Liken All Scripture

1 Nephi 19:23 (page 46) "And I did read many things unto them which were written in the books of Moses; but that I might more fully persuade them to believe in the Lord their Redeemer I did read unto them that which was written by the prophet Isaiah; for I did liken all scriptures unto us that it might be for our profit and learning."

I chose this to be my first motto because it expresses my intent perfectly. I hope to use the scriptures and apply them to life, today. We live in a crazy, mixed up world, but if we search the words of the Lord, ponder them, pray about them, and apply them to what may be happening to us at this time then we will gain greater understanding and receive inspiration in our decision making.

I have had countless experiences where the scriptures have helped me with personal struggles and questions. They have broadened my understanding of the purpose of life and the role of Jesus Christ in the plan of God. When I first read Helaman 5:12 (page 378) it touched me to my very core. It states, "And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."

To this day this remains as my favorite verse in the Book of Mormon. I turn to it often because it helps keep me grounded on what is fundamentally most important-my belief and testimony in Jesus Christ. This verse has truley been for my "profit and learning". If we use the scriptures to our advantage, we can have numerous experiences where our hearts will be touched and our minds will be opened. We will feel the Spirit of the Lord teach us and recognize it as such. I'm grateful for the moments in my life where I have felt the Lords love and guidance through the words of the scriptures. This I share in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.