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.