a simple inspiration

worth the wrestle

When I took this photo I shared on Instagram, "As I stare at the screen today trying to listen to know where to go next, what to say and do, I think of my grandmothers and how much they would have loved what I was doing. I feel them close, lending strength. I am the sum of strong, courageous people who loved the Lord.  Their sacrifice is not lost on me. I hope they will be proud of the woman I am becoming and the way in which I am trying to honor them."

I just finished a wrestle. 

I’ve been working on a project that is bigger than me.  It pushed my knowledge. It required sacrifice not only from me but my family (who have been so supportive). At times it has required great faith as things have gone wrong and opposition has been strong.  But the thing that surprised me about this project was how much God wanted me to wrestle and in the process how much I learned and grew.

As I reflect on all that happened with this project, (which I am excited to share with you soon, I hope and why I haven't posted much here lately), I once again find that the Lord prepared me for what was to come.  Over and over again I see a pattern in how the Lord teaches me, always here a little, there a little in ways I don't always anticipate.

One of those ways was this talk by Sheri Dew titled "Will You Engage in the Wrestle?"

I don't remember how I found it, I rarely listen to things when they first come out usually because I'm studying something else, but I know the Lord's hand brought it to me that day.  As I look back over my notes what Sheri taught was not new, they were principles I already knew, but for some reason, I was prepared to understand and learn her message in a way that penetrated my heart.  

Now if you are one of my children reading this, yes I used the word penetrate and I know how much you dislike that word, but none of the other words in the thesaurus seemed quite right. I did try, just for you. 

As I started to read and record the thoughts and feeling of my heart in my scripture journal I found that I had too many many quotes from the talk I wanted to include and reference as I studied.  So I printed it off and added it to my journal as I studied. I also ran out of room so post it notes and other small pieces of paper were added.  I did not know that this would be the beginning of a beautiful journey for study time. (I did write a little bit about my process here: scripture journal: today)

I'm not sure why I have felt strongly to share this today, perhaps there is someone who will be inspired by the scripture journal process, which I give all credit to the Lord.  Or perhaps there is someone who is ready to learn from words in Sheri's talk or it might all just be that I need to acknowledge God's hand in my learning process.  Whatever the reason, I love the spiritual wrestle and this past year has given me plenty of opportunities to understand more acutely what Enos was referring to in Enos 1:2.

I have a new appreciation for wrestling since Rock started the sport this year.  As I watch him and his teammates learn techniques, become stronger through conditioning, and overcome the mental obstacles in their matches I also learned that limits are pushed, endurance is taxed, and just when you can't give anything else you must dig deep into your reservoir and wrestle a little longer.

The same is true with spiritual wrestling. Sometimes God gives us the easy answer, right?  Sometimes it is almost effortless, but often we must learn new principles, build endurance as we practice what we have learned, and then there is the anguish that often comes through trials or questions that are not yet answered.  Our limits are reached and yet we still have to find a little more faith to wrestle a little longer.

Sheri said, "Champion wrestlers tell me that it isn't necessarily the strongest wrestler who wins. It is the wrestler who knows how to leverage his strength to overpower his opponent. Spiritual wrestling leverages the strength of true doctrine to overpower our weaknesses, our wavering faith, and our lack of knowledge. Spiritual wrestlers are seekers. They are men and women of faith who want to understand more than they presently do and who are serious about increasing the light and knowledge in their lives." 

I have loved studying this talk.  I love studying the words of wise people and their testimonies of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I feel like Sheri's words have become part of me as this is what my recent wrestle as done for me.  It changed me physically and spiritually. My love for the Savior increased and my understanding of the gospel grew in ways that will bless lives.  I am so profoundly thankful for the reminder of God's love for me, for all of us.  How I love the gospel of Christ!

 

There is so much in life that I have no control over, so much heartache, loss, a pain that I wish I could ease. There are so many with questions and struggles that I can't solve, but perhaps I might help brighten someone with a small give away.  

I loved Sheri's words and have shared her talk in book form with several of my friends. I would like to also share 3 copies with you. So if you would like to receive a copy of "Worth the Wrestle" please leave a comment below sharing one way you feel God's love for you. 

The winners will be chosen and announced next week on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.

 

On a side note, I do not personally know Sheri and I should probably address her more formally by "Sister Dew", but after my study and wrestle this past year I feel like we are friends and I always call my friends by their first name. 

turning my heart

You've heard me talk about family history for a few years now.  I've talked about the wonders and promises of knowing our ancestors and sharing those stories and experiences with our families and that is not going to change.  That is my passion, storytelling, but God wanted me to learn something else along this journey. 

