"We seldom get into trouble when we speak softly. It is only when we raise our voices that the sparks fly and tiny molehills become great mountains of contention."
- - Gordon B. Hinckley
August 28, 2013
Two More Books for LDS Women
by Laurie Williams Sowby

I have recently found two more books that will appeal to women in these final days of summer. Whether you plan on spending a few relaxing days at the beach or just an afternoon in the backyard, these slender volumes should provide just the amount of uplift you need.

Tug of War: Choosing between Zion and Babylon, by popular Time Out for Women speaker and writer Mary Ellen Edmunds, demonstrates how the “obvious” choice between happiness, light, and peace on the one hand and worldliness, darkness, and misery on the other is not quite so clear-cut as it appears.

Edmunds contrasts the seemingly relentless pursuit of “more” with gratitude for and increased awareness of blessings, and questions what kinds of messages our values are teaching our children. Personal examples and scriptural insights, along with questions to ponder, make this Time Out Classic a worthwhile and doable read. (Deseret Book 2013, 64 pages in hardcover, $10.99.)

Another Time Out speaker, Laurel Christensen, contributes The Faith Experiment to the cause of LDS women living more sanely. “What stands in the way of your being the person you want to be?” she asks. It’s a question she has asked herself. The book relates her solution to putting limits on ourselves:

“Consider the possibility that God sees the potential for your life in a way that you have not seen yet — or are afraid to see. He is ready for you to become the person He has always known you to be.”

Although her experience with losing weight and finishing a half-marathon may not be Everywoman’s metaphor, her delightful telling of that journey, plus the invitation to pray, think, and live with faith will resonate with many. (Deseret Book 2013, 55 pages in hardcover, $10.99.)


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About Laurie Williams Sowby

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.

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