Technology & Internet

No, not that Cha-Cha!

Information is my business so I'm very wary of information that comes from unverifiable sources. I view it with the kind of suspicion reserved for "Get Rich Quick" and "Lose 30 pounds in 3 weeks" schemes. As an information seeker, I need to know where the information is coming from and who it is coming from. Helping others locate elusive information is a huge thrill for me. Sometimes the information needed is seemingly insignificant or of a sentimental value only. Other times, the information requested will have a major impact in the decisions people make. Whatever the reasons, I work hard to ensure that the information I provide is accurate, reliable, and valid. My sister-in-law told me the other day that I was her favorite search engine. She made my day!

Speaking of search engines, I tried a new one recently. You guessed it - it is called ChaCha. I know, I know, old news already! Be that as it may, I finally decided to try it. In case, you're even slower jumping on the bandwagon than I am, ChaCha is basically a text-message search engine. That's right - it's for your cellphone, not your PC. Did you get the part about a text-message search engine? You heard right. So if you don't speak text, you and I are probably better off sticking with Google.

ChaCha is proud of the fact that questions are answered by actual human beings rather than an automated service. Some questions can be answered in under a minute. Others can take longer than 10 minutes. You simply type the text of your question in either plain English or text lingo if you speak the language, and send it on its merry way to 242242 (ChaCha). As I was saying I was curious about this service so I decided to test it.

I sent in 4 different questions. I chose questions that I considered to be of varying difficulty levels. Three of the questions were answered within a minute. Of the three answers, two were correct and one was incorrect. The last question, the one that I expected would take the longest, was answered in just under 20 minutes. Surprisingly, the answer was correct - incomplete but correct.

My biggest reservation about ChaCha is that I've no idea who is answering my questions. The questions I sent weren't critical to me as I already knew the answers. But what if I didn't know the answer? What if I had a real question and the answer to that question would determine something important? Would I still go with ChaCha? Probably not! But this doesn't mean that ChaCha isn't useful. From what I've seen, ChaCha is great and there is certainly a place for such a service. However, for the important things, I need to know that my source is credible and reliable and in order to know that, I need to know who my source is.

When it comes to spiritual questions, isn't it great to know that there is a reliable source that we can go to? There is no greater testifier of truth than the Spirit. When it comes to questions about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we can ask friends, read literature from a variety of sources, and search for information online. We can do all these things and gain a picture of what the Church believes and teaches but to have a real testimony of the truth, we need to go to the source of all truth - our Heavenly Father and His son and our Savior, Jesus Christ. When we pray in faith to our Heavenly Father, having a sincere desire to know, He will answer. When we receive this witness of the Spirit, we can be assured that this source is one that we can trust with our hearts, minds, and souls!

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.

Easter week marks two of the most sacred events in all of Christianity - the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, our Redeemer. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as Mormons) join other Christians in commemorating these significant events.

I watched a number of different documentaries on the life of Jesus Christ this week. Once again, I wondered how many who knew and heard Him in person failed to recognize Him as the Son of God, the Messiah. If I had been there, would I have been one of the believers or one of the many who rejected Him? I hope with everything in me that I would have been among those who were privileged to worship and learn at His feet.

At the end of our Sunday school class this past Sunday, our teacher challenged us to really focus on the Savior this week. She asked us to remember that this was the week that He died for our sins. She reminded us that before we go "hopping with the bunnies" to take time to realize the great significance of His gift.

I took her challenge to heart and have felt even closer to my Savior this week. I found myself reflecting on a number of different things. I realized that all of my life, I've thought of Him as my Savior and King, but also as my friend. I pondered again on the pain and agony He endured for us and wondered how it is possible that we can forget Him so conveniently at times. When I consider just what His sacrifice entailed, I can't help but feel humbled and amazed.

I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me,
Confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me.
I tremble to know that for me He was crucified,
That for me a sinner, he suffered, he bled and died.

I marvel that He would descend from his throne divine,
To rescue a soul so rebellious and proud as mine.
That he should extend his great love unto such as I,
Sufficient to own, to redeem and to justify.

I think of His hands pierced and bleeding to pay the debt,
Such mercy, such love, such devotion can I forget?
No, no I will praise and adore at the mercy seat,
Until at the gloried throne I kneel at His feet.
(I Stand All Amazed, text and music by Charles H. Gabriel)

I have yet to sing this Hymn all the way through without getting teary-eyed. The beautiful sentiments expressed in it never fail to touch my heart and soul.

This Easter week I've rededicated my heart, mind, and soul to Him. I will continue to praise Him through music but also through renewed attempts to follow Him and to be a true disciple. I will honor Him by continuing to learn of Him and by teaching my children to love Him.
In honor of this Easter weekend, I want to share with you a couple of excellent sites dedicated to His Life and Teachings.

Jesus Christ, the Son of God - We discussed this site last month but it doesn't hurt to revisit it again this month. Take time to go through the site again especially the section on His Life and Teachings. Don't miss Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) article on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Don't miss this excellent video titled Finding Life in Christ. Be sure to read the powerful testimonies of modern day prophets who all bear witness that Jesus is the Christ!

Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer of Mankind - This excellent site is dedicated solely to the life and teachings of the Savior. Be sure to read the interesting article about the earliest accounts of the Jesus' death and resurrection. If you're looking for historical background on the Bible, this site will answer some of those questions. Other sections include Teachings of Jesus Christ, Miracles of Jesus, Parables of Jesus, The Gospels, Non-canonical Writings, and many more. This is a fairly new site so be sure to check back often for it is sure to become a one stop source for information on the Savior.

Easter for me is a time of sadness but also of great joy because He is risen. He lives, He lives! I love and worship Him. He is my Savior, my Redeemer, my King, and the truest of friends.

None so great has ever walked the earth. None other has made a comparable sacrifice or granted a comparable blessing. He is the Savior and the Redeemer of the world. I believe in Him. I declare His divinity without equivocation or compromise. I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Let's face it, there's been a lot of talk lately about Mormon women. Perhaps these sentiments are true for some. They are not true for me! Never in all the time that I've been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (and that's all of my life) have I ever felt inferior or second-rate because I happen to be female. I've never felt as if I am somehow less important in the eyes of the Lord and in the Church because I'm a woman. I've never once been envious that I do not hold the Priesthood, that I can never be a Bishop (spiritual leader of the local Church unit). Why should I be envious when I already have the most wondrous of gifts - Womanhood?

