Three Time Out for Women Classics!

EVERYTHING I NEED TO KNOW I LEARNED AT HOME:

An Encouraging Message for Moms

by John Bytheway

Deseret Book, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-60907-821-8

$10.99

Source: publisher for review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Remember the phrases it seemed like your mom said every day when you were a child? "Wash your hands" was a frequent instruction in John Bytheway's home, along with "Clean up your room," "Help your sister," "Go ask your dad," and others.

In Everything I Need to Know I Learned at Home, John Bytheway makes an inspiring and insightful connection between everyday phrases spoken at home and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Using examples from his childhood and from raising his own children, he demonstrates how parents—especially moms—can use simple things to influence their families in profound ways.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

John Bytheway is an instructor at the Brigham Young University Salt Lake Center. He served his mission in the Philippines and earned a master’s degree in Religious Education at BYU. He has published dozens of books and audio programs and lives in Salt Lake City with his wife, Kimberly, and their six children.

REVIEW

In my opinion, mothers and fathers are the most amazing creatures on earth and yet there is no more challenging role on earth than being a parent. And when one takes on the most challenging job on earth, one is bound to get overwhelmed and discouraged on a regular basis. It can be a thankless and never-ending task.  While a book like this can't take away the challenges, I believe it can help remind the reader of the great importance of what he/she is doing and they are doing more than they realize to help their children progress. Brother Bytheway takes some pretty common phrases that mothers say and explains how they very much apply to spiritual growth and development as well as mortal growth. I think my favorite section was where he took the statement, "Go ask your dad" and applied it to going to our Father in Heaven to ask for help and guidance.  He reminds us that God will "run to" us and help us all he can. An inspiring and comforting read.

MAKING IT THROUGH THE MIDDLE:

Hope and Help When the Journey Seems Long

by Emily Freeman

Deseret Book, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-60907-822-5

$10.99

Source: publisher for review

ABOUT THE BOOK

"Have you ever noticed that when people talk about their trials in a public setting, they tend to focus on what happened at the end?" writes Emily Freeman. "They talk about the miracle, the promise, the way it all worked out. It isn't often that people talk about what happened in the middle of the trial."

Sometimes we can't imagine there will be an end to a hard time. But we can find hope and help even when the road seems long and dark. Using examples from her personal life and from the scriptures, Emily shares six lessons that can help all of us make it through the middle moments of our lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emily Freeman took her first creative writing class in high school and has loved writing ever since. She finds great joy in studying the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Her deep love of the scriptures comes from a desire to find their application in everyday life. She is the author of several books, including The Ten Virgins; 21 Days Closer to Christ; and The Promise of Enough. There is nothing Emily enjoys more for breakfast than a bowl of vanilla ice cream, raspberries, and chocolate chips. Other favorites include parades, vacations, firework displays, and going for a long walk with a good friend. Emily and her husband, Greg, live in Lehi, Utah, with their four children, whom she adores.

REVIEW

When I read books like this I sometimes feel like they are written for me. Emily Freeman addresses a topic that interests me greatly.  She's right when she mentions that most people talk about trials in the context of the 'end' of the trial, but it's usually the middle that's the hardest part and enduring it can be very difficult. I know for me, sometimes the end is impossible to see. That's when faith is the most important. I really enjoyed this book and the recommendations that she makes.  She suggests:

• Turn to the scriptures (she has some that she specifically references)
• Wait patiently, tomorrow will come
• Recognize and remember His mercy
• Rely on the Atonement
• Continue to minister
• Trust God's heart

Habits of Happiness

by Wendy Ulrich

Deseret Book, 2014

ISBN: 978-1-60907-817-1

$10.99

Source: publisher for review

ABOUT THE BOOK

Our Father's plan for us is often referred to as "the great plan of happiness," but we sometimes struggle to feel as happy as we'd like. Are there really some simple things we could do to feel happier?

You may not have thought that such suggestions as "Don't even try to get motivated to exercise" and "Stop hoping to find friends" would show up in a book on happiness, but those are just a couple of the "habits of happiness" Dr. Wendy Ulrich invites readers to consider.

This perfect blend of scientific research, engaging anecdotes, and practical advice that you might not have expected can help you discover new ways to feel a little better about life.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Wendy Ulrich, Ph.D., M.B.A., was a psychologist in private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan for almost fifteen years before moving with her husband to Montreal (where he presided over the Canada Montreal Mission), then Alpine, Utah. She founded Sixteen Stones Center for Growth, which offers seminar-retreats for LDS women (sixteenstones.net). She is a mother and grandmother, a columnist for Deseret News, a former president of the Association of Mormon Counselors and Psychotherapist, and a business consultant with The RBL Group. Her books include Forgiving Ourselves, Weakness Is Not Sin, and national best seller The Why of Work, co-authored with her husband, Dave Ulrich.