The Gospel at 30,000 Feet by Dieter F. Uchtdorf

This new book brings together many of the stories of flight that President Uchtdorf has used in his ministry. In this colorful, inviting format, more than 20 of his best-loved stories come together under five major themes: Principles of Flight, Lift, Guidance on the Journey, Weathering the Turbulence, and Our Eternal Destination.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

First let me start by saying that this is an LDS non-fiction book.  It is about religion and spirituality.

I love President Uchtdorf.  Whenever he speaks I feel his calm and his sincerity.  He is an engaging personality.  This book is a compilation of some of his talks that incorporate flying analogies, which he is know for since he spent a good part of his life as a pilot.  There isn't anything new here, but I love the way all these talks were put together in a way that flowed so well from one topic into the next.  I thought the layout and colors were pleasing and I love the few pictures we got of President Uchtdorf along the way.

One of my favorite parts of the book was a combination of President Uchtdorf's words and the quote of an unknown author:

"It isn't until you come to a spiritual understanding of who you are that you can begin to take control of yourself.  As you learn to control yourself, you will get control of your life.  If you want to move the world, you first have to move yourself."

"The greatest battle of life is fought out within the silent chambers of the soul.  A victory on the inside of a man's heart is worth a hundred conquests on the battlefields of life.  To be master of yourself is the best guarantee that you will be master of the situation.  Know thyself.  The crown of character is self-control."

I have read many reviews saying that the audio version of this book is the best because President Uchtdorf is the one reading it.  I would love to have heard this book because I love listening to President's Uchtdorf's voice!  Either way it is a fantastic compilation with much encouragement and love that will remind us all that we can be a little better each day.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Be Happy by Hank Smith + $25 and Book Giveaway

You can be happy—solidly, genuinely happy—no matter what's going on around you, no matter what happens to you, no matter what storm comes along to batter and bruise you.
Keep reading, and I'll show you how . . .

Face it: it's not always easy to feel happy. With all of the worries and trials of day-to-day life, the cares of the world can seem overwhelming. But as popular speaker and author Hank Smith demonstrates, no matter your circumstances, you can be happy—the kind of happy that illuminates you from the inside out, a joy that does not depend on what happens to you but on what you do with what happens. With his characteristic humor, Hank offers readers a fresh perspective on finding joy in the journey with a collection of tools and strategies designed to inspire genuine happiness, such as: • Learning to develop an optimistic outlook

• Understanding how to deal with feelings of depression

• Mastering ten simple tricks to jump-start your joy each day

Featuring an inspiring collection of real-life examples, enlightening doctrinal direction, and motivating goals, Be Happy is the guide you need to start living a happier life, today!

 * Goodreads * Amazon * Deseret Book *

Are you happy today? I sure am! I'll tell you why. I just read Hank Smith's new book which is awesome for me because I am a Hank Smith fan. He is my best long car ride friend because he has fantastic talks on CD and every time we set off on a road trip, I take him along to entertain, motivate and inspire me (and my kids by default as they are usually with me. Trapped. Just kidding- they love to listen to Hank Smith too. He always makes us laugh.) I was so happy to see he had a book coming out. This sure seems like a good idea for a guy like Hank Smith! Yay!

This book sounds just like Hank Smith. I like that. The humor and excitement I am used to in his CD's was also present in this book. It's like I could hear him talking. 

I like to think that generally speaking I am a happy person but there is always, always room for improvement, right? This book is full of good ideas and information on how to find, develop, and cultivate that real and lasting happiness we are all craving. None of the ideas here shocked me or surprised me, but instead, served as a good reminder. Sometimes life has a way of dealing you crummy things- sometimes all at once. Like pouring rain. The trick is to know how to be happy from the inside out and not depend on outside events or sources to bring happiness. This book is positive and well, happy. :) You just cannot go wrong reading or listening to anything by Hank Smith.

This book is an LDS non- fiction book. There are religious references throughout.

-I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.

