Live by faith and not fear

"Come on you guys!  I am NOT going to be late!", I insisted to the kids.  We were pulled over a couple blocks east of Temple Square on a residential road where we were each taking turns pulling on skirts, taking off pants, the boys trading out their shorts for long pants and the girls into their heels.  You can just picture it right?  We've all been there before.  Or have we?  haha  We were headed to a concert of a lifetime as far as I was concerned, and I knew the kids would fall in love with the idea and thank me all the way back home.  We were to see the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform Handel's Messiah.

 I had been introduced to the Messiah when I was in eighth grade and I played in the orchestra for the first time with my grandma.  I fell in love with it.  I looked forward to playing in it every December.  When I moved away, I found a university I could play with and performed it in a cathedral in downtown Louisville.  A few years ago, I was able to return to my hometown and perform it once again with all the people I had performed it with so many years earlier.  My heart was full.  When I heard that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir would be performing it, I wrote it on the calendar, I had each kid help get tickets on different computers, laptops and the iPad the second they became available.  It was a stressful two minutes.  But once we got our tickets, I practically danced on the floor, screamed, hugged the kids and couldn't wait for Thursday March 24th to come.  

And then, there we were all finally dressed up and heading to the tabernacle on Temple Square.  The boys went one direction and the girlies and I went another with my mom and dad.  We found seats and just waited for it to begin.  And then the first note of the Overture began.  I found myself with my eyes closed just listening and waiting to hear every beloved song.  Each song was familiar and just as perfect as it should be.  Tears streamed down my face from time to time, with so much gratitude for so many things.  The music was beautiful, I almost felt like Mr. Kruger conducting the choir while day dreaming, but I was playing my violin.  The words were beautiful and I knew in my heart that they were true.  My children were witnessing the best musical score ever written as far as I was concerned. I thought back to the last few weeks.  I was doing and feeling so well, my children and I were all reading our Book of Mormons for March Madness without any incentives, J had possibly found an Eagle Project we are passionate about, it would be Easter in just three days, I was approaching the 20 year mark of the day my life changed in Louisville and would be returning there in three weeks for the first time in 18 years, my son had gotten a job, everything seemed to be so perfect in my life at the moment.  And then I got scared....

For a moment my mind left the tabernacle and my favorite music to a scary place that I go to quite often.  With everything going so well and perfect, surely something awful must be around the corner.  What catastrophic thing will hit me or my family?  Things just seemed too good to be true and falling into place too easily.  But then....

I thought about my Book of Mormon reading and how I read over and over how if we live like we should, we will prosper in the land.  So I immediately felt as though we were being blessed by immersing ourselves in the Book of Mormon this month.  But then I quickly remembered that I wasn't living any more righteously than I had been in February.  So then what?  

That's when I felt the Spirit come over me and I returned back to my beloved Messiah.  The Spirit comforted me and taught me that "prosper in the land" doesn't only refer to money or having more.  It could definitely be blessings, things happening, and in my case, learning to live by faith and not fear.  That I was supposed to enjoy that concert, the time with my children, finding an Eagle Project, watching my children read so many pages a day in March, celebrating Easter and that my Savior Lives, the fact that I get to return to Louisville where I witnessed so many miracles, etc.  I can be happy and live in each moment and continue to express so much gratitude for all that I have and have become.  

I loved seeing my girls jump up on their feet when they heard the beginning chords of the Hallelujah Chorus.  And then there was the final song, "Worthy is the Lamb".  It was unlike any other time I had ever heard it.  It was spectacular and in the last minute of the song, it was as though Handel himself was conducting the choir and orchestra as a testimony of his finest work.  It seemed miraculous.  

That night as I knelt down for family prayer with my children around our hotel beds, I insisted that I say the prayer.  I expressed so much gratitude for what we had just experienced.  I poured out my heart so that my children could hear and learn that I too could learn from the Spirit, and that it had been a direct blessing of immersing myself in the Book of Mormon.  It was the perfect day.

In the last week since then, I've thought more about my reading and what I got from it.  I actually finished it yesterday before the kids got home from school.  I read and read and couldn't put it down waiting for today to finish it.  I loved how it teaches us that there would be a Savior from the very beginning.  That we are not lost.  I love the faith of those that lived before Jesus Christ came to earth, and how they believed He would come and redeem them from their sins.  What faith!  I wonder if I have that kind of faith or would I have, not having heard about His life on earth, the miracles he performed, the sacrifices that he made, or pictures of him throughout my entire home.  I would hope so. I am so grateful for Him.

I found myself underlining so much of Ether and the last chapter in Moroni.  They are beautiful.  When I finished the book I sat there for a moment and then fell to my knees.  I cried as I uttered the words that The Book of Mormon had become my best friend in March and that I would miss it.  I loved the fact that it was always on my mind, that I always spent time with it, and that it always had a positive influence on me.  I kind of mourned a little and then thought, I can always have it as my best friend.  The relationship is what I make of it.  And then I was content and knew I could turn to it any time.  Then rather than asking to have the Spirit witness to me again that the book was indeed true, I almost raced and quickly told Heavenly Father that I didn't need that.  That I already knew with a surety that it was, and this time I just wanted to express my gratitude.  I was so grateful for the Spirit comforting me and teaching me to live with faith and not fear.  I was grateful for those prophets that were obedient and kept records.  I was grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ and His purpose for coming to the earth.  I was grateful for the confidence I had gained and the desire to share my knowledge and testimony more.  Thankful that I have the gospel.  Thankful for a living prophet.  Thankful for my family.  And the list goes on and on.

I had so many friends and family join me this year.  I promised them that they would have a good experience if they would commit to reading the entire Book of Mormon in March.  It's not always comprehending everything that you read.  It's whatever the Lord knows you need and what you have faith to see, recognize and receive.  

I'm a Mormon. I love that I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

March Madness Book of Mormon style

I decided to open my invitation for March Madness this year to as many people as I could get a hold of through social media.  I posted on Instagram, and Facebook and sent out a text on my phone to all those that might be interested in reading the Book of Mormon with me this month.

I was thrilled to see that I had over forty people join me this year.  Each week I sent out the reading assignments along with an uplifting thought and words of encouragement.

G and little g joined me this year all on their own without me even asking them.  little g was cute knowing what a difficult task it was to read over five hundred pages in 31 days, so he read the Pearl of Great Price and was excited to tell me that he had done March Madness with me.  Made me so happy.

As I was finishing up my reading today I realized that I was in Moroni 10 which is the last chapter of the Book of Mormon.  I began sobbing not wanting my beloved book to be over.  My reading slowed down so that I wouldn't finish and when I did, I read the entire chapter over again.  I knew the book was true.  I know the Book of Mormon is true.  My only reason to kneel afterwards?  To offer my gratitude for the book.  I had already received my answer.

I love that I can read from it's pages every day, but I really love reading it in it's entirety in March.

I couldn't have said it better myself.  :)

The Book of Mormon tower

Isn't this tower beautiful?

The first time I ever saw it was when I was four years old.  Our family had been driving for many hours back to visit my grandparents.  It was the landmark along with the long dirt road and the wooden fences that let me know we were almost "there".  What truly makes this tower beautiful is the fact that when I saw it, I could not believe that my grandma lived by a tower I had heard about in the Book of Mormon.  I just thought it was awesome that it was still there after King Benjamin had stood atop and talked to his people all those years ago.

As it turned out, I grew up on that same dirt road and drove past my beloved "Book of Mormon tower" thousands of times.  As I drove by it today with a friend, I pointed it out and then quickly pulled over to snap a picture.

