A few months ago, my mom and I were perusing the books and decor at Seagul Book. It's one of our favorite things to do together. I have a passion for church history--especially with the Joseph Smith era. While making a list of all the books and study guides I wanted, I came across a bookmark that outlined what chapters to read from the Book of Mormon each day in order to finish it within 2 months. As I looked at it, I contemplated buying it. But my frugal sense hit me, and I didn't want to pay $4 for a bookmark. I looked closer, and realized that the spacing for each day was an average of 4 chapters/day. I took a mental note, and went on my way.
I had just finished reading the Book of Mormon maybe 1 month earlier, and I had intended on reading the Bible this time around. Then my mind went back to Seagul Book and the "speed" method of reading the BOM. I have read the Book of Mormon several times in my life, but never at such a fast pace. I was determined to do it.
I began reading, and suddenly realized the some days my studying of the Book of Mormon were a lot longer than other days. I also noticed that if I accidentally missed a day, or only read 2 chapters one day, then I had a LOT of reading to make up for the next. Finding a nice, quiet, uninterrupted time to read and study is hard with 4 young kids. But I wasn't about to let any excuse derail me.
I kept up with it. I found myself often time being lost in the scriptures, and thriving on every word that was written. I found I no longer dreaded reading the scriptures, but rather longed for it. I looked forward to reading and studying. I found that the longer I read, the more I was enlightened by the Spirit. My understanding of the scriptures has never been so great. I feel on FIRE with them. I really dont ever remember feeling this way before. I can 100% understand the scripture/phrase of "feasting on the words of Christ" now.
My 60 days is almost up (I have 6 days left), but I only have 2 chapters left. I'm almost sad that I'm almost done because I've enjoyed it so much. But at the same time, my testimony has grown SO much stronger over this time. I can't tell you how much more real the scriptures are. How much I can see their relevance in today's world. I could liken just about every chapter to something going on today.
I will be finishing the Book of Mormon tomorrow. And I just realized that this weekend is General Conference. What a wonderful timing to finish!
I have learned that consistency is key. Sure there were some days I didn't get all 4 chapters in, but there were others where I got several more chapter than the minimum required. I learned that I have a deeper and stronger relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior because of it. I now know why they say that The Book of Mormon is the most true of any book out there, and that you can come to TRULY know God through reading it.
I want to scream it from the rooftops how much I love this book! I know it to be true! I am recording my thoughts so my family, and my children, and my grandchildren, know my testimony of it. I promise you that you can feel of the Savior's love when you TRULY study it, and pray about it. I hope I can always have this feeling with me.
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