In His Steps

Some time ago, during my horrible depressive episode, I realized I wasn't getting much from my scripture studying. I was getting more distressed that I could read and remember nothing from what I read, and that I also would feel apathetic about it. Thus, I decided to try a new tactic to make the scriptures and their stories stick better in my head. Instead of just reading them, I would write--not type--them out. I selected a journal I haven't used yet and made it my scripture study journal. This one happened to have a beautiful leather cover, but any empty journal would do. As you can see, I originally had another intention for this journal, but nothing ever came of that, so I just crossed it out and put in my new intention. I chose the Book of Alma in the Book of Mormon as my starting point and got started. I'm still writing and only in Chapter Eight, but I will say that this has helped me pay attention to words. Sometimes I still do read ...

Do you ever sit back and consider your decisions, wondering if the choices you make are the right ones, or, more importantly, made for the right reasons? I'd rather make a wrong decision for a right reason than a right decision for a wrong reason. That's easy to say, but what does it mean? Lately, I've been thinking. I want to go back to school. Why? To get a better job. Why? So that I can make more money? Uh oh. Why? So that I can support myself, pay my debts, and be financially secure enough. The first two are good reasons, but what is "financially secure enough"? A million dollars? In my mind, "financially secure enough" means that if something happens to me, such as accidents, becoming disabled in some way, becoming unemployed for a time, something happens to my car, etc, I can support myself for at least a little while until I can improve my situation or move closer to those who can help me, or both. Is this a bad goal? No. I've had to rely on...