Week 2: BOM Reading Challenge pgs. 15-28

Hello Friends,

For our family reading, we decided to continue our reading from where we were currently… rather than start over at the beginning (as it normally takes us way too long to complete and we were excited about where we were).  If you are reading somewhere in the Book of Mormon and don’t want to start over, just keep reading and try to make it back around to where you are now by Christmas.  

We are currently in the beginning of 3rd Nephi.  I really love this part.  The Laminates and Nephites are actually working together at this time to defeat the Gadianton robbers.  Their wise Governor, Lachoneus, makes a wonderful move and appoints Gidgiddoni as the chief Captain.  The people have a tradition (when they are righteous) of choosing for their “Chiefest” of Chief Captains a man who had “the spirit of revelation and prophecy” (3 Nephi 3:18).   This Gidgiddoni must have been a spiritual man.

Upon Gidgiddoni’s recommendation (3 Nephi 21),  Lachoneus has all the people of the land collect everything they own (family, flocks, provisions) and gather together in one geographic location.  Leaving their homes, fields, work, and normal lives…  In some ways this sounds like an exciting event (like a ward campout with everyone who isn’t a robber).  Logistically it was probably a real nightmare.  I have to remember, they were in fear of their lives and I’m sure it wasn’t anything like what I have in my head.  It says later that they had provisions for up to 7 years!  Imagine that!

Rucker camping - took two trips to get our provisions for 3 days.   More like "glamping" I guess... (sigh...)

My son, the avid RISK gamer, isn’t too sure about the success of this plan. He thinks it will be too easy for the Gadianton robbers to come down and wipe them out.  I won’t spoil the ending for you or my son… keep reading...

What I continue to learn is this… When I really stop and ponder, I’m caught up in the story and the scriptures come alive for me for a while.  My family and I see such parallels to our day and even see strategy we can use to combat our own struggles.  I really love that we are reading the Book of Mormon as a “stake” group.   We usually do better together as a group when we are all focused on something good.  I think that must be why we are continually asked to gather together.  Sunday meeting, weekdays youth nights, home teaching, FHE, youth conference (pic below) the list goes on…  We find strength when we are feeling alone or find ourselves strengthening others in need.  I know many times when I gather with the saints and friends, I leave feeling uplifted, recharged, and blessed.  

Hunter's Creek Stake Youth Conference 2016

Even if we are virtually gathering on this blog, we can feel connected as we all read, ponder, and study together.

Has gathering together ever helped you?
Where are you at in your reading?

May your reading and pondering be consistent and fruitful,

Pres. Rucker

Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake Conference ~ April 29-30

The Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake invites all to participate and attend our upcoming Stake Conference sessions this weekend. We are confident that if you prayerfully participate and attend, you will be blessed with answers to your questions, and you will receive inspired guidance from the Spirit.

Saturday, April 29

Priesthood Leadership Session: 4:00–5:30 p.m.Adult Session: 7:00–8:30 p.m.

Sunday, April 30th
Sunday Morning Session: 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 
This session will be broadcast to St. Cloud and Kissimmee buildings; Spanish translation available at the Stake Center.

We also would like to invite and encourage you to participate in our Book of Mormon Reading Challenge. Be sure to check our our weekly blog post and feel free to comment by visiting www.HCStake.com.

Brothers and Sisters of the Orlando Florida Hunters Creek Stake-

Thank you for joining us in our Easter to Christmas reading of the Book of Mormon.  We are grateful that you have accepted the invitation.  

In the most recent General Conference, President Monson stated, "I implore each of us to prayerfully study and ponder the Book of Mormon each day.  As we do so, we will be in a position to hear the voice of the Spirit, to resist temptation, to overcome doubt and fear, and to receive heaven’s help in our lives."  We need this great help in our lives.  The Book of Mormon is true.  It contains the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  Pres. Monson promised that, "if you will read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, the Holy Ghost will manifest its truth to you.  If it is true—and I solemnly testify that it is—then Joseph Smith was a prophet who saw God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ."

In my studies of 1st Nephi this week, I was again impressed with Nephi's statement in the very first verse, "I, Nephi, having been born of goodly parents, therefore I was taught somewhat in all the learning of my father."  This scripture motivates me as a father to be the best example possible to my children...to keep trying with a brightness of hope to convey my faith in the Lord to my children (and others)...that we might together be eternally happy.  I recognize that in striving to do my best, I still fall short...and sometimes woefully short.  But I'm so encouraged that regardless of my shortcomings, if I continue to hold firmly to the rod of iron, that indeed I can have that promise...and so can my children.  

As I begin the Book of Mormon again, I'm so thankful that I know how the story ends!  I know that the Lord does not forsake His people.  As I read the Book of Mormon, I hope to enlarge my knowledge of our Savior so that I can be more receptive to His spirit.  I hope that I might convey in some small measure my knowledge, my experiences to others...that they might find the safety of which Pres. Monson spoke in General Conference.  

What do you hope to learn and who do you hope to become by reading the Book of Mormon?  

Thank you for joining this spiritual adventure with us!

-Pres. Munns