I did it!!!!

I did it! 11 days ago, I set a goal to read the entire Book of Mormon by Easter, and I did it! I wish I could say it was easy, but the truth is that it was quite a challenge--but, then again, I suppose all things worthwhile usually are.

Here are a few of my thoughts on the experience:

*Our minds think and ponder on the things we choose to lend our time to. Throughout the course of the 2 weeks, I found myself thinking about what I had read, imagining how I would have felt if I had been in the stories I was studying, and even laying in bed awake at night pondering on the meaning of what I had learned. It was refreshing to think on things that truly matter as opposed to the trivial things I usually have cluttering up my mind.

*Heavenly Father's "time" is not the same as our "time". There have been many times, in the past, that I have chosen to forgo my personal scripture study because I had too many things to do that day. At the beginning of this experiment, I didn't know how I was going to read and do all of the many things on my daily "to-do lists". I discovered that when I focused on reading first, Heavenly Father magnified my efforts in all the other areas, and I was able to accomplish everything on my list (and then some).  To complete the entire book within 2 weeks, I had to give a good portion of the day to reading. I have since decided that if I could do that, I should be able to give 10 itty-bitty minutes to reading each day in the future.

*I have felt the warmth and peace of the Holy Ghost more in the past week and a half than I have in a long time. It has been a precious treat to have him as my companion. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

*I found myself hungering to "feast" on the word. In the beginning, it was more difficult to read, but as time went on, I wanted to read more and more. I read in the car while I waited for Ryan to come out of his office. I read as I walked the halls at the children's school (during Karen's speech). I read while I waited at the doctor's office. I could feel my soul being nourished as I read-- and it felt good.

*My children have benefited from seeing me read my scriptures. I have found them thinking and asking more about the scriptures. One day, I had told the children about what I had read (In Alma 58) It was about Helaman (and Gid and Teomner), and one of his genius strategic plans that allowed them to capture a city without bloodshed. The next day, Kailani said, "Mom, that was such a cool plan. I can't believe they snuck back into the city while the Lamanites slept! Helaman was sure a smart man."

*Isaiah is confusing, and I don't understand very much of it... yet!

*The Book of Mormon is true. I truly believe that it is a record containing the word of God, kept by ancient prophets, but written for us in our day. It truly is "another testament of Jesus Christ."  As I read about all the people who sacrificed (even their lives, and the lives of their loved ones) to preserve the record, so that I can read it with such ease and convenience, I am so humbled.  I am embarrassed that I so often take it for granted. It makes me so grateful to my Father in Heaven. I am amazed that He loves his children so much-- even when we so easily forget His hand in our lives. I love my Savior. It has been so special, at this Easter time of year,to more fully focus on Him and His teachings. I believe that He did appear to the Nephite people, as a resurrected being. Reading about His charity and mercy towards them during that visit is always one of my favorite parts of  the Book of Mormon. It testifies of His love. I know He loves me, even though I am full of so many faults. I want to follow His example and be like Him.  The space between who I want to be (and hope to become), and who I actually am is disheartening.  However, I know that all He expects of me is that I do my best.  He has promised to make up the difference. I am doing my best... and because of that, I hope to be able to meet Him with confidence when He comes again.