Ten Years

On October 9, 2014, I wrote my first blog post, entitled Words of Mormon 1:7 – I Do Not Know All Things. I had learned by experience that I get more out of scripture study when I write down what I’ve learned, and I decided that if I really believed what I was writing, there was no reason to keep it to myself.

Ten years in, I can say that the process of making my scriptural learnings public has improved both the rigor of my study and the discipline of applying scriptural principles to my life.

President Russell M. Nelson said, “I promise that as you prayerfully study the Book of Mormon every day, you will make better decisions—every day” (“The Book of Mormon: What Would Your Life Be Like without It?” General Conference, October 2017). I can attest that this promise has been fufilled in my life. As I have studied, I have been directed to topics and principles I needed to understand in order to face the unique challenges of each day. I have made small and simple adjustments that have made my life meaningfully better but not dramatically so. The aggregate effect of those small improvements has been most rewarding.

I’ve been inspired by my readers. Here are a few comments I’ve received over just the past few months:

• “Thank you so much for making this information available to help with scripture study. I really do enjoy how you break down these verses and explain them. So helpful in making it easier to understand exactly what I’m reading.”
• “I consider reading and contemplating your daily blogpost part of my regimen for keeping a spiritual house of order. Thank you!”
• “I love your ability to pull out nuggets from the weekly readings . I so appreciate the time you take to blog your insights ! Thank you !”
• “Thank you Paul, I needed this little bit of inspiration today!”

Needless to say, simple comments like those are highly motivating to me and energize me to maintain my habit of daily study and daily writing. Some comments have been shorter, including someone who recently wrote, “Sweet 🎂.” Others have been much longer, as readers have generously shared their interpretations of scripture and enriched my understanding. Some people have asked heartfelt questions which have stretched me as I’ve searched for answers. I’m grateful for every sincere response to my messages.

Which posts have been most impactful? While it is hard to measure impact, here is a list of the blog posts from each year that have been viewed the most times:

• 2014 – Moroni 4:3, 5:2 The Sacrament Prayers
• 2015 – The Allegory of the Olive Tree – Jacob 5
• 2016 – Mourn with Those That Mourn – Mosiah 18:8-10
• 2017 – That They Might Have Joy – 2 Nephi 2:25
• 2018 – His Hand Is Stretched Out Still – 2 Nephi 19:12, 17, 21; 20:4
• 2019 – What Offering Will the Sons of Levi Make in Righteousness?
• 2020 – What Is a “Flaxen Cord?” – 2 Nephi 26:22
• 2021 – One Eternal Round
• 2022 – The Covenant Path
• 2023 – Think Celestial!
• 2024 – Stay by the Tree

So what’s next? More study, more insights, more incremental improvements with the Savior’s help, and consequently more joy. Thank you for joining me on the journey!