In a church that preaches the importance of seeking personal revelation (I’m referring to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or Mormons) we sometimes become a little obsessed about it. Whom to marry, what occupation to pursue, and where and how to pursue it are just a few of the major decisions for which people seek God's seal of approval. Beyond these major concerns, there is also a myriad of smaller decisions for which we may also seek an answer. Whether or not to commit our time to a certain cause, how to repair a damaged relationship, or how to cope with a difficult task for example.

God, we know, is very concerned about our lives. He cares about what we eat and drink (D&C 89:5-20), our sleep habits (D&C 88:124), and how we spend our money (Marvin J. Ashton, “One for the Money,” Ensign, Sep 2007, 36–39). At the same time, God has told us that He will not direct us as to what we should be doing every minute of every day (D&C 58:26-28). Often getting answers as to how we should act is a matter of learning and applying the principles already taught by God’s prophets. However, when we need additional direction we can turn to a member of the Godhead whose mission is help us recognize the way to go: the Holy Ghost.

All those who are baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost does not possess a body but is a personage of spirit. Like God and Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost knows all things. We can rely on the Holy Ghost to always speak the truth. He will give us guidance and direction, even regarding what may sometimes be seemingly insignificant personal struggles.

The Holy Ghost can influence us in a few different ways. Sometimes the direction of the Holy Ghost comes as a thought to our minds. Other times we experience the Holy Ghost in our hearts, our emotional center, through feelings of peace, comfort, or warmth. A good friend of mine says she gets goose bumps when feeling the Holy Ghost’s influence.

As we learn to recognize and respond to the promptings of the Holy Ghost we will notice an increase in the direction we receive.

I am very grateful to have the Holy Ghost in my life. It connects me to my Father in Heaven and helps me to know the best way to act in confusing situations. I remember a time when I was single and having a difficult time with a girl I was rooming with at the time. I would often rehearse in my mind all the reasons I was justified in being mad at her. Yet as I searched in my soul for a solution to the problem, I had the distinct thought that I needed to quit focusing on my roommate and examine my own heart and motives. After that realization I was able to begin the process of forgiving the perceived offenses and from then on we became better friends. To this day I know that credit for that thought that turned things around belongs not to me, but to that kind guide sent from our Heavenly Father, the Holy Ghost.

A short while ago, I was watching a movie which I had not seen in a long time. In this movie, there is a certain young woman (she was actually just a side character in the film) who has always tugged at my heart strings. Due to the fact that her mother died, when she was a small child, she was raised solely by her father. Not knowing how to raise a daughter, he did the best he could and raised her as a boy. She was strong of body and character, but lacking in beauty and every feminine grace. More then once in the film this fact was remarked upon by those she came in contact with.

Anyway, as I was watching this movie my baby sister (nine years of age) walked in. She took one look at this awkward young lady on the screen and with an expression of awe said, "Oh my, isn't she just beautiful! Don't I look a lot like her? Do you think that when I grow up, I can be as beautiful as her?" I was struck, how could I tell my sister that this young lady was considered by the world as ugly and so very lacking? I held my tongue and instead looked closer to see if I could discern this beauty that was so apparent to my little sister. It only took a moment for me to begin to discern that beauty. This character had a strong inward beauty, but there was a hint at an outward beauty, as well. Only, like me, most of the other characters (including the girl herself) could not see it. As the movie progressed, the young woman was taught all she never had the opportunity to learn from a loving mother. As she learned how to act like a woman and look like a woman, I saw her grow in confidence, grace, and beauty. I saw this reflected in how those around her both saw and treated her, as well. This is a powerful lesson.

I was taught once that the way we appear affects the way we think, feel, act, and thus how others react toward us. I have found this to be true in my life, just as I saw it to be true with that young lady in the movie I just mentioned. The famous early American author Jack London understood this principle, and that is why in a letter to his daughter Jane he counseled,

"Never hesitate at making yourself a dainty, delightful girl and woman. There is a girl's pride and a woman's pride in this and it is indeed a fine pride. On the one hand, of course, never over-dress. On the other hand, never be a frump. No matter how wonderful are the thoughts that burn in your brain, always, physically, and in dress, make yourself a delight to all eyes that behold you…Our bodies are as glorious as are our minds…Never forget the noble things of the spirit, on the other hand, never let you body be ignoble. As regards to the garmenture of your body, learn to do much with little, never to over do, and to keep such a balance between your garmenture and your mind that both garmenture and mind are beautiful…Develop your mind to it's upmost beauty, and keep you body in pace with your mind." Letters of a Nation, pg 330-331

Contrarily, I have heard it said often enough that it is only the inside that counts. It matters not how you dress, groom, or carry yourself. That it bespeaks more humility and spirituality to not take care of your outward appearance. Where I can agree that it is the inside that mostly counts, we cannot forget the outward, in fact President Harold B. Lee counseled,

"Do not underestimate the important symbolic and actual effect of appearance. Persons who are well groomed and modestly dressed invite the companionship of the Spirit of our Father in Heaven and are able to exercise a wholesome influence upon those around them. Persons who are unkempt and careless about their appearance, or adopt the visual symbols of those who often oppose our ideals, expose themselves and persons around them to influences that are degrading and dissonant. Outward appearance is often a reflection of inward tendencies" President Harold B. Lee, "Be Loyal to the Royal Within You," BYU, 11 September, 1973

When I think of how our outward appearance is a reflection of what is inside, I think of Paul's statement in the New Testament,

"Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are"
1 Corinthians 3:16–17

Temples are sacred places. It is what happens inside that is most important. Yet have you ever visited a Temple of God? If you have (or if you have only seen a picture) then you have seen how beautiful the outward building, and grounds are. This is because like President Lee said, that the outward is merely a reflection of the inward. The temple stands as a candle on a hill, an invitation for all who see it to come unto Christ. If our bodies are temples, should not they act in the same way? Should not our outside reflect the glory within, and stand as a light to the world to help others come unto Christ?

I promise that as we better align out outward appearance to better reflect our inward self, then how we think, feel, and act will change,as will, how others react toward us. For, we will begin to see, the inherent beauty we were born with, and so will all those around us.

President John Taylor, the third called prophet in these modern times was an highly educated man. He was introduced to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, referred to as the Mormons, while still living in England. After joining the Church he traveled to America and was with the saints (Mormons) during their travails as the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ gained a foothold in the world once again. He was in the Carthage jail cell when the prophet, Joseph Smith and his brother, the patriarch, Hyrum were assassinated by a mob with their faces painted black. He was critically wounded by that same mob, during that same event, and lay near death for weeks.

This man stayed true to his testimony of Jesus Christ and his gospel, regardless of the great personal cost demanded of him. One of the things he treasured the most was the value of a good education. It was said of him:

John Taylor’s many writings on gospel subjects included letters, tracts, hymns, pamphlets, newspaper articles, and books. One of his books, entitled The Government of God, was praised by a noted American historian, who wrote: “As a dissertation on a general and abstract subject, it probably has not its equal in point of ability within the whole range of Mormon literature. The style is lofty and clear, and every page betokens the great learning of the author. As a student of ancient and modern history, theologian, and moral philosopher, President Taylor is justly entitled to the front rank.”

In addition to his many writings, President Taylor’s command of language, coupled with his testimony of the gospel, resulted in countless inspiring and instructive sermons. Elder B. H. Roberts wrote: “The Saints who listened to him for half a century will remember as long as they live his commanding presence, his personal magnetism, the vigor and power of his discourses and the grand principles of which they treated. … His eloquence was a majestic river full to the point of overflowing its banks, sweeping grandly through rich regions of thought.” (“Chapter 10: The Value of Education,” Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor, 87)

He believed wholeheartedly in being "alive for the cause of education" for ourselves, our children, our friends and neighbors. And why is that? Well certainly, a literate people are difficult to crush. A literate people reach lofty and precious goals bringing them ever closer to the heaven or hell of their choosing. A literate people can be servants of God like no other, as long as they never forget that God is in charge.

We are taught, as Mormons, that we are not here to imitate or follow the world. But we are taught to be of the world, but not in it. In other words, Jesus Christ has given us the restoration of His magnificent gospel that we might be enlightened and instructed in the following of His footsteps back to our heavenly home.

President Taylor taught both secular and religious knowledge and never eschewed his burning desire to learn and grow. We are here in this mortal probation to learn and gain knowledge, to grow, to strengthen our hearts, minds and spirits ever engaged in the cause of righteousness.

President John Taylor lived this principle to his dying day, always trumpeting the value of an educated mind.

The Doctrine & Covenants is a fascinating book of revelations given to Joseph Smith, Jr. during his sojourn as Prophet of the Restoration.

The very beginning of the Doctrine & Covenants, known as the D&C, says this:

The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days. Although most of the sections are directed to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the messages, warnings, and exhortations are for the benefit of all mankind, and contain an invitation to all people everywhere to hear the voice of the Lord Jesus Christ, speaking to them for their temporal well-being and their everlasting salvation.

Most of the revelations in this compilation were received through Joseph Smith, Jun., the first prophet and president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Others were issued through some of his successors in the Presidency. (See headings to Sections 135, 136, and 138, and Official Declarations 1 and 2.) (Doctrine & Covenants, Explanatory Introduction)

Filled with wonderful revelations there is much one can learn as the pages of this sacred scripture is studied. In Section 89 we learn about a Word of Wisdom, which if obeyed, will predispose one to great health. One of my favorite sections (or chapters) is Section 130 which is a question and answer period between God and Joseph Smith.

Joseph had questioned the Lord about intelligence gained in mortality and the Lord answered him:

Whatever principle of intelligence we attain unto in this life, it will rise with us in the resurrection.

And if a person gains more knowledge and intelligence in this life through his diligence and obedience than another, he will have so much the advantage in the world to come. (D&C 130:18-19)

I've always wondered why I crave knowledge so much. Maybe it is an innate understanding of this eternal principle. While many are content to coast through life, like a butterfly flitting from one flower to the next, I find myself unsatisfied unless I am constantly learning more about the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all the mysteries of heaven it entails. Whatever the reason, I'm relieved to know this knowledge is going with me. I simply cannot wait to get my hands on those heavenly libraries which must surely exist.

In Verse 22 we learn:

The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost has not a body of flesh and bones, but is a personage of Spirit. Were it not so, the Holy Ghost could not dwell in us. (D&C 130:22)

Okay, I know my friends of other friends are freaking out right about now, but I refer them to the New Testament and to a previous blog I wrote called Personal Reflections on Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

But this knowledge makes everything make so much more sense. I never could figure out what Jesus was supposed to have done with His resurrected body after ascending into heaven in Acts, Chapter 1 of the New Testament. In addition, an understanding of the Holy Ghost and his role makes things so much more sensible to me.

Born into a Mormon family, I was baptized at eight years of age and continued to grow in my knowledge and testimony of the gospel from that time forward. But the first time I read the Doctrine & Covenants, beginning to end, I was delighted by what I learned and Section 130 quickly became one of my favorites.

These are just two nuggets of knowledge which can be found in Section 130 of the Doctrine & Covenants. Enjoy! Go forth and seek knowledge, my friends.

As a whole, youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or "Mormons," are bucking national downward trends of increasing school drop-out rates. They're also less likely than other teens to engage in premarital sexual relations or use drugs and alcohol.

A report on a study done at the University of North Carolina, published by Oxford University Press in Soul Searching: The Religious and Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers, indicates that LDS youth in general have strong religious beliefs and live in accordance with those beliefs. While all youth have challenges, LDS youth are less likely than other youth to drop out of school, and are more likely to be committed to their faith and live socially responsible lives.

One reason for this that is suggested by the Church at newsroom.lds.org is seminary. Seminary is available to youth of high school age, and is intended to be a daily program to help them study the scriptures and apply the principles they learn in their daily lives.

Students who live in areas with a high concentration of Latter-day Saints, such as Utah and Arizona, can take "released time" seminary during their regular school days. Most other students participating in seminary take "early morning" seminary, which meets - you guessed it - early in the morning before school each day. Seminary classes may actually be held at any time during the day, but most groups find that the early morning hour works best in everyone's schedules. Classes are held five days a week during the school year, and students attend each year they are in high school.

Certainly all youth can make their own choices, but daily seminary attendance can't help but make an impact on their lives. The daily exposure to the scriptures and principles of righteous living gives them a "lift" throughout their day at school, and helps them keep their hearts centered on God rather than on the cares of the world. And the self-discipline needed to succeed in seminary can extend to the rest of their lives as well.

"It takes a lot of self-discipline," said Lisa Kell, a seminary student in New York City, to lds.org. "You just have to say, ' I'm going to attend seminary every morning.' If you say, 'Maybe I'll attend,' it won't happen. You have to make a really strong decision and make it a priority." Lisa herself leaves home at 6 a.m., takes a subway, a bus, and then finally walks across Central Park in order to arrive at her seminary class on time at 6:30 every morning.

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, explained why seminary and spiritual education are so important: "Remember, you are interested in education, not just for mortal life but for eternal life. When you see that reality clearly with spiritual sight, you will put spiritual learning first and yet not slight the secular learning. In fact, you will work harder at your secular learning than you would without that spiritual vision."

With a perspective like this, it's no wonder that so many LDS youth are making morally responsible decisions.

The Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research (FAIR) is a private non-profit and volunteer based organization. FAIR is actively engaged in responding to criticisms concerning the beliefs and practices of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

FAIR's Mission Statement

FAIR is dedicated to standing as a witness of Christ and His Restored Church.
Our mission is to address the charges leveled at the doctrines, practices and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) with documented responses that are written in an easily understandable style.
FAIR will use current scholarship, scripture, Church doctrine, historical literature and sound logic in constructing faithful, well-reasoned answers.

FAIR is a worldwide organization with members in the United States, Canada, Finland, Denmark, Australia, Austria, and England. They are devout and active members of the Church who are also students and scholars of the "scriptures, ancient languages, early Christian history, early LDS history, and LDS doctrine and apologetics." FAIR is not affiliated with the Church.

The term apologetic means "in defense of the faith" and should not be confused with the familiar terms 'apology' and 'apologize.' FAIR sponsors various publications. Much of this material is readily available online on their web site. FAIR also sponsors an annual Conference. This year's Conference is scheduled for August and will be held in Sandy, Utah.

FAIR has now posted a large number of videos on YouTube. The following is a small sampling of what is available on this site. Please visit FAIR's YouTube channel for a complete list of videos available.

Horses and the Book of Mormon - A response to criticisms that the Book of Mormon couldn't possibly be true because there were no horses in Pre-Columbian times.

Book of Mormon and Grains - LDS scholars respond to criticisms that certain grains were not available in the Americas during the period covered in the Book of Mormon.

Witnesses of the Book of Mormon - LDS author and scholar, Richard L Anderson responds to questions about the reliability of the witnesses to the Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith - Mathew Brown addresses several accusations about the Prophet, Joseph Smith.

What do we do as parents when our kids stray farther and farther away from gospel principles and safe living? What do we do if they fail to protect themselves and instead insist on striking out toward risky terrains?

I was reading today in 2 Kings and the lessons there are so instructive, especially for parents who cry at night because of a child's (or children's) choices.

The book of 2 Kings in the Old Testament contains a sobering history about two segments of the ancient Jews: the kingdom of Israel and the kingdom of Judah. Very few of the kings for either kingdom were righteous, neither were the inhabitants. The citizens followed their kings' choices and sought after pagan rituals, some even participating in infant and human sacrifice.

The Lord (obviously) found these practices revolting. As a result, He used prophets to warn the Israelites and those of the kingdom of Judah to mend their ways. But both groups apparently liked living a lascivious lifestyle, for they continually sought after it.

The Lord waited centuries, patiently giving them chance after chance. Finally, though, He allowed a frightening Assyrian army to sweep in, destroying the one kingdom (the Israelite one) and scatter it; the other kingdom He preserved, due to a rare and righteous king (king Hezekiah for the kingdom of Judah). In fact, those in Judah were spared for quite some time - as long as righteous choices were made.

Unfortunately Hezekiah died and his son began to rule in wickedness, again setting up pagan places of ceremony and initiating sacrifice again. But wait two generations and the story does become brighter - eight-year-old Josiah becomes king. And for me, Josiah holds instructive keys on how to rule a kingdom (or a household, for that matter).

Josiah did not care about being popular. He cared about what was right. He did not care about deeply established tradition. He cared about God's laws. As a result, he cast down all pagan places of worship. He did that "which was right in the sight of the Lord,..." (2 Kings 22:2). He also began to clean up the old temple site of the Lord's. He began to rebuild its walls. He oversaw it being cleaned out. As a result, he came across an ancient book. A book of scripture. THE book of the law as given to Moses. And he read it.

What he found there so troubled him that he called all the people to gather "concerning the words of this book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us, because our fathers have not hearkened unto the words of this book, to do according unto all that which is written concerning us" (2 Kings 22:13).

There are several simple principles Josiah teaches us. First, he did not care about tradition when it was a bad tradition. This translates for us today. As parents, we follow in Josiah's wisdom when we say to our children, "Just because others are doing it does not imply it is wise ... or safe." These kinds of responses provide important principles our children need to hear when they say, "But MOOOOOMMMMMMM, Sally is doing it!" Again, Josiah did not care about tradition when it was a bad "tradition."

Second, Josiah took great care to reconstruct the temple of God. Sometimes in our parenting, we may have let some of the "walls" of our spiritual places get run down (i.e. scripture study time, family prayer, personal prayer). But no problem! When we follow Josiah's example, we simply get busy repairing the breaches and strengthening the walls to these important spiritual structures in our daily lives.

Third, because Josiah took the time to reconstruct the things of God, he received additional blessings and strength. For him, that strength came in finding a long forgotten book, something he could rely on to correct and chasten the people as necessary. For us as parents, as we increase our connection to the things of God, it will simplify our parenting. We can simply reference the Lord's ways while teaching our children (of course, this implies we are living those ways ourselves). Thus we can say to an upset child, "Honey, I know you're angry. But because I love Heavenly Father and trust His wisdom, we really do need to do things this way [referencing whatever the standard is]." Indeed, because Josiah took time to reconstruct the things of God (i.e. the temple for him, but for us it might the standards of God-like living), he received additional strength to face the day (i.e. for him it came in the literal form of finding a book of scripture, but for us it might come in the actual presence of the Spirit to strengthen us as we parent).

Fourth, Josiah used the scriptures as THE standard of behavioral clarification and judgment. We can do this too. And how wonderfully clarifying this is. It simplifies our job as parents. I can't tell you how many times I've shared with my kids, "Guys, this is something the Lord has clearly spoken against. I cannot allow this in my home." Again, Josiah set a great pattern here. He read the scriptures, or the "book of the law", to his people. As parents we need to set aside family scripture study so that law may begin to pervade the hearts of all family members.

Sometimes family life is messy. The way is not easy cleaning up that mess. But learning about the ancient men (and women) in the scriptures can sure be a God-send to those of us facing our own challenges today. I'm so grateful for Josiah and how he was willing to face down dangerous traditions, to reconstruct the places of spirituality, to accept additional blessings, and to use the scriptures as a standard. As we do the same, coupling all actions with prayer, the Lord will help inspire us to help our children by correcting their ways in loving truth and eternal standards.

To learn of additional ways to strengthen your family through Jesus Christ and His ways, visit the new Jesus Christ, The Son of God site.

My birthday month should have been a happy one. But frightening news came of an assault on those least able to defend themselves: the newly born.

First a little background. Back in 2005, doctors in the Netherlands openly admitted killing spina bifida babies (a neurological impairment at the spine) and other babies with defects - under the guise of bioethical decisions and protocol.

Now flash forward three years. Whereas this report back in 2005 brought shock and horror from different governments around the world, now an article in a leading bioethics journal actually defends the practice! So I ask: How far are societies in the world falling - and so fast - that they only value those with perfectly-formed bodies?

What some view as deformities - therefore they argue the "necessity" of infanticide - God views in a different light. He, after all, allowed the disability in the first place. An early apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the Mormons) stated:

"No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. All that we suffer ... builds up our characters, purifies our hearts, expands our souls, and makes us more tender and charitable,..." (Kenneth H. Beesley, "What Is the Purpose of Suffering," New Era, April 1975, 36).

Who are we to argue the lack of worth of an individual? Who are we to set a level set on which baby deserves to live and which needs to die? If the infanticide were contained only to the Netherlands, it would still be horrifying. But even more shocking is that the attitude that these infanticide actions are defensible, is now spreading. All in the name of preventing "suffering."

Just why does the Lord allow suffering? For even Jesus Christ was not immune from suffering. We read in Hebrew 5:8:

"Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered" (Heb 5:8).

What is so instructive about suffering that God, who loves us, allows suffering? What jewels of insight or experiences are to be gained? The apostle Paul spoke to this 2000 years ago. He said:

"Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Cor 12:10).

In this confusing world we live in, where people are willing to kill a baby because of some physical anomaly, how comforting it is to hear the word of God through His prophets. There is a wisdom and a purpose to our existence here, even when a baby is born with spina bifida. Just as a two-year old does not understand the wisdom of his parents when they parent him, we do not yet always understand the purposes of God. But this much we know: Families are important. They are central to His plan. As such, each child matters! No-one deserves to be murdered at the hands of a physician, simply because the spinal cord did not fully form.

May we be vocal in support of the family. May we seek God's will by studying His words, whether through the scriptures or through the words of modern day prophets. Regardless of how we do it, may we be defenders of the family and bring joy to the family as many ways as possible!

Something that leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly known as "the Mormons") have stressed throughout the last century is the need to be prepared for disasters or other unforeseen events. Not only do we need to have our own homes and affairs in order, but we also need to be prepared to help others in need. Two stories recently in the news shows this counsel put into action.

In Ghana, a country in Africa, twenty-eight missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently visited two orphanages in Accra and brought food and gifts for the children. As reported on allafrica.com, the children performed songs and dances for the missionaries, and two of the missionaries performed a Polynesian dance for the children. The mission president told the children about the birth of Jesus Christ.

The food and gifts were provided by the Church, and included bags with school supplies and two books for each child. These bags had been put together and filled earlier by volunteers, with the intention of distributing them to children who needed them. Reports such as these remind us of our responsibilities to help those in need; there are so many people in the world who can use our help. For information on how you can assist LDS Humanitarian Services in helping people in need throughout the world, including making school kits for children like these, visit www.lds.org/humanitarianservices . Instructions for making the school kits can be found by clicking on the link for "How Can I Help?" at the left sidebar. From there, click on "Make humanitarian aid kits."

Across the globe in Lehi, Utah, another emergency plan was called into action earlier this month. LDS meetinghouses - as well as meetinghouses of other faiths - are sometimes used as shelters in times of natural disasters when people are evacuated from their homes. A nasty snowstorm that ripped through Utah County in February did not create a need for evacuation, but did leave some motorists and school children stranded after several roads were closed. Several local Church leaders made their meetinghouses available for stranded individuals as they waited out the storm. Local police were also involved in the efforts to provide safe places for these individuals.

"Church buildings are ideal for this type of situation," Larry Johnson of Saratoga Springs said to the Deseret Morning News. "They have great facilities - bathrooms, a gymnasium, little rooms where you can turn on a video." He spent that evening looking after individuals who took refuge in his local chapel. The Relief Society (Church women's organization) provided hot chocolate and snacks.

Local Church leaders credit their congregations' emergency preparedness plans. With plans in place for how members of each congregation will mobilize in the event of a disaster, it was relatively simple to bring those plans into action when they were needed.

Both of these examples remind us of the importance of having plans and resources available in times of need. Preparing ahead could make all the difference in the world to us later on.

I had heard years ago of a study that showed the following facts. I found them quite interesting.

• Children whose fathers read for enjoyment are 3 times more likely to read for enjoyment than other kids.
  
• Children whose mothers read for enjoyment are 2 times more likely to read for enjoyment than other kids.
• Children whose parents both read are 6 times more likely to read.

The same stats applied for exercise. Children whose fathers exercised were 3 times more likely to exercise, and so on.

An alarming set of new studies has surfaced containing urgent news. I will share those in just a moment. But first, I remember thinking years ago about the reading and exercise study how eternally significant both parents are in the life of a child. I was particularly struck by how potent the father's influence was, statistically speaking. And we learn even more through "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" of the two important general roles of parents: the father is to provide, the mother is to nurture.

Society would like people to think that traditional families are not important. But it is a false statement. And in news as of February 27, 2008, the results of 24 scholarly studies are in and reported by the Family Leader Network and Townhall.com: Fathers are essential to the wellbeing of children.

How long will it take for society to recognize this? With so many children being raised "out of wedlock" and the father absent, these cumulative studies could be rather depressing ... or at the very least, alarming and full of alert for social and governmental policies currently being formed. We must clearly speak up!

For the studies have succinctly shown, all 24 of them (covering more than 20 years of data with 22,300 different data sets), that fathers' absences in children's lives bring about behavioral and psychological problems.

Society is all for reducing crime. Citizens clamor for policies to reduce antisocial behavior. Yet at the same time, many of our cities', states', and national influencers appear reluctant to address the underlying causes of crime and those same antisocial behaviors.

When studies show these kinds of results, such as "regular positive contact" with the father "reduces criminal behavior among children in low income families and enhances cognitive skills like intelligence, reasoning and language development," policy makers at all levels of government must take note - or suffer the consequences of an increasingly violent society.

What are the results of fathers actively involved in their childrens' lives? Take a look at what these myriads of studies showed when fathers were involved parenting their children. The children were (or had):

•less likely to smoke
•less likely to be in trouble with police
•better academic skills
•better able to form friendships with peers
•better mental well-being
•better physical health
•better relationships as an adult and with a future partner

According to the Townhall.com report, the US leads the world in mother-only families (impacting more than 1 out of 4 kids). And shockingly, now nearly 1 out of 2 kids are being raised by a mother who never married.

As society continues its political experiment with embracing all forms and all kinds of relationships, society will continue to reap the fruits of bitterness ... until enough people are willing to stand up boldly and proclaim that fathers are essential in the lives of kids.

I'm grateful for the Lord who calls prophets to lead and guide us in positions of truth, although those positions seem to become less popular. History has already given us the end of the story, though. When the traditional family is broken up, eventually the society or culture breaks up.

We can do something about all this. We can read the Lord's perspective on the family, click on The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Then we can get busy calling our legislators.

Andrew C. Skinner, noted theologian and history, said:

A broken heart and a contrite spirit are a perfect likeness or similitude of Jesus' atoning experience, and He undoubtedly wants us to comprehend the nature of that atoning experience. The word contrite comes directly from a Latin root meaning "to grind." To be contrite is to be crushed in spirit. (Andrew Skinner, Prophets, Priests and Kings, Salt Lake City, Deseret Book 2005 13)

Indeed, when one has committed a sin then the repentance process begins, and only begins, when one recognizes that action as sin.

Having been one who has not lived a perfect life, I recall specific times when I have undergone the recognition of a broken heart and contrite spirit as the consequence of my actions. Indeed, the burden which weighs upon a broken and battered heart is great, although nothing in comparison to what the Savior suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane that night.

At this particular time in life recognize that Satan will do all he can to keep you burdened with your sins. He will whisper in your ear:

"You aren't worthy. You're a loser. You've lost the love of the Father. There is no turning back. There is no hope."

These are lies, lies, lies!

President Ezra Taft Benson, the 13th called prophet is these modern times, admonishes us to remember:

One of Satan’s most frequently used deceptions is the notion that the commandments of God are meant to restrict freedom and limit happiness. Young people especially sometimes feel that the standards of the Lord are like fences and chains, blocking them from those activities that seem most enjoyable in life. But exactly the opposite is true. The gospel plan is the plan by which men are brought to a fulness of joy. This is the first concept I wish to stress: The gospel principles are the steps and guidelines that will help us find true happiness and joy. (Ezra Taft Benson, “A Mighty Change of Heart,” Ensign, Oct 1989, 2)

President Benson speaks of every aspect of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, for indeed, following in His path does allow for everlasting joy.

What does the world have to offer?

Drugs? Drugs trigger addiction which trigger crime which trigger the utter destruction of your physical health and the loss of freedom. It is a vicious cycle which does not end until you, the abuser, suffer great pain and agony from withdrawals. You then fight that craving for the rest of your life.

What is the Lord's solution? Stay away from drugs in the first place and you never enter this downward, spinning out of control, cycle which ends in certain death.

Alcohol? Alcohol follows the exact same path as drugs. Coming from a home where my biological father was an alcoholic, I have the beauty of damaged genes due to his excesses. Eventually he left his wife and children so that he could devote his life fully to women and booze without the restrictions of family. He died alone in his apartment with two young men frantically trying to revive him. It didn't work. The alcohol he turned to in his youth cost him everything, including his mortality and his eternities, because he could not walk away from it.

Again, what is the Lord's solution? Don't drink alcohol and strong spirits . . . that way lies only madness.

All that the world has to offer in the way of excess leads the partaker down this destructive and potentially deadly path.

But there is a way to return to our Savior, even Jesus Christ, who committed the greatest act of love ever known to this earth. He has paid for that addiction. He has paid for that pain. He has paid for that loss of self-respect, self-control and a hopeless future. All that is required of you? A broken heart and contrite spirit.

Indeed, as one is going through the repentance process it can be one filled with great emotional and spiritual pain, and certainly physically painful depending on the sin. But know this, in fact, burn it into your memory:

You are loved. The gospel plan of salvation is the plan of happiness. Freed from addiction, pain and sorrow of sin you will be astounded at how you can begin to soar above the mundane and filth filled streets of what the world has to offer.

Our Father in Heaven and our Savior Jesus Christ have already made great sacrifices in order to assure you immortality and the possibility of eternal life (Moses 1:39.)

Stop and consider this for a moment. The amount of love which must exist in the heart of our Father in Heaven must be beyond comprehension that He stepped back and allowed the Atonement to continue and the Crucifixion to go forward. His only begotten Son in the Flesh was pleading with Him to remove the cup, and it could not be done without costing every single one of us our immortality and eternal salvation.

Imagine, if you can, a small portion of the amount of love your Father in Heaven has for you that He allowed this to move forward. And then stop and consider the incomprehensible level of love Jesus Christ feels for you that He willingly suffered in the Garden of Gethsemane that night, even bleeding from every pore the pain was so great that it caused even God to tremble. Even more, consider as He underwent the sham of a trial, the whippings, the mocking, the torture to finally be cruelly nailed to a cross on Calvary, the nails tearing through His flesh, and remaining in that excruciating agony until every last sin, sorrow, grief, illness . . . all that brings us pain, addiction and sorrow, was paid for, every last iota . . . and then He gave up the ghost. (Matthew 26:36-75 and Matthew 27) How deep was the love Jesus Christ had for you that He willing suffered through all of that . . . deeper than you can ever imagine or know.

Is it too late for you? No.

Are you worthy? Yes.

Is there hope for you? Yes.

Does Satan have you firmly in his grasp? No.

All you have to do is reach out to Jesus Christ and offer a broken heart and contrite spirit. Is that so much to ask? No, it isn't. You simply follow in His footsteps, walking the path He walked, living your life as He lived His and realize you are free from the bondages of pain, sin, sorrow and grief . . . there is so much hope awaiting you and all you have to do is take that first step.

Fall on your knees, and from deep within the recesses of your broken and torn heart, beg for forgiveness. Continue to plead until peace overcomes your body and then reach for the scriptures and find the answers and peace that await you. Then it's time to go back to church. You can find a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel at going to the Worship With Us section of www.mormon.org. Then you simply ask anyone you run into to direct you to the missionaries. They'll take it from there. Or you can simply call 888-537-7700.

Either way, you have turned a corner to a brighter and more peaceful life.

This is such a difficult subject to write about. It’s not because I’m shy when it comes to talking about sexual purity. When the subject comes up in church lessons I’m usually the first to volunteer because I feel so passionately about remaining pure before, and after, marriage. For me the difficulty lies in helping a teenager realize the importance of, and the blessings that come from, keeping ourselves pure by not having sex before we get married, and making it happen in just one post.

Perhaps that’s why I’ve written* on it before, and will undoubtedly write on it again.

The subject is also important enough for leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nicknamed the Mormon Church, to write to youth specifically about it in the booklet For the Strength of Youth. This booklet briefly touches on various subjects of vital importance to teens living in today’s world. It acts as a guide, as well as a warning, in a world that strives to twist the good things into evil, and evil into good.

One of the most well known accounts of the importance of remaining pure is found in Genesis 39:1-12, when Potipher’s wife attempts to seduce Joseph. He couldn’t imagine doing that to his boss, nor could he sin against God in that way. He even went to prison for it, yet he ever remained pure.

For the Strength of Youth gives several different warnings against particular things we should guard against. They are not comfortable for me to write. Odds are they won’t be comfortable for you to read. I would ask that you do read them, and do so with a prayer in your heart that you might know if what is being warned against is truly God’s will.

“Before marriage, do not do anything to arouse the powerful emotions that must be expressed only in marriage. Do not participate in passionate kissing, lie on top of another person, or touch the private, sacred parts of another person’s body, with or without clothing. Do not allow anyone to do that with you. Do not arouse those emotions in your own body” (For the Strength of Youth, p.27).

If we try to keep ourselves out of danger, keeping ourselves pure is so much easier. I can’t express that enough. When we skirt the edge, when we walk the line, we knowingly place ourselves in a position where Satan can influence us. If we keep far away from the danger line, the line between God and Satan, we keep ourselves protected.

How do we remain on God's side of the line? Always treat your date with respect. Stay in places you know are safe, where you can control your physical desires. Keep your language and conversations clean and uplifting. Remember that each young man or young woman is a child of God and deserves to be treated as such. When you do little things like this you protect yourself from the emotional, physical, and spiritual damage that can come from sharing physical intimacy outside the bonds of marriage.

For the Strength of Youth also touches briefly on homosexuality. It is a serious sin. Serious. It is not to be treated lightly, or to be rationalized into something that is good. It is true God loves every sinner, but He does not condone this sin.

“If you find yourself struggling with same-gender attraction, seek counsel from your parents and [church leader]. They will help you.”

Marriage, and all that comes with it, is for a man and a woman. The prophets have told us this time and again.

“The sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between a man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).

Unfortunately there are those whose virtue is brutally taken from them, without their permission, without their choice. It is vitally important for anyone out there who has been the victim of rape, incest, or other sexual abuse to know that in the eyes of God you are considered innocent. He still loves you, and is so mindful of everything you have been made to endure because of the agency of another.

“Seek your [church leader’s] counsel immediately so he can help guide you through the process of emotional healing.”

If any of you have been tempted to commit a sexual transgression, stop for a moment and think about what the consequences will be. Think about what you will be giving up. Think about how you will have to explain to your future spouse, to your future children, the choice you are about to make. If you are seriously tempted, go to your parents, or another trusted adult. Talk to the Lord, and to church leaders. Let them help you resist. Allow them the chance to help you overcome these thoughts and feelings. Pray that you will choose a better way, a happier way.

If you have committed this sin, it’s time to repent. It is only through the repentance process that you will begin to find peace once again. It is only through this process that the Spirit of the Lord will again be able to reside with you. You can’t take back what has been freely given away, but you can once again feel clean and worthy. Heavenly Father only wants what’s best for you, and repentance is truly a gift to help us be happy.

This doesn’t really begin to cover the importance of being sexually pure. I can only hope that it at least makes you think about why it is so important. Both my husband and I kept our virtue in tact when we got married, and I have never regretted it. I can promise if you choose to keep yourselves pure, you will count it as one of the greatest choices of your life.

If you'd like to read more please visit:

Chastity at the Latter-day Saint home site.

An Eternal Perspective of Chastity

Don't Cross the Morality Line

Teens: The Importance of Staying Chaste

An article by Edward R.K. Dwemoh about why he joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (the "Mormons") recently appeared in the Accra Daily Mail, a leading private newspaper in Ghana.

Brother Dwemoh begins his account by explaining that many people have asked him why he joined the Church. In his own words, "To set the minds of those who have asked the question at rest, and (this may surprise some of you) to quench my own burning desire to go public with the story of my conversion to Mormonism, let me now place on record why I am now a Latter-day Saint." ("Why I Joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," Accra Daily Mail, February 21, 2008).

He describes some early visits he had with missionaries from the Church. The things they taught him made sense to him. "Something out of this world hung in the air - something fresh and sweet and gentle and kind," he says. The missionaries invited him to find out for himself if the Book of Mormon and the things they had taught him were true. They showed him the promise the prophet Moroni made at the end of the Book of Mormon:

And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost. And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:4-5)

"I thought that this was the most noble challenge I had ever been thrown!" says Brother Dwemoh. He recognized that, although the teachings of the missionaries made sense to him, his faith and salvation needed a stronger foundation. He needed to know the truth of them from God Himself. "And it is He who has manifested to me that this Church is true!" he concludes.

Some of the people who have questioned his decision to be baptized into the Church have shown him the scripture in Revelation 22:18-19 that says, "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." They wonder how the Book of Mormon can be true if the Bible itself says not to add to the book.

Brother Dwemoh gives a clear answer to this question: "God did not say in Revelation 22:18-19 that He would not add to His own words. God rather warned us against man adding to (or subtracting from) His word...God commanded the Prophets of the Bible to write just as He commanded the Book of Mormon prophets to write."

He also points out that a similar directive is given much earlier in the Bible, in Deuteronomy 4:2. If God meant in this scripture that He would not reveal any more of His word, then the rest of the Bible beyond Deuteronomy could not be the word of God.

Going back to Moroni's promise, Brother Dwemoh explains that this is the sure way to establish the authenticity of both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. "For those of us who would sincerely want to know (and not just brush off the testimony of whoever God might use to bring forth "scripture"...) we would 'ask God.' Only He can reveal to us that what we hold in our hands is 'authentic,' true."

Of the Book of Mormon, President Gordon B. Hinckley, the fifteenth prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said:

It is the only book that contains within its covers a promise that by divine power the reader may know with certainty of its truth...The same book that converted Brigham Young, Willard Richards, Orson and Parley Pratt, and many others of the early leaders of the Church is also converting people today in Argentina, in Finland, in Ghana, in Taiwan, in Tonga, and wherever else men and women are reading it prayerfully and with real intent. The promise of Moroni, written in his loneliness following the destruction of his people, is being fulfilled every day.

If they read it prayerfully and with a sincere desire to know the truth, they will know by the power of the Holy Ghost that the book is true.
From that knowledge there will flow a conviction of the truth of many other things. For if the Book of Mormon is true, then God lives. Testimony upon testimony runs through its pages of the solemn fact that our Father is real, that he is personal, that he loves his children and seeks their happiness. ("The Power of the Book of Mormon," Ensign, Jun 1988, 2)

“With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice in testimony as a special witness and declare that God does live. Jesus is His Son, the Only Begotten of the Father in the flesh. He is our Redeemer; He is our Mediator with the Father. He it was who died on the cross to atone for our sins. He became the firstfruits of the Resurrection. Because He died, all shall live again. ‘Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: “I know that my Redeemer lives!” ’ May the whole world know it and live by that knowledge, I humbly pray, in the name of Jesus Christ, the Lord and Savior, amen.” (President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (informally known as the Mormons) has just launched a great new web site Jesus Christ, The Son of God. This beautiful new site focuses on the teachings of our Savior and his Atonement. The primary message of this new site is clear - Come unto Christ.

During His mortal ministry, Jesus taught the principles of salvation. He atoned for our sins. He showed us how to live a life that would merit the gift of eternal life. And when He died, He rose again—so that all of us could live again. (His Life and Teachings)

The web site offers exciting features including the option to read and listen to teachings about the Savior. One of my favorite features is the Multimedia section. This section contains two films, "Faith in Christ," and "The Restoration." It also includes the 2007 First Presidency Christmas Devotional.

Back in April 2000, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles released a special video presentation to commemorate the birth of Christ. It was called "Special Witnesses of Christ." The video featured the late President Gordon B. Hinckley, President Thomas S. Monson, the late President James E. Faust, and several members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles bearing testimonies of the divinity and ministry of our Lord, Jesus Christ. A portion of that video presentation has been made available on this new site. To hear these powerful testimonies, click on Special Witnesses of Christ.

If you are interested, the text of the original video presentation, Special Witnesses of Christ, is also available in the April 2001 Ensign, a monthly magazine of the Church.

He Lives: The Witness of Latter-day Prophets contains the testimonies of all modern day Mormon prophets starting with Joseph Smith. The prophets testify about their love of the Savior, their complete faith and belief in Him, and that we follow and worship Him. He is at the head of His Restored Church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I love Him. I speak the name of Jesus Christ in reverence and wonder. He is our King, our Lord, our Master, the living Christ, who stands on the right hand of His Father. He lives! He lives, resplendent and wonderful, the living Son of the living God. (President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008)