Why I Believe: New Year, New Beginnings

Why I Believe: New Year, New Beginnings: "This is always an interesting time of year, with the holiday rush still winding down, and the new year looming before us. It's somewhat intimidating to realize how quickly each year passes by, bringing new adventures and challenges to life. Many people use this time of year to reflect on the past twelve months, and set goals and resolutions for the upcoming year. Whether or not those resolutions last beyond the first week or two is often an entirely different story.

So what is it this year that I will focus on? For me, I look back over the last year, and I'm simply amazed at what has happened. For the last calendar year, and a little bit more time before, I have been serving as a full-time missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been an incredible year of growth and learning for me, and I've come to more fully realize who I am as an individual, and who the Lord wants and needs me to be.

Has this last year been perfect? Of course not. I've had many shortcomings and hard times, and I haven't always responded the way I should have to them. So one of my resolutions for the upcoming year is to rely more fully on the Lord, and trust that He knows what is best for me, regardless of whether or not I can see it all at the time things are happening.

Another resolution of mine is to continue my daily scripture study and personal prayer. I never fully understood the importance of those simple actions until I began serving as a missionary. Before then, I didn't really study my scriptures as often as I should have, and I realize now how much I was holding myself back. There have been many mornings that I have received answers to my questions as I have prayerfully studied the revealed word of God. And even when I haven't received as direct of answers, showing Heavenly Father that I'm willing to put Him first in my day has helped me to invite the Spirit into all that I do.

As we face this new year, filled with hope, anticipation, perhaps a little anxiety at times, it is my prayer that we do all we can to be obedient to the Lord and turn our lives over to Him. In closing, I'd just like to share a statement made by President Henry B. Eyering, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church, when he said,

“We cannot see the future with precision, but we can know what the Lord intends and what it will take [for] each of us to qualify personally to participate.”

Posted by Elder Joshua Wood

See his blog at: http://elderjoshwood.blogspot.com/

Understanding Christ's Birth

Knowest Though the Condescension of God?: Birth and Childhood

This is a great video I've had the opportunity to watch today as further personal study into the events surrounding Christ's birth.  In this video, Brigham Young University scholars of ancient scripture discuss 

A wonderful thing about this video is how they compare the information we have from the multiple accounts in Biblical sources and other sources available through modern revelation, like the Book of Mormon.

They also discuss external historical information that makes it easier to follow some of those events.  Beyond that, I enjoyed seeing many of the historical sites that were involved in Christ's birth and childhood.

The Other Wise Man

One of those books that comes out of my family's storage for Christmas is the Other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke.  It traces the fictitious life of Artiban, who was a middle eastern wise man or magi, like the wise men who visited Jesus Christ as a child.  It teaches a wonderful lesson that a lifetime of service is the best gift we can offer Christ, and is far more valuable for us and to him than gold or jewels.

Elder Sabin, one of the leaders over our small band of missionaries, surprised us by spending a district meeting reading the story of the Other Wise Man.  It brought back great memories from Christmases at home and ways we'd try to serve others, especially around Christmas.

I also enjoyed watching the movie, the Fourth Wise Man, which is based on the classic story.  I hope you'll read or watch it and think of ways that you can more passionately serve as Artiban did, as the Spirit prompted him throughout the story to swerve as Christ would.  If you need some practical ideas to get started, you can find them at: http://mormon.org/humanitarian-aid/.

Look to the Light!

At Christmastime and always, Jesus Christ is the Light of the World for all who seek Him. For more Christmas videos, visit http://christmas.lds.org./
Originally posted on a missionary blog by Elder Dajeu

The Digital Story of The Nativity

I found these videos that some people had posted on their facebook.  I thought it fit well with the online work we do here and with the Christmas season.  I love the message at the end, the means of communication we have today is certainly much different then that of the past, but the message is still the same.  Whether being taught in a living room or in a chat room the gospel is still the same and has the power to change lives.  I am grateful for this Christmas season, and the opportunity we have to remember Jesus Christ.  It is because of Him we are here as missionaries.

Only In Our Day...

Elder Joshua Albright: Only in our day...:

Standing with some Christmas lights

Have you ever taken a step back, and looked to the many blessings that we have been given in the world around us, with the technology and abilities that we have and are able to use. Like right now at this moment, you are (I'm guessing), not sitting right next to me or anything, and yet are able to read and look at this and read it at an instant with a click of your finger. Imagine living thousands of years ago, lets say, in the day of Moses. If you didn't live right there with him, maybe if you lived only 100 miles away, think of the difficulty in getting to hear the prophet of God speak. Or being able to listen when he teaches. Now what is you lived on another continent during the days of Moses. If you lived in the americas, you would most likely not even know the name of Moses, nor that he was a prophet of God or to hear what he was teaching from God. Now look at...
the day in which we live. We have open communication through technology to all over the world, we can call and talk to people in England, Tanzania, China, with something as simple as putting in their phone numbers.

President Thomas S. Monson

Now God has prophets and apostles on the earth at this very time, to lead and guide all of His children. He didn't stop loving us, He still does. And look at how much God has given us in our day to spread His word, and to hear from His chosen representatives on the earth. It was so awesome just 2 days ago, to be able to watch the prophet, and his counselors from the TV, to see the Christmas Devotional. If you haven't had a chance to watch that, please watch it, it was so great and the Spirit was truly strong as I watched and listened to the prophet of God on the earth. Click here to watch =)

Christmas Videos

Christmas Videos by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

With Christmas coming up soon, I'm going to continue trying to dedicate Missionary Media to videos about Jesus Christ and the true focus of Christmas.  You've probably noticed the new banner for Christmas videos.  That banner leads to a small collection of shorts videos for the Christmas season.  My hope is that you'll watch them, share them with some friends, and share your thoughts about your favorite ones in the comments for this post.  Merry Christmas!

Do You See Him As He Is?

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. [1 John 3:2]

When I teach about our Heavenly Father, one of the first things I always ask to get people thinking is about how they picture him in their minds.  Watching this, I also thought about how we picture Jesus Christ in our minds.  What they physically look like in our minds isn't as important as the characteristics we relate with them.
As a missionary, we emphasize the attributes of faith, hope, charity, love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, obedience.  This are the qualities of Jesus Christ that we work to develop in ourselves.  As we picture Jesus Christ, do we think of him displaying these qualities?  Many of the artists in these portrayals of Christ captured these and other qualities.  As the celebration of Jesus Christ's birth approaches, let's focus our attention on Jesus Christ.  Through the holiday, we'll see many depictions of him.  Let's stop and think about the Christ-like attributes we see in the depiction, and behold more than just the scene.  As you see those attributes, think of ways that you can develop them in yourself, so that when you see him, you will be like him and see him as he is.

Movie Monday- Christmas time is here again!

In honor of the holiday season I thought I would start off with one man's musical tribute to our Savior, Jesus Christ. Handel was a composer who lived in the 1700s. He was a talented musician who was able to master the violin and organ at a young age. He started writing operas in Italy and later moved to England where he enjoyed early success. However, as he grew older his audience became less and less interested in his works. For the majority of his life he spent his time fighting off creditors. It was only after he suffered, and recovered from, a stroke that left his right arm temporarily paralyzed that he wrote a piece that is world renowned today and one of the best pieces of music ever written. Handel's Messiah.



May we all remember this holiday season the wonderful gift of having Christ live on this earth, and may we also use Handel as an example of perseverance that we might also be able to glorify God in our own individual ways as we strive to follow Him.

The Standard of Truth: Kids and Christmas

The Standard of Truth: Kids and Christmas:
"The Christmas season is HERE! It is my favorite time of the year. This is a great video with some cute kids and their thoughts about Christmas. We can learn a lot from Children! During this Christmas season I hope we can all direct our thoughts and actions towards Jesus Christ. For He is after all, the reason for the season."

Elder Jordan Catron

Montana Billings Mission

Check out my blog: Elder Catron's Blog

To bring the world His truth: Safety for MY soul

To bring the world His truth: Safety for MY soul:

The Testimony of the Book of Mormon

1. Have you ever wondered if the Book of Mormon is the word of God?
2. Was Joseph Smith a prophet?
3. Did he really see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ?

Watch this Video Clip

Joseph Smith gave his life for our Savior Jesus Christ. He died for him like unto apostle's of old. Remember the history of Paul? He was well to do in the Jewish culture. His birthright, education, and standing in the Jewish community was of high honor. He said, "Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, " He was taken later in life and killed for what he manifested to be the word of God.


Many of the Apostles were martyred, for the sake of Christ, and God.
Andrew and Bartholomew, both being put to death by Crucifixion. James, Son of Alphaeus, was stoned to death by the Jews. James, Son of Zebedee, was killed by King Herod. The brother of James, John the baptist, was beheaded for the ministry. For the Cause of Christ.


We see that these men died and sealed their testimonies with their very own blood. Joseph Smith being a Prophet, Seer, and Revelator, sealed his testimony with his OWN blood. The work of the ministry can and will move forward. Joseph Smith brought back the small and simple truths that were lost, taken and misunderstood to be understood. Through Joseph Smith, Christ could bring back His gospel to its fullest. By reading the Book of Mormon, you can pray about its message and gain your own conviction.

"We invite all men everywhere to read the Book of Mormon, to ponder in their hearts the message it contains, and then to ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ if the book is true. Those who pursue this course and ask in faith will gain a testimony of its truth and divinity by the power of the Holy Ghost. (See Moroni 10: 3-5.)

"Those who gain this divine witness from the Holy Spirit will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord’s kingdom once again established on the earth, preparatory to the second coming of the Messiah. "

I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. I know those who receive an answer of it's truthfulness will have many questions answered. I know Heavenly Father loves us, and he wouldn't leave us here alone not knowing the secrets of Him. He called a Prophet to guide us in these latter-days. I know through our Savior Jesus Christ, we can receive salvation, and the comfort in these comfortless days. Please comment and write your testimony of the Book of Mormon. Feel free to write your thoughts.

Bible beats Satan!

When you carry the Bible, satan gets a headache. When you open it, he collapses.When he sees you reading it, he faints. When he sees you are living what you read, he flees!! And when you are about to re-post this message, he will try and discourage you. I defeated him!

Order a free copy of the Bible at Mormon.org.

T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G!

In light of the Thanksgiving Holiday, I wish to take the opportunity to publicly give thanks for all the things I find much gratitude in.  My biggest thanks is to my Heavenly Father for the family He has given me and the great opportunities I have had in my life.  Recently, I have been encouraged to share "my story" publicly and the blessings I have received, so I will.  In order to properly express my gratitude for that, I will be publishing a series of posts that thoroughly details the many things I have to be grateful for in my miraculous life.  This will consist of a total of 3 consecutive posts:  Part 1 - My Orphange Life; Part 2 - My Mom's Adoption Perspective; Final Part - Our Forever Family.  I will start posting after Thanksgiving due to time, so consider it an extension of celebrating the Thanksgiving Holiday.  For the time being, I wish to engage in a simple word play activity that expresses my gratitude now:

In Others' Words: Absolutely Essential

In Others' Words: Absolutely Essential:

I apologize for the last post. I'm simplifying. I will return to the real purpose of this blog and minimize my own commentary (soap-boxing) on the quotes I provide. I can't really say it any better anyway.

I am reprimanded by the words of a favorite author of mine, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. In his book The Little Prince, the title character so truly teaches (as I have now illustrated):

"Grown-ups never understand anything for themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them."

Saint-Exupéry was a French pilot during WWII. In spite of his involvement on behalf of his country, he despised war and viewed life with the eye of a poet. He wrote much concerning charity, which the prophet Mormon defines as "the pure love of Christ."

The insights of Saint-Exupéry are simple but profound. For fear of saying anything to detract from their greatness, I will refrain from comment, but merely place quotes in a pleasant order.


"Charity never humiliated him who profited from it, nor ever bound him by the chains of gratitude, since it was not to him but to God that the gift was made."

-Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"If a man say, 'I love God,' and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also."

1 John 4:20-21

"For true love is inexhaustible; the more you give, the more you have. And if you go to draw at the true fountainhead, the more water you draw, the more abundant is its flow."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

"Love does not cause suffering; what causes it is the sense of ownership, which is love's opposite."

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Let go. Let God. Without charity, life is meaningless. With it, life is given energy and purpose. In it's pure unadulterated form, Love is the greatest thing in the world and the greatest absolute essential.

As a summation of his philosophy, we can take these words of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry to heart.

"And now here is my secret, a very simple secret; it is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye."

By Elder Thatcher

See his blog at http://inothers-words.blogspot.com/

MORMON COP: Glory- Campfire Scene (Morgan Freeman's prayer)

MORMON COP: Glory- Campfire Scene (Morgan Freeman's prayer):

In the movie, GLORY, Morgan Freeman admonishes his men to fight, and if necessary, die standing up while facing the enemy. These Civil War soldiers are the first African Americans to fight in the Civil War for their own freedom and the freedom of all American citizens in the future. These soldiers of the 54^thRegiment were ready to step up and do their part even if it meant giving their life for the cause of freedom.

Who are these missionaries?

Watch to learn a bit about these Mormon Missionaries.  There's a fun surprise at the end.

The Good News: Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light

The Good News: Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light:
"I so love this video and its inherent message of Christlike forgiveness. In a world drenched in hate and vindictive habits, may we all reflect upon the One who died for each of us when we were undeserving and 'beggars' ourselves. We, each one of us, rely upon the merits of He who is greater in all things. Let us be mindful this special season, and always, that forgiveness is the greatest gift we have received and the greatest gift we can give. May we all learn to forgive ourselves as well, as we contribute charity, the pure love of Christ, to the world."

Posted by Elder Paden Carlson

See his blog at elderpcarlson.blogspot.com/

Another Brainwashed Mormon?

This video reminded me of so many things my parents and the Church has taught me that I had to share it.

Let Us All Press On!: "If a man die, shall he live again?"

Let Us All Press On!: "If a man die, shall he live again?": "I am so grateful today for the inspired words of our modern prophets. I was reading one talk in particular during church that meant a lot to me. The talk was given by Thomas S. Monson, who is the current prophet today. Below is the video of that talk. The part I'm writing about starts at 2:37 and goes through 4:45, but you can watch the whole thing if you want! :)

"If a man die shall he live again?" (Job 14:14)

It's a good question. For some even a scary question. Many of the people I meet on the street or at doors say something like, "I dunno buddy; I don't like to think about it!"

Well I am here today to say that there is more! There is so much that awaits beyond this mortal life! Today we are here in what we call mortality. We have physical bodies that are subject to pain, suffering, temptation, disease, and other hardships. At some point we may struggle through employment difficulties. We might be betrayed or abandoned by someone close. Many experience depression or anxiety. All those make life challenging, and sometimes seemingly impossible. In those moments where everything seems so insurmountable or even pointless, it is easy to lose perspective.

HOWEVER, if we remember that this life is not the end, then life is much more positive. In the Mormon church, we call that keeping an eternal perspective. Even if we fully believe that there's more to our existance than mortality, it won't help us unless we remember that always. By keeping our eternal perspective on, we can take our blinders off a bit and see that there's more to life than the trials that we're currently experiencing.

If a man die shall he live again? YES!!! The scriptures, the prophets, and the light of Christ in all of us bear witness that this is true! My invitation to all of you is to hold on to that. Keep moving forward. Continue trying. Follow our Heavenly Father's commandments because He has promised if we hold out faithful we "are recieved into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow." (Alma 40:12)

As a real life example, check out: http://www.mormon.org/me/1JWZ-eng"

By Elder Brandt Elison

See his blog at http://ldselison.blogspot.com/

ELDER UNGA: HE LIVES!!!!

ELDER UNGA: HE LIVES!!!!:
"Most people in the world today have questions and concerns about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, thinking whether or not they are Christians?? Well I would like to bear testimony of my Lord and Savior. I testify that Jesus of Nazerath is the very Son of the very God. I know with every feeling in my heart that HE Is the Christ. The very savior of the world. I know that He came to earth to fullfill His Fathers will and that He prepared a way for us to return home to live in peace and happiness for all time and eternity. I know of these truthfull statements because of the teaching from The Bible and The Book of Mormon Another Testiment of Jesus Christ.They both testfiy that Jesus Christ has the power to heal the starving spirits in the world. I know that to be true because my own soul has been stilled and comforted through these eternal truths. I did not gain my witness from a man but I have gained it from my Father in Heaven the Almighty God Himself as He has answered my prayers. I know that God loves His Children, and loved them enough to send his son Jesus Christ. I testify of this in the name of the Prince of Peace even Jesus Christ, Amen."

By Elder Unga
See his blog at http://elderunga.blogspot.com/

Let's chat: El Libro de Mormon

Let's chat: El Libro de Mormon: "Hoy quier escribir sobre el Libro de Mormon y hablar de algunas cosas que e aprendido al leerlo. En el libro hay muchas cosas que testifican que es verdad. Por ejemplo Alma 36. Este capitulo demuestra un tipo de poesia Hebrea. Quiasmo... Alma 36 es un gran ejemplo y basicamente cuando lee uno ese capitulo el primer versiculo y el ultimo dice lo mismo. Asi que un ejemple seria asi : A B C C B A Imaginense que la "A" es el primer versiculo. La "B" el dos y "C" el ultimo. Despues lo que sigue es de la "C" a la "A." Creo que la mejor forma de que lo sepan sera que ustedes mismos lean Alma 36!!"

Por Elder Elliott Meza
Visite su blog en http://elliottmeza.blogspot.com

The Restoration

This is a great video for sharing the restoration. The title is funny too.

The Name's Elder: 1 Nephi 7 - Does God Answer Prayers?

"I will call attention to what may be a common insight in chapter 7. But it is common because it is good. It is important. It is powerful. Lets look at verses 17 & 18. Nephi has been tied up and left for dead. What a great situation to be in. I'm sure he's thanking the Lord for these tribulations. Ha!

So what does he do, well of course, he PRAYS for help. He asks the Lord for the strength to "burst" the bands he is held bound with. But are they burst? Not so much. We read that they are but "loosed". Now this is a small difference, but we can learn a big lesson from it. Does the Lord sometimes answer our prayers according to our needs, and not necessarily according to our wants? When it comes down to it, all Nephi needed was to be freed from being bound. He didn't necessarily need strength to break the bands. Do we sometimes ask the Lord for something we want, and he gives us something a little different? Do we recognize that our prayer has been answered, or do we look beyond the mark, having our heart set on what we wanted?

S. Michael Wilcox expounds this principle extremely well in a talk given as a devotional at BYU-Hawaii. He references Luke 11:9-13. When we ask for bread, God does not give us stones. The same principle applies in all things. When we ask for bread, the Lord gives us bread. He fill our needs. But sometimes we may be so focused on getting marble rye, that when He gives us whole wheat, we don't accept it. It becomes a stone. (Read the whole talk HERE, its fantastic but reallylong)

In Nephi's case, I hardly think he's about to be upset about not receiving strength to break the bands as he asked. Surely he is thrilled just to be free. I hope we will all accept the help and guidance the Lord offers us, and not be so focused on what we want, that we don't recognize that He has likely given us, or surely will give us, what we need. The Lord answers in His own way, in His own time. But He does answer. And He does so according to our faith (v.17). May we trust in Him that He will always give us bread, no matter what kind.

Does God Answer Prayers?


By Elder Kunz

See this blog at http://thebookisblue.blogspot.com/

Elder Meza: Tune Before You Play

Let's chat: Tune before you play: 



When I was in high school I took a guitar class. The teacher was awesome! He was the orchestra teacher and the guitar teacher. He played all the instruments very well. My first year of Guitar he taught us all techniques and music theory (of which I don't remember much). The first weeks we learned about the notes, quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, rests, eight notes, time signature and a lot of other things. One of the most important lessons was hot to tune. We played the E note which is the sixth string and the lowest note. We would also have to sing the note to memorize the sound.

Why Patience!!!

Why Patience!!!!: 







"We have all heard the saying "patience is a virtue", but how many of us believe that? How many of us are truly patient? I know that I am not, that is something I have had to learn the hard way. Most of the people I look up to are able to realize that if you are impatient, it doesn't make anything happen any sooner. My dad is a great example of this. My dad and I golf alot together, and if golfing doesn't teach you patience I don't know what will. The hard thing about golf is that when you hit a bad shot, if you get mad or if people in front of you are slow then you play worse. My dad would just stand there and talk to me if there were slow people in front of us and I realized that those are great oppertunities to talk to each other. If we are impatient and are focused on the people playing faster, then we miss out on some wonderful time to talk and get to know each other. The Lord has given us a promise if we are patient. In Alma 32 verse 43 it says:

Then, my brethren, ye shall areap the brewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth cfruit unto you.

Here Alma is talking about prayer and scripture study and that if we are patitent and diligent in doing those two things, then we will feel good. We will feel the love of God and it will be fruit for our soul. It will make us happy beyond belief. That to me shows how important patience really is. My hope for all of us is that we will learn to stop and smell the roses, and appricate the time when we have to wait."

By Sister Sara Barras

See her blog at http://sistersarabarras.blogspot.com/

"Make Your Own Mormon Message"

The call for members to share the gospel on the internet by creating their own videos that explain our beliefs has been brought to a higher level.  Most members have seen the variety of entertaining Mormon Messages that have been produced through official media. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is calling out to members to create their own Mormon Messages and post them on YouTube.  As an additional incentive, the Church has started an international video contest that will pick finalists and award prizes to the members with the best videos.  The Church looking for submissions from individual members, auxiliary groups, or whole wards and branches.
Here is a great example by the Palmhurst Ward in the Las Vegas Nevada Sandstone Stake.

We shouldn't be worried if we feel our videos are amateur or we don't feel that they are the same production quality as the official Mormon Messages.  There's actually and amateur category.  I know mine will fall in it.  "The power of personal" is exactly what we're looking for and the Mormon Messages should reflect who we are.  That doesn't mean we shouldn't try to keep them from being sloppy either.
For mine, I've started working on a message about what my parents have taught me about the resurrection.
Also, the Church has given specific guidelines for using approved music and use of copyrighted materials.
Before you begin, I'd recommend looking through the Church's existing Mormon Messages and videos already posted on YouTube for ideas.  You'll also want to become familiar with the guidelines the Church's audiovisual department has given to be eligible.  If you have an idea that does not meet these requirements you can still make it to share if it doesn't break any copyright laws.

It doesn't take much equipment to get started either.  If you have a digital camera or webcam, most have a record feature or you can make a slideshow of still photos.  There's lots of free software out there like  Windows Movie Maker or One True Media that you can use to sharpen it up, add simple effects, and make it more professional.

When you're all finished with your Mormon Message, you'll need to post it publicly on YouTube and fill out the Entry Form to submit your video for the contest.  Be sure to invite everyone to see it.
Let's see what we can make!

Attending Church

Interested in checking out a Mormon Church meeting for the first time and don't know what to expect?
...or are you bringing a friend to church and want to get them ready?


This video by Mormons Made Simple will show them exactly what to expect.  It's sure to get you really excited to go tomorrow too.

Elder King: The Infinite Power of Hope

The Infinite Power of Hope:
"Hope is an assurance that all things will work out for our good. It is a trust that the Lord's promised blessings will be fulfilled in our lives. Hope gives us the strength to press on even when life is difficult, dark, or discouraging. I've always found comfort in this scripture from Romans 15:13, "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost". This video from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf is very moving and assuring. His words about hope are enlightening and inspiring and have brought peace and light to my life. I'm grateful for the Lord's Church again on the earth and for living apostles and prophets who testify of His living reality and His ever existing influence in our lives." - Elder Bryson King

See his blog at: http://brysonking.blogspot.com/

Featured Media: God's Truth Has Been Restored on Prezi

Elder Tyson Boardman was the first missionary to begin proselyting online in May 2008.   He returned home in May of this this year, but before leaving he created a valuable tool for teaching principles from the first missionary lesson.  This Prezi goes over God's pattern for revealing truth to the world, how Jesus Christ chose Joseph Smith to restore His Church, and how each of us can learn the truth of the Book of Mormon.

God's Truth Has Been Restored on Prezi

The Lessons

Are you just looking to learn what the missionaries will teach before committing to meet them in person?  Currently meeting with the missionaries and want to review?  Preparing for a mission and want to see how to prepare, or learn how to teach?

O, That I Were an Angel!: Publishing Media as a Missionary

Gideon Burton, an English professor at BYU, who has been acting as a mentor to missionaries who work online, inspired me to create this new blog for posting media created by full-time missionaries and member missionaries working to share the message.

On Tuesday, August 10, 2010 he posted O, That I Were an Angel!: Publishing Media as a Missionary. He challenged missionaries to use and create personal media for their teaching. Since then missionaries serving online has responded by creating a variety of videos and presentations for explaining our beliefs in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.