November 27, 2009
I’m an IT guy, and the other day at work I was looking through some bounced messages, and came across one that was sent to someone who know longer works at the company. The subject line was “LDS Singles”, and this is the body of the message:
Weird! I don’t know if it is common in other places, but I’ve never seen this before. I’ve looked through thousands (maybe tens of thousands) of bounces over the years, and never seen a Mormon-related junk mail. Apparently spammers send spam, because it works… so is there interest in LDS singles?
Posted in Mormon Church on the Web (Unofficial) 
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November 25, 2009
We have a Ward Temple Night on the 3rd Thursday of each month. We are in the Toronto Ontario Temple district. In November, this was last Thursday. It was rainy and kind of foggy/misty, and this is what we saw (taken with my cell phone camera) as we approached the temple.
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October 31, 2009
Last year I came across a web site that showed a picture of Gordon B Hinckley carved into a pumpkin. This year, I’ve come across someone else who has done one of Thomas S Monson. Below is just a thumbnail. Click on through to Jay Ball’s web site to see a larger version.
Posted in Mormon Church Hierarchy, Random Mormon-related things No Comments »
October 20, 2009
The Church News has a nice article (with pictures) about a recent trip by President Monson to Nauvoo and Kirtland. I have never been to Nauvoo, but have been to Kirtland many times. It’s about a 3-4 hour drive from here. I love being there. I don’t generally talk like this, but there really is a special feeling being in the same place that the early Church leaders were in. In my mind’s eye I can see them working on the temple, living in the houses, and playing in the fields. It just makes everything seem more real.
The article is quite detailed, but starts off this way:
President Thomas S. Monson made brief visits to Nauvoo, Ill., and Kirtland, Ohio, on Oct. 9 and 10. It was the first time since he became president of the Church on Feb. 3, 2008, that he has visited the sites steeped in Church history.
Posted in General Religion and Spirituality No Comments »
October 4, 2009
Well, another General Conference has come and gone. There were no “Wow!” talks for me this year. This isn’t to say that they were boring or that they wouldn’t have affected anyone. There are definitely things that I will work harder on now. I’ve made my notes (obviously), and we’ll have lots to choose from for the 4th Sunday lessons.
I loved Elder Ballard’s talk during the Priesthood Session (suggestions for sons and fathers to get along better). As always, I also enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing was beautiful, as was O, Divine Redeemer.
One last time I’ll comment on how great the Move Networks player is. Perfect! It just amazes me that I can sit in my living room and watch General Conference in something close to HD on my living room TV. This might be normal for many parts of the United States, but not here.
It was neat hearing Sister Dibb mention our city by name. I drive by or over the Garden City Skyway almost every day. It is kind of neat to think that I’m the bishop of the ward whose city was mentioned by name in General Conference.
Watching/participating in General Conference reaffirms my testimony. I love the Church, and love its teachings and principles. It is true!
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference No Comments »
October 4, 2009
We watched the last session of conference at home again. As before, the transmission was perfect. My parents came over to watch with us, and we then had dinner together.
President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted
The choir sang “In Hymns of Praise”
Elder Marlin K Jenseon offered the invocation
The choir sang “O, Divine Redeemer”. Beautiful!
Elder Jeffrey R Holland ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Even those in the covenant could be deceived by the enemy of truth
- The rod marks the way of that redeeming trail
- “As one of a thousands elements of my testimony…”
- In Joseph’s and Hyrum’s last hours, they marked a scripture in the Book of Mormon as their testimony
- “I lie not!”
