What's New at LDSFiles.com

The Woman at the Well

Dayna — Sun, 12 Oct 08 12:50:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Woman at the Well by Emily Freeman. Illustrated by Simon Dewey. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $19.95
Available here

This is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of the woman who meets Jesus at the well and is taught about living water. The author makes the woman come to life, in such a way that we can all see ourselves in her. Simon Dewey manages to convey emotion and realism that compliment the story through his paintings. It is a lovely way to teach this Bible story to children and adults alike.

Eddie Fantastic

Dayna — Sun, 12 Oct 08 12:39:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Eddie Fantastic by Chris Heimerdinger. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

"Eddie Fanta is a fifteen-year-old boy entangled in tragic secrets which leave him questioning life, questioning justice, and questioning God. Louis Kosserinski is a savagely scarred and crippled old man who has remained in utter seclusion for the last forty years.

Mysterious circumstances bring these two characters face to face where Eddie discovers the old man's unprecedented genius for electronics and microcircuitry — a genius which has spawned a series of inventions which could change the universe forever! Although Eddie sees Louis' inventions as an opportunity to improve an imperfect world, he ends up wreaking havoc at every hair-raising turn."

Chris Heimerdinger is the author of the "Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites" series. I thoroughly enjoy everything that he has written, and I think I've read most of it. However, 'Eddie Fantastic' is geared more toward technology and science fiction than any of his other books, in my opinion. I thought it was interesting, but it didn't appeal to the girl in me very much. There were many details that I didn't understand, and concepts that went a bit over my head. But I'm sure that my nephews, son and brothers would have loved this book. My recommendation is that it will appeal most to boys, thirteen years old and up.

Fool Me Twice

Dayna — Sun, 12 Oct 08 12:23:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Fool Me Twice by Stephanie Black. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Megan O'Connor will do about anything to make her twin sister, Kristen, happy. This time Kristen has asked Megan to pretend to be her, so that she can keep a job and still go on a vacation that she has wanted to go on. Kristen promises that they will both be rich when they are done. But Megan has second thoughts when she meets and becomes friends with some of the people that believe she is Kristen. As time goes on, she learns she has more to worry about then she thought.

'Fool Me Twice' is a suspenseful, mystery story that keeps you guessing until the end. I found it interesting the things that Megan would do to keep both Kristen and her mother happy. It made me wonder if I become someone I'm not in order to keep the peace? I really liked the ending. I found it to be realistic to the storyline and natural consequences to choices that were made in the book. I thought it was a very good book.

The Company of Good Women, Vol. 3, Surprise Packages

Dayna — Tue, 30 Sep 08 13:34:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

The Company of Good Women, Vol. 3, Surprise Packages by Nancy Anderson, Lael Littke, & Carroll Hofeling Morris. Published by Deseret Book.

Retail Price: $17.95
Available here

This is the third book in the series, "The Company of Good Women." It follows the lives of three close friends and their families, through the various challenges that come their way.

This series helps us see life through the eyes of three entirely different women. I believe that is the whole purpose of this book. By learning to empathize and try to understand other people's trials, we develop compassion and knowledge that helps us in our own lives. It helps us with insights into our own problems and gives us solutions and direction to overcome our own issues. If you enjoy books that have a purely human interest angle, you will like these.

Flashback

Dayna — Tue, 30 Sep 08 13:20:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Flashback by J. Michael Hunter. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Laura McClain is a shy teacher who does her best not to be noticed by anyone. But when repetitive nightmares that have plagued her throughout her life, begin again, it's hard for her to ignore. She decides to move into the family estate she has inherited, to have a change of scene. But that move brings up more mysteries than those she left behind and this time she is determined to confront them.

This book struck me as a genuine who-dun-it type mystery. I liked the various twists and turns that all the characters took, and the author did a good job making it an interesting story. There were a few loose ends that I felt could have been wrapped up a little better, but they really weren't essential to the plot. It was an enjoyable read. It is not scary at all and I would recommend it for all ages from twelve years old and up.

Radiate a Positive Attitude

LDSFiles.com — Thu, 25 Sep 08 23:16:00 -0700

Maintaining a positive attitude in your classroom --
both you and your students -- is important.

