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

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

The Standard Of Truth / El Estandar De La Verdad ~ Free Printable





One of my favorite memorized quotes is this one by the prophet Joseph Smith. As a missionary I found great power, strength and faith reciting it daily. I love it dearly and feel strongly that knowing it by heart has greatly blessed my life.

I've made some simply subway art to help you memorize it too.

Free Printables.

The Standard Of Truth in English

The Standard Of Truth in Spanish

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."

Mormon Tabernacle Choir Tops Two Billboard Music Charts

PRESS RELEASE: The latest album by the celebrated Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square hit #1 in two categories on the Billboard Top 100 Charts this week. He Is Risen topped the Classical Traditional and Current Classical Total charts.

The album, which released April 1, is the most recent from the Choir and Orchestra and features heartwarming and uplifting hymns like “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” “In The Garden” and “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.”

He Is Risen is available in both digital and CD formats in Deseret Book stores, on iTunes and desertbook.com and in other retailers.

###

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is comprised of 360 volunteer voices and serves as a musical ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Orchestra at Temple Square is a 150-member, all-volunteer symphony orchestra organized in 1999 as a companion ensemble.   The Choir’s work has garnered a Grammy award, 2 Emmy awards plus 5 gold and 2 platinum albums.  Its music transcends cultural and generational boundaries to unite people through music around the world.  Follow the Choir on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

The Billboard charts are the American music industry standard popularity charts issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play, streaming online, and sales; new charts are compiled and officially released to the public by Billboard on Thursday.

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.

Fantasy General Conference - Free Printable

*****here is a link to a current Fantasy General Conference Printable. Mine is outdated and I do not have time to create a new file.


https://onedrive.live.com/?authkey=%21AI%5FGsCCknwQzCk8&cid=4EF5F99060E94EA7&id=4EF5F99060E94EA7%214335&parId=root&o=OneUp



This was a huge hit last year so we are going to play this game again as a family for this weekends General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The last time the winner was Dylan and he got a Super Date with Scott.

I was hoping to win;)

But seriously the kids loved it and so did Scott!

I lost big time so I'm due.

Free Printable

Let me know if you guys have fun playing this game.

There is a list of current General Authorities Here.

Curious about General Conference?  Watch this video.

In Wisdom & Order by Elder Boyd K. Packer & a BIG HUGE GIVEAWAY!!!

One of the things that I love about my husband Scott is that he has a gift for teaching. He has this amazing ability to make his students actually want to learn. Really learn. I remember one time I was sitting in his Primary Class as he was teaching the 8 year old's. Scott posed a question to the class and I found myself with my hand up eager to answer the question. I was a bit embarrassed that I was caught competing with the young kids to give the right answer. I blame Scott though, he just makes learning the gospel so exciting.

I share this story because as I tell you about Elder Boyd K. Packer's new book, In Wisdom & Order, I want to remind you about the amazing Teacher that Boyd K. Packer is. He has such an incredible ability to teach complex gospel doctrines with simpleness and CLARITY. Reading this book I found my self figuratively sitting up on my chair and raising my hand. I was so engaged!

Elder Packer is known for standing out and giving attention to some very difficult and challenging problems that we are facing in the 21st century. Included in his book are messages that he has delivered over the span of 25 years. Among them are such topics as the plan of salvation, listening to the voice of the spirit, the power of the priesthood, marriage between a man and a women is ordained of God, and it also includes the life sketches he gave at the funerals of President Spencer W. Kimball, Howard W. Hunter, and Gordon B. Hinckley. Many are unavailable through any other resource.

At a time when the adversary has succeeded in "confusing the choices of man," Elder Packer shares timely insights gained from many decades of serving as a special witness of Jesus Christ.

Here is the awesome news! 

I am giving away 2 books today!

All you have to do to be entered to win is like my Facebook page:

LDS Kids Learn Scriptures

  It's that easy. 

 Good Luck!!!

