As I sat thinking about my life last night, and about this talk. I realized that I need to make some choices in my life. I try to do a lot of things, a lot of good things, mingled with somethings that are not so worth while. And I realized that I need to cut somethings out. I need to get rid of some of the good so I can more whole heartedly focus on the eternal.
One of those things that needs to go is this challenge. While it is great, and I think that I need to read more often, I really don't need the pressure of finishing my weekly book, nor do I think it should take away time from my husband, my home, or my Gospel study. I will still try to choose reading above watching TV, and will regularly post about what I am reading, But I really want to read at my own pace and really savor these books.
also...
Instead of doing a 52 week, 52 book challenge, I pose we do a different one. The Book Of Mormon Challenge. I challenge you to read the Book of Mormon in a new way. I am using one of my institute manuals and reading it side by side my Book of Mormon (If you want to do the same, you can purchase the manual for $4.25, I promise it is worth it!). Reading it with the manual has really made me stop and think about what I am reading and what I actually think about it. I try to do a chapter in the manual a day, it usually takes me about an hour (which I have never been able to do, spend an hour in the scriptures without being distracted) and can cover anywhere from 1-10 chapters in the Book of Mormon. After each lesson, I do the challenges at the end as well that help me to apply the writings of 1000's of years ago to my own life. Total there are 56 chapters in the manual, but I am only going to set a goal date of being done before the 1st of December. You don't have to set the same end date, or use the same method but I really challenge you to do this.
here are some other ideas on how to read it in a new way.
- Get a new Book of Mormon and highlight in a red pencil every time Jesus Christ is mentioned. (not just his name, but him)
-Read it in a different language (have the English and the other language side by side and go through line by line)
I think you get my drift. The point is I want to spend more time in my scriptures and less time with the FLUFF of this world. Even if you can only spare 5 minutes a day while you are doing your hair, I promise it will be worth it.
I hope you do the same.
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Work and The Glory Book 2
So last week for week 4 I finished Work and the Glory Book 2. Great book, but I do get frustrated with how the LDS people and others who were okay with them were treated. It makes me so mad when others persecute anyone when they don't understand them.
Anyway I finished that volume and then realized with my new job I will probably not have time right now to read the rest. They are long books and I don't have a lot of time to read anymore, so I am going to have to try shorter books for a while.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Work and the Glory
For week 3, I decided to start reading the "Work and the Glory" series. It will take me 9 weeks to finish. Of course, I started with Book 1: "Pillar of Light." I have read this series a couple of times already, but I went in with a new attitude. I wanted to find something new and feel something new.
I have been trying to come closer to my Savior this past year, so I wanted to read this book with this closer faith in Christ.
Reading the story of how Joseph Smith saw God, the Father and Jesus Christ is always amazing. This time though I felt as if I was really, truly there. I have always put myself in the story, but this time it felt real. I did not feel doubt about whether I would have believed or not. It was easy to see myself there and believe and know that the things which happened are true.
I enjoyed it so much more this time. What a great series of books. I love them.
I have been trying to come closer to my Savior this past year, so I wanted to read this book with this closer faith in Christ.
Reading the story of how Joseph Smith saw God, the Father and Jesus Christ is always amazing. This time though I felt as if I was really, truly there. I have always put myself in the story, but this time it felt real. I did not feel doubt about whether I would have believed or not. It was easy to see myself there and believe and know that the things which happened are true.
I enjoyed it so much more this time. What a great series of books. I love them.
No Doubt About It
I am overdue to let you know what book I read for week two. I read Sheri Dew's book "No Doubt About It."
It was a long but wonderful book. It is about the truths that she no longer has any doubt about.
One thing she talked about is that this life is a test: it's only a test. She quoted a journalist who worked for the Saturday Evening Post and was stationed in Europe during the 1930s as Hitler rose to power. He spoke at a convention in Toronto in 1941 about Hitlers rise to power and said, "Before this epoch is overk, every living human [will have to make a choice]. Every living human being will have lined up with Hitler or against him. Every living human being will have opposed this onslaught or supported it. For if he tries to make no choice, that in itself is a choice. If he takes no side, He is on Hitler's side. If he does not act, that is an act -- for Hitler."
Sheri Dew compared that with us making our choice in this life. We will all have to decide to line up with either the Savior or Satan. We will either be opposed to his evil works or support them. If we try to make no choice, that in itself is a choice. For if we take no side, we will be, in essence, on Satan's side. If we don't act for the Lord, we are acting for the adversary.
What a powerful way to look at it. It makes me want to try harder every day to show I have chosen the Lord's side.
Another part of the book she talked about the privileges we have from being a part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. When we want to give up we can remember that the view we will have at the top will be grand if we endure to the end.
2. We have friends and loved ones, including our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, to give us encouragement to help us keep going.
3. I have the ability and right to decide for myself if I will keep going. I have my agency.
4. Our reward at the end will exceed all our expectations.
5. You have to do the work. There are no shortcuts, but it will be worth it.
There are so many other wonderful ideas in this book, but the last one that really struck me was about following the prophet because he knows the way. She had a thought that said, "The living prophet will help us find the way. But if we don't listen to the prophet, we might as well not have one."
I remember when President Hinckley gave his talk about girls having only one set of earrings and people should not get tattoos. I was talking to a lady at my kids school, who is a member of the church. She said that she was going to go get another set of earrings and a tattoo because the prophet told her she shouldn't. I thought how silly that was, but after reading this chapter in the book I had to take stock of what I do. Do I follow all the things the prophet tells me to do or do I pick and choose. If I pick and choose, why am I following anyway. I decided I needed to be better and follow the living prophet.
I encourage everyone to read this book. It makes you think. Two thumbs way, way up.
It was a long but wonderful book. It is about the truths that she no longer has any doubt about.
One thing she talked about is that this life is a test: it's only a test. She quoted a journalist who worked for the Saturday Evening Post and was stationed in Europe during the 1930s as Hitler rose to power. He spoke at a convention in Toronto in 1941 about Hitlers rise to power and said, "Before this epoch is overk, every living human [will have to make a choice]. Every living human being will have lined up with Hitler or against him. Every living human being will have opposed this onslaught or supported it. For if he tries to make no choice, that in itself is a choice. If he takes no side, He is on Hitler's side. If he does not act, that is an act -- for Hitler."
Sheri Dew compared that with us making our choice in this life. We will all have to decide to line up with either the Savior or Satan. We will either be opposed to his evil works or support them. If we try to make no choice, that in itself is a choice. For if we take no side, we will be, in essence, on Satan's side. If we don't act for the Lord, we are acting for the adversary.
What a powerful way to look at it. It makes me want to try harder every day to show I have chosen the Lord's side.
Another part of the book she talked about the privileges we have from being a part of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
1. When we want to give up we can remember that the view we will have at the top will be grand if we endure to the end.
2. We have friends and loved ones, including our Father in Heaven and our Savior, Jesus Christ, to give us encouragement to help us keep going.
3. I have the ability and right to decide for myself if I will keep going. I have my agency.
4. Our reward at the end will exceed all our expectations.
5. You have to do the work. There are no shortcuts, but it will be worth it.
There are so many other wonderful ideas in this book, but the last one that really struck me was about following the prophet because he knows the way. She had a thought that said, "The living prophet will help us find the way. But if we don't listen to the prophet, we might as well not have one."
I remember when President Hinckley gave his talk about girls having only one set of earrings and people should not get tattoos. I was talking to a lady at my kids school, who is a member of the church. She said that she was going to go get another set of earrings and a tattoo because the prophet told her she shouldn't. I thought how silly that was, but after reading this chapter in the book I had to take stock of what I do. Do I follow all the things the prophet tells me to do or do I pick and choose. If I pick and choose, why am I following anyway. I decided I needed to be better and follow the living prophet.
I encourage everyone to read this book. It makes you think. Two thumbs way, way up.
How To Be Totally Miserable- A Self-Hinder Book
For my week two book, I wanted a book that was short and wouldn't take me very long to read. Despite my efforts in planning, it still took me longer that I had hoped to read the book. Now I realistically only have 4 days to read my book for the next week if I want to keep on schedule. Oh well, so is life!
I read the book, How To Be Totally Miserable: A Self-Hinder Book by John Bytheway.
It is a short sweet book on how to be miserable (and how not to be)
Coming from a family that has certain people who have a tendency to be negative,
I have really seen some of the attributes that he talks about in this book.
I realize that some people suffer from depression (myself being one of them, along with most of my family members) but that does not mean we have to be miserable.
Depression is a medical condition, Being miserable is a self-inflicted state that requires action.
In the book John Bytheway gives an excellent list on how to be miserable
- Use your imagination to worry
-Believe that things will never change
-Think about your problems
-Don't do anything
-Worry about things you can't control
-Think about yourself
There are about thirty more, but I don't want to give away the whole book.
I saw a bunch of things that I do when I get depressed.
