"Jane and Emma" Movie Review & AMAZON $50 Giftcard Giveaway

(I was provided a copy of the movie "Jane and Emma" in exchange for my honest review.)

To enter Amazon Gift Card Giveaway, scroll to bottom of post.

Movie Synopsis:
JANE and EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take? 

My Review: This is a fictionalized drama portraying the relationship between Emma Smith, the wife of the prophet Joseph Smith, and Jane Manning James, one of the first African-American members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The movie was stirring and the cinematography was exceptional, the acting flawless. 

I love this story of Jane. She is a strong woman. One who hears the voice of the Lord often. When he calls, she answers. Even walking a thousand miles to Nauvoo when she was denied passage onboard a ship. She is determined and strong-minded. She proves to be faithful under any circumstance, even when she was denied the temple blessings that she had been promised. (The prophet Joseph died before he was able to fulfill his promise to her and others chose not to fulfill it for her.) 

I will admit that I am drawn to any book or movie that recounts true stories of racism, persecution, and injustice. I feel that it is our duty as citizens in any community to keep telling the stories of those who have suffered. History is a priceless gift. It reminds us that we cannot repeat the mistakes of the past. It continues to hold us to a higher standard and helps us fight to continue to improve our ability to be humane. These stories need to be told. Racism will never end until we adhere to God's laws, and become one with His mind and will. When we truly know God, we understand that "all are alike unto God"(2 Ne 26:33). We are all his children and He "is no respecter of persons" (Romans 2:11). We are all "partakers of that heavenly gift" (4 Ne 1:3). When we truly love God, we love as His Son Jesus Christ loved. Unconditionally. Purely. Without End.

Two monologues' truly touched my heart in this movie. The first was when Joseph Smith walked in on a man telling Jane that she couldn't be baptized because she was a daughter of Cain (Insert my blood boiling). He very deliberately chastised this man and it is a beautiful moment in the film.

Joseph says,

"The negro has been enslaved, beaten and murdered for no reason but the color of his skin. You assume that by looking at our sister Jane, that we are somehow superior. In what way I do not know. If you would exchange places with a black man, I mean, completely; your upbringing, your employment, even the clothes off your back, he’d be like you and you like him. No one would see any difference between the two of you. Negro’s have souls and are subjects of salvation. They are not just children of Abraham, they are Children of God. To curse the negro is to tempt damnation." 

And later on in the film Jane explains her experience in a heartfelt exchange with Emma.

Jane says, 

"So many saints have come through your house shocked to know that I ain’t no slave. You know what I thought would be different? This place. Nauvoo. I thought, the Lord wants me here. Gatherin’ to Zion gonna change me for the better. But the saints ain’t as different from the rest of the world as they think they is."

That last line was so powerful. It hit me personally and caused some serious reflection. I recommend this movie. It tells a story that needs to be told. I think that it is appropriate for all ages and would be a perfect movie to watch with your family. Make sure that you use it to open up important conversations that need to be had. We need to teach our children to be better and to do better. I personally love living in a world colored with different races, religions, cultures and people. 

Mormon, in a letter to his son Moroni, said it best. 

"And I am filled with charity, which is everlasting love; wherefore, all children are alike unto me; wherefore, I love little children with a perfect love; and they are all alike and partakers of salvation." (Moroni 8:17)

TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY GO HERE 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Trek The Movie" Review

Next year our East Blackfoot Stake will be taking the youth on Trek. I've personally never been, so I was excited to watch this movie with my kids and get a taste for what our experience might be like. The movie tells the story of a young boy who is reluctant to go on Trek because his testimony of God is Struggling. His dad bribes him to go and so he goes only to get a ski pass in the future. My 14 year old doesn't like to camp, so I imagine I could possibly be bribing him next year too. The story continues with some obstacles that force the kids to grow together and to pray to God. Several parts warmed my heart and for the most part I enjoyed the film.

There was a teen age boy and teenage girl that kept escaping camp and hiding so that they could make out. I seriously think these scenes took away from the film and made me uncomfortable watching it with my children. I do not think that this movie is a Family movie for that reason. The scenes were over done and didn't play off as funny. Even my teen kids were annoyed with all the KISSING that could have been left out and wouldn't have been missed. I'm guessing there were 3 super short kissing scenes that we will fast forward through in the future. 

