My resolution for the year is to Finish.
I also have a few goals on top of that. I’m having a really hard time with one so I’m hoping you, dear internet, have some advice for me. This particular goal is to set up a personal study program {that sounds so lame…but…it is what it is} and I am really struggling.
I know that I need to read the scriptures everyday. I know I need to read the words of modern day prophets and apostles. I know what happens in my life when I am on top of it and do it.
So, why is it so hard to do when I know the blessings?
I don’t get it.
I realize we need to read them as a family, but my first goal is to get better at personal scripture study...then I’ll work on it as a family. So, tell me:
How do you do it? How do you incorporate the scriptures into your life? Do you notice a difference when you are reading regularly?
8 comments:
The highlights of my spiritual life have come with regular scripture study. The only way I get it done is to make it social so if you have a study group you can join or start, do.
Scripture sisters needs a resurrection. Or something like it.
I got a great tip once: this mom studies in the early afternoon before her kids come home while the younger is napping. She said it gives her the energy she needs to get through the harder parts of the afternoon.
I really need to be better. I used to really study every day, not just read, and have scripture journals that would be the thing I raced for if there was a house fire. They are such gifts to me - what I learned and then other inspiration I got just when the scriptures were open. It totally showed me that sometimes all you have to do is open the scriptures with a pure intent for the Spirit to begin to speak, often about unrelated things I needed to know or do. Ugh, I read this now and wondered how I let that habit go...
Daily personal scripture study has never been something that has come easily for me. The times when I was good at it have been when I had a specific goal to reach by a certain date. Or, try getting a copy of a book of scriptures on CD. You can listen to it in the car on the way to the grocery store, to pick up kids or anywhere. You will be surprised at how much you get through in short distances. As far as reading the words of modern prophets, that is much easier for me. I carry my copy of the latest Conference Ensign with me in my purse CONSTANTLy. it never leaves it. And whenever I have a down moment in the car or at the beginning of an event I am at I pull it out and read. It works great for me. At Deseret Book they have a cute Book of Mormon reading chart in the YW section. One of my college Roomates made it, she is the founder of Type,Type,Type. So maybe something like that would work with a goal in mind.
I absolutely notice a difference in my life when I am on top of reading my scriptures and Ensign articles.
Yet, I struggle with this same issue.
WHY is it so hard to make it a habit? A daily habit?
I find that I am not a good morning reader, so I do better to read right before I go to bed. But sometimes I'm tired so I wonder how effective my retention is during that time.
As long as your making an effort, right?
I've been a huge slacker lately. I've been choosing my book over the scriptures.
Thanks for the inspiration to do better:)
Have you tried readthescriptures.com? You set up a schedule, and they e-mail you that day's reading each day. Helps me a lot. (note: sole affiliation is as happy user, no financial connection)
Julie, I agree about Scripture Sisters -- it was really good for me while we were doing it.
Amanda, I wish I had an answer. The only thing that is working for me is to read to my kids during breakfast. It's not intense personal study, but I'm reading and that's good. We recently finished the primer one for the 3rd or 4th time and now I am starting the "real" book with them. It's been good so far.
I really try to put 'first things first' and do it first thing in the morning. My acronym is PJS (prayer, journal, scriptures). Usually I pray, read (one scripture, 5 min (YW goal), 15 min, a conference talk, etc. SS/RS lesson, whatever) Or sometimes I listen to the Mormon Channel for a conference or other talk, or audio scriptures. I use my journal to write down some phrase or quote. Writing helps me to ponder. I try to write (a few things I'm grateful for, and sometimes I write about other journal stuff). Then, depending on how I feel I may pray again. Sounds like a lot. It could happen in 15 min or less. Whatever works for YOU. Maybe when all are at school? Like a mini-oasis in the day! I am usually blessed with a measure of peace, sometimes insight, but always feel good for obeying. This morning the thought was about the Millenium "for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." I've been struggling through Isaiah in 2 Nephi, and praying that I can understand more. I read this and the two cross references on the scripture...and it was great!
With Ian we've been reading the BoM reader. Have made it through 1-1/2 times since we were challenged in Nov. HE doesn't let us forget at bedtime!
Good luck! and see you tonight...looking forward to it : D
I can't say enough about how reading my Bible every morning this week has made such a major difference in life in our home! Life has just smoothed right out and great things are happening!
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