#BOMTC Bonus: Standard Works 365!

Those who have finished The Book of Mormon Translation Challenge have most likely developed what I like to call a “HOLY HABIT” of daily scripture study. You have not just been “tasting” the Good Word of God every now and then, but rather “feasting” upon it on a regular basis. What will you do to make sure that you don’t lose this “holy habit” in your life?

Some of you are ready for a slower, closer study of the scriptures now that you have taken a quicker, broader view. Do it! And start TODAY!

Others have taken President Eyring’s advice to, “go back to the Book of Mormon and drink deeply and often.” You are excited to take a closer look at some of those new verses that you have discovered during the #BOMTC. Drink up! Do it TODAY!

Some of you have expressed a desire to have a “new challenge”–something that can help you keep your “holy habit” of daily scripture study alive and active.  You have seen themes and messages that you have never found before, and you are eager to continue to study the scriptures in a similar fashion. Well, I have a surprise for you!

After reading many comments requesting some type of “new challenge”, I have decided to share with you something that I have done in the past. However, this challenge will be much more “challenging” for a couple of reasons. One reason is that it is about one page more of scripture than you have been studying with the #BOMTC. Another reason is that I will not be reminding you with daily posts and reminders. But, I will be providing you with some materials to help you get started.

My new challenge for those of you who are looking for something similar in pace to the #BOMTC is to study the entire Standard Works in just 365 days!

I have created a VERY BASIC outline for you to follow. It is not pretty, but it is organized. And it will help you to track your progress as you STUDY THE ENTIRE STANDARD WORKS IN 365 DAYS 🙂

I have included a PDF version and a Microsoft Word version of my 365 day study-schedule. The PDF version can be easily downloaded to your electronic devices for daily reference.

Click on the graphic to download the PDF version of Bro Simon Says’ Standard Works in 365 days

The Word version is intended to allow you to customize your scripture study.

Click on the graphic to download the Microsoft Word version of Bro Simon Says’ Standard Works in 365 Days

The current versions that I am providing you begins with the Doctrine and Covenants, then moves to the Pearl of Great Price, followed by the Old and New Testaments, and finishes with the Book of Mormon. However you choose to organize your study, I invite you to place the Book of Mormon at the end of your 365 days so that you will be part of the #BOMTC next year! You will begin the Book of Mormon a little bit after the traditional #BOMTC, but you will still finish by June 30.

One of our fellow readers was kind enough to create a Google Calendar for this 365 day challenge and share the link with us (CLICK HERE). If you click on the “+GoogleCalendar” button on the bottom-right corner of the calendar, then you can add it to your digital calendars and it will show you what you need to read each day. I have used it and it has been very helpful.

CLICK ON THE “+GoogleCalendar” button in the lower-right corner of the calendar above to add it to your digital calendar.

If you are wondering why I will not be posting reminders and commentary on my blog, it is simply an issue of time–not desire.  My family pays a heavy price so that I can help others study the Book of Mormon. But because they understand the importance of the Book of Mormon, they are willing to make the needed sacrifice. However, at the end of the #BOMTC they are ready to have their dad back for a couple more hours each day, and I am ready to give it to them. So I will be taking an online sabbatical, and pass the torch on to other capable and willing scripture study hosts out there. But I want to thank you again for allowing me to become a part of your most recent study of the Book of Mormon. I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!!!

DECLARE YOUR 365-DAY CHALLENGE! Are you are going to study the Standard Works FOR 365 days, or study the Standard Works IN 365 days? It’s a matter of personal preference. One is not better than the other. My only concern is that you continue your “holy habit” of daily scripture study 365 days this year (or however many days it is if it is a leap year…). THAT IS THE REAL CHALLENGE that I present for you today: STUDY THE STANDARD WORKS EACH OF THE 365 DAYS THIS YEAR!

So, on with the challenge! What will your 365 days look like? A slow, careful study of the scriptures for 365 days? More drinking deeply from the Book of Mormon for 365 days? The Standard Works in 365 days? Whatever your preference is, DON’T STOP the “holy habit” that has blessed your life for the last 85 days. Find YOUR reason to study each day! Keep the Word of the Lord alive in your daily life! You know how much it has blessed you and helped you. Take time to thank your Heavenly Father for the precious gift of the scriptures, and then ask Him to help you to determine the best way for you to continue your “holy habit”. He will motivate you much more than I ever can!

God be with you till we meet again… NEXT YEAR 🙂

With Much Love and Appreciation,

Russell Simon (Bro Simon Says)

P.S. July 1st is a significant scripture date in Church History for several reasons. Here are a couple to consider:

ON THIS DAY (JULY 1) IN CHURCH HISTORY…

• July 1, 1828, Manchester, New York. Joseph Smith arrived at his father’s farm and learned from Martin Harris that the 116 manuscript pages of the book of Lehi had been lost.
• July 1, 1829, Fayette, New York. On or before this date, Joseph Smith completed the translation of the Book of Mormon.
• July 1, 1832, Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith completed his work on the inspired translation of the New Testament.
• July 1, 1835, Kirtland, Ohio. Joseph Smith Joseph Smith “was continually engaged in translating an alphabet to the Book of Abraham, and arranging a grammar of the Egyptian language as practiced by the ancients.”