I am going to start using them as warning signals.
I may not be able to stop the hereditary depression that runs in the family,
But I can control how I act, and maybe, seeing these warning signals before I get sad will help.
One in particular was sleeping too much.
When I get depressed I sleep, and I sleep a lot.
But instead I can push myself to wake up.
I don't know about you bit even though it maybe hard,
I am always more happy and have more energy when I wake up early.
Another thing I am going to try is being accountable with your day.
Before you go to sleep each night make a mental list of what you did during that day.
Miserable people don't like to acknowledge accomplishments.
Even if it is a simple as putting on regular clothes, or washing dishes, that is still a note worthy accomplishment.
Over all it was a small good book.
I would give it 3 stars,
While I loved it, I know a few people in my life who could really use it more than me.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Press On
The first book I read of my 52 was
I would have to say its a FIVE STAR book
It was just what I needed to hear.
The book is divided into 3 parts, all of which are meant to bring more happiness to our everyday lives.
He believes that the best way to find happiness is through:
1. Faith
2. Hope
3. Charity
He reminds us of the wonderful blessings that are in this life, and the hardships that we must tackle.
One part I particularly liked I am going to share with you.
He says "[the Savior] is mindful of your sufferings, doubts, and heartaches.
Then, the would would ask, why does He sleep when the tempest rages all around me? Why does He not still this storm, or Why would He let me suffer?"
(I don't know about you, but I have been asking myself this a LOT lately)
he then goes on to say, "Your answer may be found in considering a butterfly. Wrapped tightly in its cocoon, the developing chrysalis must struggle with all its might to break its confinement. The butterfly might think, why must I suffer so? Why cannot I simply, in the twinkling of an eye, become a butterfly?
Such thoughts would be contrary to the Creator's design. The struggle to break out of the cocoon develops the butterfly so it can fly. Without that adversity, the butterfly would never develop the strength to achieve its destiny. It would never develop the strength to become something extraordinary."
Have you ever thought that God might be making something extraordinary out of you? It is a bit comforting right?
A few other things also resonate with me that he talks about
-Be sure to read your scriptures daily
-Attend the temple when ever you can
-Always have a prayer in your heart
-Be of good cheer!
and Endure to the end.
Overall a great book to start out this challenge.
Friday, August 26, 2011
I am a Mother
I decided to accept Lizzie's challenge 52 books in 52 weeks. I have not been taking the time to read lately, and I love reading. It keeps me sane. That is why I accepted the challenge.
I decided to start with a small book because the week was already half over. I needed a shorter book (only 127 pages) to start, so I would be able to finish it by the end of the week.
The book I chose is called "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. It's a book about how we should feel about being a mother. So many times when people have asked me what I do, I have said, "Oh, I am just a mom." Sister Johnson says the same thing. Then she said she wonders why we say it that way instead of "I am a MOTHER!" with enthusiams.
She made me think of the times when I didn't feel like I was important because I was a mom or a women for that matter. Much of what she said applies to being a mom, but to being a woman too.
She talked about the myths of motherhood or womanhood that need to be debunked.
Myth #1: You will be in control... you are the mother, after all!
Myth #2: Needing help is a sign of weekness.
Myth #3: You must do it all, all the time.
Myth #4: Being a mother means a loss of indentity.
These are all untruths that Satan wants us to believe. Give yourselves a break and just be the best woman and/or mom you can be.
She also talked about giving each other a break. Quit judging each other as mothers and accept each other. We don't know what the next person is going through. Unless we have walked in their shoes we don't know what is going on in their hearts. Let's make each woman we meet everyday feel worthwhile instead of worthless.
It is in our power to help change the world, by helping to mold our children, husbands, family, friends and those we come in contact with. Be proud to say, "I AM A MOTHER!"
I decided to start with a small book because the week was already half over. I needed a shorter book (only 127 pages) to start, so I would be able to finish it by the end of the week.
The book I chose is called "I am a Mother" by Jane Clayson Johnson. It's a book about how we should feel about being a mother. So many times when people have asked me what I do, I have said, "Oh, I am just a mom." Sister Johnson says the same thing. Then she said she wonders why we say it that way instead of "I am a MOTHER!" with enthusiams.
She made me think of the times when I didn't feel like I was important because I was a mom or a women for that matter. Much of what she said applies to being a mom, but to being a woman too.
She talked about the myths of motherhood or womanhood that need to be debunked.
Myth #1: You will be in control... you are the mother, after all!
Myth #2: Needing help is a sign of weekness.
Myth #3: You must do it all, all the time.
Myth #4: Being a mother means a loss of indentity.
These are all untruths that Satan wants us to believe. Give yourselves a break and just be the best woman and/or mom you can be.
She also talked about giving each other a break. Quit judging each other as mothers and accept each other. We don't know what the next person is going through. Unless we have walked in their shoes we don't know what is going on in their hearts. Let's make each woman we meet everyday feel worthwhile instead of worthless.
It is in our power to help change the world, by helping to mold our children, husbands, family, friends and those we come in contact with. Be proud to say, "I AM A MOTHER!"
Saturday, August 20, 2011
We're Back!!
Welcome to the NEW and improved bored book club.
I start by offering you a challenge
That's right, that is a book a week for an entire year.
I am going to kick my year off by reading the book
"Press On" by Joseph B. Wirthlin
So get your books ready:D
Also check out our new tabs up top!
It's good to be back!
Friday, July 8, 2011
Our Best Bites & Lost Symbol
I have been on a reading frenzy ever since my Mom and Step-dad bought me a kindle for my birthday. My favorite things thus far are Our Best Bites and Lost Symbol.
Ill tell you a bit about each one.
First is the Our Best Bites, by Sara Wells and Kate Jones
It is a cook book, and I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same thing, "do I really need another cookbook?" The answer is yes, yes you do. I have been using these recipes all week. My favorites have been her homemade tortillas, breadsticks and perhaps my all time favorite, low calorie, easy to make alfredo sauce. I have a husband who just happens to love alfredo sauce, and even for his highly developed sense of a good alfredo sauce, this has been his favorite so far.
We have also been trying to cut back on sweets at our house. Luke gets teased sometimes based on his weight, and I have come to realize that doritos and cake (or what ever sweet is in our house) should not be my only food groups...GASP!! I know what am I thinking! Anyway, I have been allowing us to have one desert a night. One night we had tacos made with the homemade tortillas (as mentioned above) we had left over tortillas and I decided to top them with nutella and strawberrys. They were an instant hit at our house. The mixture of chocolate, fruit and a little bit of salt that comes it the tortillas were to die for.
Ill tell you a bit about each one.
First is the Our Best Bites, by Sara Wells and Kate Jones
It is a cook book, and I know what you are thinking, because I thought the same thing, "do I really need another cookbook?" The answer is yes, yes you do. I have been using these recipes all week. My favorites have been her homemade tortillas, breadsticks and perhaps my all time favorite, low calorie, easy to make alfredo sauce. I have a husband who just happens to love alfredo sauce, and even for his highly developed sense of a good alfredo sauce, this has been his favorite so far.
We have also been trying to cut back on sweets at our house. Luke gets teased sometimes based on his weight, and I have come to realize that doritos and cake (or what ever sweet is in our house) should not be my only food groups...GASP!! I know what am I thinking! Anyway, I have been allowing us to have one desert a night. One night we had tacos made with the homemade tortillas (as mentioned above) we had left over tortillas and I decided to top them with nutella and strawberrys. They were an instant hit at our house. The mixture of chocolate, fruit and a little bit of salt that comes it the tortillas were to die for.
you should totally look at this book, available at deseret book and amazon.com
oh and they also have a wonderful blog called our best bites, go check it out!
The other book that I read is Lost Symbol, by Dan Brown. I am normally not a mystery type of person, and I can always figure out what is going to happen next. With this book however, I was totally left guessing until the last moment. If you have read (or seen the movies) DaVinci Code or Angles and Demons, you will recognize the main character Robert Langdon. The novel is set in Washington D.C. where a case around the city leads to all sorts of clues all relating to the secret society, the Masons. I love it because it includes a little bit of fantasy and some history. It really made me think a lot about my own beliefs (in a good way), and what I know. It is defiantly worth reading, even if it is just for fun! Apparently the movie is supposed to come out in 2012.
This next week I am going to try and read at least one Harry Potter book. Since the last one comes out on Friday morning! It will be the end of an era!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Peculiar in a Good Way
I am reading the book, Peculiar in a Good Way, by Mary Ellen Edmunds. I found a copy of it at the Deseret Industries since I could not find one at Seagull or Deseret Book. Lizzie had picked this one out.
It is about our being "peculiar". It is about the possibility of each of us being peculiar among the peculiar. On the cover there are three of the same kind of flower, but two are pink and one is red. She says that we stand out when we are a lily among roses, or a cactus among palms, but we can also stand out when we are daisies among other daisies.
