Defending Mormonism: “This week, the Reverend Welton Gaddy, president of the Interfaith Alliance, a national association of 185,000 progressive people of faith, criticized FOX News for its recent segment ridiculing Mormon beliefs … Gaddy expressed his concern over the way ‘religion’ was being made an ‘electoral tool’ in a segment that ‘seems simply to make a joke out of a major religion’s doctrine.’” So blogger Joanna Brooks interviewed Reverend Gaddy in this fascinating post, asking him why he thinks people are attacking Mormonism and how Mormons can better help others understand our religion. Check it out!
Patriarch visit: What would it be like to be a member for many years but be unable to have a patriarchal blessing? Well, for the members in Suriname, a small country in South America, this blessing was answered in the past few weeks when a "Dutch Patriarch Visit(ed) Suriname" to give 35 blessings to the waiting members. The patriarch said this of his experience: “What stood out for me was the humility of the members in Suriname and their gratitude for the gospel. I was very uplifted by their strong testimonies and am impressed with the wonderful way many of the members came into contact with the gospel. It reminded me once again, miracles do happen. … The members in Suriname are so anxiously looking forward to what will bring them closer to the Lord and many are preparing to go to the temple when it opens in Manaus, Brazil, in 2012.”
Comforting service: Part 2 of this blogger’s recent harrowing experience “Running from the Fire” in New Mexico is all about serving and being served. Here’s a taste: “I could care less for fancy pintables, or cutesy doo-dads, from my visiting teachers. I just want to know that they are there for me in a crisis. And they were. Throughout the week, they called us every other day. It was extremely comforting. My challenge to you, the reader, is to evaluate where you are in the relationships you have with your home and/or visiting teaching families. Do you know them? Do they know you? Do they trust you? Would they call on you if they needed help? If not, make the changes necessary so that they can call on you, and will call on you.”
FHE agenda: Wishing you could just get a little more organized with your family home evening lessons/activities? Well, then, check out this handy printable Family Home Evening Agenda that can help you better plan your upcoming FHE nights. Wow!