Here's a great quotation from Elder Richard G. Scott's
14 August 2008 Commencement Address at Brigham Young
University:

"Radiate a positive attitude. Let your attitude be that
of continuing happiness. The challenges you face, the
growth experiences you encounter, should be like
temporary scenes played out on the stage of continuing
peace and happiness. Don't become so absorbed in a
single event that you can't think of anything else.
Challenges are not intended to be the substance of
life. It is by understanding and obeying the teachings
of God that your life will fulfill its glorious purpose.
That perspective keeps challenges confined to their
proper place -- stepping stones to further growth and
attainment. Life should and can be wondrously
beautiful."

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com

Max and the Gatekeeper

Dayna — Mon, 15 Sep 08 14:07:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Max and the Gatekeeper by James Todd Cochrane. Published by Dark Moon Publishing Inc.

Retail Price: $9.99
Available here

Max believes it will be a long, boring summer at his grandfather’s house, away from his mother and all of his friends. A strange encounter on the bus makes him realize, right away, that this will not be the dull summer he expects it to be. As Max gets to know his grandfather, he learns that there is a lot more to the world than he realized.

This is a great new book by a first time author! I really liked it. It was fun, interesting, clear, consistent, but not predictable.

One of my pet peeves is when an author introduces characters or situations but then doesn't explain them or wrap them up. Everything in 'Max' made sense. It had no loose ends at all, except for the openness of the ending - but that makes sense, considering there is a new book coming out. It was easy to read and the characters were quite intriguing. It kept me interested and I DIDN'T read the ending first. That by itself is pretty big. I get bored easily and if that starts to happen, I read the ending to know what is coming so that I don't have to finish it all. ‘Max and the Gatekeeper’ is a magical adventure. It’s family friendly and entertaining for all ages. I would especially recommend it for those 8 years old and up.

Church Statement: The Divine Institution of Marriage

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Thu, 11 Sep 08 09:34:00 -0700

The Church has released a statement explaining its stance against institutionalized same-sex marriages. Source: LDS.org Created...

Read full article by clicking here.

The Woodland Institute

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 22 Aug 08 03:56:00 -0700

The Woodland Institute

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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Here is a new gospel resource that I think you will find interesting and helpful:

The Woodland Institute
Director: Richard Neitzel Holzapfel

http://www.woodlandinstitute.com/

It is very much a work-in-progress, but it already contains interesting information about all of the Standard Works.

I think that you will particularly enjoy the sections pertaining to the New Testament. For example, from the Main Menu, select the "Jesus Christ and His Gospel" item, and then the "Images of Salvation" menu item. You can read detailed explanations and information about several great New Testament works of art.

The "Joseph Smith and the Scriptures" menu option includes the text of the complete Joseph Smith Translation, and sections are being added to include comments made by Joseph Smith about various passages in the Bible.

In addition to resource information about each of the Standard Works, there is a growing selection of church history information, as well. There is even an "On This Day in Church History" database -- that you can search by date or by keyword. (I learned, for example, that Elder Dallin H. Oaks and I were born on the same day and month.)

Oh...
And did I mention that it a tri-lingual website? In addition to English, materials are also available in Spanish and Portuguese.

I have no doubt that this website will continue to grow in usefulness in the future.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Preparing Glue-Ins

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 01 Aug 08 03:55:00 -0700

Preparing Glue-Ins

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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Finding and using just the right quotations from church leaders can emphasize and clarify gospel principles and help students to see practical applications, as well.

Glue-ins -- quotations from prophets and general authorities -- can be a wonderful take-aways from Seminary lessons. I like to share quotations, in the form of glue-ins, with students during class.

I find that glue-ins are the most useful to students when they have been linked to a specific scripture and then are glued into their scriptures near the linked verses.

Summer is a great time to prepare many of the glue-ins that you plan to distribute throughout the Seminary year. You can photocopy, cut, store the glue-ins. (Make two extra copies of each glue-in so you can easily handle any new students). Then annotate your lesson manual (for example, "Glue-In for James 2:17-18") so that you will remember to share your glue-ins during the appropriate lessons.

Additional information about glue-ins can be found in the online [Seminary-Notes] Newsletter Archive:

17 August 2003

30 December 2001

To possibly save your some lesson preparation time...

