Ever since The Singles Ward Soundtrack surprised the LDS community 5 years ago, LDS music has hardly been the same, thanks to the creative modern arrangements of hymns the likes of which LDS listeners had rarely heard. The R.M. Soundtrack, with music performed by various artists, gives us more of the same rocking, groovin’, and skankin’.

Some of my family’s personal favorites are, “Give Said the Little Stream”, sung by Matt Harding. It is a grooving tune with a reggae feel. The children singing along on the chorus give it a sweet appeal. This was one of our favorite tracks from the CD. Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband is a local Utah favorite band. Their rendition of “I Hope They Call Me On a Mission” has a nice olde-timey cowboy sound that reminds me of early radio, and makes me long for the Grand Ole Opry! “Onward Christian Soldiers,” sung by The Cretins, sounds suspiciously like the Ramones, “I Wanna Be Sedated” and “Blitzkreig Bop”. That isn’t a bad thing; we very much enjoy singing, “Eh! Oh! Onward go!” along with the guys.

My family fell in love with Ponchillo’s distinctive vocals and guitar work from The Singles Ward Soundtrack. “Abide With Me; Tis’ Eventide” didn’t disappoint. We still love his voice and the distinctive guitar wah. Stretch Armstrong’s cover of “Onward Christian Soldiers,” is reminiscent of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, a band my family loves, thanks to the ska music education we received at the hands of my ska-loving son.  Stretch Armstrong’s version has a hip second half that changes the rhythm and builds to a skanking (I’m told that means good) ending.

“If you Could Hie to Kolob,” has always been a closet-favorite hymn, due to it’s less-than-mainstream message… Kirby Heybourne and Marc Thorup’s arrangement is totally cool, and takes what tends to be a repetitive hymn and makes it very compelling. I would expect to hear something like this on my top 100 radio station.

This music is fun, upbeat and uplifting, all at the same time. We loved the creative interpretations and modern musical twists given to these songs we have grown up loving. Is there a place for these kind of musical arrangements in our church? It is definitely up to the individual to decide, but as for me and teenager-aged family, we love it! If you enjoy the music from The Singles Ward, or if you haven’t heard it before but have an ear for music that rocks, you will love The R.M. Soundtrack. If you haven’t heard what these guys can do to our hymns, you definitely should check it out!

S. Christensen
Layton, Utah

“Family Scripture Study” By Gene R. Cook, is a 2 hour and 20 minute mp3 book download. Elder Cook starts by sharing his testimony about the importance and blessings that come from having family scripture study in our homes. He also talks about the importance of making a conscious decision to actually study the scriptures and the necessity of making plans with regard to where and how to study. Elder Cook also talks about how to approach the topic of scripture study with our children; how we need to be careful that we don’t “police” whether our children come to family study or not.  The prophets have counseled us to study the scriptures and make this a priority in our homes and families. 

Elder Cook then starts to talk about ways that we can make studying the scriptures fun for young children through things such as illustrated scripture books and role playing.  He then gives ideas on how we can insure that our children actually make it to scripture study.

Elder Cook reiterates that a lot of the things that are applicable in individual scripture study are also applicable for family scripture study, and that when we testify to our children regarding the importance of this principle in our families, they will grasp hold of it and apply it in their own lives. Above all, he talks about the blessings and spiritual feelings that will enter our homes and our children’s hearts and lives, through our endeavors as parents to dedicating and committing more fervently to living the principles of daily scripture study in our families.

“Family Scripture Study” by Gene R. Cook is a very valuable talk for any parent, as it contains the keys to obtaining a home that is full of love, peace, and harmony through the daily reading of the scriptures.

A. Howard, 
Hamilton, New Zealand

“Beneath These Stars” by Cherie Call is a must have album! There are so many amazing songs, that I have found myself listening to it again and again. The songs flow throughout the album and make you want to listen through the whole album instead of just skipping to your favorite songs.

I think that anyone can find themselves relating to at least one of the songs on this album. A song like “Delivery” pulls at the heartstrings, as it approaches the subject of an adoption from a teen pregnancy. “Holding On” is one of my very favorites from this album, helping me to reminisce and remember the good times from the past. To top it all off, you get the regular version as well as an acoustic version, and both are well arranged.

Cherie Call doesn’t have a big voice like other female vocalists, but her messages and simple musical beauty make her a top female vocalist in the LDS scene. “Beneath These Stars” by Cherie Call is a great adventure with a wonderful group of songs. Enjoy, because I know that I did!

