That Promised Day: the Coming Forth of the LDS Scriptures

I just watched the movie "That Promised Day" distributed on DVD by Covenant Communications, and produced by BYU Broadcasting. What a wonderful DVD.
It took me twice as long to watch it as it would anyone else because I paused to write down quotes and repeated several key parts. (I'm kinda sick that way)

My son and I had a good discussion about it afterward when I highly recommended he find some time to watch it. He was born in 1990 and has no experience of life before the current scriptures he uses. Its easy for our children to believe these have always existed or to not fully comprehend the tremendous effort that went into bringing them to the world. Truly do ANY of us fully comprehend the value of them? or the miracle of them?

That Promised Day DVD
available at GENERATIONS LDS BOOKSTORE
www.generationsbooktore.com

When I was a child, the daily use of scriptures was much different in any given home - even in strong Latter-day Saint homes, than it is today. I was raised in an in-active Latter-day Saint home. I realize that the politically correct term is "less-active" but trust me, my home was pretty in-active as far as the gospel is concerned. And since I'm talking about 'me', I can say whatever I want. Regardless of what kind of home you came from, as of 1971, when you read the Bible at home or in the classroom, it was from any one of several editions of the King James Bible available at the time.

It became increasingly evident to those responsible for church curriculum that relying on these editions was no longer the best option. The Brethren felt emphasis on personal study of the scriptures should be given priority. Existing editions of the King Jame Bible were inadequate for the new emphasis and after much deliberation it seemed that that the time was at hand that the church needed to produce their own edition of the King James Bible.

It was agreed that many improvements needed to be made that would be of great and lasting value to the Latter-day Saints. Improvements such as better chapter headings, more footnotes which cross referenced each of the standard works, a topical guide, a bible dictionary and maps. All these things would not only aid the personal experience of the casual reader, but would make the scriptures more accessible and meaningful to all who embarked on a serious study of them.

Elder Thomas S. Monson was assigned to head the committee that would oversee the production of hte new LDS edition of the King James Bible. Elders Boyd K. Packer and Bruce R. McConkie (the doctrinal expert) were also on the committee. It was felt that the members of the church must be more scripturally literate, so the project's goal was to assist in "improving doctrinal scholarship throughout the church".

Thousands of hours were dedicated by hundreds of volunteers, and prayerful energy was applied to every aspect of the work. Those who laboured therein felt the Lord's hand in it and knew they were part of a great undertaking. Doctrinal experts joined the team. Eminent men in their fields such as Ellis Rasmussen - fluent in Hebrew, Robert Patch - fluent in Greek, Robert Matthews - an expert in the Joseph Smith Translations, and many others.

Computers were in their infancy when the work began, but they proved to be a god-send in organizing the tremendous amounts of human research. Those working most intimately with the project felt the computer was developed for this precise purpose, seeing no coincidence in its implementation. President Kimball said "I believe that the Lord is anxious to put into our hands inventions of which we laymen have hardly had a glimpse ... If we do all we can, the Lord will bring more discoveries to our use .. of that I have great faith."

Speaking of the topical guide reference of Jesus Christ, Elder Boyd K. Packer said "these references constitute the most comprehensive compliation of scriptural information on the mission and teachings of Jesus Christ that has even been assembled in the history of the world."
 
"However talented men may be in administrative matters [or] worldly things they will be denied the sweet whisperings of the spirit that might have been theirs unless they pay the price of studying, pondering, and praying about the scriptures."
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"Never since the day of Joseph Smith has there been such a opportunity to increase gospel scholarship as has now come to those who have our new English edition of the scriptures."
- Elder Bruce R. McConkie

"Therein" says Boyd K. Packer "is contained the fulness of the ever lasting gosepel. Therein we find principle of truth that will resolve every confusion and every problem and every dilema that will face the human family or any individual in it."
 
Elder D. Todd Christofferson said "I believe we have a stronger generation than we had ever before, in large measure because they've had ready and constant access to the scriptures. .. We have a greater need than people at any other time in the world's history, to have that constant and immediate access to the scriptures. ... [to be] able to turn to them instantly, at our convenience, at any moment, and to carry a copy with us."

A gift not to be taken lightly. A gift not only from God, but from every individual who sacrificed time, energy, means - and in yesteryear even life - to bring us our present edition of the King James Bible that we so freely hold in our hands. Hopefully we will never take it for granted.

"17 Miracles" by T.C.Christensen - Newest LDS film to hit the big screen

The story about the Willie & Martin Handcart Companies is probably one of the best known and retold stories in church history. It is one of faith, trial, the unconquerable human spirit, long suffering, triumph, and refiner's fire, as those who survived it literally became as the people of Ammon two thousand years ago ... people "distinguished for their zeal towards God, and also towards men; for they were perfectly honest and upright in all things, and they were firm in the faith of Christ, even unto the end. ..... And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favoured people of the Lord." Alma 27:27, 30
Their's is a story that should be retold and retold. Latter-day Saint children should be as familiar with their story, as they are with other scripture stories - Noah, Jonah, David, Nephi, Ammon, Captain Moroni ...... add to the ranks of those heroes - Levi Savage. 

17 Miracles - the newest Latter-day Saint movie to hit the big screen is promising to be the biggest film in its genre. Already in its 3rd month at theatres, it is still going strong. Expectations are that it will surpase God's Army, Saints & Soldiers, and Work & the Glory - the other top box office films in the LDS genre. It has almost done so already.

