Sunday, October 26, 2008

This week's article

The article for this week comes from the April 2008 General Conference, during the Sunday Morning session. It is titled "The Twelve" and was given by President Boyd K. Packer.

I chose this talk because it strengthened my testimony of the blessing that members of the church have in knowing that we have living apostles upon the earth today and that they act under the authority of Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, through the Priesthood keys that were restored on this earth. What a marvelous blessing! The power that is found in the quorum of the 12 apostles is unmatched and is beautiful! I cannot express enough my love for these men and their wonderful service and to my Heavenly Father for His love in designating these wonderful men to these callings.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

New Temple in Clay County

Here is an article about a temple being built in Clay County, Kansas City. It is so amazing to me how the Lord furthers His work - this building of temples is so amazing to me! I just love that this is going further and further, that more people are being blessed with the opportunity to attend the temple! What a tremendous blessing!!

http://www.kansascity.com/115/story/848539.html

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Yes to Proposition 8!

As I am sure you have been made fully aware, Proposition 8 is a very popular topic of discussion right now. This is an eternally important topic; one that should not go ignored. I feel that this is a very important issue to educate ourselves about. There is so much to learn about this important cause. Encourage everyone you know to learn about proposition 8. Support in every possible to uphold the sanctity of marriage as we know it to be.

Here are a couple of website detailing important information about this vote and what kind of implications it would mean for our country and church if this proposition is not passed:

http://www.preservingmarriage.org/#current
http://www.protectmarriage.com/
http://mormonsfor8.com/

Here is a video of young adults from California discussing their involvement in perserving traditional marriage. If nothing else -- watch this video!!!!!!


Here is a video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:


And here is an article titled "LDS Church woos Californians in Utah to back gay marriage ban"
and one more titled "Church Readies Members on Proposition 8."

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

A Temple for Rome!

It makes me so excited to hear of more temples being built around the world. I wish everyone could be as blessed as I am, having so many temples so close - one just up the road from where I live now. What a blessing! I cannot imagine the sacrifice some members go to just to be able to attend the temple. I'll keep praying and hoping for more temples to be built all around the world so that more people can attend.

To see an article about the temple being built in Italy, as well as learn a little about the history of the chuch there, follow this link.

LDS Man Gives Kidney to Employee

In LDS Living today, one of the articles talks about a restaurant owner in Orem, Utah who donated one of his kidneys to an employee. The first paragraph reads: "Marcus Gilbert gave 16-year-old Juan Delgado a lot more than a job. He gave him the gift of life." (see link) Apparently, Gilbert is also trying to raise funds so his employee can pay for the operation and medicines he will have to take. Read the article for more information about donating to this cause.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Proposition 8

The church has issued a letter to leaders in California discussing our views regarding marriage. You can view the letter, titled "California and Same-Sex Marriage" here.

I have to say that I hope we can all band together to uphold the sanctity of marriage. Marriage between a man and a woman is sacred, is ordained of God, it is the way God intended. I believe that and I will uphold what is right, even if it isn't popular.

Article revolving around Sunday sessions of General Conference

I found this article that ties several of the talks from the Sunday session of this most recent General Conference together under the title of "LDS general conference: Stand fast, love others: LDS exhorted not to lose sight of what's important." (see link) I think it is a great article. The writer, Joseph M. Dougherty, did a great job of tying all these talks together, using quotes from the talks given and helping the reader to see just how each of the talks given revolves around members of the church being the best they can be.

My favorite quote used in this article was one by Elder M. Russell Ballard. He said, "Instead of angry mobs, we face those who constantly try to defame. Instead of extreme exposure and hardship, we face alcohol and drug abuse, pornography, all kinds of filth and sleaze, greed, dishonesty and spiritual apathy. The Lord isn't asking us to load up a handcart; he's asking us to fortify our faith. He isn't asking us to walk across a continent; he's asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbors." (italics added). I love this quote because it really shows that who we are as members of the church - what we stand for and the causes that beset us - are just as important as those that overwhelmed the pioneers in the early days of the church. But we can do it. I believe we can walk across the street to our neighbors and we can fortify our faith. I know we can. What a challenge to remember who I am and to stand up for what I believe in. Just wonderful.

Monday, October 6, 2008

First Weekly Article

The first talk/article I'll share here is from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, and is the talk where you can find the quote from the above description of this blog. The article title is:
"One Step after Another" and can be found in the November 2001 Ensign (you can also click on the link to see the article).

I've chosen this article because Elder Wirthlin really captures how we can make it. He doesn't tell us we have to be perfect now ... or even tomorrow. But he does tell us to work hard, to keep trying, and we can make it. He tells us to keep reaching for eternity, for exaltation, one step at a time.