Dear Brethren:
Late this afternoon (Sunday, Oct. 11th), I received the following notice from Bishop Paul Wilson of the Medicine Lake Ward. If you who are stake presidents would please announce this to members of your stake who you feel would want to know this information, I would be grateful. Many members of your units will want to be aware of this information.
"Brother Paul W. Wilson peacefully passed away this morning in his home.
The funeral will be held Friday, October 16th at 11am, with a viewing at 9:30am, held at the Minneapolis Stake Center located at 2801 Douglas Drive North, Crystal, MN.
A viewing will be held Thursday, October 15th from 6-8pm at the Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel located at 15800 37th Ave North in Plymouth, MN.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sister June Wilson and their family.
Paul Wilson III"
Brother Paul and Sister June Wilson and their family are well known to members of the Church in the Twin Cities area. Brother Wilson served in the Twin Cities as a branch president, a bishop, a counselor in the Minnesota Stake Presidency, president of the Minneapolis Minnesota Stake, Chicago Illinois Temple President and a sealer in the St. Paul Minnesota Temple. His life, teachings and example have blessed thousands of members of the Church. Bishop Paul Wilson of the Uptown Ward of the Minneapolis Minnesota Stake is one of Brother and Sister Wilson's sons. In the Anoka Minnesota Stake, President Brad Wilson is another of Brother and Sister Wilson’s sons and Bishop Paul Wilson of the Medicine Lake Ward is one on Brother Wilson’s grandsons.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit
Helping Others Recognize the Whisperings of the Spirit Vicki F. Matsumori
Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
179th Semiannual General Conference Saturday Morning Session
Full Text Here
This is a good follow-up talk to Elder Scott’s, sort of a one-two punch on the Spirit. Her premise is slightly different to Elder Scott’s, particularly her third point in the outline.
“While each person can learn to recognize the whisperings of the Spirit, that learning process can be facilitated” by:
1. Help us understand the doctrine about the Holy Ghost
2. Share their personal testimonies
3. Provide an environment where the Spirit can be felt.
Understanding the Doctrine
The Gift of the Holy Ghost is different from feeling the Spirit of Christ. Specifically:
“The right to the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost comes as members are given that gift by the laying on of hands by those who have the proper authority.”
And once we have it we need to be worthy.
“the Spirit of the Lord doth not dwell in unholy temples” Helaman 4:24
“let virtue garnish [our] thoughts unceasingly; then . . . the Holy Ghost shall be [our] constant companion.” D&C 121:45-46
Share Personal Testimony
Sister Matsumori goes on to share that just because we have got the gift of the Holy Ghost it is not “always easy to discern” the Spirit. (See Elder Scott’s talk for more on this process). One way to overcome this is if other members share their experiences,
“We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.”
But she cautions us,
“Remember that some experiences are too sacred to relate.”
Here is a great post that expands on this statement from the group blog Millennial Star. Here is a key quote:
“I do not tell all I know. I have not told my wife all I know. I have found that if I tell everything I know and explain every experience that I have had, the Lord will not trust me.” -Elder Marion G. Romney, as quoted by Elder Packer, Teach Ye Diligently, 326, Elder Alexander Morrison, Dawning of a Brighter Day, 61.
Another post over at By Common Consent discusses the other side of this issue, that is sometimes we are overly cautious with our testimonies.
But the takeaway point from Sister Matsumori is this:
“By sharing testimony of the Spirit in our lives, those who are unfamiliar with these promptings are more likely to recognize when they have similar feelings.”
And then she testifies about her first experience with the Holy Ghost.
“I felt a flood of warmth sweep over me. Even as an eight-year-old, I recognized that this was something different. I felt a peace descend on me, and I had the distinct feeling that Heavenly Father was pleased with me.”
Provide an Environment Where the Spirit Can Be Felt
Now Sister Matsumori takes an interesting turn from Elder Scott’s talk. She delves into the need to create an atmosphere that is conducive to feel the Spirit more easily. Now understand, you can feel the Spirit anywhere, but like most things in life it can be easier. Like I say about marriage; Any two people can be happily married, it just takes an awful lot more work with some companionships than others. So like picking a good spouse, setting a good environment can be really helpful in the long run to feeling the Spirit.
Elder Scott discussed how sin is Satan’s way of limiting our abilities to communicate with God (the Grape and Chili Pepper example*). Sister Matsumori shares 8 ways to help.
“There are places where it is easier to feel the Spirit.”
1. Testimony meetings
2. General conference
3. Temples (Temple Worship)
Now the first three are special events, but:
“The challenge for each of us is in providing an environment where the Spirit can be felt daily in our homes and weekly at church.”.
To that effect she shares some more helpers.
4. Pray (daily)
5. Read the scriptures (daily)
6. Have a time of quiet in our lives (specifically she is talking about television, computer, video games, or personal electronic devices)
7. At church in our classes, remember “teachers and leaders do more than teach lessons or conduct meetings. They facilitate the whisperings of the Spirit to each member (i.e so prepare your lessons/talks prayerfully)
8. Singing hymns (Uplifting music in general)
There are two more quotes that I liked. First when speaking about daily prayer and scripture study she states:
“these activities invite the Spirit into our homes and into the lives of our family members.”
So in performing these activities for our own spiritual growth, we also will help those in our families. Icing on the cake bonus
In Elder Scott’s talk I made reference to the ongoing (friendly) debate about types of Mormons there are. Sister Matsumori shares this great quote from Elder Scott that clarifies his position.
“If you accomplish nothing else in your relationship with your students than to help them recognize and follow the promptings of the Spirit, you will bless their lives immeasurably and eternally.” Richard G. Scott, Helping Others to Be Spiritually Led (address to religious educators, Aug. 11, 1998), 3; in Teaching, No Greater Call
(1999), 48.
* The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions, such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride. When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
To Acquire Spiritual Guidance
Elder Richard G. Scott
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
179th Semiannual General Conference
Full Text Here
Elder Scott opens with an interesting premise that in today’s rapidly changing information age temporal models of obtaining guidance may be insufficient. But not to worry, that is a good thing. It leaves us to look heavenward and rely on the tried and true method of the Holy Ghost.
“Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions.”
Special Note: The word vicissitude is a very General Authority indicator word. I first noticed it in General Conference a few years back and I had to look it up. It means change as in the “changes of life.” So if you are looking to make your Sacrament talks more GA-ee, then start peppering them with the word vicissitude when possible. GC is the only place I ever see this word, plus only in conjunction with “of life.”
With the outline provided by Elder Scott, he will address these three questions:
1. What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life?
2. What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends?
3. What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life?
President John Taylor wrote: “Joseph Smith … told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day.”.
The Gospel Kingdom, ed. G. Homer Durham (1943), 43–44
It is interesting to note that Bishop White shared that Elder Hanson in his recent training with Bishoprics that we should be doing the following three activities:
1. Praying Daily (it is still the best thing for you)
2. Daily Scripture Study, if even for a minute (but preferably a little more)
3. Temple Worship
Elder Scott slips in some profound truth about life. It is going to have its hard moments, literally too hard for us to handle all alone. We will need help and only our pride is going to bring us down.
“Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly.”
What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends?
“I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit.”
Struggle, or as I like to think, hard work, is a good thing, even necessary.
“They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit. What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit.”
That last bit reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers. In it he discusses the 10,000 hour rule. That is true greatness in any endeavor usually comes about only after approximately 10,000 hours of practice/ work has been put in to it. I wonder what 10,000 hours of sincere prayer would do to the quality of our divine communications? Unfortunately most of us give up on our goals long before the magic 10,000 hours because the task seems to arduous; ask anybody who has quit the piano.
“Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it … God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.”
So God will answer our prayers in meaningful ways. That is his answers are going to be something you can do, not just some idealized concept beyond your capabilities.
