The Guilty (1978)

I really like this short film.  It shows a Mormon fast and testimony meeting, and a young lady (Tina Cole) asks forgiveness for her sin.  She is obviously pregnant out-of-wedlock.  Based on her testimony. many other members start to forgive of sins of neglect and showing a less than loving attitude.  Gordon Jump does an excellent job as the young woman's father.  He changes during the meeting, and you can see his pride melt away.  His attitude before the meeting, as they get out of the car, is much different at the end as he repents of his faults instead of dwelling on those of his daughter.
The old gentleman who speaks at the end summarizes the attitude of what the church should be.  We are all fellow-citizens, and here to support each other in the good times and the bad.
As I attended the temple I was so impressed with the idea of we are all helping each other.  No one can go through the temple alone, it requires the help of others.  Likewise, it will require the help of others to return to Heavenly Father.
Written by William Burch and Emma Lou Thayne.  Directed by William Burch.  BYU Films 1978.  Based on a story  by Marion D. Hanks.

Mans Search for Happiness (1986)

This is the 198 remake of the 1964 WOrld's Fair movie.  The narration is the same, by Richard L. Evans, however the actors are different with a bit different interpretation.

Man's Search for Happiness 1964 World's Fair, NY

This is the classic 1964 World's Fair version of this movie.  It describes clearly the Mormon Belief of God's design for man.  This film, although short, provides a good description of our purpose in life.  

LDS 12 Steps: Step 12: Service - Erik’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Step 12 - Service: Having had a spiritual awakening as a result of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, share this message with others and practice these principles in all you do.

Here we have the story of someone who over doses on drugs, and then jumps off a three story balcony.  He is rebuilding his life by serving as a facilitator.
My own nephew had problems with drugs.  After he was able to maintain his recovery, he too served as a facilitator, and in doing so was able to help many people who were having problems.  

Bible Video: Jesus Explains the Parable of The Wheat and the Tares

Bible Videos: Parables.  I find the meaning of the wheat and tares rather obvious, at some point, at the end of the harvest there will be a separation made.
 

In this second video, Jesus declares and explains the meaning behind the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares.  

LDS 12 steps for addiction recovery: Step 9: Restitution and Reconciliation - John’s Story on Drug Addiction

Through the process of reconciliation we can receive God's mercy.  This individual relates the difficulties he had in putting his life back together.
Step 9 - Wherever possible, make direct restitution to all persons you have harmed.

LDS 12 Steps for Addiction Recovery: Step 8: Forgiveness - Larry’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Larry describes giving and getting forgiveness as a poison draining from your body, from your heart and mind.
Step 8 - Seeking Forgiveness: Make a written list of all persons you have harmed and become willing to make restitution to them.

LDS 12 Steps for Addiction Recovery: Step 7: Humility - Holly’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

Finding Humility can be hard, but a necessary part of recovery.  In this story, Holly begins her climb to recovery after a suicide attempt.
Step 7 - Humility: Humbly ask Heavenly Father to remove your shortcomings.

LDS 12-steps for Addiction Recovery: Step 6: Change of Heart - Aram’s Story about Drug Addiction Recovery

This portrays a man who turns to drugs to deal with the grief of the death of his parents, and the murder of his younger sister.  He goes through the steps; but feels something is still missing.  He then comes back to step 6:
Step 6 - Change of Heart: Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.
It is difficult to turn your weaknesses over to God.  
He finishes with what he says is an African proverb, "If there is no demon within, the demon outside can do us no harm."

LDS 12 Steps for Addiction Recovery: Step 5: Confession - Jessica’s Story about Food Addiction Recovery

Jessica tells her story of addiction to food.  She also talks about how confessing her misdeeds to her bishop was like losing 50 pounds and enabled her to move on with her life.

Step 5 - Confession: Admit to yourself, to your Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ, to proper priesthood authority, and to another person the exact nature of your wrongs.

LDS 12 Steps for Addictions: Step 4: Truth - Austin’s Story about Addiction Recovery

Step 4 - Truth: Make a searching and fearless written moral inventory of yourself.
One thing to remember about step four is that being truthful in your inventory includes taking an honest look at your strengths as well as your weaknesses.

