The Heartland of the United States

On October 17, 2021, President Nelson, his wife Wendy, and Elder and Sister Uchtdorf spoke to the Latter-day Saints in Kansas and Oklahoma. 

He said, "You live in the heartland, the very center of the continental USA. Your geography provides a powerful metaphor about where the Lord wants us to live. He wants us to keep in the center of the covenant path. He wants us to understand the core or center of His doctrine. He wants us to purify our hearts, our very centers so that we can withstand the attacks of the adversary. God pleads with us to live in the center of our temple covenants, where we find ultimate spiritual safety. ...

[The Book of Mormon] is a gift to us from God. It is the keystone of our religion because it contains the very heart, the center of his doctrine. That book was written for us. ...

Now I would like to mention some of the facts about the translation of the Book of Mormon from an unknown language into English. Joseph Smith translated nearly all the Book of Mormon in 65 to 75 working days from April 7 to the end of June 1829 with Oliver Cowdery as principal scribe. Joseph's average rate of translation was 7 to 8 pages per day. What the prophet Joseph accomplished is something translators cannot duplicate even today with modern technology. In language of an oath, the authenticity of the translation was certified by the Lord Himself. He declared, "[Joseph Smith] has translated the book, even that part which I have commanded him, and as your Lord and your God liveth it is true." (Doctrine and Covenants 17:6)

You can see his talk here: 

https://youtu.be/9Ne1KsTocbc?t=226

The official news release omitted the term "heartland" from its report.

https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/first-americans-museum-donation

Fortunately, on his Facebook page, President Nelson reiterated his point:

Russell M. Nelson 

O0ctt3ober 17 m1aa3t 94co:23 dP3M  · 

Today, I spoke from my heart to the Saints in what is often referred to as the heartland of the United States. I shared with my brothers and sisters in Oklahoma and Kansas that their geographic location is a metaphor for how, and where, the Lord wants us to live—in the center of His covenant path and in the center of our temple covenants. He also wants us to understand the central core of His doctrine and message, which is why He has given us the gift of the Book of Mormon.

The Book of Mormon centers on Jesus Christ. It contains the very heart of His message. It was written for us, in our day, for our lives. As we study, ponder, and apply the principles taught within its pages, we will receive strength to center our lives in Jesus Christ and enjoy the joyful blessings that He promises us, now and forever.

President Nelson's description of the Heartland as a metaphor is what the term means to me. Staying in the center of the covenant path is ideal. It makes life easier and more productive, plus more fun. It's both enjoyable and joyful to serve others and help build Zion.

I write about this on the HowtoZion blog. here:

https://howtozion.blogspot.com/