Personal Gospel Study

I LOVE the scriptures, but sometimes when I open them up I don't quite know where to begin. I prefer to have focused, topical study instead of simply reading through cover-to-cover (although that can be rewarding, too), and if I don't have a specific topic I want to study I flounder a little. So, this year I've determined to use the amazing resources the church puts out to assist me. (Why didn't I think of this before???!!!)

Monday: read through my Young Women's lesson, reading and cross-referencing all of the scriptures used in the lesson.

 

Tuesday: personal topical study, either related to my Young Women's lesson, or whatever I feel inspired to study that day.

 

Wednesday: read a talk from the most recent General Conference report, reading and cross-referencing the scriptures mentioned in that talk.

Thursday: Do the Sunday School reading assignment (using the student study guide).

 

Friday: Read and cross-reference the scriptures in the Sunday School "scripture chain" (found in the student study guide).

 

Saturday: Organize young women's lesson

 

Sunday: Read the current lesson in the "Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball" manual.

 

I also feel it is important to take time to record my thoughts, insights, and questions in a scripture study journal. Sometimes I write down my answers to the questions in the student manuals, but usually I just record whatever inspired me that day from the scriptures. These journals become invaluable resources for talks and lessons, and since my memory is imperfect I sometimes read over them just to remember some of the things I've learned through the scriptures.