Please note that hundreds of New Testament glue-ins (each linked to a New Testament scripture) are available in the New Testament Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource Volume 1 and Volume 2 packets. The Table of Contents in both volumes list the specific lessons when the glue-ins in that volume can be given to students. (The lesson handouts from both volumes have been formatted so that you can easily turn them into glue-ins, if desired.)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

I Know the Gospel...

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 18 Jul 08 04:01:00 -0700

I Know the Gospel...

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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In a 14 July 1981 devotional at Brigham Young University, Robert J. Matthews (who was serving as the dean of Religious Instruction), shared a comment written in 1969 by Elder Hugh B. Brown, one of the Twelve Apostles:

I am impressed with the testimony of a man who can stand and say he knows the gospel is true. What I would like to ask is, "But, sir, do you know the gospel?" I say it is one thing to know the gospel is true, and it is another thing to know what the gospel is.

Mere testimony can be gained with but perfunctory knowledge of the Church and its teachings, as evidenced by the hundreds who are now coming into the Church with but bare acquaintanceship. But to retain a testimony, to be of service in building the Lord's kingdom, requires a serious study of the gospel and knowing what it is.

Our responsibility this coming year is to help our students better learn and live the gospel -- not just to know that the gospel is true.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Birthday Card Ideas (part 2)

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 11 Jul 08 04:03:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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Last week I shared some summer birthday card ideas...

Here are two additional birthday card preparation ideas that you may wish to complete during the summer months:

Prepare Seminary birthday or half-birthday cards for students who start Seminary NEXT YEAR (in the U.S. -- 8th grade students).

Prepare cards for your bishopric, stake Seminary supervisor, Seminary high councilor, CES coordinator, and anyone else you wish to recognize and thank during the year.

Add each of their birthdays and half-birthdays to your master Seminary calendar.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Birthday Card Ideas (part 1)

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 04 Jul 08 04:04:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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Summer is a great time to prepare for the coming Seminary year. Periodically over the summer I will share some ideas for ways you might prepare and "get a jump" on the coming year.

This week's suggestion involves birthdays.

After you find out who your students are for the coming year will be, ask your ward or branch clerk to print you a birthday roster from the ward membership records.

For students who have summer birthdays figure out their "half birthday" (six months after their birthday) and celebrate their birthday on that date.

Use summer time to print or create birthday cards for each of your students. Address the envelope and write a personal message in each card. I also recommend that you include a "little something" in each card -- perhaps a favorite General Authority quotation, a scripture mastery card, etc.

In the upper corner of each card, write (in light pencil) two dates -- the student's actual birthday or half-birthday and the "presentation date" (the closest Seminary day before their birthday when you will actually give them their card).

Then write the presentation dates on your Seminary master calendar.

But... what if your students change during the Seminary year? No problem! It's easier making a few cards instead of all of them!

To possibly save you some preparation time...

Please note that the following teaching resources are available in the New Testament Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packets -- a birthday card master (Volume 2), scripture mastery first letter cards (Volume 2), hundreds of glue-in quotations from apostles and prophets (Volume 1 and Volume 2), numerous handouts and scripture-based activities (Volume 1 and Volume 2 packets).

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Mended Hearts

Dayna — Tue, 01 Jul 08 01:12:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Mended Hearts by Connie Angeline. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Five years after her boyfriend died, Sydney Chase is content with her world of horses, friends and grandparents. She forbids her grandfather to do any more matchmaking attempts. But then Jackson shows up to work with her horse. Has her grandfather been at it again?

A book about horses and romance. Really- what could be better! This was the fastest book I have read in a long time. I just couldn't put it down. It is a great book about forgiving yourself, and moving on past a tragedy. I felt like there was one loose end, but hopefully there will be another book to tell his story. This book set it up perfectly for it. I enjoyed the writing style and hope that there will be more books in the future.

Finding Dad

Dayna — Tue, 01 Jul 08 00:52:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Finding Dad by Alma J. Yates. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Porter Huggins knows very well that he has made a lot of mistakes. But when the phone call came that his ex-wife died, he saw the chance to repair some damage. He didn't hesitate to head toward Panguitch, Utah to convince his sixteen year old son to come home with him. Taking him back to Arizona would be difficult, but not impossible. However, building a relationship with him may very well take a miracle.

This book took a while to really get in to. But once I did, I really liked it. It is simply about relationships and letting go of grudges. It made me wonder if every parent feels like they have made mistakes that are difficult to forgive. I also thought about how well a child feels like they know their parent. It was a simple plot but the characters had a lot of depth and I felt like they were all friends by the time I was finished. If you like books about relationships, I recommend it.

