Departing Missionaries

A HUGE Thanks!

You've seen them on the road, you've seen them in your neighborhood, you may have even seen them on your front porch trying to talk to you about the gospel! Mormon missionaries. As missionaries we spend 18 months (girls), or 2 years (boys) serving the Lord and telling people about the good news. We believe that God has restored His church to the earth once more and that everyone should know!




Currently there are over 80,000 missionaries in the world. We serve in almost every country and love what we do. I am serving in the Tennessee, Nashville Mission. I love it so much. There are so many spiritual giants that I've gotten to work with and I wouldn't have spent this last year in any other way. Every six weeks, a new batch of missionaries comes out. They're brand new to the mission-field and filled with the desire to spread the gospel! At the same time, a batch of missionaries goes home. They've come to the end of their service and are completely different people from when they came out. They have stronger testimonies, humble confidence, and a desire to continue sharing the gospel for the rest of their lives.



I'm so grateful for the elders and sisters that are serving around me. We recently sent home an incredible group of men and women.

Elder Matthew Horner, Elder Jacob Clark, Elder Joshua Heath, Elder Freeze, Elder Brandon Bollschweiler, Elder Anthony Bassett, Tyler Duffin, Elder Cody Miller, Hermana Courtney Smith, Sister-Hollie Vandenberg, Elder Worthen, Elder Joshua Nield Elder Paul T. Farrell, Elder Chris Gwilliam, Elder Poulsen, Elder A. Miller, Elder Huntington, Elder Allen, Elder Steineckert

I want to thank all these elders and sisters for serving with their whole hearts. They were my leaders and examples and I know they were to everyone else as well. They truly changed the lives of many people here in the South, and their influence, no doubt, spread far beyond those boundaries. As they get to spend their first holiday at home in 2 years, I'm sure their families are so grateful for the blessings they brought. The Lord truly blesses those that are willing to consecrate their time to Him. Thank you elders and sisters for your service. We love you and we'll always remember you.

The Word of Wisdom

Your Body is a Temple!

It's a late chilly night and the Potter family flies on their Nimbus 2000's to the nearest waffle shop. They're fingers are numb, and their noses are cold after brilliantly fun, snowy game of Quidditch. The family sits down happily in a booth and start searching the menu. A waiter walks up and asks "could I interest you in any coffee?" All the kids shake their heads. "No thank you" says Harry kindly. "Alright, any tea?" The kids all shake their heads again. "No that'll be alright" Harry answers again. "Well any alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs?" Shaking of the heads. "Nah I think we'll just have 5 hot chocolates and waffle dinners please. Thank you very much though." The waiter is stunned. "Who are you people?" he whispers. "Us? Well we're just your average Mormons! We treat our bodies like temples because our Lord bought them with a price."
  

Ok so maybe this a little dramatic, but it's straight to the point. We all know you've heard those crazy Mormons don't drink soda, or have any fun in their lives. Rumors have spread that they'll turn you into their police if you drink around them. Well my friends, lets put all these rumors to rest and figure out, together, the real reason why Mormons follow a strict health code.  (Also sorry it's in italics... the computer apparently wants to look pretty.)

"Behold, verily, thus saith the Lord unto you: In consequence of evils and designs which do and will exist in the hearts of conspiring men in the last days, I have warned you, and forewarn you, by giving unto you this word of wisdom by revelation" D&C 89:4

When we are addicted to substances we have a hard time focusing on other things; especially the spirit. Think about the last time you were hungry; starving! You know that the only thing you could focus on was the nearest McDonald's. Maybe the person on the side of the road that needed help, was not even noticed! Maybe you were short with your child who just needed "to tell you somethin' daddy!"  This is the same with addictive substances. The famous 5 that I talked about at the beginning: coffee, tea, alcohol, illegal drugs, tobacco. When these things are in our lives, the spirit is not. God has told us this in the scriptures. Addiction to these things also results in a very hard time hearing the spirit!

