Mormon Bloggers

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 »

Sometimes I think of mortality as the grand delusion. What we human beings describe as being “on top” in regards to success, is what Christ puts on the bottom. Making it to the “top” (World’s puffed up version) Trying to fit in with the world… Adopting Christ’s view of success… I was reflecting this morning how often the scriptures and church leadership try to set the record straight on what matters, from the Sermon on the Mount to warnings in LDS Worldwide General Conference. Some examples: Elder Uchtdorf’s most awesome talk in General Priesthood session (Oct 2010) about the failed doctrine of “Thank God I am more special than you”. Or the intriguing definition of the Greek work Makarios and how “blessed” is quite different in the Lord’s eyes when compared to the world’s view. This morning I came across it again in Matthew 23:5-7,12 5 But all their works they do for... Read the rest of this entry »

When I was in a position to counsel those who were seeking for new employment opportunities, I routinely recommended they not watch the news.  I warned the mainstream media is always looking for a headline to grab the attention of their followers, and frequently the news is not good on the unemployment front. As this long and protracted recession drags on, however, it may be useful to understand some of the underlying structural reasons the economy is still staggering.  I realize it’s cold comfort for those still seeking employment, but there may be some legitimate reasons jobs are hard to come by regardless of their best efforts. The most recent jobs report from the government is sobering.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate edged up to 9.1% in May, from a level of 9.0% in April and 8.8% in March.  This “jobless recovery” is a useful myth perpetuated by the administration and other like-minded politicians, but it is... Read the rest of this entry »

And the ah-hah’s keep coming. At the end of January, I posted a piece about leadership lessons. They were rather significant at the time and still are. But my understanding has grown from that point. The Heavens have obviously taken pity on me, and perhaps it was time I finally understood these principles. From my current observations, a leadership calling does not make anyone suddenly different. It is interesting to watch group dynamics and some people will treat the new leader differently at first. Or that individual may even feel like they’re in a new social class. Sometimes there is some novelty and some acknowledgement during the first few months of a new calling, but truth is, we don’t suddenly become bigger or better at anything. Before long, the dust clears and people are who they are and everyone can see that. In the end, respect comes because of who the person is, and the connection they have with the Spirit, not because of the title held. Like Elder... Read the rest of this entry »

Leadership callings can be a temptation for some. A girlfriend of mine (Theresa) pointed out that understanding administration and operations (leadership) in the Church is a gift of the Spirit. Sure enough, it’s listed in the Doctrine and Covenants – section 46:15-16.. “And again, to some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know the differences of administration, as it will be pleasing unto the same Lord, according as the Lord will, suiting his mercies according to the conditions of the children of men.”“And again, it is given by the Holy Ghost to some to know the diversities of operations, whether they be of God, that the manifestations of the Spirit may be given to every man to profit withal.“ Discussing the ins and outs of Church leadership is a deep topic and one I’m hesitant to jump into. There was some serious debate in my head as to whether I dare give this voice and write about it. In fact, it reminds me of the fable “The Emperor Has... Read the rest of this entry »

Stephen R. Covey is the author of the best-selling book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. Other books he has written include First Things First, Principle-Centered Leadership, The 8th Habit, The Divine Center and Spiritual Roots of Human Relations. Dr. Covey, father of nine and a grandfather of fifty-two, lives with his wife Sandra in Provo, Utah. He is currently a professor at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business at Utah State University. Covey is a practicing member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two-year mission in England for his church. Covey served as the first president of the Irish Mission of the church starting in July 1962. I have read several of Stephen Covey’s books and have noted some passages about leadership and management that I like. Difference Between Leadership And Management You can quickly grasp the important difference between leadership and management if you envision a group of producers cutting their way through... Read the rest of this entry »

We attended an open house in our neighborhood with Representative John Ward for our district in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Our host also invited Paul to speak about his ideas as a candidate for the Brainerd City Council. The small size of the group led us to some real discussions about the societal challenges [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.Strengthen Your Circle  Read More →

“The ultimate leaders develop followers who will surpass them.” ~Alan McGinnis  Read More →

For many months, I have wanted to briefly cite my love and admiration for George Washington.  I have written about John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and other luminaries in our struggle to be free, but last night I was prompted again to say something here about Washington. We were sitting around a bonfire, as is our custom here at the Ranch during the summer evenings, eating homemade grape ice cream (I’ve given you the recipe in a comment below, you won’t be disappointed) and sampling Grandma’s desserts (many varieties of cookies, brownies and other delectables).  One of my precocious granddaughters after listening to me talk about the founders in glowing terms, asked, “Grandpa, did you know George Washington?”  I told you I was growing older. . . I replied, trying to repress my laughter, “No, I didn’t really KNOW him personally, but I’ve read a lot about him and the other founders.”  Some things have to... Read the rest of this entry »

. . . a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . A time to be home, and a time to be in the workforce After 16 years as a stay-at-home or a write-at-home mom, I took a full-time job in the circulation department of our local newspaper. The night before my first [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.To Every Thing There Is A Season  Read More →

I served in a position in the church where I was under the direct supervision of our stake president. I had for years admired our stake president, even long before he had that calling. He was humble and kind. He knew adversity in his life and he also knew the joy of doing things the Lord’s way. When he was my “file” leader, from time to time he had to correct me. That was part of what I expected as he trained and led me, and I’m fortunate that he saw it as his responsibility, as well. I remember on one occasion in particular, he asked to speak with me after a meeting I’d conducted. He thanked me for what I had said in that meeting, and then very clearly pointed out where I’d gone afoul of specific instructions he’d given in a recent training meeting. And yet, he did it with such love that I was happy to hear his feedback, even though I was embarrassed that he had to give it to me. But, sensing that reaction in me, he also put me at ease... Read the rest of this entry »

~by Jenny Pocock Something unique about the Mormon faith that has greatly enriched my life is the multitude of opportunities for service. Many churches do massive amounts of service, but in the LDS church we also serve each other in set responsibilities referred to as “callings.” This results in blessings all around. In the LDS church there is no paid clergy. Each local congregation has a pastor, what we call a bishop or branch president, who volunteers his time and abilities. Actually, the entire congregation is asked to serve in varied positions of responsibility. We call these jobs or positions “callings.” We believe that these calls to serve are made with inspiration from God, for the benefit of the congregation, community, and the person performing the service. The time a person serves in a specific calling is varied. Members serve until they are formally relieved of duty – what we call “being released.” The attitude we are encouraged to take in performing our duties... Read the rest of this entry »