Too Much to Carry Alone

By Camille Fronk Olson


Are you carrying a burden or facing a challenge that defies resolution? Challenges are an inescapable fact of mortality. But do we make our burdens heavier by trying to carry them alone?
The Lord has promised us His help if we will turn to Him. Author Camille Fronk Olson writes, “Each of us is personally invited to come unto Christ and trust Him to heal us.” She testifies that “by accepting His invitation to come to Him, we find the way to resolve every one of our problems. We are not talking about temporary, Band-Aid treatments but eternal solutions.”
With such help available, why continue to be weighed down? The Lord has promised to lighten our burdens and give us rest if we take His yoke upon us. This perceptive and hope-filled book reminds us that the only real and eternal solution to our problems is to believe in His promise—and shows us how to take Him at His word.


This is a great little book from Time Out for Women that is only 60 pages long.  I read it in about half an hour and was uplifted and found great insights. This book follows the scripture in Mathew 28; The one about taking His yoke upon you that your burden may be light. This book disects this message and breaks down how we can more easily take His yoke upon us. A great light read with lots of perspective.

Perfection Pending

By Russell M. Nelson

“We need not be dismayed if our earnest efforts toward perfection now seem so arduous and endless. Perfecion is pending…it awaits all who love Him and keep His commandments…It is the end for which we are to endure.”
In this important book Elder Russell M. Nelson, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, offers o=hope and valued counsel to those who are struggling along life’s path to perfection. “If we do the best we can,” he says, “the Lord will bless us according to our deeds and the desires of our hearts.” And, in the same encouraging spirit, he notes, “Men are that they might have joy—not guilt trips!...Remember that the Lord gives no commandments that are impossible to obey.”

This is a book of favorite discourses by Elder Russell M. Nelson, who always gives wonderful talks at the LDS General Conferences. I adore his talk that this book is named for; if you are a perfectionist you MUST read this one talk at least. I'm sure you could find it at lds.org, but whatever you do it is wonderful and gives you peace about trying to follow the commandment to 'be perfect evan as your Father in heaven is perfect'. This talk is just the beginning in this book that focuses on the plan of salvation, home teaching, serving others, and many many other topics that will enhance your understanding and enrich your day. I loved it and hope others will pick it up and read it.

Pathways to Perfection

By Thomas S. Monson


I’ve been reading this one for months. It was my Sunday reading, so I was doing one chapter once a week about. It was excellent. It’s a bunch of compiled talks that President Monson has given throughout his apostolic career. This book was published quite a few years ago, so this was before he became the prophet. It’s been fun because I recognized a lot of the stories from talks he has given recently. They are just tweaked a little. Then there are some stories in this book I’d never heard before and greatly enjoyed and were very inspiring. President Monson’s book is filled to the brim with stories, poems, and motivational talks. I greatly enjoyed it.

Stories From My Life

By Elder James E. Faust

There isn’t really a synopsis for this particular book since it’s a compilation of stories and little snippets of talks given by Elder Faust. I’ve had this book for about 5 years, my grandmother having given it to me. She used it for her own Family home evening lessons. The stories are at average just 2 pages each, being on all kinds of topics ranging from honesty, to nurturing faith, to poise under pressure. I really enjoyed it as a little refresher thought book with short but poignant messages. A great book of insights from a truly wonderful apostle.

P.S. I couldn't find a picture of the book, so I just got a picture of Elder Faust. :)

However Long and Hard the Road

By Jeffery R. Holland

“It is difficult to make a man miserable while that man feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him.” Often in our most difficult times the only thing we can do is endure. We may have no idea what the final cost in suffering or sacrifice may be, but we can vow never to give up. In doing so we will learn that there is no worthy task so great nor burden so heavy that will not yield to our perseverance. We can make it…however long and hard the road.
Elder Holland tells how others have overcome temptations and feelings of inadequacy and, through repentance, have obtained forgiveness and strength- and how we too may find success in our searchings.

I haven’t read too many books by the general authorities and apostles, and what I have read is sometimes difficult to understand, though it has much to offer. Elder Holland is different in this respect. He does not mince words, and he writes in a way where all can understand. This book had so many treasures in it, with so much to offer those who struggle with living this earthly life. Whatever may be your affliction, trial, or challenge, Elder Holland gives many examples from the scriptures, modern literature, and his own experiences, to help us find the way to God despite all that may cause us pain or doubt. Everyone who would read this book thoughtfully will come out the better for it if they put into practice the hope-filled messages contained in this book.

Interesting info: Elder Holland has also written: Christ and the New Covenant, Of Souls Symbols and Sacraments, and Broken Things to Mend.