A Proclamation to the World (by Emily)

I would like to proclaim to the world that the church is NOT true.
Instead, I proclaim to the world that the Gospel of Jesus Christ as it has been restored through Joseph Smith and superseding Prophets IS true.

This is something that's really been bugging to me.  It was pointed out in my home ward one week by my previous Bishop, and it really struck home.
I wish more people thought about this, and realized what they are saying when they bear their testimony. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is absolutely a wonderful thing, but in no way is it true. It is the only church with the proper authority from Heavenly Father, yes. It is the Lord's church. But it is not true.

Here's what is true:
The Book of Mormon, the principles taught in it, and the history recorded in it.
The Bible, as far as it is translated correctly.
The words of the Prophets, Apostles, and other representatives of the Lord.

In the church, especially in Utah, we've gotten so used to saying "I know that the church is true" that it has become commonplace, and accepted, even though it is incorrect. Thus, I am on a campaign to change it.

I will never again say the words "the church is true". It's up to you, but I hope that you never will either.

Really Good Books, #4

The Last Silk Dress, by Ann Rinaldi. 

So, i'm definitely a fan of historical fiction.  My favorite time periods? Wars.  They seem to make for the most interesting stories.  This book is set in the Civil War, and is from the perspective of a fourteen-year-old girl in the South, who wants to do something to help in the war.  I haven't read this one in a while, but it still is definitely one of my favorites.  It's a bit long, but VERY good. 

P.s. Merry Christmas!! :)

Really Good Books, #3

The Water is Wide, by Marianne Monson.

I got this book as a manuscript from Lisa Mangum, read it, loved it, and am now eagerly awaiting for the real copy of the book as a Christmas present.  The only thing that stinks about reading a book when it's only a manuscript, is that it means I have to wait even longer than everybody else for the sequel. Oh well. It'll be worth the wait, i'm sure. 

Update:   I did get the book for Christmas. Woohoo! :D (Dec. 25).

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Really Good Books, #2

The Host by Stephenie Meyer.  This book is completely different from the Twilight series.  This book is somewhat like Ender's Game and Uglies, combined.  Both of which, are very very good books as well.   When reading it, you are inside the mind of two different characters at once, following their thoughts and emotions, and the moral struggle within.  The book is pretty genius.  Also, it's just a great love story, but still filled with action and suspense.  Read it! 

Really Good Books, #1

I. Love. Reading. I've done it all my life, and I will never quit.  I used to get grounded from reading, because my mom would send me to clean my room, and I would sit and read instead.  I used to read 2 or 3 books at a time, for hours a day.  I wish I still had the time to do so.  Reading is pretty much my favorite.

I don't know how many people actually read this, or how many people actually care, but I'm just going to put it out there anyway.  I've decided to do a series of posts about some really good books I've read.

To start off, I'm really sharing two books.  The Hourglass Door, and it's sequel, The Golden Spiral.  Written by Lisa Mangum, these books are A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.!  They have such a great plot line, and require you to actually think a little.  It's not simply a cute/interesting story to read (though, it still is definitely those things as well).  This is true literary genius.  The concept of time in these books is so interesting, and it makes me wonder how she ever came up with the idea for it.

Also, I am SO excited for the third book, The Forgotten Locket.  I am pretty much dying with anticipation, waiting to see what happens next.  Maybe I can get my hands on another ARC? :)

Sometime, I would really like to just sit down with Lisa and talk to her about these books.  Where she got the idea, how it all came together, and all the associated adventures with writing it.  She's pretty famous now, but maybe she'll make time for me someday.  She was one of my YW's leaders, after all.  Here's to hoping that I'll get that chance sometime.  

More to come later.  For now, I should probably go to bed.  It's 2:09 AM.  

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