Home
News & People
Mormon Voices
Arts & Entertainment
Around The Church
Studies & Doctrine
Mormon Living
Emily Jensen updates “Today in the Bloggernacle” every weekday, containing the best of what we've seen from the world of LDS-oriented blog sites.
The extended “Bloggernacle Back Bench” is published Tuesdays.
Friday, August 28
FAIR news: FAIR is now offering a news service on their front page designed to deliver Mormon-related news stories to your -email inbox. They explain "the news stories include anything said about Mormons and the Church -- positive, negative, or neutral. It's designed to be an unbiased source, delivering whatever is being said about us in the online news media."
Facebook missionaries: Think you're up for this Facebook missionary challenge? Put together by Mormons Made Simple, it's nice and simple: "1. You provide your name and e-mail address. 2. Each week, they send you a MormonsMadeSimple video to post on your Facebook wall. Included in the e-mail are helpful tips and suggestions that will help you answer any questions that may come up. 3. You post the video to your page on Facebook and then watch as missionary opportunities open up."
Public Enemies: Ever heard of Samuel P. Cowley? How about John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson? Likely you've heard of them. So how is Samuel P. Cowley related to these notorious bank robbers from the 1930s? He was a Mormon FBI agent who was instrumental in stopping both men.
Total War: What happens when someone takes the video game Total War and adds Book of Mormon places, names, locations and strategies to it? Well Darren, a United Kingdom video game "modder," did just that. Check out the trailer to this modified game at "Total War Title of Liberty Mod" and learn how to find it!
Thursday, August 27
Cable quandary: Is it ok to be illegal to watch BYU Television? Jon W. wonders about the dishonest nature of Mormons illegally obtaining United States cable so that they can watch KBYU and BYUTV on cable, since neither are offered on Canadian cable. Click to give your opinion.
Book evaluations: Book reviewing over email, website, and especially blogs is becoming ever more popular, But author Shannon Hale, wonders "if book evaluation is trumping self-evaluation. I wonder if we get so caught up in gushing or bashing, shining up those stars or taking them away, that the reading experience is weighed too heavily on the side of the book itself and not enough on the reader. After all, reader is more important than book. Reader is the one who changes from reading, not the book. Reader is the one who lives the magic of storytelling." Check out this fascinating post (full of insightful comments) on "How to be a reader: book evaluation vs. self-evaluation."
James Covill: If you pull out your Doctrine and Covenants and flip to the Section 39 heading you will read "James Covill, who had been a Baptist minister for about forty years..." However, thanks to new research coming out in the next installment of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, scholars now know that he was not a Baptist minister. Click to find out "Why it matters that James Covill was Methodist and not a Baptist."
Mormon cinema: What's coming up this fall in the world of Mormon movies? Check out these "Four pieces of Mormon cinema news" to find out. Will "White on Rice" or "Broken Hill" or "One Good Man: Life as a Latter-day Dad" become standards in Mormon cinema?
Wednesday, August 26
Visiting India: Sister Beck Visits Mormons in India is a personal account by Sangeetha, a member from India, and includes details, testimony and a lovely photo of Sister Beck's visit. Here is a taste: "I was very impressed the way she presented her talk. It was very simple she did not use any power point presentation or any thing extra, all she used is her own personal example of how she grew and how the Lord helped her. I know that she truly is called of God."
Referral Center: Dr. B compiled missionary blog accounts about On the Job Missionary Training: Missionaries Tell About MTC Call Center Source of Referrals and Even a Few Baptisms. One missionaries provides a great glimpse at working at the Referral Center: "It was way intimidating at first, they basically said, 'Here's the phone and the prompt. Go invite people to come unto Christ!'" Check it out!
Mormon Fiction: Yesterday marked the 165th birthday of Mormon fiction, at least by this blogger's estimation. And if you go by the first published piece of Mormon fiction, Parley P. Pratt's "A Dialogue Between Joseph Smith and the Devil," which was printed in the New York Herald on August 25, 1844, then it is definitely time to wish Happy Birthday, Mormon Fiction. Click to read Pratt's fascinating work!
Youth materials: I love finding simple blog-inspired ideas that make life easier, this one is directed at making a sort of church bag bling, or, in other words, a compilation of all the youth materials into one simple spiral-bound book. Find out how to make this easy reference with just a click!
