Categorizing Sections

I chose to categorize the sections alphabetically. I went through and wrote down the most important priciples or themes in each of the sections and then put them in alphabetical order. There are about 20 categories because the principles in these specific sections don't start with every letter of the alphabet, however some sections go under more than one category because they contained two or more important principles.
I thought of a few other ways of categorizing the sections like by people, places, commandments, etc. but when I tried organizing the sections into their respective categories, it seemed chaotic and confusing. I am an organized person, so this was not at all appealing to me. So when I thought of doing it alphabetically, it fit perfectly. Each section had its own special place and was easy to find.
I wouldn't say that people should study the Doctrine and Covenants alphabetically, that would kind of be like reading the dictionary. However, I do think it would be convient if you are studying it by topic. Then you could just choose a topic, maybe one you were taught on Sunday, and then look it up alphabetically and there would be a list of the sections you could study for the week. It would be very convient.
I personally like how the Doctrine and Covenants are organized now. It is very logical. I am able to study the revelations and also visualize what the saints were going through at that specific time. Chronological order is perfect for the Doctrine and Covenants.

Reading Sections 38-42

It seemed to me that these particular sections contained a lot of heavy stuff. When reading them, it was a lot to take in. It first started out with a kind of warning. Be prepared and you have nothing to fear. This seems like a pretty easy concept to follow. However, a lot of us don't follow it. Most of us, just like with school work or other tasks, put things off until the last minute. Section 38 is a warning to do the opposite of that. We need to start preparing now in order to be ready for Christ's return. It also warns us about pride and the riches of the Earth. We are repeated warnedd about pride throughout all of the standard works, so obviously it is an important concept to understand. We need to heed these warnings from the Lord and do everything we can to be prepared because if we do, we will have nothing to worry about and that is a great feeling. When I started to read about the revelations to James Covill I mostly felt disappointed. How could a man like James Covill, who knows the things he was been told are true, just ignore the commandments of God like that? Then I think about people today. There are millions of people who do that same thing everyday. They know the church is true, yet they let worldly things stand in their way of happiness and eternal life. We can definitely learn from James Covill. The last sections was extremely heavy. The Law of the Lord. Wow. I enjoyed reading about all of the blessings we can get by following the law, but I didn't enjoy reading and realizing how many areas I am slacking in. It was a nice reminder of how you constantly have to be working on improving yourself to become more Christlike. I liked the quote in the manual by President Kimball when asked if there is a time when each person is to die. A lot of us are shocked when a loved one dies and wonders if it was "too soon." But we know that according to President Kimball,"God controls our lives, guides and blesses us, but gives us our agency....I am positive in my mind that the Lord has planned our destiny." That is very reassuring.

Reading Sections: 30-37

These sections were filled with a lot of information and and revelation. It starts out with the Lord rebuking David Whitmer. I like how the manual pointed out that anyone of us could replace David's name with our own and the doctrine would still apply. We need to remember that the Lord wasn't just rebuking David Whitmer, but all of us. In the next section we hear about Thomas Marsh, the family being an essential unit in God's work, and the blessings you can receive for being righteous. In Thomas Marsh's case, he was able to be eloquent in his speech which made preaching the gospel easier. I would really like that blessing! The next couple of sections talked about the first mission to the Lamanites. There was a lot that went into spreading the gospel to the Lamanites. Lucky for the missionaries a lot of them accepted it with open arms. When I first read section 33, some parts confused me, but after reading the manual and seeing how key phrases related to the parable of the ten virgins, it all fell into place. If you can relate what you are reading to something else you have read, it makes understanding all that much easier. These sections also contained a lot of revelation directed to specific people. Orson Pratt, Edward Partridge, Sidney Rigdon, etc. What a great blessing it is to have this revelation recorded for us to read! A lot of these men received answers to questions that we ask today, so it is nice to know that they are right here in these sections. Lastly,we have the revelation given to the Saints to move to Ohio. To me this seems bittersweet. With all of the persecution the Saints were getting, a new gathering place was needed. However, the members were alresdy established and to just pick up and move like that is a great sacrifice. It shows a deep testimony of the Saints to heed the word of the Lord when he commanded them to go to Ohio, and I am grateful for that.

Reading- Sections 21-29

As always, there was a lot of good information in this weeks readings. I live reading the Doctrine and Covenants because it is full of great counsel and answers a lot of questions pertaining to the Gospel. When I was reading this week the section that stood out to me most was section 25. I have been in Relief Society for almost 2 years now, and this section is a favorite when it comes to lessons in there. You think someone would get tired of hearing references to the same section every lesson, but new insights come out of it everytime.
A few years ago I decided to do a little research on Emma Smith. I had been studying Joseph Smith for a little, and I was wondering what it would have been like to be his wife. After a little research I learned that she eventually left the church. I was shocked. I knew she knew it was true so why would she leave? I then read Section 25. It all became clear. I finally understood her reasoning for leaving the church, even though she always had a testimony of it. Emma did a lot for the church. In section 25, we learn how she compiled the first hymn book. One of my favorite scriptures, D&C 25:12 is a great example of worship. Emma made it easier for us to sing praises unto God. God called Emma and "elect lady," how could I ever argue with that?

Reading Sections 17-20

Like the sections prior to these, important stuff was explained throughout sections 17-20. Section 17 told of the Three Witnesses, Oliver Cowdery, David Whitmer, and Martin Harris. Section 18, contains one of the simplest yet very powerful scriptures about the worth of souls. Section 19 gave great insight into the gift of repentance we were so graciously given and section 20 tells of how the Church is to be run in specific circumstances.

I enjoyed reading all of these sections, but one thing in particular stood out to me. It was actually from the manual but it relates to Section 17. The manual tells the story of Lucy Mack Smith and what she remembered when Joseph came home after seeing the plates again with the Three Witnesses. When Joseph came home the first thing he did was go to his father and mother and tell them the news. This alone shows what a great man Joseph Smith was. He honored his father and mother to the highest degree. What a great example! But what hit me the most was when he said, "...now they know for themselves, that I do not go about to deceive the people, and I feel as if I was relieved of a burden which was almost too heavy for me to bear, and it rejoices my soul, that I am not any longer to be entirely alone in the world." What strong feelings Joseph had! He had one of the heaviest burdens imaginable and had been doing a great job at bearing it, but still it was hard. I can't even fathom what it would have been like. But when the angel appeared and showed the plates to Oliver, David and Martin, Joseph could finally breathe easy. Before in was alone in the world, but now, his burden was lifted, if only a little, every little bit counts.

Reading Sections 7-16

What great sections! Where do I even begin! In these selected sections it talks a lot about the field being white and ready to harvest. So true. Now is the time to get out and preach the Gospel to all the corners of the earth. We are all member missionaries, and we have to remember that. I had a Sunday School teacher and every single week he ended the lesson, no matter what it was, with a challenge for us to share our testimony with a nonmember. Being in Utah County and all, it was hard for me, but the few times that I succeeded in the challenge, were strengthening beyond anything I have ever experienced.
Section 10:5, is probably one of my favorite scripture mastery scriptures. I love how it says, "pray always that you may come off conquerer..." What strong words! Conquerer. Haven't you always wanted to conquer something? I know I have. You can do it, all you need is prayer. SO simple, yet so empowering.
Sections 14,15 and 16 are also wonderful. I like to think about the Whitmer's when I read these sections. This family had helped tremendously with translation, and helped Prophet Joseph a lot. Imagine inquiring of the Lord and getting actual answers from the Lord through the Prophet, then writing them down and publish them in the book. Their names are forever in the Doctrine and Covenants. Awesome. Not only that, but the answers to their questions are mighty helpful. Endure to the end. That is something we all need to do.
Can I just say that I love reading the Doctrine and Covenants! There are great thruths in this book and I learn new things every time I pick it up.