LDS Book Review ~ "Lifestyles of the Great & Spacious" by John Bytheway

Lifestyles of the Great and Spacious by John Bytheway
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Received from the  Publisher to Review
Genre: Non-Fiction LDS / Inspirational

Book Description:  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.



My thoughts:  I admit that I don't read many books that fall into the inspirational category. I like to be entertained and escape reality when I read. I like to escape motherhood and responsibilities. It is what I like to do, but not necessarily what I really need to do.

I fall into the traps that Lifestyles of the Great & Spacious is all about. There is a quote from page 104 that to me had great significance. "Not only does God care about what we do, he cares about us. What we do is what we become, and he wants us to become like him."

For a long time I have balked at having a study journal. I didn't want to do it. But I found some very noteworthy precepts in this book. I was writing study notes in the margins and decided that maybe it would be a good idea to have a central place where I put all the notes, instead of trying to remember what book I found an idea and then hunting it down again. (Yes, I mark up and write in books!)

John Bytheway does an excellent job of explaining the gospel in a down to earth way. He is clear and concise. He shows how personal and individual the gospel is. Heavenly Father loves everyone, regardless of their feelings for Him. The scoffers and scorners of the Great and Spacious Building are also His children.

I enjoyed this book and know that I need to seek out more like it.

About the Author: John Bytheway (born October 1962) is an American author and academic, who is well known as a comic motivational speaker for youth within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Born in Salt Lake City, Bytheway attended the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, receiving a Master's Degree in Religious Education. He also served as a missionary for the LDS Church in the Philippines.

Bytheway is a religious studies instructor at BYU, currently focusing on the Book of Mormon. He also serves on the Aaronic Priesthood/Young Women Writing Committee for the LDS Church. Bytheway and his wife Kimberly have six children.

Purchase Links:

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