Calahan Family

our sacrament meeting talks

2012-01-22T15:40:00.000-08:00

Today Janel and I spoke in Sacrament Meeting in our new ward. Janel spoke on You Matter to Him and I spoke on The Power of Scripture.

Here is Janel's talk:

You Matter to Him

Good morning brothers and sisters, my name is Janel Calahan, but I started out as a Zink. In the summer of 1994, during the height of country line dancing, I went out with my sister and cousin. We met a group of military police, stationed in California, who had been given a four month long task of “baby sitting” a road construction crew on a secure portion of Tooele Army Depot. The first time I danced with Josh he asked me if I was a Mormon, after I answered “yes” he asked me “if I would teach him about the Mormons”. I remember thinking to myself, well he has been in town just long enough to know what kind of pick up lines worked best around here. He started missionary discussions within a few weeks, and I quickly learned he was sincere in his desire to learn about the Mormons. My dad baptized him less than two months later.

Lucky for us my dad had joined the church while in the Navy, so he understood the challenges of being a convert in the military. With my parents blessing, we got married and I headed out to California to be with him. We were sealed in the Salt Lake temple a year after Josh’s baptism. We have two kids, Charley is 16, and was born in Reno, Nevada. Kari is 14 and was born in Honolulu, Hi..

After the Army, we moved to Josh’s home town in Shelbyville, Tn.. It’s a rural community, 50 miles south of Nashville. For those of you are familiar with horses, it is known as the Walking Horse capitol of the world. But if I really want impress people I tell them it is where they make Sharpies. We lived out in the country on 5 acres, our yard was full of deer, bobcats, possum, blue jays, and my favorite, - cardinals. My kids grew up chasing fireflies in the summer and praying for snow to cover the green in the winter. We were members of a small close knit branch that comprised of an entire county. It took 30 minutes to get to most of our friends homes. I could have been happy on our hill forever, if it had been close to my family. After 13 years in Tennessee, Josh finally decided it was time to bring me home. It quickly became obvious that it was Heavenly Fathers plan and not just ours, as all the details of our life involving Josh’s employment, school, and selling our home, lined up faster than we could keep up. We couldn’t be happier to be here, and are looking forward to getting to know all of you.

In chapter 8:3-6, the Psalmist asked:
“When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained;
What is man that thou art mindful of him?
For thou hast crowned him with glory and honour.
Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet.”

The answer to this question is so important that it taught by God himself and through angels sent by him. It was taught to Adam and Eve in the very beginning. It has been taught in every dispensation to prophets. These prophets have borne testimony of the truth revealed to them, and through the Holy Ghost we too may come to know who and what man is.

Moses stood in the presence of God and spoke to him face to face. In Moses Chapter 1 we read - God spake unto Moses saying: Behold, I am the Lord God Almighty, and Endless is my name; for I am without beginning or days or end of years.. And behold, thou art my son.
During the meeting God showed Moses the workmanship of his hands, granting him a glimpse of his work and his glory. God also repeatedly calls Moses “my son”. When the visitation ended Moses fell to the earth for the space of many hours. When he regained his strength, he said “I know that man is nothing”.

Satan did not waste any time in his attempts to confuse Moses. He begins by calling Moses “son of man”. Every time I read this, I ponder his choice of words. There is no doubt that Satan’s words were chosen carefully. He has much to gain in his influence over those he can mislead into seeing themselves merely as “sons and daughters of man”.

We are dual beings, a living soul, composed of a body of spirit and a physical body. Our spirits existed in a pre-mortal life long before this earth was created.
D&C 76:24 states That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.

In our last General Conference, President Uchtdorf said “And while we may look at the vast expanse of the universe and say, “what is man in comparison to the glory of creation?” God himself said we are the reason He created the universe!His work and glory is to save and exalt all mankind. Our Heavenly Father created the universe that we might reach our potential as his sons and daughters. This is a paradox of man: compared to God, man is nothing; yet we are everything to God.”

When I read about Moses and then Enoch who declared that “were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning to the number of thy creations.” It is overwhelming. I have to remind myself that our Heavenly Father does not expect us to understand all of these things right now. The entirety of the glories of God are not comprehensible to the human mind. However, I do know that he expects us to trust him and start with what we do understand. Just as any other gospel topic, we pick up the pieces within our grasp and we hold on to them, and add to them as we continue in our testimonies.

One of the clearest examples in my life on the subject of mattering to Him happened one very early morning, I got up to watch my friends baby while she took a class. She was running late, and I was trying to stay awake. I suddenly felt prompted by the Spirit to make her some hot chocolate. I thought to myself, that’s just silly. After a few more, unmistakable promptings, I filled the pot with water. I quickly became completely focused on the urgency to make hot chocolate. By the time she arrived, I was embarrassed at what appeared to be once again, just silly. At she started to head out the door I casually asked her if she had time to wait while I fixed her a hot chocolate to go. She looked at me and asked, can I just have some boiling water? I left my house with a dry mug and Postum wondering where I could possibly finish making my drink. That next fast Sunday she came to church and told us all that she knew she was important to her Heavenly Father because he blessed her life in even the smallest, seemingly insignificant ways. And I knew that she was right.

Here is my talk:

The Power of Scripture

Good morning brothers and sisters. It is a pleasure to be here as a member of this great ward family. We feel at home here; you all are so welcoming. As a young soldier about 18 years ago I was baptised in this historic valley in a large ward such as this. Bill Zink baptized me. I still remember coming up out of the water feeling so clean, it was a great day. Before I could give my first sacrament talk I was transferred to another duty station. It was a tiny branch in Northern California where I grew up in the Gospel.

Now I didn’t tell Brother Schofield when he asked that Janel and I speak in Church because I didn’t want to frighten him. The first time my branch president asked me to speak in Church I agreed, then secretly purchased a plane ticket to avoid that first talk. I looked for plane tickets this week but they were too expensive... :-)

“We believe all that God has revealed, all that He does now reveal, and we believe that He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). Those revelations are scripture.

I was asked to speak on The Power of Scripture. Alma observed: “As the preaching of the word had a great tendency to lead the people to do that which was just—yea, it had had more powerful effect upon the minds of the people than the sword, or anything else” (Alma 31:5).

During the reformation period the scriptures became open to the world. Previously restricted to a select few, the scriptures became available to all of mankind through the work of men such as William Tyndale and John Wycliffe. Declared Tyndale before later being burned at the stake: “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough, shall know more of the Scripture than thou dost!” It turned out that a future plow boy, Joseph Smith, would be directed to ask in prayer what church to join based on what he learned from reading the scriptures.

This dispensation of the fullness of times was opened with the appearance of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ to the boy Joseph Smith. An angel showed Joseph Smith where golden plates containing The Book of Mormon was buried. Through power from on high the plates were translated into the English language, opened to all the world. The power of God was restored including necessary ordinances of salvation. The power of scripture is shown in the ordinances of baptism, blessings, the sacrament, the bestowal of the Holy Ghost and in temple ordinances.

The year 2000 was a key year in my gospel study, specifically with the Book of Mormon. That year I resolved to go through that sacred book chapter-by-chapter, page-by-page, and verse-by-verse. I purchased a copy of the LDS Institute Book of Mormon Guide and proceeded an in-depth study of the book. I took my time in pondered the teachings. I studied what modern day prophets said about the teachings of Nehpi, Mormon, Mosiah, Alma, Moroni, and others. I felt the power contained in the book and I continue to feel the power of the scriptures even today. Many times our family has read the Book of Mormon cover-to-cover. Those readings of the sacred book opened my eyes to the Gospel. Even today, I cannot open the book and read its pages without being reveled small and simple things that I need to do for myself, my family, and others.

Sometime, but not often, well meaning priesthood brethren will begin a blessing with the phrase “by the power of the priesthood.” This is slightly incorrect and should, according to the brethren, be phrased something like “by the authority of the priesthood.” Doctrine and Covenants 121:42-23 “No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood, only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, and by love unfeigned; by kindness, and pure knowledge.“ A priesthood bearer is given authority, but gains power in the way his life is lived according to gospel teachings. Similarly the scriptures contain authority because they are canonized works by Heavenly Father and His Prophets. The standard works are the Bible, The Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. The scriptures contain power because they teach true doctrines of Christ and true principles of His Gospel.

Power in the scripture comes because they center around the Atonement of Jesus Christ, because of they teach the Great Plan of Salivation, and because they prophesy of this very Restored Gospel. The scriptures are powerful because they testify of Christ. The scriptures teach Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; Repentance of Sin; authorised Baptism by immersion; bestowal of the Gift of the Holy Ghost, and endurance the end of this life.

One of my favorite gospel practices is to read John chapter 17 while the sacrament is being passed. The sacrament is a time to repent and renew; it is like unto a new beginning each week. Repentance is made possible because of the Atonement of Christ. John 17 is an account of the great Intercessory Prayer when Jesus prayed to the Father in our behalf during that Atonement. In this prayer He glorified the Father, He reported on His earthly mission, He prayed for those who believed, He declared His oneness with The Father, He spoke of joy and hope, He prayed for the safety of His followers, He prayed for you! (“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word”, verse 20), He prayed for unity, finally He declared His love.

Another of the gospel practices that I enjoy is fathers blessings. This is a powerful scriptural pattern that is replayed over and over in these latter days. Each year before school... [Fathers blessing this week]

Elder Richard G. Scott describes scriptures as friends (see The Power of Scripture, Ensign, November 2011). He uses words like: “enduring friends”, “stalwart friends”, "filling a cabinet with friends", "a foundation of support", “willing friends”. Elder Scott says: “Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change. For example, committing to memory this psalm has been for me a source of power and understanding:”

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

“For he hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully.

“He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation” (Psalm 24:1–5).

The scriptures have authority because of their source and contain power because of their pure and truthful message. The scriptures testify of the Atonement, Plan of Happiness, the Restoration, of Faith, Baptism, the Holy Ghost, and Enduring to the End. I love the scriptures!

To paraphrase Nephi: “And now, my [friends], hearken unto [the scriptures] and believe in Christ; and if ye believe not in [the scriptures] believe in Christ. And if ye shall believe in Christ ye will believe in [the scriptures], for they are the words of Christ, and … they teach all men [and women] that they should do good” (2 Nephi 33:10).

secrets and prophets

2011-08-23T15:11:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday our whole family spoke in church. The text of my talk is below.

Amos 3:7 says "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

The Joseph Smith Translation of Amos 3:7 changes the word 'but' to the word 'until'. This changes the meaning slightly: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, /until/ he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

Revealeth means revelation. Revealeth means divine guidance. Revealath means to warn. What is the secret that the Lord will give revelation on, give divine guidance for, and to warn about? Who are the servants the prophets that he will give revelation to, give divine guidance to, and warnings to?

Concerning secrets Daniel 2:19 says "Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven." So then what be the secret that the Lord will give as revelation? As I have pondered over this I've determined, first, that it's not one secret but many secrets. The flood during the time of Noah was once a secret. The exodus from Egypt during the time of Moses was once a secret. The Restoration of the Gospel during the time of Joseph Smith was once a secret. During each of these significant events, the Lord "did nothing /until/ he revealed his secret unto his servants the prophets." Only after the Lord "revealed his secret" did he then open the way for the floods to come, for the waters to part, and for the Gospel again to be poured out on the Earth in these latter-days.

Concerning prophets the Lord spake "whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same" (Doctrine and Covenants 1:38). When prophets speak under the influence of the Holy Ghost, then what they speak is the will of the Lord. But who are the "servants the prophets"? Who are the servants the prophets that he will tell his secrets to through revelation?