Levi Savage kept meticulous records as he made his journey west toward the Salt Lake Valley. Much of what we know from that historic trek, we know from reading his journal entries. Many of the unbelievable miracles showcased in 17 Miracles come directly from Levi's first hand accounts. 

 Follow Levi's Journey West on Facebook

A Pioneer Film Like You’ve Never Seen Before

As part of the Willie Handcart Company, Levi Savage (Jasen Wade) feared that leaving late in the season would lead to despair and death. What he came to find out is that for every tragedy, there is a multitude of miracles.
Based on unbelievable actual events, and brought to you by filmmaker T.C. Christensen (Praise to the Man, The Work and the Glory), 17 Miracles will open your eyes to the stories of the Mormon Pioneers as you have never seen them before. Something extraordinary is about to happen.

August 21, 1856 Thursday, Plat River.
Today we traveled up the Plat bottom to another bend in the river for twelve miles. The grass was high. The roads were sandy and the weather very warm.

The DVD is scheduled to be on the floor at Generations LDS Bookstore by mid September.
Be the 1st to watch "17 Miracles" in your own home.
Reserve your copy and SAVE $4.00 when you PRE-Buy it. 
Phone the store NOW #780-413-0392, or order online. 
We will call you the minute it arrives!

‎"17 MIRACLES may be the best film to come out of the Mormon cinema genre." - Mormon Movie Guy

"...... Pulling no punches in depicting suffering, danger, and human imperfection, the film displays with historical accuracy the great challenges and changes of flawed but exceedingly faithful people whose trials refined their characters."

 ..... Read MORE by Mormon Movie Guy

see the movie's official website with additonal pictures and information

Diantha's Crossing

Diantha's Crossing

If you haven't discovered this film yet, you're in for a Treat! - done by BYU - a GREAT Film! 

Perfect for those who like to 'think', and who enjoy a story beneath the story.

Diantha is an elderly midwife. She lives in Salt Lake City in 1858, at the time that Johnson's army is marching in. Short months after the Mountain Meadows Massacre. Brother Brigham buries the temple and disguises it as a field being planted. He promises to burn the city to the ground before he lets it go. Most Mormons have been evacuated, he leaves a few men behind to observe and bring word.

Diantha was leaving with the rest when an emigrant woman, near to delivering her first child - a non-Mormon from Missouri way, on her way out west with her husband - has need of Diantha's special talent.

In the setting of Diantha's warm and comfortable cabin, we learn of Diantha's conversion to the gospel, her testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, her difficult history with the saints from Kirkland, through to the tops of the mountains in Utah territory. We learn that although she is a Christian woman, all is not well in her little corner of Zion. She struggles with hateful feelings toward those who have caused so much hurt over the years, and guilt that accompanies such unChristlike behavior. 

A stranger arrives at her door and while she tenderly cares for her patient, in the quiet hours, she visits with the kind stranger, who looks hautingly familiar somehow .... .

"[Diantha] is both angry and kind, sad and funny as she talks, moving almost effortlessly from topic to topic without losing her place.
Along the way, she confronts her fears, her guilt and her prejudice against those who have caused her family and friends pain. .... "  click HERE to read Mormon Times article

click picture to watch trailer

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/7399/Dianthas-Crossing-is-a-well-deserved-showcase

This is the film you want to show in your adult FHE group, Reader's group, or any other collection of adults or older teens who enjoy 'thinking' and iscussing the gospel.

Not really a family film - not because its inappropriate, just because it has nothing to offer children. With that in mind however, I fully intend to watch it with my oldest granddaughter (8) if her parents are agreeable. I think it would promote a great discussion and fodder for many future like-minded discussions.

In my humble opinion, it is one of the best films we've seen for a long time. 

Every home should have one. Every RS should watch it, every empty nesters group should watch it, as well as every serious minded adult FHE group .....

Full of poignant scenes and dialogue from early church history. A visual, sensory dissertation on the transition from this life to the world after this one. Latter-day Saint theology on the imponderable questions concerning the intersection between spirits and mortals. It begs to be discussed afterward. It should be discussed. It could be the catalyst for some awesome gospel discussions. ..........

Okay, enough said. You'd think I produced it or something, the way I'm going on about it. But you know, its fun to come across something you think is so wonderful. THIS kind of discovery (and revealing it) is what makes owning the bookstore worth it!

Diantha's Crossing - DVD

I Loved It! - Cindy

WOW! A Great Movie. Well written, well directed, well acted. Touching. Just enough below-the-surface message to make it deep. An ending to remember. Great film to digest and disect in an adult FHE, Readers Club, or just among friends. Absolutely BRILLIANT!
High recommendation from Cindy

The year is 1858. As the U.S. Army marches on Salt Lake City, Brigham Young has ordered the Saints to evacuate their homes. Diantha Clay - powerfully portrayed by veteran Barta Heiner, A BYU professor who wrote and performed the original stage production - is an aging midwife who stays behind to help a woman about to give birth. The woman was knocked unconscious when her husband struck her as they passed Diantha's cabin, and now Diantha struggles to hold the door shut against the angry husband.

In the next scene, the husband is gone; Diantha now faces a smiling stranger who seems to know her but doesn't explain why he's there. As Diantha tends to her laboring patient and converses with the stranger, she reflects on her childhood and a myriad of memories - from miraculous healings to painful decisions. She takes the stranger to Far West with her to visit a terrible time in her past. Along the way, she confronts her fears, her guilt, and her prejudice against those who have caused pain to her family and her friends. This moving and thought-provoking production will be a treasured addition to any DVD library.

Price: (CDN) $14.95

Available at Generations LDS Bookstore

Enjoy!

Cindy