Portland Area Youth

Ring in the New Year...

2011-12-06T16:50:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year with your friends at the Multistake Youth New Years Eve Dance!

Where: Gresham Stake Center
When: December 31, 2011 at 9:00 PM until 12:00 AM January 1, 2012
Who: Youth ages 14-18

Welcome 2012!!

***Please remember the following dance standards always apply***

EASTSIDE STAKE YOUTH DANCE STANDARDS

These standards are based upon those outlined in “For the Strength of Youth” as published by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

We expect our youth to show respect for the Lord and themselves by dressing modestly and behaving appropriately at stake youth dances. Decisions regarding the appropriateness of an individual’s dress and his/her admittance to the dance will be the responsibility of the adult youth leader in charge of the dance.

Youth dances are for those 14-18 years of age only. Attendees must be clean, well groomed, and modestly dressed. Behavior in and around church building will be in accordance with church standards. We request that you show respect and care for the church building and grounds. We further request that you drive carefully, showing respect and consideration for the neighborhood surrounding the church building.

We do NOT allow alcohol, tobacco, or controlled substances, prior to or during the dance. We will require you to leave immediately if such is found to be the case. We will not allow any intimate dance positions, obscene or suggestive dance moves.

We will report violations of these standards to an individual’s bishop. We intend to hold violators responsible for their actions.

The way that you dress and act sends a message to others and often influences the way you and others act. Please dress in such a way as to promote the best in yourself as well as those around you.

Not Appropriate Dress

· Tight Fitting/revealing clothes

· Bare/exposed midriff

· Sleeveless/bare shoulders

· Low-cut neckline-front or back

· Tank/halter tops

· Dress/skirt lengths shorter than knee even with leggings

· Shorts/pants that do not cover the knee

· Denim jeans of any color

· Grubbies, sweats, or overalls

· Pants with holes, faded or frayed

· Shirts with offensive writing/logos

· Exposed body piercings

· Hats/caps

· Collarless t-shirts

Best Of EFY-It's coming...are you ready?

2011-09-23T16:26:00.000-07:00

Have you reserved your spot
for
Best Of EFY???

-October 22, 2011-

For information on the PORTLAND Session see:

http://ce.byu.edu/re/befy/oregon/portland.cfm

This session is for youth 14-18

For Information on the MILWAUKIE Session see:

http://ce.byu.edu/re/befy/oregon/milwaukie.cfm

This session is for youth 14-18

For Information on the HAPPY VALLEY Session see:

http://ce.byu.edu/re/befy/oregon/hValley.cfm

This session is for all youth ages 12-13

Hurry and reserve your space...you surely don't want to miss this!

Parking Lot Dance Hosted by the Mt Hood Stake

2011-08-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Say Goodbye to Summer

The Mt Hood Stake is hosting a Parking lot Dance!

When: This Saturday 27th from 7-10 PM*
Where: Mt Hood Stake Center
Dress: Casual, Jeans- no holes, shorts are great as long as they hit the knee.

*Note: This is an OUTSIDE dance so please note the time change!!

Hope to See Everyone there!!

It's Tiki Time!

2011-07-25T17:05:00.000-07:00

Wear Your Aloha Print to the

Beach Bash Outdoor Dance

Hosted by the Milwaukie Stake

For all Youth ages 14-18

When: Saturday July 30th

8:00pm-11:00pm

Where: Ruscliff Bldg.

13520 SE Ruscliff Lane, Milwaukie Or.

BBQ, Games, and Dancing at the ‘Beach’

*Casual Dress (no shorts, capris ok)

Fireside featuring Sister Sherleen Jaussi August 7th 7 PM

2011-07-12T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Portland Oregon East Stake is excited to be hosting a fireside featuring Sister Sherleen Jaussi. Sister Jaussi is a pilot who miraculously survived a plane crash in Grand Junction Colorado. Her story is featured in the book "Solo" by Patricia O'Brien King and was also turned into a movie. She was lost for 5 days before searchers found her, tired, thirsty and injured--but alive. Please join us as Sister Jaussi tells of her ordeal and what she has learned through it. This is an exciting opportunity, don't miss it!

When: Sunday August 7th, 2011 at 7PM
Where: Columbia River Ward Building
3233 NE 162nd Ave

**Sunday Dress Please**

Sock Hop! Saturday May 14th

2011-05-10T21:51:00.000-07:00

Kelly Creek Ward presents

50’s Sock Hop Youth Dance

When: May 14th
Where: Gresham Stake Center
Time: 8-11 pm
(Swing Dance Lessons from 7-8)

You may dress up in 50’s themed attire.
Guys are allowed to wear nice jeans as part of a costume.
If you do not dress up, you must wear normal Church Dance dress standards.

Paris Dreams...Coming April 9 2011

2011-03-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

Are You Ready??

April 9th is fast approaching! Find your finest dancing attire and join the Laurels and Priests from the Portland Area for a fabulous night to remember. Much time and preparation and hard work has come together to create an amazing evening of fun, food, and friends.

We'll see you there!

(Please read and review the following standards)

DATE OPTIONAL. NON-MEMBER FRIENDS WELCOME
ALL planning to attend must comply with the following:

Must be 16 years old before April 9, 2011.
Must adhere to the following dress standards.

CLOTHING STANDARDS—FORMAL ATTIRE

YOUNG WOMEN:

Dressy dresses that cover the shoulders, extend below the knee, and are not tight fitting, and are not low cut in the front or the back or revealing in any other manner.

YOUNG MEN:

Slacks, dress shirt and tie (required), suit, or tuxedo.

USUAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT & BEHAVIOR APPLY

Paris Dreams-April 9, 2011

2011-03-03T20:33:00.001-08:00

Strap on your dancing shoes and get ready for the multi-stake LAUREL/PRIEST prom!

Paris Dreams
Saturday April 9, 2011 from 8-11 pm
Portland Stake House

Dress is formal/semi-formal. Dates optional, but don't forget your friends!
Look for the posters in your building and the invite coming soon!

Food for thought

2010-09-16T15:22:00.001-07:00

What are you thinking about during sacrament meeting? The real reason for the ordinance? Jesus Christ

NEW. LDS.ORG WEBSITE

2010-09-16T15:20:00.000-07:00

"An upgraded LDS.org is now available at new.lds.org. Much of the focus of the new site is to help you, as a member of the Church and child of our Father in Heaven, to learn, live, and share the gospel of Jesus Christ. It does this by emphasizing the teachings of core doctrines by living prophets and apostles, providing easy access to scriptures, and enabling new tools for online gospel study." http://ldsmediatalk.com/2010/09/15/new-lds-org/

CHECK OUT NEW.LDS.ORG!!

We're back

2010-09-16T15:13:00.001-07:00

Sorry we fell off the face of the planet this summer. Hope your summers were great and that you have had a great start to the new school year!!

Don't forget to ask a priesthood holder for a school blessing for the start of the new year. It can be your Dad, Home teachers, Bishopric member, YM president or any other priesthood holder you feel comfortable asking.

Announcing Mormon-themed restaurants! (funny)

2010-06-02T19:10:00.000-07:00

There is an idea floating around Utah, Arizona, Idaho and California for a chain of non-pretentious Mormon-themed restaurants called "The Steak Center" (Where There's Never a Dry, Boring Meating!).

Each Steak Center will have one enormous dining area with basketball hoops at both end and folding metal chairs and long tables covered plastic tablecloths.
The Steak Centers will not have hostesses, but greeters -- men in their seventies will meet you at the door and talk like they have known you all your life.

The main menu items for lunch and dinner will be:

Porterhouse Rockwell Steak

Primary Rib

Poor Wayfaring Pan of Beef

Parsley P. Pratt Funeral Potatoes

Eliza R. Snow crab (in season)

And It Came to Pasta

Kraft MacaMoroni and Cheese.

Breakfast items will include:

Pearls of Great Rice

Frosted Minivans

Adam-ondi-Omelettes

Also available

In Our Lovely Desserts

Fast Sundaes

Gadianton Cobbler

Laman Meringue Pie (just sinful!)

The waiters will be 12- and 13-year-old boys wearing white shirts and their fathers' ties...
At the end of the night the customers will be asked to help fold up the chairs and tables and vacuum the floor.

Franchises are selling faster than Sunbeams on Skittles! Get yours

while they last!

2010-06-02T19:07:00.000-07:00

2010-06-01T11:39:00.001-07:00

Cool stuff

2010-06-01T10:56:00.000-07:00

Subscribe to get audio/video articles automatically each month via podcast.

http://feeds.lds.org/NewEra

Got a question? Post one and get answers!

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=bc8592ace27f2110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

NEW Personal Progress Site Coming!

http://www.lds.org/pa/yw/pp/cs/index.html

NEW Duty to God program!

http://www.lds.org/dutytogod/

Inspirational Quotes

http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=470c813d71189110VgnVCM1000003a94610aRCRD

"Powerful answers and practical reasons for living LDS standards" www.ldswhy.com

Dating Q&A

2010-06-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Here are just a few of the questions from the Q&A section at: http://www.lds.org/youth/dating/atoq.html

What is the purpose of dating as teenagers? If we aren’t “looking for someone” during high school, why bother dating at all?
For the Strength of Youth says, “Dating can help you develop lasting friendships and eventually find an eternal companion” ([2001], 24). Your ultimate goal is to spend eternity with Heavenly Father, and in His kingdom we will live as eternal families. So the ultimate goal of dating is to find an eternal companion you can make and keep temple covenants with. When you’re a teen, dating helps you learn how to interact with others, make friends, have fun, and learn and practice respect and courtesy. These skills will be helpful in your social interactions and then later in courtship and marriage.
“When you are old enough [age 16], you ought to start dating. It is good for young men and young women to learn to know and to appreciate one another. It is good for you to go to games and dances and picnics, to do all of the young things. We encourage our young people to date. We encourage you to set high standards of dating.”
President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “You’re in the Driver’s Seat,” New Era, June 2004, 5.
Other resources: Matthew and Janine Clarke, “Why Date?” New Era, Aug. 2006, 38.

Why do we wait to date until we’re 16?
Modern prophets have counseled us to follow this standard because they know that it will protect us and help us to be happy. Turning 16 isn’t necessarily a magical event that makes you suddenly ready to date. The counsel against dating before you’re 16 is based on principles of physical, emotional, and spiritual safety.
Don’t get stuck in the racetrack mentality—“ready, set, date!” It isn’t about dating as fast and furiously as you can the moment you turn 16. The age of 16 simply means you can now begin dating when you feel ready, starting with group dates.

Should guys really have to pay for every date?
Not necessarily, but if the young man is the one who asked the young woman out, he ought to pay. However, don’t fall into the bad habit of taking advantage of the one most willing or able to pay.
Dates don’t always have to cost money. With a little planning, ordinary activities can become dates, such as going for walks or playing games. Most teens don’t have enough money to go out to dinner and a movie regularly, so creative dating that doesn’t cost much is the thing to try. When two people enjoy each other’s company, then even simple activities can become fun and allow you to get to know each other better.

Should I date someone who is not LDS?
Possibly, but don’t date anyone (LDS or not) who, because of low standards, will drag you down. Including friends who share your standards in your group dating can build wonderful friendships and may create missionary opportunities.

How do you get out of a bad date?
If the group or activity makes you uncomfortable, ask your date to take you home or change the activity (such as leaving a bad movie). Let your parents know where you are going, and if you have a cell phone, use it when you need to. There is nothing wrong with standing up for yourself. If nothing inappropriate is going on and you’re just not having a good time, then consider how you can help the situation without being rude to your date.

"Dating for beginners" (and the intermediate)

2010-06-01T10:30:00.000-07:00

Spiritual Assessment

“As you go through your dating and courting relationships, I would hope that you will assess the spiritual inclinations of the individuals you’re getting to know better. How is their testimony? How do they treat their parents? How do they treat their brothers and sisters? Do they respect authority? Do they love the Lord, His servants, and the scriptures? What plans do they have for their lives?

“It isn’t enough if they are handsome or beautiful, if they are rich or poor, what kind of car they drive, what kind of clothes they wear, what kind of athletic ability they have, or what kind of intellect they are. You should be seeking to understand the gifts they have that will be eternal in nature.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Gifts of the Spirit,” Ensign, Feb. 2002, 19.

New LDS dating site! http://www.lds.org/youth/dating/

This site has dating ideas, stories from teens and apostles (from when they were dating), Q&A from teens, advice from general authorities, mormonads, cartoons, dating videos, etc. (Make sure to click on all the tabs at the top and under each section)

Dating: An Endangered Species

What has made dating an endangered species? I am not sure, but I can see some contributing factors:

1. The cultural tides in our world run strongly against commitments in family relationships. For example, divorce has been made legally easy, and childbearing has become unpopular. These pressures against commitments obviously serve the devil’s opposition to the Father’s plan for His children. That plan relies on covenants or commitments kept. Whatever draws us away from commitments weakens our capacity to participate in the plan. Dating involves commitments, if only for a few hours. Hanging out requires no commitments, at least not for the men if the women provide the food and shelter.

2. The leveling effect of the women’s movement has contributed to discourage dating. As women’s options have increased and some women have become more aggressive, some men have become reluctant to take traditional male initiatives, such as asking for dates, lest they be thought to qualify for the dreaded label “male chauvinist.”

3. Hanging out is glamorized on TV programs about singles.

4. The meaning and significance of a “date” has also changed in such a way as to price dating out of the market. I saw this trend beginning among our younger children. For whatever reason, high school boys felt they had to do something elaborate or bizarre to ask for a date, especially for an event like a prom, and girls felt they had to do likewise to accept. …

All of this made dating more difficult. And the more elaborate and expensive the date, the fewer the dates. As dates become fewer and more elaborate, this seems to create an expectation that a date implies seriousness or continuing commitment. That expectation discourages dating even more. Gone is the clumsy and inexpensive phone call your parents and grandparents and I used to make. That call went something like this: “What’re ya doin’ tonight? How about a movie?” Or, “How about taking a walk downtown?”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Dating versus Hanging Out,” Ensign,June 2006, 10.

