Home
News & People
Mormon Voices
Arts & Entertainment
Around The Church
Studies & Doctrine
Mormon Living
Emily Jensen updates “Today in the Bloggernacle” every weekday, containing the best of what we've seen from the world of LDS-oriented blog sites.
The extended “Bloggernacle Back Bench” is published Tuesdays.
Tuesday, October 6
Indie rock: "What advice would you give to young Latter-day Saints who want to be full-time musicians or songwriters? A: Spencer W. Kimball said it best: 'Do it.'" So advises "Alan Sparhawk" of the popular indie rockband Low in this exclusive and wonderfully insightful interview for Linescratchers.
And what role does faith play in his career? "Most everyone in the Church recognizes that the gospel touches everything. All things are ultimately spiritual, so there's really no line between faith/spirituality and everything else. We recognized the spiritual nature of the music right away when we started, and have tried to stay faithful to that. I've felt the spirit many times as we've written songs, and performed in front of people."
Meetinghouse tour: "'Like Moses Wandering in the Desert': Sacred Space On Loan In South Texas" is an intriguing title for a fascinating glimpse at the meetinghouses used by the San Benito Branch members in the last 50-plus years. And there are photos documenting each building. Cool! So where does the branch meet today? A renovated historic building, but "like all the rest, this is still rented space. (The San Benito Saints) know that this isn't home, just another stop along the way."
Monday, October 5
President Monson: One of the coolest things about following a general conference Twitter feed is the linkable resources. So, if you're listening to President Monson’s Sunday morning address and heard his story about the Volunteers in Medicine organization, you could learn more about it by clicking on the link provided by the ByCommonConsent Twitter feed -- who, by the way, did an amazing job providing links and quotes as conference progressed.
Conference audio: Guess what? The “General Conference Audio Files (are) Online” already, all of the sessions! In just a few clicks, you can be listening to your favorite talks from this weekend. And check out my Back Bench column tomorrow for a thorough general conference Bloggernacle wrap-up!
Samoan tsunami: “I called Aunty Liti tonight. Imagine my flood of excitement upon hearing her voice! But we didn’t talk for too long, nor did she revel in her apparent courage -- she’s never been one to recognize her own greatness. Besides, she was on her way out to work, busy and ready to be back out on the muddied, unsanitized streets of our unrecognizable, stunned Samoa home.”
Check out this amazingly personal glimpse of last week’s Samoan tsunami tragedy: “Guest Post: When Earth and Ocean Shook, Aunty Did Too.”
Friday, Oct. 2:
Finding hope: If you look on the main LDS.org page, you'll find a beautiful new sub-site titled, "Finding Hope." Clicking in you'll find videos (a lovely collaboration with the Mormon Messages), music (downloads and interactive hymns), images (from the newly released Gospel Art Book) and a wonderful resource of teaching aids (coloring pages, games and activities) -- all dedicated to bring a spirit of hopefulness. Use it in your family or as a clickable missionary opportunity.
Conference notebook: If you have children, make sure to print out this delightful "General Conference Notebook for Children" brought to you by The Friend magazine. Then be sure to rate your kids' experience using the notebook by clicking on the link above. Plus, just in case you need it, here is a quick post on where to "Watch or Listen to October 2009 LDS General Conference."
Conference prep: Ready for general conference yet? Here are some more great "General Conference Preparation" ideas. I love this idea where one family "set out a bowl of small treats for each session. Next to the bowl, they place objects that represent key words for that session. Each time the children hear one of those words spoken from the pulpit, they can help themselves to one treat...'It's surprising to see how much young children can and do listen. Their enthusiasm is priceless as you hear them say, 'Mommy, he said temples!'"
Thursday, Oct. 1
Consecrated oil: "Rich yellow." "Cool drops." "Golden vials." "Priesthood holders." "Glowing yellow." With five correlating life experiences, this beautiful blog post describes the "Oil of Gladness" -- the consecrated oil placed in this blogger's purse and what it signifies to her. Amazingly poignant.
Genealogy roll-out: Wondering if your temple district has full access to the new FamilySearch program? Renee announces the "New FamilySearch Roll-out Update" and lists the nine temple districts in Idaho and Utah that currently have full access. She also lists the temple districts that have announced release dates. If you live in Idaho or Utah, click to find your temple district's FamilySearch status!
Conference prep: As general conference nears, you are likely wondering "How can I get more from General Conference?" Well, the bloggers at LDS Why provide five great suggestions (including a yummy looking Conference Cake recipe) including "Go to conference with questions. One thing each of us can do to make General Conference more meaningful is to make a list of personal questions, struggles, and concerns we have, and then pray to the Lord asking that these issues will be addressed in Conference. As we listen to living prophets we will find answers to our questions."
Conference kit: Here's a cute idea you still have time to put together, a "General Conference Goodie Bag" to spread the general conference cheer. Click for the instructions, including a link to a cute postcard to attach, which says "Just POPPING (popcorn) by to wish you a meaningful conference weekend. Sit back, relax and SOAK (lotion) it all in. Hope you learn something EXTRA (gum) and take NOTE (notepad) when you feel the spirit. Enjoy!"
Wednesday, September 30
Elder Maxwell: Get in the mood for general conference by selecting some of your favorite talks by Elder Maxwell in this amazing "Neal A. Maxwell Confluence." It is not comprehensive, as yet, but this blogger is well on his way to having the most complete online compendium of Maxwell's works. Wow! Hat-tip A Soft Answer for linking to this astounding compilation.
Missionaries transformed: "I interview every missionary on the night before they leave the mission to return home. The following video contains two such interviews. None of this was scripted. All questions and answers were spontaneous." How's that for a fascinating premise to a blog post from the mission president of the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission? With these videos, he teaches a wonderful scriptural lesson: "Be ye transformed." Incredible!
Mayan studies: Interested in the mythology, culture, history and genealogy of the Mayan people? Then you would love this summary of an "Allen Christenson Fireside" from last Sunday night. Here's a glimpse: "He talked about how Mayans eat maize every meal and it is much like the sacrament in that they are partaking of a divine substance that turns them into 'the true people.'" And read about his fascinating temple translation experience!
Lesson series: It's fascinating to see what kinds of programs are being implemented in the mission field. See for example the "Lesson Series: A Program with Promise," which one missionary describes it this way: "The First Presidency has asked that all missionaries teach at least 20 lessons a week to all kinds of members and nonmembers. So we go into members homes and share a POWERFUL 10 min lesson and then pray and walk out!" Click to read more about this intriguing approach.
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Choose today: President Henry B. Eyring urges us all to serve today: "Hard as things seem today they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart." View an inspirational new Mormon Messages video where President Erying counsel us all to "Choose this Day."
Mormon Times: The Mormon Times is now on Facebook! Follow and discuss your favorite Mormon Times stories by becoming a fan today. And in the words of the first ever Mormon Times Facebook fan: "Welcome! It's about time you're on Facebook! It will be great to see your updates here."
New District: South Africa continues to experience Mormon growth! This blogger reports that a "New District to be Created in South Africa." He explains that "some of the branches in the new district are in the cities of Lenyenye, Mokopane, Polokwane and Tzaneen." However, "there has been no date provided for when the new district will be organized or what its name will be." Hopefully information will soon be available.
Monday, Sept. 28
Unusual storage: How's your food storage? Likely bayberry, cayenne or prickly ash are not in you pantry. Yet these are the kind of supplies found in Brigham Young's storeroom. Read about how people used these items to make some fascinating "19th Century Mormon Home Remedies."
Kennedy lectures: Last Wednesday, the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies hosted three lectures, but you don't have to feel bad about missing them because they are available to view here. Enjoy Val W. Brinkerhoff's musings on "Finding Meaning in Sacred Architecture" or Dodge Billingsley talk on "Life Along China's Korean Border" and even David Marshall Duerden on being a "Foreign Service Greenie: Career Adventures on Diplomat's First Tour."
Spiritual check: "Mid- to late-August, I checked in with myself emotionally, and I realized that the vast reservoir of pain that I've been carrying for years was so diminished as to be almost nonexistent. It was quite a shock." So explains Seraphine, who describes her "Bafflement at the Atonement" working in her life. The entire post wonderfully captures her confusion combined with her grateful testimony, and she concludes: "I don't understand why the blessings have come now, and so suddenly and relentlessly. Still, I am grateful. Baffled. Awed. Stunned. And grateful."
Friday, Sept. 25
Temples explained: If you haven't checked out the delightfully basic videos at Mormons Made Simple lately, then you need to click in to watch how "Mormon Temples" are explained. Nice, huh? And then the next time someone asks you about what happens inside the temples, you can easily forward them this simple video.
'The Host': Attention Stephenie Meyer fans! She is excited to announce that "'The Host' is on its way to the big screen." And she already is dreaming of her favorite cast. Click to find out more!
Thursday, Sept. 24
Changes come: "Shmi Skywalker was right: you can't stop change, any more than you can stop the sun from setting. (Suns if you're on Tatooine.)" So muses Kathryn Lynard Soper in "The suns also rise." With paint in hand, she compares switching a bedroom's color to dealing with the changes the future can bring. Candidly she talks about dealing with depression and disability. It's beautiful and hopeful.
Revelations reviewed: As a researcher, Ardis E. Parshall provides educated "First Impressions of the Joseph Smith Papers: Revelations Volume" and explains that "I've transcribed tens of thousands of handwritten pages, although, I admit, in perhaps only two cases with anything remotely approaching the letter-by-letter care taken by the JSP editors, and never with the technological tools available to them. ... Yet even someone who has not transcribed 19th century documents will likely be astonished when he compares the manuscript to the typescript." Check it out!
Farms Review: While on By Common Consent today, I noticed the notice that the new Farms Review Volume 21, Issue Number 1 is out. Read three reviews of Margaret Barker's "Temple Themes in Christian Worship" and more. I love how the issues are online, printable and email-able.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Another testament: Take a deep breath as you prepare to click into the breathtaking slideshow "Another Testament of Christ" -- the second photography online exhibit from the artists who produced the Reflections of Christ exhibit. Marvelous. Gorgeous. Incredible. See for yourself.
Papers project: In all the flurry of Tuesday's release of the new volume of the Joseph Smith Papers "Revelations and Translations" volume, somehow I stumbled upon the new YouTube channel of the Joseph Smith Papers project. With three videos already uploaded, you can get an inside look at this new volume.
Andrea Bocelli: Hear the stirring tones of Andrea Bocelli singing "Ave Maria" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. And Bocelli himself said, "For me it was a huge experience ... the quality of the choir is very high. ... The orchestra also (is) very inspiring." Wow!
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Pioneer feet: In "Beautiful are the feet," J. Stapley highlights both the amazing work of those volunteers who "have collected and digitized information on individuals that crossed the plains in the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Database, 1847-1868," as well as features some poignant and fascinating stories from the said database, specifically focusing on journal entries depicting the anointing of pioneers' feet.
Prayer circles: In looking at "Prayer Circles And The Power Of Group Thinking In Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol'," Bryce Haymond postulates "Could it be that the power that comes from prayer circles, fasting, group concentration and the like is actually because we tap into a power or energy that 'transcend(s) our present human understanding,' 'through the operation of laws not universally or commonly recognized' by us today?" Cool! Check out his intriguing essay.
Warm sun: "The Power of a Good Primary Teacher" just radiates from this beautiful blog post. Read how a young boy is ultra-excited to visit his old Primary teacher, making sure to wear "his best church shirt." The blogger explains that her son has autism and that this Primary teacher "never forced him -- only acted as a warm sun, eventually making him feel so safe he opened up and loved her back. And when he opened up his heart to her, it was a flood. He would climb up in her lap and just melt."
Monday, Sept. 21
Splitting stakes: In hypothesizing about future LDS Church growth, this blogger has compiled a list of "Stakes outside United States Likely to Split Soon." He caveats: "Data used to compile this list was provided through Church websites, such as maps.lds.org, and missionary and member observations or reports. This list is not definitive and does not guarantee that these stakes will be divided and new ones created." But it's a fascinating study. Mexico especially may be having many new Mormon stakes soon.
1930s film: "A stupendous epic of the days when the world was young and romance trod untrammeled among men unfolding a tale of wondrous beauty set to enchanting music." So begins this review of "Corianton" a recently found and restored 1930s film that this reviewer calls "a poorly paced series of scenes full of forced dialogue, mediocre acting and horribly funny fighting." And yet, it's worth at least one watch as it is "an interesting project from the early years of LDS film."
Idahoan missionary: Remember that scene in "Singles Ward" where the character played by Kirby Heyborne opens his mission call and exclaims, "I'm Going to Idaho!" Well this post shows how a real-life Idaho missionary has a big impact, halfway across the world.
Ward missionaries: Taking pass-along cards and transforming them into Sunday meeting invitations? Brilliant. Learn the details of making these "Invitation Sunday Pass-Along Cards" at this blog full of awesome ward missionary ideas.
Not really for Friday, September 18 -- this is a test column for Joe
Dan Brown: I wanted to find a blog that discussed Dan Brown's new book and if there were any Mormon connections and found this intriguing synopsis of "The Conclusion of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol and LDS Doctrine of Exaltation" in which this blogger explains "what Latter-day Saints might do in response, to further the interests of the Church and the cause of the Gospel." Check it out!
Ender's blog: Did Orson Scott Card foretell of blogs in his novel "Ender's Game" years before the Internet even became popular? This blogger thinks so, explaining "the crucial plot point in the novel is really the prediction of blogs and the rise of power of particular bloggers." So is that what is truly happening? Click to read more!
Tanning leather: Giving us another glimpse at little-known church history, Ardis provides a fascinating post on "Deerskins and Church Security among LDS Shoshones, 1938" and details how the church "put out a request to deer hunters of the western states to save their deer hides and donate them to church members living at Washakie, Utah ... all of whom were members of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, a band that had joined the church en masse in the 1870s ... these church members were practicing the ancient arts of tanning deer hides and producing fine buckskin clothing of the type their people had worn for uncounted generations, both for home use and for sale to an eager public." And check out the accompanying photos documenting the program.
Fun fruit: It's Friday, time to kick off those shoes and have a little fun. And what better way than to enjoy the quirky experiment detailed in "The awesomest youth object lesson ever." Order some miracle berries, get some sour-tasting fruits and let the fun begin. It'll "really knock the socks off of your youth." Cool!
Friday, September 18
Dan Brown: I wanted to find a blog that discussed Dan Brown's new book and if there were any Mormon connections and found this intriguing synopsis of "The Conclusion of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol and LDS Doctrine of Exaltation" in which this blogger explains "what Latter-day Saints might do in response, to further the interests of the Church and the cause of the Gospel." Check it out!
Ender's blog: Did Orson Scott Card foretell of blogs in his novel "Ender's Game" years before the Internet even became popular? This blogger thinks so, explaining "the crucial plot point in the novel is really the prediction of blogs and the rise of power of particular bloggers." So is that what is truly happening? Click to read more!
Tanning leather: Giving us another glimpse at little-known church history, Ardis provides a fascinating post on "Deerskins and Church Security among LDS Shoshones, 1938" and details how the church "put out a request to deer hunters of the western states to save their deer hides and donate them to church members living at Washakie, Utah ... all of whom were members of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, a band that had joined the church en masse in the 1870s ... these church members were practicing the ancient arts of tanning deer hides and producing fine buckskin clothing of the type their people had worn for uncounted generations, both for home use and for sale to an eager public." And check out the accompanying photos documenting the program.
Fun fruit: It's Friday, time to kick off those shoes and have a little fun. And what better way than to enjoy the quirky experiment detailed in "The awesomest youth object lesson ever." Order some miracle berries, get some sour-tasting fruits and let the fun begin. It'll "really knock the socks off of your youth." Cool!
Tuesday, October 6
Indie rock: "What advice would you give to young Latter-day Saints who want to be full-time musicians or songwriters? A: Spencer W. Kimball said it best: 'Do it.'" So advises "Alan Sparhawk" of the popular indie rockband Low in this exclusive and wonderfully insightful interview for Linescratchers.
And what role does faith play in his career? "Most everyone in the Church recognizes that the gospel touches everything. All things are ultimately spiritual, so there's really no line between faith/spirituality and everything else. We recognized the spiritual nature of the music right away when we started, and have tried to stay faithful to that. I've felt the spirit many times as we've written songs, and performed in front of people."
Meetinghouse tour: "'Like Moses Wandering in the Desert': Sacred Space On Loan In South Texas" is an intriguing title for a fascinating glimpse at the meetinghouses used by the San Benito Branch members in the last 50-plus years. And there are photos documenting each building. Cool! So where does the branch meet today? A renovated historic building, but "like all the rest, this is still rented space. (The San Benito Saints) know that this isn't home, just another stop along the way."
Monday, October 5
President Monson: One of the coolest things about following a general conference Twitter feed is the linkable resources. So, if you're listening to President Monson’s Sunday morning address and heard his story about the Volunteers in Medicine organization, you could learn more about it by clicking on the link provided by the ByCommonConsent Twitter feed -- who, by the way, did an amazing job providing links and quotes as conference progressed.
Conference audio: Guess what? The “General Conference Audio Files (are) Online” already, all of the sessions! In just a few clicks, you can be listening to your favorite talks from this weekend. And check out my Back Bench column tomorrow for a thorough general conference Bloggernacle wrap-up!
Samoan tsunami: “I called Aunty Liti tonight. Imagine my flood of excitement upon hearing her voice! But we didn’t talk for too long, nor did she revel in her apparent courage -- she’s never been one to recognize her own greatness. Besides, she was on her way out to work, busy and ready to be back out on the muddied, unsanitized streets of our unrecognizable, stunned Samoa home.”
Check out this amazingly personal glimpse of last week’s Samoan tsunami tragedy: “Guest Post: When Earth and Ocean Shook, Aunty Did Too.”
Friday, Oct. 2:
Finding hope: If you look on the main LDS.org page, you'll find a beautiful new sub-site titled, "Finding Hope." Clicking in you'll find videos (a lovely collaboration with the Mormon Messages), music (downloads and interactive hymns), images (from the newly released Gospel Art Book) and a wonderful resource of teaching aids (coloring pages, games and activities) -- all dedicated to bring a spirit of hopefulness. Use it in your family or as a clickable missionary opportunity.
Conference notebook: If you have children, make sure to print out this delightful "General Conference Notebook for Children" brought to you by The Friend magazine. Then be sure to rate your kids' experience using the notebook by clicking on the link above. Plus, just in case you need it, here is a quick post on where to "Watch or Listen to October 2009 LDS General Conference."
Conference prep: Ready for general conference yet? Here are some more great "General Conference Preparation" ideas. I love this idea where one family "set out a bowl of small treats for each session. Next to the bowl, they place objects that represent key words for that session. Each time the children hear one of those words spoken from the pulpit, they can help themselves to one treat...'It's surprising to see how much young children can and do listen. Their enthusiasm is priceless as you hear them say, 'Mommy, he said temples!'"
Thursday, Oct. 1
Consecrated oil: "Rich yellow." "Cool drops." "Golden vials." "Priesthood holders." "Glowing yellow." With five correlating life experiences, this beautiful blog post describes the "Oil of Gladness" -- the consecrated oil placed in this blogger's purse and what it signifies to her. Amazingly poignant.
Genealogy roll-out: Wondering if your temple district has full access to the new FamilySearch program? Renee announces the "New FamilySearch Roll-out Update" and lists the nine temple districts in Idaho and Utah that currently have full access. She also lists the temple districts that have announced release dates. If you live in Idaho or Utah, click to find your temple district's FamilySearch status!
Conference prep: As general conference nears, you are likely wondering "How can I get more from General Conference?" Well, the bloggers at LDS Why provide five great suggestions (including a yummy looking Conference Cake recipe) including "Go to conference with questions. One thing each of us can do to make General Conference more meaningful is to make a list of personal questions, struggles, and concerns we have, and then pray to the Lord asking that these issues will be addressed in Conference. As we listen to living prophets we will find answers to our questions."
Conference kit: Here's a cute idea you still have time to put together, a "General Conference Goodie Bag" to spread the general conference cheer. Click for the instructions, including a link to a cute postcard to attach, which says "Just POPPING (popcorn) by to wish you a meaningful conference weekend. Sit back, relax and SOAK (lotion) it all in. Hope you learn something EXTRA (gum) and take NOTE (notepad) when you feel the spirit. Enjoy!"
Wednesday, September 30
Elder Maxwell: Get in the mood for general conference by selecting some of your favorite talks by Elder Maxwell in this amazing "Neal A. Maxwell Confluence." It is not comprehensive, as yet, but this blogger is well on his way to having the most complete online compendium of Maxwell's works. Wow! Hat-tip A Soft Answer for linking to this astounding compilation.
Missionaries transformed: "I interview every missionary on the night before they leave the mission to return home. The following video contains two such interviews. None of this was scripted. All questions and answers were spontaneous." How's that for a fascinating premise to a blog post from the mission president of the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission? With these videos, he teaches a wonderful scriptural lesson: "Be ye transformed." Incredible!
Mayan studies: Interested in the mythology, culture, history and genealogy of the Mayan people? Then you would love this summary of an "Allen Christenson Fireside" from last Sunday night. Here's a glimpse: "He talked about how Mayans eat maize every meal and it is much like the sacrament in that they are partaking of a divine substance that turns them into 'the true people.'" And read about his fascinating temple translation experience!
Lesson series: It's fascinating to see what kinds of programs are being implemented in the mission field. See for example the "Lesson Series: A Program with Promise," which one missionary describes it this way: "The First Presidency has asked that all missionaries teach at least 20 lessons a week to all kinds of members and nonmembers. So we go into members homes and share a POWERFUL 10 min lesson and then pray and walk out!" Click to read more about this intriguing approach.
Tuesday, Sept. 29
Choose today: President Henry B. Eyring urges us all to serve today: "Hard as things seem today they will be better in the next day if you choose to serve the Lord this day with your whole heart." View an inspirational new Mormon Messages video where President Erying counsel us all to "Choose this Day."
Mormon Times: The Mormon Times is now on Facebook! Follow and discuss your favorite Mormon Times stories by becoming a fan today. And in the words of the first ever Mormon Times Facebook fan: "Welcome! It's about time you're on Facebook! It will be great to see your updates here."
New District: South Africa continues to experience Mormon growth! This blogger reports that a "New District to be Created in South Africa." He explains that "some of the branches in the new district are in the cities of Lenyenye, Mokopane, Polokwane and Tzaneen." However, "there has been no date provided for when the new district will be organized or what its name will be." Hopefully information will soon be available.
Monday, Sept. 28
Unusual storage: How's your food storage? Likely bayberry, cayenne or prickly ash are not in you pantry. Yet these are the kind of supplies found in Brigham Young's storeroom. Read about how people used these items to make some fascinating "19th Century Mormon Home Remedies."
Kennedy lectures: Last Wednesday, the David M. Kennedy Center for International Studies hosted three lectures, but you don't have to feel bad about missing them because they are available to view here. Enjoy Val W. Brinkerhoff's musings on "Finding Meaning in Sacred Architecture" or Dodge Billingsley talk on "Life Along China's Korean Border" and even David Marshall Duerden on being a "Foreign Service Greenie: Career Adventures on Diplomat's First Tour."
Spiritual check: "Mid- to late-August, I checked in with myself emotionally, and I realized that the vast reservoir of pain that I've been carrying for years was so diminished as to be almost nonexistent. It was quite a shock." So explains Seraphine, who describes her "Bafflement at the Atonement" working in her life. The entire post wonderfully captures her confusion combined with her grateful testimony, and she concludes: "I don't understand why the blessings have come now, and so suddenly and relentlessly. Still, I am grateful. Baffled. Awed. Stunned. And grateful."
Friday, Sept. 25
Temples explained: If you haven't checked out the delightfully basic videos at Mormons Made Simple lately, then you need to click in to watch how "Mormon Temples" are explained. Nice, huh? And then the next time someone asks you about what happens inside the temples, you can easily forward them this simple video.
'The Host': Attention Stephenie Meyer fans! She is excited to announce that "'The Host' is on its way to the big screen." And she already is dreaming of her favorite cast. Click to find out more!
Thursday, Sept. 24
Changes come: "Shmi Skywalker was right: you can't stop change, any more than you can stop the sun from setting. (Suns if you're on Tatooine.)" So muses Kathryn Lynard Soper in "The suns also rise." With paint in hand, she compares switching a bedroom's color to dealing with the changes the future can bring. Candidly she talks about dealing with depression and disability. It's beautiful and hopeful.
Revelations reviewed: As a researcher, Ardis E. Parshall provides educated "First Impressions of the Joseph Smith Papers: Revelations Volume" and explains that "I've transcribed tens of thousands of handwritten pages, although, I admit, in perhaps only two cases with anything remotely approaching the letter-by-letter care taken by the JSP editors, and never with the technological tools available to them. ... Yet even someone who has not transcribed 19th century documents will likely be astonished when he compares the manuscript to the typescript." Check it out!
Farms Review: While on By Common Consent today, I noticed the notice that the new Farms Review Volume 21, Issue Number 1 is out. Read three reviews of Margaret Barker's "Temple Themes in Christian Worship" and more. I love how the issues are online, printable and email-able.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Another testament: Take a deep breath as you prepare to click into the breathtaking slideshow "Another Testament of Christ" -- the second photography online exhibit from the artists who produced the Reflections of Christ exhibit. Marvelous. Gorgeous. Incredible. See for yourself.
Papers project: In all the flurry of Tuesday's release of the new volume of the Joseph Smith Papers "Revelations and Translations" volume, somehow I stumbled upon the new YouTube channel of the Joseph Smith Papers project. With three videos already uploaded, you can get an inside look at this new volume.
Andrea Bocelli: Hear the stirring tones of Andrea Bocelli singing "Ave Maria" with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. And Bocelli himself said, "For me it was a huge experience ... the quality of the choir is very high. ... The orchestra also (is) very inspiring." Wow!
Tuesday, Sept. 22
Pioneer feet: In "Beautiful are the feet," J. Stapley highlights both the amazing work of those volunteers who "have collected and digitized information on individuals that crossed the plains in the Mormon Pioneer Overland Travel Database, 1847-1868," as well as features some poignant and fascinating stories from the said database, specifically focusing on journal entries depicting the anointing of pioneers' feet.
Prayer circles: In looking at "Prayer Circles And The Power Of Group Thinking In Dan Brown's 'The Lost Symbol'," Bryce Haymond postulates "Could it be that the power that comes from prayer circles, fasting, group concentration and the like is actually because we tap into a power or energy that 'transcend(s) our present human understanding,' 'through the operation of laws not universally or commonly recognized' by us today?" Cool! Check out his intriguing essay.
Warm sun: "The Power of a Good Primary Teacher" just radiates from this beautiful blog post. Read how a young boy is ultra-excited to visit his old Primary teacher, making sure to wear "his best church shirt." The blogger explains that her son has autism and that this Primary teacher "never forced him -- only acted as a warm sun, eventually making him feel so safe he opened up and loved her back. And when he opened up his heart to her, it was a flood. He would climb up in her lap and just melt."
Monday, Sept. 21
Splitting stakes: In hypothesizing about future LDS Church growth, this blogger has compiled a list of "Stakes outside United States Likely to Split Soon." He caveats: "Data used to compile this list was provided through Church websites, such as maps.lds.org, and missionary and member observations or reports. This list is not definitive and does not guarantee that these stakes will be divided and new ones created." But it's a fascinating study. Mexico especially may be having many new Mormon stakes soon.
1930s film: "A stupendous epic of the days when the world was young and romance trod untrammeled among men unfolding a tale of wondrous beauty set to enchanting music." So begins this review of "Corianton" a recently found and restored 1930s film that this reviewer calls "a poorly paced series of scenes full of forced dialogue, mediocre acting and horribly funny fighting." And yet, it's worth at least one watch as it is "an interesting project from the early years of LDS film."
Idahoan missionary: Remember that scene in "Singles Ward" where the character played by Kirby Heyborne opens his mission call and exclaims, "I'm Going to Idaho!" Well this post shows how a real-life Idaho missionary has a big impact, halfway across the world.
Ward missionaries: Taking pass-along cards and transforming them into Sunday meeting invitations? Brilliant. Learn the details of making these "Invitation Sunday Pass-Along Cards" at this blog full of awesome ward missionary ideas.
Not really for Friday, September 18 -- this is a test column for Joe
Dan Brown: I wanted to find a blog that discussed Dan Brown's new book and if there were any Mormon connections and found this intriguing synopsis of "The Conclusion of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol and LDS Doctrine of Exaltation" in which this blogger explains "what Latter-day Saints might do in response, to further the interests of the Church and the cause of the Gospel." Check it out!
Ender's blog: Did Orson Scott Card foretell of blogs in his novel "Ender's Game" years before the Internet even became popular? This blogger thinks so, explaining "the crucial plot point in the novel is really the prediction of blogs and the rise of power of particular bloggers." So is that what is truly happening? Click to read more!
Tanning leather: Giving us another glimpse at little-known church history, Ardis provides a fascinating post on "Deerskins and Church Security among LDS Shoshones, 1938" and details how the church "put out a request to deer hunters of the western states to save their deer hides and donate them to church members living at Washakie, Utah ... all of whom were members of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, a band that had joined the church en masse in the 1870s ... these church members were practicing the ancient arts of tanning deer hides and producing fine buckskin clothing of the type their people had worn for uncounted generations, both for home use and for sale to an eager public." And check out the accompanying photos documenting the program.
Fun fruit: It's Friday, time to kick off those shoes and have a little fun. And what better way than to enjoy the quirky experiment detailed in "The awesomest youth object lesson ever." Order some miracle berries, get some sour-tasting fruits and let the fun begin. It'll "really knock the socks off of your youth." Cool!
Friday, September 18
Dan Brown: I wanted to find a blog that discussed Dan Brown's new book and if there were any Mormon connections and found this intriguing synopsis of "The Conclusion of Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol and LDS Doctrine of Exaltation" in which this blogger explains "what Latter-day Saints might do in response, to further the interests of the Church and the cause of the Gospel." Check it out!
Ender's blog: Did Orson Scott Card foretell of blogs in his novel "Ender's Game" years before the Internet even became popular? This blogger thinks so, explaining "the crucial plot point in the novel is really the prediction of blogs and the rise of power of particular bloggers." So is that what is truly happening? Click to read more!
Tanning leather: Giving us another glimpse at little-known church history, Ardis provides a fascinating post on "Deerskins and Church Security among LDS Shoshones, 1938" and details how the church "put out a request to deer hunters of the western states to save their deer hides and donate them to church members living at Washakie, Utah ... all of whom were members of the Northwestern Band of Shoshone, a band that had joined the church en masse in the 1870s ... these church members were practicing the ancient arts of tanning deer hides and producing fine buckskin clothing of the type their people had worn for uncounted generations, both for home use and for sale to an eager public." And check out the accompanying photos documenting the program.
Fun fruit: It's Friday, time to kick off those shoes and have a little fun. And what better way than to enjoy the quirky experiment detailed in "The awesomest youth object lesson ever." Order some miracle berries, get some sour-tasting fruits and let the fun begin. It'll "really knock the socks off of your youth." Cool!
NEW TODAY
MOST POPULAR
YESTERDAY