Best of
Lds

1999

Fire of the Covenant: The Story of the Willie and Martin Handcart Companies


Gerald N. Lund - 1999
    All went well, and they arrived without undue incident. But two additional companies - one captained by James G. Willie, and the other by Edward Martin - left England late in the season. When they arrived at Iowa City, they were long past the time for safe departure across the plains. By the time they left Florence, Nebraska, with still more than a thousand miles to go, it was near the end of August. As if that were not serious enough, President Brigham Young thought that the arrival of the third company ended the migration for that season and ordered the resupply wagons back to Salt Lake. Fire of the Covenant is the story of those handcart pioneers and their exodus to the Salt Lake Valley. Author Gerald N. Lund has used the same techniques present in The Work and the Glory series to blend fictional characters into the tapestry of actual historical events, making this a story filled with all the elements of great drama - tragedy, triumph, pathos, courage, sacrifice, surrender and faith.

Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley


Virginia H. Pearce - 1999
    Hinckley, she little knew what dramatic turns her life would take. How could any newlywed envision that she might someday be the eternal companion of the prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints?In Glimpses into the Life and Heart of Marjorie Pay Hinckley, dozens of family members and friends share experiences and feelings that demonstrate the character of a quietly remarkable woman. These vignettes combine with the words of Sister Hinckley herself, gleaned from talks, letters, and conversations, to create a portrait that is engaging and inspiring. From her profound yet simple faith to her optimism and sense of humor, from her love of mothering and grandmothering to her enthusiasm for learning, Sister Hinckley's personality traits are perfectly suited to her mission. She goes through life with a smile in her heart and a gift for loving that reaches out to embrace everyone she meets. As you meet her in these pages, you'll fall under the spell of her warmth, her genuineness, and her testimony.

Book of Mormon Gospel Doctrine Teacher's Manual


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1999
    

The Gate of Heaven: Insights on the Doctrines and Symbols of the Temple


Matthew B. Brown - 1999
    Brown explores the rich heritage of symbolism that has characterized temples and temple worship through the ages, reverently examining the sacred doctrines associated with the gate of heaven. Among many other topics he discusses; Rituals and symbols from the Tabernacle of Moses, the Temple of Solomon, and the holy places of the earliest Christians. The remarkable parallels between ancient temple worship and the doctrines and ordiances restored by Joseph Smith. Personages from the spirit world who returned to earth to requiest temple work, to assist with this work, or to witness their own work being done. The restored doctrine of making one's calling and election sure. Long-standing myths about LDS temple worship and the origin, symbols, and rituals of Freemasonry.

Happiness, Finders' Keepers


Mary Ellen Edmunds - 1999
    What is it, and where can it be found? Is it an ideal to be hoped for in the next life, or a reality to be sought here and now? "To me there was never a time when we had a greater need for happiness and for the peace, contentment, serenity, hope, gratitude, and joy that are part of it," writes Mary Ellen Edmunds. In Happiness: Finders, Keepers, she offers a wealth of practical, cheery, spirit-filled suggestions for living a happier life. Since our Father in Heaven's plan is "the great plan of happiness," and since one of the reasons for our very existence is that we "might have joy" (2 Nephi 2:25), it's clear that we're meant to be happy right now, here, today! We can do so, even in the midst of trials, if we understand the true nature of this heavenly gift. "I am convinced that even with the heavy burdens, the awful injustices, and the tragedies in the world, there is happiness all around us," writes the author. "We must be the finders and the keepers — those who are aware of and who cherish this holy, abundant blessing." Overcoming stress, maintaining a sense of humor, remembering our blessings, feeling gratitude — these are just some of the paths to happiness discussed in this delightful book. Warm personal stories and solid insights from the scriptures and the words of Church leaders help shape our perspective. The message is one of hope: There are things we can do and feel that will make us almost instantly happier. As Mary Ellen says: "May we remember that we already chose the great plan of happiness, but we need to choose it again, hour after hour and day after day, through all our earthly experiences. . . . If we will, we can live happily ever after!"

Bytheway, It's John: The Second Verse


John Bytheway - 1999
    Humorous skits, routines, verses, song parodies, impersonations, and one-liners aimed at LDS youth.

In the Strength of the Lord: The Life and Teachings of James E. Faust


James P. Bell - 1999
    Unlike most of our conversations, which deal with family updates and the like, he began this call with a rather firm declaration. "I know what your next book should be," he said. I had recently completed a book with two dear friends, the late Rex E. Lee and his wife, Janet-and I responded that I did not have plans to write another book. He continued, undeterred, "No, you need to write a biography of  James E. Faust." Though still half asleep, I knew immediately that he was right, but I asked him anyway why he would make this suggestion. His answer was simple: "Because he's a good man, and the members of the Church don't know enough about him." Not knowing President Faust, but feeling a need to act on my father's suggestion, I passed the idea along to Sheri Dew, who is the vice-president of publishing at Deseret Book and a long-time friend. She, in turn, discussed it with Ron Millett, president of Deseret Book, and the two of them arranged to meet with President Faust and discuss the idea with him. He listened politely and said he would consider their proposal and then let them know of his decision. Having read, some months later, his journal entry for that day, I know that his initial reaction was a preference that such a book not be done. But after several weeks of discussion with his wife, family members, and a few close associates, he informed Ron and Sheri that he would agree to have a book done-but with two conditions: First, that the biography be brief; and, second,  that a selection of his teachings be included in the same volume.

Fine Old High Priests


Donald S. Smurthwaite - 1999
    

Witness to the Martyrdom: John Taylor's Personal Account of the Last Days of the Prophet Joseph Smith


John Taylor - 1999
    Smith and Wilford Woodruff. This compilation is unique because it helps put Taylor's testimony into perspective, with:* a summary of early events in John Taylor's life* a discussion of the events immediately following the Martyrdom* a brief outline of Taylor's later life, including his service as third president of the Church.

One More Strain of Praise


Neal A. Maxwell - 1999
    He observes that this book "blends the autobiographical and the doctrinal."both the title of the book itself and those of the individual chapters come from the words of a well-known hymn. The author's counsels and comments reflect his experiences and perceptions in the light of the challenges set by his malady and of the appropriate gospel concepts. Thus he early observes that irony, "the hard crust on the bread of adversity," can try both our faith and our patience. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is central to the book as He is to the plan of salvation. "Multiple revelations teach us that redeeming Jesus is uniquely our 'advocate with the Father,' that He pleads for us, and that He makes intercession for us....Without this grand reality we would be helpless, and all would be truly and finally hopeless."But the guarantees are in place. "He can succor us in any form of the human condition because, as He reminded Joseph in the Liberty Jail: "The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?' No person, therefore, who comes before Him can exclaim, "You don't understand what I have been through!'"The author further explains: "Of course, the Father knew beforehand of all human wickedness. He knew beforehand of mankind's need of a Savior....Mortal sins previously committed and those yet to be committed were atoned for retroactively and prospectively in Gethsemane and on Calvary. For us of the last dispensation, it was 'paid in advance,' as it were."The last chapter recalls examples of Elder Maxwell's "intertwinings," many of them "kindred spirit" friendships. They range from boyhood school days and wartime army service all the way up to General Authority associations. This chapter is a fitting end to a book that is replete with uplifting gospel thoughts that will unfailingly instruct and edify the reader.Note: Description comes from the original version's book jacket and not Amazon.

A Sacred Duty


Ester Rasband - 1999
    This engaging account offers readers an example of how the gospel and devoted individuals can affect the course of history and changes the hearts of humanity.

Hope: An Anchor to the Soul


S. Michael Wilcox - 1999
    Michael

The Awesome Power Of Married Love


Truman G. Madsen - 1999
    Madsen demonstrates that the gospel’s timeless principles offer solutions to present-day problems between husbands and wives. Brother Madsen uses his gift of pairing concepts with powerful illustrations to make the ideas he presents applicable to a broad range of listeners. Full of insights— leavened by a generous portion of humor—this tape explores the heights and depths of “the awesome power of married love.”

May Christ Lift Thee Up: Talks from the 1998 Women's Conference Sponsored by Brigham Young University and the Relief Society


Brigham Young University - 1999
    

Expressions of Faith


Greg Olsen - 1999
    Paintings accompany poems about the life of Jesus, the gospel message, and Christian life by William Cowper, George Herbert, Christina Rossetti, and other poets.

The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - 1999
    

C.S. Lewis: the man and his message


Andrew C. Skinner - 1999
    

The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom and a Handful of Meal and a Little Oil


Jeffrey R. Holland - 1999
    

Born to Rope


Lee Nelson - 1999
    The flinch in a horse's, the drop of a boy's eyes: This is a rare book, attentive to the simple detail out of which great stories flow. From mustang bands sweeping up the bands sweeping up the hidden draws and ridges of the high, desolate San Rafael Swell to a horsetrading oasis hidden deep in an autowrecking yard on the outskirts of Spanish Fork, Utah, Nelson finds voices, elegant in their terseness, of people you never knew but should know. This is the story of Michael Diamond's coming of age, of finding grace in tragedy.

Parables


Robert L. Miller - 1999
    Segments of Christensen's painting interpreting 12 parables provide the basis for Millet's expert commentary on the parables and four other teaching stories recorded in the New Testament.

Jesus Christ: The Only Sure Foundation


Robert L. Millet - 1999
    

Personal Purity and Intimacy


Wendy L. Nelson - 1999
    A marriage and family therapist delivers a talk on marital intimacy and discusses her belief that all personal relationships are defined by the quality of our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Principles of Priesthood Leadership


Stephen D. Nadauld - 1999
    In Principles of Priesthood Leadership, respected Church leader and experienced teacher Stephen D. Nadauld describes those characteristics and principles that will shape effective leaders. Specifically, he describes those characteristics that differentiate leaders from managers. Chief among the responsibilities and capabilities of a good leader is understanding the plan of salvation and resolving to teach the plan to those over whom you preside. Likewise, Brother Nadauld explains, is the importance of ward and stake leaders fostering their relationships with the youth of the Church. In fact, he writes, a ward in which the youth are a bishop's first priority is a ward that excels. Full of valuable insight for leaders, Principles of Priesthood Leadership is certain to become a widely used reference and worthy leadership tool that will prove effective at all levels of Church leadership, from deacon's quorum adviser to bishopric to Primary president.

Scripture Study: Tools and Suggestions


James E. Faulconer - 1999
    Faulconer. Rich scripture study is facilitated by tools and techniques that help us focus on what the scriptures can teach us. This study aid offers pointers and suggestions that will familiarize beginning students of the scriptures with the many resources available to them, as well as help more experienced students improve the overall effectiveness of their scripture study. In this fascinating book, James Faulconer discusses a helpful method and the purpose of outlining, an in-depth method of cross-referencing, how to ask cogent and thought-provoking questions about the scriptures, the benefits of using dictionaries and concordances, the relation between words and ideas apparent through rhetorical studies, and using the valuable reference tools in the LDS edition of the scriptures.