Mormon Bloggers

Let’s see where was I….Oh yes the redneck van. Here’s a pic.My brother in law, “the fisherman”, said “You know, it blends in real well, you don’t even notice it!” Such a funny man. I went from Tropic to Cedar City that way, scared to rest my arm on the door for fear the door would fly open. It didn’t fortunately.Unfortunately, I lost sight of my hubby and the fisherman behind me after a few

As my 120 mile challengers know, today marks a “mile”stone (pun intended) of our race to the finish.  We should hit the big 40 mile mark today!  That may sound a little easy to some of you, but to those of us who have been working on it all month, know that to normal Janes and Joes like us, it has been quite the challenge to get out and get those miles!

So to mark and celebrate our success, this Friday there are going to be some prizes given out to a few of our goal meeting challengers!  Jealous?  Just a little?  Well, you should have signed up for the challenge then!!

I am mostly going to keep the prizes a secret, but I will spill the beans and let you in on one of the giveaways.

As some of you know, in the past I have done several giveaways for CSN products and sites.  They have over 200 online stores chuck full of thousands of items ranging from dining room sets and clothes and shoes to toys and even fitness equipment!

On Friday, one of my challengers who mets the 40 mile mark is going to get an $80 gift certificate to use on any of CSN’s sites!!

Good Luck everyone!  And don’t forget to pop in on Friday and see our challenge updates and who won what!

With all the political chatter recently, Fathers Day 2010 slipped past without so much as a whisper from me, but there were some thoughts I captured four years ago that are worth preserving here.  The following is taken from my journal of that day:

On Sunday morning, Father’s Day, 2006, I awoke with three distinct “bullet points” for my upcoming talk about service in the Woodland Ward that day. In the mercy of the Lord, and yet another demonstration of the marvelous economy of the Spirit, it seemed a personal message to me in addition to forming the foundation for what I was to say in my talk.

Here are the three points, lest they be forgotten:

1. Do not fear the hike up the mountain of preparation.
2. Embrace the Abrahamic tests in your life.
3. Accept the invitation to come in at the front gate of the church of the Firstborn.

Having just finished that fabulous book about Abraham, The Blessings of Abraham, by E. Douglas Clark, I suppose my reading must have laid the foundation for my talk — all I got early in the morning was the outline.  It was left to me to fill in the detail around those three points.  (That’s not a misprint on the price, but it’s worth every penny, trust me).

I began by expressing the wish to elevate our thinking about service. I suggested that no one is opposed to the notion that service is a desirable trait for all disciples to have. I started discussing Abraham’s preparations for answering the call to be prepared for the complete consecration of his life by answering the call to go to the land of Moriah to a mountain he was told he would be shown to sacrifice his only son.

It was a three day journey. He began immediately to make the preparations, and he did as he was told to do — cut the wood for the pier upon which Isaac was to be offered.

Imagine the thoughts that went through his mind on that three day journey. Imagine what Isaac was thinking. What is unknown from the account in Genesis is what Sarah was thinking. Imagine that faith on the part of all three! Because he knew God was in it, he did not hesitate.

He was led by the Spirit to Mount Moriah (what is today known in Jerusalem as the Temple Mount where the Dome of the Rock now sits). His preparation and his willingness to carry out the required sacrifice is what tested him to the limit.

Joseph Smith once said if there had been a more severe test God could have devised to thoroughly try the heart of Abraham, God would have given Abraham that test instead. The whole idea of Abrahamic tests in our lives is to test the depth of our commitment to God — to infuse us with the desire to consecrate our lives to God’s work.

In order to serve our fellowmen, it would seem, each of us must bow to the demands of consecration — the sacrifice of all earthly things and desire.  Simultaneously, we are offering the only thing to God that is truly ours to give — our free will.

These are high and holy objectives, even “dangerous doctrines” in the eyes of some. But that was the example Abraham set before us as aspiring disciples.

