Princess Activity--Who am I, and who can I become?

I have the activity for this Wednesday night and I'm also teaching the lesson the last Sunday of the month. The theme for January is The Godhead and my lesson is Who am I and who can I become?

I'm writing this on the blog, so I can get it when or if I want it again in the future.

Link to this:

Religious Freedom and Nondiscrimination News Conference 27 Jan 2015

We must find ways to show respect for others whose beliefs, values, and behaviors differ from our own, while never being forced to deny or abandon our own beliefs, values, and behaviors in the process." -Elder Jeffrey R Holland   #fairness4all

He is Risen #BecauseofHim

He is Risen

We each have very personal gratitude for the Savior's life, mission, atonement, death and ultimate resurrection. I am personally very grateful for membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, and bear my testimony that it contains the fullness of the restored gospel with everything I need to gain eternal life together with my family. I bear testimony that Jesus Christ lives and is at the head of this church. I share my testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon, that it contains the word of God and stands as a companion to the Bible as a second witness of Jesus Christ. I know that Pres. Thomas S. Monson serves as the current prophet of God on the earth today. I know Joseph Smith, who gave his own life as a martyr to seal with blood his testimony of the restored gospel, was indeed a prophet of God and the first prophet of this dispensation.  May you all enjoy a blessed Easter full of gratitude for the Savior, Jesus Christ. #BecauseofHim

Words can...

"Words" from Christian rock band Hawk Nelson. 

The lyrics read, 

"Words can build us up. Words can break us down. 

 Start a fire in our hearts or put it out."

What do our words say to others.  Well a youth group in Pleasant Grove Utah Mount Mahogany Stake 4th Ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints wanted to see if positive words could have an impact on people. They were surprised at how quickly they found out. 

This unexpected youth activity taught a group of young men and women the power of positive words and is now reaching beyond the small group to thousands.

The young men wrote words and phrases about each young woman while the girls were in another room. They then had each girl come into the room to be surprised with the positive words from the boys. 

The girl's reactions were more enthusiastic than Johnson or the young men had anticipated.  The girls enjoyed their experience so much, they all stayed in the room to watch as the rest of the girls came in and read the kind words written about them.

Watch the video here:

Tim Johnson, art director at KSL Television, was one of the leaders

 in charge of the combined teen activity. 

The Saratov Approach

The Saratov Approach 
 

 

Larry King said, “It was a wonderful film."

DVD & BluRay

The Saratov Approach is the extraordinary, untold story of Elders Travis Tuttle and Andrew Propst and their week-long abduction in Saratov, Russia.

On an ordinary day during their two-year LDS missions, these two missionaries are approached by Nikolai to meet a friend. But what followed took them into an unimaginable experience--kidnapped, beaten, and held for ransom for nearly a week--on the other side of the world.

While their families, friends and the world pray for their safe return, Tuttle and Propst are tested physically, emotionally and—most of all—spiritually.

In just two weeks, the indie has grossed nearly

$500K on only 23 screens.

Andrew Stewart

Film Reporter

@Variety_Stewart

Read Meridian Magazine's article now

Like a Broken Vessel

Gentle frowny face man

So I received the dreaded phone call from our Ward Clerk on Tuesday night.  Yep, I have to get to talk in church this Sunday. 

I was assigned to speak on the talk from October 2013 General Conference by Elder Jeffery R. Holland--Like a Broken Vessel.  

I recalled the talk in my head and thought, how can I do this with justice--to the topic, and his amazing ability to teach through his words.  I feel very inadequate to stand without just reading the entire talk and I must say, I don't like to listen to a speaker "just read" the talk, and I'm pretty sure Bro. Reynolds didn't say, "Will you read the talk by Elder Holland in church this Sunday?"  He asked me to speak, and my subject was to be the talk by Elder Holland.  

So, I came home and listened, again and again, to the talk and hoping thoughts and ideas would come to me.  Well, I'm printing out the scary frowny face man from my primary days, along with a new, more gentle frowny face and hoping for inspiration through study and prayer. 

For those of you who may be interested in listening again or for the first time, here is the talk.

( I do love to listen to him.  I feel very lucky to have known him through our ward in Provo

 when Greg and I were attending BYU and he was the president.  His home was in our ward boundaries

 and we got to know him, his wife Pat and their children.  What a blessing.)

I know too many who have succumb to discouragement and the feelings of depression.  I have lost dear friends and family of dear friends to this powerful tool of Satan as he tries to discourage us and make us feel incapable of success or love or value or hope.

Creepy frowny face man from
my childhood days in primary.

So my talk begins with:  1 Peter 3:8
and then:

If you chance to meet a frown, (pull corners of mouth down to a frown)

Do not let it stay. (shake head from side to side)
Quickly turn it upside down
And smile that frown away. (push corners of mouth into a smile) 

No one likes a frowning face. (pull corners of mouth down to a frown)
Change it for a smile. (push corners of mouth into a smile)
Make the world a better place
By smiling all the while. (nod head up and down)

and we'll see where I go from there.

Prayers are welcomed.  :)


(Please don't think I'm making light of a very serious topic with my little frowny faced men.  They are used to teach us at a very young age to smile and it is real that it is very hard to feel down when you put a smile on your face.  It has a very positive affect on your psyche to smile.)

I'll Go Where You Want Me to Go

 Members and Missionaries

 

Members and missionaries can see themselves in the work as they live the gospel joyfully and as they invite others to participate in activities, Church services, and other occasions.

 

 

 

See Yourself in the Work

Pioneer Heritage

Your ancestors didn't have to walk across the plains for you to feel a part of the Pioneer Legacy.

 

Church leaders have called on us to carry on their legacy of faith.

“We are all needed to finish the work that was begun by those pioneering Saints,” said Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the October 2008 general conference.

“The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to … attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.”

Feeling a little melancholy today.  Thinking of some of the great people I have in my life that have impacted where I am and who I am.  These people are a small portion of my pioneer legacy.  I'm a grateful to them every day for the sacrifices they made and the examples they set for me.

 I can't look at these pictures without a flood of memories coming to my mind.  I am so grateful for my knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and that my family can be together forever.

                     

Walking in Circles

By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

The Landmark of the Scriptures

Without spiritual landmarks, mankind wanders as well. Without the word of God, we walk in circles.

Both as individuals and as societies, we see this pattern repeated over and over in every dispensation since the beginning of time. When we lose sight of the word of God, we tend to get lost.

This is undoubtedly the reason the Lord commanded Lehi to send his sons back to Jerusalem for the brass plates. God knew that the descendants of Lehi would need reliable landmarks—points of reference—that would provide a guide they could use to determine if they were on course.

The scriptures are the word of God. They are God’s landmarks that show the way we should travel in order to draw closer to our Savior and reach worthy goals.

The Landmark of General Conference

The instructions given at general conference are another landmark that can help us know if we are on course.

Occasionally I ask myself, “Did I listen to the words given by the men and women who spoke at the most recent general conference of the Church? Have I read and reread their words? Have I pondered them and applied them to my life? Or have I just enjoyed the fine talks and neglected to apply their inspired messages in my personal life?”

Maybe while you were listening or reading, you jotted down a note or two. Perhaps you made a commitment to do some things better or differently. Just think about the messages of last general conference. Many encouraged us to strengthen our families and improve our marriages. This issue of the Liahona also focuses on these eternal values, with many practical recommendations to bless our lives.

Are we noting and applying this worthwhile counsel? Are we recognizing and walking toward these real and valuable landmarks?

The Antidote to Wandering

Spiritual landmarks are indispensable for keeping us on the straight and narrow path. They give clear direction as to the way we should travel—but only if we recognize them and walk toward them.

If we refuse to be guided by these landmarks, they become meaningless, decorative masses that have no purpose but to break up the flatness of the horizon.

    It’s not enough to go solely by our instincts.

    It’s not enough to have the best of intentions.

    It won’t do to rely only on our natural senses.

Even when we think we are following a straight spiritual path, without true landmarks to guide us—without the guidance of the Spirit—we will tend to wander.

Let us, therefore, open our eyes and see the landmarks our benevolent God has provided to His children. Let us read, hear, and apply the word of God. Let us pray with real intent and listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit. Once we have recognized the supernal landmarks offered by our loving Heavenly Father, we should set our course by them. We should also make regular course corrections as we orient ourselves toward spiritual landmarks.

In this way, we will not wander in circles but walk with confidence and certainty toward that great heavenly blessing that is the birthright of all who walk in the straight and narrow way of Christ’s discipleship.

Lamb to the Slaughter

Today marks the 169th anniversary of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  His brother Hyrum was also killed.  John Taylor was injured, but survived, and Willard Richards escaped without harm.

Music from Joseph, A Tribute to the Prophet--Nashville Tribute Band

At 3:15 p. m., John Taylor sang "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief" and the Prophet asked him to sing it again. Hyrum read extracts from Josephus. At 4:00 p. m. there was a change of guard and eight men were left to guard the jail. The main body of the Carthage Greys camped about a quarter mile from the jail at the public square. At 5:00 p.m., the jailer, Mr. Stigall, returned to the jail and told them Stephen Markham had been driven from Carthage and had fled to Nauvoo. He suggested that the men move to the cell as they would be safer there. Joseph replied that they would after dinner. Joseph asked Willard Richards if he would go into the cell with him. Dr. Richards replied that not only would he do that, but "'if you are condemned to be hung for treason, I will be hung in your stead, and you shall go free.' Joseph said, 'You cannot.' The doctor replied, 'I will.'" (History of the Church, 6:616). 

A few moments later the attack on the jail began. Hyrum was killed first. John Taylor was shot and he fell under the bed, but survived. Willard Richards was not injured. The Prophet Joseph sprang to the window and was shot. Falling out the window he said, "O Lord, my God!" The mob dispersed almost immediately when a call went up that "the Mormons are coming." 

A message was sent to Nauvoo written by Willard Richards that stated, "Joseph and Hyrum are dead. Taylor wounded, not very badly. I am well. Our guard was forced, as we believe, by a hand of Missourians from 100 to 200. The job was done in an instant, and the party fled towards Nauvoo instantly. This is as I believe it. The citizens here are afraid of the Mormons attacking them. I promise them no!" (History of the Church, 6:621-622). 

Nashville Tribute Band Concert Information

Nashville Tribute Band is coming

to Plachy Hall
208 Edgemont Blvd

Adams State University Campus
Alamosa, CO

 August 9th @ 7:00 pm!!

(Doors open at 6:00 pm)

You can save by purchasing your tickets ahead.

Tickets will be $12.50 at the door.

Tickets are available at  Books 'n Crannies, or call us at  719-589-6657 / 719-580-4158,  pay with credit card and pick up at the door (Will Call), or purchase here through PayPal and tickets will be waiting for you. Individual or Family ticket

Individual Pre-pay $10.00 USD Family of 5 $50.00 USD

(Tickets are also available in your wards in the Manassa and Alamosa Stakes.)

Lance Rhoton, Show Low AZ said:  "This is a concert that you do not want to miss.  Everybody should make plans to see these guys from Nashville.  You will be walking out better than you were when you walked in"

Suggested Donations:

8 years and up are $10.00 each (pre-sale)

Family of 5 or more (immediate members) $50.00

Individual tickets at the door will be $12.50

Children 7 years and under are FREE

Proceeds are to be donated to the

General Missionary Fund of the

 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Nashville Tribute Band

They're Coming!!

Nashville Tribute Band and Due West are coming August 9th. 

If you don't know who they are yet, you will and you won't forget this performance.

