Religious nonfiction – Page 2 – LDS Women's Book Review

Written on Our Hearts by Emily Freeman – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 282013

Written on Our Hearts: Invitations from the Old Testament

Author: Emily Freeman

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: September 2013

Hardcover: 180 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-595-8

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary (from jacket)

If you have ever found the Old Testament intimidating, you’re not alone. The less-familiar history, themes, and language, coupled with the length of the book, make it a difficult read for many. But author Emily Freeman loves the Old Testament, and as she shares some of the wonderful things she has learned in her study of this book of scripture, you will find yourself coming to love it too.

Written on Our Hearts is not a commentary or an intensive doctrinal study. Instead, Emily writes about the stories of the Old Testament, stories of trusting and overcoming and enduring and believing. Within these stories are all kinds of applications for the challenges we face today.

“There will come a moment in your life,” the author says, “when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through. In that moment you will long to better understand the Savior’s role as the Deliverer, and to do that you must go to the book of scripture that describes that role the best—the Old Testament.”

Discover the delivering power of the Lord yourself in the pages of this book—and experience the scriptures in a new, more personal way!

Review

Written on Our Hearts is full of spiritual messages and questions that pierce the heart. Emily shares her talent for inspiring others through her heartfelt words and lovely artwork in this thought-provoking book.

Each section is only a few pages long, and these sections are grouped by books of the Old Testament. The size of each section is perfect for a personal morning devotional, family home evening, or revisit during a tough day when seeking inspiration or reassurance. There are beautiful sketches depicting Old Testament scenes sprinkled throughout.

Every single section of this book offers something that touches my soul and fuels my desire to become a better person and to draw closer to Christ. It’s difficult to single out a favorite section, but I will list some that really stood out to me personally:

“Empty Your Sack”
“My Whole Soul”
“That Which Doth Cost Me Nothing”
“I Will Heal Thee”
“Filling the Empty Places”
“Hope in Thine End”

I have always been overwhelmed at the thought of an in-depth study of the Old Testament. Written on Our Hearts has shown me that there are wonderful things to be learned from such a study. I highly recommend it, both as an addition to your personal library, and as a gift as well. After all, Christmas is just around the corner.

Find Written on Our Hearts:

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Consider the Blessings by Thomas S. Monson – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Oct 142013

Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God’s Hand in Our Lives

Author: Thomas S. Monson

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: September 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/Nook/DB Bookshelf: 160 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-716-7

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a free hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

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.

Review

In honor of the 50th anniversary of President Thomas S. Monson’s call to apostleship, Deseret Book has released Consider the Blessings, a compilation of 50 true stories shared by President Monson throughout the years.

I have heard President Monson share some of these stories previously, but many I had not. Some are simple, based on service to others. Some are miraculous, amazing answers to prayers. There are lovely and relevant photos throughout the book. Each story is short, anywhere from one to four pages long. I’ve listed three of my favorites below:

“You Are Our Brothers and Sisters” (page 7): This is an excellent and moving example of loving our fellowman beyond boundaries, both physical and religious.

“No More Strangers” (page 81): I love the way these Italian members distinguished new members, ensuring they would be recognized and fellowshipped.

“You’re My Primary Boy” (page 135): Another example of the loving service President Monson excels at giving that has touched and inspired me.

Consider the Blessings is available as a jacketed hardcover, perfect as a gift or for use in Family Home Evenings, as well as in ebook format. I will be referring back to several of these stories in the future, and look forward to sharing them with my children.

Find Consider the Blessings:

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families by Jonathan Decker – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Sep 232013

250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families

Author: Jonathan Decker

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published Date: September 10, 2013

Paperback/Kindle: 256 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1462112180

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

For the first time, Latter-day Saints looking for family-friendly movies have an easy reference at their fingertips! Jonathan Decker (of Meridian Magazine, mormonmovieguy.com, and The KJZZ Movie Show) combines his love for the restored gospel with his passion for cinema in this one-of-a-kind volume, with films selected based on artistic quality and compatibility with LDS media standards.

Readers will find synopses, reviews, and discussion guides (based on the scriptures and teachings of Church leaders) for 250 excellent films from the silent era to the present. With a foreword by acclaimed director T.C. Christensen (17 Miracles, Ephraim’s Rescue), indexes by genre and gospel topic, and thought-provoking chapters on Mormon doctrine regarding media, 250 GREAT MOVIES FOR LATTER-DAY FAMILIES is the perfect film-finder (and conversation-starter) for family home evenings, dates, youth activities, and get-togethers.

Review

It is more difficult every day to find movies without objectionable material. Author Jonathan Decker has set out to make the decision of “What to watch?” easier for us. His book, 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families, is a useful resource for those who are looking for clean, enjoyable movies they can watch with their families.