At the beginning of last year, I got a new calling within my ward. I was asked to be a temple and family history consultant.  Once again I told the bishopric that I did not do genealogy.  I was a storyteller and that was my place within family history.  On both sides of my family, there are genealogists who have researched, documented, and traced our family lines back generation after generation. All those names and people that could be found have been found and I felt secure in the knowledge that I would continue to talk about family history from the position of a storyteller until I got a text late one night from a 15-year-old boy in our neighborhood:

The conversation continued and inside I am wondering (after the momentary panic) how I could effectively teach this when I don't really know myself? How can I share something that I don't truly understand?  So for the sake of this class of boys, I put my head down offered a pleading prayer to the Lord and got to work.  I called some friends, talked to my parents, and decided I would try to find a family member whose temple work had not be done and go to the temple.  I had no idea how it would happen considering I had a full tree with lines dating back to 779 AD in one place but I had faith that God would not let me down.

One Monday morning with a genealogy expert sitting by my side, I asked question after question.  My head was reeling from all the information I was getting and I felt certain that this task was too big, not possible. I was overwhelmed by everything there was to know and I should have started smaller.

She helped me looked through line after family line in FamilySearch and Puzzilla running into dead end after dead end.  Two hours later I wondered how I could possibly help these boys when my own search had been so difficult and fruitless.  Even Amy, the expert was impressed with how well our family lines were documented.

Then it happened, one more click on an ancestor, a cousin and I had a start.

 

Meet Indiana Turner.  She is the niece of my 3rd great grandmother Paulina (I hope I got that right).  Somewhere along the way her family and those of her siblings had been forgotten or perhaps they were waiting for me and for all they would teach me. So I began my search, who was Indiana? Did she ever marry? Did she have children?  We started first looking for information with the people we already knew: her parents and siblings. 

I looked for census records and birth records.  I didn't realize how much I would love the records.  I adored the handwriting, the professions, the small details in each record that tell more of the story.  For that is what I was doing, find and telling Indiana's story. With the census records alone I found deaths, births, marriages, and changes in professions.  For instance in this census from 1860, Indiana's father changed professions from the 1850 census from farmer to carpenter. The next columns indicate the value of real estate and personal estate respectively. Even her name had a story to tell.

This was the last census I could find Indiana Turner so I started looking for possible death records, marriage records, etc, but I was at a dead end for a few weeks. I was really looking and found that I would spend an hour here or an hour there.  The records were so fascinating that I would pour over learning the history, searching places on google to see what it might have looked like in that time period.  I could get lost in the records, but I was also no closer to finding more about Indiana. Then one day while I was sitting in a class I had an impression to perform a google search with Indiana's name and one of the first links was to the "Memoirs of Wayne County".

I wanted to jump out of my chair at my discovery, but it was rude enough that I was on my phone researching when I should have been listening.   Not only did I find Indiana's husband, but their children and the author also included biographical information about both sides of the families.  After some easy research in census records, etc, I was able to verify all the information and cite all my sources on FamilySearch.

I love being able to leave this trail, a proof of life for others to follow.  I found that as I looked at other people in the tree I was disappointed when I couldn't go to a record to see where the dates or information came from.  I was surprised at how much I love the original documents, although I'm not sure why as I am the storyteller and documents are part of that story.  I save bits and pieces of our lives that I wish I had from my grandparents and great grandparents. 

One thing I found as I was building these family units, is that I became confused by who was who and what records I had last searched.  A simple notebook/planner that I had abandoned but I couldn't throw away because it had so many wonderful things in the front pages became my research book.  As I wrote the different family names and little bits of information as I found them, this notebook became a treasure once more because the names became people with stories.  I felt a connection to them and their lives became part of our lives as I would share what I had learned.  

As I puzzled together family members and relationships I felt their help.  I can't explain it, but I have a special relationship with Indiana that I never anticipated having with an ancestor that was born nearly 170 years ago.  How I love her. I have thought of her often over the last year.  My girls have been helping me go to the temple for her family and Samantha remarked that it was a sacred experience knowing the people whose work we helping with.  

I am still the storyteller in our family, but now our story includes Indiana.  It includes census records and sourcing.  Our story is now intertwined with an understanding and the miracles only God can bring about in turning the hearts of the children to their fathers.  My life is changed forever and some day I will weep more tears, as I have already wept countless times, as I embrace Indiana and thank her for helping me grow and love in this unexpected way.

If I can help anyone have a journey like this, please let me know how I can help.  Who knows, you might even find a love for the records.

scripture journal: today

My scripture journal has become one of my most cherished journals and I am always excited to spend time with the Lord as I study.

I started it in 2012 (see this post) and have had a few variations and different notebooks as I have tried to work out my system. You can see all the posts and progress using this link: scriptures (journals and more).  It was fun to see the different downloads and how my system has evolved over the last 5 years.  I currently only keep two journals: main and Book of Mormon. I have consolidated and that could change again in the future, but for right now I like having the conference journal mixed in with everything else.  You can see all the conference journal links at the end of this post: here.

In the past, I have sketchnoted and written down many of the quotes and ideas that I wanted to remember and then included some typed or handwritten thoughts and impressions, the reasons why I studied this particular topic or talk. I included art that was meaningful and it was visually appealing and I learned a great deal.  However, I spent so much time sometimes rewriting entire talks because I wanted to include the quote I was referencing and I don't have time for that.  One day while I was thinking about how to make this easier, the quiet whispering of the Spirit reminded me that I could use the same format or idea as my Book of Mormon journal.  I could cut out portions of the printed talk, adhere them to my journal.  It's not a novel concept for some reason it resonated in a new way for me.

