My Home Can Be a Holy Place by Kristen M. Oaks Book & CD

Today, we wanted to share a book and cd with all of you. The book is titled "My Home Can Be a Holy Place"  by Kristen M. Oaks 

About:

Lily is a young girl who is helping to make her home a holy place.

Through Lily's story, told by Kristen M. Oaks and illustrated by award-winning Latter-day Saint artist Dan Burr, we are invited into Lily's home to share time with her family.

Children will love seeing how Lily and the other children contribute to the spiritual environment of their home through their everyday activities. We seem them praying, working together, eating dinner as a family, reading the scriptures, counseling together to make good decisions, participating in family home evening, sharing the gospel with friends and family, and learning to love one another. They love the Lord and feel His Spirit in their home.

This delightful book shows readers of every age how homes can becomes holy places in which children grow up in the Lord.

The website www.HomeCanBeAHolyPlace.com is designed to be a living document. It develops the themes introduced in the book and is enriched by contributions from reader to reinforce teachings, expand ideas, and inspire children and parents to make their home a holy place.

About the authors:

DAN BURR, an award-winning illustrator, earned a bachelor of fine arts degree from Utah State University and a master's degree in illustration from Syracuse University. He and his wife, Patti, are the parents of two children and live in Tetonia, Idaho. Dan has illustrated many children's books, including The Miracle of the Wooden Shoes, I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, The Mansion, and The Christmas Train.

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.

In my opinion: I reviewed “My Home Can Be a Holy Place” by Kristen M. Oaks. I enjoyed reading this book with my children. The beautiful illustrations captured their attention.  In the story, Lily is helping to make her home a holy place through everyday activities.  As I enjoyed this treasure with my kids, we had conversations about what we can do in our own home to help it become a holy place. We talked about how fun traditions, such as birthdays, create happy memories that enable families to become closer to one another. My kids were also excited that simple activities like eating dinner (and dessert) help our homes. The small and simple things enable our family to look forward to an eternal family. Each section of the book incorporates a theme, such as prayer, working together, sharing the gospel, or learning to forgive one another.  This could also be used as several family home evening lessons through out the year.  
Next, the cd is titled "My Home Can Be a Holy Place" by Jenny Oaks Baker

About:

From 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.

Track list:

Love at Home

Jesus Once Was a Little Child

Songs My Mother Taught Me

I Feel My Savior's Love

Brahms's Cradle Song

I Am a Child of God

Love Is Spoken Here

About the author:

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.
In my opinion:
I also reviewed “My Home Can Be a Holy Place CD,” inspired by Jenny Oaks Baker. Wehave enjoyed listening to this inspirational music in our car while driving to my children’s activities through out the week. This has been a nice break from the redundant songs played on the radio. I felt the spirit was with us continually as we listened to this beautiful music. This CD includes recognizable songs such as Love at Home, I Feel My Savior’s Love, and Love is Spoken Here.   Jenny Oaks Baker is one of my favorite musicians!  I recommend both the book and CD, as tools to encourage our families to do things to have our homes filled with the spirit and reinforce gospel teachings. Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products or services for free in the hope that I would mention them on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.