LDS GENERAL CONFERENCE

It's that semi-annual time of year when we head up to Salt Lake City, UT, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide General Conference.

 I had 3 tickets and invited my long-lost gal pals Aja and Michelle.

It was a great morning full of inspirational music, words, and great view of historic temple square across the street.

Find out more about General Conference here.

Christmas Love Letters from God #BOOK #GIVEAWAY

I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday. I love holiday movies, books, decorations, lights, and everything. Most importantly, I love the reason for the season.

I discovered a cool book for children ages 4-8 called Christmas Love Letters from God that tells the story of Jesus’ birth in a great way. The book includes 7 stories, beginning with Isaiah’s prophecy and ending with the visit of the 3 wise men.

After each story, children will find a letter addressed to them from God (there is a line to write his/her name). It is designed to make them feel special and inspire them with messages of love and hope.

I love this book. Check out this video of it.

It can be purchased on Amazon, Barnes & Noble. 

Want to win a copy to give to a young reader you know?

Enter below:

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I LOVE YOU...Just Because Book #giveaway

If I meet you, then I love you. It's true. I feel life is too short NOT to tell people you love them. 

That's why I really want to share this cute book I found called I Love You Just Because. It is a 20 page board book for parents to give their children that let's kids know that their family and God love them just for who they are and that that love doesn't have to be earned.

It made for readers ages 4 - 8 years.

It is written by Donna Keith, an English teacher who began writing stories for her grandchildren. She has a few others that you can check out also that are just as adorable.

Find out more about the book on social media her: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest.

Want to win a copy for a little one in your life who needs a little reminder that they are loved?

Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller /FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win. Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

PAYSON TEMPLE

Today was the last day of the Payson, Utah, temple open house.

 I went with a group to go through one more time.

I'm a little bit obsessed over this beautiful place, but can you blame me?!

Want to learn more about it? Click here.

PAYSON TEMPLE

Day-Z and I drove to Payson, Utah, to take a stroll around the temple grounds.

 There will be an open house where the public can go inside for a tour next month.

 I am beyond excited. This temple is the most beautiful spot.

I love to see this. I'll go inside one day.

PROMPTINGS

I heard something in a lesson during church a few weeks ago and it has been on my mind so much since then. The teacher said every time we have a super spiritual experience, we will be tempted/tested before and after that event. It doesn't matter to me if you believe this is Satan, the universe, or some sort of karma, but the more I think and from recent experiences in my life, I believe this is true. It might not seem fair and can be tough, but we are stronger than we think. 

For me, I have been trying to heed good promptings instead. It might make me seem a little crazy, but if I get a feeling I should phone, text, or stop by to visit someone, I do it. I figure there must be a reason I'm having this feeling. I'll admit I try to put it off sometimes if it isn't convenient, but then that feeling comes back more intense. I might not save a person from jumping off a cliff or something super dramatic, but I just might cause a smile to cross someone's face by doing this. You know what, the experience could even just be to help me. I might not ever know, but I am thankful for the push to do good and look outside of myself. It helps me to (as the Primary song says) try to be like Jesus. I pray to have a life with no regrets and to love as much as possible.

Recently, I asked for help from someone. I think I knew what they would tell me. I just needed a reminder and more importantly, I needed to be humble enough to ask for help. That was big for me. 

I hope this post makes a little sense. I am going to end with lyrics from a John Michael Montgomery song that inspires me to just keep learning and loving this crazy life:

The longer I live the more I believe
You do have to give if you wanna receive
There's a time to listen, a time to talk
And you might have to crawl even after you walk
Had sure things blow up in my face
Seen the longshot, win the race
Been knocked down by the slamming door
Picked myself up and came back for more

Life's a dance you learn as you go
Sometimes you lead, sometimes you follow
Don't worry about what you don't know
Life's a dance you learn as you go

I Love To See the AMERICAN TEMPLES Book

Oops, I wrote a blog post showing emotion yesterday. I don't do that very often. My mind has been so busy the last few months. I even tried to leave the country to take a little break. I don't know if it helped much. You know what does help...where I can always turn for peace? The answer for me is the temple. 

Mormon President Thomas S. Monson said, "I think there is no place in the world where I feel closer to the Lord than in one of His holy temples."
I totally agree with him. I know we have been promised great blessings when we are within those sacred walls and visit them often. This is why I'm excited about the newly released American Temples of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints book.

