"Living a Covenant Marriage"..."Man of Influence"..."The Message"

Well I know that I haven't blogged much lately. We've just been working and doing our thang in good ol' SLC. Kev's been working hard and studying hard....so we haven't been doing anything "blog post worthy", just enjoying each others company. You know, lounging, watching movies, talking, laughing, staying up a lot later then we probably should....but hey, those are the days you really remember right? Who cares if we got 4 hours of sleep one night... at least we were awake together. I know, that sounds cheesy. I'm not sure if you have ever felt this way... but each day gets better and I fall harder for My Love. ANYWAY...

I'm not a reader...at all. I wish I was, but for some reason, I would so much rather be doing something active then sitting and reading a book. However, a good doctrinal book or something that uplifts my spirits, in my opinion, is something that's always needed. The past 3 weeks, I've read 3 books. (I know...insert clapping here) I am lucky to be able to read at work, and while Kev's working at nights, I figure since I am done at the gym...might as well get something else inspiring in. So here they are...and they were WONDERFUL!!

Book #1: LIVING A COVENANT MARRIAGE edited by Douglas E. Brinley and Daniel K Judd
This book...well it's beyond AMAZING! I would recommend this book to anyone that is married, knows anyone that is married, has been married, or would like to be married. After finishing that book, I felt an even stronger desire to be "That" wife...you know..."THAT" wife that is strong, faithful, passionate, confident, unconditionally loves and continues to be Christlike even when marriage is rough? I felt a stronger desire to be more Christlike and to "not sweat the small stuff" because in the grand scheme of things...does it really matter? This book confirmed to me the power of the temple and the temple covenants that we made. There are so many amazing quotes in it, but one that really sticks out to me was quoted by Elder Boyd k. Packer, "We live in a day when the adversary stresses on every hand the philosophy of instant gratification. We seem to demand instant everything, including instant solutions to our problems. We are indoctrinated that somehow we should always be instantly emotionally comfortable. When that is not so, some become anxious-and all too frequently seek relief from counseling, from analysis, and even from medication. It was meant to be that life would be a challenge. To suffer some anxiety, some depression, some disappointment, even some failure is normal. Teach our members that if they have a good, miserable day once in a while, or several in a row, to stand steady and face them. Things will straighten out. There is great purpose in our struggle in life." I know this to be true. I know that temple marriage is called of God and I am so grateful that I will be with My Love forever. What an amazing blessing!

Book #2: MEN OF INFLUENCE by Robert L. Millet
"A priesthood holder walks with the Lord when he seeks to emulate his Lord, to do what Jesus would do. In addition, a priesthood holder walks with the Lord...when he treats his wife as a queen, treats his children with patience and respect, and creates a home environment that is safe, secure, and serene, a home that becomes, by the power of the Holy Ghost, a little bit of heaven on earth." What an amazing gift we have on this earth! We have the very priesthood that our Savior Jesus Christ had when he was on the earth!! I am so beyond grateful for all the Priesthood holders in my life, that take on that responsibility and treat it with the utmost respect and honor. I am so proud to be a woman that can call on her husband to use his priesthood to bless our family and those around us. I strongly feel that women have the responsibility to lift those priesthood holders so that they may know the gift that they have been blessed with. I am so grateful that my husband is worthy and understands the importance of being a "man of influence." I know the priesthood is called of God to bless this earth!

Book #3: THE MESSAGE by Lance Richardson
Now, I can't talk too much about this book, because this was actually Kev's and he was suppose to read it first. (I don't think he knows I actually finished it before he did...so shhh!) :) BUT I do have to say that this brought a completely different perspective of this afterlife. I HIGHLY recommend it. I was brought so much peace in knowing (and feeling) what it's going to be like after this life. It's going to be perfect and so peaceful. Just to imagine being greeted by our loved ones that have passed before us. I can't explain the feeling I had while reading this book. It's a man's personal experience of having his spirit pass into the world beyond while is body was being kept alive by medical support equipment.

I am so grateful for various opportunities and the tender mercies that have been given to me to increase my testimony of this Gospel. It is ALL true and I am grateful for the peace that I have in knowing that Jesus lives and that he loves us so much. I'm so excited to learn more about this Gospel!