tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56197491481786559282024-03-13T10:36:58.608-07:00Leatherwood PressLeatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-46359928822055338502011-01-31T11:32:00.000-08:002011-01-31T11:36:53.681-08:00New Blog Address<div style="text-align: center;">Want to know about the latest Leatherwood Press products?<br />Please visit our new blog at <a href="http://walnutspringspress.blogspot.com">walnutspringspress.blogspot.com</a><br /></div>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-41576889155845230312009-01-08T12:48:00.000-08:002009-01-08T12:56:05.238-08:00We are All Mormons ArticleNo matter what side you fall on in California's prop. 8 battle, the outlash that has happened against the Church all in the name of tolerance is unacceptable. Those that have threatened, vandalized and boycotted over the decision made in a democratic process are undermining the very foundation of freedom that this company was found on.<br /><br />Rabbi <span style="font-family: georgia;font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;" class="size10 Helvetica10" >Shifren, wrote a thought provoking article in response to the harassment that the church has received.<br /><br /></span><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">We are living in an era of insanity! Witness the latest attempt to remake the nature of our country, founded and established on certain principles that have been the envy of the entire world. The latest assault on our country and its values comes in the form of vicious and criminal violence against the Mormon church in Westwood, California<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Interesting how the selective self-righteous indignation on the part of the radical Gay activists is played out here: they bewail the blow to freedom and justice! But I thought we just had elections, where the majority of Californians expressed their views in a free and open manner. Are we not a nation of laws? Dare we relive the McCarthy era, where Americans were harassed and threatened with the loss of their jobs for believing in a certain way? If the Gay radicals should have their way, untold numbers of Americans would live under the threat of the Gay-Lesbian "thought police," where individuals that reject the Gay lifestyle would be sought out and have sanctions brought against them.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">It's bad enough for those working in the entertainment industry here in Los Angeles, where a fog of political correctness and a bending over backwards to accommodate, even promote Gay lifestyle is in full gear. Let none dare say that this type of activity is anathema to our country, our morality, and the debauchery of our young people.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Let it be stated unequivocally: The radical Gay attack on the Mormons is the shot over the bow against the United States of America. There was a time when what a man did in his bedroom was sanctified between himself and G-d. Now we are being served an "in-your-face" smorgasbord of smut and licentiousness as being between people who only "want their civil rights."<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">Hogwash! We are dealing with the equivalent of a moral takeover of the country that has as its bedrock a belief in G-d and His promise for humanity. They don't want civil rights! What they desire is quasi Gay/Lesbian hegemony, where a huge "bookburning," reminiscent of the Nazis, will purge any remnants of the "Christian, White, mainstream America" that has given ALL AMERICANS the most profound scope of freedom, liberty, and justice that Mankind has yet to experience.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">People have perhaps wondered: why the Mormons? Answer: they are a small, yet vocal Christian minority. They have been selected by the mobs as vulnerable, a group that might not have such massive support among America's Christians.<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">We who are friends of the Mormons, their patriotism, their family values, will not falter in our continued support of these dear Americans. Let us recall the Christian minister Niemoller, whose admonition during those dark years of Nazi Germany moved us to our core:<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">"When they came for the gypsies, I said nothing, because I wasn't a gypsy. When they came for the homosexuals, I said nothing, because I wasn't a homosexual. When they came for the Jews, I said nothing, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I said nothing, because I wasn't a Catholic......then they came for me, and there was no one left to defend me."<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot:<br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;"><br /></span></div><div align="justify"><span class="size10 Helvetica10" style="font-family:Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;color:#000000;">"WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"<br /><br />check out <a href="http://www.lawatchdog.com/RabbiShifren-WeAreAllMormons112008.html">http://www.lawatchdog.com/RabbiShifren-WeAreAllMormons112008.html </a><br />for the original posting.<br /></span></div>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-29833276497658115052009-01-08T12:44:00.000-08:002009-01-08T12:46:24.226-08:00Thank Heavens the sun is shinningAfter hitting a patch of black ice on my way to work and ending up with a bruise and a nasty cut I am so grateful to see the sun out and melting all the snow. I only wish that it would stay this way.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-15262533934164895402009-01-07T07:56:00.001-08:002009-01-08T12:48:29.864-08:00Workshops by Wally Goddard<p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Wally Goddard, author of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Soft Spoken Parent</span> will be presenting three free workshops on January 8th.<br /></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The following information was taken from <a href="http://www.ldsmag.com/breakingnews/090107goddard.html">http://www.ldsmag.com/breakingnews/090107goddard.html</a></span></p><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Those who live in Utah have a unique opportunity on <strong>Thursday, January 8th</strong>, to attend 3 free presentations by popular Meridian writer Wally Goddard. He will be recording programs for Covenant Communications at their studio in American Fork. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Clear your schedule and grab your friends to join other Meridian readers for three great talks. You will become the live studio audience. Each talk will be about an hour long and be recorded at the Covenant studios at: </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" ><strong>920 East State </strong><br /> <strong>American Fork, UT 84003 </strong></span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The first talk, “Three keys to being a happy, vibrant, flourishing person even in difficult times” will be recorded on <strong>Thursday, January 8th, at 10:00 a.m. </strong></span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >It is human nature to fret over problems. It seems that our normal ways of living make us anxious and unhappy. Yet eternal principles point us to a happiness, growth, peace, and even joy. There are three keys to being a happy, vibrant, flourishing person. These principles are taught in the scriptures and supported by new discoveries in well-being. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The second talk, “The complete parent: Bring up your children in light and truth” will be recorded <strong>Thursday, January 8th, at 2:00 p.m. </strong>This will be at the same studio location listed above. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Popular parenting recommendations range all over the map and often contradict each other. Yet the research on marriage says that two processes must be in balance. Those happen to be the same things that God recommends. By using these timeless principles, any parent can be both more peaceful and more effective. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The last talk, “The first principles of marriage: Transforming an ordinary marriage into a heavenly one” will be recorded that same evening, same location: <strong>Thursday, January 8th, at 7:00 p.m. </strong></span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >The natural person is an enemy to his or her spouse. As a result, the harder we try to have a good marriage, the worse things get--unless we use Heavenly Father's principles of heavenly relationships. He knows-and gladly shows us-how to have great relationships. Learn the principles that transform lives and strengthen relationships. </span></p> <span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" > </span><p><span style=";font-family:arial;font-size:85%;" >Hope to see you there. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early for any recording session in which you desire to be part of the studio audience. No R.S.V.P. is required, just show up and enjoy!</span></p>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-73710737607722357342009-01-06T14:32:00.001-08:002009-01-08T12:47:44.387-08:00What people are saying about "Loyalty's Web" part twoThe praise for Joyce's novel, <span style="font-style: italic;">Loyalty's Web</span> just keeps coming. Check out the following two author interviews Joyce did.<br /><br /><a href="http://sarahaalbrecht.blogspot.com/2008/10/author-interview-with-joyce-dipastena.html">http://sarahaalbrecht.blogspot.com/2008/10/author-interview-with-joyce-dipastena.html</a><br /><br />and<br /><br /><a href="http://marshaward.blogspot.com/2007/09/author-interview-joyce-dipastena.html">http://marshaward.blogspot.com/2007/09/author-interview-joyce-dipastena.html</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-49473813740285481412009-01-06T12:59:00.000-08:002009-01-08T12:47:23.519-08:00Deseret News Article about Anna's Prayer<span style="font-style: italic;">Anna's Prayer</span>, written by Karl Beckstrand, and tells the true story of Anna Anderson was reviewed in the Deseret News on Sunday, December 21.<br /><br />Ten-year-old Anna Anderson and her sister, Ida, are sent by their mother to America to live with an aunt after the family joins The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1888. <p>She and Ida, who is going to Idaho to work, become separated at the Ogden train depot. The aunt never received letter explaining the details of the sisters' arrival. </p> <p>Alone, afraid and unable to speak English, Anna offers a prayer in Swedish. The picture book details the answer that Anna receives.</p>To read the original review click <a href="https://secure.deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705271823,00.html">here</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-74042063043784460992009-01-05T14:29:00.000-08:002009-01-08T12:47:08.004-08:00What people are saying about "Loyalty's Web"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c4zsBQe_aCdmoxR_zbxxNthVPXeai99eo2mtoTwOwgJmhNomgr2eM0ndYLvxVc9uhKDB0EO_lOxwJB0gdrSfCxl31FvzNlI24vgSWrvfxAiXncnaL8ZSL56ZaclWbRJqnTHx_iDisYJG/s1600-h/loyaltyswebFINALCOVERweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3c4zsBQe_aCdmoxR_zbxxNthVPXeai99eo2mtoTwOwgJmhNomgr2eM0ndYLvxVc9uhKDB0EO_lOxwJB0gdrSfCxl31FvzNlI24vgSWrvfxAiXncnaL8ZSL56ZaclWbRJqnTHx_iDisYJG/s320/loyaltyswebFINALCOVERweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5287951293897708706" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Most of us love a good romance, but are weary of picking up a book because we aren't sure what exactly we are going to find in it. Joyce DiPastena's book <span style="font-style: italic;">Loyalty's Web</span> is the perfect romantic getaway. It has passion, intrigue, suspense, handsome knights and best of all it is clean and was a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist for Romance. (For those that don't know, the Whitney Award is an award for LDS Novels). Her remarkable storytelling has delighted all who has read her book.<br /><br />But don't just take it from me, listen to what other people are saying.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Loyalty’s Web is a historical tale of intrigue with multiple twists and turns, arranged marriages and true romance. It is a face-paced, wellwritten, fascinating read. If you enjoy historical novels, particularly of the medieval period . . . you will enjoy Loyalty’s Web.</span> </span><div style="text-align: right; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span style="font-size:130%;">Midwest Book Review<br /></span></div><span style="font-size:130%;"> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Torture, blackmail, murder, forbidden love . . . this historical tale has it all. Soap-opera fantasy—a medieval Dallas . . . a sure-fire page turner.