These things are True

Well, my reading of the Book of Mormon recently has averaged about 5 verses per day. Not so hot. And part of that is maintained only because I try to read 3 verses to 3 year old Madeleine during breakfast as a nod to good parenting.

Ether 4:11
But he that believeth these things which I have spoken, him will I visit with the manifestations of my Spirit, and he shall know and bear record. For because of my Spirit he shall know that these things are true; for it persuadeth men to do good.

I'm supposed to teach a lesson in Relief Society in a little less than 2 weeks and I am freaking out. The suggestion was to teach on the Book of Mormon, that being a theme of a recent Ensign and much of the most recent General Conference. Sadly, I don't feel inspired or ready or excited about teaching that topic! Which to me means that I haven't been reading it enough and feeling the power of it enough.

So, while I do know that the things of the Book of Mormon are true ("things" being the sophisticated term for principles, teachings, truths...) and that they not only persuade me to do good but they help me feel good. I don't know if I have yet been visited with manifestations of the Spirit (or maybe I have been visited with such but haven't been listening) and I am not sure how powerfully I will be able to bear record of this. But I do believe and know that the Book of Mormon is true.

It is real. The teachings are true. It is a historical account. It is a blessing. It is a story. It is gospel teaching. It is the words of Christ. I believe this. And because I have had the spirit testify to me of its truthfulness, I KNOW this.

P.S. I'll let you know what topic I finally do decide to teach. May inspiration come quickly! May I be worthy of it!