Then I suggested each of us would have similar tests if we sought fellowship with the saints of former ages. How would you feel if invited to sit down to dinner one night with luminaries like Noah, Abraham, Melchizedek, Alma, Paul, Elijah, and others like them if in your own right you had not been willing to offer the same commitment they demonstrated? To think we would someday inherit an equal portion with them without a similar measure of sacrifice would be haughty indeed! I can’t imagine meeting Paul someday in the realms ahead, but when I do I want to be able to look him in the eye, shake his hand, and feel adequate.  That’s all.  And I realize only the atonement of Christ can level that playing field for me. 

I know I’m not even a freckle on Paul’s nose, but through Christ and His sanctifying blood I want to at least be able to hug him without being embarrassed at my lack.

When those Abrahamic tests come to each of us (and surely they do), I suggested rather than blame God for our hardships and trials, we must embrace the chastening and accept the tutorial as a gift from God to help reveal ourselves to ourselves. Finding God in the fiery furnace is what it appears to be all about.

To conclude, I suggested that fellowship in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, begins at the gate of baptism. Fellowship in the church of the Firstborn, however, is outlined in D&C 76, and is found beyond the gates of the temple within in the covenants we make there.

Many come in at the gate to the outward Church (capital “C”), but few seem to find the fellowship of the inward church (lower case “c”) outlined in the revelations.

Like these outward ordinances God offers to us with a promise of someday obtaining as joint heirs with Christ all that He possesses, too many members of the Church conclude that nominal membership in the Church is all there is, never looking beyond and deeper into what can only be termed as the “mysteries of godliness,” which I feel I am just beginning to understand in part (I’m slow).

I suggested there is a church within a Church we must each discover by doing the works of Abraham, embracing his example and following the same path he laid out for us. Abraham and Sarah represent the path of true discipleship in modeling concern, service and lovingkindness for all our Father in Heaven’s children. This awareness is anchored in humility, kindness and love for others.

I remembered that years ago during the time of President Lee, President Kimball and President Benson, the prophets used to answer the reporters’ questions about why the Church wasn’t doing more to lift the burdens of the millions around the earth who were suffering with expressions that we simply didn’t have the resources to do as much as we would like, although we would do more if we had the resources. Now we do.

I concluded with these inspired words from President Hinckley:

“In the last ten years we have supplied in cash and commodities hundreds of millions of dollars in humanitarian aid to those not of our faith.
“We have traveled the earth bearing witness of this, the work of the Almighty. During these same years I personally have traveled nearly a million miles visiting some 70 countries. My beloved companion traveled with me until a year ago when she passed away on the 6th of April. It has been lonely since then.
“Our hope concerning the future is great and our faith is strong.
“We know that we have scarcely scratched the surface of that which will come to pass in the years that lie ahead.” (Ensign, May 2005, 4).

When it comes to service, we have barely begun as a Church and individuals to do the works of Abraham. We must enlist all “our substance” (as King Benjamin described it — not just money) but everything we have and are, or ever will have or be, to fulfill that ideal to truly consecrate our lives for the building up of the kingdom of God on earth and for the establishment of Zion.

I don’t know if anyone else in the audience learned anything in that talk, but I know the Lord certainly enlarged and expanded my vision.

On another occasion, President Hinckley reminded us: “We must reach out to all mankind. They are all sons and daughters of God our Eternal Father, and He will hold us accountable for what we do concerning them. . . May we bless humanity with an outreach to all, lifting those who are downtrodden and oppressed, feeding and clothing the hungry and the needy, extending love and neighborliness to those about us who may not be part of this Church.” (Ensign, November 2001, 6).

I concluded by testifying there is a living prophet among us. He is no small thinker, this man Gordon B. Hinckley. Indeed, he is a man like Abraham, and we can do no less if we would claim our own place with them in the church of the Firstborn. As “firstborns” in the church of THE Firstborn, only by doing the works of Abraham will we claim our rightful place as a joint heir with Jesus Christ, the Firstborn Son, inheriting all that the Father hath.

Now that he’s gone, I could easily say the same of his successor, President Thomas S. Monson, whose example of Christian service and love for his fellowmen knows no boundaries.  Said he recently:

“I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish — and in effect save their lives.”  (“What Have I Done For Someone Today?”, Ensign, November 2009, 84-87).

