Mortality provides a complex collection of opportunities. We face challenges to both love and learn. And amid struggle and strife, we can choose to live life with greater joy and spirit. But how do we do this? The answer lies in reframing how we see our experiences. Beloved author and speaker Ganel-Lyn Condie introduces a key principle that can guide us through both the miraculous and the messy moments of life: stewardship.

With her token wit and candor, Ganel-Lyn helps readers learn to navigate through a reframing of life’s experiences, shifting them from issues of ownership to assignments of stewardship. Featuring a wealth of scriptural insights, real-life accounts, and practical advice, this insightful volume examines stewardship versus ownership in all aspects of life, from the ebb and flow of relationships to the devastation of loss to the frustration of trying—and failing. Learn to consecrate your efforts to God and discover how this fundamental shift in perspective will make all the difference in the sense of peace and hope that can be yours.

Who can find a virtuous woman? This is an age-old question that can both inspire and intimidate. The saintly sister described in Proverbs 31 is nothing short of astonishing: an ideal wife and mother, a valued contributor to society, and a tireless proponent of all that is good and right. In viewing these qualities as a goal, women can often fall prey to this passage’s common outcome: feelings of discouragement and inadequacy. Many women are left to wonder, Who could possibly embody such a perfect specimen of womanhood?

With Hebrew, humor, and reassurance, author Tamara Uzelac Hall injects a much-needed dose of reality into women’s interpretation of this section of scripture with this truth: all of us are virtuous. This book teaches how to embrace the unique and impactful role you already play and will help you discover a truth that will change the way you view your life: no matter your progress on the path, thou art already a virtuous woman!

I am so excited that "A Métis Christmas Coloring Book" is finally here! I loved the artwork for my children's book, "A Métis Christmas: Thelma's Gift" and thought some of the scenes would be so perfect as a coloring book. And now you can try your hand at coloring the beautiful Métis folk art and other scenes! 

It's Christmas in March! My children's book about a young Métis girl named Thelma, is finally out! Woohoo! I'm so proud of A Métis Christmas: Thelma's Gift. My illustrator, Mikey Brooks, did a fantastic job capturing the Métis spirit and I love that we can have a part in helping people learn a little bit about Métis culture. I can't wait for you all to read it! Thelma, a young Metis girl, can hardly wait for Christmas, and it is the night before the big day. Her family is celebrating with lots of food, including Thelma's favorite jam with bannock, and her father will dress in his traditional clothing to tell them the ancestor stories---but all Thelma wants to do is her best, most fancy, jigging dance. Stopping for a moment so her grandmother can read the story of the Christ child's birth, Thelma wonders what she could have given the baby had she been there that special night---and then her heart tells her what gift she can give right now!

Scrumptious by Christy Denney is the perfect cookbook! When I first started looking through it, there were so many recipes that looked incredible and I had a hard time picking just one. I am just a beginning chef, but I felt like there were many recipes that were manageable for someone like me. Many of them looked fast and easy, which is exactly what I look for in a recipe. I love that the cookbook is also pleasing to the eye, with a large enough font and pictures in color.

The recipe I made this week was a Sheet Pan Steak and Parmesan Potatoes. The recipe was super easy to follow and I was excited to try it! At first I was skeptical because the steak, potatoes, and asparagus were all covered in garlic and parmesan, but they all tasted great. For me, the cook time and prep time were a bit off (the steak and potatoes needed MUCH longer than the recommended 6 minutes to cook) but I was happy with the result and would make it again. It made plenty of food so it’s good for a family of 4 or for leftovers! I have a list of other recipes from this book to try and I can’t wait!

We are instructed to offer unto the Lord a broken heart and a contrite spirit, a concept taught in Psalms 34:18, which is at the heart of the prophetic teachings on sacrifice and in the lived experiences of people in every age. But what does the phrase "broken heart and contrite spirit" mean, and what does God require of you? Old Testament Insights, featuring a compilation of essays from twenty gospel scholars, provides clarity for readers on the eternal principle of personal sacrifice, both as taught throughout the Old Testament and in its modern application.

Featuring multiple perspectives on the practice of sacrifice, this powerful volume offers valuable insight into our Heavenly Father's expectations for His covenant people. By looking to the experiences of individuals in scripture to anchor discussion, contributors weave together an in-depth explanation of the law of sacrifice and the true and eternal value of turning to the Lord with a broken heart and a contrite spirit.

Take your gospel study to the next level with the Real Talk, Real Life through the Doctrine and Covenants journal, a companion volume for popular video and podcast series Real Talk, hosted by Ganel-Lyn Condie and Scott Sorensen. This guided journal is designed to support a study of the Doctrine and Covenants and Real Talk s weekly podcast discussions of the 2021 Come, Follow Me lessons and also allows you the freedom to use any Come, Follow Me or scripture resource. You will be able to delve deeply into your understanding and real-life application of the Doctrine and Covenants like never before. Featuring related scriptures and quotes, as well as weekly talking points to guide your reflection, this unique journal will enrich your understanding of the Doctrine and Covenants as you chronicle your personal insights and experiences.

Come Follow Me Through the Old Testament by Scott Sorensen

Scott Sorenson is a brilliant teacher and podcaster and has now put his talents to use in helping people understand the Old Testament and do their Come Follow Me more effectively. 

The struggle to combat the Nazis during World War II encompassed front lines far beyond conventional battlefields. In a panoramic and compelling account, author Jerry Borrowman shares seven largely untold stories of people who undertook extraordinary efforts to defeat the Third Reich at enormous personal risk.

Some were soldiers like the Ghost Army, an eclectic group of former artists, actors, and engineers who engaged in top-secret tactical deceptions by staging ingenious decoy armies. Using inflatable tanks, radio transmissions, and sound effects, they were able to trick the Germans throughout the course of the war, often working close to the front lines of the fiercest fighting.

Some were ordinary citizens like William Sebold, a German immigrant and US citizen, who could have been a deadly foe, but instead chose the Allied cause. When he was coerced by the Gestapo into becoming a spy in America, he instead approached the FBI and offered to become a double agent. His efforts successfully helped bring down a dangerous German spy network that was dedicated to stealing industrial and wartime secrets and sabotaging America on home soil.

These dramatic and inspiring personal stories shed light on some of the darkest days of World War II and one of the most perilous times in human history. As the Nazis swept through Europe, citizens around the world faced an individual and national complex moral question: How do you respond to the tyranny and bloodthirsty madness of the Nazis? These are stories of ordinary men and women who would not surrender or compromise. They resisted and fought with total commitment for freedom and democracy despite the personal cost.

In his October 2020 general conference address, President Russell M. Nelson posed a powerful question to members of the Church: Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? In response to this query, popular author and Real Talk podcast co-host Ganel-Lyn Condie delves into seven key concepts that illustrate what the invitation to let God prevail; means in your life and the steps you can take to allow the will of the Lord to guide your actions day to day. Learn what you can do to more fully offer the Lord a willing heart and discover the mighty miracles that can be yours as you allow His will to prevail.

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

Amid the devastation of political and religious strife, there arose a leader so mighty that even thousands of years after his life, he is still lauded as a stalwart example of faith and fortitude. Captain Moroni's acts of heroism and faith in the face of adversity are well documented in the Book of Mormon, and his words and actions stand as an example of spiritual heroism. But who are the Moronis of our day? Who are the bold leaders who have the strength and faith to guide us through these tumultuous last days? The answer to this question is beautifully addressed inLike Unto Moroni. It is you, the faithful Latter-day Saints of this dispensation, who are the great heroes of our day. Individuals who, like Moroni, strive each day to progress in testimony and faith. In learning about the life and legacy of this great Nephite leader, you will learn to tap into your own well of spiritual strength as you fortify your home and family.

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

The celebrated story of the Immortal Chaplains is now joined for the first time in print by the largely untold story of another hero of the sinking of the Dorchester: Charles Walter David, Jr. was a young Black petty officer aboard a Coast Guard cutter traveling with the convoy who bravely dived into the glacial water over and over again, even with hypothermia setting in, to try to rescue the men the chaplains had first helped and inspired to never give up. Through his efforts, he joins the Chaplains as one of “The Immortals.”

Thoroughly researched and told in an engrossing non-fiction narrative, the book alternates between accounts told from the perspective of the Nazi U-boat captain and his crew (as found in their journals and later interviews), and the hunted—the men of the American convoy. Using his expertise as a law professor specializing in religious freedom and constitutional law, the author, Steven T. Collis, also paints a thought-provoking portrait of religious life in America during wartime and how American views of faith affected the chaplains and the men they served.

Page-turning and inspiring, The Immortals explores the power of faith and religious conviction and powerfully narrates the lives of five heroic men who believed in something greater than themselves, living lives of service and sacrifice for their country and their fellow man.

Toni Sorenson’s new book When the Atonement Becomes Personal is a powerful and personal book that really brings the atonement to new life. Because of her unique life experience, Sorenson is able to offer a perspective on the Atonement that most other books can’t capture. While many authors quote prophets and apostles when speaking of the Savior, Sorenson quotes inmates and gang members. While other important religious sources are not ignored, the author is able to tie in with the scripture lessons that we can learn from every day people who have experienced the Atonement first hand. They have come to know Christ in a deeply personal and meaningful way, and the author is on a mission to share these truths with others.

I was very interested to learn why there is a whale on the cover of this book and what that could possibly have to do with the Atonement. Throughout the book, Sorenson talks about scars and how whale watching guides are able to tell which whale is which by the scars that they have. We are the same way, she says. We are identifiable by what we have been through, what we have overcome, and what we have conquered with the Savior. We identify Him by His scars, too. We are engraven on the palms of His hands and He invites each of us to come and see. This book has brought me closer to the Savior by teaching me to love myself and that every person matters to Him. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is our hope that life can get better . . . that we can get better. To find strength in our struggles, it is vital to look to the One who understands our pains and afflictions, the One who never forsakes us. Christ atoned for our sins, but what does that really mean, and how can we harness the relief He provides? The answer to this question and many others is made simple in When the Atonement Becomes Personal.

As one who works with the downtrodden and marginalized, author and therapist Toni Sorenson offers unique insight into the individual nature of the Atonement. Her signature warmth and engaging tone become a powerful catalyst for understanding as she intersperses scripture with personal narrative, not shying away from real problems and solutions. She outlines ways we can reconnect when we feel distanced from our Creator. She sheds light on paths we can take to restore self-worth when life has grown impossibly hard and dark. In this unique and hopeful approach to the gospel’s most complex topic, embark on a journey of self-discovery into why the Atonement does not become truly powerful until it becomes truly personal.

In the Non-Fiction Corner with Lauren

In his new book God Will Prevail, Dr. Kerry Muhlestein discusses several aspects of what it means to be a part of the house of Israel and a covenant-making child of God. He draws upon several stories from the New Testament, translations from Hebrew and modern revelation to help the reader better understand the promises that are made when we enter into the covenant with Heavenly Father. I learned more in the first chapter of this book about the Abrahamic Covenant than I had ever before. After finishing the book, my knowledge was expanded in many ways, from what we learn in the temple to the gathering of Israel. Studying the gathering of Israel can be daunting, but Muhlestein does a masterful job exploring this topic. This book is packed with knowledge, but is deeply apparent that Muhlestein is passionate about bringing his readers closer to Christ through understanding their covenants better.

It is so difficult to pick a favorite part of this book, the entire thing was insightful and well worth the time. One particular part that stuck out to me was Muhlestein’s focus on the Hebrew word “hesed.” According to the author, hesed is hard to interpret, but it is the kind of love that God gives to those who covenant with Him. That He will not give up on them and that that love remains, no matter what. Muhlestein uses many scriptures to illustrate this point, particularly ones that reference “loving-kindness” or where the Lord refers to covenant-keepers as His people. I love the idea that our Father in Heaven has such a capacity to love and as we love him in return, we will want to keep the commandments.

Another part of the book that I found meaningful was when the author went through each tribe and talked about the blessings, promises and warnings given to each. It helped me better understand my own tribe and even my patriarchal blessing, but I also found it interesting to see what is promised to the other tribes and how they all fit together. Muhlestein talked about each of the 12 sons, giving a history of perhaps why their blessing from Jacob included certain things. Muhlestein is extremely knowledgeable, and this well-written book is a treasure for anyone wanting to understand this important part of our gospel more fully."The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives."

—President Russell M. Nelson

By entering into covenants with His people, God forges vital connections that allow Him to guide and bless His children in incredible ways. Latter-day Saints have long been encouraged to stay on the covenant path—but what is that path, and how do we stay the course? In God Will Prevail: Ancient Covenants, Modern Blessings, and the Gathering of Israel, BYU Professor of Religion Dr. Kerry Muhlestein encourages readers to take hold of God's promise to gather His covenant people by recognizing the connection between covenant making and the eternal and transformative love of the Savior.

Discover the obligations and blessings of making and keeping sacred covenants, as outlined in the standard works, with insights on topics ranging from temple work and family history to covenant language, the gathering of Israel, and the equalizing power of Christ's Atonement. With clarity and hope, this groundbreaking book speaks to this powerful truth: promised blessings and gatherings are available to all who truly seek to be covenant keepers.

The book Lord, How Is It Done? by Ken Gibson, features five principles that help readers see how grace can have more power in our lives. It was so thought-provoking.

In this book, there were quotes and scriptures I felt were especially for me. I had a spiritual “ah-ha” moment while reading this book that I haven’t had in quite a long time (outside of reading the scriptures, of course.)

Gibson is clearly inspired and has done a lot of preparation and study for this spectacular book. I particularly enjoyed his comparison to the story of Enos at the end of each chapter, and his personal stories that really hit the message home.

My favorite part of the book is when the author was talking about Christ’s atonement. He told the story of when his daughter had her car impounded and she was late for work. He drove down, paid for the car to be released, and told his daughter that he didn’t expect to be paid back because he knew she couldn’t afford it. He likened this to our relationship with our Savior, who gave us a gift that we can never pay back, nor does he expect us to. It truly is incredible that we have a loving Father in Heaven who wants to bless us and doesn’t expect much in return. He gives us tender mercies, prayer, covenants, and many other kinds of blessings to show how much He loves us, and Kent Gibson helped me to understand that a little bit better through his perspective in this book.

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How can we make grace a greater enabling power in our lives and more fully participate in the Savior’s atoning gift? In Lord, How Is It Done?, author Ken Gibson introduces five principles to help readers confront the trials of mortality most of us feel ill-equipped to resolve because we simply don’t know the answer to this overarching question of how. The author draws upon Enos’s experience of asking, “Lord, how is it done?” and illustrates what it means to experience the Savior’s Atonement and lay claim to the promises of peace He has given. Readers are invited not just to come unto Christ but also to learn line upon line how it is done. The principles taught in this book are designed to illuminate the pathway to enduring peace and spiritual prosperity for all whose souls hunger.

In the Non-Fiction Corner With

 Lauren

Pioneering the Vote by Neylan McBaine is a fascinating read on the history of Utah, specifically their journey to statehood and how women got the right to vote. The story is mostly told with Emmeline B. Wells, who is a compelling heroine who gave much of her life to paving the way for women who came after her to have the rights and privileges that we enjoy today. In fact, learning more about the life of Emmeline B. Wells was my favorite part of the book, I enjoyed it just as much as learning about the history of women’s suffrage. She accomplished so much in spite of the hardships she faced.

There is a lot going on in this book, from a quote at the beginning of each chapter, short biographies of many of the women’s lives, sections about looking back, some about looking forward, and then the actual story. I thought it was great that the author used different fonts, or I would have been very lost. I particularly enjoyed the highlights of the women’s lives, I loved learning about the backgrounds of the women that played a role in women’s suffrage all over the country, not just in Utah. This book is very timely and covers an important topic, and I appreciate the author putting forward a historically accurate and well researched book on one of the most important events in our country's history.

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In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

Scot Proctor’s new book Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know About The Book of Mormon is the first book of a new series Proctor is working on about different topics that church members wish they knew more about. Scot’s book was a pleasure to read, and it made me love him even more. I had the privilege to go with Scot on a trip and already knew he had a vast knowledge, and this book gives him a chance to share all the knowledge he has with more people. He uses research he has done on biblical times, the life of Joseph Smith, and even quotes and information from modern prophets and apostles. You can tell that Scot has done a lot of research and really knows his stuff. I appreciated that Scot put in some insights that we don’t necessarily get directly from The Book of Mormon, but he knows about life and culture during that time that he is able to teach and help the reader dig a little deeper in his or her knowledge.

I learned far more than 11 things while reading this book, but I particularly enjoyed the chapters on what names in The Book of Mormon mean and the chapter on seer stones. I think that seer stones are interesting to a lot of people, and Scot enlightened me to things like what “urim and thummim” means and what they probably looked like based on a description by Lucy Mack Smith. The chapters are very short and easy to read, and they are full of information that I hadn’t come across before. I cannot wait to see what Proctor gives us with the rest of this series; I look forward to reading them all!

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This is the beginning of a little series that I’ve been working on for a long time that I’m calling: “The Eleven Things” series. This is the first one called: Eleven Things You Probably Didn’t Know about the Book of Mormon. I’ve found over nearly 20 years of teaching adult and young adult institute that many miss the hidden gems in the scriptures. They miss the details and many of the “ah-ha moments” that are densely packed into Holy Writ.

You will love this book. It is a fun read. You'll have lots of ah-ha moments. It will excite you to learn even more about the incomparable Book of Mormon. You will learn things you've just never known before.

Generally, if you are purchasing this eBook, you’re a self-selected student of the scriptures and likely seasoned in the scriptures, or you’re a curious student of the gospel who just thirsts for learning and wants to know more, or you unabashedly have a high degree of FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) so you want to be sure you are up to date on things you didn’t know.

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

In the Non-Fiction Corner With Lauren

The Divine Gift of Forgiveness

In his new book about forgiveness, Neil L. Andersen navigates the tough topic of repentance in a spectacular way. Repentance is not my favorite thing to read about, but Elder Andersen has convinced me it should be because of the marvelous gift that it is. He uses many stories from himself and others, scriptures, quotes and doctrinal teachings to help us understand what it means to truly repent. On the other hand, Elder Andersen also uses examples of how people had to use the atonement in their life when it was necessary for them to forgive someone else. I loved reading the authors personal stories and learning more about him and his life before he became a General Authority.

The best part of the book was when Elder Andersen talked about repentance in relation to the Plan of Salvation. The Lord wants us to repent. He isn’t angry or surprised when we sin, He has given us the opportunity to return to Him through His mercy. He knew we would all need this gift, and just like any parent, He is thrilled when we choose to use what he has given us for our benefit and when we come closer to Him. "While you have made mistakes, these sins do not describe who you are. Your identity is not defined by the sins of this world, but by the righteousness of another."
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"As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow," Elder Neil L. Andersen promises, "the Savior's divine gifts of repentance and of forgiveness, offered in the beauty of His encompassing love, are certain for those who come unto Him with full purpose of heart."

In this book, Elder Andersen writes especially to those who are "awakening" unto God—those who are just beginning to discover or who seek the divine gifts and power of repentance and forgiveness in their lives. The Divine Gift of Forgiveness is organized in such a way that readers can choose the section or chapter that applies most to them and study it without having to have read from cover to cover. Leaders can similarly recommend specific chapters to those with whom they work. Filled with powerful doctrine along with stories and experiences, this book will help all readers become more devoted disciples of the Savior.