60 Day Challenge

Yesterday, my Relief Society President challenged us as a ward Relief Society to read the Book of Mormon in 60 days. The last time I read it in a consolidated period of time (President Hinckley's challenge that I finally got on board with sometime in October that year), I learned so much more about the big picture. Normally, when I read in little snatches, it makes it hard for me to remember where I've been and where I'm going in the storyline. So, a few years ago when I read a lot every day, there were places where I couldn't wait to see what happened next. I got a lot out of the themes, too. Different themes stand out every time I read it. I'm excited to see what hits me this time. The R.S. President asked for our comments, and one of the sisters said, "I read the 'Twilight' series books in four days each, so I don't think I have an excuse not to read this book in two months, even with my four busy little boys."

Here's the schedule:

1 1 Nephi 1-4
2 1 Nephi 5-10
3 1 Nephi 11-13
4 1 Nephi 14-16
5 1 Nephi 17-18
6 1 Nephi 19-22
7 2 Nephi 1-3
8 2 Nephi 4-7
9 2 Nephi 8-9
10 2 Nephi 10-15
11 2 Nephi 16-23
12 2 Nephi 24-26
13 2 Nephi 27-30
14 2 Nephi 31-33
15 Jacob 1-4
16 Jacob 5-7
17 Enos, Jarom, Omni & Words of Mormon
18 Mosiah 1-3
19 Mosiah 4-8
20 Mosiah 9-12
21 Mosiah 13-17
22 Mosiah 18-21
23 Mosiah 22-26
24 Mosiah 27-29
25 Alma 1-4
26 Alma 5-7
27 Alma 8-10
28 Alma 11-13
29 Alma 14-17
30 Alma 18-21
31 Alma 22-25
32 Alma 26-29
33 Alma 30-32
34 Alma 33-36
35 Alma 37-40
36 Alma 41-44
37 Alma 45-48
38 Alma 49-51
39 Alma 52-56
40 Alma 57-59
41 Alma 60-63
42 Helaman 1-4
43 Helaman 5-7
44 Helaman 8-12
45 Helaman 13-16
46 3 Nephi 1-4
47 3 Nephi 5-8
48 3 Nephi 9-12
49 3 Nephi 13-17
50 3 Nephi 18-20
51 3 Nephi 21-26
52 3 Nephi 27-30
53 4 Nephi, Mormon 1-2
54 Mormon 3-7
55 Mormon 8-9
56 Ether 1-5
57 Ether 6-10
58 Ether 11-15
59 Moroni 1-7
60 Moroni 8-10

My strategy is to listen to it on my iphone, hopefully in the morning during breakfast and clean-up (I eat after the kids do). My friend just keeps a copy in her car and takes it along in her purse wherever she goes. That way, when she's waiting at a doctor's office or for her son's practice to be over, she just pulls it out and reads. Good plan.

The R.S. Pres. also gave us a list of some of the blessings promised to those that read it. Some of my favorites are:

There will come a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.—Pres. Hinckley, June 1988 Ensign
You will have greater discernment, insight, conviction, and spirit than those who do not.—Pres. Benson, 1975

A power will begin to flow into your lives the moment you begin serious study of the book.
Greater power to resist temptation.
Power to avoid deception.
You will find life in greater and greater abundance.
—Pres. Benson, October 1986 General Conference

When we read prayerfully and regularly both by ourselves and with our children, these are some of the promises:

The spirit of that great book will come to permeate our homes and all who dwell therein.
Mutual respect and consideration for each other will grow.
The spirit of contention will depart.
Parents will counsel their children in greater love and wisdom.
Children will be more responsive and submissive to the counsel of their parents.
Righteousness will increase.
Faith, hope, and charity will abound in our homes and lives, bringing in their wake peace, joy, and happiness.
—Pres. Benson, October 1986 General Conference quoting President Marion G. Romney, April 1980 General Conference

[Making study of this book a lifetime pursuit...] will give spiritual and intellectual unity to your whole life.—Pres. Benson, April 1975 General Conference
The Book of Mormon will change your life....It will bring a spirituality into your life that no other book will. —Pres. Benson, April 1986, Priesthood Session of General Conference

Seriously. How can I walk away from that?