Want to know more about these temples across the United States or just see stunning photographs of them? This book is your answer and would make a wonderful addition to your library

 or as a Christmas present (you still have a few days left to shop). If you buy 3 or more, (think friend, family, or ward member gifts) you get special pricing. You can opt to ship it or pick it for free yourself at a few different locations.

Scott Jarvie, local photographer responsible for this book, has a signed copy waiting for you. He has been a photographer since 2005 and is shows he knows his way behind a camera lens. Read more about him, this book, and his other works (like a magnificant temple calendar) available HERE. 

I have had the privilege to see several temples across the states and am super excited about the new goal I set to attend the Payson, Utah, temple open house and dedication in 2015.

*

"One thing have I desired of the Lord…that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."

—Psalms 27:4

Lumo Project: The Gospel of John

Calling all Netflix users! Starting December 1st, there is a film available - coming with great timing for the Christmas season. The Lumo Project encompasses four feature-length films – one for each gospel account – that will revolutionize the way we experience the story of Jesus and His life in first century Palestine. The film is available in multi-languages and versions. The Lumo Project is an educational resource designed to promote biblical literacy for anyone interested in the gospel stories, regardless of your faith.

This full-length feature film about the life of Jesus takes the actual Gospel text as its script, word for word, unedited. Don't let that scare you.
After five years, this production has been critically acclaimed by leading religious scholars as a unique and highly authentic version of the Jesus story. It is totally based on the latest theological, historical, and archaeological research. You'll be amazed by the specially constructed sets, authentic villages, and amazing countryside of rural Morocco as you watch. It really is very beautiful.

The film is narrated by David Harewood (you might know him from ‘Homeland’, ‘Blood Diamond’, and ‘Merchant of Venice’). I love British actors. Keep an open mind and heart and give this film a try. I watched the King James version last night and was impressed. I have been taking part (small part) in the filming of a movie while here in Czech and it is very interesting to see the great cinematography, costuming, and set used in this show.

Click these links to find out more about this film #JohnOnNetflix:

https://twitter.com/TheLumoProject

http://instagram.com/thelumoproject

https://www.facebook.com/thelumoproject

NOAH Picture Book #GIVEAWAY

So I teach a boy who speaks both English and Czech. I don't know Czech. Sometimes for laughs, the family asks me to read something in Czech out loud to them. I'm a good sport. But the thing William and I like to do most is get picture books and make up our own story. Here is the latest book I have discovered.

 This is a 64 page, hardcover, wordless epic tale of Noah.

 As you can see, the artwork is gorgeous.

Without having one written word, the book tells a story about Noah's relationship with his family, the natural world, God, animals, and a daunting engineering challenge.

It's beautiful. So whether the people in your home speak different languages, don't speak yet, or really  just like pictures...this book is great for everyone.

Mark Ludy is the author of this book. He is a Colorado native and has written or illustrated eight children’s books including The Farmer, The Flower Man, The Grump, When I Was a Boy I Dreamed, When I Was a Girl I Dreamed, and Jujo the Youngest Tribesman.

Mark’s website: http://www.markludy.com

Official NOAH website: http://www.plough.com/en/ebooks/n/noah

Want to win your own copy of this book? Enter below:
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"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

AM I PRAYING WRONG?

After having a brother die, a BFF break up with me, "family" members say mean things, and my dog stop listening and run away things can only go up and get better, right?! Well, actually that's not true. You could also have your car stolen, your freezer break and ruin some food, your dog have an allergic reaction to her shots from the vet, your mother have a heart attack after a surgery, and a call from the fraud department saying someone tried to steal money from an online account of yours (...all in less than 2 months time).  Yes, things can and just might get worse, but it's OK!

After all this, I went to church--that's a good place to go for peace for me. At the service, there were several people bearing testimony of the power of prayer. One person shared stories of bad weather and them praying for no rain for a party they were hosting that was outside. Another person shared a story of them wanting a shift off from work on a Sunday so they could attend church and BAM they were there at church. This got me thinking...I had been praying, begging, pleading for many things recently, some maybe on a scale a little bit deeper than weather (we all have our trials), and I just seemed to have more bad things piling up. I thought 'Am I praying wrong?!'

I know that our disappointments, sorrows, and dark hours are to help us grow. They can lead us to much joy if we put our faith and trust in God. Garth Brooks sings that some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers. It is a mistake to assume that every prayer we offer will be answered immediately. Some prayers require big effort on our part. This might be a way that God is showing me He loves me...it is just in a way that I don't really understand right now. 

Then we sang the hymn Come Unto Jesus and my heart was calmed a little.

To anyone feeling discouraged, worried, or lonely, I want to tell you to hold on with faith and hope. I too have felt those ways recently, but it WILL get better. Life WILL hand you lemons, but YOU have the power to take positive action, sweeten the situation, and make lemonade (+). Don't feel discouraged if it doesn't happen right away. As long as you are trying your hardest, you aren't doing it wrong.

I will end with my favorite scripture: Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths (Proverbs 3:5-6).

THE IDENTICAL CD #GIVEAWAY

Do you love uplifting movies the whole family can watch? Maybe a Sabbath appropriate film with a touch of religion?

The IDENTICAL tells the story of twin brothers unknowingly separated at birth during the Great Depression. Drexel Hemsley becomes an iconic 50’s rock ’n’ roll star, while Ryan Wade struggles to balance his love for music and pleasing his father. The Reverend Wade and his wife are sure their adopted son has been gifted and called by God to be a preacher. But Ryan challenges his parent’s vision for his life, and unflinchingly chooses to launch his own music career with his best friend. Encouraged by his wife and employer, Ryan embarks on an unpredictable, provocative path - performing the legendary music of Drecel Hemsley in sold out venues all across the country. As the brothers destinies tragically collide, Ryan discovers that Drexel is his identical twin which leads him to question everything he’s ever believed about God, family, and his own identity.

This film includes actors Blake Rayne, Ray Liotta, Ashley Judd, Seth Green, Erin Cottrell, Joe Pantoliano, and many more. 

Official movie website: http://theidenticalmovie.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IdenticalMovie

Movie Trailer: http://youtu.be/MxWVXHatVDA

*If you’re interested in getting some friends together to see THE IDENTICAL, we have a group ticket opportunity http://seatzy.com/main/bulkrequest/the-identical

To get excited about this film, I am hosting a giveaway for a soundtrack sampler. The Identical Original Motion Picture SoundTrack sampler features 12 of the 20 original songs by Jerry Marcellino and Yochanan Marcellino from the film. Including “Your Love’s Keepin’ Me Tonight,” “City Lights,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everybody Knows It” and “Nashville Tonight."

Enter to win below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

HOLY GHOST DVD #GIVEAWAY

You know what I have been enjoying lately? I like the fact that Hollywood has been making films with religion in them and we have seen these films in the theater. It's fantastic. Get ready for another film from Wanderlust Productions which releases worldwide September 6th.

Where are they going in this film? Well, there is no plan, no script, no safety net. Director Darren Wilson is planning to go wherever he feels the Spirit leading them to try and discover the adventure God has for him. Have you ever tried to leave things in the hands of faith or God. This film reveals a God who is far more alive and active in our lives than you ever imagined. I have been taught about the Holy Ghost all of my life at church. I think this show is fabulous and helps remind me to keep an open heart and mind to understand that I need help in this life and shouldn't be afraid to ask for it.

You'll be surprised to hear this movie features big names such as Lenny Kravitz, Brain “Head” Welch, Bill Johnson, Michael W. Smith, Todd White, Meredith Andrews, DeVon Franklin, William P. Young, Phil Vischer, and many more. Pretty cool, right?! 

Find out more about Holy Ghost at these links:

Check out the official website here: http://holyghost.wpfilm.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/holyghostmovie

Want to win a DVD copy of your own to watch? Enter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

 Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

TRUE MEANING OF EASTER

We had our fair share of eggs, ham, and Easter bunny baskets at my house.

But we didn't forget the true meaning of the day.

#BecauseOfHim

Jesus is the Son of God, our Savior, and Redeemer. Because of Him, death is not the end, and life takes on new meaning. He paid the price for our sins, died on the cross, and rose from the dead—providing a way for each one of us to return and live with God someday.

FIND OUT MORE HERE.