What I'm Reading Lately

---

• Glorious Truths about Mary, Mother of Jesus by Susan Easton Black — Good book. I loved reading about Mary around Christmas time! I only gave it three stars because it didn't JUMP OUT at me while listening to the audio as something that just absolutely blew my mind. It wasn't terrible but it was fine! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Silent Souls Weeping: Depression—Sharing Stories, Finding Hope by Jane Clayson Johnson — Wow… I'm going to have to write a blog post review. This book deserves all 5 stars. It was amazing and I felt so understood. I believe that EVERY member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints should read this book, especially those in leadership/teacher callings. But most importantly, the experiences shared are really so helpful. I just can't say enough good things about this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• A Case for the Book of Mormon by Tad R. Callister — I really enjoyed this book. The Book of Mormon has had many attacks and many people trying to prove that it was made up and that Joseph Smith wasn't a prophet and didn't translate anything. What I really appreciate about this book, is that a leader in The Church gives examples of proof that it wasn't made up, that Joseph Smith DID translate the Book of Mormon and how we can use the power of that knowledge to increase our testimony and live our lives faithfully. I really really liked this book! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Insights from a Prophet’s Life: Russell M. Nelson by Sheri Dew — I really enjoyed getting to know the Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I really knew nothing about him when he was called to serve as our new prophet this last year. He is so amazing and a wonderful example!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Live Up to Our Privileges: Women, Power, and Priesthood by Wendy Ulrich — This book was good. Something to pass the time. I really enjoyed chapter 7! ⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Holy As You Are: Seeking Divine Moments in Your Ordinary Extraordinary Life by Christie Gardiner — I really enjoyed this book. Chapter 7 was really great and what I needed to hear but Chapter 8 really took the cake. I'm grateful for inspired people who write books filled with words that I need to read. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
• Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson — This was a happy and uplifting book! Every story President Monson shares always had a happy ending! Not only was this book a good reminder to never postpone a prompting, but it was also proof that there is good in every day and good in every experience and we are blessed though we may not always see it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

---

If you enjoyed any of these books, comment down below what you thought of them!

Thy Walls Are Continually Before Me

In my scripture study recently, I have come across two different things that kind of give me the same meaning.

In my Sunday scripture study with my husband, we were studying in the Bible (New Testament) John chapters 7 through 10. In John chapter 10, you learn about Jesus the Good Shepherd and his care for us as his "sheep." I want to point out in verse 4, we learn of Jesus:

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice," - John 10: 4

Now let's turn to the Book of Mormon. In the first book of Nephi, chapter 21 verse 16, it reads:

 "Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me." - 1 Nephi 21:16

One thing I really love about personal scripture study is that you can take the verses for what they are and apply them to your life for what they mean to you when you read them. I always read with a fresh, new book of scripture so that I can learn something new instead of always referring back to notes I've taken before on the verses.

One thing I remember discussing in a therapy session was how I view my mental health and my life. I told my therapist that, to me, my depression and my anxiety and self-esteem is this huge brick wall built in front of me. There's no way around it or over it or under it. But in this brick wall is a window. It's a square window that is sealed with no way to open it. I can see through it. I see the life I'm meant to live, the things I desire most and I see happiness through this window.

I've always felt like I have no idea how to get on the other side of this wall. I've tried for years through medication, therapy, inpatient mental health care, exercise, blogging, journaling, working, reading, pampering myself..... and I've never gotten through this brick wall OR the window. But it's all there and it taunts me. It's lonely and makes me feel very weak.

As I've read these two scripture verses above, I've realized that Christ is on MY SIDE of the brick wall. He is looking through the window with me. Just as he says in 1 Nephi 21:16, my wall is before him. He stands at the brick wall WITH me. As we are told in John 10:4, he goes before me. He leads me along the path I'm meant to be on. He went first so that he could understand my journey of going next. Does that make sense?

I don't know if you could call this a light bulb moment or somehow I'm finally realizing this but for the longest time I have felt SO ALONE on my side of the brick wall that I never ever imagined Christ would also be on my side of the brick wall. I don't know when he and I will figure out a way to get on the other side but for now, I'm not alone in looking through the window. I'm not alone in trying every single day to get on the other side of this wall.

It gives me the strength to know that I have his help and his loving guidance in my life. I'm not alone and reading the scriptures help me see that. I'm so grateful that I chose to read the scriptures so that I could learn this and carry it with me each day.