I loved a few of the characters and think that overall it tells a story a few kids growing in faith and strengthening their testimonies. Brother Pratt's scene at the end was my favorite part. It was well acted and well written and Balanced the movie out. It made me cry and it was very memorable.

 There were several funny parts and our favorite parts involved Twinkies and burying the Chocolate stuffed baby. I would rate this movie a 3 our of 5 Starts. I would watch it again and probably will even invite my Young Women to watch it with me, but I will be fast forwarding the unneeded kissing scenes. I do think that several of the youth in my ward will be able to relate to one or most of these characters as there is a good variety of stories and backgrounds displayed.

If you watch the movie, be sure to let me know what you think. While it wasn't my favorite LDS Genre movie, I think it has enough heart to stick around for years to come, and it did make me super excited to go on Trek next summer.

You can purchase the movie at:

 Amazon  

Deseret Book

Miracle Maker: A Christmas Tale

How many of you love Christmas movies? I try to add a new favorite to my library each year and I have one to recommend this year. Miracle Maker is a story about how a complete stranger can change the entire dynamic of a town. By working small acts of love and service, hearts are healed, forgiveness forged and happiness returns to the residents of Woodhaven.

 

John Lyde and Sally Meyer once again combine their talents as director and screenwriter. The two have previously collaborated on popular films Christmas for a Dollar, Christmas Oranges, He Knows My Name, Abide with Me, Minor Details, , and You’re So Cupid. “It’s my hope that after watching Miracle Maker, families will understand that you can make your own miracles,” Lyde says. “Our message to audiences is that if you need a change in your life, you can create the change yourself.”

 

Taken from Deseret Book's website:

 

~~~"The Miracle Maker is coming!" If any town is in need of a miracle, it’s Woodhaven, a tiny town hanging on the edge of the American frontier. It’s nearly Christmas, but it’s hardly a season of celebration. Work is scarce, money is tight, love is lagging, and spirits are down. Maybe the Miracle Maker can turn things around. The town anxiously waits for someone magnificent who can change their lives. But the ragged traveller who appears isn’t what anyone expects—except for one small silent boy and a precocious little girl. It seems this man can barely take care of himself, let alone fulfill the dreams of others. But miracles can come in all shapes and sizes—and sometimes from unexpected places. Your entire family will love this Christmas tale of hope, love, and miracles. ~~~

 

My neighbor and I both loved watching this movie. And I love it when I find a clean, wholesome, family friendly show that teaches values that seem to be lacking in today's society. I strongly recommend this movie. It would make a great gift to your family, friends and neighbors. You can purchase it at DESERET BOOK, AMAZON, COSTCO or wherever LDS products are sold. This movie teaches Christian values but is not an LDS film.

 

 

 

 

The Cokeville Miracle Review

Have you seen The Cokeville Miracle yet? It is based on Actual Events, which are always my favorite type of movies.

It is the story of a hostage crisis in an Elementary school and the miracle that took place when a bomb went off and not one child was injured. Many of the children reported seeing angels.

Scott and I saw this movie in the theatre and it was incredible. I strongly recommend it. It promotes faith, love, community and courage. You can get your very own copy at:

                       DESERET BOOK or at AMAZON.

 

A Surprise For 2015. What the?

 

For those of you that still follow this blog I wanted to include you in our exciting announcement. Sometimes life comes with impossible surprises and we have received such a gift. The followers of this blog know that after my last surgery to fix my bladder and my uterus I was warned not to have any more children because of the hish risk involved. And to be honest, we weren't even sure it would be possible. But the Lord had a different plan for our family and we are so grateful.

Our best Family Home Evening ever! Scott Peterson
Posted by Erin Peterson on Friday, July 24, 2015

 

And our Gender Reveal was fun too.

We are so excited and blessed to be expecting a baby girl in January 2016.

God is so good and we are truly blessed and amazed by this incredible miracle he has performed.

The Blueprint of Christ's Church by Tad R. Callister

                           

 

The back cover of this book reads:      

 

  "We need to know not only the doctrine but, whenever possible, the underlying rationale so we cam explain the doctrine in a clear and concise an powerful way."

 

 

Brother Callister has done us all a real favor with this book. He has provided us with a "systematic explanation of foundational gospel principles, tying them to Jesus Christ and demonstrating how the "blueprint" of the original Church of Jesus Christ matches the structure of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

 

 

This book would be a great gift for any gospel student. It is scripturally based with the majority of its references coming straight from the Bible. I think that any parent, teacher, missionary or Church leader could benefit from this book. Many frequent questions are answered in its pages with a solid explanation so that you will be prepared and educated the next time you receive a difficult question.

 

I'm not quite finished with the book, but I've found it so easy to read and so educational. It is set up to serve as a resource that we can include in our study continually. This book will not be collecting dust.

 

You can purchase a copy HERE

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter by Emily Belle Freeman

Would you like to make Easter a more meaningful celebration in your home?

 

Once, several years ago, I had a conversation with Truman G. Madsen and his lovely wife Ann in their Provo home. I was attending BYU, and Ann Madsen was my New Testament teacher at the time. She had invited me, along with a few other members of the class, to visit her home. As the others were leaving, I found myself with Truman and Ann in their kitchen. Soon the discussion turned to Easter, and more specifically Easter Traditions and I found myself listening with my whole heart to every word that passed their lips. Here were two people who had lived in the Holy Land for many years, had studied the holy prophets, had dedicated their lives to the scriptures; here were two people who when they talked about the Savior, it felt as if they had met him before.

I left that day with a new love and appreciation for the opportunity we have to celebrate Easter and for the sacred words, "He is Risen."

Since that day, nearly 20 years ago, I have truly loved the Easter holiday and tried to incorporate special Easter traditions into my own family's celebration.

This new book by Emily Belle Freeman is an incredible resource and opportunity for you to transform your Easter into a spiritual, healing, and inspiring holiday for your family. It is filled with testimony, love and the hope found in and through Jesus the Christ.

Emily has been generous enough to share simple traditions and teaching opportunities that have worked in her home. I can't thank her enough for sharing these messages with me.

This book focuses on the experiences that people had with Jesus the week before his crucifixion and resurrection. It includes the stories of Lazarus, Simon, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, Mary and Salome, The Disciples on the Road to Emmaus and Jesus Christ himself.

Each of the 7 experiences included in the book detail scriptures and also a simple craft or token to represent the story shared and the meaning behind it. They are set up like small devotionals that you can share through out the weeks leading up to your Easter Celebration. They are well written, well thought-out and easy to implement in your home.

Emily Belle Freeman is a gifted writer. One of the things that she excels at is opening the scriptures and likening them to our day. She often helps me find myself with in the pages of the written word.

From Deseret Book:

Discover how the personal experiences of people who were closest to the Savior during the final week of His life can change the way your family celebrates Easter. Learn the meaning behind the wheat baskets, the forget knot, the red egg, and other traditions that will help Easter become a "High Holy Day" in your heart and in your home.  

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter offers hope for an Easter filled with the Spirit of Christ as we offer our finest to Him in deepest gratitude for His sacrifice. Return to the spiritual roots of this holy celebration with this beautiful gift book that will help bring you and your family closer to Jesus Christ.

Purchase at Deseret Book / Amazon

Some of my other favorites of hers are:

21 Days Closer to Christ

Written on Our Hearts

Love Life and See Better Days

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas

EMBARK! Review of John Bytheway's new Talk on CD

I love it when Deseret Book releases new products from John Bytheway. I instantly know that I'm going to love them. I loved his most recent book "How do I know if I know?" I quote it all the time. I really hope that someday I'll bump into John, so that I can tell him how awesome I think he is.

If I ever get the chance, I will shake his hand and say..."Brother Bytheway, thank you. Thank you for the time and effort you have put into caring, teaching and loving the youth. Thank you for being creative, following the spirit, and using your unique talents to inspire both young women and young men alike. You have invested  your life in them, and it is paying off!"

Last week I sat in the car driving down a country road with my ten-year-old. We were driving to Violin Lessons which is great and terrible all at the same time. It's great because I love the violin and want my children to develop the skill to play like their father; terrible because they don't always have the same vision and it often feels like a tortuous chore.

As we drove down the road I popped in John Bytheway's new talk on CD entitled EMBARK!

Embark is a motivating talk related to the 2015 youth theme, John Bytheway explains what it means to truly embark — to get fully on board in the service of God with all your heart, might, mind, and strength. Using scriptures, powerful stories, and his characteristic humor, John explains that with the Savior's help, we can remain on board and eventually stand blameless before God at the last day.

My 10-year old Dylan is a great kid. He is loving, full of life and wants to make good choices. However, he is also a kid. A kid who is learning to navigate his way through good choices and bad choices, a temper, boredom, and an relentless mother who is constantly pestering him. I don't mean to be a pest, but I am his mom...and isn't that sort of my job? Regardless, Dylan gets tired of the constant demands placed on him by his parents. Being a kid can be hard. We have a pretty good relationship for the most part, but I worry about him. Life is hard. The world is scary. Like any parent, I want what is best for my child. Like any parent, I worry that I'm not doing enough.

As we listened to the first few minutes of John Bytheway's talk, I could tell that Dylan was not only becoming engaged (which is saying a lot for a 5th grader listening to a talk on CD), but he was enjoying himself. The giggles and the laughter we both shared back and forth as we listed to Siri and Siral talking to John. (If you want in on the joke, you'll just have to buy the talk. Believe me, you want it.) I couldn't believe it. Dylan and I were enjoying ourselves so much that when we got to our destination, neither one of us wanted to exit the car. We BOTH wanted to keep listening.

Amazing. Did I already say that? John Bytheway is talented. He just gets it. He has the ability to make people listen to what he is saying. But more importantly, he knows how to teach the gospel.

Sitting in the car, feeling the influence of the Holy Ghost mutually with my Son, was so completely thrilling and wonderful that I just started sobbing. I felt so much gratitude to Brother Bytheway for delivering such and incredible message that I just couldn't wait to thank Heavenly Father for him in my prayers that night.

Since listening to Embark, Dylan has asked me if I have other talks by John Bytheway that he could listen to. I don't, but I'm going to. I'm ordering this for Dylan's February Birthday.

Embark is perfect for the youth. Perfect. And to John Bytheway...thank you. Again and again and again.

You can PURCHASE EMBARK here Deseret Book / Amazon

