"Trek The Movie" Review

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

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

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

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

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

You can purchase the movie at:

 Amazon  

Deseret Book

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

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

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."

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.

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

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!

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

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.

Mission Home: New LDS Missionary Resource

I want to tell you about a new tool available for Prospective LDS missionaries. It is called Mission Home and it is an excellent resource for future missionaries. Oh, how I wish this had been available when I was preparing to serve a mission. Of course that was pretty much before we even had the Internet. This could have helped me in so many ways. First of all, did you even know they have an online application for missionaries? What?

Mission Home Website 

Mission Home Facebook Page

And if you look at that book over in the lower right hand side of the picture, you should know that I have read it, and it is WONDERFUL! I wish I had read that years before I served as a missionary. I say buy it for your teenagers NOW.

Look at all the information available in one place.

And as a Returned Sister Missionary, I have been asked this questions hundreds of times. This was a great article and I STRONGLY RECOMMEND it for all Young Women to read. It encourages those willing to serve but also reminds those women who don't feel that serving a mission is for them, that...THAT IS OKAY.

And What could be more important for preparing to Enter The Temple. I still remember going to the temple for the first time. It was February 22, 1997, and I'm so grateful that I remember that day like it was yesterday. There is Nothing like being dressed in white with the people you love surrounding you while you receive the blessings the Lord is waiting to give you.

I hope you find this new page useful. I'm sure it will be getting a LOT of use. I can't wait to hear what our Leaders have to say about the missionary efforts at General Conference. 2 days and counting.

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

And here is the OFFICIAL PRESS release for this new website.

MissionHome.com provides new resources for missionaries and their families

Where you serve is not as important as how you serve.

Salt Lake City, UT (September 17, 2013) – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints currently operates over 400 missions with more than 75,000 missionaries serving throughout the world. When the missionary age change was announced in the October 2012 general conference, a new wave of prospective missionaries began preparing for the moment they would receive their call.

After receiving the call, missionaries and families often begin their search for specific information on that mission. Until now, there has not been a centralized site to learn about the culture and people of each mission area.  On October 1^st, 2013 Deseret Book Company will launch an online missionary website, MissionHome.com. MissionHome.com focuses on each phase of missionary service—prepare, serve and return. It includes helpful hints to prospective missionaries including tips for how to pack efficiently and how to prepare to leave as well as inspiring and authentic experiences from former missionaries.  A complete mission directory, created by missionaries who themselves have served in that area, provides information about local customs, food, transportation, safety, and many other insights.

“We saw a way that we could provide a gathering place for missionaries and the families of missionaries to become acquainted with the area where they would be serving as well as provide other unique resources,” said Laurel Christensen Day of Deseret Book Company, “and MissionHome.com was born.”

MissionHome.com is easy to use and provides a library of information for prospective and returning missionaries as well as help to families of those currently serving (a section for senior couples will be coming soon). Familiar LDS authors as well as recently returned missionaries and past mission presidents will be regular contributors to the site. 

In addition to great free content and resources, families will be able to send care packages directly to their missionaries with guaranteed delivery from Deseret Book. Service is available to most missions.

For more information on Mission Home, visit www.missionhome.com.

Fantasy General Conference October 2013

Scott introduced this idea to our family at FHE last week and promised DADDY DATES to the kids for getting the best scores.  I asked him if I got a DADDY DATE too for winning and he replied, "of course", so I warned the kids that I am taking them down. And I really hope to, because Daddy Dates are awesome!!! And Daddy/Mommy dates are divine;)

                         

I thought others might be interested in playing too. I can't imagine any teenagers not being interested in playing, and it might make them pay attention to ALL of General Conference! Wouldn't that be great. 

I.

Love.

Conference.

I put together a quick printable for you guys to use. 

Printable Fantasy General Conference

And there are other options like the one found  HERE

And you can view a current list of all Leadership positions  HERE

And my 30 Day Read The New Testament before Conference is going amazing and I will post about that later.;)

3...almost 4, Violins

On Sunday, Dylan and Kate played their violins with Scott for the first time in Sacrament meeting. I couldn't help taking a quick iphone picture so that I could remember what they looked like forever. I almost joined them and played my violin, but I chickened out. My pride got the best of me and I didn't want to ruin the number for them, especially since I haven't been practicing lately and my skills are beginner anyway. Maybe someday, but probably not. Dylan and Kate already passed me and they have nerves of steel. I am so proud of them for sharing their budding talent with the our ward.

I'll will never forget it. My cup runneth over.

Sunday Thoughts: Sunday On The River

Sunday is my favorite day.

It is calm.

Quiet.

Peaceful.

&.

Spiritual.

Sunday's energize me. It is my weekly recharge. 

Sunday is a Holy day.

Sunday is a day I renew my Covenants with the Lord.

Sunday is a day of Service.

Sunday is a Family day.

Sunday is a day of Rest.

I often think about the stress and  anxiety I might feel if I didn't have Sunday to just...

STOP.

LISTEN.

&.

HEAR.

But I do.

And I am so. so. so. grateful for that.

These pictures were taken impromptu on our last Sunday Walk. Something about the water and the waves and my sweet family make these pictures depict how I feel about The Sabbath Day perfectly.

Babies still cry.

Kids still fight.

Dinner still has to be made.

Clothes still need to be ironed.

And yet I find more peace on this day, than any other day.

And I know it is because I attend church.

I take the Sacrament.

I think about the Savior.

And I learn about his gospel.

I love Sundays.

And spending Sunday with the one closest to your heart is magical. meaningful. magnificent.

I love him.