To purchase these books visit these links:

In Wisdom & Order

I Will Lead You Along

12 Gifts For Christ

Well, we are 7 days into December and so far the holiday is feeling wonderful. I'm trying really hard to focus on Christ this year with my family. We have started some new traditions and focused less on some old ones. I'm finding lots of great ideas from the blogosphere and a few that just sort of fell into my lap.

This book is one of those tools that has helped me refocus my vision of Christmas and what I want it to be for my family.

About a month ago my friend wrote on Facebook that she was already dreading Christmas and the stress and the hoopla.

Dreading Christmas???

Wow. Just typing those words make me fee scrooge-ish.

I wanted to make sure that I didn't dread Christmas this year so I evaluated some of the things that make the season seem stressful to me.

I checked *Send Christmas Cards right off my list. This seems to stress me out each year and I always procrastinate it anyway.

I decided instead to focus on 25 people that have helped me feel closer to Christ this year, and to send them personal letters or notes. Immediately I got excited about this idea. Really excited, and I felt warm and happy just at the thought of it.

So, no I ask you, how are you feeling about Christmas this year?
Are you stressing yourself out?
Taking on too much?
Worried about finances and affording the purchase of gifts?
Over-scheduling?

Maybe you need to stop and check some things off your list. What are you doing to focus on the Savior?

I think we all mean to stop and focus on Christ, but it is hard with the society that we live in to really skip the commercial Christmas and create our own Christ-Centered, meaningful one.

Without giving too much of this book away I will tell you that it really inspired me to stop and THINK about what gifts I was going to give to my family and what gifts I was going to give to Christ.

Last year I gave away my love of television. As we sat around the Christmas Tree, each member of my little family picked something that they would give or do for Christ. I can't remember what everyone said but I do know that Kate chose to be modest always, and I chose to give up Television. Yes Television.  It did come after some previous promptings (as I already shared with you in this post) and some encouragement from my dear husband...but I did it.

It has now been a year since I have watched anything questionable, inappropriate, with foul language, or that makes fun of sacred things or gospel principles. It was really hard at first. I was raised on TV. I loved it. (well I thought I did).

But I did it. And I'm still amazed.

And because of this small sacrifice on my part, I have been blessed in so many ways.

I've felt the spirit speak to me more often than ever. It is easy to turn off movies that are also questionable. I've simplified my life. I've felt the Savior close by.  And I can honestly feel the difference that no TV has made. It is measurable.

So, going into this season I am thinking about the gifts that I can give to Christ.

This book focuses on 12 gifts that we can give him.

The Gift of Personal knowledge.
The Gift of Gratitude
The Gift of Remembrance
The Gift of Repentance
The Gift of Obedience
The Gift of Emulation
The Gift of Charity
The Gift of Forgiveness
The Gift of Faithfulness
The Gift of Love
The Gift of Healing Balm
The Gift of Joy

Each of the twelve chapters contains a personal devotional with suggestions for application to everyday life. Merrilee Boyack's goal is to find ways for each family to personally enjoy more than the material blessings of Christmas by giving more to the Savior during the season and throughout the year.

This book came as an answer to my hearts Christmas wishes.

You can purchase 12 GIFTS FOR CHRIST here.

I hope you will find time to read it.

Merry Christmas Season!!!

And now your chance to have your own copy!!!!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

READ THIS BOOK: My Name Used To Be Muhammad & Giveaway!

I had to read this book twice. 

I even read the last chapter through muffled tears out loud to my parents. It is THAT good.

This book is fascinating, heart-breaking, eye-opening, educational, life-changing and TRUE.

Yes, you read that right. This book is a true story.

I was engrossed in this story from the first page.

I want to tell you enough about this book so that you will read it, but not too much. I want you to live this story for yourself.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~





At the age of five Muhammad's father woke him at 4:45 am for the first time, and took him to the mosque for prayer. He was given a Qur'an for his birthday and told to read it. He was then told to memorize it. He spent everyday copying the book word for word. The length of the Qur'an is comparable with the New Testament. I googled that one.

