Saturday Morning April 2012 General Conference Highlights

What a day in downtown Salt Lake City, to kick off the April 2012 General Conference. So many highlights! I'm kind of like a kid when it comes to being here in Utah. I love it! And I love the spring with all the blossoms on the trees, and the daffodils popping up everywhere. Life is everywhere! When I drove into town on Thursday, the first thing I did was make my husband pull the car over, so I could use Instagram to take a picture of the beautiful pink blossoms. But what most excites me about being here is covering General Conference -- via social media.

There is something powerful in being a part of helping others to know about, and hear, that we have living prophets upon the earth, today -- and broadcasting their messages around the globe. I trust that many of you feel the same as I do, and that many of you are part of that effort, online, to do the same.

Who would have thought when we started using social media to share the gospel, online, that things would have exploded the way they have. Certainly not me. I don't think any of us could have predicted the power that the Internet would eventually have, when we were initially inspired to get involved. In just this last week I was contacted by Deseret News for an interview with Trent Toone, KSL TV's Carole Mikita invited me into the studio for an on camera interview -- and just today, between sessions of General Conference, Roxeanne Vainuku, of KUTV approached me and requested an on camera interview, that aired tonight on CBS channel 2 -- all to talk about social media and General Conference. That's what a big deal it has become!

This afternoon Jesse Stay shared these stats on how successful the efforts of so many were, on Twitter, to broadcast the first two sessions of General Conference: "This conference has seen 30,678 total Tweets today (so far), by 7,835 users, and a total reach of 3,448,285 people." That's incredible!

So, I'd like to share some of the 'messages' or 'pearls of great price" that I, and others, shared, online, during the Saturday morning session of General Conference. These are direct quotes from living prophets -- "noised abroad" by faithful Latter-day Saints. Imagine with me, if you will, what it must be like for many people, who have no idea what living prophets teach, or what Mormons truly believe, to hear these words of life...

Thomas S. Monson - As We Gather Once Again

"I welcome you and express my love to you."

"We are here to learn."

"Some may be seeking answers to questions and challenges you are experiencing in life."

"Each can be enlightened and uplifted…"

"How blessed we are to have come to earth at this time"

"No cause, no force in the entire world can stop the work of God".

"There is much that is difficult and challenging in the world today…"

"I thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel"

Boyd K. Packer - And a Little Child Shall Lead Them

"The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple."

"It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent"

"Neither man nor woman can bear children alone."

"Some, due to circumstances beyond their control, are raising children as single mothers/fathers."

"These are temporary states"

"In the eternal scheme of things, not always in mortality, righteous yearnings will be fulfilled."

"Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling - from which they will never be released is to one another and then to their children."

"One of the great discoveries of parenthood is that we learn far more about what really matters from our children than we ever did from our parents." 

"We urge our members to show devotion to their families."

"Fathers and mothers next time you cradle a newborn child in your arms you can have an inner vision of the mysteries and purposes of life."

Dallin H. Oaks - Sacrifice

"Sacrifice of Jesus Christ has been called "the most transcendent of all events…"

"That sacrifice is the central message of all the prophets."

"That sacrifice - the atonement of Jesus Christ - is at the center of the plan of salvation."

"The Christian faith has a history of sacrifice including the ultimate sacrifice."

"Christians have voluntarily given sacrifice motivated by faith in Christ and the desire to serve Him."

"For most followers of Christ our sacrifice involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives."

"Today, the most visible strength of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the unselfish service and sacrifice of its members."

"The best known example of unique LDS service and sacrifice is the work of our missionaries."  

Other examples of service and sacrifice appear in the lives of the faithful members who serve in our temples." 

"Such examples strengthen all of us. They remind us of the Savior's teachings."

"…most important examples of unselfish service and sacrifice are performed in our families."

"Mothers devote themselves to the bearing of children and nurturing their children."

"Husbands give themselves to supporting their wives and children."

"…as you sacrifice for each other and your children, the Lord will bless you." 

"Latter-day Saints look on their sacrifice of time and means as a part of their schooling and qualifying for eternity."

"Just as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is at the center of the plan of salvation, we followers of Christ must make our own sacrifices to achieve the destiny that plan provides for us."

"I know that Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten Son of God the Eternal Father."

Henry B. Eyring - Mountains to Climb

"Many of you are now passing through physical, mental, and emotional trials that could cause you to cry out…" 

"The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?" 

"There seems to be no better answer to the question of why trials come and what we are to do than the words of the Lord Himself, who passed through trials for us more terrible than we can imagine."

"You and I have faith that the way to rise through and above trials is to believe that there is a "balm of Gilead".

"The Lord has promised: "I will not… forsake thee."

Quotes Monson "A foundation of faith in the reality of those promises takes time to build" 

"If the foundation of faith is not embedded in our hearts the power to endure will crumble."

"My purpose today is to describe what I know of how we can lay that unshakable foundation."

"…the ground must be carefully prepared for our foundation of faith to withstand the storms that will come into every life."

"That solid basis for a foundation of faith is personal integrity." 

"Our choosing the right consistently whenever the choice is placed before us creates the solid ground under our faith."

"Those choices, hundreds in most days, prepare a solid ground on which our edifice of faith is built."

"The metal framework around which the substance of our faith is poured is the gospel of Jesus Christ, with all its covenants, ordinances and principles."

"Trouble itself can be your way to strengthen and finally gain unshakable faith."

"The particle of faith most precious and which you should protect and use whatever extent you can is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ."

"When hard trials come, the faith to endure it well will be there…"

"You built a foundation of faith from loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him."

"It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith." 

"In their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with them to live in families forever." 


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Kathryn Skaggs

Saturday Afternoon April 2012 General Conference Highlights
The Saturday afternoon session of the April 2012 General Conference brought with it plenty of Church business with, among other positions, the release and call of the Presiding Bishopric and the General Relief Society Presidency. On the lighter side, the Internet was frantically trying to confirm rumors that David Archuletta was part of the MTC choir, singing during the session -- which he was -- made evident by snapshots taken by attendees, flying across cyberspace!

