Goals

So, for the past few days, I've been thinking about how to approach this.  I, Claire, have had a few thoughts. I could really get into everything and study each chapter with talks, notes, books, etc.  I could do better at keeping a journal (cuz I need to do better in spiritual journal and regular journal). I could memorize some scriptures that help me. I could, I could.....

Here's what I think I've decided on. (But I can change! Just a warning!)

1. Being consistent.   This meaning for both myself and with Bronson.  I have been doing much better this year reading consistently (I had a hard time when I was working and then when i was a new Mom and really haven't done great since I was taking religion classes at the Y).  But I've been trying to read everyday and finally am back in the habit and really do enjoy it. I've been focusing on the choronological part of the BoM and really making sure I understand who is who, where different people orginated from, what happened, etc so I can know the stories better and then be able to recall them faster with the hope of applying those stories in real life situations.
With Bronson, we were good to read the Kids Scriptures when he was littler, but have had a harder time as he became, well, more crazy I guess. Right now, I'm trying to teach him to treat the scriptures nice and show him the pictures of Jesus, as that's what he likes and will sit there (and boy am I glad he DOES like Jesus!).  So, even if it's a verse, talking about the pictures, anything, I want to be better at reading with Bronson.

2. Knowing the Stories - Recently I have seen just how much Bronson listens and really does understand.  (Like the times, where he randomly points and says "Mom! Shadow! on the ceiling!" and I think... "he knows what a shadow is!? And that it's ON the CEILING?") So, I have decided to try and make the stories come to life for Bronson.  Even if this is only a FHE, once a week thing, I want to try and do pictuers and things that he can interact with as we talk about the story.  the Friend (church magazine) has pictures of different scripture stories you can cut out and put on a popsicle stick or paper bag to make puppet-like creations.  I did go through and get all of them out of the Friend and will laminate them (for durability) and use them in our FHE scripture nights.  Hopefully he will know characters and some basics, like Nephi and a ship, by the end of the year. Who knows? Maybe he'll be able to tell you the story or sing the song Nephi's Courage for you!  I'll use whatever I can think to help (visual aids, music, acting out, etc) and use those to help me teach him.  I am hoping that this will also help me get to the very basics of the story. For example, Nephi going for the plates - we'll talk about the Spirit and obeying. I am hoping in talking about these things in a basic, elementary way will help me remember and actually apply it in life more.
Figurines in the Friend found here- (remember to look up other past issues and get the other figurines)

3. Dissect Scripture - I would love to do this per chapter, but for now in life, when I read a chapter I want to pick one verse and really dissect it. Look up other scriptures on the topic. Know vocabulary/culture. Think about the how (application) and why (doctrine). I want to write at least this in a little notebook so I can remember the scriptures I did dive into. Example here - Romans 1:16

In sharing my goals, I'm hoping to have some accountability and have to report. Mom, you're welcome to ask, even if I'm ashamed at the answer. :) I'm looking forward to doing this and even am hoping that both babies will let me go and Experience! the Hill Cumorah Pageant again this year!!!! Anyone who wants to come is invited!!!!! It's awesome!