And yes, these are all thoughts beyond my feeble attempts to understand or adequately explain, underscoring the source of it all.

I have always loved the words of Nephi.  Some have called it “the psalm of Nephi:”

“My soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard,” Nephi stated. (2 Nephi 4:16).

And yet, as all of us have sinned and “come short of the glory of God,” (see Romans 3:23) Nephi, too, explored those feelings:

“Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily best me. And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.” (2 Nephi 4:17-19).

Through all of the trials and tribulations Nephi had been through, he had come to know the Lord. “And having seen many afflictions in the course of my days, nevertheless, having been highly favored of the Lord in all my days; yea, having had a great knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God…”

Nephi truly does know the Lord. He has seen him (2 Nephi 11:2,3). He has been taught by angels many times. He has been supported and strengthened by the Lord through the terrible ordeal of the wilderness crossing and the ocean voyage to the Promised Land.

I have always wondered how I could possibly be weighed in the balance with Paul and Nephi and not found wanting.  Then I have remembered, “Nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.”

 

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This is the fourth of a five-part series on the mysteries and realities of the AP English Language Exam and its grading process. For more on the marathon that is AP exam grading, see Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, and Part 5 (coming soon).

During a week in Louisville, I spent 53 hours reading student essays that were recorded in illegible scrawls requiring intense eyestrain to decipher. During that time, I graded more than 2,000 exams, spending a little less than a minute on each essay. I quickly grew tired of reading about Jon Stewart, Wanda Sykes, Chris Rock, Larry the Cable Guy, Tina Fey, and a slew of humorists I had never heard of before my arrival in Louisville. The only thing that pulled me through this slog of essays was the occasional gem in the rough, an essay whose unintentional comedy would lead to laughter. Let me share with you the last of these gems which students thought would impress exam readers:

The following are excerpts from actual exams; each excerpt is in italics, with my commentary in normal typeface.

• I think that humorists are to entertain and nothing else. If they were trying to send a message, wouldn’t they get a reply?

• Because television hosts like Stewart and Colbert are seen by millions, they know what they’re talking about. Sure—and because the National Enquirer is read by millions, I believe that aliens have abducted Britney Spears.
• Glenn Beck is a giant jerk.
• If he hear me tell a joke like that, he slap me faster than two jiggles of a jackrabbit’s ass. HUH?
• My brother and I are demon hunters who drive around the country in our 1967 Impala fighting the forces of evil. You know, suddenly the National Enquirer is looking a lot more credible.
• There are those who don’t like comedians because they take offense and one should not be so touch-e. You know what? Touché.
• There’s songs out that reveal people are devil worshippers. What is it with the demons and devils? Were these students possessed?
• For example, “Mary! Mary! How does your garden grow, filled with trash and gum wads.” This portrays how her sidewalks are filled litter. Dude—quit forcing Captain Planet onto Mother Goose!
• In my lifetime I have lived in a family of foolish people. Which explains you.
• Once a stand up comic such as Adam Sandler expressed the fact of him never being able to make a woman orgasim this put many people to understand that ‘your not alone.’ (Shaking head)
• Like a political cartoon on Obama that had mooses and elephants to represent the Republican and Democrat Party. Donkeys—Elephants and donkeys. And the plural is moose.
• But my favorite: Comedians point out the ugly truth so that even the airhead bimbo who wrote a similar paper to the one your reading now can understand the subliminal message. Their ability to humorously attack the wishy-washy statements of government without getting pimpslapped by federal agents is what makes humor’s role in society extremely vital. Now you’re talking—students who are bimbos writing about comedians getting pimpslapped—that’s more like academic discourse!

For more, see Part 3: Assimilation, or Part 5: Sample Essays (coming soon)!

“For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.” Doctrine & Covenants 25: 12

The blessings stemming from David singing Be Still My Soul have been so abundant that I believe this song has had Imagine-like impact for people. I only hope David received the same abundant blessings from singing it. Personally, I was overcome as I felt for the first time what the lyrics might mean to David and what they have meant to him in the past. His courage to sing this as a personal expression of his testimony in God, even while being vulnerable in sharing his feelings this way, are what make us love him and what keep us on the journey with him. “Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last.”

