Day 20: Alma 53 - Alma 60

I know, right?

I'm not sure what happened to me the last 3 months, but it wasn't good.  I know the underlining problem was I got discouraged.  So, instead of doing a little at a time, I just plain quit.

There have been many times during many days, I fought against picking up my scriptures and I am picking up the pieces from it. 

I love the spirit this morning as I feasted on the words of Christ.  There is no other substitute. Period.

Simple Abundance

I received this book a couple of months ago as an early birthday present from a good friend of mine. 

I absolutely L.O.V.E. it! 

It's like those little quote books that gives you a quote per day except more in depth.  The author gives you about a page long insight of each value, virtue, or thought she is sharing.  It's so uplifting and so much that it helps me get up and make a change.

Awesome book to own for life.

Tainted by Brooke Morgan

It's been a a really long time, I mean weeks, (I know.. long, right? lol) since I've had a book that I got through in 2 days.  And not because it had double digit pages.  The book has over 400 pages of for reals, good story, suspense, compassion and love.

You do have to stomach the "F" word a lot.  I almost put the book down in the first few chapters but when I looked at the character that used the word, I stayed. Henry is a 70+ year old widowed Marine.  Not that it's okay to say the "F" word, but that old man didn't have any other choice of language.  You get to know him pretty quick and love him.

There were so many times I walked in Holly's shoes and then sometimes I wanted to just beat her over the head.  The author did a great time putting you in the middle of her book not as a spectator but as a participant.  Pretty good stuff!

Definitely.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

I spent the month of February reading this series.  I read the first one last year with my son and let them continue reading until the last one came out.  One of my pet peeves is to start a series that hasn't ended yet because I HATE waiting for the next book. 

It is a great read if you like fantasy, greek gods and suspense.  Pretty much a page turner and book trader, I ordered all the books at the same time so I could trade it in the middle of the night, if I had to!  I love the characters' loyalty and the sense of family in children that just don't feel like they belong.  They took care of each other, loved one another, and protected each other. 

All the things I try every day to teach my own children. 

Day 19: Alma 47 - Alma 52

I'm back. 

It is what it is.  Even though it is a 30 day challenge, I have to insist that it not be a consecutive 30 days because then I'll feel like a failure.

So.. I took a one week break and I'm back - better than ever.

KINGMEN VS. FREEMEN

I struggle with pride a lot.  Along with that comes jealousy, excessive worldy desires, depression, anxiety.

This Amalickiah knows how to work everyone's weakness to get his gain.  I am a FREEMEN.  There is no doubt about it.  I love the freedom to be judged according to my choices and the freedom to not be ruled by a monarchy. 

But.. sometimes I do have thoughts of the Kingmen.  Where they want to have more worldly things and for nothing.  The adversary has me thinking ~ you are entitled to that Janice, look at everything you have done.  Look at how much you have sacrificed and worked hard to serve others.  Look at how much you put others' needs before yours without being asked. 

This is the start of the end.  Just like in the Book of Mormon. 

If I can just keep myself focused on my Heavenly Father and my eternal life with Him, I won't feel like the sacrifices are sacrifices but a pure way of living.

Day 18: Alma 40 - Alma 46

One man's influence.

I am apalled at the influence one man can make for bad.  This Amalickiah person just gets my emotions boiling.  I kept thinking to myself ~ how could this one person do so much bad among thousands of people and cities. His evil plots just make me plain angry.

Then...

I think of the influence one man can have for good. 

Our Savior Jesus Christ. 

His influence is inspiring, forgiving, and encouraging.  This world is already equipped with all of the temptations and when I give up and feel like it's not worth it to fight anymore, I remember:

My Savior died for Me to return to my Heavenly Father for eternal happiness.

Yes, it seems like the advesary is winning at times in my life, but when I actively participate in the fight for good, I KNOW.  I know the blessings are greater than the wars fought.  Sweeter than the sacrifices.  Full of joy more than sorrow.

Day 18: Alma 40 - Alma 46

I'm stuck. 

I haven't read since Day 18.  Life just got a hold of me and blew me away.  I am planning to start up again tmw which is Feb 3rd.