Sweets and Treats with Six Sisters' Stuff

~ Review by my daughter R, age 14

Sweets and Treats with Six Sisters’ Stuff is a very fun book. When I first opened it, the pictures stood out immediately. My mouth watered by just looking at the pictures. The great thing about this book is that whatever is shown on the picture can be made yourself.

I love the organization of the book. The recipes are all narrowed down in simple categories that make it easy to find what I want. Each page is marked with a tab that shows what category you are in.

The creativity in the recipes is superb. Each recipe had a simple foundation but then adds many components to make it special. I loved seeing the different components. Almost all of the recipes have three parts to them to make them extra special.

I tried one of the recipes, the “Frozen Grasshopper Cookie Pie.” It was very simple to make, and most of the people that tried it liked the pie. It makes me excited to see what else I can create.

The one negative thing I would say about this book is that these recipes are more for a party setting. Some of them take a lot of extra ingredients, not just the regular ingredients that we have around our house. It is not that they take a lot of time, but just a lot of effort to make all the different layers.

Overall, this cookbook is wonderful. It has a few creative crafts and delicious recipes. I would recommend this cookbook to anyone who likes creative dessert ideas. It has options from bars to homemade ice cream. It is another great book from the Six Sisters’ Stuff.

Amazed by Grace by Sheri Dew

Editor's note: I love sharing the opportunity to review books with family and friends. Today's review is from a dear friend who is an author herself. I'll just put a plug in for her books here (see more below in Pam's bio). Her first book was especially moving to me. It was one of those books I couldn't put down. It's a book about grief and loss, and faith and triumph. I still remember sitting in the dentist's chair waiting, reading, and weeping.

I think it's only fitting that Pam would review a book about grace. Thank you, Pam!
~Michelle

Amazed by Grace book review

by Pamela

Once again, Sheri Dew amazes.

After reading her book, Amazed by Grace (Deseret Book, 2015), I have a greater understanding of “the majesty of doctrine so central to the Atonement.” I found it uplifting and inspiring.

In the easily readable 75 pages, she asks four questions:
- What is grace?
- What difference can grace make in our lives?
- How does the Savior make His power available to us?
- What must we do to gain access to the Savior’s power?

After illustrating the concept of grace through two personal heartfelt examples, Sheri defines grace as “the power that flows from the atonement.” I loved what she had to say in response to her second question. “Faith in the Lord and in His grace” she states, “coupled with obedience and earnest seeking, can literally turn weakness into strength.”

Sheri answers the third question by teaching that “through His grace, He has made His highest, holiest spiritual privileges available to both men and women” through the divine power of the priesthood. Reiterating what she taught in her book,Women and the Priesthood (Deseret Book, 2013), “women who have been endowed in the temple have as much access to priesthood power for their own lives as do ordained men.” What a glorious truth!

And finally, in my favorite part of the book, Sheri discusses discipleship; describing it as “resisting the gravitational pull of the world and shedding the attitudes, appetites, and behaviors of the natural man or woman.” It means “remembering Him when we choose what media we’re willing to expose our spirits to.” It means wanting to be “part of the kingdom of God more than we want anything else.” Wow. That feels doable!

As we seek to implement the power of grace and the atonement in our lives, we would be wise to hearken to Sheri’s counsel: “None of us will stay here long. Doesn’t it make sense to devote as much energy as possible to things we can actually take with us into the eternities? To covenants, eternal relationships, our knowledge of truth, and the blessings that come from devotion to the Lord?”

I read this book three times, and gleaned additional insight each time. I’m going back for more.

Pam Hansen has enjoyed raising her children in various parts of the country, and currently resides in Utah with her husband, Mark. She is the author of Running with Angels and Finding the Angel Within. She helps host [and is the founder of] the annual ‘Running with Angels 5K,’ a Run/Walk which benefits Women’s and Children’s Services at Intermountain Health Care. Pam blogs at http://pamhansen.blogspot.com/

Focused by Noelle Pikus-Pace

Focused

By: Noelle Pikus Pace

Review by B., age almost 13

A few weeks ago, my mom told me that I could do a book review. She gave me a few different options but immediately, when I heard “Noelle Pikus Pace,” instantly I said yes. Right from the beginning I knew I was going to like it. It had colored, bright pictures with many amazing quotes.  

One of my favorite chapters was chapter 6, “A model of perfection.” This chapter was about a photo shoot she was invited to go to with only about 5 other Olympians. They gave her a size four when she was a size 10. She perfectly explained how much girls struggle, and she said that that was hard for her as well. Noelle said that we need to be so strong in knowing who we are as daughters of God so that these simple but harmful things in our lives do not get in the way. One of my favorite quotes she said was, “Be fearless and love yourself for who you are.”

Honestly, out of all the books I have read, this one was best written. Noelle was able to give such good advice in the funniest ways.  

A few of the bloggers and myself that read this book were able to meet her. She is just as spirited as she is, if not more in person. She looked you right in the eye and you knew that she wasn’t lying. She is so humble and so honest--I am so grateful for that opportunity. [Momma Editor's note: We all got to look at her silver medal. Here's my daughter holding it:

Two things that stood out to me when we interviewed her was her love for the youth. I think this was written for the youth to be a stronger generation. And she shared something she said that I really liked, “[You have to take] two steps into the dark to see the light.”

Some fun facts about her that I learned were:

• Graduated from Mountain View high school

• Her mom is her hero
• Noelle’s favorite holiday is Halloween
• She is going to be a pirate this year
• She put Milka chocolate in her sled to have the right weight of her sled
• Noelle played softball- she loves to pitch and shortstop
• She won her sixth grade spelling bee
• Noelle loves to bake
• She finished writing Focused in less than two months
• She ran track in high school
• She has a degree in communal health and an MBA
• Noelle owns a hat shop called “Snowfire”

Christopher Columbus – A Man among the Gentiles

By Clark B. Hinckley

Review by Kerry Barker

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this account of Christopher Columbus from a uniquely religious perspective.  Rather than calling Columbus a “visionary” man and interpreting his writings and as fanatical, the author presents the explorer’s account at face value through Columbus’ own diaries.  By doing so, many similarities are brought to light that compare to other spiritual leaders throughout religious history. 

