Devoted time

When I was in college, I would wake up in the morning and have a personal devotional before I got up and got ready to start my day.  I would sing a hymn, read my scriptures, pray and then get ready.  One morning when I was particularly tired and really wanted to just go back to sleep, I decided that if I just read ONE verse that would be enough and I could lie back down for a few more minutes.  I picked up my scriptures and flipped them open to a random page, pointed at a verse and began to read. . . 

"Behold, I say unto you that you shall let your time be devoted to the studying of the scriptures. . ."  (Doctrine & Covenants 26:1)

I learned a couple of things that morning. One, Heavenly Father has a sense of humor. Two, my time reading the scriptures is really THAT important to Him.  Needless to say, I got up and did my usual scripture study that morning.  And, this is why I named this blog "Devoted".  I am devoted to the studying of the scriptures.

First of all, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I believe the Bible to be the word of God, as far as it is translated correctly; I also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.  (Article of Faith 8)  The canon of scripture that we use is the King James version of The Bible, The Book of Mormon: A Testament of Jesus Christ (I would be happy to share a copy of it with you for free! - click here!), the Doctrine & Covenants (a collection of revelations from God to his modern-day prophet, Joseph Smith, directing His work in the latter-days) and the Pearl of Great Price (a translation from ancient scrolls and a narration from the History of Joseph Smith).   I also read from the words of the prophet and apostles on the earth today in the ENSIGN magazine.  I try to read from these sacred texts every day.  I am not perfect at it, but I try really hard and I am getting much better at making sure I have time to do it!

In recent years I have found ways of studying my scriptures that have significantly enhanced my understanding and love of the scriptures.  I am grateful for the ideas that others have made that I have discovered and tried.  I follow several blogs that have wonderful suggestions and helps for making the most of my study of the scriptures.

The first is The Red Headed Hostess.  It is from this blog that I first got the idea to start a Scripture Study Journal.  I will definitely be talking about those more later, but the Red Headed Hostess (Shannon) is the first one who inspired me to begin searching the scriptures for specific topics.  I have absolutely loved the way I have been able to get in depth with different principles, the examples of people from the scriptures, etc.!  It has completely changed the way I study.  

Another blog is Simple Inspiration.  I really like her (Allison) ideas on scripture study journals, taking notes for General Conference, appreciation of the scriptures, etc.  She has a lovely perspective that I hope to emulate.  Both these women have shared amazing ideas and insights that have truly blessed my life and I am so grateful for it!

I will go more in depth with other blogs and websites as I go along, but those two are my favorite.  

I am in no way professing to have amazing ideas and answers to the secret to having time or desire to study the scriptures.  I mainly get ideas from other people and think, "why didn't I think of that?!!"  I simply want to record insights and thoughts that I have had, ideas that have worked well for me, experiences that have increased my testimony of the scriptures and the gospel of Jesus Christ. I want to share these ideas with my daughters (and others!), that they can increase in their love and understanding of the scriptures as well.

2 Nephi 25:26: "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins."

I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for the relationship I have with Him and I know that He loves me. I am grateful for His atonement and resurrection that will allow me to overcome sin and death and live in a way that is worthy of His sacrifice for me.  I am grateful for men and women who wrote down His words, teachings and example so that I can benefit from them today!  I am grateful for the Holy Ghost who testifies to me of the truth of the gospel and the scriptures.  I am grateful for my Heavenly Father and for His guidance, direction and revelation in my life.  I know that He desires nothing for us but our happiness, so as we are led by His spirit, it is for our good.

I hope to inspire others to enjoy the scriptures, learn from them, and most importantly, to LIVE them!  Live what you believe!