Schedule: 

Feb. 27th: http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/

Feb. 28th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, 

March 1st: http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

March 2nd: http://empowermoms.net/, http://empowermoms.net/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

March 3rd: http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

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Saints at Devil's Gate: Landscapes along the Mormon Trail by Laura Allred Hurtado, Bryon C. Andreasen, John Burton (Illustrator), Josh Clare (Illustrator), Bryan Mark Taylor (Illustrator)

From 1846 to 1869, some 70,000 Mormon pioneers traveled the Mormon Trail, the 1,300-mile route from Illinois and Iowa to Salt Lake City. In 2011, three award-winning Mormon painters decided to visit sites all along the historic route and capture the landscapes in oil. This full-color art book, featuring 52 landscape paintings, presents the fruit of their five-year project. Each painting is paired with journal entries or reminiscences from pioneers who made the journey. Essays by the authors and an artist interview illuminate both the art and the history of the trail.

The book gives written and visual context to the pioneers’ experience of the trail, bears witness to the land as it exists today, and links the experience of pioneers to the challenges of today.

Note: This book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same name at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City. Therefore, distribution of the book has been limited. Copies are available at the museum gift store, at store.lds.org, and at some independent bookstores in Utah.

Also of note:  The Saints at Devil's Gate exhibition at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City is free and open to the public through August 2017.  You can also view it online at history.lds.org

This past summer my family took a bit of a road trip back through Wyoming and South Dakota.  One of the stops we made was at Devil's Gate in Wyoming.  We toured the grounds and museum there, learning about the Mormon pioneers and their trek across the country.  It was amazing to me to learn so much about those people, real people, who gave up so much in hopes of a better life.  Their faith and courage is incredible to me.  I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have been able to accomplish such a thing.  When I was contacted about reading this book, I just knew I had to do it.  I had just been there!

What I love about this book is that each page brings me a new perspective.  Up in the top right corner is a little map of sorts showing me where the painting took place.  Then below that are personal accounts taken from the actual journals of people who traveled through that very place.  On the opposing page is a beautiful scenic painting.  There are fifty-two landscape paintings and they really capture not only the scenery but the weather and spirit of those early pioneers.  What a fantastic labor of love by some very talented artists.

My dad is going to love looking through this book.  He is a history loving guy and he has been to many of the places recorded in this book.  I can't wait to share this book with him.  This would be an excellent gift for anyone who loves history and more specifically the history of the pioneers.

I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read through this book.  It was fantastic! 

-A copy of this book was provided to me for free.  I was under no obligation to review favorably and all opinions expressed are my own.

My Home Can Be a Holy Place

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord. This children s picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily s family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book.

From one of the world's premier violinists comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as "Love at Home" and "I Am a Child of God," stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms's "Cradle Song," and beloved children's tunes. The gorgeous track "Love Is Spoken Here" features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

Track list:
Love at Home
Jesus Once Was a Little Child
Songs My Mother Taught Me
I Feel My Savior's Love
Brahms's Cradle Song
I Am a Child of God
Love Is Spoken Here

I don't usually review religious non fiction on my blog.  But I do review music sometimes because I love music.  Jenny Oaks Baker is an amazing violinist and her music just makes me feel.  The violin is such a beautiful instrument.  I love this track list on this album.  This music is so soothing and peaceful and so, so beautiful.  My favorite was Jesus Once Was a Little Child, I think.  

The book that goes along with this music is just as beautiful.  The pictures are sweet and full of peace and love.  The world can be such a hard and cruel place some days but our homes can be our refuge.  We can make our homes a place where love prevails.  This book does a fabulous job of reminding us how.  As we work together, pray together, learn together and play together, our families and our homes become stronger.

The world needs all the beauty it can get and this music and this book (together or separately) definitely add to the good things of the world.

 * Amazon * Deseret Book * Goodreads *

EMBARK! by John Bytheway (An LDS Inspirational Talk on CD)

In this motivating talk related to the LDS 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.

