Review: Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors

About the book:
Turn your home into an MTC! With missionaries being called at younger ages and so many distractions and temptations to pull teens astray, parents need a plan to keep their kids on the missionary track. This practical, testimony-building approach to mission prep is perfect for parents and leaders. Start now so they can serve honorably and spread the word to all the world!

About the author:
Kevin Hinckley is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Private Practice. He received his M.Ed from Brigham Young University, with an emphasis in Organizational Behavior. He has developed numerous therapeutic programs, including inpatient and day treatment programs for addiction and trauma recovery. He has worked closely with the LDS Addiction Recovery Program and is the author of The Naaman Project, a day treatment program for Pornography Addiction. A former bishop and institute teacher, Kevin has written 5 books. He is a regular presenter at Campus Education Weeks at BYU-Idaho and BYU.
Mark Ogletree has a MS in education and a PhD in family and human development. He taught in the Church Educational System for 21 years, serving as seminary instructor and principal, institute instructor, and the director of the Institute of Religion in Dallas, Texas. He has also presented marriage and family workshops in the private sector, as well as for Education Week at BYU. Presently, Mark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University where he teaches courses on preparing for marriage and living prophets. Additionally, Mark has worked in private practice for over 20 years as a Marriage and Family Therapist. Mark has also published several articles in the Ensign, in academic journals, and most recently teamed up with other professors at Brigham Young University and contributed to By Divine Design–a book to strengthen marriage and family relationships.

From Reidhead Randomness:
The story of the Army of Helaman and the 2,000 stripling warriors is one of the more popular stories from the Book of Mormon.

Helaman, son of Alma the Younger, was a leader in the Nephite army. About 62 B.C. Helaman wrote a letter to Captain Moroni, telling him of the faithful and valiant young men whom he had led in battle. He called these two thousand warriors his “sons,” because of their youth and his affection for them. (See Alma 53:20–21; Alma 56:46.)

Even though these sons of Helaman had never fought in battle before, they were not afraid. Their Ammonite mothers had taught them that they would be protected if they had faith in God and obeyed His commandments.

"Now they never had fought, yet they did not fear death; and they did think more upon the liberty of their fathers than they did upon their lives; yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them" (Alma 56:47).

 This books purpose is to help parents teach their kids prepare to be great missionaries.  Some of the topics covered are:  Obedience and the blessings of work, how to ask and receive answers to prayers, and proper communication between family members.  There are some topics that help you as parents, such as:  learning to recognize if your using discipline or punishment.  Also covered are helping your children prepare emotionally, physically, and spiritually. 

Raising an Army of Helaman's Warriors is well written and includes lots of scriptures and quotes from leaders in the church.  One of my favorite sections was "how scriptures can be used in our homes."  There were several creative ideas that I have never tried before (using 3 Nephi 11:29 about contention, or Ephesians 4:29 for the critical talk).  I also like that there is supplemental materials listed at the end of each chapter.  These were very helpful when I was wishing for just a little more info or help on certain topics.

One thing I especially enjoyed is that I could read a chapter, and use that information for a FHE (Family Home Evening) lesson for Monday night.  I thought this would be a great way to make sure I was teaching my kids all that they should know/do...to live with HIM someday.  Maybe not all 12 chapters would be suited to do that, but certainly the majority of them would be great!

I received a copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: Tell me about it, Sister

About the book:
Stay spiritually strong your whole life long! This unique guide for returned sister missionaries provides counsel to help you transition into post-mission life. Filled with self-assessment quizzes, journal prompt questions, scripture study suggestions, and personal experiences from over 200 sister missionaries, this book will teach you how to make the most of life after your mission.

About the author:
Andrea Faulkner Williams is a writer, marketer, wife, mother, and returned sister missionary. She served in the Illinois Nauvoo Mission as well as the Colorado, Colorado Springs Mission. A graduate of Brigham Young University with a BA in Latin American Studies, she currently works from home as a social media strategist, and serves as The Young Women’s President in her ward.

Reidhead Randomness:

 This book is very timely in its release as there are a lot of Sisters returning from the mission field.  Since the change to lower the age required to serve an LDS mission in October 2012, the amount of sisters coming home has greatly increased.  This book shares mission stories and experiences of how she transitioned back to "normal" life.  She shares some of the challenges ("wicked" songs on the radio, wearing pants again, flirting, and surfing the web) of getting back to life after mission.  This is the go to guide on how to bridge the gap between the missionary identity, and the post missionary self.  She helps you to use the wonderful things you learned on your mission (scheduling, for example) and get the next chapter of your life in motion.  There are many stories of her apprehension of shopping, dating, updating her look, and catching up on the events that took place while she was gone.  She offers tips and guidance of how she got through all these challenges.  This book is written very much to returned sister missionaries, but it was a fun read for me (I didn't serve a mission).  

As a side note, It is a "pretty" book inside...Some of the writing is in a deep purple/red color.  That gives it a nice touch and variety. 

I received a copy of this book to review, however all opinions expressed are my own.

Review: The Olive Tree

From Reidhead Randomness:
This beautiful hard back book with paintings and calligraphy will be a welcome addition to any home!  It is beautifully simplified and interpreted from the LDS Book of Mormon found in the book of Jacob.  The calligraphy is beautifully done, but a little challenging to read for younger kids.  Having the pictures to look at while the story is being told brings a greater depth to the story and symbolism for the younger kids.  The artwork is fabulous and adds so much to the story... and kept my 6 year old interested in the story.  Since this is a very famous allegory from the Book of Mormon, most members of the LDS church have read it many times....This was a very refreshing addition to our family scripture study of the Olive Tree.

You can find it at your favorite book store, or on Amazon

Review: I hope they call me on a Mission

About the book:
It’s never too young to prepare! This charmingly illustrated picture book teaches children what it’s like to be a missionary, from riding a bike to studying the gospel to having a companion, and everything they can do now to be ready so that when the time comes, they’ll be the best missionaries they can be. Colorful and cute, it’s a perfect gift for baptisms and birthdays.


About the author and illustrator:
Ben White is the author of 10 Questions to Answer while Preparing for a Mission. He has been a Seminary Teacher from 2003 to the present. He has a M.A. in Religious Education from BYU, B.S. in Marriage, Family, and Human Development from BYU. He is an EFY speaker and has recorded two talks with the Mormon Channel on their “For the Youth” program.
Corey Egbert has always loved books and art, so when he discovered that he could create both at the same time by being an illustrator, he couldn’t have been happier. His illustrations can be seen in The Niuhi Shark Saga books and the album covers of recording artist Rob Taylor. He lives in Buena Vista, Virginia, with his wife Natalya, son Oliver, and their cat, Rex.

And a RECENT article from KSL.

From Reidhead Randomness:
If you have read the book "The Holy Ghost is like a Blanket," you might recognize a character (since its the same illustrator).  Think of it as a fun "Where's Waldo."  This book is great for kids and helping them to know what they can do at any age to start preparing for their mission.

It begins with a letter received from an uncle on a mission.  It prompts the kids to want to know what the uncle is doing, so they write to him.  The rest of the book is the uncle answering back about what it is like being a missionary.  It covers lots of topics such as Exercise, Study and Prayer, Teaching, Work and Serve, Obedience, Eating foods (that you might not like), and many more!  After each of the topics, there is a section of "What can you do NOW?" where it gives ideas of things that kids can do NOW to prepare to serve a mission.  It wraps up with the kids being excited to serve missions.

This was a really fun book (even my 12 year old daughter liked it).  She thought it would be a great book to take with her when she goes babysitting.  She was excited to share it and thought the part where missionaries had to eat weird foods that they are not used to was a good thing to know....(even though she's NOT a picky eater herself). 

