Changes

As I sat thinking about my life last night, and about this talk. I realized that I need to make some choices in my life. I try to do a lot of things, a lot of good things, mingled with somethings that are not so worth while. And I realized that I need to cut somethings out. I need to get rid of some of the good so I can more whole heartedly focus on the eternal.

One of those things that needs to go is this challenge. While it is great, and I think that I need to read more often, I really don't need the pressure of finishing my weekly book, nor do I think it should take away time from my husband, my home, or my Gospel study. I will still try to choose reading above watching TV, and will regularly post about what I am reading, But I really want to read at my own pace and really savor these books.

also...

Instead of doing a 52 week, 52 book challenge, I pose we do a different one. The Book Of Mormon Challenge. I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon in a new way. I am using one of my institute manuals and reading it side by side my Book of Mormon (If you want to do the same, you can purchase the manual for $4.25, I promise it is worth it!). Reading it with the manual has really made me stop and think about what I am reading and what I actually think about it. I try to do a chapter in the manual a day, it usually takes me about an hour (which I have never been able to do, spend an hour in the scriptures without being distracted) and can cover anywhere from 1-10 chapters in the Book of Mormon. After each lesson, I do the challenges at the end as well that help me to apply the writings of 1000's of years ago to my own life. Total there are 56 chapters in the manual, but I am only going to set a goal date of being done before the 1st of December. You don't have to set the same end date, or use the same method but I really challenge you to do this.

here are some other ideas on how to read it in a new way.
- Get a new Book of Mormon and highlight in a red pencil every time Jesus Christ is mentioned. (not just his name, but him)
-Read it in a different language (have the English and the other language side by side and go through line by line)

I think you get my drift. The point is I want to spend more time in my scriptures and less time with the FLUFF of this world. Even if you can only spare 5 minutes a day while you are doing your hair, I promise it will be worth it.

I hope you do the same.