In August 2005 President Hinckley challenged all members of the Church to read the Book of Mormon by the end of the year.  He said “Without reservation I promise you that if each of you will observe this simple program, regardless of how many times you previously may have read the Book of Mormon, there will come into your lives and into your homes an added measure of the Spirit of the Lord, a strengthened resolution to walk in obedience to His commandments, and a stronger testimony of the living reality of the Son of God.”

My scripture study time is one of the best parts of my day. It’s better some days than others, but I do take time every day to read at least one chapter. Making a commitment to daily scripture study makes it easier to be consistent.

I learn most when I start my study time with kneeling prayer. 

Reading chronologically, or chapter by chapter, has been my study method of choice for a long time. One of my projects is to read and mark a copy of the Book of Mormon and a Bible for each of my five children. I do this as I read through these books chronologically.

As I read I try to ask questions, to dig a little deeper for meaning and personal application. 

Studying by topic is a new method to me, it feels more intense and focused, allows me to ask deeper questions on that topic and really search for the answers. 

Knowing that everything in the scriptures has meaning has led me to ask questions. One of my favorite insights came from reading about Moses preparing the Tabernacle, and asking why the colors blue, purple, and scarlet are used. 

Helpful background information and commentary can be found in the manuals prepared by the Church for religion classes.

Writing down insights received helps me remember and build on what I learn.

A favorite study habit is to use an old dictionary and look up meanings of words as I read. I gain insight from learning the definition of familiar words as well as those I don’t know as well.  Sometimes I write the definition in the margin of my scriptures.

My dad used a timeline to teach us the gospel; it helps keep things straight in my mind and see how people and events relate to each other. 

Another idea is to keep a scripture journal. Having a place to record insights and understandings in an organized way helps me remember what I learn, and know where to find that information when I want to use or review it. I have found a very helpful website regarding scripture study and scripture journals – TheRedheadedHostess.com.

One last idea is to find quiet time to think about what I’ve read, learned, and felt during my study time.  Pondering has become an important part of receiving insights and personal direction from the scriptures. 

When I remember to conclude my study time with another prayer it is a sweet experience. Giving thanks for the opportunity to learn through the inspired words of prophets and through the ministering of the Spirit is tender and sweet. 


Image Source: DaveandKarie.blogspot.com

In the first video of the Mormon Channel’s new series, “Happy Families,” we get to share a morning with the Kenny Family, where the mother of six young children believes that being a mom is “the best job in the world.”

Up at 6:30, we catch a peek of breakfast, chores, reading, practicing, and all the antics of a big family on a busy morning.  Three things stood out for me.

I love that Claire reads to her family while they eat breakfast.  My mom shared so many great books, stories, lessons, and articles with us at mealtime.  Looks like Claire may have been reading from the Friend magazine.

I love the Kenny family "chore tags" that help the kids keep track of their chores, and the fun they have while they work together with their dad.

I love the Kenny family tradition of singing Make it a Good Day (an upbeat song that’s full of valuable life lessons) on the way to school.  No wonder they are a happy family!

Make it a Good Day

Make it a good day
Make this one glow
Fill it with learning
There’s much to know
Make it a good day
Look in your heart
Build on your heritage
And do your part

Image Source: YouTube

SALT LAKE CITY — Clark G. Gilbert, currently the CEO of Deseret News and Deseret Digital Media and an executive vice president of Deseret Management Corporation, will become the next president of BYU-Idaho.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and chair of the Executive Committee of the Board made the announcement today at BYU-Idaho’s weekly devotional. Clark Gilbert replaces President Kim B. Clark, who has served the global influence of BYU-Idaho since 2005.

Gilbert will become the next president effective April 13.

President Clark came to BYU-Idaho after having served as the dean of the Harvard Business School for 10 years. President Clark and his wife, Sue Lorraine Clark, are the parents of seven children and have 22 grandchildren.

“During his time at BYU-Idaho, President Clark led significant development of the university through innovations in the academic calendar, online education, the introduction of the BYU-Idaho learning model, and the extension of the university around the world through the online Pathway program,” said Elder Paul V. Johnson, Church commissioner of education.

At the announcement, Elder Nelson praised President Clark for his leadership. “He has earned the trust, support, respect and love of the faculty, staff, administrators, and students of this great university. Truly, in him, we have seen an eloquent example of an effective leader and servant.”

Clark Gilbert, who will be inaugurated as BYU-Idaho’s 16th president, has been recognized for his leadership in transforming the Deseret Media companies in the digital age. During Gilbert’s tenure, the Deseret News became known nationally for faith and family news coverage, while the creation of Deseret Digital Media has separately enabled the reach of family-focused content to millions of people around the world.

Gilbert’s new assignment will mean a return to BYU-Idaho, where he previously served as the associate academic vice president of academic development. His previous responsibilities at the university included student leadership, the Learning Model, online learning and the Pathway program.

Prior to his work at BYU-Idaho, Gilbert was on the faculty of the Harvard Business School, where he taught entrepreneurial management and published path-breaking research on the disruptive impact of digital technology on the newspaper industry. He earned a doctorate in business administration from Harvard, a master’s degree from Stanford University and a bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University.

Gilbert will be taking the reins at BYU-Idaho with his wife, Christine Calder Gilbert, and the encouragement of their eight children.

SALT LAKE CITY — Leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called Tuesday for legislation across the United States that protects vital religious freedoms.

At the same time, the Church said it would support legislation where it is being sought to provide protections in housing, employment and some other areas where LGBT people do not have protections, while ensuring that religious freedom was not compromised.

Competing interests between advocates of religious freedom and those seeking to build LGBT rights into law have led to legislative inaction or stalemates with increasing frequency across the United States.

In a news conference (see also summary of key points) that included three members of the governing Twelve Apostles and one woman leader of the Church, leaders called for a “fairness for all” approach that balances religious freedom protections with reasonable safeguards for LGBT people — specifically in areas of housing, employment and public transportation, which are not available in many parts of the country.

Elders Dallin H. Oaks and Jeffrey R. Holland of the Church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Neill F. Marriott of the Church’s Young Women general presidency each spoke on behalf of the Church, outlining the issue and the Church’s position and approach. Elder D. Todd Christofferson, also one of the Twelve Apostles, introduced the news conference and the speakers.

Elder Oaks said: “Because we are frequently asked for our position on these matters, the Church asserts the following principles based on the teachings of Jesus Christ, and on fairness for all, including people of faith:

• We claim for everyone the God-given and Constitutional right to live their faith according to the dictates of their own conscience, without harming the health or safety of others.
• We acknowledge that the same freedom of conscience must apply to men and women everywhere to follow the religious faith of their choice, or none at all if they so choose.
• We believe laws ought to be framed to achieve a balance in protecting the freedoms of all people while respecting those with differing values.
• We reject persecution and retaliation of any kind, including persecution based on race, ethnicity, religious belief, economic circumstances or differences in gender or sexual orientation.”

Church leaders said that both sides of the debate over religious freedom and nondiscrimination should treat each other with respect.  

Love this beautiful song!  Understanding that we are children of a Heavenly Father who loves us can give us the confidence and encouragement to rise to our divine potential.

Is your family protected? That is the important question President Packer helps us consider in this story of looking out for those you love.

President Packer tells of a tragic scene he witnessed in his own backyard, where house finches made nests in the ivy. One day, he heard a group of finches cry out in alarm and saw a snake sliding out from behind the leaves. He knew the bulges in the snake’s body must have been baby finches taken from their nests

“Not in the 50 years we had lived in our home had we seen anything like that,” President Packer says.

His story illustrates the reality that even in our own homes we are vulnerable to the attacks of the adversary. It is vital that we take the necessary precautions to warn and protect our family members, especially children and teenagers.

As President Packer reminds us, “You will do no greater eternal work than within the walls of your own home.”

(Image and Text Source: YouTube)

Vendella has two heroes.  One is her husband, who was killed in Iraq.  The other is Jesus Christ, through whom she believes all things are possible.  Vendella also believes the Holy Ghost and her faith in the Lord led her to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She has been a member for twenty five years.  

Learn more about her story at Mormon.org.

Friday morning Republican presidential front-runner, Mitt Romney, announced he will not be running for president in 2016.

"I believe that one of our next generation of Republican leaders, one who may not be as well known as I am today, one who has not yet taken their message across the country, one who is just getting started, may well emerge as being better able to defeat the Democrat nominee. In fact, I expect and hope that to be the case.

"I feel that it is critical that America elect a conservative leader to become our next president. You know that I have wanted to be that president. But I do not want to make it more difficult for someone else to emerge who may have a better chance of becoming that president. You can’t imagine how hard it is for Ann and me to step aside, especially knowing of your support and the support of so many people across the country.   But we believe it is for the best of the Party and the nation."

Learn More:  Mitt Romney Will Not Run for President in 2016

An important study of religion in America (conducted in 2010) had, among other things, a good deal to say about members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Published under the title American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us , the sociological study was conducted by scholars Robert D. Putnam and David E. Campbell and yields valuable insight to the nature and social effects of American religion. Drawing from in-depth new surveys, the study’s authors affirm that in many respects, religion in America exerts a healthy influence upon American society — one that typically promotes generosity, trust, neighborliness, and civic engagement. And while Mormons are a relatively small component of American society, the study data reveals that they play a conspicuous part in American religious life.

Among the study’s findings related to Latter-day Saints are the following:

• Mormons are among the most devout religious groups in the country.
  The American Grace study assessed a composite measure of “religiosity” that measured individuals’ levels of religious observance, the strength of their religious convictions about God and their faith, and the degree to which they feel their religion is personally important. As a group, Mormons registered a high level of “religiosity” (American Grace, 23-24).
   
• Mormons are among those most likely to keep their childhood faith as adults.
  In an age of American religion where people often depart from the religion of their upbringing and where switching between religions is becoming more common, the study indicates that individuals raised as Latter-day Saints are among those most likely to keep their faith (137-138).
   
• Mormons are unusually giving.
  Among the study’s larger conclusions is the fact that, in general, religion in America contributes to civic virtue, altruism, and good neighborliness. Study data, meanwhile, indicate that collectively Mormons are among the most charitable of Americans with their means and time, both in religious and nonreligious causes (452).
   
• Mormons are relatively friendly to other religious groups.
  The study also reports that Mormons are among those most friendly toward those of other faiths. Relatively speaking, the United States has not been the scene of deep religious conflicts; it is and has been a place of remarkable religious tolerance and pluralism. Nevertheless, the study’s authors point out that Americans are divided by religion, and hence, American society is susceptible to religious discord. Indeed, American religious (and nonreligious) groups have various feelings about one another. While data suggest that Mormons are among those viewed least positively by many American religious groups, they themselves hold relatively positive views toward members of other faiths, including those outside of Christianity (505-508).
   
• Mormons are among the most likely to believe that one true religion exists, but also that those outside their faith can attain salvation or reach “heaven.”
  The scholars behind the study conclude that while many American religions make claims to being exclusively “true,” few religionists in the United States actually believe that “one true religion” exists. Of all American faiths, Mormons are most likely to affirm that there is a “true” faith (546). However, in what might seem a paradox to those unfamiliar with Mormonism, study data also indicate that while many Mormons believe that there is a “true” religion, Mormons are also the most convinced of any group that those outside their faith — including non-Christians — can “go to heaven” or gain salvation (535-537). While this belief is general among American believers, it is, according to the study, strongest among Latter-day Saints.

Robert D. Putnam and David E. Campbell, American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us 
(New York: Simon and Schuster, 2010).