Stan Thomasson wrote an insightful article titled "15 Reasons to Keep Reading the Book of Mormon Every day." Here are the reasons Stan provided: 

1. Receive a witness of Jesus Christ.

2. Employ the most effective resource to get closer to God and Jesus Christ.

3. Learn how to “liken all scriptures unto [myself].” 

4. Receive strength to overcome and endure difficulties.

5. Hear the Lord’s voice and learn how He may speak to us individually.

6. Strengthen my faith by regularly remembering God’s “goodness and grace.” 

7. See how ancient prophets saw our day and apply the cautions they provide.

8. Understand that Christ’s mercy comes through repentance and a softened heart.

9. Feel that ancient prophets are speaking directly to me about my challenges.

10. Focus my life on remembering the possibilities of Christ’s good news and the certainty of gospel promises.

11. Experience joy and glory that cannot be put into words.

12. Develop the ability to ask for and expect answers to prayers.

13. Discover the freedom of being “led by the Spirit."

14. Discover the desire and strength to eliminate harmful distractions from my life.

15. Understand that being a humble follower of Christ can keep us from being led astray.

16. (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2024/12/digital-only/15-reasons-to-keep-reading-the-book-of-mormon-every-day?lang=eng)

There is another reason I would add to Stan's list--Reading the Book of Mormon opens a portal of heavenly light, the Savior's light, into my life. I feel lighter and happier when I consistently read the Book of Mormon. My study of this great book will continue as long as I live.

According to Pew Research, here is a synopsis of how the views of the United States population have changed during the past twenty years

The past two decades have witnessed the emergence of all sorts of technologies that let people interact with the world in new ways.

Since 2008, fewer than 30% of Americans have said they trust the government to do the right thing all or most of the time.

The U.S. has become much more diverse over the past 20 years on several measures, including immigrant status. Today, immigrants account for 13.8 % of the nation's population  – near the record high from 1890 – and they have come from just about every country in the world.

Americans display a broad dissatisfaction with politics. As trust in political institutions declines, few Americans now think the political system is working even somewhat well. Majorities say that most elected officials don't care what people like them think and that ordinary people have too little influence on Congress’ decision-making. And most see little or no common ground  between Republicans and Democrats

Many Americans describe themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular.” This group is referred to as religious "nones." Religious nones are currently one of the largest religious groups in the United States.https://www.pewresearch.org/2024/09/13/how-us-public-opinion-has-changed-in-20-years-of-our-surveys/

 Books read in 2024:

1. *Prophets See Around Corners by Sheri Dew (Liked it! Great points, would recommend).
2. These Is My Words: The Diary of Sarah Agnes Prine by Nancy E. Turner (I liked this book. Though most of it is fiction, some of the dates and events are factual, and the main character is based on the author's relative)
3. Secret Santa by Anne Osborn Poelman (I really enjoyed this Christmas story, set during the Depression. The main character, Tom, is hard-working and unselfish. He provides Christmas for his family).
4. Original Grace by Adam Miller (Deep! There was much to learn and think about. Suffering is not a punishment. We are offered grace all along the way.)
5. And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Backman (a short book of the generational effects of a grandfather having dementia)
6. Carnegie's Maid by Marie Benedict (I enjoyed this novel, knowing it could not end as I hoped, and it didn't. Historical fiction)
7. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow: Selected Poems (I enjoyed this book. What a talented man! He wrote several long story poems which were new to me)
8. The Song of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (I had heard reference to this poetry for years and finally read it. I think Longfellow is such a gifted poet. He incorporated Indian stories, appreciation for nature, and human emotion)
9. Girls on the Brink by Donna Jackson Nakazawa (The message of this book is critical—social media harms young women! The author spends a lot of time scientifically proving her point. I especially liked the section of the book where she shares tips on raising young women)
10. Women Holding Things by Maira Kalman (I liked her art! Amidst the family stories there were nuggets of wisdom)
11. Doctrine and Covenants (As I read, I was specifically looking for things about God and how He works)
12. The Brilliant Life of Eudora Honeysett by Annie Lyons (Eudora spends her life trying to make her mother happy and is deprived of happiness, independence and self-fulfillment.  She contemplates ending her life but instead stays to nurture new relationships)
13. Tracy's Tiger by William Saroyan (A different little story, an allegory. I wanted to read something else by William Saroyan)
14. The Pearl of Great Price (I was looking for information about God and I found it!)
15. Have You Seen Luis Velez? by Catherin Ryan Hyde (Hmmm...there were parts of this book that I liked and parts I didn't. It is a story about teenage boy that befriends an elderly lady in his apartment complex).
16. *The Art of Being a Healing Presence (This is the first assigned book I read for my chaplain course and I thought it was excellent. Great insight!)
17. *Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl (I have read this book before, but I was assigned to read it for my class so I read it again. Wonderful thoughts as to finding meaning and purpose in life).
18. *A Reason for Faith: Navigating LDS Doctrine & Church History, Laura Harris Hales, Editor (This is an excellent book! Each chapter is written by a different gospel scholar.  The premise of the book is that the editor wanted to have deep discussions with her children about subjects that come up in the church that often create division or questions. I learned something from each chapter).
19. Untangle Your Emotions by Jennie Allen: (I liked this book because Jennie speaks so clearly.  Name your emotions and let them come to the surface).
20. *To My Friends: Messages of Counsel and Comfort by Jeffrey R. Holland. Elder Holland is such a masterful writer. (It is as if Elder Holland is writing a final book of counsel for his posterity and I was lucky enough to read it.  I loved it! A compilation of excerpts from his addresses along with added words of explanation and depth.)
21. Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy by J. William Worden. (This book was very informative and helpful to me in my chaplain training).
22. The Life of our Lord by Charles Dickens (the story of Christ's life as told by Charles Dickens.  He wrote this book for his ten children).
23. *Where is God When it Hurts? by Philip Yancey (Excellent! The purpose of adversity and how to help those who are suffering)
24. Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder (The story of Dr. Jim O’Connell’s mission as a doctor to the homeless population in Boston)
25. Advent of Disciples by Tess Frame and Lorren Lemmons (The authors do a study of some of Christ's closest disciples, including Peter, James and John, Mary and Martha, Thomas, etc.)
26. The Dalai Lama's Cat and the Power of Meow by David Michie (This is a meditation and Buddhist guide set to a story. I learned about meditation and the power of mindfulness).
27. *Shakespeare Saved My Life: Ten Years in Solitary Confinement with the Bard by Laura Bates (A fascinating book! Not only does Laura teach Larry about Shakespeare, but she teaches several others, and Larry excels in his study, writing several workbooks and commentaries on Shakespeare)
28. The Wounded Healer by Henri J. M. Nouwen (A spiritual counselor's guidebook. Informative)
29. The Great Shelby Holmes by Elizabeth Eulberg (recommended by a nine-year-old granddaughter. A fun mystery!)
30. It's Very Simple: The True Story of Civil Rights by Alan Stang (I did not care for this book at all. It was an expose as to the possibility of Communism infiltrating the United States. Written in 1965).
31. Real Moments by Barbara DeAngelis (required for school. Main theme is mindfulness).
32. Creating Love by John Bradshaw (I had to slug my way through this book.  It seems like this is writing therapy for Mr. Bradshaw and he shares intimate details of life, many of which I would not have chosen to know.  He makes good points throughout but I would not recommend this).
33. *Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis (What a marvelous book! C. S. Lewis has included so many great thoughts. This is a treasure.)
34. *Changed by His Grace by Brad Wilcox (This was a wonderful book about grace and the love the Father and the Son have for us)
35. *The Price of Privilege by Madeline Levine (An excellent parenting book!)
36. The Downstairs Girl by Stacey Lee (An interesting fictional book and a fast read.  It was not easy being an Asian in the US in the late 1800s).
37. *The In-Between: Unforgettable Encounters During Life’s Final Moments by Hadley Vlahos (I really liked this book! Over and over, Hadley has seen people near death communicate with people who are there to greet them).
38. *You are Loved: Inspiring Messages for Women by an assorted authors (Loved it!)
39. Wild at Heart: Discovering the Secret of a Man's Soul by John Eldredge (Even though this is written specifically for the purpose of understanding men, there are principles which are applicable to both men and women).
40. *The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley (I really enjoyed this book! Great points about you being the author of your own happiness, and about how past hurt can lead you to not allowing people into your life).
41. *The Art of Listening in a Healing Way by James E. Miller (Another great book by Mr. Miller! It is not a long book, but full of wisdom on the subject of listening).
42. You Can Heal Your Life by Louise L. Hay (Though I do not agree with all of the claims Ms. Hay makes regarding our ability to cure our physical ailments with positive thinking, including cancer, I did agree with much of what she wrote. Our attitude and outlook make a difference).
43. To Sir, With Love by E. R. Braithwaite (I respect Mr. Braithwaite and the way he respected the students and lifted them to a higher level of learning and character).
44. How to Stitch an American Dream by Jenny Doan(I enjoyed reading about the life story of Jenny Doan, the founder of the Missouri Star Quilt Company. Jenny is creative and bright, resourceful, patient, and kind).
45. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy (This book had a slow start for me but then really picked up. I'm glad I read this classic).
46. *The Holy Invitation: Understanding Your Sacred Temple Endowment by Anthony Sweat (A short but beautiful book on the temple. I recommend it!)
47. *Kitchen Table Wisdom: Stories that Heal by Rachel Naomi Remen (I really liked this book. Dr. Remen shares dozens of stories and examples and shares wisdom along the way).
48. Hidden Worldviews by Steve Wilkens and Mark L. Sanford (I found this book very interesting and informative. The authors are not talking about eight different religions, but eight cultural worldviews).
49. *Book of Mormon (I always enjoy reading this book because truth is dispensed and light is abundant)
50. *Mostly What God Does by Savannah Guthrie (This was perhaps the most surprising book I have read this year. Savannah shares insight about leaning on God and having faith in Him).
51. City of Tranquil Light by Bo Caldwell (A good fictional story about a man and his wife who serve a very long mission in China)

 

Today is the birthday of Joseph Smith. I honor him as a prophet of God, and I admire and respect him. Think of what he accomplished, and think of what he endured!

