Book of Mormon verses

As of last night, I have read the Book of Mormon cover to cover :D It took longer than I probably initially planned; there were a few hiatuses... but I finally did it!

The entire book testified its truth to me. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God who restored Christ's church to this earth and that the Book of Mormon testifies of Jesus Christ. I am so thankful for the influence of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in my life and in the lives of those I love. Whether you are Mormon or not, or have ever read the Book of Mormon or not, if you read the Book of Mormon with the intent and desire to know whether or not it is true- you will be answered. After Jesus Christ's resurrection and His return to Heavenly Father, we as God's children were left with the Holy Ghost to be our companion, guide, and comforter. The Holy Ghost can teach you so much, if you just allow yourself to ask in faith and listen to His promptings.

Here are the verses that "spoke" to me while I read:
(an online version of the Book of Mormon can be found through LDS.org: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng )

1 Nephi 9:6 -- The Lord prepares a way
1 Nephi 10:18-19 -- the mysteries of God shall be unfolded through the power of the Holy Ghost
1 Nephi 15 -- the filthy waters in Lehi's dream separate the righteous from wickedness. You don't just leave the rod/path, but have to swim through the waters to enter the mansion. Becoming wicked is a process, not just one bad step.
1 Nephi 21:15-16 -- Christ will never forget us

2 Nephi 2:22-23 -- Had Adam and Eve not transgressed in the Garden, they would have remained in that same, perfect state of innocence and the rest of God's plan would not have been possible.
2 Nephi 2:25 -- "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy"
2 Nephi 3:12 -- We shall have the writings of the past in order to gain knowledge
2 Nephi 9: 4 -- We will be resurrected into bodies of flesh and bone, and see God
2 Nephi 9:10 -- A way had been prepared so that we can return to our bodies, and return to God's presence
2 Nephi 9:21 -- Christ suffered all of our pains to save us
2 Nephi 9:50-52 -- Feast upon the words of Christ and let your heart rejoice
2 Nephi 14:6 -- Temples will protect us from worldly things
2 Nephi 22:2 -- I will trust in God and not be afraid, for the Lord is my strength and my song
2 Nephi 28:30 -- God gives more knowledge to those who seek and learn from Him
2 Nephi 31:20 -- The equation for an eternal life :)
2 Nephi 32: 3 -- Angels speak through the Holy Ghost
2 Nephi 33:6 -- "I glory in plainness; I glory in truth; I glory in my Jesus, for He hath redeemed my soul from Hell"

Jacob 2:18-19 -- First seek the Kingdom of God, then seek for riches
Jacob 6:12 -- "O be wise; what can I say more?"

Enos 1:27 -- Christ has prepared a place for us after this life

Mosiah 4:30 -- Do what God has commanded, and perish not
Mosiah 5:13 -- How will you know God, if you do not serve Him?
Mosiah 7:33 -- Turn to the Lord, trust and serve Him, and He will deliver you out of bondage
Mosiah 16:8-9 -- The grave has no victory; Christ is an endless light and endless life
Mosiah 18:8-10 -- requirements for baptism
Mosiah 27:29 -- "I was in the darkest adyss; but now I behold the marvelous light of God. My soul was racked with eternal torment; but I am snatched, and my soul is pained no more"

Alma 5:45-46 -- the Holy Ghost and personal revelation
Alma 5:60 -- Christ will protect you
Alma 12 -- Adam's purpose; the plan of redemtion
Alma 29:5 -- "he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless"
Alma 29:9 -- "perhaps I may be an instrument in the hands of God to bring some soul to repentance; and this is my joy"
Alma 29:14 -- Do not find joy in only yourself, but in the success of others
Alma 30:7 -- men are free to choose their own beliefs
Alma 31:5 -- preaching the word of God had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people to do the right, than the sword
Alma 31:38 -- your afflictions are swallowed up in the joy of Christ
Alma 32:21 -- "Faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things"
Alma 33:23 -- Plant His word in your heart and have faith
Alma 34:27-28 -- Serve others
Alma 34: 32-34 -- This life is the time to prepare to meet God, do not procrastinate
Alma 34:38-41 -- Live in thankfulness, be prayerful, and have patience
Alma 36:3 -- Those who put their trust in God, will be rewarded
Alma 37:33-35 -- Teach these things
Alma 37:47 -- "Look to God and live"
Alma 38:4-5 -- Bear all things with patience and trust in God
Alma 38:8 -- "I did cry unto [God] and I did find peace to my soul"
Alma 39:18-19 -- Should not all of God's children know of His plan?
Alma 41:10 -- "Wickedness never was happiness"
Alma 42:30 -- Do not think you are above Christ's redeeming power, be humbled and saved
Alma 57:27 -- "Their minds are firm, and they do put their trust in God continually"
Alma 60:36 -- "I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country"

