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.