Consider the following quotes:

"Women are the real architects of society." (Harriet Beecher Stowe, abolitionist and novelist)

"Womanhood: the highest place of honor."(President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church until his death in 2007)

"Woman is God’s supreme creation. Only after the earth had been formed, after the day had been separated from the night, after the waters had been divided from the land, after vegetation and animal life had been created, and after man had been placed on the earth, was woman created; and only then was the work pronounced complete and good.

Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth." (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th called Prophet and President of the Church who passed away early this year)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints honors and respects women. The men of the Church, the priesthood holders, are taught to honor the sanctity of womanhood. The Relief Society is the Church's organization for women. This inspired program brings women of the Church together in the spirit of a sisterhood in Christ. Relief Society meetings on Sundays gives women of the Church the opportunity to learn about the Savior and to learn from each other. We share and celebrate our lives and experiences as women, as daughters and sisters, and as mothers.

Every year a Women's Conference is held at Brigham Young University. This year, the Women's Conference will be held on May 1-2. Women's Conference provides a spiritual lift for Latter-day Saint women from all walks of life. Many women attend this Conferene with their daughters making it a special annual event just for them. Those of us who live outside of Utah can also participate via BYU Television. BYU Broadcasting tapes the Conference every year and rebroadcasts them all over the world on BYU Television. You can access it on their web site. You can also view videos of previous Conferences on their site. Their archives go back to 1997.

Some Stakes (group of congregations or wards, generally about three thousand to five thousand members in five to ten congregations) around the country also hold their own Women's Conference. Our Women's Conference for our Stake is going to be held on March 8. It is open to both women of the Church and to any other woman who wishes to come and learn with us. We've been looking forward to this Conference for a while for it promises to be a day of fun and inspiration.

Sisters, womanhood is sacred in the eyes of God. When I reflect on the faith and long lasting influence of women from the Scriptures and from my own life, I find that I have no desire to be anything but the best woman (and all the roles that come with this wondrous title) I can be.

The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR) is a private non-profit and volunteer based organization. FAIR is actively engaged in responding to criticisms concerning the beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

FAIR's Mission Statement

FAIR is dedicated to standing as a witness of Christ and His Restored Church.
Our mission is to address the charges leveled at the doctrines, practices and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) with documented responses that are written in an easily understandable style.
FAIR will use current scholarship, scripture, Church doctrine, historical literature and sound logic in constructing faithful, well-reasoned answers.

FAIR is a worldwide organization with members in the United States, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Australia, Austria, and England. They are devout and active members of the Church who are also students and scholars of the "scriptures, ancient languages, early Christian history, early LDS history, and LDS doctrine and apologetics." FAIR is not affiliated with the Church.

The term apologetic means "in defense of the faith" and should not be confused with the familiar terms 'apology' and 'apologize.' FAIR sponsors various publications. Much of this material is readily available online on their web site. FAIR also sponsors an annual Conference. This year's Conference is scheduled for August and will be held in Sandy, Utah.

FAIR has now posted a large number of videos on YouTube. The following is a small sampling of what is available on this site. Please visit FAIR's YouTube channel for a complete list of videos available.

Horses and the Book of Mormon - A response to criticisms that the Book of Mormon couldn't possibly be true because there were no horses in Pre-Columbian times.

Book of Mormon and Grains - LDS scholars respond to criticisms that certain grains were not available in the Americas during the period covered in the Book of Mormon.

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon - LDS author and scholar, Richard L Anderson responds to questions about the reliability of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith - Mathew Brown addresses several accusations about the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

“With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He died, all shall live again. ‘Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: “I know that my Redeemer lives!” ’ May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen.” (President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as the Mormons) has just launched a great new web site Jesus Christ, The Son of God. This beautiful new site focuses on the teachings of our Savior and his Atonement. The primary message of this new site is clear - Come unto Christ.

During His mortal ministry, Jesus taught the principles of salvation. He atoned for our sins. He showed us how to live a life that would merit the gift of eternal life. And when He died, He rose again—so that all of us could live again. (His Life and Teachings)

The web site offers exciting features including the option to read and listen to teachings about the Savior. One of my favorite features is the Multimedia section. This section contains two films, "Faith in Christ," and "The Restoration." It also includes the 2007 First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Back in April 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released a special video presentation to commemorate the birth of Christ. It was called "Special Witnesses of Christ." The video featured the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, President Thomas S. Monson, the late President James E. Faust, and several members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bearing testimonies of the divinity and ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A portion of that video presentation has been made available on this new site. To hear these powerful testimonies, click on Special Witnesses of Christ.

If you are interested, the text of the original video presentation, Special Witnesses of Christ, is also available in the April 2001 Ensign, a monthly magazine of the Church.

He Lives: The Witness of Latter-day Prophets contains the testimonies of all modern day Mormon prophets starting with Joseph Smith. The prophets testify about their love of the Savior, their complete faith and belief in Him, and that we follow and worship Him. He is at the head of His Restored Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008)

Seth Adam Smith's testimony of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and of His Restored Gospel shines through from his YouTube videos. Seth has a talent for combining amazing works of art with inspiring messages through Scriptures and Hymns.

I should also add a note of caution before we proceed. There is a proliferation of anti-Mormon material on the Internet including YouTube and other online video sites. Don't be distracted by hateful comments that you might encounter. When you view these videos, listen to the message not only with your ears but also with your heart. I ask that you open your heart and mind to the Spirit of God and allow Him to do his work.

Now, the videos!

I Believe in Christ - I believe in Christ, He is my King! These are the first words of this beautiful hymn. This hymn testifies of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. The text of this hymn was written by Elder Bruce R. McConkie, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church) until his death in 1985. John Longhurst, an organist for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for over 30 years composed the music. The joyful testimony captured in this hymn echoes the fervent testimony of every faithful member of the Church. We believe in Christ. He is our Redeemer! The complete text of this hymn can be copied for personal use from the Hymns section of the Church site.

