My Home Can Be a Holy Place by Kristen M. Oaks & Jenny Oaks Baker (Blog Tour Reviews & Giveaway)

My Home Can Be a Holy Place
by Kristen M. Oaks
Children's Book, LDS
Hardcover, 32 Pages
September 7th 2015 by Deseret Book

Summary

Our homes can become holy places that prepare children to grow up in the Lord (D&C 109:15). This children s picture book tells the story of Lily, a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place by the things she does each day. The engaging illustrations by LDS artist Dan Burr depict Lily s family in various settings that show how children can contribute to the spiritual environment in their home as they say their prayers, work together, read the scriptures, eat dinner as a family, make good decisions, observe the Sabbath day, participate in family home evening, share the gospel, and learn to love one another. Parents will find additional helps and resources to reinforce these concepts on the author s website. These resources are designed specifically to complement the themes presented in the book.

  

My Review

My Home Can Be a Holy Place was a sweet book about the things our homes can be and what we do to make them so. The illustrations were fantastic! They were full-colored and almost life-like. Each two-page spread covered a topic, which included: a holy place,  prayer, traditions, working together, the scriptures, the priesthood, eating meals together, faith, unplugged from the world, the Sabbath, family home evening, sharing the gospel, love, and the temple. The focus was on these ideals that each home should seek to obtain, if they don't already. Overall, a positive and enjoyable read.

Source: I would like to thank Deseret Book for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Author

Kristen McMain Oaks has spent much of her life teaching. She earned a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in special education (both from the University of Utah), and a doctorate degree in curriculum and instruction from Brigham Young University. She was a former educational consultant in the publishing industry, instructing teachers and supervisors both nationally and internationally. She was also a Visiting Assistant Professor at BYU and served a full-time mission to Japan. After marrying Elder Dallin H. Oaks, she taught and trained auxiliaries in the Philippines for two years while he served as Area President. She currently serves on the board of trustees of the Deseret International Foundation and the Primary Children's Hospital and recently authored the book, A Single Voice. In addition to her love of teaching, she loves being a wife, mother, and grandmother. She and her husband reside in Utah.

My Home Can Be A Holy PlaceMy Home Can Be a Holy Place
by Jenny Oaks Baker
LDS Music Album
September 8th 2015 by Shadow Mountain Records

Summary

From Jenny Oaks Baker, one of the world s premier violinists, comes a new collection of beautiful songs celebrating family and motherhood. The album features classic hymns, such as Love at Home and I Am a Child of God, stunning classical arrangements, including Brahms s Cradle Song, and beloved children s tunes. The gorgeous track Love Is Spoken Here features Jenny performing with all four of her children, ages eleven and younger.

1. Love At Home
2. Jesus Once Was A Little Child
3. Songs My Mother Taught Me
4. I Feel My Savior's Love
5. Brahm's Cradle Song
6. I Am A Child of God
7. Love Is Spoken Here

 

My Review

This was another fabulous release from Jenny Oaks Baker! The melodies and harmonies were well balanced. The sound fantastic. The sweet songs that were featured, a perfect companion to the book by the same title and definitely something that can be played every day of the week. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Baker's music, beautiful violin pieces, or classical music.

Source: I would like to thank Deseret Book for my complimentary review copy, which did not affect my review in any way.

About the Artist

Grammy Nominated Artist Jenny Oaks Baker is one of America's most accomplished violinists. She received her Master of Music degree from the renowned Juilliard School in New York City and her bachelor's degree in violin performance from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia.

She has released twelve albums since 1998. They consistently chart on Billboard, including the #1 spot on the Top Classical Albums chart. Her album Wish Upon a Star earned a nomination for the 54th GRAMMY Awards for Best Pop Instrumental Album.

Jenny Oaks Baker has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and with the Jerusalem Symphony, Pittsburgh Symphony, Utah Symphony, and the internationally acclaimed Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Jenny performed as a first violinist with the National Symphony Orchestra for seven years before resigning to devote more time to her young family. Jenny and her husband Matthew have four children.

Giveaway

My Home Can Be a Holy Place by Jenny Oaks Baker CD
US only
Ends October 14th

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