- Shared his testimony by oath and his office of the Book of Mormon
- These are the words of Christ and they teach all men to do good
- God always provides safety for the soul
Elder Quentin L Cook ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- We live in perilous times where people feel they are not accountable to God
- We do welfare work because we are doing what we believe God wants us to do
- We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven, not because someone is forcing us to obey
- It is our responsibility to teach the Saviour’s standard of morality
- “What happens in Sevier County, you can share with your friends”
- See that all these things are done in wisdom and order
- In all of our stewardship efforts we follow Jesus Christ
- Review our stewardships and know we are accountable to God
Elder Brent H. Nielson ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Go ye into all the earth and teach all nations
- Lengthen our stride and widen our vision
- Every young man should serve an honourable full-time mission
- Who are the labourers? They are prophets and apostles, stake presidents, bishops, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters
- We have just begun to scratch the surface
- The need has never been greater, the field has never been whiter
The choir and congregation sang “Hope of Israel”
Elder Dale G Renlund ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- If you feel good, all is NOT well
- The ultimate operation is a spiritual change of heart
- Our transgressions lead to our hearts that are hardened and diseased
- Do not become casual with prayer and scripture study
- Do not compromise our covenants or commitments
Elder Michael T Ringwood
- Pray till you have faith
- We need to allow the words to sink deep into our hearts
- At some times, it is easier to believe the word of God
- The teachings of this conference, if followed, will lead to an easiness in believing the good word of God
Elder Joseph W Sitati
- The Church has become a global faith
- Now, more than at any other time, we can more fully understand the gospel
Elder D Todd Christoffersen
- We need moral discipline
- The gospel of Jesus Christ provides moral certainty
- Self-discipline has eroded
- The lack of internal control in people, breeds external controls by governments
- Moral discipline is learned at home
President Thomas S Monson
- Study the addresses in the Ensign
- We often find ourselves swimming against the current
- We can survive this
- We will be blessed as we do what is right
- “I invoke the blessings of heaven upon each of you”
- Leave this conference a better person
The choir sang “Lord, Dismiss Us With Thy Blessing”
The benediction was offered by W Douglas Shumway (released yesterday)
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference No Comments »
October 4, 2009
It was so nice to sleep in this morning and then actually be able to help my wife with the kids. As we were driving to church today she said it was weird to be going together as a family. We also brought a YSA who lives with us (I saw her taking notes during the session) and an investigator.
We got to church for the last part of the Tabernacle Choir broadcast, just in time for Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing. A truly beautiful hymn!
The choir sang sing “Praise to Him Who Reigns Above”
President Thomas S Monson conducted
The choir sang “I Need Thee Every Hour”
The invocation was offered by Elder Glen L Pace
The choir sang “Beautiful Zion, Built Above”
President Henry B Eyring ** might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- We have a desire to be better than we are
- By living the gospel we can become like the Saviour
- “I’m trying to be like Jesus”
- The greatest joys and sorrows come in the family
- Pray for the love that let’s you see the good in your companion
- Persist in love
- Pray for your children. Love them and reach out to them
- Honour thy father and thy mother
- The only one of the 10 commandments with a promise
- Look for opportunities to do what He did
Elder L Tom Perry
- The pioneers left us a great heritage
- Reviewing the lessons of the past help us face the challenges of the future
- The missionaries teach about the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, the Gospel of Jesus Christ
Bishop H David Burton
- Let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly, then shall thy confidence wax strong in the Lord
- Virtue traits form the foundation of a Christ-like life
- “Ity” virtues (charity, chastity, morality, etc)
- We need not be part of the virtue malaise
- Integrity is more important than revenge
The choir and congregation sang “How Firm a Foundation”
Sister Ann M Dibb
- Shared a story about St Catharines, Ontario, Canada and the Garden City Skyway… I live in St Catharines! I’m the bishop of the St Catharines ward. There was quite a buzz in the chapel when she mentioned our city.
- Workers fell because they didn’t have safety equipment
- The iron rod brings us safety
- If we are on strange roads, it is always possible for us to find our way back
Elder Russell M Nelson
- Even more amazing than modern technology is the ability to get information directly from heaven without any special hardware or monthly service plan
- Personal revelation can be honed
- Develop faith, hope, charity, and love
The choir sang “Love is Spoken Here”
President Thomas S Monson
- What did you do for someone today?
- When you are in the service of your fellow being, you are serving God
- Members responded to his request to serve others as a gift for his birthday last year
The choir sang “Have I Done Any Good?”
The benediction was offered by Enrique R Falabella
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference No Comments »
October 3, 2009
Before the Priesthood Session, we had our annual sub-sational. This is where YM and their fathers gathered for a dinner of submarine sandwiches. It’s always a good time.
President Dieter F Uchtdorf conducted
The choir sang “High on the Mountain Top”
The invocation was offered by Dennis B Neuenschwander (released from the Seventy today). Note: He said “Uh” in his prayer at one point.
The choir sang another song but I missed it as I went into the kitchen to see if the clean up was almost done.
Elder M Russell Ballard ** a great talk, but not one that would translate well for the RS to use in a 4th Sunday lesson)
- Seeing the priesthood together is a visual reminder of two important parts of our theology: priesthood and family
- Sons
- Trust your father
- Take an interest in your father’s life
- Ask your father for advice
- Fathers
- Listen to your sons
- There should be at least monthly focused conversation
- Conversations where you do 90% of the talking is not a conversation
- Pray with and for your sons
- Dare to have the big talks with your sons
- Talk about sexual matters
- Return Missionaries
- Be where you can meet the right kind of friends
- Rediscover courting
- Do not drift to the ways of the world
Elder Walter F Gonzalez
- Be a more powerful priesthood holder by using the Book of Mormon
- 3 ways to use Book of Mormon
- Feast upon the words of Christ
- Apply in our lives what we learn of Christ
- Teach the doctrines and principles found in the Book of Mormon
Elder Yoon Hwan Choi
- Told story as young men when he was a bishop
- There leaders and wives became like mothers and fathers
- Be obedient, even if you don’t know why yet
- Attending their church meetings was very important
- Teach our boys to change their lives
- Be goodly parents to the rowdy boys
The choir and congregation sang “Praise to the Man”
President Dieter F Uchtdorf ** Might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Winter will surely give way to spring
- We must remain steadfast in hope
- 2 principles to get through tough times
- Work
- The Lord loves the labourer
- Thrust in your sickle and your sins are forgiven you
- Work to your capability
- Cultivate a reputation of excellence
- There is no retirement in the kingdom
- Working diligently in the kingdom bolsters your “resume”
- Learn
- Education is not just a good idea, it’s a commandment
- Intelligence rises with us in the resurrection
President Henry B Eyring ** a great talk, but not one that would translate well for the RS to use in a 4th Sunday lesson)
- The call to give a blessing can come unexpectedly
- The preparation is far more than having oil at hand
- The preparation begins in families and quorums, but mostly in personal lives
- You must have faith that you have won his confidence
- Faith does not come in the moment. It is earned.
- Have pure motives
President Thomas S Monson ** Might use this as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Much in the news is a result of anger
- Cease from anger and forsake wrath
- Anger doesn’t solve anything. It doesn’t build anything, but it can destroy everything
- No one can make us angry; it is our choice
The choir sang “Rise Up, O Men of God”
Elder Lance B Wickman offered the benediction. Strangely enough, he also said, “Uh” during his prayer.
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference No Comments »
October 3, 2009
I’m at home now. I can’t say enough about how great the Move Networks player is. I watched it through my laptop on my 26″ HD TV, and it was perfect. Very impressive. The only thing is that the stream seems to be a few minutes behind the live broadcast (even when you are showing it “live”).
I liked watching all of the various leaders sit down before the session started. There is a lot of smiles, a lot of hand-shaking, and a lot of talking. I know people who are so uptight about reverence, and that when you walk into the chapel it should be silent. I know the Conference Center isn’t a chapel, but for the purposes of General Conference, it is, and it is great to see people being so friendly with each other. It’s also nice to see everyone (including the leaders) stand as the First Presidency walks in. I also liked seeing President Eyring whisk something off of President Monson’s shoulder. Maybe something from lunch? 
President Henry B Eyring conducted the session.
The choir sang “Let Zion in Her Beauty Rise”.
Elder Carlos H Amados offered the invocation.
The choir sang “Know This, That Every Soul Is Free”
President Eyring conducted the business. Several members of the First and Second Quorums of the Seventy were released, but no one was called to replace them.
Elder Dallin H Oaks ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- God’s love and God’s commandments
- The love of God does not supersede his commandments.
- His commandments do not diminish the love of God
- Every parent knows you can love a child and be angry and disappointed
- The love of God is so universal, even those who are rebellious benefit
- Where do parents draw the line with children that are not following the commandments. Don’t go to extremes (shunning the person, or totally ignoring the disobedience)
- Real love does not support self-destructive behaviour
Elder Robert D Hales ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- We live in a time where secularism is deepening
- We declare We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in his son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost
- Why is belief in God so important?
- Without God, life would end at the grave, and life would have no purpose
- Cultivate a diligent desire to know God lives
Elder Jorge F Zeballos
- From a purely human point of view at first, the commandment to be perfect seems to be an impossible task
- The command to become perfect encourages us to achieve the best of ourselves
- God will not require more than the best we can give
- Let us with enthusiasm do all that is within our reach
- It is possible to achieve the impossible. We can receive eternal life. We can be happy now
President Eyring forgot 3 other names that are being released from the 2nd Quorum of the Seventy
The choir sang “Come, Ye Children of the Lord”
Elder Tad R Callister ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Joseph was the Lord’s anointed
- He learned 4 fundamental truths
- God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ are two separate, distinct beings
- The Father and Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones
- God still speaks to man today; the heavens are not closed
Does God love us as much today as before?
Does God have the same power today as then?
Do we need him as much today as then?
- The full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not on the earth
- Hard to believe Joseph Smith saw angels? Were there not angels before? Mary, Joseph, Peter, James, John, Cornelius, Paul, Stephen all saw angels
- There will always be an intellectual crisis, but there will always be faith that can strengthen us
- Attempts to intellectualise salvation will never find the answers they seek. At some point, one must trust in God.
Elder Kent R Watson
- Temperance
- Exercise self-control
- Peace of mind and security and happiness do not come from buying things we can’t afford
- Security from our families comes from learning self-control
- Peace of mind comes from faith in Jesus Christ
- Happiness comes from being diligent in keeping covenants
Elder Neil L Andersen ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- I have felt His love in sacred and unforgettable ways
- Spiritual arms of mercy, safety, love
- We rejoice in repenting and the joy of forgiveness
- There is no sin that cannot be forgiven (other then turning away)
- “Will ye not now return unto me… that I may heal you?”
- Repentance is more of a journey than an event
- “You can’t feel what I have felt” – I don’t fully understand, but there is One who does. He does. He has felt your pain. He has said “I have engraven thee upon the palms of my hands”
- I promise you, relief will come
- Do not procrastinate the day of your repentance
President Boyd K Packer (spoke from a chair)
- We must use our agency wisely
- Pure intelligence can be spoken into the mind
- The Spirit can protect you
- The Gift of the Holy Ghost operates with men, women and children
- Keep your mind clean and free from the clutter of the world
- No matter who you are and what you may have done, you can always pray
- Learn to pray. Pray often. Pray in your mind, in your heart. Pray on your knees. Prayer is your personal key to heaven and the lock is on your side of the veil.
- He has learned to conclude all prayers with “Thy will be done”
The choir sang “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”
The benediction was offered by Robert S Wood (who was released today)
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference 1 Comment »
October 3, 2009
As mentioned in my pre-conference post, I watched this session at work. I pulled up the web site about 20 minutes early, and the transmission was flawless all the way through.
President Henry B. Eyring conducted.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang “Glory to God on High” to start the conference. Following President Eyring’s introduction, the choir sang “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” and then Elder John M. Madsen offered the invocation.