</span> </span><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">Kirkus Discoveries</span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">A MUST READ</span><br />From the beginning, DiPastena paints a vivid picture of life in medieval times. She quickly draws you into the lives and passions of her characters in a way that leaves you anxious to find out what happens next. Her research is clear, and adds to the authenticity of the story, without ever taking away from the flow of the story itself. (It made me actually want to go and find out more about what really did happen during that time period.) If you have any interest in the time period, or just in a great read, this book will not disappoint you.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: right;">Kristine M. John (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE!</span><br />You will really enjoy this book.<br /><br />Loyalty's Web kept me up late several nights as these realistic characters marched across the chapters. My husband asked me if I was coming to bed one night at 2:00 a.m. Yikes, I had lost track of the time and needed to get up for work the next day!<br /><br />Her characters are all believable. You are cheering for the heroine as she faces her family and external wrongs. I felt the pain of the hero as he struggled to maintain his duty, honor and his love.<br /><br />This is a real page turner! I recommend this book to you!<br /><div style="text-align: right;">Lorna W. Hale (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">UNRAVELING THE WEB</span><br />I enjoyed Loyalty's Web a great deal. The characters became real to me from the first, and I was torn between the conflicting desires and loyalties of the heroine and the hero. Could they find a way for both of them to be true to their loyalties, to themselves, and to each other? It was great fun to unravel the web and find the real spiders in the cast of characters. Intrigue and hidden motives rounded out the plot to provide more than enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Ms. DiPastena knows how to fashion an emotional roller coaster for her readers. I want more.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">T. Deighton (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /></div></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">LOYALTY'S WEB</span><br />I very much enjoyed reading Loyalty's Web and recommend it to anyone who is ready for a great adventure. Ms DiPastina masterfully transports her readers into that mystic era of lords and castles, dungeons and knights. This historical fiction weaves its tale amidst the time of King Henry and his dominions in France. It lacks nothing, and is filled with suspense, romance, battles, dreaded arranged marriages, herbal concoctions, murder, and mystery.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">My Song "Joan" (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">LOYALTY'S WEB</span><br />Joyce writes with a freshness and authority for a first time writer. I hope this is not her last effort. <br /><div style="text-align: right;">Rebecca Drew (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/159992123/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">GREAT HISTORICAL ROMANCE</span><br />I really enjoyed Joyce's book. The more I read the story the faster I read. It seemed very well researched with accurate historical settings and lifestyles into the Medieval times. Great story and great writing.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">Valerie J. Steimie (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/159992123/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">ALL-NIGHTER</span><br />Wonderful! Engaging characters, believable conflict, heartfelt emotion, and lovely romance without graphic sex. This book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. It was truly a joy to read and hard to put down. Do not pick this one up late at night. You will not be able to stop once you start. :o)<br /><div style="text-align: right;">Jaimey Grant (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">LOYALTY'S WEB</span><br />Snatched it up at Deseret Book and couldn't wait to read it. It is my new recommended reading to all my friends. So love how you always stay in that time period and I couldn't put it down. Thanks for quenching my medieval madness but write more soon! Please.<br /><div style="text-align: right;">Mom of 5<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong style="font-weight: normal; color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">LOVELY VISIT TO A WORLD OF LONG AGO AND WONDERFUL STORY OF CHOICE AND LOVE. </strong><br />Joyce DePastena is a welcome fresh voice in historical romance. Her writing style is a real gift. Her characters come to life. I walked the time period through her detailed descriptions and found it fascinating and so visual. I was captivated by the story and the characters. Thank you Joyce for sharing this wonderfully clean historical romance with the world.</div>Cindy<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><strong></strong> <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">HISTORICAL NOVEL AT IT'S BEST</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">I love clean romances and I love historical novels that are acurate. Joyce DiPastena creates both in Loyality's Web. She captures the essence of the days of knights and intrigue. It is a journey you must take and then when you are done, you want more. A great read!!<br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Valerie<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:georgia;" >WONDERFUL</span><br />Wonderful! Engaging characters, believable conflict, heartfelt emotion, and lovely romance without graphic sex. This book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. It was truly a joy to read and hard to put down.<br /></div>Laura<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">LOYALTY'S WEB</span><br />I had to go back to your website because it dawned on me that your book was a topic of discussion at our class graduation party. Those who have read it raved about it. Congratulations.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">and lastly check out <a href="http://lizadairwrites.blogspot.com/2008/08/loyaltys-web-by-joyce-dipastena-review.html">http://lizadairwrites.blogspot.com/2008/08/loyaltys-web-by-joyce-dipastena-review.html</a>. A fantastic full review by Liz Adair.