BS (Before Seminary) I would devour ‘Bodice Buster’ novels, you know the kind, woman on the cover with dress bursting at the seams. My husband would often remark, “shouldn’t you be reading something good for your mind?’ The Lord must have thought so too, the call to teach came. I have become known in my ward for the quote “If you’re too busy to read the scriptures, you’re too busy.”
Last summer I had to under go some serious eye surgery on my “good” eye. What was suppose to be a 2-3 day recovery, turned into 4 weeks where I was unable to read. It was really hard but I developed a greater appreciation for those with vision impairments. I remember late one night sitting in my recliner (scripture reading chair), and pleading with the Lord, if it was at all possible, please don’t leave me unable to read. I felt I would rather be dead. (Yes, I have been accused of being a drama queen). It was 10:00 pm on a Friday night and I got a call from my doctor. He sounded a little hesitate, apologized for calling so late but he had been looking over my records and felt the need to call. He explained a little of what he had done in surgery and that it would take a little longer for the healing but felt confident that I would have good eyesight for the rest of my life. After I hung up I sat there stunned. I knew it had been my doctor who called, but I felt like the Lord had answered me personally and I promised him I would read faithfully, BUT if it wasn’t meant to be and I would need to adapt, I would with His help. So I would let my husband read the scriptures out loud to me, listen to tapes and when the fear crept in, I would replace it with faith, thinking about that night. 3 weeks later, on a Sunday, I picked up my scriptures to see if I could make anything out and tears over came me (and then I had trouble reading) but I realized I could see the words. Corny but true, I was filled with JOY.
I have days when I get too busy and forget to read but I remember how it could be and I give thanks for my eyes and the ability to read. Then I find my quiet place, curl up and read.
As you allow the beautiful spirit to spirit communication to take place (something I learned from a seminary video with Elder Holland) your love for the scriptures will come. Believe me it will come. It’s something we can hear about all the time, but when we do it, then we will know for ourselves what Pres. Hinckley, Pres. Benson, Elder Eyring, and all the others, are telling us about the power of scriptures.

I am not giving up!

Second, I learned to love the scriptures while serving with my husband as mission president. Elder Kikuchi set me apart and told me in that blessing that I needed to have my own “sacred grove” every day. A time of scripture reading and prayer and revelation.

I took his counsel to heart and began a habit that has continued to this very day. I can’t imagine a day without scriptures and journal writing.

This is a favorite quote of mine from Gordon B. Hinckley on scripture reading:
“I hope the reading of scriptures will become something far more enjoyable than a duty; that, rather, it will become a love affair with the word of God. I promise you that as you read, your minds will be enlightened and your spirits will be lifted. At first it may seem tedious, but that will change into a wondrous experience with thoughts and words of things divine.”

It’s true! Don’t give up!

One thing that helps me get more from my scripture reading is taking notes while I read. Sometimes I copy down a verse that strikes me — either as inspiration or as something I hadn’t noticed before — and sometimes I write my thoughts and feelings about the passage.

I find that I have *something* to write each time I read, even if it’s only a line or two, but when I look back through my scripture journal, I can see knowledge slowly collecting in its pages.

Now I just need to get that daily for myself, by myself.

I’m very peevish in the morning–as well as a world-class procrastinator–so morning is not a good time for me. I’m always rushed and scripture study would most likely be shoved to the back burner.