Gospel Doctrine: Faith to Move Mountains

We often hear about having enough faith to move mountains. But as I listened to a song on the radio today, I gained a different perspective on the subject. Generally, we think of the relocation as a sudden, earth-shattering event, but the song gives another look. Christ tells us in Matthew 21:21 that “If ye have faith and doubt not…if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done.” The image this creates is of the mountain crumbling into the sea by its own accord, or by the power … Continue reading

Gospel Doctrine: “Great Is Thy Faith”

The focus of this week’s lesson is on the receipt of the keys of the kingdom; as usual, the scriptures contain so many more lessons to be observed. As I started reading Lesson 13 today, I was touched by the faith of the Canaanite woman who pleaded with the Savior to heal her daughter. (Matthew 15:21-28) The story initially appears to be your typical “Master, please heal” one, as found throughout the scriptures. However, when you take a second look, you realize that this Canaanite woman was not an Israelite; she was a Gentile. Thus, when she asked the Lord … Continue reading

General conference: Faith to Move Mountains

In his talk “Faith to Move Mountains” President Gordon B. Hinckley speaks about the faith of those in the church. He opens the talk by briefly speaking of his health and age. He says that as long as the Lord is willing to have him serve he will And when the time comes for new leadership the church will move forward in faith. President Hinckley goes on to say that the church was built on faith. He speaks about Joseph Smith and that it was faith that led him to pray in the grove, and translate the Book of Mormon. … Continue reading

A TV Special about the Real Spirit of Christmas

Tuesday night, December 23, you can hear your favorite celebrity musicians and learn about helping kids. Faith Hill, herself an adoptee, will host the 10th annual “A Home for the Holidays” TV special. This event blends star power and music with adoption information. Dave Thomas (the Wendy’s “Where’s the Beef” guy) was one of the originators of the show, which aims at increasing awareness of the need for parents for children who wait in foster homes. I wrote last year of my experience watching the show and finding it less intrusive and tear-jerking that I had feared. There was lots … Continue reading

Saturday Night Live News: A Baby and a Death

A Baby for Amy It has been announced that SNL news anchor Amy Poehler will now be her own Baby Mama. She and hubby Will Arnett have announced they are becoming first time parents, with the baby due in late fall. Poehler, on SNL for the past eight seasons, and actor Arnett have been married since 2003. This must make Poehler’s box office success with Baby Mama, a joint venture with former SNL news anchor Tina Fey, all the sweeter. The movie features Fey as a woman who hires Poehler to carry her child. The movie pulled in an impressive … Continue reading

Traitor – Sandra Grey

“Traitor” by new author Sandra Grey is one of the best LDS historical fiction novels I’ve ever read, and I have to tell you, I’m hard to impress. Because I myself write in the LDS historical fiction genre, I’m overly critical when it comes to analyzing the work of other authors. Sandra Grey is amazing. Marie Jacobson is a young woman of French ancestry who wants to do her part for the cause during World War II. Her fiancé, Felix, is working with the Resistance in Europe, and Marie is eager to see him again after a long separation. A … Continue reading

The Widow’s Might – Ann Bennion Brown

“The Widow’s Might” by Ann Bennion Brown is a compilation book for women who have lost their spouses. The title comes from the parable of the widow’s mite, reminding us of the poor woman who came in to pay her tithing and only donated two of the smallest pieces of money in existence at that time. She was ridiculed by the rich, who had donated quite a bit, but Christ said that her donation was worth more, because she had given all she possessed for the building up of the kingdom. With spelling the title “might” rather than “mite,” this … Continue reading

LDS Family Week in Review: May 27th – June 2nd

Gospel Doctrine: In The Marriage of the King’s Son, we discussed the parable of the wedding feast, in which the only attendees were those from the street. In Render to Caeser the Things Which Are Caesers, we talked about what the Lord wants from us – and it isn’t our money. In Faith to Move Mountains, we considered how the Lord might ask us to move mountains slowly and in His own time. And in The Cursing of the Fig Tree, we talked about what Christ’s blight on a simple plant could teach. Monday, May 28th: In Dinner Discussion 2007 … Continue reading

General Conference: “Prophets–Pioneer and Modern Day”

In his talk “Prophets—Pioneer and Modern Day” Elder Earl C Tingey talks about Brigham Young and President Gordon B Hinckley. He lists their accomplishments as well as comparing them to each other. The talk focuses on how the Lord blesses his prophets and the people of the church. Elder Tingey begins by speaking about Brigham Young. He lists several accomplishments of Brigham Young. One of which was taking the saints across the plains and helping them build a prosperous city from practically nothing. President Young went on to organize 400 more colonies throughout the West. Elder Tingey speaks of some … Continue reading

Changing Seasons

Have you ever had a feeling like something in your life was about to change; like a new chapter or season in your life is about to begin? That’s kind of where I’ve been for while now. In the past, prior to knowledge of a move, promotion or placement of a child in our home, I’ve had this feeling too. Maybe it’s just becoming familiar with the first tastes of a new season; like the crispness in the morning as autumn has approached, or the fragrant air of spring. Since I’m not sure exactly what God’s plans are for my … Continue reading