Although understated, there are many references that link Columbus’ challenges to Biblical and Book of Mormon writings as well as Latter-day Saint history.  In presenting the writings and historical facts of Columbus’ journey, we are able to see more of the trial of faith that this incredible man went through.  I found it interesting that Columbus went through the refining process pattern that we see most religious leaders go through.  Similarities between Joseph Smith’s own refining and those with Book of Mormon leaders was thought provoking.  The author did an excellent job of presenting factual data and historical writings to portray the story around this very critical period in time.  I was truly inspired.

Columbus, in his own words, described receiving “keys” to unlocking the oceans in his visions/dreams, recounted being “chastised” by the voice of God for having a lack of faith, and always felt that he was pre-destined to fulfill a role.  This role was to bring the gospel of Jesus Christ to this new country.  He felt inspired by biblical references to accomplish his goals and used them as a guide for his life.  He was a highly spiritual man.

The author created a very inspiring account in this book.  It really helped me to see how integral this man was in helping achieve the restoration of the gospel to all the world.  Now all my family members are trying to grab my copy!

Believe: A soccer movie

When I saw the title of this movie, I knew I wanted to see it...

...with my kids.

All three of my children are soccer lovers. So when I had a chance to preview this movie, I jumped at it. (Thanks, Deseret Book!)

We sat down to watch the film without much of any knowledge about it. (I'd jumped so quickly to respond that I didn't even read to the bottom of the email to learn about the plot!) The film is set in Manchester in the 1980s. (The color effects of the videography make it feel like an older film. My kids liked that.)

I'm going to give you the opportunity to choose whether or not you want the plot background. (See more below if you do.) In a way, I liked that we didn't know much about it; it allowed us to engage the film with no expectations or preconceived ideas. That made us work to understand what was happening.

And it did take some work at first. I feel the screenwriters could have done a little better job exploring the niggling, gnawing feeling Matt had about his past experiences -- giving a little more context for the change in his behavior from the beginning of the movie to when he starts to help the boys. Similarly, I feel like the "where has he been" elements of little Georgie's life were a little choppy as well. Still, it was fun to have light bulb moments as pieces of the plot puzzle started to fall together.

Once we got past the initial confusion about the story line, we were able to sit back and really enjoy the film. The first thing we noticed is that the children in the movie are really good soccer players. This delighted us all. We spent a few minutes trying to figure out if their playing was real or edited in. (It's real...be sure to watch the credits at the end to learn more about the children who acted/played in the film.)

We all cringed as we watched Georgie stumble along in his little-boy way trying to make his dream come true without letting anyone else help him. But we liked how his character developed as the movie progressed.

This film is different from most of the movies we have seen as a family, even though I'm not sure exactly how to articulate how and why it was different. I think it's the muted videography, perhaps. At any rate, we liked the differentness of it.

I liked that it was based on a true story. I liked that it took place in a different country from mine. I like that we had to work to understand some of the dialogue through the accents of the actors (well, at least my husband and I did). I liked Matt's side-kick friend, Bob; he made me laugh. I was delighted by the headmaster's character development. Some of those side stories really added to the whole for me.

I liked the scenery and setting and videography; I could almost feel the crisp, damp air of England as I watched. I thought they captured the life of the working poor really well. I loved the score and how it intertwined with the story. Some of the music is a bit unexpected. I liked that.

My son liked the fact that it felt real. My husband liked that it was set in a country where he spent some of his childhood. All of my kids loved the soccer, of course, and liked the positive message. I liked the fact that we could watch it together as a family.

The movie is about working for your dreams. It's about service, healing, closure, giving back, and moving forward. It's about the power of community and of good friends. It's about learning not to judge, about forgiving, about swallowing your pride and opening your heart. It's about doing and being good.

I recommend this film. If you see it (or if you want to see it) be sure to go the website or to Eventful -- Believe - A soccer movie to request that it come to your area. The more activity there is around the launch date of a film, the better chance there is that it will be shown in more places.

Believe opens in theaters on September 12.

Here is the trailer if you would like a sneak peak into the story.



Here is a link where you can read a little more about the main character, Matt Busby.

Believe won the Children's Film Audience Award in the Zurich Film Festival in 2013.

Like the Believe Facebook page

Saints and Soldiers: The Void

A couple of weeks ago, I had a unique opportunity to attend a pre-screening event for the film Saints and Soldiers: The Void at the invitation of Deseret Book. The film debuts Friday, August 15 in theaters. (If you are interested in seeing the film, please do it this weekend -- early attendance has a significant impact on whether or not the movie will be able to continue to be shown in theaters. You can also help the film by creating a demand at Eventful.com: http://eventful.com/performers/saints-soldiers-the-void-/P0-001-014195612-4/demands -- more demands = a greater chance they have to expand the movie's reach.)

This film is the third Saints and Soldiers film created by the Saints and Soldiers franchise. I hadn't seen the first two films but that made no difference in my ability to engage and understand the plot. Apparently they make them to be stand-alone films. I liked that. (I anticipate watching the other two films, however. Anyone up for a movie night?)

Director Ryan Little (Saints and Soldiers (2003), Forever Strong (2008) Saints and Soldiers: Airborne Creed (2012)) and Producer Adam Abel have both always loved World War II movies. Their vision for the Saints and Soldiers films is to explore what good people do when under intense pressure in hard situations, such as in war. 

In this film, racial issues in wartime were a key element of that exploration.

I'm not a film expert, and I'm not one who tends to do typical reviews that summarize the plot (that can be found in many different places, including on the film's website). I would recommend that you take a few minutes and read more about the historical context of the story. The opening scenes of the movie are stunning and sobering as the director takes you to that historical place, The Void.

