Mormon Bloggers

Easter is a month away and my thoughts are turning to one of the most sacred events in the history of humanity. While our culture and society today has created a more commercialized version of Easter as that of easter egg hunts, the easter bunny, and an excuse to munch on chocolate (as well as [...]  Read More →

There is a story that is familiar to members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about a conflict that brewed between two leaders, both men of faith, who were being attacked by their enemies. The first, Captain Moroni, battles the enemy in a distant area and writes to the government leader, Pahoran, [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent. Unity to Preserve Religious Freedom  Read More →

If you have never read the Book of Mormon, or if it has been a long while since you opened the pages, then you are not alone. My personal encounter with reacquainting myself with the Book of Mormon turned out to be one of the most positive and uplifting spiritual experiences ever had in my [...]  Read More →

Just had to share this video with you all today. It is excellent! And the book is even more excellent–a must-read for everyone searching for the truth. Catholic Roots,  Mormon Harvest by Eric Shuster is on top of my pile of reference books about Catholics and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Eric’s website is at www.ericshuster.com. I’ve copied below a few of the book’s endorsements. There are more on his website. “I was impressed by the high level of respect the Shusters showed toward the Catholic Church and the way in which they expressed gratitude for the many good things they gleaned from their experiences … This isn’t a bitter tale of why they left—instead, it’s the story of how they came to believe that the LDS Church had things to offer them that would build upon their Catholic foundations.” Tristi Pinkston, LDS Author “This is not just the story of Eric and Marilyn Shuster’s religious journey; it is the story of the journey... Read the rest of this entry »

“I think, therefore I am,” right? Well, think again. Questioning the deeper mysteries of mind and consciousness. Not trying to answer questions as much as ask the right questions about mind and matter.  Read More →

Productive: adj. 1. producing  or capable of producing 2. Producing abundantly; fertile. 3. Yielding favorable or useful results; constructive. Productive and fertile are synonyms. That’s interesting isn’t it?  A woman’s ability to reproduce and our capacity to help others grow and develop is part of our heritage. Producing is in our genes. That makes sense when you [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.Productive? What’s That?  Read More →

I was on a business trip this past week to present our regional territory plans to our Vice President. People were very nervous on our team since he is pretty intense with the way he scrutinizes our plans during our presentations. The morning of the presentation I was praying and reading in the Book of Mormon and found a cross reference to the Bible in Psalms 37. In this chapter in the King James Version advises us not to fret about things but to rely on the Lord. I didn’t know if people in my group were religious or believed in God at all, but I felt prompted to email this scripture out to the team. I was pleased when the whole team replied and were thankful for me sharing the scripture with them. They felt it helped them feel more comfortable and prepared to present. I thought it was awesome how God showed me a scripture to not only help me but the whole team as well. I later learned that my mother had been praying for me while I was there along with me. Do you have any... Read the rest of this entry »

Jerry Paul Hirst June 13, 1943 – January 11, 2010 I still can’t believe he’s gone. I know he is, but when I see photographs, like this one I took of him at our last visit, I imagine that Paul’s dad, my children’s pappa, and my father-in-law still sits at his desk writing, putters around his kitchen, or [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.Choose To Be Changed  Read More →

Christmastime always provides the perfect opportunity to reflect upon the many blessings we’ve received over the past year. The most meaningful of blessings are made even more meaningful when considered in the light of God’s greatest gift to us, His children, even the gift of His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrate at this season. “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” (John 3:16). Were it not for the divinity of Christ’s paternity, were it not for the sublime events which we celebrate at Easter—Jesus’ suffering on our behalf in Gethsemane and upon the cross, His death, burial, and ultimate triumph over death through His resurrection—there would be no reason to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmastime. But in truth all humanity has every reason to rejoice and to celebrate that Jesus Christ is who He and all the holy prophets said He is: even the... Read the rest of this entry »

The words, “inspired by a true story,” often mark a movie or novel. When my manuscript is published, the cover could read, “inspired by a real plant.” I received a hibiscus plant at Christmastime several years ago from a woman receiving hospice care for cancer. I met Lily through my husband when we visited her home [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent. The Plant That Inspired My Novel  Read More →

Taken from http://religions.pewforum.org/maps# Belief in God Importance of Religion in One’s Life Church Attendance Religious Affiliation Believe their Religion is One True Faith 71% Absolutely Certain 56% Very Important 39% Once a week 79% Christian 24% Their religion is one true faith leading to Eternal Life 17% Fairly Certain 26% Somewhat Important 33% Once/Twice per month 16% Unaffiliated 70% Many religions lead to Eternal Life 4% Uncertain 16% Not Important 27% Seldom or Never 2% Jewish 3% Neither       1% Muslim 4% Don’t Know       1% Buddhist   A few things I find interesting included: - Most of the country are Christians, yet most of the country believe in more than one way to eternal life.  I am personally under the impression that most Christians are pretty direct and cut-and-dry with who goes to heaven or not.  I’m suprised by this statistic, but also happy.  I feel God is very merciful and also just and therefore, the many mansions in heaven... Read the rest of this entry »

This years General Conference was held on October 3-4, 2009. These talks appear in the Ensign Magazine (Known as the General Conference Issue). These talks are very inspirational, thought provoking, revelatory, and provide sound advice in living a healthy, stable life. Many times, many different people find particular answers to specific doctrinal questions, or receive [...]  Read More →