100 Days

I did it! ---- Now what?

Today is the last day of the 100 day Book of Mormon Challenge that I did with the Young Women in our Ward. I have had a habit of reading the Book of Mormon every day since before I was married (which seems forever ago!). The hard part of the challenge for me was having to read so much for one day. Four or five chapters usually, all while my children got into things they know they aren't supposed to, or interrupted me - endlessly. But I did it! Sometimes I even got insight and inspiration AND recorded it in a journal! Amazing, right?! It was a good experience, and I learned some important things. Here are a couple -

One. I need to do my reading and gospel study

by setting aside a certain amount of time - not by a certain amount to be read. Maybe then I would not feel the need to rush through it and so could do more pondering.

Two. I need to have that study time when the I will

not be interrupted, or needed desperately by the children. (Ha! Good luck!)

Despite needing some study time alone it has been sweet to have my little boy see me reading scriptures, and to explain to him that he needs to be patient until I finish. I think it has been a good way show him the importance of scripture. We also have family "scriptures and prayers" before bedtime. I read in one of the Ensigns about a family who would read one verse per person each night. It has been an easy habit for us to develop. Little John really enjoys "reading" (repeating what we say). Of course the comprehension is not quite there, but the habit is! And lets face it, my heart melts every time I hear that little voice say "And it came to pass...".

So, now that the challenge is over it literally asks "Now what?", and encourages me to start all over again, using a quote by President Ezra Taft Benson

"There are three great reasons why Latter-day Saints should make the study of the Book of Mormon a lifetime pursuit." The Book of Mormon - "is the keystone or our religion", "was written for our day", and "helps us draw nearer to God".

Of course I'll start over! That's what I always do! -- but you know what I did this morning? I read the first chapter of the New Testament. I think that is my "now what". We will continue reading the Book of Mormon as a family, and I will read and study the bible. Most especially looking for lessons about Jesus that I can implement in parenting and teaching. As I contemplate being a "homeschooler" I feel that really knowing my Savior is my safest bet in doing right by my children. 

Yesterdays quote (from the challenge) was actually more powerful in convincing me of the importance of continued gospel and Book of Mormon study. Elder Heber C. Kimball said,

"To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you to have a knowledge of the truth of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that the man or woman who does not possess this personal knowledge or witness will fall. If you have not got the testimony, live right and call upon the Lord and cease not till you obtain it...The time will come when no man nor woman will be able to endure on borrowed light. Each will have to be guided by the light within himself. If you do not have it, how can you stand?"

How can my children stand if I don't teach them the gospel? If I don't teach them how to gain a testimony? Scary thought, especially when I consider my short comings and lack of knowledge. Lets start with the basics though...I should be able to handle that. :) And with consistent reading and study I'm pretty sure I'll be in good hands. 

If anyone has any good study tips or experiences I would love to hear them!