With kids returning
school, many moms are welcoming a little “me time” that
includes opportunity for some spiritual uplift. Here are a few
selections that busy moms can read in those brief pauses that are few
and far between at this stage of life.
From Covenant
Communications comes a lovely, padded bound book of 100
Favorite Verses for Women, by Shauna Kaye Humphreys (2013,
200 pages, $19.99). The author — a grandmother, college writing
instructor, and former early-morning seminary teacher —
illuminates each scripture selected from the LDS Standard Works with
just two pages of thoughts and examples. Additional insight comes
from a related scripture or a quote from a General Authority.
It’s a
deceptively simple format that invites readers to “perceive
with new eyes the words Christ spoke to all.” Women, and
mothers in particular, will appreciate a deeper understanding of the
Savior’s concern for God’s daughters. Although two pages
can be read in a relatively short space of time, readers will find
much to ponder in 100 Favorite Verses for Women.
Elder M. Russell
Ballard offers encouragement in One Drop at a Time: A Message
for Women, adapted from his talk in October 2012 General
Conference, “Be Anxiously Engaged.” Drawing on the time
when his father owned a peach orchard and kept beehives to enhance
the production of fruit, he explains that honey contains all the
substances necessary to sustain mortal life.
A honeybee’s
contribution over several weeks or months may seem insignificant, yet
“each bee’s one-twelfth teaspoon of honey is vital to the
life of the hive.”
The message: a woman’s
simple, daily acts of service may not seem like much in and of
themselves, but when considered collectively they become vital to the
well-being of those around us. Both the metaphor and the message to
seek inspiration to provide meaningful service apply to men as well.
Appealing illustrations and layout are a bonus. (Deseret Book 2013,
42 pages in hardcover, $15.99.)
Another uplifting read
is The Mother’s Mite, by DeAnne Flynn, mother of
seven, popular speaker and presenter, and blogger at MothersMite.com.
“Mothering is a very big deal,” she asserts in the
introduction to this slick-paged little volume perfect for a quick
psychological pick-me-up. She then proceeds to share experiences —
hers and other moms’ — in quick-read accounts that
underscore that fact.
The pages include
briefly stated suggestions and ideas, black-and-white photos, and an
occasional recipe. With humor and the wisdom of age, Flynn helps
readers remember that small, daily efforts do matter to the
big picture (Deseret Book 2011, 146 pages in soft cover, $18.99).
Laurie
Williams Sowby has been writing since second grade and getting paid
for it since high school. Her byline ("all three names, please")
has appeared on more than 6,000 freelance articles published in
newspapers, magazines, and online.
A
graduate of BYU and a writing instructor at Utah Valley University
for many years, she proudly claims all five children and their
spouses as college grads.
She
and husband, Steve, have served three full-time missions together,
beginning in 2005 in Chile, followed by Washington D.C. South, then
Washington D.C. North, both times as young adult Institute teachers.
They are currently serving in the New York Office of Public and
International Affairs
During
her years of missionary service, Laurie has continued to write about
significant Church events, including the rededication of the Santiago
Temple by President Hinckley and the groundbreaking for the
Philadelphia Temple by President Eyring. She also was a Church
Service Missionary, working as a news editor at Church Magazines,
between full-time missions.
Laurie
has traveled to all 50 states and at least 45 countries (so far).
While home is American Fork, Utah, Lincoln Center and the
Metropolitan Museum of Art have provided a comfortable second home.
Laurie
is currently serving a fourth full-time mission with her husband in
the New York Office of Public and International Affairs. The two
previously served with a branch presidency at the Provo Missionary
Training Center. The oldest of 18 grandchildren have been called to
serve missions in New Hampshire and Brisbane, Australia.