~~~~~~~

JOHN BYTHEWAY served a mission to the Philippines and later graduated from Brigham Young University. He has a master’s degree in religious education and is a part-time instructor at the BYU Salt Lake Center. John is the author of many bestselling books, audio talks, and DVDs, including How to Be an Extraordinary Teen; Life Rocks; and his first children’s picture book, The Sacrament. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children

Deseret Book 2014 Gift Guide for the History Lover

ONE / TWO / THREE / FOUR / FIVE / SIX /SEVEN / EIGHT 

I wanted to share some of my favorite reads this year. A few of them I read last year, but all of these would make an excellent Christmas Gift. 

If I had to choose my top favorite book out of these eight books, it would be the Autobiography of Parley P. Pratt. This book is probably my favorite book I've ever read right after The Standard Works. I really loved it that much. This book is incredible. The version of the book that I read was a very old print. I bought mine at a second hand store for twenty-five cents. Now that is a steal. The link I have shared here is an updated version of the book. 

I absolutely loved Surviving Hitler and I also was swept away by The Savior in Kirkland. Every single one of these books was fabulous. I HIGHLY recommend all of them.

*I'm lucky enough to be the receiver of most of these books for free. I purchased the Autobiography of Parly P. Pratt on my own. I received these books in exchange for my honest opinion. I've already shared reviews in the past on most of these books.

Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas

Don't you love it when you are able to make special memories with your family that lead you closer to Christ during the Christmas Holiday. Over the past several years I have incorporated a few new holiday traditions that have helped my family focus on the true reason for the season. I love to share new ideas when I come across them and I have one for you today.

This new book Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman is a wonderful tool to help you utilize Christmas Decorations that you most likely already have, and turn them into a sacred teaching opportunity for your children.

I love collecting Nativity sets and talking to my children about the special significance of each figure. In Emily's book she takes it a step further and quite effectively explains the symbolism in each figure of the Nativity. She also uses stories, Scriptures and songs to deepen the Christmas spirit and help you create 7 small devotionals you can deliver to your family over the holiday season.

In her book Emily shares with her readers something that her daughter said to her on a car-ride one day from the back seat..."Mom, I believe in  Santa Claus and you believe in Jesus Christ."