The Lord is my Shepherd - A simple but stirring reading of Psalms 23.

Seeing and Believing - A lesson about the need to see Him with our hearts and not only with our eyes. Many who saw Him and heard Him were among those who condemened Him. In this brief conversation between Christ's Apostles, Thomas finally comes to learn what it means to truly see Him and believe. Creative, effective, and absolutely believable! It is not very difficult for me to imagine that a conversation just like this took place between Thomas, Peter and John.

All Prophets Testify of Jesus Christ - The Prophets of the Old and New Testament all testify of Christ; Adam, Moses, Isaiah, Peter, all bore witness of Him. The Book of Mormon contains the testimony of other ancient Prophets such as Benjamin who also testify of Jesus Christ. This pattern continues in our modern times beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith.

God's Pattern of Prophets - God has called Prophets to teach and to bear witness of Him since the beginning of time. One by one, God's prophets were rejected and persecuted. "He even sent His beloved Son, Jesus Christ, and even He was rejected and persecuted!" God loves us the same, from the ancient times to our modern times. He has not forsaken us. In our days, God has once again called prophets to teach and testify of Him.

Hail to the Prophet - This hymn is a tribute to the martyred Prophet, Joseph Smith. It was written by William W. Phelps, a close associate of the Prophet. The hymn is titled "Praise To The Man."

Cries From The Dust - A powerful testimony of the Book of Mormon, another witness of Christ. "The Book of Mormon is a volume of holy scripture comparable to the Bible. It is a record of God's dealings with the ancient inhabitants of the Americas and contains, as does the Bible, the fulness of the everlasting gospel..."

A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief - There is a special place in my heart for this hymn. It was written by James Montgomery (1771-1854) with music composed by George Coles (1792-1858). The text echoes the teachings of Christ as found in Mathew 25:31-40. In these verses, Christ reminds us that "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." Simply put, we are to love and care for one another. This hymn was also a favorite of both the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum. Just moments before the Prophet Joseph Smith was murdered, he asked John Taylor to sing this song as they sat in Carthage Jail. (John Taylor became the third President of the Church.) I can't help but think about what those moments were like for the Prophet and those that were with him that day each time I hear this song.

To view all of Seth's videos, please visit his YouTube channel. If you'd like to read Seth's testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints please visit his blog.

I too believe in Christ. He is my King! I believe in Christ. I honor and worship Him. Because of the great and wonderful gift of His Atonement, I can be saved. I am eternally grateful to have an Advocate that knows and loves me. I will praise His name forever for He really is my Savior and Redeemer.

In the next few days, I hope to share with you several videos about Mormons and the Mormon Church (formally known as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) posted online. The videos that will be featured on this blog are produced by members of the Church. Most members note that they do not speak for the Church. However, they are faithful members of the Church who desire to share the message of the Gospel of Christ as they understand it with the world. For official information about the Church, please visit www.lds.org or www.mormon.org.

A few months ago I reviewed AllAboutMormons.com, a website about Mormon beliefs. Today, I want to recommend several videos posted by AllAboutMormons.com. This series of 10 brief videos provides an excellent introduction to basic Mormon beliefs.

All About Mormons, Par 1: Basic Beliefs

All About Mormons, Part 2: The Mormon God

All About Mormons, Part 3a: The Mormon Jesus Christ

All About Mormons, Part 3b: The Mormon Jesus Christ

All About Mormons, Part 4: Mormon Prophets and Apostles

All About Mormons, Part 5: The Book of Mormon

All About Mormons, Part 6: Apostasy & Restoration

All About Mormons, Part 7a: Mormon Commandments

All About Mormons, Part 7b: Mormon Commandments

All About Mormons, Part 8: Mormon Families and Temples

You may also want to revisit the All About Mormons website and blog.

Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles urged all Mormons to "join the conversation by participating on the Internet, particularly the New Media, to share the gospel and to explain in simple and clear terms the message of the Restoration." Such a call to action is especially crucial today. For far too long, others who are not of our faith have been doing the talking about Mormons. Often times, such individuals and groups have distorted Mormon beliefs and teachings for their own purposes and agendas.

Once again, I plead with those of you who are sincerely seeking for information about the Mormon Church. Please allow those of us who are faithful members to share the teachings of the Church with you. Come, study our beliefs. Read the Book of Mormon. Listen to the words of our Church leaders.

My friends, I am so blessed to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life. I hope that you too will come to know His teachings and feel His love in your lives. I leave you tonight with this challenge from the ancient Prophet Moroni;

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. (Moroni 10:4)

This was the hand that guided Moses, that strengthened Joshua—the hand promised to Jacob when the Lord declared: “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: … I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa. 41:10.) This was the determined hand that drove the moneychangers from the temple. This was the loving hand that blessed little children. This was the strong hand that opened deaf ears and restored vision to sightless eyes. By this hand was the leper cleansed, the lame man healed—even the dead Lazarus raised to life. With the finger of his hand there was written in the sand that message which the winds did erase but which honest hearts did retain. The hand of the carpenter. The hand of the teacher. The hand of the Christ. (President Thomas S. Monson, Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The hand of the Lord. The hand of God. The pierced hands of the Redeemer. Who amongst us hasn't seen or felt this loving hand in their lives? Just as the people of the Scriptures witnessed the hand of the Lord in their lives, so too do we. We may not have the Savior living and walking amongst us in the flesh, but His hand can be seen and felt today just as surely as it was during His earthly ministry.

Sitting on a shelf in our home is a treasured gift. It isn't a very expensive gift nor is it a rare gift. But, it is a treasure to us still the same. It's a small painted plate depicting the hands of the Savior. This simple painting of His hands serves today as a visual reminder for many things we try to practice in our home. It reminds us to pray always, to remember His atoning sacrifice, to lift up another, to love each other, and to be a family that grows together in Christ. It's also a constant reminder for each member of my family to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in our daily lives.

In a message given during the October 2007 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor to the First Presidency asked "Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” In this powerful message, President Eyring urges all of us to find ways to recognize and remember the Lord's kindness, to remember always our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest lessons that I've learned is that the Lord sometimes blesses us through others. Think about it, how many times have you been in need of something only to have that need answered by a family member, a friend, or even a total stranger? It has happened in my life more times than I can count. He touches our lives through the deeds and words of those around us. We in turn can be the answer to someone else's prayer through our acts of service and love. When we serve one another, we become instruments in the hands of God.