Tuesday, August 25
Mormon Bar: Ever been to Mormon Bar? It's a town in California highlighted in "Bars, Mormons, Gold, etc.," which features an article about oddly-named places in the United States. I bet a lot of Mormons take pictures next to that town sign.
Nauvoo Temple: "The Nauvoo Temple is my favorite Temple with no competition in sight. I wanted to make a video that would illustrate the richness of its symbolism as well as showcase its elegant beauty. I hope I succeeded." I think he did. Click for a beautifully uplifting video showcasing The Nauvoo Temple.
Be kind: Did you know it's the "Be Kind to Humankind" week? What a great excuse to sprinkle small acts of kindness throughout your weekly activities. Check out this blog for some great suggestions to share kindness and be sure to keep track of the kindnesses shown to you!
Monday, August 24
Moroni's horn: Ever heard the story about the day the Angel Moroni almost lost his horn? It's full of intrigue, suspicion and even exploding bombs! Although no one was hurt, and the horn was repairable.
Telephone church: What would it be like to be a member going to church by telephone? These saints live in such a remote corner of the world that, for now, that is their only option.
"Prayers and talks are done over the phone, the passing of the sacrament is done in every little town that has a priesthood member. Songs are a little tricky, as there is a bit of a delay over the phones."
Temple dedication: I wanted to find some bloggers who attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication yesterday, and I wasn't disappointed. I found testimony after testimony from bloggers who wrote about their spiritual experiences. I specifically liked this post on the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication written by a 14-year-old, who said:
"There were a few speakers, most of which talked to the youth in attendance, I thought that it was really cool that they would direct their attention to the little kids, to prepare to enter the temple."
Small acts: "'Your hair looks beautiful today.' 'I love your confidence, it makes me feel bolder.' 'What a striking dress! You have excellent taste in clothes.' 'Your shined shoes speak well of the care you take of yourself.'"
Aren't these nice compliments? This blogger uses these examples to illustrate the importance of sincere small acts of kindness in "In Praise of Bright Words." So let me do the same: "I am delighted that you read my picks today, I hope your day is filled with bright words!"
Summary: Sneak a peek at Stephenie Meyer's summer, today in the Bloggernacle. Plus, the importance of silencing noise. And different styles of talking to God.
Friday, August 21
Out loud: Here's "An FYI To My Typical Mormon Brothers and Sisters" from a black Mormon girl: "Black folks talk to God. Oh I know we all do, I believe, for the most part, we all call it prayer. We talk to him through prayer. BUT... we also talk to him out loud." I loved this delightful reminder that not everyone communicates spiritually the same way. Check out her insights!
Silencing noise: Ever feel like the noise of everyday life is drowning out your spirituality? This blogger does: "For some time now I have been bothered by the effect that noise has in my life and the way that it seems to invade my thoughts regardless of where I am or what I am doing." So he sets out ways of "Finding Silence in the Kingdom of Noise." Read his thoughtful analogies and analysis.
Stephenie's summer: How did Stephenie Meyer spend her summer? Reading books, listening to music, watching movies and, of course, waiting for "New Moon" to come out. And with a click you can catch up on her favorite book, music, and movie picks featured in an "end-of-summer recap." Fun!
Thursday, August 20
Spiritual strength: "Keep going, Utah! Don't cry, Utah!" So cheered on the spectators to Sister Elaine S. Dalton when she once ran the Boston Marathon. And yet she felt so lost that she decided to pray. The spiritual strength she received helped her continue to the finish line. View the rest of her inspiring story on the new Mormon Message video, "You're Never Alone."
China district: China's Mormon membership must be growing if this new district in China is any indication. This blogger explains that "the new district is Mandarin-speaking and likely comprises several branches in the area in and around Shanghai."
Mormon prayer: Have you ever thought of prayer as an art form? So postulates this blogger in "Mormon Prayer and Mormon Art" and he examines prayer as a "unique Mormon tradition of verbal art." I specifically found his analysis of rhyming sounds within the sacrament prayers insightful.
Brigham Young: "I like Brigham Young because he preached fire and brimstone ... but then he practiced mercy." So says Ardis before illustrating this point with three little-known stories in her continuing series of "Random Reasons Why I Like Brigham Young: Two." These stories are full of forgiveness, prophetic counsel, kindness and more, wonderfully reflecting on the "Lion of the Lord."
