Do You Think the Bloggernacle Should Become an Extension of Sunday School?

I certainly hope not! They have very different purposes.

In many ways I like the Bloggernacle the way it is, kind’a like the old west. There are lots of unique personalities and ideas manifest here. I like being part of it. Each of us are becoming what are use of agency is making us, and the Lord has prepared various degrees of glory to accommodate our choices. The Lord wouldn’t have it any other way (Abraham 3:5).

The following scripture makes this point:

Ye who are quickened by a portion of the celestial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness.

And they who are quickened by a portion of the terrestrial glory shall then receive of the same, even a fulness. Continue reading

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Example of Faith: Called as Bishop in the Midst of a Severe Family Trial

I recently read this post and found it to be an example of faith. I  admit I’m moved to tears at the depth of trail and faith the Fitzgerald family has, and is experiencing.

I asked for permission to publish it. The author is Bishop Mike Fitzgerald. He is currently serving as Bishop in the Mapleton, Utah area. His blog is: http://yourbishop.blogspot.com/

The scriptures teach that “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them… D&C 136:31. The following account is an example of one family’s trail and blessing as they prepare for the glory the Lord has for them.

Trials and Blessings

Some of you know why we moved to Utah several years ago, but some of you don’t. We came here because of a severe family trial. My wife had had a number of health problems that started in 1990. She had been quite ill since late 1999, and we were seeking help. In fact, nothing was more important to us than getting her better and helping her return to good health. Continue reading

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We Thank Thee, Oh God, for Prophets-Honoring the Prophets for the June 8, 1978 Revelation

I’m honored to belong to a church led by living prophets. The June 8, 1978 revelation extending the priesthood to all worthy males is an example of their prophetic calling.

Following are a few excerpts from, Lengthen Your Stride, by Edward L. Kimball, pp. 217-223:

“Day after day, and especially on Saturdays and Sundays when there were no organizations [sessions] in the temple, I went there when I could be alone…

Francis Gibbons (First Presidency secretary) sensed that President Kimball had already come to know God’s will and was now struggling with how to unify all Church leaders in support…

Camilla noted that in their prayers together at home, where he had always asked for inspiration or guidance, he began to plead for revelation… Continue reading

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I Don’t Believe in Atheism

I don’t believe in atheism because of my experience in the military. I know there are those who attempt to refute the “no atheist in a foxhole” quip , but I lived it with men who claimed to be atheist, but when death appeared imminent they abandoned their atheism, only to return to it a few days later, when they were safe.

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Examples of Faith: When God Intervenes Miracles Occur

Members of the Church frequently relate accounts of their experiences with miracles. Miracles happen all the time. We are God’s children and He is watching over us and when He intervenes miracles occur.

Following are three such experiences. I’ve taken part of the account to get you started.  Click the link at the end to complete the story. Once at the link you may need to scroll down to find the title. Enjoy.

As He is Now

Then one night I had another dream in which I saw myself on the doorstep of our home talking to my father. He was drunk, seemed very pale, and was dressed in filthy clothes. I was screaming at him, asking him why he drank so much. I yelled at him to go away and leave us alone. All of a sudden I saw another man coming toward me.  Click Here
Continue reading

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One of the Best Kept Secrets of the Church

Mike: Why are the scripture so important? After all, the Bible is scripture and look at all the different Christian churches that have sprung into existence since it was published. Obviously scripture is subject to interpretation, and if this is the case, what real good can they be?

Jack: That’s precisely why the Lord called on the prophet Joseph Smith. His calling as a prophet and the calling of other prophets since then–provides us with leaders whose responsibility it is to interpret scripture. Without apostles and prophets scriptures wouldn’t be enough.

Mike: You make a good point, but haven’t the apostles and prophets made mistakes and lead the members of the church in error. What about the ban on the priesthood? How do you explain that?

Jack: If you believe the Lord is at the head of the church and works through His prophets then the ultimate responsibility for the ban on the priesthood is with the Lord. The Lord waited until 1978 to lift the ban on the priesthood. Continue reading

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A Question for the Bloggernacle: Where’s the Beef?

When I first became aware of the word Bloggernacle, I saw two words merged–blog and tabernacle, and in my mind’s eye, I envisioned church members using blogs to teach and discuss the gospel. I decided to see for myself and visited the Bloggernacle for the first time two years ago.

I was aware of a strong anti-mormon element on the internet and was looking forward to spending time with the saints in the Bloggernacle. I have to admit I wasn’t prepared for my first encounter with the Bloggernacle.

Before I continue I want to emphasize I’m not into criticism, observation and comment, yes. In this post I am going to relate a few of my observations and you can decide for yourself if they have merit or not.

Where’s the Beef Continue reading

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LDS Church Leaders Preparing Us for the 2nd Coming of Christ

I came across a video that I personally enjoyed and thought that others might find it worthwhile too.  It’s only 3 and half minutes long but nonetheless packs a spiritual punch.

I don’t know the details of its origin.

I invite you to view it, and then leave a comment on this blog.  Click here

The link below can be copied into your browser:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w&eurl=http://www.latterdayconservative.com/freedom-videos.html Continue reading

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Friday Quiz: The Holy Spirit–is it the Holy Ghost or the Light of Christ?

After reading the following scripture answer the question below.

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father.   Mosiah 3:19

Question:

Is the “Holy Spirit” in this verse the Holy Ghost or the Light of Christ?


Continue reading

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A Prophet’s 9-11 Prayer

In Oct 2001 General Conference, weeks after 9-11, President Hinckley closed his remarks by offering a prayer.

“And now as we close this conference, even though we shall have a benediction, I should like to offer a brief prayer in these circumstances:

O God, our Eternal Father, Thou great Judge of the Nations, Thou who art the governor of the universe, Thou who art our Father and our God, whose children we are, we look to Thee in faith in this dark and solemn time. Please, dear Father, bless us with faith. Bless us with love. Bless us with charity in our hearts. Bless us with a spirit of perseverance to root out the terrible evils that are in this world. Give protection and guidance to those who are engaged actively in carrying forth the things of battle. Bless them; preserve their lives; save them from harm and evil. Hear the prayers of their loved ones for their safety. We pray for the great democracies of the earth which Thou hast overseen in creating their governments, where peace and liberty and democratic processes obtain.

O Father, look with mercy upon this, our own nation, and its friends in this time of need. Spare us and help us to walk with faith ever in Thee and ever in Thy Beloved Son, on whose mercy we count and to whom we look as our Savior and our Lord. Bless the cause of peace and bring it quickly to us again, we humbly plead with Thee, asking that Thou wilt forgive our arrogance, pass by our sins, be kind and gracious to us, and cause our hearts to turn with love toward Thee. We humbly pray in the name of Him who loves us all, even the Lord Jesus Christ, our Redeemer and our Savior, amen.”

Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘Till We Meet Again’,” Ensign, Nov 2001, 89 Continue reading

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