What in the world?

What in the WORLD is the BOOK OF MORMON??????

My Big Brother

When I was just a small boy, I had a favorite big brother. He would put his arms around me and we would go scrambling down some cool dirt path, At times like this i felt ten feet tall. He didn't mind me tagging about one bit, and there was nothing I liked better. I was so proud of him. When I was with him, I felt like I was beaming stronger than the sun. he was good at everything. I never could seem to match the mountains he would make out of sand---Mine would always seem to crumble and sag but his would stand as firm as the Rocky Mountains.
Dad always tried not to show how proud he was of him (he being the oldest and all) but his smile seemed to beam a little brighter too, when my big brother came around. I felt my world had collapsed when he went on his mission. Dad and Mom had to both fight back the tears. He called on Dad regularly and let us know how much he loved us. He even told us how great his mission was so Mom would not worry.
The persecution was really bad there, as the Church was just getting started but he never seemed to let himself get down even though the people would not believe his messages. We would share in his joys when he would get some new converts, but i don't mind saying--I was scared that the non-believers would do something to him. it even got to the point where men were plotting to take his life but dad never seemed to be worried for some reason.
Then, one day, we received a word that his mission had ended but not as most men's do, I was struck sick by the terrifying news--- they finally got hold of my big brother that I played with, who never seemed capable of doing anything wrong-- my big brother who loved everyone he knew and who, most everyone loved.The beat him and mocked him. he suffered all they did to him without striking back. Why would anyone want to hurt my big brother? I could not understand. A mob took him to a hill just outside of town and spitting on him, they nailed him to a wooden cross. My soul moaned as I heard that he begged Father to forgive them. Racked with unbearable pain, he gave up his life for what he believed. My big brother, my king, my idol was dead. I cried through what seemed to be the darkest days of my life.

Where was my big brother with whom i had shaped mountains of sand? Why did he, of all my brothers, have to die like this? i felt Dad's strong arm upon my shoulder---he did it for you and your brothers and sisters. Time passed and i was called on my mission. Sometimes I've forgotten what happened so long ago but every Sunday a small piece of bread and a small cup of water reminds me of my big brother and what he did for me, and assures me that he still lives.

Joseph Smith- First Vison.

Joseph Smith, a young 14 year old boy, had a question about which church he should join. For some of us this is the same question we have today. In the Bible, the book of James, directs us to ask God when we are in search of answers (James 1:5). In the spring of 1820, Joseph went to a grove of trees near his home and knelt in prayer. He described his experience: “I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me [ … ] When the light rested upon me I saw two Personages, whose brightness and glory defy all description, standing above me in the air. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name and said, pointing to the other-This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Joseph Smith-History 1:16-17). A historic answer to a young boys prayer! Joseph Smith was told to join none of the churches, but he was going to be an instrument in the hands of the Master, to bring back the church of Jesus Christ. I know that this event actually took place in history. For I have read of his account. And God has so blessed the world by providing evidence of the truth of this young boy. The Book of Mormon, Another testament of Jesus Christ is the way we can all know of the validity of the this prophet of God.


"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10:3–5.)
Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah." (Introduction to the Book of Mormon)

I took this challenge on and I with millions have received an answer that the Book of Mormon is in fact the word of God.

What's the secret of success?

"Success is usually earned by persevering and not becoming discouraged when we encounter challenges. Paul Harvey, the famous news analyst and author, once said: 'Someday I hope to enjoy enough of what the world calls success so that someone will ask me, "What's the secret of it?" I shall say simply this: "I get up when I fall down" ' (quoted in Marvin J. Ashton, Conference Report, Oct. 1981, 126)."
      How true is that! There is power in getting up when we fall down. No matter what your circumstances might be, the gospel of Jesus Christ can help you. We all run into things in our life that trip us up, make us fall down, and just seem to level us to the ground. When we read the scriptures, when we go to church, say our prayers, and do something nice for someone else we are really picking ourselves up. Jesus Christ should be central to all that we do.
      "Jesus said, 'Without me ye can do nothing.' (John 15:5). I testify that that is God's truth. Christ is everything to us and we are to 'abide' in Him permanently, unyieldingly, steadfastly, forever. For the fruit of the gospel to blossom and bless our lives, we must be firmly attached to Him, the Savior of us all, and to this His Church, which bears His holy name. He is the vine that is our true source of strength and the only source of eternal life. In Him we not only will endure but also will prevail and triumph in this holy cause that will never fail us." (Abide in Me," Ensign, May 2004, 32)
        It is my testimony that when ever we seem to be down in the dumps, struggling to get out, if we turn to the Lord of Host, the Prince of Peace, our Master and Savior, the Son of God, Jesus Christ he will be able to help us overcome any trials and situation we are in.