I have been blessed as I have willingly immersed myself in the aftermath of the song among fans. My email, direct message box, phone calls, comments on blogs, YouTube  and other communications have been filled with wonderful stories about the impact of the song. However it works, however it happened, David singing this song was not a coincidence. I imagine he may have had one of those conversations with God, who knows all, and felt inspired to sing it. “Leave to they God to order and provide; In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.”

Starting with ‘poof’s quote on my previous post and some of your comments there (some of which I repeat here), I have gathered only 10 of my favorite experiences and thoughts. (Thanks to those who shared and for allowing me to share). Feel free to add yours in comments! “All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.”

Blessings

#1: “Upon hearing David sing this song at Rexburg, a flood of emotions came over me as I recalled once again my baptism and my journey to that very special day in my life. The tears flowed even as I listened to him sing it via cell cast. Then, the next day upon watching him sing was like being taken on a journey with David as I could feel and ‘see’ his complete devotion and love for our Lord and Savior. When he sings that last line . . . ‘Be still my soul: When change and tears are past, All safe and blessed till we shall meet at last’ . . . is like his personal testimony to the world that Jesus lives, that He loves us all, He’s always by our side, and one day soon we will be with Him forever. ‘Take my hand, and join us….and the world will live as one’……. How can anyone listen to him sing that line he added to ‘Imagine’ and not break into tears?  How can anyone listen to him sing ’till we shall meet at last’ and not break into tears?

My hope is that David understands many people . . . not LDS . . . Christians and . . .  non-Christians are moved by him singing these spiritual songs. My hope is that he would include a spiritual song in all his shows. Elvis did it, why not David???  My dad said . . . ‘not even Elvis had what David has.’  [I] didn’t know what my dad really meant when he said that over two years ago, but I do now. . . My dad felt ‘it’ . . . he saw ‘it’ in David . . . and what was ‘it’ . . . IT is the Spirit . . .that’s what we are all feeling when David sings . . .  and the spirit is very strong.”

#2: “I  can’t think of anything that compares to David singing something spiritual. For me SLC, Christmas From the Heart the first night is still with me, and some of the songs on the album bring me right back to that place:  Silent Night, The First Noel, Oh Holy Night. Be Still My Soul was very much like that.  Truly there is nothing more magical, spiritual, or emotional than David and any one of those songs. It’s the closest I’ve ever been to the Spirit, to God, to anything religious. A childhood of Catholic upbringing pales in comparison to what this young man has lived, shown, sung about, emoted, (running out of words here . . ), through his music. It’s an instantaneous connection, one that comes through him with ease, without strings attached and is yours for the taking. It’s a true gift, and David is the messenger.”

#3: “I have known for a long time,  probably since the beginning of this David Fandamonium that David was sent to do the Lord’s work for him. I knew it when I heard him sing each song on AI as if he had stayed up all night the night before writing the lyrics so that each message was translated.  I knew it the first time I saw David “live” rise through the smoke onto a stage and sing Angels with the most powerful voice I had ever heard. I knew it the first time I saw David give the most endearing hug and put his head on the shoulder of a young girl who was handicapped at a VIP. I started to realize it more and more when he was sending so many beautiful people into my life that I now consider family while expecting nothing in return. How could it be that this one beautiful voice. . . beautiful spirit. . . beautiful soul give so much to so many without expecting a thing in return? The only conclusion is that David is serving the Lord by helping to do his work and translate his message.

When David sang Be Still My Soul standing on stage before his fans he was spreading His message and speaking as a Servant of the Lord. The Spirit was with all of us that night, those that were there in person and those that somehow just listened from afar. We were brought together as one that night. With every tear in his eye, with every crack in his voice, with every beautiful powerful note I felt the Spirit. This was just another confirmation for me that David knows exactly what his purpose in this world is and he knows how powerful his “Gift” truly is. For those 5 incredible minutes I was brought to tears and to my knees by listening to the Lord through David’s voice. It was a gift that only David could give. It was a gift I could never repay. It was a gift that I’ll never forget.”

