Yesterday I studied about pondering and what that means. Today I want to dig into it deeper and find examples, suggestions, and answers to my questions.
As I look through the Sunday School lesson, this quote sticks out to me:
“The moment you begin a serious study of [the Book of Mormon, you] will find greater power to resist temptation. You will find the power to avoid deception. You will find the power to stay on the strait and narrow path. … When you begin to hunger and thirst after those words, you will find life in greater and greater abundance” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1986, 6; orEnsign, Nov. 1986, 7).
To me, “serious study” has to do with pondering.
arzce43Serious study means coming to the study with a personal question. Serious study means reading, thinking about, writing, and applying to my own life – then thinking about how I can implement what I’m learning into my day to day actions.
This thought led me to the talk about ponderizing the scriptures, where I found this quote:
Small efforts sustained over time can produce significant results.2
What does it mean to ponderize?
I like to say it’s a combination of 80 percent extended pondering and 20 percent memorization.
Here is the how to of ponderizing:
First, choose a verse of scripture each week and place it where you will see it every day.
For this one, I can put the scripture in two places:
- On my mirror in the bathroom
- As my screen saver on my computer and phone
I could also put it on my desk somewhere as a constant reminder on where I need to put my mind and heart.
Second, read or think of the verse several times each day and ponder the meaning of its words and key phrases throughout the week.
This reminds me of the Moller Mission Statement, where I read it and thought about it, even memorized it, and repeated it at least three times each day.
I look forward to implementing this and practicing pondering one day at a time.
I like this idea as well:
If you choose to ponderize weekly, you may feel a bit like a person who has enjoyed snorkeling in the past but has now decided to try scuba diving. With that decision, a deeper understanding of gospel principles will be yours and new spiritual perspectives will bless your life.
This is about digging deeper. This is about asking questions and building upon the faith I already have. After all, the only way to coast is downhill.
I like this concept too:
…the primary goal of ponderizing is to provide an uplifting place for your thoughts to go—a place that keeps you close to the Spirit of the Lord.
Nephi knew about the importance of pondering:
“My soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them [continually], and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.”6
I really liked that study, although it was a bit crazy here at the condo.
I’m grateful to want to ponder and fill my mind with meaningful and spiritual things.
I look forward to a day in recovery today.
Hasta luego!
Nate
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