Do you ever feel like you aren’t doing scripture study “right”? Maybe reading with your kids is chaotic and contentious, or your personal study has fallen through the cracks.
On an episode of the All In podcast, the Red Headed Hostess founder, Shannon Foster, shares her inspiring perspective on what “perfect” scripture study actually looks like in our messy lives. She also explains why having realistic expectations of ourselves ultimately invites revelation.
A New Definition of Perfect Study
Shannon says people often tell her they feel guilty when they leave writing prompts blank in the Come, Follow Me guidebooks she designed.
But she assures them, “The blank spaces are beautiful. They tell the story of a real disciple, a real life.”
We all have metaphorical “blank spaces” in our scripture study—skipped chapters, missed days, and packed schedules that might make us feel disappointed in ourselves and that dissolve our motivation to study.
However, Shannon doesn’t see blank spaces as failures. She reminds listeners that life is messy. Children will get sick, there will be vacations and soccer practices, and so many other things that can disrupt our scripture study routines. And that’s OK.
“The perfection idea will hold us back and actually invite failure,” she says. “There is no perfection. This is a mortal world. … We’re going to be constantly adjusting. Perfection is returning again and again and again and not letting it drop away.”
Adjusting Expectations of Ourselves
Shannon believes that when we stop expecting perfect scripture study, our seeking for personal revelation actually becomes a more intriguing process:
“If you think about the journey from Jerusalem to the promised land for Lehi’s family, think how difficult and full of hardship that was. It was endurance. It was the continued going and finding new tools. That is what made that so interesting.”
In addition to endurance and readjustment, Shannon holds that part of the revelatory process includes trusting in our capacity to find treasures in the scriptures, even if we’ve previously felt incompetent or unequipped.
“I will speak to Relief Societies, and I’m always trying to undo those beliefs that they’ve made for themselves, which are ‘I’m not good at that.’ No, you can be good at that. God gave us His word in a way we can receive it,” she says. “You can know these things. It might feel like digging a ditch at first, but the treasures are there for you.”
Shannon herself tries to remain realistic in her expectations. Instead of dwelling on the chapters she’s missed, she focuses on applying the study approaches that work for her, treasuring new knowledge, then continuing forward. There are always treasures waiting to be found in the scriptures, even with imperfect study:
“I know the scriptures are waiting for me to receive revelation. I also know that when I write it down, I'm more likely to receive more. I don’t have any expectation that I need to read every chapter.
“I know that if I can get into that chapter, there will be something for me, but I also know that I need to be a mother. It’s a constant balance of turning to the Lord for direction and recognizing when I’ve gotten it and then moving on.”
“The Heart and a Willing Mind”
Heavenly Father has never expected perfection from us. In Doctrine and Covenants 64:33–34, He offers comforting counsel while kindly acknowledging our mortality:
“Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind.”
As we give our hearts and willing minds to Him, even our imperfect studies will yield priceless spiritual knowledge and personal revelation. Small efforts can grow into great blessings.
“That’s what I’ve learned,” Shannon says. “Just keep digging.”
Listen to the full episode with Shannon on the All In podcast, and learn more about the guidebooks she designs below.
Where to Get Your Guidebooks
You can find the Red Headed Hostess Old Testament guidebooks exclusively at Deseret Book and DeseretBook.com. Read more about the structure and benefits of the adult, teen, and kid guidebooks below. Preorder yours today!
SEEK, for adults
- A stunning piece of commissioned or licensed artwork
- Insightful background on each section and key historical context
- Simple timelines and “people to know” for deeper understanding
- Guided questions and space to write, reflect, or draw
- Thoughtful prompts to help you slow down and record what the Spirit teaches you
Available exclusively at Deseret Book and DeseretBook.com.
Faith 52, for teens
- Bold artwork, typography, or photography designed to speak to teens
- Maps, timelines, and helpful context to deepen understanding
- Space to write or draw thoughts, impressions, and personal insights
Mighty Kids!
- A graphic novel-style story from the Old Testament
- A scripture-marking activity that helps kids engage directly with the Old Testament
- A hands-on activity for each week
- A weekly focus on a Christlike trait
