Technology & Internet

Do you dread going to a large shopping mall because you can't quite get your bearings in that monster of a maze - the parking lot? Have you ever gone to visit someone in a large hospital and felt embarrassed about not knowing which hallway takes you back to the elevator? Have you ever felt a sense of panic after making one wrong turn after another? Have you ever called your husband to guide you home?

If you answered yes, then you know exactly how frightening, frustrating, and terribly embarrassing these situations can be. According to one estimate, about 25-50 million Americans consider themselves "directionally-challenged." I didn't realize there were that many but I'm relieved to know that I'm not so strange. You see, I'm one of those 25-50 million Americans. I get hopelessly lost when I'm in an unfamiliar territory! If you hate feeling helpless and dependent as much as I do then you see what a predicament this can be.

Another directionally-challenged writer began a humorous article on her condition with this sentence; "There are some people who are so bad with directions, they couldn't find their way out of a paper bag." (Peggy J. Parks) A slight exaggeration perhaps but I completely understand where she's coming from.

So why am I writing about this today? Well, new technology has made the lives of people like me a lot easier, and we acquired this technology recently. I'm talking of course about a GPS (Global Positioning System) car navigation system. I can almost draw a line and say this was my life before GPS, and here is my life after GPS.

Before GPS, I'd gotten to the point where I'd trained my children to help me remember turns, landmarks, and street names so that we can find our way back home. When MapQuest came out, I made sure that I printed out directions both there and back, and assigned one of the kids to read the directions as we went. Before GPS, I hated to drive anywhere new or unfamiliar without my husband. Before GPS, I was a nervous wreck when I had to drive anywhere outside of my comfort zone. In fact, I avoided these kinds of trips and assignments as much as possible.

Today, I no longer feel this fear. Thanks to advanced technology like the GPS car navigation system, I no longer avoid tasks that requires me to drive to an unfamiliar neighborhood or town. Now, I just have to wait for a mobile system that can help me navigate shopping malls and hospital floors, but I can always ask a kind-looking person or even wake up a resting patient. I'd much rather have something that can help me get home.

I have another guide that helps me to get Home. This guide, a "spiritual GPS" if you will, is the Holy Ghost. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints receive the gift of the Holy Ghost after we are baptized. The gift of the Holy Ghost is a constant and sure guide unlike any other. It is with us always as long as we keep God's commandments.

What or who is the Holy Ghost? We believe that the Holy Ghost is the third member of the Godhead, and that He is a personage of Spirit. We believe that the Godhead consists of three separate beings that are one in purpose; God, the Eternal Father, His son, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has many roles. He comforts, testifies, instructs, witness, and guides.

President James E. Faust, who served as the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church until his death in 2007, referred to the gift of the Holy Ghost as a "sure compass."

The gift of the Holy Ghost is available as a sure guide, as the voice of conscience, and as a moral compass. This guiding compass is personal to each of us. It is unerring. It is unfailing. However, we must listen to it in order to steer clear of the shoals which will cause our lives to sink into unhappiness and self-doubt.

We need a sure compass because many of the standards, values, vows, and obligations which have helped us preserve our spirituality, our honor, our integrity, our worth, and our decency have little by little been assaulted and discarded.

This sure compass, the gift of the Holy Ghost is a very real force in my life. I've felt the burning witness of the Holy Ghost at various times in my life during my studies of the Scriptures and of the Church. I've felt the comforting warmth of this gift in times of sorrow. I've felt the insistent prompting of the Holy Ghost telling me that I should leave a certain place at once. And yes, there were many times when this precious gift guided me to a decision that I needed to make or a place that I needed to be. It has guided me in the direction that I've taken with my life.

Today, I am thankful for guides and compasses that help us get to where we need to go. I'm grateful for guides and tools that help us to get home. I'm eternally grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, the sure compass and guide to help us get back Home to our Heavenly Father.

Home! Isn't that a beautiful word? Isn't it wonderful that we can all go back Home? Isn't it amazing that we have a guide that can helps us get back Home?

As the restored Church of Jesus Christ blossoms throughout the globe—now with more than 13 million members—”the faith of our fathers” has an expanded meaning. For some, it could refer to their family’s heritage in one of the hundreds of Christian faiths; for others, it could refer to Middle-Eastern, Asian, or African faiths and traditions.

I have spent most of my life in areas of the world where members of our Church are a small minority. During that time I have learned that often when people learn of the restored gospel, they are impressed by it—many even want to join the Church. But they are reluctant to disappoint their ancestors; they feel they should be true to the faith of their fathers. (President Dieter F. Uchtdorf)

President Uchtdorf is the Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (informally known as the Mormon church). He was called to this position on February 4, 2008. He's been a General Authority of the Church since April 1994.