Wednesday, August 19
Newsroom blog: "Welcome to the Newsroom Blog," declares the Public Affairs Department of the LDS Church, and we in the Bloggernacle are excited to welcome them right back (I counted at least five blogs posting about the new site). This blog will be more conversational in tone than the official LDS Newsroom Web site, providing "journalists, bloggers and the public with additional context and information regarding public issues and news stories involving the Church."
And from the sidebar of categories, it looks like there are planned many fascinating and insightful topics ranging from "Interfaith Relations and the Church" to "Community Involvement and the Church" and "Public Issues." Comment will go through an e-mail system, but may be posted to enhance the discussions. LDS Media Talk lists the five ways you can follow this new blog.
Comforting words: A friend has cancer. What do you say? This blogger is speechless and reaches through the Bloggernacle for help to find the comforting words. And the comments give great advice ranging from being positive, to giving a listening ear, to not saying "I know how you feel." A must-read for anyone searching for the right words of comfort.
Father's journal: For one year --1953 -- his father kept a journal. And just so he could fulfill the requirement in the Master M-Man program (something I had never heard of until now). And yet, his words and experiences fascinate his son: "This is the only journal I have from him, and it is a treasure I shall cherish." Read this beautiful post illustrating the importance of record-keeping.
Tuesday, August 18
Replacing Moroni: Enjoy a flickr photo stream that shows workers "Replacing the Angel Moroni on the Oquirrh Mountain Temple." There were crowds of people on hand to watch it go up. And as the blogger says, "After two months, the charring from the lightning had faded, but there is no denying that the new statue looks much better." Hat tip to A Soft Answer.
Little tents: Glean some fascinating insights about how Talith, Tents and Temples are inter-related. A talith is a Jewish prayer shawl and combines "two Hebrew words: tal = tent and ith = little. In other words, it was a 'little tent.'" Among other marvelous ideas, this blogger explains that knowing this gives new meaning to the scripture "And my father dwelt in a tent" (1 Nephi 2:15).
Monday, Aug. 17
See NieNie: I could go on and on about how beautiful and brave I think NieNie is, but you can see it for yourself at a post titled simply "Me."
Re-reading scriptures: "This Book (of Mormon) has become like a quirky old friend." This delightful statement is mixed within a post full of insights "On Re-reading scripture." The blogger discusses authoritative interpretation, scriptures as a personal Urim and Thummim and likening the scriptures. For example he learned, "to be a bit more cautious and to let the scriptures speak for themselves rather than assuming that I am always the star of the show."
Education Week: BYU Education Week begins today through Friday and I loved the perspective provided by one of the presenters, Brent L. Top, a BYU professor of church history and doctrine. He discusses the "miracle" that is Campus Education Week, explaining that the "miracle is a reflection of Latter-day Saints' deep commitment to continuing education." And "it is always a privilege to participate because I always gain more than I give."
Youths today: Carefully watch this artistic video that offers "A Vision of LDS Youth Today." As the blogger points it out, it "portrays the struggle that many LDS youth have in keeping their LDS standards when confronted with the temptations and struggles of this generation."
Friday, Aug. 14
Prophet's birthday: Do you know that in exactly one week it is President Monson's birthday? I love this family home evening plan filled with ideas to help your family learn more about our prophet and celebrate "President Monson's Birthday." Try it out!
Preserving history: Oh, if you live in or near Salt Lake City and want to learn to better care for your history, you should really take advantage of the coming "Preserving Your Personal History: A Lecture Series Sponsored by the Church History Library." It includes lectures by leading church-history archivists and conservators. Very cool, check out the link to find out when, where and how to get free tickets.
Mormon games: Mormon Game Design spotlights some of the games produced by the "Missionary Novelty Company," including "Build the Kingdom" that parallels the popular "Settlers of Catan" in form. Check out the description and included video to learn more!
Thursday, August 13
Addiction recovery: I appreciate how LDS Media Talk is featuring various church Web sites. Today's spotlight is on the important "Addiction Recovery Program." The program, patterned after the 12-step program, explains "Whether you yourself struggle with addiction or associate with someone who does, this guide can be a blessing in your life."
I would add that this site, with it's downloadable manual and the option to contact local recovery support groups, could also "be a blessing in your life."
Choosing welfare: "Is there a situation in which it is not ethical to use it? What would that situation be?" These are some of the intriguing questions surrounding "Mormons and the Morality of Utilizing Public Assistance." Caroline traces some of the history of what leaders have preached as well as looks to her own and her friends' views and experiences with public assistance.
Nursery toys: If you take a good hard look at the nursery closet, what kind of toys will you find? So asks this blog about "alice in nurseryland: weird and scary toys in the nursery." He includes a photo of one such toy (I'd explain it, but you should just click to see it) and asks readers to take photos of the odd toys they find in their wards' nursery closets. He'll then update them into the blog post.
Corn silk: Sitting on a back porch shucking corn is one of those defining summer moments. I love this new blog that teaches old-school lessons your grandma used to know. And today's lesson? The best way of picking corn and removing silk. Click to find how to rid that stubborn silk from that sweet summer corn.
Wednesday, August 12
Free genealogy: Want to peruse database after database of free genealogical records? You need to check out this tutorial on "Getting into the FREE WorldVitalRecords.com databases." You will need to provide a working e-mail, your name and a phone number, and the offer ends midnight MDT on August 14, so hurry and trace some ancestors!
Book of Mormon Lands conference: Mark your calendars for the seventh annual "Book of Mormon Lands Conference" in Salt Lake City on October 17. Check out the list of speakers and their topics, find out who will be presented with the "Father Lehi and Mother Sariah" awards and learn how to register at the Book of Mormon Archeological Forum.
SLC tornado: "Ten years ago" yesterday a bizarre F-2 tornado slashed its way through downtown Salt Lake City and up into the avenues. Check out these YouTube videos nicely organized in one blog to see it's path and destruction.
Tuesday, August 11
Community power: "Everything came together for me in that moment. I recognized that while my relationship with God is still really difficult, I have been the beneficiary of an outpouring of love and support -- essentially, the Atonement has been at work in my life through the people around me."
This sums up a beautiful post where one blogger, amidst a rocky spiritual journey, literally experiences "The Grace of Community and Friendship."
Ethiopian adoption: I checked NoSurfGirl's blog and was sucked right into her descriptions of recently flying from Utah to Ethiopia and back, bringing home two Ethiopian girls to adopt into their family. What an adventure! And it continues as the family now works hard to become unified through both hard work and extra love.
Friday, August 28
FAIR news: FAIR is now offering a news service on their front page designed to deliver Mormon-related news stories to your -email inbox. They explain "the news stories include anything said about Mormons and the Church -- positive, negative, or neutral. It's designed to be an unbiased source, delivering whatever is being said about us in the online news media."
Facebook missionaries: Think you're up for this Facebook missionary challenge? Put together by Mormons Made Simple, it's nice and simple: "1. You provide your name and e-mail address. 2. Each week, they send you a MormonsMadeSimple video to post on your Facebook wall. Included in the e-mail are helpful tips and suggestions that will help you answer any questions that may come up. 3. You post the video to your page on Facebook and then watch as missionary opportunities open up."
Public Enemies: Ever heard of Samuel P. Cowley? How about John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson? Likely you've heard of them. So how is Samuel P. Cowley related to these notorious bank robbers from the 1930s? He was a Mormon FBI agent who was instrumental in stopping both men.
Total War: What happens when someone takes the video game Total War and adds Book of Mormon places, names, locations and strategies to it? Well Darren, a United Kingdom video game "modder," did just that. Check out the trailer to this modified game at "Total War Title of Liberty Mod" and learn how to find it!
Thursday, August 27
Cable quandary: Is it ok to be illegal to watch BYU Television? Jon W. wonders about the dishonest nature of Mormons illegally obtaining United States cable so that they can watch KBYU and BYUTV on cable, since neither are offered on Canadian cable. Click to give your opinion.
Book evaluations: Book reviewing over email, website, and especially blogs is becoming ever more popular, But author Shannon Hale, wonders "if book evaluation is trumping self-evaluation. I wonder if we get so caught up in gushing or bashing, shining up those stars or taking them away, that the reading experience is weighed too heavily on the side of the book itself and not enough on the reader. After all, reader is more important than book. Reader is the one who changes from reading, not the book. Reader is the one who lives the magic of storytelling." Check out this fascinating post (full of insightful comments) on "How to be a reader: book evaluation vs. self-evaluation."
James Covill: If you pull out your Doctrine and Covenants and flip to the Section 39 heading you will read "James Covill, who had been a Baptist minister for about forty years..." However, thanks to new research coming out in the next installment of the Joseph Smith Papers Project, scholars now know that he was not a Baptist minister. Click to find out "Why it matters that James Covill was Methodist and not a Baptist."
Mormon cinema: What's coming up this fall in the world of Mormon movies? Check out these "Four pieces of Mormon cinema news" to find out. Will "White on Rice" or "Broken Hill" or "One Good Man: Life as a Latter-day Dad" become standards in Mormon cinema?
Wednesday, August 26
Visiting India: Sister Beck Visits Mormons in India is a personal account by Sangeetha, a member from India, and includes details, testimony and a lovely photo of Sister Beck's visit. Here is a taste: "I was very impressed the way she presented her talk. It was very simple she did not use any power point presentation or any thing extra, all she used is her own personal example of how she grew and how the Lord helped her. I know that she truly is called of God."
Referral Center: Dr. B compiled missionary blog accounts about On the Job Missionary Training: Missionaries Tell About MTC Call Center Source of Referrals and Even a Few Baptisms. One missionaries provides a great glimpse at working at the Referral Center: "It was way intimidating at first, they basically said, 'Here's the phone and the prompt. Go invite people to come unto Christ!'" Check it out!
Mormon Fiction: Yesterday marked the 165th birthday of Mormon fiction, at least by this blogger's estimation. And if you go by the first published piece of Mormon fiction, Parley P. Pratt's "A Dialogue Between Joseph Smith and the Devil," which was printed in the New York Herald on August 25, 1844, then it is definitely time to wish Happy Birthday, Mormon Fiction. Click to read Pratt's fascinating work!
Youth materials: I love finding simple blog-inspired ideas that make life easier, this one is directed at making a sort of church bag bling, or, in other words, a compilation of all the youth materials into one simple spiral-bound book. Find out how to make this easy reference with just a click!
Tuesday, August 25
Mormon Bar: Ever been to Mormon Bar? It's a town in California highlighted in "Bars, Mormons, Gold, etc.," which features an article about oddly-named places in the United States. I bet a lot of Mormons take pictures next to that town sign.
Nauvoo Temple: "The Nauvoo Temple is my favorite Temple with no competition in sight. I wanted to make a video that would illustrate the richness of its symbolism as well as showcase its elegant beauty. I hope I succeeded." I think he did. Click for a beautifully uplifting video showcasing The Nauvoo Temple.
Be kind: Did you know it's the "Be Kind to Humankind" week? What a great excuse to sprinkle small acts of kindness throughout your weekly activities. Check out this blog for some great suggestions to share kindness and be sure to keep track of the kindnesses shown to you!
Monday, August 24
Moroni's horn: Ever heard the story about the day the Angel Moroni almost lost his horn? It's full of intrigue, suspicion and even exploding bombs! Although no one was hurt, and the horn was repairable.
Telephone church: What would it be like to be a member going to church by telephone? These saints live in such a remote corner of the world that, for now, that is their only option.
"Prayers and talks are done over the phone, the passing of the sacrament is done in every little town that has a priesthood member. Songs are a little tricky, as there is a bit of a delay over the phones."
Temple dedication: I wanted to find some bloggers who attended the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication yesterday, and I wasn't disappointed. I found testimony after testimony from bloggers who wrote about their spiritual experiences. I specifically liked this post on the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication written by a 14-year-old, who said:
"There were a few speakers, most of which talked to the youth in attendance, I thought that it was really cool that they would direct their attention to the little kids, to prepare to enter the temple."
Small acts: "'Your hair looks beautiful today.' 'I love your confidence, it makes me feel bolder.' 'What a striking dress! You have excellent taste in clothes.' 'Your shined shoes speak well of the care you take of yourself.'"
Aren't these nice compliments? This blogger uses these examples to illustrate the importance of sincere small acts of kindness in "In Praise of Bright Words." So let me do the same: "I am delighted that you read my picks today, I hope your day is filled with bright words!"
Summary: Sneak a peek at Stephenie Meyer's summer, today in the Bloggernacle. Plus, the importance of silencing noise. And different styles of talking to God.
