So what started it all? #2

Before I get started in describing the habits and techniques that I've found that helped me start studying the scriptures in a more productive way, let me express a few things that have come to mind this evening.

I'm only posting this blog in the hopes that some of the habits and techniques that I've found to be helpful to me will in some way help others. I'm sure that I'm not the only one that has struggled with studying the scriptures. But that being said, anything that I post in this blog is completely just my feelings and opinions. Nothing in this blog should be taken as the position of The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints as to the content of this blog.

Okay now that that little disclaimer has been made let's move on.

I cannot begin to describe the excitement that I feel when going to Gospel Doctrine or any of my other classes during the 3-hour block of meetings. It wasn't long ago that I felt lost or left behind because I didn't know the material that we were studying that day. It wasn't that I didn't have the material or didn't read the material prior to class, it was the fact that I couldn't retain what I have read. So I felt that I couldn't add to the class or participate in the discussions out of fear of looking like I was completely out in left field.

These feelings that I was having at church made me feel that my church attendance in a lot of ways was in vain. I felt that I wasn't achieving more knowledge or participating or even progressing. These feelings went on for most of my church life, about 27 years. Up until the last 6 or 7 months when I started trying something different. Like I said in my previous post it was like going through life without sight then all of a sudden being able to see. It was very exciting to finally be able to read the scriptures and retain the knowledge that I was gaining. For the first time I was able to recall stories and dates and parables from the scriptures that added to the discussions I was having at that time with other members. Not to mention the feelings from the spirit that I was finally progressing and gaining light and knowledge. I had a hard time containing my enthusiasm to the point that at times I would feel like I was taking over the class. When the class had ended I often would apologize to the teacher and tell them I just get so excited it's hard for me to keep my mouth shut.

In my next post I will begin to describe some of the problems I was having in studying the scriptures and why I just couldn't retain what I was reading.