Do you remember Elizabeth Smart?

2010-05-27T19:25:00.001-07:00

Embrace Life

2010-05-27T18:56:00.001-07:00

Hard to do, but worth the effort "Continue in Patience"

2010-05-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

"Diligence in the Lord's service"- Priesthood session

2010-05-23T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sungha Jung is 12!

2010-05-23T16:47:00.000-07:00

Preparation for Memorial Day

2010-05-23T16:46:00.001-07:00

It is the
VETERAN,
not the preacher,
who has given us freedom of religion.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the campus organizer,
who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is
the VETERAN,
not the politician,
Who has given us the right to vote.

It is the
VETERAN who
salutes the Flag,

It is
the
VETERAN
who serves
under the Flag,

ETERNAL REST GRANT THEM O LORD,
AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON THEM.

God Bless them all!!!

Makes you proud to be an AMERICAN!!!!

Earthquake in Eyjafjallajokull, Iceland on 4/16/10

2010-05-20T20:22:00.000-07:00

Significant in Every Way- poem

2010-05-19T20:48:00.000-07:00

Surfing or Seminary? (18yr old 1st place National Surfing Champion)

2010-05-19T20:42:00.000-07:00

Amazing Guitar Player

2010-05-19T20:39:00.000-07:00

Guitar Drums:

Flying fingers:

Panda bears after Earthquake in China

2010-05-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

After The Earthquake
The earthquake was right in the area where giant pandas live. Most pandas in this area were rescued, particular attention was given to the babies, all the pandas were scared. The photos were taken right after the earthquake and during rescue effort care. All the pandas were released back into the wild and it was noted that all of the bears stayed together.

2010-05-11T12:03:00.000-07:00

Dogs are allowed on public transport in all of Europe, but generally with their master. This is interesting.

Moscow Commuter Dogs

Canine commuter...wild dog waits on the platform
STRAY dogs are commuting to and from a city center on underground trains in search of food scraps.
The clever canines board the Tube each morning. After a hard day scavenging and begging on the streets, they hop back on the train and return to the suburbs where they spend the night.
Experts studying the dogs say they even work together to make sure they get off at the right stop after learning to judge the length of time they need to spend on the train.
The dogs choose the quietest carriages at the front and back of the train. They have also developed tactics to hustle humans into giving them more food on the streets of Moscow.
Scientists believe the phenomenon began after the Soviet Union collapsed in the 1990s, and Russia 's new capitalists moved industrial complexes from the city center to the suburbs. Dr. Andrei Poiarkov, of the Moscow Ecology and Evolution Institute, said: These complexes were used by homeless dogs as shelters, so the dogs had to move together with their houses.
Because the best scavenging for food is in the city center, the dogs had to learn how to travel on the subway to get to the center in the morning, then back home in the evening, just like people.

Well trained...dog enjoys a nap on the underground
Dr. Poiarkov told how the dogs like to play during their daily commute.He said: They jump on the train seconds before the doors shut, risking their tails getting jammed.They do it for fun. And sometimes they fall asleep and get off at the wrong stop.

Dog tired...mutt naps on tube seat in Moscow
The dogs have learned to use traffic lights to cross the road safely, said Dr. Poiarkov.And they use cunning tactics to obtain tasty morsels of shawarma, a kebab-like snack popular in Moscow.They sneak up behind people eating shawarmas then bark loudly to shock them into dropping their food.
With children, the dogs play cute by putting their heads on youngsters' knees and staring pleadingly into their eyes to win sympathy and scraps. Dr. Poiarkov added: Dogs are surprisingly good psychologists.
The Moscow mutts are not the first animals to use public transport. In 2006 a Jack Russell in Dunnington, North Yorks, began taking the bus to his local pub in search of sausages. And two years ago, passengers in Wolverhampton were stunned when a cat called Macavity started catching the 331 bus to a fish and chip shop.

TRUE IDENTITY

2010-05-05T11:55:00.001-07:00

NEW MUSIC

2010-05-05T11:51:00.000-07:00

Teens in the Bible #10

2010-05-05T11:18:00.000-07:00

Miriam is a woman of the Bible who doesn’t always get the recognition she deserves, being overshadowed by her famous brother, Moses. In the Bible stories, she is quick thinking, a leader, a songwriter and a prophetess.

We first meet Miriam, although she is not named, as she is keeping a protective watch over her baby brother Moses as he floats in a waterproof papyrus basket. His mother had hidden him there to protect him from the Pharaoh’ slaughter of all male Israelite babies. Miriam was watching when Pharaoh’s daughter found Moses and took him in as her own. Miriam was a brave little girl to walk up to Pharaoh’s daughter to suggest that she could get a Hebrew woman to nurse the baby. With the affirmative answer, Miriam got her mother, who was then paid to nurse Moses until he was old enough to be weaned. Exodus 2:4-8

Knowing Moses was called of God, she supported him when he led the children of Israel from Egypt. Miriam, a great influence for good in the camp of Israel, led the women in singing and praising God after Moses divided the waters of the Red Sea for them and destroyed their pursuers. (See Ex. 15:20–21.)
The time came when Moses married a second wife; not approving, Miriam talked bitterly against him. Then the Lord asked Miriam, “With him [Moses] will I speak mouth to mouth, … and the similitude of the Lord shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” (Num. 12:8.) And Miriam became “leprous, white as snow.”
Aaron besought Moses in Miriam’s behalf, and Moses cried unto the Lord, saying, “Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee.” (Num. 12:13.)
The Lord could have healed Miriam instantly, but he did not. She had to be isolated from the camp one week before she was healed.
A week of isolation surely gave Miriam time to contemplate the seriousness of speaking against the Lord’s anointed, and if a Latter-day woman speaks against the Lord’s appointed leaders, she can also be sure of a rebuke. In all probability it will not be leprosy. But to the degree that she condemns the Lord’s prophets and leaders, she will lose the Spirit of the Lord—a malady more deadly than leprosy.
Another Bible story shows that a woman who serves and sustains a prophet or leader whom God has called is blessed according to her needs with the necessities of life, the Spirit of the Lord, and a testimony.

NEW MUSIC

2010-04-28T19:21:00.000-07:00

FROGS

2010-04-27T19:55:00.000-07:00

Fully Rely On God

THE PIONEER FROGS MEANT SAFETY:

In 1847, Brigham Young and the pioneers drifted southward along the towering western wall of the Wasatch Mountains, crossing the country on their way to the Salt Lake Valley. They were traveling through unknown country. They passed through fertile meadows, wetlands engineered by beavers but there were also salty marshes and tainted lakes. Thirsty pioneers traveling along the Humboldt Trail through Utah knew how to find potable water: If there were frogs in a spring or pond, it was safe to drink. That rule of thumb may have provided as much daily sustenance as the teachings.of the prophet Joseph Smith for that journey. We will have safety when we look for ‘FROGS’ & Fully Rely On God, just as the hymn says, “Words of a prophet, keep the commandments, in this there is safety & peace.”

ACCEPTING EACH OTHER WARTS & ALL:

Casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 So lets take a "leap" of faith and Fully Rely on God! He will accept us warts and all. Warts are unsightly to look at ‘spiritual warts are often a symptom of sin but we must not focus on the warts but rather look past them to the beautiful young woman inside that Heavenly Father intents her to become.

STAND AS A WITNESS: Margaret D. Nadauld

What does it mean to stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places? First of all, in standing as a witness at all times, we promise to love the Lord, to honor Him all the time--daytime and nighttime, good times and bad times--love the Lord and let that love show by the way we live. We also take time to thank Him, take time to ask for help, take time to seek guidance, and then take time to listen. Take time for that still, small voice which will whisper to us, help us, and give us courage. Let me illustrate: Standing as a witness in all things means all things--big things, little things, in all conversations, in jokes, in games played and books read and music listened to, in causes supported, in service rendered, in clothes worn, in friends made. Standing as a witness in all things means being kind in all things, being the first to say hello, being the first to smile, being the first to make the stranger feel a part of things, being helpful, thinking of others' feelings, being inclusive. Our Heavenly Father does bless us when we show our love for Him in all things. We say that we will stand as a witness in all places. That means not only in public places but in private places, in secret, in dark or in light places; in church, school, home, or cars; in mountain places or beach places; on the street or in the park. Stand as an example of a worthy daughter of God in all places. Remember Joseph who was sold into Egypt? Certainly he exercised good judgment when he was tempted by Potiphar's wife to become involved with her in an immoral act. We read in the Bible that at this critical time in his young life, Joseph stood up and got himself out of the situation (see Gen. 39:712). He didn't sit

around wondering what to do. He didn't linger a little longer. He stood--he stood as a witness of righteousness at this crucial time. You, like Joseph, are of noble heritage. You have a royal inheritance, for you are a spirit daughter of God. You were chosen, before this world was, to come forth at this time. You were taught in a premortal world by God Himself. The time is here for you to stand up for what you know is right. You must judge right from wrong. No longer can you be complacent or go with the flow or wonder what to do. You must decide now which path you will follow and which answer you will give. Decide well in advance, before the pressure is on. The great good news is that you can win any assault that is aimed at you! And it is not that hard. Just use good judgment! You can stand up and change the channel on the television, delete any comments that

cuss on MySpace and don’t go to or rent bad movies. Don't wear the revealing clothes that are too tight or too bare or too short. Leave them in the closet. Better still, leave them in the store. Stand up and walk away from temptation, just like Joseph did--only he didn't just walk away, he ran! You can do this too, literally and figuratively, and you will be safer, more pure, more secure. One way to disrupt God's plan for you would be to desensitize young women. Give them a small, seemingly innocent taste of something ultimately destructive, next time a little more, and next time even more again, and soon, when it was time for the big whammy, it would hardly be noticed. It is said if you want to boil a frog, don't throw him in a pot of boiling water. He will immediately jump out. Put him in a pot of cold water and turn the heat up so slowly that he won't even notice the dangerous increase in temperature. Young women, I fear that the trend in our world is to slowly turn up the heat. Pay attention. Don't allow yourselves to be desensitized by gradual lapses in good judgment. As you view images, whether on TV or movies or Internet or magazines, you will see some good things and most probably some bad. Wrong and evil may be made to appear acceptable. Don't be tricked! Simply stand up and walk away! Christ showed us the way. He willingly suffered for our sins because He loved us so completely. He gave us the right to repent. When we think of the magnificence of His gift to us, what

small thing could we do for Him and for our Heavenly Father who sent Him? We could stand as witnesses of Their love & teachings at all times, in all things, and in all places.

2010-04-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Teens in the Bible #9

2010-04-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego and Daniel

After King Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem, he ordered that certain Israelite children live in his palace to study the language and learning of Babylon. They were to be given the king’s food and wine. Four of these young people, Daniel and his friends, would not eat such foods because they knew they shouldn’t. Daniel asked the king’s servant to let him and his friends eat only grains and vegetables and drink water. They grew more healthy than the children who ate the king’s food. When Daniel and his friends stood before the king, he found them 10 times wiser than all the wise men in the land.

King Nebuchadnezzar had an important dream that he could not remember. He commanded some of his wise men to describe the dream and explain it. When they said this could not be done, Nebuchadnezzar ordered that all the wise men of Babylon be killed. Daniel was one of those who would be killed. He and his friends asked the Lord for mercy, and the Lord showed Daniel the dream and its meaning. Daniel then described the dream to King Nebuchadnezzar and explained what it meant. The king was pleased, and as a reward he made Daniel and his friends rulers in Babylon.

King Nebuchadnezzar built a golden statue and commanded everyone to worship it. Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego knew they should worship only Heavenly Father and refused to bow down to the idol. The king was angry and commanded that they be thrown into a fiery furnace. He was amazed then to see Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego calmly walking in the hot fire with a fourth man whose form was “like the Son of God.” The king called the three men out of the furnace. They were not harmed. He praised their God for saving them, and sent out a decree that no one should speak against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego.

• Daniel 1:1–7—Daniel and his friends are trained in the king’s court.
• Daniel 1:8–16—They eat plain food and refuse the king’s wine (Note: Pulse means foods made from seeds and grains).
• Daniel 1:17–21—God gives them knowledge and wisdom.
- • Daniel 3:1–7—King Nebuchadnezzar commands the people to worship a golden image.
- • Daniel 3:8–18—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the idol.
- • Daniel 3:19–27—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast into a fiery furnace and come forth unharmed.
- • Daniel 3:28–30—Nebuchadnezzar recognizes the power of God and gives Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego more responsibility in his kingdom.

Teens in the Bible #8

2010-04-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

“Esther,” Friend, May 1994, 48

"Fast ye for me, and … I … will fast likewise (Esth. 4:16).

Queen Esther was troubled. Her servants had just told her that her cousin Mordecai was wearing sackcloth and had sprinkled himself with ashes, a sign of great mourning. It wasn’t just Mordecai—Jews throughout the kingdom of Persia and Media were grieving. But why?

Immediately Esther had clothing sent to Mordecai. He worked in the palace, but no one dressed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it. Esther loved her older cousin very much, for he had raised her after her parents had died when she was young. It distressed her that he should be so sad.

Soon Esther received word that Mordecai would not accept the clothing, so she commanded her servant Hatach to go to Mordecai and find out why.

Hatach returned with Mordecai’s reply: Haman, one of the king’s most powerful servants, was an evil man who hated the Jews. When Mordecai did not bow to Haman, as everyone had been commanded, Haman sought revenge on all the Jews in the kingdom. He lied to King Ahasuerus, saying that there was a group of people scattered throughout the kingdom who refused to obey the king’s laws. Ahasuerus, not knowing Haman was speaking of Esther’s people, had allowed him to write a decree calling for them to be destroyed.

Mordecai wanted Esther to plead with the king to spare their lives. But Esther was frightened. She knew that anyone who went into the king’s inner court without being summoned might be put to death. Only those to whom the king held out his golden scepter were pardoned, and it had been thirty days since the king had asked to see her.

When Hatach told Mordecai of the young queen’s fear, her cousin warned that if she did not go before the king, the decree could cause her to lose her life as well. “Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom (are now the queen here) for such a time as this (to save the Jews),” he said.

Esther knew what she must do. She sent another message to Mordecai, telling him to gather the Jews in the city and fast three days for her. “I also and my maidens will fast likewise,” she said, “and so will I go in unto the king, … and if I perish, I perish.”

At the end of the three days, Esther put on her finest robes and went to the court. When the king saw her awaiting him, he reached for his golden scepter. She would live! “What wilt thou, queen Esther?” asked Ahasuerus.

“If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

The king agreed.

At the banquet, the king asked again, “What is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”

Esther replied that if he and Haman would come to another banquet the next day, she would make her request then.

At the second banquet, Esther told Ahasuerus about Haman’s plan to destroy the Jews. Ahasuerus was furious and he ordered that Haman be put to death.

Later, Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin. Mordecai was given Haman’s old position and was permitted to draw up a new decree, in the king’s name, allowing the Jews to defend themselves against those who would try to destroy them because of Haman’s earlier decree.

The day when the first decree was to be fulfilled, the Jews gathered themselves together and destroyed their enemies. Now, instead of mourning, there was great rejoicing throughout the land. Because Esther and the Jews had shown great faith through fasting, the lives of many people were preserved and the Jews had peace."

Do you know it is true? Follow Moroni's challenge (Mor. 10:3-5)

2010-04-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Classical meets Pop

2010-04-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

Who are we??

Subway to charts:

"Pop classic" and ballet on

Dancing with the Stars:

2010-04-14T10:36:00.001-07:00

Teens in the Bible #7

2010-04-12T06:11:00.000-07:00

David

David was the youngest of eight sons who lived in Bethlehem. While a boy, he proved his courage by saving his father’s sheep from attack by a lion and a bear. While still a teen, David was chosen by the prophet Samuel to be a king (see 1 Samuel 16:12–13). At first, Samuel thought David’s older brother was the one whom God would choose because he was tall and well-built, but the Lord said to the prophet that it was the boy David who was to be made king. Samuel was told, “The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).

After David was called to be the future king, the Philistines threaten to take it away. They bring in their biggest weapons (giants). Goliath of Gath was "six cubits and a span," being interpreted about 9ft 6in! Goliath defied God and challenged the Israelites that if anyone could kill him, the Philistines would be their servants, but if that warrior failed, then Israel would be slaves to the Philistine's. David, being the youngest took courage, denied all the armor and brought his sling and 5 stones.

1 Sam 17:46-49 " This day will the Lord ^adeliver thee into mine hand; and I will smite thee, and take thine head from thee; and I will give the carcases of the host of the Philistines this day unto the fowls of the air, and to the wild beasts of the earth; that all the earth may ^bknow that there is a God in Israel.

47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord saveth not with sword and spear: for the ^abattle is the Lord’s, and he will give you into our hands.

48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose, and came and drew nigh to meet David, that David hasted, and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine.

49 And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth."

When did the men and women of the Old Testament begin preparing for a lifetime of service to the Lord? From the scriptures we find that it was when they were young. When you are in your teens, you are old enough to learn about the Lord and do His will. As the prophet Alma said to his son Helaman, “O, remember, my son, and learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God” (Alma 37:35). Instead of waiting until you’re an adult, right now is the perfect time to start living a righteous life.

His life divides into four portions

1. In Bethlehem with the sheep (1Sam. Ch 16-17)

2. In court (1 Sam. Ch 18-19:18)

3. As a fugitive (1 Sam. 19:18 - 2 Sam. 1: 27)

4. As king (a) over Judah at Hebron (2 Sam Ch 2-4) (b) over all Israel (2 Sam. Ch 5 - 1 Kgs. 2: 11).

♪♫ "Have I done any good in the world today?" ♫♪

2010-04-08T20:37:00.001-07:00

"EVERY member a missionary" "Convert a child, save generations'

2010-04-08T18:12:00.000-07:00

2010-04-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

Sunbeams Humor

2010-04-07T09:45:00.001-07:00

I work part-time as a teacher of family doctors. The program provides training on psychiatric disorders and emphasizes the importance of emotional support. The new doctors are given plenty of time in clinic to visit with their patients and learn about their challenges.

One of our interns who has never lived in Utah and knows nothing about Mormons is still struggling to understand the cultural climate here. Last week he was interviewing a new patient and stumbled on what he thought was a raging psychosis.

Doctor: "Well, Mrs. Olsen, we've talked about your high blood pressure and your medications. Are you experiencing any particular stress in your life?"

Patient: "Oh, yes! It's the Sunbeams. They're driving me crazy."

Doctor (very surprised): "The sun beams?"

Patient: "Yes. I've never had trouble with them before, but this group won't sit still. They bounce all over the room, and run out the door and down the hall."

Doctor (reaching for a pen): "Have you told anyone about this?"

Patient: "Of course. I told the president."

Doctor: "Really! What did the president tell you?"

Patient: "She said Sunbeams are like that. I'm just going to have to learn to deal with them."

Doctor (concerned that he may be missing something): "I know people who are sensitive to sun beams. Do they cause you a rash or anything?"

Patient (confused): "A rash? No."

Doctor: "What's the biggest problem they're creating?"

Patient: "It's the noise. They just won't quit talking."

Doctor (astonished): "The sun beams are talking to you?"

Patient: "Well, yes. But mostly they talk to each other."

Doctor (scribbling furiously in the chart): "I see. Can anyone else hear them talking?"

Patient (after a moment of stunned silence): "You're not LDS, are you?"

Do you know what today is?

2010-04-06T20:45:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!!!

HAPPY 180TH ANNIVERSARY TO THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS!!

Conference Recap

2010-04-06T20:34:00.000-07:00

Click on the picture for it to enlarge. You can print it and use it as a review. Enjoy!

Do you sometimes feel broken?

2010-04-06T20:30:00.000-07:00

Cool missionaries

2010-04-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Teens in the Bible #6

2010-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

Daniel

After his family and people were captured and taken to Babylon, Daniel and three friends were brought to serve in the palace of the king. As teenage boys, they refused to eat the sacrificial meat and drink the wine that those in the palace ate. They kept the commandments and were given knowledge and skill. In Daniel 1:20, it says that the king found these four “ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers that were in all his realm.”

• Daniel 1:1–7—Daniel and his friends are trained in the king’s court.
• Daniel 1:8–16—They eat plain food and refuse the king’s wine (Note: Pulse means foods made from seeds and grains).
• Daniel 1:17–21—God gives them knowledge and wisdom.
- • Daniel 2:1–23. King Nebuchadnezzar has a dream and commands his advisers to describe and interpret it (2:1–13). Daniel prays with his friends, and God reveals to him the dream and its interpretation (2:14–23).
  • Daniel 2:24–49. Daniel reveals that King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream foretells the rise and fall of the great kingdoms of the earth and the latter-day triumph of the kingdom of God over all other kingdoms.
  - • What did the different parts of the image represent? (See Daniel 2:36–43)
    
    a. The head of gold represented Nebuchadnezzar and his kingdom of Babylon.
  - b. The breast and arms of silver represented Cyrus and his kingdom of Media and Persia.
  - c. The belly and thighs of brass represented Philip and Alexander and the Greek or Macedonian kingdom.
  - d. The legs of iron represented the Roman Empire.
  - e. The feet of iron and clay represented a group of European nations.
    • What did Daniel prophesy concerning the Church in the latter days? (See Daniel 2:34–35, 44.)
    - You may want to list the following prophecies on the chalkboard. Daniel prophesied that the Church would:
    - a. Be “cut out without hands” (Daniel 2:34).
    - b. Become “a great mountain, and [fill] the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35).
    - c. “Never be destroyed” (Daniel 2:44).
    - d. “Not be left [given] to other people” (Daniel 2:44).
    - e. “Consume all [other] kingdoms” (Daniel 2:44).
    - f. “Stand for ever” (Daniel 2:44).
  • Daniel 3:1–7—King Nebuchadnezzar commands the people to worship a golden image.
- • Daniel 3:8–18—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refuse to worship the idol.
- • Daniel 3:19–27—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego are cast into a fiery furnace and come forth unharmed.
- • Daniel 3:28–30—Nebuchadnezzar recognizes the power of God and gives Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego more responsibility in his kingdom.
- • Daniel 6. King Darius’s men persuade the king to sign a decree that for 30 days all petitions must be directed to him rather than to any other man or to God (6:1–9). In spite of the king’s decree, Daniel prays to God (6:10–13). As punishment for disobeying the decree, Daniel is thrown into a den of lions (6:14–17). The Lord sends an angel to protect Daniel (6:18–23). (This was as an Adult)

2010-04-04T15:47:00.001-07:00

2010-04-04T08:02:00.001-07:00

EASTER SUNDAY! HE IS RISEN!!

2010-04-04T07:40:00.000-07:00

Today is Easter Sunday

Where the story is found: Matt 28:1-15; Mark 16: 1-12; Luke 24:1-49; John 20:1-23

Prophecy fulfilled: "He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from off all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth: for the Lord hath spoken it." (Isaiah 25:8)

Discussion:

1. What do you think the range of emotions that Mary Magdalene and His mother Mary felt when they found his tomb empty?

2. How did the apostles react to Mary Magdalene's report and the men on the road to Emmaus who say that Christ had risen? (See Mark 16:10-13)

3. How would you feel if you were there?

ANSWER for Day 7's Discussion:

1. Yes. The sabbath was observed starting at the creation- "And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made" (Gen 2:3)

2. Shabbat (Jewish Sabbath)

Shabbat, lasting from sunset Friday night to the appearance of three stars on Saturday night, celebrates God's creation with a day of rest that commemorates God's day of rest upon the completion of creation. It plays an important role in Jewish practice and is the subject of a large body of religious law.

The most notable law with regard to observation of the Jewish Sabbath is the requirement to abstain from creative work of any kind (the most widely known implication of this being the prohibition against kindling a fire). Observant Jews will prepare food ahead of time to avoid having to cook on the Sabbath, and observant Orthodox Jews will avoid turning on electric lights (which "creates" an electric circuit) or driving.

While almost all work is forbidden on the Sabbath, acts of leisure and pleasure are appropriate, as long as they do not violate any proscription with regard to doing work. A special meal is eaten including wine and meat, if possible, even if the household cannot afford these luxuries the rest of the week

LDS Sabbath

The Latter-day Saint Sabbath is Sunday. This is as: "After the ascension of Christ, the members of the Church, whether Jews or gentiles, kept holy the first day of the week (the Lord’s day) as a weekly commemoration of our Lord’s resurrection (Acts 20: 7; 1 Cor. 16: 2; Rev. 1: 10); and by degrees the observance of the seventh day was discontinued."

The focus of the Sabbath for Latter-day Saints is as a day of rest from worldly concerns and endeavors and to concentrate on spiritual matters such as attending church, scripture study, visiting the sick and infirm, and family activities. Members are further encouraged not to make any purchases on the Sabbath, unless an emergency demands otherwise. Members are also to fast the first Sabbath of the month from the night before the Sabbath until the evening of the Sabbath. This period of fasting is used to fast and pray and reflect on their own relationship with God. The money that would have been spent on the two missed meals is usually donated as a fast offering to the church. These fast offerings are dedicated to feed the poor and the needy, be they church members or not.

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Write down your testimony of Christ.

ANSWER for Day 8's Discussion:

1. Probably shock & despair turning to hope and joy as they realized the significance

2. They did not believe her

3. Answers will vary- personal

Holy Week Day 7

2010-04-03T06:49:00.000-07:00

Today was the Jewish Sabbath

Where the story is found: Matt 27:62-66; Luke 23:56

Prophecy fulfilled: "Verily, verily, I say unto you, That ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy." (John 16:20)

Discussion:

1. Has the Sabbath always been observed?

2. What was the difference between the Jewish Sabbath and ours?

ANSWER for Day 6's Discussion:

Jerusalem: The veil of the temple was torn, Graves were opened & the first resurrection and visited people, Earthquakes, Darkness, Angels announces his resurrection, He appears to Mary Magdalene, then to others—He sends the apostles to preach, promises that signs shall follow faith—He ascends into heaven.

Nephites: Tempests, earthquakes, fires, whirlwinds, and physical upheavals attest the crucifixion of Christ—Many people are destroyed—Darkness covers the land for three days—silence for many hours. Christ appears and proclaims his atonement—The people feel the wound marks in his hands and feet and side—They cry Hosanna. He calls the Twelve

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Create a picture, write a song or story, putting you in Jesus' time during the trial, crucifixion and death of Jesus. How do you feel? What are you thinking?

Holy Week Day 6

2010-04-02T07:21:00.000-07:00

Today was Jesus' trial and crucifixion

Where the story is found: Matt 27:1-61; Mark 15:1-47; Luke 22:66 through 23:56; John 18:28 though 19:42

Prophecies fulfilled:

1: "He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth." (Isaiah 53:7)

2. "I gave my back to the smiters, and my cheeks to them that plucked off the hair: I hid not my face from shame and spitting." (Isaiah 50:6)

3: "For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet." (Psalms 22:16)

4: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? why art thou so far from helping me, and from the words of my roaring?" (Psalms 22:1)

5: "He keepeth all his bones: not one of them is broken." (Psalms 34:20)

Discussion:

Compare and Contrast the events after the crucifixion in the "Old" and "New" world. (See Matt 27-28 & 3 Ne 8-12)

ANSWER for Day 5's Discussion:

1.Washing the feet was normally done by the host or a servant that the host had. Since no one did this, Jesus humbled himself and did it. Showing them that "the greatest must become the least." Jesus was giving them a visual representation of His love. He even washed the feet of the man that was about to betray Him.

2. Answers will vary- personal.

3. The feast of the Passover was instituted to help the children of Israel remember when the destroying angel passed over their houses and delivered them from the Egyptians. The unblemished lambs, whose blood was used as a sign to save Israel anciently, are a symbol of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice redeemed all mankind. A modern reminder is the sacrament to help us remember our baptismal covenants.

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Watch at least one session on Saturday and Sunday of conference

Holy Week Day 5

2010-04-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

Today was the Last Supper & Suffering at Gethsemane

Where the story is found: Matt 26:17-75; Mark 14:12-72; Luke 22:7-65; John 13:1-8 through 18:27

Prophecies fulfilled:

1: "Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me." (Psalm 41:9)

2: "Reproach hath broken my heart; and I am full of heaviness: and I looked for some to take pity, but there was none; and for comforters, but I found none." (Psalm 69:20)

3: "Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted." (Isaiah 53:4)

4: "And I said unto them, If ye think good, give me my price; and if not, forbear. So they weighed for my price thirty pieces of silver." (Zechariah 11:12)

Discussion:

1. Why was it important that Jesus washed His apostle's feet?

2. How would you have felt if you were part of the mob that arrested Jesus? or Peter when the cock crowed a third time?

3. What is the significance of the Passover and the modern reminder?

ANSWER for Day 4's Discussion:

1. They were brother and sisters. They were friends with Jesus and he stayed at their house on occasion.

2. 30 pieces of silver. The price of a common slave.

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Read Exodus Chapter 12 and the Bible Dictionary under "Feasts" to find out the history and significance of the Passover in historic and modern and Jewish and LDS culture.

Christ in the Passover

2010-03-31T18:03:00.001-07:00

Tomorrow we will discuss Passover during Jesus' last week, but today is when Jews are celebrating it this year (The Hebrew calendar is different than our Gregorian calendar (ie. Jan, Feb. etc.) Therefore Passover and Easter are not stationary days like Christmas). So, I thought since Passover is being celebrated today that we could see how the Passover and Moses were "types and shadows" of Christ. Enjoy.

**Notes: 1. It talks about the Trinity which we do not believe in. We believe they are THREE separate people with ONE purpose. 2. This is a 40 minute video. 3. If it will not load, please see: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5272606142394767394#

Holy Week Day 4

2010-03-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

Today Jesus rest's in Bethany (assumed- no specific documentation)

Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)

1. Who was Mary, Martha and Lazarus?

2. How much did Judah betray Jesus for? Why is that significant?

ANSWER for Day 3's Discussion:

1. The word parable is Greek in origin, and means a setting side by side, a comparison. In parables divine truth is presented by comparison with material things. The Hebrew word, mashal, which parable is used to translate, has a wider significance, and is applied to the balanced metrical form in which teaching is conveyed in the poetical books of the Old Testament. Interpretation of parables. It is important to distinguish between the interpretation of a parable and the application of a parable.

2. Jesus uses parables to teach about the kingdom of heaven on earth (the Church of Jesus Christ)

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Write in your journal about Holy week. Your feelings, thoughts, impressions, things you learned, etc. Also Look up the words "Atonement" and "Sacrifices" in the Bible Dictionary.

Holy Week Day 3

2010-03-30T06:08:00.000-07:00

Today we are talking about some of Jesus' Parables

Where they are found: Matt 21: 19 through 26:16; Mark 11:20 through 14:11; Luke 20:1 through 22:6; John 12:37-50

Prophecy fulfilled: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:" (Psalms 78:2)

Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)

1. What does parable mean?

2. Why did Jesus use them?

How to Read a parable: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=56173219c786b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

ANSWER for Day 2's Discussion:

1. Purging of sins, learning from your mistakes, receiving blessings & healing, praising God

2. Answers will vary- personal

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Read a New Era article on the Atonement or Easter (see- http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&vgnextoid=7fcee975d2a2b010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD )

Holy Week Day 2

2010-03-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

Today was when Jesus cleanses the temple

Where the story is found: Matt 21:12-18; Mark 11:12-19; Luke 19:45-48

Prophecy fulfilled: "Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." (Isaiah 56:7)

Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)

1. How does the progression of the temple cleansing apply to our own lives?

2. How would you feel if Jesus came to your home? Would all be in harmony with the Gospel?

ANSWER for Day 1's Discussion:

1. He told two disciples to go to the Mount of Olives and a donkey would be tied up, tell them "The Lord has need of him" and the owner would give it to them. And he did, fulfilling his prophecy.

2. It is a common custom in man lands in the ancient East, to cover in some way, the path of someone thought worthy of the highest honor. The palm branch is a symbol of triumph and victory, in the Jewish tradition.

3. A shout of fervent or worshipful praise. Translated: "Save, we pray!"

Apostolic thought/song:

CHALLENGE: Watch and give the movie Lamb of God (see below) (ask the missionaries/Bishop for a copy) to a friend/neighbor/ non-member

Links to the Lamb of God:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3pZ00Qlpg4&feature=PlayList&p=08CC771D32C04D0F&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=js1uThTznYM&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psT3VwAm_Ws&feature=related

Holy Week Day 1

2010-03-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Today is Psalm Sunday (Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem):

Where the story is found: Matt 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-44; John 12:12-36

Prophecy fulfilled: "Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zechariah 9:9)

Discussion: (See tomorrow's post for the answers)

1. How did his apostles acquire a donkey for Jesus to ride on?

2. Why did they use palm frawns (branches) to welcome the Lord into Jerusalem?

3. What is the meaning of Hosanna?

Apostolic thought/song: (please click the URL below, as it wont let me embed it. Thanks)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCsTpUcI1bk&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXAEEDu3PAQ&feature=related

CHALLENGE: Try to listen only to Christian, LDS or instrumental music this week.

Here is an AMAZING article of Christ's last week: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=4a57eafcee340210VgnVCM100000176f620a____

Welcome to Holy Week

2010-03-27T15:25:00.000-07:00

We will start Holy Week tomorrow. Each day will have:

1. What day it is

2. A living scriptures movie clip about that day (roughly)

3. Where the story is found in the four Gospel's

4. A prophecy that was fulfilled that day

5. Discussion questions & answers

6. A challenge

7. A thought by the apostles and prophets or a song

8. And maybe some pictures, links or other misc. that won't necessarily be on all the posts

Since Jewish tradition starts days at nightfall (such as their Sabbath is from Friday night at dusk until Saturday night at dusk), I have decided to include the dinner before Palm Sunday. Easter should be anticipated day of the year as it is the commemoration of the Savior's resurrection and therefore the fulfilling of the atonement and enabling us to live with God forever. Enjoy the spiritual journey as you prepare yourself for Easter and Conference next weekend.

The Anointing at Bethany

"John 12:1-9 recounts that Martha served a special dinner to Jesus, some of His disciples, and her brother, Lazarus, who had recently been raised from the dead, before the Master entered Jerusalem for His final week. During the course of the meal, Lazarus’s other sister, Mary, anointed Jesus’s feet. Judas Iscariot rebuked her for wasting the precious ointment in this way, but the Lord commended Mary, connecting this anointing with His coming death and burial. Matthew 20:6-13 and Mark 14:3-9 preserve a similar incident, which they place later in the week at the time Judas agreed with the Jewish leadership to betray the Savior.

In ancient Israel it was common to anoint bodies as part of burial rituals. The Hebrew word Messiah and the Greek word Christ both mean “the anointed one,” reflecting Jesus’s position through these titles. In earlier periods the Israelites also anointed living people to serve either as rightful kings or as high priests.

We, like the disciples, must come to know that Jesus is the Son of God and gain a testimony of what He did for us. As we reflect on the roles He played during the last week of His mortal life, we need to remember that as our Savior He is both a king and a priest." ~lds.org

Discussion:

1. What does anoint mean?

To apply oil or ointment to the head or the person. Anciently anointing was done for reasons both secular and sacred. It is a sign of hospitality, and of routine personal grooming. The maimed or sick were anointed with wine, oil, and/or ointment as medicine. The sick were also anointed with oil as part of the sacred procedure in healing of the sick by faith and the laying on of hands

2. What does spikenard mean?

The Greek word denotes pistic nard, pistic being perhaps a local name; some take it to mean genuine; others, liquid. Nard was made from the root of a tree, with a strong aromatic odor.

See article on the last week of Christ's life: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=4a57eafcee340210VgnVCM100000176f620a____

Another resource- see pages 135-138: http://institute.lds.org/content/languages/english/Institute%20of%20Religion%20Materials/Student%20Manuals/Religion%20211-212,%20New%20Testament%20Student%20Manual~eng.pdf

A little bit different

2010-03-27T15:24:00.001-07:00

This week we will be taking a break form our normal postings and just doing Holy Week posts. Please take this unique opportunity to come closer to Christ as we review his final days and prepare for Easter.

REMINDERS

2010-03-25T11:51:00.000-07:00

*THE GENERAL YOUNG WOMAN'S MEETING IS THIS SATURDAY AT 7PM

*CONFERENCE AND EASTER IS NEXT WEEKEND

*THE GENERAL PRIESTHOOD MEETING IS NEXT SATURDAY

Pictures made ENTIRELY from food

2010-03-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

2010-03-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

Teens in the Bible #5

2010-03-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

Joseph

Joseph was about 17 when his older brothers sold him to traders who took him as a slave to Egypt. Even in such circumstances, Joseph was blessed. Joseph did a good job for Potiphar, the man who bought him, and everything Joseph worked at prospered (see Genesis 39:3–4). Joseph continued to work hard and was loyal to his master. Despite false charges and accusations, Joseph eventually rose to become a leader in Egypt second only to Pharaoh. His success put him in a position to help his own family during difficult times.

Did You know?

1. Joseph was the 11th of the 12 sons of Jacob (also called Israel) and received the birthright blessing?

2. His brother's sold him as a slave to be taken to Egypt and then told their father he was dead?

3. His older brother was Judah (Family line for the Jews)

4. Two of his sons were Ephraim and Manasseh (Tribes of Israel, that you may be apart of- see your patriarchal blessing)

5. Joseph Smith was a direct descendant of Joseph?

2010-03-18T11:07:00.000-07:00

2010-03-18T10:51:00.000-07:00

17 MAR 2010

Communication through the Holy Ghost

By President Henry B. Eyring

“The Holy Ghost lets us express thanks and ask for help in prayer with the clarity and confidence we once enjoyed with our Heavenly Father and which we will have when we return to Him. That communication with God helps banish fear from our hearts as it builds faith and love of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”

The Gift of the Holy Ghost

All honest seekers of the truth can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost, leading them to Jesus Christ and His gospel. However, the fulness of the blessings given through the Holy Ghost are available only to those who receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and remain worthy.

After a person is baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, one or more Melchizedek Priesthood holders lay their hands on the person's head and, in a sacred priesthood ordinance, confirm him or her a member of the Church. As part of this ordinance, called confirmation, the person is given the gift of the Holy Ghost.

The gift of the Holy Ghost is different from the influence of the Holy Ghost. Before baptism, a person can feel the influence of the Holy Ghost from time to time and through that influence can receive a testimony of the truth. After receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, a person has the right to the constant companionship of that member of the Godhead if he or she keeps the commandments. ~ lds.org

See also Bible dictionary definition on the Holy Ghost: http://scriptures.lds.org/bd/h/56

Are you LDS?

2010-03-17T18:24:00.000-07:00

A cute/funny poem...

My son's a CTR ... I go to PEC.
I work for CES.....I study the TG.
I read the B of M . I probe the D&C.
I search the KJV ... I ponder the JST.
Today in BYC ... we planned for EFY.
I stayed a little after ... and had a PPI.
The YM and YW ... are putting on a play.
It's one that I remember ...we did in MIA.
Before our oldest son ...went in the MTC,
He helped the BSA . complete their SME.
Soon our oldest daughter .. is heading for the Y..
Soon our oldest clothing ... is going to the DI.
Now, if you've understood ... this alphabetic mess,
The chances are quite good ... that you are LDS

ONE MONTH UNTIL MULTI-STAKE FIRESIDE

2010-03-17T11:05:00.001-07:00

Portland Oregon East Stake

presents

And it Came to Pass...

Planning Our Priorities

Multi-Stake Youth Fireside
Sunday, April 18, 2010
7:00pm

Portland Oregon East Stake Center
2215 NE 106th

Guest Speakers
Kevin Unga- Oregon State Football Player
Brother and Sister Peni Moa- Miami Dolphins

2010-03-17T10:50:00.000-07:00

What are some ways we can respect other religions’ holidays?

“What are some ways we can respect other religions’ holidays?,” New Era, Mar. 2010, 40

Respecting others’ religions is one of our key beliefs: “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may” (Articles of Faith 1:11).

Religious holidays often involve a form of worship. Just as members of our Church celebrate Christmas and Easter, members of other faiths celebrate these holy days or other holidays in honor of a particular deity or to commemorate an event in their religious history.

You can respect others’ religious holidays by first recognizing when those days are celebrated. You can read about certain religious holidays and talk to your friends about how they show their love to God on these special days. You should not make fun of their beliefs, customs, or practices. Respect the religious symbols they use to celebrate and worship.

If you are invited to participate, ask politely for their suggestions about how you can do so appropriately. They may be happy to simply have you watch what they do, or they may suggest some activities you can join in on and others you should avoid. For example, if one of their religious customs is against your beliefs, such as drinking wine, you can politely decline participation, or perhaps you can drink water. The more you agree on in advance, the greater the opportunity to avoid embarrassment.

You can show respect by learning how others worship, and you can also invite others to celebrate your religious holidays with you so they can understand what you believe.