The word of wisdom not only focuses the things that we shouldn't have, but the things we should have! The Lord explains that we need to use meat sparingly, and that fruits, vegetables, and grains are for our benefit. How lucky are we to have this! We know exactly what's healthy for us and what isn't.

Heavenly Father promises us so many blessings if we obey the Word of Wisdom:

 "And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen."   D&C 89: 18-21

Aren't those amazing blessings? I can give up a trip to the local coffee shop for "great treasures of knowledge". Maybe that will help me with my chemistry! I think the coolest thing is that these revelations came in the 1800's, before there was scientific evidence to show how harmful coffee, tea, tobacco, and illegal drugs were. The only explanation is that Heavenly Father saw what was coming, as He always does. He knows exactly what is best for the bodies that He gave us. I am so grateful for that. 

What is the Word of Wisdom?

http://www.lds.org/topics/word-of-wisdom

Revelation in the Doctrine and Covenants-

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/89

Becoming Gods

Becoming Gods?

Each area that I'm transferred to, the first concern that I hear about the Mormon church is almost always the same. Ok the second one.. (they all wonder what number of wife we are). The second thing they ask is "Don't y'all think you can become gods?" At first this question shocked me a little bit. This was doctrine that I didn't think was something people knew right off the bat, yet it was something everyone seemed to be wondering.

"The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together." -Romans 8:16-17 

Paul testifies that we are to become like God in this life, and the life to come. We are joint-heirs of His kingdom! What do you think of when you hear the phrase "joint-heir"? I think of learning how to be just like my Heavenly Father. Of Him teaching me how to be like Him and how to be a loving parent.
  

"Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." 
-2 Peter 1:4
In 2 Peter, Peter talks to the saints about the promises that God gives us.We are to be partakers of His divine nature! Isn't that the most amazing promise? To be divine is to be like God. We will be like Him! He wants this for us. He wants us to become like Him because He is perfect.

Do Latter-day Saints believe they can become “gods”?
Latter-day Saints believe that God wants us to become like Him. But this teaching is often misrepresented by those who caricature the faith. The Latter-day Saint belief is no different than the biblical teaching, which states, “The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together” (Romans 8:16-17). Through following Christ's teachings, Latter-day Saints believe all people can become "partakers of the divine nature" (2 Peter 1:4).

I can understand where the miscommunication comes from. Some people have explained to me that they believe we aren't supposed to become like God because He is OUR God! That is completely right! We are only supposed to have one God that we worship, so is it offensive that we believe we will become like Him? Well here is a little analogy.

Harry has two wonderful parents. They love him and cherish him and want the best for him. Harry's parents each have a good job, and are able to provide well for their son. Well, Harry is now entering the young adult stage. He must make choices on where to go to school, what career he wants, who to marry, and how to raise his children. Harry's parents have done that already! They want him to make good decisions so that he can one day have a loving, well-functioning family too. Harry makes all the right decisions (with the wonderful support from his parents) and 10 years late he has a family of his own. Harry is now a parent! But.... he still has parents of his own. They will always be
his parents. They will always be the ones that raised him and helped him through life. But now he gets the chance to do that for someone else. And his parents are so proud that he does.

This is the same idea as us becoming gods and goddesses after this life. Heavenly Father wants us to become like Him. He wants us to become perfect! If we become like Him, then we will be royalty as well. But He will always be the one that we worship. He will always be there for us. Us becoming gods and goddesses will never diminish the fact that He is our King, our Father, our Lord. 

I know that Heavenly Father loves us so much. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints know that He will always be our God and that He deserves to be worshiped with every fiber of our being. We do not obey so that we can become Gods. We obey because we love our Lord and we will never be able to repay Him. I know that the reason we are on this earth is to be tested. If we make the right decisions, we will be able to live with our family and Father in Heaven for eternity. He will teach us to become like Him. We will become joint-heirs!


