Jan 30, 2019

Trial, Blessing, or Both?

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TRIAL, BLESSING, OR BOTH?
by Hank Smith

Hank Smith says that, as he travels around the country, he often runs into people who have gone through some really hard things. "But," he says, "They almost always tell me something like this: 'You know, it has really turned out to be a blessing.'"

In this inspiring new talk, Brother Smith helps us understand the role of trials in our lives. He quotes Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who said that trials come in three forms: trials we bring upon ourselves, trials that are part of our mortal existence, and trials through which God is shaping and directing our lives. "Often we can't see the Lord's hand in our lives until long after the trials have passed," says Brother Smith.

Using stories and examples from the scriptures, Church leaders, and others, Brother Smith illustrates how trials can lead to triumphs. He shares the story of Orville and Wilbur Wright, who used setbacks in their lives to focus their energies into building the first successful airplane. He quotes Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who said, "Often the most difficult times of our lives are essential building blocks that form the foundation of our character and pave the way to future opportunity, understanding, and happiness."

And for those trials that never seem to end, Brother Smith reminds us that his favorite phrase from the book of Mormon says "And it came to pass," not "And it came to last!"

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This is a MUST-LISTEN-TO for EVERYONE!
Because we will all face trials as some point!
This will help you through your trials as well as help 
you guide someone else through theirs.
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Jan 28, 2019

The Truth about Miss Ashbourne

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THE TRUTH ABOUT 
MISS ASHBOURNE
by Joanna Barker

Governess Juliana Ashbourne has dreams reaching far beyond the confines of her current position, hoping to someday establish her own school for girls. When she inherits a fortune from her late grandfather, she is shocked to learn that “someday” may soon be within reach. However, there is one condition: she must spend a month at the estate of Havenfield—with the very family who disowned her mother. Intent on securing the money she needs to start her school, Juliana accepts the invitation, vowing to guard her heart against those who shunned her all her life.

But Havenfield is far from what she expects. She discovers a grandmother seeking forgiveness, a cold and disapproving aunt, and a painfully shy cousin. And then there is Mr. William Rowley. Though the heir to the estate is a merciless tease, Juliana finds in him a friend and confidant—and perhaps something more. As she struggles to make sense of her new place in the world, her stubborn independence clashes with a yearning to belong and the even more confusing desires of her heart.

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I completely adored this book!
The story line is so well told it will keep you engaged and begging for more. I listened to the audiobook and was thrilled when the reader actually sang the song that Miss Ashbourne performed-- 
that was a wonderful addition! I highly recommend this book!
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Jan 25, 2019

John 14:15

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JOHN 14:15
by John Bytheway

In a world where speed limits, parking restrictions, and seat belts are often seen as inconveniences that limit our freedom, it's easy to get lost in the mindset that commandments only exist because God "said so."

In this engaging presentation, John Bytheway reminds us why our Heavenly Father gives commandments—because He loves us—and the best rest reason for obeying those commandments.

With his signature style of scriptural stories, quotations from Church leaders, and a good dose of humor, Brother Bytheway explores three reasons why we obey—because we ought to (it's the law), because we want to (because of consequences), and because we'd love to (because someone cares).

He encourages listeners to remember the love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ have for them and to choose to obey for the best reason—because we love Them too.
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This talk is AMAZING!
I really like the "three reasons why we obey"
Something to really ponder--
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Jan 23, 2019

The Body, Mind, Spirit Connection

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THE BODY, MIND, SPIRIT CONNECTION
by Matt Townsend

Matt Townsend says we maneuver through the "paradox of life" in one of three ways—through our body, our mind, or our spirit. We get to choose.

He invites us to imagine a bull's-eye, with our spirit in the center, our mind in the next ring out, and our body in the outermost ring. Our target in life is to act with our spiritual being, but often, we are driven by our physical bodies—urges, tendencies, habits, or weaknesses of the flesh.

He says, "I believe that we have a body, and the body has a purpose, and it's different from the purpose of the spirit. The spirit is here to bring us peace and promptings and principles. The spirit is here to bring us power from our God. Our body is here to bring us pleasure, pain, a party once in a while, and procreation."

Between the body and the spirit is the mind, our "operating system." Brother Townsend says that Satan uses such things as envy, shame, guilt, impatience, and other "natural man" tendencies to move us away from our spiritual beings and hinder our eternal progress.

This talk is an inspiring and entertaining look at the interactions between the body, mind, and spirit that will help give us the right perspective to endure and enjoy life's journey.
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This talk is PHENOMENAL!
Everyone needs to hear it-- 
it will change your life 
and the way you look at things!
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Jan 21, 2019

The Gem Thief

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THE GEM THIEF
by Sian Ann Bessey

Gracie Miller is a small-town girl who has landed her dream job in New York City. As jewelry designer for one of the most prestigious jewelers in the world, she completed a particularly stunning piece, a custom setting for a large pink diamond.

But when her billionaire client Mrs. Katsaros comes to repair a minor issue with the setting, Gracie is horrified to realize it is not the ring she created. Someone has forged her design, and the priceless diamond is gone.

Mrs. Katsaros has no desire to bring media attention to the jewelry heist, so she recruits her nephew, Quinn, and his FBI agent friend, Steve, to do some sleuthing off the record. When they discover that the missing ring is just one of many forgeries in the widow's collection, they look to Gracie for help. They need her to act the part of Quinn's fiancée.

From the lights of New York to the shimmering islands of the Mediterranean, Gracie is swept into a thrilling hunt. But amid the search for the elusive thief, she and Quinn find themselves increasingly distracted by their growing feelings for each other.

What neither realizes is how close the danger lies and how serious the vendetta is—because, apparently, it is worth killing for.

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What a FANTASTIC read!
Loved it from the very first page to the very end.
Perfect setting, characters, and story line.
I highly recommend this one!
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Jan 14, 2019

Led by Divine Design

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LED BY DIVINE DESIGN
by Ronald A. Rasband

Every Sunday during sacrament meeting we hear the promise that we may "always have His Spirit to be with [us]" (Moroni 4:3). But what does it mean to always have the Lord's Spirit with us? And how can we recognize the presence and guidance of the Holy Ghost in our lives?

In this beautiful book, Elder Ronald A. Rasband shares timely counsel and personal stories about recognizing the hand of the Lord in our everyday pursuits. Through his own experience, Elder Rasband helps us learn first how to seek the Spirit and then how to recognize and respond to divine guidance in our families, with friends and colleagues, in our Church service, and during times of trial.

Each of heartfelt stories, brief messages, and inspiring quotes is an important reminder that the Lord is in the small details of our lives. Elder Rasband demonstrates repeatedly that we are led according to His divine design. Our Father in Heaven is interested in our success and eternal happiness, and He has provided the Holy Ghost to help us choose wisely so we can return to Him one day.



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What a beautiful book! A powerful message accompanied by wonderful pictures of nature, the Rasband family, and more. This book truly will help you in "seeking for and recognizing the Spirit" as promised.
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