Simplify - A Guide to Caring for the Soul

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Simplify - A Guide to Caring for the Soul by Carolyn J. Rasmus. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $12.76 Available here

This is the second book this month that I have read that completely addressed issues I have been struggling with. I am so grateful to Carolyn J. Rasmus for feeling so inspired to write this book that I felt was meant just for me. I have felt very overwhelmed with the responsibilities and busyness of life. Sister Rasmus explains in her book that the act of simplifying our lives is not about being better organized. The book doesn't contain ideas on how to clean your closets better or declutter or rearrange your schedule. Instead, it addresses the spiritual ways we can simplify our lives, ways in which we can completely shift our priorities to reflect the things that are most important to us.

Sister Rasmus takes the word "simplify" and breaks down each letter to form the title of her chapters. They are as follows: Stillness, Integrity, Mercy, Prune, Let Go, Impossible, Fortify, and You. The chapter that meant the most to me was the one about integrity. She explained how we're not leading a life of integrity if our beliefs are not in accordance with our actions. In other words, if we believe in the power of prayer and scripture study, but are not doing it daily in our lives, we feel "pulled apart" and that life is too complicated. If we try to find time in our lives for those things, it will never happen. We must make time for those important things. As I have started to follow much of the counsel in her book, I've found myself getting more things done in a day, having more peace and patience with my children. It's been a wonderful change. I can lie down at night and know I have done the important things.

I could go on about the virtues of this book, but I want to save some insights for you as you read it and allow you to get what you personally need from it. I highly recommend this engaging and thought-provoking book.

Heaven's Touch Gift Set

Reviewed by Melanie Lott, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Heaven's Touch Book and CD- A Tribute to Women Gift Set Book with artwork by Greg Olsen, Music CD by Marshall McDonald. Published by Covenant Communications.

Retail Price: $23.95 Available here

As you think about a gift for Mother's Day this year for someone special in your life, consider this book and CD gift set entitled "Heaven's Touch, A Tribute to Women". The book features the art of Greg Olsen. Each page has a different painting. His artwork is known for the amount of color and light in each piece. These are truly stunning to look at. Along with each painting is a quote from someone notable in the church about women or motherhood. It is certainly an uplifting book.

The CD included with the book features the piano music of Marshall McDonald. I have several of his CDs now and I am always very pleased with his soothing music. His arrangements include "As Sisters in Zion", "Each Life that Touches Ours for Good", "Where Can I Turn For Peace?", "I Am A Child of God", and several other original compositions. My favorite is the very first track "As Sisters In Zion". It is an amazing arrangement of the hymn we women know so well. The book and CD are sold separately as well, but I'm glad they put them together in a set because I think they really complement each other nicely.

Against an Amber Sky

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Against an Amber Sky by H.R. Holm. Published by CFI.

Retail Price: $14.99 Available here

The year is 1971 and Bodi Brooks is fifteen years old. The biggest problem in her life is her mean math teacher. She has friends, a great family and she's an aspiring poet. Bodi thinks she has a great life. However, things never stay the same. This is a story about growing up, overcoming problems, accepting tragedy.

I thought this book was very well written. The words seem to flow off the pages and create imagery so powerful that I could truly see the characters. This was not written as an LDS book. In fact, it may not be. But it is a story of Christian values, integrity and it is a testimony that God lives. I think that there is probably more to this account, I'm sure there will be a sequel. I hope there will be - because I really want to know how Bodi's life turns out.