Mormon Newsroom Article
http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/mormonism-101#C13

What Happens When I die?

Life After Death?

Happy Halloween! Ok yes it's November now, but that's what happens when tornadoes hit. The Mayor claims November 1st to be Halloween instead! Yay for safety! So in honor of Halloween, I decided to pick a topic about ghosts! Sort of... well mostly about death. But the happy side of it!

"Picture your hand inside a glove. The glove moves only when your hand does. Take your hand out and the glove sits lifeless on the table. This is an easy way to visualize what happens when you die. Imagine your body is the glove being operated by who you really are—your spirit. When you die your body gets left behind, lifeless like a glove, but your spirit lives forever." And there you have the glove analogy my dear readers. This is the most comforting thing in the world to me. Life does not end after we die! In fact, death is just the beginning. So what does a spirit look like? "Spirit beings have the same bodily form as mortals except that the spirit body is in perfect form (see Ether 3:16). Spirits carry with them from earth their attitudes of devotion or antagonism toward things of righteousness (see Alma 34:34). They have the same appetites and desires that they had when they lived on earth. All spirits are in adult form."

Where does the spirit go when you die? Well it goes to the spirit world. In the spirit world, there is a place for the faithful followers of Christ, and there is a place for those that did not follow Him. Alma, a prophet in the Book of Mormon, explains the spirit world to us.

“The spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

“And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the devil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer darkness; there shall be weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.

“Now this is the state of the souls of the wicked, yea, in darkness, and a state of awful, fearful looking for the fiery indignation of the wrath of God upon them; thus they remain in this state, as well as the righteous in paradise, until the time of their resurrection” (Alma 40:12–14).

 

Can you imagine living in Paradise? This isn't even Heaven yet and it sounds wonderful. I want to do all I can to be able to get there and rest from all my trials. "But Sister V.! You said that isn't Heaven yet! When do I get to go there?" Well why didn't you ask sooner? I would love to tell you!

 

While we are in the spirit world, we will be learning about the gospel. We will still have the choice to accept or reject it at this point. We will have the same desires, addictions, personalities, doubts, beliefs, etc. that we did on Earth. For those that do accept the truth, the gospel, and didn't have an opportunity to be baptized or go to the temple during their life, they will have the chance to have their work done for them by someone acting in place of them that is alive still. This is why we do work for the dead.

 

Then comes resurrection. This is a gift that is given to everyone, no matter what choices you made on earth. Isn't that wonderful? Our bodies are restored to their perfect state. That is something that most people would give a lot for. The deaf will hear, the blind will see, and limbs will be restored. Once we are resurrected, we go to judgement. Here our Heavenly Father judges us for everything that we did on Earth and in the spirit world. We give an accounting of our lives basically. This is where I hope I can stand in front of God and tell Him I tried my best.

After we have been judged, we will be sent to one of three kingdoms.
"There are three kingdoms of glory: the celestial kingdom, the terrestrial kingdom, and the telestial kingdom. The glory we inherit will depend on the depth of our conversion, expressed by our obedience to the Lord's commandments. It will depend on the manner in which we have “received the testimony of Jesus” (D&C 76:51; see also D&C 76:74, 79, 101)."

The celestial kingdom (the top kingdom) is where we can be with our family and God forever. It's where happiness is eternal and sorrow is go! I imagine there's a never ending supply of waffles and Harry Potter books there. THAT is where I want to be.

I know that was a lot of information in a short time, so I encourage you to go and research it yourself! Tell me what you think! Ask missionaries in your area if you have any questions. I know that God's Plan of Salvation is true, and I am so grateful that there is a     plan for us. And that we can look forward to living with Him and our families for eternity.

http://mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation

Mental Illnesses

A Mental Battle

 

"I wish to speak to those who suffer from some form of mental illness or emotional disorder, whether those afflictions be slight or severe, of brief duration or persistent over a lifetime. We sense the complexity of such matters when we hear professionals speak of neuroses and psychoses, of genetic predispositions and chromosome defects, of bipolarity, paranoia, and schizophrenia. However bewildering this all may be, these afflictions are some of the realities of mortal life, and there should be no more shame in acknowledging them than in acknowledging a battle with high blood pressure or the sudden appearance of a malignant tumor". You can imagine that this caught a lot of people's attention when Elder Holland began his talk, in the most recent general conference, with this paragraph. I'd be lying if I said  that I didn't instantly put down my Ramen Noodles and sit up straight to listen.