To be peculiar means to be distinct, uncommon, rare, holy, set apart. In the sense the Lord has said it literally means "we are His special treasure, purchased with His blood." (John Tanner). Why does the Lord ask us to be a peculiar people. Mary Edmunds says that we can't DO good unless we ARE good. Sometimes I do not feel that I am doing anything right and that I am continuing to make the same mistakes over and over. I don't want to do these things. I WANT to be good. This statement made me realize that I am doing good. I am helping those around me. I am reading my scriptures, praying, be kind and loving to my family, trying to exemplify my calling, and just trying to be better each day. If I am doing good or at least trying to good therefore I must be good inside. Knowing and believing this has helped me to repent and to seek the Lord more.
She gave us an exercise (which I have not done yet, but will soon) to help us figure out how to make us more peculiar or to help us become the best we can be. She said to take a blank piece of paper. Draw an arrow that goes to the left. 
On the flat line write a bunch of things you think we do as active members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She says that this line is the things we are doing to be an indication only of being "active in the church."
Then she said look at the downward line. The farther you draw it out the farther it is from the flatline. This downward line is sin. Write down some of these things; big, little or otherwise. Sins of commission and ommission.
The upward line is like the downward line. The farther you draw it out the farther away from the flatline it is and the further up you go. This line goes to heaven. This upward line has to do with the condition of the heart and soul and not just the actions, she says. This is line those who are striving to have the Lord's image in their countenance. It those who want to be like Christ.
She says she does worry that when people do this activity they will feel the things on the flatline will be thought of as unimportant. The things on the flatline are very important, but can they be better. It is about good, better and best. (Do you remember that conference talk?)
When we are on the upward line, we cherish our time and make the best use of it. We are striving to be better each day. She said to pick a few things on the flatline and put them on the upward line to work on to make them better. If you are praying now, make those prayers more meaningful. Pray with real intent. If you are reading your scriptures make it more pondering and understanding.
This goes right along with the other book I have read, "I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer."
I love this book because I want to be more peculiar, more set apart. I want to be His special treasure!
Monday, April 4, 2011
New Month, New Exercise
Last month my exercise was number 28: Find you mission. After thinking about it all month, reading through the scriptures and my patriarchal blessing, and listening for inspiration. I realized that my mission is to be a good friend, daughter, sister and wife. I am supposed to be an inspiration and an example for all of those who I come in contact with. It has been hard for me to realize that I will never be a professional soccer player, or a lawyer, or a historian. I can strive to be something even more important for those who are in my life.
My goal for April is...
Exercise #21: Shining
Make a conscious effort to establish eye contact with and smile at as many strangers as you can. Notice how many of them smile back. You've just shared the light--automatically. I am also going to try to spread light in other ways as well. So share a little sunshine:D
Exercise #2: An Exercise in Forgiveness
I have been working on Exercise #13 and trying to wake up happy. It has worked. My days have gone better since I started doing it. I am now going to add the next exercise.
Exercise #2: Forgiving.
The next time someone or something hits one of your hot buttons, let the anger wash over you for about for ten seconds. then step back, try to analyze why the experience made you mad, and make a conscious decision to forgive the person and get on with your life. I am working on one exercise a month, so this is the exercise for April. I encourage all to read this book and start doing the exercises. They will help you.
Book List
I decided to make a list of the books we are reading or have read so you can choose to read any and all of them. Please add your comments for any of the books. We have enjoyed the comments so far and we have enjoyed our book club.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Getting Back to the Basic Values
I just finished reading the book, "Winners Never Cheat," by Jon M. Huntsman. It is about everyday values that we learned as children, but may have forgotten. This book was written for business and business owners, but he says it applies to all relationships and ventures.
Mr. Huntsman started with nothing and has made himself and his company very properous by following the values he has learned. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and truly lives what he preaches.
The following are the values we need to remember:
1. Lessons from the Sandbox. Everything we need for today's marketplace we learned as kids.
We learned all the values we need to live when we were kids, we just sometimes forget them.
2. Check your moral compass. We know darn well what is right and wrong.
3. Play by the rules. Compete fiercely and fairly -- but no cutting in line.
I remember playing as a kid. We included everyone and we didn't dare try to play unfairly. We lived by the rule "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." So true.
4. Setting the example. Risk, responsibility, reliability -- the three Rs of leadership.
If we want our children or others to follow these values, we must follow them. I always tried to let my children see me live the gospel, so they would want to live the gospel because they saw how happy it made me.
5. Keep your word.
We must do what we say we are going to do. There was a time when just a handshake meant a binding contract. Make it that way today. Make your word your bond.
6. Pick Advisors Well. Surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no.
It is always easier to be better when those arround you have the same values as you do. Surround yourself with people who make you want to be better and pull you up not down.
7. Get Mad, Not Even. Revenge is unhealthy and unproductive. Learn to move on.
This one can be hard, but it is never good to dwell so much on what can't be changed or on what someone else has done to you. You become bitter and angry. It occupies your world. You tend to lose everything that is worthwhile while you are trying to bring someone else to your level.
8. Graciousness is next to Godliness. Treat competitors, colleagues, employees and customers with respect.
Use the golden rule. Treat others like you would want to be treated. If you are kind and respectful to others they will be the same the to you. If you are mean, it will come back to bite you in the butt.
9. Your name is on the door. Operate businesses and organizations as if they're family owned.
Treat your employees and those around you like they are family. Would you do certain things to people if they were part of your family.
10. The obligation to give back. Nobody is self-made; return the favors and good fortune.
Donate your time and your money to others. Give to those who don't have as much as you. We are given all that we have from the Lord. He gives us the ability to work and to earn money. Keep what you need and then give of the rest. I know this to be true. I just need to be better at doing it with a willing heart.
Mr. Huntsman states at the end of the book that acceptable moral values are child's play, not rocket science. He is right. We have learned these values and they should be easier to do than we make them. If we are struggling, we should look at where our priorities lie. Are they where they should be and are we living the values they way we know we should?
Mr. Huntsman started with nothing and has made himself and his company very properous by following the values he has learned. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and truly lives what he preaches.
The following are the values we need to remember:
1. Lessons from the Sandbox. Everything we need for today's marketplace we learned as kids.
We learned all the values we need to live when we were kids, we just sometimes forget them.
2. Check your moral compass. We know darn well what is right and wrong.
We all know when we are doing something right or wrong. It is something we are born with. We need to remember and use this conscious when we make decisions.
I remember playing as a kid. We included everyone and we didn't dare try to play unfairly. We lived by the rule "It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game." So true.
4. Setting the example. Risk, responsibility, reliability -- the three Rs of leadership.
If we want our children or others to follow these values, we must follow them. I always tried to let my children see me live the gospel, so they would want to live the gospel because they saw how happy it made me.
5. Keep your word.
We must do what we say we are going to do. There was a time when just a handshake meant a binding contract. Make it that way today. Make your word your bond.
6. Pick Advisors Well. Surround yourself with associates who have the courage to say no.
It is always easier to be better when those arround you have the same values as you do. Surround yourself with people who make you want to be better and pull you up not down.
7. Get Mad, Not Even. Revenge is unhealthy and unproductive. Learn to move on.
This one can be hard, but it is never good to dwell so much on what can't be changed or on what someone else has done to you. You become bitter and angry. It occupies your world. You tend to lose everything that is worthwhile while you are trying to bring someone else to your level.
8. Graciousness is next to Godliness. Treat competitors, colleagues, employees and customers with respect.
Use the golden rule. Treat others like you would want to be treated. If you are kind and respectful to others they will be the same the to you. If you are mean, it will come back to bite you in the butt.
9. Your name is on the door. Operate businesses and organizations as if they're family owned.
Treat your employees and those around you like they are family. Would you do certain things to people if they were part of your family.
10. The obligation to give back. Nobody is self-made; return the favors and good fortune.
Donate your time and your money to others. Give to those who don't have as much as you. We are given all that we have from the Lord. He gives us the ability to work and to earn money. Keep what you need and then give of the rest. I know this to be true. I just need to be better at doing it with a willing heart.
Mr. Huntsman states at the end of the book that acceptable moral values are child's play, not rocket science. He is right. We have learned these values and they should be easier to do than we make them. If we are struggling, we should look at where our priorities lie. Are they where they should be and are we living the values they way we know we should?
Monday, March 14, 2011
Exercise
My Mom came up with the idea to do one of the exercises from "I Hate It When Exercise Is The Answer" each week. Rather than go in order I thought I would pick one that stood out the most to me to work on. I picked...
I thought I would do a little each day this week in this exercise. It tells you to list what you are good at, and look at your patriarchal blessing to see other gifts that you have been given.