So today as I sit at my desk and watch the snow continue to come down, I could choose to be upset that I can't get out to go to the grocery store. Instead, I choose to see the hand of the Lord in the beauty that surrounds me as the woods around our home is transformed into a beautiful winter wonderland. I choose to acknowledge the hand of the Lord in the kindness of our neighbor who has been here twice already today to shovel our driveway. I choose to see the hand of God through friends that called to see if we are okay. I choose to see the hand of God in the love and trust of our boys who know that everything is fine because Mom is here.

Have I seen the hand of the Lord today? Oh yes, a hundred times yes. If you would but take a moment and reflect on it also, you too will see the hand of God in your day.

So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep. (John 21:15-17)

At least twice a month, we are honored to have special guests in our home for dinner. These dear guests, our Mormon missionaries, are truly among the best young men I've ever had the privilege of knowing. Mormon missionaries pay for their own missions, including food and lodging. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the areas where they serve are under no obligation to feed missionaries but most of us feel it is a blessing to be able to do so.

As I sit across our dining room table from these young men, I can't help but marvel at their faith and courage. You see, often times, they are met with harsh words and ridicule or worse. Yet, morning after morning, they get up and are back out again preaching and sharing the word of God. These young missionaries understand the importance and sacredness of their work. They know that when Jesus asked Simon Peter to "feed my sheep" he was speaking to all of us. Each night at the end of our meal, these young Mormon missionaries thank us for our kindness to them and offer us a gift. This gift, their testimonies of Jesus Christ, inspires me more than they realize.

This month I want to share a few more Church related sites with you. It was obvious from reviewing the information available that the individuals responsible for these sites desired to share the message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone. This is their way of heeding the Lord's commandment to "feed my sheep."

Book Of Mormon Online.net - KC Kern, the creator and webmaster of this exciting new resource is a student at Brigham Young University. He also served a fulltime mission for the Mormon Church in Seoul, Korea. Kern's vision was to present the stories of the Book of Mormon in "reader-friendly segments arranged in primarily chronological format, supplemented with summaries of each segment, divided by headings and pages that reveal the text's full context." I think he has succeeded magnificently in achieving this goal. If you've been given a Book of Mormon and have just not been able to get through it, I strongly urge you to try this resource. While a couple of sections are still under construction, the bulk of the site is ready for use.

About Mormons - This site was started in 1996 by W. John Walsh and Jenny Scoville Walsh and was originally named All About Mormons. This resource is one of the first that responded to the need for information about the Church online. In fact, the site was literally created to fill the void that existed at the time on the Internet. John and Jenny Walsh felt that the best way to answer the many questions they were receiving about the Church was to have a source of LDS teachings available online. The site continues to provide relevant information about the Church. It includes information on Mormon beliefs, Church history, Missionary work, and even a FAQ section.

Mormon Historic Sites Registry - If you've always wanted information on sites and places that are important in the history of the Mormon religion, this is the place to start. The purpose of this site is to "create a comprehensive resource of historic sites located throughout the world with historical information, personal accounts, multimedia, and visitor information." A wealth of information is available here including references for additional reading and study. My favorite feature is the inclusion of personal accounts from people who were witnesses to the events that took place in these sites. New sites are added each week so be sure to check it often. Some links aren't quite ready yet, but should be "coming soon." I'm really looking forward to information about important international sites so I will definitely bookmark this site.

The Mormon Way Of Doing Business - This short video presentation is based on the book of the same title by Jeff Benedict. It highlights the lives and accomplishments of several CEOs of some of America's most successful and high profile companies. These CEOs have one other thing in common - they are all faithful Mormons who practice and live their religion. The video features these individuals talking about their achievements in their respective fields viewed through the unique lens of a Mormon husband, father, and a servant of God.

Big beautiful bouquet of roses. Check. Hearts pasted on the fridge courtesy of our 8 year old. Check. A box of chocolates that I shouldn't sample but will partake of nevertheless. Check, check. And, my absolute favorite, an extra "I love you" in the morning! Oh yes, "Love" is definitely in the air. Love is apparent in our home and I pray that it is in yours too. Hopefully, love is apparent each day of the year in all of our lives. Perhaps, not in so grandiose a fashion as on Valentine's Day but apparent nonetheless.

Valentine's Day is a day to celebrate love. True and enduring love should be celebrated. It should be honored. Such a love should be immortalized in poetry and song. This well-known poem by Elizabeth Barret Browning comes to mind when we contemplate this thing called Love:

How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.
I love thee to the depth and breadth and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the ends of Being and ideal Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light.
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise.
I love thee with a passion put to use
In my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints, --- I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! --- and, if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.

As we reflect on the blessings of love in our lives today, let us also take a minute to remember the love of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons)refer to this love as Charity or the pure love of Christ. "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him." (Moroni 7:47)

Charity is the highest, strongest, and the most noblest form of love. It is the love that our Redeemer has for each of us. This pure love of Christ is the love that he wants us to have for one another. "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." (John 13:34).

Those of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ, whether we are of the Mormon faith, or of another, have promised to be more Christlike in our actions and thoughts. In short, we've promised to live a life of Charity towards all mankind. What are the characteristics of Charity? The Apostle Paul describes several elements of charity;

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. (1 Corinthians 13:1-8)

How do we practice charity in our everyday lives? The following thoughts by a couple of our leaders speak to this question;

We need to be kinder with one another, more gentle and forgiving. We need to be slower to anger and more prompt to help. We need to extend the hand of friendship and resist the hand of retribution. In short, we need to love one another with the pure love of Christ, with genuine charity and compassion and, if necessary, shared suffering, for that is the way God loves us....
We need to walk more resolutely and more charitably the path that Jesus has shown. We need to 'pause to help and lift another' and surely we will find 'strength beyond [our] own.' If we would do more to learn 'the healer's art,' there would be untold chances to use it, to touch the 'wounded and the weary' and show to all 'a gentle[r] heart'" (President Howard W. Hunter, 14th President of the Church).

