Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prayer. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2016
DVD REVIEW: The Christmas Dress by Covenant Communicatiobs
ABOUT THE DVD
It’s Christmas Eve, and Leland Jeppson’s hope is gone. Struggling to get by in their rustic homestead, he had at least wanted to give his family a special Christmas. But with a blizzard blowing in and the train bearing their gifts nowhere in sight, it seems Christmas is just one more thing they’ll have to do without. But as dusk falls, the Jeppsons’ packages unexpectedly arrive at the post office in the not-so-nearby town. Half-blind Postman George Schow is hesitant to brave the storm, but his son, Sidney, will stop at nothing to bring Christmas to the Jeppsons—and ask their daughter, Ellen, to the New Year’s Eve dance. Now it’s up to father and son to battle fierce elements in an attempt to deliver a Christmas miracle. Don’t miss this heartwarming reminder that while God helps those who help themselves, sometimes He does so through others.
REVIEW
Short and sweet is how I would describe this brief story about a Christmas miracle. The Jeppson family waits anxiously for the arrival of some packages sent by Mary Jeppson's sister in Idaho, but as of midnight Christmas Eve the packages had not yet arrived. The parents are sad that their children's hopes of Santa coming are going to be disappointed. Ellen, the oldest child, is well aware that without these packages, there will be no Christmas. When her mother reminds her to have faith and hope, she sneaks off to the bedroom to look at the mended dress she'll have to wear to the upcoming New Year's dance, and sheds some tears. Unknown to the Jeppson family, their packages have arrived but George Schow thinks their delivery can wait until after the snow storm has passed. But Sidney, Schow's son knows that the Jeppson's will have no Christmas without these packages and urges his father to deliver them immediately. But as the storm worsens, it's going to take every ounce of faith, hope, and prayer, these two families can muster to make this Christmas miracle happen. This short video is a reminder that God helps those who are willing to help each other, and that the real meaning of Christmas is in the joy of service. This is a movie that would make for a great addition to Christmas Eve programs or activities.
Tuesday, December 20, 2016
TALK ON CD REVIEW: Ask of God by John Bytheway
ABOUT THE CD
In this high-tech era, we are overflowing with information—and sadly, some misinformation. More information means more questions! In this engaging presentation based on James 1:5-6, John Bytheway evaluates three types of questions: "Gotcha," "Google," and "Golden." Golden questions are the most important in life, involving gospel truths and our place in the plan of salvation. "The problem," Brother Bytheway states, "is when we expect Google-speed answers to Golden Questions." Using scriptural stories, quotations from Church leaders, and a good dose of humor, Brother Bytheway encourages listeners to "Ask in Faith." As they do, they'll learn to find their own answers to difficult questions—and the first step in this vital process is to "Ask of God."
REVIEW
I knew going in that I would probably enjoy this talk quite a bit. I've listened to talks and presentations given by John Bytheway before and thoroughly enjoyed them. And I did indeed really enjoy listening to this approximately hour long talk about seeking answers from God. I loved the way that Bytheway divided his talk into a discussion of three types of questions: gotcha questions, Google questions, and golden questions. "Gotcha" questions are those designed to manipulate others into giving you what you want. Several scriptural examples of individuals doing this to the Savior and his prophets. People who use these sorts of questions don't really want a legitimate answer, and in fact may already know the answer. Google questions are information questions that the Google browser can provide answers to, but it's just information, no wisdom is provided to help use the information gathered. Golden questions are the sorts of questions that people really, sincerely desire an answer to and can be answered through the gospel and God himself. But as Bytheway points out, society has trained people to want answers to "Golden" questions, in the same amount of time as Google provides answers, and many times, the answers don't come that way. Using stories, quotes, and scripture references, Brother Bytheway explains the importance of prayer and how it is for our good to use it the way the Lord designed it to work. He also points out the important of having faith in God, and being willing to 'wrestle' to find the answers we seek, especially when they don't come right away. This is an inspiring talk that is aimed at youth, but that has great advice and reminders for anyone who cares to listen. Highly recommended.
