* All About Mormons Newsletter *
June 1999
Welcome to the All About Mormons Newsletter. If you like what you read, email this to friends and family! If you have poems, stories, object lessons, questions, answers, or good ideas to contribute, please send them to jenny@mormons.org (If you get unusual letters mixed in with this newsletter, please let us know so we can be sure you get it in plain text next time)
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*In this newsletter:
*Book of Mormon Quote of the Month
The Book of Mormon is a volume of sacred writings comparable to the Bible. Its principal purpose is to testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ and the truthfulness of his teachings. For a free copy, call (U.S.) 1-800-528-2225.
"And it came to pass that I was three days and three nights in the most bitter pain and anguish of soul; and never, until I did cry out unto the Lord Jesus Christ for mercy, did I receive a remission of my sins. But behold, I did cry unto him and I did find peace to my soul." (Alma 38:8)
In these last days, there is great wickedness which threatens our security. There are also disasters of increasing ferocity and frequency. Though it is easy to be frightened by the things we see and hear around us, followers of Christ must remember "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." (2 Timothy 1:7)
Remember when Jesus was with his Twelve Apostles on a boat? He had fallen asleep and a great storm had risen up. The disciples were afraid and woke him up. "And [Jesus] saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm." (Matthew 8:26). Through this scripture we see that fear and faith are contradictory. If we fear the world and what man can do, we are doubting God’s plan, power, and purposes. If we truly have faith, we will doubt man and nature’s power to control or destroy God’s purposes.
We also learn of God’s power over the elements and his ability to provide peace. Jesus Christ told his disciples, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) Later he tells them, "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) Notice that the peace Christ gives is not what the world normally calls peace. The world may call times without war "peace time," but that does not describe the tranquillity in the hearts of the people. Conversely, times of political turmoil or personal tribulation do not necessitate feelings of unrest. True feelings of peace come from God, through the Holy Ghost, also known as the Comforter.
One of my favorite scriptures on peace is found in the Doctrine and Covenants. Jesus says:
"Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail. . . . Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen." (D&C 6:34; 36-37)
When I read this scripture, I feel like a little child: weak, small, yet totally trusting my Savior. He tenderly reminds me to remember his sacrifice and put my faith in his power and love.
Here is another great scripture: "…if ye are prepared ye shall not fear" (D&C 38:30). In the March/April 1999 issue we discussed physical preparedness. This month I want to focus more on spiritual preparedness.
Here is an example of spiritual preparedness from the Book of Mormon. On one occasion as the Lamanites tried to attack the Nephites, the Nephites knelt in prayer to God, asking him to bless them and protect them from their enemies. The Lamanites saw them kneeling on the earth and assumed that they were cowering in fear. After all, they were dressed in lamb-skins dyed with blood, had head plates on their shaved heads, and looked terrible. "But in this thing they were disappointed, for the Nephites did not fear them; but they did fear their God and did supplicate him for protection; therefore, when the armies of Giddianhi did rush upon them they were prepared to meet them; yea, in the strength of the Lord they did receive them." (3 Nephi 4:10) A huge, ferocious army was rushing towards them, but they remembered their faith and did not fear. Instead they prayed and were answered with blessings from the Lord. When our own troubles seem to surround us from every side, we can likewise combat them as we remember our faith and turn towards God.
One of the best ways I’ve found to feel peace is to worthily enter the temple. Just after the Lord told the early Saints "if ye are prepared, ye shall not fear," he commanded them to gather and build a temple. Temples strengthen our spirits and are places of refuge and peace. This is why Latter-day Saints are committed to building temples. In fact, we hope to have 100 temples in operation by the year 2000. With so many new temples announced or under construction, chances are pretty good that you are fairly close to one of them. After they are completed, everyone is invited to tour them before they are dedicated as special places of worship. Even temples which have not been dedicated can help visitors feel inner peace as they see its simple beauty and contemplate their relationship with God.
I encourage all who can attend a temple open house to do so. Once a temple has been dedicated, only worthy Latter-day Saints carrying a temple recommend may enter in. May I encourage all who are members to obtain a recommend and go to the temple as often as possible. If you are not a member and wish that you could go inside a dedicated temple, I invite you to learn more about the purpose of temples and the sacred truths surrounding them. Do you believe as we do that marriage does not need to end at death, that parents and children should keep their bonds throughout eternity, and that those who die without hearing about Jesus Christ should be given that opportunity? If so, then teachings about the temple will provide a key to see how these things are possible. And you will also learn that through the gospel of Jesus Christ as taught by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints these blessings are possible. Perhaps you will want to learn more about our Church and even consider baptism. Then you too will eventually be able to enter these beautiful, sacred, peaceful places.
Though our world is filled with danger and evil, I know that through our faith in Jesus Christ and through keeping his commandments, we will find safety and peace.
For more scriptures related to peace, see Peace and Comfort
For more information about the temple, including a virtual tour, see Teachings about Temples
*Object Lesson: Divert Your Course!
This is the transcript of the ACTUAL radio conversation of a US naval ship with
Canadian authorities off the coast of Newfoundland.
Canadians: Please divert your course 15 degrees the South to avoid a collision.
Americans: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees the North to avoid a collision.
Canadians: Negative. You will have to divert your course 15 degrees to the South to avoid
a collision.
Americans: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert YOUR course.
Canadians: No. I say again, you divert YOUR course.
Americans: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS LINCOLN, THE SECOND LARGEST SHIP IN THE UNITED
STATES’ ATLANTIC FLEET. WE ARE ACCOMPANIED BY THREE DESTROYERS, THREE CRUISERS AND
NUMEROUS SUPPORT VESSELS. I DEMAND THAT YOU CHANGE YOUR COURSE 15 DEGREES NORTH, I SAY
AGAIN, THAT’S ONE FIVE DEGREES NORTH, OR COUNTER-MEASURES WILL BE UNDERTAKEN TO
ENSURE THE SAFETY OF THIS SHIP.
Canadians: This is a lighthouse. Your call.
"Wherefore, brethren, seek not to counsel the Lord, but to take counsel from his hand. For behold, ye yourselves know that he counseleth in wisdom, and in justice, and in great mercy, over all his works." (Jacob 4:10)
*What’s New on All About Mormons?
LDS Humor is continually expanding. Thanks to all those who have contributed so far! Keep on sending us your funny stories, jokes, etc. We want our humor to be enjoyable to all of our visitors, members and non-members alike, so please use discretion when choosing which ones to send. Our Other Good Stuff section is especially for non-religious humor. Laugh With Us!
All About Mormons has information to keep you in touch with the Church, including Church related web sites and Internet services, Church phone numbers, and magazine information. Check it out on our Welcome page!
A new accusatory question entitled "Why Doesn't the Book of Mormon Contain the Fullness of Gospel Doctrine?" has been added. (05/30/99)
Jeff Lindsay answers the question "Why Do I Need a Prophet?" (05/29/99)
The "How Can a Prophet Believe in Moonmen?" article has been updated. (05/29/99)
Jeff Lindsay answers the question: "Didn't Christ say that there would be no prophets after John?" (05/29/99)
Jeff Lindsay answers the question: "If Gordon B. Hinckley is a prophet, why was he fooled by the fraudulent Salamander Letter and other fake documents from Mark Hofmann?" (05/29/99)
A new accusatory question entitled "Are LDS Church leaders the most evil men who ever lived?" has been added. (05/29/99)
A new accusatory question has been added answering the Question -- Could you please tell me how to explain why Mormon doctrine has changed so much since it's founding. (05/29/99)
The "Are Prophets Infallible?" article has been updated. (05/29/99)
The accusatory question "Did Joseph Smith Utter False Prophesies?" has been updated. (05/29/99)
A new accusatory question entitled "Doesn't the Bible teach against modern prophets?" has been added. (05/29/99)
In "Fulfilled Prophesies of Joseph Smith", Jeff Lindsay discusses some prophetic predictions that came true. (05/29/99)
The Grace vs. Works article has been updated. (05/26/99)
Making Home a Heaven--a new special activity night at the Young Women's Corner (05/25/99
In CultMaster 2000 and CultMaster2000:Letter of Concern, and Proof by Spoof: Are Your Children in a Cult?, Jeff Lindsay gives a very humorous parody which shows the silliness of those who claim Latter-day Saints are "cultists". (05/24/99)
A new article entitled "Why Are Certain Things Forbidden In the Word of Wisdom?" has been added. (05/23/99)
A new article entitled "Does the Word of Wisdom Require Latter-day Saints to be Vegetarians?" has been added. (05/23/99)
A new article entitled "What is Official Doctrine?" has been added. (05/23/99)
A new article entitled "Is it OK to Choose a Civil Marriage Over a Temple Marriage?" has been added. (05/23/99)
A new article entitled "Why Can Men Have More Than One Wife In Eternity When Women Can Only Have One Husband?" has been added. (05/23/99)
The Modesty in Dress article has been updated. (05/22/99)
In What I Hope You Will Teach Your Children About the Temple, President Ezra Taft Benson discusses the holy temple. (5/19/99)
Anti-Mormon Tactics has been updated. (5/19/99)
In Moses Also Had Murmurers...., John Tvetdnes gives a very humorous parody which shows the inanity of those who claim that "Mormons aren't Christians." (05/18/99)
In Solving the Christian Puzzle, John Tvetdnes gives a very humorous parody which shows the inanity of those who claim that "Mormons aren't Christians." (05/18/99)
Preparing Early Revelations for Publication, Melvin Petersen 1985 Ensign article, summarizes the differences between the Book of Commandments and the Doctrine and Covenants. (05/18/99)
My Body Is a Temple--a new special activity night (05/18/99)
So You Want to Marry a Moroni--A Scripture Study Activity has been added (05/18/99)
A new article entitled "Is Plural Marriage Necessary for Exaltation?" has been added. (05/17/99)
Two Visiting Teaching Skits (05/17/99)
Callings for New Converts--ways to include both men and women (05/17/99)
Youth Conference Ideas! Hooray! (05/17/99)
I Write My Life Story--a new year of Activities in the Young Women's Corner (05/17/99)
Presidency Helps--written for primary presidencies, but many things are the same no matter where you serve (05/17/99)
Camp-a-Lot finally available under Camp (05/17/99)
A new accusatory question entitled "Are all Latter-day Saint beliefs fully explained in the Bible?" has been added. (05/17/99)
A new article entitled The Garden Story: Literal vs. Figurative has been added. (05/15/99)
The Evolution article has been updated. (05/15/99)
The "Why did the church's prophet get rid of polygamy, was it because of a revelation or was it just to appeal to the laws of man?" accusatory question has been updated. (05/15/99)
The Why Should I Convert? article has been updated. (05/15/99)
In Difficult Doctrinal Teachings, W. John Walsh talks about how to resolve apparant conflicts in doctrine. (05/10/99)
A "Do Latter-day Saints Intentionally Conceal Their Doctrine?" accusatory question has been updated. (05/09/99)
The "Why do the Latter-day Saints send their missionaries out into the world, especially into Christian nations?" accusatory question has been updated. (05/09/99)
The "Are You Polytheists?" accusatory question has been updated. (05/09/99)
The Biblical Support for Deification accusatory question has been updated. (05/09/99)
Joseph Fielding McConkie answers the question "What are the best evidences that Joseph Smith was a prophet?" (05/09/99)
Joseph Fielding McConkie answers the question "Shouldn't the Church make a greater effort to respond to the ugly, dishonest, foolish, and false things that are said about it?" (05/09/99)
The Adding to the Bible - Rev 22:18 article has been updated. (05/09/99)
The Are Mormons Christians? article has been updated. (05/09/99)
Joseph Fielding McConkie answers the question "Why does Mormonism arouse such animosity among so many?" (05/09/99)
The "Mormonism" and Christendom article has been updated. (05/09/99)
The April 1999 General Conference (incl. the March General Young Women Meeting) talks have been added. (05/02/99)
*Fun Stuff: Brain Teaser
by Jenny Walsh
Help! I conducted a survey with four girls from Lafayette who are friends. These are the questions asked by the survey. What is your first and last name? What is the name of one boy that you like? What is your favorite flower? What kind of pet do you have? I was going to make a big poster on it for a project I was doing, so I put all the information on slips of paper. But, I dropped all of my slips on the floor and lost my surveys. Now I have all these slips of paper to put together again. I remember a few things about them and about what the girls told me as they completed the surveys. I just hope it's enough! These are the slips of paper I have:
Girls' First Names: Annette, Caroline, Fiona, Rebecca
Girls' Last Names: Allen, Collins, Davis, Richards
Names of Boys Liked: Adam, Chase, Derek, Forrest
Favorite Flower: Columbine, Daisy, Freesia, Rose
Pet: Anemone, Dog, Ferret, Rabbit
This is what I remember:
1) I remember that when Annette completed her survey, none of her answers started with the same letter. I noticed the same thing happened with the rest of the girls, too. (For example, Annette's last name was not Allen, she didn't like Adam, etc. Furthermore, the person who liked Ferrets did not like Freesia, and so on. Once a letter had started an item in a girl's survey, it wasn't used to start another item in her survey.)
2) I remember that the Freesia lover and Rebecca are best friends. They grew up with Adam and Derek in Lafayette. Those two girls said that they never were interested in boys they grew up with because they seemed more like brothers to them.
3) I remember that Collins told me she didn't have a furry animal because of her allergies. She also told me that she and Fiona used to be best friends until the Rose lover moved in. That's because the Rose lover shared Fiona's interest in Lafayette boys.
4) I remember that Davis and Fiona do not like Chase or dogs (or chasing dogs for that matter), but the Daisy lover told me her best friend likes them both. That's all I remember. I hope you can help!
A grid which might help you is at Brain Teasers. Answers are at Brain Teaser Answers
*Response of the Month: How can we better fellowship ward members?
-Do home teaching and visiting teaching
-Make a special effort to learn ward members names and greet them, ask about how they are, etc. in the foyer. Remember to talk to the youth and children as well as the adults.
-Invite a family from the ward over on a regular basis (lunch, dinner, Family Home Evenings)
-Carpool with other ward members to ward or stake events.
-Offer to help people in their callings.
-Call up ward members during the week just to talk or see how they are doing.
-Especially keep in touch with those working in Primary, Young Women’s, and other callings that keep them out of normal adult meetings.
*Question of the Month: How can we be better neighbors and develop a better neighborhood?
Thank you for your wonderful responses so far. Let us know what you think. We want your wisdom and input!
Reader responses will appear in the next newsletter. E-mail responses to jenny@mormons.org
See you later!