Scripture Study

I was in charge of a goal program with the women in our church about 7 years ago.  I came up with a monthly theme and then various goals that could be accomplished for that theme.  I had “master” counselors for each theme that would inspire and cheer the ladies on each week.  They had so many neat insights into each of the themes and helped the others with their goals.  The program went over really well, and was even used in other wards and stakes.

Tonight I got it out for the new year and started looking at it, to try and incorporate it for my goal program this new year.  I’m switching around months and decided to tackle scripture study for January.  SOOO I pulled out my scripture study folder to get a few other ideas of how I want to study this new year -when I came across this talk given by a sweet friend a year ago.

Here are excerpts from her talk:

Many of us set goals as we set out on a hike.  Some are going to climb to the top of the mountain.  Others are going to hike just a few miles on the trail.  Still others have a set time of how long they are going to hike.  Most of us stick to these goals and are unlikely to veer from them.  But what happens when we do stop and smell the wildflowers, or venture a little off the trail to take in the waterfall and listen to the rushing sounds it makes.  How about those who change their plan and go explore the cave that is near by. 

I think it is safe to say that those who seek out “a little” more, then “gain a little more” from their hike.  They are finding joy in their journey!  (She shared a really neat story here about a father and son on a hike.)

We set goals to read our scriptures.  Some say they are going to read a chapter a night.  Others set a time limit on how long they will read.  Yet others venture a little further and veer off their course and delve deeper.  A difficult passage might be a cave to one that they simply skip over, yet to another it is explored and studied.  And after the exploration, hidden treasures of knowledge are found. 

Some of us take the SAME trail EVERY time we study our scriptures.  However we should tread new ground and explore new things.  How about the Bible Dictionary, a specific topic, photographs, cross references…

It is the journey that brings us the most joy.  The journey brings us more knowledge.  Make the time neccessary to explore the mountain as you climb and then when you get to the top you can exclaim, I did it and I loved doing it!!!

Her entire power point  presentation was amazing.  I feel like so many times I get stuck in the rut of here is my goal, a “set amount” and then don’t veer or delve as I should.  As soon as that chapter is read or the time is expired I’m DONE.  SOOO this new year I have a new scripture study set up that I’m excited about.  I WILL be finding joy in the journey!