President Nelson's Challenge

At October General Conference, President Nelson issued a four part challenge to the women of the church. He asked us to:

1. Participate in a 10 day fast from social media.

2. Read the Book of Mormon between now and the end of the year.

3. Establish a pattern of regular temple attendance.

4. Participate fully in Relief Society.

I started that day on the challenge. The social media fast was easier this time than when I participated in a similar 7 day fast challenge that President Nelson had given to the youth of the church a few months earlier. I gave up social media plus youtube which is a huge time suck for me. It was really good for me to take some time away from screen time in general. I have had a much easier time since then staying off of social media and not getting sucked into youtube.

At first, trying to read the whole Book of Mormon by the end of the year seemed daunting, but it averaged out to about 6 or 7 pages a day, which wasn't much at all. Reading it faster helped me keep the story line straight and understand better how the stories weave together. Reading that much gave me more time to ponder and receive revelation daily. It was a sweet experience to finish reading the week before Christmas, since this is a tender time to think about the Savior and my relationship with him.

I already attend the temple frequently, but I decided to attend weekly for the challenge. I don't have a regular time to go, I just try to work it in to each week. It has been a blessing for me to spend more time in the temple. I have particularly enjoyed reading my scriptures in the celestial room after a session. It's a time that I can think and ponder and pray, and it fills my week with peace.

Number 4 was my favorite one since I've got it in the bag already, serving currently as the Relief Society President in my ward, ha ha! I am definitely participating fully! I haven't always enjoyed Relief Society. All the years serving in Primary and YW made me think that those were better places to serve. But serving as RSP has really helped me appreciate Relief Society, the sisters in my ward, the uplift and testimony builder that RS can be in my life.

I have a testimony that we are led by a living prophet who speaks for God here on the earth. I have a testimony that our Savior lives, loves us individually and knows how to bless us and guide us. I have a testimony that the Book of Mormon is true. I have read it many times and each time I finish and pray about it I receive a sweet assurance that I have always known of its truthfulness. I have had certain times in my life when a verse or a chapter has helped me make a decision or given me specific revelation. I appreciate the Book of Mormon for the guidance and direction it can give me. I'll end with one of my favorite verses. This is from Omni 1:26 "And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved."