Story Tellers: An Evening with Colorful Characters by Covenant Communications

On cold night in the Utah Territory, three opinionated men seemingly by chance find themselves sharing a campfire as they tell tales, swap insults, and expound on their personal beliefs and philosophies. However, one of the men is not there by mere coincidence. Join Porter Rockwell, Mark Twain, and J. Golden Kimball for an entertaining and intriguing evening with three of the most colorful characters of the Old West.

 * Deseret Book *

 

I thought the actors did a great job of portraying these real life characters.  They looked the part and sounded the part too.  I loved the scenery.  I learned things about these three people that I didn't know.  LDS history buffs may find this interesting.

This was literally an hour of three guys sitting around the fire talking.  It isn't a movie so much as a documentary of sorts.  Children will not be impressed by this movie.  My teenager quickly became bored.  Even my adult children were less than impressed.  I think we all pictured something a little different.  It might have been better if there had been some flashbacks to the stories the characters were describing that included movement and acting things out.  Instead, it was just talking, talking, talking.

I think if you go into this understanding that it isn't a movie in the traditional sense, and more of a documentary exploring an idea of what would happen if these three men met one night around a campfire, you will enjoy it more.  The stories shared were interesting, touching and religious.  

Content:  Some talk about polygamy, characters talk about cursing and swearing but you never hear actual words, some religious elements

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

In Music- The Missionary Collection by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square

For the first time ever, this collection brings together four top-selling albums sure to provide inspiration to hasten the work. Featuring Called to Serve, Praise to the Man, Teach Me to Walk in the Light, and This Is the Christ, this four-disc set is the perfect gift for missionaries at home and abroad.

PRAISE TO THE MAN
The Morning Breaks
Praise to the Man
Joseph Smith's First Prayer
Now We'll Sing with One Accord
This is My Beloved Son
I Saw a Mighty Angel Fly
An Angel from on High
Adam-ondi-Ahman
On a Golden Springtime
Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice
A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief
We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

CALLED TO SERVE
Called to Serve
Redeemer of Israel
I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go
How Firm a Foundation
I Am a Child of God
I Believe in Christ
I'm Trying to Be like Jesus
Ye Elders of Israel
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
High on the Mountain Top
He Sent His Son
Come, Come, Ye Saints
This Is the Christ
God Be with You Til We Meet Again
The Spirit of God

TEACH ME TO WALK IN THE LIGHT
I Think the World Is Glorious
"Give," Said the Little Stream
If the Savior Stood Beside Me
I Think When I Read That Sweet Story
Teach Me to Walk in the Light
I Will Follow God's Plan
Mother, Tell Me the Story
Called to Serve
Love One Another
Tell Me the Stories of Jesus
I Know That My Savior Loves Me
Faith
Holding Hands around the World
When He Comes Again
I Am a Child of God

THIS IS THE CHRIST
This Is the Christ
The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare
Dear to the Heart of the Shepherd
Come unto Him
Sunshine in My Soul
Where Can I Turn for Peace?
God So Loved the World
Our Savior's Love
O, Divine Redeemer
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
Nearer, Dear Savior, to Thee
Softly and Tenderly
Beautiful Savior
I Believe in Christ

How exciting is this- to have four of the best Mormon Tabernacle Choir CD's together in one bundle?  It's called the Missionary Collection and I have to say that it is perfect to send off to a missionary.  I should know, I have one.  After listening and loving these CD's, I sent them off to England so my son could enjoy them as well.  His mission rules limit him to listening to only the hymns and Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the one album he took with him is being well used.  He was so excited to hear I was sending him more music- a greater variety.

"This is the Christ" is my favorite CD of the four with Teach Me To Walk in the Light coming in a close second.  I have such emotional connections to so many of these songs.  They fill my heart with peace and comfort.  My family and I listened to one of these CD's in the car on the way to a Sunday meeting of more distance and I asked everyone to describe in one word the music they were hearing.  Calming, peaceful, and gentle were some of the words.

I, personally, am so grateful for music.  This isn't the music I always listen to but it's where I go if my soul is in need of peace and comfort.  It is a good, grounding reminder of what I believe and who I am.

My thanks to Deseret Book for allowing me to listen to and review these CD's for them.  They are beautiful and perfect not only for my missionary but for me as well.  

Purchase this CD collection at Deseret Book or Amazon.

Touching Sky- An LDS Music Review

With a fresh and energizing sound, Stephanie Boyd’s debut album Touching Sky will put a smile on your face and a skip in your step. Unique lyrics, heartfelt vocals and top quality production will inspire and uplift you. With brand new original songs and a novel take on some favorite hymns, this CD will stay with you every day of the week.

Amazon * Google Play * iTunes * Deseret Book

I just have to say right up front that this is one of my new favorite albums.  I'm in love with it.  I've been making a lot of long car rides lately and this album is the one I always pop in first and listen to at least twice.  It's love.

Stephanie Boyd's voice is rich and easy to listen to.  I love the lyrics to her songs.  They are meaningful and uplifting.  You just can't go wrong with messages and music that makes you feel good and remind you of the things that are the most important.  

While I really like all the songs on this album, my favorites are Good for the Soul, Enlisted and Waiting for my Rainbow.  Just talking about it makes me want to listen to it right now!  I hope you will check out the music sampler below and get a feel for the album.  Links for purchase are above.  :)  Music makes me happy.  

Growing up in New York, Stephanie was drawn to the power of music from a young age. While she was originally trained in classical singing, Stephanie always gravitated towards more upbeat and modern music. With her debut album, Touching Sky, Stephanie combines her love of traditional messages with fresh music. Since moving to Utah, Stephanie has worked closely with well-known artists including Jenny Phillips, Tyler Castleton, and Michael McLean. She was also featured soloist with Sally DeFord. She has a master’s degree in environmental science she and her husband have enjoyed building and selling businesses together. Stephanie is married with four children (and one on the way!) and likes to read, garden, run and bake fun birthday cakes.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest * Instagram

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 3/9/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway