Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Book Review: Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious

Well, if you are as dedicated as Debra and are following my blog tour, I got two more reviews today for Ashes Ashes.

The first one was from Hershey Wishes and Kisses (isn't that a great name?) and they said that it was "filled with intense suspense, a heart-pounding plot, and great characters."  Yay!  You can read the whole review here

The second one was from Min Reads and she said it was a fast-paced thriller.  She was also happy to get an update on Rafe and Claire.  I'm glad because I really loved Rafe and Claire, too.  You can see her whole review here

And if you are interested in knowing my top ten TV shows, you can read that list here




Today I'd like to tell you about a little book by John Bytheway.  It's called Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious and while it is a small book, it is full of great concepts and things to ponder.  He goes over the thirty-two verses of Lehi's Dream in the Book of Mormon, offering insights into the metaphor and how it applies in our lives today.

At first I was thinking I would breeze through this small little book, but the more I read, the slower I went because there was a lot to think about. Bytheway presents things in a way I've never really thought of before, even though I've read that passage many times.  I enjoyed the real-life application and the way he offered his insights and observations in a very conversational tone.  I liked that there were humorous moments and serious discussion, much like Bytheway's firesides---fun and serious at the same time.  I think I will definitely read this one more than once just to really let it all sink in.  I thought it was really well done and I felt inspired.

Here is the back copy:

With every passing day, the unforgettable imagery in Lehi’s dream becomes more real and more relevant. In our modern world, we can literally hear the taunts and see the pointing fingers of people like those in the great and spacious building. We find ourselves clinging with greater energy to the rod of iron as we work through the massive mists of darkness toward the tree of life. In Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious, John Bytheway looks at Lehi’s dream, and with his characteristic humor, comments from Church leaders, scholarly insights, and personal experiences, he expands our understanding of these precious verses of scripture.



1 comment:

Debra Erfert said...

I find that I cannot read those passages quickly, like a fiction novel. Taking it slowly is the only way to go, and even then I can only understand them through discussions. I can see where this work would be a good addition to my reading list.

I enjoyed your other reviews, Julie!