LDS Living - Mormon Report

Alone in the Temple

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:44:00 -0600

source: segullah.org/blog/

MR says: Do you have a hard time going to the temple alone? “Why didn’t you call me? You could have come with us!” My neighbor’s face was furrowed with concern, and mine was furrowed with confusion. It took me a moment to figure out what she was referring too—ward temple night. I had seen her, and many members of the ward, when we met together on Friday night to do a session at the temple. Flustered by her concern, I stumbled over my response: “I came straight from work; no, actually I picked up someone else and brought her but her husband took her home; um, well, I always go by myself.” She sighed and walked off down the hallway of the church, as baffled by my reaction to her concern as I was by her attempt to reach out to me. You see, I always go to the temple by myself. In fact, I prefer to attend alone and had almost not gone to ward temple night. I debated going for weeks beforehand, and I’m still not sure why I feel so uncomfortable being in the temple with people I know.

Boy Scouts approve policy to accept gay Scouts

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:53:00 -0600

source: ap.org

MR says: Click here to read the Church's official statement concerning the vote. In one of their most dramatic choices in a century, local leaders of the Boy Scouts of America voted Thursday to ease a divisive ban and allow openly gay boys to be accepted into the nation's leading youth organization.

Gay adults will remain barred from serving as Scout leaders.

Of the local Scout leaders voting at their annual meeting in Texas, more than 60 percent supported the proposal.

LDS Church releases statement on Boy Scout policy change

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:40:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

MR says: The following is a statement released by the Church in response to the recent vote. The new policy--which will take effect Jan. 1, 2014--continues to bar gay leaders, but says that Scouts cannot be denied membership to BSA on sexual orientation alone. Click here to read news coverage of the vote. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints responded today to the Boy Scouts of America vote on its membership policy with the following statement:

For the past 100 years, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has enjoyed a strong relationship with Boy Scouts of America, based on our mutual interest in helping boys and young men understand and live their duty to God and develop upright moral behavior. As the Church moves forward in its association with the Boy Scouts of America, Church leaders will continue to seek the most effective ways to address the diverse needs of young people in the United States and throughout the world.
The Church’s long-established policy for participation in activities is stated in the basic instructional handbook used by lay leaders of the Church: “young men … who agree to abide by Church standards” are “welcomed warmly and encouraged to participate” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church [2010], 8.17.3). This policy applies to Church-sponsored Scout units. Sexual orientation has not previously been—and is not now—a disqualifying factor for boys who want to join Latter-day Saint Scout troops. Willingness to abide by standards of behavior continues to be our compelling interest.
These standards are outlined in the booklet For the Strength of Youth and include abstinence from sexual relationships. We remain firmly committed to upholding these standards and to protecting and strengthening boys and young men.
The Church appreciates BSA’s reaffirmation of its commitment to “duty to God,” which includes service to others and moral behavior—central principles of our teaching to young men. As in the past, the Church will work with BSA to harmonize what Scouting has to offer with the varying needs of our young men. We trust that BSA will implement and administer the approved policy in an appropriate and effective manner.

A letter signed by the First Presidency of the Church is being sent to all Latter-day Saint congregation leaders throughout the United States. The letter will include the reaffirmation of Church policies and standards referenced in today's public statement.

Watch full video of funeral services for Sister Frances J. Monson

Thu, 23 May 2013 13:17:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

MR says: The funeral service was lovely. For those who didn't get a chance to watch it live, the Mormon Newsroom has made a video available of the services.

It is not possible to embed the video here, so be sure to visit the link below.

Performance Honors Polynesian Cultural Center's 50 Years

Thu, 23 May 2013 10:03:00 -0600

source: news.lds.org

MR says: Happy 50th to the PCC! This would have been a fun event to attend. Showcasing the cultures of the Pacific islands, more than a dozen dancers and musicians from the Polynesian Cultural Center in Laie, Hawaii, performed in New York City on April 30 and May 1 in honor of the 50th anniversary of the PCC.

Hosted by the United Nations Permanent Missions of Samoa and New Zealand, the PCC troupe entertained 200 international diplomats and guests on the evening of April 30 at a venue across from the U.N. campus. Twenty-one ambassadors representing the countries of Angola, Australia, Botswana, Czech Republic, Fiji, Grenada, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Libya, Maldives, Morocco, Mozambique, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, Timor L’este, Tonga, Venezuela, and Yemen attended the celebration and luau. Two U.N. under-secretary generals and several department leaders were also present.

LDS Bible film project wrapping up this week in Utah's Jerusalem

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:54:00 -0600

source: fox13now.com

MR says: Wow! Unbelievable that the project is nearly finished! In three summers, they've made almost 100 incredible short films. (Video coverage at the full link.) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is about to call it a wrap on its movie-making project in Goshen.

Filmmakers will complete their multi-year production of the New Testament this week, which offers a series of videos about the life of Jesus Christ.

In the three summers spent making the films, the LDS church has made nearly 100 short stories about the life of Christ.

Actress Savannah Stevenson plays the role of Mary, and she talked about their most recent project.

His Heroine, Frances

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:40:00 -0600

source: segullah.org/blog/

MR says: Beautiful tribute to Sister Monson. Her funeral is today at 12 noon at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and it will also be broadcast. Click here to get a list of stations/news outlets that will broadcast it. After leaving for work last Friday, my husband sent me a brief text. “Sister Monson passed away this morning.” I was surprised. I think most of us were. The papers said after several weeks of being in the hospital, she passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. She was 85.

Pinning the Mormon Image: on Mormon (non)distinctiveness

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:37:00 -0600

source: juvenileinstructor.org

MR says: Interesting rundown of Mormons on Pinterest, what it looks like, and how we use it. Last September, I wrote about the Mormon “hey girl” meme as a signifier of Mormon culture. I’d like to continue in that vein today when talking about Mormon pins on Pinterest. I’m not the first JI blogger to tackle the subject of Mormons and Pinterest–if you’re unfamiliar with the concept of Pinterest, go take a look at this excellent post, outlining the functionalities of Pinterest and examining how it intersects with notions of Mormon womanhood, written by Andrea in March 2012. A quick excerpt:

The reasons for Mo-Pinning are not really a mystery. For the scrapbooking, stamping, and crafting set, Pinterest is an alternate virtual outlet for the domestic inclinations of the young Mormon mommy. Pinterest remains relatively free from conflict on divisive religious and political issues, so it also acts as an escape valve from other online forums. And for the particularly zealous LDS proselytizers, what better forum for sharing G.A. quotes, scriptures, and reminders to the world that “we really are Christians!”

LDS veterans share inspiring stories of courage, valor

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:31:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

MR says: The stories this man has gotten are incredibly inspiring. You can read some of them at an LDS Living feature story here: "Mortars and Miracles." The Saints at War project started in 2000 with the purpose of gathering stories of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving their country during wartime. Since then, hundreds of accounts have been submitted and published in a series of books or recounted in video documentaries.

These stories not only honor the veterans' memory and legacy of service, they have also been a source of inspiration and strength to many Latter-day Saints, said Robert Freeman, author and director of the Saints at War project.

New York Times: Hollywood Goes to Mormon Country for Good, Clean Fun

Thu, 23 May 2013 09:25:00 -0600

source: nytimes.com

MR says: Really great, substantial article about the promise of BYU's animation department--and about the message they're sharing with Hollywood to increase positive influences in film. Fun to read. Allen Ostergar stood at the front of the lecture hall with a stiff and bashful smile, or maybe it was just stage fright, and started his pitch. Open on a deadly pirate ship, he said— “the deadliest of all the pirate ships to, like, sail the seas.”

It was a Tuesday evening at Brigham Young University, in Provo, Utah, and the school’s computer-animation program had assembled its 70-odd students to choose their next project — the one film they would be producing over the next three semesters. Ostergar, a junior from Southern California, was up first.

A panning shot across the ship’s deck, he explained, would introduce the thuggish crew: two pirates take turns slugging each other in the gut. Another stands around eating habanero peppers and blowing fire. “One idea I had,” Ostergar said, “was one guy could be bench-pressing a cannon. And then it zooms out a little bit, and then there’s a bigger guy that’s bench-pressing that guy!”

Eventually the camera would zero in on the main character, Off-White Dakin. Ostergar had done an animated sequence showing the lantern-jawed pirate sitting behind a barrel — hiding.

Children’s Videos Now Downloadable from LDS.org

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:16:00 -0600

source: news.lds.org

MR says: These "One in a Million" videos are pretty great. Teachers and parents can now download hundreds of videos for children at friend.lds.org to show in the classroom or at home.

Videos available for download include the One in a Million videos about Primary children around the world, Scripture Stories, For Little Friends, Matt and Mandy, music videos, ASL Primary songs, and other videos for children.

Viral Music Video: "She's Goin' on a Mission"

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:10:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

MR says: A tongue-in-cheek song about the boys getting left behind after the change in missionary age. In just two days, it's become pretty popular.

The band members have been careful to say they totally support the sisters--it's just that now the tables are turned, and in all likelihood, "Instead of Dear Johns, we’re going to start Dear Janing them.” Read more about the band at Fox13News.com.

LDS Temples 101: a guide to understanding us Mormon folk and our love of the Temple

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:06:00 -0600

source: mormonmommyblogs.blogspot.com

MR says: Simple and straightforward explanation of the temple. "5 days until I receive my endowments and I get sealed to my parents. Holy hurry up batman!"