Next Elder Scott shares two very different Sunday School experiences. In the first he is being taught by a Brother who is struggling with the material but has a great spirit about him. Insomuch Elder Scott feels the Spirit in the room teaching and inspiring him. The second teacher is very knowledgeable about the material and leaned towards intellectualizing the lesson. Now Elder Scott infers he prefers the former to the latter (and this is a topic of great debate in the church. The Iron Rod Mormons versus the Liahona Mormons), but the bigger point being made is he received life changing revelation during both classes. The style or quality of the teacher, or the other noises in our lives does not determine the ability to receive revelation. It is up to us. A great discussion on this point in Elder Scott’s talk can be found here on the By Common Consent blog. While there is no simple technique that will universally apply to all of us, he does share what works for him.
1. Wrote each impression down.
2. Pondered the feelings to determine if I had accurately wrote them
3. Made a few minor changes where needed
4. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life
5. I prayed, reviewing what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit
6. I thanked Him for the guidance given
7. Then asked, “Was there yet more to be given?” (Thereby repeating the steps until finally) “I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life”
He makes the point that:
“Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.”
It reminds me of the story wherein telegraph operators where gathered for a job interview. As they were all nervously talking with each other one quiet young man got up from his chair in the waiting room and walked over to the interviewer’s door and went in. Shortly thereafter the interviewer came out to the astonished waiting room and announced they could all go home as the job was now filled. They immediately protested “Why him?”
“Well,” said the interviewer, “while the rest of you were squawking away a soft message in Morse code was being played in the room. It said whoever wanted the job to come into my office. The rest of you weren’t listening.”
So while the original message was important, it wasn’t until the young man acted on it did he get the “last, most precious guidance.” The first impressions and our reactions sometimes are just to show the Lord we are willing to listen.
“I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you.”
It also worthwhile to note much of the Doctrine and Covenants was written this way. Joseph Smith recording what he felt the Lord was sharing and then revisiting Him to see if he had got it right and was there anymore. Most of the sections in the D&C went through several revisions until Joseph felt he got them right.
The other thing I found interesting was the following comment:
“I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class.”
Wow! That was some revelation. Elder Scott is operating on a level I aspire to.
“Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed.” But remember: “The Lord will not force you to learn.”
What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
“The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions (such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride). When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.”
The scriptures are full of examples of this eternal choice.
“Sin is:”
1. Addictive
2. Self-degenerating
3. Conducive to other strains of corruption
4. Deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason
5. Blinding to reality
6. Contagious
7. Destructive to mind, body, and spirit,
“Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded.”
So sin can deaden our ears to divine communication, and Satan knows this. His goal is to cut us off from God much like he is. He does this gradually with ever so small temptations that eventually bind us down.
Nephi declare, “And [the devil] will . . . pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, . . . and thus [he] cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” 2 Nephi 28:21
Elder Scott then specifically discusses the “addictive power of pornography
to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit.”
“The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth … Participation in pornography in any of its lurid forms is a manifestation of unbridled selfishness.”
There is no good pornography and there are no innocent uses of it. It is never a victimless sin.
Towards the end Elder Scott shares this little gem about guilt.
“A feeling of remorse after a mistake is a fertile soil wherein repentance can flower.”
So in summary:
“Have patience as you are perfecting your ability to be led by the Spirit. By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance.”
Elder Richard G. Scott
Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
179th Semiannual General Conference
Full Text Here
Elder Scott opens with an interesting premise that in today’s rapidly changing information age temporal models of obtaining guidance may be insufficient. But not to worry, that is a good thing. It leaves us to look heavenward and rely on the tried and true method of the Holy Ghost.
“Throughout the ages, many have obtained guidance helpful to resolve challenges in their lives by following the example of respected individuals who resolved similar problems. Today, world conditions change so rapidly that such a course of action is often not available to us. Personally, I rejoice in that reality because it creates a condition where we, of necessity, are more dependent upon the Spirit to guide us through the vicissitudes of life. Therefore, we are led to seek personal inspiration in life’s important decisions.”
