Meg Reads

Hey kids, 

Sometimes I remind you about a goal I once set to make time for personal scripture study every day. Or maybe you’ve read this post from 2009 about when I passed the 2 years of consecutive daily personal study. Since then, I’ve given myself a few different study challenges, and I’ve maintained the habit of reading every day for the last 12 years. Lately, I’ve been remembering what it was like when my goal was 12 months, and now I realize it’s not so much a goal as it is a process and a plan. A goal feels like an accomplishment. Like running a half marathon. I set up a running schedule, try to stick to it, and hope it will be enough to prepare me for race day, months later. Scripture study isn’t about a finish line. It did start with creating a plan to help me commit to a good habit, though. 

Elder Bednar said, 

“...our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. 'Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great' (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes."

- David A. Bednar, "More Diligent and Concerned at Home," Ensign, Nov. 2009 

So, I’ve tried to be more diligent and concerned at home through improving my own personal study and through implementing the Come Follow Me program into our family Sunday study hour and FHE.  It doesn’t always turn out like the ideal study season, but I do believe our “try try try” is on point for diligence.

In 2019, I read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ three times. I changed it up by reading each book three times before going on to the next one. I think the repetition helped significant events, promises, and cautions stand out to me in a different way. I followed Moroni’s counsel to pray about what I read, and I received confirmation through the Holy Spirit that it was true. I gained treasures of knowledge. I faced impossible situations with courage, confidence, and a clear mind because I had the spirit with me. And again, at the end of the day, I was able to connect with Heavenly Father with the comfort and security of knowing that at least for a few minutes, every day every day every day for the last 12 years, I was doing good. This daily consistency is what has laid and continues to lay the foundation of great work, both in my own life and in the building of God’s kingdom. Willy kids, God is a man of order. He is faithful to promises. And just like you and your mom, He likes to plan, too! We all have this in common! So create your goals with a plan so you can grow successfully. Then, keep trying and trying.  This year has been full of unspeakable trials that really challenged me beyond my understanding of my capability to stretch. There were times when my will to obey this simple act of consistency was something I grasped onto for life. And I testify again, that as always, through consistent scripture study the Lord has  been able to correct my eyes to see solutions, increase my knowledge to help me use my brain in efficient and productive ways, lengthened my mental and physical endurance to overcome obstacles, and change my heart   to be able to recognize and accept the love that surrounds me.  Small and simple acts of consistency will culminate into immeasurable abundance. This is a blessing that comes from daily exposure to the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Being reminded of the Atonement every single day is the medicine that enables change and growth within me....or more accurately, it is because of the Atonement that change and growth are enabled. The power of this gift is always there.  Obedience, diligence,and consistency are simply actions of love to Heavenly Father, and they provide outlets for me to feel the love in return and unlock blessings of heaven.  I’m grateful for the process and for God’s unfailing plans and promises. And I’m so grateful for holy scriptures that testify of Jesus Christ.