Friday, June 13, 2014
BLOG TOUR: Power in Prayer by David A. Christensen
ABOUT THE BOOK
Take a minute to gauge your relationship with God. Do you underestimate the power of prayer? This daily guide, with insights from General Authorities, scriptures, personal experiences, and commentary, will enrich and empower your prayers. As these thoughts increase your understanding of the significance of your prayers, your communication with God will be an unprecedented source of strength in your life.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR (from book)
David A. Christensen's love and enthusiasm for being a missionary was sparked in a missionary preparation class at Ricks College in the late 60s. His love and testimony for the Book of Mormon was ignited in a religion class the following semester. These two classes combined as a new beginning for what would one day become not only a passion but also the centerpiece of his professional contribution in the Church Education System and at Brigham Young University-Idaho. David has taught missionary preparation and Book of Mormon classes for over thirty years. His testimony and enthusiasm for the restored gospel was shared with missionaries and members in the Chile Santiago North Mission where he served as president, and again in Central American when he served as president of the Guatemala MTC. He counts his eight children and growing number of grandchildren as his most important converts, and his best friend and wife, Deena Bond Christensen, his eternal companion.
REVIEW
This book has come along at a time when I really need the counsel offered within about the importance of prayer. I really appreciated the four principles that he offers at the beginning. First, that prayer takes work, like all relationships, a relationship with God takes time and effort. Second, "A person's spirituality will never be greater than the quality of his or her prayer life." Third, quantity does matter. And fourth, prayer is often the first thing to go.
I found these principles all worth thinking about and I will undoubtedly ponder them more in the coming days and months. The format of the book is perfect for reading quickly or taking time to ponder the quotes, experiences, scriptures, and self-examination questions provided. The thoughts and perspectives on prayer that the author shares are all good ones and well worth considering. The book is perfect for those like me who need some guidance in more fulling taking advantage of and understanding the concept of prayer. Highly recommended.
Deseret Book
Thursday, July 25, 2013
BLOG TOUR/GIVEAWAY: Heaven's Just a Prayer Away by Diony George
ABOUT THE BOOKSometimes we wonder how, with so many people on earth, we matter to God. Like birdsongs in a city of sounds, answers to our prayers are easy to miss—unless we’re listening. Through inspiring personal stories, scripture, and prose, Heaven’s Just A Prayer Away answers many questions about communicating with and drawing closer to Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven.
Here is a brief description of the book:
“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let they heart be full of thanks unto God.” –Alma 37:37Before we came to earth, we lived in heavenly realms. We knew our Heavenly Father. We walked and talked with Him. We heard His voice. We felt His love. In Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away, beloved author Diony George teaches us how to reestablish that relationship with Him here on earth.
With the help of this book you will:
• Learn that nothing is too small or unimportant to discuss with Heavenly FatherThe inspirational and enlightening experiences found within these pages will change your life forever by strengthening your relationship with God and filling your life with peace, teaching us that heaven really is just a prayer away.
• Find peace and contentment through daily communication with God
• Gain a better understanding of why some prayers seem to go unanswered
• Develop a greater knowledge of the power of prayer
Praise for Heaven's Just A Prayer Away:
"Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away is
a sweet, heartfelt book with author Diony George’s personal experiences
intermixed with compelling stories about how prayer can shape our
lives. I found myself either smiling or teary-eyed as I immersed myself
in the stories, reminded that prayer is healing and sanctifying, prayer
can bring inspiration, prayer can ease burdens, and prayer lets us feel
the love of God for ourselves and those around us.
—Heather B. Moore, author of Christ’s Gifts to Women
"In Heaven’s Just a Prayer Away,
Diony provides a comprehensive discussion on prayer through inspiring
stories, basic principles, and heartfelt testimony. Her personal
approach makes answers to prayer and divine blessings seem more within
reach."
—John McConkie, stake president
ABOUT THE AUTHORREVIEW
Prayer is such a personal topic that it can be hard to talk about, but that doesn't hinder Diony George from writing a wonderful book on the topic. Using both personal experiences, short stories, and quotes she covers the topic in a brief but powerful way. Communicating with God can be such a wonderful thing if one takes the time and puts in the effort to do so. Highly recommended.
GIVEAWAY
1 print copy (US/Canada) OR 1 ecopy INTERNATIONAL
Ends 8/9/2013
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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