My Scripture Study Journal

{Note: Today's post is a follow-up to last week's post, How I Mark My Scriptures.}

I have kept a study journal off and on ever since I started studying the scriptures. For many years, though, there was no rhyme or reason to how I organized my journal. While there's nothing wrong with that approach, I knew I could glean more from my scripture study if I could master a more effective way to record the treasures I learn. So for the past several months I've prayed and researched many different ways to keep a study journal.

And then one day I had the best idea yet: I called my mom.

She told me the way she has been studying the Conference talks and recording in her study journal. She learned this method from President Packer when she attended a meeting. It is simple but extremely powerful.

• Draw a vertical line down the middle of your paper. 
• Title the left column: To Remember (or What I Learned)
• Title the right column: Promptings & Impressions (or What I Felt)

As you study the talk (or passage of scripture), record quotes, wonderful ideas from the author, and other information that you wish to remember in the left column.

Then in the right column, write about what that quote means to you or how it applies specifically to your situation. You can also use this column to record inspiration you receive from the Spirit as you are studying. He speaks to us in quiet whispers as we study the word of God, and often, the impressions have nothing to do with what we are studying. This is the beauty of personal revelation.

After you have finished studying the talk, or the chapter, or even just a verse (depending on how deep you scuba dive), turn the page over or start a new page.

• Title this section: My Action Plan

This is an important step. If what we learn does not translate into action, our study yields but little. I love a story told about President Boyd K. Packer by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland that illustrates this point:

"President Boyd K. Packer, himself a master teacher and long-time administrator in the Church Educational System, has a question he often asks when we have made a presentation or given some sort of exhortation to one another in the Twelve. He looks up as if to say, 'Are you through?' And then says to the speaker (and, by implication, to the rest of the group), 'Therefore, what?'

“'Therefore, what?' I think that is what the Savior answered day in and day out as an inseparable element of His teaching and preaching...These sermons and exhortations were to no avail if the actual lives of His disciples did not change.

In this "Action Plan" space you can review your notes and determine what you are going to do with the information you have learned. Let the Spirit guide you to know what goals you can take away from your study to improve your life and make you a truer disciple of Jesus Christ. Then, revisit your action plan in a week or so to reflect and evaluate your progress.

Below is a sample of a study I conducted on Sister Cheryl A. Esplin's talk, "Filling our Homes with Light and Truth." Notice I use different colors because I'm such a visual learner. 

To Remember is recorded in purple

Promptings are recorded in green

Questions in blue

Answers in dark blue

Warnings in orange

Promises in pink

Action Plan in red

In conclusion, let me share a quote from Elder Richard G. Scott:

"I start reading a passage of scripture; I ponder what the verse means and pray for inspiration. I then ponder and pray to know if I have captured all the Lord wants me to do. Often more impressions come with increased understanding of doctrine. I have found that pattern to be a good way to learn from the scriptures."

You will be blessed as you seek to be tutored from on High. I know this with all of my heart. The blessings I have received since studying the word of God in such a simple, yet profoundly deep way, are too innumerable to count. I know the same will be for you.