</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and don't forget to check out Joyce's website </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/">http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/</a><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-37489760830281185402008-12-15T10:52:00.000-08:002008-12-15T11:03:01.921-08:00SnowThe older I get the more I realilze that I don't like snow. I hate being cold and wet and dislike having to pull on hats, gloves and scarfs every time I go out. In my pefect world snow would start after Thanksgiving and leave right after the new year. Snow is kind of vital for making Christmas feel like Christmas. The only pleasant thing about snow though is that when big storm hit I can wrap myself up in a blanket and slippers and loose myself in a good book--not that I need an excuse to read, but there is something wonderful about reading a book when you can look out and see snow falling.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-64697964393651519902008-12-15T10:27:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:44:49.342-08:00Review of "The Big Book of Sacrament Time Activities"<span style="font-style: italic;">The Big Book of Sacrament Time Activities: Junior and Senior Editions</span> by Jenna Mitchell were recently reviewed.<br /><br />I am one of those mean moms that don't let their children do activities during sacrament meeting but I have found that our Sunday afternoons have been wasted away in front of the T.V. and I have been looking for some solutions to help my children enjoy the Sabbath.<br /><br />I got these great activity books full of puzzles, word searches and games that help teach the scriptures and gospel principles. The Junior edition is still a bit too difficult for my four-year-old son but my eight-year-old daughter and I had a great time doing some of the puzzles together the last couple of Sundays. These are definitely a keeper.<br /><br />Visit the original post here<br /><a href="http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/11/sunday-afternoon-ideas-for-kids.html">http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/11/sunday-afternoon-ideas-for-kids.html</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-28830847730062261082008-12-15T09:25:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:45:35.125-08:00Author Karl Beckstrand to be on KUTV News<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQoaAA10UtBOpUvK8fqT23tlLWSD5IcEwVlv2ZkJgy1xVDnTdVDk67_X_qYpqNKxlmrK3LCHxbXDJWtHY0RevH2nLTYIfg2o8Q8lqSQD98OAjchrj7Udi3QqVlOB0ErWdkCMfGZyw-jnG/s1600-h/karlsmall.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcQoaAA10UtBOpUvK8fqT23tlLWSD5IcEwVlv2ZkJgy1xVDnTdVDk67_X_qYpqNKxlmrK3LCHxbXDJWtHY0RevH2nLTYIfg2o8Q8lqSQD98OAjchrj7Udi3QqVlOB0ErWdkCMfGZyw-jnG/s320/karlsmall.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5280073191539762290" border="0" /></a><br />Karl Beckstrand, author of <span style="font-style: italic;">Anna's Prayer</span>, will be featured on the KUTV 2 noon news (in Utah) today, 15 December. With the segment on him airing about 12.45 p.m. <span style="font-style: italic;">Anna's</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> Prayer</span> is the true story of ten-year-old Anna who arrives in Utah--not knowing anyone and unable to speak English. Anna learns that the Lord not only hears, but answers prayers.<br /><br />Between now and Christmas, Karl will be signing his book at the following locations.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Provident Book</span><br />Wednesday, 17 December<br />4:30-8:00 p.m.<br />661 W State Street, Pleasant Grove, Ut<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sandy Costco</span><br />Friday, 19 December<br />4:00-8:00 p.m.<br />11100 Auto Mall Drive, Sandy, Ut<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Murray Costco</span><br />Saturday. 20 December<br />10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.<br />5300 S. State Street, Murray, Ut<br /></div>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-61381255445305620502008-12-10T07:05:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:46:14.892-08:00Review of "Alone But Not Lonely" by Paul BrandtMarie Ricks on her blog <a href="http://prayteachlearngrow.blogspot.com/">http://prayteachlearngrow.blogspot.com </a>recently reviewed Paul Brandt's book <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span>.<br />We all have loved ones--family members and close friends--who are single and searching for someone to love for forever. The singles we know are in all types of situations. They may have been searching for a spouse for just a few years or many years. They may be divorced or have lost a spouse. It is because there is someone in each one of our families or close circle of friends with special family needs that Paul S. Brandt's book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span>, is such a wonderful addition to the library of LDS books of help and encouragement for singles.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span> covers all aspects of loneliness and the difficulties of being single, especially in an LDS context. Brandt defines loneliness and answers the deep questions that most singles have about acceptance, love, faith, and hope. After ten chapters of instruction, encouragement, exercises, doctrine, and Brandt's "Four Weeks to More Joy and Love" program, <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span> culminates with seven empathetic essays written by LDS singles in unique situations.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely </span>is full of instruction, encouragement, and ideas for change. Based on his qualifications as a social worker, psychotherapist, marriage and family therapist, renowned speaker, and latter-day saint, Brandt is able to addresses the unique challenges of LDS singles in an encouraging, informative, understanding, and doctrinal-based way. Furthermore, in <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span>, Brandt is able to talk to his readers not as a therapist, a bishop, a father, or even a friend, but almost as if he were the voice of the readers themselves, reminding them what they believe, what hope there is to cling to, how to keep going day by day to find joy, and what they can change.<br /><br />There is something powerful in a book like <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span> when its only weakness is that its page headers don't identify what chapter you're in. Paul Brandt's <span style="font-style: italic;">Alone But Not Lonely</span> is an amazing find for anyone struggling with loneliness and the discouragements of being single.<br /><br />To check out the original review, click below<br /><a href="http://prayteachlearngrow.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-review-alone-but-not-lonely-by.html">http://prayteachlearngrow.blogspot.com/2008/11/book-review-alone-but-not-lonely-by.html</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-48223957167640682332008-12-04T15:34:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:48:09.666-08:00Leatherwood Press author, Diana Mahony featured in an ABCNEWS.com articleDaian Mahony, author of <span style="font-style: italic;">God Made Us to Laugh</span>, was recently interviewed for an ABCNews. com article titled "Why Pain Makes Us Laugh."<br /><br />Check out the full article at <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=6325491&page=1">http://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=6325491&page=1</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-27739533452809741612008-11-06T12:51:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:49:11.386-08:00Review of "The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO9rtiyrd5dUUvjedLRmXOh2OqIFU7HxQxu0hcRwDOxQY5PbZAxCnY10o2Gi0kNKDIkoUFLOR2ywoq0ATigFdQs7VUtFZxWExuOtuqYBb_m0GuaGGquf2_41625mtCjOl-Yoiw4vIaemY/s1600-h/LDSFindingFamilyCover.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkO9rtiyrd5dUUvjedLRmXOh2OqIFU7HxQxu0hcRwDOxQY5PbZAxCnY10o2Gi0kNKDIkoUFLOR2ywoq0ATigFdQs7VUtFZxWExuOtuqYBb_m0GuaGGquf2_41625mtCjOl-Yoiw4vIaemY/s320/LDSFindingFamilyCover.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265650891061022066" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Reviewed by <span id="ctl00_ctl00_mainContentPlaceHolder_reviewContentPlaceHolder_reviewFormView_ReviewerLabel0">Jaymie Reynolds</span> <br /> On <span id="ctl00_ctl00_mainContentPlaceHolder_reviewContentPlaceHolder_reviewFormView_ReviewDateLabel">10/9/2008</span> <br /> <br /> Leatherwood Press, 2007 Paperback:<br />293 pages<br />ISBN 10: 1-59992-057-3<br />ISBN 13: 978-1-59992-057-3 Price: $19.95 <br /> <p> The world of family history is growing bigger and more well known every day. Many people are driven to seek out and connect to their own past. Some people though, myself included, are fairly new to this world. I grew up hearing stories of long dead family members and enjoyed feeling a common bond with them. Now that I am ready to begin seeking out these lost loved ones on my own, I am overwhelmed by the process. </p><p> In researching family history, there are so many resources and tools available that I have never been sure which are most user-friendly and appropriate. Michael Otterson has recognized this need in many people and has, through his book, <i>The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family On The Internet</i>, attempted to simplify this process for overwhelmed and under-motivated beginners. </p><p> Mr. Otterson begins his book with a background of why family history is so important and what tools are available on the internet. He shared a quote by Alex Haley, the author of <i>Roots</i>, that accurately sums up the feelings of many who are seeking to locate their ancestors. </p><p> "In all of us there is a hunger, marrow deep, to know our heritage--to know who we are and where we came from. Without this enriching knowledge, ther is a hollow yearning. No matter what our attainments in life, there is still a vacuum, an emptiness, and the most disquieting loneliness." (p.18) </p><p> In addition to this background, the author cautions, "family history calls for some common sense, good judgment and reasoning skills, and a little imagination." (p.19) </p><p> This book is very thorough and covers the bases of how to choose the right software for you and how to add names, notes, and other sources. Mr. Otterson also includes information on how and where to look on the internet. There is a chapter that explains how to network and use teamwork in your research as well. </p><p> <i>The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family on the Internet</i> has several chapters that focus on finding ancestors who hailed from the British Isles. It is estimated that about 70% of Americans will find there ancestors in this area. There is, however, sufficient data included to help those who need to search other areas to find their progenitors. </p><p> One of the things that I found most exciting about this book is the author's inclusion of how one can find family stories on the internet. The author appropriately titles this chapter, "Meat on the Bones". For me, one of the most exciting parts of doing family history is finding the opportunity to get to know my family members as people rather than just as a name on the page. </p><p> Overall, this book appears to be a fabulous resource for those beginners who are ready to find their own roots. It is geared toward those who belong to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints but has tips that are useful for anyone who is looking to build their own family tree. Although there is a great deal of information presented in this book, it is presented in a very clear and concise manner. If the reader truly desires to find lost family members, they can easily sit down with this book and take one chapter at a time. If the reader applies each step in the chapter as they finish it, their family tree will be well underway by the time they reach the last page. </p> <i>The Essential Latter-day Saint Guide to Finding Your Family on the Internet</i> takes an overwhelming and oft-times confusing subject and brings a clarity and simplicity to it that will encourage many people to seek out and document their own family beginnings.<br /><br />Found on <a href="http://www.aml-online.org/Reviews/Review.aspx?id=4317">http://www.aml-online.org/Reviews/Review.aspx?id=4317</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-40669838932304823872008-11-06T09:16:00.001-08:002008-12-15T10:49:30.940-08:00Review of "Finding Peace"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuXglhHBbG9DHbWybAW1IXpo2eEuAy7FlvY6oBBvg8JAJ-LNdAWUC9bD39z7c-9S2o0FG05qsnaeR8uCcg8mvt6-Rxr33uou4vpJWA4W0YYTlaUYztIZynv7HDmuxY_roZXm7gczGCqIg/s1600-h/FindingPeaceCoverweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 138px; height: 211px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyuXglhHBbG9DHbWybAW1IXpo2eEuAy7FlvY6oBBvg8JAJ-LNdAWUC9bD39z7c-9S2o0FG05qsnaeR8uCcg8mvt6-Rxr33uou4vpJWA4W0YYTlaUYztIZynv7HDmuxY_roZXm7gczGCqIg/s320/FindingPeaceCoverweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265595023443271554" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Title: Finding Peace: Steps to Overcoming Guilt for Latter-day Saints<br />Author: Betsy Chatlin, LCSW<br />Publisher: Leatherwood Press<br />Genre: Non fiction/ Motivational<br />Year Published: 2008<br />Number of Pages: 189<br />Binding: Paperback<br />ISBN10: N/A<br />ISBN13: 978-1-59992-087-0<br />Price: $16.95<br /><br />Reviewed by Karen Hamilton<br /><br />Betsy Chatlin has a way of writing that is soothing, peaceful and<br />motivational. She is a clinical social worker and is able to connect<br />with those who are seeking peace and relief from guilt. With all that<br />she has experienced and learned in her years of service, it is amazing<br />that the spirit of compassion is still alive and strong in her.<br /><br />The chapters are designed to cover one aspect of guilt and what it does<br />to individuals. The first chapter is one of hope and is encouraging.<br />This is the perfect way to start a book about guilt. Chatlin encourages<br />everyone to find “glimmers of hope” to start to overcome guilt and to<br />understand that life is made of “pieces of joy."<br /><br />“Guilt is a pebble with the potential of a pearl. Unfortunately,<br />sometimes guilt is a boulder. But even a boulder has the potential of a<br />pearl. …….. I think of a pearl as beautiful, choice- a treasure. Guilt<br />is something to be taken care of, and the result is a decrease in the<br />pain, but it is not something to cherish that is beautiful. ….. Guilt is<br />not beautiful. …. But the eternal truth is that we must learn the<br />lessons from our guilt, then keep the instruction and the<br />transformation. We must leave the acute pain of the guilt behind and<br />stop defining ourselves by the sin, transgression or mistake that led to<br />the guilt.” (pgs. 20-21)<br /><br />Chatlin expresses the reality of guilt in simple terms that are easy to<br />grasp. She shows that guilt is different for everyone, even when there<br />are similar circumstances. “As pain is to the body, so conscience is to<br />the soul. While physical pain has dozens of balms in bottles, tubes or<br />jars, there is only one remedy for a pain stricken conscience: that<br />remedy is repentance.” (pg. 29)<br /><br />The questions that Chatlin poses are thought provoking, and cause one to<br />seek the answers for themselves. One such question is, What does<br />happiness look like? I am fairly sure that it is different for everyone.<br />My happiness involves a clean home and a happy husband and children;<br />maybe with the bills paid. I’m not asking for much. Happiness can also<br />change, depending on circumstances and age.<br /><br />This is a book that is written with gentle guidance and loving concern<br />for those who are struggling with guilt. With the easy to grasp writing<br />I recommend this book for Church leaders, parents, and anyone who is<br />looking for soothing balm for the soul. There are many who will benefit<br />from Betsy Catlin’s words of hope. This book is now a permanent fixture<br />on my shelves.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-39957976879826162322008-11-06T09:13:00.000-08:002008-12-15T10:49:56.429-08:00Review of "It Wasn't Raining When Noah Built the Ark"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiihupRwe1PhPcGsghth0h-XakjY2ckjyinQimtMeH2tjaw18xJj3vgeuaS9AddlyAuNPprPJcOckL34miamtroAcSgP2oo7045Se57GhJkdMZTFGhoJ3VI618uhcQ36u3INh2pLoKUuC/s1600-h/FamilyPrepardnessCOVERweb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 169px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNiihupRwe1PhPcGsghth0h-XakjY2ckjyinQimtMeH2tjaw18xJj3vgeuaS9AddlyAuNPprPJcOckL34miamtroAcSgP2oo7045Se57GhJkdMZTFGhoJ3VI618uhcQ36u3INh2pLoKUuC/s320/FamilyPrepardnessCOVERweb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265594368948292290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Title: It Wasn’t Raining When Noah Built the Ark<br />Author: Tami Girsberger<br />Publisher: Leatherwood Press<br />Genre: Nonfiction<br />Year Published: 2008<br />Number of Pages: 168<br />Binding: Paperback<br />ISBN10: N/A<br />ISBN13: 978-1-59992-085-6<br />Price: $12.95<br /><br />Reviewed by Karen Hamilton<br /><br />“…Why is it such a challenge to follow the Boy Scout motto to Be<br />Prepared? I think we simply don’t know how to prepare, or at least how<br />to prepare efficiently and STAY prepared……How do you decide which<br />information is valid? How do you collect the very best ideas for<br />preparing yourself and your family?” (p7) Tami Girsberger has put many<br />ideas into simple formats that are easy to understand and not<br />overwhelming to read.<br /><br />There are twenty-four chapters that deal with separate issues of<br />preparedness., from the simple and most basic to the more advanced and<br />long term preparedness issues. There is no being overwhelmed by the<br />information that is presented. The information is presented in such a<br />way that it is easy and simple to use. The book is organized so that if<br />there is a specific topic that is more urgent to work on, it is at your<br />fingertips.<br /><br />This book covers Preparing your Family, Preparing your Home, Emergency<br />Packs, Preparing your Vehicle, Your workplace, Family first-aid kits,<br />Water storage, Sanitation, a Three-month supply, One-year supply,<br />Important Documents, Family Finances, In the event of an Evacuation,<br />Preparing for a Pandemic, Sheltering in Place, Staying warm without<br />electricity, Cooking without electricity, Becoming a CERT Volunteer,<br />Establishing a Neighborhood Plan, Basic Block plan, Candle Can,<br />Generators, Neighborhood survey, and last but not least State Offices<br />and Agencies of Emergency Management.<br /><br />In the chapters Preparing your Family and Preparing your Home, you will<br />find information that most children learn in school at one point or the<br />other. Tami Girsberger gives step by step instruction and explains the<br />steps in a way that makes sense. Some of the suggestions are ones that<br />should be second nature to all of us: if you have an emergency plan,<br />practice it until it is habit, use friends and family as a resource in<br />an emergency, secure the water tank as this can become a water source in<br />case of a disaster, etc.<br /><br />There are similar suggestions and lists in each of the chapters. Some of<br />the needed items Tami Grisberger suggested I had not thought of and some<br />I had not thought of needing. This is a book that I will be giving as<br />gifts to my family for Christmas so that they to can benefit from the<br />information provided. I strongly and highly recommend this book to all<br />who want to be prepared for what life may throw at them. After all, one<br />does not rise above a disaster, but rather sinks to the lowest level of<br />preparedness.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-87221423646712466702008-10-27T11:47:00.000-07:002008-12-15T10:50:21.969-08:00Review of "An LDS Girl's Guide to Real Beauty"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxzvhtnGn76ZDbr6MDN0g-SynvGlc5lXafFmuxV-GOShmJw57BeGVdJrZhpfIgblCCeKtO7UMcF6oZFCydOLGHF3VtcZhrmc7FWj9DiRylnS8TBAEwPAK_kyeQeGccjQ-RjBNCpXjF81c/s1600-h/BeautyBookWeb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 137px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwxzvhtnGn76ZDbr6MDN0g-SynvGlc5lXafFmuxV-GOShmJw57BeGVdJrZhpfIgblCCeKtO7UMcF6oZFCydOLGHF3VtcZhrmc7FWj9DiRylnS8TBAEwPAK_kyeQeGccjQ-RjBNCpXjF81c/s320/BeautyBookWeb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265596496768657186" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/10/lds-girls-guide-to-real-beauty-by.html">http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/10/lds-girls-guide-to-real-beauty-by.html</a><br /><br />Finally, a fun and age-appropriate book for young girls (perhaps ages 8-13) that discusses beauty, hygiene, exercise, modesty and self-esteem! First off I have to say that this book is absolutely precious - the illustrations are very feminine and fun. My 8-year-old daughter is going to love this book (I am saving it for her for Christmas so mum's the word).<br /><br />In the introduction the author, Leslie Cheret, says that she was inspired to write this book after spending time working with girls in primary and young women and seeing that so many of them have poor self-perception. I recently heard a study that young girls start deciding that they are fat and ugly somewhere around age 11. It is easy to understand this because of the media they are exposed to and sometimes, sadly, because of their own mothers who unwittingly share feelings of not being good enough, smart enough or thin enough.<br /><br />I love chapter two that is entitled <span style="font-style: italic;">Self Confidence and Wonder Woman </span>because it discusses spiritual power and having the holy ghost with you - two things that make a girl or a woman truly beautiful.<br /><br />Chapter three gives away a wonderful beauty secret - SERVICE! What would this world be like if it was filled with women who had the spirit with them and were constantly seeking ways to serve?<br /><br />I think that my favorite chapter in the book is chapter five which is called <span style="font-style: italic;">Modest is Hottest. </span>Shopping for girls these days can be a pretty tough job, even for the very young ones, because the stores offer short shorts, tight shirts, and well, you get the picture. I love the reminders in here that boys like girls who dress modestly (at least the kind of boys that we all hope our daughters will be dating).<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">An LDS Girls Guide to Real Beauty </span>is an excellent supplement for the <span style="font-style: italic;">Faith in God Program for Girls. </span> I can't wait to go through this book with my daughter and have a fun way to discuss some of the topics found in it. My daughter loves to read and so I don't doubt that she will have fun reading this book, but I think that other girls who may not like reading as much will be equally enthusiastic to read it because it discusses topics that they are curious about.<br /><br />*<a href="http://deseretbook.com/store/product/4982586">Available at Deseret Book</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-53548100711320884502008-10-27T11:45:00.000-07:002008-12-15T10:50:52.241-08:00Review of "Short Talks for Kid's"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HfT3jpYJNOvJPUqND98KnNvjn4RrPMwLpDSGXVxLdxj4FRwEpOpMu4_KYjrRD88gBOa3Mxi1K8QC4xnlIj2YGJ8hVAdZUQ-3dZ8vdHOxG2nQJ0SU5bedshOj8yFn1mDWBfon9uSCoSyG/s1600-h/ShortTalksJunior.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 167px; height: 216px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HfT3jpYJNOvJPUqND98KnNvjn4RrPMwLpDSGXVxLdxj4FRwEpOpMu4_KYjrRD88gBOa3Mxi1K8QC4xnlIj2YGJ8hVAdZUQ-3dZ8vdHOxG2nQJ0SU5bedshOj8yFn1mDWBfon9uSCoSyG/s320/ShortTalksJunior.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265597042728031826" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/10/short-talks-for-kids-ages-4-7-by.html">http://lizbooksandhobbies.blogspot.com/2008/10/short-talks-for-kids-ages-4-7-by.html</a><br /><br />This is a wonderful resource to have on hand when your young primary-age child has been assigned to give a talk in primary. I think I will also be pulling it out for Family Home Evening.<br /><br />Each chapter is filled with a few one-page talks that discuss principles of the gospel (i.e. forgiveness; Jesus Christ, our Savior; prophets; Heavenly Father's Plan, etc...). They are written in plain and simple language that a young child can understand and feel comfortable speaking. Depending on the child, she may also be able to memorize one of these short talks.<br /><br />Visual aids can easily be added with the help of the Gospel Art Kit or homemade pictures! At the bottom of each talk is a recommended picture to use from the Gospel Art Kit.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-77859108802417841142008-10-09T10:17:00.000-07:002008-12-15T10:51:23.269-08:00God Made Us to Laugh Article<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fl0L1rCsQlZ7H2uDri-0xMMQCg7kuDX-kHHx9_XCVJZis_NE_7tHDTs5cXzYPxiwSO4bAu0SbmVuXrMzpvrIroOIoahn7KjEWpY2beFSWyrqqH9Gu8R1fFCYQvFnGGgd5Oa-uY5sW4eV/s1600-h/GodLaughCoverWEb.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 123px; height: 186px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7fl0L1rCsQlZ7H2uDri-0xMMQCg7kuDX-kHHx9_XCVJZis_NE_7tHDTs5cXzYPxiwSO4bAu0SbmVuXrMzpvrIroOIoahn7KjEWpY2beFSWyrqqH9Gu8R1fFCYQvFnGGgd5Oa-uY5sW4eV/s320/GodLaughCoverWEb.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265597389942182098" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last week, Jerry Johnston of the <span style="font-style: italic;">Deseret News</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">Mormon Times</span> wrote an article about Diana Mahony's book <span style="font-style: italic;">God Made Us to Laugh</span>. It was a great article that highlighted the unique aspects of her book. As emeritus BYU–Hawaii professor Diana Mahony, Ph.D., explains how our sense of humor is the fingerprint of our personality—an indicator of our values, our character, and our worldview. Mahony also shares how the good humor of LDS General Authorities past and present is a cultural treasure that actually teaches doctrine. The reader will also learn what “loud laughter” and “light-mindedness” really mean, and why there will be laugher in the hereafter.<br /><br />To read the <span style="font-style: italic;">Mormon Times</span> article, click on the following link:<br /><a href="http://mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/jerry_johnston/?id=3939">http://mormontimes.com/mormon_voices/jerry_johnston/?id=3939</a>Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-86688318283054560202008-10-09T10:15:00.000-07:002008-12-15T10:51:43.735-08:00Review of "Games and Activites for LDS Girls"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_sI9Vy7rCmiIeZROxYrg2PXVYGrQ9Ji0zKYSVXwg6uGZE0ZxgrJV-NABXvoRzwxC1WiExQMBYD22Pa4NuIXA0WvgJQOQ4JT_f9n4opfMaKQ-UREE4r3Y2pmyrKiYwQ-9b2PUGzLK1FnA/s1600-h/LDSGamesCover2April.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq_sI9Vy7rCmiIeZROxYrg2PXVYGrQ9Ji0zKYSVXwg6uGZE0ZxgrJV-NABXvoRzwxC1WiExQMBYD22Pa4NuIXA0WvgJQOQ4JT_f9n4opfMaKQ-UREE4r3Y2pmyrKiYwQ-9b2PUGzLK1FnA/s320/LDSGamesCover2April.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255204332024270322" border="0" /></a>Title: Games and Activities for LDS Girls<br />Author: Jenna Mitchell<br />Publisher: Leatherwood Press<br />Genre: Non-fiction<br />Year Published: 2008<br />Number of Pages: 64<br />Binding: Paperback<br />ISBN 10: n/a<br />ISBN 13: 978-1-59992-084-9<br />Price: $12.95<br /><br />Games and Activities for LDS Girls by Jenna Mitchell and Illustrated<br />by Rebecca Miller is one book that can be judged by its cover. With<br />bright funky colors and cute pictures, this is a book whose packaging<br />definitely sells. Moms and daughters alike will pick the book up<br />because of its fun look. If they take the time to really look inside,<br />they will continue holding it because of the content.<br /><br />The beauty of this book is that the activities can be used by a wide<br />range of ages and most can be played over and over again without<br />losing their charm. This is a collection that contains party games,<br />word searches and other similar activities, and it even includes<br />several recipes. Because there is such a wide variety of activities<br />and games included, this book could be used in many situations.<br /><br />Girls and their mothers will love party games like "Name That Toe",<br />"Modesty Shots", and "3-hour Slumber Party". Giggles and good clean<br />fun are sure to ensue. For quieter occasions, the mazes and word games<br />are a great way to fill some time. Many of these activities can even<br />be used for a fun-filled family night.<br /><br />Even though the target audience for this book is young Latter-day<br />Saint girls and their mothers, most of the activities in this book can<br />be enjoyed by girls of all faiths. One concern that this book brings<br />up is that no part of this book may be reproduced or copied without<br />permission. This makes it difficult for a parent who would like to use<br />the word games and such as part of a party or family activity. It<br />would be nice to see this changed to allow families to copy pages to<br />use solely for such uses.<br /><br />This book is a great resource for any mother who is looking for ways<br />to allow her daughters to have a good time and laugh with their<br />friends in an age appropriate, mom-approved way.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5619749148178655928.post-50111525783790192342008-10-09T10:01:00.000-07:002008-12-15T10:52:12.211-08:00Review of "It's Never Too Late"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB81boYpuwJIGZG2VB6POwV73tL1sMIVW8EzHs6PCdIgtlfZVgT62-EBHuwMOFQ1CUX3fHcVHNd93QRqU8wtLFUdMtcN3bu9DCczKfj7zEoJwKC7wessfi-9527xSqwZrukYVcM3WRCkN/s1600-h/too_late_CMYK.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzB81boYpuwJIGZG2VB6POwV73tL1sMIVW8EzHs6PCdIgtlfZVgT62-EBHuwMOFQ1CUX3fHcVHNd93QRqU8wtLFUdMtcN3bu9DCczKfj7zEoJwKC7wessfi-9527xSqwZrukYVcM3WRCkN/s320/too_late_CMYK.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5255203986191546386" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br />Title: It's Never Too Late, Simple Acts to Enhance Your Life<br />Author: Britney Rule<br />Publisher: Leatherwood Press<br />Genre: Non-fiction<br />Year Published: 2008<br />Number of Pages: n/a<br />Binding: Paperback<br />ISBN 10: n/a<br />ISBN 13: 978-1-59992-091-7<br />Price: $14.95<br /><br />Reviewed by Jaymie Reynolds<br /><br />In the weeks leading up to the new year, countless people will berate<br />themselves for falling short of the lofty goals they set one year<br />earlier. At the same time, those who have chosen not to set<br />resolutions for themselves, will either try to ignore the nagging<br />voice that is urging them to seek some self-improvement or sit back<br />and congratulate themselves on their "never try/ never fail"<br />philosophy. The remaining population who fall somewhere in the middle<br />will waffle back and forth between the two. Then, come January first,<br />the whole process will begin again.<br /><br />In It's Never Too Late, Simple Acts to Enhance Your Life, by Britney<br />Rule, readers, young and old alike, will find some of the basic tools<br />that will allow them to step off the roller coaster of yearly<br />resolutions and make simple improvements daily. With over 150<br />solutions to individual weaknesses, this book reminds us that small<br />steps can lead to great improvement. While this book is geared toward<br />members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, anyone who<br />is seeking to improve their life and draw closer to God can benefit<br />from the wisdom that is contained here.<br /><br />This is a small book and a simple read. Each page has a basic<br />principle listed. Underneath that, there is a brief explanation that<br />makes it easy to apply on an individual basis. Because the explanation<br />is brief, readers can easily apply these things regardless of where<br />they are currently in their own lives. Also included with each<br />principle of improvement is a quote or a scripture that underscores<br />the thoughts that are presented.<br /><br />Britney Rule does a great job of simplifying self-improvement. Each<br />thought offered can be used as the basis for forming new habits and<br />changing who we are. It is really simple for the reader to pick one<br />page and focus on it each day for three weeks until it becomes habit.<br />This book can also be used as a tool to choose a gospel topic of<br />study. The reader can research scriptures and quotes by spiritual<br />leaders on any of the given topics. The study of the topics in this<br />book can be quite versatile and can be as brief or as in depth as the<br />reader chooses.This book is presented in a straightforward and<br />thoughtful manner. I would not change anything about it. I would<br />recommend it to anyone who is seeking to become a better person.Leatherwood PResshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11863114996252001374noreply@blogger.com0