Do you sometimes feel like the Lord thought up the commandments just to keep you from having fun and enjoying life? John Bytheway explains how the Lord's guidelines fit into our lives and how they can help us solve our oproblems.

    As mothers, grandmothers, nurturers, and caregivers, we are often tempted to view our ordinary daily contributions as an endless string of undersized tasks, none of which seem worthy of any special consideration. But they are. This collection of small-and-simple moments provides reassurance that although our small offerings may not seem significant at the time, these tiny tributes undeniably make an immeasurable difference to those we love. • Each true story concludes with an unexpected gift, an offering far greater than the act of service. • Includes recipes and ideas to inspire your own "mother's mites." • A perfect Mother's Day gift for women in all stages of life.

    Her latest book is filled with evidences of the Savior's unlimited love for us. Chapters on the power of prayer, trusting in the Lord, and the joy of living the gospel invite us to claim the blessings our Savior has in store for us and demonstrate how the Lord gives and gives until we are fuller than we ever would have thought possible.

    We know how it all turns out. But imagine if you were the people living it. If you didn't know He was coming back. If you were Mary and Martha after Lazarus died, you would have thought He came too late. If you were Peter, you would have been appalled that the Master would lower Himself into your mess to wash your feet. If you stood at the foot of the cross and heard it was finished, you would have believed it was.What shifted? What allowed them to discover hope within the hopelessness? The witness of their change in perspective teaches us of an unexpected Christ. One who shows up, turning defeat into victory, and despair into deliverance.If He did it for them, He will do it for you. The story of Easter teaches us the truth of Jesus in every unexpected season. Through Him, you can expect hope in unlikely places.

    Hunter asked members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "How often do we think of the Savior? How deeply and gratefully and how adoringly do we reflect on his life? How central to our lives do we know him to be?"    Living a more Christlike life has long been a theme of President Hunter's messages to the Saints. That We Might Have Joy presents thirty-two of these messages, each expressing his testimony that "Christ's way is not only the right way, but ultimately the only way to hope and joy."    The book is arranged in four parts"Making Christ Our Exemplar," "A Plea for Unity," "Facing Trials and Tribulations," and "Becoming Disciples of Christ." Each chapter within these sections draws from the scriptures an important message illustrating how using the Savior's life and teachings as our guide can lead to greater peace of mind and joy.    President Hunter summarizes well this theme in his talk entitled "Facing Trials and Tribulations": "Our task is to have the gospel in our lives and to be a bright light, a city set on a hill, that reflects the beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the joy and happiness that will always come to every people in every age who keep the commandments."

    

    Following her parents' divorce, April was dragged to Boston to live with her mother. Her only glimmer of happiness there has come through her new friend Sara Downey, who is not only smart and popular, but is also a true friend. Sara soon sets April up on a blind date with John, a Mormon from the Rocky Mountains. He returns home, but April dreams of their next meeting. Then Sara is diagnosed with cancer. Sara begins a search for God and the ultimate purpose of life while April finds herself filled with cynicism and doubt. While at a party, she meets Sam, a new friend who designates himself her conscience. Sam is headed to BYU, and when April finds out that his roommate is going to be John, she conspires to get her parents to send her there for college. Reunited with John, April finds herself confronting her past, as well as facing the quest looming in front of her, which urges her down a path she can ultimately never deny-the truth.

    First diagnosed with bi-lateral retinoblastoma at the age of seven months, she had feared blindness since childhood. Ironically, the treatment that had saved her life as a baby was responsible for the radiation- induced cancer that again threatened her life as an adult. Now a wife and mother of two young sons, she faced her greatest challenge. Five major surgeries within the space of five months left her physically and emotionally devastated-- and completely blind. Yet during that horrendous time, Kris discovered moments of spiritual strengthening that became holy places in her life-- places where she could feel the purifying, transforming power of Christ that enabled her to survive and to learn how to live in a world of darkness. Compelling, honest, and at times humorous, her story and the insights she gained will help others find hope and healing in the midst of their own trials.

    We, too, desire to do all the Lord asks. However, often life’s trials and uncertainties and even the Lord’s commandments—especially that all-encompassing injunction, “Be ye therefore perfect”—make that objective appear as impossible as walking on water. Yet the Savior also calls to us across the darkness, “Come.” Brother Wilcox shares insights from scriptural stories about “walking on water” to help us remove doubt and fear from our lives.

