With a struggling economy, unresolved war, and upturned morality seeking justification in our court systems, there’s no question our nation is in turmoil. However, rather than a time to fear, this is a time to stand for righteousness and reclaim America’s divinely mandated role for these final days before the Savior’s Second Coming. What is that role? President John Taylor described America’s destiny this way: “When the people shall have torn to shreds the Constitution of the United States, the elders of Israel will be found holding it up to the nations of the earth, and proclaiming liberty and equal rights to all men, and extending the hand of fellowship to the oppressed of all nations.” L. Tom Perry further explained: “The land must continue to remain strong and great and good. It is destined to be the major supplier of human and financial resources, to build the kingdom of God here in the whole world, and to prepare the world for the return of the Lord and Savior. The adversary knows all too well that a weak America will literally stop this building process and thwart the work of God.”
These two quotes, along with many not mentioned here, indicate that we, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints along with our God fearing friends of other denominations, must work to preserve our nation. To this end, President Ezra Taft Benson offered five vital standards we must live by. In brief, they are:
1. “Keep your families strong.”
2. “Live by the fundamental principles of work, thrift, and self-reliance and teach your children (to live by these principles) by your example.” (Italics added)
3. “Learn about the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and other basic documents of our great country so that you can sustain it and the free institutions set up under it.”
4. “Seek out good, wise, and honest men for public office, and then support them with your vote.”
5. “Heed strictly the commandments of God, particularly the Ten Commandments.”
In conclusion, some final words from Elder Perry:
“Fifty-six men represented 2.5 million in 1776 to bring about a new nation that has literally blessed the whole world. That was one man to every 45,000. Today I’m calling on each of you to exert an influence over about 220 million people in this land. The odds are even better for you; the advantage is on your side. This is the time for you to be bold enough to stand up for what you believe, to let the world know that God still blesses this great land of America—if we will live righteously, according to that which he has commanded.”
Bibliography
Ezra Taft Benson, “America at the Crossroads,” New Era, Jul 1978, 36
L. Tom Perry, “God’s Hand in the Founding of America,” New Era, Jul 1976, 45
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sunday, May 3, 2009
The "Innately" Gay Debate
I've been thinking about an earlier post I wrote about the gay issue and how gay activists claim God made them that way, so what they do is okay, while I firmly believe their lifestyle is choice. A wrong choice.
What I wanted to write about it today, however, was more about gay being "innate" idea. Like I indicated earlier, I believe we all have physical issues we have to learn to control, and gayness is one of those weaknesses. Heaven knows I have many weaknesses, so I'm not saying people with this weakness are bad because they have it. But I did want to stress my point. So, I started doing a bit of research, and I found an article that pretty much said what I wanted to say, so I've added it here. I hope you check it out.
What I wanted to write about it today, however, was more about gay being "innate" idea. Like I indicated earlier, I believe we all have physical issues we have to learn to control, and gayness is one of those weaknesses. Heaven knows I have many weaknesses, so I'm not saying people with this weakness are bad because they have it. But I did want to stress my point. So, I started doing a bit of research, and I found an article that pretty much said what I wanted to say, so I've added it here. I hope you check it out.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
An Interview with Josi Kilpack about the Teen Writer's Conference
RONDA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.
RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.
JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.
RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?
JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.
RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?
JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.
RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?
JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.
RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?
JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.
RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.
RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?
JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.
RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?
JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.
RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?
JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.
RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?
JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.
RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.
JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.
RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.
JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.
RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?
JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.
RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?
JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.
RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?
JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.
RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?
JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.
RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.
RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?
JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.
RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?
JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.
RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?
JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.
RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?
JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.
RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.
Monday, April 20, 2009
A Thought on Patriotism
On April 15, a friend of mine, Candace Salima gave a rousing speech to a group of Tea Party attendees in Salt Lake City. She recounted how her father, a holocaust survivor, loved the United States of America. He loved the constitution and the freedoms she espoused. And he loved it so much he did everything he had to do to become a US citizen. Later, he fought to keep those freedoms alive in America. Candace, pierced by those same convictions, has now taken on his quest; and she is doing a wonderful job spreading the cause of freedom through blogs, speeches, and participating/creating multitudes of constitution-saving organizations. I admire and am grateful for her.
Another friend, Randy McNeeley, is also a patriot doing all he can think of, from finding ways to get the constitution into the hands of more Americans to writing our voted representatives, to spread the cause of maintaining our God-ordained freedoms. I admire and am grateful for him.
I have many other patriotic friends, too, and each is doing something to promote and stand up for the Republic of the United States. I am grateful for them and for their efforts.
Which leads me back to me. What am I doing? On introspection, I see I'm doing little things. You know, the behind the scenes stuff. I try to stand up for what I believe when I see our freedoms belittled or discounted by others. I vote. I write my congressman when I see the need. I occasionally donate to causes I support. But most of all, I'm working to promote goodness and morality in people. That's the cause I've taken on, because the way I see it, if goodness and morality can retake its preeminence in our society, our freedoms will naturally continue.
What are you doing?
Another friend, Randy McNeeley, is also a patriot doing all he can think of, from finding ways to get the constitution into the hands of more Americans to writing our voted representatives, to spread the cause of maintaining our God-ordained freedoms. I admire and am grateful for him.
I have many other patriotic friends, too, and each is doing something to promote and stand up for the Republic of the United States. I am grateful for them and for their efforts.
Which leads me back to me. What am I doing? On introspection, I see I'm doing little things. You know, the behind the scenes stuff. I try to stand up for what I believe when I see our freedoms belittled or discounted by others. I vote. I write my congressman when I see the need. I occasionally donate to causes I support. But most of all, I'm working to promote goodness and morality in people. That's the cause I've taken on, because the way I see it, if goodness and morality can retake its preeminence in our society, our freedoms will naturally continue.
What are you doing?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Book Contest
Hey everyone! There's a contest going on at Anne Bradshaw's blog, Not Entirely British. The prize is a book I'm really wanting to read, because it not only sounds intriguing to me, but its title suggests what I hope we are all trying to become: (a) Tower of Strength, by Annette Lyon. Why don't you hop on over and check it out?
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Speaking Tools
When it comes to "Speaking Out," whether it's preparing a religious article for your blog or giving a talk in church, there are specific tools we must use to present our messages in their best, most effective formats. One such tool, The Youth Speaker's Resource Book, has been recently released by Walnut Springs Press. Click here to learn how you could get this book for free.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A Random Tag
Hazel Jensen tagged me, which means I need to reveal 25 random things about me and then pass the tag to others. Hmm. Let's see . . .
1. I hate string beans.
2. For several years (in the past) I allowed myself to read only one engrossing book a year because whenever I read, that was ALL I did. It wasn't fun, but I learned to control my reading habits enough that I can now read good books AND get things done. I don't recommend this method.
3. I am a soprano soloist. Maybe you know that already?
4. My favorite electronic devices are my computer, printer, and dishwasher.
5. I like the smell of bleach. (But don't worry, I don't go around sniffing it.)
6. I like to laugh.
7. I've always enjoyed studying the gospel.
8. I used to twirl a baton when I was a little kid. I even won the title "Miss Majorette" once.
9. The genre I most enjoy reading is Romantic Suspense. However, I like good, old fashioned romances, too--like all of Jane Austen's books.
10. I like to drink warm water.
11. I'm more likely to speak out rather than raise my hand during a class. Not a good thing.
12. I'm not good at crafts.
13. I don't like to sew.
14. I do like to cook.
You know, this is getting way to revealing. I think I'll stop and pass the tag to someone else. Hey, Josi Kilpack, Becki Clayson, Anne Creager (if you feel up to it), Stacie Henrie, and Brodi Ashton! YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!
1. I hate string beans.
2. For several years (in the past) I allowed myself to read only one engrossing book a year because whenever I read, that was ALL I did. It wasn't fun, but I learned to control my reading habits enough that I can now read good books AND get things done. I don't recommend this method.
3. I am a soprano soloist. Maybe you know that already?
4. My favorite electronic devices are my computer, printer, and dishwasher.
5. I like the smell of bleach. (But don't worry, I don't go around sniffing it.)
6. I like to laugh.
7. I've always enjoyed studying the gospel.
8. I used to twirl a baton when I was a little kid. I even won the title "Miss Majorette" once.
9. The genre I most enjoy reading is Romantic Suspense. However, I like good, old fashioned romances, too--like all of Jane Austen's books.
10. I like to drink warm water.
11. I'm more likely to speak out rather than raise my hand during a class. Not a good thing.
12. I'm not good at crafts.
13. I don't like to sew.
14. I do like to cook.
You know, this is getting way to revealing. I think I'll stop and pass the tag to someone else. Hey, Josi Kilpack, Becki Clayson, Anne Creager (if you feel up to it), Stacie Henrie, and Brodi Ashton! YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED!
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