One of the most obvious answers is the latter-day prophets. I have known about the latter-day prophets since my missionary introduced me to them when I was a young 19 year old. [Story of attending Primary with Janel] I learned that summer day in 1994 that a living, breathing prophet of God was on Earth.

Are there other "servants the prophets"? Of course, their are the twelve apostles. Their are the counselors in the 1st presidency; they are also apostles. These fifteen men are prophets, seers, and revelators; the only ones on Earth. These brethren are "servants the prophets". But if we look at it another way, are there more? To answer this let's consider what a prophet does after the Lord "revealeth a secret" to him.

Prophets act when the Lord speaks to them. Noah warned the people, built a ship, gathered animals and family, and went on a long boat ride. Moses warned the people, organized the Exodus, called down blessings from heaven, and went on a long march across a desert. Joseph Smith warned his neighbors, translated the Book of Mormon, built temples, and established the Kingdom of God once again on the Earth. Noah, Moses, and Joseph went to work after the Lord God "revealeth his secret" unto them.

But are there more "servants the prophets"? Let's further consider that past prophets were typically bounded by land area and by time. Generally, a prophet's service is limited by geographical area for a certain time period. For instance: Peter, James, John and others were Christ's apostles in Jerusalem, but following Christ's death and resurrection Christ visited this land and called apostles here. Thus, there were two Quourms of the Twelve for one time period, but different land areas. Each were prophets, but in their own geographical areas. Another instance: Noah and Moses were prophets for the whole earth, but each held authority over mankind during the space of time they each lived upon the earth. The same is true in our time: President Gordon B. Hinckley was prophet over the whole earth from 1994 to 2008, when he died. President Thomas S. Monson is prophet over the whole earth today and will be until he dies. Interestingly, the Prophet Joseph Smith doesn't seem to be limited by time, for he is the prophet for the dispensation of the fullness of times!

Are there more "servants the prophets" on earth today than the 1st Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve? Sure!! Does a father and mother have right to receive revelation for their family? Sure!! Does a branch or stake president have right to receive revelation over people in there geographical area of assignment? Sure!! Does a person have the right to receive revelation for himself or herself? Sure!! Perhaps, if our bodies are like temples then our minds are like prophets. In each case "the Lord God will ... revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets."

The method of receiving personal revelation or revelation for our stewardship is clear. The first step is to be worthy, including repenting as often as necessary. The next step is to ask for revelation. The Lord taught:

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give [revelation] unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

9 But if it be not right you shall have no such feelings, but you shall have a stupor of thought that shall cause you to forget the thing which is wrong; therefore, you cannot write that which is sacred save it be given you from me.

(Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-9)

I respect and love the men who are "servants the prophets" to me and my family. We follow the prophets. We pray for them. We know that we have a responsibility to take action as they speak the Lord's will to us.

William Charles Zink… baptized me on September 4th of 1994. Bill taught me a love for the Gospel. He taught me a love for family. Bill taught me how to be a father and a husband.

President Robert Phillips… is the father of our branch family. Janel and I received temple recommends from him this month. It was reconfirmed to me ask he asked me those sacred questions that he speaks for the Lord. President Phillips and I have served together twice as home teaching companions. I remember back in about 2002 driving with him to go see The Pruitts family. The way he taught them is the way he teach us now - kind, gentle, and sincere.

President Cordell Crawford… is the father of our stake family. I am continually in awe as I watch how hard he works and what he puts as a priority. The McMinnville Stake now extends from the Kentucky border of Fentress County to the Alabama border of Franklin County.

President Thomas Monson… is clearly the "servant the prophet" today. He is the only person on Earth who holds all Priesthood keys.

Following dead prophets vs. following living prophets. We should follow living prophets. It is easy to follow dead prophets. It is harder to follow the living ones. Even during Jesus Christ's time on Earth, the people of that day desired to follow Moses and his teachings. Sometimes, not often, you will hear someone who will want to follow the counsel of past over the counsel of the present. You will never be on the wrong side of truth if you commit to always following the current position of the 1st Presidency of the Church.

After the Lord "revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets" the Lord does something related to that secret. Remember that the scripture says: "Surely the Lord God will do nothing, /until/..." The Lord will bless you if you listen to and willingly follow his servants the prophets. In this there is safety and peace.

Follow The Prophet

Adam was a prophet, first one that we know.
In a place called Eden, he helped things grow.
Adam served the Lord by following his ways.
We are his descendants in the latter days.

Follow the prophet, follow the prophet; don't go astray.
Follow the prophet, follow the prophet; he knows the way.
...

Now we have a world where people are confused.
If you don't believe it, go and watch the news.
We can get direction all along the way.
If we heed the prophets - follow what they say.

(LDS Children's Songbook; song #110)

"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, /until/ he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." It is true; it is wonderful!

Google I/O Schwag

2011-05-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

Google, Samsung, Verizon, and Sony were kind enough to hand out plenty of schwag (gadgets, not drugs) at Google I/O Developer’s Conference. Here is the station where the goods were distributed from:

On the first day I landed the latest Android tablet. This thing hasn’t even been released yet. It’s the Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1 limited edition tablet. It runs Android 3.0, Honeycomb. It was mentioned in the Android Fireside chat that 3.0 is just a few patches on 2.3. 3.1 is rolling out now.

A 4G Verizon mobile hotspot came with the tablet. With three free months of service.

On day two attendees were promised one of the new Chromebooks due out mid June. I think it’s going to be this Samsung:

My love for the C++ Programming Language paid off when I attended a C/C++ Game programming session for Android. All attendees landed this little guy:
It is an Sony XPeria Play running Android 2.3 which has better interfaces for native language programming (ie, not Java).

Here is everything minus the Chromebook:

I was really blessed to land all this cool stuff. Added up it’s quite literally a ton of stuff, the total is around two grand! Multiply that by 5,000 Google I/O participants and you can tell that this industry is no game. Google and their partners are in to compete.

A list of sessions I attended at Google I/O is here: http://goo.gl/FDkDu

I also documented my experiences here: http://goo.gl/zsbjE

Google I/O Sessions

2011-05-15T14:21:00.000-07:00

In between meeting people, attending keynotes, and picking up schwag I did actually get to attend some sessions. Here is the low down along with sparse notes on some:

Android

Android Protips: Advanced Topics for Expert Android App Developers

Android + App Engine: A Developer's Dream Combination

Bringing C and C++ Games to Android

I got a free Sony Xperia Play for attending this session.

Fireside Chat with the Android Team

Honeycomb Highlights

Web Development

Beyond JavaScript: Programming the Web with Native Client

Chrome Native Client

GWT + HTML5

process.js

Chromeexpirments.com/webgl

canvas2d webgl tinkercad

gpu accelerated angry birds in webgl

support is rapidly increasing

local storage, canvas, audio, video, drag and drop

GWT + UI Designer

by Eric Clayberg

I met Eric at the movie theater across the street. He went to see Thor in 3D; I choose Source Code.

#gwt eclipse UI tool

bi directional edits "micro edits"

Google plugin for eclipse 2.4

Learning to Love JavaScript

by Alex Russell.

Alex mentioned that he is on the JavaScript standard comittee.

“javascripit no longer the bottleneck”

inverted class function meaning ie, behavior with hidden storage all objects operate like maps traceur - js to js compiler, written in js (on google code)

I remember when scripting language GUIs were slow and then became useful for such things. Times are a-changin folks...

Ignite

“closed software is bad - it only takes one bad decision to kill it”

openyou.org - wow

dogfooding concept

Sessions that I want to go back and watch

Android

3d graphics on android

android development tools

accessing google apis on android

taking android to work

android open accessory api and development kit adk

HTML5

html5 showcase

html5 today with google chrome frame

html5 whats next

GWT

google plugin for eclipse

high performance gwt

Others

javascript programming in the large with closure tools

webgl techniques and performance

full text search

I also documented my experiences here: http://goo.gl/zsbjE

A full list-o-gadgets is here: http://goo.gl/Fcrwi

My Experiences at Google I/O

2011-05-15T14:20:00.001-07:00

Last week I attended Google I/O in downtown San Fransisco. Google I/O is a conference for promoting and training on Google tools and technologies. I went over Janel's birthday, so I owe her a lot for her patience with my interest in keeping abreast of technology trends. I attended with Brian Pittman and Wes Cothran. Every other conference I've attended has been funded by organizations I work for. This was the first conference I've picked up my own tab for – in terms of time, travel costs, conference fees, food, etc.. I learned a lot, meet some interesting folks, and picked up a ton of cool gadgets. If you're just interested in the list-o-gadgets go here: http://goo.gl/Fcrwi. Here are some pictures.

Google I/O was fascinating. It was splashy. It was hyped. It was crowded. Google spared no expense in the flash. The keynotes were well assembled; speakers delivered punches like a choreographed fight scene. Product announcements, software releases, usage trends, and giveaways were the punches. In 2005'ish I attended a conference in Silicon Valley. Then I was a couple of years into my transition from Windows development to Linux development. I remember attending a Microsoft product demonstration and hearing people in the audience cheer and clap at the impressively rehearsed product demo. At that time I kinda got a sick feeling that the people there had drank too much of the Micro$oft cool-aid. Well, Google I/O reminded me of those same feelings. At times things were a little too hyped. However, I'll readily admit that I've drank the Google cool-aid. Anyone who knows me knows that I use, recommend, and frequently evangelize Google products. Back to the conference... from the registration experience to the last session I loved the experience.

My desire to attend Google I/O was born in a conversation with Brian last July. I had just returned from OSCON where I attend some Android sessions and Google I/O was brought up. We committed with a fist bump to attend I/O this year. In January registration was announced. Registration day came and the hour to register was crazy. Google I/O 2009 sold out in something like a few months; their 2010 conference sold out in something like a month; this year is sold out in less than ONE HOUR. During that hour I only got half way through the registration process; I was sure I wasn't in. Via Twitter Brian discovered that by going back in the browser history that it was possible to complete the registration process. I was caustically relieved. It turns out that a couple of weeks later that Google sent out letters for people who only partial completed the registration process. I know because during that hour of madness I manged to initiate two registrations.

The wait between January and May seemed like years, weeks felt like months, days felt like weeks, hours seemed like days. (Not really, I'm just trying to build the hype :-) Really though - trying to keep-up with the Twitter buzz was frustrating. The #io2011 hash tag was useless because for every useful tweet there were hundreds (or more) re-tweets. The days before the conference were the worst. About a week before the conference Google finalized the schedule details and released an Android App that could be used to browse sessions, view the maps of the floor layout, and some other neat features. I used the app the whole time during the conference to track sessions I wanted to attend, find rooms, and more. The app was open sourced after the conference. The source should be release anytime. I'm continue to be amazed at Android. Ever since I heard about Android in 2007'ish I have been really excited. I believe Android will do for devices what DOS and Windows did for personal computers in the 80's and 90's; namely make them ubiquitous and brain-dead to program for. I thought it was ridiculous that with my first couple cellphones (in about 2004) that I couldn't even connect them via USB and download pictures/videos and manipulate contacts, etc. Now, with Android, this kind of stuff is common. Android is the only reason I signed-up for Google I/O. However, I recently moved into a new position at work, so other sessions held at the conference were useful for that.

The flight to and from SFO was free because of all the work travel I've did in the past year. Thankfully, work lets us keep frequent flier miles. Wes and I flew out together; Brian precede us by a few days and was kind enough to pick us up from the airport. We went for L&L Hawaiian BBQ for lunch after the flight. After registering at the hotel (checkout the room here) we went and checked in at the conference site. Because I'm a student at UAH, the conference only cost $150 bucks. At the gear pickup station we got a cool t-shirt. The t-shirt had Morse code on the back that pointed to this encoded URL. Also with the registration I got an NFC sticker. NFC is an acronym for Near Field Communication. Android now uses this technology to communicate bits of information with NFC thingys, like stickers, credit cards, et al. The NFC sticker they gave out could be use for checking in at on-site vendors or something. I didn't use it.

The opening day keynote was pretty dang cool. Just getting in to the keynote was an experience; it was pure madness. I felt like the crowd was going to rush and trample over anyone that fell to the ground. People were running to the front on the room. I admit I was one of them.... :-) I tool a 15 second video of the "countdown". Many interesting things were announced and demonstrated during this keynote. They showed off some nest video chat technology where the camera will zoom in on the person speaking in a group. Then demonstrated Android's new hardware interface API and talked up a kit that interfaces with an Arduino. I'll spare you to details of all the announcements and point you to Engadget's live blog here. At the end of the keynote it was announced that everyone in the room got a free Samsung Galixy 10.1 Limited Edition Tablet. The place erupted when that was announced. I actually fist bumped a random dude from Brazil. I later saw at tweet that likened Oprah giveaways to Google I/O giveaways.

The day two keynote was just as hyped. Day two was all about Google Chrome. Both the OS and the browser. Here is Engadget’s live blog. For me, it also meant attending sessions less about Android and more about other Web technologies. The Chrome keynote was just as hyped as the Android keynote. It is obvious that there is a bit of tension within Google of the two teams. During the keynotes, it was not one single person who spoke but instead one person after the other took the stage. One person who did NOT work for Google provided a little comedic relief. I still remember when I learned the meaning of the word ubiquitous. Likewise, I recall just last year reading the phrase "viral app". During a keynote session in between announcement product stuff, Google brought out the Angry Birds guy – the place erupted. Angry Birds is the first application I heard the phrase viral app attached to. It was ported to the web and specifically Google Chrome, via WebGL. It was a funny aside. The term Cromebook was introduced and it was announced that we all would get a free on in mid-June. Once again, the crowd went wild.

I meet several people at Google I/O; it was a fantastic networking experience. During the provided breakfast on the first day I sat with men from Kentucky, Oklahoma, and Dubai. Clay, the guy from Oklahoma, had BYU on his badge. After the breakfast I tracked him down and we spoke about the LDS Church. Clay was the first person from his branch in Oklahoma to go on a mission. He is now finishing up a Masters at BYU in Information Systems. He teaching an Android class at BYU and had encouraged his students to come to the conference. Very interesting guy. During lunch one day I ate with a group of people who I was less conversant with. One person I spoke to was a lady who works for Google. She works on Google Chrome from a Germany office. She mentioned that people attending Google I/O from Google did not get the neat gadgets gave away during the keynotes. Google I/O was very crowded, and people were there from all over the world. In between a couple of sessions I ran into a really tall guy that had a badge that read Middle Tennessee State University. I said to him: “I am from Shelbyville”. He mumbled something back. I said the same thing to him again, pointing at his badge. He replied back to me in a thick maybe Russian(?) accent - “eBay.” He had bought his ticket from someone who got a ticket then sold it for an amount much greater that that face value; a lot of people did that. On day one Google held an after hours party where food, drink, entertainment in the form of music and really cool displays like their self driving car. Since the music was not country (I can't imagine why) I left the party early to go catch a movie. I went to see Source Code :-) - very good movie. In the lobby I met a guy who worked for Google, in Boston I think. He manages the GWT UI Designer team. Another interesting guy. He went to see Thor in 3D. On the first leg of the flight home I met a man who worked for T-mobile. He too had attended the conference. He manages a mobile development group for T-mobile and recalls the initial months of Android where T-mobile was the first and then only carrier. Interestingly this man works in SF but lives in LA because of the cost of living – I cannot begin to imagine. On the second leg of the flight home I met a young mortician. We struck up a conversation because he was playing a portable play station device and I mentioned to him that I had an Android playstation device (see the schwag list) that had not even been released yet. During one of our conversations he asked me how he'd go about finding someone to develop a mobile application for morticians. He is going to send me an email and I am going to pass it around to folks who may be interested.

In between meeting people, attending keynotes, and picking up schwag I did actually get to attend some sessions. Here is the low down along with sparse notes on some: http://goo.gl/FDkDu

Past Conference Blogs

2010-07-19T06:50:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple past conferences that I've blogged:

Hawaiian-style barbequed chicken

2009-05-25T07:59:00.000-07:00

My favorite meal from my days in Hawaii is some good 'ole Hawaiian-style BBQ chicken from a place called L&L Drive Inn. If I ever go back, it'll be the first place I visit.

Here is the recipe:

4 pounds chicken thigh, deboned, skin on
Marinade:
3 cups soy sauce
8 ounces sugar (1 cup)
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine marinade ingredients and add chicken. Marinate, refrigerated, 4 to 5 hours. Chicken may be pan-fried, grilled over charcoal or baked at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes. Serve with rice and steamed cabbage.

Enjoy!

Thanks: http://www.grouprecipes.com/79799/l-and-ls-famous-drive-in-barbequed-chicken.html

Sunday Afternoon Session

2009-04-12T13:50:00.000-07:00

This past weekend I attended the broadcast of the 179th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I came away from the conference with a greater Faith in Christ and His Restored Gospel. Below are my notes of the talks. Any errors in the notes are my fault and may not represent what the speaker actually said.

(Elder Dallin H. Oaks – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Unselfish Service)

Our Savior gave Himself in unselfish service – Full-time missionary service is a similar service – As is temple, stake, and ward service – "Forget yourself and go to work" – You can never love the Lord until you serve His people – Unselfish service is rendered in a family setting – For example: taking care of disabled family members – Latter-day saints are unique in an ability to unite to cooperative efforts – Commitments and covenant and faith in Christ make this possible – Satan would have us distill our service – "To fear man more that the Lord" – "You can't be a life saver if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach" – If we love the Savior we remain connected to our covenants – Getting something for nothing is contrary to gospel law – Go to church to make a positive difference in other peoples lives – Go to give not to get.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder David A. Bednar – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Honorably Hold a Name and Standing)

Service as a stake president – Worthiness to receive temple convents – The blessings of the temple – The divine purpose of gathering the people of God is to build temples – Alma 26:5 – Alma 26:6 – Recent converts = Sheaves – The baptismal convent looks forward to the temple – As we stand in the waters of baptism (and as we partake of the sacrament) we look to the temple – We live in a great day of temple building – This will cause the bells of hell to ring and Satan to move against us – There is a protection in temple covenants – The protecting power in the ordinances and convents of the temple – Study repeatedly and ponder prayerfully – "May the fire in your heart burn like flames unquenchable" – D&C 101:65; "Gathering in my people" – Be worthy and receive the temple ordinances – Seek and prepare and repent and attend the temple early and often.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder Gary E. Stevenson – of the Seventy; Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples)

Grandpa, you are never lost when you can see the temple – The temple is a guidepost to safety – Only the home compares with the sanctity of the temple – There is a righteous unity between the temple and the home – Understanding the eternal nature of the family leads us to the temple – "I love to see the temple, I'm going there someday" – The ultimate purpose of all we teach is to link happy families – You are never lost when you can see the temple.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder José A. Teixeira – of the Seventy; Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life)

Our Heavenly Father has a Plan of Happiness – Mortal experiences are part of the plan – Gifts from Him help us make it back to Him – Where did I come from? Where am I going? How do I get there? – We each have an internal GPS, a conscience – In addition, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been given the Gift of The Holy Ghost – Our Father in Heaven is mindful of each one of us.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder F. Michael Watson – of the Seventy; His Servants, the Prophets)

Give the horse the reigns and he will get you to camp – The wisdom of those who have gone before us will get us where we need to go – D&C 1 is the Lord's preface to the D&C – Follow the prophets – President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord's mouthpiece this very day!

[Text, Audio]

(Elder L. Tom Perry – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; "Bring Souls unto Me")

There is no substitute for a member oriented proselyting program – Member-missionary objectives – "It becometh every member who has been warned to warn his neighbor" – Preach My Gospel has made better missionaries – Missionaries are underutilised teachers – It should be with great earnestness that we share the gospel – The gospel is centered on the Atonement of Jesus Christ – All mankind is invited – God speaks to His prophets today – Our message has great eternal significance – We must open our mouths to testify and warn our neighbors – "The field is white, already to harvest" – Three times in D&C 4:7 He invites us to open our mouths – The Gift of Eternal Life – The story in our words of the First Vision – Testify of the Book of Mormon-Another Testament of Jesus Christ – The Book of Mormon is convincing evidence of the Restoration – The Savior is the good Shepard and we our His servants – D&C 18; "If it should so be you should labor all your days..."

[Text, Audio]

(President Thomas S. Monson – President of The Church, Prophet of God; Until We Meet Again)

Tender feelings as conference concludes – Study the messages, ponder there teachings, apply them to your life – May we strive to live more closely to the Lord – We live in a time that the adversary is trying to bring us down – Be ever watchful of the snare of the Internet – Pornography will destroy the spirit – Be strong and be clean – Attend the temple often and become a Savior on Mount Zion – We are a blessed people – For we have a sure knowledge of God and Christ – Nourish your testimony.

[Text, Audio]

Sunday Morning Session

2009-04-10T17:52:00.000-07:00

(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 2nd Counselor, First Presidency; The Way of the Disciple)

Today is Palm Sunday – Christ entered Jerusalem on a donkey – Palm leaves flowered Him – "Hosanna to the Son of David" – These would be temporary shouts of praise and exaltation – Afterward, He ascended to the Mount of Olives and wrought the Atonement – He died; He rose – He gave us the Gospel – The Good News – He concord death – The way of hope and joy – The Gospel is the way of discipleship – We can be happy in uncertainty and in uncertain times – The world looks continually for new solutions/ideas to solve problems – The common pattern is that all contain elements of truth and that NONE work – The Gospel of Jesus Christ has ALL the answers – The Gospel is a divine gift – Learn of Him and live His Teachings – Become clean through repentance – Extend yourself in kindness, forgiveness and grace to others – This is not a quick-fix solution – Stay with it – Alma compared the word to a seed – Seeds take time to grow; a seed grows gradually – Discipleship is journey – We practice what we preach – We begin wherever we stand WHEREVER WE ARE AT – Serve the Lord by serving others – The Gospel helps us learn from our mistakes – Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever, not just in terms of our our past or even right now – Start where you are at – It is never too late – The Lord needs your specific abilities – The Church needs you – We need you – The Gospel is hope and faith – He is our hope salvation and the way.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder Neil L. Andersen – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Come unto Him)

Thank you for your sustaining vote – I feel inadequate – Story of his call to the Apostleship – Requested forgiveness for those he may have wronged – Deep gratitude for members of the Church – The Lord blesses up in ways we cannot repay – Gratitude for parents and family – In the First Presidency and Twelve there is not positing or posturing – They testify of Christ and build His Kingdom until their final breath – We live in the days of a Marvelous Work and a Wonder – It is not by chance that we are who we are – Remember who we are and what we have in our hands – Many men are good – Yet we must not shirk from what we alone have: the Holy Ghost, Priesthood, and much much more – Not in arrogance but in humility – Above all we proclaim the Savior Jesus Christ.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder Steven E. Snow – Presidency of the Seventy; Get On with Our Lives)

Getting on with our lives – Progression from childhood, youth, and adulthood – Preparing for change – 1) Listen to the prophets – Prophets help us confront the challenge and changes – 2) Keep an eternal perspective – This life is a time of testing by diving design – 3) Have Faith – Move Forward with Faith – Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time – 4) Be of good cheer – Be happy – Learn how to respond to adversity – Laughter and a good sense of humor will soften the bumps of life – Accept calls to serve when it is inconvenient – Be obedient, prayerful, and cheerful.

[Text, Audio]

(Barbara Thompson – of the Relief Society General Presidency; His Arm Is Sufficient)

"Time is far spent" – Whatever happens in life Jesus has the power to save – Love God and show it by keeping His commandments – Strengthen families at home – No matter what our family looks like we can strengthen it – Pray in Faith knowing that God will hear – Take every opportunity to strengthen families – God knows and watches over His children – He usually meets our needs through others – This is why we serve each other – Thank you for always being willing to serve, love, and give of yourself.

[Text, Audio]

(Elder Jeffrey R. Holland – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; None Were with Him)

Thanks to the remarkable sisters of this Church – This message is to those who are alone, who feel alone, or those who have been abandoned – The loneliest journey ever made and the blessings that come from it is the The Atonement – "I have trodden the wine press alone" – Even though we know His suffering was needed and divine it is difficult to think of what one of His special witnesses did to betray Him – And: "could ye not watch with me even one hour?" – Of divine necessity the circle around Jesus got smaller and smaller – On the cross: "My God, My God, why has Thou forsaken me?" – The Father during this time briefly withdrew, he had to – For Jesus to know what it was like to die spiritually – To make the Atonement both Infinite and Eternal – Yet Jesus held on – He brought redemption! – "Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit" – We will NEVER be left alone or unaided – "I will not leave your comfortless" – Passover Thursday – Atonement Friday – Empty Tomb Sunday – May we stand by Jesus at all times, in all places, even unto death.

[Text, Audio]

(President Thomas S. Monson – President of The Church, Prophet of God; Be of Good Cheer)

Circumstances in the World are not as we wish – Morality is slumping – Wars and personal misfortune occur – It would be easy to be discouraged – Lets focus on our blessings as members of this Church – "God has not given us the spirit of fear" – "Be of good cheer" – Make the Gospel of Jesus Church the center of our lives – Faith in the Gospel and in the Savior give one strength and courage – "In the world ye shall have tribulation, but I have overcome the world" – Each of us have the light of His life in ours – Our promised blessings are unmeasurable – Nothing in the World can defeat us.

[Text, Audio]

Priesthood Session

2009-04-09T21:15:00.000-07:00

(President Boyd K. Packer – President of the Quorum of the Twelve; Counsel to Young Men)

Young men speak of the future because they have no past; old men speak of the past because they have no future – Let no man despise thy youth – Christ taught in the temple at age 12 – Joseph Smith had God and Christ come to him at age 14 – You cannot see or hear the priesthood, yet it has power – Patriarchs have prophetic insight – Obey the Word of Wisdom that your body and spirit will be blessed – You will be tested in life – Your gender was chosen in the pre-mortal existence – Avoid pornography and narcotics and be chaste – Do not decorate your body with tattoos and piercing – You are not to be fearful – All men are instructed sufficiently that they know good from evil – Baptism makes you clean; the sacrament keeps you clean; the Atonement makes it all possible – Do not complain about schooling; never complain about your schooling – Learn the technical and especially the practical – Though difficult times you will be alright – This is a life of uncertainty – This is a day of hard work and responsibility – The Restored Gospel is true – Learn to work and to support – The foundation of society is the family – Fear is the opposite of faith – The gospel plan is the plan of happiness; happiness is the end thereof.

[Text]

(Bishop Richard C. Edgley – 1st Counselor, Presiding Bishopric; This is Your Phone Call)

Review of the recent world disasters – Church members were mobilized to respond within just a few phone calls – There is no organization better prepared and equipped than the priesthood – This now is the phone call to mobilize our resource to help fellow quorum members – This is a call of brotherhood to bear another’s burdens – To help one another find jobs, build résumés, network, etc – Review the role of the bishopric, quorum presidency, and employment specialist – Quorum brothers rally around one another in times of crisis – We each are responsible to find, maintain, and upgrade employment for ourselves; the Lord provides the inspiration; bishoprics and quorum presidencies and employment specialist provide the help – “Many of our brethren are on the Plains and must be brought in” – “Go and bring in those people on the plains” – Brethren, this is your phone call.

[Text]

(Elder Claudio R. M. Costa – Presidency of the Seventy; Priesthood Responsibilities)

Brethren have a four-fold responsibility to: 1) Family 2) Employer 3) Church, and 4) Self – Provide for the poor and needy in the Lord’s way – Prepare sons to look and act as servants of the Lord – People are looking to you for leadership – Most service in the church is quiet and without fanfare; the shaking of a hand, a warm smile, can literally change lives – We each need time to grow spiritually.

[Text]

(President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – 2nd Counselor, First Presidency; We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down)

The story of a light bulb – Focus on what matters most – We know what matters most – Our weakness is in aligning our actions with our conscience – What excuses do you cling to? – Where does your mind go during your idle time? – Even good things can be taken to excess and extremes – We need balance in life – Visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction – Keep yourself morally clean – We have been ordained to act as an agent of our holy king – Nehemiah was a great example of focusing on what matters most: “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down” – The Lord blesses you in your fidelity – What could be accomplished if we all had a mind to work? Just think of what could be accomplished! – It is easy to become distracted, to focus on the minute issue – Just respond: I am doing a great work and cannot come down! – Refuse to allow the trivial to get into the way of the eternal – In this latter-day work we have great things to accomplish – In spite of temptations, never lower your standards – In spite of distractions, never lose sight of the eternal.

[Text]

(President Henry B. Eyring – 1st Counselor, First Presidency; "Man Down!")

Be brave and bold in your priesthood service – This is not a time of peace – Let no man be left behind – Go above and beyond the call of duty – Bishops/BP, Stake, and Mission Presidents can see the wounded and the wounds – Without repentance the wound can open and widen – We each have a responsibility to help the wounded; in fact, we are under convent to do so – Lift up the heads that hang down, strengthen the feeble knees – The Teachers duty is to watch over the Church always and see that members do their duty – Play a part in priesthood visits.

[Text]

(President Thomas S. Monson - President of The Church, Prophet of God; Be Your Best Self)

Melch. Priesthood holds the keys of all things spiritual; Aaronic Priesthood holds the keys of things temporal. – Be worthy; learn duty; perform duty – With God on our side we cannot fail – Be ready always to give every man the reason for the hope that is within you – I will be on your right hand and on your left. – Encouragement to 1) study diligently, 2) pray fervently, and 3) live righteously – Study the scriptures as they relate to you, because they do – Study daily – Learn the background and setting and circumstances of scripture stories – Seek the direction of the Holy Ghost in all that you do – With God all thing are possible – He who hears a sparrow fall will surely hear our voice – Prayer is the provider of spiritual strength – Miracles are wrought through prayer – Touch no unclean thing; be ye clean – God will sustain His righteous servants.

[Text]

Saturday Afternoon Session

2009-04-08T17:50:00.000-07:00

(Sustaining, Financial, and Membership reports)

Elder John J. Chipman and Clayton M. Christensen released as area authorities – President Dalquist and the General YW Presidency and General SS Presidency released – David L. Beck called as new General YM President – Elder Neil L. Andersen was sustained as the 97th Apostle in this dispensation – ~2,800 Stakes; ~28,000 wards; 348 missions; 13.5 million members.

[Audio: Sustaining, Financial, Membership]

(Elder M. Russell Ballard – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

Salt Lakes first and last Edsel dealer – Consider and learn from the experiences of others – There are great lessons to learn of the past – There is a pattern of righteousness, contentment, immorality, then apostasy – The pattern of the restorations – The 179 years of the LDS Church, science, technology, etc is amazing – We see immorality and such today.

[Audio]

(Elder Quentin L. Cook – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

Some stumbling blocks of Faith – How His gospel is inclusive enough for all mankind – The uplifting doctrine of the Restoration – Members who live the gospel increase faith – The heavens are not "closed" – There are prophets and apostles TODAY – We have a loving Father in Heaven and most of mankind is not doomed to Hell – The true doctrine of the Plan of Salvation is glorious and beautiful – The Savior Jesus Christ's Atonement will cover the salvation of MOST OF MANKIND – "Let not your heart be troubled" – "This is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man" – We do not criticize other religions – We do NOT preach that members of other religions are going to Hell – We do not judge others, especially those in our own families – The truth is a loving Father has provided a comprehensive and compassionate Plan for each one of us.

[Audio]

(Elder Kevin W. Pearson – of the Seventy)

Faith in The Lord Jesus Christ – A spiritual gift that comes through the Holy Ghost – Faith is kindled by testimony of those who have Faith – Hold fast to true principles – Fear and Faith cannot coexist in the same mind, one will dispel the other – We get what we consistently focus on – Beware of the 6 destructive D's – 1) doubt 2) discouragement/despair 3) distraction 4) diligence 5) disobedience and 6) disbelief (aka "past feeling") – Choose to live by faith.

[Audio]

(Elder Rafael E. Pino – of the Seventy)

Story of a three year-old girl's accident and the blessing of a temple sealing – We depend on a loving Heavenly Father – There is no tragedy in death – If our life is built on Christ nothing can ever go permanently wrong – Living the gospel does not mean we will not have adversity, but it does mean we will be able to bear the adversity that comes our way.

[Audio]

(Elder Richard G. Scott – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

Close temples need to be better used more regularly – Set specific goals for yourself – While in the temple and partaking of temple ordinances think of The Savior and His Atonement – Listen carefully with an open mind and heart – Remove your watch before you go in – Allow time to go un-rushed – Partake of all of the blessings of the temple ordinances – The new family search web-site makes preparing and taking family names to the temple both easy and convent – While in the temple ask: "What is it God wants me to learn in this situation?" – This is also a good question to ask while in the midst of trials – Those who die before the age of 8 (the age of accountability) are automatically saved in the kingdom of God.

[Audio]

(Elder Russell M. Nelson – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

As The Savior submits His will to The Father, the Prophet submits his will to The Savior – The Lord's prayer – One is to forgive others to be forgiven himself – There should be a worshipful attitude as we pray – We close our prayers with "Amen" – Amen meaning verily and I agree – Always we pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ – Always we pray for unity and companionship of The Holy Ghost – Fasting amplifies prayer – Public prayers should be short and not become "mini-sermons" – Guard the formality of prayer language – Never cease to prayer – "Thy will be done" – "Glory be thine forever."

[Audio]

Saturday Morning Session

2009-04-07T18:34:00.000-07:00

(President Thomas S. Monson - President of The Church, Prophet of God)

Noted the passing of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin – Called Neil L. Andersen as the new Apostle – Mexico City and Utah Draper Temples were dedicated – 53K+ missionaries are now serving in 348 missions around the world – We take very seriously the Savior's admonition to "Preach My Gospel."

[Audio]

(Elder Robert D. Hales - of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)
Service is the hallmark of President Monson's ministry – Excuses affect us spiritually – Solution: turn to the Lord and follow His commandments – Much hope in the doctrines of the restored gospel – Through Christ, every temptation can be for our good – "Get thee behind me Satan " – Become a "provident provider" – Joyfully live within your means – "Thou shalt not covet" is the most basic of commandments – Burdened with debt we do not have the time, energy, or interest to serve the Lord – Have the courage to say: "We cannot afford it" – Encouragement in: tithes, family councils, fast offerings, and budgeting – Remember that addictions are part of the natural man – Want more than anything else to do the Father's will – Only through the Atonement of Christ can we have the mighty change of heart to overcome addiction – "Spend no money for that which is of no worth."
[Audio]

(Margaret S. Lifferth – of the General Primary Presidency)

We feed His lambs and nourish His sheep in homes, missionary settings, class rooms, and chapels. Be an example of respect and reverence – Teach these through examples – Respect for others and reverence to God – Reverence invites revelation – Pray humbly and use proper language – Handle the scriptures carefully and teach doctrine from them – Exemplify, encourage, and expect revelation – Promised blessings: you will be less-troubled and less-confused.
[Audio]

(Michael A. Neider – of the General Young Men Presidency)

We should be virtuous – Quorum principles: the principle of study, of obtaining Gods word – The work of the quorum is to increase faith in Christ – A quorum is a class and a service unit – The Doctrine & Covenants is full of quorum instruction – Questions to ask: What does a presidency do to oversee a quorum? Does my quorum operate as listed in the scriptures? If not, why not? – Focus on quorum duties – Should meet as quorums following priesthood opening exercises; any other arrangement should be viewed as temporary – Tools to use: handbook, Preach My Gospel, and Scouting – Promise blessings: If you focus, miracles will be obtained – Bishops should use effectively the Young Men quorum and class advisers.
[Audio]

(Elder Allan F. Packer – of the Seventy)

This is a wonderful time to be alive, especially for the youth – It is a time to work out our salvation – We must know and know that we know – We must stand spiritually and temporally independent of all things earthly – We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost – Studying and learning and pondering are good practices – Learn how to receive answers to prayers – They mostly come as a still, small voice – Prayer is the way to seek inspiration – Even thinking a question in your mind will bring inspiration.
[Audio]

(Elder D. Todd Christofferson – of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles)

We need strong Christians who can withstand tribulations – We need strong Christians – We enter into covenants by Priesthood ordinances – The first is baptism – Some other ordinances are done in the temple – The new and everlasting covenant is the Gospel of Jesus Christ – It is John 3:16 – Making and keeping covenants helps us meet trials with smiles – In the covenant path we find a steady path of gifts – If we keep the commandments we are nourished – This will not keep us free from trials though – Adhering to the convent path provides us with assurance that we need – God will turn every affliction for our gain – D&C 97:8-9; Observe convents by sacrifice – Strength can be made perfect in weakness – Keeping convents brings power into our lives – When we enter into convents the Holy Ghost can be in our lives – It is the Holy Ghost and His character that confirms – Let obedience to the Gospel of Jesus Christ be exact – Promised blessings: He will strengthen your faith and fill you with power.
[Audio]

(President Henry B. Eyring – 1st Counselor, First Presidency)

We must all deal with adversity – It is in our nature that comfort gives way to distress – Our Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ live and love all of humanity – Our trials are actually evidence of that love – Because of the suffering of the Atonement He knows how to help and heal us – He has that experience through His Atonement, His deliverance – His promise to Joseph Smith: "if thou endure it well" – In our trials we are being prepared for eternal life – A trial "endured well" is an invitation to grow – Be obedient to God's commandments even when it is hard to do – Affliction humbles us and prepares us to hear the word of God – Tragedy should not erode faith, it just tests it – Trials endured well bring blessings in this life and in the future – "Fight a good fight; finish your Faith".
[Audio]

Thinking Forward

2009-01-15T19:04:00.000-08:00

The Restoration and modern technology are amazing things! Checkout some of the ideas the Church is discussing on how to use text messaging to further the work of the Lord Jesus Christ:

"Texting something like ‘map’ to the Church to get directions to the nearest Church building."
"Text a ward name to the Church and receive back its meeting times."
"Providing a Web site for bishops who can’t (or don’t) text to exchange text messages with the youth or other members of their ward."
"Text keywords like ‘priesthood’ to the Church and receive back a definition of the term."
"Allowing a bishop to text a member’s name to the Church and receive back their contact information (address, phone, email, etc.) and who their home teachers are."

From: http://ldsmediatalk.com/2009/01/15/text-messaging-services/

Merry Christmas, Or Whatever

2008-12-24T12:02:00.000-08:00

To All My Liberal Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all.

I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Conservative Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

(From: http://richmanramblings.blogspot.com/2008/12/merry-christmas-or-whatever.html)

Kari's and the Voices of Liberty

2008-12-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Kari did an amazing solo part in her school choir performance of “I Believe” from The Polar Express. She has such a wonderful testimony.

Google Street View now covers all of Shelbyville, TN

2008-12-09T16:02:00.001-08:00

This is amazing. Google announced today that their street view tool on google.com/maps now covers a major part of America. Here is a view of our town square, facing west.

Josh

Woot! - The Unboxing

2008-12-03T18:35:00.000-08:00

Woot.com sells just one thing a day. Once a month for about two days at a time they do "woot-offs" where they will sell one item at a time until that item sells out. Everything on this site is $5 shipping and you can buy up to three - huge TVs are even shipped for that price. Once during each woot-off they sell "random crap". These bags-of-crap (BOC), as they're called, are $1 each. They say you have to buy three in order to get something useful. Whenever these thing come up they are almost impossible to get. The woot servers go down. Well, this last time, I finally got through! See below for....

The Unboxing

(the box arrives)

(the shake)

(the opening)

(the gawking)

(the contents)

Inventory

Griffin iClear San Disc Cover (4)

Targus Desktop Security iPod Lock (3)

Munster Action Figure (1, Grandpa)

Lowepro Digital Camera Bag (1)

Conclusion

In the end, for $8 it was worth it. It was worth it just for the anticipation. I own an iPod, SanDisk, and digital camera so I'll actually be able to use everything. As for the grandpa munster action figure, well, that will be re-gifted....

Josh

Thanksgiving

2008-11-26T16:34:00.000-08:00

We are grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.

Luke 17:11-19 -

11 And it came to pass, as [Jesus] went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off:

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.

14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?

18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger.

19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.

The Calahans

The Law of the Fast

2008-11-22T07:49:00.000-08:00

LDS people go without food or water once each month. The money that would have been used to buy food is given to the church to help the poor and needy in the area that it is collected. This practice is observed at the Mormon Church right here in Shelbyville, TN.

Here is more information on what is called The Law of the Fast:

Fasting, a voluntary abstinence from food, is a principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ for developing spiritual strength; it has always existed among true believers. Without doubt it was practiced by Adam and his posterity from the beginning whenever they had the gospel among them.

Bible Dictionary, Fasts

We can fast for many purposes. Fasting is one way of worshiping God and expressing gratitude to Him (see Luke 2:37; Alma 45:1). We can fast as we ask Heavenly Father to bless the sick or afflicted (see Matthew 17:14–21). Fasting may help us and those we love receive personal revelation and become converted to the truth (see Alma 5:46; 6:6). Through fasting we can gain strength to resist temptation (see Isaiah 58:6). We can fast as we strive to humble ourselves before God and exercise faith in Jesus Christ (see Omni 1:26; Helaman 3:35). We may fast to receive guidance in sharing the gospel and magnifying Church callings (see Acts 13:2–3; Alma 17:3, 9; 3 Nephi 27:1–2). Fasting may accompany righteous sorrow or mourning (see Alma 28:4–6; 30:1–2).

Fasting and Fast Offerings, True to the Faith (2004), 66–69

Fast Sunday

The Church designates one Sunday each month, usually the first Sunday, as a day of fasting. Proper observance of fast Sunday includes going without food and drink for two consecutive meals, attending fast and testimony meeting, and giving a fast offering to help care for those in need.

A fast offering should be at least the value of the two meals not eaten. When possible, we should be generous and give much more than this amount.

In addition to observing the fast days set aside by Church leaders, we can fast on any other day, according to our needs and the needs of others.

Lds.org > Gospel Topics > Fasting and Fast Offerings

Fast Offering

The Prophet Joseph Smith, instituted the practice of collecting fast offerings for the poor in Kirtland, Ohio (JD 12:115), where Church members had begun gathering in the early 1830s. Later, on May 17, 1845, in Nauvoo, Illinois, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles sent a general letter to the Church defining "the principles of fasts," stating: Let this be an example to all saints, and there will never be any lack for bread: When the poor are starving, let those who have, fast one day and give what they otherwise would have eaten to the bishops for the poor, and everyone will abound for a long time; and this is one great and important principle of fasts approved of the Lord. And so long as the saints will all live to this principle with glad hearts and cheerful countenances they will always have an abundance [HC 7:413].

http://eom.byu.edu/index.php/Fast_Offerings

Blessings

Isaiah 58:

10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:

11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

“When we fast, brethren and sisters, we feel hunger. And for a short time, we literally put ourselves in the position of the hungry and the needy. As we do so, we have greater understanding of the deprivations they might feel. Fasting, coupled with mighty prayer, is powerful. It can fill our minds with the revelations of the Spirit. It can strengthen us against times of temptation.”

Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Law of the Fast,” Ensign, May 2001, 73

Scout Campout

2008-11-10T18:28:00.000-08:00

Charley and I went on a Scout campout this weekend. Here is a slide show and link to some pictures:

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcalahan/20081108ScoutCampout#

Josh

LDS General Conference

2008-10-05T05:23:00.000-07:00

I love General Conference! During April and October the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a worldwide conference. Prophets, Apostles, Seventy and others assemble in Salt Lake City for a two-day conference and speak to church members around the world. Past General Conference proceeding are available online.

There are many ways to watch or listen to live:

Online at: http://www.lds.org/broadcast/gc/
Over satellite: Dish Network, channel 9403
In the Shelbyville Meetinghouse: http://maps.lds.org/?unitId=144479

Here in Shelbyville we have the facilities to receive in both English and Spanish languages.

Here is a good video that talks about LDS General Conference:

Shelbyville airport

2008-09-25T06:21:00.001-07:00

My son's scout troop paid a visit to the Shelbyville airport last evening. It was amazing. The manager and a flight instructor were helpful and eager to give the tour. We have a gem right here in Bedford County. The Shelbyville airport is a first-class operation.

For about $45 and $10 for each additional person you can get 30-minute flight tour of Shelbyville. That's about how much it cost to go to the movies or drive to Nashville! I asked the manger how low one could fly. He responded "how low do you want to go?" and said CSX once complained because he went so low. :-)

For no cost, anyone can come to the airport out to the nice fenced in area behind the building and watch planes take off and land. There is a nice grassy area with a few shade trees and two or three picnic tables that anyone can come and have a relaxing afternoon.

The scoutmaster arranged the visit and helped many of the scouts get their Aviation merit badge. I am grateful for so many good people in our little community who "lay down their life" to lift others to greater heights. From scoutmasters to managers of airports, we are abundantly blessed.

Josh

Kari and soccer

2008-09-23T08:53:00.001-07:00

Kari played her first season of soccer this year. At the end of last school year she announced that she intended to try out. She pasted the tryout schedule beside her bed and marked off the dates as they happened. She made the team and we purchased the equipment. She missed some of the initial practices during summer vacation to Utah so she attended a couple of soccer camps to make up.

The season brought highs and lows. We are grateful for the coaches and volunteers who gave of their time to talents to help the team. Kari learned good sportsmanship. We meet wonderful and devoted parents.

Last night was their playoff game. Here is a story about it in the Shelbyville Time-Gazette: http://www.t-g.com/story/1463711.html. As we walked off the field, Kari said she wants to try out again next year.

We are so proud of her!

Josh & Janel

Cub World, Boxwell Scout Reservation

2008-09-11T06:09:00.000-07:00

Stitch loves to sleep in the computer desk

2008-09-08T12:24:00.001-07:00

The first day of the rest of my life

2008-09-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Today is special for me. On September 4th, 14 years ago I entered the waters of baptism. I was baptized by immersion for the remission of sins by one having authority from God. Janel's father baptized me. I still remember the day like it was yesterday. The sky was deep blue. I remember how I felt following the baptism: clean and excited for what lie ahead! I know that Jesus Christ was too baptized. Even though he was without spot, he entered those waters. His baptism represented His forthcoming death, burial, and resurrection. Every year around this time these feelings are rekindled.

Josh

Charley Charley

2008-09-01T19:11:00.001-07:00

Mormon church in Shelbyville, TN

2008-08-29T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a chapel in Shelbyville, Tennessee. My family worships here, and we'd like to invite you to join us this Sunday at 2508 Hwy 231 North, Shelbyville, Tennessee 37160.

Here is our branch's web-site:

https://secure.lds.org/units/home/0,9781,600-1-7-144479,00.html

Our Sunday meetings begin with a worship service called sacrament meeting. Sacrament meeting begins at 9:00am and ends at 10:10am. Following sacrament meeting, children are invited to go to Primary. Youth and adults are invited to attend Sunday School, where we study the scriptures together. From 11:10am to noon, men go to priesthood meeting and women go to Relief Society. Young men and women go to separate classes during this final hour.

This is the best three hours of my week. You might think that this is a long time, but let me assure you it is not. During this time we learn how to be better followers of Jesus Christ. Here is more information on what to expect during our services.

Josh

Broken

2008-08-27T20:04:00.000-07:00

Faith

2008-08-07T08:57:00.001-07:00

Elder David A. Bednar, an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, said: "It is faith as the principle of action that is so central to the process of learning and applying spiritual truth" ("Seek Learning by Faith," 3 February 2006, Church Education System Fireside).

Dave Ramsey's daily thoughts

2008-08-04T13:07:00.000-07:00

Dave Ramsey’s teachings of “God's and grandma’s” financial principles are highly regarded among many. Here are the scriptures and quotes-of-the-day he shares on his radio show:

Today's are:

"The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor" - 1 Corinthians 3:8
"It is remarkable to what lengths people will go to avoid thought" - Thomas Edison

Google Maps Street View enters Bedford County, Tennessee

2008-07-31T07:50:00.001-07:00

Well, a very small part at least. See: http://tinyurl.com/64f2al

The Fishing Trip

2008-07-28T16:10:00.001-07:00

A man was on the water for his weekly fishing trip. He began his day with an 8-pound bass on the first cast and a 7-pounder on the second. On the third cast he had just caught his first ever bass over 11 pounds when his cell phone rang. It was a doctor notifying him that his wife had just been in a terrible accident and was in critical condition and in the ICU. The man told the doctor to inform his wife where he was and that he'd be there as soon as possible. As he hung up he realized he was leaving what was shaping up to be his best day ever on the water. He decided to get in a couple of more casts before heading to the hospital. He ended up fishing the rest of the morning, finishing his trip with a stringer like he'd never seen, with 3 bass over 10 pounds. He was jubilant. Then he remembered his wife. Feeling guilty, he dashed to the hospital. He saw the doctor in the corridor and asked about his wife's condition. The doctor glared at him and shouted, 'You went ahead and finished your fishing trip didn't you! I hope you're proud of yourself! While you were out for the past four hours enjoying yourself on the pond, your wife has been languishing in the ICU! It's just as well you went ahead and finished, because it will be more than likely the last fishing trip you ever take!' 'For the rest of her life she will require 'round the clock care. And you'll be her care giver forever!' The man was feeling so guilty he broke down and sobbed. The doctor then chuckled and said, 'I'm just messing with you. She's dead. What'd you catch?'

2008-07-22T17:32:00.000-07:00

Charlie and Stich

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Mormons believe God speaks

2008-07-22T17:25:00.000-07:00

Promoting Family History Work

2008-07-22T16:53:00.000-07:00

“Our efforts to promote temple and family history work should be such as to accomplish the work of the Lord, not to impose guilt on his children.... Our effort is not to compel everyone to do everything, but to encourage everyone to do something.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Family History: 'In Wisdom and Order,'” Ensign, June 1989, 6)

The same is true for Sharing the Gospel.

FWD:FW:

2008-07-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

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2008-07-18T11:34:00.001-07:00

Not cool. Awesome.

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Traditions...

2008-07-14T19:59:00.000-07:00

Traditions...

Repentance and change

2008-07-12T18:49:00.000-07:00

Repentance is a “fresh view about God, about oneself, and about the world.” Repentance is a change of attitude, of action, and of outcome. It is a forsaking of old ways and a beginning of new ways. Repentance can be used for more than sin only. Repentance and change can be used to improve any aspect of life.

A central obligation of LDS Church membership is to share the message of the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ with others. Member-missionaries and full-time missionaries work together to help others to repent and change. In this relationship, member-missionaries are finders and full-time missionaries are teachers. We are all member-missionaries: “every member a missionary!”

Sharing the gospel is part of the fabric of our lives. Elder David A. Bendar taught: “Proclaiming the gospel is not an activity in which we periodically and temporarily engage. And our labors as missionaries certainly are not confined to the short period of time devoted to full-time missionary service in our youth or in our mature years” (“Becoming a Missionary,” Ensign, Nov 2005, 44).

There is a good deal of guilt and fear when it comes to sharing the gospel. It is my sincere and deep hope that we can replace any guilt that we may have with love and any fear that we may have with faith. For “charity never faileth”: “love the Lord thy God and thy neighbour.” “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but … of love” (2 Timothy 1:7). All things that are good come of Christ; all things that are bad come of Satan.

Great Worth

In each of the concluding chapters of Mathew, Mark, Luke, and John, the Savior instructed His apostles and us to “go ye therefore in all the world” and “preach my gospel.” “Declare repentance unto all nations”, “feed my lambs” and “feed my sheep.”

The Savior revealed to two of the eight witnesses of the golden plates and to us that sharing the gospel is the most important work to be done. “For many times you have desired of me to know that which would be of the most worth unto you …. [T]he thing which will be of the most worth unto you will be to declare repentance unto this people, that you may bring souls unto me, that you may rest with them in the kingdom of my Father” (D&C 15:4, 6). The Prophet Joseph Smith said: “After all that has been said, the greatest and most important duty is to preach the Gospel” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976],113).

Promises to Keep

When we are baptized, we promise to share the gospel: “[t]o stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death” (D&C 18:9).

I love the words of Robert Frost in his poem Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening:

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

We too have promises to keep, and miles to go before we sleep.

Scriptural Principles

“[F]aith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God …. Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence” (D&C 4:5-6).

“For behold, angels are declaring it unto many at this time in our land…” (Alma 13:24).

We invite all to “come unto Christ.” “For there are many … who are only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it” (D&C 123:12).

The Parable of Two Lamps

By Elder James E. Talmage (1862–1933)
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Among the material things of the past—things that I treasure for sweet memory’s sake and because of pleasant association in bygone days—is a lamp. …

The lamp of which I speak, the student lamp of my school and college days, was one of the best of its kind. I had bought it with hard-earned savings; it was counted among my most cherished possessions. …

One summer evening I sat musing studiously and withal restfully in the open air outside the door of the room in which I lodged and studied. A stranger approached. I noticed that he carried a satchel. He was affable and entertaining. I brought another chair from within, and we chatted together till the twilight had deepened into dusk, the dusk into darkness.

Then he said: “You are a student and doubtless have much work to do of nights. What kind of lamp do you use?” And without waiting for a reply, he continued, “I have a superior kind of lamp I should like to show you, a lamp designed and constructed according to the latest achievements of applied science, far surpassing anything heretofore produced as a means of artificial lighting.”

I replied with confidence, and I confess, not without some exultation: “My friend, I have a lamp, one that has been tested and proved. It has been to me a companion through many a long night. It is an Argand lamp, and one of the best. I have trimmed and cleaned it today; it is ready for the lighting. Step inside; I will show you my lamp; then you may tell me whether yours can possibly be better.”

We entered my study room, and with a feeling which I assume is akin to that of the athlete about to enter a contest with one whom he regards as a pitiably inferior opponent, I put the match to my well-trimmed Argand.

My visitor was voluble in his praise. It was the best lamp of its kind, he said. He averred that he had never seen a lamp in better trim. He turned the wick up and down and pronounced the adjustment perfect. He declared that never before had he realized how satisfactory a student lamp could be.

I liked the man; he seemed to me wise, and he assuredly was ingratiating. “Love me, love my lamp,” I thought, mentally paraphrasing a common expression of the period.

“Now,” said he, “with your permission I’ll light my lamp.” He took from his satchel a lamp then known as the “Rochester.” It had a chimney which, compared with mine, was as a factory smokestack alongside a house flue. Its hollow wick was wide enough to admit my four fingers. Its light made bright the remotest corner of my room. In its brilliant blaze my own little Argand wick burned a weak, pale yellow. Until that moment of convincing demonstration, I had never known the dim obscurity in which I had lived and labored, studied and struggled.

“I’ll buy your lamp,” said I; “you need neither explain nor argue further.” I took my new acquisition to the laboratory that same night and determined its capacity. It turned at over 48 candlepower—fully four times the intensity of my student lamp.

Two days after purchasing, I met the lamp peddler on the street about noontime. To my inquiry he replied that business was good; the demand for his lamps was greater than the factory supply. “But,” said I, “you are not working today?” His rejoinder was a lesson. “Do you think that I would be so foolish as to go around trying to sell lamps in the daytime? Would you have bought one if I had lighted it for you when the sun was shining? I chose the time to show the superiority of my lamp over yours, and you were eager to own the better one I offered, were you not?”

Such is the story. Now consider the application of a part, a very small part, thereof.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” [Matt. 5:16].

The man who would sell me a lamp did not disparage mine. He placed his greater light alongside my feebler flame, and I hasted to obtain the better.

The missionary servants of the Church of Jesus Christ today are sent forth, not to assail or ridicule the beliefs of men, but to set before the world a superior light, by which the smoky dimness of the flickering flames of man-made creeds shall be apparent. The work of the Church is constructive, not destructive.

James E. Talmage, “Three Parables—The Unwise Bee, the Owl Express, and Two Lamps,” Liahona, Feb 2003, 36

President Gordon B. Hinckley once encouraged the world to bring the knowledge they have and let us add to it.

Invitations

When it comes to sharing the gospel and being member-missionaries, everyone can do something. You might find it helpful to develop a Family Mission Plan, a simple list of things you want to do to share the gospel.

Cast away any guilt, replace it with love. Cast away any fear, replace it with faith. Invite people to church or to meet with the full-time missionaries. Invite friends to an activity or to take a tour of our local meetinghouse. Invite those you meet to visit mormon.org. Offer church pass-along cards and the new branch pass-along card.

Remember that home teaching and visiting teaching is missionary work to those who are already members of the church. Love the families and the sisters you have assigned. First and foremost love them. Pray until you love them. Know their temporal and spiritual circumstances.

“Climb to your knees.” “Pray like you don’t know how to work; work like you don’t know how to pray.” “Arrive at church early, stay at little later, and don’t sit down until you’ve sincerely introduced yourself to anyone you don’t recognize or have not yet met. Encourage others to do the same.”

