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

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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

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. 

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!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

When I was young, my mother loved Mary Engelbreit. She had cards, books, plates and blankets all with the saying, "Bloom Where You Are Planted."

I never thought much about this saying. I was busy trying to decide how I would become famous. I'm not sure where this thought or idea came from. I just felt that somehow I was destined for greatness.

As I've matured, my definition of greatness has changed. I've realized that I don't need to be famous to be great and that I truly am destined for greatness, just of a different kind than I always anticipated. I've come to understand that my earlier vision of greatness came from seeking the esteem of men. Yes, it's true that as a child, I envisioned myself as a singer on stage, a movie-star, an Olympic gymnast, as the General Relief Society President and saving people from burning buildings and cars.

And why, you ask, did I want to do these things? The answer I'm afraid was so that people would think that I was great. (I would be lying if I didn't admit to still having dreams in the night about doing some of these very things) But, as I ponder the most influential people in my life, I realize that they are just people. Faithful, hardworking neighbors and friends who have served me and loved my family. And to me they are the truest form of great.

Now, I'm not saying that we should not set our sights high, and hope to bless the entire world and share our talents. Even the scriptures teach us that "where there is no vision, the people perish." (Proverbs 29:18) I'm only saying that the Lord measures our successes differently that we do, by small and simple means are great things brought to pass...and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." (Alma 37: 6-8) 

I learned an important lesson last year as I was praying and fasting to help my dear friend Hollie. She lived far away and I wasn't able to visit her in her time of need. She was struggling with the recent birth of her son who had surprisingly been born with down syndrome. Her vision of what her son would be changed in an instant, and she was struggling to find peace and assurance that everything would be okay. As I prayed and fasted fervently on her behalf, the names of two of my neighbors kept coming into my mind. For two days I kept thinking of my neighbors, despite my best efforts to petition the Lord on behalf of my sweet friend Hollie, hundreds of miles away. Finally, I stopped trying to "council the Lord" and instead turned to him and asked how I might be of service to my neighbors? In that instant, the Lord taught me a valuable lesson.

"This is My vineyard and I am the Gardener. I need you to serve where you are. I can help all my children when my servants are faithful in their part of the vineyard."

This impression came to me strongly and I accepted the Lord's proposal. I would serve my neighbors in their time of need and have faith that the Lord would send other's to bless Hollie.

A few days later I spoke to my dear friend on the phone. Through tears of hope, she described to me the outpouring of love and service she had received from many of her neighbors. She felt the Lord's love and confidence in her for this new assignment she had been given.

I marveled that the Lord had answered my prayers through the service of others. I realized that I needed to "Bloom Where I was Planted." I realized that my reach couldn't save all of the hungry children of Africa, or bring the gospel to the Nation of China, but that I could love those around me faithfully, and that I could find contentment and success in simple expressions of faith  and service to my family, my ward and my community.

I'm not sure why I ever wanted to be famous or associated it with greatness. But I do know that we can accomplish great things as we live one day at a time on the Lord's errand.

Pioneer Day & What I'm Reading!

Happy Pioneer Day!

I can hardly stand waiting for Pioneer Day. July is the best month ever. Not only do we get to celebrate Our Country's Independence, but we get to celebrate the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Great Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. 

Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories.

My all time favorite Novel I've ready about the Pioneers is The Fire & The Covenant by Gerald N. Lund.

If you haven't read this book you MUST!!! It was SO AMAZING. Absolutely a fabulous book.

And I am currently about 100 pages away from finishing The Winds And The Waves by Dean Hughes. I am so excited to be reading this book on Pioneer Day. I was hoping to be able to finish it today, but I'm thinking that I am going to be too busy taking the kids to our Ward's Pioneer Day Celebration. I even bought a bike yesterday and I'm hoping to ride with the kids to the party.

I am enjoying this book so much, and the good news is that it is the first book in the new series called Come To Zion. The bad news is that the 2nd book doesn't come out until next summer. I hate waiting!!! Do you like reading Novel's about church history as much as I do? Seriously I can't get enough! 

