You know that time when you committed to reading the entire Book of Mormon and then you hit Second Nephi? And for some strange reason you don't ever finish the Book of Mormon as you planned? Some people say that it's because they lose interest. Others say that they just 'don't have time'.
But the weirdest one is "It's Isaiah. I can't read Isaiah."
The only time I ever say "can't" is when I'm talking about sins. No, scratch that. That's when I say "I won't. Ever. You'd have to drag me down kicking and screaming and fighting."
In short, 'can't' is not in my vocabulary.
I would like to let you all know that I have proudly finished Second Nephi over two times (I'm only a teenager, remember), and Isaiah is NOT boring. Or hard. Or something I 'can't' do.
Today in Seminary we talked about Isaiah. The "scary book" in the Old Testament. Why is it so scary? I think it's because Isaiah uses a lot of riddles and imagery.
So, with that in mind, here's my "Diving into Isaiah with a Helmet and Knee Pads" list:
1. Bring your creativity: Before looking at the footnotes, try to think about what Isaiah might be saying.
2. Bring your imagination: Figure out the parables and all will be well.
3. The entire message of Isaiah is Christ, His mission, and His coming. So, just like when a confusing riddle is made clear with a picture, keep the image of Christ in your mind as you read.
4. Bring your courage. You won't get through unless you are fearless!!!
And, when you get stuck in Isaiah or Second Nephi, here's your encouragement:
Come on! Just ___ more chapters to go!!!
Don't give up now! You're _/_ of the way there!
Go! Go! Go!!!!!!!!
I am so proud of you!!!!!!!
As you can see, I HATE exclamation marks. Just HATE them. And if you're like my friends, who have a hard time getting sarcasm... That up there was sarcasm.
Love you all!
-Sally
Sally!
ReplyDeleteI love this blog! I just ran across it tonight and wanted to tell you that I think this is great! I would offer you to come check out my blog as well... I'm not a teenager anymore but I was once. I married a RM in the temple, did everything I was supposed to do, started a family etc and it all came crashing down and HARD!
I wish I had known then what I do now and I'm so proud to see strong young women like yourself trying to combat the really, really scary stuff that's out there.
If you'd like to check out my blog, I'd love to have you...
My new blog is mynameisjacy.com and I'm posting about finding happiness even when life doesn't go according to plan. I never ever thought I'd be a divorced single mom... but here I am.
You are also welcome to check out my old blog (which I was posting anonymously) which documents what I went through when I found out the most horrific news of my life: secrets, lies, addiction, infidelity, etc. mynotsoperfectmormonmarriage.blogspot.com
Keep doing what you're doing! This is a SCARY SCARY world and I saw it first hand when it destroyed my family... but you are right, we have all been sent here for a purpose and I think you're on your way to doing great things! This blog proves it!
Big hugs! One proud 27 year old mom right here ;)
Sally, first off, Thank you for being such a supportive friend. I am very blessed to know you personally. Secondly, 'Can't' is to in you r vocabulary. You've told me i can't do plenty of stuff (not in a degrading way, just that I can't break rules and the likes...)But other than those few instances, I have to say, I would agree, and I definitely admire you for being so positive. Way to attract those who seek your guidance in this SCARY world. Love ya lots.
ReplyDelete<3 You Know Who,