My quest to be a Gospel Scholar

I have set a personal goal to take a more active role in my spiritual learning. I have had this in the back of my mind for years, honestly, and never quite got the "active" part down. While attending institue these past months, there have been some habits, scriptures, and quotes that have helped me define what that meant, and how I was going to be active about it. I decided it came down to my desire to be a gospel scholar, and I am finally starting that quest. I have a list of 8 things I am trying to do to help me with this (taken from the Gospel Teaching and Learning manual for Seminary and Institute teachers)

1. Develop a habit of daily scripture study
2. Prepare my heart and mind for the influence of the Spirit
3. Discover and express doctrines and principles that are relevant to my personal life
4. Deepen understanding of the scriptures through diligent study, meditation, and prayer
5. Ask questions and seek for answers that help me better understand the gospel and how it applies to
    my life
6. Share insights, experiences, and feelings
7. Explain gospel doctrines and principles to others and testify of their truthfulness
8. Develop scripture study skills, such as marking, cross-referencing, and using the scripture study aids

Along with this list, I am memorizing quotes and scriptures that really stand out to me, and mean something to me in my life right now. Elder Scott said:

              "Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a
               scripture isto forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new
               individual who can helpin a time of need, give inspiration and comfort,
               and be a source of motivation for needed change."

Most of what I am trying to memorize comes from the Doctrine and Covenants, because that is what we are studying in institue right now. They are scriptures I have found in my studying or cross-referencing, and quotes from the institue manual or that have come up in class. I have already seen the power of this active participation in my quest to become a Gospel Scholar. It has also brought me so much peace and comfort.

Curious as to what I'm memorizing (or attempting to memorize) now? Here is a list. Feel free to join me on this journey!

The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done. -Joseph Smith “Man alone, of all creatures of earth, can change his thought pattern and become the architect of his destiny.” -Miracle of Forgiveness “We must develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become.” -Pres. Monson “The future is as bright as your faith” -Pres. Monson Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days. -Doctrine & Covenants 24:8 We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. - 2 Nephi 25:26 They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. -Isaiah 40:31 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth. -Romans 1:16 If God be for us, who can be against us? -Romans 8:31 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. -Romans 8:35, 37-39 For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads. -Doctrine & Covenants 25:12 Whatsoever ye shall ask in faith, being united in prayer according to my command, ye shall receive. -Doctrine & Covenants 29:6 This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalms 118:24 He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him. -1 John 2:10 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. -1 John 4:18 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost. -Doctrine & Covenants 50:41-42 Gird up your loins and be faithful, and ye shall overcome all things, and be lifted up at the last day. -Doctrine & Covenants 75:22 My scripture board. Held up with thumb tacks so I can flip them over as I try to memorize them and can switch them out once they are permanently in my brain. (I learned while doing this that NO MATTER what, I can't cut straight. No amount of measuring, rulers, paper cutters could save these hah) My sleepy companion