A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY WEEK PROMOTION FOR THE LAUNCH OF “AWAKENING AVERY”
For the past five weeks I’ve been introducing readers to characters from “Awakening Avery,” my new release about a recent widow who experiences a remarkable summer of faith and self-discovery in the months following her husband’s death.
Avery’s Elkins Thompson’s failure to face her husband’s illness leaves her, and her family, floundering after his death. She finally agrees to a nostalgic request from her oldest son to return to the family’s Anna Maria Island vacation spot. With a little help from some quirky, new-found friends, Avery enters into a summer house swap with a most intriguing and complicated man. As they step into one another’s messy, complex worlds, they begin an email correspondence that leads to a summer of spiritual and emotional re-awakening for both families . . . and particularly for Avery.
Avery reaches into her heart, accessing priceless bits of personal wisdom from her internal mothering manual in the hope that she can pull her adult children out of their spiritual malaise. Her “food is love,” philosophy is being challenged by Oprah, but she has some other mothering tips in her arsenal, and she’s in a no-holds-barred battle to rescue her family.
Mothers’ wisdom is the theme this week, and in honor of Mother’s Day, I’m giving away a custom-designed silver necklace created by Nicole Lefebvre of Sterling Obsession, just for the launch of “Awakening Avery.” The all Sterling Silver, 20″ rolo chain, holds a wire-wrapped, blue chaldony briolette, a ampule of sand and a starfish, all reminoscent of the book’s island setting. The winner will have their choice of a heart that says “live, laugh, love” or “Awaken!” that captures the spirit of the book. Like “Awakening Avery,” the necklace is a perfect gift for a special lady. Here’s how you enter to win:
1. You must be a follower of this blog, or become a follower
2. Share an item of motherly wisdom in the comment box below.
If you’d like additional entries, you can also:
3. Post the “Awakening Avery” cover image on your Facebook page and/or blog and send me a link. You’ll get one entry for each.
4. Add “Awakening Avery” to your “books-to-read” shelf on Goodreads. Amazon or Shelfari. Tell me where you added it and get an entry for each one.
5. Add this link for the preview of Chapter One of “Awakening Avery” to your blog sidebar or Facebook page. Send me the link to your site and get one entry for each. http://bit.ly/cbMyQd.
The winner will be drawn on Saturday, May 8th.
Thanks for helping spread the news about “Awakening Avery’s” release. And thanks for sharing your motherly advice this week!
Inspirada nos índios Ayoreo do Paraguai, Chairless é uma visão de simplicidade em design adaptada por Alejandro Aravena para a marca suiça Vitra. E como o designer explica: quando temos sede, automaticamente colocamos as mãos em forma de concha; quando queremos ver ao longe, cobrimos o olhar de excesso de luz.. quando nos sentamos no chão, intuitivamente abraçamos as pernas. Chairless retira o esforço das costas e dos braços, garantindo muito mais tempo de conforto e bem estar. Uma boa idéia para juntar ao seu kit-viagem, kit-festa/festival, kit-bolsa, kit-para-onde-você-quiser!
Some of the most powerful sermons on faith are found in Moroni 7. I’ve read that chapter many, many times, but comprehension and inspiration are dependent upon the reader’s readiness to receive, and luckily, last night I was evidently ready.
I can’t say what made me ready, other than today I really needed that lesson and the peace that comes with knowing that everything is ultimately in God’s hands. I didn’t feel any particular sense of urgency or need last evening, but fortunately, the Lord must have.
Today was a hard day, and when hard days come, whatever aspect of your life is out of kilter suddenly dwarfs everything else. The family can be fine, the weather can be beautiful, your house can be enjoying one of those clean-inside-and-out miracles, and the bank account can have an extra jingle, but get bad news, suffer writer’s block, have a falling out with a friend, do something socially awkward, be hurt by someone, be forgotten or forget something critical to someone else, and that one painful element will cloud all the rest.
I had one of the above happen today. Grateful I am for the scriptures I read last night–the reminders about faith, and faith’s relationship to miracles, charity and hope. I’m grateful that after all we can do, the rest is up to the Lord. We can give our very best as we love, write, work, prepare a lesson, comfort a friend, counsel a child, serve our neighbor and build the kingdom, and if it was our very best effort, it was enough. There is peace in knowing that.
