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

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

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

How Do I Know If I Know? By John Bytheway

 

It's that question we all ask ourselves at some point on our spiritual journey; How do I know if I know?

 

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin taught:

A testimony of the truth of the gospel does not come the same way to all people. Some receive it in a unique, life-changing experience. Others gain a testimony slowly, almost imperceptibly until, one day, they simply know.

In John Bytheway's new book he states, "we need to know, and we need to know that we know."

 

The truth is that gaining a testimony takes effort, but many of us already know important truths, however we sometimes have a hard time recognizing that we do. 

This book was excellent. I couldn't believe how many new ideas it presented to me. I feel like I am able to more fully understand how the spirit works and the true depth of my own testimony. I strongly recommend it to any person asking these types of very important questions. 

 

- How do I know if I really have a testimony? 

- Am I ready to serve a mission? 

- What does the spirit feel like?

Please if you know someone who is struggling with discovering their testimony, or if you would like to discover ways to get your own questions answered, purchase this book. 

 

It is available at Deseret Book. 

My Soul Grew Two Sizes Reading Survivng Hitler

Every once in a while you get the chance to read a book that moves you to the core, a book that illuminates truth, displays life's best virtues amidst its worth flaws, and feeds your soul to the point of growth. Surviving Hitler is that book.

Surviving Hitler is the true story of Agnes and Gustav, both victims of a terrible war on humanity. One a Jew, and the other an SS Soldier, this book delivers a beautiful mixture of God's hand at work, incredible mortal courage, unthinkable human sacrifice and uplifting spiritual triumph, even amidst the ugliest reality of pride, greed, power, and death. Through the hand of the Lord, and unlikely situations, both survive the war, meet, marry and join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

During her stay in one of many concentration camps Agnes records,

"I was overwhelmed with gratitude that such greatness and nobility survived in the most degraded situation. I felt that the eternal spirit, which exist is in all people, could be accessible despite the circumstances. Maybe there was still hope for the world, if some could remain untouched and pure in the midst of all the insanity. I learned that the hope that the world will be a place where all people will love their neighbors and themselves is alive as long as there is one person alive practicing it on the earth."

Another of my favorite accounts is a story that Agnes shares towards the end of the war.

"From inside the fence, lots of men still begged for water, and we continued to help them as best we could. Once while running from the hole in the fence back to the truck, I stepped on an arm by a ditch. At first I thought I had stepped on a dead man but then heard moaning. I looked down and saw the man looking at me, stirring something in side me to the marrow. I fell down to my knees, lifted his head, and poured a few drops of water into his mouth. He mumbled in Hungarian, "May Abraham, our Father, bless you." I saw that he was close to death and shouted in his ear that we were liberated, to which he nodded and said, "Thank God!" He looked at me and took one last breath. My last favor to him was to close his eyes so he wouldn't have to stare out into nothing like so many other corpses did. In wet clothes, I continued to alternately walk and run between the tanker and the hole in the fence. Suddenly I thought I heard a voice saying, "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me" (Mathew 25:40). I looked around to see who had quoted the Bible but saw no one."



Photo Courtesy of LDSliving

I think the thing that I loved most about this book was the way that while reading it you could actually see the Lord guiding their lives, protecting them from harms way, and strengthening them through their journey. My heart is forever changed thanks to these two brave humans. Two individuals that lit up all of their surroundings, on their very darkest journey, with their faith and humanity. The aftermath of the war was not easy for Agnes and Gustav, and after fighting for so many years to Survive Hitler it definitely took its toll on these two. But the miracle is in the choice that they both deliberately decided not to harbor hate, but to spread love.

To Agnes and Gustav: It is a privilege to know your story. If I could I would hug you both so tight and tell you thank you for blessing my life through sharing yours.

Available at Deseret Book.com

Discover America: From Sea to Shining Sea

I think this new children's book is so sweet and patriotic.  

"Follow the patriotic journey of a little red balloon as it makes its way from the West Coast to the East Coast of the United States. Accompanied by the words of one of Americas most beloved anthems America the Beautiful, From Sea to Shining Sea shows the diversity and beauty of our great country through the eyes of our nations children. To add an interactive experience, kids all across the United States will be able to go online to send their own balloons on their own journey." 

 (From the Press Release) 

I found Julie Olson's illustrations magical. I love water color (wish I was more talented, but my last attempt scarred me for life). Parts of Katharine Lee Bates poem "America the Beautiful" is recited on each page as this little red balloon makes it's way across our great America. My kids loved this book. Especially the little ones.

 Make sure to visit her educational interactive website for free printable and free lesson plans.

www.discoveramericabook.com 

• Send your own virtual balloon to friends or family members, who can then send it on.
• Discover and track on the website your balloon's progress as it floats across the United States.
• Discover facts for fun or for school reports by clicking on each state.
• Print out coloring pages from the website for each state's flag,flower, and bird.
• Discover what you know about the book and other places in the United States by taking the online quiz.
• Discover on the website a video of the illustrator, Julie Olson, painting and talking about the book.

Deseret Book / Amazon

Read This Book: Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons

You've read the title, and now you're scratching your head, wondering if this book is for real, right?

It is. Yes, the authors are bona fide Mormons. And hilarious, too! They call themselves Sistas in Zion.  (Ensign Peak Press Release)

FACEBOOK / WEBSITE / TWITTER

Stop scratching your head and read this book. I'm totally serious. Whether you are white or black, Catholic or Presbyterian, this book is for you.

I was laughing out loud from the very first page. These women are hilarious, clever, witty and smart. They are confident in themselves and in living the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Don't be surprised if you can't put the book down once you have started. It is made up of short, sweet and poignant journal entries which can be devoured one or twenty at a time. I loved their "urban dictionary" which came in handy. I also loved their honesty about life and its choices and consequences. These women are real. They tell it how it is. They don't hold anything back...they are 100% legit. 

If I had to chose my favorite story they shared it would either have to be the one about Mrs. Platt, the shoplifter, or the Prayer Warrior. I really loved them all. 

Here is a selfie of me, a perfect stranger  and my copy of Diary of Two Mad Black Mormons. I almost read the entire book on my flight last weekend. And I would have if I read faster than my 4th grader ;), but I also had to stop and ponder the new incites I received while reading this book.

Make sure to pick up your own copy!

Deseret Book / Amazon

And here is a snipped from their website on their About Us page. Enjoy!

"Are Mormons funny? Oh, Heavens Yes!  We’re just two Sistas with testimonies in the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love to laugh and we think Mormons are hilarious, if we do say so ourselves. We don’t always agree with one another, but we always “Love One Another.” We are truly blessed to have one another as sisters, friends and SISTAS IN ZION."

Getting Kids (and Adults) to Focus During the Sacrament

I can't possibly be the only one that has become distracted during the sacrament.

You know, all of a sudden you notice the Priests stand up and the Deacons start walking forward to return their sacrament trays and you scratch your head trying to remember if you ever even once thought about Jesus Christ during that special Ordinance.

I mean sometimes I really am bouncing a crying child, or trying to keep a kid from spitting on the kids in front of us...but sometimes there is no one to blame for my distractions but myself.

Taking the sacrament requires preparation and concentration, and it isn't always the children that are having a hard time focusing on Jesus Christ and what the sacrament is really about. It is the adults too.

I found myself getting just as much as my kids out of John Bytheway's new Children's book.

The Sacrament, tells the story of a young boy who travels to visit his Grandpa's house for the weekend and how his experience changes the way he thinks about the importance of the sacrament. His Grandpa shares his experience as a youth when he noticed the complacent behavior of others gathered in the chapel to partake of the sacrament.

There were hundreds in the chapel but the worshipers were few, 

And I couldn't help but wonder what the Lord Himself would do-

Yes, I couldn't help but wonder what the Lord Himself would say

Should He walk into the chapel  while His Saints behaved this way;

Would His loving eyes be saddened; would His countenance be grim

While He there observed and listened to a service meant for Him?


I've read this book to my children several times and they love the illustrations and the message. The pages seem familiar as they also weekly sit through sacrament meeting. I've discussed the Symbols of the Sacrament with them. This can be easily done using the resource in the back of the book. It discusses the symbols associated with the table, the cloth, the hymn, the bread, the water, kneeling to pray, and the right hand. This book is a great way to deepen your children's understanding of the sacrament, its sacredness and its cleansing power.

Hardcover / eBook

John Bytheway is an instructor at the Brigham Young University Salt Lake Center. He served his mission in the Philippines and earned a master’s degree in Religious Education at BYU. He has published dozens of books and audio programs and lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

Nathan Pinnock studied at Utah State University, the University of Utah, and Atelier LeSueur in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and he earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Illustration at Brigham Young University. Between years of school, Nate served a mission in Frankfurt, Germany. He illustrated books and magazines for fifteen years and now spreads his time between his illustration, sculpture, fine art, and teaching. He is a creator. His paintings and books can be found in galleries, businesses, and homes across America. Nate lives in Holladay with his wife, Alison, and kids.

Power To Become by David A. Bednar

Finally, the 3rd book in David A. Bednar's Trilogy is now available.

Power To Become: Spiritual patterns for pressing forward with a steadfastness in Christ. 

Have you had a chance to read his other two books?

Increase In Learning: Spiritual patterns for obtaining your own answers.
Act In Doctrine: Spiritual patterns for turning from self to the Savior.

Are you are like my husband who loves these books so much he reads them slowly, digesting each little section a bite at a time? If you haven't had the chance to read these books I strongly suggest you do. They are also available as e-books which might work better financially for you.

Power To Become helps us discover how we can press forward towards Christ in a modern world. It offers necessary tools that we can use to invite the eternal blessings of the Atonement, personal peace, and priesthood ordinances into our lives.

Elder Bednar teaches us that,

Each of us can invite the Holy Ghost to help us assess "things as they really are" (Jacob 4:13) about our progress along the pathway of covenants, obedience, and service. He will teach us plainly and directly about the honesty of our hearts, about the contrite nature of our spirits, and about our willingness to observe our covenants by sacrifice, even every sacrifice which the Lord shall command. Being accepted of the Lord certainly is a key element in the affirmation that the course we are pursuing in this life is in accordance with God's holy mind and will. And such assurance can be received as we press forward in our mortal journey on the pathway to perfection. 

Oh, isn't that wonderful. Having the gift of the Holy Ghost is so important.

I recommend this book. I strongly recommend all of these books. If I had to choose one, I would start with the first in the Trilogy, but you can not go wrong with any of them. These books make an excellent addition to any library and would be a great gift for a friend.

Purchase at Deseret Book / Amazon

Longing for Home: Hope Springs, by Sarah M. Eden

  *The following book review is written by my dear cousin Lisa McCarthur . A huge thank you to Lisa for helping me out!.

Longing for Home: Hope Springs is the anticipated sequel to Sarah Eden's Longing for Home.  As we read, we see Katie continue to struggle between her feelings for Tavish and Joseph.  Should she choose Tavish, who makes her feel carefree, or should she choose Joseph, who listens to her and gives her the courage to face life's difficulties? Not only is Katie torn by her feelings for both men, she is caught in the middle of the conflict between the Irish Road and the Red Road, when she goes to work for Mr. Johnson at the mercantile in an effort to stabilize prices for the Irish residents of Hope Springs.   All the while, Katie grows closer to Joseph and his two daughters.  As her love for them grows, she realizes she will do anything to protect Hope Springs and her future. Tensions reach their boiling point and lives are lost on both sides of the conflict.  It is only through all the heartache that Katie finally comes to a decision, heals the hurt of the past, and brokers the peace essential to her future in Hope Springs. 

Longing for Home: Hope Springs is a must read that will leave the reader cheering Katie on in her fight for her future.

In Tune by Gerald N. Lund & Giveaway

For any parent raising a budding musician, the word's "In Tune" are probably used very frequently. 

I know at my house they are.

When the kids are out of tune, everybody in the house knows it. And it can be pretty uncomfortable.

I thought about this analogy as I was reading Gerald N. Lund's new book In Tune.

Scott practicing with Dylan & Kate.

This new book focuses on the Role that the Spirit plays in Teaching and Learning.

As someone who has spent countless hours in church meetings being taught gospel principles, I can appreciate a teacher who follows the spirits direction when presenting a message. I also know that when I am doing my part to be a willing participant and learning by the spirit, I am able to be taught the things that the Lord would have me know. It definitely takes two willing participants for the spirit to convey the messages that the Lord would have us hear.

Lund is an experienced author has written another wonderful book. I found this book to be organized perfectly. It really helps you gain an idea of what the Lord expects of us when we are teaching and how the Holy Ghost functions in teaching the message.

I strongly recommend this book. I think this book is a wonderful resource for everyone. I feel that many of the lessons will actually help me be a better parent. And teaching my children is my most important responsibility.

From the Book Jacket:

In The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are all teachers. Not only do we have a glorious mandate to "teach all nations" the gospel (Matthew 28:19), we also have numerous charges to "teach one another the doctrine of the kingdom" (D&C 88:77). In formal and informal settings, as parents or leaders or friends, we are constantly teaching and learning.

"The Lord has given the responsibility to save His children to teachers," writes Elder Lund. "The charge is clear. It is specific. It is inspiring. And, gratefully, the Lord blesses us greatly when we strive to carry out His will."

Elder Gerald N. Lund received his B.A. and M.S. degrees in sociology from Brigham Young University. He also did extensive graduate work in New Testament studies at Pepperdine University in Los Angeles, California, and studies Hebrew at the University of Judaism in Hollywood, California.

During his thirty-five years in the Church Educational System, the author served as a seminary teacher, an institute teacher and director, a curriculum writer, director of college curriculum, and zone administrator. His Church callings have included serving as stake president, bishop, and teacher. Elder Lund served as a member of the Second Quorum of the Seventy from 2002 to 2008.

Elder Lund is a prolific author; his novels include the Work and the Glory series, the Kingdom and the Crown trilogy, Fire of the Covenant, and The Undaunted. He has also written several books on gospel topics, including Hearing the Voice of the Lord and Divine Signatures.

Purchase at Deseret Book / Amazon

Visit my FACEBOOK PAGE to win a Free Copy!

Porcelain Keys by Sarah Beard & Giveaway!

*GIVEAWAY!!! Visit my Facebook page and leave a comment to enter to win a signed copy of Porcelain Keys. Thanks Sarah! And for more chances to win this book you can enter Sarah's giveaway over here!!!

Finally, a squeaky clean Young Adult Romance Novel!

I don't even want to pick up a book anymore if I don't know for certain that it isn't filled with trash. Like swearing, pornographic imagery, sex, murder, evil. It can be pretty hard to find anything decent to read with my strict personal policy. This book really passed my test.

Aria's life is full of secrets--secrets about her mother's death, her father's cruelty, and her dream to go to Juilliard. When Aria meets Thomas, he draws out her secrets, captures her heart, and gives her the courage to defy her father. But when tragedy strikes and Thomas disappears, Aria is left alone to transform her broken heart's melody into something beautiful. Porcelain Keys is a captivating love story that will resonate long after the last page is turned.

My Review: Using beautiful imagery through music, Beard crafts this sad tale of broken hearts healing. This book, like notes written out on a page one by one, starts out a melody and crescendo's into this incredibly orchestrated love story, with sadness and hurt pounding through the characters as love and forgiveness ring through in the end.

I really liked this book. It was charming, interesting, sad, sweet and unpredictable. The writing was flawless and fresh, I was able to completely lose myself in the pages. I couldn't believe that this was Sarah Beards first novel. I found myself torn by the characters, rooting for each of them for different reasons. I thought that Beard was able to really bring out the human flaws and honesty in each of the characters which can be really hard to do.

Here is the book trailer if you want to watch it.

About Sarah Beard: Sarah Beard has a degree in communications from the University of Utah and splits her time between writing and raising three energetic boys. She is a cancer survivor, a hopeless romantic and an amateur musician. She lives with her husband and children in Salt Lake City, Utah. You can follow Sarah on twitter at @authorsarahb, or at facebook.com/authorsarahbeard. Her website is sarahbeard.com.