So I've been working on where to start reading. Let me explain--we've been reading the Book of Mormon as a family, but I'd like to start it again for myself. I've been concentrating on the New Testament this year, since it is the course of study in the church. But a little extra Book of Mormon on the top will only be the icing on the cake, right?
Another thing is I don't always start in 1 Nephi. I, like many Mormons, have read first and second Nephi several more times in my earlier life than the rest of the Book of Mormon (goals set and not completed). So last time I started it, I started in Alma and read all the way to the end and then read back to Alma. Is that weird? But it's all the same when you are actually reading, once you're familiar with the material.
But while I am deciding, I've been pondering a scripture lately: Alma 37:36-37
36 Yea, and acry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy bdoings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy cthoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
37 aCounsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for bgood; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the cmorning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.
This scripture has meant to much to me in my life. I remember times in my life when I woke up every morning--thrilled to be alive, with my "heart full of thanks unto God." I actually thought of this the other morning when I woke up and was not happy to be awake! I thought of this scripture and the times when I woke up thinking about my Heavenly Father, full of joy, and I wanted it back!
I think the key is perspective and faith. To go to sleep and wake up full of faith and joy, forgetting the cares of the world, committing them to my Father's care and trusting Him. He is in charge, and the most powerful being anywhere, and He loves me. What have I got to fear or not be happy about?
I frequently have times during the week when I am 100% content, completely at peace, feeling the Spirit. I vow to try to capture that more often during the day, and especially in the morning, letting my heart be full of thanks to God. He is amazing and wonderful and I need to let that thought fill me more often. In fact, I'd like to concentrate on living these particular scriptures more fully. =)
Until, the next post, take care of yourselves and KEEP READING THE BOOK OF MORMON!! =)
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