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.

I had a flat-tire this weekend on my way back home from Edmonton. The weather was extremely cold and I was grateful to have 24-hr free roadside assistance. Trying to change in tire in minus 35 weather is definitely low on my list of things to do. In fact it isn’t even on the list!
I have yet to meet anyone who has this type of auto service that regrets paying for it. Inevitably it always comes in handy. Contrast this to insurance. This past week we have made a claim due to some flooding in our house. I opted for a bigger deductible ($1000) for a lower monthly payment. The work will amount to some $3000ish dollar yet somehow I’m not as elated or grateful for this purchased service or the savings. I also begrudge auto insurance. However, I’m sure that those who haven’t purchased home insurance feel regret for lack of coverage.

I was recently sent a link to the Hinckley Challenge. The challenge urges visitors to honour President Gordon B. Hinckley by reading the Book of Mormon in 97 days, the number of years President Hinckley lived. I truly felt a connection (and still do) to this great man of faith. I’ve been wanting to read the Book of Mormon again for some time.

I’m in.

Are you?

Does anyone ever read the quotes on the sidebar of my blog? I collect these and add to them periodically. Many of them I do not remember actually adding at all. Still I find them all stimulating and refreshing. Give it a whirl with the refresh button to see several. Also if you have a short quote you think I should add please email it to me or add it in the comments section.

Here is one I haven’t yet added:

We may convince others by our arguments; but we can only persuade them by their own.
-Joseph Joubert

I found this philosphy very helpful in university when convincing professors of my cause or plight.

More and more I’m aware that my children are listening to every word I say and interpreting it. This can lead to some funny moments. Here’s one that still has me laughing.

Last week Brigham was very sick. At one point we suspected he had contracted the measles and were even discussing the possibility of quarantine. Daria said, “Nate, I think we are going to have to isolate Brigs.” A few moments later a concerned Joshua bellowed from the other room, “You’re going to freeze Brigs?!!” After our laughter died down I explained to Josh the difference between ice and isolate. What a kid.

Today I met with a reporter from a local magazine called Lethbridge Living. The interview centered around my Lethbridge Snoring and Sleep Apnea Clinic. The article should appear in the next month or so. If you’d like to read a draft of the article please email me. We talked about the fascinating field of sleep apnea and its profound connection to the quality of life for those diagnosed. I’m really excited!

I’m excited to add yet another set of skills to my dental practice. This month I begin my training to provide IV sedation. The course will take place over the next several months and is known to be among the most comprehensive in North America.

I’m also excited as Daria occasionally seems this close to needing an IV and if needed I will be able to help her in a pinch.

Also sleep related I’ve started working closely with the local sleep lab to help treat my obstructive sleep apnea patients. I’m thrilled with my new assistant as well and enjoying working with someone who is pleasant, organized and shows up everyday to work.

I’m very grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here in Lethbridge and the training I’m getting from Dr. Bryan Murray —a true friend, colleague and relative.

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.