 

As I sit here, trying to think of what to write for this post, I can't help but think it would be better to just post Elder Holland's whole talk on here then call it quits. The spirit was so strong as he connected to millions of viewers around the world who knew the exact feelings he was talking about. We've all at some point either experienced, or known someone close who has suffered from, a mental illness. In this world today, it's not uncommon for someone to tell you they have depression. I've struggled with it throughout my life and I know that many of my friends and family have as well. 

"I have seen it come to an absolutely angelic man when his beloved spouse of 50 years passed away. I have seen it in new mothers with what is euphemistically labeled “after-baby blues.” I have seen it strike anxious students, military veterans, and grandmothers worried about the well-being of their grown children. And I have seen it in young fathers trying to provide for their families. In that regard I once terrifyingly saw it in myself."

1. Never lose faith in your Heavenly Father who loves you more than you can comprehend.
2. Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the spirit of the Lord into your life.
3. Seek the counsel of those that hold keys for your spiritual well-being.
4. Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings.
5. Take the sacrament every week, and hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

6. Believe in miracles.
7. Remember the Savior’s own anguished example: if the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting in happier days ahead.
8. Watch for stress indicators, and when required TAKE A BREAK! Slow down and remember that fatigue is the common enemy of us all.
9. If things continue to be debilitating, seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values.
10. Remember to PRAY to your Father in Heaven. He listens.

"We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions!" Holland says. I know that for sure. Depression can debilitate us at the most important times. I know that Heavenly Father knows when we are feeling this way. Christ suffered for not only our sins but all our sadness as well! Never think that you are alone in this world. You WILL get better if you turn to the Lord. That is a promise he has given us. Remember that depression, or any other mental illness does not define you. It shows that God believes you are strong enough to get through this trial. You can do it. Keep yourself busy in the service of the Lord and never give up home. The light will break through!


Elder Holland's Talk
http://bcove.me/z72c8hkc

Here's a link to a Mormon who struggles with a mental illness. Read her story!
http://mormon.org/me/9YMW/Krista

Other Depression/Mental Illness Links
http://www.lds.org/topics/disability/list/mental-illness
http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=eng&query=depression




 

Why Do I Need to be Batized With Proper Authority?

Baptism: Proper Authority

"But I've already been baptized. Are you saying my baptism wasn't good enough?" Kevin says.
"No, no that wasn't what I was trying to say!" I quickly say. "We are just offering you the chance to be baptized by someone holding the authority of God."  Have you ever had this conversation with a Mormon missionary before? Have you ever wondered why they are asking you if you want to be baptized AGAIN? Why are they saying that your previous baptism wasn't of God? Why would they think that? Well, let's take a little stroll through the foggy streets of London (I wish) and we'll talk about it, shall we?


The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was restored by the prophet Joseph Smith in 1830. This was quite a bit of time after Christ walked the earth. When Christ was on the earth, he gave the priesthood authority to baptize to a select few.
"In 1829 Joseph Smith received the priesthood authority to organize Christ’s Church from Heavenly Messengers who had held this authority anciently including the prophet John the Baptist and apostles Peter, James, and John. In 1830 the same Church of Jesus Christ that existed centuries ago was organized and restored to the earth." (Mormon.org)

After the last apostle died, God's authority was taken from the earth. "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord God, that I will send a famine in the land, not a ^afamine of bread, nor a ^bthirst for water, but of hearing the ^cwords of the Lord." Amos 8:11

Through out time, we have seen the gospel be restored to the earth through different prophets. When the people are wicked, God takes his power off the earth so that it doesn't get misused. This is what we believe the previous scripture is speaking about. If God's power was taken off the earth, then it needed to be restored to the earth. When Joseph Smith restored Christ's church back to the earth, he was given the authority to baptize "in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost." This authority is so important to have. Not everyone is able to receive it because it is so precious. You must be worthy.