This is an LDS, religious based, inspirational talk geared toward teenagers.  I don't usually review things like this on my blog, but for this I made an exception.  Here's why:

First, I love listening to John Bytheway.  He is a gifted speaker and he brings energy and joy to his talks.  I always leave inspired to do better and be better.  John also knows how to bring humor at the right points and keep an audience engaged.

Second, I heard John Bytheway deliver this talk in a church gathering for youth just this last week.  I knew he was coming when I signed on for this blog tour and I knew I would want to share it.  His live talk varied a little from this recording but overall, it was the same.  Well, other than watching him live allowed me to see his visuals and watch his face as he spoke.  It was awesome.

I love popping these kinds of CD's in the car on longer car rides and trips or vacations.  I have a captive audience in the car.  haha.  Actually, my kids really love listening to these too.  It's become a tradition when we take a road trip.

I hope every LDS youth will be able to listen to this talk.  It will bring new light to the youth theme for the year.  It's fantastic.

 * Amazon * Deseret Book *

John Bytheway served a mission to the Philippines and later graduated from Brigham Young University. A favorite speaker and teacher, John holds a master’s degree in religious education and is a part-time instructor at BYU. John is the author of many bestselling books, audio talks, and DVDs, including How Do I Know if I Know?; Of Pigs, Pearls, and Prodigals; When Times are Tough: 5 Scriptures That Will Help You Get through Almost Anything; and the 2014 youth theme talk on CD, Come Unto Christ. He and his wife, Kimberly, have six children

One Little Match by Thomas S. Monson- Illustrated by Dan Burr

Page Count: 32 * Children’s Picture Book* Hardback 9 X 11

Thomas S. Monson loved spending summers at his family's cabin in Utah's Vivian Park. One summer day, he and his best friend, Danny, decided to clear a field so they could gather with their friends and have a campfire that night. The tall, stubborn weeds would not pull out easily. So Tommy had the idea to burn them up instead.

He knew he shouldn't use matches without permission from his parents. But he ignored the feeling that warned him of the danger and raided the matchbox in the cabin. Back in the field, he lit one little match and prepared to set the parched June grass abaze...

Readers of all ages will resonate with this wonderful true story that demonstrates the blessings of obedience and "the dangers that can come from something as small as one little match."

Oh, I love this little book!  Everyone loved the story President Monson told at the last General Conference about this boyhood experience.  I'm so happy that it has been put together with these beautiful pictures to create a visual experience for the whole family.  

When mine came in the mail, I immediately read it.  How could I not?  I set it on the coffee table and everyone in my family picked it up as they walked by and read it.  :)  That is happy.  

This is the perfect book.  It's straight from the prophet's mouth and the illustrations combined with the words are really just beautiful.  It teaches an important lesson about obedience and reminds us all that obedience keeps us safe.  This book is a treasure to me and will be well used for many years to come.

You can purchase One Little Match at Deseret Book and Amazon.

About the Author:

Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He was called to the Quorum of the Twelve in 1963 and served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service.

Fire on Ice by Jeremy C. Holm

The thrill of bobsledding combines with spiritual insight in this inspiring book by Jeremy C. Holm. Through sharing his unforgettable experiences as a bobsledder and coach, his message will broaden and enlighten your understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

"Bobsledders are thrill-seeking lunatics. I mean, who in their right mind throws themselves down an icy chute at faster-than-freeway speeds in a fiberglass or carbon fiber sled?

Racing down an icy track at 80 miles per hour makes you think of many things. Jeremy C. Holm thought of God. While racing professionally as a bobsled pilot, he learned valuable lessons that transformed his bobsledding experience from something worldly into a journey of faith in God.

Now as a head coach, Jeremy shares his personal experiences from a competitive life on the ice and the spiritual fire he gained while coping with the temptations and trials of life.

This message of faith and personal courage will inspire you to come closer to Jesus Christ and reach for eternal life."

I really enjoy reading books about ordinary people doing extraordinary things.  Professional athletes are interesting- and bobsledders?  Especially interesting.  The Olympics are on right now so my fascination with all things winter sports related is especially high.  I am going to watch the bobsledders this next week and I'm going to be remembering some of the cool lessons I learned from this book.

Fire on Ice is an LDS based religious inspirational book.  Author Jeremy Holm has taken his years of experience as a professional athlete and coach and related it to things of a spiritual nature.  Not only was it cool to learn more about the sport of bobsledding, it was cool to see how Jeremy took his knowledge of bobsledding and the gospel and weaved them together.  There is a wealth of knowledge and experience in this book.

Some of the chapter headings are:

Hope:  The Substance of Gold Medals Unseen

Talk to the Coach; There's No Data Limit on Prayer
Disobedience Leaves Us to Compete Alone
Trials are Training Camps for the Eternities
Your Team Believes in You

There are A LOT of chapters in this book.  The book is pretty thick and it wasn't one I could sit down and read all the way through.  Some of the ideas were a bit repetitive and I thought they could have been combined and condensed into less but overall this was a good read with important reminders of what we are trying to accomplish here on this earth.  The cross over between gospel themes and sports really helped this book move along.  There are a few pages of pictures in the middle which brought a lot of the personal experiences in the book to life.

My thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to read and review this book for them.  You can purchase this book at Cedar Fort and Amazon.

Does This Insecurity Make Me Look Fat? by Michelle Wilson

• Why do clothing stores hang fun-house mirrors in their dressing rooms?

• The laundry doesn’t cry when it’s not folded, so why should I?

• Can I be confident even if an elevator calls me fat?

Michelle Wilson’s humorous yet poignant insights help women examine the limitations we place on ourselves out of insecurity and self-doubt. We have faith in God, but do we know that He has faith in us?

When we see ourselves with God’s eternal perspective, we can feel confident and whole—even in our imperfection. Just think what we might accomplish if we truly believe that we are more important than we know, stronger than we realize, and extraordinary in every way.

Sometimes you read a book that leaves a permanent mark on your brain and your soul.  This was that kind of book for me.  This is a non-fiction book, religious in nature, full of inspiration, good advice and the pep talk that can get you through life's challenges.  This book is geared mostly to the LDS audience, but I do believe that anyone of any faith would be better for reading this book.

This was the perfect book to start out the new year.  I'm not a resolution maker but I do believe in constantly trying to be better and do better.  I just loved this book.  I loved the messages, the delivery and I loved how it made me feel.  This should be mandatory reading for every LDS woman.

I'm going to try to point to a few things that especially stood out to me.  First is a quote that I actually sent to my son who is serving a mission in England right now.  It suited him so perfectly.  I know it applies to me as well.  It was my first big underlining moment in the book.  (yes, I did underline it.  With a green pen.)

"When we being to catch glimpses of who we really are, we can then begin to see the miracles that God can perform through us.  There are people who need to be loved, to be served, to be taught, to be mended, to be healed.  We are His hands here on earth, and our greatest joy is to be found when we are actively engaged in a good cause and furthering His work and purposes." (pg. 17)

The next part I really loved was in the chapter "I'm Right Here".  It talks about God having faith in us.  It says, "He has faith in me.  He knows I can overcome.  He expects nothing less, because He knows I can do it. . . If God tells me I can do it, then I must accept that.  God is perfect- He cannot lie.  Therefore, I must be able to do anything He asks me to do."

I loved the call to action.  We cannot be lukewarm, we must get up and do something, be something.  We must do it in the right way.

I feel like I'm giving you the whole book here but I honestly loved it.  I'm going to go back and read it more carefully- looking up scriptures and spending time pondering for my own enlightenment.  This book inspired me to change some things.  It inspired me to do better and to be better.  Thank you Michelle Wilson for sharing this with me. 

Michelle Wilson is a stay-at-home mom, blogger, speaker, and writer. Through serving a full-time mission, teaching seminary and Sunday School classes, and speaking at firesides and conferences, Michelle has developed a love of the gospel and its simplicity. She is a lover of God, family, laughter, and chocolate (pretty much in that order). Michelle lives with her husband, Jerey, and their three children in Washington State.

Follow Me to Zion by Andrew D. Olsen and Jolene S. Allphin

Size: 8" x 10"

Pages: 272

Year Published: 2013

James G. Willie knew the trek would be arduous when he left Iowa City in July 1856, leading 500 handcart pioneers on a 1,300-mile journey across the plains.

But he could not have known that his people would run out of food while still hundreds of miles from Salt Lake City nor that the winter of 1856 would begin in the middle of October with prolonged, severe storms. Sixty-nine members of his company would die along the way. Yet from this tragedy emerged triumphant stories of personal endurance, courage, heroism, and unwavering faith.

Follow Me to Zion recounts 20 compelling stories of members of the Willie handcart company and their rescuers. Dozens of full-color images by artist Julie Rogers enrich this keepsake volume, which pays tribute to the men, women, and children who have become enduring witnesses of the power of faith and sacrifice.

Here you will find excerpts from their own accounts of the journey, learn what those faithful pioneers did after reaching the Salt Lake Valley, and read reflections on their lives by descendants.

The simple words “Follow Me to Zion,” cross-stitched onto small pieces of fabric kept in the journal of a handcart pioneer, are an invitation that still calls to us today.

The stories and paintings in this beautiful volume can inspire us to live true to our faith and reach out to help others do likewise.

This is a compilation of stories from Mormon pioneers who crossed the plains of America in hopes of reaching Salt Lake City, a place where religious persecution would become a distant memory.  It is a book of difficulty, death and tragedy but also one of courage, persistence and faith.

I have heard many of these stories before, it's a part of my personal history as well as a part of my religious history.  Whether or not you are LDS, these stories will touch your heart.  

While I have heard many of these stories before, I really enjoyed reading "the rest of the story".  The accounts of what these people did after they survived this ordeal, touched me.  Many went on to lead so called normal lives- in service to their families, their communities and their God.  They were hard working, loyal people.  

I wasn't able to read through this book in one or even two sittings.  This is a book that I had to take one story at a time.  But that is what I loved about it.  All of these stories are wrought with loss and heartache in some form or another.  Some I cannot even imagine. There is so much to be learned from history.  If nothing else, it has helped me to be more grateful for what I have.  Knowing there are people who gave everything for what they believed gives me hope and courage.  Press forward, even when things seem the most bleak.  Just keep going.

This book has all sorts of things to keep me interested.  The illustrations were beautiful.  There were photographs of the people to accompany the stories.  Pictures always help to bring stories to life.  There were pictures of things as well as people- shoes, homes, headstones, journal entries, places along the route, and so much more.  This is a fantastic book.  I'm so grateful to have it on the bookshelf in my home.  It is a beautiful addition to my library.

My thanks to Deseret Book for allowing me to read and review this book for them.  I received this book in exchange for my honest review.

Christmas is fast approaching and this would be an excellent gift idea for many people.  I can think of a few in my family that would love this book!  You can buy this book Deseret Book or Amazon.

About the Authors

Andrew D. Olsen is an editor for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the author of The Price We Paid: The Extraordinary Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Pioneers. Andrew and his wife, Linda, are the parents of 3 children.

Jolene Spendlove Allphin has a love for the 1856 pioneers and rescuers that continues to grow. She has published nearly 300 biographical sketches of them in Tell My Story, Too. Jolene and her husband, Michael, are the parents of 11 children.

Julie Boswell Rogers is an acclaimed artist who has won many awards. Her art has been featured in Church publications, visitors’ centers, and the Church History Museum. The book Emma, the Elect Lady contains many of her paintings of Joseph and Emma Smith. Julie and her husband, Russell, are the parents of 5 children.

Consider the Blessings: True Stories of Our Heavenly Father's Love by Thomas S. Monson

Size: 8x8

Pages: 160

Year Published: 2013

If you ask people what they love most about President Thomas S. Monson’s teaching style, chances are they’ll say something about the personal experiences he relates. The accounts President Monson shares are always true, taken from his own life or the real lives of other people. Those warm, memorable accounts have truly become a hallmark of his messages.

Who can forget the woman who saved one of the two sticks of gum Elder Monson passed out to youth in postwar Germany? Or the neighbor who returned a box of baseballs to young Tommy as a thank-you for his kindness to her? Or the father who declined to attend a “Mormon” meeting with his family but had his heart softened by a message he heard on a radio that was actually broken?

In celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of his call as an Apostle, Consider the Blessings presents fifty of the true accounts President Thomas S. Monson has shared over the years. With beautiful photographs and heart-touching content, this is a book to treasure with the whole family.

I have to say that I honestly love this book.  I read through the whole thing in two sittings.  It has beautiful pictures to go along with the wonderful stories shared by President Monson.  Most of these stories were ones I have heard before but there were a few that were new to me.  I could hear his voice as I read them.  President Monson has this way of talking that makes his voice and stories uniquely his.

As stated in the book summary, one of the things I love best about President Monson's teachings are his personal stories.  They are heart felt and endearing.  My kids always remember the stories from conference when he speaks.  To have a compilation of stories that he has shared in my home is wonderful.  I really love this book.  It makes me feel good and reminds me of how important it is to be kind and serve and help the people around me.  Kindness and love DO matter.

This is such a treasure of a book.  The holidays will be here before you know it and this book would be a perfect gift for so many people.  I know it's on my list.  

You can find it for purchase at Amazon and Deseret Book.

About the Author

President Thomas S. Monson was set apart as the sixteenth President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in February 2008. He had previously served for twenty-two years in the First Presidency of the Church, after having been a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles since October1963. Five years after his call to the Twelve, he was given a special assignment for the work of the Church in Europe, requiring many visits with members behind the Iron Curtain. He was instrumental in the construction of the Freiberg Germany Temple and in advancing the Lord’s work in other eastern European countries that were part of the communist bloc. He also served as chairman of the Scriptures Publication Committee and supervised the process that resulted in the new editions of the scriptures. His ministry has been characterized by his compassion for the needs of individuals and his gift for one-on-one service. President Monson and his wife, Frances, are the parents of three children, grandparents of eight, and great-grandparents of eight.

Everyting You Need to Know about Girls Camp: The Essential Planning Guide for Leaders by Stephanie Worlton

Few callings strike fear into a woman’s heart like that of being a Girls Camp leader. Whether you’re a new camper or a seasoned leader, Stephanie Worlton is here to help. 

Make your Girls Camp an experience to remember with Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp. Filled with helpful tips on everything from holding your first meeting to dealing with unhappy campers, this essential guide takes the stress out of planning to make your camp a success!

This book is specifically intended for members of the LDS faith who participate in the yearly tradition known as girls camp.  This is where adult leaders plan a summer camp for girls between the ages of 12 and 17.  This camp usually lasts 5-6 days and is full of not only camping and adventure activities but also service and spiritual activities intended to build young women up and give them camaraderie and confidence.

Speaking strictly by personal experience, Girls Camp is definitely a job that strikes fear into my heart!  It's such a huge undertaking.  I've been to many different girls camps over the years in many different places.  I've never been in charge of the whole shabang though ~ only in charge of smaller things within.  Thank Goodness.  But now I know, if I am ever put in charge (please, please, no) that I have the most excellent resource available to me, (aside from having Stephanie Worlton herself) and that is this book!

This book takes you from the very, very beginning of planning and thinking all the way through to the end.  It will give you advice that only a seasoned, experienced girls camp leader can give.  It's like a treasure trove of good ideas, tips, songs and RECIPES!  

If you or someone you know is the new Camp Director and the freaking out has commenced, here is the answer to the madness that has enveloped the mind:  Everything You Need to Know about Girls Camp.  :)

You can find out more by clicking HERE.

You can purchase HERE.