An insight shared by the author had significant impact on me and the way I view certain content in media. In the “What Makes a Good Movie?” section, Jonathan explains that he used to feel every instance of media he watched should comply to the letter of the law, and any amount of violence or language or innuendo that he saw made him feel guilty. His eyes were opened after hearing President Monson refer to uplifting themes in the musical Camelot during a talk, the same play that made Jonathan feel uncomfortable during one of the songs where Lancelot sings of his love for Guinevere, a married woman. The author then recalls a BYU film professor’s words: “The portrayal of something is not the same thing as condoning it.”

Jonathan goes on to say something I consider profound:

“I realized that, in art and entertainment, sometimes darkness must be portrayed in order to contrast it with the light. There is no good without evil, and both must be depicted for righteousness to be promoted.” –page 9

Jonathan does not use this truth as an excuse to disregard standards, however. He includes content information in every movie review so that the reader can decide for his/herself what they are comfortable viewing and what they want to avoid. I love that he does this. I also enjoy his concise but informative reviews and his grading system.

I appreciate the “Messages to Discuss” as much as the “Content Overviews” in each review. Included here are the scriptural themes, with scripture references and quotes from Church leaders, that can be found in each film. Not only is this a great way to start family discussion in general, but when you need to plan a last minute Family Home Evening, the scriptures and quotes provided keep it spiritual.

As I flipped through the pages and read his reviews, I came across a number of movies I hadn’t seen, some I had never heard of, as well as some long-time favorites. The classics appear alongside more modern films. The three indexes at the end (organized by Genre, Gospel Topic, and Rating) are incredibly handy.

I think 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families will become a staple in many LDS homes. I look forward to referring to it many times in the future when choosing movies for my family. I hope Jonathan is already working on the next installment.

Visit Jonathan:

BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | PINTEREST | YOUTUBE

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Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God by S. Michael Wilcox – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Aug 192013

Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God

Author: S. Michael Wilcox

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: August 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/DB Bookshelf: 128 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-60907-520-0

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: free hardcover review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

“And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend” (Exodus 33:11).

Is it possible to talk with God as Moses did—face to face? This is not only what we long for, but what God also ardently desires. For Moses that may have meant an actual physical encounter, but for most of us it is an expression that suggests friendship, open communication, honesty, and the conversations of familiarity. But how is that done? And how can we learn how God speaks to us individually? Bestselling author S. Michael Wilcox explores the scriptural expressions and concepts of “pouring out,” “wrestling,” being “filled with desire,” and “knocking” at the door Jesus promised would open to us— particularly in those times when we deeply need heaven to hear us and to confirm to our souls that more than our words are being received.

Review

In Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God, S. Michael Wilcox presents six different methods of communication with Heavenly Father through prayer that build faith, increase understanding of His love for us, and strengthen our bond with Him.

I enjoyed the author’s writing style, and found the book to be a quick yet impactful read. I was most affected by the concept of “pouring out” our hearts to God. I related to the examples given and my heart was touched.

The importance of constantly reaching to become closer to Heavenly Father, both for myself and my posterity, was driven home to me by this quote in the chapter about Jeroboam and the fate of the ten tribes:

“Sometimes when we fail to reach for ourselves, we fail for the thousands who will follow in the culture we create.” -page 84

I was reassured by the reminder that our God wants to bless us in every way He can, and that all things that come from Him are for our benefit, even if we don’t see it at the time. I gained a new understanding of the word desire as it refers to becoming one with our Father and Savior, rather than a request for something from Them.

When we consult with God in deep, quiet prayer about what we should desire, He will answer us. Through our reaching out to Him in these different forms of prayer and communication, we will become closer to Him than we can in any other way.

“The Spirit reaches down and draws water for us, or rain falls upon our souls and the flowers of faith, devotion, obedience, virtue, courage, adoration, gratitude–and especially love–spring up. God can walk with us in our garden, one that he himself is primarily responsible for having created. But we both are fulfilled, both satisfied with a mutual giving and receiving.” –page 121

I don’t hesitate to recommend Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God to anyone who desires a closer relationship with Heavenly Father. I will be keeping it in a handy place on my bookshelf to revisit often.

Find Face to Face: Seeking a Personal Relationship with God:

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In His Hands by Jenny Hess

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jun 202013

In His Hands: A Mother’s Journey through the Grief of Sudden Loss

Author: Jenny Hess

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: May 2013

Softcover: 216 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781621082514

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

With the sudden loss of a loved one comes an unavoidable fork in the road. Some succumb to anger and despair, while others seek strength in the healing power of Jesus Christ. When faced with paralyzing sorrow, how can one truly find peace and perspective? In His Hands offers a candid portrait of grief in which one family fights to find a way out of the black hole of grief and into the arms of the Savior. Author Jenny Hess invites readers on her journey from heartache to healing, from the shattering loss of her young son to her personal quest for hope. With grace and wisdom, the heavenly insights gained by one woman navigating through her darkest hours demonstrate that though grief is achingly painful, there are tender mercies to be found along the path.