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself....
Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other" (Elder Marvin J. Ashton, member of the Quorum of the Twelve until his death in 1994).

Charity, the pure love of Christ is a great gift and a blessing in our lives. Such a gift is available to all. We have been extended an invitation and given a commandment to love one another as Christ loves us. As we exchange gifts this day, let us also remember the gift of Charity. There is no doubt in my mind that this troubled world would be a much better place if each of us had a little more Charity in our hearts.

In this spirit, I would like to invite you to take a moment today to send an email, a text message, a phone call, and express your love for someone in your life. Take a moment and think about someone else that can use a hug, a friend to lean on, a helping hand, a parent that listens and loves unconditionally. Happy Valentine's Day everyone. May our hearts be filled with Charity this day and every day of our lives!

I've been thinking a lot about the kind of legacy we leave behind when we pass on. When our work here is done, will we be remembered as we would like to be remembered?

I remember watching a show on televison some time ago about a mother and son that were going through a very difficult time. The mother admitted that she had never been a real mother to her son. The son, now a young adult was bitter and wanted nothing to do with his mom. The mother was desperate to reconnect with her son and to be a part of his life again. One of the things the therapist counseled this mother to do was to write her own eulogy. She was asked specifically to write her eulogy from the point of view of her son. The point of the exercise (as I understood it) was for this mother to see exactly where she needed to improve as a mother and hopefully, work towards it.

So, these last few days as I reflected on the kinds of legacies we leave behind, I couldn't help but think about what will be said of us when we're gone. Will we be remembered as loving parents who taught their children to love the Lord? Will we be praised by our children for our righteous examples in their lives? Parenting is hard. In fact, it is the hardest job that I know of. On the other hand, it's also the most rewarding job that I've ever had.

What will our children say about us when we're gone? Will they remember us fondly as "not quite perfect," but still wonderful parents? We came across an essay written by our son when he was a senior in high school where he wrote about his dad. He titled his essay, "Not quite perfect, but I still love him." My husband treasures this essay as one of the highest praise he has ever received.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ (also known as Mormons) regard the rearing of children as a sacred calling or duty. In a proclamation titled, The Family: A Proclamation to the World, the First Presidency of the Church counseled;

Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.

Within our communities, will we be remembered as having lived a life of service and charity to all? Will we be remembered as being an influence in inviting all to come unto Christ? The single most important "mission of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is to invite all to come unto Christ." (Elder David A. Bednar) As Mormons, it is our sincere desire to share the joy of the Gospel of Christ with everyone that will listen.

Friends, in the words of Prophet Moroni from the Book of Mormon, we extend to you all this invitation, "And again I would exhort you that ye would come unto Christ, and lay hold upon every good gift, and touch not the evil gift, nor the unclean thing." (Moroni 10:30)

I should tell you that the reason I've been thinking of such matters lately is because of the recent passing of President Gordon B. Hinckley. What a legacy he left behind! He left behind a legacy of hope, a legacy of service to God and his fellowmen, a legacy of righteousness, a legacy of inclusion rather than exclusion. In short, he left behind a legacy of love. He was beloved by his immediate family and by his Church family. He was loved by old and young alike. He was loved by those near and far.

There are a number of excellent video tributes to President Hinckley available on YouTube and other online sites. Many of them include messages and quotes from President Hinckley. If you haven't seen those yet, please do so. I also want to share with you a couple of slideshows about President Hinckley that you might not have had a chance to see yet. One comes from Brigham Young University (Provo) and the other comes from Brigham Young University (Hawaii).

Gordon B. Hinckley 1910-2008

President Hinckley

We may not all have the kind of far-reaching legacy that President Hinckley left behind but all of us can leave behind a legacy of love.

I am so grateful for the youth of the Church. There is so much of evil everywhere. Temptation, with all its titillating influences, is about us everywhere. We lose some to these destructive forces, unfortunately. We sorrow over every one that is lost. We reach out to help them, to save them, but in too many cases our entreaties are spurned. Tragic is the course they are following. It is the way which leads down to destruction.

But there are so many, many hundreds of thousands of our young people who are faithful and true, who are straight as an arrow and as strong as a great wave of the sea in following the course they have mapped out for themselves. It is a course of righteousness and goodness, a course of accomplishment and achievement. They are making something of their lives, and the world will be so much the better for them. (President Gordon B. Hinckley, 15th Prophet and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

President Hinckley loved the youth of the Church and they loved him right back.

I don't say it often enough, but I too am so proud of our Mormon youth. They are such wonderful young people. Their many examples of faith are truly awesome to behold, and the world is indeed so much better for them. They aren't perfect, of course, but then who is? They are typical teenagers in many ways, yet, also quite atypical. I mean where else can you find teenagers who get up at 5:30 every weekday morning so they can attend Seminary to study the life and teachings of Jesus Christ?

If you'd like to learn more about the Seminary program of the Church, please read Laurie Walker's post on "Mormon Seminary is For Youth." The fact that Mormon youth attend seminary early in the morning before heading to school has received a lot of press. Katie Parker wrote about one of these stories in her post titled, "Michigan Mormon Teens Start Day with Seminary."

This past week with the passing of President Hinckley, Mormon youth took it upon themselves to spread the word and organize their own tribute. In fact, we learned about President Hinckley's passing through the "teen express." A friend of our teenage son who lives in Utah (we live in Pennsylvania) sent a text message to our son within seconds of hearing the news about President Hinckley.

During the memorial services for President Hinckley this past Saturday, Bishop H. David Burton (Presiding Bishop of the Church) paid a special tribute to the youth of the Church. He pointed out that news of President Hinckley's passing spread rapidly throughout the world because the youth took it upon themselves to spread the word through text messages. He also thanked them for honoring President Hinckley through their examples.

You see the youth of the Church didn't stop at just sending text messages with the news of President Hinckley's death. Using text messages for the most part, they went on to organize a tribute for their beloved prophet. The following Monday morning the youth of the Church turned up in school all over the country dressed in Sunday best.

Other Mormon youths found other ways to pay tribute to President Hinckely. Some shared their testimonies in Church, with school mates, and on YouTube. Here is a video of Mormon teens paying tribute to President Hinckley.