#4: “I wish I could explain how much he helped me by singing that song right then. It felt like a literal object coming towards me and filling up the hole in my heart that was there this week. I’d been having such trouble finding my usual peace through praying because  the worry or sadness or stress was overwhelming me. He gave me my peace back. How does a 19 year old do that? He is an angel among us. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.

It is definitely a gift-one that I didn’t even know I needed until I got it. . . .  It’s not the song or David that made that feeling happen, it was the combination of both. I knew in my head that he was a vessel for God to speak to us but I’ve never felt that as literally as I did in that moment. I have been thinking and thinking about how to express it since Saturday and I still can’t quite do it. . . I can’t think of anyone who deserves to feel that same peace that he provided for us that night than him.

All this time later, I still feel like I am in an almost other-wordly state – that’s the best way I can describe it.  I haven’t even watched any videos of the performance . . .  but all I have to do is think about it and I immediately feel the same physical sensation I felt that night – it is literally like having my body filled up with calm and peace like water pouring into a glass.  You’d think David didn’t even sing any other songs that night because that is the only one I can remember.

I’ve heard him sing a little part of the song live twice before Rexburg . . . , never the whole thing, and those times were very moving as well.  But Rexburg was just so different.  He had such a purpose about him before he began, almost like he knew what was going to happen afterwards.  I don’t see how anyone could have left that show not thinking he was singing directly to them like I did.  I keep wondering if he has the same amazing feeling that he gives off while singing the song.  I hope so. . .  I don’t think hearing anyone else sing that song would have had the same impact so it’s just a reminder of how special David really is.”

#6: “David’s performance of Be Still My Soul was very moving.  Exceptionally moving.  It was one of the most moving performances he’s ever given, certainly, because it was clearly such a personal moment for him.  I can’t even imagine what it must have been like to be in that concert hall and experience it.  I sometimes don’t think people who are LDS and devout and accustomed to experiencing similar events realize how brave and courageous such a performance appears to those with different life experiences.  For me, that is what has always made David heroic, even though he’s not trying to be–his total adherence to self.  His willingness to let fans share in that moment with him really does inspire them (us) to be more courageous in our own relationships with God.  He demonstrates that you can make God and spirituality a part of your daily life, even your work or craft–it’s not just something to compartmentalize and check off the to do list on fridge.  I do sort of feel sorry for people so blocked off by their assumptions about David that they can’t find him inspiring.  I’m just happy I get it as much as I do.  And I’m thankful.”

#7: “How someone, yet so young, can touch so many is overwhelming but we know why, don’t we . . .he is truly filled with God’s love and spirit.  David truly blesses us every day.

I love counted cross stitching and I began to want to make something special for David and his family and decided to

stitch a picture [with the words to Be Still My Soul and a picture of the Salt Lake Temple].  Wondering what an 18 yr old would do with such a gift didn’t deter me from making this for David. Immediately after the end of [the Rexburg] concert, my daughter. . . called to see if I could hear the cellcast.  She could hardly talk, so overcome after David’s 2 encores and I could barely talk, in disbelief that David sang Be Still, My Soul, thinking of my picture.   [My daughter] hurried over to get another book signed.  She asked David if he remembered receiving a picture of the hymn and she could tell by his expression, etc. that he did. He kept saying, “Yes” and, when [my daughter] told him that it was her mom who made that for him, he said to tell me ‘Thank You.’

Of course, we’ve sung this hymn for years but, because of David, it now means so very much to so many people all over the world.  When [another fan's] husband passed away a few months ago and they did an e-card, I suggested that she watch the Fireside video of David singing the hymn.  If David would close every concert with this hymn or any hymn, it would be fine with me but, of course, this can’t and won’t happen.  I just pray I live long enough to see
him make a gospel album some day.”

