Faith

I'll admit it, when I started working on the value FAITH I was extremely intimidated by the Faith Value Project: "Read the entire Book of Mormon and follow the instructions found in Moroni 10:4." I thought I'd pass over that one and maybe plant a veggie garden...

But then I thought to myself, "I need to personally progress in Faith, and I know I can by reading and feeling the power of that Sacred Book in my life."

So I started reading it with John like a novel. We've replaced our reading The Hunger Games Series at night with reading The Book of Mormon together a few chapters at a time and then briefly discussing a principle that stood out to us from the chapters we read. I already feel lighter in spirit, and we're only on 1 Nephi 5! That Book has a power beyond the principles it teaches. It contains a force of love from our Father in Heaven that reaches out and hugs our hearts simply by reading it. And on top of that, the principles it teaches are life changing! I know it is True and sent from our Father in Heaven to bless our lives.

I wanted to share an insite that stood out to me one night. It comes from the very first verse of the very first book of The Book of Mormon:

I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father; and having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God, therefore I make a record of my proceedings in my days.

I noticed that Nephi specifically said that he had been highly favored of the Lord in all his days. It helped me realize that it is not a sin to recognize that you are highly favored of the Lord because of the righteous choices you make. Some may think you are proud or self-righteous if you know that the Lord is happy with you, but if your heart is in the right place it doesn't matter what others think.

So sisters---I am highly favored of the Lord! And so are all of you! We're not just "favored"...we're HIGHLY favored! I know I am a good person and that I try hard to do my best, and even though I feel like I fall short a lot of the time, The Lord thinks I am an incredible person. This realization has helped me personally progress in faith because it has reminded me of the infinite and perfect nature of God's Love.

I have replanted my seed of faith, and through God's love I have already seen it begin to grow again. I forgot how much Heavenly Father loves me, and I forgot how valuable I am. I have forgotten to give myself credit for the good things I do. I am remembering...