"I do not regard my own life. I am ready to be offered a sacrifice for this people; for what can our enemies do? Only kill the body, and their power is then at an end.  Stand firm, my friends; never flinch.  Do not seek to save your lives, for he that is afraid to die for the truth will lose eternal life." 

(Joseph Smith, in his last public address to a large congregation in Nauvoo, George Q. Cannon, Life of Joseph Smith the Prophet, pg. 498)

"When a man gives his life for the cause he has advocated, he meets the highest test of his honesty and sincerity that his own or any future generation can in fairness ask.  When he dies for the testimony he has borne, all malicious tongues should ever after be silent, and all voices hushed in reverence before a sacrifice so complete."

(Ezra Dalby, speech given December 12, 1926)

We have a friend named S. who recently underwent surgery for tongue cancer. Forty percent of his tongue was removed in a surgery that took nearly ten hours. A patch of skin was removed from his arm to use to reshape his tongue, and then a piece of skin was removed from his leg to patch up his arm. Because his tongue was swollen after the surgery, a tracheotomy was inserted along with a feeding tube. 

After the surgery, S. was very uncomfortable. The first few days and nights post-surgery were very tough. Little by little, S. began to feel better. He was able to leave the hospital after a few days, and then was able to have all drains, the feeding tube, and the tracheotomy removed. He began to talk a little. Later he began to try to eat soft foods. Talking and eating were (and are) difficult. S. told us that you don't realize how much you use your tongue until you can't use it anymore.

We saw S. a couple of weeks post-surgery. We could understand everything he said, but we could tell that talking was tiring for him, so we conversed mainly with his wife, although he added comments periodically. We sat in their home amazed as both S. and his wife told us of the ways they have recently seen the Lord's hand in their lives, and of all the tender mercies that have been poured out upon them.  

Instead of complaining, they praised God. Instead of whining, they witnessed of the Savior. We admire their faith!

 

This flowering Christmas cactus has brought me joy all week.  No matter that it is cold outside, or that the last blossom was months ago, the cactus was provided sunshine and water and it gloriously bloomed! 

Last night I ran an errand to a store where I needed to both return an item and purchase an item. I stood with a box at my feet in the customer service line behind a lady, and the line behind us grew. It was a very long wait and I exchanged glances with the lady in front of me as we waited because we both noticed the slow service. 
The lady in front of me asked me if I was in a hurry and if I would like to go in front of her as she had a cart full of items to return. I told her that she had been in line longer than I had and that I was fine to proceed in order. Later, she turned and asked me again if I would like to go in front of her. She added, "It doesn't really matter if I go. It's been a really bad day." I then asked her about her day and she said, "It hasn't just been a bad day.  It's been a bad week, a bad month, a bad year." I told her that I was sorry that she was going through a hard time. She mentioned something about feeling like life wasn't worth it, that she didn't matter, and that no one cared. "I am alone. My relationships are not working out." At this point tears were streaming down her face while she spoke quietly. 

I hoped the line would not move and that I would have a chance to bolster her before she was called up to the register. I prayed that God would give me words to say. With confidence born of the Spirit, I told her that she is important, that her life matters, and that she would get through this rough patch. I told her that God knows her and is aware of her feelings and sufferings. She was appreciative of the meager verbal sentences I offered to her. 

She was called up from the line and I was soon called up to a register next to hers. When I finished my return, she was still in the middle of her transaction, but I touched her shoulder and told her to hang in there, and that I was happy our paths crossed today. She thanked me.

I lay in bed later thinking about her. I prayed for her, and I hope that God will particularly lift her in the days to come. 

 I am a sibling of Jesus too:)

 

Gifts we have been given:
Baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost

The Savior's example

Wisdom and knowledge

The possibility of eternal life--"the greatest of all the gifts of God"

Christ's life, death, atoning sacrifice, and Resurrection

The priesthood, or God's authority and power on earth

God's commandments

Weakness

Covenants and ordinances, like the sacrament and temple endowment

Unique spiritual gifts

Gifts we can give to God:

Keep the commandments

Deny yourself of all ungodliness and love God

Offer a broken heart and a contrite spirit

Love those around you

Come unto Christ, take His yoke upon you, and learn of Him

Share the gospel with others

(From the December "For the Strength of Youth" magazine)

 

The painting at the top is titled "The Nativity," while the painting at the bottom is titled "The Christ Child." Both are exquisite pieces by Sharlotte Andrus. I really like the lighting in the paintings and the expressions on the faces.  Wow! Beautiful!