A Few Recommendations

I've seen a few really great things lately I thought I'd pass on:

1. "Heroes: Lessons from the Book of Mormon", by John Bytheway. My in-laws gave this DVD to our family and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it. Anything John Bytheway is guaranteed good but this is perfect for families, for youth and for people preparing to go on missions. He really makes you think differently about the teachings and the people in the Book of Mormon; makes you appreciate it more. I highly recommend this DVD.
2. http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma. This is a link to the Church's official response to HBO's airing of a controversial (and frankly, offensive) episode of "Big Love". If you haven't heard already, the episode is supposed to feature a reenactment of a sacred temple ceremony as well as an excommunication counsel. The Church's response was so brilliant! I have a tendency to become extremely defensive of the Church but the response calmed and cooled me down and gave me a renewed appreciation for the leadership of this church.
3. http://www.youtube.com/MormonMessages. This is "Mormon Messages on YouTube". They are a collection of brief gospel-centered videos on a Church-sponsored YouTube channel that is updated weekly. I love how our Church is staying up-to-date with what is popular and trying to slip in some good wherever they can. I've watched several when I've been bored and they have been so, so good and the perfect little pick-me-up for any tired, long day. I especially love President Uchtdorf's "Create". It was just beautiful - made me tear up a little. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhLlnq5yY7k (If my link doesn't work, you can find it in the YouTube search engine.)
4. http://www.reflectionsofchrist.org/ This is an older one but I've never passed it on. It is "Reflections of Christ", an art exhibit by art photographer Mark Mabry. I love the beautiful slide show on the main page - so beautiful. I was a little skeptical about the images of Christ as a man because it's portrayed by an actor but after watching the videos about the making of the art and what went on behind the scene, I was very impressed by the beauty and spirit of the artwork. If you live near a Deseret Book you've probably seen his prints for sale now. For Christmas, my sister-in-law gave me a beautiful signed print of "Walking on Water". She chose this one because she wanted me to remember that the Savior, who commanded the storm to stop and calmed the sea is able to calm my own storms as well. The art is beautiful but I'm recommending you look behind the scenes as well to get a feel for the spirit and intent of the artist.