So, Sarah pretty much commanded me to write this blog post. But, because I love her I won't be too angry. :) JK. For all of my friends out there who enjoy reading and are always looking for a good book, here's a few ideas. Books I've read lately and enjoyed.

1. The Help by Kathryn Stockett
I'm pretty sure most of you have heard of this by now, possibly even already read it or seen the movie, but if you haven't, check it out. It's a great historical-fiction novel that takes place in Jackson, Mississippi in the early 60s, during the civil rights movement. The story is told from the point of view of three very different women who come together to write a book about the lives of black women who are "the help" to the white women in Jackson. The book really makes you think about the racial prejudice that was everywhere at that time and reminds us all that we're really not that different from those we see around us.

2. Paranormalcy by Kiersten White
In one review this book was called "the most refreshing paranormal debut of the year" and I totally agree. It truly was a truly refreshing and delightful book that was unique in the midst of the latest literary crazy for paranormal creatures. The book continually had the perfect mix of fun, lightheartedness and tense, mysterious, impending doomness(which isn't even a word, but it works). But really, if you're looking for a quick fun read, try this one.

3. To Say Nothing of the Dog and The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

These two books are favorites of my mother-in-law and I am so glad she recommended them to me. It's difficult to describe these books well, but the premise is that sometime in the future time travel becomes possible and trained people called "historians" take various assignments traveling to the past to gain first-hand knowledge of people, things, events, etc. Both book really appealed the historical fiction lover in me and I truly wish that Connie Willis had written more novels in the delightful world she created.

4. The Host by Stephanie Meyer
First of all, don't judge too quickly just because this was written by the author of Twilight, I thought this book was great. Stephanie Meyer takes the age-old premise of "alien invasion" and puts her own unique twist on it. The main character, Wanderer, has been placed in a new human host body, but unlike most hosts, Melanie won't leave. Her presence is always with Wanderer who finds herself caring about humans she's never met. Not only did this book tell two great love stories, but it also poses important philosophical questions, such as "can one life rightfully take precedence over another, and if so, who decides?

5. The Silence of God by Gale Sears
This LDS historical-fiction book is based on the true story of the Lindlof family, the first members for the Church in Russia. It takes place during World War I and the Russian Revolution and tells the story of the Lindlof family as they struggle to keep their faith in a country that is banishing God. I wish the author had been a little more accurate in the book to what had actually happened to the Lindlof family, but it is a still a great book about the power of faith.


Well, I hope that this is helpful to someone out there, and if none of these books sounds interesting to you, please feel free to ask me for other suggestions. I'm also always happy to get suggestions on books to read!

The Greatest Gift

First of all, thanks to all of you who commented on my last blog post and proved to me that I AM loved and that there is a point to my having a blog.

Moving on...

How many of you who were born in the church can actually remember the date of your baptism? I get the feeling that some of you don't. Well, I'm lucky enough that I do. Every year on December 7th while people remember and honor the events at Pearl Harbor, I also remember and honor my baptism day. Fifteen years ago today I was baptized by my father, confirmed a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Sometimes I forget that we call it the GIFT of the Holy Ghost. At this time of year everyone is thinking about gifts, to give, to get, etc. Right now I'd like to take a couple minutes to focus on the special gift that is the Holy Ghost, because it is one of the greatest gifts God has given to his children.

In 1 Nephi chapter 4 Nephi speaks of possibly one of his first experiences with the Holy Ghost as it leads him to Laban which allows him to get the brass plates that were essential to the spiritual well-being of his family. In verse six he says, "And I was led by the Spirit, not knowing before hand the things which I should do." How lucky are we that we have been given a gift that can help us get through situations when we don't know what we should do? In my Book of Mormon I have a seminary "glue-in" on this page with quotes from general authorities on the Holy Ghost that I'd like to share with you.

