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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.
Friday, July 10
Own adventure: I love how this poster compared a lesson on growing peaches to reading the scriptures, all while keeping it in a "Choose Your Own Adventure: Experimenting on the Word" format. Check it out this insightful contemporary analogy.
Mary and Martha: This is one of the best interpretations of the story of Mary and Martha I have ever read. When two friends make very different choices, and sacrifices, who's the most "right"? Who's the "Mary" and who's the "Martha"? The answer is insightful: "I believe we were both Mary and both Martha. We are Mary when we let the Spirit tell us what is needful and correct in our lives and direct our lives accordingly, and we become like Martha when we try to validate our own good but difficult choices by comparing our decisions to those of others in an effort to prove that we made "the right choice." The right choice just isn't the same for all of us. Read more about "Healing Martha, Fortifying Mary."
Working at marriage: And for any considering divorce, you need to check out the video from Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the latest from Mormon Messages. It could save or help you re-evaluate your marriage.
Thursday, July 9
Mormon robots: Bishopric droids, ward clerk in a box, elder kiosks, and a robo-greeters -- these are a few creative ideas about combining "God and Robots" in a Mormon setting. And while I found the descriptions hilarious (as they were meant) I actually found myself nodding to the elder kiosks idea: "Put Elder Kiosk in every shopping mall and airport. 'Welcome, valued citizen. What would you like to know about the LDS Church?'" Fun and functional!
Brigham Young: A bit fed up with some of the negative comments she had seen about Brigham Young, Ardis E. Parshall decided to dedicate whole series of blogs to the 2nd church president. And "Random Reasons Why I Like Brigham Young: One" is the inaugural result. So what's reason one? "I like Brigham Young because he was a hands-on leader." Click in to read many examples of this admirable trait.
Happy Valley: Where is, exactly, Happy Valley? After reading this blog, I found out, no one really knows: "It can be BYU, Provo, Utah County, Salt Lake Valley, the Wasatch Front, Utah, the whole Mormon Culture Region. It can be mocking, ironic, humorous, or straightforward and can be because people are "really, really friendly"...and so on." Find out more in this intriguing study of "Irony and Identity in Happy Valley."
Mormon games: Interested in Mormon Game Design, then check out this fascinating podcast "Conversation with James H. Fullmer," game designer of Book of Mormon Battles and Warriors of the Promised Land. Find out why and how he designed his games and what he learned from the process. Cool!
Wednesday, July 8
Abandoning others: "During recess one day, several mischievous boys found a way to use multiple jumping ropes to tie Travis to a tree. He didn't cry, but his helpless eyes met mine as the recess bell sounded. We were being summoned back to our classroom. I was torn. The rules said I was supposed to go to class -- we got in trouble if we didn't obey the bell. But there was Travis, bound to a tree. Could I leave him? I walked backwards towards the school, then shouted, 'I'm sorry. The bell. Sorry.' I faced forward and ran back to class." And what a hard lesson she learned from "Abandoning my Friend." Click into this incredibly touching post and the subsequently insightful comments.
Trek diaries: If you are one of the wards or stakes preparing for a pioneer trek this year, you need to check out the ongoing series called "Trek Diaries" over at Beginnings New with tons of preparation tips and ideas. Or even if you're not going on a pioneer trek, the latest installment of "trek diaries: what women wore (and what I'm wearing)" is both educational and fascinating. Complete with pictures, this post teaches about shimmies, pantalettes, cage crinolines, snoods and more. Wow!
Diary entries: Ever gone back to read through your old diary pages? This blogger did, and transcribed a few for all of us to enjoy. Read a few of her marvelous "Pages from my diary #1." I loved the first one, from age 10: "After school mom said, 'Today Great Grandma Thacke died.' She's my moms dads mom or my grandpa's mom. She was 89 going on 90, well you know what? Up in heaven I will see her someday. Wherever she is, Hi!!!" Maybe these will inspire you to pull out and/or write your own stories!
Tuesday, July 7
Welfare operations: How much do you know about the bishops' storehouses? If you're a bishop, a service missionary, or have an opportunity to work at the storehouses, then you need to click over to "Bishops' Storehouses -- Training and Information Resources." First get an overview and learn the purpose and key activities of bishops' storehouses. Then check out all the informational videos and presentations on how to serve patrons or work with other volunteers. And finally, there are operation guides to read and print.
Capable Belgian: If you're in the mood to be very impressed (and maybe to be moved to tears) by the tenacity and hard work of an early 20th-century Belgian Latter-day Saint, then you need to read about "Hurbert Huysecom: 'I Did All I Could.'" Living in a war-torn area of Belgium, Huysecom took care of his little branch all during World War I. When church leaders and missionaries came back into the area and praised Huysecom's efforts, he humbly replied, "Oh, it was not much. I did all I could, but it was not much."
Date night: I don't know what's more delightful, that a married couple separately blogs about their ideas on a "Mormon Date Night" or all the date ideas and/or history of the "Mormon Date Night" in Mormon publications. Do you do a date night? Wish you could? Or do you disagree with institutionalizing the idea? See what you think about "He Said: Mormon Date Night" and "She Said: Mormon Date Night."
Friday, July 3
Patriotic video: What freedoms are you grateful for? This video highlights many beautiful expressions of how different people from all over the world are grateful for "The Freedom To..." "be with our family," or to "not be held back by circumstance" and even "to have free will. Free will is one of the, if not the greatest gift, God has given us." Wow. Take a moment this 4th of July to think about what you have "The Freedom to..."
Patriotic sentiments: "Strike up the band, fire up the grill, and get to your favorite fireworks show." So exuberantly begins "A Patriot's Dream" a blog post by guest blogger Robert C. Freeman, professor of church history and doctrine at BYU. But then he cites prophetic counsel and warns against some of the risks of overzealous patriotism and explains that "true patriotism brings honor upon any nation in which freedom and liberty are embraced. Such liberties are needed in order for the kingdom of God to flourish among the Lord's people."
Patriotic craft: Looking for something cute, simple, and kid friendly for a patriotic craft? Well check out this delightful "4th of July Kids Craft-Finger Paint a Flag" with accompanying pictures and directions. Fun!
Thursday, July 2:
30 Strangers: "What is 30 Strangers"? "For the entire month of April 2009 I made a portrait of a mother and daughter every day. 30 portraits - 30 days." And why? Partially "to raise money and awareness for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, an organization founded on protecting these vital relationships." So if you're in Provo today or tomorrow, check out Justin Hackworth's 30 Strangers 2009 Project.
Highway parenting: Bloggers are great at producing analogies and I enjoyed this look at "The middle lane of the parenting super highway." You have "those parents in the Right Lane who are just beginning, merging into the chaos and confusion." And the "the Middle Lane seems to consist of parents who have multiple growing children." Finally, "the Left Lane, consisting of parents with teenagers and children leaving home, appears to speed by at an alarming rate." Stop your ride to take a look at those around you.
Missing Gene: "From what I'm able to know of Eugene through our limited textual interaction, I'm convinced he understood that such risk -- both to reach and to ask -- is necessary as the fully-engaged disciple seeks to explore and express the depths of their unique and independent selfhood and, in so doing, to commune with God, the Eternal Self whose agency propagates and grooms to potential other eternal selves." This is just a taste of a wonderfully insightful essay on Eugene England titled "'God, Forgive My Pen': or, I'm Sorry I Missed You, Gene."
Wednesday, July 1
Don't lend: "Tip for Personal Peace: Give, Don't Lend" wisely advises this blogger. "I am saddened at how many friendships and family relationships have been broken by someone borrowing but not repaying." Instead "an act of generosity, when guided by the Spirit, can be the most perfect investment of all: An investment in a human being that truly helps them and achieves divine results." Be sure to read the comments that provide additional insights.
Great novels: "Missing You While I'm Home and You're At War Fighting the Indonesians," "Ms. Gumshoe," and "Incantation Inn and the Bellhop of Destiny." This, um, writer, exclaims that these are "The Great Mormon Novels Have Already Been Written." Enjoy these humorous book descriptions and find out why these are each the Great Mormon Novel.
Swimming hole: "If you were walking east along Brigham Street (South Temple) on a summer day in the 1860s, you would pass the Lion House where many of the Young families lived, the church offices that connected the Lion House to the Beehive House which was Brigham's primary residence, across the road closed off by the Eagle Gate, then past the schoolhouse. Then you'd see a strange, small building." And in that small building was "Brigham Young's Swimmin' Hole" Doesn't that sound so nice on these hot summer days? Check out how they used this literally cool pool.
Quick lesson: With all the summer fun activities going on, sometimes family home evening gets neglected. However, you can turn those family gathering times into impromptu family home evenings such as the example listed at "FHE Quick Lesson." Great idea!
Tuesday, June 30
Urban legends: Heard the one about the painting that shows the true appearance of the Savior? Or about that Alice Cooper is a Mormon? Well there's a fun new Web site called HolyFetch.com that hopes to dispel these Mormon urban legends. Find out if "Brigham Young and other notable members believed in the Bear Lake Monster."
Lightning apology: Remember how the Oquirrh Mountain Temple statue of Moroni was struck by lightning? Well, here's another natural wonder surrounding this beautiful building. Oh, and remember the open house is going on right now, check it out!
Monday, June 29
Adult baptism: "As an 8t-year old, I recall seeing baptism through the lens of duty and right and wrong moral decisions. I didn't see baptism as an opportunity to enter and serve in a community, because I was already part of the Mormon faith." But this perception changes after this blogger attends an adult baptism. She concludes "Through simple acts like introducing ward members available to serve the new convert, this service made literal and immediate the blessings that God brings to those who follow him." Read more of her lovely post "In praise of baptism."
Understanding Mormonism: Bridget Jack Meyers, an Evangelical who attended BYU and finds Mormon theology fascinating explains "Why We're Confused" in attempting Evangelical and Mormon dialogues: "In conclusion, you're confused by us because we're big and confusing, and we're confused by you because we're not used to encountering so much diversity within such a (comparatively) small religious movement." Check out the rest of her insightful analysis.
Church house: Which is more important in church buildings: architectural diversity or similar features? Both have benefits. On the one hand, common building features provide familiarity, no matter where you attend you wouldn't "have to ask anyone where the bathroom was." But on the other hand, are similar church buildings resulting "in the unintentional suffering of our creativity and diversity as a people." Check out this fascinating treatment of this question all centered on one little girl's perception of "The Jesus Castle."
Niblets nominations: Corn anyone? Hooray, it's time to look back at the best of the Bloggernacle for 2008! Hosted this year by Mormon Matters, the "Niblets Nominations" include such categories as "Best big blog," "Best humorous post," "Best blog layout/graphics," "Best spiritual post" and more. Make your nominations today and watch for voting to soon begin!
Friday, June 26
Done thinking: Ever heard the quote "When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done"? It's from the Improvement Era, June 1945 and it's inaccurate. President George Albert Smith clarified: "I am pleased to assure you that you are right in your attitude that the passage quoted does not express the true position of the Church." Check out both the rest of his response and the letter that sparked it.
MTC objects: "Unbeknownst to most Mormon missionaries attending the MTC are the hidden objects in their rooms many times hidden in the ceiling of their room or behind the dressers or cabinets." Wow, I had no idea about this tradition, probably years in the making! Check out this video about some of the found "Hidden Objects" of the MTC.
Multi-language FamilySearch: Guess what? The "FamilySearch Indexing Now in 3 More Languages": Italian Portuguese and Russian. That brings the total up to six. Plus "Volunteers are always in demand, especially those who read a language other than English." Check it out!
Pratt Seminar: Mark your calendars for July 2 at BYU for the "2009 Summer Seminar Symposium" on "Parley and Orson Pratt and Nineteenth-Century Mormon Thought." Check out the schedule and/or watch for a likely blog follow-up by those participating and attending. As one commenter says "Awesomenesssss!"
Thursday, June 25:
Political affairs: News of South Carolina's governor having an affair has the Bloggernacle wondering "What the heck is going on with politicians these days?" Is it the fact that power is corrupting or perhaps "The general lack of morality in society is infecting them?" Or is it something else? Click in for an intriguing discussion.
Tabernacle Twitter: Follow the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on choir tour and beyond by following them on Twitter. View photos, links and more from their travels. For instance, they uploaded a beautiful picture of yesterday's photo shoot next to the Missouri River. Cool!
Laie Temple: Be transported to paradise and enjoy this beautiful video of "The Laie Hawaii Temple." View both current and past photos, as well as video footage shot last November, all set to stirring music. Wow!
Ninja Mormons: Why is it important to know "The difference between Mormons and Ninjas"? Find out the quirky illustrated answer with a quick click.
Wednesday, June 24
Church videos: "LDS Church to Publish Video Library Online" At least that's what this blogger heard from "a reliable third party who had spoken with a representative of the Church's Audio Visual Department relative to missionary activities." How cool would that be? To watch Legacy, The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and more all from home. Hopefully this speculation proves true!
Church library: "Over the past week, four contributors to the Juvenile Instructor have toured, given tours, researched in, peered through the windows of, and otherwise participated in the opening of the new LDS Church History Library and Archives. Their experiences, ruminations, and ponderables are below." So begins this fascinating look at the new Church History by Jared, the researcher; Ben, the Summer Fellow; Elizabeth, the insider; and matt b, outsider and plebian. Cool! Plus, check out two delightful vignettes in the comments!
Blog stats: Who’s #1? Alexa.com says that in the “Bloggernacle Rankings: BCC is #1!” Take a look to see why as well as other rankings this blogger dug up, including a look at Mormon-blog Facebook popularity.
Friday, July 10
Own adventure: I love how this poster compared a lesson on growing peaches to reading the scriptures, all while keeping it in a "Choose Your Own Adventure: Experimenting on the Word" format. Check it out this insightful contemporary analogy.
Mary and Martha: This is one of the best interpretations of the story of Mary and Martha I have ever read. When two friends make very different choices, and sacrifices, who's the most "right"? Who's the "Mary" and who's the "Martha"? The answer is insightful: "I believe we were both Mary and both Martha. We are Mary when we let the Spirit tell us what is needful and correct in our lives and direct our lives accordingly, and we become like Martha when we try to validate our own good but difficult choices by comparing our decisions to those of others in an effort to prove that we made "the right choice." The right choice just isn't the same for all of us. Read more about "Healing Martha, Fortifying Mary."
Working at marriage: And for any considering divorce, you need to check out the video from Elder Dallin H. Oaks in the latest from Mormon Messages. It could save or help you re-evaluate your marriage.
Thursday, July 9
Mormon robots: Bishopric droids, ward clerk in a box, elder kiosks, and a robo-greeters -- these are a few creative ideas about combining "God and Robots" in a Mormon setting. And while I found the descriptions hilarious (as they were meant) I actually found myself nodding to the elder kiosks idea: "Put Elder Kiosk in every shopping mall and airport. 'Welcome, valued citizen. What would you like to know about the LDS Church?'" Fun and functional!
Brigham Young: A bit fed up with some of the negative comments she had seen about Brigham Young, Ardis E. Parshall decided to dedicate whole series of blogs to the 2nd church president. And "Random Reasons Why I Like Brigham Young: One" is the inaugural result. So what's reason one? "I like Brigham Young because he was a hands-on leader." Click in to read many examples of this admirable trait.
Happy Valley: Where is, exactly, Happy Valley? After reading this blog, I found out, no one really knows: "It can be BYU, Provo, Utah County, Salt Lake Valley, the Wasatch Front, Utah, the whole Mormon Culture Region. It can be mocking, ironic, humorous, or straightforward and can be because people are "really, really friendly"...and so on." Find out more in this intriguing study of "Irony and Identity in Happy Valley."
Mormon games: Interested in Mormon Game Design, then check out this fascinating podcast "Conversation with James H. Fullmer," game designer of Book of Mormon Battles and Warriors of the Promised Land. Find out why and how he designed his games and what he learned from the process. Cool!
Wednesday, July 8
Abandoning others: "During recess one day, several mischievous boys found a way to use multiple jumping ropes to tie Travis to a tree. He didn't cry, but his helpless eyes met mine as the recess bell sounded. We were being summoned back to our classroom. I was torn. The rules said I was supposed to go to class -- we got in trouble if we didn't obey the bell. But there was Travis, bound to a tree. Could I leave him? I walked backwards towards the school, then shouted, 'I'm sorry. The bell. Sorry.' I faced forward and ran back to class." And what a hard lesson she learned from "Abandoning my Friend." Click into this incredibly touching post and the subsequently insightful comments.
Trek diaries: If you are one of the wards or stakes preparing for a pioneer trek this year, you need to check out the ongoing series called "Trek Diaries" over at Beginnings New with tons of preparation tips and ideas. Or even if you're not going on a pioneer trek, the latest installment of "trek diaries: what women wore (and what I'm wearing)" is both educational and fascinating. Complete with pictures, this post teaches about shimmies, pantalettes, cage crinolines, snoods and more. Wow!
Diary entries: Ever gone back to read through your old diary pages? This blogger did, and transcribed a few for all of us to enjoy. Read a few of her marvelous "Pages from my diary #1." I loved the first one, from age 10: "After school mom said, 'Today Great Grandma Thacke died.' She's my moms dads mom or my grandpa's mom. She was 89 going on 90, well you know what? Up in heaven I will see her someday. Wherever she is, Hi!!!" Maybe these will inspire you to pull out and/or write your own stories!
Tuesday, July 7
Welfare operations: How much do you know about the bishops' storehouses? If you're a bishop, a service missionary, or have an opportunity to work at the storehouses, then you need to click over to "Bishops' Storehouses -- Training and Information Resources." First get an overview and learn the purpose and key activities of bishops' storehouses. Then check out all the informational videos and presentations on how to serve patrons or work with other volunteers. And finally, there are operation guides to read and print.
Capable Belgian: If you're in the mood to be very impressed (and maybe to be moved to tears) by the tenacity and hard work of an early 20th-century Belgian Latter-day Saint, then you need to read about "Hurbert Huysecom: 'I Did All I Could.'" Living in a war-torn area of Belgium, Huysecom took care of his little branch all during World War I. When church leaders and missionaries came back into the area and praised Huysecom's efforts, he humbly replied, "Oh, it was not much. I did all I could, but it was not much."
Date night: I don't know what's more delightful, that a married couple separately blogs about their ideas on a "Mormon Date Night" or all the date ideas and/or history of the "Mormon Date Night" in Mormon publications. Do you do a date night? Wish you could? Or do you disagree with institutionalizing the idea? See what you think about "He Said: Mormon Date Night" and "She Said: Mormon Date Night."
Monday, July 6
Evangelical dialogue: In the past few weeks, Chris Smith has posted his interviews with three Utah Evangelical leaders: Pastor Dean Jackson of Rock Canyon Assembly, Pastor Greg Johnson of the interfaith ministry Standing Together, and Mike Stahura of Calvary Chapel. Check out both his follow-up "Thoughts on Mormon-Evangelical Dialogues" and the links to the fascinating interviews. And see how Chris is encouraged by the ongoing dialogue.
LDS treatments: Pulling together both online articles and relevant blog posts, here is a fantastic list of LDS "Literature on Early Christian Priesthood." What a great resource for those interested in "early Christian priesthood structure." And, as the blogger says, if you know of any resources he missed, post a comment.
Korean scripture: Korean joins the ever-growing list (now 14!) of triple combinations available online. Check it out at "Korean Scriptures Now Online." And click to see which two languages are coming online next!
July 4th: Independence Day celebrations bring out Bloggernacle discussions on the definition of patriotism and what it means to be a worldwide church instead of just an American one. I found this "Worldwide Roll Call" a productive post asking “What efforts have you seen to make the church friendly to different cultures and peoples? How can we do better?” Check out the comments that are full of international experiences and insightful answers.
Friday, July 3
Patriotic video: What freedoms are you grateful for? This video highlights many beautiful expressions of how different people from all over the world are grateful for "The Freedom To..." "be with our family," or to "not be held back by circumstance" and even "to have free will. Free will is one of the, if not the greatest gift, God has given us." Wow. Take a moment this 4th of July to think about what you have "The Freedom to..."
Patriotic sentiments: "Strike up the band, fire up the grill, and get to your favorite fireworks show." So exuberantly begins "A Patriot's Dream" a blog post by guest blogger Robert C. Freeman, professor of church history and doctrine at BYU. But then he cites prophetic counsel and warns against some of the risks of overzealous patriotism and explains that "true patriotism brings honor upon any nation in which freedom and liberty are embraced. Such liberties are needed in order for the kingdom of God to flourish among the Lord's people."
Patriotic craft: Looking for something cute, simple, and kid friendly for a patriotic craft? Well check out this delightful "4th of July Kids Craft-Finger Paint a Flag" with accompanying pictures and directions. Fun!
Thursday, July 2:
30 Strangers: "What is 30 Strangers"? "For the entire month of April 2009 I made a portrait of a mother and daughter every day. 30 portraits - 30 days." And why? Partially "to raise money and awareness for the Center for Women and Children in Crisis, an organization founded on protecting these vital relationships." So if you're in Provo today or tomorrow, check out Justin Hackworth's 30 Strangers 2009 Project.
Highway parenting: Bloggers are great at producing analogies and I enjoyed this look at "The middle lane of the parenting super highway." You have "those parents in the Right Lane who are just beginning, merging into the chaos and confusion." And the "the Middle Lane seems to consist of parents who have multiple growing children." Finally, "the Left Lane, consisting of parents with teenagers and children leaving home, appears to speed by at an alarming rate." Stop your ride to take a look at those around you.
Missing Gene: "From what I'm able to know of Eugene through our limited textual interaction, I'm convinced he understood that such risk -- both to reach and to ask -- is necessary as the fully-engaged disciple seeks to explore and express the depths of their unique and independent selfhood and, in so doing, to commune with God, the Eternal Self whose agency propagates and grooms to potential other eternal selves." This is just a taste of a wonderfully insightful essay on Eugene England titled "'God, Forgive My Pen': or, I'm Sorry I Missed You, Gene."
Wednesday, July 1
Don't lend: "Tip for Personal Peace: Give, Don't Lend" wisely advises this blogger. "I am saddened at how many friendships and family relationships have been broken by someone borrowing but not repaying." Instead "an act of generosity, when guided by the Spirit, can be the most perfect investment of all: An investment in a human being that truly helps them and achieves divine results." Be sure to read the comments that provide additional insights.
Great novels: "Missing You While I'm Home and You're At War Fighting the Indonesians," "Ms. Gumshoe," and "Incantation Inn and the Bellhop of Destiny." This, um, writer, exclaims that these are "The Great Mormon Novels Have Already Been Written." Enjoy these humorous book descriptions and find out why these are each the Great Mormon Novel.
Swimming hole: "If you were walking east along Brigham Street (South Temple) on a summer day in the 1860s, you would pass the Lion House where many of the Young families lived, the church offices that connected the Lion House to the Beehive House which was Brigham's primary residence, across the road closed off by the Eagle Gate, then past the schoolhouse. Then you'd see a strange, small building." And in that small building was "Brigham Young's Swimmin' Hole" Doesn't that sound so nice on these hot summer days? Check out how they used this literally cool pool.
Quick lesson: With all the summer fun activities going on, sometimes family home evening gets neglected. However, you can turn those family gathering times into impromptu family home evenings such as the example listed at "FHE Quick Lesson." Great idea!
Tuesday, June 30
Urban legends: Heard the one about the painting that shows the true appearance of the Savior? Or about that Alice Cooper is a Mormon? Well there's a fun new Web site called HolyFetch.com that hopes to dispel these Mormon urban legends. Find out if "Brigham Young and other notable members believed in the Bear Lake Monster."
Lightning apology: Remember how the Oquirrh Mountain Temple statue of Moroni was struck by lightning? Well, here's another natural wonder surrounding this beautiful building. Oh, and remember the open house is going on right now, check it out!
Monday, June 29
Adult baptism: "As an 8t-year old, I recall seeing baptism through the lens of duty and right and wrong moral decisions. I didn't see baptism as an opportunity to enter and serve in a community, because I was already part of the Mormon faith." But this perception changes after this blogger attends an adult baptism. She concludes "Through simple acts like introducing ward members available to serve the new convert, this service made literal and immediate the blessings that God brings to those who follow him." Read more of her lovely post "In praise of baptism."
Understanding Mormonism: Bridget Jack Meyers, an Evangelical who attended BYU and finds Mormon theology fascinating explains "Why We're Confused" in attempting Evangelical and Mormon dialogues: "In conclusion, you're confused by us because we're big and confusing, and we're confused by you because we're not used to encountering so much diversity within such a (comparatively) small religious movement." Check out the rest of her insightful analysis.
Church house: Which is more important in church buildings: architectural diversity or similar features? Both have benefits. On the one hand, common building features provide familiarity, no matter where you attend you wouldn't "have to ask anyone where the bathroom was." But on the other hand, are similar church buildings resulting "in the unintentional suffering of our creativity and diversity as a people." Check out this fascinating treatment of this question all centered on one little girl's perception of "The Jesus Castle."
Niblets nominations: Corn anyone? Hooray, it's time to look back at the best of the Bloggernacle for 2008! Hosted this year by Mormon Matters, the "Niblets Nominations" include such categories as "Best big blog," "Best humorous post," "Best blog layout/graphics," "Best spiritual post" and more. Make your nominations today and watch for voting to soon begin!
Friday, June 26
Done thinking: Ever heard the quote "When our leaders speak, the thinking has been done"? It's from the Improvement Era, June 1945 and it's inaccurate. President George Albert Smith clarified: "I am pleased to assure you that you are right in your attitude that the passage quoted does not express the true position of the Church." Check out both the rest of his response and the letter that sparked it.
MTC objects: "Unbeknownst to most Mormon missionaries attending the MTC are the hidden objects in their rooms many times hidden in the ceiling of their room or behind the dressers or cabinets." Wow, I had no idea about this tradition, probably years in the making! Check out this video about some of the found "Hidden Objects" of the MTC.
Multi-language FamilySearch: Guess what? The "FamilySearch Indexing Now in 3 More Languages": Italian Portuguese and Russian. That brings the total up to six. Plus "Volunteers are always in demand, especially those who read a language other than English." Check it out!
Pratt Seminar: Mark your calendars for July 2 at BYU for the "2009 Summer Seminar Symposium" on "Parley and Orson Pratt and Nineteenth-Century Mormon Thought." Check out the schedule and/or watch for a likely blog follow-up by those participating and attending. As one commenter says "Awesomenesssss!"
Thursday, June 25:
Political affairs: News of South Carolina's governor having an affair has the Bloggernacle wondering "What the heck is going on with politicians these days?" Is it the fact that power is corrupting or perhaps "The general lack of morality in society is infecting them?" Or is it something else? Click in for an intriguing discussion.
Tabernacle Twitter: Follow the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on choir tour and beyond by following them on Twitter. View photos, links and more from their travels. For instance, they uploaded a beautiful picture of yesterday's photo shoot next to the Missouri River. Cool!
Laie Temple: Be transported to paradise and enjoy this beautiful video of "The Laie Hawaii Temple." View both current and past photos, as well as video footage shot last November, all set to stirring music. Wow!
Ninja Mormons: Why is it important to know "The difference between Mormons and Ninjas"? Find out the quirky illustrated answer with a quick click.
Wednesday, June 24
Church videos: "LDS Church to Publish Video Library Online" At least that's what this blogger heard from "a reliable third party who had spoken with a representative of the Church's Audio Visual Department relative to missionary activities." How cool would that be? To watch Legacy, The Testaments of One Fold and One Shepherd, Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration and more all from home. Hopefully this speculation proves true!
Church library: "Over the past week, four contributors to the Juvenile Instructor have toured, given tours, researched in, peered through the windows of, and otherwise participated in the opening of the new LDS Church History Library and Archives. Their experiences, ruminations, and ponderables are below." So begins this fascinating look at the new Church History by Jared, the researcher; Ben, the Summer Fellow; Elizabeth, the insider; and matt b, outsider and plebian. Cool! Plus, check out two delightful vignettes in the comments!
Blog stats: Who’s #1? Alexa.com says that in the “Bloggernacle Rankings: BCC is #1!” Take a look to see why as well as other rankings this blogger dug up, including a look at Mormon-blog Facebook popularity.
Tuesday, June 23
Osmond Wars: Want to see Donny and Marie dressed up like Luke and Leia dancing and singing with stormtroopers? Then check out this very 1970s clip from their show: "Donny and Marie do Star Wars." And I just love this commentor's observation: "You know, I just realized that in 1977, we didn't yet know Luke and Leia were brother and sister. Does Lucas inspire the Osmonds, or do the Osmonds inspire Lucas?" Hat-tip BCC.
Baptism rain: Or more specifically, "Baptized by the rain of Costa Rica." Literally. This missionary writes that there was "hardly any running water in the chapel. A Super Soaker could put out more water than the faucet in the fount was, not even joking. ... At this rate we were never going to fill the fount. That's when God stepped in, having heard our pitiful prayers, and did what only he could do: He made it rain." Click to read the rest of the marvelous story.
Away with: Picking their nose in public. Excessive friendliness. Walking around with no pants on. These are just some of the "Stuff that 2-year-olds Can Get Away With." I loved the slow-mo of the embedded video. Classic!
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