Be Still, My Soul

#8: “When I shared with my husband on Sunday, he teared up just from my description. I told him it was worth the whole trip just for that song. My dream has come true: I’ve heard David sing a hymn live. I have heard his voice and felt the Spirit fill an auditorium, wrapping us in peace and joy. Oh how I wanted that moment to last forever . . . How can we ever thank him for giving us that gift? Words are inadequate.”

#9: “How I loved hearing him sing Be Still My Soul. It was a mixed bag of feelings for me. In January of this year, my 23 yr old nephew passed away unexpectedly. He was the youngest son of my sister. She and this son were so very close. She asked my sisters and I to sing at his funeral and we decided on Be Still My Soul because it was one of his favorite songs. When I heard David singing it so sweetly and with so much love, tears fell freely as it brought back those tender moments at the funeral. I wished my sister could have been in Rexburg to hear David sing. She is having a rough time with her sons passing even though she knows he is where he needs to be now and she will see him again.

As David was singing I felt that I had to send her the link to the video . . . She said that his beautiful voice singing that song brought her to tears. . . She thanked me for bringing her a piece of heaven and that it helped lift her spirits.”

#10: “You [said] . . . “Be Still My Soul means a lot to a lot of people. It pops up at the right time and when it is needed and I’m sure it will again.” This is so true . . . It appeared last Saturday right when I needed it, right after finding out my brother took his own life. Somehow, comfort comes when you need it. . . I don’t mind at all if you share my story, because there is something going on with David’s Spirit connection that heals people.”

OK, #11: “I did not think I could cry anymore over Be Still My Soul than I already have. That is until I listen again and the tears just flow. What amazes me is the feeling that David put into the song, the Love is so profound that it pours forth from him and envelops those anywhere nearby who happens to listen with their heart. It matters not that they are in his presence they just need to listen. How much can one soul find love for one another? I don’t know but it seems like David has. I am forever grateful to be able to hear, for it means I get to feel what Heavenly Father through David wants us to feel.”

This just forwarded to me: A brand new fan says: “I have to conclude that David is just somehow special, that beautiful voice just makes God seemingly that much closer, and it kind of powers over all other senses of reasoning, to not be a fan.”

This is the best summary I’ve seen about what’s actually in this bill.

It comes from Congressman Tom Price (R-GA).

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Follow the link below to watch this interesting video produced by CNBC about the influence of a Mormon Mission on future business leaders.

Mormon Mission Biz – CNBC.com.

For Mormons, religion has a huge influence on how they conduct business.  A belief in the Mormon faith impacts relationships with employees, business partners, and competitors.  It influences the manner in which they handle leadership, power, and their personal wealth.

On a smaller scale, the organization of a ward (local unit of the Mormon Church) can be compared to a business. The two main differences between a business and a local unit of the Church are the purpose of the organization (to make money versus improving the spiritual life of members) and the fact that in the Church people are all volunteers.

If we keep this clear in our mind, however, we can try to compare the organization of a local unit of the Mormon Church to a small business.

For example, we could compare the bishop to a CEO (but a very good one, one who care for the people and not only of the “bottom line”). In fact, a Mormon bishop cares for the people in his congregation, listens to their concerns, gains a personal relationship, allocates positions, and oversees the operation of the ward.

The ward members also hold various positions of leadership within the congregation, and do their various tasks under the supervision of the bishop.  In most cases, wards operate smoothly and successfully.  Although ward members have different backgrounds and hold differing opinions, they are able to join together for a common purpose, to worship Christ and serve man. Because a spirit of service and respect is alive in a ward, people feel appreciated and motivated to work harder in their calling.

Mormon wards have performed acts of service throughout their church, communities, and the world because they are passionate about what they are doing and a spirit of good will is manifested.  It is no wonder why people who grow up active in the church are finding success in running businesses.  Throughout a Mormon’s lifetime, he or she will be called to serve in a variety of callings. They will work with children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly. They gain experience working with people of all ages, background, and different challenges.    Many CEOs simply adopt the set-up of a Mormon ward and use it for a model to run their business.

Here is a link for my facebook friends. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90CdxJO0GWc