I've always been fascinated by learning more about what goes into making a movie, what drives those involved in it, etc. As such, my favorite part of the pre-screening experience was the Q&A after with Little, Abel, and several of the actors. (My kids were pretty envious that I got to be in the same room with Matt Meese.)

So here I want to help create a little of that experience for you by gathering a few interviews that I found online.

This is a brief summary by Adam Abel of the main characters. (My kids were so envious that I got to be in the same room with Matt Meese.)



This is an interview with actor Adam Gregory, who plays the character who you will greatly dislike through most of the film. It's sobering to consider the kind of racial issues that existed during the war...as though war itself isn't heartrending enough.

Adam Gregory is also interviewed in this video, along with Danor Gerald, who plays the protagonist in the film.


Interview with the Actors of "Saints and Soldiers: The Void" from Workman Productions on Vimeo.

Corbin Allred talks about what it is like to work with director, Ryan Little. (Other Saints and Soldiers Roundtable discussions are available on their Facebook page.)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=918685164813434&set=vb.643230335692253&type=2&theater

Here are a few personal reflections:

I thought the film was well-done. The tensions were real, and the heavy reality of war hit me like the proverbial ton of bricks. That impact was significant enough that it was actually an uncomfortable experience for me to watch the film. Bear in mind that I am pretty sensitive to violence and intensity, probably moreso than most people. Let me be clear; it wasn't that they created gratuitous violence. But I didn't feel entertained when I left the film, I felt drained. (It may have something to do with the fact that my mom was just diagnosed with cancer; my real-life pain tolerance level is low right now.) My heart hurts for those who had to live through this horrible time, and for those who are engaged in war now. This movie did help me realize all the more how terrible war really is.

When I found out that the characters were based on real people, that also added a layer of meaning to me. God bless our veterans. There are fewer and fewer World War II veterans who are still alive, so I feel this movie helped honor those who served in such a difficult situation. (They had all those in the theater who have served or are serving in the armed forces stand. It was moving.)

And whoa. The tanks are the real deal. They were quite a spectacle to watch. Matt Meese said that it was a good thing that they wore helmets because getting in and out of the tanks and trying to maneuver inside of them was nearly impossible. It was fascinating to see what the inside of a tank looks like and how they functioned.

I would disagree with a reviewer at Meridian who said that it would be appropriate for young teens. I think it's more suited to an older youth audience and up. I think for those who enjoy wartime films, this is worth seeing. (Again, be sure to make some time for it this weekend if you can!)

I applaud filmmakers who seek to reflect moral values in their work. The Saints and Soldiers team definitely does that. Hats off to all who dedicate their talents and resources to such creative efforts.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SaintsAndSoldiers3

His Holy House by Robert A. Boyd

I just had the experience of looking through the book His Holy House by Robert A. Boyd. If you haven't heard of Boyd, perhaps the photo on the front of his book will look familiar.

This "coffee table" book is full of photographs of various temples in the United States and Canada. Each photograph is its own a work of art, and then the layout of the pages adds more meaning and feeling to the pictures.

Because I'm less than an amateur photographer, I feel woefully under-qualified to review this book. Still, I will share a few things that stood out to me.

My favorite spreads on first impression (if I had to choose) were the one with Isaiah 1:18 as a reference, and the collage of photos of the Salt Lake temple in all four seasons. I'll not say anything more than that with the hopes that you will go look at the book for yourself. If you do, let me know what you think of these spreads, and share which ones you liked most.

It was interesting to see the different architecture of various temples side-by-side. I love how the Church often adapts much of the architecture to the local area and seeing many temples at once reinforced in my mind how that is the case. Many photos also capture the exquisite craftsmanship, the attention to detail, and the use of shapes, space, and symmetry that are often part of temple architecture. I think there are things to be pondered in such elements in temple design and I think Boyd captures them in a wonderful way.

It's also striking to see the different locations and the natural settings of the various temples. God truly is such an amazing Creator! Since I'm a lover of waterfalls, I found the photo of the Twin Falls Idaho temple particularly stunning (see p. 21). And how many temples stand boldly on a hill! The mountains of the Lord hold the figurative mountain of the Lord's house. I love that.

I got a better sense for how many temples tell about our history. The temples in Palmyra, Winter Quarters (note the glass work on p. 99), Nauvoo, St. George, and Salt Lake left me reflecting on the sacrifices of those who have gone before. These temples seem to be not only houses of worship, but monuments to the faith of Joseph Smith and the early Saints who did so much for the Lord's work. We are so blessed to live in a day when so many temples dot the earth that we may participate in hastening that work.

I found that my spirit and mind were even more engaged on the pages that had scriptures on them. Although I can understand the decision not to put many words on the pages, I wish that the artist had included a few more scriptural references to invite more reflection and insight into his thoughts about what he captured and how photos were clustered and arranged on the pages.

Along those lines, I also wish I knew a little more about the artist and his thoughts about and experiencing with these photos. Just as museums have placards explaining the artists' thoughts and impressions that can enhance one's experience with the art, I would have liked to hear more from Brother Boyd. I feel it might have enhanced this amateur's experience.

I did look up Boyd's website online that said that as soon as he started using his talents to photograph temples (first in response to his mother-in-law's request for a temple photo), "it seemed as if new, beautiful scenes were now waiting for him every time he went to photograph." I could feel his testimony that God was helping him, that he has experienced many tender mercies, that the Lord had prepared the way for him to capture the beauty of natural creation around these earthly creations that are His houses. Reading those words made me engage the photos even more earnestly to try to sense how God helped make these photos happen. It's a gift when someone seeks to use his talents to glorify the Lord and I feel that Brother Boyd desires to do this.

If you are like me and like getting glimpses into an artist's thoughts, you will definitely want to read the introduction of the book. For example, Boyd shares a little of how the temple helped him and his wife as they grieved the loss of their son. He shares about how the temple is, for him, a place of inspiration. And he shares a little about how he feels God helps him with his work: "I learned a long time ago that I cannot created beautiful, inspiring artwork alone.... Sometimes after finishing a new temple piece, I pick it up and feel like I am seeing it for the first time."

I'll end this review with a quote from that introduction, one I had never heard before.

"Every day an aura of light flows into the temple from the depths of eternity. As we enter the temple with a humble and receptive heart, we absorb some of that light. Thus, when we leave the temple, a portion of that light comes with us and 'without compulsory means' (D&C 121:46), radiates to those about us, bringing increased love, goodness, and joy to all." ~Elder John H. Groberg

About Robert A. Boyd: For ten years Robert A. Boyd has been creating images of temples around the world in a unique fine-art style. A professional photographer for nearly twenty years, Robert traveled the world photographing for clients, when one day his mother-in-law expressed her longing for a beautiful picture of the temple, and suggested that he should use his talents to photograph the temple in his artistic style. As soon as he began to try this it seemed as if new, beautiful scenes were now waiting for him every time he went to photograph. Robert hopes to share his feelings of the beauty of the temple as he strives to illuminate his photographs with peace, light and balance. He lives in Utah with his wife, Eleah, and their five children.

He is Risen! New CD by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

I love Easter music. I love choral music. And so I was grateful to receive a copy of He is Risen! -- the latest album from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

I was even more thrilled when I saw that "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross" was one of the songs on the album. It's a favorite song of mine, so majestic and heart-stirring.

I wanted to include the lyrics of the song here:

1. When I survey the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died;
my richest gain I count but loss,
and pour contempt on all my pride.

2. Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
all the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to his blood.

3. See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

4. Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.


"Christ the Lord is Ris'n Today" and "He is Risen!" are also such glorious hymns. The first hymn actually makes me think of a sacred Easter experience I had years ago; this hymn was a significant part of that tender mercy day. Easter to me is not just about Christ's victory over death, but His victory over everything.

That said, the message of the resurrection is something I feel like I can take for granted because I've known about it all my life. But I stop to really think about the wonder of it all, it really does take my breath away. Music like this helps me pause and ponder. I know the resurrection is real and I love how this album "shout[s]" the message out "in joyful voice" to the world.

The album also includes a perhaps lesser known song, In the Garden, as well as a Handel piece from the Messiah, "Worthy Is the Lamb That Was Slain." I didn't connect as much to those songs because they aren't as familiar or I don't have the personal experience with them, but they were still lovely.

I am hoping to get my daughter's input on this album as well. Stay tuned.

You can listen to snippets of each song on the Mormon Tabernacle Choir page.

And here is a video that gives some glimpses into the music.

Power to Become by David A. Bednar

I was so grateful to have the opportunity to read The Power to Become, the third in a spiritual trilogy of sorts by Elder David A. Bednar. I hadn't read the first two (although I've wanted to!). I was told that this book could be read as a stand-alone experience and that was definitely the case for me.

The book has five different chapters, as follows:

Power to Become and the Atonement of Jesus Christ

Power to Become and the Spiritual Gift of Personal Peace

Power to Become, Priesthood Ordinances, and Willing Obedience

Power to Become and Enduring Valiantly

Power to Become and All Things Gathered Together in One 

I had an interesting experience with this book. I started reading it a few weeks ago and thought it was good, but didn't necessarily feel a connection with the content at first. When I curled up with the book this weekend, my experience was different. My initial experience is not a reflection of the book; I think there were experiences I had during those weeks in between that helped me be more ready to receive what Elder Bednar has to say. I think I came in more of a spirit of seeking. I even re-read some of what I had read before, and it sunk into my heart in a deeper way.

As I sat with my children last night around one of the discussion videos that was created to be used with this book, my son said something like, "He's teaching the basics." My son didn't say that in a negative way, but it was a good observation.

And that is the wonder of books like this, because in reality the basics are everything. They also all tie together. Elder Bednar encourages us (through the book and in the videos) to allow the Spirit to help us see how the truths of God really are all connected.

One of the chapters that resonated with me was the chapter on enduring valiantly. How often do we hear the basic idea that we need to endure to the end? In fact, Elder Bednar quotes several scriptures along these lines. But what does it really mean? How does it tie into the plan, the Atonement, the ordinances, the commandments?

I've been pondering a lot about the purpose of pain in this mortal sojourn of ours. My mortal self really would like to bypass and avoid and prevent pain, sometimes at all costs -- even if it has costed me peace and perspective! I've dealt, for example, with chronic health issues for over 11 years now. For the first few years of this trial, all I could think about was getting the trial removed. I thought surely if I had enough faith, I should be able to be healed (which to me meant being cured). Priesthood blessings have promised me health. I thought, too, that surely if I just got some tests done and talked to enough doctors, the solution would present itself.

Now, of course, sometimes healing does happen rather quickly and miraculously through priesthood blessings, and sometimes medical solutions are the very blessing that God guides people to, but for me, the answer has been different. The answer for me was and is to wait on the Lord and learn from the trial by leaning into it.

In short, for many years, my faith was tied to outcomes (see Elder Oaks' talk on healing the sick). And I still can so easily slip into the mode of wanting relief from my trials rather than wanting to learn what God would have me learn and seeking His peace through the hard stuff. Hearing truths like those taught by Elder Bednar helps the Spirit flow into my heart and give me strength to seek eternal perspective and help to endure well whatever may come. In reality, healing is coming -- not to my body, necessarily, but to my mind and heart.

Elder Bednar talks about the process of growth that I'm coming to understand, at least a little.

"If you and I are focused and consistent in [doing small and simple things to develop] our spiritual capacity, we can slowly and steadily strengthen our minds and hearts [he talks in the first chapter of how the Atonement enables this kind of progress to happen] to discern, accept, and employ gospel truth; we can increase our spiritual capacity to detect and avoid temptation; and we can increase our determination and our ability to endure, through the enabling power of the Atonement [yes, there it is!], any challenges we may encounter" (p. 119).

Another example of a basic concept that sunk into my heart was Elder Bednar's reflections on obedience. How easy is it to just talk about keeping the commandments in a sort of rote, passive way? Also, when we talk about keeping the commandments, I think we usually think of that to mean following laws like those found in the Ten Commandments or in temple recommend interviews. To be sure, this is one meaning. But Elder Bednar expands the definition of keeping the commandments to include the process of becoming more able to seek for and then submit to the personal commandments that God gives us.

"To be sure," Elder Bednar notes, "we keep the rules, but we also begin to ask ourselves, 'What is the principle involved here?'" (p. 89) He urges us to seek to become more founded in doctrines and principles, engaging the truths behind the laws of God, so we can come to understand more of what it means to receive "quiet and ongoing" -- and very personal -- "divine direction" (p. 89).

Elder Bednar quotes Doctrine and Covenants 59:3-4 and states:

"I find it fascinating that one of the greatest blessings related to keeping the commandments is additional commandments ["commandments not a few" says Doctrine and Covenants 59]. Now, individuals who find commandments restrictive and constraining clearly will not regard more commandments as a blessing. But the Apostle John taught that for one who has come unto Christ and been born again, God's "commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3). Thus, individuals who have eyes to see and ears to hear will readily recognize the consummate spiritual benefit that comes from extra direction from heaven.

"The individual and personal 'commandments not a few' we receive frequently tend to focus upon good things we can and should do to develop and deepen our discipleship -- as opposed to focusing primarily on the bad things we must avoid or overcome" (p. 90). 

Thus, Elder Bednar builds on something he has taught about a lot -- that the Atonement isn't just to overcome sin, but to enable us to become better and become more converted. To become more devoted, changed disciples of Christ. This book is all about that process of coming to Christ in small and simple -- basic -- yet profound, real, soul-changing ways.

I highly recommend this book. If you are like me, you'll want to have a pencil in hand when you read it. I highlighted much, and made notes in the margins (they've left space just for that). In addition, at the end of each chapter there are multiple pages with simple questions and generous space  for recording personal reflections and impressions.

You also might enjoy the Power to Become videos I mentioned earlier. (I've embedded the one I watched with my children below.) There are discussions with young adults, with couples, and with women. There is also an interview with Elder and Sister Bednar and Sheri Dew.

If you have read it (or one of his other books in this series), I would love to hear any thoughts and reflections you would like to share.

Consider the Blessings -- True Accounts of God's Hands in Our Lives

Today's review is written by a guest reviewer: my dear friend, Kel.

Are prophets really people? I know that they are real, and human, and have families and no doubt brush their teeth each day. Maybe they even have the occasional craving for peanut butter, and hearing a certain song shoots them from the middle of their sixth – or eighth -- decade back to being eighteen and enormously full of enthusiasm. I know all that. But are prophets real people? The kind of people who second guess themselves, who deliberately and stubbornly try to do what they have been instructed, prompted, taught?

I’ve wondered all of that for years now. Wondered for fifteen years, actually, since I converted and watched President Hinckley as my first ever I-know-it-in-my-heart-and-bones prophet, speaking in General Conference to me, to the Church. Is everything crystal clear for God’s anointed, I wondered? Is being generous, charitable, kind and loving as easy to them as breathing?

I found my answer in Consider the Blessings – True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives by President Thomas S. Monson. A talented, engaging public speaker, President Monson also communicates beautifully in this book. Each section is a different vignette, deftly bringing to life a moment from his personal or church life to gently demonstrate lessons about service, love, following promptings, being God’s hands here on earth, and – always - being a disciple of Christ.

I was a little concerned when I read the blurb that this would be so sweetly pious it would make my teeth hurt (and my spirit grow dejected in comparison), but I really should have known better. What I have learned, and come to more fully appreciate, is that President Monson really is a person. A person who has lived every day of his life – like me – and has the opportunity every day – like me! – to consider what to do and say to those around him. He has chosen to be a disciple of Christ, and Consider the Blessings shares how that decision has been made manifest in his life. It is in the ‘ordinary details’ of President Monson’s stories that we are shown that God is in the smallest details of our lives, and how He waits for us to be His hands for others, while caring for us in exactly the same way.

President Monson writes with clarity, humility and humour, gently encouraging readers to live more deliberately, in tiny little seemingly insignificant ways to serve others and the Lord. In reading Consider the Blessings I have realised that I have the opportunity and the responsibility to approach my daily activities as a disciple of Christ. President Monson (and no doubt other prophets in the past) lives life one second at a time, one person in conversation, one letter and one prayer at a time, and recognises the power in those moments. Consider the Blessings has made me recognise the power I have in my everyday ordinariness (peanut butter cravings and all) to choose to see God’s hands, God’s blessings in my life, and be those same hands for those around me in whatever way I can.

Rating: A beautiful dose of Vitamin Encouragement – Highly Recommended.

Title: Consider the Blessings – True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives

Author: President Thomas S Monson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Note: I won an e-copy of this book and read it from my phone. Consider the Blessings is a gem to have on your phone – each segment is a quick read wherever you may be and a lovely boost to mood and intentions. That being said, and after seeing the layout and details of the print version, I will definitely be buying a physical copy as well.

Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman

Emily Freeman's book, Written on Our Hearts, is a beautiful compilation of "invitations from the Old Testament." Using a combination of personal story and personal reflection on scriptural stories, Freeman invites the reader to engage the Old Testament and apply its powerful messages to daily life.

Freeman folds messages from the Old Testament into experiences with rather ordinary life events and activities like lacrosse games and gardening and hiking. She also shares tender and unique experiences, such as the time they took in a young man who had been evicted from his home. The reader gets to hear thoughts on both familiar stories and characters in the Old Testament, as well as consider some lesser-known stories.