So this is what I am going to do this week while I am on Spring Break.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer
Lizzie and I started reading this book recently. Lizzie found it at Deseret Book. It is by Emily Watts. It starts out with her talking about her body changed when she turned 50. She went to the doctor and he told her that her problems would be helped if she exercised. She didn't like this of course, but it made her think of how she could make herself better by getting some spiritual exercise. She gives us 31 spiritual exercises to do. Lizzie and I have decided that we would work on one exercise a week. I thought this would be a good idea and help us to improve our spirituality and our lives. Lizzie agreed because she has been trying to come up with some goals to keep her busy. The author tells some stories about each exercise and then gives you a task to complete.
I decided to start with Exercise #13: Making Lasting Changes. Choose one small thing to change about your life. Don't pick a full-on diet, for example, but maybe just one eating habit you could alter. We're starting small on purpose so we can feel some success. Pray and ask for the Spirit to help you make the change. Write down all the reasons why you should make it, and why you can. Decide what motivators would help you stick to it. And then take a deep breath and do it.
My small thing that I am going to change this week is to wake up happy and glad to be alive and with Gary. I am not a morning person and I usually wake up kind of grumpy and I do not treat Gary very well in the morning. I want to be better at this, so that he feels of my love. I have started to pray for the Spirit to help me. The reasons why I should do this are that I want to have a better marriage; I want to feel better in the morning; if I feel happy earlier, I will accomplish more; I am more pleasant throughout the day if I start off happy. I can do this because I have the Lord's help. I can do this because I can overcome weakness. I can do this because I love Gary more than I love myself.
Pick up this book, "I Hate it When Exercise is the Answer" by Emily Watts and start your spiritual exercises with Lizzie and I today.
Standing for Something: Rest of the Chapters
I finished reading Standing for Something last night. The other chapters were about Civility, Learning, Forgiveness and Mercy, Thrift and Industry, Gratitude, Optimism and Faith. These are all important.
As I was reading the chapter about civility, I was thinking about how so true it is that we have lost a lot of the civility in this world. I think of times when I have been at work or at the store and listened to people belittle or criticize others. There is so much incivility in our movies and television shows. Humor is about how much we can make fun of someone or out someone down. There are so many times when I just turn off the tv or movie I am watching because I get so tired of listening or watching people treat each other with disregard. We need to get back to the time when your word was your bond and you never would say anything bad about someone. It's like that old saying, "If you can say anything nice, don't say anything at all."
I loved the chapter on learning. I love to learn. I have always loved school. I did well, but did not go to college right out of high school. I was still learning through life and through books. I love to read and read many different types of books. I am reading more books that are up lifting now, but still read all types. My favorite book besides the scriptures is "Wuthering Heights." Most people think this book is bad and hard to read, but I love it. I also like anything Jane Austin. I went and got my Associates Degree when I was 38 years old. I got my Bachelors Degree when I was 43. Better late than never. I am still thinking about my Masters, too. I think everyone should strive to get an education. We should also be learning everyday of our lives. We should learn something new everyday. I love it when something clicks in my head and I realize I just learned something new.
Forgiveness and Mercy are the next chapter. I love to hear about a someone who has a terrible thing happen in their life that is caused by someone else and they forgive that person. What a great person they are. I know that if I do not forgive someone it festers in me and I am never quite right. Once I show mercy, let it go and forgive, I can get on with my life. I try to remember that I am not perfect and that I would like mercy shown to me. If I do not show mercy and forgiveness I will not be forgiven or have mercy. It reminds me of the scripture story about the man who owed a lot of money to someone. When the man was called before the other man, he begged for forgiveness. He had come on hard times and could not pay it back, but asked for mercy. The other man gave it to him. Then the forgiven man went to collect some money that was owed him for another man. The amount was so small compared to the amount the man had owed himself. The other man begged this man for forgiveness, but the man said no and sent him to prison to pay the debt. Why had the man begged for forgiveness, but not had not shown the mercy to the man who owed him money. How sad for any of us if we cannot come to show mercy and forgiveness.
This book was written before the recent economic crisis came about. However, what President Hinckley said is true. We must be frugal and thrifty. We must get out of debt as soon as we can. Gary and I have been trying to do this. We have been trying to live within our means. We pay our tithing first and then our other bills. We also are putting money away. I have known times when I did not have enough money to pay tithing first. I learned though that I must pay my tithing first and all will be added. We are not rich, but we have what we need to help others and ourselves. I have tried to teach my children this same concept. My girls are great examples of how to watch what you spend. They both are very careful in what they spend. If we would all be careful in what we spend and really think of what our needs are instead of our wants, we could help the country get out of our slump. I know some who want to keep up with their neighbors, but what does that bring us. We have more happiness and peace if we live within our means. Try it, it works.
The first thing we should do when say our prayers is to thank our Heavenly Father for all that we have. I am blessed to have so much. I have the most wonderful husband. He loves me and takes care of me. I love to spend time with him. I have three wonderful children, Doug, Lizzie and Sara. Doug is becoming a strong young man. He is learning to take care of himself and to make great decisions. Lizzie is one of my best friends. We talk all the time and I love this. I love to spend time with her and Luke. Sara is becoming a great friend of mine. She is becoming a promising young woman. I love to have her cook for us and to go shopping and talk. I am grateful for my home. It is truly a home for me. I am grateful for my job and for Gary's job. We are blessed to love our work. I am grateful for my calling as the Young Women president. I am so grateful to be able to help these young women to learn to love themselves and the Lord. As you can see I have so much to be grateful for. Make a list of the things you are grateful for. How can you be unhappy when you realize all that you do have?
We must have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the rock our testimony should be built on. Our faith in him will enable us to return to our Heavenly Father's presence. He gave His life for us and atoned for our sins. Without Him we are nothing. Faith in Him is the only solid, sure thing in this world. If we have faith in Him, all will be well. No matter what happens in our life. If we have faith in Him, we will realize how we should treat others and do that.
I loved this book and I recommend that everyone read it. It will give you ideas in how to live your life and how to help make your homes, communities and countries better.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Standing for Something: Chapters 1-3
As part of my Integrity Value Project for Personal Progress, I decided to choose two books about Integrity to read and then blog about. Lizzie came up with this idea and I loved it, so I went to Deseret Book.com and typed in the word integrity. There were many books to choose from, but the two I chose were "Standing for Something" by President Gordon B. Hinckley and "Winners Never Cheat" by Jon M Huntsman. We have a copy of "Standing for Something" in our home library, so I decided to start with it. I put the other book on hold and have to pick it up at the library tomorrow night.
President Hinckley says that there are 10 neglected virtues that will heal our hearts and our homes. That is what "Standing for Something" is about. It is about having the integrity to stand for these virtues which will make each of us a better person, which will make our homes better, our neighborhoods better, our countries better and our world better. I have finished the first 3 chapters.
Chapter one is about love. If we all had love for one another, there would be no ills in the world. The first two commandments are "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart..." and the second is "love thy neighbor as thyself." The Lord tells us to love one another. Paul states that "Though I speak with the tongue of angels and have not charity, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol." (1 Corinthians 1-2) I think that love is the most important thing we can have in our lives. When I have not had love or let love in my life, my life has been depressing. Love has lifted me up and helped me through many trials. Not only the love that my Father in Heaven and my Savior have for me, but the love of my family and friends. I am blessed to have so many who love me and I feel blessed to be able to love so many. President Hinckley said, "Love is the only force that can erase differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness." If we love instead of hate or envy, we will not feel unworthy or feel others are better. We will feel as great as anyone. We will feel kindness towards one another and not want ill to come to anyone. What a wonderful world it would be if we all had true love for one another.
The second chapter was about honesty. How much better off would our world be if we all were truly honest in all our dealings with our fellow men. President Hinckley said, "Without honesty, our lives disintegrate into ugliness, chaos, and a lack of any kind of security and confidence." He talked about the many types of dishonesty and how many different types there are. He said that 5 of the 10 commandments deal with dishonesty. "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13), "Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 10:15), "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" (Exodus 20:16) and "Thou shalt not covet" (Exodus 20:17). That is a lot of commandments that deal with honesty and integrity. Do we do any of these things? They seem like such big things. We would probably never kill someone, steal something or commit adultery, but do we wish we had things that others have and do so in a way that we forget what we do have. Are we grateful for what we have or are we always wishing we had what the person next to us has. Do we wish we looked like the fashion models and become obsessed with making those kinds of changes while neglecting our spiritual selves. We are coveting. Do we gossip about others, listen to false stories about others or even make up those stories. If so, we are bearing false witness. Are we honest to ourselves and to the Lord especially when no one else is looking? I try to be and when I am not I get on my knees and pray my Heavenly Father will forgive me and help me to be more honest. I want to be able to hold my head up now and when I am in the presence of my Savior and be able to say I was honest.
The 3rd chapter is about morality. How far this world has gone in its attempts to allow more freedom. Things that are sacred and special to many of us have become socially acceptable and almost demanded by others. They treat their bodies and the bodies of those around them as toys and as objects and not as temples. How sad to see the state of affairs in this world. How unfree we have become. President Hinckley talks about how Hollywood has decided that we want to see this gratuitous sexuality in everything we see, read or hear. They do not understand that there are many of us that don't want to see this. It is not only Hollywood, but much of the world. Satan had gotten them to believe it is okay. There has come this week a striking example. One BYU student was found to have broken the honor code. He knew it and he admitted it. The school had no other choice but to suspend him from the sport he plays. It was a sad day for him I am sure. He knew what he had to do and what the consequences would be. He was a strong young man to be able to do this and to start the repentance process. Many in the world, however, have ridiculed the school for being behind the times. They have said that the policy is not realistic. President Hinckley said much of the same in this book. He said that the world will tell us that we are old-fashioned and out of date. How can being morally clean be out of date? When immorality is chosen, the few of the true meaning of love is distorted. A person becomes unfeeling and unloving. Desires become the sole basis of living. That makes this world a sad place to be because everyone is out for their own pleasures and not out to serve, help of love others.
So far this book has been wonderful. It has helped me to see how steady and unwavering I need to be as the world continues to decline in it's integrity. Standing up for these virtues can help each of us be better and therefore make the world a better place.
President Hinckley says that there are 10 neglected virtues that will heal our hearts and our homes. That is what "Standing for Something" is about. It is about having the integrity to stand for these virtues which will make each of us a better person, which will make our homes better, our neighborhoods better, our countries better and our world better. I have finished the first 3 chapters.
Chapter one is about love. If we all had love for one another, there would be no ills in the world. The first two commandments are "Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart..." and the second is "love thy neighbor as thyself." The Lord tells us to love one another. Paul states that "Though I speak with the tongue of angels and have not charity, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling symbol." (1 Corinthians 1-2) I think that love is the most important thing we can have in our lives. When I have not had love or let love in my life, my life has been depressing. Love has lifted me up and helped me through many trials. Not only the love that my Father in Heaven and my Savior have for me, but the love of my family and friends. I am blessed to have so many who love me and I feel blessed to be able to love so many. President Hinckley said, "Love is the only force that can erase differences between people or bridge the chasms of bitterness." If we love instead of hate or envy, we will not feel unworthy or feel others are better. We will feel as great as anyone. We will feel kindness towards one another and not want ill to come to anyone. What a wonderful world it would be if we all had true love for one another.
The second chapter was about honesty. How much better off would our world be if we all were truly honest in all our dealings with our fellow men. President Hinckley said, "Without honesty, our lives disintegrate into ugliness, chaos, and a lack of any kind of security and confidence." He talked about the many types of dishonesty and how many different types there are. He said that 5 of the 10 commandments deal with dishonesty. "Thou shalt not kill" (Exodus 20:13), "Thou shalt not steal" (Exodus 10:15), "Thou shalt not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor" (Exodus 20:16) and "Thou shalt not covet" (Exodus 20:17). That is a lot of commandments that deal with honesty and integrity. Do we do any of these things? They seem like such big things. We would probably never kill someone, steal something or commit adultery, but do we wish we had things that others have and do so in a way that we forget what we do have. Are we grateful for what we have or are we always wishing we had what the person next to us has. Do we wish we looked like the fashion models and become obsessed with making those kinds of changes while neglecting our spiritual selves. We are coveting. Do we gossip about others, listen to false stories about others or even make up those stories. If so, we are bearing false witness. Are we honest to ourselves and to the Lord especially when no one else is looking? I try to be and when I am not I get on my knees and pray my Heavenly Father will forgive me and help me to be more honest. I want to be able to hold my head up now and when I am in the presence of my Savior and be able to say I was honest.
The 3rd chapter is about morality. How far this world has gone in its attempts to allow more freedom. Things that are sacred and special to many of us have become socially acceptable and almost demanded by others. They treat their bodies and the bodies of those around them as toys and as objects and not as temples. How sad to see the state of affairs in this world. How unfree we have become. President Hinckley talks about how Hollywood has decided that we want to see this gratuitous sexuality in everything we see, read or hear. They do not understand that there are many of us that don't want to see this. It is not only Hollywood, but much of the world. Satan had gotten them to believe it is okay. There has come this week a striking example. One BYU student was found to have broken the honor code. He knew it and he admitted it. The school had no other choice but to suspend him from the sport he plays. It was a sad day for him I am sure. He knew what he had to do and what the consequences would be. He was a strong young man to be able to do this and to start the repentance process. Many in the world, however, have ridiculed the school for being behind the times. They have said that the policy is not realistic. President Hinckley said much of the same in this book. He said that the world will tell us that we are old-fashioned and out of date. How can being morally clean be out of date? When immorality is chosen, the few of the true meaning of love is distorted. A person becomes unfeeling and unloving. Desires become the sole basis of living. That makes this world a sad place to be because everyone is out for their own pleasures and not out to serve, help of love others.
So far this book has been wonderful. It has helped me to see how steady and unwavering I need to be as the world continues to decline in it's integrity. Standing up for these virtues can help each of us be better and therefore make the world a better place.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Peace and Happiness
I am on the last chapter of 'Defined by Christ'. The chapter I just finished was about peace and happiness. That is the key to life. It is the culmination of this book. If we come to know our Heavenly Father, come to know our Savior, Jesus Christ and be defined by Him we will have peace and happiness in our lives.
I know this to be true because I have felt of His peace and felt happiness these last couple of years. This is because I have decided to read my scriptures daily and be more diligent in my prayers and read books like 'Defined by Christ' which edify me and lead me toward Christ. This has enabled me to have joy and happiness.
Joy is what we are supposed to have in this life. In 'Defined by Christ,' Toni Sorenson states another one of my favorite scriptures; 2 Nephi 2:25 "Adam fell that man might be, men are that they might have joy." Reading this scripture reminded me of a time in my life when I was struggling with a marriage that was not a joy and I was trying to decide what I was supposed to do. Should I stay in it and try to make it work or should I get out and try to salvage a happy life for me and my children. It was not that my now ex was a bad person. He was not, but we did not seem to want the same eternal things and we did not agree on how to get to eternity. I was miserable a lot and did not know where to turn. I was speaking with my Stake President about my dilemma and after a while of talking he quoted 2 Ne. 2:25. He said that the Lord wanted us to be happy. Not just the momentary, fleeting happiness that the world speaks of, but of the true long-lasting, eternal happiness that comes from knowing our Savior and living the gospel. That is when I decided to be more diligent in my prayers, scripture study, and in keeping the commandments. As I did this I began to feel the peace the Savior gives to me. I was able to find peace while going through the divorce, knowing the Lord was with me. I also knew that with time He could heal my children and give them peace.
I had also been looking outside of myself for this peace and happiness. But these come from within us. As Toni says in the book, "Peace and happiness are within us. We'll never find them in a place or in a package. We'll never find them by whining or murmuring. We'll never find them as long as we are ungrateful, as long as we refuse to forgive, as long as we cling to bitterness, hatred, vengeance. They will not be found as we wallow in pity or any type of self-destructive behavior. It's not our circumstances that determine our peace and happiness -- it's our attitude toward those circumstances." How true that is. Even now when I feel that I am having troubles, if I get out of myself and think of others and serve, think of my Savior, read edifying material and tell my Heavenly Father how grateful I am for all I have, I can look at these troubles in a different light and be able to get through them with a greater peace and happiness.
The Savior can give us of His peace because He has felt every sorrow or hurt that we have. When we feel down we should remember that we are not expected to be perfect in this life. Even the best of men in this world are not perfect. Even prophets like Nephi have doubted themselves, but they also have realized in whose arm they have put their trust and where to find peace and happiness. I feel His peace daily and am grateful for His love for me!
I know this to be true because I have felt of His peace and felt happiness these last couple of years. This is because I have decided to read my scriptures daily and be more diligent in my prayers and read books like 'Defined by Christ' which edify me and lead me toward Christ. This has enabled me to have joy and happiness.
Joy is what we are supposed to have in this life. In 'Defined by Christ,' Toni Sorenson states another one of my favorite scriptures; 2 Nephi 2:25 "Adam fell that man might be, men are that they might have joy." Reading this scripture reminded me of a time in my life when I was struggling with a marriage that was not a joy and I was trying to decide what I was supposed to do. Should I stay in it and try to make it work or should I get out and try to salvage a happy life for me and my children. It was not that my now ex was a bad person. He was not, but we did not seem to want the same eternal things and we did not agree on how to get to eternity. I was miserable a lot and did not know where to turn. I was speaking with my Stake President about my dilemma and after a while of talking he quoted 2 Ne. 2:25. He said that the Lord wanted us to be happy. Not just the momentary, fleeting happiness that the world speaks of, but of the true long-lasting, eternal happiness that comes from knowing our Savior and living the gospel. That is when I decided to be more diligent in my prayers, scripture study, and in keeping the commandments. As I did this I began to feel the peace the Savior gives to me. I was able to find peace while going through the divorce, knowing the Lord was with me. I also knew that with time He could heal my children and give them peace.
I had also been looking outside of myself for this peace and happiness. But these come from within us. As Toni says in the book, "Peace and happiness are within us. We'll never find them in a place or in a package. We'll never find them by whining or murmuring. We'll never find them as long as we are ungrateful, as long as we refuse to forgive, as long as we cling to bitterness, hatred, vengeance. They will not be found as we wallow in pity or any type of self-destructive behavior. It's not our circumstances that determine our peace and happiness -- it's our attitude toward those circumstances." How true that is. Even now when I feel that I am having troubles, if I get out of myself and think of others and serve, think of my Savior, read edifying material and tell my Heavenly Father how grateful I am for all I have, I can look at these troubles in a different light and be able to get through them with a greater peace and happiness.
The Savior can give us of His peace because He has felt every sorrow or hurt that we have. When we feel down we should remember that we are not expected to be perfect in this life. Even the best of men in this world are not perfect. Even prophets like Nephi have doubted themselves, but they also have realized in whose arm they have put their trust and where to find peace and happiness. I feel His peace daily and am grateful for His love for me!
Monday, February 7, 2011
My Favorite Scripture
I was reading tonight in Defined by Christ about the Plan of Salvation. I love it how Toni Sorenson describes it. She says, "It's called the Plan of Salvation because it's there to redeem us when we sell ourselves short. It's called the Plan of Redemption because it's there to remind us who we really are and what we're worth in the eyes of the Almighty. It's the plan of mercy and the plan of happiness because it's there to wipe away our misery and despair." Aren' those lovely thoughts. I think they are. Heavenly Father's plan can help us through anything through the Atoning sacrifice of our Savior.
He knows who we are and how we feel no matter what we are going through because He has gone through it Himself. He experienced everything. He has felt all our misery, hunger, pain, weakness, etc. Sometimes I remember this when I am going through a trial and it makes me want to hold my head up higher and praise Him instead of wallowing because I do not want to be the one to cause any more pain for Him.
In the beginning, the book talked about knowing our Heavenly Father and our Savior. The book talks about knowing Satan, who he is, what he wants and how he works. He wants each of us to become like him and not be able to return to our Heavenly Father. He knows exactly how to hit us and how to try to make us feel low. He gets into our thoughts and makes us think bad thoughts especially about ourselves. He tries to get us to stop believing that we are children of God. He tries to tell us that our trials are brought on by our actions. Some are, but some are not. Some we create by giving in to the temptations of satan. Some are caused by others and some just happen. When we go through trials he wants us to think that this is the end. That we cannot live through these hard times or even if we do, our Heavenly Father will not love us and we are worthless.
When these thoughts start to enter my head, I turn to my favorite scripture which was quoted in the book. D & C 58: 3-4 "Ye cannot beholde with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
This gets me through and helps me feel the love of my Heavenly Father. All the things I go through will enable me to blessed in heaven. What a great thought!
I don't want Satan to win, so I am going to work hard to come closer to my Savior and to feel the Holy Ghost. To cast Satan out of my life and to move toward eternal life with my Father in Heaven, my Savior, and my family.
He knows who we are and how we feel no matter what we are going through because He has gone through it Himself. He experienced everything. He has felt all our misery, hunger, pain, weakness, etc. Sometimes I remember this when I am going through a trial and it makes me want to hold my head up higher and praise Him instead of wallowing because I do not want to be the one to cause any more pain for Him.
In the beginning, the book talked about knowing our Heavenly Father and our Savior. The book talks about knowing Satan, who he is, what he wants and how he works. He wants each of us to become like him and not be able to return to our Heavenly Father. He knows exactly how to hit us and how to try to make us feel low. He gets into our thoughts and makes us think bad thoughts especially about ourselves. He tries to get us to stop believing that we are children of God. He tries to tell us that our trials are brought on by our actions. Some are, but some are not. Some we create by giving in to the temptations of satan. Some are caused by others and some just happen. When we go through trials he wants us to think that this is the end. That we cannot live through these hard times or even if we do, our Heavenly Father will not love us and we are worthless.
When these thoughts start to enter my head, I turn to my favorite scripture which was quoted in the book. D & C 58: 3-4 "Ye cannot beholde with your natural eyes, for the present time, the design of your God concerning those things which shall come hereafter, and the glory which shall follow much tribulation. For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
This gets me through and helps me feel the love of my Heavenly Father. All the things I go through will enable me to blessed in heaven. What a great thought!
I don't want Satan to win, so I am going to work hard to come closer to my Savior and to feel the Holy Ghost. To cast Satan out of my life and to move toward eternal life with my Father in Heaven, my Savior, and my family.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of The Savior
What a wonderful daughter I have. Her insights are amazing. As she said in her post, this book for me too must be read slowly. I want to take in every section and take it into my heart. I want to truly understand the concepts. I want my Spirit to feel the Spirit with which this book was written.
First, though, I think I need to tell you the reasoning behind choosing this book first. I gave this book to my best friend, Jilian Colwell, for Christmas this year. I have three best friends, Gary, Jilian and my daughter, Lizzie. Hence why we are reading this book and why I am doing this blog with Lizzie. Anyway, every year I end up getting a book for Jilian for Christmas. This year I had decided that I was going to do something different for her. I felt that I always get her a book and it seems so informal, so I was going to do something really grand. Well, I was looking at Seagull Book and Tape for Christmas presents for my Young Women Leaders and my Laurels when I spied this book. The cover and the title caught my eye; a picture of the Savior and "Defined by Christ." I had to pick it up to see what this was all about. Then I read the byline. It says, "Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of the Savior." That sounded interesting, so I read the inside cover. This is what it says.
"So many of us stretch our faces with smiles side enought to mask the pain we hide. so many of us go through the motions -- attending church, giving service, nurturing our families, learning and doing -- while inside we feel empty, broken, doubtful, and even guilty for the way we feel. We tell ourselves that if we'd only work harder, we would somehow earn the blessings of peace, security, and unconditional love that we hunger for. But are we ever wrong! Simply by virtue of being a child of God, each of us is already loved beyond comprehension, without boundaries or conditions. Yet, sadly, many of us leave this heavenly gift unopened.
..... author Toni Sorenson illuminates the pathway toward opening the gift of divine love and finding everlasting peace even amidst the shadows and storms of life. As we come to focus on God's goodness rather than our own weakness, we recognize our own infinite worth, develop confidence in the plan of happiness, strengthen our ability to identify and overcome the lies of Satan, discover the power within us to find wholeness and help others heal, and experience for ourselves how good trumps evil. No matter what our disappointment or failure or loss may be, allowing ourselves to be defined by Christ will lift us out of darkness and into His light."
Those words spoke to my heart. Jilian has been going through some things in her life that have been difficult and I knew that this was the was she was feeling because we have talked about it. At first I did not pick up the book, but ended up going back and getting it. I knew the Lord wanted me to get it for her. My other thought was that I needed to get me a copy, but I ignored that thought.
Then things happened with Lizzie and I was down there in Las Vegas helping out when we went to Deseret Book. We actually went twice. The first time I saw the book again, but was not sure it was the right one so I asked Jilian. She told me the name again and said she loved the book. I felt like I needed to tell Lizzie about it, so we went back to Deseret Book. I picked up the book and told her that I wanted to get this book for me and maybe she would like a copy. She read what the book said and bought her own copy. As I was driving back to her house, we started talking about book clubs. We have always wanted to do one, but did not like the books chosen. That's when we decided on the Bored Book Club and decided to start with "Defined by Christ." What a great choice. I know the Lord was guiding us to start with this book. Knowing the ideas in this book about the love of God for all of us and how Infinite our worth is to him, will help us decide what other books to read. It will define our strategy on where to go from here. Well, thats how we decided all of this.
So now I want to tell you my thoughts on what I have read so far. I am almost at the end of the 3rd chapter or truth as Toni calls them. Knowing that I am of infinite worth and truly believing that have helped me to see my Heavenly Fathers and my Saviors love more clearly. As Lizzie said, the Atonement is the true way to see God's love for us. As I was reading the chapters on God's love and the Savior's love, this really hit me harder than usual. I started to think of God as my true father. I have always known that He is my father, but for some reason it I was really able to understand this as I was reading. I thought about my own children and thought about how I would feel if I had to give up one of my children, to watch them suffer beyond anything imaginable and then to watch them die, knowing that I would step in at any time, but knowing that I could not do that. The tears that I would shed would be enormous. I think that Heavenly Father did this as He watched His Son going through all that He did and then dying on the cross. He knows He could have stopped it, but He knew that if He did He would lose the rest of His children. What love He has for us to do this. To watch our Savior go through all He did.