Millions to View Mormons’ 182nd Annual General Conference

"Millions of Church members, friends and invited guests are expected to view the 182nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). All five conference proceedings will be held Saturday and Sunday, 31 March and 1 April 2012, in the Conference Center in Salt Lake City and can also be viewed live via television, radio, satellite and Internet broadcasts."

LDS members prepare for conference, social media explosion

"Countless LDS members and others will also be “noising abroad” their thoughts, impressions and comments through various social media tools this weekend during the 182nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through its website, the church is encouraging members to use Facebook, blogging, Google+, Twitter, and other social networks to promote the conference and invite others to listen to living prophets."

Noising Abroad All things Mormon...

There's a lot of people of our faith, not of our faith, that don't like our faith, want to misrepresent our faith, online. Many of 'them' are talking about 'us' and writing about 'us' -- and too often what they're saying is not what we would want 'John Smith' to first come in contact with, about Mormonism -- when he does his Google search to learn more about Mormon beliefs.

New Relief Society President: Sad Good-bye and Happy Hello!

With yesterday's long awaited release of the Mormon Mommy blogs interview with Julie Beck, via the Mormon Channel, which prompted speculation about a possible release today, I'm sad to say 'they' were right. I've loved Sister Beck's inspired counsel over these past five years and will forever credit her for the inspired work on Daughters in My Kingdom. She has left a legacy for every sister in Relief Society, which so many of us already cherish. For me personally, she was/is a modern-day prophetess. Her power and spirit are emblazoned upon our hearts, and forever we are knit together as sisters in Christ.

 One thing those of us who have been members of the Church, for many years, knows, is that with every call there comes a release. Although such knowledge and acceptance does not always make it easy. Another thing I have learned is that God is in control, and it's now time to move foreward and welcome our new general Relief Society president, Linda Burton. She and her two counselors will need all of our prayers to sustain them in the great work they have been called to do.

About Linda K. Burton:

Linda Burton was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Morris Ashton and Marjorie Castleton Kjar. She is the second child of six, having two sisters and three brothers. She met and married Craig Palmer Burton in 1973 when she was studying elementary education at the University of Utah. Brother and Sister Burton are the parents of six children—one son and five daughters—and have sixteen grandchildren (eight girls and eight boys).

Sister Burton accompanied her family as a teenager when her father presided over the New Zealand South Mission. She has been privileged to work in the Primary, Young Women, Relief Society, and Sunday School auxiliaries as well as serving for a brief time as a seminary teacher. She and her husband recently returned from Korea, where he presided over the Korea Seoul West Mission. LDS.org

I have a testimony that Sister Burton's call is to work equally along side of our priesthood leaders, and under their direction, to accomplish the exact same work of Lord -- and to accomplsh it with power. I look forward to hearing from her in General Conference on Sunday. What a thrill that will be, to feel her spirit and allow the Spirit to confirm her call to our hearts. I trust that each of us will be blessed with that gift.

It is no small thing to be called to lead the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We are living during a time that women, even within the Church, struggle to find their place in the world -- and even understand their roll as women in the Church. It requires strong, faithful and powerful women to lead us. As LDS women we respect strong, spritual leadership. Dare I say we crave it? We need a woman who we know is inspired of the Lord -- and these are exactly the kinds of women that the Lord is setting before us in these Latter-days. I'm excited to get to know Sister Burton and her counselors.

As we say thank you to Sister Beck, and her counselors, we thank them for their inspired service and tremendous examples of faithful daughters of God -- and welcome our new leadership with enthusiasm as we go forward to continue this extraordinary work that the Lord has placed before us.

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Kathryn Skaggs

LDS Newsroom:  

New Presiding Bishopric, Relief Society Presidency and General Authorities Announced at Mormon General Conference
"Sister Linda K. Burton was serving as a member of the Relief Society general board when she received her call to serve as the organization’s president. In her Church callings, she spent three years serving with her husband as he presided over the Korea Seoul West Mission. They returned from Korea in 2010. She also served on the Primary general board, and in various callings in the Young Women, Primary, Sunday School and as a seminary teacher."

WBMW: Julie B. Beck on Mormon Bloggers - It's a Great Opportunity

Sister Julie B. Beck answered member questions, on the Mormon Channel, about how to best spend our leisure time, focusing on activities from what kinds of books we read, movies we watch, and of great interest to this WBMW -- the subject of blogging -- discussed in detail.

We Talk of Christ, We Rejoice in Christ: The Beckoning of Sister Beck
"My parents taught me not to put anyone on a "pedestal," but in my mind and heart Sister Julie B. Beck keeps making her way up there for me with every word of wisdom that spills forth from her lips!"

Noising Abroad All things Mormon...

This blog post is task specific to those members, online, who love to use social media to share the gospel and, in so doing, also help broaden the "official" presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) on the Internet. Maybe you didn't realize, but that is exactly what you're helping to accomplish whenever you share a Mormon Messages video, link to a General Conference talk, pin a cool LDS infographic, etc... 

Not only are you sharing your faith with those that you have a direct influence, but the combined efforts of many sharing these same videos, links, etc... emanating from official LDS websites, sends an important signal to search engines, like Google.com, that where they come from is relevant to a specific topic -- and for our purposes here, all things credibly Mormon. 

So, when John Smith, not of the Mormon faith, wants to know more about what Mormons believe and uses Google to search: What do Mormons believe? Google is going to give him search results that it has determined are the most authoritative and relevant. And of course this is exactly why we all use Google to search for the 'things' or 'terms' we want information about, feeling confident that our search results will be among the best on the Internet -- for what we are trying to find. 

There's a lot of people of our faith, not of our faith, that don't like our faith, want to misrepresent our faith, online. Many of 'them' are talking about 'us' and writing about 'us' -- and too often what they're saying is not what we would want 'John Smith' to first come in contact with, about Mormonism -- when he does his Google search to learn more about Mormon beliefs. 

For those planning to share General Conference, online, by posting on your favorite social network, such as tweeting #LDSConf on Twitter, it has recently come to my attention that by posting these same things on Google Plus,(G+) a fairly new social network, Google search is much more inclined to give the type of authority, in search results, that we desire. 

Jesse Stay, LDS Church social media strategist, and friend, explains why we might want to spread our influence beyond Twitter: "Twitter is good for promoting conference, because there are more people using it (although the numbers are close). However, for long-term effects, Google+ will have a better effect. Mostly because of search." 

In other words, if we really want to help, and are strategic, we can accomplish both goals: Promote and share General Conference in real time, on Twitter, and build authority for official Church websites in Google search results, on Google+. 

In this way, those that 'follow' us and 'John Smith' will benefit by our efforts. And if we do this right, they might eventually be one in the same person! 

We want to keep this very simple. You can do this in one of two ways: 

1. Share #LDSConf quotes, thoughts and links on both Twitter and Google Plus by alternating posts. 

2. Use a third party application, such as Manageflitter - PLUS, which enables what you post on G+ to automatically post on Twitter. 

A few days ago Jesse was kind enough to share an example of how this works using Google Plus, in order for what we post to be considered relevant in Google search results: 

"Here's a good example: search for "Earthquake" on Google+: 

https://plus.google.com/u/0/s/Earthquake/posts 

Posts come through in real time (you can pause any time you like). If you post anything in the box, as those things are streaming by - even if you don't include the term, "earthquake", all those searching for "earthquake" will see your update in their similar search results. 

The advantage to using Google+ is not only the more effective search, but its advantage in Google.com search as well. For instance, if your post on Google+ includes the term, "jesus christ", or links to an article about Jesus Christ on LDS.org, your post, as well as that article, will rank higher in Google.com search over a similar post or article shared on any other social network. 

The fact is Google ranks Google+ posts higher than similar posts on other social networks. This happened since Google started incorporating your Google+ network into their search results. So, while the conversation may be happening in greater volume on Twitter, Google+ has greater long-term effects due to its inclusion of Google+ in search. 

If you want to participate in a larger conversation, Twitter may be a better choice. However, you may consider cross-posting this conference, since it does have that greater effect. 

It should also be noted that Google+ has a slightly less-religious audience than Twitter and Facebook. You may cater your message to that audience. You may also want to warn your audience ahead of time so they are aware they're going to get a higher volume than on Twitter. 

Another approach may be to post fewer posts on Google+, but post in a format that allows for conversation using the threaded conversation available on Google+. 

Think on Google+ of every post being to start a conversation around a particular topic. This can be a great way to start an intellectual discussion about Gospel topics being discussed at Conference. Google+ is more about conversation, while Twitter is more about broadcasting." 

I have to say that Jesse Stay is one of the best members, online, for knowing how to begin and have gospel conversations. If I were you, I would subscribe to him on Facebook, just to watch him in action.

General Conference is a great opportunity to create these conversations, and as Jesse mentioned, G+ , among other things, provides a good climate for allowing that to take place, naturally.

One of my Church callings is to serve as the Stake Social Media Specialist on our Public Affairs Counsel. It's a great fit for me. In preparing for our up and coming Mormon Helping Hands service day, I attended an excellent training Webinar.  One of the presenters, in relation to the use of social media, shared this great scripture:

"And it was noised abroad among the people immediately, before it was yet dark, that the multitude had seen Jesus, and that he had ministered unto them, and that he would also show himself on the morrow unto the multitude. 

Yea, and even all the night it was noised abroad concerning Jesus; and insomuch did they send forth unto the people that there were many, yea, an exceedingly great number, did labor exceedingly all that night, that they might be on the morrow in the place where Jesus should show himself unto the multitude." (3 Nephi 19:2-3)

I can't stop thinking about how we "noise abroad" today, to share the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ, in preparation of His Second Coming. More on that in an upcoming post.

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Kathryn Skaggs

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Information: April 2012 LDS General Conference #LDSConf

Fun NEW Ways to Share General Conference using Social Media

Easter Video: The Atonement and Little Children

How little children understand and experience the Atonement is a question that LDS songwriter, Shawna Edwards, found herself pondering when she felt inspired to create a new Easter song for the children in her ward Primary titled: The Miracle.

After I heard the song and was deeply touched by it, I was fortunate to be, through a mutual friend, introduced to Shawna, via Facebook. I told her that I wanted to share her beautiful song with my blog readers and that --  I'd love to quote you about what inspired you to write the song, create the video and your hopes for when people see/hear it -- along with any other thoughts/information you'd like to share. I love adding a personal touch whenever possible.

I am so glad I asked her those questions, because she messaged me and let me know that she "took some time and wrote the story of the songe: http://www.shawnaedwards.com/

She begins her story by explaining how the idea to write the song came about:

"“Jesus is a God of Miracles.” That was the primary theme of the month, and I wanted a song to go with it. I scoured all the typical sources to find that song, but no luck. So I decided to write one. 

We often talk about the wondrous miracles of Jesus Christ — walking on the water, healing the blind, raising the dead. Even when we say the word “miracle,” that’s what we think of. So of course, I began the first verse with the typical lyric lines…. And then I got to the chorus. What more could I say about His miracles? And what could I say that would help the children connect to those stories, two thousand years ago and half a world away?"

She goes on to share:

"I know that’s not a terribly unique or profound thought. True believers understand that the Atonement is the most significant and central act of all time. True believers understand that without it, all mankind would be hopelessly, eternally lost. But that, again, is a difficult concept for children. It’s a difficult concept for anyone! And so, I made it personal. Not the miracle that rescues US, but the miracle that rescues ME. 

I wanted to make it clear how personal the Atonement is, how uniquely suited to individual needs, inadequacies, and struggles. I could talk forever about how Jesus Christ atoned for the sins of the whole human family, but until I understand that Jesus Christ atoned for ME, I don’t begin to understand the Atonement. I wanted the children to know that He loves each one of them every bit as much as He loved the children of his time and place, and that just as He ministered to them one by one, so He does to us. MY name is graven on His hands. And yours is, too."

Easter Video: The Miracle 

As I said, I was so touched by this beautiful Easter song, The Miracle, and now I love it even more after Shawna has so kindly shared her very personal experience of how it came to be. I am so grateful for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and what His great sacrifice means to me and my family. I have said many times that Eternal Life would have little meaning, to me, if it was not possible to be with my family.  And for that "miracle" I am profoundly and deeply in debt to our Savior, for making it possible for each one of us to be clean, whereby we might enter into the presence of the Lord, once again.

As this Easter Season is upon us, may each of us take the time to ponder the Atonement, for ourselves this, the greatest love story of all -- and how we might also share this message with our friends and family.

This special Easter video, I feel, is a lovely way to share our testimony of Jesus Christ and what His Atonement means to us personally.  Perhaps when you share it, you could include your own simple testimony as a brief comment.

Thank you, Shawna, for your testimony of Jesus Christ, as shared with all of us, through your special gift of music.

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Kathryn Skaggs

Easter Message to the World From Living Prophet of God
Thomas S. Monson, a living prophet of God, has an Easter Message from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, that he wants to share with the world! And he's hoping that you and I will help him, by sharing the video entitled"His Sacred Name - An Easter Declaration" with your family and loved ones.

Tell Me the Stories of Jesus - Neil L. Andersen

"Do our children know about His perfect life, His selfless ministry, His betrayal and cruel Crucifixion? Have we testified to them of the certainty of His Resurrection, of His visit to the Nephites in the Americas, of His appearance to the Prophet Joseph Smith in the Sacred Grove?"

That Our Children Might See the Face of the Savior - Cheryl C. Lant

"It is our sacred responsibility as parents and leaders of this rising generation of children to bring them to the Savior so that they might see His face and the face of our Father in Heaven as well. As we do so, we also bring ourselves."

The Miracle of the Atonement April 2011 General Conference

The Messiah came to redeem men from the Fall of Adam.  Everything in the gospel of Jesus Christ points toward the atoning sacrifice of the Messiah, the Son of God.

Once Again #TwitterStake to Gather for #LDSConf

With only days away from the 182nd General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) members of the, unofficial, #TwitterStake are, once again, gearing up to share #LDSConf on Twitter. Tweeting LDS General Conference, every six months, has now become an established, favorite online tradition of many faithful Latter-day Saints, who have come to love social media because of its power to share the gospel online.


I've come to really look forward to tweeting General Conference, and gathering, online, with so many great members who enjoy it as much as I do. I love it because of the great spirit that attends, what many may find surprising, digital missionary work. But trust me, it's real and for many of us who regularly participate, countless experiences leading to more extended gospel conversations are often the result.

Tweeting General Conference on Twitter is not for every member. Some prefer to follow the tweets via the hashtag #LDSConf and when inspired retweet a favorite message. Either way, it is a thrill to see the words of living prophets take center stage, on Twitter, and know that many outside of the Mormon faith are being touched by their inspired messages.

During the last General Conference members on Twitter got a huge thrill when Dieter F. Uchtdorf sent a shout-out during his talk:

"With so many social media resources and a multitude of more or less useful gadgets at our disposal, sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far-reaching than ever before. In fact, I am almost afraid that some listening have already sent text messages like “He’s been speaking for 10 minutes and still no aviation analogy!” My dear young friends, perhaps the Lord’s encouragement to “open [your] mouths” might today include “use your hands” to blog and text message the gospel to all the world! But please remember, all at the right time and at the right place.

Brothers and sisters, with the blessings of modern technology, we can express gratitude and joy about God’s great plan for His children in a way that can be heard not only around our workplace but around the world. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone’s life for eternity."

For LDS members, who gather to tweet General Conference, this is exactly what we are doing. We are focused and understand our purpose. It is more than a social activity. Each of us have a testimony of using technology to build the kingdom, and in a sense, it is a personal offering to do so. 

As a brief reminder of how to tweet LDS General Conference, most effectively, I am reposting some tips that I created previously:

Tips for Tweeting #LDSConf 

1.  For those following the hash tag #LDSConf let's try to keep the stream loaded with quality content specific to the conference. 

2.  Avoid excessive idle chatter using the #LDSConf hash tag. 

3.  If you must chat, drop the #LDSConf hash tag. That way, for those who decide to check out what #LDSConf is all about, they will find an amazing stream of inspired content that makes sense!

4.  DO use the hash tag #TwitterStake to chat with other Mormons on Twitter!   

5.  Tweet #LDSConf with a purpose -- to share the gospel with those outside of our faith.

6.  If you tweet over 120 characters it makes retweeting difficult.

7.  Resist urge to tweet every six seconds...  ; )

8.  Share personal feelings about #LDSConf alongside tweeting the conference message.

9.  Consider sharing LDS resources throughout the conference, i.e. LDS.org, Mormon.org, Mormon Messages, etc...  

10.  Have fun!

To learn more about what Mormons do on Twitter, why, and how -- you can read some of my previous posts:

LDS Twitter Stake Gathering for #LDSCONF

I've been asked a number of times WHY I tweet General Conference on Twitter? Many concerns have been raised, -- one being that you can't get as much out of conference if you are focused on reading other tweets and deciding what you want to tweet. This can be true, if you look at it that way... but I don't.

About all those #LDSConf Tweets via #TwitterStake

I don't have any stats as to how many tweets went out over General Conference weekend using the hashtags #LDSConf, (update below*) but what I can tell you is that once again the efforts and interaction of Mormons on Twitter brought attention, worldwide, to the the reality that we truly have living prophets upon the earth!

I believe it was during the Sunday afternoon session of conference that our dear Prophet and President of the LDS Church's name, Thomas Monson, was trending on Twitter! Such wonderful exposure to the eternal truth, that God speaks to His children, today! I hope you'll excuse me for not recalling exactly when this happened, but I was busily engaged throughout the entire weekend, while I tweeted as best I was able, with nine rambunctious grandchildren, and their parents! It was a glorious weekend!

Mormons On Twitter and What We Do!

Some very cool Mormons on Twitter, known as the #TwitterStake, are getting a bit of attention from Deseret News. Why you may ask, is this particular group so cool? Well, because these Mormons are using social media to share the gospel, online. That's why! And they're doing it in a big enough way, to get noticed! For those of you who know how I feel about sharing the gospel online, this is beyond cool!

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Kathryn Skaggs a.k.a. @LDSNana on Twitter

Noising Abroad All things Mormon...

This blog post is task specific to those members, online, who love to use social media to share the gospel and, in so doing, also help broaden the "official" presence of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) on the Internet.

General Information for April 2012 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
This much anticipated meeting will be held in the LDS Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. This is an exciting time for Mormons worldwide! We have the opportunity to hear from our Prophet and President of the Church, Thomas S. Monson, as well as many other prominent Church leaders -- to receive relevant counsel and direction to help strengthen us as individuals, and as a people, committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Fun NEW Ways to Share General Conference using Social Media

With the April 2012 General Conference only days awayLDS.org have created some cool NEW, and fun, social media tools -- to help you invite others to come listen to living prophets speak. You can choose to use the video invitation, an awesome widget, various banners and/or blog buttons in deciding the best way for you to share the gospel online.

Julie B. Beck on Mormon Bloggers - It's a Great Opportunity

Sister Julie B. Beck answered member questions, on the Mormon Channel, about how to best spend our leisure time, focusing on activities from what kinds of books we read, movies we watch, and of great interest to this WBMW --  the subject of blogging -- discussed in detail.

Disclaimer: I've utilized my mad transcription skills to transcribe quite a bit of the interview with Sister Beck, and hope you enjoy being able to read and ponder her great counsel. (But please ignore the lack of editing.) However, I don't recommend you using the quotes just in case I've not been 100% accurate, and would not want to misrepresent her words around the blogosphere. So, if you're tempted, before you do, make sure and listen to the interview yourself -- to make sure we both have it right. : )

So, how does Sister Beck spend her leisure time?   

Video: Julie B. Beck on Leisure Time

"My first priority is to spend time with my family, but I feel oftentimes the need to do something that isn't so intense, and that isn't so mind challenging,  that it gives my mind a rest. It's sort of like Nephi losing the spring in his bow I need to do something that helps me keep my soul in balance. I love good books and I love to sleep, but I don't get enough of either of those. I love and enjoy old classic movies, particularly now when I hear so many weighty and difficult problems I like old classic movies that are humorous and have happy endings, and that invite the spirit into my home."

"It's wonderful for us to have opportunities to renew our spirits. For me it's connected with the Spirit -- how is it building my spirit and my personal spiritual strength -- and there has to be some of that. I am a compulsive reader. I always have to have something to read...."  

Member Question:  How can we have downtime and not feel bad if we're not doing genealogy or journaling, or reading the scriptures or planning a lesson or something else.  How do we find a balance?

Sister Beck responded by acknowledging this as the "age old question of women". She said that there are always ten things we could be doing in every moment or hour that we have.  We have to make choices about the things that are essential and necessary, and the things that are nice to do. 

"For me, I sort of categorize my life in those categories. The essentials have to be taken care of first. There are a lot of necessary things that need to be done. If I have to write a talk for a major broadcast no one is going to write that talk for me. I have to force myself to sit down and study and do the reading and the writing that gets that done. It's a necessary task. And then there is some nice to do things that add beauty and variety, and lift to our lives. They lift our spirits."

Sister Beck shared this quote by Ezra Taft Benson: "When we put God first all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands of our time, the interest we pursue and the order of our priorities." She said, "I love that. It's our love of the Lord that does that. I try to choose things where I can feel the Lord's approval in that choice. I don't think He wants me to be working, working, working every minute. He wants me to be a whole person."

Mormon Channel: We are speaking specifically today about media because in the last 10-15 years our choices with media have exploded. There is a lot more options to ways we use our leisure time because of the media. It's in our homes and in our purses and with us as we go along…. (Close quote)

Sister Beck:


"This extends not just to the use of the media. We are focusing on that a little bit today and I hope what we talk primarily, are principles that will help us and maybe some examples on that. But some people spend their leisure time in lots of physical activities, outdoor activities, sports and so on…  So the principles apply in all things -- but those things often feed our souls"

Member Question: Spending free time reading.  Is it a good thing? Is it a waste of time if the book is not spiritually based?

Sister Beck:

Quoted 2 Nephi 9:51 and explained it as the principle that can be applied to answer this question. She confessed that she is a "big reader", a "compulsive reader".

"Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness."


She went on to explained: " I love the concept of climate and establishing a climate in my home where the Spirit can dwell. The books I read contribute to that climate in me, in my heart. They contribute to the climate in my home.  It's the same with movies, its the same with media. If we think of establishing a climate where the Spirit can be nurtured and dwell. I know that there are a lot of popular trends in books and people tend to chase after a reading trend because they often don't know what to read. I generally have something going in the scriptures, something that's of a church book nature, or church magazine, something in current events, something nonfiction and something fiction -- generally a classic or it's a classic to me. 

I have sort of established some rules for myself: tone of the language have to be elevated enough, and the story line enough, and well written enough that it will increase my vocabulary  and elevate my thinking and enrich my mind. I have to read. There is something in me that makes me have to read. So I make time for that. I don't know where the time comes, usually from sleep. If I can't sleep I read something."

I've quoted a number of times, Eliza R. Snow, where she says "We're here trying to be fit companions for the gods and holy ones." So we wouldn't want to fill our minds and thoughts with things that don't elevate, that don't feed our spirit, so to speak. I've also heard that classics are classics for a reason. They are timeless for a reason.  They are well written. They promote good thinking. They push us to things. 

I remember a conference where President Hinckley stood up and prefaced his remarks by saying, "In preparation for this talk I read…" and then he gave this list that was probably two thousand pages long, if not more. Other times he quoted from Shakespeare or other writers or poets. He loved Tennyson. That taught me something about President Hinckley. I remember sitting in conference once listening and thinking "My goodness, Pres. Hinckley loves to read".  Another time he said, "I love the heft and feel of a good book".  So reading isn't evil.  Reading is a blessing and the Lord has created records for us to read and to study. A lot of good things have been written to elevate us, so I don't think reading is a waste of time, and I don't think we can only read church sponsored books. There is a lot of good out there. It's on us though, to learn to make the choices that will create the climate in us that enables the Spirit to grow and flourish."

Sister Beck then shared this sweet tidbit about how she raised her own children to love reading:

As a young mother when needing to get up in the middle of the night, she thought 'oh good' I can read for 20 minutes! She always had something that she wanted to read that she saved for those quiet, in the middle of the night hours, when no one would bother her.

I love that! And this...

She never told a child to turn out the light if they were reading a book before bed. She let them read as late as they wanted -- even if they were young children.  She wanted to foster a love of reading.

I quote her here: "A reading child is a child that will stay out of trouble. That's a belief that I have. There's something wholesome in a child wanting to feed their mind. You have to imagine things when you are reading, that only you can see. And visualize things that only you can see. That's why it's important to select good things. I don't know that there's enough great literature for younger children. I wish there was more of that.  But I encouraged my children to read and put a lamp by the side of their bed. They always had a little bookcase by the side of their bed. Yes we read the scriptures. Yes we read The Liahona, and The Friend, and The New Era..."    

One thing noticed during the interview was that much of Sister Beck's leisure time is spent with her family, whether through outdoor activities or reading together as a family -- they are often included.  Reading together as a family contributed to the culture of their family and what is familiar to the group.

Member Question: Another sister called in wanting to know how to look for the principles behind deciding what to watch or what to use when you're using media? How do you make decisions about what you will consume in regard to the media and how do you choose to spend your free time?  

Sister Beck shared that she doesn't consider "time" free. She feels it's all part of building our spirit and nature.  For the Strength of Youth pamphlet gives us guidelines: We stay away from things that are vulgar, immoral, violent and pornographic. We know why those things are. We're adult enough to know what they are. It's just about establishing a climate within ourselves where the Spirit can dwell and you know when that is going away.  President Packer just spoke to the youth, seminary commemoration, he said: "You'll always be warned if something is wrong. You know what that waring sounds like in your head. You feel it. You've felt it. It's the Holy Ghost."

"I have had to get up and walk out of a movie or a broadway show, or something that was not correct. We've turned off the t.v.  We've sent back a DVD that isn't appropriate.  Oh well…  In our day we can watch so many things on our own and nobody would know, but the Lord will know and the Holy Ghost knows, and then your spirit knows.  We just do the things that feed and bless the Spirit. It's not that hard."

"Some nights I'm so tired I want to watch something that makes me not think of anything at all, so maybe I'll watch people cooking."


I, myself, fall prey to decorating shows or real estate of the rich and famous. : )

Member Question:  "I was at a Relief Society luncheon where I mentioned that I had a blog and one of the ladies in my ward said, "You blog?"  And then she went on to tell me all the other ways I could be more involved at home and at church, if I just didn't waste so much of my time on the computer. My question:


What do you think about blogging? Do you think I'm wasting my time?


(And of course I'm really listening at this point... but of course my heart already knows the answer.)

Sister Beck:

Video: Sister Beck on Blogging

"I think we need to think back in time about how women communicate. Blogging is a way to communicate with somebody who doesn't live next to you or isn't in your same neighborhood. When I was a young mother we spent time on the phone, a lot. I remember calling a friend or a sister and saying, "help me clean my house" and then we would talk while we cleaned -- and then we'd say "thanks, my house is clean" and we'd hang up. Women have always connected to each other. In the days of ancient scripture they would gather at the well and they'd exchange information, opinions and ideas. 


Martha Washington spent two or three hours a day writing letters and that journaling and writing letters was part of the daily life of a woman, in her day, who had the means and the time to spend that. So she made a lot of connections in writing in those ways. But the need to communicate is not new. In my mother's day they would go out to the backyard, hang up their laundry and share information over the back fence. So again, it's the principles behind this -- how much time is it taking? 


I just read a study that said young mothers are spending about three hours a day blogging because it makes them feel more connected and less isolated as they are making this transition between being an independent person to being a mother. Three hours?  I don't know. Is that too long to spend away from your family and your children and what's happening? Are you to the neglect of fixing dinner and nurturing people and putting children down for naps?  Just like watching t.v. shows, it can draw you in one after another, so can a blog draw you in one after another. Some people might need to set timers and say, "I'll spend a half hour on my blog and when the timer goes off I'm finished".  Or, "I can do 10 minutes, or I can invest this much -- this is my one day this week I am going to work on this". But again, it isn't the blog,  per say, that is the problem. Women have always needed to do this kind of thing. It's a new medium. So, how are you using that time? What's it doing to invite the Spirit? And maybe we can talk about some other things about that, too. It's an opportunity."

Member Question:  "I listened to a talk by Elder Ballard and he really encouraged us to use the Internet to share the gospel.  So in the past I started a blog and a Facebook account but I found that I spent too much time on them and I'd get distracted by them. My question for you is how can we use the Internet to share the gospel and be a force for good without getting caught up in the time consuming trap of the Internet?  

Sister Beck:

Video: Sister Beck Blogging for Good

"Again, who's driving this? Are you in control or is the blogging in control? We have our agenda and our agenda should be the Lord's agenda -- which is to prepare ourselves for the blessings of eternal life and help other people receive the blessings of eternal life. If you study section one of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord says: I need faith to increase in the earth. I need to establish my covenant. He talks about people who don't give heed to the words of the prophets and apostles and have strayed from the Lord's ordinances and they seek not the Lord, or to establish His righteousness -- and every man walketh in his own way in the image of his own god. Now, a blog could do that, but if we are walking in the image of 'our' God and we're walking in His way, then His Spirit will guide us and help us prioritize this work.

The scriptural example of a great blogger, so to speak, is Abish.  Abish is someone who had a personal conversion, a personal testimony, and then when the opportunity was right she went from house to house telling people and collecting them in front of the missionaries. So the principle is great. Blogging is a new opportunity. It also comes with a responsibility. A lot of people dived in with the idea of the opportunity, without recognizing it has this other side of the sword. There is a responsibility and an accountability that comes with it. 

Another quote that I would teach from this is one that President Kimball gave and we read it in "Daughters in My Kingdom". This is a quote all the sisters should know, where he says: 

"Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often such an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world."

"Where does a blog fit into this? Think about the influence Latter-day Saint women could have if they are articulate. Not just about anything, but they are articulate about the things they stand for, which are encapsulated here (holding up Daughters in My Kingdom) and in the scriptures. If they can express their faith. If they can express what families mean to them. If they can serve in a way to seek out and help those who are in need of those covenants and ordinances and the blessings of the gospel in a distinct and different and happy ways, from the women of the world -- those are some principles.

So we look at, one, the time --  the amount of time it takes. It shouldn't distract us from the essentials or the necessaries, but is something that we can do to share the gospel if it is focused correctly. What is the tone of our conversation on a blog? I've read a lot of blogs, just to become acquainted with this. Are we representing ourselves as harried, as silly, as distracted? Or are we representing ourselves as who we really are?  Latter-day Saint women are generally well informed, intelligent -- we're challenged by our life experiences, but we triumph. We are problem solvers -- we know how to do that. So we come from a long line of strong, faithful, purposeful women. Some of the stories in here (Daughters in My Kingdom) can maybe influence the tone of how we represent ourselves. 

This is a great opportunity, but we also have the responsibility. We're accountable for managing it in a way that will bless others and will show us as being distinct and different in happy ways. 

Mormon Channel: Comments on how Sister Beck shared that her mother communicated back in her day, but that the stakes are much higher between those two activities because what we said over the fence, there's no record of it, there's no record that exist, but what you write on the Internet it last forever and it is always searchable and people, thousands and thousands of people have access to that, not just one person that you have a conversation with. And so it means the stakes are higher.

Sister Beck:

"They are higher. And we will be accountable for that. If you read 2 Nephi 26 -- this is a sobering one, when we're talking about blogs. I hope sisters look at this and think about this in terms of this opportunity -- and I'm calling it an opportunity, that in verse 29 the Lord commanded that there shall be no priestcrafts, "For behold priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world that they may get gain and praise of the world, but they seek not the welfare of Zion". Then we hear a little bit more, "but the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion". We've covenanted to give all that we have to help the Lord and bless His kingdom. 

There is such an opportunity to build and labor for Zion, to help the Lord establish His Kingdom on the earth and I think that our women understand in their heart about this covenant we've made in the temple -- to help the Lord build His Kingdom. What a chance...

Before we close and as we talk about this covenant keeping, I'd like to also read a quote on page 66 in "Daughters in My Kingdom", from President Joseph F. Smith. This provides some great guidance and leadership. We are all part of this Relief Society so the focus is on 'relief' -- that we're helping. Relief means to lift and make better. President Smith said he didn't want to see the time when our Relief Societies would follow or co-mingle and lose their own identity by mixing up with these women-made organizations that are coming to pass. So think in terms of blogs in this.  He said "It is for you to lead  the world and to lead especially the women of the world in everything that is praiseworthy. Everything that is godlike. Everything that is uplifting and that is purifying to the children of men.  You are the head, not the tail. "  So as we look at these opportunities of how to use time, how to evaluate ourselves, we think of the words of prophets. We think of the words of Belle Spafford in here (Daughters in My Kingdom) that says "It's time to get out of the things that don't help us with eternal consequences. 

We are a covenant making people. That means we know what's ahead. We know what we are aiming for -- we are aiming for Eternal life. And it's establishing this climate, this spirit in ourselves where the Spirit can grow and then with that conversion that we have we now have opportunities to show that we are distinct and different in happy ways. We can keep those covenants and we can lead the world in these things. I hope that our sisters will  do that."


To listen to the entire interview with Sister Beck, which I highly recommend, you can do so on the Mormon Channel.

I was so touched by Sister Beck's inspired counsel and direction in this interview. I wish I could personally hug her and thank her for addressing these topics. I will be pondering and praying about so many things that she said, that touch me personally, to better focus what I do as a Mormon blogger  -- and how I spend my own leisure time.


What specifically caught your attention? I would both love and appreciate your thoughts, so please comment.

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs

Note: Did you know that you can email Sister Beck questions for the Relief Society program on the Mormon Channel at mormonchannel@ldschurch.org and they could be answered in an upcoming Relief Society question and answer episode (she records them monthly). You may also record your question by calling 1-877-MYLDS32 and leave your question.


Fun NEW Ways to Share General Conference Using Social Media
With the April 2012 General Conference only days awayLDS.org have created some cool NEW, and fun, social media tools -- to help you invite others to come listen to living prophets speak.

Stepping Stones or Stumbling Blocks

In blogging about Mormonism I am not, nor do I try to be, the voice of the Church. However, like many other members, I do feel a strong responsibility, and desire, to make sure that I represent what I believe to be mainstream Mormon beliefs -- of which some might refer to as orthodox Mormonism. The only agenda that I have is to help others understand and discuss what the LDS Church teaches and faithful members, as a whole, believe.

How to Use Daughters in My Kingdom: New Relief Society Resource

How to use the new book Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief Society is now available on LDS.org. Specific training for LDS leaders is the initial focus, but also included in this training are suggestions for how all Mormon Womencan best utilize this Relief Society resource in their own personal study of the gospel, and in their families.

LDS.org: Sharing the Gospel Online - Blogging
"Publishing your life through a blog can be an excellent way to share with the world what being a member of the Church means to you."

Photo used by permission: Mike Licht, NotionsCapital.com

Information: April 2012 LDS General Conference #LDSConf

Information for April 2012 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: This much anticipated meeting will be held in the LDS Conference Center, Salt Lake City, Utah. This is an exciting time for Mormons worldwide!  We have the opportunity to hear from our Prophet and President of the Church, Thomas S. Monson, as well as many other prominent Church leaders -- to receive relevant counsel and direction to help strengthen us as individuals, and as a people, committed to living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

About General Conference:

"General conference is a semiannual gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During general conference weekend, Church members and others who are interested gather worldwide in a series of two-hour sessions to receive inspiration and instruction from Church leaders.

Information for viewing and listening to The 182nd General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints.

General Conference sessions will be held March 31st and April 1st at 10am and 2pm MDT, both days.

The four general sessions will be held on Saturday and Sunday at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. mountain daylight time. The priesthood session will be held on Saturday, March 31, at 6:00 p.m. mountain daylight time.  


All sessions of General Conference are available, live, on the Internet HERE , excluding the General Priesthood session.

It just keeps getting better because NOW you can watch LDS General Conference on FACEBOOK and share it with all your friends!

You can also follow the Twitter hashtag #LDSConf HERE.

Church News and Events: Members Invited to Participate in April 2012 General Conference
Members and others around the world are invited to participate in the 182nd Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, to be held on March 31 and April 1, 2012.


Fun NEW Ways to Share General Conference using Social Media
With the April 2012 General Conference only days away LDS.org have created some cool NEW, and fun, social media tools -- to help you invite others to come listen to living prophets speak. You can choose to use the video invitation, an awesome widget, various banners and/or blog buttons in deciding the best way for you to share the gospel online.


Once Again #TwitterStake to Gather for #LDSConf
With only days away from the 182nd General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon) members of the, unofficial,#TwitterStake are, once again, gearing up to share#LDSConf on Twitter. Tweeting LDS General Conference, every six months, has now become an established, favorite online tradition of many faithful Latter-day Saints, who have come to love social media because of its power to share the gospel online.

Deseret News: Bloggernacle Backbench - Preparing for LDS General Conference
"Oh my, it is that time again, time to pull together all the blogs I’ve been saving that spotlight creative and testimony-building activities that help families prepare for getting the most out of general conference. So without further ado, I present…"
LDS Newsroom Blog: General Conference

Following the April 2012 General Conference, you can watch, listen or read, as well as download all sessions -- HERE.

Here are some great links that will inspire and help you and your family better prepare for General Conference:

Why Conference Matter?  Watch this new video produced by the Church, where President Monson and members of the LDS Church explain the importance of General Conference.

Preparing Our Children for General Conference  You can help your children - whatever their age - learn from conference.

Conference Participation Brings Blessings, First Presidency Says
"Why is it important to participate in general conference? The First Presidency, sustained as prophets and apostles, have repeatedly given reasons why it is important to attend, listen to, or watch the broadcasts of all general conference sessions and then, following conference, to review the messages during the ensuing months and live according to the inspiration received."

Behind the Scenes of General Conference
"An extraordinary amount of work requiring the coordination of many Church departments and hundreds of people around the world goes into preparing for general conference. The five sessions of conference draw a total of about 100,000 people to the Conference Center every six months and are broadcast to millions more around the world."

General Conference Activities for Children
Fun activities from the Friend and other LDS resources. 

LDS General Conference has something for you
"Everyone has something to gain from general conference, according to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He says that with the companionship of the Holy Ghost, each individual participating in the conference is entitled to personal revelation."
Learning to Love General Conference
"When I was young, I did not look forward to general conference like I do now."


Conference has changed since 1911, but the message hasn't
"The world was different a century year ago. Automobiles and motion pictures were relatively new inventions. A man could buy a nicely tailored wool suit for less than $30 dollars, and a bottle of Sarsaparilla made all of a person’s aches and pains go away."


Best EVER General Conference Recipes
"As the family gathers for general conference, it's a time to be prepared to be spiritually filled. But there still are three meals that a family expects to be fed. From breakfast to desserts, here are a few recipes from LDS cookbooks that can help."


Mormon Mommy Blogs: Preparing Yourself for General Conference
"Most people who know me know how I feel about General Conference. Love. It is my semi-annual recharging of the spiritual batteries. General Conference weekend makes me happy. I have found that I get so much more out of conference when I intentionally prepare for it. Here are a few quotes and ideas to help you get in the General Conference mindset."


SugarDoodle.net: April 2012 General Conference Helps
If you have wiggle worms in your house, this is a must click!

You might also enjoy watching this video of highlights from the most recent General Conference...

"General conference is intended to be a revelatory experience as participants learn from living prophets and apostles through the power and influence of the Holy Ghost. Proper preparation will help ensure that you get the most out of your conference experience." LDS.org

LIKE and SHARE!

tDMg
Kathryn Skaggs