The Book of Mormon, a Text Book for Life

It has been my feeling, for as long as I have had a testimony of the truth of the Book of Mormon, that it is a Text Book for our lives. That in it's pages we can find the answers to all of life's questions if we look hard enough, and study prayerfully the words contained therein.

The importance of The Book of Mormon was talked about in October 2017 General Conference. The one talk that stood out, above the rest was President Russell M. Nelson's (The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be without it?). He asked three questions that have since changed the way I see this incredible book.

"First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? 
Second, what would you not know? 
And third, what would you not have?"

These questions struck my heart with so much force, and really making me ponder how much the Book of Mormon really means to me. Now, I could go on for hours answering these questions but for now I will simply say that I would not be the person I am today, had it not been for the Book of Mormon. The Book of Mormon helped me see light, when I was in the darkest of places. It has helped me countless times, when I felt like there was little or no hope. When I gained my testimony of the Book of Mormon it kick started a lot of things in my life that would not have been possible without it. For example, receiving the blessings of the Temple, going on my mission to Temple Square (Salt Lake City, Utah) and all the amazing experiences and miracles witnessed there, being sealed in the Temple with my husband for time and all eternity, which lead to the wonderful blessing I now have to be a mother of our gorgeous little girl. All of these experiences in themselves have changed my life, and it all comes back to the leap of faith I took to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know it is true (Moroni 10:4-5). 

Before having my little girl, I started reading the Book of Mormon again, but this time searching for a guide for the task ahead of me, parenting. My eyes were opened and it was like I was reading it for the first time again. I've heard many people wish that a textbook came with their babies and well I have found that Heavenly Father has given us one. 

Disclaimer, The Book of Mormon may not tell me exactly how to calm my crying baby in the middle of the night, what to do when nothing will console her, when I have done everything I can possibly think of and she still won't stop or go back to sleep. But I have found comfort in the examples of valiant parents in the Book of Mormon, and received guidance in knowing what to do, how to look at my situation or simply the strength to get through. (1 Nephi 17:1-2)

But most importantly it's a textbook that helps us learn of our Saviour Jesus Christ, in becoming like him, and of the Atonement He performed for each of us. So that we can return to live with Him and our Loving Father in Heaven again. 

I would not be the person I am, and have the things I have without the Book of Mormon. When I realised this, it helped me understand that I need to be better about reading it, about sharing my testimony of it, and that I have no excuse to not be reading it everyday.  I owe a lot of what I have in my life to the amazing teachings contained in this incredible book. I am so grateful that Heavenly Father loves us enough to give us another Testament of His Son, Jesus Christ that works hand in hand with the Bible.

So if you're struggling to read it, or just feeling a little lost or down, or maybe you just need a reminder of how awesome it is. Ask yourself the questions that President Nelson asked us all.
"First, what would your life be like without the Book of Mormon? Second, what would you not know? And third, what would you not have?".  And if you really think about it, just like me, I'm sure you'll be amazed with what you come up with.

Love, Jenn

2018, The Year I Step Out of My Comfort Zone

Like a lot pf people, this past month I have been reflecting on what I want to do, and who I want to become this year. For a long time now I've wanted to be able to be that "mummy lifestyle blogger". I have all of these ideas, I start writing, I read it over, and then get too scared to make it public. I've tried so many times, and for some reason just can't press that "publish" button.

This year I want to change that. 2018 is year I step out of my comfort zone. This year is all about trying new things, learning new talents, and building on ones I already have.

For example, I never thought I could pull off wearing a jumpsuit/romper type outfit. I've wanted to, but thought "I'm a stay at home mum, where would I possibly wear such a thing?" Then someone dear to me suggested wearing them to upcoming weddings and on date nights with hubby. Immediate excitement crashed over me and before I knew it I was ordering some online and anxiously waiting for them to arrive. Key word, anxiously. I knew that the key, would to wear them with confidence. So when they arrived, I tried them on and I FELT AMAZING. To you, this may seem silly, but for me it was that first step to the journey out of my comfort zone.

I want to do things that I've never had the confidence to do. This year I have many projects underway which I'm excited to share with you as they unfold. I realise that in order to be successful in my endeavours this year, I need to step out of my comfort zone, have confidence and faith in myself, and just like my jumpsuit (a simple thing), I just gotta rock it and do it with confidence.

My motto for this year is a scripture found in Mosiah 8:18 "Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings"

"Courage is the mastery of fear-- not the absence of fear."
Fortune Cookie (2014)

I know that Heavenly Father has provided means and inspiration for me to do the things I want to accomplish this year, that as I have faith and put in the necessary effort, things will work out. For me, even if one person benefits from what I have to share, then it was all worth it. I know that as I take these steps out of my comfort zone, that they in themselves, will be little miracles in my life and I'm excited to share them with you.

In my blog/videos I want to be real with you, I want to talk about real things, if it be motherhood, marriage, or just life in general. My hope is, that I can share these things in a way to lift up your hearts and possibly inspire something within you, or even just make you laugh or say "Amen Sister".

If you have any ideas or recommendations of things I should talk about, I'm more than happy to take them in. I look forward to sharing my adventures with you and hope you enjoy the ride too!

Love, Jenn