I also read a great article on Dean Hughes today and you can find it {here}. The article discuses Dean Hughes research that does for writing the books, a little about the books and more about Dean. Really interesting. 

Kate and I snuggled up on the couch on Sunday night and watched 17 Miracles again together. I cry my eyes out every time I watch it, it never gets old. I feel such a gratitude for the sacrifices made by the pioneers who came before me! I am humbled so much by their faith, service and humility. I am lucky that my children have two of their own pioneers, their grandpa's, to look up to. Both of their grandpa's were converts to the church and are incredible examples of faithful, righteous priesthood holders. Love you Dad and Blake!

There is also a current DESERET BOOK COUPON CODE which is good for 30% off, so treat yourself to one of these books. 

Use code: SUMMER

Now go buy yourself something good to read!!!

April 2012 General Conference--No Ordinary Blessing by Dieter F. Uchtdorf: (How to prepare for General Conference)

***Make sure to become a follower of this blog so that you can check back for Deseret Book Giveaway's, Visiting Teaching Handouts, and Free LDS Artwork! 

I am really excited to share this message with you. It is a great reminder of three important points we can remember and apply as we prepare and participate in General Conference.

This First Presidency Message was first published in the Ensign in September 2011.

You can view it {Here}

General Conference—No Ordinary Blessing

A fine member of the Church was talking with a neighbor who was not of our faith. When the topic of discussion turned to general conference, the neighbor asked, “You say you have prophets and apostles? And twice a year in a worldwide conference they reveal the word of God?”

“Absolutely,” the member replied with confidence.

The neighbor thought about that for a moment. He seemed genuinely interested and then asked, “What did they say in the last general conference?”

At this point the good member of the Church went from feeling excited about sharing the gospel to feeling embarrassed. Try as he might, he couldn’t think of the details of a single talk.

His friend found this troubling and said, “You mean to tell me that God speaks to man in our day and you can’t remember what He said?”

The brother felt humbled by this exchange. He vowed that he would do better to remember the words spoken by the Lord’s servants in general conference.

We all know how hard it is to remember every message of general conference, and I’m confident that we need not be embarrassed if we don’t remember everything. Nevertheless, there are messages in each general conference given as a gift and a blessing from heaven specifically for our personal life situations.

In preparation for general conference, let me suggest three basic concepts that may help us to better receive, remember, and apply the words spoken by the Lord’s servants.

1. Members of the Church are entitled to personal revelation as they listen to and study the inspired words spoken at general conference.

As you prepare for general conference, I invite you to ponder questions you need to have answered. For example, you might yearn for direction and guidance by the Lord regarding challenges you are facing.

Answers to your specific prayers may come directly from a particular talk or from a specific phrase. At other times answers may come in a seemingly unrelated word, phrase, or song. A heart filled with gratitudefor the blessings of life and an earnest desire to hear and follow the words of counsel will prepare the way for personal revelation.

2. Don’t discount a message merely because it sounds familiar.

Prophets have always taught by repetition; it is a law of learning. You will hear repetition in themes and doctrines in general conference. Let me reassure you: this is not due to a lack of creativity or imagination. We continue to hear messages on similar issues because the Lord is teaching and impressing upon our minds and hearts certain foundational principles of great eternal importance that must be understood and acted upon before we can move on to other things. A wise builder first lays the foundation before erecting the walls and the roof.

3. The words spoken at general conference should be a compass that points the way for us during the coming months.

If we listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit, they will serve as a Liahona, guiding us through the unknown, challenging valleys and mountains that are ahead (see 1 Nephi 16).

Since the world began, God has raised up prophets who speak the will of heaven to the people of their times. It is our responsibility to listen and then apply the messages the Lord provides for us.

Our merciful and loving Heavenly Father has not forsaken and will not forsake His children. Today, as well as in times past, He has appointed apostles and prophets. He continues to reveal His word to them.

