Cleave

My wireless adapter on my laptop is broken, so I can't blog whenever I have the time to anymore.  I have to go up to campus and use a computer lab, and I feel strange looking up scriptures around a bunch of other students (don't worry, I'm working on my comfort levels of displaying my beliefs in public).

But I would like to say that I've finished the D&C and everything that comes after it.  The only standard work I haven't read cover to cover now is the New Testament, and I'm already a bit into it.

My thought for the day is this: If you die before you read all of the standard works, would you be comfortable?  I do not want anyone to point to me and say, "You didn't even read the scriptures. How can you feel worthy to abide in the Celestial Kingdom?"

Because I haven't, and I don't feel worthy.  I don't think I will ever feel worthy, but I can do all in my power to get as close as I can.  Part of that is doing my best to read all of the scriptures and listen to the prophets.  After all, if I sincerely do my very best, over time my best will become better, and Christ will help me meet the requirements of an Eternal, Celestial life.

Choose to Cleave.
*Read my first post, "Preface," for more information about Cleaving

People say that reading your scriptures (and praying) is like putting on the armor of God.  Keeping this in mind, someone (I don't know who) made the argument:

"Why would I put on the armor of God right before I go to sleep?"

This has helped inspire many people to do their scripture studies (and personal prayers) in the morning.  It makes sense.  Start the day with God and continue the day with God.

However, I still maintain studying scriptures before I go to bed.

I pray in the morning.  Sometimes I read in the morning, but it's not a dependable part of my schedule.  My daily reading happens before I go to bed.  Yes, I love sleep and getting to bed earlier would be nice--so why don't I just go to bed at night and read in the morning?

Put aside the assumption that I don't like to wake up early (you're right, but that's not the reason I read before sleeping).

I like to reflect on the day and look for things I need help with, things I'm greatful for, how well I'm meeting my goals, how much I've incorporated the gospel into my life, etc..

I know that I can still reflect on these things in the morning, but in the morning, yesterday doesn't seem quite as fresh, and I tend to have a time limit on how long I can study and reflect on the things I need.  Eventually, I have to leave the house.

I appreciate the night because no one will disturb me, I've finished everything I need to for the day, so my mind doesn't wander as much, and I can take as much time as I need.  I might not face trials at bedtime like I do during the day, but it's not like I forget what I studied the night before as soon as I wake up.  If I go to sleep in my armor, I can wake up prepared for battle.  And it's not as if the armor is uncomfortable.  That armor is one of the best things to go to sleep in.

Studying and reflecting in the morning isn't bad--whatever works for you works for you.  But nightspirituality isn't any less than morning spirituality.  Whatever works for you works for you.

Choose to Cleave.

*Read my first post, "Preface," for more information about Cleaving