This week I am thrilled to welcome back one of my favorite guests and contributors, Niki Olsen, of Niki Olsen Coaching. Niki Olsen is a licensed clinical health therapist and a life coach/counselor who specializes in teaching women, particularly LDS women, strategies that help them enrich their connection to themselves and to each member of the Godhead. 

In this episode, Niki will be sharing some tips to help us understand some of the potential roadblocks to have consistent scripture study. Now, more than ever, it is so important for us to learn how to access power from immersing ourselves in the word of God. But what does immersion look like? What does it feel like? How do I know if what I’m doing is enough? If what I’m doing qualifies as effective scripture study. There are a lot of opinions out there, for sure. And some of those opinions can lead to feelings of doubt and even shame if we’re not careful. 

A few weeks ago, I was listening to Niki’s podcast, “Meaningful Moments,” and in her episode, she talked about 5 things we can do to help us be more purposeful in our scripture study. As I was listening, I immediately sent her a message and asked her if she would be willing to come back to the Edified podcast and talk about these five steps in more detail. She didn’t even hesitate! That’s one of the many things I love about this woman.  

Questions Niki addresses in this episode:

1. Why do women struggle to have consistent scripture study?

2. What are women trying to get out of scripture study/ what should scripture study do for us?

3. How can women create consistent habits?

4. What myths do women believe about scripture study that hold them back?

5. How can women create a plan that works for them?

Key Points

Position yourself -- Find out where you’re currently at.

1. Point yourself in the right direction.  
   1. Begin with the end in mind.
   2. Make sure your ladder is leaning against the right wall.
2. Power is the destination
3. Progress up the ladder —
   1. Step by step, rung by rung 
   2. Add rungs to your ladder.
4. Puncture the myths 
5. Plans moving forward -- (plans being plural)