    

    

    Other times, a good laugh can turn the entire day around. Then there are times when a personal insight reminds us that there is more to life than schedules, laundry, and yet another trip to the grocery store. More than 60 straight- to- the- heart messages from the Time Out for Women team of speakers help make the connection between where we are and where we want to be. Included are selections by Mary Ellen Edmunds, Ardeth Kapp, Emily Watts, Hilary Weeks, and Virginia Pearce. This inspirational collection captures the warmth and wisdom of your favorite LDS speakers and authors.He is helping you by Mary Ellen EdmundsDecide once by Don H. StaheliAllowing time for change by Virginia Hinckley PearceAlternatives to growing old by Mary Ellen EdmundsA little lesson I learned from chocolate by Emily WattsStop, look, and listen by Ardeth KappHappy New Year! by Emily WattsThe power to find by James l. FerrellGenuine compliments by Mary Ellen EdmundsHurrah for families! by Virginia Hinckley PearceCall home by Ardeth KappThe Easter poem by Kathleen Hinckley Barnes WalkerSeasons of life by Mary Ellen EdmundsWhy I love this church by Emily WattsThe marvelous cycle of compliments by Hilary WeeksMy family miracle! by Carolyn RasmusWhen I run out of birthdays by Ardeth G. KappSomeday by Emily WattsAfter we put Christmas away by Dean HughesGreat faith has a short shelf life by Kim NelsonFood for thought by Hilary WeeksGetting rid of junk by Cherie CallStaying connected by Ardeth G. KappLong words by Mary Ellen EdmundsLane ends, merge left by Hilary WeeksWhich way is right? by Emily WattsPorches by Mary Ellen EdmundsGot energy? by Hilary WeeksThe little things by Merrilee BoyackSpiritual valleys by Carolyn RasmusListening by Hilary WeeksYou are here by Kim NelsonThe Sunday sacrifice by Emily WattsMiracles by Merrilee BoyackThe real you by Hilary WeeksHelp! I'm surrounded! by Chris StewartOrange eye shadow vs. amazing grace by Cherie CallTomorrow's assignment by Merrilee BoyackLaundry on my birthday?! by Daryl HooleSigns of faith by Pamela HansenBread of life by Sharon G. LarsenA must see! beautiful inside! by Cherie CallThe tow truck parable by Laurel ChristensenA bag of cats by Kim NelsonAre we being wise? by Dean Hughes"Team play" or "giggle ball" by Camille Fronk OlsonGoing once! going twice! sold! by Pamela H. HansenSpring snow by Emily WattsThe top job by Daryl Hoole

    . . . As Isabel put her arm around Carrie Kenny’s waist, Carrie laid her head on Isabel’s shoulder and whispered, “He looks like he’s sleeping.” “The lad is sleeping. He’s sleeping in the Lord,” Isabel responded, offering the only comfort she knew how to give. “And he’s free from the pits.” . . . George offered a short and simple prayer. “God take home to yourself this wee laddie and give his parents comfort, we pray, in the knowledge that he is with Thee and not in the pits.” From the dark, dangerous, and deadly pits of the Scottish coal mines, to the crowded and bustling streets of Edinburgh, to the perilous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, to the long and arduous trek across the plains to a “promised land,” The Light Above takes readers on an unforgettable journey. In this exceptionally heartfelt and moving historical novel, gifted LDS author Jean Mathews has created a riveting and well-researched story of the Scottish Saints, whose courage in the face of relentless odds lifts them from the depths of despair and guides them to triumphant faith in an eternal destiny.

    From beloved gospel scholar David Ridges, this valuable book contains the complete text of the Doctrine and Covenants, sections 1-42, including Brother Ridges's classic in-verse notes, and additional insights and commentary. Bring your family together and master latter-day scriptures with this helpful study companion.

    After the rally though, when he tries to exit the school, a mysterious force pushes him back inside, and he finds himself, once again, starting the same Monday all over again. With each new Monday, Madison, the only LDS student in school, is waiting at his locker to interview him for the school paper. As much as he wants to, he can't seem to escape her influence for good. But will that be enough to help him see that his arrogance has blinded him to the worth of those around him?