Enter to Win: 

As part of the blog tour, Stephanie will be giving away two great prizes. Visit her Kreating Krazy author blog to enter for your chance to win a "Camp Leader Survival Kit" or a signed copy of the book.

Stephanie Connelley Worlton lives in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains where she enjoys frequent opportunities to observe nature and appreciate God’s magnificent creations. She is a seasoned Camp Director, an avid Scouter, and a devoted youth leader. Aside from the busy schedule she keeps as a wife and mother of four, Stephanie enjoys organizing, interior design, gardening, carpentry, painting, and being involved with the youth of our rising generation. To learn more about Stephanie or her book, visit her “Kreating Krazy” blog: www.stephanieworlton.blogspot.com

Review: Grow Your Marriage by Leaps and Boundaries

Is your marriage out of bounds?

“The art of creating life-long marriages is disappearing at an alarming pace, largely because couples do not fully understand where (or how) to “draw the line” in a way that strengthens the relationship. These lines drawn are the boundaries that, when created the right way, show each spouse they are more important to the other than anything or anyone else. Grow Your Marriage by Leaps and Boundaries provides the tools for you to effectively create boundaries with technology, words, and body language.”

Cook’s new book will inspire readers to evaluate how they prioritize their marriage, and to make changes when needed. A common theme is that the boundaries are most useful when decided upon by the couple themselves; dialogues are provided to help readers create, maintain, and negotiate boundaries with their spouse and others.

“None of us are perfect, but our marriages can be perfect for us,” says Cook. “Sometimes we underestimate the power of a positive marriage, and outsource our best selves to those things that are least important.”

Sometimes I think I get in a reading rut where I'm reading a lot of the same kinds of books.  I think it's good to shake things up a bit and read outside my usual genres.  This is the second self help type book I've read in the last month and it has felt good to entertain new ideas and take in some good advice on things that are important.

In this book, author Jerry Cook discusses boundaries that we can set in marriages that will help strengthen and unite couples.  While I was reading this book I can't tell you how many times I thought that I could have used this information 18 years ago!  My husband and I have been married almost 19 years now and I'm pretty sure we hashed out boundaries the hard way over the years.  But now, all these years later, I think they are well established and we are doing well.  I shared with my husband lots of the information I was reading which lead to some good discussions (and some laughing). 

I'm a girl that believes in marriage and family.  My husband and my children are my everything.  I believe in loyalty and fidelity.  It takes hard work to create understanding and develop a marriage that works.  Communication is key to that and I think this book does an excellent job of providing helpful ideas and ways to communicate with your spouse so that you can find what works for you.

I especially appreciated that the author didn't push one idea or theory as the right cure for everyone.  He repeatedly expresses that every marriage is different and people are different so we need to find what works for us.  Everyone's boundaries are going to be different.  He just lays out some areas that are critical to communicate boundaries in and offers helps and ideas in how to accomplish this.

This book is backed by religious ideas and scriptural references.

My thanks to Dr. Jerry Cook for allowing me to read and review his book.  I think it takes courage to put bits of yourself out there for people to read and perhaps disagree or find fault with.  I know the world could use all the positive help it can get and I appreciate anyone who cares enough to offer up their knowledge to benefit others.

Amazon link http://www.amazon.com/Grow-Your-Marriage-Leaps-Boundaries/dp/146211069X

About Jerry Cook:

 Jerry graduated with his doctorate in family and human development from Utah State University, and now serves as an associate professor of family and consumer sciences at California State University-Sacramento. Growing up on a farm in southeastern Washington state, and losing his mother to cancer at a young age, his passion is to help others recognize the basic skills that help families thrive. Jerry and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 19 years, are parents of three children, and co-authored The Parent’s Guide to Raising CEO Kids. Jerry has been interviewed by Fox 40 (TV, Sacramento), the Sacramento Bee (newspaper), and Sacramento Smiles (radio program).

