Our Favorite Things from Deseret Book: LDS Living Staff Picks Spring 2018

43558.jpg

A unique part of working at LDS Living is getting familiar with a wide variety of Deseret Book products. We have so many favorites that we wanted to share with our fabulous readers. As you'll see, a couple of us couldn't narrow it down to just one!

Never have I understood the power of God, the priesthood, and its function in my life as clearly and fully as when I was studying this book. Written by both Elder and Sister Renlund, The Melchizedek Priesthood shows how both men and women have access to God’s power and love on the earth today. This book doesn’t shy away from difficult or confusing topics but instead outlines the principles and applications of the priesthood in relatable ways that helped me recognize God’s hand in my life.
Recommended by Danielle

Learn More

The Gospel at 30,000 Feet is a beautiful book. The stories Elder Uchtdorf shares, familiar or unfamiliar, are inspiring and applicable. I love reading his analogies between flight and the gospel and thinking about how they apply to me. It's a great way to think about living the gospel better, and the book is beautifully designed and has unique pictures of Elder Uchtdorf at different parts of his life that really add to his messages. A great book for any collection.
Recommended by Jannalee

Learn More

Not only is Calee Reed’s new album Believer full of beautiful and inspiring songs but she is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. She came into the office to promote her album and from the very beginning, I could tell that she’s put her whole heart and soul into each song. It was hard to pick my favorite songs but I especially love the title track and “Broken and Beautiful.” Your ears and heart will thank you for checking it out!
Recommended by Christiana

Learn More

As with many Church members, my testimony is in constant fluctuation as I learn and struggle and search. Until I read Worth the Wrestle, I never understood how my doubt and questions were an integral part of my faith and how they could strengthen that faith and my relationship with God. This book changed my perspective, helping me realize that the only way to learn the mysteries of God or feel heaven’s grace is through fighting and working and struggling to receive it. In Worth the Wrestle I came to know that answers to prayers, understanding Church history, finding peace with the answers I don’t have, and my membership in this Church are worth wrestling for.
Recommended by Danielle

Learn More

While researching an article, I came across the beautiful artwork of Annie Henrie Nader. One painting of hers, Balm of Gilead, particularly stood out to me. I love the gentleness and love that emanates from this image of the Savior. At times I may be the like young girl in the painting, leaning into Jesus and cherishing His comfort. At other times, I may be like the man who has fallen to his knees, desperately clinging to my Savior as I seek relief. But at all times I need Him, and I need His balm. This painting is a beautiful reminder to me of my reliance on Christ.
Recommended by Aubrey

Learn More

Once I finished Letters to a Young Mormon, I immediately wanted to pick it up and begin devouring it once again. This is a book full of depth, beautiful language, profound ideas, and stunning imagery, but more than that, it was a book that reminded me of what makes life as a member of this Church meaningful. In my opinion, Letters to a Young Mormon is a bit of a misnomer in that the principles it shares remain just as thought-provoking for young Mormons, older Mormons, single Saints, married members, and everyone in between. I was in a bit of a spiritual slump before reading this book and it awakened me to the deeper purpose behind prayer, doubt, scripture study, Sabbath worship, virtue, temple blessings, and so much more. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to deepen their faith and feel a renewal of the Spirit.
Recommended by Danielle

There is something about the way Adam Miller sees and writes about the nuance and simplicity of the restored gospel that gets right to the heart of my own seeking. This little book (no, really, it’s litte—I read it through in one day) tackles practical topics like the Sabbath, prayer, scripture study, and sin in a way that is breathtakingly poetic and pragmatic at the same time. I honestly don’t think I’ve read anything in the past few years that has had such a powerful effect on the way I view not only my spirituality but also the practice of my religion. And it is unapologetic in its approach to the hard things of the Church and gospel. I cannot tell you the number of people I’ve recommended this book to in the course of casual conversation. I’m so glad there are thinkers and writers like Adam Miller sharing their wisdom with the rest of us. If you've struggled to connect with doctrinal writing in the past, give Letters to a Young Mormon a try.
Recommended by KaRyn

Learn More

For the past few years, adult coloring books have been all the rage—and for good reason. Research shows that coloring helps relieve stress and reduce anxiety. And, just like meditation, coloring helps us turn off our brains and focus on the joy of the moment. With more than 50 temples represented with beautiful, ready-to-be-colored artwork, Latter-day Temples Coloring Book reminds us of the beauty and serenity the temple brings. Download a free coloring page here.
Recommended by Jamie

Learn More

For as long as I could remember, I'd always wondered at the contrast between mercy and justice and where Christ's Atonement fit in. After reading this book, my understanding of the Atonement increased as I view Christ as a Healer who helps satisfied both mercy and justice. His role as a Healer is to make us whole again, healing the wounds caused by our sins through repentance so we can return to our Father's presence. It's through His role as Healer that we can ultimately gain eternal life, a role I never considered He had.
Recommended by Katie

Learn More

Courage to Be You was an inspiring, genuine read. Although most of us aren’t billionaires, Gail Miller’s journey of finding faith, healing from loss, and continually striving despite limitations is one we can all relate to. Miller reminds us that we don’t have to be perfect and that our individual voices and unique roles are essential. It’s a quick read and one that left me less judgmental and more eager to make a dent in the world.
Recommended by Alexandra

Learn More

Like the best-selling Girls Who Choose God books before them, the Girls Who Choose God story cards highlight inspiring stories of women in the scriptures. Each card features stunning art and tells the story of a different strong and courageous woman. I love the card format to allow for quick study and included is a list of ideas for use which shows the versatility of the cards. The cards say “we all need more gospel heroines in our lives” and I couldn’t agree more.
Recommended by Erin

Learn More

Being from England, I can be a little (okay a lot) snobby about chocolate. I’m always pretty skeptical when it comes to American chocolate, so when a friend recommended Utah Truffles to me the first time, I hesitated. But finally, I shook off my prideful state and my tastebuds have thanked me ever since. The pure quality and richness of these smooth little wonders are a chocolate lovers’ dream.
Recommended by Colin

Learn More

I have absolutely loved wandering the pages of President Nelson’s biography these past few months. It is inspiring to see how a great man started life in about the same place my husband and I are at now—going to school, pinching pennies, and trying to find our paths. This book is filled with wonderful tidbits about his family (did you know the last of his 10 children was a 12 lb. baby boy that his wife had seen in dreams for years?) his struggles (it took him a while to convince his in-laws that he’d be more than a poor medical student someday) and the journey of faith that would lead him to one day be a prophet of God.
Recommended by Alexandra

Learn More

Working for LDS Living, I've heard a lot about Time Out for Women, but I had never been to an event. I'll be honest, I just didn't think that I was part of the target audience. Since there was an event close to my house, I decided to see what it was all about. It was so uplifting! There's so much to absorb from the inspiring presenters you'll quickly fall in love with and there's just an energy that comes from being surrounded by so many women. I'm definitely planning on going again this fall in Salt Lake City and I think my sisters will love the concurrent Time Out for Girls event. There are only a few more cities left on the spring tour, but tickets are already available for the fall events and there's even special ticket pricing just in time to gift tickets for Mother's Day. 
Recommended by Kensie

Learn More

Share
Stay in the loop!
Enter your email to receive updates on our LDS Living content