Muhammad's father loved him very much and thought of him as chosen. He was being schooled and prepared to become a leader capable of leading a jihad, or in other words, a holy war. His job would be to convert nonbelievers to Islam. But not just to convert them as modern day missionaries would do. A Jihad is actually going to war against nonbelievers.

Muhammad was a good child. Obedient. Smart. Faithful. He loved his religion and was kind as I suppose the majority of Muslim's are. I felt that in telling his story he was very clear that Muslim's in general do not all feel this way about "Westerners". But his father wanted him to embrace the radical side of his religion.

As Muhammad starts to get older and attends University he begins to be exposed to a lot of different cultures. And after being so sheltered he is actually curious.

I won't tell you the whole story, but he eventually converts to Christianity. He is then imprisoned for 15 years for being a Christian. Did you read that? 15 YEARS!!!

Does this sound familiar to another story being talked about in the news?

I am just heart broken over the news that Pastor Saeed Abedini is still in prison in Iran, after more than a year, for charges of Christianity. How can this still happen? It is so heart breaking. Please pray for him and his sweet family. And please join the cause in helping him.

Religious Freedom is so important. It is vital to all human's. God gave us the gift of Free Agency for a reason.

My heart aches thinking of those who suffer the hopelessness of not being able to practice their faith, and yet are so faithful they just keep praising God.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite scriptures in The Acts 5:

 40 And to him they agreed: and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.
 41 ¶And they departed from the presence of the council, ^arejoicingthat they were counted worthy to ^bsuffer ^cshame for his ^dname.
 42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not to teach and ^apreach Jesus Christ.

I love these scriptures. I love the example of people like Tito Momen and Saeed Abedini and of course Paul the Apostle, who were able to stay faithful and rejoice in suffering for our  Savior.

Muhammad changed his name to Tito after Titus in the New Testament.

I am really grateful he was able to tell his story!

What a powerful story it is.

What a BRAVE man.

And I have to share this picture. Tito was signing books for readers at the SLC Deseret Book when the man who baptized him, Brother Whatcott, showed up. They hadn't seen each other since 1989 in Cairo, just before Tito was imprisoned. The expression on Tito's face says it all and brings me to tears over and over again. What an incredible story he has to tell.

So does this sound like a book you would like to read?

I would if I were you. I think this would be the perfect Christmas Present.

You can purchase one online at Deseret Book or enter to win a free copy here.

To Enter Giveaway:

Please leave your name and an email address so I can contact you in the comment's below.

Good Luck!

30 Day New Testament Reading Schedule

Download New Testament Reading Schedule Here

I finished reading the New Testament. My goal was to finish it in 30 days and complete it right before General Conference started. I didn't reach my goal, but I did finish The New Testament completely, for the first time. It took me 36 days.

Even though I didn't reach my goal, I still finished. And I still gained all the benefits of immersing myself in the scriptures daily. I wonder if we sometimes worry so much about reaching our goal, that we fail to remember that something is better than nothing. Every day I read my scriptures and every day I received spiritual strength. So I encourage you as you use my bookmarks, to not worry so much about how fast you finish the book, or the structure of the way I've set up the reading assignments, and instead focus on reading  and studying everyday, as much as you can. Sometimes I found myself taking hours just to read one chapter. (Like Romans 8)

I kept track of my reading on the bookmark and I also used the back of the bookmark to take notes and write down the scriptures that stuck out to me. There is no rhyme or reason to the madness on the bookmark.  Just little packets of light that stuck out to me and filled me with the spirit.

Some of my favorite parts of my reading were:

• Peter weeping bitterly after he denied the Savior. 
• The Parable of the Sower - this hit me really strongly. (Luke 8)
• Paul recounting the History of his life and his witness to King Agrippa. (The Acts 26)
• Becoming joint-heirs with Christ. (Romans 8)

There were so many small revelations that came to me as I read and really studied this past month. I could go on and on. I'm so grateful for the scriptures and can't wait to read The New Testament again and again.

But now I am off to Read The Doctrine & Covenants in 44 days;) It might take me longer but who cares. Setting a goal helps me actually get in the habit of reading everyday and devouring the Word Of God.