What a marvelous privilege it is to hear God’s messages for each of us during general conference! Let us prepare well for this great blessing of divine guidance delivered by His chosen servants.

For this is no ordinary blessing.

It's Great To Be 8

Next week is a big week for our family. Dylan is going to be baptized and I am getting so excited. I really want to make it special for him.  He is such a great kid and has such a strong desire to do what is right and to follow Heavenly Father's Commandments.

I can't tell you how many times in the past week he has told me that he is praying for me to feel better. He is really good about praying. I don't think that he and I have missed one morning this year that we haven't prayed together. Well except the one's that I was still in bed and Scott got the kids out the door. I fail as a mother quite a bit, but those morning prayer's go a long way.

Dylan, I sure love You!!!

I made these images to frame side by side for his bedroom.

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Sunday Thoughts: Sifting Souls

I rolled over in bed to make eye contact with Scott...

"Are you ready for this?", I said.

I had already pushed snooze every 5 five minutes for the last hour and a half. We were both clinging to the edges of our bed as Sawyer's head rested near Scott's chest and his feet were pushing on my thigh. I closed my eye's and reopened them to watch Scott rise. Somehow it always feels easier to get up when I am following behind Scott.

Thank the heaven's for Sunday Mornings.

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*Image found {Here}

My family gains so much from attending church on Sunday mornings. Some mornings run smoothly, and some are chaotic, but NEVER do I ever regret getting my family into that chapel. There is such a peace and comfort that I receive at church that fuels me for the coming week. Taking the sacrament and renewing my covenants each week helps to keep me focused on what really matters in life.

For the past few weeks I've been trying to prepare for next Sunday when Scott and I will be speaking to the Stake Single Adults at their monthly fireside.

I've decided to title my talk Sifting Souls. I was inspired by Kim over at Oh, Sweet Joy. Her post entitled Sift My Soul really moved me and got me thinking.

Who is Jesus Christ?

He is a Soul Sifter.

He reaches into us, moves around all that we are, and helps rid us of our impurities. It isn't always comfortable and sometimes we get jarred around quite a bit.

I've been thinking a lot about how he Sifts our Soul's. For me most recently it has been through injury, illness and infirmity. For some it is through loss. It can be through the Holy Ghost, the scriptures, a sermon at church, financial struggles, unemployment, or loneliness. The list can go on forever. The one thing that is certain is that we all need to be sifted. 


And I think that the Lord uses all of these opportunities to search our souls and to heal us.

On Christmas Eve, Ryan and Kelly Pack were traveling to their home in American Fork, UT, when a SUV crossed the median and hit their car head on. Their life was changed instantly. They sustained very critical injuries and on Christmas Day their sweet 18 month old son passed away.

I don't know this family, but I can grieve with them. I know that this will be a time of a great sifting in their lives. They will have to rely on their faith and on their Savior to survive.

I wanted to share with you a sweet video that was made of Colum's funeral. I warn you that it is very hard to watch and contains quite sensitive footage, but I assure you it is beautiful. I wonder if the Lord won't sift our souls as we watch it.


Colum Jacob Pack Funeral 6/29/2010 - 12/25/2011 from Kenny Bozich on Vimeo.

Please if you have any thoughts or feelings regarding this post will you please share them with me as I am preparing to speak on this subject next Sunday. I would really appreciate it.

And if you would like to donate to the Pack Family you can do so {HERE}.

The ROLE of the Holy Ghost

Last week we were in Arizona for my brother's wedding.. Scott's brother Cody and his wife happen to live there too and we were able to stay the night with them and attend their ward.

Sawyer was having a moment and I had to take him out during sacrament meeting.

We wandered into the Seminary room which happened to be a part of the building.

I was touched by a huge poster that they had on the wall about the Holy Ghost.

I tried to start writing down all of the points and the references but Sawyer was crying and I couldn't write fast enough.

And then a brilliant idea came to my mind.

Take a Picture.

So here you go. I hope this gives you lots to think about...and ponder. It did for me.

If you click on the photo you should be able to read the scripture references.