November 17, 2008
Mormon.org has been updated!
Yesterday in church it was announced that the Mormon.org web site has been completely updated and I wanted to share a few links with my readers.
Our loving Heavenly Father sent His Son, Jesus Christ, into the world to show us how to live meaningful and happy lives and experience eternal joy after this life.
Heavenly Father loves you and wants you to live in His presence after this life. His plan, called the gospel of Jesus Christ, will lead you back to Him if you choose to follow it.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is simple. It begins with faith in Jesus Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ is believing in Him, trusting Him, and depending on Him. Faith in Jesus Christ leads you to want to change your life for the better. Through repentance, you change those thoughts, desires, habits, and actions that are not in harmony with God’s teachings. Heavenly Father promises that when you repent, He will forgive your sins.
Faith in Jesus Christ and repentance prepare you for baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost. Jesus Christ taught that everyone must be baptized of water and of the Spirit for the forgiveness of sins. Through baptism by one who holds God’s priesthood authority and through receiving the Holy Ghost, you will be spiritually reborn. After baptism, God promises to give you the gift of the Holy Ghost, who will guide, comfort, and help you know and recognize truth.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored through revelation from God to the Prophet Joseph Smith and other prophets. You can know for yourself that these things are true by asking Heavenly Father in prayer.
Learn More
Jesus Christ Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Through the Atonement, He saves you from your sins as you follow Him and as you sincerely repent
The gospel of Jesus Christ The gospel of Jesus Christ includes all teachings, commandments, and ordinances that make salvation possible through the Atonement.
Faith in Jesus Christ Faith in Christ means having a firm belief that Jesus is the Only Begotten Son of God and the Savior and Redeemer of the world and you accept and apply His Atonement and His teachings.
Repentance As you study the gospel, you will recognize that you have sinned, or acted against the will and teachings of God. Through repentance, you change thoughts, desires, habits, and actions that are not in harmony with God’s teachings.
Baptism When you are baptized by one with priesthood authority given by God, you receive a remission of your sins. You also make a covenant, or promise, with God to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, to follow Him and to keep His commandments.
Gift of the Holy Ghost Jesus taught that God would send us the Comforter, “which is the Holy Ghost” (John 14:26). The Holy Ghost is a member of the Godhead, is separate from the Father and the Son, and is a personage of spirit.
Enduring to the End Once you have been baptized you must exert every effort to live the teachings of Christ. This lifelong commitment is often called “enduring to the end.”
How can I know this is true? You can know if the gospel of Jesus Christ has truly been restored to the earth. Ask your Heavenly Father in prayer and you will receive an answer from Him through the Holy Ghost.
Free Media from the LDS Church
Jenny Hatch
The Natural Family Company
Healthy Families Make A Healthy World!
The Natural Family BLOG
I testify in the name of Jesus Christ that the greatest path to Happiness in this life and in the world to come is found within the teachings of the Savior Jesus Christ. Learning his law, his covenants, and his ways will lead any person to the greatest Joy found on the Earth.
I pray that any of you who are reading this will take a few moments to commune with your Father in Heaven. He is literally just a prayer away.
Jenny
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:06 AM
November 5, 2008
Power to the people - God bless the Mormons in California! Prop 8 controversy
One little glimmer of light over the fruited plain
LOS ANGELES (AP) -
In an election otherwise full of liberal triumphs, the gay rights movement suffered a stunning defeat as California voters approved a ban on same-sex marriages that overrides a recent court decision legalizing them.
The constitutional amendment—widely seen as the most momentous of the nation's 153 ballot measures—will limit marriage to heterosexual couples, the first time such a vote has taken place in a state where gay unions are legal.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (Of which I am a faithful member) has issued this statement about the passage of Proposition 8 in California:
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SALT LAKE CITY 5 November 2008 COMMENTARY
Since Proposition 8 was placed on the ballot in June of this year, the citizens of California have considered the arguments for and against same-sex marriage. After extensive debate between those of different persuasions, voters have chosen to amend the California State Constitution to state that marriage should be between a man and a woman.
Voters in Arizona and Florida took the same course and amended their constitutions to establish that marriage will continue to be between a man and a woman.
Such an emotionally charged issue concerning the most personal and cherished aspects of life — family, identity, intimacy and equality — stirs fervent and deep feelings.
Most likely, the election results for these constitutional amendments will not mean an end to the debate over same-sex marriage in this country.
We hope that now and in the future all parties involved in this issue will be well informed and act in a spirit of mutual respect and civility toward those with a different position. No one on any side of the question should be vilified, intimidated, harassed or subject to erroneous information.
It is important to understand that this issue for the Church has always been about the sacred and divine institution of marriage — a union between a man and a woman.
Allegations of bigotry or persecution made against the Church were and are simply wrong. The Church’s opposition to same-sex marriage neither constitutes nor condones any kind of hostility toward gays and lesbians. Even more, the Church does not object to rights for same-sex couples regarding hospitalization and medical care, fair housing and employment rights, or probate rights, so long as these do not infringe on the integrity of the traditional family or the constitutional rights of churches.
Some, however, have mistakenly asserted that churches should not ever be involved in politics when moral issues are involved. In fact, churches and religious organizations are well within their constitutional rights to speak out and be engaged in the many moral and ethical problems facing society. While the Church does not endorse candidates or platforms, it does reserve the right to speak out on important issues.
Before it accepted the invitation to join broad-based coalitions for the amendments, the Church knew that some of its members would choose not to support its position. Voting choices by Latter-day Saints, like all other people, are influenced by their own unique experiences and circumstances. As we move forward from the election, Church members need to be understanding and accepting of each other and work together for a better society.
Even though the democratic process can be demanding and difficult, Latter-day Saints are profoundly grateful for and respect the ideals of a true democracy.
The Church expresses deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the many Latter-day Saints and others who supported the coalitions in efforts regarding these amendments.
Here is a round up of excellent articles written by thinking Mormons to help educate my readers on this issue.
Will Gay Rights Trample Religious Freedom? Marc D. Stern
Same-Sex Marriage Is About More Than “I Do” Lowell Brown
Church Readies Members on Proposition 8
The Negative Impact of Same-Sex Marriage
How Same Sex Marriage Affects all of us
Standing Up for Prop 8: “I Hope You Know We're Not Haters” Michelle Worley
Californias Proposition 8: Open Season on Mormons? Lowell C. Brown
Proposition 8 and Californias School children: A Primer on Falsehoods Lowell C. Brown
Amidst the media campaign against Prop 8 a particularly bigoted attack against mormons came out in the form of this television ad:
More Articles about Prop 8 written by Mormons:
The Perils of raising the Title of Liberty: Maurine Jensen Proctor
Quote from Maurines Article:
Two Hard Realities
"During this campaign, two hard political realities have been driven vividly home to those working in the trenches for marriage, children, and religious freedom. Defending family and any remnant of morality in this nation will demand courage and clarity-and it will not be just a single skirmish after which we can all put our signs down and go home with some relief.
This struggle for the heart of our nation does not allow for extended summer vacations or long-term retirement in an easy chair. We are not born into a time for easy chairs-and it is because as citizens we have been dozing for too long that our nation has arrived at this point of moral blight on every side where defending the right of a child to deserve a mother and a father is considered hate speech."