D. Schneck
Akron, Ohio

“Power Up! Sustaining Peak Performance” By Dennis R. Deaton is a 2 hour and 39 minute MP3 download that comes with a guide book file talking about the complete package for developing better energy, clarity of mind, sleep, and exercise routines. Brother Deaton, from the QUMA Learning Institute, uses lifestyle and dietary needs to let us know what our bodies have been trying to tell us for years.  Can I just say, “WOW”!  This is the book that EVERYONE needs to listen to and follow along with the guide book to better understand how we can really enjoy life and live longer.

This book really impressed me!  I have struggled with energy.  I was diagnosed as having hypoglycemia as a teenager, and while life has improved, I had no idea that the food I was eating and my sleep and exercise routines were a contributing factor to sustained lack of energy.  I learned through listening and filling out the guide book how I can better feed myself and my family to sustain a level flow of energy, and what types of foods are good and beneficial. He even helps me understand how I can eat better to allow my body to start losing weight by losing fat instead of muscle mass. He then goes on to talk about management of mental issues, our view of external issues, and how that can influence our daily lives and energy levels.

“Power Up! Sustaining Peak Performance” by Dennis R. Deaton is a perfect download for those who work and want to improve performance, those who are studying and want to increase concentration and memory retention, and those who are just lacking in energy, struggling with lethargy and poor health.  What a great book!

A. Howard
New Zealand

“’Til it Storms” by The Pearsons was an interesting album for me. It was not my favorite album, and I had a hard time loving the music. There is definitely a country feel to the entire album, but not in the traditional country sense. The Pearsons utilize many different avenues to portray their music, using mainly a mature female voice, but occasionally male voices as well.

There were a few good songs. “Startin’ To Show” and “Rockin’ Their Babies” were fun, upbeat songs. I think the title track was the best on the album. I liked the message and the approach to share that message. Having said that, there were some songs that had very childish lyrics that I really didn’t like. So, like I pointed out before, it was okay, but wasn’t great.

Overall, “’Til It Storms” by The Pearsons is different than the norm and was fun to listen through. You might like it. You might not. It’s worth it for the couple of good songs that are on it, but I can’t say that I will find myself listening to the other songs again.

D. Schneck
Akron, Ohio; Recording Musician

“The Peacegiver” by James L. Ferrell is an audio book on MP3 download at LDSAudio.com.  When I first started listening to this book, I wondered how a story of a young man who feels like his married life is over would have anything to do with the atonement.  The story unfolds as a young man, who has been married for about 12 years, feels like all he and his wife ever do is argue.  As he is trying to figure out why his wife treats him the way she does and how he can possibily live another day in such a terrible marriage, he dreams a dream…or is it?  His Grandfather, whom he loved very much, shows up in his dream and takes him away to ancient times.  Through some biblical events he learns just how the atonement applies to all mankind, and just how much the atonement did for us.  Through events from David, Jonah and others he learns how the atonement can change lives; not only his, but ours.   If we have made a wrong choice, the Atonement of Jesus Christ can give us the assurance that sin is not a point of no return.   A safe return is possible if we will follow God’s plan for our salvation.  

This book points out that many times when we think that someone is sinning against us, we can realize that we are the ones at fault; and once we have truly repented, Christ will take away the burden of guilt for our sins and make us love someone again, whether they love us back or not.  We recieve great joy from forgiveness when we are willing to humble ourselves and extend that joy freely to others.  There is a great need to cleanse our hearts and minds of feelings of bitterness and allow the light of Christ in.  When we do so that spirit fills our souls with joy and peace.  As quoted in Mosiah 4:2-3 ….”And they all cried aloud with one voice, saying: O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.  And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which King Benjamin had spoken unto them.”

In his book, “The Peacegiver” by James L. Ferrell, Brother Ferrell gives the listener a lot to think about, but also gives much more to help us understand the atonement.  Great job!!!!!

J. Stevenson
YW Advisor and mother of 4

 I listened to “He will Help You” by Curtis Castillow yesterday. It is a 51 minute talk from LDSAudio.com in MP3 format.  It was the perfect length for something to listen to on a Sunday afternoon. 

I enjoyed Curtis’ humor in discussing the many challenges everyone comes up against in the world.  Brother Castillow has taught seminary for many years, and through humor and his knowledge of the gospel presents a great talk on self mastery and trying to over come struggles in our lives, such as sins we seem to do over and over again.    Some of these sins are eating disorders, drugs, pornography, and rocky road ice cream.  Yup! Even rocky road ice cream can be a sin if we eat it all the time.    We live in a wild and wreckless world, but so did Noah and many other prophets.  We need to be a people in the world but not of the world.   We know that Jesus is the Christ; we know that he is our Savior; but do we know that because He is, He can help us with any problem that we have.  Curtis also states that he wasn’t born into the gospel. His dad wasn’t a bishop, his relatives didn’t cross the plains, and sometimes even he feels like why would Jesus want to spend energy on him. Often we find it easier to believe in God’s power than his mercy, but He will reach out to us if we are willing to seek Him. We can conquer what ever is the one thing we struggle with the most (even rocky road ice cream) if we ask our Heavenly Father for help to conquer that vice with His virtue.   