Promise of Spring

Dayna — Mon, 30 Jun 08 14:36:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Promise of Spring by Kristen McKendry. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $14.95
Available here

Melinda Keith likes being alone. Her farm 'experiment' in Texas after a painful divorce is exactly what she thinks she needs. But she doesn't count on Ryan Delaney moving in next door. Then, when random acts of violence start to happen on her farm, she has no idea what to believe.

This is an interesting book. The author has obviously done a lot of research on current farming techniques and how to create a self sustaining environment. I found the information on living off the land very compelling. By the time I was done, I wanted to plant a garden at the very least, and I'm not much of a gardener. This book really isn't much of a romance, I would classify it more as a drama. It was a good book to pass the time.

Silhouette

Dayna — Mon, 30 Jun 08 14:21:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Silhouette by Nancy L. Cratty. Published by Covenant Communication, Inc.

Retail Price: $15.95
Available here

Seventeen years ago, Leah sent her young son, Austin, to the dark silhouette that she assumed was her husband. Austin disappeared. The extended search for their son has taken an emotional toll on their marriage and family as Leah and Garrett refuse to give up hope that Austin will be found. Will the new person who appears in their life help heal or harm their family?

I really enjoyed this book. It is clear, interesting and doesn't leave any loose ends. I couldn't predict the plot at all. How could it end so that it was okay for all involved? The author made sure that this story was realistic but hopeful. It certainly gave me a lot to think about - including thoughts about what holds a family together. I recommend it.

Apocrypha 101

LDSFiles.com — Sun, 22 Jun 08 04:05:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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When you turn the page from Malachi in the Old Testament to Matthew in the New Testament, the little swooshing sound you hear is the rapid passing of more than 400 years of Jewish history.

Understanding the period between the Old and New Testaments is extremely important to understanding the New Testament.

Much of the Apocrypha was reportedly written during the missing 400-year period, and it is worth your while to become familiar with it. Each time I have taught the New Testament, I have received questions from students about the Apocrypha.

Doctrine and Covenants 91 notes that the Apocrypha "is mostly translated correctly" and includes the important counsel that "whoso is enlightened by the Spirit shall obtain benefit therefrom;"

Here are two useful things you can do to start learning about the Apocrypha:

Read the excellent entry in the Bible Dictionary. It also contains short summaries from each book in the Apocrypha.
If you have time to read one or two books from the Apocrypha, I recommend reading First Maccabees (for some of the "missing" Jewish history) or Ecclesiasticus (for some excellent advice that you can share with your students).

To possibly save you some time...

You may wish to note that there is a large glue-in entitled "Changes in the Land of Israel" in the New Testament Volume 1 Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packet that lists changes in government, language, location of the Jews, religious authority, priesthood, religious unity, idolatry, and religious centers that took place in Israel between 587 B.C. and 30 A.D.

There is also a handout entitled "Section 91 -- The Apocrypha" in the Doctrine & Covenants Volume 2 Seminary Scripture Mastery Resource packet. It lists almost two dozen excellent quotations from the books of Ecclesiasticus and 1 Maccabees in the Apocrypha.
Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Brother Joseph and the New Testament

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 20 Jun 08 04:04:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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One hundred and sixty-four years ago today (27 June 1844) the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum, were martyred in Carthage, Illinois.

You may wish to take a few minutes today to reflect, ponder, and express gratitude for his life and mission.

As you look forward to teaching the New Testament Seminary year...

Consider, for example, how much more we know about the mission and life of the Savior because of the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Starting with the first chapter in Matthew, flip through your New Testament -- keeping an eye on the JST footnotes at the bottom of most pages. Then turn to the JST excerpts that were too lengthy for inclusion in footnotes. Those additions and corrections will make your teaching job this coming year much, much easier.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Seminary Hall of Fame

LDSFiles.com — Fri, 13 Jun 08 04:05:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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I personally think that serving as a volunteer Seminary teacher is one of the best kept secrets in the church!

Each year you have the opportunity to teach Seminary brings great blessings into the lives of your students -- and blessings into your life, as well.

As I have worked as a Volunteer Seminary & Institute teacher through the years, I have been amazed by teachers who have taught Seminary many years.

