Way to Be!

Goodreads Says:    From one of the world's foremost spiritual leaders, an inspiring book that provides young adults and their parents with a game plan for leading a better life. 

This inspiring, upbeat, life-affirming book shows teenagers and their families how to navigate through the moral minefields of contemporary life and how to truly enjoy the opportunities and blessings that the modern world has to offer. 

Drawing upon his faith as well as his personal experience, Gordon B. Hinckley provides his readers with a game plan for discovering and embracing the things in life that are valuable and worthwhile. He shows how our lives are shaped by the decisions we make every day about personal behavior -- and he shows how to make the right decisions with the help of nine guiding principles. 

With its vivid anecdotes, invaluable precepts, and timeless wisdom, Way to Be! will be a source of both inspiration and practical advice for young people everywhere who want to lead better, fuller, more satisfying lives.

My Thoughts:

-    I loved President Hinckley. He was an amazing man, and I will always remember when he first spoke about the Be Attitudes. I was a teen when he gave this talk, and I love how simple and straight forward his 9 Bs are. I think everyone, not just members of the LDS church, could benefit from living by these Bs. 

-    I loved reading the personal stories and lessons from President Hinckley's life. He had some amazing parents.

-    This book is short and sweet, but there is a lot to absorb.

Small and Simple Things

From Goodreads:    In these pages, Sister Hinckley shares some of the small and simple things she has gleaned from a lifetime of experience. Gentle encouragement, expressions of faith, and enduring advice for everyday problems will bring a smile to your face and gratitude to your heart for the small and simple things in your own life that make all the difference.







My Thoughts:

-    I've always admired Sister Hinckley's outlook on life. I thought this book would be filled with fun and uplifting things. It didn't disappoint.

-    I loved how she talks about food and shared some of her favorite recipes.

-    I liked how she mentioned to not over schedule your kids or yourself. It is good to leave time to spend together. Gnome is in preschool and dance. I'd like her to take piano lessons, but it is hard to know how much is too much. 

-    The book is mostly a compilation of Sister Hinckley's favorite quotes, scriptures, and poems. It was fun to read these.

-    I probably wouldn't read this again, but it is a little and quick read. I enjoyed it. 

The Continuous Conversion

From Goodreads:    I wrote this book because I know too many people who are giving up! One discouraged friend said, "I can't do this Mormon thing. I've tried, and the expectations are just way too high." … I know returned missionaries who spent their entire missions teaching about the Atonement, but now they have made some mistakes and feel like the Atonement won't work for them. I know people who have gone to the temple to be sealed and then never returned. I know others who are feeling burned out in their callings. Too many Latter-day Saints feel like they will never measure up. I wanted to write something that will provide hope and motivation next time we or those we love are tempted to toss in the towel. I wanted to write something that would remind people why we do what we do and that it's worth it--not because of all we are earning, but because of all we are learning. Instead of just going through the motions, I wanted people to read this book and once again feel the emotions of discipleship. That's what they are missing. Whether the challenge is getting more out of the temple endowment or dealing with callings or juggling the many aspects of our lives and feeling like we are dropping too many balls, I wanted to provide a shot in the arm.

My Thoughts:

-    I enjoyed this book better than The Continuous Atonement. This one spoke to me more.

-    It is nice to know that others have the same questions and struggles that I do.

-    I learned a few things about me and the gospel. It was good.

-    I really liked the story of the old man juggling for Jesus.

-    There are times where I feel like God asks too much of us, but we can only do our best. 

-    I liked the theme of this book. We are constantly being converted to the gospel. It isn't a one time deal. We will always be learning and striving to be better throughout our whole lives. 

The Miracle of Forgiveness

Goodreads Says:    In his earthly ministry, Jesus preformed many miracles. In particular, he healed numerous diseased and disabled bodies. But perhaps his greatest miracle was the healing of people's souls - the forgiveness of sin. Jesus still offers that miracle today, and on the same terms as formerly: sincere repentance. This book is a penetrating explanation of repentance and forgiveness that is illuminated with a bright hope for those who are searching for peace and security. It is a landmark work that has spoken with authority and insight for thirty-five years, bringing to bear President Kimball's rich experience and the inspiration of his calling. Elder Richard G. Scott, in his October 2000 conference address suggests reading the last two chapters first.


My Thoughts:

-    This was a soul searching, thought provoking, and peace giving book. I loved it!

-    If someone is truly honest with themselves, this book will give hope and a better understanding of their lives. If one isn't truly honest with their flaws, they will find this book hard to read. 

-    I learned a lot about myself, and I'm such a sinner! I also learned a lot about my Savior, repentance, and forgiveness.

-    I liked how this book was organized. President Kimball starts by talking about all the different sins. We are committing the same offences today that they committed in the Bible. Sins don't really change throughout time. Then he talks about how we need to forgive others and repent. The last few chapters are awesome! Basically, the book tears you down and builds you up. 

-    I think half the book is referencing scriptures. There are a lot of scripture quotes. It was awesome! I didn't realize how much the scriptures talks about this subject. 

-    I took my time with this book. It was one that needed to be savored and read bit by bit.