Starting it off...

I don't know why I'm so self-conscious. I already have an online journal full of over-sharing and so much crazy. And I'm reasonably confident that no one will ever read this blog but me.

But, I guess I need an explanatory post.

I was so determined to receive some revelatory inspiration during this past General Conference. (October 2011) I sat on my couch and watched every session with a pen in my hand. This was an amazing exercise for me and my analytical brain. Hearing all the talks within one week, including the wonderful RS session, helped me find some patterns and themes. What's so awesome is that everyone else watching probably came up with their own patterns and themes. That's what's so great about the Spirit.

Anyway, my three big themes were Time Management, Prayer, and The Book of Mormon. I figure this blog covers a couple of these themes.

I've been trying to spend my time on the internet in a more productive manner. I'm on Facebook way less (and it was HARD), and I spend less time reading my entertainment news. *sigh* I miss them both, but they were time sinks for me. This blog will give me a chance to be on the internet, sharing, typing, and thinking, while at the same time working toward my goals.

As for reading the Book of Mormon, I just wrapped up another read through just after Conference ended. It was so clear to me that I needed to read it again, or study it consistently...but I was having a really hard time coming up with a way to do it that wasn't just reading a chapter before bed. I have a scripture book in which I write my thoughts and scriptural ramblings, but I am also excessively lazy. Typing here feels so much like wasting time on the internet that I may just be more likely to get my 'searching and pondering' done in a way that will be meaningful for me.

The praying part is the only one of my themes that this blog doesn't cover, but I'm working on that. I know that just thinking 'out loud' about the scriptures I'm studying every day will be a good exercise for me. I hope to have enough when I'm done to be able to publish this blog as a personal keepsake for myself. The thought of writing my own little rambly, bloggy, silly, personal book about the Book of Mormon is so fun that I just might stick with this. That's the dream anyway.

The fact is, I already know the Book of Mormon is a true book of scripture. It truly testifies and teaches of Jesus Christ's mission and the Plan of Salvation. I have read it many times and I have a strong testimony of how consistent study of it can affect my life for the better. I am in NEED of this 'better' right now.

So this is me. Making an effort.