"We are baptized by someone who has God’s priesthood authority for the remission of sins. (Acts

2:38, Acts 22:16). We are also baptized to become members of the Church of Jesus Christ, and to enter the kingdom of God (John 3:5).
Through the ordinance of baptism, we make a promise, called a covenant, with God. We promise to accept Christ, to become His followers, and to keep His commandments to the end of our lives. In return, our Heavenly Father promises to forgive our sins and let us return to live with Him, provided we keep our covenants."

A very smart man once explained the concept of "proper authority" to me in terms I can understand. In other words, he dumbed it down to a food story. That gets Sister V.'s attention. "So you're speeding down the road, going 30 miles over. All of the sudden you see lights behind you! But it isn't the flashing red, white, and blue lights; it's an ice cream truck! You pull over wondering what all of this is about. The ice cream man walks over to you and very kindly hands you a $200 ticket for speeding, then walks away. You sit there dumbstruck. He can't give you a ticket! He's an ice cream man! He doesn't have the authority to do something like that!"
Well see, my good friends, authority matters. God's authority ESPECIALLY matters. When He gave Joseph Smith the authority to baptize in His name, He made sure that they knew authority was given by God and not by going to church school or other things.

 "He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto ^aJohn’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of ^arepentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.When they heard this, they were ^abaptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with ^atongues, and prophesied." Acts 19: 2-6

 

After baptism by the proper authority, someone holding the priesthood of God will lay their hands upon you and give you the gift of the Holy Ghost. Baptism is not complete without it as we learn in the scriptures. With this incredible gift, as long as you remain worthy you will always have the spirit with you. You will be able to discern right from wrong, and you will be told truths by the Holy Ghost. It is a wonderful gift that has helped me remain safe and worthy countless times. I'm so grateful that this gift was part of my baptism.

So you've come to know that the Book of Mormon is a true book of God; another testament of Jesus Christ. You want to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! The missionaries have set a baptism date for you. You've already been baptized! Your previous baptism was not of correct authority, but your heart was in the right place. That's why we want to give you a chance to be baptized by someone holding the power of God! Isn't that amazing? I can testify that my baptism was one of the most amazing steps toward God and eternal salvation. I'm so grateful that I was baptized by my dad who worthily held the priesthood of God and baptized me with proper authority.

Motherhood: A Career

A Fulfilling Career: Motherhood

I can picture myself right now crossing my arms and squirming angrily as I sit through yet another lesson about my role as a woman during church meetings. After church, I stomp into the house in a huff while my mom is humming a hymn and making lunch. "Did you have a hard day at church?" she asks. I then go on a rant about how women should be able to have careers and that I'm not going to "just" be a stay-at-home mom when I grow up.


Wow. If I could go back to those times and put myself in timeout, I would. I can't imagine how much it hurt my mother to be so against being "just" (big quotation marks) a homemaker. She quietly took my criticism of the whole thing and continued loving me. She probably knew that one day the Lord would smack some sense into me.

I was raised in the most wonderful parental situation possible for me. My dad worked and my mom
stayed at home with us. But did I appreciate her? Not hardly enough. Mom cooked, cleaned, taxied, and cuddled. She phoned, shopped, weeded, and washed. She edited my English papers, helped with science projects, decorated the home, helped my brother learn Chinese, and sewed Halloween costumes. And even now, I'm 1600 miles away and she sends me letters, packages, and most importantly prayers. Now who said being a stay-at-home mom wasn't a career? Well despite my own mom working 9 bazillion hours at home, I had convinced myself I wanted a "real career",    whatever that was.