I also realize more the love the Savior has for us. I am important enough to Him, as He is my older brother, that He would go through the Garden of Gethsemane, the trial and the crucifixion, so that I may become perfect. Wow!!! Why would he do this? He loves us, but really why? I think of my own older brother, who at one time wanted to take away my pain when I chose to marry early. He felt that it would end in my getting hurt, and he wanted to protect me. He didn't know what to do to help, but our Savior knew exactly what He had to do. I can't even imagine the strength it took to do this. I would do anything for my children and my family. At least, I think I would. Would I go through hell to protect and help those I love. Would I truly be willing to give my life for them. I think so. I hope so. I hope my love is this strong.
She talked about the way to feel of God and the Savior's love more are to come to know them. How do we come to know them. By doing the things they ask. By reading the scriptures, serving, attending our meetings, but especially by prayer. My idea of prayer is different than some. I feel like I need to speak out loud and speak like I am talking with my Father, which He is. I feel like I should be respectful but tell Him everything. Discuss everything with Him that is going on in my life. He already knows, but wants to hear from me. I know when I do not take the time to speak with Him, my life does not go as well or I do not feel the peace as much. I want to feel peace.
When we moved to Layton, I made a decision to read my scriptures more and stop reading what I call fluff books. (I know many people may disagree with this, but this is what I felt I needed to do.) I had many books that I was reading that did not edify me. They were not bringing me closer to the Savior. So I decided to read the books in our own library first. We have mostly gospel centered books, but some classics and some history books. I also started to read my scriptures while I was exercising in the morning. As I began to do this, I started to feel more peace in my life. I began to be a better person and to actually feel my Heavenly Father and my Savior's love. Things that used to bother me in the past, became easier to handle. My life became filled with peace. I think this is what Toni Sorenson meant when she said that we had to come to know our Heavenly Father and our Savior. As I read about them in the scriptures and in the books, I began to understand more. I know that I will never understand completely, especially the Atonement, but I don't think that is required. I think that as we draw closer to our Savior in getting to know Him, we draw closer to our Heavenly Father and get to know Him.
I am glad we started this book club so we can get to know the Savior and our Heavenly Father better and to be able to feel peace in our lives. I hope more of our friends will take this challenge and join us in our book club.
First, though, I think I need to tell you the reasoning behind choosing this book first. I gave this book to my best friend, Jilian Colwell, for Christmas this year. I have three best friends, Gary, Jilian and my daughter, Lizzie. Hence why we are reading this book and why I am doing this blog with Lizzie. Anyway, every year I end up getting a book for Jilian for Christmas. This year I had decided that I was going to do something different for her. I felt that I always get her a book and it seems so informal, so I was going to do something really grand. Well, I was looking at Seagull Book and Tape for Christmas presents for my Young Women Leaders and my Laurels when I spied this book. The cover and the title caught my eye; a picture of the Savior and "Defined by Christ." I had to pick it up to see what this was all about. Then I read the byline. It says, "Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of the Savior." That sounded interesting, so I read the inside cover. This is what it says.
"So many of us stretch our faces with smiles side enought to mask the pain we hide. so many of us go through the motions -- attending church, giving service, nurturing our families, learning and doing -- while inside we feel empty, broken, doubtful, and even guilty for the way we feel. We tell ourselves that if we'd only work harder, we would somehow earn the blessings of peace, security, and unconditional love that we hunger for. But are we ever wrong! Simply by virtue of being a child of God, each of us is already loved beyond comprehension, without boundaries or conditions. Yet, sadly, many of us leave this heavenly gift unopened.
..... author Toni Sorenson illuminates the pathway toward opening the gift of divine love and finding everlasting peace even amidst the shadows and storms of life. As we come to focus on God's goodness rather than our own weakness, we recognize our own infinite worth, develop confidence in the plan of happiness, strengthen our ability to identify and overcome the lies of Satan, discover the power within us to find wholeness and help others heal, and experience for ourselves how good trumps evil. No matter what our disappointment or failure or loss may be, allowing ourselves to be defined by Christ will lift us out of darkness and into His light."
Those words spoke to my heart. Jilian has been going through some things in her life that have been difficult and I knew that this was the was she was feeling because we have talked about it. At first I did not pick up the book, but ended up going back and getting it. I knew the Lord wanted me to get it for her. My other thought was that I needed to get me a copy, but I ignored that thought.
Then things happened with Lizzie and I was down there in Las Vegas helping out when we went to Deseret Book. We actually went twice. The first time I saw the book again, but was not sure it was the right one so I asked Jilian. She told me the name again and said she loved the book. I felt like I needed to tell Lizzie about it, so we went back to Deseret Book. I picked up the book and told her that I wanted to get this book for me and maybe she would like a copy. She read what the book said and bought her own copy. As I was driving back to her house, we started talking about book clubs. We have always wanted to do one, but did not like the books chosen. That's when we decided on the Bored Book Club and decided to start with "Defined by Christ." What a great choice. I know the Lord was guiding us to start with this book. Knowing the ideas in this book about the love of God for all of us and how Infinite our worth is to him, will help us decide what other books to read. It will define our strategy on where to go from here. Well, thats how we decided all of this.
So now I want to tell you my thoughts on what I have read so far. I am almost at the end of the 3rd chapter or truth as Toni calls them. Knowing that I am of infinite worth and truly believing that have helped me to see my Heavenly Fathers and my Saviors love more clearly. As Lizzie said, the Atonement is the true way to see God's love for us. As I was reading the chapters on God's love and the Savior's love, this really hit me harder than usual. I started to think of God as my true father. I have always known that He is my father, but for some reason it I was really able to understand this as I was reading. I thought about my own children and thought about how I would feel if I had to give up one of my children, to watch them suffer beyond anything imaginable and then to watch them die, knowing that I would step in at any time, but knowing that I could not do that. The tears that I would shed would be enormous. I think that Heavenly Father did this as He watched His Son going through all that He did and then dying on the cross. He knows He could have stopped it, but He knew that if He did He would lose the rest of His children. What love He has for us to do this. To watch our Savior go through all He did.
I also realize more the love the Savior has for us. I am important enough to Him, as He is my older brother, that He would go through the Garden of Gethsemane, the trial and the crucifixion, so that I may become perfect. Wow!!! Why would he do this? He loves us, but really why? I think of my own older brother, who at one time wanted to take away my pain when I chose to marry early. He felt that it would end in my getting hurt, and he wanted to protect me. He didn't know what to do to help, but our Savior knew exactly what He had to do. I can't even imagine the strength it took to do this. I would do anything for my children and my family. At least, I think I would. Would I go through hell to protect and help those I love. Would I truly be willing to give my life for them. I think so. I hope so. I hope my love is this strong.
She talked about the way to feel of God and the Savior's love more are to come to know them. How do we come to know them. By doing the things they ask. By reading the scriptures, serving, attending our meetings, but especially by prayer. My idea of prayer is different than some. I feel like I need to speak out loud and speak like I am talking with my Father, which He is. I feel like I should be respectful but tell Him everything. Discuss everything with Him that is going on in my life. He already knows, but wants to hear from me. I know when I do not take the time to speak with Him, my life does not go as well or I do not feel the peace as much. I want to feel peace.
When we moved to Layton, I made a decision to read my scriptures more and stop reading what I call fluff books. (I know many people may disagree with this, but this is what I felt I needed to do.) I had many books that I was reading that did not edify me. They were not bringing me closer to the Savior. So I decided to read the books in our own library first. We have mostly gospel centered books, but some classics and some history books. I also started to read my scriptures while I was exercising in the morning. As I began to do this, I started to feel more peace in my life. I began to be a better person and to actually feel my Heavenly Father and my Savior's love. Things that used to bother me in the past, became easier to handle. My life became filled with peace. I think this is what Toni Sorenson meant when she said that we had to come to know our Heavenly Father and our Savior. As I read about them in the scriptures and in the books, I began to understand more. I know that I will never understand completely, especially the Atonement, but I don't think that is required. I think that as we draw closer to our Savior in getting to know Him, we draw closer to our Heavenly Father and get to know Him.
I am glad we started this book club so we can get to know the Savior and our Heavenly Father better and to be able to feel peace in our lives. I hope more of our friends will take this challenge and join us in our book club.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Defined by Christ
So I thought I would get the ball rolling and write some of my thoughts on the book thus far... I thought I might be as candid as possible to hopefully create an environment where everyone feels comfortable writing.
First, there are too many good points to just sit down and read the whole thing. It's like I read something and then I'm like yeah that applies to me, or I'm going to try that. Hence I am only about half way done with the book.
Second, I love how it can apply to anyone, even if they are not going through the same thing as the woman in the book.