Like Emily, if I heard this come out of my child's mouth I would feel quite shocked. But I think that this feeling would be quite common among our children if we were to take a poll. It's hard not to focus on Santa, presents, and "magic" in our society today. Even I find myself getting lost in the twinkle, shimmer and shine of the season. But it isn't hard to curb that Santa appeal and even make the season more incredible as we slow down and focus our thoughts, activities and Family Home Evenings on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I echo the words of Lynn G. Robbins from our most recent General Conference , "Which Way Do You Face?" Have you already lost yourself in your Christmas lists, or are you turning towards the Savior this holiday season?

The GOOD NEWS is that it isn't too late. We can always turn our focus to the Savior and this new book is a great recourse to help you get back on track and do it! Make this your most meaningful Christmas ever!

This book is available for $10.99 at Deseret Book and would make a great gift.

Visit the Blog Tour for this book >>>HERE

EMILY BELLE FREEMAN is a coach’s wife, a mother to four children and a few others who have found refuge in her home, author of several bestselling books, and sought-after inspirational speaker. Her days are spent watching over teenagers, her flock of pampered chickens, and a rabbit that she adores. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. For a few minutes every day Emily forgets about the laundry, leaves the dishes in the sink, and writes. She coauthors a blog that is a stopping place for hearts seeking all that is good: www. multiplygoodness.com

Christopher Columbus: A Man among the Gentiles by Clark B. Hinckley

My mother-in-law Shawna read this book and I asked her to share her opinion about it. I am also in the process of reading it, but I've only just begun. Shawna teaches 5th grade in Washington state and part of their curriculum this year is Christopher Columbus so she was very excited to gain more information and incite into his personal history.

The following is the Review from Shawna:

This book describes Christopher Columbus's early beginnings as a child born Genoa. His father's occupation was a cloth weaver. Life during the dark ages and medieval times was not filled with enlightenment. Europe was at a standstill in knowledge and new technologies.

Columbus probably became interested in navigation because he lived near the ocean in a big seafaring town. The book describes his amazing capabilities as a ship navigator. His dead reckoning skills on his first voyage were 99.7% correct.  It describes the three ships and the crude navigational tools he used.

The information from this book was mostly taken from an abstract written from all of his notes in his diary. This abstract can be found today in a museum in Madrid.

You learn that Columbus was a devout Christian and quotes by him are included saying how 'God enlightened his mind' and inspired him on his explorations. His ideals were high and some of the men who captained his ships did not have the same objectives. They broke away and their poor choices led to deaths and hardships.

A highlight of this book is learning WHY Columbus contributed to the changing of the world and bringing on the period of enlightenment. He left from the Canary Islands using the easterlies. On his return voyage, he left a little more north to use the westerlies. He is the one who found the highway to America and recorded it in his diary. He is the one who was the genius who used the trade winds again and again and again. His routes were used until steam ships. Cruise lines headed to the Caribbean still use them today. Other explorers around Europe started using his routes and thus sparked Europe's dark ages to the Renaissance and bringing change to the whole world.

A huge thank you to Shawna for sharing her thoughts. I can't wait to get further into this book and discover the rich history that helped prepare the way for the Restoration of the gospel.

Here are a few other reviews found on Deseret Book that I liked:

From Chris: 

This book is first of all an excellent brief history of Columbus. You finish feeling like you've been tutored by an objective and expert source on all of the key elements of Columbus's life. It reveals both the heart of Christopher Columbus and the honest shortcomings that have left him vulnerable to criticism. On both counts you discover a man who you recognize, admire, sympathize with and want to stand up and cheer for. The book touches on and concludes with how Columbus fits into the larger gospel narrative from a uniquely LDS perspective. It is great history, great biography and a great testimony of Columbus's special calling in the unfolding of God's plan.

From Rick

Brother Hinckley has done a masterful job in bringing to life one of the most influential men of accomplishment in the history of the earth. I have always appreciated Christopher Columbus for what he had done, however I was never aware of the tremendous adversity and the undaunting spirit of a man that would never give up. He was inspired and focused upon his mission to discover new trade routes to the Far East that would bring attention, money and Christianity to Spain and the Lord in building his kingdom here upon the earth. He would not be denied because he was certain of his mission and felt heavens direction and guidance throughout his life. My life has been enriched because of what I have learned and felt in this great read. I would recommend it to any who would appreciate seeing the hand of the Lord in the life of this great explorer. It was truly inspiring!!!  

