journal jar #2

what is your favorite book?

anyone who knows me is probably laughing at the question. i'm not a big reader. i've never really enjoyed reading. generally, the books i enjoy the most are self-help books. this sounds a little sad, but i believe it is because they are organized in a logical way. however, i will continue to answer this question.

the "book of mormon" is at the top of the list.
this book, as the word of god, is scripture. the words are eternal and will therefore allow the reader to receive revelation when they read in faith. no matter how many times it is read, new understanding, deeper understanding comes because the reader has changed. the reader's needs, desires, understanding, questions, etc. have changed therefore, the answers, comfort, peace and understanding that are received are different and will be exactly what the reader needs.

one of my favorite scriptures is:

"and i will ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will i do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that i, the lord god, do visit my people in their afflictions.

and now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon alma and his brethren were made light; yes, the lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the lord."

-mosiah 24:14-15

"the hiding place"comes in second.
it is such an inspiring book. this has always been one of my mom's favorite books. i remember when i was younger she bought copies for each of her daughters. she wanted us all to experience this book. as one who didn't enjoy reading i didn't give it a chance until years after she gave it to me. after getting myself through the descriptive beginning i found myself completely involved in this story and enveloped by the sweet message. it gave me hope and faith in myself that i could be better. that no matter how hard some of my challenges seemed, i could rise above them and not allow them to corrode my spirit.

"i know that the experiences of our lives, when we let god use them, becomes the mysterious and perfect preparation for the work he will give us to do."

-the hiding place, p.15