My favorite part so far has been the idea of God's love. I think to often we define love as something that we can handle with our five senses. We can feel love by a touch or a kiss, we hear love words, we see love by the actions of others, we smell love by flowers, we taste love through chocolate. But God's love is so much more than that, it is physical, but it is mostly spiritual, and therefore can not been seen without using spiritual eyes. I really don't think we can fully understand God's love without partaking of the atonement. It is the way God shows love for us, he loves us so much he provided a way that all of us can get back to him and receive the most wonderful gift of all...to be like him. In Acts chapter 10:34 it says that "God is no respecter of persons", which means he loves us all equally. Therefore, if God shows us his love through the atonement and loves us all, just by deduction we can conclude that the atonement is available for us all. Now we all know this, and have been taught this basic doctrine, but how many of us doubt it for some reason or another. Like the author said, she felt that others could partake of the atonement, partake of Gods love, but not her. Why is that so? She gives another example of an Old Man at the airport not thinking that God loved him. I cannot speak for everyone but I know I have felt this way many times. Why? I think for me the answer comes in a couple of sentences that she gives. She says, "I realized I'd never had confidence- not real, lasting confidence- because I had never put my confidence in the Worthy One. That began to change as I began to trust in Christ and in His love and the redeeming, restoring power of His Atonement."(48) By not having confidence in ourselves we hinder our ability to come to the Lord. Isn't that funny, the Lord has giving us the most wonderful gift and we have decided to not accept it because our imperfections. Yet we do it, I do it. I have never had confidence in myself before (not the kind of confidence that is lasting), and I don't think I ever will with out Christ. Realizing this, and letting the power of the atonement grow within me (as it says in Alma 32) has made me understand his love for me. Not only that, it has also made me realize that just like she said in the book, we can be bold. WE can speak with power, we can ask God for things. I have always wondered how missionaries or apostles are able to speak with such boldness, and now I completely understand. They understand the Love of Christ. It has been interesting as I have read this book, studied my scriptures, attended institute and prayed for an understand of God's love, it has come. I know that I have been prepared for this very moment with challenges in my life that have truly humbled me. It's like everything in my life has prepared me to receive insight. I have learned to recognize God's hand in all things, because I feel like everything in my life right now is trying to explain the same message from the book we have chosen, the same message that is portrayed through out the all of the scriptures and ensign articles. I can't believe I have not noticed it before! I love in the book when it talks about her interviewing people who she felt were Christlike. She then references a quote by Elder Maxwell, "if our souls were marked by rings, are are trees, the years of greatest personal growth would likely be those characterized by the greatest moisture- not as the result of rainfall, but of tears."(44) I like I am at that point of greatest moisture right now. As Oprah would say, has been an "aha!" moment for me. I feel like every trial that has come into my life (excluding those for my sins) has happened for a reason and I know that I lost this baby because I needed to know that God loves me. I needed to know what it feels like to partake of the healing given by the atonement, I need to be defined by Christ.
One other feeling I had during the book, she talks a lot about how people made her feel bad, the world made her feel bad, like she was not of great work. It has made me question my own life. Am I saying things that would make someone feel like they are unworthy of God's love? I know I do, intentionally and unintentionally. We were reading in Acts today for institute. In chapter 16 it talks about Paul and how they were imprisoned. During the night all of their shackles had been loosed so they could break free, but instead of leaving, they stayed so that the jailor would not loose his own life. It showed great love by Paul. It made me think of how often I think of myself and how selfish I am. I need to do a better job of loving those that are around me.
Well, thats what I thought...What did you think?
Lizzie
First, there are too many good points to just sit down and read the whole thing. It's like I read something and then I'm like yeah that applies to me, or I'm going to try that. Hence I am only about half way done with the book.
Second, I love how it can apply to anyone, even if they are not going through the same thing as the woman in the book.
My favorite part so far has been the idea of God's love. I think to often we define love as something that we can handle with our five senses. We can feel love by a touch or a kiss, we hear love words, we see love by the actions of others, we smell love by flowers, we taste love through chocolate. But God's love is so much more than that, it is physical, but it is mostly spiritual, and therefore can not been seen without using spiritual eyes. I really don't think we can fully understand God's love without partaking of the atonement. It is the way God shows love for us, he loves us so much he provided a way that all of us can get back to him and receive the most wonderful gift of all...to be like him. In Acts chapter 10:34 it says that "God is no respecter of persons", which means he loves us all equally. Therefore, if God shows us his love through the atonement and loves us all, just by deduction we can conclude that the atonement is available for us all. Now we all know this, and have been taught this basic doctrine, but how many of us doubt it for some reason or another. Like the author said, she felt that others could partake of the atonement, partake of Gods love, but not her. Why is that so? She gives another example of an Old Man at the airport not thinking that God loved him. I cannot speak for everyone but I know I have felt this way many times. Why? I think for me the answer comes in a couple of sentences that she gives. She says, "I realized I'd never had confidence- not real, lasting confidence- because I had never put my confidence in the Worthy One. That began to change as I began to trust in Christ and in His love and the redeeming, restoring power of His Atonement."(48) By not having confidence in ourselves we hinder our ability to come to the Lord. Isn't that funny, the Lord has giving us the most wonderful gift and we have decided to not accept it because our imperfections. Yet we do it, I do it. I have never had confidence in myself before (not the kind of confidence that is lasting), and I don't think I ever will with out Christ. Realizing this, and letting the power of the atonement grow within me (as it says in Alma 32) has made me understand his love for me. Not only that, it has also made me realize that just like she said in the book, we can be bold. WE can speak with power, we can ask God for things. I have always wondered how missionaries or apostles are able to speak with such boldness, and now I completely understand. They understand the Love of Christ. It has been interesting as I have read this book, studied my scriptures, attended institute and prayed for an understand of God's love, it has come. I know that I have been prepared for this very moment with challenges in my life that have truly humbled me. It's like everything in my life has prepared me to receive insight. I have learned to recognize God's hand in all things, because I feel like everything in my life right now is trying to explain the same message from the book we have chosen, the same message that is portrayed through out the all of the scriptures and ensign articles. I can't believe I have not noticed it before! I love in the book when it talks about her interviewing people who she felt were Christlike. She then references a quote by Elder Maxwell, "if our souls were marked by rings, are are trees, the years of greatest personal growth would likely be those characterized by the greatest moisture- not as the result of rainfall, but of tears."(44) I like I am at that point of greatest moisture right now. As Oprah would say, has been an "aha!" moment for me. I feel like every trial that has come into my life (excluding those for my sins) has happened for a reason and I know that I lost this baby because I needed to know that God loves me. I needed to know what it feels like to partake of the healing given by the atonement, I need to be defined by Christ.
One other feeling I had during the book, she talks a lot about how people made her feel bad, the world made her feel bad, like she was not of great work. It has made me question my own life. Am I saying things that would make someone feel like they are unworthy of God's love? I know I do, intentionally and unintentionally. We were reading in Acts today for institute. In chapter 16 it talks about Paul and how they were imprisoned. During the night all of their shackles had been loosed so they could break free, but instead of leaving, they stayed so that the jailor would not loose his own life. It showed great love by Paul. It made me think of how often I think of myself and how selfish I am. I need to do a better job of loving those that are around me.
Well, thats what I thought...What did you think?
Lizzie
Thursday, January 13, 2011
About Us
So my wonderful Mom and I thought it would be a good idea to start a book club. I wanted to join one, she wanted to join one...but we wanted to do it together (and I live a state away!). Another issue we had was the crappy books that book clubs often choose, we didn't like them or want to buy them or read them. So we thought, what would be a better way than to make our own book club online?
There are quite a few benefits:
1. It's online, so location and time are not an issue, just do it when you do have time
2. Only book suggestions, no actual assignments. If you don't feel like reading a certain book, you don't have to!
3. There are no time constraints, there will be no set time to read books, feel free to join in discussion when ever you feel the urge.
4. You have the benefit of being in a club, in that you get to socialize and gain other perspectives!
5. A good way to keep in touch with friends
If you would like to join, just post your email in the comment section and we will add you as an author. That way you can make posts about books and respond to them as well, in addition to making book suggestions.
The first book that we are interested in reading (although it is a suggestion and not mandatory) is
Defined By Christ
by Toni Sorenson
It costs $16.99 at Deseret Book or on Amazon.com, it can also be purchased as a kindle addition on amazon for only $9.99
There are quite a few benefits:
1. It's online, so location and time are not an issue, just do it when you do have time
2. Only book suggestions, no actual assignments. If you don't feel like reading a certain book, you don't have to!
3. There are no time constraints, there will be no set time to read books, feel free to join in discussion when ever you feel the urge.
4. You have the benefit of being in a club, in that you get to socialize and gain other perspectives!
5. A good way to keep in touch with friends
If you would like to join, just post your email in the comment section and we will add you as an author. That way you can make posts about books and respond to them as well, in addition to making book suggestions.
The first book that we are interested in reading (although it is a suggestion and not mandatory) is
Defined By Christ
by Toni Sorenson
It costs $16.99 at Deseret Book or on Amazon.com, it can also be purchased as a kindle addition on amazon for only $9.99
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