Title: Make It Happen: A Guide to Happiness for LDS SinglesAuthor: Kylee Shields
Release Date: October 2012
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: LDS Self-Help
Do you know what it means to be a kigatsuku person? Are you currently in a “hurricane” relationship or a “bridge” relationship? Do you know what it takes to be “righteous in the dark”? Have you struggled to find your place in the world as an LDS single? Do you feel like a misfit or a menace—like a circle trying to fit into a square?
If so, you’re not alone. It used to be an anomaly to be twenty-one and single in the LDS culture, but now there are entire stakes filled with single adults. In this book, author Kylee Shields explains how you can make the most of your single life, even if your current situation isn’t what you expected.
Make It Happen is a collection of principles, blog entries, stories, and conversations had on couches, floors, kitchen tables, and at many single-adult gatherings. It is filled with practical ways to make changes in your life, find hope, increase faith, strengthen relationships, and build the kingdom.
Excerpt from Make It Happen
Chapter 10: Wolf's Law
"Righteous in the Dark", p. 117 - 119
Whenever I get frustrated or don’t understand something in Church doctrine, I turn to my dad for advice. Most of the time, he will counsel with me and refer me to a few scriptures or a lonely both as a single adult and as a child of God. I remember telling my dad that I felt abandoned by Heavenly Father. I hadn’t felt the Spirit in a long time, I didn’t feel my prayers were being heard, and I was frustrated at God’s silence.
My dad sympathized with me and then introduced me to a principle called “righteous in the dark.” This phrase comes from Brigham Young. In talking about trials, his secretary wrote,
President Brigham Young, who knew something about trial and tribulation but also of man’s high destiny, said that the Lord lets us pass through these experiences that we might become true friends of God. By developing our individual capacities, wisely exercising our agency, and trusting God—including when we feel forsaken or alone—then we can, said President Young, learn to be“righteous in the dark.” (Secretary’s Journal, 1857)
It is one thing to be a disciple of Christ when things are going well in your life. It is easy to keep the commandments when you see the correlating blessings. It is something entirely different to remain faithful and loyal to Christ when you are alone in darkness and silence. Henry B. Eyring said:
So, the great test of life is to see whether we will hearken to and obey God’s commands in the midst of the storms of life. It is not to endure storms, but to choose the rightand so fail to qualify to return in glory to our heavenly home. (Eyring, “Start Early and Be Steady,” 2005)
I allow myself to have hard days, to cry sometimes. Recently on Mother’s Day in my family ward, I thought about my wonderful mother. I was smiling and happy. Then, I looked around at all the mothers in my ward and their little children in their arms, and a great sadness washed over me. I want to be a mother. I want to be dragged out to the drinking fountain or bathroom. I want to argue with my husband over whose turn it is next to my roommates, who understood and just let me. When I was done I wiped away my tears, made sure I didn’t have mascara running down my face, and went to Sunday School. There are days when I am surrounded by people but consumed with loneliness. I know I am not alone in these feelings. Some say that being single is a trial, and others say it is a blessing. I agree with both. I am grateful I have many more good days than bad days. I am also grateful for tender-mercy moments when the Spirit speaks to my mind and heart and gives me a wider view of God’s plan."
Giveaway
As part of the tour, Kylee is offering 4 amazing giveaways!! These include a $25 gift card to Amazon, a $25 gift card to Target, and a hard copy and ebook copy of the book.
To enter to win these prizes, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form provided. (Each tour stop will have the same Rafflecopter form).
- Open from January 8 to January 31.
- Must be 13+ years of age to enter
Earn entries by doing any/all of the following:
- Leaving a blog post comment
- Liking the Make It Happen Facebook page
- Friending Kylee on Facebook
- Following Kylee on Twitter (@kyleeshields and/or @authorkylee)
- Adding Make It Happen to your Goodreads shelf
- Liking Make It Happen on Amazon
- Following the Make It Happen blog
- Blogging about Make It Happen
- Following Kigatsuku (Kylee’s) blog
- Liking Forward Walking on Facebook
- Tweeting about the giveaway (once per day)
- Following any/all of the following Twitters:
About the Author
“My name is Kylee and I am passionate about life. I am the oldest of 8 children and have the most amazing parents ever. I have one adorable niece and one adorable & squishy nephew. I grew up in Oregon, moved my senior year of high school to Utah, then moved to San Diego, Boston, and currently live in Arizona.
I went to BYU and got my BA in English (creative writing/Editing) and a minor in Linguistics. I love words and writing! There is something very powerful in putting words together and expressing human emotions. I love poetry, reading great novels, blogging, etc. I have an old typewriter I adore and like to type out letters now and again and seal them with wax. I am an author and avid reader. I love learning new words and can trace that back to my mom who has the most amazing vocabulary.
I also attended ASU and got my Masters in Social Work (emphasis in child & family therapy). I have always been drawn to the "punk kids" and absolutely love my job. I work as a Shadow (family therapist) at The Anasazi Foundation. I get to do therapy with amazing adolescents out in the deserts of Arizona. My office is on the trail and I get to throw rocks, hear hearts, and get to know some incredible kids from all over. Not bad for a day job!
When I am not with my family, hanging out with my friends, or working I absolutely love to travel. I have been to Egypt, Ghana, Italy, Mexico, Canada, Ireland, Scotland, and almost all 50 of the states. I love music--singing, writing songs, playing the piano, and listening to other musicians. I co founded a Musical Fireside group that is in the process of becoming a non-profit. I have loved watching INSPIRE: music. service.hope grow and touch the hearts of those who hear us sing.
I am a huge Avengers fan (Captain America), I like straws, bridges, swinging on swings, and trains.
I love God and try to recognize His presence in my life. For Him I am indebted for my many blessings and tender mercies. All that I have and am is because of Him.”
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Thanks Lexie for doing all this and supporting me and my book!
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