President Spencer W. Kimball said: “I hope to see us dissolve the artificial boundary line we so often place between missionary work and temple and genealogical work, because it is the same great redemptive work!” (“The Things Of Eternity—Stand We In Jeopardy?” Ensign, Jan. 1977, 3). Be clean, be chaste, be honest, pay a full-tithe, live the word of wisdom – be worthy of a temple recommend. Carry your temple recommend wherever you go. If you have not yet started your family history work, now is the time to compile your four-generation chart and do the temple work. The new Family Search program makes it both easy and convenient.

We must never be smug or arrogant. “As you [share the gospel] remember who you are…. Remember, as the proverb states, that ‘a soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger’ (Proverbs 15:1). And remember that contention is of the devil (see 3 Nephi 11:29). There is no need to argue or contend with others regarding our beliefs. There is no need to become defensive or belligerent. Our position is solid; the Church is true. We simply need to have a conversation, as friends … always guided by the prompting of the Spirit and constantly remembering the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, which reminds us of how precious are the children of our Father in Heaven” (M. Russell Ballard, Ensign, Jul 2008, 63).

Promised Blessings

“And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father! And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!” (D&C 18:15-16).

“[H]e that thrusteth in his sickle with his might, the same layeth up in store that he perisheth not, but bringeth salvation to his soul” (D&C 4:4).

When we are baptized, we are promised blessings for sharing the gospel:
· “that ye may be redeemed of God,
· that ye may be numbered with those of the first resurrection,
· that ye may have eternal life” (D&C 18:9)!

“He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins” (James 5:20).

“And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up” (D&C 84:88).

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings” (Romans 10:15).

We must move our feet and let our voices be heard if we are to claim these promised blessings (See Quentin L. Cook, “Live by Faith and Not by Fear,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 70–73).

No Effort Is Wasted

“When people choose not to investigate the restored gospel, your work is not wasted. Your consistent efforts in serving and teaching as many people as you can is one way God prepares His children to eventually receive His servants. He often reaches out to His children through you. Even when people do not accept the opportunity to learn the gospel, your service and words are evidence of God’s love for them and may plant seeds that future missionaries and members of the Church will harvest.

When people do not accept the gospel, do not be discouraged. You have raised a warning voice. You have given them a clear choice. Disciples of Christ feel sorrow when people choose not to repent, but they maintain a vision of who they are and what they are doing. They continue to diligently move forward.”

Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, p170

Summary and Conclusion

The Savior preached repentance during His moral ministry. “Come, follow me” was His message. Today it is the same. “[T]he Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind” (D&C 64:34).

Repentance requires change. Brothers and sisters: do what has to be done; say what has to be said. Exercise your faith. Love your neighbor. Share the gospel.

I testify that God lives, He is our Father, and has a Plan for us. Jesus Christ is His Son and our Savior. They both appeared to the 14 year-old Joseph Smith in the spring of 1820 in upstate New York. I know these things to be true. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Some benefits of LDS Church membership

2008-07-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some benefits/fruits of practicing-membership of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.

Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.

Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.

Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world.

And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.

Source: M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 25–27

Some family-centered beliefs of the LDS Church

2008-07-12T12:22:00.000-07:00

Here are some the the basic family-centered beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago.

Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.

Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families.

The Church has auxiliary programs for women, [young men, young women], and children as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and Scouting.

And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these ordinances take place in our temples.

Source: M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 25–27

Some beliefs held by the LDS Church

2008-07-12T12:13:00.000-07:00

In addition to the Articles of Faith, here are a few beliefs held by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.

We believe that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, and we try to model our lives after Him and His teachings. We commemorate Christ’s atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders’ Journal, July 1838, 44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.

We believe in and we use the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.

And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.”

Source: M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 25–27

Some facts about the LDS Church

2008-07-12T11:51:00.000-07:00

Here are some basic facts about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

First, “Mormon” is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as “Mormons,” “Latter-day Saints,” or “LDS.” The term “Saint” means “member.”

Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President [Thomas S. Monson] as the present prophet.

Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.

Fourth, local congregations are led byvolunte er, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.

And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment.

Source: M. Russell Ballard, “Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits,” Ensign, Nov 2007, 25–27

Our tent with a view

2008-07-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

Our tent with a view

Janel, Charley, and Kari camping with familty at Bear Lake near the Utah/Idado border.

“Little children are ... sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ”

2008-07-08T18:40:00.000-07:00

Reflections

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

William Wordsworth, "Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood," in The Oxford Book of English Verse: 1250–1900, ed. Arthur Quiller-Couch (1939), 628.

Death is not what some people imagine. It is only like going into another room. In that other room we shall find ... the dear women and men and the sweet children we have loved and lost.

See More Things in Heaven and Earth: Adventures in Quest of a Soul (1925), 11.

Little Children

When the disciples of Jesus attempted to restrain the children from approaching the Lord, He declared:

“Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them” (Mark 10:14; 15).

“The spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body … are taken home to that God who gave them life.” (Alma 40:11).

The Good News

Jesus Christ suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane and died on the Cross of Calvary so that all might be saved from their sins. That was on a Friday. On Sunday, Jesus Christ was resurrected; that is, His soul and His body were reunited, brought back together, never to be divided again. Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, everyone who ever lived will also be resurrected.

“The soul shall be restored to the body, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a hair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and perfect frame.” (Alma 40:23).

But it gets even better for little children!

“Little children are holy, being sanctified through the atonement of Jesus Christ” (D&C 74:7).

“Every spirit of man was innocent in the beginning; and God having redeemed man from the fall … in their infant state, innocent before God” (D&C 93:38).

“Children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven” (D&C 137:10).

“Little children are redeemed from the foundation of the world through mine Only Begotten; wherefore, they cannot sin” (D&C 29:46-47).

References

Thomas S. Monson, “‘A Little Child Shall Lead Them’,” Ensign, May 1990, 53
Topical Guide - Salvation of Little Children
Topical Guide - Age of Accountability
Bible Dictionary - Baptism

Joseph Smith: “The greatest responsibility in this world that God has laid upon us, is to seek after our dead"

2008-07-08T18:35:00.000-07:00

From The Grand Enterprise of Mormonism:

“As I understand it, Joseph Smith brought together two ideas that are generally in conflict with each other and combined them in a remarkable synthesis. On the one hand, the Latter-day Saints believe that mortality is but a moment in eternity and that men and women do not spring into existence at birth and are annihilated at death. We existed before birth and shall persist after death. Moreover, there is a link between those who are yet to be born, those who now live, and those who have passed beyond the grave; there is, in fact, communication across those seeming barriers. Some who have lived have returned and communicated with the living, and there is a great cooperative enterprise that links the unborn, the living, and the dead, aimed at their mutual salvation and perfection.”

New puppy from Utah

2008-07-05T19:06:00.000-07:00

New dog - stich

2008-07-05T19:01:00.000-07:00

2008-06-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

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2008-06-26T06:53:00.001-07:00

Monday night

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2008-06-18T09:24:00.000-07:00

Wilford Green flag pole

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Coming unto Christ

2008-06-05T06:27:00.001-07:00

http://ComingToChrist.blogspot.com is a great LDS blog.

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Sweet Ironies

via Coming to Christ... by Team Laws on 6/5/08

One of the ironies of coming unto Christ is the idea that as we draw nearer we become more dependent. Each of us daily forges ahead by way of relationship or estrangement (as it relates to Him). His greatest achievement is written on the tablet of His heart. His Atonement is the most powerful force I know of. It shatters death, quells justice, and provides cleansing floods of mercy to me and all of God's children on this and countless other worlds (2 Nephi 9:7, 25:16

An added irony is realized when this grandest of all events is applied. Elder M. Russell Ballard observed:

Sadly, in today's world, a person's importance is often judged by the size of the audience before which he or she performs. That is how media and sports programs are rated, how corporate prominence is sometimes determined, and often how governmental rank is obtained. That may be why roles such as father, mother, and missionary seldom receive standing ovations. Fathers, mothers, and missionaries play before very small audiences. Yet, in the eyes of the Lord, there may be only one size of audience that is of lasting importance and that is just one, each one, you and me, and each one of the children of God. The irony of the Atonement is that it is infinite and eternal, yet it is applied individually, one person at a time.

(The Atonement and the Value of One Soul, Ensign (CR), May 2004, p.84)

Isaiah 53:6 reminds:

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Our dependence on the Lord should underscore the inevitability of our coming unto Him. Of this truth all of the Prophets have testified.

2 Nephi 9:41 O then, my beloved brethren, come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name.

I want to be His, I want to be worthy of His name, I want to find myself on His mighty right hand (I think we all do). One last irony; most of us don't act like it!

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Parable of the Fritos Bag

2008-06-02T19:33:00.000-07:00

This was shared recently in a sacrament meeting:

"When hunger strikes, a lightweight snack just isn't going to cut it. You need something thats going to hold you over and keep you satisfied. At times like this, you need the big, bold taste of Fritos! Nothing satisfies like Fritos!"
- Fritos Bag

"When SIN strikes, a lightweight PRAYER just isn't going to cut it. You need A PRAYER thats going to hold you over and keep you STEADFAST. At times like this, you need the big, bold taste of THE ATONEMENT! Nothing satisfies like THE ATONEMENT!"
- Mormon Elder

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

2008-06-02T19:30:00.000-07:00

Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there's some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.

headed off to 4-h camp

2008-06-02T07:36:00.001-07:00

President Bush meets with President Monson

2008-05-29T13:08:00.001-07:00

Wow. We've come a long way since Joseph Smith "meet with Martin Van Buren, President of the United States, [and] sought redress for the persecution and loss of property suffered by the Saints in Missouri. [1]

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Smith,_Jr.#cite_note-28

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President Bush Meets With First Presidency

via LDS Newsroom RSS Feed on 5/29/08

SALT LAKE CITY | 29 May 2008 | President George W. Bush met with the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this morning at the Church's headquarters in Salt Lake City. This was President Bush's fourth visit to Church headquarters and his first meeting with the new First Presidency. President Thomas S. Monson, along with his two counselors, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, visited with President Bush for just under an hour.

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Aren't You Too Young to Be Doing Genealogy?

2008-05-23T14:27:00.001-07:00

"I hope to see us dissolve the artificial boundary line we so often place between missionary work and temple and genealogical work, because it is the same great redemptive work!"
President Spencer w. Kimball, Ensign, Jan 1977, p3.
Preach My Gospel, p164.

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Aren't You Too Young to Be Doing Genealogy?

via LDS Newsroom RSS Feed on 5/21/08

SALT LAKE CITY | 21 May 2008 | Family history research, or genealogy, has traditionally been a hobby pursued mostly by middle-age adults and seniors. Formal college courses and advances in technology are now attracting teenagers and young adults to the pastime. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places a large emphasis on family history research and maintains FamilySearch.org, one of the largest genealogical Web sites in the world. Members of the Church, who believe they will be reunited in the afterlife with family members, consider it a religious obligation to trace their family history.

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2008-05-20T18:13:00.000-07:00

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Friends of Scouting lend their support

2008-05-19T07:38:00.001-07:00

What a great local Shelbyville story about Scouting.

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Friends of Scouting lend their support

via Shelbyville Times-Gazette Headlines on 5/19/08

Life Scout Bronson Friedman stood at the podium and told the audience he had been hoodwinked into joining the Boy Scouts. "I was tricked," he said. "I was told I would have fun. "I was really being...

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LDS Church Genealogy Web Site Publishes Civil War Records

2008-05-16T06:35:00.001-07:00

Wow.

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Genealogy Web Site Publishes Civil War Records, Adds Web 2.0 Enhancements

via LDS Newsroom RSS Feed on 5/15/08

SALT LAKE CITY | 15 May 2008 | FamilySearch, a genealogy Web site maintained by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, announced yesterday its agreement with Footnote.com to publish two Civil War-era databases online — the 1860 U.S. Census and the Civil War Pensions Index. The two collections will provide free online access to millions of names of individuals from 1860 to 1865 in the United States.

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2008-05-11T15:54:00.000-07:00

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Joseph Smith Manual in Audio

2008-05-06T20:51:00.001-07:00

I am amazed the Church curriculum is almost completely online. Now, most things are being added in audio form as well. See lds.org/audio for a complete list - great for feeding the iPod. I enjoy listening to Jesus the Christ. Also, I just noticed that Preach My Gospel is online in audio form as well.

The Church's IT department is amazing.

Josh

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Joseph Smith Manual in Audio in 11 Languages

via ldsWebguy by ldswebguy on 5/6/08

The Church is now beginning to provide audio recordings in various languages for the manual Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith, Jr. The following are the languages and the scheduled dates for posting the MP3 audio files on LDS.org:

English: completed (We also have a podcast for the English audio files at webfeeds.lds.org.)
Spanish, Russian, Korean, Mandarin: May 30, 2008
Portuguese, French, Cantonese: June 5, 2008
Japanese: June 12, 2008
German, Italian: TBD

You can access all the audio files from the LDS.org audio page. You can also access them from the individual chapters in the manual by clicking Listen on the format bar above the chapter text.

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Nannie, 1918-2008

2008-04-29T12:08:00.000-07:00

Remarks at Nannie's funeral service:

Avery Rhodes Cobb
Funeral Service
April 29, 2008

April 2, 1918 – April 25, 2008

Good Morning Friends and Family.

Today we remember Avery Rhodes Cobb. She meant a lot to us all. She is a friend, a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great-grandmother, and a great-great-grandmother. To her friends she was known as “Mama Rose.” To her family she was known as “Nannie.” Nannie was happy, outgoing, and pretty. She smiled a lot. Now, she has completed the test.

Satin sheets to lie on; Satin pillows to cry on

Nannie had a beautiful spirit – she was spunky. While she had a 90 year-old body, I think she never had more than a 20-something spirit. Nannie had a bum right leg. In fact, each week, Sunday through Tuesday her leg hurt, but on Friday and Saturday a miracle happened. She was able to go out dancing!

Mama Rose had a deep love for family. She married Melvin “Dandon” Burrow at a young age. Together they had a daughter, Nancy. Boy how she loved her daughter. Together they would go out “skottie-poopin.” I am still not quite sure what that meant.

Ten years following the death of Dandon, Nannie met and married James “Papa Sarge” Baker. I am thankful that the last years of her life were spent with such a kind and caring man as Papa Sarge. We love the Baker family.

In my church – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – otherwise known as the Mormon Faith, we hold family in the highest regard. Family is the most important organization in this life and the next life. Let me give an example of what is meant to hold your family in the highest regard.

These past 6 or 7 years Melva and Mom have wore out their lives in the service of family. They have spent many, many days driving their mother, father, grandfather, and grandmother to doctors and hospitals. Melva and Mom have spent many, many nights awake and worried by the side of sick family members at home, in hospitals, and in nursing homes. They have typified the meaning of being a family member, being there when you’re needed. Mom and Melva were heroes even saviors at times to family members in need. There were there for them. Mom and Melva saved their family from discomfort and worries: they bore their burdens, comforted their cares, and bound up their wounds.

What does it mean to be saved?

Long time ago, in a land far-far away a hero came to save us all. “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). God is our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is his only begotten Son. Through Christ everyone may be saved through His Gospel. Being saved means to be rescued from physical and spiritual death.

The poet is only next to the prophet. By President Gordon B. Hinckley:

What is this thing that men call death,

This quiet passing in the night?

'Tis not the end, but genesis

Of better worlds and greater light.

O God, touch thou my aching heart,

And calm my troubled, haunting fears.

Let hope and faith, transcendent, pure,

Give strength and peace beyond my tears.

There is no death, but only change,

With recompense for vict'ry won.

The gift of him who loved all men,

The Son of God, the Holy One.

“[T]here is a time appointed that all shall rise from the dead” (Alma 40:5).

All that we knew and loved about Mama Rose continues. Her spirit has simply gone home to that God who gave her life. One day her spirit will once again enter her body, her body will be perfect, and not a hair on her head will be lost.

God be with you till we meet again;

by his counsels guide, uphold you,

with his sheep securely fold you;

God be with you till we meet again.

God be with you till we meet again;

keep love's banner floating o'er you,

smite death's threatening wave before you;

God be with you till we meet again.

I love you Nannie. We all love you. We thank you for your kindness and your spunk. We know we shall see you again. God be with you till we meet again.

I know that the Lord lives – and he died and rose to save us all.

Avery Burrow "Mama Rose" Baker

2008-04-27T17:17:00.001-07:00

My kid's great-great grandmother.

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Avery Burrow "Mama Rose" Baker

via Shelbyville Times-Gazette Headlines on 4/26/08

Avery Burrow "Mama Rose" Baker, 90, of Shelbyville died Friday at her home after an extended illness. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Feldhaus Memorial Chapel with Josh Calahan...

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Elder M. Russell Ballard’s Call to Inform

2008-04-21T14:49:00.001-07:00

"[W]e look to our responsible and faithful members to engage personally with blogs, to write thoughtful, online letters to news organizations, and to act in other ways to correct the record with their own opinions."
-Elder Ballard (http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/transcript-of-elder-m-russell-ballard-s-speech-given-at-brigham-young-university-management-society)

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Elder M. Russell Ballard's Call to Inform

via A Soft Answer by David H. Sundwall on 4/21/08

On the heels of attending a prayer service for Pope Benedict the 16th, Elder M. Russell Ballard spoke at the BYU Management Society dinner this weekend. The dinner is an annual gathering in Washington, D.C. that besides gather area members it also includes prominent people and dignitaries.

Elder Ballard's speech surveyed the church's experience in the public eye for the last year and repeated his recent calls to engage in public and online discussions about the Church. His overall conclusion was that the past year has been a good experience, saying "I'd much rather have people talking about us than ignoring us." Most of the confusion results from those caught between two extremes of critics: conservative Christians which try to marginalize the Church as a cult and those opposed to the Church's political stands on moral issues.

As he has done so much recently turned to members to help combat the confusion (emphasis added).

So let me pose a question. What are you prepared to do about it? If you are a member of the Church, what is your responsibility during this period of unusual attention and debate? Interest has continued at a high level and probably will for some time. If a national conversation is going on about the Church, are you going to be an active participant or a silent observer?

Church leaders must not be reluctant to participate in public discussion. Where appropriate, we will engage with the media whether it's the traditional, mainstream media or the new media of the Internet. But Church leaders can't do it all, especially at the grass-roots, community level. While we do speak authoritatively for the Church, we look to our responsible and faithful members to engage personally with blogs, to write thoughtful, online letters to news organizations, and to act in other ways to correct the record with their own opinions.

However, I emphasize that it is not always about correcting misinformation. Sometimes it is about getting solid information and ideas out there in the first place. Share your experiences – those from your own life – that show how your values and your faith intersect. It doesn't matter whether that's face to face with another person, or whether you do it by participating from your own blog or contributing to someone else's blog. The most important thing is that you let people know that you are a Latter-day Saint, and that your behavior and attitude always reflect the high standards of the Church and what is expected as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ. Of course, you will be speaking as an individual member and not as an official representative of the Church.

Elder Ballard called on members to share their beliefs and explain why they make a difference in their lives in a natural and unforced way. He also asked those who weren't members to join with the Church as "people of goodwill' against social ills issues like pornography.

Besides being the Church's most vocal proponent of blogs, Elder Ballard's call for members to engage public conversations about the Church strikes me as exciting and new. Instead of focusing solely on sharing the Gospel with the aim of conversion, members need to feel comfortable in sharing their beliefs in a natural and comfortable way to help others understand the truth about the Church.

It seems to me that this lessens the pressure that members may feel in sharing the Gospel with others and recognizes that a lot of good still comes to the Church without the immediate baptism in sight.

Has the latest push on helping others understand the Church been a shift away from proselytizing and a new approach to missionary work?

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2008-04-19T08:09:00.000-07:00

Camporee

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2008-04-18T18:44:00.000-07:00

Camp out

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2008-04-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Camporee

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Eddie George on the retiring Steve McNair

2008-04-18T10:43:00.001-07:00

"His attitude and determination permeated throughout the rest of the team and raised our level of play because we said if our quarterback can come out here and play hurt, then we can suck it up and play hurt as well. … That is where our mental toughness came from. It came from Steve McNair."
-Eddie George

http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080418/SPORTS01/804180393/1027/RSS0201

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What they're saying about Steve McNair

via www.tennessean.com - RSS-Sports-Titans on 4/17/08

"Every time I see him I am amazed that he is still walking after all he has been through. But the guy never complains, and he never has no matter what it was. I know I dropped balls from him. Derrick Mason dropped balls from him. All his receivers dropped balls from him. Linemen have missed blocks, guys have made mistakes, but he never said anything to a guy and got on them about it and I always appreciated that. He had faith in the guys around him.''

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Iraq sand storm

2008-04-17T18:25:00.001-07:00

We've got a friend in Iraq. This is a picture of a sand storm over there.

Words of Prophets Available through iTunes

2008-04-17T13:24:00.001-07:00

This is a great way to review conference.

Josh

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Words of Prophets Available through iTunes

via More Good Foundation Blog by Richard on 4/17/08

Audio and video recordings of the April 2008 General Conference are now available through iTunes. This is a convenient way to access the words of the Church leaders who Mormons sustain as prophets. (The following links will open in iTunes.)

General Conference Video

General Conference Audio

Opportunity for online member missionaries: Click the "Write a Review" button and explain what you thought about General Conference, especially something you felt or learned.

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McNair announces retirement to team; press conference scheduled

2008-04-17T10:12:00.001-07:00

It's been a good ride :-(

Josh

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McNair announces retirement to team; press conference scheduled

via NFL.com by NFL.com on 4/17/08

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Steve McNair announced his retirement to the team this morning.

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2008-04-16T16:59:00.000-07:00

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Shelbyville bypass gets funding!

2008-04-15T10:57:00.001-07:00

This is exciting news for our county! I think the bypass will extend from about the airport on 231N to somewhere between Shelbyville and Tullahoma on 41A.

Josh

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Shelbyville bypass gets funding

via Shelbyville Times-Gazette Headlines on 4/15/08

State Senate Transportation Chairman Jim Tracy (R-Shelbyville) and State Rep. Curt Cobb (D-Shelbyville) have announced that the Tennessee Department of Transportation has included the Shelbyville...

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2008-04-14T13:36:00.001-07:00

Spring daffodils

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spring flowers

2008-04-12T06:35:00.001-07:00

http://picasaweb.google.com/jcalahan/SpringFlowers

Storm Pictures

2008-04-11T13:07:00.001-07:00

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Storm Pictures

via Nashville WX by Justin on 4/11/08

Several viewers have sent images to Nashflix.com. Jessica Andrews sends some golf ball size hail that fell in Culleoka in Maury County. Chip Walters sends this wall cloud as it passed over Shelbyville.

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2008-04-10T16:10:00.000-07:00

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2008-04-08T09:44:00.001-07:00

Charley at the special olympics

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2008-04-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

Charley at the special olympics

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