I would like to focus on these two questions today. They come from the study guide and after reading all the material stated to read for this week’s lesson, I didn’t really feel that they had anything to do with these two questions, but these are great questions.

With regards to the first question, I have been taught from the Book of Mormon all my life and it is very hard to separate what I have learned about Christ from the Book of Mormon and what I have learned from other sources. But I would go as far to say that it I have learned almost everything from the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. Everything I know comes from those sources in some way or another. I know that Christ lives. I know that He came to the people here in the Americas after He was resurrected and taught them the same teachings as the people of Israel. I know that He loves me. I know that He can work mighty miracles through our faith. I know that the power to work in His name has been restored to the earth through Joseph Smith. All these things are so essential to my happiness in this life and I am eternally indebted to Heavenly Father for them.

As for the second question, here are some of my favorites.

Ether 12:27

27 And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

I really love this scripture because too often today people struggle with their weaknesses. But with this scripture we can have hope that if we but humble ourselves before the Lord, He will make those weak things our strengths. I love that.

I also love scriptures of hope and joy and praise to God!!

2 Nephi 22:2

2 Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also has become my salvation.

Jacob 3:1

1 But behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction.

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8

7 My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
8 And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.

Because I believe all these scriptures I have hope. I have hope in a world that is getting darker and darker. I see the light. I KNOW that everything will turn out like God has planned for me if I but do what He wants me to do! And I love knowing that!

Thanks for joining me today!