Special Note: The word vicissitude is a very General Authority indicator word. I first noticed it in General Conference a few years back and I had to look it up. It means change as in the “changes of life.” So if you are looking to make your Sacrament talks more GA-ee, then start peppering them with the word vicissitude when possible. GC is the only place I ever see this word, plus only in conjunction with “of life.”
With the outline provided by Elder Scott, he will address these three questions:
1. What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life?
2. What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends?
3. What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
What can you do to enhance your capacity to be led to correct decisions in your life?
President John Taylor wrote: “Joseph Smith … told me never to arise in the morning without bowing before the Lord, and dedicating myself to him during that day.”.
The Gospel Kingdom, ed. G. Homer Durham (1943), 43–44
It is interesting to note that Bishop White shared that Elder Hanson in his recent training with Bishoprics that we should be doing the following three activities:
1. Praying Daily (it is still the best thing for you)
2. Daily Scripture Study, if even for a minute (but preferably a little more)
3. Temple Worship
Elder Scott slips in some profound truth about life. It is going to have its hard moments, literally too hard for us to handle all alone. We will need help and only our pride is going to bring us down.
“Father in Heaven knew that you would face challenges and be required to make some decisions that would be beyond your own ability to decide correctly.”
What are the principles upon which spiritual communication depends?
“I am convinced that there is no simple formula or technique that would immediately allow you to master the ability to be guided by the voice of the Spirit.”
Struggle, or as I like to think, hard work, is a good thing, even necessary.
“They know that essential personal growth will come as you struggle to learn how to be led by the Spirit. What may appear initially to be a daunting task will be much easier to manage over time as you consistently strive to recognize and follow feelings prompted by the Spirit.”
That last bit reminds me of Malcolm Gladwell’s book Outliers. In it he discusses the 10,000 hour rule. That is true greatness in any endeavor usually comes about only after approximately 10,000 hours of practice/ work has been put in to it. I wonder what 10,000 hours of sincere prayer would do to the quality of our divine communications? Unfortunately most of us give up on our goals long before the magic 10,000 hours because the task seems to arduous; ask anybody who has quit the piano.
“Spirituality yields two fruits. The first is inspiration to know what to do. The second is power, or the capacity to do it … God answers prayer and gives us spiritual direction when we live obediently and exercise the required faith in Him.”
So God will answer our prayers in meaningful ways. That is his answers are going to be something you can do, not just some idealized concept beyond your capabilities.
Next Elder Scott shares two very different Sunday School experiences. In the first he is being taught by a Brother who is struggling with the material but has a great spirit about him. Insomuch Elder Scott feels the Spirit in the room teaching and inspiring him. The second teacher is very knowledgeable about the material and leaned towards intellectualizing the lesson. Now Elder Scott infers he prefers the former to the latter (and this is a topic of great debate in the church. The Iron Rod Mormons versus the Liahona Mormons), but the bigger point being made is he received life changing revelation during both classes. The style or quality of the teacher, or the other noises in our lives does not determine the ability to receive revelation. It is up to us. A great discussion on this point in Elder Scott’s talk can be found here on the By Common Consent blog. While there is no simple technique that will universally apply to all of us, he does share what works for him.
1. Wrote each impression down.
2. Pondered the feelings to determine if I had accurately wrote them
3. Made a few minor changes where needed
4. Then I studied their meaning and application in my own life
5. I prayed, reviewing what I thought I had been taught by the Spirit
6. I thanked Him for the guidance given
7. Then asked, “Was there yet more to be given?” (Thereby repeating the steps until finally) “I had received some of the most precious, specific, personal direction one could hope to obtain in this life”
He makes the point that:
“Had I not responded to the first impressions and recorded them, I would not have received the last, most precious guidance.”