President Monson opened the conference
- Oquirrh Utah temple was dedicated in August
- 14,000 youth participated in 2-night cultural celebration
- 83% of members live within 200 miles of a temple
- There are 130 operating temples
- 16 have been announced or are under construction
- 5 new temples announced
- Brigham City, Utah
- Concepción, Chile
- Fortaleza, Brazil
- Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
- Sapporo, Japan
- President Joseph F Smith said that through our efforts in their behalf, their chains of bondage will fall
- All members should befriend new converts
- Continue to pray that ares of the world will be opened
The choir sang “Choose the Right”
Elder Richard G. Scott ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Communication with the Spirit
- Inspiration to know what to do
- Power, to be able to do it
- Sometimes truth is revealed when you are not actively seeking it
- Pornography is one of the most damning influences on earth, and is overpoweringly addictive
- Commit to overcome it now
- If you pray with all your heart, you can learn to be consistent with the guidance of the Holy Spirit
Sister Vicki F Matsumori
- The influence of the Holy Ghost
- Help others understand
- The Spirit will not dwell in unholy temples
- We should find ways to feel the Spirit every day and weekly at Church
- “Be still and know that I am God”
Elder L Whitney Clayton ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Life presses all kinds of burdens on us
- Generally burdens come from 3 sources
- Natural product of the conditions of the world
- Imposed on us by the misconduct of others
- Imposed on us by our own mistakes and shortcomings
- Burdens provide opportunities to practice virtues
- Adam was told the ground would be cursed. Work is a burden but a blessing.
- Alma observed the Zoramites had been humbled. Economic challenges help us prepare to hear the word of the Lord
- Because of the length of their war, the Nephews and Lamanites were softened. Political and social unrest may humble and motivate us to seek heavenly shelter
- Joseph smith was told that his sufferings would give him experience. The suffering we experience is a valuable, if painful, school for improving our behaviour
- We need to bear one another’s burdens
The choir and congregation sang “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet”
Brother Russell T Osguthorpe
- A good teacher can help save lives
- Teaching involves sharing the key doctrine, an invitation to action, and then the promised blessings
- Teachers can inspire their students to change, to do better, to set sights higher
Elder David A Bednar ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- “More diligent and concerned at home”
- Express love and show it
When was the last time you told your spouse, your child, your parents you love them
Testimonies that express love might be appropriate, but the public statement shouldn’t be the only time they hear it
Feeling the constancy of love is a rich blessing
- Bear testimony and live it
When was the last time you bore your testimony to your spouse, your children, or your parents
We need to bear it, we need to mean it, and most importantly, we need to live it
- Be consistent
Results don’t come each time
The consistency of our intent and work is the great lesson
A single paint brush stroke is not critical, but all of the strokes together create a beautiful painting
Each family prayer, scripture study, each Family Home Evening is a brush stroke of the canvas of our souls
The choir sang “My Heavenly Father Loves Me”
The choir sang “Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee”
President Dieter F Uchtdorf ** might use as a 4th Sunday lesson **
- Of all the things we are known for, are there things we should seek to be known for?
- How do we become true disciples of Jesus Christ?
- Love God
- God doesn’t need us to love Him, but we need to love God
- God loves us completely and perfectly
- Don’t get discouraged. Keep trying
- Try to believe, learn of God, study the scriptures, follow the prophets, listen to the Father, do the things He asks of us
- Try and keep on trying until that which seems difficult becomes possible, and that which seems possible, becomes a habit.
- How can we hear the Father’s voice?
- Why is love the great commandment?
- If learn to love, all else will fall into place
- Love is the way of the disciple
- Let us be known as a people who love God
The choir sang “Come, Come, Ye Saints”
The benediction was offered by Elder Clate W. Mask
Read the recaps and other notes from the 179th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
Posted in Mormon Church Doctrine and Teachings, Mormon Church Hierarchy, Mormon General Conference 1 Comment »
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