Review

Recently, there has been a theme appearing in my life–in books I have been asked to review, in the last Relief Society lesson I prepared and taught, in the conference talks I have read for my morning devotional. The message surrounding me lately is of submitting my will to the Lord, realizing that I can do nothing of myself, that I am utterly indebted to my Savior, and the only thing that is mine to give Him is my will.

I was reminded of this yet again while reading In His Hands, as author Jenny Hess shares the very personal, heart-wrenching and incredibly spiritual experiences of her family after the sudden death of her four-year-old son, Russell.

She opens her heart and history for all to read, sharing the good, the bad, and even some of the ugly, while also bearing her testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel, the incredible gift of the Atonement and Resurrection, and her love of our Savior and Heavenly Father. She doesn’t gloss over the pain and loss she experienced, is still experiencing, after Russell’s death, and yet I couldn’t help but feel the hope of the gospel woven through everything she shared.

I was moved to tears several times. First for the loss the Hess family experienced when their son and brother passed away so suddenly, then later when my heart was touched by the Spirit as Jenny related the experiences that followed, sharing her testimony again and again. In both bitter and sweet times, the Savior’s supporting hand was evident, even if not realized at that exact moment. As a mother of a six-year-old boy, my only son, my heart ached for Jenny as I read, yet my heart was full as I felt the strength her testimony.

In His Hands is more than a book for family members suffering the loss of a loved one. It is a book for everyone. It carries a message of hope through the reality of dark times and testifies of the grand plan of happiness for eternity that exists because of the unconditional and never-ending love of our Heavenly Father and our Savior.

Watch the video about Jenny and her family on Mormon.org

Find In His Hands:

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Living Your Covenants Every Day by Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt – Blog Tour

Posted by Shanda Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews

Jun 172013

Living Your Covenants Every Day

Author: Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: 2013

Paperback/ebook: 144 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 9781609073367

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: received a temporary digital review copy that will be removed from my device after a short time

***Blog Tour Giveaway – See Rafflecopter entry form below***

Summary

The little things we do on a daily basis don’t just matter—they can make all the difference. Intentional daily acts focused on covenant-keeping will bind us to the Savior as we are deliberate and determined to follow Him in small and simple ways.

Drawing upon the teachings and lives of ancient and modern prophets, author Jennifer Brinkerhoff Platt identifies patterns of truth that encourage increased commitment to covenant relationships while diminishing the binding grip of the adversary. Included are chapters on the need to be consistent in covenant- keeping, on recognizing Satan’s tactics and lies, on undoing self-destructive routines, on the role of the Spirit to help us both feel and follow promptings, and on the power of daily scripture study and prayer in establishing habits that reinforce and sup- port our commitment to the Savior.

Review

Living Your Covenants Every Day focuses on the importance of approaching everything you do each day with intention and purpose, that purpose being returning to the presence of Heavenly Father. By treating your activities and goals like rituals with meaning and value, you can more easily see whether they are bringing you closer to the Savior or not.

The author discusses how Satan uses lies to isolate us from others and the love of our Heavenly Father and Savior. By keeping our minds focused on why we are doing what we are doing, we can recognize these lies for what they are and avoid falling into Satan’s traps.

Each chapter includes “homework” to help reinforce the purpose of the chapter to the reader, as well as suggested reading for further study. Intentional scripture study can help us recognize patterns we can apply in our own lives and help us trust in the Lord and His timing. As we seek to do His will and follow His example, the author recommends keeping a journal to document promptings so that we will more easily recognize them in our lives and act on them quickly.

“We please the Lord when we choose Him. Our choices reflect our desires, therefore it is important to learn to educate our desires,meaning to learn to want what the Lord would have us want. It’s not enough to really want something; we must want it in a faithful way, anchored in hope and belief that the Lord is able and willing to bless us with our desires according to His will and timing.” –Living Your Covenants Every Day

One way the author suggests to help us keep our minds on the Savior is reading a conference talk every day. This is something I have been doing for the last several months, and I’ve found that the difference it makes in my day is noticeable. A friend of mine listens to conference talks relevant to her upcoming Sunday School lessons as she gets ready each morning. She mentioned to me that it has helped tremendously in her life as well as with her lesson planning.

Living my life with more intention and purpose is something I have been striving to do each day. Living Your Covenants Every Day has helped me see that while intention and purpose are good they must be directed toward the Savior to be effective.

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