Midwest Mormon in the Mid-East

I didn't get to double my reading for today. In fact, it's been a busy day and I barely got my 10 pages of reading. I'm saddened that it's 10pm, and I have to read quickly instead of taking my time to savor the writings of Isaiah and Malachi- both write richly and wonderfully, like Shakespeare. It may take the reader longer to understand the imagery and the language, but once that’s done, then you can enjoy masterful writing.

Sadly, it's late, and I have to wake up early for a job interview in the morning, so I've just skimmed quickly instead of feasting on their words.

When I first heard President Hinckley's Book of Mormon challenge read in Sacrament Meeting I thought, "Yes, this is exactly what I need to get back into the habit of daily scripture study." Then I recalled these verses that are in today's reading:

3rd Nephi 26: [6] And now there cannot be written in this book even a hundredth part of the things which Jesus did truly teach unto the people;

[7] But behold the plates of Nephi do contain the more part of the things which he taught the people.

[8] And these things have I written, which are a lesser part of the things which he taught the people; and I have written them to the intent that they may be brought again unto this people, from the Gentiles, according to the words which Jesus hath spoken.

[9] And when they shall have received this, which is expedient that they should have first, to try their faith, and if it shall so be that they shall believe these things then shall the greater things be made manifest unto them.

[10] And if it so be that they will not believe these things, then shall the greater things be withheld from them, unto their condemnation.

[11] Behold, I was about to write them, all which were engraven upon the plates of Nephi, but the Lord forbade it, saying: I will try the faith of my people.

When are we, as a Church, going to prove our faithfulness enough to get the added scriptures we've been promised? I know, with my spiritual laziness, I was part of the problem, not part of the solution. Not only was I holding myself back, but I was part of the membership that are holding the whole Church back.

The revelation of additional scripture will only happen when we all collectively and individually make scripture study a daily habit and living the gospel principles our daily actions.

God, bless me that I prove faithful for whatever blessings you are holding ready for my personal preparedness. Bless your Church that we will follow our prophet, and increase our spiritual capacity.

Oh, yes, I did think about Christ instituting the sacrament to the Nephites during our sacrament time today at Church. It was so uplifted that I wanted to get up and share my testimony, but was saddened when I realized today was not Fast Friday.

And the Relief Society sisters went ga-ga over the gingerbread montage at the Friendship Basket presentation… Sometimes this Wicked Sloth-monkey does things to seek recognition and to stroke her ego. Such is the carnal nature of such creatures.