we believe...

...the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly, we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.


I'm a reader. I'll admit, I usually have a few books that I'm reading all at the same time. I love reading and it influences my life in many positive ways. I've taken advice on which materials I choose to read from people I consider wise or people who seem to be entertained or uplifted in similar ways to me. I try to update my book list (see my links) not to let people know what I like to read, but to myself remember the things I learn from books.
The times when reading has the most influence for me is when I'm in need of some advice or direction. Lately, I've noticed that if I read a parenting book/article about an issue I'm having in parenting, then I immediately feel more confident in my own abilities and better able to handle situations. Even if I don't really agree with or follow the advice! Even if I only get something I can use from one little sentence. I see this is how I learn. By studying, pondering, then action. I want to do God's Will. With the little store of knowledge I build and my own intuition I feel I am adding to a list of resources that God can use to do His Will with me, especially in motherhood. I feel more prepared. If I fail to do these things for a time, I feel a little out of control of my life.
Thus it is with my reading of the Scriptures. The Bible. The Book of Mormon. The words of the current Prophets and Apostles. When I fail to read them for a time, I feel a deep lack in my life. A hunger. A hunger that is immediately filled when I commence reading these sacred words. Once again a feel a flow of direction and confidence from God enter into my life. I feel it so abundantly that it makes me wonder why I would have stopped reading in the first place, if I knew all along what great value it is to me?