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!
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| 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.
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| 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
Gathering has helped me to love more like Christ and be more connected to family and friends. Connecting here virtually to share insights on our reading is a wonderful idea. Thank you President Monson and Stake leaders!
ReplyDeleteAs I started this challenge I realized that reading 2 pages did not take long at all . Am I doing this right? So I asked myself, "Wait, is it 2 paper pages or 2 pages numerically?" (see how I can complicate things?) So, I reviewed the numbers and dates on the fancy bookmark and found it was truly only 2 pages a day - 1 paper page!! I can do that. I can make it consistent and fruitful because with only 2 pages I can take time to feast on the content more fully and digest slowly as I ponder what I read that spoke to me.
I am enjoying reading at both ends of the Book of Mormon; towards the end of the book with the family AND beginning anew in my own personal read. I am feeling the power and guidance that comes with that. Today I was reminded that without these plain and precious truths "an exceedingly great many do stumble, yea, insomuch that Satan hath great power over them." I have often pondered on how much effort has gone into preserving the record. Without the knowledge of the promises and covenants our Father offers to us, we will stumble and find ourselves "wandering in strange roads" (1 Nephi 8:32)