When I posted this on Facebook, I received a lot of questions, because my friends didn't know what I was talking about. That's when I realized, I'm totally posting in "Mormon-Speak".

Because I want everyone to share in my excitement, I've decided to break it down, and try and explain what all the hoopidy-doo is about!

When I get my endowments, I'll be making my first trip ever to the Temple. See, us Mormon folk have two main buildings that we use. We have our "meeting houses" which is the building we go to every Sunday for our church service (just like all the other Christians out there). Anyone and everyone can go to this building! It also is where we do our activities like sports, fellowshipping events, etc.

College football coach called as Mormon bishop in Louisiana

Wed, 22 May 2013 09:01:00 -0600

source: www.deseretnews.com/blogs

MR says: This will be one very busy man--but one who gets lots of blessings, I'm sure! An assistant college football coach has been called to serve as the leader of a congregation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Louisiana.

Justin Anderson, 35, a wide receivers coach at Nicholls State University since 2010, will serve as the bishop of an LDS ward in the Houma-Thibodaux area.

Skyping Missionaries for High Tech Tender Moments

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:46:00 -0600

source: middle-agedmormonman.blogspot.com

MR says: This is such a cool new allowance for missionaries to be able to Skype. Twenty years ago, could you have imagined it would be a reality today? In the run up to Mother's Day, I was a bit outspoken about taking care of our wives and mothers. It made for interesting conversation, and added pressure on me - because my EC reads my blog. (Which has helped fine-tune her eye-rolling and head shaking skills.)

I think I did a decent enough job. You doubt? OK, I'll ask.

Me: Honey? Did I do OK on Mother's Day? I put myself out on a limb with all my preaching...

EC: Yes, you did great. It was a wonderful day.
Me: Anything else?
EC: You aren't typing my exact words...?
Me: Yes.
EC: Just make it up - you know what I would say.
Me: No. That wouldn't be honest. (exuding self-righteousness)
EC: Fine. It was an especially hard day for me because it was the first without my mom, and you and the kids focused on me so much and took such good care of me that I didn't have much time to think about it.

Tah-dah! Success. But if I dig deep and look at Mother's Day objectively, I know that whatever I did had less impact that one 40 minute chunk of the day.

Yep, we got to Skype with our missionary - and that gave my EC joy.

Website lets members 'create' to share the gospel

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:40:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

MR says: You know all those beautiful photos taking up space on your hard drive? Now you can use them to help share the gospel. The typical responsibilities associated with the word "missionary" include young men and women spending days biking to appointments with members and investigators and long months away from home.

However, modern technology makes it possible for members who aren't serving missions to serve from their own homes. The LDS Church leaders invite members to share the gospel by sharing their talents through the "Create and Share your Media Talents" section on lds.org.

Is the Sabbath still relevant?

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:36:00 -0600

source: deseretnews.com

MR says: Always an interesting topic for discussion, that seems to change with families as they grow. How do you approach the Sabbath? Once upon a time, in a little land called America, the Sabbath was a day of rest. Shops closed. Church bells rang. Girls in white stockings and patent-leather shoes and boys with slicked-down hair and stiff white collars marched off to church with their parents.

Sometimes they went to church twice a day. Afternoons were reserved for family dinners and Bible study.

LDS Church working with Oklahoma officials to provide support in wake of tornadoes

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:19:00 -0600

source: Newsroom.lds.org

MR says: We're glad to know so many are jumping to action so quickly. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints expresses condolences to those affected by Monday’s destructive tornadoes that hit five states, the most devastating of which occurred in Moore, Oklahoma. It has been reported that at least two dozen people are dead, including children, with more people missing and hundreds of homes damaged.

The Church is especially mindful of those who have lost loved ones and people who are now homeless.

Local Mormon leaders are working in partnership with local agencies to assist in community relief efforts. Local Church leaders are also establishing a relief operations center to coordinate supplies and volunteers.

Frances J. Monson funeral will be broadcast, says LDS Church

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:09:00 -0600

source: sltrib.com

MR says: These updated funeral plans were just released. More details about the upcoming funeral of Frances J. Monson, wife of LDS Church President Thomas S. Monson, were released Tuesday.

Officials of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints confirmed that Thursday’s services for Mrs. Monson would be televised live. Stations and web sites planning to carry the services included KSL 5, KSL.com, BYU TV, BYU TV Global, BYU TV International, KBYU, the church’s international satellite system and LDS.org.

Watch Al Fox Share Her Conversion Story

Tue, 21 May 2013 14:01:00 -0600

source: youtube.com

MR says: Al's conversion story, in her own words. Read more about Al in our March/April cover story, "Finding Joy in the Gospel." This video is part of the "Forward Walking" series.