Testimonials from LDS Street Activists
"These pictures were taken minutes before a car sped by and someone threw a handful of coins at this cherub, my grandson, giving him a huge goose egg on his head. We were so grateful it wasn't anything larger, or more dangerous, and yet WE're the HATERS. It's been challenging and yet rewarding as ward, stake and community members UNITED in a common goal, and an opportunity to support President Monson as our Prophet, by more then lip service.
We ended sacrament meeting Sunday by standing and all singing, or trying to sing, "Who's on the Lord's Side, Who?"
Thank you for a great way to receive true, timely and useful news. We love Meridian.
Sue Williams"
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:36 AM
October 7, 2008
Great Talk on Happiness by President Dieter Uchtdorf
This section of the talk was my favorite:
The Work of Creation
The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty—and I am not talking about the process of cleaning the rooms of your teenage children.
You might say, “I’m not the creative type. When I sing, I’m always half a tone above or below the note. I cannot draw a line without a ruler. And the only practical use for my homemade bread is as a paperweight or as a doorstop.”
If that is how you feel, think again, and remember that you are spirit daughters of the most creative Being in the universe. Isn’t it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it—your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with a beauty, function, and capacity beyond imagination.
But to what end were we created? We were created with the express purpose and potential of experiencing a fulness of joy. Our birthright—and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth—is to seek and experience eternal happiness. One of the ways we find this is by creating things.
If you are a mother, you participate with God in His work of creation—not only by providing physical bodies for your children but also by teaching and nurturing them. If you are not a mother now, the creative talents you develop will prepare you for that day, in this life or the next.
You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. The bounds of creativity extend far beyond the limits of a canvas or a sheet of paper and do not require a brush, a pen, or the keys of a piano. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.
What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.
If you still feel incapable of creating, start small. Try to see how many smiles you can create, write a letter of appreciation, learn a new skill, identify a space and beautify it.
Nearly a century and a half ago, President Brigham Young spoke to the Saints of his day. “There is a great work for the Saints to do,” he said. “Progress, and improve upon and make beautiful everything around you. Cultivate the earth, and cultivate your minds. Build cities, adorn your habitations, make gardens, orchards, and vineyards, and render the earth so pleasant that when you look upon your labors you may do so with pleasure, and that angels may delight to come and visit your beautiful locations. In the mean time continually seek to adorn your minds with all the graces of the Spirit of Christ.”
The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you.
I strongly endorse and believe the words of Elder Uchtdorf. This was one of my favorite talks from conference.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:22 AM
September 28, 2008
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church
Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church
SALT LAKE CITY 22 September 2008 The following letter was issued by the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 11, 2008, to be read to Church congregations throughout the United States:
Political Participation, Voting, and the Political Neutrality of the Church
As citizens we have the privilege and duty of electing office holders and influencing public policy. Participation in the political process affects our communities and nation today and in the future.
Latter-day Saints as citizens are to seek out and then uphold leaders who will act with integrity and are wise, good, and honest. Principles compatible with the gospel may be found in various political parties.
Therefore, in this election year, we urge you to register to vote, to study the issues and candidates carefully and prayerfully, and then to vote for and actively support those you believe will most nearly carry out your ideas of good government.
The Church affirms its neutrality regarding political parties, platforms, and candidates. The Church also affirms its constitutional right of expression on political and social issues.
Sincerely yours,
Thomas S. Monson
Henry B. Eyring
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The First Presidency
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:39 AM
September 8, 2008
Another Priesthood holder in our home
Our son Andrew just turned 12 and yesterday at church he was given the Aaronic Priesthood by his Father. It was such a sacred event for our family and the friends who attended with us. Here is a link to our church web site, which describes in detail how the Priesthood was restored.
The Restoration of Truth
The Restoration of the Priesthood
Throughout time, God has given His servants, the prophets, the authority to act in His name. This authority? is called the priesthood?. Jesus Christ gave the priesthood to His original Twelve Apostles, and they directed the work of His Church after Jesus ascended to heaven. After the Apostles were killed, the priesthood gradually disappeared from the earth.
In 1829, Joseph Smith received the restored priesthood authority to organize Christ’s Church. John the Baptist appeared and conferred upon Joseph Smith and his associate Oliver Cowdery the Aaronic Priesthood?, which includes the authority to perform the ordinance? of baptism?. Later, Peter, James, and John (three of Christ’s original Apostles) appeared and conferred the Melchizedek Priesthood? upon Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery, restoring the same authority given to Christ’s Apostles anciently. In 1830, with this priesthood authority, the same Church of Jesus Christ that existed centuries ago was organized and restored to the earth by Joseph Smith.
A living prophet—the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—is the authorized successor to Joseph Smith. He and the present Apostles? trace their authority to Jesus Christ in an unbroken chain of ordinations through Joseph Smith.
All male members of the Church who are worthy and prepared may receive the priesthood to help lead the Church and serve Heavenly Father’s children. A man with the priesthood might serve by leading congregations of the Church, performing the ordinances of the Church (such as baptism), and blessing those who are sick. God expects those who hold this sacred priesthood authority to follow the example of Jesus Christ and serve with love, gentleness, and kindness.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 2:58 PM
September 2, 2008
New Nursery Manual: Behold Your Little Ones
Behold Your Little Ones: Nursery Manual
The purpose of the nursery class is to help children learn the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and live it. The nursery class should help the children increase their understanding of and love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, have positive experiences in a Church setting, and grow in feelings of self-worth.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:27 PM
August 20, 2008
Scripture Study
Last night I was reading the 1st book of Nephi for my personal scripture study.
As I finished up the final chapter of the book, I came to this passage in Chapter 22.
"And the blood of that great and abominable church, which is the whore of all the earth, shall turn upon their own heads; for they shall war among themselves, and the sword of their own hands shall fall upon their own heads, and they shall be drunken with their own blood."
I have long believed that the whore of all the earth is in fact the Medical Profession and the Big Pharma Companies. I wrote about this extensively in the Introduction to this Blog.
As I read this passage last night I had a witness from the Holy Spirit that the time is soon at hand when this verse will be fulfilled. That the whole profession was about to implode, be exposed as the evil that it is, and that the people of the earth were slowly going to wake up and realize how very badly they have been deceived by the conspiring men of the 20th century.
It actually made me happy to have this thought. As I have broken free of the snares that enslaved my body and mind my whole life, one of the main things that has made me sad has been to watch others, especially those I loved, who were also so enslaved, yet felt powerless to do anything about it.
My message, as always on this blog, is to say to all of you reading....YOU can break free, you can live the life you want and always dreamed of. You can be a happy wife and mother and bring healthy, beautiful babies into the world and still have enough energy left over at the end of the day to sing and dance and live life fully - abundantly, as the Savior said.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:21 AM
May 28, 2008
LDS Newsroom: How Mormons deal with Fame
This is an interesting article on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints web site.
David Archuleta returned to his home state of Utah last weekend.
© 2008, Ravell Call, Deseret News
"SALT LAKE CITY 15 May 2008 Seventeen-year-old Utah Mormon David Archuleta, one of two finalists in the singing contest American Idol, is experiencing what many other Latter-day Saint celebrities have faced before him. The Osmonds, golfing great Johnny Miller, singer Gladys Knight, Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings, snowboarder Torah Bright, author Stephenie Meyer and other high-profile Mormons have all had to deal with questions about their faith and their fame. How do they reconcile the two?"
"Novelist Stephenie Meyer, whom London’s The Times newspaper called “a teetotal Mormon mother of three”, told that publication that her style, informed by her faith, resonates with a lot of readers. “I know a lot of kids who relate to my books because they don’t drink and they are not sexually active,” she said. “There are a ton of them but they don’t get a lot of representation in literature or television or movies.”
One notion some reporters bring to their interviews with Mormon celebrities is that all Latter-day Saints are the same: squeaky clean and somehow unsuited to fame. The reality is, however, that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are all different, and those rising to prominence in their respective fields will handle the spotlight in their own ways. Some choose to push their beliefs aside, to varying degrees, as they make their way in fast-paced, high-profile industries such as movies, music and professional sports. Many, though, find ways to stay grounded and true to their faith while seeking to excel in their chosen pursuits.
Singer Donny Osmond begins the text of his official Web site with these words: “As I've traveled all over the world, the fact that I'm a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has caused a lot of interesting questions. Some want to know how Debbie and I have been able to maintain a strong marriage over all these years while living in the world of show business.”
Osmond continues: “Others want to know how we've dealt with the challenges of raising a close and happy family in such difficult times. How do we maintain a balance between work and family life? Well, you know it's not always easy, but the following pages are my attempt to explain a way of life that helps answer these kinds of questions.”
Some Mormons, seeing a fellow member of their church reach celebrity status, are often excited to see ”one of their own” counter a perception that Mormons are different or even a little strange. This kind of validation does more than just place a Mormon (and by association, Mormonism) in the mainstream: the success and popular acceptance of another Latter-day Saint somehow compensates for what some see as generations of misunderstanding.
Today’s Salt Lake Tribune quotes Mormon Julianne Hough, the Dancing With the Stars winner and country music artist, as she advises Archuleta regarding his future: “Keep your family first. Those are the people you have to rely on. Always be who you are, and don't be afraid to say ‘No.’”
Helio Castroneves Indy 500 dances the Cha Cha with Julianne Hough
Julianne Hough is already known to millions of fans as the two-time professional dance champion on ABC-TV's top-rated Dancing with the Stars (DWTS). The show, which pairs professional dancers with music, sports, film and television celebrities, has become a cultural phenomenon and Julianne its top star.
Julianne's debut album is a compelling collection of songs about the joys and challenges of everyday life delivered by an evocative young voice. "That Song In My Head" is the first single from the album and available immediately to download from the Amazon MP3 store.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:54 AM
May 16, 2008
Multiple Opportunities to help
A woman was helped by relatives as she grieved after identifying a body at a temporary morgue in a sports center in Hanwang. Tens of thousands of people remained missing in Sichuan Province and were presumed buried under the rubble.
Photo: Mark Ralston/Agence France-Presse -- Getty Images
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has an amazing welfare program to help those in need around the globe. Because of multiple natural disasters in China and Burma, as well as tornados etc in the US, the Humanitarian Services arm of the church has multiple ways for you to help.
Please go here to make a donation.
To Learn more about LDS Philanthropies Go Here.
100% of your gift goes to the cause you designate, none is used for administrative, salary, or other costs.
All of our charitable donations as a family are made through the church and we feel really good about trusting these sacred funds to an organization that has such a great reputation for effective and timely help for those in need.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:08 AM
April 6, 2008
Live Blogging General Conference
D. Todd Christofferson
The new Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, D. Todd Christofferson. With the passing of President Hinckley, a new apostle was called and sustained along with the new first presidency at General Conference yesterday. I had a witness from the Holy Spirit that this change in the First Presidency was pleasing to our Heavenly Father and that President Monson was the person called and set apart to be the president of the church and the spokesperson for our Savior.
And here is a link to the article on the churchs web site.
Denver Colorado Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
"Elder Christofferson had most recently been serving as a member of the Presidency of the Seventy with supervisory responsibility for the North America Northwest and North America West Areas. He previously had supervisory responsibility for the North America Southeast Area and has served as executive director of the Family and Church History Department and as president of the Mexico South Area of the Church.
Born in Pleasant Grove, Utah, he graduated from high school in New Jersey, earned his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University, where he was an Edwin S. Hinckley Scholar, and his law degree from Duke University. He practiced law in Washington, D.C. and has been a senior vice president and associate general counsel for major banking institutions.
At a news conference early Saturday afternoon, Elder Christofferson said that he felt a degree of incredulity, as well as a deep sense of humility and gratitude for the trust shown in him with respect to his new calling as an apostle in the Church.
He said that he felt great desire, anxiety and hope with respect to serving others in the spirit of Christ’s admonition to Peter to “feed my sheep” and “feed my lambs.”
I have learned from past experience that it is too exhausting to live blog all four sessions of general conference. Since the third session that takes place on sunday morning always finishes with the major remarks from the living prophet, I will live blog only President Thomas S. Monsons talk from this amazing and life changing conference.
First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
The members of the First Presidency, President Thomas S. Monson, President Henry B. Eyring and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, have been in their current leadership positions since 3 February.
The First Presidency was reorganized following the death of the Church’s 15th president, Gordon B. Hinckley, who passed away on 27 January.
President Monson is the 16th worldwide leader of the Church. President Eyring, who serves as first counselor to President Monson, previously served as second counselor in the First Presidency. Second counselor, President Uchtdorf, was a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles prior to his new assignment.
The First Presidency is the most senior governing body in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints."
We issue the heart felt invitation...Come back! We want to welcome you into full fellowship. Let us lift you and cheer you and calm your fears.
Take literally the Lords invitation, "come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy leaden....ye shall find rest unto your souls, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
The Savior, "he went about doing good" May we follow that perfect example.
Apostle Paul, "Whatsoever things are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report, virtue, any praise....THINK ON THESE THINGS!!"
To members of the church, show kindness, respect....demonstrate respect for diversity.
Kindness and love within our own families. Our families should be places where peace dwells, where the storms stop at the door of our homes.
Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools to win the war between good and evil. He loves us, each one.
Mortality is a time of testing, proving, to see if we are worthy to live with our Heavenly Father.
With all my heart and the fervency of my soul, I lift up my voice as a special witness...
Jesus is our Savior, our redeemer...because he loves us, he gave his life for us. My gratitude to him is beyond expression.
I Invoke his blessings upon you my sisters and brethren.
I pledge my strength and all I have to give to him....and do so in his holy name, even the Lord Jesus Christ.... Amen.
Core Beliefs: Why and How Are Mormons Different?
Background Information of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 11:31 AM
April 5, 2008
General Conference April 5 - 6, 2008
The Paul Hatch Family April 2008
My parents drove out to Colorado on the way to Salt Lake City for Conference this weekend. They stopped by early in the week and we had a family gathering. My Dad snapped this shot of our family with his digital camera. My parents will be in the conference center for the solemn assembly this morning in Salt Lake City.
Here is a link to an article published this morning on The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints web site explaing General Conference! The conference is streamed live on the internet, so click on the link to get to the site!
