bookclub.bookclub.bookclub.

Last year I set a goal that I wanted to start a book club. I don't really know why. After two post-poned attempts, it was finally a sucess! We met for the first time last week, and had a great time! There's just something about Book Club, that makes you feel like an adult. I've watched my mom be part of book clubs, and my sisters too...Everyone came with a few books in mind that they would want to read, along with a brief synopsis of what the book was about. For our first book, we are reading The Help, by Kathryn Stockett. I've never been a proactive "party planner person", so I was a little nervous as to how it would go... All in all, there were more treats than participants, more facebook stalking/setting people up with their friends than philosophical discussion, and more laughs than cries. Operation Book Club: Success!

If you would like to participate in our next meeting, we will be meeting on September 5th to discuss The Help :) Contact me for further deets! Do you have any recommendations for good books to read for a Book Club??!!

Four O'clock feel good.

This morning I was reading in the Book of Mormon, and the words seemed to speak directly to me. They have since resonated in my mind all day. The chapter I was reading, encapsulated a war between two opposing groups of people. One group's sole motive was to gain power. Their desire was to defeat others so as to prove a point that they were in control. Conversely, the other group fought to defend their families. They fought for their right to worship God as they pleased. What really touched me though was when it said that the reason they fought, was because they felt it was "the duty which they owed to their God."  It was their duty to defend these things. It is our duty to God that we defend Him each day of our lives. We do in fact owe Him our very lives. The least we can do is live our lives in accordance with His teachings, and try to make Him proud of our efforts. It's easy to get caught up in the day to day battles of our lives, and in turn, fight the wrong battles.  I want to work on being more aware of my motives-- Am I fighting the right battles? Where are my priorites.

Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their rites of worship and their church.

And they were doing that which they felt was the duty which they owed to their God; for the Lord had said unto them, and also unto their fathers, that: Inasmuch as ye are not guilty of the first offense, neither the second, ye shall not suffer yourselves to be slain by the hands of your enemies.

 
...Therefore for this cause were the Nephites contending with the Lamanites, to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.

David Archuleta's rendition of  "I'm trying to be Like Jesus" is so beautiful. I listened to this early this morning, and it was a great reminder to strive to do the little things that bring me closer to Christ each day. When I do so, I am much happier.

gratitude.

Today, I'm feeling especially grateful.
Life.
 What a blessing it is. Unfortunately i believe that far too often I take this divine gift for granted.  Every day I am given the gift of life.
 I am given the chance to become someone.
Who that someone is-- I'm still discovering...
 I am truly, grateful.
This recent effort of daily reflection of the abundance of blessings I have is inspiring.
 It is far easier to pinpoint the bad, than it is to recognize the presence of good.

Recent events have evoked my thoughts to live each day in effort to become a better version of myself.
Change.
One day at a time.
 Little by little.
I believe that God is pleased as he sees us strive to change.
 As hard as it may be, change is vital to our progression. We have to see ourselves for who we really are--imperfect, and then utilize our time to strive for perfection. That perfection is unattainable in this life, without Jesus Christ. Through his grace, He can lift us from mediocrity.
I never want to be one of the ones who wallows in mediocrity.
Jesus Christ inspires me to change.
 Abandoning old habits, embracing the new. 
The more I remember Him each day, the more strength He gives me to become better.

Some words from the wise on gratitude.
 

"Mercies and blessings come in different forms—sometimes as hard things. Yet the Lord said, “Thou shalt thank the Lord thy God in all things.”All things means just that: good things, difficult things—not just some things. He has commanded us to be grateful because He knows being grateful will make us happy. This is another evidence of His love." - Bonnie D. Parkin

 

"The expectation that more is deserved can cause our plate of plenty to appear empty."

"...In times of trial we can accept with gratefulness that which is to come, a gratitude for the blessings and gifts the Lord has in reserve for those who keep the commandments and serve Him in thanksgiving."  - Gordon T. Watts

 

 “Gratitude is twin sister to humility; pride is a foe to both.” -Elder James E. Talmage
 

 “A grateful heart is a beginning of greatness.”  -President James E. Faust

"It is human nature, I suppose, to seek elsewhere for our happiness. Pursuit of career goals, wealth, and material rewards can cloud our perspective and often leads to a lack of appreciation for the bounteous blessings of our present circumstances.

It is precarious to dwell on why we have not been given more. It is, however, beneficial and humbling to dwell on why we have been given so much.

An old proverb states, 'The greater wealth is contentment with a little.'” - Steven E. Snow