For many converts to the Church, President Uchtdorf's message, Faith of Our Father, sounded like a page from their personal lives. My husband is one of those converts. President Uchtdorf managed to convey so eloquently the conflicting emotions that many faithful men and women deal with as they contemplate the next step.

When my husband lost his father, he felt an even keener sense of responsibility to his mother. This sense of responsibility extended to keeping the religious traditions of his parents. Coming from a family with a long and active tradition in another Christian faith, my husband knows what it means to go against the religious traditions of our fathers. He too was asked, not once or twice, but many times, "“How can you be so unfaithful to the faith of your fathers?"

My husband is a family man in every sense of the word. He loves his family and he gives his all to us. But, he also hasn't forgotten his other family, the loving family that raised him and taught him the word of God. This sense of loyalty to parents and religious traditions didn't lessen his stature in my eyes at all. I knew that someone who'd spent his youth and early adult years using his talents to serve the Lord had a deep love for the Lord. I had faith that at the right time, he would reconcile the two - the faith of his earthly father and ancestors and the faith of our Heavenly Father.

The right time did come! By accepting the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, my husband wasn't being disloyal to his ancestors. He was simply adding on to what his ancestors had given him. The faith and religious traditions of his ancestors had given him bits and pieces of the faith of our Heavenly Father. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is the restored gospel of Christ on the earth, with the same organization, the same priesthood that existed when He walked among men.

Those who've had to leave the religious traditions of their fathers to embrace the faith of our Heavenly Father know that this isn't always a painless transition. For some, it comes at a high cost such as the loss of family and loved ones. I'm deeply grateful that this didn't happen in our case for family, both immediate and extended, is very important to us. The initial hurt and anger felt by his family when he became a member of the Church has since been replaced by a growing understanding and appreciation of what the gospel means in our lives.

President Uchtdorf's message, Faith of Our Father, is now available for you to read or watch. I loved listening to this message. I appreciate the loving, personal, and respectful way President Uchtdorf spoke to us about this subject. Faith of Our Father, reminds all of us that true faith is the faith of our Heavenly Father. I invite you to ponder for yourself President Uchtdorf's powerful message about the faith of our Father.

What, then, is the faith of our fathers? Is it the religion of our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents?

But what of the faith of the ancient ones before them? What of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob? Are they not our fathers? Are we not of the house of Israel? What of Noah and Enoch and our first parents, Adam and Eve?

What of the Savior and those disciples who followed Him?

The faith of our Father in Heaven has been consistent since the beginning of time, even from before the foundation of this world. Therefore, do we not owe our allegiance to God, our Heavenly Father?

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, “we believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost” (First Article of Faith). And “we believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel” (Third Article of Faith). We believe in the great plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, the plan of salvation, whereby God’s children may experience mortality and return to the presence of the Father—a merciful plan established from before the foundation of this earth.

This is the plan and the faith of our Father!

Last year when I watched Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin speak during General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes known as the Mormon faith), I was struck by his determination. I marveled at his love and concern for all of us. I saw how deeply he loved the Lord. He refused to let a weakened body stop him from saying what the Spirit led him to say last October.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin is a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church. He's served in this capacity since October 9, 1986.

This year, my heart was touched again by the message that he shared in General Conference. His remarks, titled "Concern For The One," gives me hope. Hope for me and hope for those I that I love.

Being different can sometimes be very difficult. Being different can lead to problems that may cause some to stop coming to Church. Elder Wirthlin reminded all of us that the Lord meant for all of us to be different and unique. The Church doesn't teach us that we are supposed to all talk, look, and act the same. He continued:

The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.

This variety of creation itself is a testament of how the Lord values all His children. He does not esteem one flesh above another, but He “inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; . . . all are alike unto God." (2 Nephi 26:33)

Sometimes we become weary. We feel as if we're asked to do or to give too much. Some feel as if they don't have anything to contribute, that others are better, more knowledgeable and talented. Sometimes, we are weary of those who are weary! We judge others and find them wanting. Elder Wirthlin's message to all of us is simple and straightforward - the Lord, the Church needs every single one of us, the weak and the strong. He reminded us that we are commanded in D&C 81:5 to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.” He warned us to be mindful of the fact that "sometimes those who start out the slowest go the farthest." Being a naturally impatient person, I needed to hear this part of Elder Wirthlin's message. I'm grateful to be so lovingly reminded that my Heavenly Father is very patient with me and I need to try and be likewise.

To those who've wavered because they've made mistakes, Elder Wirthlin reminded us that we have all made mistakes. He pointed out that except for the Lord, every single person that has walked this earth, is human and imperfect. Others have wavered because they were offended. Elder Wirthlin asked that we put those feelings aside, and fill our hearts with love instead.

I loved the way Elder Wirthlin painted a picture for all of us when he said that the entrance to our meetinghouses do not have signs that read,"Restricted Entrance-Perfect People Only." It is exactly because we are all so imperfect that we need the Lord's Church so much. It is because we make mistakes that we need the redeeming gift that only He can give us. When I go to Church, I am comforted by the knowledge that I'll be fellowshipping with others like me; imperfect, but striving each day to be just a little better, a little more like Jesus in our actions and thoughts.

Elder Wirthlin 's message of hope touched me on so many levels. Perhaps, it resonated so much with me because at one time or another, I felt some of these very same things. Perhaps, his message speaks to me because a few that are dear to my heart are in these situations today. Perhaps, my soul recognized a message that I needed to hear because I wasn't very compassionate when someone else needed my strength.

Friends, this wonderful message, Concern for the One, is available for you to read or listen to now. You too can feel the love our Heavenly Father has for each of us through the words and teachings of modern day apostles like Elder Wirthlin. I invite you to come and experience for yourself the joy that comes when "mortal, imperfect men, women, and children meet together in brotherhood and charity, striving to become better people, to learn of the Spirit, and to lend encouragement and support to others."

...For Mormons, General Conference is an exciting time when large numbers gather to hear sermons, sacred music and news. But the most satisfying, profound and exhilarating thoughts and feelings of inspiration come when one person receives an answer to a serious personal question or is reassured by a connectedness to God and others. (LDS Newsroom)

Our family joined millions of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Saints (informally known as Mormons) this past weekend for General Conference. Some were able to be present at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City for this wonderful event. Many more watched the live broadcast in select Church meetinghouses around the country and around the world. My family participated from home.

For us, General Conference this past week was an amazing emotional experience. We laughed and we cried. We were inspired, uplifted and motivated. Questions were answered. More importantly, we felt loved. We felt again how much our Heavenly Father cares for us. In the next few posts, I'd like to share just a few of our inspirational experiences, those "Aha" moments, from this latest General Conference.

Watching General Conference from home has many advantages: you don't have to drive somewhere else, the kitchen is just a few steps away if one needs a drink, and everyone can have their pick of the best and most comfortable seats in the house. On the other hand, participating from home means dealing with some distractions: frequent visits to the kitchen or bathroom, the overly comfortable seats can lull some family members to sleep rather than pay attention, and there is a tendency to do other things while watching General Conference. Because we were aware of these distractions from past experiences, we were able to minimize them significantly. As a result we were able to fully enjoy the spirit of General Conference.

Participating in the Solemn Assembly made the sustaining of our newly called Prophet and leaders profoundly personal. From our living room, we each raised our hands, and stood up to show our love and support for our leaders. At first, our sons thought it was odd to participate in such a manner. After all, we were at home and there was no one else there to see us. They giggled nervously the first couple of times we raised our hands to the square. However, by the time we got to the part where we were called to stand up by quorum, and as a Church body, they were fully engaged in the sacredness of the occasion.

I know that my children will treasure what they felt during the Solemn Assembly for a long time. They saw for themselves that in the Church, their sustaining vote counts. Each of them felt special and needed. They gained a greater understanding of how important each of us is to the Lord and to His work. In that meeting, our children saw clearly how every single one of us, even little ones, matter to the Lord.

The Solemn Assembly both inspired and humbled me. I remember thinking during this solemn occasion that the Lord does love us equally regardless of our station in life or our race and color. The Solemn Assembly reminded me that no one is too simple or too insignificant for Him to know and notice.

Missionary work is important in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church). As members of the Church, we take literally the words of the Savior, "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." (Mathew 28: 19)

We make solemn and sacred covenants with our Heavenly Father. These sacred promises that we make with God include sharing the gospel of Christ with everyone that will listen. Alma, a prophet of the Book of Mormon, taught his people about covenants:

And it came to pass after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma.

Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord.

And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;

Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in,(emphasis added) even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life. (Mosiah 18:7-9)

Stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places! This sacred charge is why Mormons are so dedicated to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, one of the "places" that has need of those who stand up as witnesses of God, a need for voices that are lifted up to Christ, is the Internet.

The following sites are wonderful examples of voices that are dedicated to sharing our faith in Jesus Christ.

Reflections of Christ - This beautiful photography exhibit focused completely on Jesus Christ is a collaboration led by photographer, Mark Mabry. The images are absolutely stunning. The accompanying music is moving and inspiring. Reflections of Christ is a traveling fine art photography exhibit so be sure to check the Events link for location information. Check out a review of this wonderful exhibit by Jeff Lindsay, a prominent LDS blogger who was fortunate enough to see the exhibit on a visit to Arizona.