We will be sustaining our new Prophet Thomas Monson:
"Men and women who are offered various opportunities to serve in the Church are given this kind of acknowledgement by common consensus of other Church members in local congregational meetings. When a new First Presidency is sustained, the meeting is called a solemn assembly.
Common consent in the Church is an agreement among the members and leaders of a congregation, local or worldwide, regarding proposed assignments given to people within that congregation. Individuals choose to accept an assignment, and fellow members then have the chance to show support for that decision. A form of congregational common consent was practiced in biblical times, as found in the book of Exodus, when Moses “told the people all the words of the Lord” and the “people answered with one voice.”
General Conference is Personal
"Mormons find that the same address can be understood in different ways by different people. Mormons ascribe this to a desire on the part of each person to receive uniquely relevant and applicable instruction and inspiration from sermons, with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. This form of tailor-made learning, experienced by people of all faith traditions who sincerely engage with sacred texts or in religious services, is something that must be experienced to be truly comprehended.
For Mormons, general conference is an exciting time when large numbers gather to hear sermons, sacred music and news. But the most satisfying, profound and exhilarating thoughts and feelings of inspiration come when one person receives an answer to a serious personal question or is reassured by a connectedness to God and others."
As a confirmed News Junkie, General Conference is an opportunity for me to relax, sit back, and over a two day span hear eight hours of pure unadulterated truth. It always recharges my batteries and keeps me grounded for the next six months of "the philosophies of men mingled with scripture" as I closely follow current events.
Paul and Jenny Hatch with my parents.
This is a short montage of some of the pictures my Dad took at our gathering.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:41 AM
March 5, 2008
New Web Site devoted to the Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ
Here is a link to a new web site put together by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
This site is devoted to Jesus Christ. Here is a link to one of my favorite articles on the site.
Jeffrey R. Holland: The Atonement of Jesus Christ
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 12:54 PM
February 21, 2008
Meridian Mag: Secretive Mormonism?
A good article investigating just how secretive mormons really are.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:08 AM
February 17, 2008
O Divine Redeemer
I sang O Divine Redeemer in sacrament meeting today. Here is the final practice we had before the meeting started.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:43 PM
February 4, 2008
Thomas S. Monson 16th President of The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints
Thomas S. Monson
The First Presidency: (left to right) Henry B. Eyring, Thomas S. Monson, Dieter F. Uchtdorf.
Thomas S. Monson Named
16th Church President
SALT LAKE CITY 4 February 2008 Thomas S. Monson is the new president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was announced today at a news conference in the Church Office Building. President Monson, 80, succeeds President Gordon B. Hinckley, who died 27 January 2008.
The new world leader of the Church has called to serve with him in the First Presidency, the top governing body of the 13-million-member faith, President Henry B. Eyring, 74, first counselor, and President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, second counselor.
At the press conference, President Monson spoke of President Hinckley’s dedication and love for the people, and signaled “no abrupt changes” for the course of the Church.
The new Church leader also paid tribute to the many hallmarks of President Hinckley’s administration, including the building of temples and the creation of the Perpetual Education Fund, a program for providing loans to young Church members so they can pay for their education. President Monson called the Perpetual Education Fund “a miracle.”
When asked by a reporter about his own desire to reach out to the poor and the needy, President Monson said he learned it from his mother. He grew up watching her help young men, with meals and encouragement, coming to the West of the United States looking for employment during the Depression.
One way that this attribute became part of his life was in the way he served the 84 widows in his congregation while he was a young bishop and for decades afterward. He said that they all asked him to speak at their funerals, assignments he was happy to accept notwithstanding heavy travel and other commitments.
Responding to a reporter’s question about the Church’s openness in working with other churches and groups, President Monson said: “We should not be sequestered in a little cage. We should eliminate the weakness of the one standing alone and substitute it with the strength of working together to make this a better world.”
“I believe in that spirit,” he said.
Both counselors acknowledged their new leader’s commitment to people.
“I’ve come to know of his goodness,” said President Eyring.
President Uchtdorf said, “I know of his heart, his soul, his commitment, his wonderful love for the people.”
It was also announced that President Boyd K. Packer, 83, is the new president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Jenny Hatch
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 2:36 PM
February 3, 2008
Gordon B. Hinckley Funeral
For those of you curious about how The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hands over the keys of Church Presidency, Please refer to this article hosted on the churchs web site.
Guests including government, political, business and faith leaders wait for the start of today's funeral service.
Link to the funeral services for Gordon B. Hinckley
Below is a series of videos, article links, and other insights into the life of President Gordon B. Hinckley
Description
From left: Senator Orrin Hatch, businessman Jon M. Huntsman, Mrs Jacalyn S. Leavitt (wife of HHS secretary Michael O. Leavitt), Gov. Mitt Romney and wife Ann.
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Story Behind Hymn That Was Sung At Pres. Hinckley's
Funeral (and copy of it)
During President Hinckley's funeral the Tabernacle Choir sang a hymn
text written by President Hinckley which I set to music in December.
I would like to share the story of it with you: Janice Kapp Perry
About two months before my niece Kathy Blacker died, on January 11, 2008,
she found a three-verse poem by President Hinckley among her files.
Although she was resigned to dying, she had some fears about the dying
process and his words greatly comforted her-especially the second verse
which descibed exactly what she was feeling. She wrote to Pres.
Hinckley's office to ask permission to have the poem printed on her funeral
program, and she received a very nice letter from his secretary Don H.
Staheli saying that President Hinckley gave his permission for her to do so.
The letter also conveyed some very comforting words from Pres. Hinckley
which were helpful to helpful to Kathy in her final weeks, and he said he
would remember Kathy in his prayers.
Then Kathy suggested that I write and ask permission to give the poem a
hymn setting. I did so, and Brother Staheli conveyed President Hinckley's
permission for me to write the hymn. After offering some heartfelt prayers
that I might be able to write appropriate music for his profoundly beautiful
and moving text, I wrote the hymn setting and sent a copy to President
Hinckley's office for approval at the end of December. I received so
immediate response.
Kathy passed away January 11 and after her funeral I sent a copy of her
funeral program to President Hinckley's office so he could see how nicely
his poem was displayed along side my brother Gary Kapp's painting of Christ.
When I heard President Hinckley had passed away last Sunday night I was
feeling a little sad to think I hadn't received a letter with his official
approval. But the very next day after his passing, the hoped-for letter
arrived with his approval, his permission for me to publish it in a future
volume of my series Inspirational New Hymns for Choir and Home, and leaving
it to my discretion as to whether to submit it to the Church Music Division.
The timing was so unusual and I was extremely grateful to receive the letter
as a tender mercy in my life.
Then on Monday afternoon Craig Jessop, Tabernacle Choir Director, heard
about the hymn and had his office call me to obtain a copy of the hymn for
consideration for President Hinckley's funeral. On Tuesday, while
travelling in California, I learned that the hymn would be performed by The
Tabernacle Choir at President Hinckley's funeral on Saturday.
Having seen the great comfort this hymn brought to my niece who died just
two weeks before President Hinckley passed away, my great desire is for
people throughout the world to have a free copy of these magnificent words
of President Hinckley to comfort them in times of the loss of loved ones.
This is just one more way his influence could be felt down through time.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:28 AM
January 28, 2008
Gordon B Hinckley, A Memorial
Articles celebrating the Life of the Prophet Gordon B Hinkcley are found on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints web site.
President Thomas S. Monson:
“It was my privilege to know and love President Hinckley long before either of us was called to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles or the First Presidency. Through the years I have sat next to him, have served with him and have learned from him. I am a witness to his prophetic calling.
“President Hinckley was prodigious in his work ethic and was totally dedicated to the gospel of Jesus Christ. He was a friend to one and all and a leader who inspired spirituality. His outreach on an international scale was unprecedented. He was truly a prophet for our time. Like the Master, he devoted his life to doing good, and God was surely with him. His life was a gift to the world.”
Glenn Beck
Meridian Readers remember President Hinckley
On Fast Sunday in the brand New Year of 1999, my husband and daughter and I attended sacrament meeting in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. President and Sister Hinckley were there in attendance. Pres Hinckley bore his testimony and told the congregation how grateful he was to be there for the meeting and to take the sacrament with us.
Afterwards, our daughter wanted to get in line out in the hallway to shake his hand. We had had that opportunity in the past in our home area, and worried that he might be too tired to deal with a line of greeters. But the line was short that day, so we joined a few other visitors.
When President Hinckley got to my husband and extended his hand to him, my husband started to cry. (I knew he was thinking of other experiences with President Hinckley, such as being ordained a bishop by him back in 1965.) President Hinckley smiled and said, "Where are you from, brother?" My husband managed to say, "California," and then our prophet replied consolingly, "Well, that's not so bad!"
Marcia W. Green
*
When I told my 16-year-old daughter of the passing of President Hinckley, she cried. We tenderly hugged as we spoke lovingly of our memories of him. We so loved our Prophet!
We went to SLC Conference when she was 12 years old, and we will never forget the sacred experience we shared there. We knew he was a prophet of God and we knew he loved us. Sister Hinckley was alive then and held a special place in our hearts. What a wonderful companion for President Hinckley. We are so grateful for their influence in our lives. Goodbye President Hinckley — we love you!
MaryAnne and Candace Cornish
Pincher Creek, Alberta
Canada
*
The memories of our beloved Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, will stay in my heart forever. I loved him so much even though I never had a chance to personally meet him. He had a twinkle in his eye and a song in his heart. He truly saw the roses in winter even during his greatest trial of losing his beloved wife, Sister Margorie Hinckley, four years ago.
He was in every prayer I ever uttered. He deserved respect because he first respected us. He loved everyone, as Christ truly loved us all. He won everyone's heart with his genuine ability to see past our sins and inspire us to want to stand a little taller. I wish I could have had a glimpse into Heaven last night around 7pm so I could have seen the reunion with his sweetheart, then with the Savior, Joseph Smith and all the prophets who ever lived.
I cannot imagine how all of Heaven must have shouted for joy knowing that he would join them. President Hinckley, thank you for your devotion to the Lord. Thank you for listening to your father's advice long ago in England when he told you to forget yourself and go to work. Thank you for giving your life to the Lord. I will love you and Sister Hinckley forever, and hope and pray someday I can live worthily enough to be able to meet you.
Mija Garlick
Alpine, Utah
*
I am saddened to hear of President Hinckley's passing. I can't help but think of the happiness on the other side of the veil. He will be missed; he warmed my heart and made me smile. I loved his wit and loved to listen to him at conference. Truly a man of God, yes he will be missed in this life, but some day we will see him again.
Thank you for sharing some of your favorite pictures of President Hinkley.
Georgia M Moore
*
Our feeling for President Hinckley is the loving one. We love him so much for the person he was.
So special in everything he did; a good husband, father and grandfather; a great man of God. He has touched our lives spiritually so much. We remember the 16th of March 2001, when he was here, visiting us in our chapel here in Aruba; it was a great moment for all the members. It was very special for us to hear and see him. We are very thankful, that the spirit send him here to us. We send our deepest love and sympathy for the family.
Hans Jurgen and Filomena Gotze
Oranjestad, Aruba
*
I worked in the features section at the Deseret News when the new building on First South was dedicated. As part of the dedication, the First Presidency walked through each department shaking hands with every employee.
President Hinckley greeted me and proceeded down the aisle. As President Monson and President Faust shook my hand, I couldn't take my eyes off President Hinckley as he walked through the department. It was not because I'd never seen an LDS Prophet before, as I had. It was because President Hinckley was completely surrounded by a brilliant white light.
I will be eternally grateful that the Lord gave me such a beautiful and powerful witness of this great man. I have been greatly blessed by his wonderful leadership and testimony.
Karen Boren
Springville, Utah
*
I am going to miss him. I loved him so much. I hoped that we would have him a while longer. He was a wonderful man and a great prophet
Christina Maier
Germany
*
As a student at BYU in the 1970's, I was in Jane Hinckley's ward. I was assigned as her visiting teacher. She was just Jane Hinckley to me; I really didn't know who her father was at the time.
My car was being worked on one day and she gave me a ride to campus. Jane was driving with her roommate seated beside her and I was gabbing with my roommate in the back seat, when I noticed that she was in the Administration parking lot, looking for a parking space. I whispered to my roommate "What is she doing?" wondering why she was in an "A" sticker parking lot (reserved only for senior employees of BYU). My roommate whispered back, "Don't you know who her father is? Gordon B. HinckleyI remember thinking that it was so not fair that Jane got an "A" parking sticker, just for being the daughter of an apostle.
Years later, I read President Hinckley's biography. I loved that book and developed such a love and admiration for President Hinckley. I was in awe of all the service he gave the Church throughout his entire life. That little incident of the BYU parking lot came into my mind and my thoughts about it then were, "Because of her father's great service to the church, Jane Hinckley deserved all the ‘A’ stickers she could have!" She and her family gave up a lot of time with their father because of his devotion to the Lord.
I will miss this great man and can only imagine the beautiful reunion he has had with his sweet wife, Marjorie. I am grateful for his devotion to the Lord and his great example as a follower of the Lord. I was privileged to hear him speak just last week, January 20, at our stake conference. Every time I heard him speak in the past few years, I would wonder if this was the last time. I had those same thoughts as I listened to him, along with 40 other Southern California stakes that day. This time, it was the last time to hear our great prophet speak. Thank you, Gordon B. Hinckley, for the exemplary life you led.
Patti Hatch
San Diego, California
*
Anything that I say at this time will surely feel inadequate to express my feeling for President Hinckley. He was the president of the Church when I was converted, when my wife and I received our endowments, and when we were eternally married.
He was honored by many of and not of LDS membership. He loved the saints and expressed this love in many discourses, these I will truly miss. Those who have gone on before us will now benefit from his presence and love.
Mark Beckstead
Yucaipa, California
*
I was a member of one of the choirs who sang at the dedication of the Boise Idaho Temple. I was standing right above President Hinckley. The song was one I loved, and my emotions were overflowing and suddenly a large tear fell right onto the top of President Hinckley's head. I was so embarrassed, but didn't dare stop singing. I am sure he felt the tear, but he never as much as reached his hand up to wipe his head and I didn't dare touch him. I have that memory of him etched in my mind.
Arlene Henley
Nampa, Idaho
*
I never got to meet President Hinckley in person, but I will be influenced by the spirit of humility and sense of humor that he has. He did a lot to bring the temple to many Latter-Day Saints throughout the world. This is a great benefit to many people. I love him very much and I'm sad that he has passed away. He is with his lovely wife, Marjorie and they can be happy together.
Lee Massey
Teachey, North Carolina
*
And how do we honor the memory of such a great man? He brought us temples and asked us to use them more often, so we will. He set the standard for charity to all nations, so we must continue to donate and reach out in love to those in distress. He pleaded with us to be kind and loving to all mankind, to behave like true Christians, and so we will leave our political, religious and social differences behind us. He counseled us to be free of debt and leave the entrapments of the world behind, and so we must follow in his footsteps and refocus our eyes on heaven.
There is no better way to honor this prophet of God than to heed his counsel and "get to work"! When we honor him, we honor God.
How we will miss you!
Jeanne Brown
Pleasanton, California
*
What a wonderful Prophet President Hinckley is! When he came to the San Antonio Texas Temple dedication, I remember the feeling that came with him when he entered the room. The spirit was so strong and overwhelming! He really is a Prophet of God. I just love his humor and
his love for all of us, whether he's met us personally or not. He really loves us all. He will greatly be missed, but how wonderful it is to know that he's with his beloved wife now! What a wonderful thing — to know that families are forever and that we live again when we leave this beautiful earth.
Katie Bartow
Austin, Texas
*
I feel the sadness in his demise, but I know he is now with his beloved wife, and I know he is happy. I always loved to see him speak at conference and other meetings. I knew there was something that the Lord wanted him to speak on, he was truly a prophet of the Lord I will miss him.
Dave Ridley
Roseburg Oregon
*
When a great light goes out it affects the earth in more ways than we can ever imagine. What happened to many of the computer servers at that time? We are bereft of a great and marvelous soul, one who has done his work with honour and love and great power. How we will miss his dear face, his tender love for us and not to forget that quick yet gentle wit.
Diane Kadlec
Okotoks Alberta
*
When I joined the Church at the age of 38 in 1983, Gordon B. Hinckley was immediately my favorite apostle. I think he was one of the reasons I joined the Church, actually. And he has continued to be my favorite, 25 years later. How I have loved, and continue to love, that dear, sweet, brilliant, funny, sunny man. A light has gone out in the world today with his passing.
How can we possibly have General Conference without President Hinckley? I will miss him forever, but am so happy for his joyous reunion yesterday with his beloved Marjorie. Nevertheless, my heart aches for the world's loss and my loss.
Claire Helmers
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
*
President Hinckley is one of a kind. We have had many great and marvelous modern-day prophets, and we love them all. However, President Hinckley's wit and perfect timing endeared him not only to the members of the Church, but to all he has met around the world. He has been more than a President or Prophet, he has been an ambassador for the Church wherever he has gone, and he will be missed beyond telling.
Gwen Edmunds
Hayward, California
*
President Hinckley became part of me because he reminded me of how simple the Gospel really is. The words of the song "Constant as the North Star" comforts me now when I think of him. I don't think any of us can let our sorrow overcome the joy that we feel for him being reunited with his beloved Marjorie. I pray that I may live worthily, doing my best as he has counseled me and rest finally where I can even hear mention of him. I will never be able to think of him without smiling. President Hinckley has surely “shown us how we can.”
Dolores Anne Harris
Alamo, Nevada
*
Several years ago I wrote a brief letter of thanks to President Hinckley, who at the time was serving as a councilor to President Benson. I noted his yeoman service to the kingdom during that difficult period when both President Kimball and Elder Romney were basically incapacitated and the burden of Church leadership fell so heavily on his able shoulders. In closing I wrote: I am an ordinary man but am a better man because of you and the extraordinary person you have become.
Two weeks later, I received a gracious reply from Elder Hinckley that included the following: You say you are an "ordinary man." No man is ordinary who walks in faith and fidelity in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
I shall miss this great man.
Gary Davis
Salem, Utah
*
I am deeply saddened by President Hinckley's passing. I think of the wonderful leader, and powerful world influence that is now gone. It is a loss not only for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but also for the world.
Denise Durtschi
*
President Hinckley had a unique way of endearing himself to world leaders, public and political figures all the way to the average blue collar worker. His ability to express his beliefs without offence, with genuine kindness no doubt enabled him to become one of the most respected of religious leaders. His keen wit, made him human and personable, and helped win the hearts and love of people world wide. He will be sorely missed!
He is a wonderful, beloved man. His sense of humor and love of the gospel were sweet. I will miss him and will have a loneliness in my heart for him. But I also rejoice for him; he is with his sweet Marjorie and his mother, father, and loved ones. He is with Joseph, Brigham, Mormon, Moroni, Abraham, Noah, just to name a few. He is happy, he served and he served well. He is with Heavenly Father and Jesus. Wow! What more could one desire? I will always love him and be grateful I was on the earth during his reign. I will follow our next prophet with all my heart and soul for I know the gospel is true.
Susan Nelson
Salt Lake City, Utah
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:51 PM
January 26, 2008
Gordon B Hinckley discusses Gay Marriage with Larry King
I love this man! What a joy it has been to have him as our prophet!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 10:20 AM
January 12, 2008
Apostle urges students to use New Media
LAIE, Hawaii 15 December 2007 Two hundred graduating students at Brigham Young University-Hawaii were urged today to use the Internet — including blogs and other forms of “new media” — to contribute to a national conversation about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle in the Church, told the mostly Mormon student body that conversations about the Church would take place whether or not Church members decided to participate in them.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:33 PM
Midwifery Today Conference: Hope and Healing
Learn the effects of sexual abuse on pregnancy and childbirth and how you can help survivor moms.
Attend Midwifery Today’s Conference
“Hope and Healing—
Collaborating to Bring Midwifery and Mental Health Care
to Women Who Are Survivors of Sexual Abuse”
Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Pre-Conference May 7–8, 2008
Conference May 9–10, 2008
This is a very important conference, if you can possibly attend, please go!
Jenny Hatch
Sexual abuse affects as many as one out of three women and one out of five men. Trauma and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) brought about by this abuse are significant problems for childbearing women and of concern to counselors, midwives and other caregivers.
Come to this conference to learn how sexual trauma can affect the lives, births and futures of our sisters, clients and friends. Come to this conference to learn what you can do to help, and how to work with moms who have survived the trauma of sexual abuse.
If you are a midwife or aspiring midwife you will also be able to sharpen your practical and counseling skills. This will help you to help all mothers with the best of evidence-based care.
love, Jan
Who should attend the Hope and Healing Conference:
Midwives, doulas and other caregivers who work with pregnant women
Trauma and grief counselors, including social workers and psychiatrists
Women who have been abused and are concerned about how it will affect them during pregnancy and childbirth
Relatives of abused women.
Anyone who is concerned about the problem of sexual abuse
Learn from the Best Teachers in the Field:
Harriette Hartigan
Janice Marsh-Prelesnik
Eneyda Spradlin-Ramos
Jan Tritten
Mickey Sperlich
Gail Hart
Jane Hassinger
Peggy Holtzman
Marilyn Jeffs
Tiffany Mazurek
Sue McDonald
Phyllis Klaus
Penny Simkin
Elizabeth Davis
Julia Seng
Elizabeth Shadigian
Maryl Smith
Kathleen Moore
Anita Rubin-Meiller
Melisa Schuster
Laura Monschau
Please click linked names for biographical information.
Classes include:
Sexual abuse and trauma classes
Two Day workshop: The Impact of Childhood Sexual Abuse on Pregnancy, Labor, and
Postpartum: Its Effects and Management
Counseling for Abuse
What Therapists Need to Know about Working with Pregnant Survivors
Narratives of both Challenges and Growth Across the Childbearing Year
Healing Options: Overview of Modalities for Addressing Negative effects of Trauma
Positive Coping: Helping Survivors Self-Soothe without Substance Use or Harmful Behavior
Care of the Caregiver: Managing Vicarious Trauma when Working with Survivor Moms
Classes for midwives and aspiring midwives
Beginning Midwifery
Hemorrhage: Prevention and Management
Herb Workshop
Midwifery Skills Update
Shoulder Dystocia
Malpresentation
Posterior Roundtables
Prenatal Care to Prevent Complications
Prolonged Labor
Conference Venue and Accommodations
Best Western Executive Plaza
2900 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI 48103
Telephone: (734) 665-4444
Fax: (734) 665-1776
Web: www.bestwestern.com
Nestled in Southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor is a charming town served by the Best Western Executive Plaza. It is centrally located near the University of Michigan, theaters, Dominos Farms and all the activities Ann Arbor has to offer. This is a full-service hotel with a restaurant, lounge, indoor/outdoor pool, exercise facility, whirlpool, sauna, remote controlled television, refrigerator, microwave and king rooms with sofa bed. There is also an abundant amount of free parking.
Room Reservations: Registrants who call the Best Western Executive Plaza directly at (734) 665-4444 by April 22, 2008, will receive the discounted room rates listed below. After April 22, reservations will be accepted based on availability. You must mention that you are participating in the Midwifery Today conference to receive the discounted room rate. All reservations must be guaranteed by a major credit card at the time of making the reservations. Cash paying customers will be required to make a $25.00 phone deposit at check-in time to utilize any incidentals. Check-in time is 3:00 pm and check-out time is 11:00 am.
Room Rates: $67 for a room with a king bed or two double beds. These room rates do not include tax.
Travel Information
Directions to the Best Western Exectutive Plaza: From Interstate 94 East/West, take Exit 172 (Jackson Road). Drive west and the hotel will be on the right, just before Wagner Road. Directions and map available on the Web site at www.bestwestern.com
Read What Others Have Experienced at Conferences
"I'm a midwife and have never left a conference feeling as nurtured and inspired—I so support what Midwifery Today is doing and what you're about—Unity, loving and supporting women—bringing the best care to women."
– P.K., Philadelphia conference attendee
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:23 PM
Meridian Mag: Should LDS Shrink from scrutiny?
Lowell Brown shares some interesting insights about mormonism and politics here are Meridian Magazine.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:23 PM
Meridian Mag: Should LDS Shrink from scrutiny?
Lowell Brown shares some interesting insights about mormonism and politics here are Meridian Magazine.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:23 PM
October 11, 2007
General Conference: Archive of talks in various languages
Go Here to see the General Conference Archive.
Links to my favorite speakers:
Julie Beck: Mothers who Know
I put Sister Becks talk (the mp3) into a montage of photos and video. Her words just melted my heart and made me resolve to do better. This morning I went to story time at the library with my friends and then we had a wonderful picnic at the park, and as we were talking, all of the moms who heard her speak agreed that she spoke to our hearts.
And my second favorite speaker:
Jeffrey Holland: The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent
UPDATE:
Here is the video I took of our park day. I also included some photos that I took during the early weeks of October 2007, and finished up the montage with a video of me singing The Greatest Love. Enjoy!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:45 PM
October 8, 2007
Meridian Mag: Elder Ballard answers gospel questions
Here is the video of these questions:
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:34 AM
October 3, 2007
The Gospel Blesses Famlies and Individuals
Blessings from the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
"Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on sound principles, like those that Jesus Christ taught. These principles include faith in Jesus Christ, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. A home established on gospel principles is a place of refuge and safety, where the Spirit of the Lord can abide, blessing family members with peace, joy, and happiness (“ The Family: A Proclamation to the World”).
No marriage or family is perfect. When dealing with challenging relationships, it may help to remember that each person on this earth is a beloved son or daughter of God and has a divine nature and destiny. Learning to love and serve your family members, as Christ taught, will help you become more like your Heavenly Father and will help you prepare to live with Him again in an eternal family."
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 5:21 AM
September 30, 2007
LDS Womens Broadcast: General Relief Society Meeting
General Conference is this weekend. We had a wonderful womens conference last night. I taped it and watched it this morning.
Here is the link to the audio stream, the video should be up in a few days.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 9:23 PM
August 28, 2007
Nice Interfaith efforts towards understanding and compassion
I was pleased to read about this recent effort by a church to open up dialog between Mormons and fundamentalist christians. The bogus things that are often spewed about my faith in the various sanctuaries of other christian denominations have made me wonder if these churches do much more than spread half truths about mormons during their services. It was nice to read about church that was more interested in dialog than spewing mud.
Go Here to read a short blurb on these efforts.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 3:23 AM
August 22, 2007
The Gospel Blesses Families and Individuals
The Gospel Blesses Families and Individuals
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:01 AM
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints NEWSROOM: President James E. Faust Remembered
President James E. Faust Remembered
"Lake City and across the world participated in funeral services Tuesday afternoon for President James E. Faust, 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Services were held at the Tabernacle on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, broadcast by local media and through the Church satellite system.
The throng of those wishing to pay tribute to the beloved long time church leader overflowed into the Assembly Hall and the Conference Center."
This death will almost certainly mean that a new apostle will be called in October 2007 General Conference.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:50 AM
August 4, 2007
Thoughts on Religion and Politics, my two favorite subjects
Mitt Romney gives a good spanking to a radio host who trys to bait him with a religious question about mormonism and abortion.
The guy has the audacity to say that he knows more about mormonism than Romney, especially as related to personal beliefs and excomunication.
People really don't get this side of our faith. They just see the strict moral code and the fact that we are held to it with disciplinary councils and even excomunication and figure if the church makes a public statement about something that mormons are held to it or excomunicated.
This topic fits well with the subjects of vaccines and birth. The church has a public statement endorsing vaccination and even uses church funds to promote vaccines in third world countries. They also put out a statement in the 80's basically endorsing medical childbirth. The tone of the statement was "we have childbirth all figured out with medical science and women should use this care for babies."
This article from Welfare Services is a good indicator of church member attitudes regarding health care. Go Here.
I don't vaccinate my kids and I don't use medical care for birth, but does that mean that my membership in the church is at stake because I don't do these things? No, this is my personal choice and the principle that is most honored in Mormonism is in fact having the freedom to choose. As medicine continues to descend into a morass of surgery and illegitimacy as those doctors pushing for a 100% C-section rate continue to be the ones in charge of the obstetric societies, studies, and make public policy for the practice of obstetrics, I predict the LDS church will at some point have to reconsider its stance of publicly promoting allopathic childbirth and vaccines.
As the evidence that these things are killing our children continues to mount, I believe a debate will have to take place in the church, if it is not already taking place, and the members will be encouraged to use their own judgement in these matters.
