"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."
Several new books on the LDS market are focusing on families at various stages.
How frequently we've heard the name of Camilla Eyring paired with that of Spencer W. Kimball,
Emma Hale with Joseph Smith, or Frances with that of Thomas S. Monson. In fact, it's common
knowledge that every modern-day prophet has a wife. Less familiar, however, are the
circumstances of their meeting.
Church history professor Mary Jane Woodger and retired teacher/writer Paulette Preston are
trying to change that with Courtships of the Prophets, an accessible little book covering a
number of "first couples" among LDS Church presidents.
In a conversational tone on footnoted pages, the two have teamed up to relate stories of budding
romance and sometimes years-long engagements that led to the altar. Much of the book contains
insights and information not likely to be found on the pages of any official Church study manual.
For instance, picture George Albert Smith during a youthful stint as on onstage comedian, or
Howard W. Hunter as a cruise ship entertainer whose college career began with a marimba won
in a store's contest.
Courtships of the Bensons, Hinckleys, Kimballs, Joseph Fielding Smiths, and McKays are also
featured in this enlightening and entertaining read (Covenant 2015, about 130 pages in softcover,
$11.99).
Darren E. Schmidt, father of eight and a seasoned teacher of seminary and institute, offers some
straightforward and uncomplicated tips for family success with Table Salt and Testimony. Inside
its roughly 100 pages can be found, as its cover states, "ideas, object lessons and practical
parenting tips for creating teaching moments in the home."
Rather than an in-depth analysis of child or even parent psychology and the traits and behaviors
that correspond with success, Schmidt's approach consists of sharing "small and simple things"
that have worked for his family and that parents may find helpful.
Among the topics: enhancing family scripture study, helping children recognize the Holy Ghost,
finding joy in the journey of parenthood, and having consistent yet uncomplicated family home
evenings that leave room for spontaneity.
The "big idea" is to learn to take advantage of teaching moments that tuck in ample doses of
parental love as families establish a Christ-centered home (Cedar Fort 2015, 107 pages in
softcover, $11.99).
Randal A. Wright uses his Ph.D. in family studies and his own sometimes comical experiences to
offer a look at the pivotal role of parents in Power Parenting in the LDS Home (CFI 2014, 297
pages in softcover $17.99).
He also offers some serious info and advice, addressing such essential topics as teaching about
intimacy and chastity, seeing the warning signs of youth who are struggling, and the essential
importance of families having fun together and helping children feel loved.
How to help kids deal with peer pressure and inappropriate media are among the topics he treats,
in an overall tone of helpfulness rather than condemnation. While I don't doubt the appeal of the
subtitle, Avoid the 25 Most Common Mistakes, it's a little late for many of us. Just sayin'. Yet,
there's a final chapter to address that, too: "Hope and Help for Hurting Parents."
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.