Mormon Women - This awesome site is managed by a great group of Mormon women. This blog provides an avenue for discussions about their faith and experiences. As the name suggests, the focus is primarily on womanhood so tune in for honest thoughts on what it means to be a woman in the Church today. Parts of the site is still under construction so check back often. This is a wonderful resource for women in the Church and others who have questions about us.

Temple Study - Bryce Hammond is the owner and editor of this unique site. Bryce said this site is "inspired by and dedicated to the exemplary LDS (Mormon) scholar Dr. Hugh Nibley, whose landmark temple studies have strengthened the faith of many." Bryce lists as his credentials a strong and abiding testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and it really shows. If his latest entry on Stonehenge is any indication, we have a lot to look forward to from Bryce.

Truth is Restored - Rusty Curtis addresses a lot of questions and misconceptions that are prevalent about the Church in his blog. Be sure to check out Rusty's powerful testimony of his conversion as well.

Thoughts of a Seeker - This blog by David Stoker is an exploration of two time periods, "the most ancient times possible and the time of Early Christianity in the first century." David's firm belief in the Restored Gospel came after in-depth personal study of the Scriptures. His story of personal conversion and his goals for this blog are truly that of a seeker - one who is continually searching for knowledge with faith. David lists a number of important questions that he feels are significant to any serious seeker of truth.

LDS Women's History - Erin's blog is dedicated to telling the story of the many amazing women of the Church. Erin has researched, compiled, and presented inspiring histories on a number of women who sacrificed much in the early days of the Church. I hope she continues with this great project as I look forward to reading about other great women in the Church, both past and present.

In a couple of days, I will raise my hand and sustain the 16th called Prophet of the Lord, President Thomas S. Monson. So will millions of other members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes known as Mormons) around the world. Speaking about sustaining other Church Presidents before him, President Monson offered these words in a previous General Conference; "I have been honored and pleased during my lifetime to raise my arm to the square in sustaining nine Church Presidents as their names have been read. This morning I joined you in sustaining once again our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. It is a joy and a privilege to serve by his side, along with President Faust."

This weekend, it will be my privilege to raise my hand to the square to sustain President Monson in this sacred calling. I'm looking forward to hearing this humble man speak to us for the first time during General Conference as the living Prophet of God.

The 178th General Conference of the Church is this weekend, April 5th and 6th. General Conference is held twice a year, the first weekend in April and the first weekend in October. It is held in the Conference Center located in Salt Lake City and broadcast live to Church meetinghouses around the country and around the world. Depending on the television coverage in your area you may also be able to view it live right from the comfort of your home.

Live Internet video streams will be available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and American Sign Language. Audio streams will also be available in many different languages.

General Conference is a time of great spiritual learning for me. I love listening to the Prophet of the Lord and other leaders of the Church as they share their unwavering testimonies of Christ. I love being taught by such faithful men and women. Each General Conference, I experience what I referred to in a previous post as a spiritual high. I leave this wonderful gathering each year with a renewed commitment to my Heavenly Father, with gratitude in my heart for my Savior, and with a profound love for my family and those around me. Each General Conference leaves me a better person than I was just a few days earlier.

I continue to be grateful for the technology that allows us to hear the Prophet's voice from whichever corner of the world we call Home. I remember a time when we didn't have such a technology. As a young girl growing up on the small South Pacific island of Samoa, listening to the Prophet of the Lord during General Conference was a privilege available only to those who could afford to travel to Salt Lake City. Today, through the wonders of technology, anyone that wishes to can hear and see the Prophet during General Conference.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (15th President and Prophet of the Church) spoke about General Conference and the technology that has made it possible for everyone to participate in this great meeting:

My brothers and sisters, what a wonderful occasion this is! I know of nothing else like it in all the world. We are gathered this morning as a great family in reverence and worship of the Lord our God. We are of one faith and one doctrine. We speak words of testimony concerning God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son. We declare with conviction and certainty that they have restored in this last dispensation The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The great voices of radio, television, and cable are now joined by the Internet to carry our words literally to the ends of the earth. To meetinghouses scattered far and wide the satellite will beam our signal to congregations large and small. And Saints across the earth will watch in their own homes the proceedings of this great conference by means of the Internet.

Workmen have labored long and hard in preparing for this great occasion. We thank each one of them for his devoted service.

I invite you to join with us this weekend as we gather to hear a Prophet of the Lord. If you have questions about the Church, this weekend is a great time to get the answers to some of those questions. Please Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice!