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Over the past year I have really worked to make scripture study a priority. I must admit that my motives were purely selfish. I need blessings, and I wanted to win the race. Four years ago Drew and I set the goal of reading the Old Testament cover to cover. We wanted to be finished before he graduated medical school (in 2007). Well, needless to say the task proved to be a little daunting given the two kids we were about to have, the Book of Mormon challenge issued by President Hinckley, the tendency to put scripture reading off in favor of sleep, etc.
So Graduation came and went, the first couple years of residency came and went (again sleep proved to be too powerful of an alternative) and my progress in the Old Testament amounted to having meandered my way through less than the first half by this winter (2009). Then it happened.
I have never been one to stick to the goals I set for myself, especially not ones that take too long. This effort was falling into that category, but I persevered. Drew told me how far along he was and I decided I better get into gear if I was going to beat him. When I hunkered down and dug into my scriptures, a change came to my reading. I loved and devoured the words on the pages. I began to pray more earnestly for understanding of words that had always seemed over my head. Before I knew it I was almost finished. This May, I read the last words of Malachi and began to sob. Not because I was finally finished or because I won the race or because the kids were pounding on my door for breakfast. I was so touched by the spirit and by the testimony I had received that these ancient records are true and relevant. There are lessons pure and priceless tucked away between the historical lineages and time lines that fill the Old Testament. I have gained an appreciation for this (big) book that I had put off reading because every time I tried I couldn't get over the hump I refer to as "The Book of Numbers."
Our Bishop has issued a challenge that our ward read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year. I am excited to move on to the "plain and precious" truths found in this record and to share the experience with my ward family. Any of you can join with us! It can't hurt, right? And if you need a Book of Mormon, I know a couple of young men who can get you one. ;)
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Blessed
Posted by The Terrell Family at 9:28 AM
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4 comments:
That's awesome. Good for you. I have been trying to read through the Old Testament for uh...at least four years now. I read some and then get distracted with other scriptures and then come back to it. But I think I am in Jeremiah, so I guess the end is getting closer! Brady and I just started reading the D&C though, so it might be on hold again.
I love you and miss you. I was going to read the Old Testament this summer during my months off from teaching Institute (we're NOT doing OT in Institute, obviously). But then I had a baby. And while I do a lot of sitting around these days, it's hard for me to read dense things at three in the morning. Or three in the afternoon. You've inspired me!
Alicia, what a neat experience. I just loved how you found yourself immersed in the words and how your spirit has been strengthen by the scriptures. I admire your diligence. You are one amazing woman in so many ways.
That's awesome Alicia! I've been shocked by how good our O.T. Sunday School lessons have been and when I told Eric that, he said that the O.T. is like Texas, lots of nothing, but speckled with big goodies. Okay, he worded it better, but you get the point, right? I don't know if he made that up or not, but it's true =)
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