Mormon Life - LDSL Blog tag

{LDSL Blog} Talking About Same-sex Attraction

Thu, 24 May 2012 00:06:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In our May/June 2012 issue, we published an article about same-sex attraction that has evoked a wide range of responses. Here’s why we chose to do it.

The decision to publish an article about same-sex attraction in LDS Living was not made lightly. To be honest, I lost a fair amount of sleep over this story wondering how it would be received by our readers and if, in the end, it would be worth the risk.

We knew that many people, both inside and outside of the Church, would be uncomfortable or even offended by the topic. We also knew that by sharing their story, Ty and Danielle Mansfield would be subjecting themselves to scrutiny and criticism—something they were fully prepared to do. But we strongly believed that by running this story, we could accomplish three goals:

Facilitate within the Mormon culture a conversation about SSA.

Increase understanding and compassion for those experiencing SSA.

Give hope and encouragement to Church members who themselves are struggling with SSA.

This article was not meant to stir up controversy for the sake of controversy. And it definitely isn’t suggesting that there is a “magic formula” for everyone dealing with this issue. Rather, it gives an honest look into the heart and mind of a man with same-sex attraction who also has a firm testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and is doing everything in his power to live it. Since Ty had previously resigned himself to the fact that he would never marry in this life, I found it fascinating and touching to learn how Ty and Danielle’s love story unfolded and how they keep their marriage on solid ground. And judging from the responses we have received, it seems many of our readers did, too.

That’s not to say that we haven’t received a fair amount of criticism—we certainly have. But as Ty and I have shared the feedback we’ve received, both positive and negative, it’s clear that we have accomplished our goals. We have received e-mails, Facebook messages, and handwritten letters from Church members who are secretly battling with SSA, from bishops who are doing their best to counsel members dealing with this issue, and even from members who don’t struggle with it but have been inspired by Ty and Danielle to work harder to strengthen their marriages. The messages have been deeply personal and heartfelt, expressing pain and sorrow, as well as renewed hope and faith, and I’m grateful that they took the time to tell us how the story has affected them.

So was it worth the risk? Absolutely. To know that even one person has been touched by Ty and Danielle’s story, and to know that LDS Living had the privilege of being a small part of it, makes it all worthwhile. Thank you, Ty and Danielle, for your honesty and courage. I know many of us are better people because of it.

- -

Jamie Lawson is managing editor of LDS Living magazine. She has two adorable boys who help her stay up to date on the latest technology, fashion trends, and catch phrases.

{LDSL Blog} What Is a Utah Mormon?

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:04:00 -0600

by Erin Hallstrom
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: We've all heard the term "Utah Mormon" (and many of us have even used it). But what does it really say about our cultural group?

I am not a “Utah Mormon.”

Or am I? Honestly, I don’t really know since I don’t know how to clearly define it.

I was born and raised in Hawaii and left to attend BYU Provo. After graduating from college, I lived in Northern Virginia for four years, Salt Lake City for six, Denver for two, and I am back in Salt Lake again, going on three years. I only share this to show that my time spent living outside of Utah is greater then my time spent living in Utah. I admit that I take some pride in this. (I am not proud of that.)

When you don’t live in Utah, the phrase “Utah Mormon” is commonly used to describe a type of member of the ward. (Most of you know who I am talking about.) This person does not have to be from Utah, but they have certain characteristics and personality traits that people associate with Utah Mormon-dom. It could be how they talk, dress, and do their hair, but most especially it is associated with a particular worship style and worldview.

While I have heard someone described as a Utah Mormon many times, I rarely hear someone refer themselves by this term. Why? I can only assume it is because the use of this label is not meant to be complimentary. It is generally spoken with the condescending assurance that you are not one of them.

So then, how do we define a “Utah Mormon”? I've asked around and everyone has an opinion. While key indicators may differ, some common and fundamental themes emerge in people's definition:

* A Utah Mormon has an ignorance or naiveté about the world around them.

* Utah Mormons are nice and well-meaning but not able to comfortably hack it outside of heavily LDS-populated areas.

* They tend to stick to their own and are critical of people or situations that are different; they tend to cling tightly to Mormon culture (as they understand it).

* Utah Mormons feel more educated on Church procedure and culture and can’t help but share such knowledge with those in other areas.

* Utah Mormons take the Church for granted and are not able to develop as tested or strong a testimony as those who are laboring in the “mission field.”

(Side note: Using the term “mission field” to describe anywhere outside of Utah is a huge pet peeve of mine. It is time we all realized – everyone lives in the mission field.)

So why bring this up? Through my observations, and by shining a light on my own prejudices and judgments, I find the use of this phrase (or label) troubling.

I do understand where the label/stereotype comes from. Utah is filled with a whole lot of Mormons. There are bound to be some cultural traditions and experiences that uniquely define Mormon life in Utah. But like all stereotypes, the problem comes when we believe the extreme examples and use them to dictate how we think and interact with those we come in contact with.

What labels do best is identify things. While this works really well on, say, file folders, when dealing with people a label will over-generalize and leave out vital details. When we define using a label it allows us to think we know someone and easily dismiss them. In other words, labeling puts up a wall between ourselves and others and takes us off the hook of getting to really know a person (because in your mind you already do).

Labels and stereotypes are rarely helpful, but I find it particularly problematic when it occurs among our own religious and cultural group. If we can’t be united among ourselves, how are we supposed to love our neighbor? We have to find a way to bridge the labels, our differences, and judgments we have about each other so we are free to learn and connect with each other as brothers and sisters. Utah Mormon, Molly Mormon, Jack Mormon . . . whatever the label is, let’s be more aware of why we use them and try a little harder to get to know each other better – no matter where we grew up or how we choose to wear our hair.

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Apr. 28-May 4

Sat, 05 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of April 28 through May 4, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of April 28 through May 4, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. Photo Gallery: The Artwork of President Packer {LDS Living}

2. {Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Modest Swimsuits 2012 {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

3. {Poll} Public Displays of Affection at Church {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

4. {Food Dish} Muffin Tin Meals {Ashley Evanson}

5. FHE: Sacrifice {Shauna Gibby}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. 'Time to shatter Mormon myths' column spreads across the country {Mormon Times}

2. Slate on how Mormons went from beard-wearing radicals to clean-cut conformists {LDS Living}

3. Women's Conference begins, new RS presidency debuts {Deseret News}

4. House candidate and rising GOP star is black, female - and Mormon {CNN}

5. Prince Charles and the Book of Mormon {Mormon Times}

Top Video:

'Have I Done Any Good?' Official Music Video ft. Alex Boye & Carmen Rasmusen Herbert {YouTube}

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Apr. 21-27

Sat, 28 Apr 2012 00:17:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of April 21 through April 27, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of April 21 through 27, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. {Poll} Public Displays of Affection at Church {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

2. FHE: Scripture Study {Shauna Gibby}

3. {Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Knee-length Shorts {Ashley Evanson}

4. {Food Dish} Muffin Tin Meals {Ashley Evanson}

5. Is Parenting Getting in the Way of Your Marriage? {Jonathan Swinton}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. Prince Charles and the Book of Mormon {Mormon Times}

2. Kirby Heyborne gets his break with 'The Three Stooges' {Deseret News}

3. LDS Conference Center fire caused $500K in damage, fire officials say {Deseret News}

4. A female episcopal priest visits a Mormon temple {Huffington Post}

5. NY Times: Playing the Mormon Card {New York Times}

Top Video:

BYU Students Pull Best Prank Ever {YouTube}

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Apr. 14-20

Sat, 21 Apr 2012 00:07:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of April 14 through April 20, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of April 14 through 20, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. Draggin', Saggin', and Naggin': When Hormones Drive You Crazy {Dr. Robert Jones}

2. Fighting the Battle Against Pornography {Briana Stewart}

3. {Lifestyle} Ultimate Guide: Knee-length Shorts {Ashley Evanson}

4. Dave Says: Downsizing House to Get Out of Debt? {Dave Ramsey}

5. April 2012 Visiting Teaching Message: Love, Watch Over, and Strengthen

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. Fire in LDS Conference Center leaves thousands of gallons of water in main auditorium {Deseret News}

2. Two LDS missionaries battle back from brain injuries {Deseret News}

3. MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell apologizes for anti-Mormon comments {TIME}

4. Elder David Archuleta at the MTC - as seen by fellow elders and sisters {Salt Lake Tribune}

5. Is it open season on Mormonism? {Washington Post}

Top Video:

Preview: Have I Done Any Good? Alex Boye and Carmen Rasmusen Herbert {YouTube}

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Apr. 7-13

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of April 7 through April 13, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of April 7 through 13, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. Advice I'd Give My 21-Year-Old Self {LDS Living Readers}

2. LDS man is 'World's Most Embarrassing Dad' {Emily McClure}

3. 100 years after Titanic sinks, LDS connections still remembered {Alexa Justesen}

4. Ideas for a Fun and Christ-centered Easter {LDS Living Staff}

5. I'm Anxious - So Let's Break Up {Alisa Snell}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. Anti-Mormon bigotry repeated by MSNBC host Lawrence O'Donnell {Deseret News}

2. CNN takes a rare tour of a Mormon Temple {CNN}

3. Wallace 'ambushed' by cordial, warm, thoughtful Gordon B. Hinckley {Deseret News}

4. Gay BYU group seeks to understand students with same-sex attraction {Deseret News}

5. Romney about to Make History for Mormons {Salt Lake Tribune}

Top Video:

He Is Risen {LDS.org}

{LDSL Blog} Advice We Would Give Our 21-year-old Selves

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:06:00 -0600

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In our March/April 2012 issue, we published some advice that readers and friends of LDS Living would give themselves at 21 years old. Here's what we would say.

Relax, it really will all work out exactly how it is supposed to. You will find if you are doing the best you can the Lord will put you exactly where you need to be when you need to be there. Don’t waste your time worrying about how things will work out. Have the faith and desire to trust, do your part, and enjoy the blessings that you have. You will find the joy and experiences you have are greater than you had hoped for. Just relax and trust.

-Ruthann Cunningham; Circulation Manager

When applying for individual insurance, don't mention anything you haven't been diagnosed with. If you suspect you had a concussion once upon a time but you were never taken to a doctor, don't write it down. If you get headaches but haven't seen a doctor about it, don't write it down. Insurance companies count medical history as diagnosed problems, so you're not being dishonest. And it could prevent you from high premiums or being erroneously denied insurance.

Also, enjoy the opportunity to discuss differing points of view. Try not to get flustered or take it personally when somebody challenges your opinion--it's a great opportunity to reason out your opinions and figure out if they're actually correct. The worst that could happen is you realize you're wrong--and that's actually a wonderful thing.

Oh, and try not to drive fast when you're in a hurry. That's when you're most likely to get in an accident.

-Kate Ensign-Lewis; Online Editor

When things don’t go the way you planned, remember it doesn’t mean that you are a failure. Time goes on, wounds heal, and life picks back up again. One negative experience does not determine the outcome of the rest of your life.

Now is the time in your life when you can do what you want to do, for yourself. If you have goals you’d like to accomplish or places you’d like to go, do them! Once marriage, children, and careers come, you can’t focus only on yourself anymore.

Listen to your parents. Most of us spent our high school years thinking we knew everything and they knew nothing, but as you get older you find out it’s the opposite.

-Alexa Justesen; Intern

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes that don’t have to do with morality. It’s more important to try things, so don’t avoid mistakes simply because you are afraid of getting hurt or of making a mistake.

-Mandy Slack; Intern

Don't be afraid to take chances, even if you're afraid of mistakes.

Take advantage of any academic opportunities your school offers, whether it's getting a paper published or attending a job fair (great way to meet potential contacts).

Take more photographs! It's really great to look back at how far you've come, and it would be nice to have more photos of friends, activities, baking experiments, etc.

-Emily McClure; Intern

Don't compare yourself to others. There will always be someone prettier, thinner, smarter, or more talented. Simply acknowledge the gifts you have been given, embrace your uniqueness, and strive to be the best possible version of yourself. In other words, recognize who you are and then own it!  

-Jamie Lawson; Managing Editor

Cold water will get blood stains out of clothes, dish soap will get out chocolate, and blotting unscented hairspry will pull out ink. Spray'n'Wash helps with everything related to laundry. Baking soda is one of the best cleaning agents that exist, and putting a box of it in your fridge will get rid of bad smells. The scrub brushes you can get at the dollar store do wonders for dirty dishes. Just clean stuff more in general. College apartments are gross.

On a more serious note, enjoy every moment you have. These can be some of the best years of your life where you have the freedom to go and do anything and make friends and learn and become whoever you want to be. Don't get too caught up in worrying about the future (or the past) and just enjoy taking advantage of whatever opportunities come your way.

-Kaela Worthen; Associate Editor

Sunscreen. Wear sunscreen. Looking like a Dorito when you're young is not worth looking like a raisin when you're old. I was never a fan of tanning beds, but I loved to lie out in the sun during my teenage years, and my poor skin is beginning to pay for it. (Why, Coco Chanel, did you ever make tan skin popular?) So to my 21-year-old self: SPF is your best friend.
-Ashley Evanson; Online Editor

To read advice from LDS Living readers as printed in our March/April 2012 issue, click here.

To watch Temple Square visitors give advice to themselves at 21 years old, click here.

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Mar. 31-Apr. 6

Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of March 31 through April 6, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of March 31 to April 6, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. LDS man is 'World's Most Embarrassing Dad' {Emily McClure}

2. {Food Dish} Simple General Conference Recipes {Kate Ensign-Lewis}

3. Does giving your children Mormon names affect their future? {Mandy Slack}

4. {Lifestyle} General Conference Activities for Kids {Ashley Evanson}

5. How to Live to 100 {Dr. Thomas J. Boud}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. Hatch: Obama camp will 'throw Mormon church' at Romney {Politico}

2. Highlights from 182nd Annual General Conference {LDS Church News}

3. Elder Harold G. Hillam dies at age 77 {LDS Church News}

4. LDS Church, neighbors clash over proposed 9-story MTC building {The Daily Herald}

5. LDS bishop allegedly defrauded Connecticut investors, members {Deseret News}

Top Video:

David Archuleta Gets Missionary Haircut, Says Goodbye to Fans {YouTube}

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Mar. 24-30

Sat, 31 Mar 2012 00:05:00 -0600

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of March 24 through March 30, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of March 24 to 30, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. Does giving your children Mormon names affect their future? {Mandy Slack}

2. Just Asking: Interview with Movie Star Jon Heder {LDS Living}

3. FHE: Consecration {Shauna Gibby}

4. {LDS How-to} Keep Your Kids Reverent in Church {Mandy Slack}

5. {Lifestyle} Genealogy as Art {Kaela Worthen}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. The truth about Mormons: American attitudes towards Mormons {National Review Online}

2. David Archuleta gets missionary haircut, says goodbye to fans {YouTube}

3. First Presidency attends City Creek opening {LDS Church News}

4. It's official: The Provo City Center Temple {Deseret News}

5. Harvard hosts Elder Holland as a speaker {Newsroom.LDS.org}

Top Video:

Julie B. Beck on Leisure Time {Mormon Channel}

{LDSL Blog} What City Creek Will Do for the Church

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:32:00 -0600

by Ashley Evanson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The new City Creek Center in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City is more than just a mall - it's the newest missionary tool of the LDS Church. The LDS Church’s for-profit firm City Creek Reserve is behind the construction of the $2 billion mixed-use shopping space that spans two city blocks just across the street from Temple Square. And what’s amazing is that the Church paid for City Creek with cash, not using a dime of member tithing money.

A lot of members, including LDS Living readers, are in support of the shopping center, but I’ve also read comments questioning the Church’s use of money. Some think the Church should be using the money to build temples, and others have even called City Creek “great and spacious.” But I don’t see it that way at all.

Think of it this way: There is a huge, metropolitan center literally steps away from the Salt Lake Temple, Visitor Center, Tabernacle, Church History Museums, among other places. People who might never have stepped foot onto Temple Square can casually stroll over after a day of shopping, or while waiting for a dinner reservation. A new TRAX line is going to run from the airport to City Creek, so people from all over the globe can visit both word-class shopping and the LDS hub quite conveniently. I see so many missionary opportunities coming from the incredible location and overall atmosphere it has brought back to Salt Lake. This was no coincidence, and the Church knows exactly what it’s doing.

The First Presidency attended the opening ceremony last week where President Henry B. Erying said, "Everything that we see around us is evidence of the long-standing commitment of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to Salt Lake City. Downtown, thanks to so many, is indeed rising."

This commitment to revitalizing downtown is to preserve the heritage, legacy, and culture of Salt Lake City, Bishop H. David Burton, the Church's presiding bishop, told the Deseret News. And it will no doubt also be a vital tool in missionary work. So before you judge, give City Creek a chance. After all, if President Monson thinks it’s a good thing, so do I.

{LDSL Blog} Eating Disorders: My Life, Interrupted

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:40:00 -0600

by Kaela Worthen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: My senior year of high school, I stopped eating. My freshman year of college, I started throwing up. And the two continued to alternate in my life for the next five years.

I’ve fought and abused my body, trying to destroy it. There were times when my goal really was to starve myself to death and fade away to nothing. Even when I wasn’t fully acting out in an eating-disordered manner, I still combated the desires to starve myself, to be thin as could be.

But I didn’t just starve myself or make myself throw up to be thin. It was a way of dealing with and avoiding depression, hurt, or other issues. It was a way of finding control when I felt I couldn’t handle things. It was an addiction. It was an illness. And even when I was strong enough to resist that temptation, I still desired it.

Even though those actions and thinking patterns are no longer a part of my daily life, the way they changed me is something I carry with me every day.

Some of the physical effects of the eating disorder linger in my body today. I still have a lot of food quirks. I have negative memories that pop up in association with certain foods or situations.

But more importantly, I've become better and stronger. As the Lord promises, weaknesses truly can be made strengths.

Now, I focus on eating healthy, fresh, and local foods. I focus on exercising so I can accomplish my goal of running a marathon, not so I can be thin. I see beauty in a woman who is strong and capable rather than gaunt and frail.

Recovery wasn't easy or quick. It took more than three years to climb out of it in varying stages, plateau at comfortable levels of normalcy, then slip back again even lower than I had been before. It took talking with doctors and counselors and friends, hours of self analysis and more than 50 pages of journaling on the subject, researching the illness, and slowly maturing and gaining confidence in myself as a human being with inherent divine nature.

All of those things were essential parts of my healing, but it wasn't complete until I fully turned myself over to God and followed the promptings I was given. I didn't know why I was supposed to do the things I felt I was being guided to do, until I gradually realized that because I was following those promptings, I hadn't felt the desire to skip a meal or throw up in days--no, weeks--now months.

After a while, I realized it wasn't coming back. The greatest miracle I have witnessed in my life happened inside me without my realizing it. And now, my eating disorder lingers with me today in one most important way: I know God loves me and he healed me.

It is possible to recover from an eating disorder. It may not come quickly, and it may not come the first, second, or 12th time. It may not come if you only try one approach. But if you rely on the Lord, in addition to all the other resources available, it can come.

Looking back at the years I struggled, I don't regret them. Without them, I wouldn't know beyond a shadow of a doubt how much God loves me and looks out for me. I wouldn't have had the trials that make me stronger now. I wouldn't be able to share my experiences with others as a source of hope or empathize with those who need a listening and understanding ear when they're struggling with their eating disorder. Even though, in many ways, my eating disorder was a hindrance to my life, in the end, it became a catalyst for my progression.

As Marleen Williams said in my interview with her, "Your body and your spirit are your soul; your body is your eternal ally. You're supposed to work together in a good relationship with your body. And when you're in a good relationship, you listen to each other. You don't subjugate each other. You don't get in a power struggle with each other. It's a cooperative, collaborative relationship."

I try to live by that every day.

To read Kaela's full article on eating disorders and their impact on body, mind, and spirit, click here.

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Feb. 18-24

Sat, 25 Feb 2012 00:05:00 -0700

by LDS Living
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of February 18 through February 24, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of February 18 through February 24, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. {Food Dish} Cookie Recipe Contest: Winner + Recipe {LDS Living}

2. {Food Dish} LDS Living Casserole Competition: Winner + Recipe {LDS Living}

3. FHE: Preparation {Shauna Gibby}

4. {Food Dish} LDS Living in the Kitchen: Lion House Cookies {LDS Living}

5. He's Amazing and Still Single - WHY? {Alisa Snell}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. Elizabeth Smart marries in Hawaii temple {Deseret News}

2. Slate maps out population of Mormons in America {Slate}

3. BYU students help uncover buried treasures from Provo's first tabernacle torn down in 1919 {Deseret News}

4. LDS Church toughens against 'improper' proxy name submissions {Deseret News}

5. Are Mormons spared from reality? Hardly {Deseret News}

Top Video:

Waiting on Our Road to Damascus {LDS.org}

{LDSL Blog} Best of: Stories of the Week, Feb. 11-17

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:05:00 -0700

by LDS Living Staff
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Check out which stories made up the best of LDS Living for the week of February 11 through February 17, 2012.

We all love a good story. And what better way to find out the best of the best than seeing what people found most interesting? For the week of February 11 through February 17, 2012, these are LDS Living’s top online stories:

Top 5 LDS Living Stories:

1. {Food Dish} LDS Living Casserole Competition: Winner + Recipe {LDS Living}

2. 'For the Strength of Youth' over the years {Mandy Slack}

3. How to Avoid Criticism in Relationships {Jonathan Swinton}

4. He's Amazing and Still Single - WHY? {Alisa Snell}

5. {Food Dish} LDS Living Casserole Competition: 2nd Runner-up + Recipe {LDS Living}

Top 5 Mormon Report Articles:

1. France's first Mormon temple sparks controversy {Voice of America}

2. Changes made to Presidency of the Seventy {Newsroom.LDS.org}

3. Mormon church apologizes for Jewish baptisms for the dead {Deseret News}

4. NYC to SLC {Salt Lake Tribune}

5. LDS bishop ordered to stand trial for witness tampering, failure to report abuse charges {Deseret News}

Top Video:

BYU Student Flash Mob at Basketball Game {YouTube}

{LDSL Blog} The Hero Within

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 00:20:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

I think deep down there is a desire in each of us to be a hero.

