Monday, January 28, 2008

Standing on my soapbox

Recently I read an excerpt from a speech given by M Russell Ballard in December 2007 at BYU Hawaii. It intrigued me first because I have a blog, but also because he brings up ideas about sharing the gospel in ways that I hadn’t explored…yet. I am not the type to “flash” my religion around to others but after I read the article I felt that it is an opportunity for me to share my experiences and testimony of the gospel with others. And because of this, I have decided to go completely beyond my comfort zone and explore the world of standing for something you believe in. Here are some excerpts from that talk…

Most of you already know that if you have access to the Internet you can start a blog in minutes and begin sharing what you know to be true. You can download videos from Church and other appropriate sites, including Newsroom at LDS.org, and send them to your friends. You can write to media sites on the Internet that report on the Church, and voice your views as to the accuracy of the reports.

We are living in a world saturated with all kinds of voices. Perhaps now, more than ever, we have a major responsibility as Latter-day Saints to define ourselves, instead of letting others define us. Far too many people have a poor understanding of the Church because most of the information they hear about us is from news media reports that are often driven by controversies. Too much attention to controversy has a negative impact on peoples’ perceptions of what the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints really is.

The Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ has no doubt had a powerful impact on your life. It has, in part, shaped who you are and what your future will be. Do not be afraid to share with others your story, your experiences as a follower of the Lord, Jesus Christ. We all have interesting stories that have influenced our identity. Sharing those stories is a non-threatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the Church.

The Apostle Paul has admonished us to not be "ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ: for it is the power of God unto Salvation" (Romans 1:16). Let us all stand firmly and speak with faith in sharing our message with the world.


If you want to read the entire article you can find it here:
http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/search/using-new-media-to-support-the-work-of-the-church

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will participate regularly in a new religion blog — a joint project by Newsweek and The Washington Post. Panelists respond weekly to a question on a religious topic, which is then opened to the public for additional comment. Read more at :
http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith


Our family was very saddened to hear the news last night of the passing of our beloved prophet President Gordon B Hinckley. We were on our way home from my mom’s house when we received the news. Josh and Abby immediately started sobbing with me. I was grateful that they have been touched by his life as young as they are. They understand how special he was and how important his work was to our church. They are blessed to have a testimony of his calling.
He seemed somewhat of a celebrity to me I guess mostly because I always wanted to just be in his presence if only for a short time, much like how we feel with some of the celebrities today. I have heard so many stories of people saying how amazing the charge in the room is when you are around him, that you can just “feel” the air change because of the power that he has with him. I have read so many comments about people all around the world, mostly reporters that are not Mormon people say so many kind words. These people have so very many good things to say about him. I believe they probably felt that same kind of “presence” or spirit that resides with him that so many of us just want to feel. Many years ago Dayton and I were with some friends in the Joseph Smith building checking out the new genealogy library. President Hinckley walked through and called down to us and we were able to talk back to him. It was a wonderful experience that I will never forget. The feeling in that room was undeniable. He was a true prophet called of God who held the priesthood and who spoke with our Savior. I will miss him terribly and will always be eternally grateful for legacy that he left.






Friday, January 25, 2008

"SNOW much fun!"

Thursday, January 17, 2008

Christmas 2007 "wrap-up"

Ok, so I know that christmas is over but we have been so busy I haven't had the time
to post any pictures from our fabulous holiday season. I hope you enjoy this slideshow
of the kids. We truly had a very wonderful holiday and hope all of you did too!
Thanks to all!

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