Although I love me an intensive doctrinal book, I also appreciate books like this one. Because the chapters are short, it's the kind of book that you can pick up and read for just a few minutes and be uplifted.

In her introduction, Freeman writes:

"People often ask me why I love the Old Testament so fiercely. I always respond with the same answer. There will come a moment in your life when you are someone you love will struggle with  challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through....The stories and lessons of the Old Testament have carried me through some of the greatest challenges of my life. In those moments, much-needed verses of scripture have been written on my heart. When I need deeper courage, unyielding strength, and increased wisdom to face that situation at hand, I turn to the pages of the Old Testament. It is within those pages that I have come to know Jehovah, the Deliverer -- Jesus Christ -- in a way I might not have before."

I, too, am moved by considering ancient stories about our Deliverer, and I appreciate the spirit with which Freeman has written this book. I feel it invites the reader to feast more deliberately on the words in the Old Testament, and to find what messages of hope and mercy that the Lord would have us feel in our own lives.

About the author: Emily Freeman is an author, songwriter, and motivational speaker. Her writing reflects a deep love of the scriptures and a strong desire to find their application in modern-day life. Emily and her husband, Greg, are the parents of four children and live in Lehi, Utah.

Review: Longing for Home by Sarah M. Eden

Note from the momma: I'm excited to share this review by my friend, Lisa. She won a giveaway for Sarah M. Eden's book, Longing for Home. The deal was that she also got to write a review. :) Without further adieu, here it is! Thanks, Lisa. And thanks to Deseret Book for the giveaway copy.

Longing for Home by Sarah Eden

“Eighteen years had passed since Katie Macauley killed her sister”  thus begins the latest from author Sarah Eden.

Set in Wyoming territory in 1870, the story of Katie Macauley is a tragic, touching and romantic one.
Racked with guilt over her role in her sister’s death two decades earlier, Katie is still searching for a way to make amends and return home to her family in Ireland. She has come to Hope Springs, Wyoming to serve as a housekeeper for the town’s wealthiest man, Joseph Archer, to achieve this goal.

Upon her arrival in Hope Springs, accompanied by Tavish and Ian O’Connor, Katie is promptly fired by Joseph Archer. His explanation, because she is Irish. She manages to convince him to allow her to keep her job until a replacement can be found, to which he acquiesces, and then the troubles really begin.

Hope Springs is a battleground, currently in an uneasy truce,  between the Irish and the non-Irish settlers. Joseph has elected to stay out of the fray, and having Katie as a housekeeper upsets the balance of things and his ability to continue to stay out of the conflict. At some point, his ability to remain neutral will no longer exist.

I was touched by Katie’s resilience and willingness to work hard and stick to her guns. She was “sold into service” at the age of eight and has spent her life working for others with the goal of being able to go back home someday.

The Irish community of Hope Springs adopts her and you slowly see her starting to come out of the shell she has built to protect herself.  I was heart-broken over and over again to think of the challenges this young girl faced and the resilience it took to for her to survive. I was happy to see the friendship between Katie and the Irish women blossom and her confidence increasing, realizing her contributions mattered and that people cared about her, not just what she could do for them.

Tavish O’Connor is a young Irishman who’s fiancé was killed in the same epidemic that took Joseph Archer’s wife. He looks out for Katie and in several cases, keeps her from being harassed or harmed by the non-Irish settlers. He is charming and funny and can make her smile. He has a wonderful family and she is welcomed as one of their own. As a romance begins to blossom between Katie and Tavish, the Irish folk see it as a foregone conclusion that they will marry.

Joseph Archer, a young widower with two young daughters, is in a tough spot. As his attraction to Katie grows and her feelings for him and his daughters soften, he is put in the position of being her employer & protector while she is living in his home, which limits his ability to court her.

He is also faced with the growing aggression of the town’s people against the Irish and his position and influence may not be enough to keep the town from exploding into violence again.

The romance between Katie and Joseph is subtle…a look here, a shared moment there, but you wonder if circumstances allowed, would it not be more? Or will Tavish win her hand before Joseph even has an opportunity to vie for it?

In the midst of the turmoil in Katie’s heart and in the town, she is faced with the decision of whether or not to return home to Ireland and her family…hoping for some type of absolution and peace from those who abandoned her, or to stay in Wyoming where she may have found the home she has always been longing for with a man who loves her.

I am a fan of  Ms. Eden’s and have read all of her novels. I loved this book, I think it is actually my favorite of hers, for several reasons:

- It was an “American” story.  I love the “regency” romance books and stories of society in England, but this one resonated with me more because I am descended from people like Katie and I could really relate to her story. I have heard the stories of the difficult life in the early American West…the struggle to survive throughout the harshest of winters and brutal summers, the horrible epidemics that killed entire families and the resilience and determination of the settlers to not only survive, but to thrive.

- The conflicts in this story were more “real” to me. As a history student, and the wife of an Irish descendent, I’m ashamed to say I really had no idea of the struggles and prejudice against the Irish who came to America after the famine. I was angered by so many of the things that the non-Irish did to the Irish and I am inspired to learn a little more about the history of the Irish Conflicts in America. I was again inspired by the Irish’ determination to stay and to prosper in the midst of persecution and discrimination.

Katie herself, this character had been through so much in her life and her ability to open her heart to love, touched me. Her happiness truly mattered to me.

I highly recommend this book to fans of Ms. Eden’s and those of you who may not have  read one of her books. It is a wonderful, touching, and to me, thought provoking, story.

I can’t wait for the sequel in Spring 2014!

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About Sarah M. Eden

Sarah M. Eden is the author of multiple historical romances, including Whitney Award finalistsSeeking Persephone (2008, Covenant Communications) and Courting Miss Lancaster(2010, Covenant Communications). Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah has twice served as the Master of Ceremonies for the LDStorymakers Writers Conference, acted as the Writer in Residence at the Northwest Writers Retreat and is one-third of the team at the AppendixPodcast.com. Sarah is represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg at Foreword Literary Agency.