Author blog www.DrJerryLCook.com

FB Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/DrJerryLCook

A Sisterhood of Strength by Diony George

Experience for yourself the pure love that inspires ordinary women to serve and accept service in a truly extraordinary manner. This inspiring collection of true stories from the lives of women just like you is told with heartwarming sincerity. Perfect for sharing, this remarkable book is sure to uplift, encourage, and cheer any woman, whether it’s her turn to serve or be served

Back Cover:  President Monson has repeatedly expressed that even in our busy, bustling lives, “it’s the service that counts.” And no one knows that better than the quiet, humble women of the Relief Society. Working together, faithful women form a sisterhood of service, selflessness, and ultimately strength to share with each other and the entire world.

On each page of this remarkable book, you’ll find words of wisdom and beauty that are sure to encourage and uplift you, whether it’s your turn to serve or be served. Told with heartwarming sincerity, A Sisterhood of Strength will have women everywhere rejoicing in the friendship of their own dear, loving sisters.

This book is the perfect pick it up and put it down, read a few pages here and there kind of book.  It is full of small stories of women in action and doing what women do best~ taking care of each other.  Any of the stories in the book could have been mine.  I could tell a story of service and love for almost every one I read.  I think that's the beauty of friendship and service.  When we serve or are served and helped, we create bonds of love and those feelings never leave us.

I know this book is an LDS based book, but I don't care what religion you are or where you live, women everywhere and of every faith do the same things as demonstrated in this book.  Taking a dinner in, being a shoulder to cry on, watching children, cleaning, running errands, listening, loving.

The stories here reminded me of the countless acts of kindness given to me.  It reminded me that I need to do better and keep paying those acts of kindness and love forward.  I am determined today to try harder.  There is always someone out there who could use an extra bit of love.

"If I can stop one heart from breaking, I shall not live in vain.

If I can ease one life the aching, Or cool one pain,

Or help one fainting robin, Unto his nest again,

I shall no live in vain."  

~Emily Dickinson

Here are a few place you can find this book:

Personalized Autographed Copy
Amazon
Books n’ Things
Barnes and Noble

About the author:  Diony George is a wife, stay-at-home mom of seven, grandmother of two, a motivational speaker, and the author of three books. Through her writing and public speaking she loves helping others draw closer God. An avid reader whose favorite genre is romantic suspense, Diony also loves to travel, sew, and bake—especially pies and homemade bread. Born and raised in Alaska, she currently resides in Salt Lake City with her husband and family. Mrs. George can be reached through her personal website at http://www.dionygeorge.com

Review: A Glimpse of Heaven by JoAnna Oblander

Within the pages of A Glimpse of Heaven, JoAnna Oblander shares true life experiences that dramatically demonstrate God’s perfect love for each of his children, his unending desire to be a daily part of our lives, and his plan for us.

Be reminded of the purpose of life and the fact that each of us, as God’s children, has been sent to earth to accomplish a mission uniquely our own. As you read this book, you’ll understand God in ways never before comprehended—your significant worth to your Creator and his significant worth to you. Appreciate your loved ones and your Heavenly Father like never before in this comforting and inspiring experience.

As you can tell from the summary above, this is a very religious book with faith in God being at the center of it's message.  JoAnna Oblander takes us on a extremely personal journey though her life.  She talks about depression and suicide, adoption, chronic pain and family.  Through it all you will feel her devotion to God.  

There are so many hard things that we all experience in life.  One thing that I think those experiences can teach us is how to be more compassionate to others who may be experiencing hard thing.  We learn to be less judgmental.  JoAnna touches on this as well on the importance of prayer.  To her, prayer is not just words to some unseen being, but a form of communication and learning with a Heavenly Father who loves his children.  Her story along with her faith and devotion will inspire you.

I love the poem she quotes in her book.  It is from William Wordsworth.

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting;

The Soul that rises with us, our Life's star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come

From God, who is our home.

You can find out more about A Glimpse of Heaven and JoAnna Oblander on her website.


My thanks to Cedar Fort for allowing me to be a part of this blog tour and for providing the book for review.  You can find other blogs participating in this tour by clicking here.