It reminds me of the story wherein telegraph operators where gathered for a job interview. As they were all nervously talking with each other one quiet young man got up from his chair in the waiting room and walked over to the interviewer’s door and went in. Shortly thereafter the interviewer came out to the astonished waiting room and announced they could all go home as the job was now filled. They immediately protested “Why him?”
“Well,” said the interviewer, “while the rest of you were squawking away a soft message in Morse code was being played in the room. It said whoever wanted the job to come into my office. The rest of you weren’t listening.”
So while the original message was important, it wasn’t until the young man acted on it did he get the “last, most precious guidance.” The first impressions and our reactions sometimes are just to show the Lord we are willing to listen.
“I believe that you can leave the most precious, personal direction of the Spirit unheard because you do not respond to, record, and apply the first promptings that come to you.”
It also worthwhile to note much of the Doctrine and Covenants was written this way. Joseph Smith recording what he felt the Lord was sharing and then revisiting Him to see if he had got it right and was there anymore. Most of the sections in the D&C went through several revisions until Joseph felt he got them right.
The other thing I found interesting was the following comment:
“I received such an outpouring of impressions that were so personal that I felt it was not appropriate to record them in the midst of a Sunday School class.”
Wow! That was some revelation. Elder Scott is operating on a level I aspire to.
“Impressions of the Spirit can come in response to urgent prayer or unsolicited when needed.” But remember: “The Lord will not force you to learn.”
What are the potential barriers to such communication that you need to avoid?
“The inspiring influence of the Holy Spirit can be overcome or masked by strong emotions (such as anger, hate, passion, fear, or pride). When such influences are present, it is like trying to savor the delicate flavor of a grape while eating a jalapeño pepper. Both flavors are present, but one completely overpowers the other. In like manner, strong emotions overcome the delicate promptings of the Holy Spirit.”
The scriptures are full of examples of this eternal choice.
“Sin is:”
1. Addictive
2. Self-degenerating
3. Conducive to other strains of corruption
4. Deadening to spirituality, conscience, and reason
5. Blinding to reality
6. Contagious
7. Destructive to mind, body, and spirit,
“Satan is extremely good at blocking spiritual communication by inducing individuals, through temptation, to violate the laws upon which spiritual communication is founded.”
So sin can deaden our ears to divine communication, and Satan knows this. His goal is to cut us off from God much like he is. He does this gradually with ever so small temptations that eventually bind us down.
Nephi declare, “And [the devil] will . . . pacify, and lull them away into carnal security, . . . and thus [he] cheateth their souls, and leadeth them away carefully down to hell.” 2 Nephi 28:21
Elder Scott then specifically discusses the “addictive power of pornography
to limit individual capacity to be led by the Spirit.”
“The onslaught of pornography in all of its vicious, corroding, destructive forms has caused great grief, suffering, heartache, and destroyed marriages. It is one of the most damning influences on earth … Participation in pornography in any of its lurid forms is a manifestation of unbridled selfishness.”
There is no good pornography and there are no innocent uses of it. It is never a victimless sin.
Towards the end Elder Scott shares this little gem about guilt.
“A feeling of remorse after a mistake is a fertile soil wherein repentance can flower.”
So in summary:
“Have patience as you are perfecting your ability to be led by the Spirit. By careful practice, through the application of correct principles, and by being sensitive to the feelings that come, you will gain spiritual guidance.”
Monday, October 12, 2009
Welcome To Conference
The Ward Blog is going to attempt going through all of the talks of the
last conference. Please comment with any insights and/or submit your own general conference talk reviews.
President Thomas S. Monson
last conference. Please comment with any insights and/or submit your own general conference talk reviews.
President Thomas S. Monson
179th Semiannual General Conference
October 3, 2009 Saturday Morning Session
Full text here
“Although we will be speaking to you in English, you will be hearing us in some 92 languages.”
Most of these languages can be accessed online at The Official Church Website, so if you want to remember the old mission language or just plain expand your language abilities, please follow the link.
