I read two books this week that essentially address the same subject: what does our faith mean and how do we show our faith? Both books agree action in and of itself isn't always a demonstration of faith but our hearts and thoughts can lead us to position faithful action. For example, a person can attend church, teach Sunday School lessons, and even donate large amounts of money to charitable organizations but not treat his neighbors very kindly. After reading both of the books, there are questions about my own faith and action. For example, instead of reading books about faith, I should be reading the books of my faith. I realize faith is personal and is based on free will; our God will not force us to be faithful. I liked both books and would recommend them. I'd also recommend The Book of Mormon. In the spirit of my son's serving a Spanish-speaking mission, I am reading it in Spanish. Surprisingly enough, I can also understand it. But I'm slow. Reading aloud helps. Many of the passages bring me to tears -- especially in realizing when Nephi writes that the book will be saved and prepared for us to read now and I am reading now in Spanish. This somehow connects me to something greater . . . I can't quite put into words.

The first book is Have A Little Faith by Mitch Albom, the same author who wrote Tuesday with Morrie, The Five People You Meet in Heaven, and For One More Day. The other book is The Holy Secret, by James L. Ferrell, who also wrote The Peacegiver.

We are also watching our neighbors' dog. Since he is named Buddy, the two Buddys get a little confused when I call either one of them, or both of them. All of the dogs are getting along very well. Right now, little Buddy is sleeping on the couch while the other Buddy and Buster are outside. We walked up The Hill and everyone, including the humans, are enjoying the calming effect of exercise. When I feed little Buddy, I give big Buddy a kibble, then Buster, then I put down a handful to little Buddy, who gobbles it up while the other two wait somewhat patiently for their pieces. I repeat a bunch of times until little Buddy has had enough to eat. I tried putting the other two dogs outside while little Buddy ate his food but they seemed hurt. And little Buddy doesn't seem to eat when I leave him in his own backyard. This way, I know he is eating and the other two dogs get some "candy." B gave me a pretty good compliment. He said, "You are almost as good a Dog Mom as my Mom." Everyone who knew her agrees she was the Greatest of All Dog Moms so I took this compliment with a huge smile on my face! Thank you, GTO, for showing me how to do it right!