Blessings of the gospel, restoration, church: Day 1

I've been thinking lately about lots of things.    Right, that's not super profound. But I'm trying to figure out how to express this. I guess they connect by being thoughts about existing blessings. I have a lot that l take for granted in life. This includes tangible as well as a lot of intangibleness. It's really incredible to me.  But that's not the full gist of what's been on my mind and heart. Anyway, I'm going to quit trying to explain, and just say that I've felt impressed to record blessings that I enjoy because of the gospel of Jesus Christ, because of my knowledge of His restored gospel, and because I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints. I've been doing a little of that in my journal and scripture journal, but decided I want to also blog some of it. So I'm challenging myself to do 30 days of daily digitally recording of a blessing I've received that day because of the gospel, the restored gospel, and the Church.

And I'm actually going to start with yesterday, since I've been thinking about this for awhile. (I won't go all the way back, but this one won't leave my mind and my heart. )

Day 1:  Friday, 27 May

During my morning Book of Mormon study, I read 3 Nefi 9 (yes, in espanol). The whole chapter is first person, the Savior- between his death and resurrection - speaking to the people who were spared from the natural disasters. He speaks of his love and desire to have us with him. He also explains that those who receive him are his sons and daughters. And he explains that animal sacrifice is being replaced with a sacrifice of a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

As I read His words, the Spirit came and witnessed to me that Jesus Christ lives, that He loves me, that those offers are for me, if I want them and will bring the sacrifice he asks for. The witness was unexpected and powerful.

I topped off that reading with Pres. Uchtdorf's talk about the Savior as our shepherd (they went well together).

But it's the Savior's words, and the Spirit's witness that is working on me still.

There are many things about the gospel, the restoration, and the Church that come into play here, but I want to focus on the Book of Mormon.

On this very day, I am grateful to have the Book of Mormon, to be able to study it, and for the powerful, Ruth-changing testament of Jesus Christ that it is. Because of the Book of Mormon, I am able to know Jesus Christ.

And today I came to know him better.