60 days

My friend gave a really great lesson about scripture study in Relief Society at church a few weeks ago. She shared the blessings that can come from studying the scriptures, and challenged us each to set new goals for our personal scripture study. I know there were like 40 women in the room, but I think maybe she was talking to just me.

Ok, she was talking to everyone, but the Spirit was definitely speaking directly to me and what He said was, "LISTEN".

So I did, and I thought, "I do that. I have goals".

I listened again... and AGAIN she said to set a "NEW" goal.

NEW.

Hmmm....what's wrong with my old goal?
Nothing. But I felt impressed to set a new one, not having any clue what it should be. Soooo what should it be?

Well she just so happened to pass out a "sample challenge" to encourage any sisters that were interested in reading the Book of Mormon in 60 days.

60 days? Is she crazy? Who is going to do that? Who reads that much? What difference does how long it takes you or how much you read make? I don't have that kind of time right now.
No, really, I don't. You saw my planner, right? Now add raising 3 children age 5 and under to all the junk on there. February is packed...and it's only the FIRST of the month.

But I knew as soon as I had the paper in my hand on January 10th, that it was what Heavenly Father wanted me to do, I had something to learn, and that if I asked the Lord for help, I would find time to do it.

So I got out a little blue copy-like the kind you see in hotel drawers that the missionaries hand out.

I wrote down a list of 5 things I hoped to gain from this experience. My plan was to check back every couple of days and jot down thoughts and and inspiration. I hoped that by the end of the 60 days, I would have the knowledge and peace I was seeking, and that I would understand why I felt so strongly moved to participate in this particular challenge.

I read.

It has now been 3 weeks and, though I won't share all of the questions for myself that I wrote down, I will tell you that they have all been answered already.

all of them.

and they were all answered on day one
...in the verses of 1 Nephi...that I have heard and read so many times in my life I feel like I practically could have them memorized.
Reading the word of God with new desires and a new purpose brought new responses and perspective.

The Book of Mormon is true.

I will say it 1000 times if one person will hear me.
If you haven't read it, get a copy. I'll give you mine! ...I'll be through with the copy I'm currently using in approximately 28 days ;)

I am not saying that everyone should go out and study the Book of Mormon in 60 days. I am just saying that it is true, and reading it this time has reminded me of it's truth. The stories are true, the characters lived and breathed and are real and the testimonies they bear are valid.
I have never been busier in my life than I have been in the past 6 months. This book is not just for people searching for a religion, or people who are LDS, or people who are not LDS. It is for everyone. Everyone can gain something good from The Book of Mormon. Among many things, I needed peace and balance in my life. I needed time to do everything I need to do and time to do everything I want to do.

3 weeks into this experiment, I have found that I somehow have more time to do those things. I have balance in the way my time is used. I recognize the love that my Father in Heaven has for me, I have a better understanding of His plan for my life, and I know he is aware of the struggles and triumphs that I have each day.

I feel more peace than ever when I read about my Savior, His miracles, His life, His great Atonement, and the unconditional, redeeming love that He has for me, and you, and everyone that ever lived.

...and that is what the Book of Mormon is about.