All these years later I know that it is just a tower and that King Benjamin really didn't teach his people there. In fact, I don't have a clue what it even is or what it was ever used for.  But today, it's beautiful not only for the memory of when I was four years old, but the fact that I would instantly think of the Book of Mormon when seeing it at that young age.  That tells me that I had good primary teachers and good parents that have taught me to love the Book of Mormon from a very young age.

Grateful for my very own "Book of Mormon tower".

The Book of Mormon--March Madness style

About six weeks ago we were all sitting at the dinner table having Family Home Evening while eating since it was a busy night.  I told the kids that my "March Madness" (Read the entire Book of Mormon in the month of March) would soon be approaching and that I thought it would be cool if they would do it with me.  I then went around the table asking each older boy if they would commit to doing it.  One by one, A, G and J all agreed that they would indeed do it.  I was happy, but not naive as to the reality of it probably not happening.  We talked about them needing to read 17.1 pages a day and that they could do it.  That if they were smart with their time, they would have and find the time to read.

On February 28th I sent out a text inviting friends and family to join me the next day.  I got back 26 texts saying that they were "in".  I was floored.  Over the next four weeks I would send out texts to my "fellow March Madness-ers" saying what they needed to read to each day and encourage them to keep going.  Throughout the month, I would get texts and emails back saying that people were trying, sticking with it, and so grateful for the challenge.  It made me so happy.  

Over the last month, I have heard my boys read aloud in their rooms from the Book of Mormon.  I have seen them laying around the house reading from their iPods.  They ask me on a daily basis as to what they should be reading to that day.  I have asked a few times if they are caught up.  Some days have been hard.  Some days we have had to read double because there wasn't time the day before.  But....the boys have each done it on their own.  They have done it.  I know that that IS a missionary blessing!!  My 17, 13 and 11 year old boys have read the entire Book of Mormon on their own this past month.  I am so grateful.  

With the family so aware of all the reading going on, we have seen the excitement trickle down to the little kids.  While we were in San Diego, little g asked for my book when I was done reading so that he could read too.  It warmed my heart.  Last week I told B that I was going to bed so that I could read the Book of Mormon.  She followed me up to my bed, climbed in next to me and asked me if I would read it out loud to her.  

I have so enjoyed reading the Book of Mormon this time.  I have needed it.  It helped me get through a really difficult month when my anxiety was out of control.  There were times that I truly felt broken, not mentally beating myself up over it anymore, but truly feeling like a piece of work.  Reading its pages along with praying more than I ever have in years, I had this overwhelming feeling that my Heavenly Father loved me.  Oh sure, I knew that.  I learned that those same several years ago.  But this time, the words, "Just the way you are" came to mind.  My Heavenly Father loves me just the way that I am.  The way that I think.  That's when I realized that the Atonement was my way back to being me again.  I began seeing life through different eyes.  I prayed differently.  I began to think differently.  There was so much beauty, so many reasons to bring a smile to my face and the tender mercies continued to come on a daily basis.  

Saturday morning I finished the Book of Mormon.  I was awake and everyone was still asleep so I decided to finish a day early.  Plus, I can't wait to get on my knees once again to find how the Lord will tell me once again that the book is true.  As I read the last chapter in the book, I found myself crying and re-reading it over and over again.  It was beautiful.  There was Moroni's promise.  It spoke of spiritual blessings and I looked further into that.  And then, something that I hadn't remembered before jumped out at me....

I loved that and it was very powerful.  Then I continued to read and learned more about grace and I could see that I had seen that in the last month.  I was overcome with emotion.  B had woken up by then and had come down and was sitting on the end of the couch.  I told her that I had just finished the book.  She was all excited for me with her big brown eyes looking back at me.  I asked her, "Do you know what you do after you finish reading the Book of Mormon?"  She said, "no".  I then told her that you get down on your knees and ask Heavenly Father if the Book of Mormon is true and that the Spirit will tell you in different ways.  She then said, "But you already know it is true."  Yes, yes, that is true.  But it was so neat to tell or rather teach my cute five year old daughter.  I asked her if she could be really quiet while I knelt and said my prayer.  She said yes.  Then I asked her, "Would you like to hear me say my prayer or do you want me to say it in my head?"  She wanted to hear it.  She knelt down next to and I began my humble prayer.  Through the tears I expressed so much gratitude for the help I had received in the last month, for my new look at life, for the prophets and those that took the time to keep the records that make up the Book of Mormon, for my Savior and Redeemer, for my children and their desire to read the book along with me, the tender mercies I had been so graciously given on a daily basis, the things that I had learned reading, telling my Heavenly Father that I loved Him for loving me exactly as I am, and the desire I had to see Moroni at the gates and tell him that I did believe every single word recorded in my beloved Book of Mormon.  I closed my prayer and waited for my answer.  Wondering how my answer would come.  And then it came.  "Attitude of gratitude". Of course!  It was the perfect answer.  I had gained an attitude of gratitude this last month and I knew that by doing so, my answer had come directly from a Heavenly Father that loves me so much.    I lifted my head and turned to B.  "You want to know what the Spirit said to me?"  She said yes.  I told her and then went on to have such a neat experience with her.  As I looked into her eyes, I had this feeling that I needed to share more with her.  Not only did Heavenly Father trust me to be her mother, but so did her birth mother, so I feel this extra responsibility to teach and help her understand more so than my other children.  It was one of the most tender things I have ever experienced.

Last night J came down and said that he had completed his reading.  I asked him if he had prayed.  He said that he had but hadn't gotten an answer.  I needed him to have one.  I talked to him about it.  About really pouring out your heart, having faith and waiting for an answer.  It would probably be a thought that came to his mind.  He headed upstairs again willing and wanting his answer.  I never asked again.  I had faith and I knew that he did too.

Last night I sat down to write C a letter and discovered  these words that J had written to him...

"Today was fun because it is Easter and that is always fun except when dad loses one of my eggs so I got less, but I didn't really care because I know that that isn't the real meaning of Easter. Also I finished the BOM this week and I prayed about it and I got an answer.  The answer was that you know it is true and you have great faith.  I truly love the book of mormon.  You are so amazing.  Do great on your mission."

I continued to read on and A had told C that he had finished reading on Saturday also and that it was a cool experience.  G came down the stairs last night and said that he was in the middle of his prayer when I called the kids down to help before our dinner guests arrived.

How could this book not be true?  It changes lives!  Have I said how much I love this book?  I love the Book of Mormon!!  All the makings for the perfect Easter.  Happy Easter everyone.  He is risen!

Give a book to Gail

I finished my Book of Mormon today.  I couldn't stop myself from reading the thirty extra pages knowing that I would be able to once again kneel down in prayer and then have the Spirit testify of the truths I had read all month.

This time reading the book, I wanted to learn more about the Atonement.  I wasn't really sure if I would learn much about it, but C, my missionary challenged us as a family to learn more about it.  As I noticed myself reading each day, it was very apparent that not only did the prophets testify of Jesus Christ's birth and coming to the earth, but how he was coming to redeem us from our sins, how he is our Savior, the plan of redemption and His sole purpose for even coming to the earth was to give me the opportunity to return to him someday.

All these years, I've been grateful for His perfect example, loved the miracles He performed, the things He taught, and knowing that He is there for me.

But it was this time, that I humbly realized His divine role and what He was willing to do for me.

When just having two pages left to read today, I started crying at the thought of finishing my favorite book.  I didn't want to be done.  I know I have the book and can read it anytime I want, but there is something special about reading it this way and wanting to learn something specific.

After completing the book, I closed my bedroom doors, kneeled down by the side of my bed, and began my humble and sincere prayer. I poured my heart out.  It was a prayer unlike any other prayer I've said before.  I was so full of gratitude, humbled to have received such a gift, determined to do better, and wanting to teach my children all that I had learned more than anything else in the world.  Then I did what Moroni promised.

