JANE AND EMMA

JANE AND EMMA. I have heard really good things about this movie so I was excited to see it. I usually watch these movies with my young children. For this one I was glad I watched it first. They are young enough that they wouldn't understand everything that is represented very accurately in this film. It was a very well done movie. It did take me a few flashbacks to figure out what they were doing with the plot, but once I figured it out, it made sense. Many things I hadn't made the connection on. It was very interesting and worth watching.

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JANE & EMMA is based on the life of Sister Jane Manning, one of the first black Mormons. She returns to Nauvoo to find that Joseph Smith, her prophet and friend, has been assassinated. Jane spends a ceaseless night with his widow, Emma Smith, sitting watch over the body of the prophet as a whirlwind of loss and confusion leaves them wondering how either one of them will be able to move forward. Through the long night, Jane wonders if the prophet’s promise to extend the blessings of eternity to her has died along with him. The film explores the possible events of that night, including Jane’s endeavor to remain amongst the Mormon people and Emma’s struggle to cope with her heartbreaking loss. Poignant issues of racism and polygamy threaten to break their bond of friendship. In the end, will Jane and Emma have the courage to follow the path each believes they must take? 

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OUT OF THE BEST BOOKS by S. Michael Wilcox

OUT OF THE BEST BOOKS by S. Michael Wilcox. I had the privilege to work with Brother Wilcox at the University of Utah Institute when I was attending school there. He was an amazing teacher there and his book was a work of art. I enjoyed looking at these beloved stories from a different, gospel light. It was interesting to read some personal experiences he had with some of the books as well. Many observations gave me something to think about the next time I pull these stories out. On a personal note, for  me, it was difficult to read those chapters that had so many quotes and citations within the text. I know that wouldn't bother some people, but it was a distraction for me. Dispite that, I would recommend this book to anyone.

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From Anne Shirley in Anne of Green Gables to Jean Valjean in Les Miserables, the characters of classic literature have stood the test of time. There are countless reasons to pick up a good book—but is it possible to find eternal truths in secular works? In Out of the Best Books, Latter-day Saint scholar S. Michael Wilcox demonstrates that when it comes to learning gospel principles, truth can shine forth in all good works—and literary classics are a prime example.

With underlying lessons on life, faith, and eternal characteristics, secular works can inspire as surely as religious volumes. It is through the experience of characters like Atticus Finch, Elinor Dashwood, and Ebenezer Scrooge that their authors' inspired words have the power to create life-changing lessons for readers. Learn to find inspiration, wisdom, and spiritual knowledge in the age-old classics. God is in every good thing—you just have to look.

Tour Schedule

Oct. 15^th

http://mybookaday.com
https://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

Oct. 16^th

http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

Oct. 17^th

https://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/
http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
https://rachellechristensen.com/

Oct. 18^th

https://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/
https://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

Oct. 19^th

http://lifeiswhatitscalled.blogspot.com/
http://thoroughlyhere.blogspot.com/

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21 PRINCIPLES by Richard G Scott--Book Review

21 PRINCIPLES: DIVINE TRUTHS TO HELP YOU LIVE BY THE SPIRIT by Richard G Scott. As many of you may know, our youngest son returned home not too long ago. I would be lying if I said that I haven't struggled with different emotions related to that situation. This book has reaffirmed some of the things that I already knew, but hadn't thought about in relationship to my sons—the one still with us as well as the one who has gone home. I love the principles and the stories that illustrate the principles that Elder Scott shares. It is an uplifting, enlightening book that I would recommend for any and everyone, especially those who may have questions and/or are struggling with different things life throws at us.

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"As you seek spiritual knowledge, search for principles," counsels Elder Richard G. Scott. "Principles are concentrated truth, packaged for application to a wide variety of circumstances."

In this exciting book, Elder Scott offers 21 principles distilled from his life experiences. These "concentrated truths" will help you understand more fully how to be guided by the Spirit. Elder Scott's brief explanations open the way for your own discovery and exploration.

"I bear witness that Jesus Christ knows you personally," Elder Scott writes. "He will provide answers to every difficult problem in your life as you trust Him and do all you can to understand and apply His doctrine and strive to live by the Spirit." 21 Principles will be a valuable tool in that quest.

Blurb and picture taken from DesertBook.com.

ONE DROP AT A TIME by M. Russell Ballard--Book Review

ONE DROP AT A TIME by M. Russell Ballard. This wonderful little book was delightful to read. I loved the message that was compared to the work ethic of a bee. My two-year-old loved the beautiful pictures. It is a message for everyone. I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone who needs a pick me up.

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Do you sometimes wonder if your little efforts could possibly make any difference at all? Consider a simple example from nature.

Honey is “one of the foods that includes all the substances— enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and water—necessary to sustain life,” writes Elder M. Russell Ballard. And yet, “Over its short lifetime of just a few weeks to four months, a single honeybee’s contribution of honey to its hive is a mere one-twelfth of one teaspoon. Though seemingly insignificant when compared to the total, each bee’s one-twelfth of a teaspoon of honey is vital to the life of the hive.”

Your simple, daily acts of service matter, and this charmingly illustrated little book will lift your heart as it demonstrates the power of many righteous people working together to fill the world, one drop at a time, with the sweet truths of the gospel.

BEGINNING OF BETTER DAYS a Mother's Day Spotlight

THE BEGINNING OF BETTER DAYS. With Mother's Day around the corner, I thought this book was a good one to buzz about. Be sure to take a look at it and the video!

How important are women in the restored church of Jesus Christ? We learn something about the answer to the question from a simple historic fact: In 1842, the Prophet Joseph Smith took time to attend several meetings of the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo and give personal instruction to the women there. He did this at a time of great personal turmoil, when persecutions were raging and his responsibilities were heavy. He did it at a time when society barely acknowledged women as having any kind of status at all. On six separate occasions, he taught the women personally about their privileges, their opportunities, their obligations, and the blessings the Lord had in store for them in His kingdom.

The Beginning of Better Days includes Joseph Smith's six timeless sermons to the women of Nauvoo, along with personal essays from Sheri Dew and Virginia H. Pearce that help us better understand the sermons and their relevance for Latter-day Saint women today. "We have attempted to share a little about our own processes of discovery regarding the sermons," writes the authors. "This is what worked for us. What works for you may be similar — or it may be completely different. The important thing is to dig in." (taken from desertbook.com)