The first post

I guess there must be a first post sometime. Might as well be now. To give you a little more background, for the last 3 years we have lived in the Sultan Ward, the bishop has challenged members of the ward to turn off the TV for the full month of March. Last year was the first year we made an effort to really not watch TV. By our own admission, although at times it was difficult, Aimee and I both agreed that we were closer as a family and had a good experience as we tried to follow the guidance of our leaders.

As March 2009 approached, I was thinking of what I might want to do to during the month of March since some time in the evenings would be freed up. As I was pondering what to do, I was drawn to the scriptures. It occurred to me that while I’ve read the Book of Mormon several times, and had probably read the bulk of the New Testament and the Doctrine and Covenants “at some point”, I had never made the the effort to read the full standard works from beginning to end.

So that’s what I’ve decided to do. I’ve done the math and even made the requisite spreadsheet to track my progress. 6.8 pages per day for 356 days will allow me to complete the full standard works.

I actually started this project on the first day of March, 2009. I figured that if I ended up a bit behind perhaps I could use March, 2010 to do any last catch up; my 30 day grace period, although I have no intention of needing it.

At the time I started this project, I considered starting a blog or a journal as a way to keep track of my progress, but more importantly, a way to keep track of teachings and principles that I learn as I study the scriptures. While I thought it was a good idea at the time, I don’t think of myself a fantastic writer and I consider any inspiration that I may receive as personal, for my own education and edification, not to be interpreted as guidance and counsel for anyone else. With those ideas in mind, I decided at the time that I wouldn’t spend the time to track this in a blog. As you can see, I’ve clearly had second thoughts about keeping track of my thoughts. I have no particular audience in mind and I still consider any thoughts, ideas, inspirations and musings simply for my own instruction.

As you can see, I’ve been in to this for almost two months by the time I’ve written this first post. I initially started reading the Doctrine and Covenants, as it is the course of study in Gospel Doctrine class. Roughly a third of the way into the D&C, I decided to begin in the Book of Mormon.

I’m currently at the half way point and I regret that I haven’t kept better track of the things that I’ve learned as I’ve read. If I can get ahead in my reading, perhaps I’ll have a chance to re-read the first part of the Book of Mormon and make up for the time I’ve missed. Maybe that is where my extra 30 day grace period will come in handy.