The New England Advocate

Book Review and Updated Technology

2008-03-03T19:59:00.007-05:00

The one thing I did not want to do in creating this blog was to make it into an Oprah-style book review site. However, I recently finished an incredible book that I think everyone (at least every American) should read.

It's title: Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell. I don't want to tell you the whole story, but at it's essence, it's a true story about a four-man Navy SEAL team that is outmanned by the Taliban during the initial invasion of Afghanistan. The determination of these four, along with their unparalleled heroism, is almost beyond words. The book is extremely gritty at times, so some caution must be used as to who should read it, but I found it profoundly moving.

Now, on to technology. I just uploaded a link to "Grand Central" (off to the side) which allows readers of this very blog to leave voice-mails, or to connect to me for free via the web. (Not that I actually expect readers to leave voice-mails or call me, mind you, but still, the technology is pretty neat.)

Finally, I've included a video that shows the Church's new website: JesusChrist.lds.org. It is a fantastic website. I encourage you to visit it.

The Need for Rest

2008-02-24T19:47:00.004-05:00

First of all, thanks to the visitors who have read my blog and offered their thoughts. I appreciate that people not only take the time to read my entries, but also take the additional time to write and let me know what they're thinking.

Which (somehow or another) brings me up to my entry for today: the need for rest. I have been extremely busy at work lately, and frankly, it hasn't been very purposeful. Don't get me wrong; I love my job and the people with whom I work are terrific. In fact, most days fly by, which is both good and bad. "Good" in the sense that there really isn't a dull day. "Bad" in the sense that I simply cannot get everything done that I need to. Which creates this "vicious cycle" of long days/nights at work (or at home with my laptop), and on Saturdays.

So, I am personally thankful for the Sabbath day. Unless I am traveling for work, which doesn't happen all that frequently, I avoid working on Sunday. It does give me a "recharge" that I otherwise wouldn't get.

Now, on to some links that you may find useful/interesting. When I was in Chennai, India, I had the opportunity to attend sacrament meeting at the Chennai 1st Branch (it was actually larger than most wards; they were explosive in growth and simply need some additional priesthood to make it a ward). Anyhow, about 1/2 way through the service, I saw an American sister with a large group of children (her own). Although I didn't get the chance to speak with her, I found out later that she runs this incredible charity for leprosy-affected children.

Lastly, I saw a very interesting show on BYU TV yesterday, called "Sisterz in Zion." I thought it was very well done, and had an excellent message.

An Interesting Quote - And A Profound Truth

2008-02-14T20:13:00.011-05:00

Joseph Smith purportedly once said the following: "Sectarian preachers condemn me and the [Latter-day] Saints to hell. Well, if that is true, we will turn the devil out of doors and make a heaven of it. This is the finest people on the face of the earth. Where this people is, there is good society."

I love this profound truth.I heard this quote from one of Truman Madsen's CDs, and although I've paraphrased it, the essence of the statement has stuck with me. Let me be clear: I do not believe, nor do I think, that the Prophet Joseph Smith thought that the Latter-day Saints were (or are) perfect. Speaking for myself, I am certainly not! Indeed, as I look around my ward (congregation), I look at people who are doing all they can, no matter how small or large, to become better. And ultimately, that is what this life is all about.

So I find it interesting that even today, "sectarian preachers" and others condemn the Saints to hell. "Cult" they exclaim to apparently mesmerized audiences. "Deceived" they (sometimes literally) scream at us. These statements used to (seriously) bother me. However, they now amuse me. And besides, even though I understand from a doctrinal perspective that all mankind are my brothers and sisters, do I really want to be in heaven with people who are holier-than-thou? (Speaking of which, I just found an article that you might find interesting, which talks about the relative biases of some people.) I'd rather spend it with my family in the spirit of worship and consecration.

For non-members of the Church, we do believe in heaven. In fact, the whole purpose of the Church is to bring individuals and family to be part of "the household of God." (Ephesians 2:19) For more, read this article from www.mormon.org. Finally, I have another video link that you might find useful:

An introduction to my Blog

2008-02-13T12:55:00.014-05:00

Since everyone I know (or more truthfully, almost everyone I know) has a blog these days, I thought I would spend a little bit of spare time and create my own.

The purpose of this blog is primarily to introduce readers to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Yes, I'm a Mormon, true blue, through and through. I think one of the reasons I am developing this blog is to introduce readers to me, and to dispel any myths or untruths about my beloved Church.

Why did I call the blog "The New England Advocate?" Well, first and foremost, I'm from New England (as were Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Wilford Woodruff). Secondly, during President Truman G. Madsen's tenure as mission president of the New England mission, he (or his staff) produced a newsletter called "The New England Advocate." So, in the steps of these giants, I hope that the name fits the purpose.

To begin, I've posted a video that the Church produced. It's well worth your time if you have not yet watched it.

Here are some other links where Elder Ballard explains some of the doctrine and practice of members of the Church.