anyways…

The Church is Great! Let me explain something. We have a youth program. The Young Men are divided into 3 groups. They all have what we call the Aaronic Priesthood. It is split into three offices - Deacon, Teacher and Priest. The 12&13 year olds are Deacons, 14&15 year olds are Teachers and the older ones are Priests. They all have different responsibilities to do and different things they’re learning. The youth actually have an active role in at Church. Duty to God is an learning system for each age group in the young men’s program. Young women have a similar system called Young Women Personal Progress. When they learn all the lessons and participate in the program, they are recognized with the Duty to God Award. In the Duty to God for Deacons booklet, one of the requirements is, "Choose 2 careers you may be interested in doing someday. Find out what educational or other requirements you would need for them, and interview someone in each position to learn what you must do to prepare for these careers." I asked the boys today what things they needed to do to get their Duty to God taken care of. This item was one they all wanted to do. I asked them to each choose a profession (or more). They chose six. One of them was professional athlete. So I am trying to dig around for a professional athlete (one who actually gets paid for his game playin’). You know of any?

[I honestly did not plan on the part below, but felt inspired to do so. I just feel like the Church has so much to offer, but most of all...it's true!]

I would just like to take this time right now let you know that I believe in Jesus Christ. He paid the price for our sins and through Him, all God’s children can gain salvation and return to live with them once more. The Aaronic Priesthood is organized as a way to govern the affairs of God’s Church on the earth. It is a part of the bigger picture and a way for our boys to learn responsibility, service, love and gain a testimony of their own of the Savior Jesus Christ. The authority to act in the name of God has once again been restored to the earth. We live in that time where the heavens are opened and a marvelous work is begun among the children of men. The Aaronic Priesthood is one manifestation of that. The Book of Mormon and other scriptures are here as other proofs of this. We have a living prophet on the earth - his name is Gordon B. Hinckley. All the people on the earth can know this is true for themselves if they earnestly study and ask God the Father if it is true. I have done just that. I would like to end this little time with a phrase that shouldn’t be taken lightly - both by the one who says it…and the one receiving it. For if I say it, then it would prompt the receiver to wonder a bit. These words come with authority, responsibility, urgency and love. Words like these shouldn’t be used in vain (for we are taught in the 10 commandments not to take the Lord’s name in vain). These truths can bring peace to all who believe. Please think about what I said. I ask this and say these things in the name of Jesus Christ - even the Savior of the World. Amen.

UPDATE: I wrote this talk, please see the talk here.

I know, I know…I said that I’d post 44 things I want to do NEXT…but…

I have been invited to give a talk in Church on Sunday, July 22nd. For those of you who are not of this faith, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has members who are very active in all aspects of Church organization, administration and ministry. Each local church has lay-ministry and my particular jobs (AKA a calling) a Youth Leader and A Stake Technology Specialist (fancy computer, audio/visual, copier and anything techno-blessed in my region). Anywhoooo…the Bishop asked me to talk about Teaching the Gospel in the Home. I should keep it focused on the Savior and his teachings. So…my request is:

Will you please share a story about teaching the gospel in your home? Maybe it’s funny, or maybe it’s serious. Maybe you think people should hear it. Can you share? I won’t use your name if you don’t want me to, but I will if you say it’s OK.  Thanks for your sharing in advance.