Helaman 5:12 -- Build your foundation upon the rock of Christ
Helaman 5:47 -- Peace be unto you because of your faith
Helaman 14:17 -- Christ can redeem all mankind
Helaman 14:30 -- God has made us free to act for ourselves

3 Nephi 11:29 -- "He that hath the spirit of contention is not of [God]"
3 Nephi 12:16 -- "Let your light so shine... that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven"
3 Nephi 13:33 -- seek first the kingdom of God
3 Nephi 14:21 -- Prayer alone will not get you into Heaven

Ether 12:4 -- Believe in God, have hope, be sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works
Ether 12:6 -- "Faith is things which are hoped for and not seen"
Ether 12:27 -- Be humble, have faith, and God will make your weaknesses, strengths
Ether 12:41 -- seek after Christ, that the Holy Ghost may abide with you

Moroni 7:16-17 -- "The Spirit of Christ is given to every man, that he may know good from evil"
Moroni 7:45 -- Charity...
Moroni 8:8 -- Adam's transgression is not upon us- Christ has redeemed us; babies do not need baptism
Moroni 9:25 -- "May Christ lift you up"
Moroni 10:4-5 -- Ask and you will know

Moroni 10:20-23 -- Faith, hope, and charity work together and are necessary for salvation
Moroni 10:32-33 -- "Love God with all your might, mind, and strength" Love is action; through our actions we show our love

Cookies & Cream Mini-Cheesecakes

So I taught Relief Society for the first time, and to prove my full membership as a Relief Society Sister I made treats haha:) I found this recipe for oreo cheesecakes on some random blog while Stumbling: it looked delicious and I figured this Sunday would be the perfect time to try it out!

Here's the recipe I used: http://gracessweetlife.com/2010/07/oreo-cookies-and-cream-cheesecakes/

I made it a few days in advance because my work schedule made the weekend a bit busy and plus I didn't want them to be last minute in case they were inedible. I doubled the recipe, but instead of doing one huge batch, I just did the recommended recipe twice. The first time made 32 cheesecakes and the second made 36, a few more than what the recipe said it would. I've found that most recipes underestimate how much it will provide. In any case, I had plenty and more for Relief Society on Sunday! I actually had enough that a lot of the guys got to eat some as well. Huge Success! :)

I used those foil muffin liners that you can use on a cookie sheet without an actual muffin tin for 20 of the cheesecakes; the things work but those cheesecakes are slightly misshaped. But the shape doesn't affect the taste so I'm fine with it! The oreos on the bottom softened from the baking and sitting in the refrigerator and made the cheesecake so much better! One friend took some of the extra oreos and put an oreo on top of the cheesecake for a sandwich effect that she really enjoyed.

This experience went well and I'll probably use the recipe again in the future. But I will note that it has made me want to buy an apron and a mixer! I have a hand mixer and it worked perfectly well, but now my right arm is slightly more tired than my left haha:)

Institute and Biking

During the summer months, Institute holds one class and it covers the May Ensign which contains all the April General Conference talks. We've had 3 classes so far and I've been able to attend 2 of them. I am so grateful for Institute and the great teachers that are there. I really learn a lot and can feel the spirit so strongly.

I've been able to read the General Conference talks before class and make my own markings based on what sticks out to me at the time. I'm so grateful for prophets today and for the modern revelations that they receive for us and that we can receive personally for ourselves. God and His Son, Jesus Christ, have not abandoned us, but have set out a plan for us to return to live eternally in their presence. That is an incredible knowledge; that there is someone who loves me and everyone who has ever lived and will ever live so much that He wants us to grow and learn and then return to Him. He has established the way in which we can do so if we have the faith to believe in and to follow Him. I am so blessed to have the opportunity to have the Holy Spirit with me at all times. The peace and comfort which comes from that presence in my life is extraordinary. I strive to follow Christ and His prophets' teachings, and I know that I can ask in prayer for guidance to do those things. I am so thankful for the Church being a part of my life and being a support system for me when I am separated by distance from my family. <3

My goal for the summer exercise wise is to bike or walk to Institute each week. It's roughly a 2 mile stretch, but I don't know how accurate that amount is since I cut through campus to get there from my apartment. When I bike I can get there in about 15 minutes, so it's a good bit of a ride :) I'm also continuing my nightly routine of ab exercises and push ups :) As well as almost being done with the Book of Mormon for the first time all the way through (I'm in Ether :D I know this has nothing to do with exercise but it is part of my nightly routine and I'm pretty excited about it)

Anyways, life is grand and I'm enjoying a break from school before I take classes in July. I'm working, volunteering with Family Promise (which I've been doing for about a year and a half off and on; I just sit in their Day Center and answer the phone if it rings), reading a bunch of books, and having a great time!