Mormon Bloggers

Just finished reading Luke, chapter 2 in the New Testament this morning.  It’s 3 a.m. (Mountain time) and I’m about to pack and take off on a 15-hour road trip to go back home. (Provo, UT to Grants Pass, OR) I couldn’t resist the warmth coming from the Christmas story, not only the birth, but the endearing account of a 12 year-old wowing the sophisticated men of the day.  There is no doubt that neither Luke nor Christ are Trinitarians.  Neither one embrace or teach that doctrine.  But that’s another topic. Do we not love Christ all the more, because of his very humble start in life?  Born in an animal’s stable, no room for Him at even a simple Motel 6!  He ended up being born in a garage, in the parking lot. He could have easily arranged for a birth in a palace, with luxury and no material lack.  There is something rich and symbolic about the circumstances of his birth.  Also, the angelic announcement came to poor,... Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most endearing and hope-giving invitations extended by the Savior is recorded in Matthew 11:28-30. 28 ¶Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. It seems amazing that the Creator of the Universe, who made worlds without number, who has all power and all ability would describe Himself as meek and lowly of heart. He expresses that same idea again in Mark 9:12 “…it is written of the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be set at nought.” Christ created worlds without number before He was born. He could have manifested Himself in a way that would leave no doubt in anyone’s mind He was God. Yet He chose to come to earth as a poor carpenter’s son, insignificant by both birth and social class. He chose to appeal to our decency and sense... Read the rest of this entry »

After spending a wonderful time out camping with our ward, I came online to check to see what was going … Continue reading »  Read More →

Blasphemy is defined as contemptuous speech concerning God, or concerning something that stands in a sacred relation toward God, such … Continue reading »  Read More →

Does Alma 11:37 and Romans 5:8 contradict one another? This question is posed by J.R. of Ephesians 2 Ministries. According … Continue reading »  Read More →

Greg West has provided me permission to republish this article from the Society of the prevention of Anti-Mormonism (SPAM). If … Continue reading »  Read More →

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (or the Mormon Church) is not a Christian religion. It is far … Continue reading »  Read More →

Joel and I were reading a Conference talk from last April by Walter González called “Followers of Christ.” Brother González said: “The Savior has promised, “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Followers of Christ pattern their lives after the Savior to walk in the light. Two characteristics can help us recognize to what extent we follow Him. First, followers of Christ are loving people. Second, followers of Christ make and keep covenants.” The loving people comment caught my eye. In fact I haven’t read past there yet. This idea was enough to capture my focus and attention. Can I honestly describe myself as loving? Not just to my family, but to others in my path? Do I love my own family enough? Are my words and how I spend my energies telltale signs of being a “loving” person..? I would say not enough. It is such a simple formula. Following Christ = being a loving person. Simple,... Read the rest of this entry »

In Matthew chapter 23, Jesus has quite a bit to say to the Pharisees which is both withering and cuts right to the center.  He clearly does not tolerate pretenders nor does he ignore hypocrisy and puffed-uppity-ness.  Some of this same topic was also covered yesterday. To add to Wednesday’s post about Matthew 23 – this is one of my favorite Pharisee call-outs. Matthew 23:24 – Ye blind guides, which strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. How can I not help but love this! The phrase speaks volumes. Could there be parallels of this very description with people here and now? For example….drama queens? Or broken down government systems and the rhetoric of political parties? How about the unintelligent effects of ego, pride, anger and indignation. Could this describe myself when my priorities are mixed up? One of my favorite stories about Christ is told in only a few verses in John 7… 32 ¶The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning... Read the rest of this entry »

Ifby Carma SalvesenFrom the November 2010 New Era If I could go to Galilee And walk where Jesus walked And sit in tender grasses On the hillside where He taught.   If I could sit and ponder On a rock that knew His hand, Or walk along the seashore Where His feet had touched the sand.   My spirit yearns within me, But it doesn’t seem my fate. I’ll never walk where Jesus walked. I’ll never see … but wait.   I worship in His temple Where I know He’s walked before. Have His feet been down this hallway? Have His fingers touched this door?   Has He stood here in this very room And looked at what I see? In the beauty of His temple I can feel His love for me.   I close my eyes and picture Him, My worries melt away. I don’t need to go to Galilee Or travel far away.   For my tender heart is filled With what He wants me to be taught And my testimony burns within— I’ve walked where Jesus walked!   Sharing Time: How have you walked where... Read the rest of this entry »

What matters most to you? A question of importance that we all should reflect on. After watching this video, share … Continue reading »  Read More →

John 3:16 reads, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” This verse reminds us of the Atonement and how grateful we are that Christ died for us so we could return to Him. However, I do not think we understand the true depth of this scripture. When we are enduring trials not brought about by sin, often the questions “Why me?” or “What did I do to deserve this?” are at the forefront of our minds. Many cease to believe in God on the basis that if He really cared He wouldn’t let terrible things happen to innocent people. Such thoughts are the result of not understanding the plan of salvation, especially the Atonement. Elder Richard G. Scott said in an October 1995 General Conference: Now may I share some suggestions with you who face the second source of adversity, the testing that a wise Heavenly Father determines is... Read the rest of this entry »