"This is a concert that you do not want to miss. Everybody should make plans to see these guys from Nashville. You will be walking out better than when you walk in."  Lance Rhoton, AZ

Did you serve a mission?  Do you have a missionary?  You can surely relate to this video.



Tickets are $10.00 each until July 1st and then they go up to $12.50.  Call us--719-589-6657.

Referral Rewards Program

Referral Rewards Program through the month of June. Here's how it works--if you are a current customer who has made a purchase from Books 'n Crannies, you can refer a friend who "doesn't know we have an LDS Bookstore in the valley", then when they come in and make their first purchase, you both qualify for 10% off one purchase.  Print out this post, sign your name and give it to a friend.  When they bring it in, they will receive the 10% discount, and it will be filed so that when you come in, you can redeem your 10%.  There is no limit to the number of friends you can refer, so print them out and refer a friend and receive 10% for each friend.

Referrer_____________________________

Courage

The courage of Esther is one of my favorite stories of the bible.  It is also my daughter's favorite.  I hope the message of this video can inspire courage in your lives and trials.  Remember, with God, nothing is impossible.

Why no cross on Mormon churches and temples?

Where is the Cross?



The Symbol of Our Faith

Some feel that the absence of crosses in our churches and temples suggest that Mormons are not Christians.  President Gordon B. Hinckley, April 2005, explained his feelings about the cross.  He stated, "...the cross is the symbol of the dying Christ, while our message is a declaration of the Living Christ....the lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship."

Click on the picture above to read the entire talk.

Cup Cakes a plenty

Here's Your Cup of Cake. 



Click the cupcake

Click on the picture to the right and you can get a preview of this new cookbook. It's here in the store, right now.  Yum, yum...

Spring is almost here

March is here, Spring is near

With Spring just around the corner, we are thinking about warm weather, cleaning out the winter cobwebs and rearranging the furniture. 

Come in and find some great deals on some good books and home deco.

 Deep Cover

New from Covenant

Are you a Traci Hunter Abramson fan?  Well you don't have to wait any longer for her latest book.  Out now and on our shelf.

Twenty-eight-year-old Kelsey Weber is one of the CIA’s finest undercover agents. After two years under deep cover in Salman Nassar’s desert compound, she’s unearthed vital information on the volatile Middle Eastern extremist sect. When her allegiance is called into question, Nassar teaches her a lesson she won’t forget—with a bullet to the leg. Kelsey is whisked out of the field to recuperate in the safety of her missionary parents’ empty Virginia home. But civilian life proves to be more complicated than Kelsey anticipated when she meets FBI agent Noah Cabbott, the handsome neighbor tasked by her parents with safeguarding the family home in their absence. As their relationship deepens, she’s torn by her inability to divulge who—and what—she really is.In a twist of fate, their separate investigations converge in a horrifying plot that threatens the nation’s security, and Kelsey’s identity is revealed. She and Noah have been assigned as members of a secret task force, united with one common goal: to thwart Nassar’s impending terrorist attack. As the situation grows increasingly dire, she is horrified to learn that there is a traitor in their midst: An agency mole has been leaking information to the enemy. Kelsey’s world is thrown into chaos with the shocking realization that nothing is as it seems, and each step toward the truth draws her deeper into a web of conspiracy more intricate and deadly than she dreamed . . .

Joseph a Stalwart Witness

New England, 1820: the Second Great Awakening sweeps through the land, fanning flames of religious fervor like a slumbering brush fire awakened by the wind. In Palmyra, New York, revivals of faith soon develop into wars of words as convert rails against convert, neighbor against neighbor, parent against child. In the midst of the uproar a young boy named Joseph Smith stands forth with a claim that two glorious personages appeared to him in the woods and declared none of the churches in the land contained the fullness of the truth. What follows is an unfolding tale of social and spiritual drama surrounding this boy-prophet who founded one of the most controversial and compelling religious movements in American history. Captured here in vibrant historical fiction by an inspired author who made its telling her life work, and validated by Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy, this account uniquely illuminates and enlivens the story of Joseph Smith as a stalwart witness of the Lord and builder of His kingdom in the latter days.

