"a marvelous work is about to come forth among the children of men" (D&C 4:1)

This phrase is perhaps one of the most significant phrases in the Doctrine and Covenants, because of what it represents. Joseph Smith said that "the Book of Mormon is the most correct book of any book on earth, and the keystone of our religion...a man would get nearer to God by abiding by its precepts, than by any other book." I know that the Book of Mormon has the power to change lives and ultimately to change the world.

To begin with, the coming forth of the Book of Mormon was miraculous in and of itself. Anyone who learns the history of the translation and printing of the Book of Mormon would have no other option but to admit that it was completed by the hand of God. However, my mind is drawn more to the present day results of this "marvelous work." It is still coming forth. The stone is still rolling and the Gospel will continue to go forth "until it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear" (Joseph Smith).

Currently, church materials are available in over 100 languages. There are over 100 operating temples worldwide. Over 52,000 missionaries are currently serving in over 340 missions. Church membership totals over 13 million and there are more members outside the United States than within it. I have friends serving all across the globe, spending 2 years of their lives sharing the gospel with others. How could this be anything but the Lord's work? Why else would so many 19 year old boys be willing to give up 2 precious years of their young lives, knowing they couldn't even hug a girl or play a video game or sleep in until noon. ;) It is true. They know it is true. And that is why they serve.

Thinking about this phrase sure gives new meaning to the word "marvelous." It is all encompassing in this context. In a couple days I will listen to the semi-annual General Conference of the church. It will be 2 days full of listening to Prophets, Apostles, and other General Authorities. I will be joined in listening to their words by millions of people all around the world. What a grand occasion this is. As one of my good friends refers to it, it's her favorite holiday! Much of what we will be taught comes directly from the Book of Mormon and the lessons and principles we learn as a result of reading it. This simple, but powerful book, this marvelous work, is continuing to influence the church each and every day.

I want to close with my testimony of the Book of Mormon. I know it is true. I know it can be read as a companion to the Bible, another testament of Jesus Christ. I know that as I continue to read it, my life will continue to be blessed, and I will grow closer to God. I've been re-reading it the past few months and my eyes have been open to insights that I have never seen before. It truly is for our day, and for us! No matter what part of our lives we are in. The Book of Mormon has come forth, it continues to come forth, and it is a marvelous work.

D&C "Lessons from the 116 Lost Pages"

My thoughts are rather scattered as I think about this prompt for our first blogging assignment in my Doctrine and Covenants class this semester (The Doctrine and Covenants are one of the standard works of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; A compilation of revelations received by the Prophet Joseph Smith with a few added by later church presidents).

To begin with, I think this story in Church History is such a miracle and a testament to the truthfulness of the Gospel. Many people have attempted, but it is not easy to thwart the work of God. Truly, NO ONE can stop the work from progressing. The Lord is there, every step of the way. A plan was prepared and a path was made so that the Church could continue to roll forward even after this crushing loss to Joseph Smith. The same thing happened when the mob killed Joseph Smith. They believed that in destroying him they would destroy the Church. But, they forgot the most important point, this is not Joseph Smith's church, it is the Church of Jesus Christ. This leads me back to the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 9:5-6, where Nephi explains the Lord has commanded to make 2 sets of records, "for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not. But the Lord knoweth all things from the beginning; wherefore he prepareth a way to accomplish all his works among the children of men." It is an important reminder to not murmur or doubt, even if we don't understand a command the Lord has given us. We may not be able to comprehend a purpose at the time, but as the saying goes "Hindsight is 20/20." We must trust the Lord in ALL things, a lesson that we have to learn, just as did Nephi and Joseph.

I also love the humility of Joseph Smith at this time. I know what it feels like to be told by a parent or close friend who I love and respect, that I have chosen wrong, I haven't listened, or I have hurt someone I care about. I can only imagine the devastation Joseph Smith felt at this time to have to face the Lord over such a mistake. There truly has only been one perfect being to ever walk this earth and that was our Savior. The rest of us, whether child, college student, or prophet, are all subject to mistakes and we are all in need of the atonement. When things go wrong, it is so hard to remember the light. When we make mistakes it's easy to feel that the mark will never leave us, the scars will never heal, it can never be made up. But, it has been made up. We must ALWAYS remember the atonement. The older I get the more I come to recognize the importance of the atonement in our lives on a regular basis. I believe that like Joseph Smith, we can learn from our mistakes and grow stronger as a result. This story brings me hope. As God's children, we all make mistakes, but like Joseph, we can also all be forgiven.