Power From On High (Caldwell)

The title of this book was a draw for me. The more I read the more 'meh' I felt about it. I don't feel obligated to finish books I don't like, and I did end up finishing it, so that says something. However, it wasn't any different than anything I have heard at a long and dull stake conference or sacrament meeting where people rehash a talk that has already been given by someone else.

Goodreads says:

When the Lord's church was organized in this dispensation, the Savior . . . gave Joseph Smith power from on high that he might fulfill the Lord's purposes and accomplish His marvelous work. Just as Joseph Smith needed power from heavenly sources, so also are we dependent upon that same power in order to fulfill the Lord's expectations of us, be accepted of Him, and be welcomed back into His presence. In the pages of this inspiring text, Elder C. Max Caldwell, emeritus member of the First Quorum of the Seventy, explains that we don't have the power to personally overcome and transcend our mortal limitations. However, the redeeming power of the Savior not only saves us from permanent physical disabilities through the resurrection, but also repairs internal spiritual damages incurred when we fail to follow the narrow path leading home. Elder Caldwell then points us toward principles and practices that will connect us to the Lord's power plant—simple guidelines that will give us the power to overcome temptation and keep our lives focused on the Savior and the saving principles of His gospel. Filled with scriptural affirmations, powerful examples, meaningful quotes from General Authorities, and the author's tender and insightful personal experiences, this is truly a book to be savored, treasured, and referenced often.

Saints, Volume 2 No Unhallowed Hand

This one started slower for me than volume 1 did. It took me a while to get into. I have been reading both books in the series with my daughter. She abandoned me on this one.

 I thought the beginning was kind of boring - some members traveled here and some traveled there. Brigham Young went back and forth and back and forth. But as they got to Utah and started to settle, those stories became much more interesting. Much of this book was on the challenges the members of the church had because they practiced polygamy and there were laws against it. This resulted in leaders and many other people going into hiding. The whole polygamy story is still hard for me to read about and I found it hard to feel sorry for them - especially the men. Even when Allen and I would talk about some of these stories, the conversations were uncomfortable and short. How it all ended was fascinating too - kind of a story of relinquishing to the law. Is that how really inspiration? Or is it desperation?

All this makes me sound like I'm a real questioner of the church - which isn't the case. The polygamy story though is a hard one to swallow. I wouldn't recommend this book to people trying to learn about the church because that issue is so huge in this book. However, there are many other wonderful faith filled stories. I did love the fact that the stories of women were aplenty. I do look forward to the next book in the series.

Goodreads says:

Saints Volume 2: No Unhallowed Hand, 1846-1893, begins with thousands of Latter-day Saints fleeing mobs in Nauvoo, their gathering place for the previous seven years. Readers follow Brigham Young and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles west across prairie and plain, witnessing their trust that God has prepared a home for them beyond the towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains.

Saints (1815 - 1846): The Standard of Truth

Last year, there were only a few chapters of this book out. Now the entire thing has been published and I just finished it. I started it once seminary was finished....which was kind of counter intuitive, but it was a little overwhelming to read it while working and teaching seminary. I have really enjoyed it. It's very readable and gives a good perspective on many questions I have had about church history issues.

I'm looking forward to the next editions!

Goodreads says:

n 1820, a young farm boy in search of truth has a vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ. Three years later, an angel guides him to an ancient record buried in a hill near his home. With God’s help, he translates the record and organizes the Savior’s church in the latter days. Soon others join him, accepting the invitation to become Saints through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. 

But opposition and violence follow those who defy old traditions to embrace restored truths. The women and men who join the church must choose whether or not they will stay true to their covenants, establish Zion, and proclaim the gospel to a troubled world. 

The Standard of Truth is the first book in Saints, a new, four-volume narrative history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Fast-paced, meticulously researched, Saints recounts true stories of Latter-day Saints across the globe and answers the Lord’s call to write history “for the good of the church, and for the rising generations” (Doctrine and Covenants 69:8).