President Monson then talks about the recent temple dedication in Utah. Specifically he mentions the amount of youth who participated. I believe this is reflective of the recent studies showing how many youth leave the church as they grow up. It can be a depressing statistic, but here we have some assurances that there is still active participation out there.
“Since last we met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah. … All told, approximately 14,000 youth participated over the two nights.”
President Monson then talks about the recent temple dedication in Utah. Specifically he mentions the amount of youth who participated. I believe this is reflective of the recent studies showing how many youth leave the church as they grow up. It can be a depressing statistic, but here we have some assurances that there is still active participation out there.
“Since last we met in April of this year, we have dedicated the beautiful Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple in South Jordan, Utah. … All told, approximately 14,000 youth participated over the two nights.”
Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple
President Monson then shares this interesting statistic/goal of the church.
“We continue to build temples. We desire that as many members as possible have an opportunity to attend the temple without having to travel inordinate distances. Worldwide, 83 percent of our members live within 200 miles (320 km) of a temple. “
So until we see that goal move down to about 50 miles we probably won’t be seeing a Temple in Rochester too soon. Though the 90 mile trip to St. Paul is pretty sweet compared to going to Chicago. That said he did announce 5 more temples.
“This morning I am pleased to announce 5 additional temples for which sites are being acquired and which, in coming months and years, will be built in the following locations: Brigham City, Utah; Concepción, Chile; Fortaleza, Brazil; Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and Sapporo, Japan.”
I know Steve is too humble to admit it, but that last one is indirectly because of him in some small way ;-)
A great quote on why we build these temples and do the work.
“Through our efforts in their behalf their chains of bondage will from them, and the darkness surrounding them will clear away, that light may shine upon them and they shall hear in the spirit world of the work that has been done for them by their [people] here, and will rejoice with you in your performance of these duties.” President Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Oct. 1916, 6.
Finally President Monson lays out two directives for the general membership.
We call upon all members of the Church to:
1. Befriend the new converts, BY:
· Reach out to them
· Surround them with love
· Help them feel at home
2. I would ask that your faith and prayers continue to be offered in behalf of:
· Those areas where our influence is limited
· Where we are not allowed to share the gospel freely at this time
Please Help!!
I am looking to start up the Ward blog again and I actively am seeking help in providing content. If you have anything you wish to publish on this blog please send me an email with your post. Generally speaking we are looking for posts that are Church or Austin Ward related. This would include:
· Ward Events (pictures a plus!)
· Church News, both local and Church wide.
· Announcements (Primary Assignments, Speakers, etc.)
· Reviews (Conference Talks, books, movies, etc)
· Inspirational or uplifting stories/experiences.
· Missionary News, both from or in Austin.
· General Church Stuff
· Other (just say why it is relevant in your email).)
If you feel you can provide regular content (2-3 posts or more a month) let me know. I am also looking to add more permabloggers. A permablogger is someone who has posting privileges. That means you can log on to the blog and post your content directly (without going through me). Right now Lisa, Renee, and I are permabloggers and I would like to get that number up to 8 or so.
My email is: austindavidp@gmail.com
· Ward Events (pictures a plus!)
· Church News, both local and Church wide.
· Announcements (Primary Assignments, Speakers, etc.)
· Reviews (Conference Talks, books, movies, etc)
· Inspirational or uplifting stories/experiences.
· Missionary News, both from or in Austin.
· General Church Stuff
· Other (just say why it is relevant in your email).)
If you feel you can provide regular content (2-3 posts or more a month) let me know. I am also looking to add more permabloggers. A permablogger is someone who has posting privileges. That means you can log on to the blog and post your content directly (without going through me). Right now Lisa, Renee, and I are permabloggers and I would like to get that number up to 8 or so.
My email is: austindavidp@gmail.com
Friday, April 17, 2009
To Be Shut Down
This seems to be a failed experiment - unless anyone has any helpful suggestions I will be shutting this down soon.
When asked to start this I stressed it had to have strong participation from certain people, and they never participated even once, any of them. So that means it is dead in this form.
When asked to start this I stressed it had to have strong participation from certain people, and they never participated even once, any of them. So that means it is dead in this form.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Stake conference tomorrow. 1/25/2009
Stake conference tomorrow at 10am. No meetings at our building. Fast Sunday February 1st.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Joseph B. Wirthlin
LDS Church Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, a member of the faith's Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has died. He was 91.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirms that Wirthlin, who was the faith's oldest living elder, died peacefully about 11:30 p.m. Monday at his home shortly after going to bed. He succumbed to causes related to old age, the church says.
Salt Lake Tribune Article
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Activity Days Christmas Fun
The Activity Days girls had a family activity last Tuesday. Sis. Martin helped the girls plan a ginger bread house making evening. We all had lots of fun with our houses and even more fun with eating all the goodies we were putting on the houses. Thanks for a fun evening girls.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Matthew Newman
Matthew Newman, Linda Brown's grandson and former ward member, has written a new book. Please click on his name to go to his web-site, see sample chapters, or pre-order.
Congratulations Matt.
Congratulations Matt.
Book Of Mormon Now Available
If you ever wanted a reprint of an early version of the Book of Mormon but did not want to pay the normal high price, Penguin Classics is now offering an 1840's edition (the last Joseph Smith Jr. edited) in its original paragraphing and chapter breaks. Also gone is all the informational details that now clutters it (the footnotes and references). Well worth having, if only to read it as the early converts did, like a book.
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Ward Primary Program
The Ward Primary Program was during Sacrament Meeting today and the primary did a great job. The children looked good and sounded great. Merilee Blake did a great job writing the program and teaching the kids the songs. It was a wonderful Sacrament Meeting.
The Austin Primary Rocks.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
To Be A Little Self-Centered
In case your interested, here is how the Mormon's are represented in Congress after yesterday's elections.
LDS Election Results
LDS Election Results
Monday, November 3, 2008
New Online LDS Radio
For all your LDS themed music needs comes Your LDS Radio.
From the news release:
Noted Utah poet, singer, songwriter and radio station host Sam Payne is the program director. Much like a commercial radio station, when listeners click on the station, they will hear a live stream of songs from a playlist featuring hundreds of tracks. But unlike conventional radio, information about the song, artist and album will appear as the song is played. Listeners can also select "on demand" pre-recorded programs such as Steven Kapp Perry's Cricket and Seagull program, Greg Hansen's 10-minute New Artist Show, or Payne's folksy Radio Family Journal -- a Garrison Keillor-type monologue from the heartland of Utah. Each program is updated weekly with new
material.
I have added a link to the side-bar.
From the news release:
Noted Utah poet, singer, songwriter and radio station host Sam Payne is the program director. Much like a commercial radio station, when listeners click on the station, they will hear a live stream of songs from a playlist featuring hundreds of tracks. But unlike conventional radio, information about the song, artist and album will appear as the song is played. Listeners can also select "on demand" pre-recorded programs such as Steven Kapp Perry's Cricket and Seagull program, Greg Hansen's 10-minute New Artist Show, or Payne's folksy Radio Family Journal -- a Garrison Keillor-type monologue from the heartland of Utah. Each program is updated weekly with new
material.
I have added a link to the side-bar.
Then I Met a Man...
...with no legs or arms.
Nick Vujicic is a man who is making the most of his life despite his setbacks. What can we do we our lives?
Nick Vujicic is a man who is making the most of his life despite his setbacks. What can we do we our lives?
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Halloween at the Anderson's
Halloween night is never complete without a stop at the Anderson's home. We arrived to a warm patio, hot drinks and snacks. It was a fun time talking with friends and counting all of the candy the kids got trick or treating.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
A Beautiful Testimony
This is a post from one of the larger group blogs. Well worth the read
Road Trip; Or Conversion Happens at the Darndest Times.
Road Trip; Or Conversion Happens at the Darndest Times.
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