The Challenge

I finished the first round of my Book of Mormon challenge in 20 days!  It was very exciting!  I found that reading through that quickly made the story line more easy to follow, and interesting things jumped out at me that I had never considered before.  It was especially sacred finding the names of the Savior, discovering the truthfulness that the book is truly a testament of Him.  After I finished, I wrote all of the names I found in my journal.  There were 133 different titles! 

The second time, I highlighted the actual words of the Savior in a new color.  This was also special and interesting as it helped me understand the Isaiah passages better than I ever have.  I love having those words highlighted in yellow forever to alert me to pay attention to His voice. 

I will add to this post as I finish the next readings.  I am 3 days away from the 3rd reading.  It is exercise: spiritually, mentally, and physically as it is still hard to stay awake sometimes.  I love that it has become a habit for me to sit up in bed as soon as I wake and begin my study.  Often Sullivan joins me on my bed when he wakes up.   It usually takes me about an hour to get through 26 pages a day.  This time through, I am highlighting the attributes or characteristics of Christ.  It has been more difficult because they are not as common as the other two topics.  It has made me anxious and excited to study other things, find answers to questions that have come up, take another serious try at the Bible and other scriptures, and for sure write more about what I learn.  I look forward to being done with the challenge so I can delve into some new things, but I am so grateful for what I am learning and how it is changing me. 

Round 4 will be highlighting the commandments and principles of the gospel.  I really enjoyed this time because there was a lot of marking to do.  It is another testament of His love that he has so many instructions for us. 

Round 5 will be highlighting the promises and blessings that come from following the commandments.  This round was so joyful!  What a happy way to end.  Our Lord truly loves to bless us and truly desires for us to be his! 

I did it!  And I finished each round in 20-21 days!  It was a wonderful experience.  My understanding of the message and purpose of the book has grown, and I am beginning to understand the gathering of Israel.  I probably have more questions now than ever, but it is exciting!

I'm glad I took the challenge!