Mommy Blog Bashers

Have you ever considered that you could be helping a struggling single mom of four young children make ends meet each time you click on a link that leads to her blog? Earlier this year Oprah Winfrey devoted an entire show to the “Secret Lives of Moms.” It featured an audience full of women drooling at the chance to discuss the joys and pitfalls associated with raising the next generation. A portion of the episode spoke to a “new” kind of motherhood, in which women no longer suffer in silence about negative parenting experiences, mistakes and lack of maternal instincts. … Continue reading

General Conference: “Gaining a Testimony of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost”

In his talk “Gaining a Testimony of God the Father; Jesus Christ; and the Holy Ghost,” Elder Robert D Hales, speaks about the importance of having a testimony of the Godhead. He shares that much of his own testimony came when he studied the Articles of Faith as a young boy. He then reviews the First Vision. He explains that Joseph Smith went to the grove to pray, and that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ came and visited him there. Elder Hales then talks specifically about Jesus Christ and his relationship to Heavenly Father. He shares the story of Jesus … Continue reading

Introduction to the Gospel Questions Series

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is an unusual church. It’s okay to think so – in fact, we’ll be the first to admit it. In some ways we’re very like other religions and in some ways, we’re radically different. Many people who are not of our faith have questions concerning our practices, beliefs, and values. We’re more than happy to answer these questions and seek to share our perspective while maintaining a respect for the beliefs of others. Unfortunately, from time to time, feelings are hurt while comparing ideologies, a situation that is sad and not productive, … Continue reading

An Introduction to Royal Family Kids’ Camp

I told Melissa I would write this guest blog months ago. I’ve had a hard time. I can tell you that as a repeat volunteer at Royal Family Kids’ Camp, it is the most intense experience I have ever had. (Keep in mind that I live in the inner city too!) My husband, who also volunteered for six years, would agree. In fact, after every year we would say, “We can’t go back. . .” But then we would go back. As a couple, this was our first introduction to working with at risk kids. Royal Family Kids’ Camp is … Continue reading

Jesus, Our Promised Messiah

There are many people and religions out there that recognize Jesus as a good man but don’t believe Him to be the promised Messiah (anointed one). But, either Jesus is who He claimed, or He’s a liar. What honor, if any, does a liar deserve, whether they are good or not? When looking at the Old Testament prophesies of Jesus you can see there are some pretty specific events that had to take place in order for us to know He is the Messiah. In fact, there are over 360 prophesies that Jesus fulfilled! He was born where scripture said … Continue reading

The Prayer of Jabez: Intro

I’ve decided to start a blog series on one of the most life changing prayers. Some of you might remember right after the new millennium, many churches were heavily promoting Bruce Wilkinson’s book titled, The Prayer of Jabez. Just as with Rick Warren’s book The Purpose Driven Life, Bible studies were popping up throughout churches as the hunger for God’s blessing was cried out to Him. The short acknowledgement in the book of 1 Chronicles chapter 4: 9-10, has left a lasting impact on people’s lives changing the way many pray. Jabez’ life must have been special as the writer … Continue reading

Who is Jesus? Looking at the Trinity

As I begin the third part to the “Who is Jesus?” series, you might be wondering where the Trinitarian or Triune beliefs come from if God is one. 1 John 5:7 says, “For there are three that bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one.” In the true definition of Trinity, God is defined as being three persons in one Godhead. Though when we look in the Bible, there is no mention of the word “trinity” or “triune”. We do, however, see 3 roles or aspects in God but we really … Continue reading

Who is Jesus? Examining the Book of John

This is the second part of the series on “Who is Jesus?” The book of John really shows who Christ is so I’d like to examine some of the scriptures. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” (John 1:1-3). This is of course talking about Jesus as Jesus is the “Word”. Continuing on down to verse 10 through 13, “He was in the world, and the world was … Continue reading

Intro: Who Is Jesus?

I am going to begin a short series on who Jesus is. One of the most disheartening things I hear is when other people who are said to be Christians have a misconception of who Jesus Christ is. I didn’t live 2000 years ago so the only source for me in knowing who Jesus is, is to see what the Bible has to say; to see who Jesus Himself claimed to be. Here is a compilation of scripture references and comments that I hope will be helpful to those of you who still aren’t sure, or those who need that … Continue reading

Bible Stories: The Temptation of Jesus

In Matthew 4:1-11, the Bible speaks of the temptation of Jesus. While the concept of temptation may be too advanced for some children, I think it is an incredibly important concept for children who are a little older to understand. Even beginning at a young age, children will be tempted by their friends or by things they see on television to behave in ways that are unacceptable. Hopefully if children realize that temptations exist in this world, they will be better prepared to fight against the temptations that they are faced with in their lives. I would begin this lesson … Continue reading