So this week I completed one year as a missionry. It is honestly crazy to me how quickly times seems to fly by and how much I have been able to grow in such a short amount of time.
After ending The Book of Mormon several months ago, I began reading Doctrine and Covenants and although I loved it and was learning a lot, felt a difference spiritually then when I was reading The Book of Mormon every day. So I decided to start it again but this time through to keep a very special journal for only my Book of Mormon studies and strive to apply my studies to my life even if I only read a few verses every day. Although I have been reading a lot slower, I have found my studies to be more in depth then ever before. I enjoy reading the cross references and pausing to ponder what I have just read then write the thoughts that come to my mind.
This morning I was studying in 1 Nephi 13 and when I came to verse 42 began to wonder what it meant that when Christ comes to visit the jews and Gentiles¨the last shall be first, and the first shall be last.¨ I began searching the cross references and found a verse in D&C 49:10 ¨That which is exalted of itself shall be laid low in power¨ As I continued searching I soon found a verse in St. Matthew 23:12 that says, ¨And whosoever shall exalt himself (or who is prideful)shall be abased (could replace this with last), and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted(replace with first)¨
After quite a bit of searching I was able to come to the conclusion that those who are last are the people stuck up in their pride and think their ways are better than those of God, the ones who are first are those who humble themselves and submit their will that of God`s and are always striving to improve their imperfections. Those of us that will be placed in the first category will be able to be reach life eternal with our families and enjoy everlasting happiness.
As it explains a little bit earlier on in chapter 13 the way that we know how to humble ourselves is through reading the scriptures. Today I learned a very important lesson that we need all of them, The Bible, The Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price to understand fully the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is amazing as we search, ponder, and pray how the spirit can testify to us the truth of all things!
I would like to invite all of you to try searching and feasting upon the words of Christ every day with a pen and paper in your hand to write down the impressions that come to your mind and apply what you learn into your life. I promise you that if you do the quality of your studies will change and you will feel a whole new light come into your life.
I love you all and hope you have a wonderful week! Thanks for you love, support, and constant prayers.
Con harto amor,
Hermana Parkin