Insatiable Scripture Reading

 In my church, I teach gospel principles to the 10-11 year olds.  Each year the subject matter is concentrated on certain scriptures.  In 2016, we studied the Book of Mormon.  My co-teacher and I had challenged our students to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  The last week of the year, I realized I still had some reading to do.  Even though my students would never know (we get new students at the beginning of each year as the current class advances), I wanted to keep true to the challenge and finish my reading.  I was able to finish in the eleventh hour on December 31.

After reading the Book of Mormon, I wanted to keep a study of the scriptures going. I contemplated reading the Book of Mormon again because of the immense value it has to me, but thought I would instead read what our new class of 10-11 year olds would be reading- the Doctrine and Covenants.

Initially I thought I would read along with my students as we studied the sections throughout the year.  Once I began reading, I couldn't stop!  I had such an insatiable desire to read the Doctrine Covenants.  When I first woke up, in between loads of laundry, staying up late to read.  I had never before experienced such a strong desire to read scriptures at such a rapid rate.  Not only did I finish in a few days, but I desired to create a reading incentive to encourage my students to read.  I felt so lifted up by the scriptures, I wanted my students to have the same opportunity for inspiration.

My insatiable desire to read, turned to creating a reward system.  I took one verse that was especially touching to me or one that summarized in each section and made a little card for each and attached it to a candy.  The idea was that they would receive a card & candy as they finished each section.  Before I took that on, I was hesitant because it was a big project and I didn't want to bite off more than I could chew.

However, it seemed doable, so I proceeded.  I was able to complete the process in time before the first Sunday to introduce to the students.

As I read the scriptures certain phrases would stick out to me.  I would notice them repeated throughout my reading of the Doctrine & Covenants and creating these candy rewards provided even more time to reflect on inspiring verses.