So I now print a talk off on a sheet of paper (or label paper) in two or three columns and adhere the text onto the pages leaving me room to write and thoughts and feelings.

Here is an example of one of a talk I am currently studying: Covenant Keepers from Wendy Watson Nelson.  Download Covenantkeepers_nelson

Another option is to buy two copies of the conference Ensign issues and cut them apart; this might be the most economical approach for the next 6 months.

Then I start studying and it becomes a mess of this and that as I get off on tangents and other scriptures. It's chaos and it's wonderful!  This particular talk by Sheri Dew titled "Will You Engage in the Wrestle?" has become a friend.  That sounds crazy I know, but I learned so much in ways and about things I didn't anticipate.   I love the unexpected things that I have learned and once again I have found added comfort and peace in the word of God. 

I usually add post it notes when I run out of room or glue in another sheet of lined paper for more thoughts. I have found answers to questions I didn't know I was seeking and solutions to situations I have been searching for as I spend meaningful time communicating with God.

A few more shots of where I am working right now. I probably have 3 or 4 talks I am studying, the 89th section of the Doctrine and Covenants and then a random collection of scriptures on self-mastery that have been interesting in their direction and flow.  I never know where I am going to start my studying each day or end up.  I am still working through my patriarchal blessing (templates found in this post) which has lead me to D&C 89 which has moved me to yet another area.  Studying and compiling everything on the computer would probably be easier chronologically, but this crazy mess works for me.  

In the top photos, I needed a little more room to write some final thoughts so I included a card with a painting of my uncle and aunt that my cousin painted.  I think there should be beauty along with the function.   

I have started adding a pretty title page to help keep things organized and because they are pretty. The "Daughters of God" was a Relief Society lesson that I felt really strongly I needed to study a little more.  I even included the questions, but I haven't gotten around to answering them yet.  The sweet photo of the little girl praying is Samantha when she was about 3, so adding photos (just printed on plain copy paper) has been a fun addition that I will add here and there.   You can download this formatted lesson here:  Download DaughtersOfGod_Hinckley

For organizational purposes, I also add washi tape to the edges of the different talks/sections/themes.  It started out with a random color selection, but I think I might color code it using the same scripture marking colors just to help me find things easier. You can see my code here.  Once again my Moleskine journal is packed and overflowing, but the binding is holding up to the added pages and weight.  It's a workhorse.

What ideas and practices have been working for you?  How can I help make your lives easier?  Is there something you have been hoping to use but haven't found what you are looking for?  

I love the scriptures.  I love the words of the prophets and disciples.  I love my time with the Lord and if I can help you love your time with Him it would be an honor.  For He is the source of all peace and comfort. 

 

names of Christ (an update)

About a year ago my aunt asked me if I could create a color version of my Names of Christ booklet (found here).  She printed them off on really nice paper and gave them to some special women in her life for Christmas.  She gave me a copy of the finished product, and it's lovely.  The painting of Christ that she wanted to be included was this one that President Thomas S. Monson has had in many of his offices.  

He wrote, "Through the years, the offices I have occupied have been decorated with lovely paintings of peaceful and pastoral scenes. However, there is one picture that always hangs on the wall which I face when seated behind my desk. It is a constant reminder of Him whom I serve, for it is a picture of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When confronted with a vexing problem or difficult decision, I always gaze at that picture of the Master and silently ask myself the question, “What would He have me do?” No longer does doubt linger, nor does indecision prevail. The way to go is clear, and the pathway before me beckons."  (Thomas S. Monson, "Windows," Ensign, November 1989, p. 69)

When I was looking for a photo to include of President Monson and the painting in this post I came across this sweet blog post and tribute to this blogger's grandmother. 

 I also loved this beautiful sentiment and photo from Elder Dale G. Renlund, 

"After I was called to be a General Authority Seventy in 2009, President Thomas S. Monson invited my wife, Ruth, and me into his office to set me apart. He told us many things about his ministry and showed us around his office.

One of the paintings in President Monson's office caught my attention. It is a depiction of the Savior, as painted by Heinrich Hofmann. Immediately, I knew that I wanted the same picture in my own office. I arranged for a copy of the painting to be framed so that I could take it with me to Africa. It hung in my office in Johannesburg for five years and now hangs in my office in Salt Lake.

Some might wonder why I like this painting so much. I love the way this painting depicts the eyes of the Savior. To me, His eyes are full of compassion, mercy, and love. As we work to continually become more like the Savior, we will better understand the love that He has for us." (Elder Dale G. Renlund, "Dale G. Renlund: An Obedient Servant,", Ensign, July 2016)

  This past weekend at General Women's Conference, I was once again inspired to a more serious focus on the Savior.  I want my knowledge and devotion to be unshakable. I want to have the "bedrock of understanding" that President Nelson was quoted in two of that talks.  (see Russell M. Nelson, "A Plea to My Sisters," General Conference, October 2015)

I want to immerse myself in the word of God with renewed dedication and commitment.  Like everyone else finding time to do everything is hard, but making time for this is essential.  For I love the Lord, and He needs to be my priority.

