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New Website About Jesus Christ Launched

med_001faithinchristhigresoluti_1.jpgThe other week in priesthood meeting, one of the members mentioned a new website that was launched by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aimed at explaining the life and teachings of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

The website can be seen by going to: http://jesuschrist.lds.org

An article from the Official LDS Newsroom says that it was almost a year in the making. I suspected that this website was planned to coincide with the March special editions of two of the Church’s official magazines, the Ensign and the Liahona, which also focus on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.

One of my favorite parts of the new Jesus Christ website is the witnesses of the 16 presidents (prophets) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Just another tool to show that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints DO believe in Jesus Christ.

Also, here is the Official Church Video about the new website as well:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARO849yjrWQ]
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American Idol and No TV

These past two weeks I’ve been extremely busy trying to get things organized at home.  Right now all our TVs are packed away and our internet is seldomly used.  This lends time to sit around, talk and visit with friends and family.  Another thing it does is add a personal touch to home.  Rather than coming home and keeping eachother company while watching TV, we’re keeping each other company!

It even some brings missionary opportunities with my Mother in law, who is staying with me for a few months, that probably would have been harder to come by.

One caveat: I’ve been missing American Idol – but not before I got to see Brooke White audition!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxRpacN0-LA]

My friend Joey pointed out to me this article from Deseret News today.  There are two LDS singers in American Idol’s top 24.  Including Brooke White, there is also David Archuleta from Salt Lake City, who auditioned in San Diego.

With the top 24 starting, it looks like it is time to hook the TV back up.  But I’m going to try to keep Sundays a non-television day to go along with keeping the Sabbath day holy.  That should be an easy one since we have Tivo.

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Thomas S. Monson

Thomas S. Monson was named the 16th Church President on Monday.

med_monson_large.jpg

He also called to serve with him in the First Presidency, President Henry B. Eyring as his first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, as his second counselor.

It was also announced that President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

All I’ve really known was Hinckley as the prophet. I am not too familiar with President Monson but from what I’ve heard from my good friends I am excited to see where the Church goes from here.

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Glenn Beck on Hinckley

Came accross this on YouTube and just wanted to share, in case you haven’t already seen this:

Glenn Beck pays tribute to the late LDS President Gordon B. Hinckley

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=Z58eHBnEHhk]

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How the Youth Honored Hinckley

Preparing for school took a different turn for thousands of teenage Mormon students who, some 12 hours earlier, had learned of the death of their Church president, Gordon B. Hinckley.

The students responded to a flood of text messages from teens in at least six states, suggesting they arrive at school in their “Sunday best,” rather than their accustomed jeans or other casual clothes, as a symbol of respect and honor to their deceased leader.

A few of these students shared their thoughts about President Gordon B. Hinckley.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M1BmT8Wmak]
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The Life of President Gordon B. Hinckley: 1910 – 2008

President Gordon B. Hinckley, who led The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through twelve years of global expansion, has died at the age of 97.

President Hinckley was the 15th president in the 177-year history of the Church and had served as its president since 12 March 1995.

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=FQsAEsN0R7Q]

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Gordon B. Hinckley

hinckley_medium.jpgIs it weird that I am not saddened?

The President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley has died at the age of 97.

Being less than a year into this, I can’t say that I’m too affected by it. I have only really heard him speak once during the Semi-Annual General Conference. I enjoyed what he had to say in October and was looking forward to him this April.

I realize the progress this Prophet made for the church during his presidency and admire his works. The world went from 56 to 224 temples? Amazing!

So is it weird that I am not saddened by his passing?

No. I am happy for him!  Happy because of the plan of Salvation.

I found out last night when my friend Mike gave me a call.  I said a prayer for his family to have peace and comfort.  I wasn’t saddened really, just  a little surprised.  I thought he was kidding around when he said he was hoping to make it to April’s General Conference.

He had lived a great life. I know where he has gone. He is with our Father in Heaven, his wife and his other family. And he will get his reward:

His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord. (Matthew 25:21)

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Video Explains Myths vs. Reality

The Official Church Newsroom released the following press release a few days ago: Video Challenges Public Misperceptions, Explains Myths vs. Reality

The Church had produced a ten minute video originally for  journalists visiting Salt Lake City for the 2002 Winter Olympics.  It was reposted in the Church Newsroom as well as YouTube today to help counter the constant myths about the Church.

Mormon Celebrities: Former NFL quarterback Steve Young and former Miss America Sharlene Hawkes, talk about three major misperceptions the public has about the Church:

  1. Polygamy
  2. Church Openness
  3. Whether Church Members are Christian

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=EfOyGTLDqjM]

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Elder Ballard Encourages Blogging

According to an article in the Deseret Morning News, Elder Ballard addresses that the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints need to join the global conversation and use new technology to stand up for what they believe in.

“There are conversations going on about the church constantly,” Elder Ballard said. “Those conversations will continue whether or not we choose to participate in them. But we cannot sit on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the church teaches.”

This month has brought a lot of attention, negative and positive, to the Church and it is up to us as members to take the attention as an opportunity for missionary work. There will be a lot of people with questions about our beliefs and it is up us to answer them.

LDS faithful can change perceptions of the church “one conversation at a time,” through a clear and simple message of the Restoration. Elder Ballard said the Internet is a great tool to start these conversations. In his remarks, he suggested members consider the following:

  • Start a blog “and share what you know to be true.”
  • Download videos from official church and other appropriate sites and send them to your friends.
  • Comment on news media sites that report on the church “and voice your views as to the accuracy of the reports.”

Elder Ballard continues:

“Do not be afraid to share with others your story, your experiences as a follower of the Lord Jesus Christ,” Elder Ballard said. “We all have interesting stories that influence our identity. Sharing those stories is a non-threatening way to talk to others. Telling those stories can help demystify the church.”

I feel it is wonderful that the Church embraces technology to share the Gospel:

Members seem to be doing their part as well with the following:

Other Links:

Official YouTube Video:

 [youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=PEsjYm6Av4w]

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The Church Addresses Politics on YouTube

It’s been an interesting few weeks for the Church! With Mitt Romney going for President, there has been a spotlight on the Church and its members.

It looks like the Church released four videos touching on the subject of politics on YouTube. Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles appear in these videos and answer questions people may have on their mind.

What Does Church Political Neutrality Mean for Mormons?

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=DhR-uav1c0c ]

“Be involved, but don’t look at the Church to direct you as to how to be involved.”

Why Should Mormons Participate in the Political Process?

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=I4vhW-fTYKk]

“The very fundemental principal of freedom is absolutely essential for the gospel of Jesus Christ to propser.”

What is the Civic Duty of Mormons?

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=XB6RynMMK7I]

“The Civic Duty of any Latter Day Saint…is to be actively involved in the political process”

Are Mormon Politicians Directed By Church Leadership?

[youtube=http://youtube.com/watch?v=0S6cW-o0oTg]

“We have a long record in the Church of not interferring with public officials…Politcal Candidates understand that. They don’t ever come to the Church and say ‘What Do I do?'”

You can see additional videos by visiting their profile on YouTube.

Click here to view the Official Church Profile.