VIRTUE PROJECT

The Savior chose to live a virtuous life. Follow His admonition to “learn of me” (D&C 19:23) by reading the entire Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. Liken the scriptures to your life and circumstances. As you read, record your thoughts regularly in your journal. Note the example of the Savior. What did He and those who followed Him do to live virtuous lives? At the completion of your reading, record your testimony.

“I told the brethren that the Book of Mormon was the most correct of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion, and a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book” (Joseph Smith, in introduction to the Book of Mormon).

MY TESTIMONY OF THE BOOK OF MORMON

“And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost” (Moroni 10:4).

I know the Book of Mormon is true and I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to read it again. It has been a blessing to read it once more. It has been a blessing to read along with the young women and as their leader. I have seen so many wonderful principles and doctrines come out of the scriptures that bless those young girls and help me be a better leader.

I am also so very grateful for the timely scriptures that have helped me get through a very difficult time of my life as Dave and I have battled issues with infertility. I am so grateful for the power and strength that come into my life as I make scripture study a priority and habit.

Additionally, as I read the words of the ancient prophets and all their hopes and desires for us in these latter-days, I feel the great love our Heavenly Father has for each of His children. Thousands of years ago He knew our challenges - and mine specifically - and He provided the Book of Mormon as a source of comfort to give me the strength to carry on and endure the trials I face. I know Heavenly Father loves me and I know the Book of Mormon is true!

Book of Mormon ~ Moroni 10

November 21, 2010: I did it! I finished the Book of Mormon before the general session of our stake conference. I love this book and I am so grateful for the testimony I have of its truthfulness.

I am curious, though, why do you suppose Moroni finishes the Book with scripture about the gifts of the spirit? Is it to help us realize and recognize all the blessings that we have been given? Then as we recognize that these blessings come from Heavenly Father our faith will increase because we know that we are loved and that God is aware of us.

I am thankful that we have the Book of Mormon to give us strength and power to get through this life. What a blessing it is to be part of this gospel and to have another opportunity to read the Book of Mormon.

Book of Mormon ~ Ether 12

November 13, 2010: This is my new favorite chapter. I love the discussion on faith, hope, and charity. With all that has transpired lately in our life I have been kind of depressed. I can imagine that Moroni was also very depressed being alone and the last surviving Nephite. I am sure this chapter is in part for him as he reminds himself to have faith and hope and hang on to the end. His words are also bringing me much needed comfort as I deal with my own small loss and tragedy. Have hope, Chelsea! Have hope and faith that it will all work out and be more wonderful than I could have imagined. It may not be in this lifetime but if I remain faithful then it will happen in the next and I will receive my mansion with the Father.

Virtue #4

4. Because the Savior loves you and has given His life for you, you can repent. Repentance is an act of faith in Jesus Christ. Read Moroni 10:32–33, the book of Enos, and the section on repentance in For the Strength of Youth. The Savior’s atoning sacrifice has made it possible for you to be forgiven of your sins. Read the sacrament prayers in Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79. Determine to partake worthily of the sacrament each week and fill your life with virtuous activities that will bring spiritual power. As you do this, you will grow stronger in your ability to resist temptation, keep the commandments, and become more like Jesus Christ. Determine what you can do daily to remain pure and worthy, and write your plan in your journal.

~ Repentance ~
* Moroni 10:32-33 - love God with all your might, mind, and strength and then you are sanctified through the atonement
* Enos - our faith in Christ allows us to repent
* For the Strength of Youth - true repentance brings strength

~ My Daily Plan to Remain Pure and Worthy ~
* Read from the Book of Mormon
* Pray morning and night
* Only watch uplifting programs and turn off anything inappropriate
* Serve someone
* Show gratitude to God and others
* Attend church on Sunday and take the sacrament
* Attend Young Women activities on Wednesdays
* Think virtuous thoughts
* Attend the temple every month


"Virtuous activities bring Spiritual Power"

Book of Mormon ~ Mormon 9:15-21

November 3, 2010: God is a God of miracles. He always has been and always will be to the believing. Dave and I read this chapter just a few days ago together. We are both optimistic and hopeful that God will very soon grant us the miracle of being pregnant and having a baby. We know He is a God of miracles and can give us this miracle if it is His will that it happen. I hope it is.