I think most of us know that we can accomplish anything we really put our mind too. Some things require a little more effort or practice, but in the end it CAN be done. A few months ago we challenged Taylor to finish her Book of Mormon by the time her braces came off. She had gotten over half way and stopped during the school year and lost all motivation. 7 days prior to getting them off she still hadn't gotten any further than before. That is when I intervened and offered that I too would take the challenge to finish the book in 7 days. Remember she was over half way and I hadn't even begun.....did I mention I am NOT a reader?
We shook on it and my reading began. At first as I went through the "familiar" chapters about Nephi and his brothers murmuring, Lehi's dream...you know the stuff I think we all start each time we have a goal. I would sometimes read through the chapters with just my scriptures, then I really got into listening and following along on my ipod. Each spare moment I had, my skull candy plugs were in my ears listening to the strong powerful voice of the man (unknown to me). It's a powerful voice though, and he does really use intensity on those repentance verses! It became a story that intrigued me and believe it or not I listened to 6.5 hours of it in the car on my way to California. I saw the patterns of good, then wicked, repentance, and then good again. I ended up finishing my last page on the beach in Carlsbad. And I can't help but say it actually increased my testimony. I am embarrased to admit, but that is the 2nd time since I was baptized I actually started it from start to finish. It gave me a better understanding how important it is to feast yourself on the word of God and how fast we can get wrapped up in worldly things and possessions.
Being a convert to the church, I am coming up on my 15th anniversary. Crazy how fast it has gone. I hope to read it several more times in the next 15 years and even become more knowledgeable and get a better understanding of it. For the record, Taylor too finished the Sunday before her braces came off. I am not sure, if she finished it to get them off or just knowing I caught up to her determined her to finish. Nevertheless, it was such a great experience and I am proud to say I took the challenge!