"Beware of the subtle ways Satan employs to take you from the plan of God and true happiness. One of Satan's most effective approaches is to demean the role of wife and mother in the home. This is an attack at the very heart of God's plan to foster love between husband and wife and to nurture children in an atmosphere of understanding, peace, appreciation, and support. Much of the violence that is rampant in the world today is the harvest of weakened homes. Government and social plans will not effectively correct that, nor can the best efforts of schools and churches fully compensate for the absence of the tender care of a compassionate mother and wife in the home." -Richard G. Scott

D. Todd Christofferson hit the nail on the head concerning this area during this last session of General Conference. He focused on motherhood and how the woman's influence is most greatly felt in the home. And if women want to change the world and impact it, the place you could leave the most lasting effect and impression is in your home.

"A pernicious philosophy that undermines women’s moral influence is the devaluation of marriage and of motherhood and homemaking as a career. Some view homemaking with outright contempt, arguing it demeans women and that the relentless demands of raising children are a form of exploitation. They ridicule what they call “the mommy track” as a career. This is not fair or right. We do not diminish the value of what women or men achieve in any worthy endeavor or career—we all benefit from those achievements—but we still recognize there is not a higher good than motherhood and fatherhood in marriage. There is no superior career, and no amount of money, authority, or public acclaim can exceed the ultimate rewards of family. Whatever else a woman may accomplish, her moral influence is no more optimally employed than here."

Mommies, mommas, moms, mums, mommasitas, and all other mother figures around; listen up. God has put you on this earth to raise the next generation of righteous, healthy, and kind leaders in the world and church. This is our most important and fulfilling job. So don't you ever feel degraded by the title "homemaker." That should be a compliment! It means that you spend 24/7 devoted to your family and that you are using everything you've learned, daily in your career of raising little ones. An overwhelming job, yes. But one with the most incredible and long lasting results. As long as you have the Lord with you, you will make miracles!

I love my mom so incredibly much. She's the one that gets me through every day, even when I'm away from her. I'm so grateful that she's given her whole life to us and that she was there every day when I got home from school, with open arms and a loving smile. Even when she got out the "black bag" and threw away stuff that I left out.... (thanks a lot mom) I loved her for caring about me and wanting to teach me. I know that she was able to do everything in our family because she put the Lord first. Thank you mom, for raising me with the gospel. I love you till the numbers stop.

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/print/2013/10/the-moral-force-of-women?lang=eng

Family History

What's YOUR Story?

 



I know every single one of you remembers claiming bragging rights to someone "famous" you are related to, at some point in your life. I remember my grandpa telling me one day "your relatives come from Sicily Italy! You have Mafia blood in you! I thought that was the coolest thing. I didn't exactly understand what the mafia was... but it sounded awesome when telling my friends!

"The family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally." This is in the "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" written by the apostles and prophets of the LDS church. Family isn't just a huge part of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It IS the gospel of Jesus Christ. Family history is becoming "one of the most widespread hobbies in the world", especially in the Mormon church.

Have you ever wondered who and where you came from? We're in the year 2013! As much as we like to think the world started with us, there have been billions of people before us. They each had their own individual story and many paved miraculous roads for their future family. Have you ever been interested in finding out more about your own "kin" as Kentuckians call them?

I've never met people more devoted to family history than Donna and Danny. We went over to their house for dinner one day and I asked how their day had been. They explained they had been cemetery hopping, and taking pictures of grave stones for "find-a-grave." Did I know there was such a thing? No sir. But these two people devote their days to helping others do their family history work. They know all the cemeteries in Logan County and the surrounding ones like the back of their hand. They've brought so many blessings to their home by being able to do temple work for their family that has passed on, and learning new stories about their heritage! They've found living kin that they didn't know were relatives and formed lasting friendships. It really got me interested in doing some of my own family research. In comes the wonderful website the church created!