To purchase this book visit the following links  Hard Copy /  e Book / Kindle

The Crucible of Doubt: Reflections of the Quest for Faith by Terry & Fiona Givens

I will be the first to admit that I don't feel qualified to adequately describe or review this book. It was very interesting and honestly it was almost too thought provoking, and overwhelming for me to read. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed it, but it was DEEP, and not an easy read for me. However, I do recommend it. I think the subject matter of doubting, faith, and a world full of people searching for answers, would put this book at maybe one of the most important on any person's list.

From Deseret Book:

Faith is the first principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ. So what happens when a person has doubts?


Questioning is not the problem, according to authors Terryl and Fiona Givens. “After all,” they write, “the Restoration unfolded because a young man asked questions.” The difficulty arises when questions are based on flawed assumptions or incorrect perceptions, which can “point us in the wrong direction, misdirect our attention, or constrain the answers we are capable of hearing.”
This insightful book offers a careful, intelligent look at doubt—at some of its common sources, the challenges it presents, and the opportunities it may open up in a person’s quest for faith. Whether you struggle with your own doubts or mostly want to understand loved ones who question, you will appreciate this candid discussion. You’ll come away feeling more certain than ever of the Lord’s love for all of His children.

Product Details

• Size:  6" x 9"
• Pages:  200
• Publisher:  Deseret Book 2014
• Book on CD:  Unabridged, 4 CDs
• Running Time:  Approx. 4.75 hours

About the Authors

TERYL GIVENS holds the James A. Bostwick chair of English and is Professor of Literature and Religion at the University of Richmond and the author of several books. His writing has been praised by the New York Times as “provocative reading” and includes, most recently, When Souls Had Wings, a history of the idea of premortal life in Western thought; a biography (with Matthew Grow) of Parley Pratt: The Apostle Paul of Mormonism (winner of the 2012 Best Book Award from the Mormon History Association); and Wrestling the Angel: The Foundations of Mormon Thought.
FIONA GIVENS is a retired modern language teacher with undergraduate degrees in French and German and a graduate degree in European History. She is now an independent scholar who has published in several journals and reviews in Mormon studies, including Journal of Mormon History, Exponent II, and LDS Living. Along with Terryl, she is the author of The God Who Weeps: How Mormonism Makes Sense of Life. Terryl and Fiona are the grandparents of five—fonts of delight; and the parents of six—sources of intellectual challenge and inspiration.

Below I've included a few of the reviews I read on this book.

Review by TIMES AND SEASONS

Review by Fair Mormon Blog

Review by Rational Faiths

Focused: Keeping your Life on Track, One Choice at a Time by Noelle Pikus Pace

 

On our flight last week, Scott asked me if I had a book he could read. I pulled out this book because it was next in my line up. He looked at it and tossed it back. (Typical guy thing right?) Two minutes later he leaned over my lap and snagged it out of my bag. I was engrossed in my book, but every few minutes Scott would whisper to me, "This is a good book", "This is a really good book", "I like this book"!

 

Having finished my book on the first flight, I was able to start reading Focused on our return flight. Now it was my turn to whisper to Scott, "Wowza, this is a good book", "Holy-cow she is amazing", "I want to be just like her"!

 



 

Seriously you should read this book. No matter what age, sex, race or sport, you should read this book. This book is a treasure trove of wisdom. Noelle's journey through heart brake, injury, and loss is incredible and the most amazing thing is how she turns these obstacles into win's. Her attitude is contagious and she makes you want to be better at whatever you might be doing in your life.

 

I think you will come away from reading this book saying, "I want to live life like her!!" And I think she truly believes we are all meant to be champions.

 

Here is how Deseret Book describes it:

 

Where are your choices leading you? Regardless of our circumstances, each moment presents us with decision to make. It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experience—each traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserable—or we can choose to move forward. We can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves.   The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time.   Covering topics from letting go of expectations and pressures to finding a healthy life balance, from standing up for ourselves to standing for righteousness, world champion Noelle Pikus Pace infuses readers with the enthusiasm and confidence to get a little closer to their goals each and every day.


PURCHASE   Hard Cover / Download / Book on CD