When my two boys were younger, they imagined themselves to be everything from Superman to Luke Skywalker to Captain Moroni. And I remember as a six-year-old spending day after day running around the neighborhood in nothing but my Wonder Woman Underoos and red rubber rain boots.

We hope that if ever faced with a life-or-death situation that we will have the courage to rush to the aid of another person. Most of us will never find ourselves in such a circumstance, unlike the brave and selfless police officers, fire fighters, and those serving in the armed forces. But I would argue that stepping up to the plate to do the little things can be just as heroic.

When my family recently experienced a crisis, the heroes of our ward were there. I hated the fact that we were suddenly the “ward project,” but when the priests and Laurels and their leaders converged on our house to pull weeds and do home repairs—things that no matter how hard I tried I could not get done—it was a humbling experience. I’m sure those young women and young men thought they were performing just another service project, but they will always be heroes in my eyes.

I did not ask for help. In fact, I never would have (I’m much too stubborn), so it meant the world to me to have a leader recognize my needs and offer in a very specific way to provide assistance. I have learned there is a vast difference when, instead of saying, “let us know if you need anything,” a visiting teacher or home teacher says, “It looks like you could use a break. Let us bring you dinner on Monday night.”

There are plenty of ways we can be heroes to family members, neighbors, and strangers on the street. A seemingly small act can be a lifeline for someone who, unbeknownst to anyone else, may be feeling overwhelmed and alone. In this season when we celebrate freedom and independence, may I suggest that we pay special attention to the needs of military families. One of the best ways we can express gratitude to those heroes who have been deployed is by being heroes to the families they leave behind (for ideas, click here to read “Supporting Military Families” from the July/August 2011 issue of LDS Living magazine).

The opportunities to serve are all around us, if we will just take a moment to look for them. I promise, the hero within you is closer than you think.

--
Jamie Lawson is managing editor of LDS Living magazine. She loves traveling internationally, meeting fascinating people, and listening to 80s music. She enjoys tasting new foods but does not like to cook. She has two adorable boys who help her stay up to date on the latest technology, fashion trends, and catch phrases.

Watch BASE Jumps off Church Office Building--Take our Poll

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:30:00 -0600

by LDS Living staff
source: MormonLife.com

Have you seen this video of two men BASE jumping off the LDS Church Office Building in Salt Lake City?

The men were criminally charged last week and the Deseret News wrote an article about it here. They plead guilty to disturbing the peace and were fined $300 each and are forbidden to enter the Church Office Building again.

The whole situation is causing mixed feelings in the LDS Living office. Were the sentences too harsh or just a slap on the wrist? Was this harmless fun or totally inappropriate and disrespectful? We’re interested to know how you feel about it. Take our poll and leave a comment below.

{LDSL Blog} Filming 'Just Off the Square'

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Jamie Lawson
source: MormonLife.com

One of my favorite things about working at LDS Living is meeting new people. I’ve learned that everyone has a fascinating story to tell, if given the opportunity.

With that in mind, the LDS Living editorial staff decided to grab our video camera and hit the streets just off Temple Square to talk with some of the amazing Church members who were in town for general conference. We were not disappointed.

We spoke with people from Ghana, Bora Bora, Taiwan, and Mexico, as well as people from across the U.S. Some were recent converts. Some were lifelong members. Many we met were the only Church members in their families, while others had traveled thousands of miles with dozens of relatives to hear the prophet speak. We even met one family who had been sealed in the Salt Lake Temple earlier that day.

Everyone’s stories were unique, but we also recognized a common thread—a love for the gospel and for our Church leaders, including the opportunity to receive their counsel at general conference. After asking people to share their favorite conference memories and traditions with us, we put together a video with some of the highlights (click here to watch). As the first video in a new LDS Living series called Just Off the Square, we’re sure you’ll enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed filming it. And we look forward to talking to more people just off Temple Square very soon.