Natalie's Impressions

Outlive your life by Max Lucado

2010-09-10T07:58:00.000-07:00

"These are devastating times: 1.75 billion people are desperately poor; one billion are hungry. Lonely hearts indwell our neighborhoods and attend our schools. In the midst of it all, here we stand:...We are given a choice... an opportunity to make a big difference during a difficult time. What if we did? What if we rocked the world with hope? Worth a try, don't you think?" Max Lucado's book has inspired me. Every chapter left me feeling like I could do something! I can make a difference! I especially loved the chapter "open your door; open your heart." It was such a simple idea that I think could truly make a difference. He has such a great way of sharing awesome stories and also coming up with such great ideas and making them believable. My only complaint about this book is that it uses so many versions of the bible, but I never see the King James Version. Other than that, it is a great book and I would recommend it to anyone who would like to be inspired. I was given this book for free from booksneeze.com to read and review.

The Boy Who Changed the World by Andy Andrews, Illustrated by Philip Hurst

2010-09-08T06:39:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I was able to review this book. First, I love Children's books and second, this book had a great message. This book is about a little boy who changed the world. It starts out talking about Norman Borlaug, then Henry Wallace, George Washington, and then Henry Wallace. I loved how this book was written, at the end of the book it has taken you full circle and has given you reason to believe that you could be the boy who changed the world. I thought it was such a cute book. My kids loved it too. They are just ages two and four, so it was a little long for them, but a great book for them to grow into. Such a great message and the pictures are great as well. I would recommend this book for a good teaching book, family home evening lesson or just to have in the book collection!

P.S. I was given this book for free from Booksneeze.com to read it and review it.

Awesome cookbook that proves true to what it claims

2009-10-20T10:21:00.000-07:00

I have been reviewing the Busy People's fast and frugal cookbook: delicious recipes that are healthy and easy on the budget. When I read the intro to this book I was so impressed with the author. I loved her telling her story of how she came up with her idea and recipes. I decided that to be able to give an honest review I would try at least a weeks worth of recipes. I wrote out my list. It was about a page long for five meals with sides and one dessert for the week. I was pleasantly surprised when I checked out and only spent $75.00 for the five meals with sides and a dessert for 4 adults and two children. My husband and I have also been watching our weight and we were both pleased that we lost weight this week. Most importantly, was the recipes were super easy and delicious. All of the recipes I tried were great. I decided to do it again this week and did 5 more meals with sides and two desserts and only spent 50.00. I am impressed with this book. It is exactly what my family and I need.

Book Review for Redefining Beautiful

2009-09-28T16:25:00.000-07:00

Redefining Beautiful

What God sees when God sees You

by Jenna Lucado

This book is about gaining a stronger relationship with God and how this will help us to figure out who we are as girls (or women) and to be more confident with that knowledge. Jenna tells stories, gives great advice and discusses how her relationship with God has changed from time to time. She really wants to emphasize the importance of His presence in our lives.

I was very impressed with this book. At the start of the book I really connected with her as an author. As she spoke of her teenage years I wondered at times if she was telling my story and my thoughts. As the book went on I was constantly thinking of how I could improve my relationship with my Heavenly Father. I loved how she addressed teens. I think they would be inspired by her. I think this book would have helped me when I was younger too. I also enjoyed the notes from her dad. Their relationship is inspiring in itself. I think teens tend to think it is dorky to be close to their dads. She shows an important role that they play. I was impressed. One thing that was a little strange for me was the scriptures in the book. They were all from different versions of the Bible and none of them were from the King James Version. I have only read that version, so I was a little lost on the scripture passages.

My miracle from conference

2009-09-27T20:59:00.000-07:00

During our rehearsals for the General Relief Society meeting they told us to watch for two things during the process. The first was that opposition would come. The second thing was that there would be miracles. The whole experience was amazing and I wish I could write all of the feelings I felt. I loved the women that directed and put everything together. They were amazing. My miracle was at the end of conference though. We stood in our places as the Priesthood Leaders left the room. I loved watching the crowd as President Monson waved to them. Each section would wave and he would switch back and forth from different sections. It was so cool. As he drew nearer to the exit, he turned and looked at us and waved. At that moment I was overcome with the spirit. I knew at that moment that Thomas S Monson is a prophet of God. He was called by our Heavenly Father to lead us right now. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is amazing. I know that the Lord leads this church. My testimony grew. That was my miracle.

Singing in General Relief Society Meeting

2009-09-21T10:07:00.000-07:00

I am so excited about the opportunity I have to sing in the Relief Society meeting as a part of a choir from our area. It has been an awesome experience already. I am so impressed with the LDS church! The leaders are amazing and everything that is done in the church is inspired. I love the spirit I have felt rehearsing for the conference and I am so excited for Saturday. It will be amazing to see the prophet walk in and to see the conference center full of women of our faith!

My impressions: The Beginning

2008-08-05T20:52:00.000-07:00

I have tried so many times to keep a journal as I read scriptures or read/listen to talks... but I never seem to keep it up. With my new love for blogging I decided that I am going to start this blog for my personal scripture study thoughts and impressions. I read a few articles in the ensign and I was prompted to do this. I have a lot to learn about the Gospel, but I enjoy studying and I hope that this will push me to study more. I'm excited to be able to look back on my impressions and promptings and remember them.