Moving Forward--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Moving Forward Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

When things go bad, can we really start over? When life takes a turn for the worse, can we actually begin again with hope that things will get better? After losing much of his life savings due to someone else’s mismanagement, one man said, “Starting over was tough, but if we didn’t try, we would have been hurt twice—once by our loss and once by our own giving up.”

Each of us is bound to lose now and then, and once in a while we may want to quit. But even the worst setbacks can be opportunities to make a new beginning.

A small boy, playing a rough-and-tumble schoolyard game, was frequently knocked to the ground. Each time, he picked himself up, dusted himself off, and rejoined the game. When asked why he didn’t just quit, he declared, “Quit? I’m here to play the game!”

The New Year is a perfect time for starting over. This is a special time when we can decide to get back up when we’ve been knocked down. We can find renewed courage to keep going. We may need to forgive someone who has offended us or forgive ourselves for mistakes we’ve made. Perhaps we need help learning to do things differently so we aren’t knocked down again—but we can always move forward.
Each New Year represents a new beginning. And hope for a brighter future can dawn with each new day. So even when life hits us hard, we can get up, dust ourselves off, and get back in the game.


Program #4137

The Christmas Card I Received from the First Presidency

At this joyous Christmas season, men and women of faith turn their thoughts to our dear Savior, who came forth from heaven to live on earth as a mortal man and to establish the Kingdom of God. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, and the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, “Come, follow me.”

We testify of the living reality of Jesus Christ as the Savior of mankind. As we seek Christ, and as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year but as a companion always.

Sincerely,

The First Presidency

Thomas S. Monson

Henry B. Eyring

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Happy Christmas to All--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Happy Christmas to All

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

On Christmas Eve 1822, Catherine Elizabeth Moore was preparing food for the poor and discovered that she was short one turkey. It turned out to be a fortunate mistake, because as her husband rode in his carriage to the butcher’s, the bells jingling on his team of horses inspired him to pen a whimsical Christmas poem for his children. After dinner that night, Clement Clarke Moore presented to the family what has become a treasure to us all: “’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house….” And as he read, his children were enchanted.1 Since that day, this classic has appeared in countless newspapers and almanacs; it has been recited, illustrated, and performed around the world. Most important, countless youngsters have cozied up on the lap of a parent or grandparent and read of a “miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.” Clement Moore was a prominent theologian, a professor of classics, and the author of the leading Hebrew dictionary of the time. But that Christmas Eve, he wasn’t writing for publication or praise. This poem about a jolly old elf, sugarplums, and carefully hung stockings was for his family. Perhaps his inspiration came from his love for his small audience. Perhaps it was his way of showing his children what a gift of the heart looks and feels like. Each of us can give such priceless gifts of the heart. Our gifts may not rhyme, sparkle, or come wrapped in ribbons, but they will be cherished. Cards made at the kitchen table, pictures taken at the last family gathering, handprints of toddlers, recordings of childhood reminiscences, homemade ornaments that promise years of fond memories—in their own priceless way, these and many other expressions of love say, as did Clement Moore’s gift to his children, “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night.” 1 See Kaller Historical Documents, “‘The Night before Christmas,’ Clement C. Moore’s Classic Poem,” http://www.americagallery.com/night.shtml. Program #4136

Longfellow's Christmas--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Longfellow's Christmas

Delivered By: Edward Herrmann

Sleigh bells and laughter pierced the stillness of softly falling snow, as the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow family, bundled in winter wool, whisked along in their horse-drawn sleigh. The five children giggled with delight. Then, ringing down snow-packed lanes, across fields, and through the wooded hills and valleys pealed the bells—solo steeple bells and choirs of carillon bells—playing the familiar carols of Christmas. The Longfellow family delighted in their message of joy and peace. But a few months later, fire ravaged their home. Trying desperately to rescue his wife Fanny, Henry was terribly burned. Three days later, on their 18th wedding anniversary, Fanny was buried - while Henry, confined to bed, fought to live—fought for the will to live. Two Christmases came and went. Henry wrote, “How inexpressibly sad are the holidays.” “‘A merry Christmas’ say the children, but that is no more for me.” On Christmas Day, 1864, he wrote: “And in despair I bowed my head; ‘There is no peace on earth,’ I said; For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men.” At some time, each of us echoes the question of his broken heart: When pain, grief, and loneliness overwhelm us, where is the music of hope and peace? For Henry, the answer came at Christmas. As the rising sun burnished the windows of the Longfellow home brilliant gold, pealing through the crisp morning air, came a clear, joyous ringing…Christmas bells. From his lonely desk, Henry heard them. In that instant, his broken heart was healed. Renewed, he plunged his pen into fresh ink, and joyfully drew it across a sheet of snow white paper… I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men! Till, ringing, singing on its way, The world revolved from night to day A voice, a chime, a chant sublime Of peace on earth, good will to men! Christmas bells still ring out a clear message: Out of suffering and despair, joy can flourish anew, and hope and peace be reborn. Peace on earth. Peace in each broken heart. And so, as the bells pealed on, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow finished his carol of hope and faith: Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, “God is not dead; nor doth He sleep! The Wrong shall fail, the Right prevail, With peace on earth, good-will to men!” Program #4135

First Presidency Announces New Temple in Peru

First Presidency Announces New Temple in Peru LDS.org News
12/13/2008 05:07 PM MST

Plans to build a new temple in Trujillo, Peru, were announced Saturday by the First Presidency — the highest governing body of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will bring the total number of temples worldwide to 146 already in operation or in the planning and construction phases.

The new temple in Peru becomes the third temple in South America now in the planning and construction phases, along with ones planned for Manaus, Brazil, and Córdoba, Argentina, bringing the total number of temples in South America to 17.

“We are confident that this will be a blessing to the many faithful Saints in this and surrounding areas who have had to travel long distances to enjoy the blessings of the temple,” said the First Presidency in an announcement letter to ecclesiastical leaders.

“We commend the Saints for their devotion and faithfulness, and are thankful for the blessings that will come to them through the construction of this new temple.”

To members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, temples are the “house of the Lord,” the most sacred place on earth. Temple services bind families together forever, teach the purpose of life and explain God’s plan of salvation. Temple attendance strengthens Latter-day Saints’ commitment to living Christian principles, emphasizes personal spiritual growth and increases devotion to family.

The Trujillo Peru Temple is planned for construction on the site of an existing meetinghouse on Teodoro Valcárcel Street in Urbanización Primavera, Trujillo. It will serve more than 88,000 Latter-day Saints in the region.

Latter-day Saint missionaries began preaching in Trujillo in 1960. The first baptisms in the original Trujillo Branch — a small congregation, then part of the Andes Mission — were performed in February 1961. In 1963 the first meetinghouse was dedicated in Trujillo. The first stake in Trujillo (a stake is similar to a diocese) was eventually organized in January 1978 by Thomas S. Monson, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles — the second-highest governing body of the Church. President Monson now serves as worldwide leader of the Church.

Latter-day Saint temples differ from the tens of thousands of meetinghouses where members typically meet for Sunday worship services and midweek social activities and where visitors are always welcome. Temples are used solely for the performance of sacred ordinances and religious instruction aimed at strengthening members’ relationships with God and their fellow man. They are closed to the public after they are dedicated.

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LDS.org; Photo by Theodore Scott

Do You Hear What I Hear--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

“Do You Hear What I Hear?” is one of the most beloved songs of the Christmas season. The story of this simple plea for peace begins, ironically, during World War II in war-torn France. Noel Regney was a young French musician who risked his life as a soldier in the French underground. The darkness and terror of those fearful years haunted him the rest of his life. After the war, he moved to the United States, where he found work composing jingles and music for TV. One day in a hotel dining room, Noel saw a beautiful woman playing the piano. Although he spoke little English and she spoke no French, he introduced himself to Gloria Shayne. Within a month they married. In the years that followed, the tensions of the Cold War grew, and Noel’s mind was often drawn back to the terrible days he had spent in combat. He wondered if the world would ever see peace. Noel’s thoughts turned to the very first Christmas—a sacred time of peace and promise. As he reflected, the lyrics of a song came to him. When he and his wife collaborated, it was usually Noel who wrote music for Gloria’s words, but this time he handed the lyrics to his wife and asked if she would set them to music. Thus was born the beautiful Christmas carol, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” When we hear this song, do we hear what Noel Regney wanted us to hear? The rendition of the song Noel liked best was one where the vocalist all but shouted the words “Pray for peace, people everywhere.”1 For him, that was the message of the song, for Noel believed that even in the darkness of fear and despair, the “child, [the] child, sleeping in the night, He will bring us goodness and light. He will bring us goodness and light. 1 See Ace Collins, Stories behind the Best-Loved Songs of Christmas (2001), 35–40. Progarm #4134

A Funnny Joke

A Limited Scope

Our family recently spent an evening on Temple Square viewing the Christmas lights. When my 3-year-old grandson saw the temple, he exclaimed: “Look, it's the temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of the United States !”

Connie Buie
Salt Lake City, Utah

Thought of Inspiration

Scott G. Winterton

"As you overcome adversity in your life, you will become stronger. Then you will be better able to help others —those who are working, in their turn, to find a safe harbor from the storms that rage about them."

—Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, April 2002 general conference

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: A Life Full of Adventure and Joy that Surpasses Understanding

2 December 2008 If ever there was a symbol of one man’s dedication to make the most of every day, it is Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s old Olympia typewriter. In a time when computers dominate most offices, it sat on his wide oak desk and was put to good use each morning as he personally typed out his daily schedule on a small 3-by-5 card. “Every day is an adventure,” Elder Wirthlin said. “Every day carries with it a responsibility. I thought, well, here I am — sort of the 11th hour maybe in my life — I’d better make the most of it.”

Elder Wirthlin made the most of it all of his life. Jane Parker, his oldest child, recalled one of her favorite memories was waking “at five in the morning and hearing him at the typewriter” organizing his schedule. The clacking of typewriter keys during those predawn hours became part of the rhythm of life for this apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who felt each day was a journey to be savored and enjoyed.

“Some of the happiest people I know have none of the things the world insists are necessary for satisfaction and joy,” said Elder Wirthlin. “My life has been filled with adventure, spiritual experiences and joy that surpasses understanding.”

Keystroke by keystroke, line by line, schedule by schedule, Elder Wirthlin stripped down the complexities of life to the simple things that matter most; family, devotion to God, hard work and service.

Elder Wirthlin, the eldest of five children, was born in Salt Lake City on 11 June 1917 to Joseph and Madeline Wirthlin. A young Joseph learned true compassion from his father during the Great Depression, when many families were suffering. His father, who owned a wholesale business, would load Joseph’s red coaster wagon with food for the needy. Joseph would make the deliveries, and when the wagon was empty he’d come back for more. Looking back on that experience he said: “I learned from him to care for the poor and to not do it just by words but in deed. That was a great lesson for me. He was always kind to the poor.”

Elder Wirthlin’s desire to succor the poor in body and spirit resulted in his leaving his studies at the University of Utah, and a starting position on the football team, to serve a two and a half year mission for the Church in the late 1930s. At a precarious time in world history, he stepped aboard the S.S. Manhattan as a young missionary and began a long voyage that would take him into Germany and Switzerland. For the first six weeks he was alone in Salzburg, a missionary in a strange, new country not knowing if or when Hitler’s tanks would blitz across the border.

Elder Wirthlin said: “As I look back on it now, I wonder if those times of trial and loneliness weren’t instrumental in strengthening my character and heightening my desire to succeed. Those times of seeming failure may have been some of the most instrumental of my life, because they prepared me for greater things to come.”

His mission was a period of intense gospel study during which he learned to teach, preach and “love people more than ever before and to accept them for what they were.”

A defining moment for Elder Wirthlin came on a cold, clear, snowy night on Christmas Eve in the tiny village of Oberndorf nestled in the Bavarian Alps. After listening to organ music in a humble church, Elder Wirthlin and his companion started for home and became engaged in a serious discussion about what they wanted to do with their lives. “The Spirit was so strong as I walked with my companion that it’s hard to express,” Elder Wirthlin said. “I really had a burning testimony that the Church is true as never before in my life.”

On that soul-searching night, Elder Wirthlin also contemplated the type of woman he would someday marry. After returning from his mission he said he knew the first time he laid eyes on Elisa Rogers that she would be his wife — and she was just a year later, on 26 May 1941.

Theirs was a tender relationship that deepened through the years, said daughter Katherine Cannon. “You could tell that she loved him. She listened intently to him.” And he listened to her, many times relying on her “good, sound judgment.” Though often gone with a hectic schedule, Elder Wirthlin said he looked forward to coming home. “Every morning I kiss her goodbye and always say, ‘Auf Wiedersehen, till we meet again.’”

The Wirthlins settled into married life and eventually became the parents of eight children, seven girls and one boy. “Our boy came second, and when we had our eighth arrival and announced to him that it was a girl, “Elder Wirthlin laughed, “Joe said, ‘Not another one!’”

Life was busy, but Elder Wirthlin always devoted time to family, whether it was lunchtime with his children, letting his son play stowaway in his car to the office, or taking family vacations on which they always seemed to get lost. Sunday also became an important family time when they rested from work, attended church and held family home evening.

Elder Wirthlin was also devoted to living the gospel. After serving in countless Church positions spanning decades, Elder Wirthlin became an apostle on 9 October1986, joining 11 other modern-day apostles with responsibilities to govern The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church organization reflects Christ’s ancient church, and like those biblical apostles nearly two millennia ago, today’s apostles come from all professions and walks of life and serve in lifelong positions.

Fellow apostle Russell M. Nelson said Elder Wirthlin will be remembered for his “tremendous faith and willingness to work.” President Thomas S. Monson, president of the Church, described Elder Wirthlin as a man of great innate goodness who did not care for personal acclaim, only to please his Heavenly Father.

And pleasing his Heavenly Father included sharing his testimony of the gospel with others. “I wish I could engrave on every heart what I so keenly know and feel,” Elder Wirthlin said. “I bear unwavering testimony that our Heavenly Father and His divine Son, Jesus Christ, rule and reign, and that we must all understand that the gospel is everlasting. It is forever and applicable to all, and each of us is to be held accountable.”

Accountability, knowing what’s really important in life, strengthening family relationships, serving God, strengthening others, making the most of each day, having a written schedule and sticking to it — one can almost hear the keys of the old Olympia typewriter.

Joseph B. Wirthlin, Oldest Apostle, Dies, Age 91

SALT LAKE CITY 2 December 2008 Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, the oldest living apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, died last night, age 91.

Elder Wirthlin had gone to bed at his Salt Lake City home, and died peacefully at about 11:30 pm of causes incident to age. His oldest daughter, Jane Wirthlin Parker, was present. A member of the family had been staying and caring for Elder Wirthlin, whose wife, Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, died in 2006.

He had continued to work at his office right up until the Thanksgiving holiday.

Funeral services will be held at noon on Friday, December 5, at the Tabernacle on Temple Square.

The Little Town of Bethlehem--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

The Little Town of Bethlehem

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

During this busy time of year, we may find ourselves searching for the stillness of the first Christmas night. In search of that precious gift so silently given, we take small and sincere steps that can lead to a place of peace. With yearning hearts we travel to the little town of Bethlehem. One family felt so removed from Bethlehem’s peace that they decided to start a new family tradition: During the first week of December they made a cardboard manger for their living room, and next to the manger they placed a container of straw. Each time one of the children was especially kind or helpful, the family put a piece of straw in the manger. Whenever anyone unselfishly did something for someone else, they put another piece of straw in the manger. Before long, straw filled the manger. But even better than that, peace filled their home. Bethlehem’s promise did not seem so far away. On Christmas Eve, the family turned down all the lights, except for one handheld lantern, and gathered in a bedroom. By the light of their lantern, they “traveled” to their homemade manger in the living room, where, in the quiet of the night, they sang carols and expressed their love. Bathed in the warmth of that peaceful moment, the children went calmly and quietly to bed.1 By inviting greater kindness and love into their home, this family found their way to Bethlehem’s peace. The hustle and bustle of the season could not overwhelm the sweet stillness of the heavenly invitation to that little family—and to all mankind: “Oh, come, all ye faithful, joyful and triumphant! Oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem.”2 1 See Sue Jones, “Straw for the Manger,” Ensign, Dec. 2005, 56–57. 2“Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful,” Hymns, no. 202. Program #4133

Updated version of Mormon.org

Updated version of Mormon.org

Published: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008

In a letter dated Oct. 30 and to be read in ward and branch sacrament meetings, the First Presidency announced a new version of the Church's mormon.org Web site.

The letter reads:

Dear Brethren and Sisters:

The Web site lds.org is directed primarily to members of the Church and has information to help members live the gospel and serve in the Church. We call your attention to the newest version of mormon.org, a Web site designed specifically for those not of our faith. This revised site is aligned with the missionary guide Preach My Gospel and contains information about the basic doctrines of the Church, including answers to some of life's greatest questions. The information is enhanced by video testimonies of recent converts.

We invite you to become familiar with mormon.org so that you might refer your friends and family members of all faiths to experience what is available there.

May the Lord bless you as you use these gifts of technology to invite others to come unto Christ by receiving His restored gospel.

I feel so touched by reading this remarks

Remarks by John McCain


November 5, 2008

Thank you. Thank you, my friends. Thank you for coming here on this beautiful Arizona evening.

My friends, we have -- we have come to the end of a long journey. The American people have spoken, and they have spoken clearly. A little while ago, I had the honor of calling Senator Barack Obama to congratulate him on being elected the next president of the country that we both love.

In a contest as long and difficult as this campaign has been, his success alone commands my respect for his ability and perseverance. But that he managed to do so by inspiring the hopes of so many millions of Americans who had once wrongly believed that they had little at stake or little influence in the election of an American president is something I deeply admire and commend him for achieving.

This is an historic election, and I recognize the special significance it has for African-Americans and for the special pride that must be theirs tonight.

I've always believed that America offers opportunities to all who have the industry and will to seize it. Senator Obama believes that, too. But we both recognize that though we have come a long way from the old injustices that once stained our nation's reputation and denied some Americans the full blessings of American citizenship, the memory of them still had the power to wound.

A century ago, President Theodore Roosevelt's invitation of Booker T. Washington to dine at the White House was taken as an outrage in many quarters. America today is a world away from the cruel and prideful bigotry of that time. There is no better evidence of this than the election of an African American to the presidency of the United States. Let there be no reason now for any American to fail to cherish their citizenship in this, the greatest nation on Earth.

Senator Obama has achieved a great thing for himself and for his country. I applaud him for it, and offer in my sincere sympathy that his beloved grandmother did not live to see this day, though our faith assures us she is at rest in the presence of her creator and so very proud of the good man she helped raise.

Senator Obama and I have had and argued our differences, and he has prevailed. No doubt many of those differences remain. These are difficult times for our country, and I pledge to him tonight to do all in my power to help him lead us through the many challenges we face.

I urge all Americans who supported me to join me in not just congratulating him, but offering our next president our good will and earnest effort to find ways to come together, to find the necessary compromises, to bridge our differences, and help restore our prosperity, defend our security in a dangerous world, and leave our children and grandchildren a stronger, better country than we inherited.

Whatever our differences, we are fellow Americans. And please believe me when I say no association has ever meant more to me than that.

It is natural tonight to feel some disappointment, but tomorrow we must move beyond it and work together to get our country moving again. We fought as hard as we could.

And though we fell short, the failure is mine, not yours.

I am so deeply grateful to all of you for the great honor of your support and for all you have done for me. I wish the outcome had been different, my friends. The road was a difficult one from the outset. But your support and friendship never wavered. I cannot adequately express how deeply indebted I am to you.

I am especially grateful to my wife, Cindy, my children, my dear mother and all my family and to the many old and dear friends who have stood by my side through the many ups and downs of this long campaign. I have always been a fortunate man, and never more so for the love and encouragement you have given me.

You know, campaigns are often harder on a candidate's family than on the candidate, and that's been true in this campaign. All I can offer in compensation is my love and gratitude, and the promise of more peaceful years ahead.

I am also, of course, very thankful to Governor Sarah Palin, one of the best campaigners I have ever seen and an impressive new voice in our party for reform and the principles that have always been our greatest strength. Her husband Todd and their five beautiful children with their tireless dedication to our cause, and the courage and grace they showed in the rough-and-tumble of a presidential campaign. We can all look forward with great interest to her future service to Alaska, the Republican Party and our country.

To all my campaign comrades, from Rick Davis and Steve Schmidt and Mark Salter, to every last volunteer who fought so hard and valiantly month after month in what at times seemed to be the most challenged campaign in modern times, thank you so much. A lost election will never mean more to me than the privilege of your faith and friendship.

I don't know what more we could have done to try to win this election. I'll leave that to others to determine. Every candidate makes mistakes, and I'm sure I made my share of them. But I won't spend a moment of the future regretting what might have been.

This campaign was and will remain the great honor of my life. And my heart is filled with nothing but gratitude for the experience and to the American people for giving me a fair hearing before deciding that Senator Obama and my old friend Senator Joe Biden should have the honor of leading us for the next four years.

I would not be an American worthy of the name, should I regret a fate that has allowed me the extraordinary privilege of serving this country for a half a century. Today, I was a candidate for the highest office in the country I love so much. And tonight, I remain her servant. That is blessing enough for anyone and I thank the people of Arizona for it.

Tonight, more than any night, I hold in my heart nothing but love for this country and for all its citizens, whether they supported me or Senator Obama, I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president.

And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties but to believe always in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.

Americans never quit. We never surrender. We never hide from history, we make history.

Thank you, and God bless you, and God bless America. Thank you all very much.

Daily Gratitude and Thanksgiving--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Daily Gratitude and Thanksgiving

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

A few years ago, two researchers conducted what they called the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness. They found through science what most of us know intuitively: gratitude makes people happy. For the study, several hundred people were divided into three groups and asked to keep diaries. The first group listed the day’s events in their diaries, the second group recorded any unpleasant experiences they had during the day, and the last group made a daily list of things they were grateful for. The researchers found that the simple act of taking time each day to count your blessings makes a person more enthusiastic, determined, optimistic, and energetic. Those who expressed gratitude experienced less depression and stress, exercised more regularly, and made more progress toward personal goals. Researchers even noted a relationship between feeling grateful and feeling loved, and they observed how gratitude inspires acts of kindness and compassion.1 Remarkable, isn’t it? All this from daily gratitude and thanksgiving. Of course, the best way to discover the benefits of gratitude is not by observing them in an academic study but by experiencing the miracle for ourselves: When we daily count our blessings, we feel better about life, even in the midst of adversity; we garner a strength of character and largeness of soul that will help us through hard times; and we see life as basically good, despite its challenges and heartaches. Gratitude does not need to be reserved for holidays and special events. Every day is filled with miracles and blessings. If we open our hearts and look, we’ll find reasons for gratitude and thanksgiving each day, all around us. 1 See Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough, “Highlights from the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness,” http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/emmons; see also “Gratitude Theory,” http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html. Program #4132

Couple of Jokes

First Things First

The Primary president was presenting a Sharing Time lesson about the Celestial kingdom. She asked the children what they needed to do to get into the Celestial kingdom. She asked: “If I pay extra tithing, will that get me into the Celestial Kingdom ?” The kids said no and the Primary president continued: “If I go to church twice on Sunday, will that get me into the Celestial Kingdom ?” Again, they knew this wouldn't be enough. The Primary president asked again: “So, what do I need to do to get into the Celestial Kingdom ?” A little boy in the back called out: “Duh—you need to be dead !”

Jeanette Ross
Boise, Idaho

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Sing Us a Song

When our son was 5, I was the music director in our small branch. One Sunday he helped me pick the hymn The Spirit of God for the opening hymn. As we sang the song that week, it became apparent to all of us that he didn't know it as well as he thought he did. By the time we got through four verses of his loudly singing his mistake in the chorus, he was the only one singing. The rest of us were trying too hard not to laugh as he sang: "We'll sing and we'll shout with the mommies of heaven, Oh Santa, Oh Santa…."

Tina St. Onge
Hendersonville, Tennessee

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Finding Hope in the Gospel

M E R I D I A N M A G A Z I N E

Turn Off the Bad News of the World,
Tune into the Good News of the Gospel
By Darla Isackson

2008 seems to be setting a record (at least in my limited perspective) for the most bad news! Although I've usually limited my news savvy to what I glean from the news summaries on Meridian , the last few months I allowed myself consistently to be sucked into the screaming headlines and troubling controversies. The day after the election, with the Proposition 8 verdict still too close to call, and all the negatives I'd heard about certain prevailing candidates fresh on my mind, my lower back went into painful spasms. This has long been my body's way of telling me I'm way over-tired and over-stressed.

I spent the next few days in bed, barely able to move, but given the opportunity to gain a better perspective.

Turning Into the Good News of the Gospel

Our wise stake leaders had given us the assignment to review and study all the October conference talks before our next stake conference the first week of December. I hadn't been making great progress, but this down time gave me just the “excuse” I needed to focus on them.

Partly because I've preferred to study conference talks in the Ensign , I hadn't until then discovered how amazingly easy the Church's web site (lds.org) makes it to click onto the conference videos. But laying helpless in bed, it was better for me to watch the conference videos on my computer than to try to sit up and read them. I began immersing myself in the hope-filled, Spirit-filled words of the Brethren and I never want to quit!

The contrast between the good news of the gospel and the bad news I'd been reading and hearing is something I'll never forget. There is such a direct connection between the focus of our minds and our feelings; as I focused on light and truth, the darkness I'd been feeling immediately lifted.

Pres. Uchtdorf's message of hope turned my focus from this world to a better and reminds me that joy need not be a missing commodity. His encouraging words and testimony are so heart-lifting that I want to go back to them over and over. Elder Holland 's testimony of the ministering of angels, and that we are never left alone in our problems and troubles is a balm to my soul. The strength of Elder Marcos Aidukaitis's testimony of the power of the Book of Mormon and the influence of his father's righteous decisions on him and his posterity lifted me. Elder Wirthlin's humor and sweet message to accept whatever comes and love it makes me smile every time I think of it. President Monson's peaceful countenance and words encouraging us to find joy in the journey and relish life reminded me of all the good in my own circumstances—despite what is going on in the world. I could go on an on.

In light of the frightening backlash to the passage of Proposition 8 in California , as I listened again to President Eyring's message on unity and Elder Hale's on Christian Courage, as well as many other pertinent messages, I marveled. Once again I could see so clearly the inspiration behind the words of the Brethren. By inspiration they knew beforehand exactly what we were going to need and they gave it to us!

I have been overcome with gratitude for the firm foundation of the gospel, of apostles and prophets, of words of faith and hope to light our way in this darkening world.

And I've been so heartened by the courageous and Christ-like responses of Church members to the swell of persecution that has followed our stand on marriage.

But How Can I Stay in Faith, Not Fear?

I'm well aware that my current personal challenges are minor, comparatively speaking. I'm safe and sound in a nice neighborhood in West Jordan , Utah , not likely at the moment to be targeted by hate groups. But what if the Church called on me to be actively involved in the foray? What if I had lived in California ?

Would I have had what it takes to carry “yes” signs and be called names . . . and worse? What if it was our family business that was being boycotted for our support of Proposition 8—our livelihood that was threatened? What if the persecution gets so fierce that I cannot attend a temple even in Utah without harassment?

That's where the rubber hits the road. I'm a chicken at heart, after all—a people pleasing, peace at any price wimp. Can the Lord really take my weakness and turn it into strength?

Mouthing gospel platitudes won't be enough as we head into these last days battles for the souls of men. Only a living faith that God is our ever-present help in trouble will be.

How do we get that kind of faith and keep it? A big part of the answer is to turn off the bad news of the world and tune into the good news of the gospel.

Immersing ourselves in the scriptures and conference talks—so easily available—won't solve all our problems. But it is the best way I know to keep tuned into the very real power of the Spirit. As we invite the guidance of the Holy Ghost and make our minds and hearts a place of faith, I know we will be given the strength we need, day by day to prevail. What more could we ask?

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Copyright 1999-2008 Meridian Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

In Trying Times--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

In Trying Times

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

We live in trying times. People are losing their jobs, their savings, even their homes. Others face personal tragedies of various kinds. Even if you aren’t currently facing tough times, you probably know someone who’s there right now. What do we need to bounce back, to cope with such adversity and uncertainties? We need each other. Perhaps you have a friend who stepped into your life at just the right time and shared your burden. Legendary singer Ray Charles benefited from the sensitivity of such a friend. When Ray was five, his little brother fell in a washtub and drowned when Ray was unable to save him. Months later, Ray began to slowly lose his eyesight, eventually becoming completely blind. But at age 15 came the most devastating tragedy—the unexpected death of his beloved mother. Young Ray soon sunk into deep depression. He later recounted: “There was an old lady in town we called Ma Beck. She was the kind of lady that—well, everybody in town used to say that if there was a heaven, she was certainly going to be there when she passed. . . . This elderly woman saw the trauma I was going through. So she took me aside one day and said, ‘Son, you know that I knew your mama. And I know how she tried to raise you. And I know she always taught you to carry on.’” “That episode with Ma Beck,” Ray said, “shook me out of my depression. It really started me on my way. After that I told myself that I must do what my mom would have expected me to do.”[1] Overcoming adversity, learning its painful lessons, is one of life’s great purposes. But no one should have to do it alone. As friends, neighbors, and family members, we can touch others’ lives in ways no one else can. If we are willing to watch and listen, we can say the right thing at the right time to lift another’s burden. 1 “Autobiography,” http://www.raycharles.com/the_man_autobiography.html. Program #4131

Latter-day Saints Laughs

Tips and Tricks

A few years ago at a Relief Society Homemaking meeting, we were discussing household hints. One sister suggested that when making a cake you could replace the oil with applesauce so that it would be moist but have fewer calories and less fat. One sister who had just recently moved to Utah from England came in a few minutes late and missed the part about the cake. She mistakenly thought we were talking about oil used to anoint the sick. She exclaimed: " Applesauce ? You sure do things differently here in Utah !"

SS
St. George, Utah

FBI Sent the Suspicious Substance to Headquarters in Quantico for Further Tests

FBI to run more tests on mystery substance mailed to LDS Church

Published: November 18, 2008

A suspicious substance mailed to the headquarters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on its way to FBI headquarters in Quantico, Va., for further testing.

FBI agents in Salt Lake City said they received a final report from the state health department on the white powdery substance in an envelope mailed to Temple Square last week. Tests were conducted to ensure it wasn't ricin, anthrax or any other biological weapon.

"It is not any kind of biological agent or toxin or even a new strain," FBI Special Agent Juan Becerra said Monday.

Envelopes with white powder were mailed to Temple Square, the LDS Church's temple in Los Angeles and a printing press belonging to the Catholic-affiliated Knights of Columbus in New Haven, Conn. Both churches were heavy backers of California's Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that banned same-sex marriage in that state.

The FBI has labeled its probe a domestic terrorism investigation. Becerra would not say whether the agency had identified any suspects in the case, but he reiterated Monday that the FBI had no evidence that linked the threats to Proposition 8 or its opponents.

Many gay rights organizations also have decried the threats.

— Ben Winslow

© 2008 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Newly Called

KAOHSIUNG TAIWAN STAKE: (Sept. 14, 2008) President Shih-Ning Yang, 44, director of International Affairs Office, Chun Shan Vocational School, succeeding Shih-Jung Lee; wife, Mei-Chien Peng Yang. Counselors — Chia Ting Hsu, 35, sailor, ROC Navy; wife, Hsiu Feng Hsieh Hsu. Yung ta Huang, 46, technician, Tai Fei; wife, Hui Hsien Huang.

First Presidency Urges Respect, Civility in Public Discourse

SALT LAKE CITY 14 November 2008 Five months ago, the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sent a letter to members of the Church in California, encouraging them to join the millions of other Californians from many religious denominations, ethnic groups and political persuasions in a broad coalition to defend marriage as it has been defined for millennia.

During the election campaign, both sides of the argument on Proposition 8 had ample opportunities to express their viewpoint. The result was conclusively in favor of traditional marriage. More than 40 states in the United States have now voted to protect traditional marriage, either directly or through their elected representatives.

Today the First Presidency issued this statement about the democratic process:

Since the people of California voted to reaffirm the sanctity of traditional marriage between a man and a woman on November 4, 2008, places of worship have been targeted by opponents of Proposition 8 with demonstrations and, in some cases, vandalism. People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation. The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America.

The Church is keenly aware of the differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive matter. The reasons for this principled stand in defense of marriage have already been articulated elsewhere. However, some of what we have seen since Californians voted to pass Proposition 8 has been deeply disappointing.

Attacks on churches and intimidation of people of faith have no place in civil discourse over controversial issues. People of faith have a democratic right to express their views in the public square without fear of reprisal. Efforts to force citizens out of public discussion should be deplored by people of goodwill everywhere.

We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other.

Official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
© 2008 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

FBI: White powder mailed to temple harmless; church, gay-rights groups respond

By Ben Winslow
Deseret News

Published: November 14, 2008

Preliminary tests have found that a white powdery substance found in an envelope mailed to LDS Church headquarters is not hazardous, the FBI said.

"There is no known toxins or biological agents," FBI Special Agent Juan Becerra told the Deseret News.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' First Presidency issued a statement Friday urging respect and civility in public discourse. Gay rights groups are also condemning the threats.

Lab tests were conducted overnight to determine whether the powder that slipped out of an envelope opened in the annex of the Salt Lake Temple was ricin, anthrax, smallpox or any other deadly toxin. They came back negative, but further tests were being conducted on Friday by state health officials, Becerra said.

The FBI on Friday also said it has labeled their probe into the suspicious substances as a domestic terrorist investigation.

"Obviously it instills fear in the public eye and causes people not to feel safe," Becerra said. "It is illegal to mail something out and to threaten the use of a biological weapon or even pretend it's a biological weapon."

The LDS temples in Salt Lake City and Los Angeles received envelopes on Thursday containing a white powdery substance. So did the Knights of Columbus, a Catholic fraternal organization based in New Haven, Conn. Both organizations were heavy backers of Proposition 8, the measure in California that narrowly passed Nov. 4, banning same-sex marriage.

The FBI said it is a "strong possibility" that all three letters are linked, but federal investigators reiterated they have no information to point a finger of blame at the proposition and its opponents.

"The evidence does not lead to that right now and it would be irresponsible to say anything otherwise," Becerra said.

He would not say if federal agents had identified any suspects. No one has claimed responsibility for the mailings.

In a statement, the First Presidency of the LDS Church said that since the Nov. 4 election, places of worship have been targeted with protests and vandalism.

"People of faith have been intimidated for simply exercising their democratic rights. These are not actions that are worthy of the democratic ideals of our nation," the statement said. "The end of a free and fair election should not be the beginning of a hostile response in America."

The LDS Church said it was keenly aware of the "differences of opinion on this difficult and sensitive manner," but the First Presidency expressed disappointment in what it has seen since Prop. 8 passed.

"We call upon those who have honest disagreements on this issue to urge restraint upon the extreme actions of a few that are further polarizing our communities and urge them to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other," the statement said.

In its own statement, the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center decried the threats.

"While the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center organized a peaceful demonstration against the involvement of the leadership of the Mormon Church in the deceitful Yes on Prop. 8 campaign, we decry the use or threat of violence," said Darrel Cummings, the center's chief of staff.

"Just as the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community seeks the right to be treated equally under the law, all Americans should have the right to live lives free from fear and violence."

The gay rights group Equality Utah also issued a statement Friday condemning violence, vandalism or intimidation.

"During such an emotional time, where wounds run deep, we must remind ourselves of the greater good," executive director Mike Thompson said. "We must make efforts to forgive where forgiveness is needed and fix what needs to be fixed. We must find ways to work together — families in our community are depending on us. As the LDS Church stated, we can build a better society. Equality Utah is committed to doing just that."

Thompson reiterated his call for the LDS Church to work with them on gay rights legislation including medical rights, housing and employment rights and domestic partnerships that past church statements said LDS leaders did not oppose.

"Equality Utah remains confident that the LDS Church will be true to its past public statements that it is not anti-gay," Thompson said.

LDS temples in California, Salt Lake City and New York have been the subject of mass demonstrations over the faith's heavy involvement in the campaign to pass Proposition 8. More demonstrations are planned this weekend over marriage and gay rights — including a pair of demonstrations in Salt Lake City.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com

© 2008 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Police investigate powder scare at 2 temples

By Ben Winslow

Deseret News
Published: Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Authorities are investigating a suspicious substance mailed to the headquarters of the LDS Church that prompted a hazardous materials response to Temple Square.

A similar scare was reported at the church's temple in Los Angeles, which closed its grounds for a few hours on Thursday, a church spokesman confirmed. A printing plant belonging to the Knights of Columbus in Windsor Locks, Conn., also received a white powder scare Thursday.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the Catholic-affiliated fraternal organization are both major backers of the controversial Proposition 8, which banned same-sex marriage in California. However, the FBI cautioned on Thursday that there is no evidence to link the threats to Prop. 8 opponents.

"We've got to follow the evidence and at this point we have not received anything that would lead us to believe the opponents of Prop. 8 are behind any kind of terroristic activity," FBI Special Agent Juan Becerra said from the agency's Salt Lake City office. "It would be irresponsible to say that at this point."

LDS Church security officials called Salt Lake police and firefighters about 4 p.m. Thursday when an employee in the recorder's office inside the Salt Lake Temple annex building opened a manila envelope.

"When the employee opened it up and looked inside it, there was actually another white envelope inside that had a white powdery substance in it," Salt Lake Fire spokesman Scott Freitag said.

The employee who opened it got some of the white powder on his hand, authorities said. He immediately set the envelope down and called church security officials, who came over wearing a respirator and plastic gloves. They sealed the envelope inside a plastic bag, Freitag said.

Three employees in the room at the time were quarantined. Security denied access to the room and shut off the air vents.

"They are not complaining of any injury or illness," Freitag said, adding that they did not have to undergo a decontamination process.

Hazardous materials teams sanitized the substance to ensure it was not a biological agent like anthrax.

On the Main Street plaza, missionaries and other church employees were allowed to come and go. A lone LDS security official stood behind the temple gates. He opened the gate for firefighters, then closed and locked it behind them.

A pair of FBI agents left Temple Square with the envelope in a black plastic bag. The envelope was taken to a lab to be tested.

"We are working to find out what it is and hopefully it's harmless," Becerra told the Deseret News.

Firefighters said they did not see anything of a threatening nature with the envelope.

Because the annex is a separate building, the temple itself was not evacuated. However, church security did not allow anyone to come or go while hazmat teams were there.

"At first, we thought it was maybe picketing again," said Poulsen Udall, who was inside the temple at the time.

He was referring to mass protests outside Temple Square last week against the LDS Church's backing of Proposition 8.

"It's a sad thing that all of this is going on," said Udall's wife, Pauline.

At the LDS Church's temple in Westwood, Calif., the grounds were closed after an employee opened an envelope similar to the one at church headquarters in Salt Lake City.

"They received an envelope with a suspicious white powdery substance," Los Angeles police officer Karen Smith told the Deseret News. "It's been cleared and there was no hazardous material."

In New Haven, Conn., workers at a printing plant discovered an envelope containing white powder. Hazardous materials crews responded and the powder was taken for testing, authorities said. The plant later re-opened. A call to a spokesman for the Knights of Columbus was not immediately returned late Thursday.

"We're working with local law enforcement and the FBI," LDS Church spokesman Scott Trotter said.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com

MormonTimes.com is produced by the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, Utah.
It is not an official publication of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Copyright © 2008 Deseret News Publishing Company

FBI analyzing white powder sent to SLC Temple

The Salt Lake Tribune Salt Lake Tribune

Article Launched:11/13/2008 04:14:13 PM MST

Updated: 7:48 PM- The FBI was testing an envelope mailed to the Salt Lake City LDS temple Thursday to determine if the white powder it contained was dangerous. At 4:05 p.m., a recorder's office employee working in the temple's annex opened a manila envelope that contained a smaller envelope with powder in it, said Salt Lake City Fire Department spokesman Scott Freitag. "As soon as he saw it he put it down," Freitag said. LDS security was summoned and put the envelopes and powder into a plastic bag. Security officers called 911 and the Salt Lake City Fire Department's Hazardous Material crew and FBI agents arrived. The man who opened the envelope and two other employees were kept in the annex for more than an hour. Their clothes were washed on site. Only the man who opened the envelope got a small amount of powder on his hand, Freitag said. It was determined the employees were not injured and later went home. HAZMAT crews used a bleach-like product to sanitize the annex just to be safe, Freitag said. The annex office is in a separate building near the temple. Temple Square was not evacuated while HAZMAT crews were there. Two FBI agents left the temple grounds about 5 p.m. with a black plastic trash bag containing the envelopes and powder. The bag was taken to an FBI lab where it will be tested to determine what the powder is. Results were not expected until at least Friday, said FBI spokesman Juan Becerra. Police blocked off eastbound traffic between Main Street and West Temple until about 5:25 p.m. Freitag said he didn't know where the envelope was mailed from but that it didn't appear to contain a letter. Investigators are trying to determine who sent it. Church spokesman Scott Trotter said he was unaware of any threats called into the temple Thursday that would indicate the envelope was coming. Becerra said FBI agents in Los Angeles were investigating the discovery of a similar white powder Thursday at an LDS temple there. "As to whether they are related or not remains to be seen," Becerra said. jbergreen@sltrib.com

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons

Catholic Bishop Decries Religious Bigotry Against Mormons

11/08/2008 05:15 PM MST

SACRAMENTO - 7 November 2008 - (This news release was issued by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento) The following statement was released today by Bishop William Weigand, head of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento and former Bishop of Salt Lake City, in response to attacks on (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) for supporting California’s Proposition 8, defending the traditional definition of marriage:

“Catholics stand in solidarity with our Mormon brothers and sisters in support of traditional marriage — the union of one man and one woman — that has been the major building block of Western Civilization for millennia.

“The ProtectMarriage coalition, which led the successful campaign to pass Proposition 8, was an historic alliance of people from every faith and ethnicity. LDS were included — but so were Catholics and Jews, Evangelicals and Orthodox, African-Americans and Latinos, Asians and Anglos.

“Bigoted attacks on Mormons for the part they played in our coalition are shameful and ignore the reality that Mormon voters were only a small part of the groundswell that supported Proposition 8.

“As the former bishop of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, I can attest to the fact that followers of the Mormon faith are a good and generous people with a long history of commitment to family and giving to community causes.

“I personally decry the bigotry recently exhibited towards the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints — coming from the opponents of Proposition 8, who ironically, have called those of us supporting traditional marriage intolerant.

“I call upon the supporters of same-sex marriage to live by their own words — and to refrain from discrimination against religion and to exercise tolerance for those who differ from them. I call upon them to accept the will of the people of California in the passage of Proposition 8.”

SOURCE: Roman Catholic Diocese of Sacramento

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Each Day Is a Day to Remember--Spoken Word Given by Lloyd D. Newell

Each Day Is A Day To Remember

Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

Etched on the U.S. Navy Seabee Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, are words that resonate with every member of the military—past and present: “With willing hearts and skillful hands, The difficult we do at once; The impossible takes a bit longer “With compassion for others We build—we fight For peace with freedom” As a nation, we commemorate a special day of appreciation for veterans, the brave men and women who have willingly dedicated their lives to their country and the freedoms it represents. Over 50 years ago, United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a veteran of two world wars, issued this proclamation: “I … do hereby call upon all of our citizens to observe Thursday, November 11, 1954, as Veterans Day. On that day let us solemnly remember the sacrifices of all those who fought so valiantly, on the seas, in the air, and on foreign shores, to preserve our heritage of freedom, and let us reconsecrate ourselves to the task of promoting an enduring peace so that their efforts shall not have been in vain.”1 For those who love freedom and country, for those who respect sacrifice and service in behalf of the common good, each day is a day to remember those who have donned the uniform and served their country. A country is only as strong as the men and women brave enough, selfless enough, and honorable enough to serve their nation. All who have served gave some part of their life, and some made the ultimate sacrifice. Today each one of us is a beneficiary of their service. We remember and honor them, this day and always. 1 In “History of Veterans Day,” http://www1.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp. Program #4130

An Inspiring Quote I love

Peace of Conscience

"If our hearts are right before God, adversity will school us, help us overcome our carnal nature, and nurture the divine spark within us. Were it not for adversity, we would not know to 'choose the better part' ("Father in Heaven, We Do Believe," Hymns, no. 180).

Adversity helps us see where we need to repent, to bring into subjection baser instincts, to embrace righteousness and enjoy 'peace of conscience' (Mosiah 4:3)."

Keith B. McMullin, "Be Prepared . . . Be Ye Strong from Henceforth," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 11

Topics: Adversity, Repentance

LDS Church plans Hispanic Christmas concert

LDS Church plans Hispanic Christmas concert

Published: November 8, 2008

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will present a Hispanic Christmas concert, "Recibid al Rey" ("Receive the King") in the Tabernacle on Temple Square on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6.

The performances will take place both evenings at 7 p.m. and Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m.

Admission to "Recibid al Rey" is free, but tickets are required. They can be obtained by logging on to www.lds.org/events or by calling the LDS Conference ticket office at 801-570-0080 or 866-537-8457. Tickets can also be obtained in person at the Conference Center box office at 60 W. North Temple, door 4, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

There is a six-ticket-per-person limit.

The event will feature music, dance and narration surrounding "Las Posadas," a Hispanic Christmas custom. It will also include a Christmas message by one of the church's General Authorities.

© 2008 Deseret News Publishing Company | All rights reserved

Official Church Statement Regarding Proposition 8 Protest

Church Issues Statement on
Proposition 8 Protest

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SALT LAKE CITY 7 November 2008 The Church issued the following statement today:

It is disturbing that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is being singled out for speaking up as part of its democratic right in a free election.

Members of the Church in California and millions of others from every faith, ethnicity and political affiliation who voted for Proposition 8 exercised the most sacrosanct and individual rights in the United States — that of free expression and voting.

While those who disagree with our position on Proposition 8 have the right to make their feelings known, it is wrong to target the Church and its sacred places of worship for being part of the democratic process.

Once again, we call on those involved in the debate over same-sex marriage to act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility towards each other. No one on either side of the question should be vilified, harassed or subject to erroneous information.

Official Web site of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
© 2008 Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved.

Michael Crichton dies of cancer

暢銷作家Michael Crichton癌病逝世

2008-11-06 13:27:00

創作過多部暢銷科幻小說包括《侏羅紀公園》（Jurassic Park）和《天劫屠城》（The Andromeda Strain）、並且是風摩全球的電視連續劇《仁心仁術》（ER）編劇的美國著名作家米高‧克萊頓（Michael Crichton），周二因癌症去世，終年66歲。　　米高‧克萊頓是於美國大選日在洛杉磯去世的，他的家人於周三才正式公布他的死訊。由於消息來得很突 然，各方都感到十分詫異。家人表示，米高‧克萊頓勇敢及默默地與癌症搏鬥，終於離開這個世界。　　家人發表聲明稱：「透過他的著作，米高‧克萊頓為各個年 紀的學生帶來激勵，在很多範疇上挑戰科學家，又用深入淺出的方法，為我們解開世界上很多謎團。他是一位好丈夫和好父親，對朋友忠誠，他鼓勵身邊每一個人用 一種新視野去看這個世界。」　　把《侏羅紀公園》改拍成為電影、在全球各地大收旺場的美國名導演史蒂芬史匹堡（Steven Spielberg），也讚揚米高‧克萊頓才華橫溢，把科學和戲劇混合為一，令很多人無法想像的事情展現眼前，例如他竟然可以令恐龍重現地球。　　米高‧ 克萊頓於於1942年10月23日在芝加哥出生，長大後考入哈佛大學醫學院，求學期間完成第一部小說。他的很多作品都以他的醫學知識和科幻情節作題材。

NEW YORK (AP) - Michael Crichton, the million-selling author who made scientific research terrifying and irresistible in such thrillers as "Jurassic Park," ''Timeline" and "The Andromeda Strain," has died of cancer, his family said.

Crichton died Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 66 after privately battling cancer.

"Through his books, Michael Crichton served as an inspiration to students of all ages, challenged scientists in many fields, and illuminated the mysteries of the world in a way we could all understand," his family said in a statement.

"While the world knew him as a great storyteller that challenged our preconceived notions about the world around us — and entertained us all while doing so — his wife Sherri, daughter Taylor, family and friends knew Michael Crichton as a devoted husband, loving father and generous friend who inspired each of us to strive to see the wonders of our world through new eyes."

He was an experimenter and popularizer known for his stories of disaster and systematic breakdown, such as the rampant microbe of "The Andromeda Strain" or the dinosaurs running madly in "Jurassic Park." Many of his books became major Hollywood movies, including "Jurassic Park," ''Rising Sun" and "Disclosure." Crichton himself directed and wrote "The Great Train Robbery" and he co-wrote the script for the blockbuster "Twister."

In 1994, he created the award-winning TV hospital series "ER." He's even had a dinosaur named for him, Crichton's ankylosaur.

"Michael's talent out-scaled even his own dinosaurs of 'Jurassic Park,'" said "Jurassic Park" director Steven Spielberg, a friend of Crichton's for 40 years. "He was the greatest at blending science with big theatrical concepts, which is what gave credibility to dinosaurs again walking the Earth. ... Michael was a gentle soul who reserved his flamboyant side for his novels. There is no one in the wings that will ever take his place."

John Wells, executive producer of "ER" called the author "an extraordinary man. Brilliant, funny, erudite, gracious, exceptionally inquisitive and always thoughtful.

"No lunch with Michael lasted less than three hours and no subject was too prosaic or obscure to attract his interest. Sexual politics, medical and scientific ethics, anthropology, archaeology, economics, astronomy, astrology, quantum physics, and molecular biology were all regular topics of conversation."

Neal Baer, a physician who became an executive producer on "ER," was a fourth-year medical student at Harvard University when Wells, a longtime friend, sent him Crichton's script.

"I said, 'Wow, this is like my life.' Michael had been a medical student at Harvard in the early '70s and I was going through the same thing about 20 years later," said Baer.

"ER" offered a fresh take on the TV medical drama, making doctors the central focus rather than patients. In the early life of "ER," Crichton, who hadn't been involved in medicine for years, and Spielberg would take part in writers' room discussions.

In recent years, Crichton was the rare novelist granted a White House meeting with President George W. Bush, perhaps because of his skepticism about global warming, which Crichton addressed in the 2004 novel, "State of Fear." Crichton's views were strongly condemned by environmentalists, who alleged that the author was hurting efforts to pass legislation to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide.

If not a literary giant, he was a physical one, standing 6 feet and 9 inches (1.8 meters), and ready for battle with the press. In a 2004 interview with The Associated Press, Crichton came with a tape recorder, text books and a pile of graphs and charts as he defended "State of Fear" and his take on global warming.

"I have a lot of trouble with things that don't seem true to me," Crichton said at the time, his large, manicured hands gesturing to his graphs. "I'm very uncomfortable just accepting. There's something in me that wants to pound the table and say, 'That's not true.'"

He spoke to few scientists about his questions, convinced that he could interpret the data himself. "If we put everything in the hands of experts and if we say that as intelligent outsiders, we are not qualified to look over the shoulder of anybody, then we're in some kind of really weird world," he said.

A new novel by Crichton had been tentatively scheduled to come next month, but publisher HarperCollins said the book was postponed indefinitely because of his illness.

One of four siblings, Crichton was born in Chicago and grew up in Roslyn, Long Island. His father was a journalist and young Michael spent much of his childhood writing extra papers for teachers. In third grade, he wrote a nine-page play that his father typed for him using carbon paper so the other kids would know their parts. He was tall, gangly and awkward, and used writing as a way to escape; Mark Twain and Alfred Hitchcock were his role models.

Figuring he would not be able to make a living as writer, and not good enough at basketball, he decided to become a doctor. He studied anthropology at Harvard College, and later graduated from Harvard Medical School. During medical school, he turned out books under pseudonyms. (One that the tall author used was Jeffrey Hudson, a 17th-century dwarf in the court of King Charles II of England.) He had modest success with his writing and decided to pursue it.

His first hit, "The Andromeda Strain," was written while he was still in medical school and quickly caught on upon its 1969 release. It was a featured selection of the Book-of-the-Month Club and was sold to Universal in Hollywood for $250,000.

"A few of the teachers feel I'm wasting my time, and that in some ways I have wasted theirs," he told The New York Times in 1969. "When I asked for a couple of days off to go to California about a movie sale, that raised an eyebrow."

His books seemed designed to provoke debate, whether the theories of quantum physics in "Timeline," the reverse sexual discrimination of "Disclosure" or the spectre of Japanese eminence in "Rising Sun."

"The initial response from the (Japanese) establishment was, 'You're a racist,'" he told the AP. "So then, because I'm always trying to deal with data, I went on a tour talking about it and gave a very careful argument, and their response came back, 'Well you say that but we know you're a racist.'"

Crichton had a rigid work schedule: rising before dawn and writing from about 6 a.m. to around 3 p.m., breaking only for lunch. He enjoyed being one of the few novelists recognized in public, but he also felt limited by fame.

"Of course, the celebrity is nice. But when I go do research, it's much more difficult now. The kind of freedom I had 10 years ago is gone," he told the AP. "You have to have good table manners; you can't have spaghetti hanging out of your mouth at a restaurant."

Crichton was married five times and had one child. A private funeral is planned.

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Associated Press writer Colleen Long in New York contributed to this story.

Another Inspiring Quote

We Can Control Who We Are

"We are living in the latter days, brothers and sisters, in the fulness of times. We must remember that we have control over who we are no matter how difficult the world becomes. Like those in 1 Nephi, the true and faithful will be able to withstand the fiery darts of the adversary when he is loosed upon this earth (see 1 Nephi 15:24). Despite all the turmoil in the world, when the Savior comes to His temple, as He did in the Book of Mormon, those who are true and faithful will be there. May we be among them."

Robert D. Hales, "Holy Scriptures: The Power of God unto Our Salvation," Ensign, Nov. 2006, 27

Topics: Righteousness, Adversity

Inspirational Quote

Our Personal Quest to Know His Will

"My life's journey is different from yours. Each of you could teach me much from your experiences of submitting your will to the Lord's as you earnestly seek to know His will for you. We can rejoice together in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, gratefully acknowledging the blessing of having a testimony of the Savior and His Atonement for each of us. This I know—our individual efforts to become instruments in the hands of God have not been easy and have stretched us spiritually, enriching our mortal journeys in the most personal, glorious ways. . .

"May the Lord bless each of you in your personal quest to know His will for you and to submit your will to His. . . . Our individual will 'is the only possession which is truly ours to give' (Ensign, Nov. 1995, 24)."

Anne C. Pingree, "Knowing the Lord's Will for You," Ensign, Nov. 2005, 114

Topics: Testimony, Adversity

Taiwan Church History Timeline

1956　Four missionaries arrived Taiwan to start preaching the gospel 1959　Apostle Mark E. Peterson offered dedicatory prayer to dedicate Taiwan for missionary work 1964　Book of Mormon translated into Chinese 1965　First edition of Chinese Book of Mormon published 1968　 Doctrine and Covenant translated into Chinese 1971　Taiwan Mission organized 1975　President Spencer W. Kimball presided over Taiwan regional conference 1975　First edition of Doctrine and Covenants published 1976　Taipei Stake –Taiwan's first stake organized by Apostle Gordon B. Hinckley 1976　 First Chinese edition of Pearl of Great Price published 1976　 Kaohsiung Mission organized 1979　Taichung Mission organized 1980　President Spencer W. Kimball presided over Taiwan regional conference 1981　Kaohsuing Stake organized 1982　Taichung Mission consolidated with Taipei and Kaohsiung Missions 1982　Taipei East and West Stake organized from Taipei Stake 1983　Kaohsuing Mission moved to Taichung and renamed Taichung Mission 1984　Taipei Taiwan Temple dedicated 1984　Apostle Howard W. Hunter presided over Taiwan regional conference 1988　Apostle M. Russell Ballard presided over Taiwan regional conference 1993　 Apostle Joseph B. Wirthlin presided over Taiwan regional conference 1993　Taoyuan District organized from Hsinchu District 1994　Tainan District organized from Kaohsiung Stake 1994　Taichung Stake organized 1996　President Gordon B. Hinckley presided over special conference 1997　President James E. Faust of the First Presidency and Apostle Russell M. Nelson presided over Taiwan regional conference 1998　Taipei Central Stake organized from Taipei East and West Stake 1998　Chung Hisn District organized from Taichung Stake 1998　 Kaohsiung Mission reorganized 1999　Church magazine The Voice of Saints renamed as Liahona 2000　Kaohsuing CES Office reorganized 2000　Taipei Employment Resource Service Center (ERSC) started 2001　 Church's Chinese name changed from 耶穌基督末世聖徒教會 to 耶穌基督後期聖徒教會 2001　Apostle Tom L. Perry presided over North Taiwan conference 2002　Apostle Dallin H. Oaks presided over Taiwan conference 2005　President Gordon B. Hinckley dedicated Church Administration Building –Taipei 2005　Apostle Dallin H. Oaks presided over South Taiwan conference

Dedicatory Prayer of Taipei Taiwan Temple

Dedicated 17–18 November 1984
by Gordon B. Hinckley

Thanks be to Thee, O God our Eternal Father, for this sacred occasion when we dedicate Thy house. We come unto Thee in the name of Thine Only Begotten Son. We worship Thee and Him in love and gratitude.

This is a long-awaited day. Our thoughts go back more than sixty years when, as Thou knowest, Thine apostle, David O. McKay, standing on Chinese soil, offered a dedicatory prayer on the great Chinese realm and on Thy work among the generations of the Chinese people.

In that prayer he said, "Heavenly Father…break the bands of superstition, and may the young men and young women come out of the darkness of the past into the glorious light now shining among the children of men. Grant, our Father, that these young men and women may, through upright, virtuous lives, and prayerful study, be prepared and inclined to declare the message of salvation in their own tongue to their fellowmen. May their hearts and the hearts of this people be turned to their fathers that they may accept the opportunity offered them to bring salvation to the millions who have gone before."

So spoke Thine ordained servant long ago, and now we thank Thee, Father, for Thy response to that prophetic prayer. Missionaries have come here from afar to teach the everlasting gospel. Likewise, there have been many Chinese young men and women who have served faithfully and diligently as messengers of Thine eternal truth, speaking to their own people in their own tongue. Thousands have responded to their teachings. We thank Thee for the firm foundation on which Thy Church is now established in this part of the earth. We thank Thee for this day when those who will use this temple may turn their hearts to their fathers, participating in this Thy holy house in those ordinances which will make it possible for their deceased forebears to move forward on the way that leads to eternal life.

Thou art the Father of all men and women. Thou lovest Thy children of all nations. In Thy great wisdom and love, beginning with a glorious vision, Thou hast restored the gospel in this dispensation through the Prophet Joseph Smith for whose life and works we thank Thee. Thou hast established Thy true Church and given it the name of Thy Son. Thy work is spreading over the earth. Now, with the dedication of this house, all of the ordinances, all of the powers of the priesthood under delegation from Thy prophet, and every blessing of Thy gospel is available to Thy faithful saints in this part of Thy vineyard.

Bless them, we pray Thee, Father. May they grow in faith and devotion. May they share the gospel with their friends and associates. May they enjoy the good things of the earth as well as the glorious things of heaven. Wilt Thou pour out upon them blessings that they shall not suffer hunger or privation. Bless their posterity after them that they shall walk in faith and loyalty and be worthy of Thy generous gifts.

We pray for the government of this nation which has been hospitable to Thy servants and Thy work. May peace and prosperity reign in the land. May Thy work spread from here to the vast numbers of Thy Chinese sons and daughters wherever they may be found. Touch the hearts of those who govern that they may open the doors of their nations to Thy messengers of eternal truth. May Thy work grow in beauty and strength in the great Chinese realm.

Now, as Thy servants, acting in the authority of the Holy Priesthood which comes from Thee, and in the name of Thy beloved Son Jesus Christ, we dedicate to Thee and to Him this the Taipei Taiwan Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We dedicate it as Thy holy house and pray that Thou and Thy Son may accept it and visit it. Sanctify it always with the presence of Thy Holy Spirit. May Thy watchful care be over it that it may be preserved from the storms that sweep this land and from the desecrating hands of any with evil intent. May it be sacred to all who enter its portals, and may they rejoice in the eternal ordinances to be performed herein.

Father, bless this temple, its hallowed rooms and altars, its facilities, furnishings and equipment, together with the grounds and ancillary structures associated with it, that all may combine to give beauty and inspiration to those who look upon it and to all who serve within it.

Bless Thy saints that their gratitude for this house may be expressed by using it for their own blessing and the blessing of their forebears.

Our Eternal Father, we pray for Thy Church and Thy people in all the earth. We pray for Thy prophet, President Spencer W. Kimball, that Thou wilt bless and sustain him. We pray for all associated with him, and for all who have responsibility in Thy kingdom.

We pray for peace in the earth that the brotherhood of man, which comes of the Fatherhood of God, may strengthen throughout the earth. May men everywhere recognize Thy Beloved Son as their Savior and Redeemer who gave His life as a ransom for all. May they acknowledge Him as the Prince of Peace. May they in their own lives seek for that perfection which was exemplified in His life.

O God, our Eternal Father, accept our offering of this Thy house. Smile upon us as we return to Thee our love and rededicate ourselves to Thy service, we humbly pray in the name of Thy Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

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Church News 25 Nov. 1984: 4.