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