Children & Young Adult

General Conference instills in us so many lessons which motivate and provide comfort and the confidence and faith that the Lord is always with us. There’s a renewed willingness to learn and read and ponder now more than ever. Here are some outstanding books that will help us to become even more faithful in following the Savior.

Truths Most Worth Knowing: An Apostle’s Witness, by Boyd K. Packer, is an inspirational compilation of some of Elder Packer’s great talks. Chapter 1 is titled “The Witness” and begins with this valuable belief that “times of war or uncertainty have a way of sharpening our focus on things that really matter.” The book is rich with truths. The book is divided into four sections with several chapters following. The sections are: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, The Holy Ghost and Revelation, Anchored to the Principles of the Gospel and The Scriptures – The Key to Spiritual Protection. This is the book to have lying on a living room table for all to read!

The Way to Heaven: The Parable of the Crystal Stairs, by S. Michael Wilcox, is another tremendous book from this outstanding author that has great symbolism and that is easy to grasp. This particular book showcases the beautiful but delicate crystal stairs. Life is a continual struggle as you try to go up and ultimately reaching the top where you’ll meet our maker. It’s important to keep in our minds and hearts that the Savior went before us and provided the way up these stairs. Each chapter heading has an encouraging scripture to help us achieve the way up the stairs. For instance, the chapter “The Stairways of Men” headlines the scripture from Psalms 127:1: “Except the Lord build the house, They labour in vain that built it…” Be sure to check out the wonderful introduction that perfectly explains the “Power of the Parable”. If you’ve not read or heard any of Mr. Wilcox’s books, you are truly missing out.

The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon: A Marvelous Work and a Wonder was assembled at the Fifth Annual Brigham Young University Sidney B. Sperry Symposium. This outstanding book compiles the book with five interesting sections which include, among others, “The Coming Forth of Plain and Precious Truths” by Elder Merrill J. Bateman and “The Lost 116 Pages Story: What We Do Know, What We Don’t Know and What We Might Know” by J. B. Haws.

When I’m a Missionary, by Merrilee Boyack, and beautifully illustrated by Brian Call, is an inspirational account of how to help youngsters prepare on a daily basis for a mission when they reach that age. Lacey and Julian’s older brother recently returned from his mission and throughout this well written picture book he helps them learn, think and pray continually as they grow, in order to be successful on their missions. He tells them to pay attention in school and listen to their teachers, follow the rules, follow,the commandments, serve others, be friendly and pay their tithing. This is the ultimate book to help keep the focus on living the life as the Savior would want.

My Home Can Be a Holy Place, by Kristen M. Oaks, and gorgeously painted by Dan Burr, showcases how to help make your home sacred and cherished with a spirit of love and kindness within it. Sister Oaks breaks this beautiful picture down in each open page with a full page on one side and a simple directive and quote on the opposite page. The directives of how to make a home holy are powerful and include prayer, making meals together, scripture reading together and being blessed by Priesthood power. There is a quote following each holy directive magnifying the importance of a holy home. On the page of the Priesthood blessing, there is a quote from Elder Russell M. Ballard stating “The kingdom of God is governed by the authority of the Priesthood.”

Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Strong Women from the Book of Mormon, by MacArthur Krishna and Bethany Brady Spalding, and beautifully illustrated by Kathleen Peterson, is the second picture book in this outstanding series. The first book was “Girls Who Choose God: Stories of Courageous Women from the Bible”. The book opens with a beautiful rendering and story about Sarah, The Matriarch. The brief description of her life and courage is an inspiration to all. It ends with a question as do all of these great stories of women. Each question pertains to the difficulties faced by each woman. In Sarah’s case, the question posed has to do with the great calamities she faced with her two sons: Laman and Lemuel. “When have you chosen to love unconditionally?” This exceptional book is not just perfect for young girls but for all families, boys and girls!