Stay updated about Sarah Eden's work by liking her Facebook page and following her blog.

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Giveaway! Consider the Blessings (compilation of 50 true accounts shared by President Monson)

Speaking of books, I get to do another LDS book giveaway, just in time for General Conference. Here's the description: " Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the past fifty years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family." 

To enter the giveaway, share a favorite story or teaching from or about or related to President Monson -- either one he has shared himself or one you have heard shared about him. 

The one catch for this giveaway is that the winner gets to write a review to be posted here! :) So with your entry, please pick a date in October for posting a review. This allows me to get information DB requires to mail out a book to the winner. Also, if you haven't yet liked Deseret Book on Facebook, you'll want to do that, too.

Here's my contribution to the conversation. Following are two posts that I love about President Monson and his ministering love and the difference it has made in individual people's lives. When I hear stories like these, I imagine the Savior and how He would minister personally to those around Him. And how we each need to seek to follow the Spirit (as Stephanie did) so that we can be instruments to help others, to be on His errand.

http://mormonwoman.org/2010/06/29/meeting-the-prophet-on-the-roadside-in-gila-valley/

http://diapersanddivinity.com/2013/09/04/in-which-president-monson-turned-my-stressful-week-around/

Face to Face by S. Michael Wilcox

I officially have a new favorite book that I want to share from the rooftops with every faith-seeking person I know.

I was so grateful when Deseret book gave me the opportunity to read S. Michael Wilcox's latest book, Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God. If you are not familiar with Brother Wilcox and his powerful way of highlighting life-changing truths out of the scriptures, take a few minutes before you read this review to listen to his talk The Fourth Watch (scroll down to the end of the post to watch the video), or to read this devotional he gave at BYU-Hawaii.



Brother Wilcox was one of my Book of Mormon professors back in the day. His class and the one I took from Susan Easton Black played important roles in the process of really gaining my firm testimony of the Book of Mormon. So I feel a special, personal connection with Brother Wilcox -- even though I realize I am only one of the thousands of people who have been so influenced by him.

I have long had a testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the restoration of the Church of Jesus Christ. I have known that God is aware of me; I have felt Him guide my life, particularly at major crossroads times of decision.

But it's only in the last few years that I've come to realize how much I still have yet to know and understand about my Heavenly Father and His very personal love for me. This book helped deepen both my testimony of God's love, and my desire to reach out more to build a relationship with Him and trust in Him more in my life.

As is Brother Wilcox's style, he uses a masterful combination of scriptural insight and personal experience to discuss ways we can not just pray, but reach in our communication with Heavenly Father. He discusses reaching through pouring out, reaching through wrestling, reaching through believing, reaching through acting, and reaching through knocking. The principles in each chapter weave and fold into each other, but I think (at least on my first reading), the first chapter is my favorite. I wept as I read and felt the power of his insights and testimony.

The following quote has stayed with me. As someone who spent a lot of time holding back in my prayers, I find this notion of pouring out (something, again, I've only started to understand in the last few years) is extremely profound.

Brother Wilcox uses the poignant example of Hannah in the scriptures, “who poured out her soul out of the abundance of her complaint and grief.”

“The soul can be described as a vessel that fills from time to time with various emotions, thoughts, memories, questions, and so forth. The very phrase pour out suggests this visual image. I have found it useful to see my soul as a vessel; I often ask myself what it contains before I kneel before the Lord. There is a difference to my approach when I say “I’m going to pour out my soul to God” rather than “I’m going to say my prayers.” The very phrase suggests there will be no holding back…. It is helpful to me to understand or recognize exactly what is in my soul. I must be totally honest with myself. Is it confusion, or doubt, or sorrow, or love, or gratitude, or guilt, or shame, or worry? I believe what the Father wants from us is the contents of our souls. I sense that unless we pour out, he cannot pour in. We want to make sure we empty everything to make room for what he will give us in return” (p. 19).

I'm reminded of President Eyring's talk about the pavilions that can sometimes keep us from feeling God's love for and awareness of us. Brother Wilcox shares his own personal experiences with doubt, grief (he lost his wife to cancer a couple of years ago), inadequacy, fear...the emotions that most mortals will struggle with at some point or another. This book feels like a sort of pouring out, a vulnerable, powerful testimony of what can happen when we are vulnerable with our Father.

This book is a treasure. I cannot recommend it enough.

Longing for Home by Sarah Eden

I am a day late on getting my post up, and it won't be a review...but a review is forthcoming! A lucky giveaway winner is going to do a review of the book for our blog. She's a huge Sarah Eden fan, so I'm excited to hear what she has to say about Longing for Home.

Longing for Home is a book in a new brand of books by Shadow Moutain called Proper Romance. 

"This new brand of “proper” romance allows readers to enjoy romance at its very best—and at its cleanest—portraying everything they love about a passionate, romantic novel, without busting corsets or bed scenes."

I'm not a huge romance novel fan myself, but I'm thrilled that there is a proactive effort to provide clean novels for those who do love them. And given what I've heard from fans of Sarah Eden, Longing for Home should be on the want list of romance readers. There will be a Book 2 as well, coming in Spring of 2014.

Here's a description of the novel:

Though she was only a child during the darkest days of Ireland s Great Famine, Katie Macauley feels responsible for the loss of her family s land and the death of her sister. Now a woman grown, Katie has left Ireland for America and the promise of earning money enough to return home again and plead for her family s forgiveness. She arrives in Hope Springs, Wyoming Territory, a town sharply divided between the Americans who have settled there, with their deep hatred of the Irish, and the Irish immigrants who have come searching for a place to call home. Her arrival tips the precarious balance, and the feud erupts anew. Even in the midst of hatred and violence, however, Katie finds reason to hope. Two men, as different as they are intriguing, vie for her heart, turning her thoughts for the first time toward a future away from Ireland. Katie must now make the hardest decision of her life: stay and give her heart a chance at love, or return home and give her soul the possibility of peace.

If you would like to read what others have said about Longing for Home, take a hop, skip, and a jump around the blog tour.

Here are a few highlights of what people have said:

Stephanie at Diapers and Divinity says " I really, really liked it. In fact, I think it may be my favorite of her books so far."

LDS Writer Mom, Julie Coulter Bellon writes: "I love all of Sarah's books. There is just something about her characters and style of writing that strikes a chord with me. This book was no different....This book is a definite five stars from me. Every historical fiction fan should read this book and put it on your Christmas and birthday lists. Completely loved it."

Books are Sanity says: "This story is no ordinary one; it weaves together a past of pain, a present of hard work and the unknown and a future of decisions yet to be made. If you want a book with a real story, with historical roots and about one courageous woman, then this is the book for you."

Reading the reviews makes me wish I was a romance novel reader. If any of you have read this book or others written by Sarah Eden, let us know what you think.

About the author:

Sarah M. Eden is the author of multiple historical romances, including Whitney Award finalistsSeeking Persephone (2008, Covenant Communications) and Courting Miss Lancaster(2010, Covenant Communications). Combining her obsession with history and affinity for tender love stories, Sarah loves crafting witty characters and heartfelt romances. She holds a Bachelor's degree in research and happily spends hours perusing the reference shelves of her local library. Sarah has twice served as the Master of Ceremonies for the LDStorymakers Writers Conference, acted as the Writer in Residence at the Northwest Writers Retreat and is one-third of the team at the AppendixPodcast.com. Sarah is represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg at Foreword Literary Agency.

Stay updated about Sarah Eden's work by liking her Facebook page and following her blog.

Penumbras by Braden Bell

I'm thrilled to be able to write a review for Penumbras, the second in the Middle School Magic series by Braden Bell. We really enjoyed the first book, The Kindling (which I reviewed here). We love reading about the adventures and struggles of Conner, Lexa and Melanie (oh, and we can't forget Pilaf, whose adventures intensify in this book as well).

Thanks to the fact that the author let us read a draft copy of his book, I was able to do what I did with The Kindling and claim it as a read-aloud-with-Mom-only book. (It's hard to find a fantasy book my kids have not read and knowing of a book before it's published gives me an advantage!) Our recent vacation gave us time to finally finish it (it's hard to find a time when all three kiddos are in one place). We completed it just in time for the book's launch and blog tour.

We love the story and the characters and the suspense and the lessons explored in the books.

But I want to write this review (as I did the first time) more in momma mode, because I know parents often like to hear what other parents think about the entertainment available to their children.

Short answer is this: I love this series. It's definitely for older tweens/teens (lots of action, light-vs-dark moments, and some teenage crush-love stuff that likely will be too much for younger kids), but the books are well-written and both fun and meaningful.

As a mom, I always appreciate books and stories that can help give our family a springboard to talk and think about the reality of light and darkness, of good and evil, of trials and opportunities. Because we read this book aloud, it gave us a shared experience for such pondering and discussion.

It is clear to me that the author (a junior high/middle school teacher) understands and cares deeply about teenagers. In a world where often teens can be at the brunt of jokes and eye rolls, this is refreshing. In my view, the author's personal investment in youth comes out strongly in his writing.

I also was grateful for some teaching moments that the author capitalized on. In fact, as I was mulling over what to write for this review, the example I wanted to share was one that my starting-the-eighth-grade daughter brought up on her own as something that stuck with her.

Dr. Timberi gives some sage advice about teenage romances to one of his students that any mother would, I think, be thrilled to read aloud with her teens:

"Now, please accept a bit of advice from someone who has watched dozens and dozens of adolescent relationships pop like bubbles and ruin friendships....Teenage romances are notoriously unstable. Protect your friendship with prudence. Be friends. Good friends. Affectionate friends. But leave it at that. If love is real, it will grow along with you until you are both mature enough for a durable relationship that will shelter and feed it.

"[She] nodded. Super embarrassing to hear that from a teacher, but she saw the wisdom of Dr. Timberi's words."

I've always been grateful for other adults in my children's lives who care enough to share important, direct advice born of experience and concern. I love how the author weaves this advice into the plot -- far enough into the series that it doesn't come across as preaching, but clear enough that the message cannot be missed.

(I like how on his blog, too, he takes time to share some thoughts and advice for youth and their parents in a feature called Middle School Mondays.)

Just as with the first book, there were moments in this book where I struggled to read out loud because I got choked up. He hits on some topics and truths that really moved me; the lessons and topics explored in these books definitely extend beyond a teen's world. And just as with the first book, we had a hard time putting it down.

I think this book is, as another reviewer said, Braden Bell's best book yet. We highly recommend this series. (And we anxiously look forward to Book Three!)

 - - - -

About Braden Bell, author of the Middle School Magic series:

Braden Bell earned  a Ph.D. in educational theatre from New York University. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in theatre arts and child drama from Brigham Young University. He and his family live on a quiet, wooded lot in Tennessee, where he teaches theatre and music at a private middle school--the world described in The Kindling and Penumbras(whether his evenings and weekends are spent fighting evil is something he cannot disclose). An experienced performer, Braden enjoys singing, acting, reading, gardening, and long walks with the dog.

Braden enjoys interacting with readers on his blog or Facebook page. He's available for schools assemblies, classroom visits, and book clubs in person or via Skype. You can contact him by leaving a message here.

Penumbras Website (trailers, photos, sample chapters): http://www. bradenbell.com / penumbras.html
Author Facebook:  https://www. facebook.com/pages/Braden- Bell-author/107471269272359? ref = hl
Author Twitter: @ bradenbellcom
Author Blog:  http://www.bradenbell. com / bradens-blog.html