Well it was inevitable, I fell behind on my Book of Mormon Hinckley Challenge. If you look a few posts ago there is a chart that updates my progress as it is entered (in case your keeping tabs). But today I got back on the bandwagon and read about 18 pages or so. My page average to finish within the 93 days has now been increased to 7.5 or so from a 5 page average. I ended up finishing 2 Nephi 9 today. To me this chapter is in the top five discourses of scriptural discourse of all time. I challenge you to read it immediately after reading this post! It’s explanation of the plan of salvation, commandments, sin, redemption, consequences of sin, the need for a redeemer, how the Holy One of Israel saved us from a first and second death, the mention of robes of righteousness, the judgement process, the saving of those who die without a knowledge of God’s plan and the explicit warnings against pride, vanity, and relying exclusively on the wisdom of man and riches and the guide to achieving happiness and confidence before our Maker makes this timeless and timely scripture relevant on any day and in any age. Go read it now!
Category Archives: Readings
Nephi is Amazing
The first chapters of the Book of Mormon are truly a treasure, even despite having read them dozens of times in the past. What is so refreshing is how stimulating the Book of Nephi really is. I find as I read the verses they are so rich. It is interesting to me how in summarizing the Book of Nephi we tend to focus on the migration of Lehi’s family rather then on the intensely spiritual and family-centric nature of the book. In fact, the whole Book of Mormon gives a far more relationship oriented approach to scripture then the majority of all other canons of scripture. And yet the doctrine is all there to be had wide out in the open. As to it’s authenticity, I think the first four chapters of Nephi are among the most compelling. Certainly I would also include King Benjamin’s words in the early chapters of the Book of Mosiah, and selected chapters of the Books of Alma and Third Nephi, as well as the gripping sadness found in Mormon and Moroni. I also find this genuine sense strikes harder any time Mormon chimes in with his summary narrative commentary. Some of these chapters are also doctrinally rich but I’m speaking more to the sense of wonderment I feel that these are real chapters of history, and even an analytical like me cannot escape that sense of real authorship that comes through. As I move through the text over the next 97 days I will be highlighting my favourite portions of this book that changed(s) my life.
Bjorn vs. Kindle
The Kindle is a new electronic book reader from online book purveyor Amazon. It offers the ability to wirelessly download, read, and store dozens of books and is about paperbook size. Most of my reading is currently online, in a dental journal or text, or in my daily newspaper. At this point I don’t see a Kindle in my future. However, if I were planning an extended vacation and wanted to save precious packing space—maybe. If I was a daily public transportation user I think I would have clicked buy-it-now yesterday (if it were available in Canada).
I wonder if a die-hard reader like my brother-in-law would be able to switch from paper to screen. Prediction: Highly unlikely. I suspect Bjorn enjoys the romance of page-turning and looking back at the shelf with fondness. I suspect he also believes in the futurity of books.
The device is priced at $399 US. Interestingly, this is a barrier to me, which is paradoxical because I have been more then willing to buy the similarly priced iPod and Palm Treo in the past. I can only conclude that for me this is not a must have device based on design. Perhaps in person my thoughts will change.
The Success Principles
I’m reading an amazing book by Jack Canfield, co-author of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Series. The book has had an effect on me that feels more permanent then other books I have read in the same category. It also arrives at a time when I am in transition professionally. I am the target audience.
Daria and I both purchased copies so we could read it together and not wait or share the book. It has already ingrained in my life some mentalities and habits that I feel lasting.
What I like about the book is it’s building nature, it’s clearly stated principles illustrated by relevant stories and embellished by great quotes. I also am amazed at how it seems to tap in on a conscious, subconscious and emotional level that I find so reinforcing. Expect more from me on this book and the impact it has had. I highly recommend reading it and would love to share the experience.
You can expect a more regular presence from me on this blog as I have set a goal to make at least 1 blog entry a week for an entire year. Part of the impact the book has had on me.
The Real Simple Life
I actually bought a magazine this week. Newstand price even, which I can’t stand, but I’m completely addicted to the dream of having my life as organized as my purchase—magazine Real Simple. A special issue written with young families in mind, nearly every page, ad, article and feature held my interest while I stood captive in the grocery checkout lane (the only reason National Enquirer actually sells). Seriously, did they consult my wife about everything I’d like to change or improve at home? We’ve already implemented about 3 of the ideas from the magazine. One idea was having pre-made snack trays stocked with veggies, crackers, cheese and dip ready to go in the fridge. Really simple, but really great idea that even the kids love too. The magazine also talks about some great meals to make with your kids, bedtimes, some sweet collapsible laundry bins that Daria is trying to review and score for us at Boutique Cafe that come pre-labeled and look great.
The magazine also featured some sweet ottomans. Buouko (spelling?) bucks though. It so happened that yesterday I was stopping by the Real Canadian Superstore to pick up some apple boxes when I noticed they were having a “furniture blowout” (the huge neon sign outside also helped). My pre-conditioned state, their completely Real Simple-esque styled branding, and a desperate need not to have furniture featuring urine, chocolate, peanutbutter, with only the undercovering remaining, left me vulnerable. Not to mention 50% off.
Your now looking at the proud owner of two large square brown leather ottomans—highly climbable and featuring wipeable non-absorbent surfaces. I think you can even put your feet on them too.
If you haven’t read this issue of Real Simple I highly recommend checking it out.
Reverence & Meditation
We had a discussion in our priesthood quorum today on Elements of Worship from The Teachings of David O. McKay. One of the reasons I enjoy blogging is the opportunity of introspection and contemplation it affords. Clearly much of that introspection never graces these pages but believe you me it is happening! Here are a few of President McKay’s thoughts on Reverence:
Inseparable from the acceptance of the existence of God is an attitude of reverence, to which I wish now to call attention most earnestly to the entire Church. The greatest manifestation of spirituality is reverence; indeed, reverence is spirituality. Reverence is profound respect mingled with love. It is �a complex emotion made up of mingled feelings of the soul.�
Reverence embraces regard, deference, honor, and esteem. Without some degree of it, therefore, there would be no courtesy, no gentility, no consideration of others� feelings, or of others� rights. Reverence is the fundamental virtue in religion. It is �one of the signs of strength; irreverence, one of the surest indications of weakness. No man will rise high,� says one man, �who jeers at sacred things. The fine loyalties of life,� he continues, �must be reverenced or they will be foresworn [or rejected] in the day of trial.�
Largely, I think I can be reverent, and hope I am not irreverent with sacred things. I know I can be too abrasive and sarcastic at times which shuns the virtues President McKay lists above. Alas, sarcasm is my bane�at times a witty friend but in an instant a cruel enemy. I think if I could remove one character trait in an instant, sarcasm would be it.
President McKay continues:
If there were more reverence in human hearts, there would be less room for sin and sorrow and more increased capacity for joy and gladness. To make more cherished, more adaptable, more attractive, this gem among brilliant virtues is a project worthy of the most united and prayerful efforts of every officer, every parent, and every member of the Church.
Three influences in home life awaken reverence in children and contribute to its development in their souls. These are: first, firm but Gentle Guidance; second, Courtesy shown by parents to each other, and to children; and third, Prayerin which children participate. In every home in this Church parents should strive to act intelligently in impressing children with those three fundamentals.
Tonight our young Joshy prayed at the dinner table; intuitively, he is already reverent when praying. His voice changes to a quieted meekness. Patiently he takes instructions on what to say and then repeats, often shortened to his own words. A grin with slightly teared eyes appear on his parent’s faces at the end of the prayer when I say “In the name of Jesus Christ” and instead of repeating Joshua says “Amen.” read more »
The Five People You Meet in Heaven
I’ve found my next book of fiction to read. It’s The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom and what I watched on ABC tonight. I was so intrigued by the title, and the t.v. movie didn’t disappoint with a good performance by Jon Voight. It was one of those movies that grabs you with a sense of wonder and leaves you time to contemplate while you watch. I’m always drawn to these types of films because they actually mean something 10 minutes after the movie. I was touched and emotional at many points in the show. Daria and I held hands in the movie, which we often do in powerful moments in our lives. It’s a silent communication that says: I’m so glad I’m experiencing this with you, I love you, I need you, and more then I could write here. I feel like she can read my very thoughts, or more accurately feel my very feelings.
I’m so lucky blessed to have her.
After doing some research Albom seems drawn to insightful life lesson writing. He also wrote a non-fiction book about an old professor, and mentor, that he was reunited with after some 20 years.
I read fiction (at least fiction that purports to be fiction) about once a year. With the holidays coming I’m excited to maybe sink my teeth into this wonderful story. For those who read this that is a definite Christmas gift hint-I’ll let you read it when I’m done 
Ever discover your mother was right?
Sure. I’ll admit it my mom was right about a lot of things. And now that I am raising my own children in my own marriage I can’t help but think about what was done in my parent’s home and now in mine. I’m sure all of us have picked at our childhood and said “I liked that” or “Never Ever will I ever (fill in the blank).” More recently, I have found many of those defining events at the Grandparents house where a parenting moment arrives. Sometimes these moments go by without hesitation on my part with total disregard for what anyone anywhere might think and mostly because I’m unaware or oblivious to observation. But other times I find myself assuming (a dangerous pasttime…I know) what those around might think is the acceptable course of action. There is nothing like a discussion of parenting techniques to rile you up like a cat’s raised back. Now in fairness I can and do take lots of advice on parenting with open arms. Case in point: I started reading a book which I am now certain my mother memorized many parts of called Dare to Discipline by James Dobson. If anyone knows my Mom they should know this already—when it comes to discipline in parenting the words Triple-Dog-Dare-You aren’t required for action. The book was recommended by my mother and already we have recognized, practiced and lauded its pages. A new edition has come out which would be interesting to read since the first edition refers to the 60’s and 70’s a fair bit. I am a fan of informed, consistent parenting done with love and firmness like this scripture. The book has some good question and answer periods at the end of each chapter dealing with practical situations which I wish were more dominant in its pages.
If anyone knows of any other good books on parenting I’m all ears. I’d also love to hear successful potty-training stories.