Friday, August 21
Out loud: Here's "An FYI To My Typical Mormon Brothers and Sisters" from a black Mormon girl: "Black folks talk to God. Oh I know we all do, I believe, for the most part, we all call it prayer. We talk to him through prayer. BUT... we also talk to him out loud." I loved this delightful reminder that not everyone communicates spiritually the same way. Check out her insights!
Silencing noise: Ever feel like the noise of everyday life is drowning out your spirituality? This blogger does: "For some time now I have been bothered by the effect that noise has in my life and the way that it seems to invade my thoughts regardless of where I am or what I am doing." So he sets out ways of "Finding Silence in the Kingdom of Noise." Read his thoughtful analogies and analysis.
Stephenie's summer: How did Stephenie Meyer spend her summer? Reading books, listening to music, watching movies and, of course, waiting for "New Moon" to come out. And with a click you can catch up on her favorite book, music, and movie picks featured in an "end-of-summer recap." Fun!
Thursday, August 20
Spiritual strength: "Keep going, Utah! Don't cry, Utah!" So cheered on the spectators to Sister Elaine S. Dalton when she once ran the Boston Marathon. And yet she felt so lost that she decided to pray. The spiritual strength she received helped her continue to the finish line. View the rest of her inspiring story on the new Mormon Message video, "You're Never Alone."
China district: China's Mormon membership must be growing if this new district in China is any indication. This blogger explains that "the new district is Mandarin-speaking and likely comprises several branches in the area in and around Shanghai."
Mormon prayer: Have you ever thought of prayer as an art form? So postulates this blogger in "Mormon Prayer and Mormon Art" and he examines prayer as a "unique Mormon tradition of verbal art." I specifically found his analysis of rhyming sounds within the sacrament prayers insightful.
Brigham Young: "I like Brigham Young because he preached fire and brimstone ... but then he practiced mercy." So says Ardis before illustrating this point with three little-known stories in her continuing series of "Random Reasons Why I Like Brigham Young: Two." These stories are full of forgiveness, prophetic counsel, kindness and more, wonderfully reflecting on the "Lion of the Lord."
Wednesday, August 19
Newsroom blog: "Welcome to the Newsroom Blog," declares the Public Affairs Department of the LDS Church, and we in the Bloggernacle are excited to welcome them right back (I counted at least five blogs posting about the new site). This blog will be more conversational in tone than the official LDS Newsroom Web site, providing "journalists, bloggers and the public with additional context and information regarding public issues and news stories involving the Church."
And from the sidebar of categories, it looks like there are planned many fascinating and insightful topics ranging from "Interfaith Relations and the Church" to "Community Involvement and the Church" and "Public Issues." Comment will go through an e-mail system, but may be posted to enhance the discussions. LDS Media Talk lists the five ways you can follow this new blog.
Comforting words: A friend has cancer. What do you say? This blogger is speechless and reaches through the Bloggernacle for help to find the comforting words. And the comments give great advice ranging from being positive, to giving a listening ear, to not saying "I know how you feel." A must-read for anyone searching for the right words of comfort.
Father's journal: For one year --1953 -- his father kept a journal. And just so he could fulfill the requirement in the Master M-Man program (something I had never heard of until now). And yet, his words and experiences fascinate his son: "This is the only journal I have from him, and it is a treasure I shall cherish." Read this beautiful post illustrating the importance of record-keeping.
Tuesday, August 18
Replacing Moroni: Enjoy a flickr photo stream that shows workers "Replacing the Angel Moroni on the Oquirrh Mountain Temple." There were crowds of people on hand to watch it go up. And as the blogger says, "After two months, the charring from the lightning had faded, but there is no denying that the new statue looks much better." Hat tip to A Soft Answer.
Little tents: Glean some fascinating insights about how Talith, Tents and Temples are inter-related. A talith is a Jewish prayer shawl and combines "two Hebrew words: tal = tent and ith = little. In other words, it was a 'little tent.'" Among other marvelous ideas, this blogger explains that knowing this gives new meaning to the scripture "And my father dwelt in a tent" (1 Nephi 2:15).
Monday, Aug. 17
See NieNie: I could go on and on about how beautiful and brave I think NieNie is, but you can see it for yourself at a post titled simply "Me."
