"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

The Cokeville Miracle Review

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

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

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

                       DESERET BOOK or at AMAZON.

 

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

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

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!

52 Life-Changing Questions From The Book Of Mormon & Giveaway

Have you ever thought about the power of a question?

Have you ever been asked a life-changing question?

I have.

Scott asked me to marry him.

I said, YES!!!

LIFE-CHANGING.

Last year I was asked another life-changing question. 

Well, actually 3 questions. 

As I was flipping through channels, watching "trash-TV" (which is what I call it because most of it pretty much is) , I heard the spirit whisper to my soul...

"At what point in your life are you going to give THIS up and CHOOSE ME?"

Followed by,

"Does this mindless entertainment BRING LASTING HAPPINESS?"

And then sealed with this final question...

"How old will you be when you decide you are ready to SEEK ME FIRST?"

I won't lie. That last question threw me for a loop. And I most certainly wasn't ready to give up watching Modern Family and Grey's Anatomy when, for a brief moment, I settled on the ripe old age of 57.  

My difficult response to these 3 questions I'll save for another post. But were these questions life-changing?

Absolutely. 

Am I a different person because of them?

Most assuredly, yes.

What questions have you been asked in your life that have been life-changing?

Elder Tad R. Callister wrote,

"The power of a good question is of inestimable worth. It is like an alarm clock that awakens us out of our mental doldrums. It is a catalyst that jump-starts our metal engines."

Did you know that...

• There are 61 different individuals in the Book of Mormon that ask questions. Some of these include, prophets, missionaries, investigators and apostates.
• Alma chapter 5 has the most questions of any chapter in the Book of Mormon. 42!
• Alma the Younger asks the most questions in the Book of Mormon. He asks 103 questions. Nephi is in 2nd place with 41 questions.
• The most commonly asked question has to do with how people remember - or forget - the Lord. Variations of this question appear 26 times.
• Jesus Christ asks 35 direct questions in the Book of Mormon

The Book 52 Life-Changing Questions from the Book of Mormon is designed to give you one question to ponder and study, every week for an entire year. 

The authors Brad Wilcox and John Hilton III note that Joseph Smith stated that people would get nearer to God through reading the Book of Mormon than through any other book. They also suggest that one short chapter each week in a year while pondering these inspired questions will propel readers forward to attain that goal.

Some of my favorite questions that they cover in their book are...

• Have ye received his image in your countenances? (Alma 5:14)
• Why do not angels appear unto us? (Alma 21:5)
• Is not a soul at this time as precious unto God? (Alma 39:17)
• How is it that ye have forgotten? (1 Nephi 7:11)
• What evidence have ye that there is no God? (Alma 30:40)
• 
  

GIVEAWAY!!!

So now comes one more question.

Is this a book that you think you or someone you know could benefit from?

If the answer is yes, you are in luck.

I'm GIVING AWAY  one copy to a lucky reader.

Please leave me a comment, or a question below and you will be entered to win.

You can purchase this book also. Visit Deseret Book.

Good Luck!!!

Follow Me To Zion Book Review And Giveaway

Follow me to Zion is a new compilation of intimate stories, photo's, journal entries and incites into the lives of the pioneers that were part of the Willie Handcart company.

The experiences of over twenty different families are recounted in this book. There are dozens of full-color illustrations depicting the trying circumstances and the bravery and sacrifices made by these early pioneers.

I love hearing the stories of the pioneers. I love learning about these faithful Saints who put their trust in God, and pressed forward through trials so difficult most of us could never possibly even pretend to imagine them.

How is it that these ordinary people became so extraordinary in facing the hardships that came to them?

I wonder if I too would have faith sufficient to deliver me through such daunting and unthinkable conditions.

Do you have any ancestors that crossed the plains?

I do.

My great, great, great, great grandfather Horace Strong Rawson left his home and farm in Nauvoo for Salt Lake City. And while he was not part of the Willie Handcart company, still I know that they must have also suffered greatly on their journey.

 

I love these beautiful Illustrations by Julie Rogers.

 One of my favorite things that the authors have done is include a section at the end of each chapter called, "Reflections of a Descendant". I found the words and testimonies of these descendants to be so touching. I can't help but wonder how many of us would rise just a little bit higher if we knew the stories of our ancestors, and what we are really made of.

I think that this book is a treasure for any Latter-Day Saint. These people are our people. They are the roots that support our tree. We are strong because they were strong. We trust God because they taught us how to, because they proved his promises to be true.

When I think of "doing His will" I think of faithful believers in God who have, since the beginning of time, sacrificed all, everything they had, even their lives, to build the kingdom of God and to keep his laws.

I am so grateful for people like these emigrant pioneers,
who with faith and fortitude,
answered God's call.

I hope I can too.

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

"James G. Willie led 400 emigrant pioneers on a thousand-mile journey across the plains, he knew the trek would be arduous. They were leaving dangerously late in the season, and the company was ill-prepared for the rigors of the trail. But what he could not know was that the winter of 1856 and 1857 would be unpredictable early and extraordinarily severe. Nearly one-sixth of  his company would die along the way. Yet from one of the worst tragedies of the American western migration emerged triumphant stories of personal endurance, unsurpassed courage, epic heroism, and unwavering faith." 

-Deseret Book Press Release

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

GIVEAWAY!!!

If you would like to win your own copy, just leave me a comment below! Good Luck.

To purchase your own copy or as a gift visit Deseret Book Here.

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.

9/11/2001

I took this picture in New York and I still get emotional thinking about the heroism, sacrifice and love shown on this dreadful day.

We.
Do.
Remember.

Thank you to all who gave their lives.
Thank you to all who lost their lives.
Thank you to the many families left suffering from these losses.

Thank you.