Worldwide Church Broadcast Last Night - AMAZING!!!

Sound checking etc

We're you as THRILLED as I was to learn from the Worldwide Church Broadcast last night - entitled "The Work of Salvation"?

I was extremely blessed to be able to participate in the 2,500+ member choir - along with other church members in this area, and more than 1,300 missionaries currently in the MTC.  It was a monumental occasion and, oh, so very "awe" some.

Choir members

We learned that it was being broadcast worldwide - including being translated/broadcast into 57 languages in the lower level of the Marriott Center on the BYU Campus.  Included in the congregation were 173 new Mission President's and their wives - preparing to leave their homes and families, to go to unfamiliar places around the world, to preside over different areas and hundreds of missionaries each, and to serve and love and teach of the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.

We arrived several hours before the broadcast - to get seated and, then, to rehearse and do sound checks.  I was seated on the very far side of sopranos.  Missionaries are furthest away in this photo.  They were seated first, then, altos, and, finally, sopranos.

Importance of our Work in the Home

The 'world' lives contrary to revealed truths.  Aren't you glad to know why we're here and what our most important responsibilities are?  These principles have stood the test of time.  They are important reminders when we need them as well as effective teaching material for the rising generation.

"The most important work you will do for the Church will be within the walls of your own home."  - Harold B. Lee

"I have commanded you to bring up your children in light and truth."  - Doctrine and Covenants 93:40

They shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord."  - Doctrine and Covenants 68:28

BEAUTIFUL LDS Temples

Brigham City Temple - LDSChurchTemples.com

LDS Church Temples.  This is an incredibly beautiful and amazing site about LDS/Mormon Temples across the world.

It is a 'labor of love' produced by Rick Satterfield - of Pocatello, Idaho. 

I would personally like to thank him for all the work that he has done.  I've visited his site several times and, today, in particular it was extra meaningful to me as I needed to call several temples across the globe - for a dear friend who is very ill.  I wanted to phone the Temples that were of particular personal meaning to her.  The result, for me, was a sacred experience.  And....I thank Rick for sharing incredible photos of these Holy places of worship for us.  They are glorious edifices in which we learn the ways of the Lord.  I love the Temple.  It is a place of safety and peace for me.  I long to spend my days there.  I feel at home there - and close to God.  It is a miracle that we have these Holy Places in which to worship and learn and receive great blessings.  LDS Church Temples

Spreading Light - Sunshine

The internet is filled with all sorts of content; personal opinions, ideas, crafts, history, recipes, discussions, arguments, strong headings and sub-titles geared towards inciting emotions and passions etc. 

Many of these things, including wonderful content about the gospel, home and families, sharing of ideals and values, and strengthening one another can bless and uplift.  Those to the contrary - do just the opposite.

Today I share a message about Spreading Light.  Perhaps the words to a sweet hymn 'Scatter Sunshine' are a co-partner to that message.  Each word and thought that we share has energy.  It can do good and uplift and enlighten or it can further the work of the adversary himself who seeks to demean, destroy and depress.

In a world where sorrow
Ever will be known,
Where are found the needy
And the sad and lone,
How much joy and comfort
You can all bestow,
If you scatter sunshine
Ev’rywhere you go.

Womanhood/Motherhood - Strengthening Homes and Families

In this day and age of much confusion for many - the words of Prophets are always sound and stable.  We're blessed to be women in these latter-days.  No blessings will be withheld us if we are true and faithful and continually strive for light and truth.

As the winding-up scenes occur on earth - womanhood/motherhood will continue to be demeaned by those who don't understand the Lord's plan.  We ought 'not fear what man can do' - because we know the principles by which we can live our lives in peace - amidst the storms.

Thanks to all of you for the good work that you are doing and the light that you are sharing with others'.  It's certainly needed in the world and we are blessed to be able to try to lift and uplift by the words we use and the messages we share.

From Sister Beck we receive the following powerful counsel.  Thank you for those of you who live these teachings already in your homes and families.

"[Women are] to strengthen families and homes. Families worldwide are being assaulted and weakened by corrupt practices and false teachings. . . .

"The First Presidency has counseled, 'However worthy and appropriate other demands or activities may be, they must not be permitted to displace the divinely-appointed duties that only parents and families can adequately perform' (First Presidency letter, Feb. 11, 1999). . . .

"Relief Society should be organized, aligned, and mobilized to strengthen families and help our homes to be sacred sanctuaries from the world."  Julie B. Beck, "Fulfilling the Purpose of Relief Society"

LDS Home "Environment" - Elder McConkie

I read this yesterday and it touched me deeply.  I had read it a few years previously and it moved me back then, too.  But, this time, it meant even more as I'm at the stage of life where I'm truly recognizing the truthfulness of keeping or not keeping these types of values in our homes.  As I see the ramifications of not heeding Prophetic counsel in all areas of our lives and -- because of meeting and mingling with some of the youth that my children deal with - I am even more aware of the reasons that the Lord has given us such counsel.  I share it by way of personal testimony as well as in hopes that others' will be blessed by this powerful insight and .....prophetic warning.

"Environment"

"Two obligations face the saints where the matter of environment is concerned:  1.  To create for themselves and their families the most wholesome and edifying environment possible, so there will be less chance of any member of the family circle being lost through transgression; and 2. To rise above every unwholesome environmental situation that may be encountered during the course of this mortal probation.

"When the spirit offspring of God pass from pre-existence to mortality, they bring with them the talents, capacities, and abilities acquired during a long existence and experience in their first estate.  At the time of mortal birth all children are innocent and pure.  Then as they begin to become accountable, they are swayed by the "tradition of their fathers."  (D&C 93:38-39)  Their lives and destinies are shaped and altered by their environment -- the circumstances, external surroundings, and influences in which they find themselves.  The command to bring up children in light and truth includes a requirement to create for them a wholesome environment.