A New Day for the Book of Mormon

The BYUTV documentary has me very excited to read the Book of Mormon, in a different light.  It
contains interviews with many different scholars, and many different aspects of the Book of Mormon. these aspects includes as literature, as theology, and as proof of its authenticity.    It includes the testimony of scholars, apostles, authors, theologians and many more.  It talks about when many people came to know that the book is a true book of revealed scripture from God, which adds its testimony of Jesus Christ to the testimony by the Bible.  It is a companion to the Bible, not a replacement.  I would encourage all to view this presentation, as I think it will strengthen testimony of those who already believe, and encourage all to investigate this book with real intent one more time.  I know it is a true book.  I am looking forward to a year of intense study.

LDS 12 Steps for Addictions: Step 3: Trust in God - Sharon’s Story about Crystal Meth Addiction Recovery

Step 3 - Trust in God: Decide to turn your will and your life over to the care of God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.
This story presents a middle age woman, who is obsessed with losing weight.  As a result she tries crystal methamphetamine and becomes addicted.  She struggles with pride, and applying step three.  She does not want others to tell her how to do things.  This is a very good presentation.

Church Movie Review: Joy to the World

"Joy to the World" is a film produced by the church which is very useful for giving to friends at Christmas time.  It features the Mormon tabernacle Choir and includes several narrators telling the story of Christ's birth in both Jerusalem as well as the New World.  It also shows scenes from the birth of Jesus.  The stable has many animals.  And Mary and Joseph look very lovingly at Baby Jesus.  The shepherds look so astonished.  They travel to Bethlehem to see the baby.
We also see Samuel on the wall from the Book of Mormon.  The story of the sign of a day and a night and a day without darkness.  The threat made to the people that they will be put to death by a certain day if the sign is not revealed.  Nephi's prayer and answer "Today come I into the World."
But this it not all this short film offers. We also see scenes from Jesus' life; his miracles and teaching the people.  Jesus' crucifixion is shown, as well as his resurrection.  And then a brief review of the prophets.  The darkness which entered the world through apostasy, and then finally the restoration, and new testimony of Jesus.
This movie is very well done.  I recommend it as a movie to share with your friends.  It gives a brief testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ.  It also invites people to learn more and tells them how they can do so.

Mormon Movie Review: He Knows My Name

This short DVD movie is from Covenant Communication.  This presentation shows a girl and her relationship with Jesus.  She is drawn to jesus and his teachings.  However her mother, who is a single mother, is wary because their are rumors that men want to kill Jesus.  Jesus meets the family, and provides them with a miracle.  However this does not change the outcome and Jesus is crucified.  Our girl, Rebekah, has difficulty understanding.  It isn't until her grandfather sends her on a task to the fish market, that she begins to understand, as she meets the resurrected Jesus.

Mormon Movie Review: ***^Sons of Provo (2004)

This is a movie made in documentary style, home video style.  This follows three men who are involved in a Mormon Boy Band.  They call themselves EverClean.  It gives us an idea of what it would be like to be in a band, trying to maintain the squeaky clean image.  They eventually have some success, but they still have some growing to do.  Can the brothers who formed the band, let go enough to let someone else share his music?  If they don't the band will likely fall apart due to jealousy.  Sometimes growth hurts.

What Should I Do When I See Pornography?

This is a Mormon.org video by young people for young people.
1. Name it
2. turn it off and turn away.
3. Talk to a trusted adult.

Conozca a Los Mormones

I would like to invite my friends, especially those you speak Spanish to a special showing of "Meet the Mormons" which is presented Saturday 10/14/15 at no charge.  It will be shown at 6 p.m. at the Chester building in Tracy.  This is a very good documentary which was a mild success at the box office and holds a spot in the top ten of documentary gates.  More importantly this movie is very well done.  I cannot watch it through without tearing up several times.  I will be there and love to say "hi."

The Old Shoemaker

This is a very good story about an old man who is expecting to see Jesus.  He finds him in his own acts of service.

Mormon Movie Review: Godly Sorrow Leads to Repentance

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-06-2350-godly-sorrow-leads-to-repentance?lang=eng
This short LDS film presentation talks about true sorrow, and true repentance.  There is a way back to the Savior, but it starts with a recognition of the wrong we have done.  This film is available through lds.org.