Re-reading scriptures: "This Book (of Mormon) has become like a quirky old friend." This delightful statement is mixed within a post full of insights "On Re-reading scripture." The blogger discusses authoritative interpretation, scriptures as a personal Urim and Thummim and likening the scriptures. For example he learned, "to be a bit more cautious and to let the scriptures speak for themselves rather than assuming that I am always the star of the show."
Education Week: BYU Education Week begins today through Friday and I loved the perspective provided by one of the presenters, Brent L. Top, a BYU professor of church history and doctrine. He discusses the "miracle" that is Campus Education Week, explaining that the "miracle is a reflection of Latter-day Saints' deep commitment to continuing education." And "it is always a privilege to participate because I always gain more than I give."
Youths today: Carefully watch this artistic video that offers "A Vision of LDS Youth Today." As the blogger points it out, it "portrays the struggle that many LDS youth have in keeping their LDS standards when confronted with the temptations and struggles of this generation."
Friday, Aug. 14
Prophet's birthday: Do you know that in exactly one week it is President Monson's birthday? I love this family home evening plan filled with ideas to help your family learn more about our prophet and celebrate "President Monson's Birthday." Try it out!
Preserving history: Oh, if you live in or near Salt Lake City and want to learn to better care for your history, you should really take advantage of the coming "Preserving Your Personal History: A Lecture Series Sponsored by the Church History Library." It includes lectures by leading church-history archivists and conservators. Very cool, check out the link to find out when, where and how to get free tickets.
Mormon games: Mormon Game Design spotlights some of the games produced by the "Missionary Novelty Company," including "Build the Kingdom" that parallels the popular "Settlers of Catan" in form. Check out the description and included video to learn more!
Thursday, August 13
Addiction recovery: I appreciate how LDS Media Talk is featuring various church Web sites. Today's spotlight is on the important "Addiction Recovery Program." The program, patterned after the 12-step program, explains "Whether you yourself struggle with addiction or associate with someone who does, this guide can be a blessing in your life."
I would add that this site, with it's downloadable manual and the option to contact local recovery support groups, could also "be a blessing in your life."
Choosing welfare: "Is there a situation in which it is not ethical to use it? What would that situation be?" These are some of the intriguing questions surrounding "Mormons and the Morality of Utilizing Public Assistance." Caroline traces some of the history of what leaders have preached as well as looks to her own and her friends' views and experiences with public assistance.
Nursery toys: If you take a good hard look at the nursery closet, what kind of toys will you find? So asks this blog about "alice in nurseryland: weird and scary toys in the nursery." He includes a photo of one such toy (I'd explain it, but you should just click to see it) and asks readers to take photos of the odd toys they find in their wards' nursery closets. He'll then update them into the blog post.
Corn silk: Sitting on a back porch shucking corn is one of those defining summer moments. I love this new blog that teaches old-school lessons your grandma used to know. And today's lesson? The best way of picking corn and removing silk. Click to find how to rid that stubborn silk from that sweet summer corn.
Wednesday, August 12
Free genealogy: Want to peruse database after database of free genealogical records? You need to check out this tutorial on "Getting into the FREE WorldVitalRecords.com databases." You will need to provide a working e-mail, your name and a phone number, and the offer ends midnight MDT on August 14, so hurry and trace some ancestors!
Book of Mormon Lands conference: Mark your calendars for the seventh annual "Book of Mormon Lands Conference" in Salt Lake City on October 17. Check out the list of speakers and their topics, find out who will be presented with the "Father Lehi and Mother Sariah" awards and learn how to register at the Book of Mormon Archeological Forum.
SLC tornado: "Ten years ago" yesterday a bizarre F-2 tornado slashed its way through downtown Salt Lake City and up into the avenues. Check out these YouTube videos nicely organized in one blog to see it's path and destruction.
Tuesday, August 11
Community power: "Everything came together for me in that moment. I recognized that while my relationship with God is still really difficult, I have been the beneficiary of an outpouring of love and support -- essentially, the Atonement has been at work in my life through the people around me."
This sums up a beautiful post where one blogger, amidst a rocky spiritual journey, literally experiences "The Grace of Community and Friendship."
Ethiopian adoption: I checked NoSurfGirl's blog and was sucked right into her descriptions of recently flying from Utah to Ethiopia and back, bringing home two Ethiopian girls to adopt into their family. What an adventure! And it continues as the family now works hard to become unified through both hard work and extra love.
NEW TODAY
MOST POPULAR
YESTERDAY