon the God of all the heavens and the Earth, truly believing that He knows our names- He loves us personally and perfectly. He is mindful of us (in my daily routine and in your missionary efforts), and  that He has a plan and a purpose for each of his beloved children.  He can and will move mountains to lay in place the details that bring us together to lift each other, to build the kingdom, to grow in families, to gather Israel and move steadily toward His higher way.  We can trust Him.  We can let His will prevail.  

In the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen.