Even This {Book Review}

I have really enjoyed every book I have read by Emily Belle Freeman.  She has written some amazing  devotional books that I love reading again and again, especially during the holidays.  A few of our favorites are: A Christ-Centered Home, A Christ-Centered Easter, and A Christ-Centered Christmas.  They have been fantastic and I have used the Christmas book 2 years in a row now for planning my Christmas lesson in Relief Society!  So, I was excited to get another Emily Belle Freeman book to review called Even This: Getting to the Place Where You Can Trust God With Anything...

Even This invites readers to make room for daily personal experiences with God. From the very first page readers will walk down a spiritual path meant to remind each of us that God will meet us in the unexpected, bringing His goodness, giving us cause to trust, reminding us of His capacity. Filled with deeply personal stories about holding onto belief, daring to trust, and longing for understanding, Even This chronicles one woman's quest to find God in the everyday moments-with one of the most powerful experiences taking place as she searches for sea shells while walking on the beach-and provides many opportunities for individual introspection. -Yes, God is good and He can be trusted, - Freeman concludes, -and it is the daily discovery of these truths that has the potential to become the greatest journey of a life and lead us closer to Him.-

In Even This, Emily Belle Freeman shares stories her time as a newlyweds when she and her husband  discovered that he had a large, fast growing, brain tumor.  Hospitals, biopsies, surgeries...  It was a time where she felt terrified and prayed fervently to God...  But, through her prayers, she heard nothing.  She felt completely abandoned by God and the feelings of desperation that stemmed from her unanswered prayers left her faith shaken.  She wondered, in anguish, "Where is God" in her time of trial?  Where is He when bad things are happening to good people?  This book is filled with personal stories and inspiring messages that answer this big question.

This book also answers the question of how you can get to the place where you can trust God with anything...even your worst trials.  This book is also a bit different than most of Freeman's books and does not have the hymns, recommended scriptures to read, and a challenge to consider.  I have come to love the format of her previous books that I anticipated this to be similar and was a little disappointed.  What she does have is what she calls "The Reflecting Place" throughout the book and while not a devotional or challenge per se, it does give you some insight into how she conquered her fears and gathered strength to face her weaknesses.  It includes scriptures that helped her through and a mantra to help you focus on your journey.  It still gives you points to ponder and a personal challenge to focus on, which is something I have come to love about Freeman's books.  

Even This would make a great Christmas gift or just an anytime gift, especially for someone who is struggling with one of life's biggest questions: Where is God in my times of trials?

Disclaimer:  I received this book, free-of-charge, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.   Thank you for swinging by!

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Time Out Classics {Deseret Book Review}

Have you had a chance to go to a Time Out for Women event in your area?  If you haven't, you are missing out.  They are fun, encouraging and inspiring!

What is Time Out for Women?

I'm glad you asked!  Every year Deseret Book sponsors an amazing conference just for ladies (and in some areas teen girls!)  Called Time Out for Women, the idea is to give women a chance to get away from their daily routine just for a couple of days and take a "time out" to refresh and socialize.  What a great chance to get faithful women to step away from their daily routine and create space for themselves and their spiritual lives!  Each year the theme is different (last year it was called "Higher") and they bring in wonderful speakers from across the globe who are spiritually prepared to motivate you to greatness.  Last year my girlfriend and I drove 3 hours just to attend a TOFW event and it was totally worth it….

So, what do you do when you can't get to TOFW?  Or, what if there is not a TOFW event in your area?  Well, I was  so pleased to review these awesome little books from Deseret Book that are written by various presenters from the event called Time Out Classics.  Small and simple they are like having your own mini TOFW seminars at your fingertips!  I was given an opportunity to review three:

Making It Through the Middle – Emily Freeman.  Life is full of challenges, and it’s easy to feel the end of our trials will never arrive. But is it the end we should be spending so much of our time focusing on? In this book, Emily Freeman shares six lessons, and various personal experiences to assist readers in staying strong when they are right in the middle of a hard time.   

When we are in the middle of trials it is hard to even imagine where the end might be and we may question if we will EVER make it.  In this little book Emily Freeman focuses on six lessons that will help the reader stay strong and endure to the end!  Making it Through the Middle retails at Deseretbook.com as a Bookshelf eBook for only 3.99 or as a pocket size hardcover (4x6) for $10.99.

Habits of Happiness – Wendy Ulrich.  When happiness doesn’t enter our days automatically, and when life isn’t going as planned, sometimes we are quick to equivocally gauge our overall happiness in life. In this book, filled with scientific research, practical advice and engaging anecdotes, Dr. Wendy Ulrich invites readers to look at happiness in a new way.

Wendy Ulrich asks readers to focus on 7 habits of happiness in her engaging little book.  Filled with personal stories and quotations each habit offers opportunities for further study and recommendations for creating lists and journal entries.  Sharing that happiness is considered a "divine outcome" Wendy helps you find a path to true happiness and joy.  Habits of Happiness retails at Deseretbook.com as a Bookshelf ebook for only $3.99 or as a pocket sized hardcover for $10.99.

Everything I Need to Know I Learned at Home – John Bytheway.  Sometimes the smallest phrases we use in everyday language can be eternal principles that get us through our lives. In this book, John Bytheway makes an inspiring and insightful connection between everyday phrases spoken at home and principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

I think John Bytheway has to be one of my all-time favorite speakers.  In this little book we hear all those old cliche phrases that our parents told us as children only they are turned around in such a way that John applies them to the gospel with our Heavenly Father reminding us that we need to Change our Attitude and Wash Our Hands and Clean Your Room and more!  You can never go wrong with a John Bytheway book and this message for Moms will not disappoint!  Everything I need to Know I Learned at Home currently retails on Deseretbook.com for $3.99 as a Bookshelf eBook, as a pocket size hardcover for $10.99, and as an mp3 download for $8.99.

All 3 books are a great read and they are such a small, cute size they would make great gifts!  Oh, and if you can, I can't recommend enough how fun a Time Out for Women event is!  You can check their website to see if they have one in your area!

I received these books free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  A hearty THANKS to Deseret Book!

Written On Our Hearts {Deseret Book Review}

If you have ever found the Old Testament intimidating, you're not alone. The less-familiar history, themes, and language, coupled with the length of the book, make it a difficult read for many. But author Emily Freeman loves the Old Testament, and as she shares some of the wonderful things she has learned in her study of this book of scripture, you will find yourself coming to love it too.

"There will come a moment in your life," the author says, "when you or someone you love will struggle with a challenge so great you will wonder how you will make it through. In that moment you will long to better understand the Savior's role as the Deliverer, and to do that you must go to the book of scripture that describes that role the best—the Old Testament."

Have you ever read the Old Testament?  I have - but only once.  It is a heavy read and once you get past the familiar stories in Genesis and Exodus I start glazing over as I read about all rules, laws and weird rituals that don't seem to apply to us anymore.  I had to plow blindly through those parts without understanding much of it and since then, I'm sorry to admit I haven't had much desire to read the Old Testament again.

This book, by author Emily Freeman, offers readers a chance to survey the Old Testament, without all the heaviness!  I love a good "devotional" style book and this one fits that criteria perfectly!  Short chapters take the reader on a tour of the books of the Old Testament.  It doesn't pick it apart verse by verse nor it doesn't break down individual chapters.  What the author does is takes a story from the Old Testament and demonstrates how it applies to daily life.  Sharing her experiences, Emily Freeman offers a clearer look into familiar Bible stories by relating them to modern-day experiences.  Each chapter also offers a single, thought-provoking question to encourage further study and reflection.  I have really enjoyed reading this survey of the Old Testament.

This is a small size book, about 5 1/2" x 7" and I am in love with its pretty cover!  This book would make a great stocking stuffer or sweet Christmas gift for someone special!  It retails in hardcover at DeseretBook.com for $17.99 or as a Booshelf eBook for $9.99.

Remember, you can download the app for Deseret Bookshelf eBooks free for both iPhone and Android devices!

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review from Deseret Book.  All opinions expressed here are my own.

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter {Deseret Book Review}

I'm so excited to share another amazing devotional-style book from Emily Belle Freeman called Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter!  You may recall, back in November, I had a chance to review a book called "Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas."  At the time I was frustrated and overwhelmed with the sensationalism and commercialism that surrounded one of our favorite holidays...  The Christ-Centered Christmas was just the ticket to help us focus on what mattered most:  Christ!  Author Emily Belle Freeman has taken this same approach and created another wonderful study of the Savior, this time with a focus on Easter!

One of the few titles for adults on the Easter holiday, this beautiful gift book tells the story of Jesus from Crucifixion to Resurrection in short chapters, illustrated with line art, told in the first-person narrative of seven disciples. Each section offers the author's commentary on the lessons learned from each disciple and suggests simple traditions to follow to remember how implementing the teachings of the Easter holiday can vastly enrich your life today.

Personal stories include:

Lazarus

Simon

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus

Mary Magdalene, Mary, and Salome

Thomas

The disciples on the road to Emmaus

Jesus Christ

In this small book Emily Belle Freeman demonstrates for us seven traditions that will lead us closer to christ while not compromising the childhood joy of the Easter season.  Starting with those who were closest to Christ she weaves the story of those who walked with him, each story bearing testimony of our Savior.  Just like the Christmas book, at the end of each chapter she offers the reader a tradition to consider, a hymn to sing, a story to tell, a lesson to share and scriptures for further study.

This is such a great way to study leading up to Easter!  Read a chapter each week or read one each day leading up Easter.  This tiny book will be a wonderful devotion for the whole family.  I plan to use this book in the week leading up to Easter as our nightly scripture study!  I'm so excited!

Celebrating a Christ-Centered Easter is available in paperback or as a Bookshelf eBook at DeseretBook.com!  

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions here are my very own.

The Christ-Centered Home by Emily Belle Freeman

In the hectic scramble of a world that asks us to do everything, be everyone, and make it all look easy, we often lose track of the experiences that really matter most—quiet moments in our homes with our families when we feel the peace of Jesus Christ.
The lessons Jesus taught in the homes of His followers were simple. They were basic. And they were—and are—essential. In The Christ-Centered Home, you will discover how to fill your family's hearts with the principles Jesus taught in the most sacred of classrooms: the home.
There is a humility that comes when we invite the Lord into our most private spaces. Within the hush we hear the gentle whisper of His voice, we experience the touch of His hand, and we feel the prompting to rise. Invite Him in, and experience the added measure of peace, strength, courage, and hope that comes when Jesus Christ becomes the central focus of your home.

I have been blessed to read several of Emily Belle Freeman's books in the past.  Her books about Easter and Christmas have been wonderful additions to our home library.  I was excited to see that she had a new book out!  Called The Christ-Centered Home, this book offers readers a 12 step/lesson process that will help you to have a calm, peaceful home that is focused on the Savior.  Each lesson is a single chapter sharing New Testament stories, various scriptures, simple talking-points for discussion, and helpful, challenging ideas to implement these steps in your family.  Did I mention she has a recommendation for treats?  Yum!  The idea is to spend one night a month focusing on each Christ-like attribute, then spending the month continuing to work on developing the habit.  Use it as a family home evening!  It is more than a jumping off point, it offers "conversation, connection and celebration."

For our first month we have enjoyed studying about Love.  The lesson we did together told the story of the 4 men who brought their friend to Christ.  The man suffered greatly with palsy and the 4 friends knew that Christ could heal him.  Unable to get in the door they climbed up onto the roof and lowered him down through the ceiling.  How hard that must have been!  I have never put that much thought into that story, but what amazing friends they were!  How they got a bed-ridden friend on the roof is beyond me...and then they would've had to take the roof tiles off (heavy and hot work) and once they managed to open it up...they then carefully lower their friend through!  Wow!  Those were good, dedicated friends.  And because of their faith, Christ DID heal the man.

How much are you willing to do, to bring your friend to Christ?

To finish up our evening, we discussed ways that we can do likewise.  It really was a great lesson for my kids who are elementary age and the treat of oven-baked smores was a real winner!  

If you are looking to make a difference in your home, check out The Christ-Centered Home.  I know for us, we will be using these 12 attributes for the next 12 months for a family home evening!  

The Christ-Centered Home can be purchased wherever books are sold.

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions expressed here are my very own.  Thanks so much!  :)

Celebrating A Christ-Centered Christmas by Emily Belle Freeman {Deseret Book Review}

Discover how each figure of the nativity can lead your family closer to Christ this Christmas season. Learn the tradition of the tinkling bell, whip up a batch of French cocoa, create a tender mercy tree, and find ways to make your gift-giving more meaningful as Celebrating a Christ-Centered Christmas guides you through seven meaningful traditions inspired by the nativity setting. These simple experiences will give you an opportunity to escape from the frantic busyness of the Christmas season to spend time reflecting on the Savior and the miracle of His birth.

Ok!  I'll admit that I am guilty of the sensationalism and commercialism that surrounds my favorite holiday.  We love Santa Claus, we love presents, the tree, the lights and all the sights and sounds that come with it. 

Last year we finally decided that we HAD to cut back and give our kids less.  Yes, it is fun, but it was creating a sense of entitlement and I realized that our kids were not understanding the true meaning of Christmas and they were not having a heart for others who had very little.  In fact, last year, I was trying to explain to my children that other kids may not get much for Christmas this year because their families couldn't afford it.  They were perplexed because, after all, if their moms and dads couldn't afford it Santa would still bring them gifts!  What a mess. I want my kids to love the magic of Christmas and still understand the true meaning behind the holiday - which is the focus on our Savior, Jesus Christ.

So, I started looking for activities and books that would that would help bring more spiritual meaning to our Christmas.  This one is a winner!  In this small book, Celebrating a Christ Centered Christmas, author Emily Belle Freeman demonstrates for us seven traditions that will lead us closer to christ while not compromising the childhood joy of the season.  Starting with Mary, she discusses Joseph, the Angel, shepherds, wise men, the lamb and lastly the Christ Child through personal stories, scriptures and hymns.  Her insight helps the reader to glean more meaning of the scriptures and provides the reader with thought-provoking dialogue.  At the end of each chapter she gives the reader a Tradition to Ponder.  This includes a hymn to sing, a story to tell or lesson to share, and a "moment of celebration" where you a service for someone else.  Lastly, you place the figure in the nativity.

You could treat this book as an advent, reading from it and doing the activities in the weeks leading up to Christmas.  Starting with an empty nativity, placing the figures as you go.  I cannot wait to do this with my family this year!  If you are interested in this book I highly recommend getting it several weeks before Christmas to give you time to really dig into the stories and do the activities.  

Celebrating A Christ Centered Christmas retails at DeseretBook.com for in soft cover for $10.99 and as a Bookshelf eBook for $7.99 .  

Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain for letting me participate in this blog tour!  

All opinions here were my very own.

Will My Child Be Ready? {Deseret Book Review}

A missionary's training does not begin when he or she enters the doors of the MTC. Well before that, each missionary's mother can begin laying the groundwork that will prepare her child to diligently and wholeheartedly serve the Lord and His children. 

Mothers have an immeasurable influence and a significant responsibility in raising up young men and women who are prepared to do the work of the Lord. The good news: that responsibility can begin wherever you and your child are on the path of preparation. Whether your child is two, eight, or eighteen, this unique resource written by mothers who have sent children on missions (and some who have also served as mission presidents' wives) will help you build the foundation of faith, endurance, and hard work that every missionary needs.

Even though our girls are only 5 and 9, we have talked to them on numerous occasions about the "someday" when they may choose to go on a mission...  While my oldest is convinced it isn't going to be something she wants to do (because she would get too homesick) my youngest is pretty sure she is going to China.  Either way, no matter their choice, preparing our children for ALL types of missionary work in the future is essential.  Because, after all, are we not ALL missionaries?  Of course we are!

This book by Emily Freeman and Merrilee Boyack is a great book for parents who have kids of all ages to help them prepare their kids for those big steps.  Teaching everything from obedience to service to goal-setting this book encourages parents to be sure their kids know big things (like testimony, service, prayer, scripture study) to the small things (how to cook, clean and do your own laundry!)

Each Chapter includes bullet points of what they need to know...what they need to do...and what they need to be.  References as a "Missionary Prep for Moms" course this book is infused with personal stories, scripture references and quotes from prophets.   This book would be a welcome addition in any parents library!  

You can purchase Will My Child Be Ready from DeseretBook.com or your favorite book store!  Thanks so much for stopping by Swinging On Small Hinges!

Disclaimer:  I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review.  

Thank you DB!