BLOG TOUR w/ GIVEAWAY: Return and Succeed by Robert R. Shallenberger

RETURN AND SUCCEED
12 Powerful Habits for Success after Your Mission

by Robert R. Shallenberger

Covenant Communications, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-68047-366-7

Inspirational Nonfiction (LDS)

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

The first few years after a mission can be some of the most critical years in a returned missionary’s life. The transition from the mission field to normal life can be difficult, and many RMs get lost in the shuffle and struggle to make that change. Author Robert Shallenberger draws on a lifetime of experience helping youth and adults with motivation and personal development to share powerful tips and advice that will not only help returned missionaries survive the transition but also help them be successful in all aspects of their lives. With advice grounded in LDS standards, Return and Succeed is an invaluable collection of life-changing ideas, habits, and tools that will provide returned missionaries with the motivation and capability they need to stay firm in the faith and achieve their greatest potential.

REVIEW

While aimed specifically at returned missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS or Mormon church), there is much here of benefit for the lay reader.  Like most adjustments returning from a mission can be a really challenging experience and it becomes easy to slack off on habits practiced during the mission.  In this book, the author shares some important concepts and some inspiring stories about the importance of maintaining certain habits such as prayer, attending the temple, scripture study, having good friends, and setting worthwhile goals.  I especially enjoyed the stories that Shallenberger shared showing the Lord's hand in the lives of His servants.  The Lord is ready and willing to bless all who come unto Him and that needs to be our focus whether or not we have recently returned from a mission.

GIVEAWAY

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LDS NONFICTION: Will My Child Be Ready? edited by Emily Freeman andMerrilee Boyack

WILL MY CHILD BE READY?

Ideas for Preparing Future Missionaries of All Ages

edited by Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-043-2

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Mothers have an immeasurable influence and a significant responsibility in raising up young men and women who are prepared to further the work of the Lord. This unique resource includes 12 training chapters for moms of prospective missionaries, all written by mothers who have sent children on missions (and some by mothers who have also served as mission presidents wives). Whether you have young children and are hoping to begin the mission training process early or you have less than a year to pull all the pieces together, here is the good news: the path of preparing a child for a mission begins wherever you are. Chapters on topics such as fostering good daily habits, developing relationship skills, being resilient, and recognizing the Spirit shed light on what future missionaries need to know, what they need to do, and what they need to be. 

REVIEW

As a school librarian, I've learned just how hard it can be to teach children effectively. And the more children there are the harder it gets.  Thus I have a huge amount of respect for mothers  who dedicate their lives to raising children.  But  all of us need help sometimes and with the increased emphasis on missionary work, Will My Child Be Ready?, is a timely resource.  The book is divided up into chapters written by a variety of mothers who have raised missionaries and are offering advice on the things that children need to be taught that will help prepare them for a mission.  Topic covered include: obedience, work, self care, inspiration through the Holy Ghost, teaching, and bearing testimony.  Each  chapter also includes snippets from actual missionary letters as well as a summary of the principles discussed in the chapter.  I found the book very well written and full of great advice about mothering prospective missionaries.  There are tips on what to teach and how to teach it.  Despite the fact that I am not a mother, I found the book inspiring and would definitely refer to it if I ever did become a parent.  And there is much here of worth for me as an individual member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

LDS BOOK REVIEW: What to Know Before You Go by Don H. Staheli

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:

Developing the Heart and Soul of a Missionary

by Don H. Staheli

Deseret Book, 2015

ISBN: 978-1-62972-044-9

Source: publisher for review

All opinions expressed are solely my own.

ABOUT THE BOOK

As a former mission president and missionary preparation instructor, author Don H. Staheli is familiar with the questions, concerns, and needs of new missionaries. He also knows that the most effective missionaries are those who have learned how to be a missionary, not just those who have learned how to do missionary work. The most important elements of good missionary work are the heart and soul of the missionary, he states. This book provides gospel insights, tips, and inspiration that will give new missionaries confidence in their callings and help them to overcome discouragement, recognize the voice of the Spirit, eliminate distractions, set realistic goals, get up in the morning (even when it is cold and dark), find joy in the work, and prepare to bear a bold testimony of the restored gospel.

REVIEW

Becoming a missionary can be a frightening and intimidating thing, I mean going to a different place away from home, talking to strangers about something as important as the gospel of Jesus Christ.  As a former mission president Don Staheli sets out to share some of the things he has learned over the years about missionaries and missionary work.  Each of the thirty short chapters addresses issues and concerns that missionaries and prospective missionaries need to consider in order to become the best missionary he/she can be.  Topics include: listening to the Spirit and not the 'voice of the flesh', repentence, justification and sanctification, doing one's duty, pure service, and other related gospel topics related to missionary work.  While specifically aimed at prospective missionaries there is much here that applies to anyone who believes in Jesus Christ and wants to share that belief.  The inclusion of stories from real missionaries adds to the value of the book.  A truly valuable resource for those who will be, are, or have been a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.