 

The free Names of Christ booklet can be found here free for you to download. I have updated a few mistakes (although the "oops 20" in the picture is in reference to where it is located in my personal scripture journal) and reconfigured the downloads for easier access.  I hope that you will join with me in making the Savior, the bread of life and priority in our lives. 

 

This darling printable is from Alexa Zurcher. I adore her work and ordered these two darling quilts that Loaf loves to wrap up in.  I can't tell you how much I appreciate the goodness that others share.  I often think about wanting to create more things, but I don't have time for everything, and when there are such beautiful downloads already available it makes life wonderful.  

valentine's planner download

A month plagued with illness has made life extra slow everywhere, including here.  However I think everyone is finally on the mend, myself included and I'm looking forward to the spring like weather and easy breathing associated with health.

As you know I have recently started creating my own planner stickers. (See this post)

I have found some additional commercial use resources that I'm thrilled to no only add to my own pages, but to include in the printables I offer. It has made me excited to once again start designing again.  I get bored of my own stuff and when I worked in the scrapbooking industry one of my strengths was incorporating a unique group of designers into my style. I am hoping that adding these commercial use elements will help me in this manner. 

The elements in this Valentine's planner download were created to fit my 7.5 x 10" moleskine with planner inserts, but you can certainly adjust the sizing as necessary.   Rather than have many tiny elements I have found a few larger ones fit my style more.  However I'm stilly adjusting and learning as I go so that might change.

Download Akimball_valentines (pdf file)

Download Akimball_valentines (silhouette studio3 file)

The watercolor images are from Octopus.Artis (with commercial use license).  

 

Another thing I have really enjoyed adding to my journal this month was from a campaign from "The Small Seed" .  It's a wonderful site filled with great writers who uplift and build people of all different faiths.  It's been lovely to read the last few weeks from different people about loving oneself and the importance of knowing who we are and the infinite value that gives us.  You can find out more here: Choosing to Love Yourself.  You can find free downloads in the subsequent posts and an 18 day challenge geared toward loving who you are and how much you mean to God. 

365 Book of Mormon (downloads)

I was recently released from my calling as social media director for our local congregation.  My calling included not only helping run the social media accounts, but creating the daily Book of Mormon reading content.  I posted a little bit about it here.  I was a great experience for me to hear/read and publish the testimonies shared.  How I love the word of God.  

When I made the graphics I had thought about printing them off and making a flip chart to have here at home, but life got away from me and I never did anything with the images. Rather than have them sit on my computer I thought I would offer them here if anyone would like to use them in your homes or congregations.  The copyright is for our religious website: www.readingscriptures.org, but if you find any mistakes please let me know so I can change the files.  The files are zipped jpgs.

Download 01 january

Download 02 february

Download 03 march

Download 04 april

Download 05 may

Download 06 june

Download 07 july

Download 08 august

Download 09 sept

Download 10 oct

Download 11 nov

Download 12 dec

The final project I was asked to do was great a bookmark with all the daily reading included.  I will admit that I thought it was an impossible task as there is so much information and to make it readable I didn't know how it would fit.  But like many other times in my life the Lord showed me that the impossible can be done with a little faith. I was sitting in the car waiting to pick up Loaf from school lamenting and wresting over this request and how it could be done.  In the quiet of the car the Spirit whispered and solved all my questions.

The resulting tri-fold bookmark contains everything requested in the size desired.  It was another example of God's mercy to me and how He can accomplish anything.  I keep thinking of these two verses:

"And after the angel had departed, Laman and Lemuel again began to murmur, saying: How is it possible that the Lord will deliver Laban into our hands? Behold, he is a mighty man, and he can command fifty, yea, even he can slay fifty; then why not us?

And it came to pass that I spake unto my brethren, saying: Let us go up again unto Jerusalem, and let us be faithful in keeping the commandments of the Lord; for behold he is mightier than all the earth, then why not mightier than Laban and his fifty, yea, or even than his tens of thousands?"  (1 Nephi 3:31 and 4:1)

I forget from day to day the mighty miracles that I have seen from the Lord.  This was such a small thing in comparison, but a great reminder that the Lord is in the details and He cares about us and our simple struggles. 

I am enclosing both a jpg file and a pdf.  The bookmark is double sided with a portion on the bottom that will need to be cut off to fit in a standard size scripture.  

Download Akimball_BOM365_bookmark (pdf)

Download Akimball_365BOM_bookmark (zipped jpgs)

 

If you are interested in a free copy of the Book of Mormon go here.  I would love to send you my favorite book.

consolidation (and a free planner download)

Here are a few of my notebooks. Yes I said a few.  I have a problem and I have been thinking a great deal about it the last few months as I have tried to simplify my life.  I want order and structure, thus all the notebooks, but my life is messy and complicated.

For example, I don't study chronologically, meaning 1 Nephi 1 one day and 1 Nephi 2 the next and so on.  I jump all over the scriptures and from talks to books and back again.  One study period could require several notebooks if I wanted things to be neat and tidy.  Although they are within reach when I am at my desk I tend to study all over the house depending on where and when I make the time.  Taking too many supplies is not practical and it is cramping my current simplification mode.

I write nearly everyday. Always in my journal.  It helps me decompress and focus before I study. I write the things I feel when I am listening to the Spirit. I write the musings of the day or whatever comes to mind.  I also add thoughts and lessons learned from speakers and books.   As I write I often feel torn between putting them in my journal or adding them to the specific scripture journal.  

I don't want there to be a difference.

I don't want my life to be segregated into parts.  All those parts make a great whole and by separating things out I think I am leaving out chunks of who I am.  As I was teaching a family history class I realized that if someone were to pick up one of these notebooks they would get an incomplete story of who I am, but if I put everything all in one place you would see a more accurate picture of who I am based on my current struggles and the answers I receive.  It felt like my journal will have all of the problems and an occasional answer.  My scripture journal was filled with answers and no contextual questions to understand why the answers were so meaningful.

So for the last few months I have put everything in one place, testing... working through the kinks and what my end goal will be.  I have added pages. I have listed and doodled. I have charted by daily exercise and food, taken notes from meetings, written the tender feelings of my heart. 

Perhaps it makes me vulnerable to have everything written down in one place where someone might read it while in a meeting, etc, but I'm learning to be okay with that.  

I still add the conference talks that I read and study, but one from 2015 is going to be right next to one from 1999.   I am also less focused on the sketchnote and more about the impressions of my heart.  Why did I read this talk at this time and how did it help me learn what I needed to learn?

I am also working on some new sketches for another download. I'm getting bored using the same ones.

You might remember that I talked about getting a planner (see this post: blessings).  I loved the idea of a planner, but hated having another notebook.  So I made a simple printable that I just print off on sticker paper and add to my journal.  So far I still really like having a weekly map of what I need to do and our activities.  I like having it with my journal.  One notebook.  Heavenly.

I also have enjoyed adding a few supplies, doodles and stamping supplies. I am offering the basic two pages that I use.  I was inspired by Marcy Penner and a planner that she uses.  I love the vertical columns (great for listing and the way my brain works). She offers a wonderful a couple of printables you might be interested in:  1. weekly planner page 2. weekly blueprint.  

After playing with the design for the last month I decided I didn't want the format to stand out. I didn't want it to complete with the information I was adding. I  scale mine down about 10% to accommodate the moleskine size, which I still love and keep coming back to.  The paper is a little thinner than I would prefer, but the construction and durability is fantastic. I am really stressing this current one that I am using and it's holding up like a champ.

Download Akimball_simpleplanner (zipped jpg files)

Download Akimball_simpleplanner (pdf)

You can also download my monthly calendar here.  (I use that to track my miles in the month)

I know I have written at nauseam about the different journals  (a couple of posts here: planning day and about a journal), scripture journals has it's own category here on the blog. I will still post things and ideas about how I make the scriptures and study more meaningful, but they will all be in one place here in my book/journal.  A little like my site: a little of this and a little of that.

scriptures + art

Have you seen those beautiful bible pages that have become works of art? It's a bible with huge margins and Christian artists have created these lovely works of devotion as part of their study.  For example you can see Shannon Noel's work or Retrohipmama or Stephanie Ackerman.  

I have loved seeing their beautiful expressions and even considered doing my own.  However, I want to use the King James translation of the bible or even create one using The Book of Mormon.  I also knew that I probably wouldn't create such lovely works of art, it's not really practical with my study time right now.  I have found a bit of a flaw in my notes that I was hoping the bible art would fill. For example....

 the right side of this page is a portion of some verses that I was writing and thinking about.  Looking back, I don't actually remember what the verses say and although it's meaningful to me something is missing.  I also don't want to always write out all the scriptures. The left side of the page is a talk that I inserted and I remember at a glance what I heard and read.  I want to incorporate the two kinds of study in some way into my scriptures.  

I considered copying each page of the Book of Mormon leaving a huge margin to illustrate and write into, but I didn't know how I would bind it and a few other issues.  Actually if you want to know the truth, any great idea that I have comes after a lot of mental struggle and conversations with God.  Going back and forth thinking about the possibilities and working through the problems in my mind and then suddenly the idea is there with perfect clarity.  This process can take months, years, or sometimes days.

That happened the other day as I was cleaning up after the children had all gone to school.  I came across a beat up copy of The Book of Mormon that Loaf had been using and suddenly I knew what might work.  What if I took the pages of scripture and added them to my scripture journal.  That way I could have the text on hand and I could illustrate and write all at the same time.  I couldn't wait to start so I found another copy of The Book of Mormon (you will need two because of the front and back printing) and started to study.

I have only done this one page, but it's everything I need to know that this is something that will work for me.

