MormonAd - Wish you were Here

MormonAd has been creating videos to correspond to the ads they have been making for a long time. They are all very short and to the point. Here is the newest MormonAd, "Wish you were here." You can find it (and many other fun little videos) on the NewEra Website or on the NewEra channel of YouTube. Enjoy!

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."

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I know this is a little bit old news, but I wanted to post it here anyway.

LDS Leaders feel deep emotion at inauguration

I love that we live in this free country and we are free to worship how we choose. I also love that leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are here to guide us and direct us in this world we live in. What a blessing!

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!

Weekly Article

This weeks article is by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin. In light of his recent passing, I thought it wouls be appropriate to share something he told us. I thought this talk was so amazing. I was always struck with his optimistic, loving personality, and it shines right through this talk. It is powerful; I hope you enjoy it as much as I have!

Come What May, and Love it

I know that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last year (his funeral was held December 5, 2008), so it isn't quite as recent as it was when I first wrote this (and then forgot to post it). But it is still a relevant and heart-warming talk, given by a man who truly loved life and knew how to teach others to do the same.

My apologies

I apologize profusely for getting so far behind. I don't really have any good excuses so I won't feed you any. But I'm back and plan to post lots of great things: news updates, articles about life and from general authorities of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and deals from DeseretBook and other places. Check back soon!

New Temple in Peru

A new temple will be built in Trujillo, Peru. To me, this is so exciting! That the work of God continues forward and His temples continue to be built around the world is so beautiful! What a blessing for those people to be able to enjoy the promises and blessings of the temple in their lives when these temples are built closer. Here is the first paragraph of the story:

"Plans to build a new temple in Trujillo, Peru, were announced Saturday by the First Presidency — the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will bring the total number of temples worldwide to 146 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases."

"First Presidency Announces New Temple in Peru" by LDS Living

What a remarkable blessing to have temples! Some may ask why temples are so important to me and other Mormons. Another paragraph from the article describes it well:
"To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are the 'house of the Lord,' the most sacred place on earth. Temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God’s plan of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints’ commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal spiritual growth and increases devotion to family. . . . Latter-day Saint temples differ from the tens of thousands of meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members’ relationships with God and their fellow man. They are closed to the public after they are dedicated."
These are special blessings and as members of the Mormon (Latter-day Saint) church, we consider temples to be the most sacred of all buildings and a blessing to have them near us.

Weekly Article

I apologize that I have not posted as faithfully as I should on a weekly article. But here is this weeks:

Jesus Christ Is the Light, Life, and Hope of the World

This is actually the visiting teaching message for the month of December. It is short and to the point but still so very powerful and reassuring. I always knew that Jesus Christ was the Light, Life and Hope of the world, but this message explains how Christ fills those roles for us. This is a profound message and I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have for this Christmas season!

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

I just noticed that the church has announced that Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin passed away last night in his sleep.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

He is an amazing man and served the Lord faithfully. I always loved hearing his talks in conference and I have learned a lot from his peaceful and loving demeanor. I know he will be missed.

Yet, the work of God goes forward and He will call another apostle to fill the vacancy; God's work will not stop moving onward!