These past several days, I saw again the tremendous faith and courage of our youth. They are a powerful force for good, taking a stand for good and sharing their testimonies with the world. A familiar hymn that we sing in Church speaks about the faith of these remarkable Mormon youth:

Shall the youth of Zion falter, In defending truth and right?
While the enemy assaileth, Shall we shrink or shun the fight?
No! True to the faith that our parents have cherished,
True to the faith for which martyrs have perished,
To God's command, soul, heart, and hand,
Faithful and true we will ever stand.

The media and Internet is abuzz today with news of the passing of our beloved Mormon leader and Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. Following close behind are news stories speculating about his successor. Tradition has dictated that the longest-serving apostle will become the next president. If that is the case, it will be President Thomas S. Monson.

At the young age of 36, President Monson was ordained an Apostle and called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles on October 4, 1963. He began his service in the First Presidency on November 10, 1985 when he was called to be the Second Counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson. On June 5, 1994, he was called as the Second Counselor to President Howard W. Hunter. He was called and set apart as First Counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley on March 12, 1995 and he has served in that capacity ever since. That is, until the death of President Hinckley yesterday. The First Presidency is dissolved immediately upon the death of the President and the two counselors return to their positions in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

For a detailed look at how the next Prophet is called, please see this excellent post on "Choosing the Next Prophet" by Candace Salima. If you'd like more information about the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, please refer to BYU's "Frequently Asked Questions About the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."

I've always loved listening to President Monson so I want to share a little bit of that experience with you. Please follow this link to his official biography if you'd like more information about his life and his service.

One of my favorite talks by President Monson is "True to the Faith." He begins this talk with a story he heard while visiting Liahona High School in Tonga. It is the story of the maka-feke. A maka-feke is a Tongan octopus lure. Octopus meat is a delicacy in Tonga and throughout many other Polynesian islands.

In President Monson's own words;

The teacher explained that Tongan fishermen glide over a reef, paddling their outrigger canoes with one hand and dangling the maka-feke over the side with the other. An octopus dashes out from its rocky lair and seizes the lure, mistaking it for a much-desired meal. So tenacious is the grasp of the octopus and so firm is its instinct not to relinquish the precious prize that fishermen can flip it right into the canoe.
It was an easy transition for the teacher to point out to the eager and wide-eyed youth that the evil one—even Satan—has fashioned so-called maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons and take possession of their destinies.

It was easy enough for us to see the relevance of this story in our lives as well. Even our children were able to understand the important lesson in this story. Consequently, this story quickly became a favorite in our home. We found ourselves using the word 'maka-feke' to refer to things that came up which threatened to take our focus away from the Lord. In fact, we remind each other often to "beware of maka-fekes."

Beware of maka-fekes my friends. Many maka-fekes come in beautiful and alluring packaging. Many more maka-fekes offer popularity, excitement and temporary thrills. In this talk, President Monson referred specifically to the maka-fekes of immorality, pornography, drugs, and excessive debt. There is no shortage of maka-fekes that threaten to destroy our families if we're not careful. I'm so grateful that inspired leaders like President Monson continue to counsel us about these maka-fekes today.

I love President Monson. I love the simple yet profound way he teaches us. If he is to be our next Prophet, I will sustain and follow him as will every other faithful Latter-day Saint.

Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as Mormons) around the world are mourning the passing of our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley. He died yesterday at the age of 97.

President Hinckley touched the lives of countless people around the globe, including mine. He will be sorely missed! Yes, we are sorrowful today but we are also filled with joy. Joy because we know that our beloved prophet has gone to meet our Heavenly Father having done all he could to further the kingdom of our Lord on this earth. No doubt, President Hinckley will be received in Heaven, with these words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant." We feel joy too because we know he is now with his eternal companion, his beloved Marjorie.

President Hinckley had a way of touching people on a personal level. He made me feel as if he was my friend even though I never had the privilege of meeting him in person. He had the most wonderful sense of humor and had the ability to make us smile even when talking to us about serious matters. He had a way of making you pay attention to his message whenever he spoke, and oh what wonderful messages he had for all of us. As I mourn his passing today, I also recognize that the greatest tribute I can give to our beloved Prophet is to try to live as he lived - in the service of our God.

You too can still get to know this great leader and prophet. You can learn a little more about his life and his Testimony by studying his words and teachings.

If you'd like to read a few of President Hinckley's recent talks and speeches, please follow the links below. Video and MP3 files of all of these speeches are available as well so if prefer these other formats then go to the General Conference page. Open the link to the 177th Semiannual General Conference and you'll see the different options available of accessing the contents.

Slow to Anger
The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain -
I Am Clean
The Things of Which I Know
Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly

I would also like to share with you just a couple of my favorite quotes about our families by President Hinckley. They've inspired me when I've needed inspiration, encouraged me when I needed encouragement, and lifted me up when I've felt weary and down.

Do you want a spirit of love to grow in the world? Then begin within the walls of your own home. Behold your little ones, and see within them the wonders of God, from whose presence they have recently come...Behold your little ones. Pray with them. Pray for them and bless them. The world into which they are moving is a complex and difficult world. They will run into heavy seas of adversity. They will need all the strength and all the faith you can give them while they are yet near you. And they will also need a greater strength which comes of a higher power. They must do more than go along with what they find. They must lift the world, and the only levers they will have are the example of their own lives and the powers of persuasion that will come of their testimonies and their knowledge of the things of God. They will need the help of the Lord. While they are young, pray with them that they may come to know that source of strength which shall then always be available in every hour of need. (These, Our Little Ones. Liahona, Dec 2007")

"There is too much of selfishness. There is too much of worldliness in our homes. We need to get back to the basics of respect one for another and concern one for another, love and appreciation for another, working together, worshiping together, and living together as families who love the Lord and look to Him for light and strength and comfort. Rear our families in the nurture and admonition of the Lord as He instructs us to do. That’s my message." (Church News, 7 June 1995).

I will miss this great spiritual leader but I also know that another one just as great will soon be called to lead us. President Hinckley will be missed but his legacy can live on through us when we continue to heed his counsel and his teachings.

"I have it. Why not share it? Why not share it with my brother? See the joy within me shine in someone else's eyes. I know it and I love it. Why not share it with my brother? See the joy within me shine in someone else's eyes." (Written by Susan E. McCloud and Denny Crockett)

I learned and sang this song a very long time ago as a young woman. Somehow the words have stayed with me throughout all these years and every now and then I find myself humming the tune. Nowadays, when this song pops into my head I often pause and ask myself if I'm sharing the joy I feel with a brother or a sister. You see, the song talks about the joy that faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons) feel in their hearts. It talks about the happiness that we experience in our lives when we become truly converted to our Savior Jesus Christ and to his Gospel.

I hope you don't mind if I speak to you now as if I am speaking to a sister or a brother. Have you ever been so filled with the Spirit that you literally felt like shouting for joy? I do know what that joy feels like. I do have that joy within me every day of my life and I wish with everything in me that you can feel it too. One of the greatest blessings of mortality is the ability to experience joy. We are taught in Nephi 2:25 that "men are that they might have joy."

Don't get me wrong. My life isn't just a series of happy episodes. I have my ups and downs. I have my trials just like everyone else. However, I know that no matter what life throws at me, my Savior stands ready to help me with it. This knowledge gives me hope and faith and allows me to feel joy in my heart regardless of whatever else is going on. I have no doubt whatsoever that I am blessed with such joy in my life because I try with every fiber of my being to live the gospel of Jesus Christ. Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said it best; "Fully understood and embraced, the gospel of Jesus Christ heals broken hearts, infuses meaning into lives, binds loved ones together with ties that transcend mortality, and brings to life a sublime joy."

Most faithful members of the Church feel as I do. We feel blessed to have the Gospel in our lives. I invite you to visit these other online resources for additional information about the Church. Many of these sites and blogs address different questions about the Church so feel free to browse them. You can also submit any questions you might have if you don't see them addressed in the forums yet. If you are looking for the offical Church sites, please visit lds.org and mormon.org

LDS.NET - This great site has several wonderful features including video testimonies by other converts, and blogs by several members of the Church from different walks of life. This new site also incorporates two popular LDS sites - LDS Forums and LDS Talks.

Mormon Underwear - Let's face it, you've heard of them and I've heard what's been said about them so you might as well get the correct information about them. Incidentally, we call them garments and not Mormon underwear and they are very sacred to us.

All About Mormons - This wonderful site is the work of one member who addresses many questions and misconceptions about the Church. Be sure to check out the many LDS related videos that are available on this site.

Donny.com - Well-known entertainer Donny Osmond is known for his talent as well as for the fact that he is a Mormon. Donny answers many questions that are often put to him by people all over the world right here.

LDS Public Affairs - There are 20 videos in this collection of YouTube videos sponsored by LDS Public Affairs. Some feature Elder M. Russell Ballard discussing key beliefs of the Church. Other videos feature converts talking about their conversion to the Church and one features Steve Young (former NFL quarterback) responding to common questions about Mormons.

and Truth?

If one were to believe some of the rhetoric that is pervasive on the Internet and the media today, one would come to think that Mormons are not Christians. Nothing could be further from the truth.

It is surprising for those of us who are faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or Mormons as we're sometimes called) to read and hear these comments because we are Christians to the core. All of us who have been baptized and become members of the Church have promised to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ, that we will always remember Him, and will keep His commandments. These are sacred promises to us and we try extremely hard to keep them. We renew these promises every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament.

Times such as these can be challenging for those who are sincerely seeking for the truth about the Mormon Religion. For faithful Mormons everywhere, these kinds of comments wound us deeply. It is amazing to me that even those who call themselves servants of God encourage and perpetuate such a falsity. How can one who calls himself ordained of God say such things? Do their words portray the teachings of Christ? From where I sit, their words spread hate, bigotry and intolerance.

Their actions are a far cry from the teachings of the Savior who taught "thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." (Mark 12:31) Their words and deeds are a far cry from the teachings of Mormon leaders. It was the Prophet Joseph Smith himself who despite being persecuted for what he believed wrote;

We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own cconscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may. (11th Article of Faith)

Elder M. Russell Ballard (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) added:

The Lord expects a great deal from us. Parents, please teach your children and practice yourselves the principle of inclusion of others and not exclusion because of religious, political, or cultural differences.

While it is true we declare to the world that the fulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth through the Prophet Joseph Smith and we urge our members to share their faith and testimonies with others, it has never been the policy of the Church that those who choose not to listen or to accept our message should be shunned or ignored. Indeed, the opposite is true. President Gordon B. Hinckley has repeatedly reminded us of this special obligation that we have as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. I quote just one:

“Each of us is an individual. Each of us is different. There must be respect for those differences...We must work harder to build mutual respect, an attitude of forbearance, with tolerance one for another regardless of the doctrines and philosophies which we may espouse. Concerning these you and I may disagree. But we can do so with respect and civility.”

Where can one turn for peace and truth at times like these? The words of this beautiful Hymn speaks to this question.

Where can I turn for peace? Where is my solace
When other sources cease to make me whole?
When with a wounded heart, anger, or malice,
I draw myself apart, Searching my soul?

Where when my aching grows, Where when I languish,
Where, in my need to know, where can I run?
Where is the quiet hand to calm my anguish?
Who, who can understand? He, only One.

He answers privately, Reaches my reaching
In my Gethsemane, Savior and Friend.
Gentle the peace he finds for my beseeching.
Constant he is and kind, Love without end.

Where can we turn? We turn to He who is our Redeemer and Friend, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Only He can give us peace and solace. He was hated, ridiculed, and even killed for what he taught yet He knew who and what He was and He was willing to suffer it all for us.

Can we do any less for Him? We know who we are and who we follow and a million insults and hateful words will not change that. If you are searching for the truth about the Mormon Religion, I invite you to go to Him with your questions. He alone can soothe your heart and bear witness of the Truth to your heart and mind.

We have answers! As we all know, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the Mormon Church or Mormon Religion) has become a popular topic of conversation in recent months. Undoubtedly, this interest will continue through the next several months. As a Mormon, I am very grateful that my Religion is being discussed and being talked about so much.

