Reflections of Week 1

I guess I'll try to compile lots of things I've done for class this last week. I'm learning more and more about my study habits. I am so so easily distracted. It could be something I hear, something else I see on the computer, something I hear, something i smell. You all may laugh at that....but it's TRUE! I have to sit somewhere VERY familiar - otherwise, I'm distracted. My attention span is short! I have to work real hard in a short burst of energy. Then, it's best to get up, do something else and come back to focusing. I have to take advantage of those moments. I get overwhelmed with too much going on. Then, I need to simplify and regroup. My laptop is also my best friend. A) is has my 'study instrumental' playlist on my iTunes -- but again....I walk a fine line. And B) I often need a dictionary to clarify things. I have a little Wiki on my Corners application that is FANTASTIC for this sorta thing. It makes me happy :)

During my study time this last week, I've often thought about how little I know about the New Testament. (Especially this second half we are studying right now.) I love the Four Gospels, but have never taken the time to get to know the people and stories of this second half. Hand in hand with that (and my mom pointed this out to me) is that the more you learn, the less you realize you actually know. You realize how far you have to go in your knowledge of the gospel.

The last thing I've been thinking about is principle finding. I'm not practiced at that. I grateful that we are practicing it for our class! I worked really hard this week to dig in deep. We only need three to submit for class, but I made notes in my notebook and found that I had more than three when I really really applied myself and focused really well on the material.

***I want you all out there in BLOG LAND to know that I have a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ! Just like the song says: He Lives. All Glory to His Name. He Lives My Savior Still the Same. Oh Sweet the Joy this sentence gives. I know that my Redeemer lives. What an awesome opportunity I have to reflect on the gift my Heavenly Father gave to me. Not only was I blessed with the ability to live forever, but I was given the opportunity to live in the presence of an Almighty, Omnipotent and Loving Father in Heaven who created the Sun, the Earth, the Stars - worlds without number!... down to sidewalks, rain drops, spider webs and me. He has a plan put together SPECIFICALLY for me. That specific plan is not for Jane down the street, not for Dad, but for ME. And yes, he takes care of Jane down the street and Dad - because he loves them too. But, He loves and knows ME! He knows the deepest corner of my soul, the tiniest worry of my heart and the craziness of my brain. I'm incredibly grateful for that.***