A bit of a closeup.  I left out the personal stuff I had written until after I took these photos because... well you understand.  I found that one column was plenty of verses for these pages, in fact perhaps too many, but I think I will keep adding a column per page.  I will probably go ahead and fill in a few pages with the various columns of scriptures now that I know I like this idea.   You could tailor this however you want, add a full page, ignore my idea completely.  That is the beauty of individual scripture study.

"Sometimes I put colored pieces of paper in my scriptures so I have quick access to topics or themes I am studying. I have paper tabs in my scriptures for many of my favorite verses about repentance and the Atonement so I can find them easily as I ponder during the sacrament each week. I usually make notes about what I am learning. Sometimes I keep those notes in my scriptures, and sometimes I write what I am learning in a separate notebook…

"I like to think of my scriptures as a workbook, so sometimes I record where I was when I gained an insight or the name of the person who taught me. That way the experience is refreshed in my memory when I read that passage again." (Julie B. Beck, " My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures", General Conference, April 2004)

I love that... the scriptures are my workbook.   

 My workbook will look different than you, but they bring all of us truth, light and peace.  I love the idea of having a love affair with the scriptures (as President Hinckley said in the December 1985 Ensign) or that the study of (or memorization of) scriptures are like forging a new friendship (Elder Richard G. Scott, The Power of Scripture", General Conference, October 2011).

I love these treasured friends.

A few people have asked more questions about what the color code (you can find it here) looks like in the scriptures. Adding a few photos here:

They are a mess, but they are my happy mess.

scripture study (a talk)

I was asked to speak about scripture study on Sunday.  I always love speaking, ok... not really the speaking part of it because I stumble over myself, but the studying and preparation part are my favorite.  I love refining my thoughts and listening to the quiet impressions about what to say, how to say it, etc.  If you have read the blog for very long some of the thoughts might be some that I have already expressed here, I'm not really very original in my insights. It was nice to pull quotes togther, the primary reason for adding it here to the blog.

Also, right as I was printing off the talk I stumbled upon some wonderful scripture study pdf documents that someone put together.  I thought I would include the links here, because they are filled with great quotes (cited references, which is important to me) and nicely organzied.  Simple and packed with information; a great resource. 

Scripture study part 1

Scripture study part 2

Scripture study part 3

"When I was a very young mother, going to school and trying to manage all that life required, I found that it was impossible to get everything done that was needed.   (If I knew back then what was in store for me today I would have enjoyed the relative peace and quiet of our lives.) I attended a church meeting, I don't remember the speaker, I don't remember the context of the meeting. I only remember person only testified that if I would read my scriptures first thing before I did anything else, I would be able to do all that was required of me.  I remember thinking that this would never happen, my "to do" list was a mile long and getting longer each day, but I decided to give it a try.  

The following day, I got up and studied.  I went about my day and by two o'clock in the afternoon the mile long "to do" list was completed.  I was so exhausted from getting everything done I was ready for the day to end and I still had hours left to fill.  I can't tell you how many times I have put this experiment to the test and every time it works.  

Over the years I have come to learn more about this beautiful promise:

Elder Ballard explained: ”As I think about your schedules and the pressures you face at this time in your lives, I can understand why scripture study can so easily be neglected. You have many demands pulling at you… But I plead with you to make time for immersing yourselves in the scriptures. Couple scripture study with your prayers. Half an hour each morning privately studying, pondering, and communicating with your Heavenly Father can make an amazing difference in your lives. It will give increased success in your daily activities. It will bring increased alertness to your minds. It will give you comfort and rock-steady assurance when the storms of life descend upon you." (M. Russell Ballard, "Be Strong in the Lord, and in the Power of His Might" [CES fireside for young adults,] March 3, 2002)

Elder Hilberg adds to this by saying, "When we invite the Holy Ghost to fill our minds with light and knowledge, He “quickens” us, that is to say, enlightens and enlivens the inner man or woman. As a result we notice a measurable difference in our soul. We feel strengthened, filled with peace and joy. We possess spiritual energy and enthusiasm, both of which enhance our natural abilities. We can accomplish more than we otherwise could do on our own. We yearn to become a holier person." (Keith K. Hilbig, "Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man", General Conference, Oct. 2007)

The Lord was taking my small moments of devotion and enlarging them to help me accomplish near super human feats each day or so it seemed.  Now you might conclude now that I have found the key to peace, happiness, and efficiency, I lead a life carefree and without struggles.  Well, you would be mistaken because I forget… with all that I know, sometimes days pass without remembering to fill my soul with the sustenance my spirit needs. Perhaps this is why I was given this new calling, because I more than anyone am in constant need of reminders of how much I love the word of God and how essential it is in my life.  

Elder Asay said:  “I fear that many of us rush about from day to day taking for granted the Holy Scriptures. We scramble to honor appointments with physicians, lawyers, and businessmen. Yet we think nothing of postponing interviews with Deity— postponing scripture study. Little wonder we develop anemic souls and lose our direction in living.” (Elder Carlos E Asay, "Look to God and Live" General Conference, October 1978)

Elder Scott in this last conference warned: “Don’t yield to Satan’s lie that you don’t have time to study the scriptures. Choose to take time to study them. Feasting on the word of God each day is more important than sleep, school, work, television shows, video games, or social media. You may need to reorganize your priorities to provide time for the study of the word of God. If so, do it!”  (Elder Richard G. Scott, “Make the Exercise of your Faith Your First Priority”, General Conference, October 2014)

More important than sleep…thankfully he didn’t say food. for someone who doesn’t get enough sleep this was a huge warning bell that I need to reprioritize my life.

Now back to the challenges, because we all have them and they are not going away any time soon.  Reading the scriptures will not make our trials go away, they will however enable us to endure and find joy and peace in our turmoil.

As I was starting the Book of Mormon over this week, I nearly skipped the book of Nephi.  How many times have I read it and reread these first stories of Lehi and his family?  Perhaps more than I care to admit, for I always start at the beginning with my new goals to read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover and then I get distracted and lose my place as I study other topics. When I finally remember my goal great lengths of time have passed since I started and I can’t remember where I left off and then I decide to start over.  I don't think I'm alone in this, at least I hope I am not.

So I was thinking, is it a coincidence that the first and probably most read story in the Book of Mormon is about an imperfect family?  About brothers who try to beat and kill their younger brothers (1 Nephi 7:16-22).  They would be considered dysfunctional by today’s classification.

1 Nephi is about a mother who in her fear and sorrow complains (1 Nephi 5:2-3).  It's about hardship and trials, faith and hope.  It would probably not be the stock photo that we see on the covers of our  publications: the perfect family sitting around quietly listening and learning, (Our FHE experiences that look more like a WWF match).  Yet, Lehi’s family is on the covers and in the pages of our publications.  Sermons have been preached and beautiful art has been created about this flawed family. Scholars have even spent time studying these experiences and relationships.

I have to wonder what Sariah must think about all her "dirty laundry" being aired for all the world to see and pick apart.  I overshare, our blog is a prime example of that, but I don't really want you to know all of my mistakes.  Perhaps all our trials are the reason so many of us are drawn to this first scriptural family (Adam and Eve’s was no different). God knew that we would need this family's experience to help guide us through life such, that He had Nephi not only write it once, but twice (1 Nephi 9:5).  He knew we would need strength when we or our children made unwise choices.  He knew we would need to be buoyed up when we are feeling depressed and low.  He knew we would need strength so He has sent angels to walk with us and and lead us through the darkest moments and places (1 Nephi 8:5-8).  

Elder Christofferson in April conference 2010 talked about William Tyndale who helped bring the Bible to the people of 16th- century England. He asked “What did they, who paid enormous sums and ran grave personal risks for access to a Bible, understand that we should also understand?” He then said, “Consider the magnitude of our blessing to have the Holy Bible and some 900 additional pages of scripture, including the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. Then consider that, in addition, the words of prophets spoken as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost in settings such as this, which the Lord calls scripture (see D&C 68:2–4),  flow to us almost constantly by television, radio, Internet, satellite, CD, DVD, and in print. I suppose that never in history has a people been blessed with such a quantity of holy writ. And not only that, but every man, woman, and child may possess and study his or her own personal copy of these sacred texts, most in his or her own language. How incredible such a thing would have seemed to the people of William Tyndale’s day and to the Saints of earlier dispensations! Surely with this blessing the Lord is telling us that our need for constant recourse to the scriptures is greater than in any previous time.” (Elder D. Todd Christofferson,“The Blessing of Scripture”, General conference,April 2010)

Elder Oaks asked this question:

“How much time does a family allocate to learning the gospel by scripture study and parental teachings, in contrast to the time family members spend viewing sports contests, talk shows, or soap operas? I believe many of us are overnourished on entertainment junk food and undernourished on the bread of life.” (Elder Dallin H. Oaks, “Focus and Priorities”, General Conference, April 2001)

This year as the Bishopric has asked us to Read the Book of Mormon together as a ward family, to have the theme by “Feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do” (2 Nephi 32:3).  Let us remember that “Feasting upon the word of God means more than just nibbling at the banquet table. Feasting upon the scriptures means studying the scriptures individually and together as families. It means pondering and praying about what we read. It means using the scriptures as the basis for our teaching, likening the scriptures—their stories and counsel—to our own lives, that they “might be for our profit and learning” (1 Ne. 19:23). It also means using the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, in our missionary work. Because the scriptures contain the words of Jesus Christ, they are vital in bringing people to a knowledge of the truth.