All of the ideas shared in the book would be great for any age. They are all good LIFE suggestions....not just for preparing for missions.  While the book is written for the LDS audience, I think it would benefit anyone who reads it!



I received a copy of the book for review purposes, however all opinions expressed are my own.

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Review: Parenting Principles

About the book:
Give your children a bright future in today’s dark world. Parent with confidence and love with these inspiring stories, poignant personal experiences, quotes from prophets and apostles, and scriptures to study. This uplifting book includes a full month of daily devotionals you can read together and will help you establish the gospel habits your family needs for a lifetime of happiness.

About the author:
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 America 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.

David A. Christensen's official website. 

David A. Christensen's Facebook page. 

Instagram: @david.a.christensen

From Reidhead Randomness:
This was such a wonderful book! It has 31 quick read mini chapters that could be used as a daily devotional or part of couple scripture study each day for a month.  From the first pages of the introduction, I was hooked.  It starts with a fun personal story and delves right in to the meat of the book.  Each topic starts with a quote by a prophet or leader of the church, followed by an experience or story and concludes with questions and prompts to get you thinking and talking.  There are also scriptures and thoughts to go along with it.    The stories are thought provoking and enjoyable.  The parenting self examinations are very helpful.  They give great ideas and suggestions as to how you can make your life and in turn, your kids lives better.

Some of the topics covered include Obedience and Discipline, Just love them, Teaching about work, Tempers-Anger-and Voices, Christ-centered Parenting, Balancing What's Important,  Time, A Happy Home, When things don't go as planned, Rescue in love, Joy in the Journey, and MANY more!

This is a great book for any parents!  It references LDS leaders and scripture, but the principles and advice offered would benefit ALL parents of All Faiths!

One lucky reader can receive a FREE Ebook of parenting Principles!  Cedar Fort has agreed to provide an electronic copy  (.mobi or .epub).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 

Review: Finger Foods

About the book:
Taste your way to deliciousness, one little bite at a time. These scrumptious and sensational finger foods are the perfect way to impress your guests for parties, receptions, and more. Try the Coconut Butterflied Shrimp, Orange and Honey Meatballs, and Lemon Tassies. Packed with recipes and tips from an expert caterer, this book is sure to make your next party a giant hit from the first little bite.

About the author:
Joyce has spent the last 40+ years catering weddings and events as a part-time hobby. She does the cooking while her daughters, daughters-in-law, and granddaughters help with everything else. Catering events range from family dinners under the locust tree to 500 guest events. Events include wedding breakfasts, dinners, and receptions, anniversary parties, prom dinners, class and family reunions, church suppers, and business luncheons.
Joyce and her husband currently live in Springville, Utah, where she cooks, gardens, and hugs grandkids.

Reidhead Randomness:

If CUTE were a category to rate cookbooks, this would win the blue ribbon....you know, because everything LITTLE .....is CUTE!  This book is packed with fun, little eats!  Some of the recipes are common (egg salad, for example), but the nice thing about them being included is that we tend to forget about the "common" things when trying to plan the food. But, some of the recipes are new to me!  I have never seen anything like it.

There are LOTS and LOTS of tempting recipes.  They are broken down into many categories ( Beverages, Meats & Sandwiches, Cheese, Fruits & Vegetables, sweets, THEMED celebrations, basics, and an index. 

The instructions are very clear, and the recipes....delicious!  Just inside the Cheese section, is a page of CHEESE TIPS that includes some very helpful and interesting information.  I can't wait to try some of the sweets recipes!  The picture of the "spread" of treats is so exciting, it makes me wish I was invited to THAT party!    BTW...."Spudnuts" recipe is included!  (Does anyone remember Spudnuts?)  There are recipes for every level of expertise...."cake mix cookies" to Cream puffs!

The photography of the food is amazing!  It entices you to NEED to make them! 

I can't wait to host a party and be able to make a WONDERFUL spread from this book!