I have decided to crawl out of bed, while the hubby takes the kiddo’s out for ice cream, to announce the winners of the Mother’s Day Giveaway. I know you all have been eagerly anticipating this, I mean, there are some pretty cool prizes here, right? (Note: all winners were chosen randomly on random.org)
So, enough chit chat, here they are:
The Winner of the Mikarose Dress is:
Tera!!! Who said, “I would buy the Alexia dress in a heartbeat. It is so dang cute!”
The winner of the $80 Gift Certificate to Allbarstools.com is:
Beckee!!! Who said, “There are a couple kids tables I really like, I would get one of them-either the 3 piece set with table and 2 chairs where the legs all look pencils or the one where it is a desk/table with 2 drawers and 2 tables.”
The winner of the High Potency Amine Complex Face Lift Giveaway is:
Audrey Carlson!! Who said she would like to try: Perricone MD – Health and Weight Management: I’m taking a ton of supplements to assist my weight loss. Vitamins, energy boosters…wouldn’t it be nice to try something that might work better.”
…and last but not least:
The winner of EcoSmart’s Natural Bug Killer giveaway is:
Eva!!Who said: I’m a good mom because I am constantly trying to do what’s best for my son. It might take me a little while to figure out exactly what that is, but I’m stubborn enough to stick with it.”
That’s wraps it up! You know, one of the things I hate about doing giveaways is picking winners… because if it was up to me, everyone would win A big congratulations to all the winners! And a VERY happy Mother’s Day coming up to everyone!!
Note to winners: Please email me your email address so I can contact you about how to collect your prize (if I don’t already have it) You can email me at nutsinanutshell(at)gmail(dot)com.
Q: I am going on a two week trip to Europe but do not want to lug a heavy bag. What and how much would you suggest I take. I always take way too much and still have nothing to wear. I am going to Germany and Switzerland in June…and need advice from my expert niece.
I know I said spring style tips would follow up our masculinity series, but I had to stop the presses! A question about traveling was submitted to Ask Image Interpreters and even if it hadn’t come from my dear Aunt, I’d have still answered it before posting anything else. Hello! It deals with traveling! A favorite topic of mine and one of the extraordinarily few areas I call myself somewhat of an expert, especially considering where she’s going. (Germany is my second home!) So let’s get to the fun!
A: You are correct – most people over-pack to the extreme when taking a trip abroad, resulting in those heavy bags to lug. I did too until I learned the art of Travel Packing Zen. I often hear, “But I have to pack for every contingency because I don’t know what we might do!” To which I say, “Really? Is your itinerary a secret? Someone else is planning this trip for you?” The truth is, you know exactly what kind of trip you’re going to have – whether you’ll be hitting the foreign nightclubs, hiking the Matterhorn, or chilling on a beach. The only real question mark you have to address is the weather. And we’re going to address that. In this 2-post answer, we’re going to first cover WHAT to pack and then HOW to pack it.
We’re starting with the DON’T take items because I want to get those out of the options pile as quickly as possible.
Do not pack the above items! Any of these combined together screams “clueless American tourist!” You’re touring beautiful European cities, not hiking the Appalachian Trail. The goal is to be comfortable while traveling, look chic doing it, and avoid over-packing.
If you’re an avid exerciser training for a marathon and must get in a 5 mile run every day, then pack your running shoes. But that’s the only time you get to wear them! And if that description doesn’t fit you, then let the hours of walking work their magic. Even at a “strolling around the piazza pace”, I never fail to lose at least 5 lbds.
Fanny/waist packs – aside from being hideous, they’re a magnet for thieves. Don’t carry a backpack, either. Things on your back just make it easier for pick-pockets in a crowd. (Just ask my Mom!)
Now the DO take items! (click to view the larger collage and item details)
It is the number and type of items in the above collage that are most important. Raid your own closet before you do any shopping. Nobody in Europe has ever seen your wardrobe before. Note that everything coordinates. You’ll have lots of options from minimal items. If you do need to shop, almost everything in this collage is currently available. Especially the trenchcoat for $39 at Nordstrom right now! Also comes in black.
4 to 5 tops: Do not choose only tees. Button-down and polo shirts are still casual but look dressier and offer more variety. And for a two week trip 4 or 5 will be plenty. And while you might be tempted to pack all black – don’t! Injecting some color will make you look better in the pictures you’ll take.
1 cardigan: This should be long sleeve and ideally cashmere, or a blend thereof. It’s perfect for the plane and fluctuating temps.
1 jacket:A lightweight short trench coat is perfect! It won’t add bulk to your bag or your body. For a summer trip you’re mostly wanting it for occasional chilly breezes, cold airplanes and rain. The weather high in Switzerland can be much different from spots in Germany. It can get hot!
3 bottoms: The darkest wash jean you own, khakis, and a light skirt are the most versatile. That brown linen skirt is at Victoria’s Secret right now for $40! (I’ll have a tip for you tomorrow about wearing your skirt.) You might prefer a black trouser to a dark jean, or olive khaki’s to tan ones, but stay in the neutral family.
2 shoes: This is where most people make the biggest mistake by taking too many or taking only gym shoes. My travel shoes are shiny black slip-ons with a slightly thicker sole. They’re by no means the nicest looking pair in my closet, but they work like a charm getting me through airport security lines and hours of walking. Since it’s a summer trip – you’ll be wise to pack a pair of sturdy sandals. NOT flip-flops! If you buy shoes for your trip, buy them fast and wear them to break them in.
1 pajama: Bring something fun! Satin pj’s pack very easily.
2 bras: One to wear while the other rests. For extensive info on bras review the Bra Education section.
2 socks: For a summer trip you’ll most likely be alternating between shoes and sandals so you don’t need a pair for every day.
6 underwear: Just as with your socks, you can wash a few pair in the sink at your hotel for fresh undies.
OPTIONAL DRESS: Consider adding a jersey wrap dress (infinitely packable! I prefer black.) if you’re planning on hitting church services or finding a fancy spot for dinner.
Watch & Jewelry: A simple, inexpensive pair of studs and necklace in matching metals work with any outfit. Traveling is no place for your diamonds or tons of accessories to keep track of.
Oversized sunglasses: Don’t bring your nicest pair but make sure they have UV protection. The oversize style will look chic and hide those jet-lag eyes.
A crushable hat: I prefer this style to a baseball cap because they’re easier to pack, but bring whatever you’re comfortable wearing.
Belt: One belt in a neutral color to go with all your outfits is plenty. If you’re not a belt wearer, skip it!
Pashmina: I’m not going to detail all the nasty things I have personally seen happen to airplane blankets. A pashmina (preferably cashmere or a blend) of your own avoids the yucky and guarantees you additional warmth on the plane. It also doubles as a neck pillow. Most U-shaped travel pillows push your head too far forward and are a pain to carry. A pashmina is long enough to roll up one end behind your neck and wrap the rest across yourself. If you really want a pillow, I prefer this nook style.
A neck pouch: Do not bring a bulky purse to lug around. I have been traveling with one of these for more years than I can remember. It’s super slim, slides under my shirt and I tuck it into my pants. Hidden! The only thing you need to carry in a day is your cash/credit card/hotel key (usually a card nowadays)/ID/city map/camera. Everything but the camera will fit in the neck pouch and you’ll be virtually hands free. If you plan on doing some shopping, toss an empty canvas tote or reusable shopping bag into your suitcase.
Other good ideas: A mini MP3 player: not a basic necessity, but they’re useful for tuning out travel noise and making the trip more enjoyable. And they’re so small now they take up virtually no space. Also much cheaper than an iPod, should it get lost or stolen. If you purchase one, go for battery operated! You’d never want to mess with recharging it with an adapter. Mine runs 70 hours on one tiny AAA. Ear plugs: I put them in as soon as I get on the plane! Travel alarm clock. Travel journal and pen! Reading material.
Your camera! A quick tip here – each night at your hotel, or when you have down time, delete unwanted pics from your camera and jot down the location and subject of each shot. It’ll save you from the dreaded, “Memory Card Full” warning when you’re trying to capture a great shot, and you won’t have to ask, “Now where was this?” when you get back home.
Whew! A mountain of information for relatively few items. As mentioned, this was WHAT to pack. The next post will deal with HOW to pack it. I’ll also cover your toiletry kit and some general travel tips.
An excerpt from inside the Mike Lee campaign this week:
Congress wants “out of the box” thinking to solve today’s challenges, but the solutions are “in the box” of the Constitution.
The popular buzz-phrase for solving problems today is, “you must think out of the box.” While that can often be helpful, in many cases it actually leads to wasted time and effort, especially when the simple, effective answer may actually be “in the box.” Going back to the basics can be the best path forward.
Washington’s “out of the box” thinking has given us too many government programs, unfunded entitlements and regulations like No Child Left Behind, Medicare Part D and Obamacare. The list goes on: auto company and bank bailouts, out of control illegal immigration, amnesty, “Cap and Tax”, and pork-barrel projects which produce soaring deficits and compounding debt.
Elected officials have forgotten that the solutions to our challenges are found “in the box” of the Constitution. Returning to the limited government the Founding Fathers created inside the Constitution will jump-start our economy, pave the way for real job creation, and enable individuals and families to earn, save and prosper.
An “out of the box” Congress results in:
•More government takeover of health care •More bailouts, earmarks and deficit spending •More talk of amnesty, anchor babies and illegal immigration •More over-reaching government •More generation crushing debt
A Congress “in the box” of the Constitution results in:
•More rights and controls returned to the States •More jobs, growth and strength in the economy •More national security through secure borders and proper paths to citizenship •More individual liberty and personal responsibility •More confidence in our future
It is time to stop “out of the box” and out-of-control government growth and return to “in the box” constitutional governance!
Mike Lee doesn’t just focus on the theory of the Constitution – he delivers real solutions for all that ails our country by applying the simple yet powerful principles found within the Constitution.
Join Mike Lee in restoring the constitutional debate to Congress and reclaiming our future!
I can’t claim to be a Madonna fan, but I saw the film version of Evita many years ago and one song always stuck with me, “The Lady’s Got Potential.” Perhaps it’s the political theme, or maybe it’s the musical stylings of Antonio Banderas (say what you will, the man can sing!) but here is a fascinating little number for your viewing enjoyment. With thanks to Dailymotion poster MD12 for posting this video
Ok, I am so bored that I have been changing all of the blogs I have with new backgrounds and etc. I am so amazed how easy and fun it is to do.
This week has been difficult for many reasons; but the main ones are that I am sick of being sick. I am even more sick of looking at gray clouds and snow on the ground. This is spring; this weather is pathetic. We should all be out walking in the sunshine enjoying nature. This however does not mean that I want to be out working in the yard since that is what I am blaming my pneumonia on. I am so anxious to hear the sweet songs of a birds as I wake up and see and feel the sunbeams as they spread across my bedroom. I would even like to hear the crickets singing their love songs at night.
Meanwhile, my dearest husband has worded home most of the week and taken excellent care of me. He should have been a nurse. He is forever kind and thoughtful; what a blessing he is in my life.
I of course have spent much time in prayer over those of you who are having health issues. I can’t believe how true it is that events come in three’s; so I basically hope that is all we have for now.
Ok, I haven’t been on the computer all the time. I have been reading my scriptures and other good books which have lightened my load. I love to read uplifting and encouraging books. I greatly recommend the book: “On The Bright Side – Feeling Good When Things Seem Bad” by Ed J. Pinegar & Richard J. Allen. It was one of those hopeful books that I love to read to lift my soul. Perhaps I need to re-read it; that isn’t something that I normally do so that means it is very good.
I have blubbered long enough so I will leave this thought – WHAT’S NEW WITH ALL OF YOU??? What I really need is CHOCOLATE, CHOCOLATE AND CHOCOLATE!!!
Par Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Deuxième conseiller dans la Première Présidence de Église de Jésus-Christ des Saints des Derniers Jours (Eglise Mormon).
Dans les années 1960, un professeur de l’université de Stanford a entrepris une expérience modeste visant à tester la volonté d’enfants de quatre ans. Il a mis devant eux une grosse guimauve puis leur a dit qu’ils pouvaient la manger tout de suite ou, s’ils attendaient quinze minutes, en avoir deux.
Puis il a laissé les enfants tout seuls et, de derrière un miroir sans tain, il a regardé ce qui se passait. Certains des enfants ont mangé tout de suite la guimauve, d’autres n’ont pu attendre que quelques minutes avant de succomber à la tentation. Il n’y en a eu que 30% qui ont pu attendre.
C’était une expérience modérément intéressante et le professeur est passé à d’autres domaines de la recherche, car, selon ses propres termes, « il n’y a qu’un nombre limité de choses que l’on peut faire avec des enfants qui essayent de ne pas manger de guimauve ». Mais, au fil du temps, il a suivi l’évolution des enfants et a commencé à remarquer un lien intéressant : les enfants qui n’avaient pas pu attendre ont eu plus tard des difficultés et plus de problèmes de comportement, alors que ceux qui avaient attendu étaient plus positifs et plus motivés, avaient de meilleures notes et de meilleurs revenus et des relations plus saines.