“Feasting denotes pleasure or joy. Feasting upon the word of God means developing a love for the scriptures and for studying them. “(“Study My Word”, Ensign, Mar. 1998, 70)

President Benson promised saying, “There is a power in the book which will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin a serious study of the book. You will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. The scriptures are called ‘the words of life’ (D&C 84:85), and nowhere is that more true than it is of the Book of Mormon. When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance. ... [You will also enjoy] increased love and harmony in the home, greater respect between parent and child, [and] increased spirituality and righteousness. These promises, are not idle promises, but exactly what the Prophet Joseph Smith meant when he said the Book of Mormon will help us draw nearer to God” (Ezra Taft Benson, "The Book of Mormon- Keystone of Our Religion", General Conference, October 1986)

Elder Scott added his witness this last conference, “I add my voice with this promise: as you dedicate time every day, personally and with your family, to the study of God’s word, peace will prevail in your life. That peace won’t come from the outside world. It will come from within your home, from within your family, from within your own heart. It will be a gift of the Spirit. It will radiate out from you to influence others in the world around you. You will be doing something very significant to add to the cumulative peace in the world.” (Elder Richard G. Scott “Make the exercise of Faith Your First Priority”, General Conference, Oct 2014)

So as we make a conscious effort this year to read The Book of Mormon let us remember when time is short, when our children are… well being children we are not alone in our journey. I have always loved and appreciated Elder Bednar’s frankness and stories about his sons (in the chaos of our home it gives me hope).  In October 2009 he said his home was probably a lot like ours as his sons were growing up.  He said they often wondered as parents if their efforts to do anything spiritual were worthwhile. “Now and then verses of scripture were read amid outbursts such as “He’s touching me!” “Make him stop looking at me!” “Mom, he’s breathing my air!” Sincere prayers occasionally were interrupted with giggling and poking. And with active, rambunctious boys, family home evening lessons did not always produce high levels of edification. At times Sister Bednar and I were exasperated because the righteous habits we worked so hard to foster did not seem to yield immediately the spiritual results we wanted and expected.”

He continues by saying that he doesn’t think that his sons would be able to identify one particular prayer or specific instance of scriptures study that was especially meaningful.  They would say that they remember the consistency and outcome they had not considered in the day to day antics.  He goes on to say, 

“In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.

Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33). Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes.”  (Elder David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home”, General Conference, October 2009)

So when one of my son’s describes how he feels after eating school lunch with this scripture, "My bowels, my bowels! I am pained at my very heart; my heart maketh a noise in me; I cannot hold my peace" (Jeremiah 4:19).

Or another child clearly asleep during family scripture study, finally in a sudden burst of "wakefulness" popped out of the blanket, with eyes still closed, no scriptures near him and started,  "And it came to pass..."  and 10 seconds later is was fast asleep once again.  I have new hope because I know something is sinking in.  

So to reason the I am standing before you, which is certain not because of my vast scriptural knowledge, we as a ward are like that beautiful canvas.  We are part of a greater effort.  As we study and encourage one another as we read The Book of Mormon we find added meaning and love for the scriptures.  As we bear witness of the truthfulness of the gospel, using the technologies available to us we will contribute to a growing floor of truth and righteousness.

Elder Bednar said, “Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters. May our many small, individual efforts produce a steady rainfall of righteousness and truth that gradually swells a multitude of streams and rivers—and ultimately becomes a flood that sweeps the earth. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).” (Elder David A. Bednar, "To Sweep the Earth as a Flood", BYU Education week, August 2014)

May our love for the scriptures be evident to all with whom we associate and may our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ fill others with hope of His great redeeming love.  He lives.  I know He lives."

reading scriptures (free download)

("The Book of Mormon - Keystone of Our Religion")

It's been strange to be working on the computer and not post anything here (I've also been enjoying the holiday break with the family). For the 2015 year our ward (local congregation) has set a goal to read The Book of Mormon together.  As part of one of my callings in our ward I have been asked to help with a social media specialist for our congregation. It has been fun creating the daily graphics to be shared online and although much of what I am doing is for our ward specifically I decided to add many of the graphics as part of Simple Testimony.  

("A Testimony Vibrant and True")

If you would like to follow along with our daily reading you can go to ReadingScriptures.org. There will be quotes and graphics like this, daily Book of Mormon reading assignments/graphics and... well I'm not sure where the and is going to go.  This is a work in progress, but I am excited to have the help of wonderful friends and neighbors bear testimonies of the truthfulness of The Book of Mormon.  It will be a blessing in my life as the year progresses to watch people I love share goodness, as Elder Bednar has asked. (Elder Bednar's Women's Conference talk.)

Fred helped me choose the colors for the year. Each month will have a new color scheme.  She is a delight to work with.

 

The logo for our ward site.  It's based off of the photo I took up above.  If you would like a a png file of this scripture clip art you can download it here:

kimball_reading scriptures. png

("Blessings Resulting from Reading the Book of Mormon" )

I love the scriptures! I love the clarity they bring my life. I am so thankful when I make time with the Lord a priority.  Sometimes I forget and I really notice a difference in my life when I have taken time to study the word of God.  I need that peace in my day.  My family needs the peace that comes from having the Spirit in our home as we read about the Savior, Jesus Christ.  

If you would like a  free copy of The Book of Mormon- my favorite read and freebie", click on the link. I would love to send you a copy of my favorite book.

("A Testimony of the Book of Mormon")