The Blister

Today, I started walking.  Not that I don't walk every once in a while, but today, I actually took an hour out of my busy morning, (sleep is busy, right???) and walked for an hour.  I KNOW is was uphill both ways!  But, in a strange way, it felt really good to get up out of bed and do something for myself.  In my quest to lose weight and be more healthy, walking just seemed like a natural progression. 
I took Yoda on his leash and we started out on the dirt roads of my country home.  We had to brave the big dogs, (why or why don't some people believe in leashes) and hike through treachorous terrain (ok, so it was only goat thorns and thistles) and run I mean walk, circles around the competition (Ok, so she would have left me in the dust, but what is the fun in admitting that I am sadly, pantingly out of shape).  It was still a wonderful walk. 

I had the opportunity to walk the dog, visit with a friend (when I wasn't having a heart attack from being out of breath) and I actually spent some much needed time on myself.  Now, my next endeavor is to fix the bicycle so that I can ride every other day on a five mile route.  I think that I am CRAZY!  If you don't believe me, just ask the blisters on my toes.  (Oh yeah, that one really hurts!)

I have decided that studying the gospel can be a lot like my new exercising experience.  We are supposed to read and study the scriptures daily.  It is hard work!  There are dozens of things that need and want our attention, especially when we are trying to study.  But we have been given promises that we would receive blessings if we keep this one, simple commandment. 
In my own family, I have noticed that the arguing is much less when we are reading our scriptures regularly.  The entire family is more alert and oriented to the needs of others around us.  I have noticed how gospel teaching moments tend to almost leap off the pages and teach me how to teach those I love the most.  I have noticed how answers to prayer can be found within the pages of my scriptures.  I have noticed how I always learn something that I did not know.  I have noticed how the girls thrive on the attention they get at scripture time.  How they love laying all over the couch, snuggled up against their parents and holding their very first puppy.  I have noticed how my heart fills with love for them and how that simple act carries me through the difficulties that sometimes arise with three girls during the day. 

What have you noticed when you read?  And if you haven't started yet, what is keeping you from doing this?  If you only start one thing this week, make it a daily scripture habit.  It doesn't matter if it is one chapter, or even one verse on a busy day.  As long as you are searching for Him. 

I love the words of modern revelation:
“Search these commandments, for they are true and faithful, and the prophecies and promises which are in them shall all be fulfilled.
What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.
For behold, and lo, the Lord is God, and the Spirit beareth record, and the record is true, and the truth abideth forever and ever.” (D&C 1:37–39.)

I can bear my personal testimony to this; that if you will seek Him, you will find Him.  May the Lord bless each of us to feast upon His holy word and to find the strength, understanding, and peace that He has promised. 

What are you waiting for?