Ce qui avait commencé comme une simple expérience sur des enfants et des guimauves est devenu une étude fondatrice suggérant que la capacité d’attendre, d’être patient, était un trait de caractère crucial qui pouvait annoncer une réussite ultérieure dans la vie.
Attendre peut être difficile. Les enfants le savent ; les adultes aussi. Nous vivons dans un monde qui offre restauration rapide, messagerie instantanée, films à la demande et réponses immédiates aux questions les plus insignifiantes ou les plus profondes. Nous n’aimons pas attendre. Il y a même des gens dont la tension sanguine monte quand leur file à la caisse de l’épicerie avance moins vite que celles d’à côté.
La patience, la capacité de mettre nos désirs sur pause pour un moment, est une vertu rare et précieuse. Nous voulons ce que nous voulons et nous le voulons maintenant. Alors, la simple idée de patience peut paraître désagréable et, parfois, agaçante.
Pourtant, sans la patience, nous ne pouvons pas plaire à Dieu, nous ne pouvons pas devenir parfaits. En effet, la patience est un processus purificateur qui affine l’intelligence, concentre les actions, rend plus heureux et procure un espoir de paix.
Nous, les parents, nous savons combien il serait malavisé d’accorder à nos enfants tout ce qu’ils désirent. Mais les enfants ne sont pas les seuls qui se gâtent quand on leur accorde immédiatement ce qui leur fait plaisir. Notre Père céleste sait ce que les bons parents comprennent avec le temps : pour que les enfants mûrissent et atteignent leur potentiel, ils doivent apprendre à attendre….
…Me refiero a la solitaria tarea del Salvador de llevar Él solo la carga de nuestra salvación. Con toda razón Él diría: “He pisado yo solo el lagar, y de los pueblos nadie había conmigo… Miré, y no había quien ayudara, y me maravillé que no hubiera quien [me] sustentase”.
…Sabemos que en las Escrituras dice que la llegada mesiánica de Jesús a Jerusalén el domingo antes de la Pascua, un día que equivale directamente a la mañana de hoy, fue un gran momento público, pero el entusiasmo por seguir caminando con Él empezaría a disminuir rápidamente.
Poco después, Él fue llevado ante los líderes israelitas de aquella época, primero Anás, el antiguo sumo sacerdote, y luego Caifás, el sumo sacerdote de esos días. En su prisa por juzgarlo, esos hombres y sus concilios declararon su veredicto con rapidez e ira: “¿Qué más necesidad tenemos de testigos?”, exclamaron. “¡Es [digno] de muerte!”.
…Después de la Última Cena, Jesús dejó a Pedro, a Jacobo y a Juan esperando mientras Él se fue solo al Jardín de Getsemaní. Postrándose sobre su rostro en oración, “triste… hasta la muerte”, dice el registro, Su sudor era como grandes gotas de sangre mientras le suplicaba al Padre que pasara de Él esa copa abrumadora y atroz. Pero, ciertamente, no pasaría. Al regresar de aquella angustiosa oración, encontró dormidos a Sus tres discípulos principales, lo que lo indujo a preguntar: “¿Así que no habéis podido velar conmigo una hora?”. Esto ocurrió dos veces más hasta que a la tercera Él dice con compasión: “Dormid ya, y descansad”, a pesar de que para Él no habría descanso.
Más tarde, después de que Jesús fue arrestado y presentado ante el tribunal, Pedro, a quien se acusó de conocer a Jesús y de ser uno de Sus confidentes, niega esa acusación no sólo una, sino tres veces. No sabemos todo lo que estaba sucediendo allí, y tampoco sabemos si el Salvador les haya dado a Sus apóstoles, en privado, algún consejo para que se protegieran, pero sí sabemos que Jesús era consciente de que ni siquiera esos seres tan queridos estarían con Él hasta el final, de lo cual ya le había advertido a Pedro. Entonces, al cantar el gallo, “vuelto el Señor, miró a Pedro; y Pedro se acordó de la palabra del Señor… Y [él], saliendo fuera, lloró amargamente”.
Fue así que, por necesidad divina, el círculo de apoyo alrededor de Jesús se hace más y más pequeño, dando un significado al corto versículo de Mateo: “…todos los discípulos, dejándole, huyeron”. Pedro permaneció lo suficientemente cerca como para que se le reconociera y confrontara; Juan permaneció al pie de la cruz con la madre de Jesús. En especial y como siempre, las benditas mujeres en la vida del Salvador permanecieron tan cerca de Él como pudieron; pero básicamente, Su solitaria jornada de regreso a Su Padre siguió sin consuelo ni compañía.
Ahora hablo con sumo cuidado, incluso con reverencia, de lo que tal vez haya sido el momento más difícil de todos en esta solitaria jornada hacia la Expiación. Me refiero a esos momentos finales para los cuales Jesús debió haber estado preparado intelectual y físicamente, pero para los que quizás no haya estado preparado emocional ni espiritualmente, aquel descenso final hacia la paralizante desesperación de sentir que Dios lo había desamparado, cuando exclama en suprema soledad: “Dios mío, Dios mío, ¿por qué me has desamparado?”.
Él había previsto la pérdida del apoyo de seres mortales, pero ciertamente no había comprendido este último. ¿Acaso Él no había dicho a Sus discípulos: “He aquí, la hora… ha venido ya, en que seréis esparcidos cada uno por su lado, y me dejaréis solo; mas no estoy solo, porque el Padre está conmigo” y “…no me ha dejado solo el Padre, porque yo hago siempre lo que le agrada”?
Con toda la convicción de mi alma, testifico que Él sí complació perfectamente a Su Padre, y que un Padre perfecto no desamparó a Su Hijo en ese momento. De hecho, mi creencia personal es que durante todo el ministerio terrenal de Cristo, posiblemente el Padre nunca haya estado más cerca de Su Hijo que en esos últimos momentos de angustioso sufrimiento. No obstante, a fin de que el sacrificio supremo de Su Hijo fuera igualmente completo como lo fue voluntario y solitario, el Padre retiró brevemente de Jesús el consuelo de Su Espíritu, el apoyo de Su presencia personal. Fue necesario; de hecho, fue fundamental para la trascendencia de la Expiación que este Hijo perfecto que nunca había dicho ni hecho nada malo, ni había tocado cosa inmunda, supiese cómo se sentiría el resto de la humanidad, o sea nosotros, todos nosotros, cuando cometiera esos pecados. Para que Su expiación fuese infinita y eterna, Él tenía que sentir lo que era morir no sólo física sino espiritualmente, sentir lo que era el alejamiento del Espíritu divino, al dejar que la persona se sintiera total, vil y completamente sola.
Pero Jesús perseveró y siguió adelante. Lo bueno en Él permitió que la fe triunfara en un estado de completa angustia. La confianza que guiaba Su vida le indicaba, a pesar de Sus sentimientos, que la compasión divina nunca se ausenta, que Dios es siempre fiel, que Él nunca huye ni nos falla. Cuando se hubo pagado hasta el último centavo, cuando la determinación de Cristo de ser fiel se manifestó de manera tan evidente como absolutamente invencible, por fin y piadosamente, el sufrimiento “consumado” fue. A pesar de tenerlo todo en su contra y sin nadie que lo ayudara ni apoyara, Jesús de Nazaret, el Hijo viviente del Dios viviente, restauró la vida física donde la muerte había prevalecido, y trajo gloriosa redención espiritual tras horrenda obscuridad y desesperación. Con fe en el Dios que Él sabía que estaba allí, pudo decir triunfante: “Padre, en tus manos encomiendo mi espíritu”.
Hermanos y hermanas, uno de los grandes consuelos de esta época de Pascua de Resurrección es que debido a que Jesús caminó totalmente solo por el largo y solitario sendero, nosotros no tenemos que hacerlo. Su solitaria jornada proporciona una compañía excelente para la corta versión de nuestro sendero: el misericordioso cuidado de nuestro Padre Celestial, la infalible compañía de este Hijo Amado, el excelente don del Espíritu Santo, los ángeles del cielo, familiares a ambos lados del velo, profetas y apóstoles, maestros, líderes y amigos. Se nos han dado todos estos compañeros y más para nuestra jornada terrenal por medio de la expiación de Jesucristo y de la restauración de Su evangelio. La verdad que se pregonó desde la cima del Calvario es que nunca estaremos solos ni sin ayuda, aunque a veces pensemos que lo estamos. Ciertamente, el Redentor de todos nosotros dijo: “No os dejaré huérfanos. [Mi Padre y yo] vendr[emos] a vosotros [y moraremos con vosotros]”…
Este é mais um video da series Mórmons - De um modo simples: As reuniões dominicais da Igreja Mórmon.
