Easter Advent Activity

In our house, we try to make sure Easter is more about Jesus than the Easter Bunny. Don't get me wrong, we like the Easter Bunny as much as anyone, but he's not what Easter is all about.

Our kids are still pretty young, and we still enjoy some of the basic traditions, like egg hunting and basket finding, but we also try to focus on the Savior as much as possible.

In our baskets, we've asked the Easter Bunny to bring things that help our children understand or learn more about Jesus or that will help them make Sunday a more reverent day (in addition to the candy, because, let's be real, the candy is just awesome, too).

But we also do other things as well, such as this Easter Egg Advent Activity. It's such a simple, easy way to teach our children about Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. Our kids love participating and learning a bit more. You can make it as simple or as elaborate as you want. The trick isn't in how fancy it looks, but that they learn about Jesus.

I honestly cannot remember or find where I originally found this idea (if it's yours, let me know!). So I just typed it up and you can find instructions and the printout here.

A couple of other ideas for trying to keep Easter focused on Jesus is this FHE lesson from A Year of FHE, with printables for both young and older kids. We also love making these Empty Tomb Rolls or Resurrection Rolls. They are yummy and easy, and another very visual way to explain how important Christ's empty tomb is.

What are some of your Easter traditions? I'd love to hear!

I Am a Child of God

Many months ago, my brother told me about a conversation he had had with a friend. The friend had asked my brother this question: "If you were the most powerful person in the universe and could change anything about the world, what would you change?" My brother and his friend hypothesized about the various evils and injustices of the world, choosing something and then deciding that something else must surely be more evil and if we rid the world of that evil, it would most definitely be a better place.

Then one day I was thinking about this exact question. What would I choose? Somehow, choosing to eradicate a certain evil just seemed like the wrong approach. As I pondered more, this quote by President Boyd K. Packer came into my mind:

"True doctrine, understood, changes attitudes and behavior. 

"The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than a study of behavior will improve behavior. . . . That is why we stress so forcefully the study of the doctrines of the gospel."

["Little Children," CR October 1986]

This was why I felt that eliminating specific evils from the world wouldn't work. It is doctrine which changes behavior. We learn this truth in the Book of Mormon, when Alma went on a mission to the Zoramites.

"And now, as the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else, which had happened unto them—therefore Alma thought it was expedient that they should try the virtue of the word of God." [Alma 31:5]

As I made this realization, that true doctrine was the answer to really changing the world, the primary song "I am a Child of God" filled my mind and I was suddenly overwhelmed with the thought that this was the answer. I knew that if I were asked what I would change in the world, this song and the doctrines in them were my answer. If it were possible to imbue into the hearts of every man, woman, and child on this earth their divine heritage, the injustices and evils of the world would become changed through the people. They would be eliminated! The world would become a better place if only people knew who they were--Whose they were. Can you sense what a powerful doctrine this is? Can you feel the strength that comes from knowing your divinity? Can you glimpse the ramifications for your own future, not to mention the futures of your children and grandchildren, if you truly knew and lived the doctrine that you are a child of God? I feel that I can only barely glimpse the power of this myself--but that faint glimmer of understanding is there and I want to see and feel more of it.


I've found this quote from President Gordon B. Hinckley, which illustrates perfectly what I mean.

"It is not asking too much, is it, to take a few minutes of each day to speak with your Father in Heaven when you know that you are a child of God?
"If you really know that you are a child of God, you will also know that He expects much of you, His child. He will expect you to follow His teachings and the teachings of His dear Son, Jesus. He will expect you to be generous and kind to others. He will be offended if you swear or use foul language. He will be offended if you are dishonest in any way, if you should cheat or steal in the slightest. He will be happy if you remember the less fortunate in your prayers to Him. He will watch over you and guide you and protect you. He will bless you in your schoolwork and in your Primary. He will bless you in your home, and you will be a better boy or girl, obedient to your parents, quarreling less with your brothers and sisters, helping about the home.
"And thus you will grow to be a strong young man or woman in this Church. You will also be a better member of the community. . . .
"Never forget, my dear young friends, that you really are a child of God who has inherited something of His divine nature, one whom He loves and desires to help and bless. I pray that our Heavenly Father will bless you. May He smile with favor upon you. May you walk in His paths and follow His teachings. May you never speak the evil language that boys and girls are inclined to speak at school. May you ever be prayerful unto Him, praying always in the name of His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. May each of us resolve to always follow Him in faith. May life be kind to you, for you are indeed a child of God, worthy and deserving of His love and blessing."
["You Are a Child of God," CR April 2003]

If I could teach my children only one thing, I would choose this: They are Children of an Almighty God, who loves them deeply. He cares about them and their choices. He will always be there for them; He watches over them. He is their Father and because of this they have a divine heritage, which, if nurtured, will grant them happiness and fulfillment.

Temples & Covenants

As I said in my last post, Dan and I attended his niece's sealing in the Rexburg Temple just a couple weekends ago. It had been a long time since I'd been to the temple! Our temple has been under renovation for a year and a half, and I've had a nursing baby until just recently, so driving to another temple and waiting and doing the work there just didn't feel like it was in the cards for me for awhile. In fact, we realized the Sunday before the niece's wedding (she was married on a Saturday) that my recommend expired at the end of August. Of course her wedding would be only three days later! I scrambled and called and texted and managed to get last minute appointments with members of my bishopric and stake presidency. I was feeling so happy to have that recommend renewed! Not only because it meant I would be able to attend the sealing but because I just felt so peaceful, so assured, so happy to have that recommend in my hand.

The questions asked in a temple recommend interview are the same at both the ward and stake levels. I suppose these questions could feel redundant; after all, when you go in for your stake appointment, you've only just been asked the same questions by the bishopric. But I love every single question in that interview. As I answered the questions being asked to me (during both interviews), I felt an overwhelming warmth spread through my chest and an incredible happiness in my soul. It was like I was bearing my testimony to those men, telling them that I do believe in God, my Heavenly Father; I do have a testimony in the Atonement of Jesus Christ and Him as my Savior; I do support and sustain the prophets and all the leaders God has called. I wish I had the words to describe how wonderful it felt to say YES! I do have a testimony! Each interview lasted fewer than five minutes, but each time I felt a witness of the Holy Ghost and a reaffirmation of my testimony. It was a beautiful experience for me.

At our niece's sealing, I again felt the spirit so strongly! Oh, how I love being in the temple! The sealer took the opportunity to talk to the couple (and everyone else) about the covenants and ordinances we make as members of the church, with the covenant of baptism being the first. He mentioned that, in the temple, the floor where we perform proxy baptisms is the very bottom, symbolizing that baptism is the bottom rung of the covenant/ordinance ladder, the first step we must take on our journey back to God and the Celestial Kingdom. Then he talked about how every other ordinance and covenant we make is built on one another. The order of the ordinances and the wording of them became so much clearer to me in that moment! Because of the sacred nature of the covenants and ordinances in the temple, I won't go into details about those things, but it was a very clear experience for me. Each ordinance is necessary, vital, as we move up the ordinance ladder, but then it isn't truly complete without the next ordinance. And every single ordinance, every thing we teach and learn as members of the Church, is to get us to the top floor, to the ordinance of the Sealing. Family is the ultimate goal. Every single thing leads us to families and the creation of our own family. Everything! What a powerful, beautiful truth this is! Every single thing we do in life, everything God wants for us and asks of us, leads us to the ultimate happiness--because there is truly nothing that brings more joy than our families.

Fear and Knowledge

Elder Nattress shared with us a story of asking the brethren a question at an area meeting he attended. He asked them, "What can we teach the youth of this world, with everything going to crazy and spiriling downward?" {this question is paraphrased ... I didn't write down the exact question word for word}

After asking this question, Elder Hales stood {I believe that's who he said was there} and said, "I'd like to answer that questions. I would teach the youth to love their Savior; I would teach them who they are; and I would teach them about the sacrament."

I thought this quote was so amazing, because it immediately gave me three things to thing about in regards to my testimony of them and my ability to teach my own children someday about them. I wondered if my own testimony was strong enough to teach these concepts to my children so that they can be strong, and also so that I can be strong.

Then after sharing that thought from Elder Hales, Elder Nattress said:

"You'll never see fear in the eyes of the brethren because they know who they are and they know our Savior."

This is so powerful! I may not be an apostle and I know I have much to learn in this life, but this thought was so powerful to me and really made me realize just what a testimony of these two things alone does for a person. I don't want to be afraid of things going on in the world - I don't want to worry all the time about things I can't control. I know how I can combat that fear: faith. But this thought really helped me to understand just how faith keeps us from being afraid. If we have a strong testimony of our Savior and His mission & Atonement and we understand and have a testimony of our relationship to our Heavenly Father, then fear just won't be a part of who we are - just that alone strengthens me and helps me to not be afraid.

Key to Revelation

Elder Nattress shared this key to revelation with us from Elder David A. Bednar. This is something that really stuck with me and has still been sticking with me all week. Right after Elder Nattress shared this quote, I immediately felt prompted in knowing how I could apply this to my own life. I've followed that prompting all week and already I have felt the spirit stronger in my life.

"The key to receiving [personal] revelation is to 1), Sacrifice, and 2) Make a Covenant."

Elder Nattress, sharing the key to revelation from Elder Bednar
Stake Conference, 10/09

I'm so grateful for inspired counsel from our priesthood leaders and I have a testimony that when they give us a challenge and we follow through with that challenge, our spirituality will be strengthened, our lives and relationships will improve, and our overall happiness will grow.

Family and Marriage Relationship

Elder K. Brett Nattress was the presiding authority at our Stake Conference this time. He shared so many wonderful insights and challenges with us. I loved hearing him speak each time he got up and I think I learned so much from him. It was truly inspired to have him at our conference.

In the Saturday evening session, Elder Nattress talked a little to us about families and our relationship with our spouse. These are a couple of the things he said:

• Mothers in Zion bearing testimony to their children is the one bright shining hope. {This particular quote made me wonder, 'What does it take to be a Zion mother?' I'm not currently a mother, not even close really, but right now is when I can be preparing to be a mother. Hearing this segment of Elder Nattress's talk made me wonder what I should be doing in my life now to prepare to become a Zion mother someday. I don't think I have the answers but I think I'm gradually figuring it out.}
  
• No matter what you do, your job or station in life, you will never rise above your relationship with your spouse.
• Look to each other, only, first and always forever.
• Serve one another. Give of yourself to your loved ones and you will grow to love them more.
• Pray together. Small and simple thing are significant.
• Your relationship is eternal. Never let anything or anyone come between you and your spouse.

Elder Nattress also talked a lot {both days} about Prophetic Patterns. Those things which the Brethren, the General Authorities and Apostles of the church always do that create righteous patterns in their lives, and how we can follow their examples in these patterns. One pattern Elder Nattress mentioned to us is how the Brethren approach all new things by asking these two questions:

1. Will this strengthen my testimony of Jesus Christ?
2. Will this strengthen my family?

I was glad to hear these two questions and learn more about this prophetic pattern. It is such a good way to be sure that we never allow things into our lives and families that will not answer affirmatively to both of those questions.

I always love hearing thoughts from the Brethren on what we should be doing in our families. It is one entity that is certainly under attack from Satan. I'm glad for the help we receive from our priesthood leaders to know how we can thwart the power of Satan and grow as strong family units. I hope that DH and I can always stay focused on the one thing that really matters: our family.

Effort brings happiness

"Strong family relationships require effort, but this effort is what brings happiness now and forever."
Brother in Stake Conference
10/09

This brother's story: After being married civilly to his wife for a year, this brother was blessed to be able to take his wife to the temple and be sealed to her for time and all eternity. A couple short weeks later, they welcomed their first baby into this world.
As this brother shared his testimony of the importance of eternal families, my own testimony of strengthened of the temple and eternal families. I am so grateful that I have been sealed to my wonderful husband in God's Holy House and that we have the promises of forever together if we keep our covenants. This is a great source of comfort and peace in my life.

Stake Conference

A week ago,my DH and I attended our bi-annual stake conference. It was a very spiritual enlightening experience for me. The things I learned at that conference have stuck with me all week and DH and I have had many wonderful discussions from things we learned. I'm going to be sharing insights and personal thoughts from that conference. Unfortunately, I didn't always catch the names of speakers who were members of our stake so some of the things I share will be anonymous. A lot of this is to share how living my religion in my day-to-day activities helps me through my life and what kind of an impact it has on me.

Weaknesses make us realize the Atonement

"When we are weak, then we are strong in the Lord. The Atonement is infinite but it is also the most personal gift we can ever be given."
Sister in Stake Conference
10/09

This sister's story: She had complications and difficulties with her second pregnancy. After the delivery she had severe pain in her hip and could barely walk. After months of talking to the doctors, they discovered that she had nerve damage in her hip, causing the pain and difficulty walking. She has been using a cane to walk for 11 months while waiting for the nerves to grow back and the pain to cease, all while attending school and raising two children.
After the conference, I reflected on this sisters story. I wondered if I was strong enough to trust in the Lord, even if I were put through that kind of pain. My testimony of Christ's Atonement was strengthened from hearing hers born and I hope that if I'm ever faced with such pain that I can learn to trust in my Savior and the comfort He's promised through His Atonement.

Worth of Souls

We had our Home Teachers here on Sunday and received a wonderful lesson from the Ensign. It is titled "Sugar Beets and the Worth of a Soul" and I felt very spiritually fed from it. In this lesson, President Monson shares a story from Bishop Marvin O. Ashton about sugar beets and likens the story to the worth of souls {I won't tell the story so you can go read it yourself and see it told in better words}. Our home teacher asked us about things that we do in the church to be sure that no one gets lost; things we do to help everyone realize their worth as a child of God. Dan mentioned home teaching {of course!} and our home teacher agreed and elaborated by saying that home and visiting teaching are some of the most important callings we have in the church, and yet they are the ones that are followed and magnified the least. Then he said something I've never thought of. He told us that home and visiting teaching is the Lord's way of reaching out and teaching the worth of souls; he taught us that we have home and visiting teaching because the worth of souls is great and because God wants us to reach out to one another.
This made me think about Moroni 6:4 where we learn the of the command to reach out to members of the church - that each member's name is recorded that they may be 1) remembered, and 2) nourished by the good word of God. Both of these injunctions are kept through home and visiting teaching. I was highly enlightened tonight with the added thoughts that we have these injunctions because we are loved by our Heavenly Father, because He feels that we all deserve to be remembered and nourished.
Then later Dan and I were talking about it and I had another thought. Many of us in the church pray to have missionary experiences but I think I am missing the mark. I pray for missionary opportunities and then I miss them - I have the greatest of all missionary tools offered right within the church through visiting teaching. I have this wonderful opportunity to teach the sisters in my stewardship, to be a missionary. I'd never thought of visiting teaching as an opportunity to become a missionary before. I thought of this because of the scripture is D&C that talks about the worth of souls and laboring to bring souls to Christ. What better way is there to bring souls to Christ than through home and visiting teaching??
After this discussion tonight and thinking about it, I'm going to resolve to be a better visiting teacher; to remember the sisters I teach {all throughout the month and not just when we go for the regular visit} and be sure I nourish them through the good word; to be a missionary. I'm resolving to be better.

Church Response to California Supreme Court Decision on Prop. 8

The Church has issued a statement in response to California's Supreme Court Decision that the citizens of California exercised their right to amend their constitution and pass Proposition 8. You can read the response here.
I was relieved when the Supreme Court recognized that the citizens of California exercised their right to pass Prop 8. And I think the church's response is very dignified {as all their responses are} and it is good to remember that this Church is based on God's principles and laws and the doctrines will not be modified to fit popular beliefs. To me, that really affirms to me that this is God's church and that His laws reign supreme.

Prayer

This is more of my thoughts and notes from our Stake Conference back in March. These thoughts come a talk given by Brother Hicks, but I can't remember anything else about him. The basic thoughts are pretty simple. This may seem a bit scattered, and for that I apologize. This is just some simple but profound thoughts about prayer, each new idea "bulleted" with an asterisk.

*Prayer is an opportunity to talk with God. Sometimes we worry about what we should say in our prayers, but it is not something we should worry about. Follow the counsel given in Matthew 10:19-20, which reads:
"But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.
"For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you."
God will help you to know what to pray for. I can personally testify that He will help you and when you allow Him to, your prayers will become more meaningful to you and you will desire to pray more often, for longer periods, and with more intent.

*God doesn't want to hear "words" and vain repetitions (see Matthew 6:7). He wants to hear what is in our hearts. Talk to Him. Tell Him what is on your mind, what you are thinking and how you feel. Make Him your Best Friend.

*Revelation comes through our desire to learn and grow. God will answer our prayers if we are truly seeking the answer. I wonder if sometimes we do not "receive" an answer because we fear what the real answer may be and we don't really want to hear it. We must have our hearts prepared to receive the answer God sends. We must also seek out an appropriate environment to receive God's words. Jesus exemplifies this in Matthew 14:23, which says, "And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, he was there alone." Being alone and creating an environment where we can have the spirit with us to help know what to pray for and to receive answers will also make our prayers more meaningful to us.

*I'd like to finish with a direct quote of something Brother Hicks said at the end of his talk. I agree with him completely:

"It is only through prayer that I have had my heart settled and found joy."
~Brother Hicks~

Trials + Faith in Christ = Refinement

Dan and I had Stake Conference this past weekend. It was really inspiring and I have been pondering over many things this week, particularly what I can do to be a better person and grow spiritually. I will be gradually sharing thoughts I’ve had from conference here, including snippets of the talks {from my notes} that we were blessed to learn from.

The first one I would like to share has been my thoughts on afflictions, trials, hardship, whatever you choose to name it. A Brother Lewis gave his talk based on this topic. He asked us this simple question which has really had me thinking: “How do I deal with affliction in my life and does it bring me closer to my Savior?” This question really got me to thinking about trials. He said that our trials should be steps that take us closer to Christ, not the stumbling blocks that bring us down. This was so profound to me. I am not currently suffering from any major trials, just the little ones we are always going through, but I had never really thought about trials like that before. I’ve always known that trials are a way of life, kind of the reason for this life, so that we can learn and grow and become perfected in Christ. But trials are more than that. Trials are designed to bring us closer to Christ; they are designed to test our faith in Him and learn to trust in Him.

I know that for me, this is the lesson I keep having to learn over and over. I will think to myself, “I can do this. I know what I need to do,” but the honest truth is that most of the time I really don’t know what I need to do. I trick myself into believing that I can do something on my own. But that’s not what life is about. If we have a God in Heaven, and He loves us, and He’s blessed us with the gifts of prayer and the Holy Ghost, why in the world would He expect us to cover ground on our trials alone? I don’t believe that my Heavenly Father is a terrible, mean God; I believe that He is wise and compassionate and that He truly cares about me.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in his talk "Come what may, and Love it" from the October 2008 General Conference said, “. . . in spite of discouragement and adversity, those are happiest seem to have a way of learning from difficult times, becoming stronger, wiser, and happier as a result.” Isn’t that we all want? And, in a way, isn’t that what Brother Lewis is saying from above, that our trials should bring us closer to Christ? I know that I am happiest when I am close to God.

Another thing I’ve just recently really thought about is something a dear friend of mine mentioned in her blog. Amy talks about how our trials are tailored to fit us individually because something that may be really hard for me to deal with is probably not something that would be a big deal for you. I just love what she says and so {risking her fury with me for doing this without her permission} I’m going to share some of what she wrote:

“I guess we all have our own trials. I was reading in 1st Nephi, and I realized that everyone in Nephi's family has their own personal trials, along with generally being in the wilderness and such. Sariah has to deal with her sons not being with her, while they go into Jerusalem to get the plates from a man who's not known as the nicest guy. She's already sacrificed to go to the wilderness, and part of her thought [was] probably that at least she'd be able to be with her family. Lehi has to deal with his son being more humble than him, at a time when hunger had its own voice, and [with] the Lord speaking directly to his son instead of him. Sam and Joseph have to watch their brother Nephi being beaten up by Laman and Lemuel time and again.
”I don't think the Lord gives us more than we can handle on this earth, but I do think sometimes He puts us in the situations that are the hardest for us. I can remember thinking a few times, 'I'd almost rather have any other trial but this one' and wishing to trade lives with someone - but everyone has their own cross to bear.”

This is so profound to me! Thanks, Amy!

And now, this post has turned into an epistle, but I am really realizing that I don’t have to do anything by myself. God doesn’t expect me to and so I shouldn’t expect it of myself. And I’m discovering that when I turn my life over to God, He molds me into who I should be. He helps me walk my path, He makes me strong to carry my burdens, He opens my mind to learn what I need to learn, and suddenly, I can do it. No, He doesn’t take things away. He loves us too much. As Brother Lewis so adequately said at the end of his talk on Sunday, “He will help us through – not always out – of affliction if we exercise our faith in Christ.”

Professor Advocates Religious Freedom

Here is an article titled "Professor Advocates Religious Freedom" where we learn of a Brigham Young University law professor (W. Cole Durham Jr.) who "was awarded the 2009 International First Freedom Award for extraordinary advocacy of religious freedom." This is what he said in the article about religious freedom:
"I learned something fundamental about this heritage the summer I went to Iraq to work on the Iraqi constitution,” said Durham in his acceptance speech. “I had never before been asked to put my life on the line for principles in which I believed. I realized many things as a result of this experience. Perhaps most importantly I became convinced at a deeper level than ever before that religious freedom is a principle that is indeed worth risking one’s life for."

In a couple of posts I've made over the last couple of days I've mentioned how grateful I am to live in a country where religious freedom is prized and honored. I believe that President George W. Bush mirrors my sentiment in this comment he made (which can also be found in the article) in proclaiming Religious Freedom Day:
"Our Nation was founded by people seeking haven from religious persecution, and the religious liberty they found here remains one of this land’s greatest blessings. As Americans, we believe that all people have inherent dignity and worth. Though we may profess different creeds and worship in different manners and places, we respect each others humanity and expression of faith. People with diverse views can practice their faiths here while living together in peace and harmony, carrying on our Nation’s noble tradition of religious freedom."

Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

Tom Hanks made a statement on January 16 saying that Mormons who voted in favor of California's Proposition 8 were "Un-American." Then on January 23, he apologized for what he said:
". . . everyone has a right to vote their conscience; nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are 'un-American' creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use 'un- American' lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have."
Tom Hanks Apologizes for Calling Mormon Supporters of Proposition 8 'Un-American'

I am grateful that we have the ability to say "Sorry, I shouldn't have said that." I have nothing against differing opinions than my own. But please allow me to have my own opinions and express them; I'll do the same for you. I am grateful for people who are not afraid to admit that they said things in haste. I do that too - everyone does. I am especially grateful for the blessings of living in this wonderful country, where people are free to voice their opinions and feelings without fear of governmental discrimination. What a blessing that is for us!

Proposition 8 news

As everyone knows by now, Proposition 8 was recently passed in California. When I awoke on the 5th, the first thing I checked was not the presidential election (I had already decided that there was almost no way McCain could win after he lost Ohio) but the decision on Proposition 8. I was grateful to see that the majority voted yes in this crucial issue. I understand that some people will disagree with me, but I am more comfortable with the traditional definition of marriage, namely between a man and a woman, than I would be if the states' constitution said otherwise. This was a vitally important and historical question. In some ways, I imagine that this election in California was more heated than the presidential campaign. There were even riots performed by anti-prop 8 groups after the election and rumors that people already wanted to appeal the recently voted yes.

I just wanted to share some articles and information I have found from the church and others in response to the recent passing of Proposition 8.

Church Issues Statement on Proposition 8 Protest: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/church-issues-statement-on-proposition-8-protest

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/catholic-bishop-decries-religious-bigotry-against-mormons

I thought this statement was particularly moving, that this Bishop made sure to state that people who were pro-prop 8 were not only members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but people from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds voted yes.

LDS official lauds work for California's Prop. 8: http://deseretnews.com/article/1,5143,705260852,00.html?pg=1

This article talks a lot about how the church viewed this issue as a moral one and not necessarily a political one. I appreciate how Elder Clayton emphasizes that a differing opinion is not grounds for harrassment or any other improper treatment of other people. We still need to show love and understanding, even if others don't agree. I also appreciated that he pointed out the implications in religious freedoms that could have been questioned if this proposition had not passed. A great article.

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."

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.