5 Study TIPPS for Crazy Busy People
The "TIPPS" I’m sharing here are not new ideas, but they may serve as a helpful reminder that there are numerous ways to make the scriptures a part of our daily routine, even when our time is very limited. Scripture study is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each of us can customize a program of regular time with the scriptures that will enrich our days with spiritual insights and understanding, even when we are burdened with a busy and hectic schedule. As we make an effort to spend some time in the scriptures each day, even if only 10-15 minutes, the Lord will bless us with treasured insights and understanding.
If you are currently struggling to establish or maintain a regular routine of reading your scriptures, I invite you to try one of these TIPPS on for size in a 7-day challenge (we can do anything for 7 days, right?) and see what happens. The results may surprise you.
Five TIPPS for Digging Higher
1.
Target golden nuggets. Skim a chapter for 5-10 minutes, then choose one passage, a couple verses or a phrase, that sticks out to you. Make that passage a targeted focus throughout your day. Unpack the passage in your mind as you drive, during your break, or when you’re between meetings. Ponder it as you move through your day. As you find yourself thinking about the passage, a spiritual application or insight will reveal itself.
My daughter, Ellen, shared a suggestion that I love. She said, “Read with the intent of finding a message that you can take with you and share if someone asked you to give a spiritual thought. That way no matter how much time you dedicate (even 5 minutes) you will get a message out of your reading simply because you set an intention to do so." We never know when the opportunity may arise for us to share an uplifting message with someone.
2.
Incorporate listening into your routine --- Choose one or two chapters that you can listen to while eating breakfast, doing chores, or getting ready for work or school. Because listening while you work involves splitting your attention, you will undoubtedly miss some of the intended messages, so repeat the same segment several times...maybe over the course of 3-4 days. You will pick up some of what you missed, and you will find that you remember more than you expected. Thoughts or phrases may come into your mind when you least expect it. You might be surprised to find new interpretations and insights arise as you allow the messages to work within you.
3.
Plan a weekly splurge --- As you establish the daily habit of at least 5-10 minutes for a scripture snack (morning, noon, or night), commit to a once-a-week “scripture splurge” when you can devote some extra time for writing down your thoughts about what you are reading or listening to that week. As you write, the Spirit will reveal insights to help you make connections between scriptural principles and your temporal pursuits.
4.
Participate in a scripture polo --- Use an app such as “Marco Polo” to video your thoughts about what you are reading to the people who are close to you. This way they can listen and respond when it’s convenient. Ask your Marco Polo family and friends to share their own thoughts and insights in return. I often find that my children and friends have unique and wonderful perspectives and experiences that help me gain a broader understanding of what I’m reading.
5.
Seek insights by Inviting the Spirit to Teach You --- Pray before you read or write! I cannot stress the power of this tip enough! Even if you have no more than 5 minutes, pray first to invite the Spirit to teach you. Then be willing to listen throughout the day. Thank the Spirit in advance for what he will teach you that day.
If you find these TIPPS helpful, please share them on your social media pages. You’d be doing me a great favor.
Thank you :-)