As reuniões dominicais da igreja tem a duração de três horas, divididas em três blocos. A principal reunião é a reunião sacramental e ocorre em uma capela. Quando você entra em uma capela é possível que receba um pequeno programa que contem detalhes da reunião daquele dia. Escolha um lugar e sente-se onde desejar e não se esqueça de desligar seu telefone celular. A reunião sacramental leva um pouco mais de uma hora e segue o seguinte padrão:
Primeiramente o bispo inicia a reunião dando boas vindas a todos e faz alguns anúncios, em seguida a congregação canta um hino. Você poderá encontrar um livro de hinos no suporte a sua frente, sinta-se livre para cantar ou somente escutar. A seguir uma oração de abertura é oferecida, durante a oração os membros da congregação permanecem sentados, abaixam suas cabeças e fecham seus olhos, ao final da oração a congregação diz “amém”.
Depois da oração alguns assuntos da igreja são tratados, algumas vezes é pedido à congregação a votar nos assuntos da igreja, você não precisa erguer a sua mão. Então outro hino é cantado e o sacramento é abençoado e distribuído. O sacramento é o acontecimento principal das reuniões dominicais, ele é constituído de pão e água que é distribuído à congregação em lembrança de Cristo.
Como visitante não é esperado que você participe do sacramento, somente passe a bandeja para a pessoa próxima a você. O sacramento é um tempo reservado para as pessoas pensarem em Cristo, então geralmente é a parte mais silenciosa da reunião. Após o sacramento alguns pequenos discursos ou sermões são apresentados por membros da congregação, oradores frequentemente leêm as escrituras ou citações de líderes da igreja, quando os discursos terminam se canta outro hino e uma oração de encerramento é oferecida.
Após a reunião sacramental começa a escola dominical, crianças, jovens e adultos são divididos em classes. Visitantes geralmente assistem à aula de Princípios do Evangelho, onde doutrinas básicas são ensinadas. Se desejar ficar para a Escola Dominical pergunte a alguém para qual classe deve se dirigir, eles ficaram felizes em lhe ajudar.
Depois da Escola Dominical, temos as aulas do Sacerdócio para os homens e a Sociedade de Socorro para as mulheres. É assim que acontece.
Agora, tem algumas coisas a mais que você deve saber, o traje padrão usado nas reuniões da igreja é o traje dominical comum, as mulheres usam vestido ou saia e os homens usam calça social, camisa e gravata.
Os mórmons acreditam que as famílias devem ir juntas para a igreja, então crianças pequenas estão sempre presentes nas reuniões sacramentais, por isso visitantes podem achar que a reunião não é tão silenciosa como em outras igrejas. Sacolinhas de doações não são passados nas reuniões de domingo. Você não precisa fazer nada ao participar de uma reunião sacramental, então pode se sentar, relaxar e desfrutar, não será pedido a você que repita qualquer coisa, ajoelhe-se, fique de pé ou grite aleluia durante a reunião. A única coisa que você poderá fazer, se desejar, é dizer “amém” depois das orações e discursos.
Ok! Agora que você sabe o que esperar. Há mais uma coisa que você deve fazer, encontrar uma igreja mórmon próxima de você. A maneira mais fácil de fazê-lo é visitar o site maps.lds.org preencha o seu endereço e clique em procurar, o site vai mostrar a você uma lista com as capelas mais próximas e os horários das reuniões. Com mais de 27.000 congregações ao redor do mundo, é possível que você encontre alguma próxima de você.
For Family Home Evening on Monday, May 3, please have your family watch Elder Jeffrey R. Holland bearing testimony of the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon.
Not only will it be inspirational, but if all reachable members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints would watch it on YouTube on that day, the video could potentially be promoted to the YouTube home page, based on volume of views. 11 million people go to the home page of YouTube every day and click on the videos there.
A VERY SPECIAL MOTHER’S DAY WEEK PROMOTION FOR THE LAUNCH OF “AWAKENING AVERY”
and complicated man. As they step into one another’s messy, complex worlds, they begin an email correspondence that leads to a summer of spiritual and emotional re-awakening for both families . . . and particularly for Avery.
A big congratulations to all the winners! And a VERY happy Mother’s Day coming up to everyone!!