"The greatest gift in mortality is the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is "the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost (BD)...The gift of the Holy Ghost is the key to obtaining the gift of eternal life, the greatest of all the gifts of God." - Bishop David A. Burton

"The gift of the Holy Ghost is the greatest gift we can receive in mortality." - President Wilford Woodruff

"The overall gift of the Holy Ghost truly is one of the greatest blessings available to members of the Church." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"The gift of the Holy Ghost "is the greatest guarantor of inward peace in our unstable world." - President James E. Faust

"It (the Holy Ghost) is a most precious gift available only to worthy members of the Lord's Church." - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

"When we are baptized, we receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is the right to the constant companionship of this member of the Godhead, based on faithfulness. This is the greatest gift possible to receive in mortality." Elder Bruce R. McConkie

From a vision of Joseph Smith: "Joseph stepped toward me, and looking very earnestly, yet pleasantly said, 'Tell the people to be humble and faithful, and be sure to keep the spirit of the Lord and it will lead them right. Be careful and not turn away the still small voice; it will teach you what to do and where to go; to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it. They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits; and their whole desire will be to do good, bring forth righteousness and build up the kingdom of God."

What amazing quotes, right? I hope as the Christmas season continues that each of us will not only remember that Christ is the true reason for the season, but also that the Holy Ghost is "the greatest gift in mortality", a gift better than anything that may be placed in your stocking or under your tree this year. And also remember that it was given to you by a loving Heavenly Father who loves you more than any other person can, and who is always there when you need him.

Sometimes life gets so hectic and stressful that it's hard to remember that the Lord is always there for you, and that he and the Father are constantly wanting to help us, that all we have to do is act. I know that as we each strive to keep the Holy Ghost with us that the spirit can help us remember this, and that he can also lead us and "teach [us] what to do and where to go."

For you Sarah

So, I spent an awesome evening with my sister today and we got talking about blogs, and how it's always a little sad when nobody comments on a post. I kind of lied a couple of entries ago when I said I've stopped posting because I have nothing to post about. That's only part of the reason. I kind of partly stopped posting because I felt like nobody cared if I did...(I've hardly gotten any comments on most of my entries in the last few months, which is kind of depressing) But today my sister and I came to the conclusion that we check each others' blogs almost every day. So I'm going to start trying to post more, even if Sarah is the only one who reads it! As for the rest of you, you can read it too, if you want to. (Just don't be offended if I direct posts specifically to her)

Also, if I'm being completely honest, I haven't really been a very happy person lately, and that may be another reason why I haven't posted much. Well, once upon a time I wrote a couple of posts about how Happiness is a Choice. I think I've forgotten that. And I want to start making that choice again. So just a warning to you, when I'm a happier person, I tend to think EVERYTHING is important and awesome and because I feel that way, I think everyone else does too. So please don't be annoyed if I start posting about silly little things all the time, it'll be a good sign.

And to those of you who have always read my blog that I just don't know about, THANK YOU. Even if I don't know that you're out there caring about what I write, it matters to me that you care. (Also, I am sorry for the lack of pictures on my blog lately, my old camera has kind of started having some issues so I don't use it much, but a little bird tells me that Santa is bringing me a lovely new camera for Christmas-and by that I mean Jacob and I stood in line in the cold for two hours on Black Friday to buy me a new camera)

Amazing Giveaway!!!

So one of my absolute favorite bloggers is having an amazing giveaway on her blog right now. Nichelle over at Vintage Wanna Bee is giving one lucky follower a $100 credit to her etsy store. Yes you read that right, $100!!!! So you really should all go check out her blog and etsy shop. However, I'm not just saying that because of the giveaway, but because Nichelle really is just awesome. Her crafts and items in her shop are all adorable, but that's not all; I love her attitude about life and her personality that really shines through on her blog. I feel like I could be good friends with her if I knew her in real life, and that she'd probably a great person to be around. So seriously, go check out Vintage Wanna Bee! You'll find great craft ideas, inspiration, and often a good laugh.