Brother Castillow also has a pretty good Yoda impersonation.  I enjoyed listening to “He Will Help You” by Curtis Castillow. 

J. Stevenson
YW advisor

“Raising up a Family to the Lord” by Gene R. Cook is a very beneficial study for those preparing for parenthood or who have any children still at home. I say this because I am yet unmarried, but have found this presentation immensely insightful for things I can now commit to in preparing for a future family. As I’ve discussed them with my parents (who no longer have any kids at home), they’ve stated how much they wish they would have implemented such traditions, habits, relationships, etc., with their children years ago!

So note:  for those with no children at home, the information is still useful, but is much more applicable for those in the planning or early stages of a family. The book summary provided in the book description covers the material well, so I hope to add personal application to that. What stood out to me the most throughout the entire live presentation was the concept of how to pass on principles to our children. He shared several examples of how we can allow children to gain a testimony of a principle for themselves, instead of simply stating, “Because I told you so,” or even, “Go ask your mother.” Having patience to do this effectively at first will save thousands of similar occurrences down the road, and will allow them to turn to the Lord for answers to the tough questions instead of turning to friends at school.

I am thankful I’ve listened to it, because I know I will reference the material many times in the future when these situations occur. Unfortunately, this is a very condensed version of the book, which includes many more ideas, stories and descriptions. Yet, the doctrines and ideas are well addressed, and have become compacted jewels of insight for me as I prepare myself for a family.

A refresher of the principles in Gene R. Cook’s “Raising up a Family to the Lord” would greatly strengthen any young family or anyone preparing for such!

D. Morris
Engineer in training, Mesa, Arizon

I have just finished listening to “Drawing on the Powers of Heaven” by Grant Von Harrison, and it is a wonderful book.  For anyone wanting to improve their relationship with the Lord, this is a great way to start!  If at all possible, I recommend starting out with a friend, as it is great for comparing ideas and for motivation!  I love the ideas that were presented, and I think if there is a desire, there is certainly a way to be closer to the Lord. 

When I was on my mission, I remember being so close to the Lord, and it just seemed so easy then.  After getting home and ‘letting the world back in’, so to speak, I find myself longing for the relationship I had with the Lord then.  This books presents a great way of doing that!  If one is willing to take the time to answer the questions presented with each section, read the scriptures outlined in the text, and then do it all again, there would be no possibility to fail in the quest to draw on the powers of heaven and become closer to the Lord! 
 
I highly recommend “Drawing on the Powers of Heaven” by Grant Von Harrison.
 
Kirsten M.
Castle Rock, Colorado; Black Belt in TKD
 

Dennis R. Deaton’s presentation of “Creating Connections - A Course in Communication” was an exceptional listen for those wishing to learn how to better listen!  I’ll give away the ending: he concludes by noting he didn’t provide a “magical phrase” that will make one a better communicator, rather, he taught us how listening will best improve our relationships and communications.

He provides such principles of human relationships as: the need to connect and be related, switching from being self-absorbed to others-oriented, switching from distracted to dedicated, broadcasting one’s “Internal Radiance” to others, and taking time for self-reflection. While teaching these and other principles, he inserts numerous useful maxims and quotes that have stuck in my mind as I’ve enjoyed listening to it 3 times already! For example, concerning the “distracted to dedicated” principle, Dr. Deaton shares a short story of a man who noticed a lady walking down aisles at a grocery store with her cart as she chats on her cell phone; a few aisles later he sees her again chatting away with nothing in her cart! His application of this lesson is one I will not forget. There are many other studies and stories he shares that will remain with me for years.

For those who enjoy Steven R. Covey’s works on relationships and principle based leadership, this presentation provides a wonderfully different viewpoint on how to improve in these areas. Whether you’re a parent, a student in high school or college, an employee or an employer, the communication skills learned here are well worth the time invested.

I would give “Creating Connections - A Course in Communication” by Dennis R. Deaton five stars; it has become one of my favorite communication/relationship listens, and I can’t wait to study his other 3 presentations!

D. Morris
Engineer in Training, Mesa, AZ