Personal Response to "First Things First" by Patricia Terry Holland

There are two parts of Pat's article that impressed me. First is how she was blessed by reading her scriptures, and second is how she found strength during hard times through keeping covenants.

My favorite story is when Pat was having a rough time and realized she hadn't been reading the scriptures. When she changed to read the scriptures every day until she felt the Spirit of Jesus Christ (a.k.a. Holy Ghost or Holy Spirit, which gives peace, comfort, and knowledge), her problems didn't disappear, but blessings "sort of poured out from heaven."

I love this story because I too feel the Holy Ghost while reading the scriptures. In fact, today before I went to work, I felt like I really needed to first read some scripture. I didn't have much time, but I read a few verses.

When I think of the scriptures, it's like I have a hungering deep inside my soul that wants to feast upon the words written by God's holy prophets. I know that because I read the scriptures, I have been blessed and protected. I especially love to read the Book of Mormon, because it testifies of Christ on almost every page and helps me feel his Spirit.

Pat is also a good example of keeping covenants. When her husband became the president of Brigham Young University, she was struggling with her new responsibilities, which included raising her young family in a college town. She remembered "Isaiah's promise that if you keep your covenants, your children will all be taught of the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children (Isa. 54:13)." Relying on the promised blessings of her covenants gave her strength to endure.

When we are baptized, Latter-day Saints covenant with God that we will keep his commandments and try to be like Jesus Christ. In turn, God gives us the Gift of the Holy Ghost to be our constant companion as long as we keep our end of the deal. We make similar covenants in the temple. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost in my life because it helps me feel happy and it helps me discern truth.

When I put God first in my life by keeping the commandments (which include reading the scriptures and being kind to others) I am blessed with power beyond my natural abilities. I can work harder and longer, and I do better at everything I do. I know that anyone who tries to put God first in his or her life will receive help from heaven and will feel the joy that I feel.

167 Heber J. Grant Building    Provo, Utah 84602    (801) 422-6975     Send Message