To help recognize and honor these great and dedicated teachers, I am pleased to announce the creation of the Volunteer Seminary Teacher Hall of Fame.

If you, or a volunteer Seminary teacher you know, have taught Seminary four or more years (total time, it does not have to be four consecutive years), please send me a message so that you can be "inducted" into the
Volunteer Seminary Teacher Hall of Fame.

Please send the following information:

Teacher's Name

Number of Years You Have Taught Seminary

City and State (or country) for each place you have taught Seminary

If desired, you may also include a short quotation sharing
your feelings and testimony about the Seminary program.

The Hall of Fame is available here.

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Master

Dayna — Thu, 12 Jun 08 03:57:00 -0700

Reviewed by Dayna Davis, LDSFiles.com Staff Writer

Master by Toni Sorenson. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $22.95
Available here

'Master' is the story of the life of Jesus Christ, as told by his servant Almon. Joseph and Mary found Almon, a young boy that was attacked by robbers and left for dead, and brought him into their household. Almon's primary responsibility was to care for and watch over Jesus throughout His entire life. Through Almon's eyes we gain a new respect and awe for the life of Jesus.

I was prepared to not like this book. I expected it to be a little too flippant with the subject matter for my tastes. But I was completely surprised. It was beautifully done and in a very reverent tone. It reminded me a lot of "The Work and the Glory" series. The events portrayed were real, with some creative license taken with a few characters to help the story make sense. I love reading books that bring real experiences to life and make me feel like I could have been a part of it. With this one I did. It started when Jesus was three and went through His entire life. How would I have reacted if I had been there? Would I have been one of Jesus's followers? I have often wondered. This book brought up many things to think about and I read it slowly, pondering as I read. I highly recommend it.

Diamondback Cave

Dayna — Sun, 08 Jun 08 08:32:00 -0700

Reviewed by McKenzie Stephens, LDSFiles.com Teen Staff Writer

Diamondback Cave by K. L. Fogg. Published by Covenant Communications, Inc.

Retail Price: $16.95
Available here

'Diamondback Cave' is the third book in the series. It is about how Imogene Vandergrift, a crazy woman who thinks Wesley Mackey is her son, wants the judge to post bail so she can get out of jail and recover her diamonds. Jack Mackey will do anything to make sure she stays in jail. When Alex Harris disappears, though, the Mackey family might actually have to help Imogene. Wesley Mackey, and his best friend Amanda, want to take matters into their own hands. The travel to Diamondback Cave to save Amanda's soon-to-be stepfather. There- they find that this case is more complicated than just Alex disappearing!

I would definitely recommend this book as long as your have read at least one other book in the series. I have read 'Widows Revenge' (the second book) but not the first and I understood this third book totally. This book is suspenseful and adventurous and for the first time you see the character Amanda really involved in the adventure. The author has done an amazing job, in fact, this is my favorite of her books that I have read. She keep you on the edge of your seat up until the very last page. I would recommend this book for ages 11 and up.

Prayer of Faith

LDSFiles.com — Sat, 07 Jun 08 04:06:00 -0700

[Seminary-Notes]
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FOR YOUR INFORMATION...
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One of the most valuable testimonies we can share with our students is regarding the power of prayer.

I recommend asking your students to read Elder Bednar's talk (entitled "Ask in Faith") in the April 2008 General Conference -- and then take some time in class to discuss it with them.

Here are a few selected quotations from his talk (all references are to the May 2008 issue of the Ensign):

Simply saying prayers is quite a different thing from engaging in meaningful prayer." (p. 94)

...all of us can improve the consistency and efficacy of our personal and family prayers." (p. 94)

True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to righteous action." (p. 95)

Asking in faith requires honesty, effort, commitment, and persistence." (p. 95)

I testify that prayer becomes meaningful as we ask in faith and act." (p. 96)

The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing. (p. 97)

Best wishes,

Ken

www.KenAlford.com
ScriptureMastery@KenAlford.com

Announcing the NEW Phoenix, Arizona temple!

noreply@blogger.com (LDSFiles.com) — Wed, 28 May 08 07:16:00 -0700

President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced today that the Church plans to build a new...

Read full article by clicking here.

Lesson 23 - "More Than One Witness"

Wed, 28 May 08 07:10:26 -0700