HAPPY NEW YEAR!
In 2010, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (worldwide) are encouraged to study the Old Testament. It’s something “we” do every four years and I love it.
Normally, on the first Sunday in January, a class member study guide is distributed. That small detail somehow fell through the cracks in my home ward this year. And speaking of cracks, I don’t love lighthearted remarks about no one ever reading the lessons. I KNOW LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO READ THE LESSONS!
For me, being on the same page, is one of the most important goals I make at the beginning of each new year. Regardless of where I happen to be serving on Sunday, diligent study of the Gospel Doctrine lesson during the week is the opportunity I take, within the privacy of my own home, to kneel at the Savior’s feet, begin with prayer, turn to the holy scriptures, and learn from His beautiful teachings.
I try to dedicate an hour a day, but already my record for this year isn’t perfect. Sticking to the goal is especially tough when that one hour comes super early, like 4:30 and 5:00 A.M. Using the study guide helps greatly to direct my study path so that blurry eyes and a foggy brain have specific directions and organized lessons to follow.
Now, after making a special run to the Distribution Center for my own class member study guide, I’m armed and dangerous! Pffft. My plan is to follow the suggested reading and take lots of notes along the way. My crisp new booklet will soon enough look like it’s owned by a gang member, but all the underlining, arrows, and messages scribbled in the margins mean everything to me.
If you need help obtaining your own study guide, just say the word. It’s sure to be a great year!
January 6th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
I got mine, but if anyone didn’t and doesn’t want to run to a distribution center (a 4 hour drive for me
), it’s also available online: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=d7561b08f338c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=5c398c8fd6c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____
January 6th, 2010 at 2:43 pm
wow, that’s a long link
January 6th, 2010 at 5:39 pm
You’re the best Elizabeth. Thank you.
January 8th, 2010 at 6:36 am
I am one of the lesson readers as well. I am excited to be studying the Old Testament this year. My husband is the teacher so we should have some fun discussions this year! Happy studying!!
January 8th, 2010 at 10:59 pm
Oh you’re going to have such fun Kathy! I taught gospel doctrine when we lived in New York. Such a great opportunity! Each week I passed a reading chart where class members could sign if they read the entire lesson. I think there were about 40? people in the class and when I gave that reading role to the Bishop at the end of the year, he was thrilled to see about 95% participation, for 52 weeks! If you can get your people to try reading the lessons ahead of time, they’ll be hooked. The Spirit is guaranteed to motivate, teach and inspires, if we’ll just take the time. Please give your husband my best. I’m happy for you both.