I continued kneeling there waiting and wondering how the Spirit would testify this time.  Would it be different than before?  This time...."Give a book to Gail".  I cried and cried knowing that the Spirit had manifested it truths once again.  After knowing and loving my neighbor for almost eleven years, I'll be taking over my favorite book, the Book of Mormon.  Perhaps I needed to know more about the Atonement, my Savior and my Redeemer to wipe away any fear of sharing what I love.

What were your thoughts of reading the Book of Mormon this month?  Maybe you need a copy.  I'd be happy to get one for you because I love that book.

Time to feast

I just finished reading my seventeen pages of the Book of Mormon for the day.  I've been anticipating my "March Madness" ever since last years got over.  I love it that much!  Don't know or don't remember what my "March Madness" is?  It's where I read the Book of Mormon cover to cover in the month of March.  I know it seems impossible.  Hey, I'm totally real here.  I'm  not the best 'read it everyday' person in the world.  But I love how it comes to life when I read it in a short period of time.  I love how I read really wanting to get more out of it.  I love how when I'm finished reading it, I find a quiet place to kneel and pray to know for myself once again if it is true like Moroni promised.  And then the Spirit testifies to me that, "Yes, T, you know it to be true".  That's why I love it so much.  This year I'm wanting to learn more about the Atonement as I read the pages of my favorite book.  I can't wait to share my thoughts with my missionary. 

In the scriptures we are told to "Feast upon the words of Christ".  That's what I love about the Book of Mormon.  It is ANOTHER testament of Jesus Christ.  I learn so much about him from the time he was prophecied of even coming to his resurrection and the time he visited the Americas.  Have I said how much I love this book?

I texted lots of friends and family today inviting them to join me for my "March Madness".  I was excited to see all the responses saying, "I'm in.".  Get's me so excited for other people to have this same neat experience.
Will you also join me? 
Do you need a Book of Mormon? 
I can promise you that if you commit to doing it, you willl love it.  You will find the time to read your seventeen pages a day.  It's about an hour a day.  That's with red pencil in hand and underlining.  :)

Off I go.  It's time to feast.

You know it to be true

I was so excited for today. The end of my "March Madness". The day I would complete my Book of Mormon in 31 days. Not only would I be able to say that I read it again, quickly, but I was looking forward to Moroni's promise in the very last chapter of the entire book. It reads... 4 "And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. 5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." Although I've read The Book of Mormon several times, and I know with a surety that it is true, I kneel down and pour out my heart to a loving Heavenly Father for the words that I have read. For His son, Jesus Christ. For the prophets and their obedience and diligence of keeping records. For my faith and the desire to have more of it. I realize that I am showing gratitude more than I am asking for things. I am humbled. Once I finish, I continue to kneel there silently clinging to Moroni's promise knowing that the Holy Ghost will manifest the truth to me. Today? "You know it to be true." Yes, I do. I'm grateful, thankful, and humbled to have such a gift. I love my Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ.

Goodbye February, Hello March

Ever wonder what a large family is like? What a large family is like in February?

I'll tell you.

It's:

7 sick children
5 visits to the pediatrician
Make shift Sick Ward in my bedroom
Sitting outside at wee hours in the morning with croupy kids
Various temperatures running from 101-104
Puking in the car
1 test for the flu
1 test for strep
2 Tama flu prescriptions
1 Dexamethazone prescription
2 Albuterol prescriptions
5 Amoxacillan prescriptions
2 Omnicef prescriptions
2 large bottles of motrin
2 bottles of tylenol
cough drops
sore throat lozenges
diffusers running
2 jars of Mentholatum
Bottle of On Guard essential oil
Bottle of Breathe essential oil
Bottle of Frankinsense essential oil
2 boxes of thermometer plastic heads

And we're going back to the Dr. today. It's awesome.

As for March....and a large family? Spring sports for all five boys.