Unfortunately, such an interest can sometimes result in the wrong or incomplete information being circulated about the Church. There is a lot of half-truths and lies about Mormons and the Mormon Church out there. Some are published by well meaning individuals who perhaps do not fully understand the Mormon Religion. The bulk of this kind of information, however, is perpetuated by individuals and groups who hate the Church for one reason or another. Is there a bias in messages from such individuals and groups? Most definitely!

I suppose you can also argue that I'm biased because I'm Mormon - you would be absolutely right. I would ask you to remember a few things about my bias and conviction of the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. My conviction of the truthfulness of the Mormon Church came about through years of actual scripture study - both the Holy Bible and the Book of Mormon. It is the result of many life experiences and trials, both good and bad. It is the result of years of study and reading a wide array of literature on Religion and God, even those penned by those who argue that there is no God. It came as a result of faith, sincere prayer, and through obedience to the witness of the Spirit.

As members of the Church, we are taught that we all need to obtain our own testimony. We all need to know for ourselves. In other words, every Mormon must decide for himself if the Church and its teachings are true. A testimony is a spiritual witness given by the Holy Ghost. The foundation of a testimony is the knowledge that Heavenly Father lives and loves His children; that Jesus Christ lives, that He is the Son of God, and that He carried out the infinite Atonement... (lds.org)

Obtaining a testimony is "not a single event but a process." It begins with a humble heart, a sincere desire to know, and faith in our Lord, Jesus Christ. President Gordon B. Hinckley observed that the Lord himself gave us the formula for obtaining a testimony in John 7:17 - "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself." If you do have questions and are sincere about your desire to know more about the Mormon Religion, I invite you to visit these online resources.

Mormon.org - This is an official Church site that provides basic information about the Church. If you want to know what we believe, you'll be able to find out by clicking on the link for "Basic Beliefs." You can also listen to the testimony of others who searched for the truth and found it in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Myths and Realities - This 10 minute video hosted by Steve Young (former NFL quarterback) and Sharlene Hawkes (former Miss America) both Mormons respond to questions and common misconceptions about the Church.

LDS FAQ - This site offers answers to over 400 questions that are frequently asked about the Mormon Religion. You can browse the list of questions and answers available and you can also submit a question about the Church. This site is sponsored by BYU Studies.

Frequently Asked Questions - This question and answer site is owned by the Church. It addresses the most commonly asked questions about Mormon Temples.

LDS FAQ: Mormon Answers - Well known Mormon scholar and writer, Jeff Lindsay responds to a wide variety of questions about the Mormon Religion. Mr. Lindsay hosts other sites and blogs about the Church so be sure to follow the links to those sites as well.

Ask Gramps - This site offers "moral answers to everyday concerns, curiosities, and uncertainties." Gramps is a Mormon so be sure to check out all those questions and answers that are related to the Church.

One of my fondest memories of being a Young Adult member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was attending firesides with friends. A fireside is a "meeting in which members gather for religious instruction outside of regular Sunday meetings. Firesides generally focus on a particular group or topic, such as youth, or missionary work." (mormon.org) As a life long member of the Church, I attended many other firesides, including many that were put on by the different groups in our own Ward (local Mormon Church).

The purpose of any fireside is to motivate and to inspire. This message may be delivered through music, through a skit or a play, or through talks and speeches. Musical firesides were always my favorite but I've learned something from every single fireside I've attended. Firesides are usually held on a Sunday evening but they can also be held during the week. They can be held in a Mormon chapel, in an auditorium or even outdoors.

Firesides are usually informal and many times they are a lot of fun. Refreshments are normally served afterwards so it is always a good time to socialize with friends and many others. As young adults we used to say that a fireside is the place to go if you want to be fed spiritually and physically. When asked about firesides, Jayne B. Malan, who served as the First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency from 1987 to 1992 offered this explanation:

Firesides provide opportunities for Church members to gather and be instructed and edified. Through attending these firesides, we experience the strength of shared Church membership and receive the messages the Lord would have us receive. Satellite broadcasts from Church headquarters are particularly helpful. Through the miracle of modern technology, we can see and hear our prophets and general Church leaders and feel the Spirit as they address us. Satellite broadcasts can be a time of renewal, of spiritual nourishment, and of gaining new insight and perspective. They can strengthen our testimonies and help us find peace in this complicated world. For these reasons, it is beneficial for members to seek ways to attend Church firesides.

I have to admit that as young adult I didn't always make wise decisions. After all, most young adults are away from parents for the first time and are making their own decisions such as whether to go to Church on Sunday or to sleep in, and whether to go to a Fireside later in the evening or watch a favorite movie on TV. I'm so grateful that I did make the effort to attend as many of these firesides as possible whenever they were offered in our college community. The lessons that I learned from these meetings have been some of the most helpful ones in my life as a young adult, a woman, and as a mother.

Firesides continue to inspire each generation of young adults to make the kinds of choices that are pleasing unto God. Our oldest son is now a young single adult and away in college. As his mother, there is no other place I would like for him to be on a Sunday evening than attending a fireside that honors God and brings him closer to his Savior. Of course, we understand that each of us is free to make our own choices. Still as a mother I am comforted by the knowledge that our children are given every opportunity to make good choices.

When it comes to making choices, Mormons believe that we all have Agency. Agency is the ability and privilege God gives us to choose and to act for ourselves. Agency is essential in the plan of salvation. Without it, we would not be able to learn or progress or follow the Savior. In 2 Nephi 2:27 we read:

Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.

We may not all live in an area where we can attend firesides regularly but we can still participate in many firesides via the Internet. The Church Educational System (CES) schedules several firesides throughout each year. In fact, there is one coming up on January 13 at 6:00 p.m. MST. These firesides are usually broadcast live over the Church satellite system. A live video stream of the broadcast will also be available at www.byu.tv. An audio stream is also available in English and 32 other languages. But it doesn't end there. Previous CES Firesides for Young Adults are available in the Archives.

Firesides sponsored by Mormon groups are a wonderful way to learn more about our Mormon Religion. Because they are more informal than regular Church meetings, they offer a nonthreatening way to discover what the Mormon Religion is about. If you have questions about the Mormon Church but have been reluctant to attend Church services, I invite you to attend a Fireside in your area.

You can check with the local LDS Ward to see if th