I have made a habit of being pretty self deprecating and brutally honest about my shortcomings on this blog, so I guess why hold back now.
I'M HORRIBLE AT SCRIPTURE STUDY!
There. I've said it. Sometimes they say when you admit it you feel better. I actually don't. Maybe I will if you can help me and something actually comes from this admittance of one of my most private weaknesses.
I try, really I do. I have the best intentions, but for some reason, it never sticks like I expect it to. I always feel like I've found the best method for me, but I fall out of a routine pretty quickly. I kind of lose faith in myself and my ability to keep up with things I know I should be doing. I mean, I always keep trying, I never give up...how can I? I know they are true, I find such joy in reading...I could read through conference talks and gospel topic books for days...but honestly, sometimes the scriptural languages is harder to catch onto.
I have a friend, who is such an example to me...I kept trying to get her to read this fictional series I was reading and she said she didn't want to start reading until she finished with the scriptures. Her method was, she read them like a book. It wasn't like a set number of chapters a night...she just read them like you'd read a novel...until you decided to put it down for the night.
I've done this...and its a good method. I've also been trying to follow the Sunday School schedule. It really comes in handy for Gospel Doctrine when you actually read what you are talking about. This is a good method too. I've also heard of people that reference and study specific topics. Or skip around from book to book.
I probably have the wrong attitude about it...and I don't want it to come off like I want it to be some game, but I just wondered if any of you have had a specific method that has had an affect on you and has therefore increased your love of the scriptures and desire to study. I'd LOVE to hear your experiences.
Remember, you can post anonymously.
Ultimately, I want to follow the prophet Gordon B. Hinckley's counsel, "Let us establish in our lives the habit of reading those things which will strengthen our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world."
What I need is for it to be more of a priority...a habit. Something I do without question. And I will always continue to try, even if its an uphill battle for the rest of my life.
Secondly, I was thinking about the movie "Pay It Forward" with that kid from "The Sixth Sense", Haley Joel Osment or something, Helen Hunt and Kevin Spacey. Have you seen it?? It's amazing...great message. The jist is, you pay forward good deeds. Acts of kindness and its a trickling effect. Kind of like the Liberty Mutual commerical also...have you seen that? Pretty cool. Anyway, I am challenging myself and any of you who want to challenge yourselves (people make changes in themselves better than other people asking them to)...to make a difference today. Somewhere. To somebody.
"I give unto you to be the light of this people. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid."~3 Nephi 12:14
Let your light so shine...so that we all might help each other see the pure joy and beauty that is life and loving one another.
3 comments:
Stacy-
I am so glad that you feel that way too (ok that so is probably not the way to go about it!) but it's so funny how easy it is for me to read a HUGE book in a matter of days and the scriptures it takes me forever. But I think the fact that you just keep trying and keep going regardless is what really matters. I mean I know i've often thought well what's the point I never continue...but I just try and push through and I think that's what matters! Thanks for always being so open and honest...it really does help!
Stacy- You already know how I did it last time ;), which worked well for me. Since I've finished a few books that I've wanted to read (just finished The Host last night....AWESOME), I am going to try to read it again. This time I plan to read it like I am studying for a test. I hope to have a note pad or journal to write down the things that I learn because I always forget the stories after I've read it. I hope this works. I think the above advice is great, though...you are trying your best, which is all you can do sometimes.
I know that it is stinkin HARD to keep up with it. The last time I read it was actually the first time that I read it all the way through without taking a break.
The best bible translation to use to read it like a novel would be THE MESSAGE Bible. Sometimes to kick start myself with beginning a scripture study, I just pick a subject: love, faith, fear, something I just want to know what the Bible says about it or when I'm struggling with something. Investing in a good concordance definitely helps with this method of Bible Study.
Oh, and I'm so glad to find a site dedicated to being positive and uplifting in a Godly way. It's something the world really needs now. Even a small candle in a dark room is a bright light so don't give up and your light will grow.
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