6 lacrosse practices a week
5-6 volleyball practices a week
3 soccer practices a week

Until 2 weeks when our schedule adds:

2 lacrosse games a week
2 volleyball games a week
2 soccer games a week

Even though February was, well, um, not even frustrating really. Just kind of like, "Are you serious?" as each new sick symptom appeared. I got through it somehow. And even though it seemed as though I lived at the drive up window at CVS, I found myself smiling almost every time I was there. I mean seriously. I was there almost on a daily basis and was asked every time, "Have you been here before?" I just giggled to myself in the suburban.

As for March, bring it on. I love the blossoms on the trees, the new growth peeking out of the ground, and the daily picnics we've had despite all the sickies. Yes, we'll be doing a lot of chasing and running around to all the practices and games, but the boys are happy. March means basketball to D and The Book of Mormon to me. It's almost like "Christmas" around here.

Thinking about St. Patrick's Day already. Plotting my fun and traditions for that morning. Do you do anything fun I need to know about?

I love that book

Ever since I was a little girl my mom taught me to love two things; flowers and temples. Fortunately, there are always thousands of gorgeous flowers around each LDS temple. I love to see how they're arranged in the different flower gardens. I love the smells as you walk by. One can only dream of having a yard as beautiful as the temple grounds.

While I visited there today, I couldn't help but notice more than just the flowers. There he was. The beautiful Angel Moroni on top of my temple. The man that buried the golden plates of which I am almost done reading.



I'm learning and growing with each day that I read from my beloved BOOK of MORMON.

I love that book.

Too excited to sleep

I've been looking forward to today for months. In fact, last night I was too excited and had a hard time getting to sleep.

I've been longing and waiting for today. You'd think it was Christmas and I was a little girl wanting to peek at my presents. That's how I've been feeling. I've been antsy and wanting today to arrive.

Finally! Now, I can have my "March Madness"! D will have his, and I will have mine. his consists of pages of brackets, lots of games, and time off of work. Mine, well mine is...

Reading the Book of Mormon in the month of March. There's something about the Book of Mormon when you read it quickly. I had a wonderful experience just over a year ago when I read it in just 15 days. It was a life changing experience. I thought, I need to do this more often. So, I am. This time though, I have 16 more days to read it, so I'll be reading it with a red pencil in hand and a journal next to me.

Here's my reading schedule if you'd like to join me. It's about 17 pages a day.

March 1--page 17
2--35
3--53
4--68
5--85
6--103
7--119
8--136
9--154
10--171
11--189
12--206
13--223
14--241
15--258
16--275
17--293
18--310
19--327
20--345
21--362
22--379
23--396
24--414
25--431
26--448
27--465
28--483
29--501
30--517
31--531 Finished!

It's going to be a great month!

Reading, more reading, and thinking some more

Wow. I don't even have time to post today, but here I am trying to find the right words and wondering where to begin. Just yesterday, D called and wondered how my day was going. I told him that it was a good day. I was keeping on task with all my New Year's resolutions, had dinner going in the crock pot (which is a huge thing in itself) and was absorbed in a book that I NEVER thought I'd pick up. Just out of social rebellion! I told him that I was a little overwhelmed as I was looking around. So many closets needed to be cleaned and organized, my new sewing machine wasn't even out of the box, and my book cases were a wreck. I think back at what I used to be able to accomplish in a day. I was the queen of spontanaity. I'd paint rooms, build rock walls, fix sprinklers. Now, I feel like I don't do much. D reminded me that I'm in a stage of my life where I might not be able to tackle as many things in a day. That I should enjoy this stage of my life. That got me thinking...and then I got reading on other people's blogs.

Rather than focusing on all of the things that I'm not getting done, I need to think about all the wonderful things that I have done in the last year. And be excited for this next year and all the goals that I've set for myself.

I've learned how to download pictures on the computer. Yeah for me, I'm not the dumbest computer person out there anymore.

