"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."
Every
once in a while, we all need some fresh perspective and a reminder of
who’s really
in charge as we grapple with the realities of life. Here are some new
titles that may help readers approach challenges in different ways.
Lighten
Up and Laugh is all
about enjoying the journey. Humor columnist Kari J. Rich,
self-described muumuu mom and drama mama, offers Musings
of a Mormon Mom with personal tales of family life in all its crazy glory.
Topics
range from newlywed spats to a 5-year-old’s “grand mal
tantrum” to sending the firstborn off to college to dealing
with an elderly parent, all in little vignettes that offer truth
amidst the humor (Covenant Communications 2015, 160 pages in
softcover, $13.99). It’s an insightful and entertaining read.
What
parent couldn’t use a little more help? David A. Christensen,
BYU-Idaho religion professor and dad to eight, puts his teaching and
storytelling skills to work in Parenting
Principles: 31 Teachings to Raise Children in Righteousness
(Cedar Fort 2015, 170 pages in softcover, $14.99).
Using
an engaging style and personal experiences to illustrate such topics
as “Conspicuous Living” and “The Enduring Influence
of Grandparents,” the author adds scriptures, quotes from
Church leaders, and an inspirational parting thought.
Parents
will find new tools and be reminded of their reliance on the Holy
Ghost’s direction — for both themselves and their
children. (My only complaint about this compact volume is the small
book’s small print.)
I
Can Do Hard Things with God presents
Essays of Strength from
Mormon Women, compiled by
Ganel-Lyn Condie. This is not exactly light reading, opening as
Condie relates how she came to terms with her sister’s suicide.
That
is followed by lengthy, detailed first-person experiences from women
dealing with the very real, very hard challenges of bipolar
depression, a spouse’s mental illness, infertility, loss of a
child, debilitating illness, divorce, bankruptcy, an autistic child,
and other trials.
The
overriding theme, however, is that God is with us in our adversities
and sanctifies the struggle (Covenant 2015, 200 pages in soft cover,
$15.99).
Stories
of healing miracles under the hands of Matthew Cowley are almost
legend, but author Breanna Bennett Olaveson gives them new life along
with documentation in Mighty
Miracles: Inspiring Stories of Elder Matthew Cowley, a Modern-Day
Apostle (Covenant 2015,
107 pages in soft cover, $10.99).
Researching
the stories has been somewhat of a passion for the author, who shares
the exceptional experiences Cowley had as a young missionary and then
mission president in New Zealand, and later as an Apostle.
Vignettes
are drawn from personal accounts and correspondence. All demonstrate
the role of faith and stand as examples of using God’s gifts to
serve our fellow human beings.
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.