Familysearch.org    This website is incredible. Not only is it eye-catchingly colorful, but it's actually helpful! I was supposed to write my post for the week on Thursday because today is General Conference (it's been incredible, go watch it), but I got completely distracted by how cool this website was. I literally found ancestors all the way back to the 300's! I recognized names that my family had talked about and found some new places that I didn't know I was from! It was the so interesting, I couldn't stop. As I was doing this, I felt so close to these people. I wanted to sit down with each one of them and hear their story. I know that because of the gospel, I can actually do that someday. This website is free and so helpful, but if you find that you are having a hard time finding your ancestors, there's another very helpful resource the LDS church provides. Many LDS meeting houses around the world have "Family History Centers" within them. There, a member will work one-on-one with you to help find your family. This is also free and you can usually walk into the church building during the day and ask for assistance.

"Members and nonmember of the LDS church can and should research their family history! It brings so many blessings to your life and gives you a new sense of "family pride". First, family history builds bridges between the generations of our families. Bridges between generations are not built by accident. Each member of this Church has the personal responsibility to be an eternal architect of this bridge for his or her own family."  -Dennis B. Neuenschwander
 
 Not only have members of the LDS church have been counseled to make family history a priority in their lives, but nonmembers alike! It truly is a way to bring your family (living or deceased) closer together. It's fun too! Searching for each family member is an adventure and a new story to learn. I encourage you to get on this website today and play around with it! I know that you will enjoy it just as much as I have.

https://familysearch.org/

http://www.lds.org/topics/family-proclamation

Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Choirs of Angels

You've heard them in on the radio! You've heard them on TV! You heard them at Disneyland!... just kidding, but that would be cool! They're the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! Referred to as "America's Choir", this choir has had quite an impact on not only the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints but music lovers all over. I decided to do a post on the choir this week because I'm so excited to hear them on October 6-7 for General Conference.

"The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is one of the oldest, largest, and most recognizable choirs in the world. As an ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this unique musical organization transcends cultural and generational boundaries, uniting people worldwide through music." So what makes this choir so special? Well it consists of 360 Latter-Day Saints, volunteer singers between the ages of 25 and 60. Each member is set apart by priesthood authority to be a "member missionary". I think that is so cool! They all have incredible voices, and they're choosing to use them for missionary work. They've performed at 5 President inaugurations, and earned 2 platinum and 5 gold albums throughout the years.

The choir started as a small group of pioneers getting together, under the direction of President Brigham Young, as a way to lift the spirits of the early saints in 1847. The choir is most known for their radio/TV/live program they do every Sunday morning called "Music and the Spoken Word" broad casted from Temple Square in Salt Lake City. "The program—carried on over 2,000 radio and television stations and with over 4,000 episodes—is the world’s longest continuing network broadcast. In 2012 the Choir launched a YouTube channel, enabling more people in countries all over the world to experience the music of the Choir and Orchestra."

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir is also known for their Orchestra that plays each of their songs. They are known as well for their organists. The "MoTab" sings to organ pieces much of the time. I had the opportunity to go with my daddy to the Christmas Program they did. After I got over the initial shock of Natalie Cole being their guest singer that year, I was able to feel the incredible spirit that comes from the live instruments and angel voices of the choir members joining together. Music is one of the fastest ways to bring the spirit into a room I tell you.

And guess what the best news you've heard all day is? You can hear them sing live on October 5 and 6 during the LDS General Conference, broad casted online and at every Mormon church house around the world. This is a semi-annual conference held in Salt Lake City. We will get the chance to not only hear from the wonderful choir but The Prophet and Apostles as well! A fest of music and spiritual goodness. You won't want to miss it!