 

Visions of Glory

$17.99

In this true account of near-death experiences, we learn about the miracles of the millennium, the return of the Ten Tribes, the building of the New Jerusalem and temple, and many other astonishing events long prophesied in scripture but never before described in such vivid detail. Visions of Glory is a mesmerizing and fascinating read that you will not be able to put down.

ID: 20072840
Title: Visions of Glory: One Man's Astonishing Account of the Last Days
Author/Artist: John Pontius
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 288
Dimensions: 6 x 9
ISBN/UPC: 9781462111183
Weight: 1.3
Vendor Product Code: CFI11183
Vendor: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Imprint: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Release Date: 2012-11-13
Published: 1
Kahuga SKU: LNR1009
Price: 17.99
Keywords: BT13WINT CFI12Nov, Lexi New Release BT12CMAS, GB12
Bisac: REL046000
Category: Books > Non-Fiction > Non-Fiction

ID: 20072840
Title: Visions of Glory: One Man's Astonishing Account of the Last Days
Author/Artist: John Pontius
Format: Paperback
Page Count: 288
Dimensions: 6 x 9
ISBN/UPC: 9781462111183
Weight: 1.3
Vendor Product Code: CFI11183
Vendor: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Imprint: Cedar Fort, Inc.
Release Date: 2012-11-13
Published: 1
Kahuga SKU: LNR1009
Price: 17.99
Keywords: BT13WINT CFI12Nov, Lexi New Release BT12CMAS, GB12
Bisac: REL046000
Category: Books > Non-Fiction > Non-Fiction

The Parable of the Marinade

 

“The best barbecued chicken I ever tasted was marinated,” says John Bytheway. Who would have thought a powerful life lesson could come from a barbecue? While flying home after a business trip, John had a brief encounter with a very talented performer who had left Hollywood because he had learned for himself the advice of a mentor was true: “You will eventually become what you surround yourself with.” This word of warning is also a formula for success and happiness. Whether we realize it or not, whether we believe it or not, we are all marinating in something! What have we chosen to surround ourselves with? In this thought-provoking presentation, John Bytheway urges listeners to “marinate” in great music, great feelings, great literature, and great company



Comfort of the Plan of Salvation

A young man shares his testimony



Here is one young man who has put his faith in God as he’s dealt with tragedy. His understanding of God’s plan has helped him in his trials. 

Band of Sisters: Coming Home

Band of Sisters:  Coming Home



$15.99

Click on the book and read the first chapters for free.

 

Five women became fast friends when their husbands were deployed to Afghanistan. But as they welcome the soldiers home, what should be a joyful time soon becomes painful. Kim, who had a baby while her husband was away, knows how to be a mother but has forgotten how to be a wife. Nora, accustomed to taking care of herself during the long years of her husband’s absence, resents having to forfeit her independence. Jess’s already troubled marriage turns dangerous, while Brenda struggles to manage her husband’s psychological trauma. And Marianne faces her crushing loss, compounded with worry over wayward children. Each woman must draw upon her bond of friendship and faith to find the strength, courage, and insight needed to move forward, proving that even the hardest of trials cannot break this loyal band of sisters.

Saints and Soldiers Airborne Creed

Saints and Soldiers Airborn Creed

A few good men can change a war

 



$24.98

From the producers of the 1st Saints and Soldiers movie comes Saints and Soldiers - Airborne Creed.  This movie is based on actual events and tells the action-packed story of three World War II U.S. Army paratroopers--Rossi (Corbin Allred), Jones (David Nibley), and Curtis (Jasen Wade)--fighting desperately to fulfill their mission against seemingly insurmountable odds.

Cut off behind enemy lines after parachuting into Southern France during Operation Dragoon, their commitment to the Airborne Creed urges them forward--and proves that a few good men can change a war.