I delivered a beautiful baby girl this past year. It was a great feeling knowing that our family was complete.

We sealed B to our family in August. That was the best day of my life. I'll never forget seeing my children filing into the sealing room in their white clothes.

I've taken C driving for many hours and had patience while doing it.

I've been to countless games and practices.

I've thrown parties.

I customized my own diaper bag unlike anyone elses. I love that!

I handed out two Book of Mormons to the cutest Latino couple that removed rocks from my back yard.

Contrary to everything I ever said, I borrowed Twilight from a cousin and am currently reading it. Can I just say, that with seven kids and at the age of 37 now, why in the heck am I sooooo intrigued by this book? Did I really just admit that to the world? Who am I anymore? Actually, last night I was scared to go to bed because the 'tracker' was out.

I had the best faith experience of my life. I had never prayed and fasted so fervently in my life. I promised my boys that we would see a miracle if we truly prayed and fasted with faith. The miracle happened. I wasn't surprized. I can't express how much love I felt. I knew that our prayers had been answered. It's changed my life.

I played in the Messiah orchestra back home. It was awesome.

I met a 3rd cousin in the orchestra. She's a freshman in college. Can you believe she was born the year that I graduated from High School? That is the only time that I've felt old.

I've been uplifted by friends. Some I know personally, and some I've never met. Thank you.

I read the Book of Mormon in December. I hadn't realized it, but our theme in R.S. for 2008 was 'Drink from the Lord's Well'. We were encouraged to read the Book of Mormon that year. The sisters that had would be recognized at the end of the year. Well, don't know how, but I heard about it the first time from my friend while she was bearing her testimony on Dec. 7th. I was so touched by what she said, that I decided that I too was going to read it by the end of the year. I needed to read 22 pages a day to finish it by December 31st. Well, I forgot that night, and the next night until 10:00 P.M. I read thirty pages that night. I felt as though I needed to speed read if I was going to really reach that crazy of a goal. After one page of that, I talked myself out of it. I was going to read the Book of Mormon. From that point on, it became a book that I couldn't put down. I loved the book. I couldn't wait to get to all the stories I had heard about all my life. I wanted to get to the story of Abinidi, King Benjamin, Helamon's Stripling Warriors, and of course when Christ visited the Americas. I found myself reading the Book of Mormon while having my bubble baths. I wasn't tired when I read it. I wanted to read another page, and just one more, and just one more... Christmas day arrived, I thought, what better Christmas gift could I give myself than to finish the Book of Mormon on Christmas day. I read almost 100 pages that day and finished at 11:00 P.M. I had remembered hearing people say that they would pray in their closets. I was anxious to have my own experience in my closet. I quickly ran to my closet, embracing my beloved Book of Mormon. There I knelt and poured out my heart. I already knowing that the Book of Mormon was true, wanted to know again. I was reassured that the book was true. Every time that I couldn't put the book down, or was eager to read, or told somebody that it was such a good book, was the Spirit testifying to me that the book was indeed true. I was overcome with gratitude. I couldn't believe that at 37 I had never read the book like that before. I'm happy to say that, that was one of my greatest accomplishments of 2008. I read the Book of Mormon in two and a half weeks and can honestly say, that I LOVE THE BOOK OF MORMON!

Five days later, it was my birthday. I received a phone call from someone that's been having a rough time and is searching for something more. She called me knowing that I believe a lot in my faith. I was caught so off gaurd. She wanted help, answers. I instantly knew that she had called because I had just read the Book of Mormon. I asked her if she would like to meet with our missionaries? She committed to visit with them in a couple of days. She did. I had the chance to testify to her of my recent experience and the things that I know to be true. She comes again today. What a marvelous blessing.

Anyway...lots to think about. Thank you to all of you that get me thinking, and thanking. Have a wonderful new year. As for Edward...he'll have to wait until tomorrow. Yeah, we'll see...