Where to download/stream General Conference?
 http://www.lds.org/?lang=eng

Mormon Tabernacle Choir
http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/?lang=eng

"Come, Come, Ye Saints"
-My favorite hymn that they sing.
http://www.mormontabernaclechoir.org/videos/come-come-ye-saints-mormon-tabernacle-choir?lang=eng

What is a church service like?

What's Going On In There?!

 



Does anyone know what today is? Why, it is Hermione Granger's birthday! Or was recently, depending on what day you're reading this. So in honor of her, I am going to teach you what happens during a church service at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints! OK I'm not really sure what that has to do with Hermione... but I needed to add that in somehow.

So you've driven by the meeting houses, you've had missionaries knock on your door time and time again, you've had neighbors or co workers invite you to church, but you're nervous! You have no idea what happens during a service! You just know what you've heard through the grape vine. You've thought about you tubing it, but you knew better than to trust the Internet. Well let me tell you that there is nothing to be scared of. LDS (latter-day saint) church services are open to everyone and anyone that wants to come closer to their savior Jesus Christ. The regular Sunday church services at the meeting houses are distinguished from the temples though. The temples are places where covenants are made between worthy members of the church. Meeting houses are the churches that are dedicated houses of worship open to all members and non-members.

A typical Sunday service lasts 3 hours. "3 hours??!" you say, shocked. I promise you that it speeds by! It's broken up into 3 different parts and every hour is filled with the spirit. Bring a snack if you get hungry, or let me know and I'll bring one for you. You can locate your local building for the meeting time for your specific area. Are you ready to hear a secret? Well listen close because this is really cool. Actually it's not really a secret at all, but it's still cool! No matter what meeting house you go to, whether it be in London or in Tokyo, the service will be the same. The Prophet is over every LDS church in the world. They are each run by the same lesson manuals, are all 3 hours long, and all are EXACTLY the same the same! Cool beans, huh?

So usually the first hour of church is "Sacrament Meeting". This is a one hour service where the Lord's supper/communion/sacrament is taken. Hymns will be sung, and announcements will be made. Then there will be speakers that have been asked, previously, from the congregation to give a talk/sermon on a certain topic. The interesting thing about the Mormon church is that none of the clergy are paid. All the members have volunteer callings or jobs to help the church function. So each week you get to hear from a different member speak! That way everyone gets a chance to prepare a talk, if they'd like, and the spirit can guide whoever is speaking without the loom of money.

After Sacrament, there is Sunday School hour. The adults break off from the kids and separate into their associated classes. There's a link down below so you can take a look at the different classes on your own time. These classes are a time for asking questions whereas Sacrament Meeting is very reverent and quiet. It is a time to listen to the spirit and the speaker respectfully.

The third and final hour is where the women and the men go to different classes and learn about their respective roles in the gospel. There is Young Women (ages 12-17),  Relief Society (18+), Priesthood meetings (age oriented classes for men 12+), and primary for the kids (3-11).
There also may be a nursery provided for the little kids (18 months-3 years).

No collection baskets are passed around during any of these hours. Members are asked to tithe 10% of their income to the church. This is given privately to the men called to preside over each individual building. The money goes to build new church houses, temples, help missionaries, welfare, and much more. None of the money is paid to any individual in the church. 



So now that you know the low down of a LDS church service, there's only one thing left to do! Get in your car on Sunday, and drive to one! Or walk, or run, or swim if required. Visitors are ALWAYS welcome! I can testify that Sundays are my favorite times of the week. I can't get through each week without having that Sunday service. The spirit never leaves, and I come home feeling so peaceful and happy. This isn't just a church, it's a way of life. You can feel the faithfulness of the saints, striving to become better and ready themselves to meet God, when you enter the building. You can be a part of that too! We'd love to have you. Typically, members will come in Sunday dress, but just come in the nicest you can. Look up your local meetinghouse address today!

Meetinghouse Locator
http://www.lds.org/maps/?lang=eng#ll=0,0&z=2&m=google.road

Church Classes
http://mormon.org/faq#faq/topic/church/question/church-welcome-visitors