The homeschooling issue is a good illustration of this as well. For years it was assumed that mormons would send children to public schools. Those first pioneering families who homeschooled, often experienced much social rejection from peers for this choice, even in mormon circles. I was one of those people experiencing the rejection and had several good members of the church say hurtful things to me because our family planned to do something different in regards to our childrens education. Now that homeschool has hit the mainstream in our culture, the general tone and demeanor has changed, in society and at church.
Heck, I remember hearing a story about a woman who had her temple recomend taken away for homeschooling. I heard this story first hand from Hartman Rector who was a general authority at the time. He said that he visited the stake president who had done this and made him publicly apologize to this family in stake conference and restore this mothers recomend to her. Just hearing that story comforted me as we were planning to homeschool in a stake where we were the only ones who would be doing it.
As for home birth, well, I would anticipate that some overzealous church leaders may engage in this sort of behavior - pulling recomends, threatening excomunication, etc...because it is human nature to assume that if someone does something that is different, that perhaps it means they are not faithful or a good member of the church.
But I can promise you who are reading that the questions "do you vaccinate your children?" and " Do you get medical prenatal care" are not the questions that are asked in order to obtain a temple recomend. The guidlines from the church are just that, guidelines. But I am a free agent who has the ability to think, ponder, and pray about any topic related to mothering, and then follow my conscience in making choices for and in behalf of my children.
I do think it is sad that mormon women have been so culturally steeped in medical dogma that many will not even consider doing something else. At playgroup last week I was talking to a new LDS friend and when I told her that Paul and I delivered out last two boys at home alone, she was just incredulous. Because the women of the church are so devoted to having children, often planning for a large brood, I believe that many women experience a severe "trial of their faith" around birth knowing what is awaiting them in the delivery room when they give birth.
And because our mormon culture is so assumtive towards medical birth, assuming that birth will be in the hospital surrounded by doctors and drugs, this dichotomy of being shoved to drugs and surgery by our peers at church juxtiposed with our own inherent sense that something is very, very off in medical birth and will pose a danger to us and our unborn creates a spiritual crisis for many women. I have watched this crisis play out over and over and over again in the lives of people I love.
And even when mothers pull away from the medical world, it is not all peace and happiness for them. I have watched beautiful LDS women literally lose their minds while they experience the lonliness and rejection from fellow mothers at church simply because they chose to birth at home and rejected worldly mothering as typified by bottles, pacifiers, vaccines, antibiotics, and mother substitutes. Some of these amazing, thinking, independent women have paid a hefty price for non-conformity to societal and mormon standards of mothering, and it has been really sad to watch.
But we are where we are in our society and mormon culture and weeping and moaning about it is not going to change anything. My experience has been that my new mormon friends think I am an odd person until we get talking about Provident Living. When I explain unassisted childbirth to them in the context of last days events and the second coming of Jesus Christ, that is when they pause and seem to "get it". And the rejection and suspicion often melts into understanding.
I had this experience with my mormon bishop. He is such a good friend! When I birthed Andy at home and then ended up in the hospital needing a transfusion, as soon as he heard about it he raced over to the hospital and held my hand the whole time the blood dripped into my veins. He had known about our plans to give birth unassisted, and while he conveyed great concern for me and this choice, he said to me before the birth that he knew it was not his place to make this choice for me. This was especially interesting coming from him, as he worked in the medical field at the time as an administrator.
For a couple years after Andys birth, I felt only loving compassion from him, but also some curiosity and wonder that we would do something so "deadly and dangerous" for me and my unborn child.
Just before the ward split and he moved into another congregation across town he and I were talking one time, this was just after 9-11, and we were discussing end times events, terrorism and the potential for nuclear and biological attacks. I said to him, "You know Dave, all of those end times prophecies are the main reason I got into unassisted birth". He looked at me, and his eyes melted into understanding and after years of gentle probing and quiet curiousity about our family, I knew that he finally GOT IT. And from that day to today every time I see him and his family all I feel is solid friendship and acceptance. And it has been wonderful.
Now just because this one man took the time to get to know us and talk to us enough to understand our hearts (and it took six years for that to happen), and stop judging us in his heart, does not mean that every mormon is that open and accepting of those who live life differently. My experience has been that those mothers most drugged and chopped up by birth are the ones who have the hardest time reconciling my life choices around motherhood and this has created some very uncomfortable social situations at times.
Do I see anything changing in terms of cultural expectations in mormonism towards medicine and allopathic everything? Nope. I predict that we will continue to be steeped and culturally trained in medicine for the next fifty years, until it becomes so apparent that medicine has in fact been destroying our health and causing way more distress than it ever cures. And at some point I predict a crisis that may shake the church at its very foundations, literally split it in two. And this schism will revolve around medicine and natural family living.
That is my prediction and my belief. The fact that it is going to play out around the births of my grandchildren and great grandchildren causes some discomfort and concern. But I believe ultimately that truth will set all of us free to lead the most holistic and happy lives possible and as truth continues to pour out on our world through the internet, our job as thinking individuals is simply to take the time to search, ponder, and pray to know the truth of all things, especially the truths surrounding how to create healthy children.
I have been so thrilled with the recent media exposure around unassisted birth. I said on this blog in the introduction written in July of 2005 QUOTE:
"But as the powers that be realize the scope and power of the Freebirth movement, I predict that they will attempt to intimidate individual families. The homeschooling movement in America has an interesting history. The pioneers of the 60's and 70's had some truly harrowing experiences as they attempted to free their children from the Marxist wasteland and teach them some truth (and how to read!). Like these pioneering parents, who have largely had great success in education, I predict that the Unassisted Childbirth movement will grow exponentially as the truth about medical birth becomes more available to the average consumer and parents refuse to cave to the pressure to spend the money for mothers and babies to be cut away from each other.
I also predict that as soon as the Medical Profession perceives that our movement is strong enough that we are depriving them of money, the backlash to our efforts will be immediate and harsh. I believe an all out war against Freebirth will be declared and carried out in the Media, in the chat rooms, in the Blogs, and on the front lines in communities as the Social Workers, Police, and Medical Workers realize that a growing group of families are unwilling to purchase what the doctors have to sell. The term “Medical Neglect” should have chilling sensations associated with it. At least for me it does.'
The thing I don't really get is that in America we have anti-trust laws and laws against monopolies. Everyone knows that ACOG enjoys a complete monopoly over birth in America, yet this trade union regularly goes to bat for the docs over what is best for patients over and over and over again in setting up guidelines and practices. And individual parents do not have the power to fight them in the courts or even in the marketplace of ideas because of that monopoly power. This paper from 1995 written for the Cato Institute is a good primer on the whole political side of it:
The Medical Monopoly: Protecting Consumers or Limiting Competition?
by Sue Blevins
Sue A. Blevins is a writer and health policy consultant based in Boston.
"What should government do if it is serious about cutting health spending and improving access to affordable health care? The first step should be to eliminate the anti-competitive barriers that restrict access to low-cost providers, namely licensure laws and federal reimbursement regulations. Americans should not be forced to substitute providers against their will; rather, they should be free to choose among all types of health care providers.
Instead of imposing strict licensure laws that focus on entry into the market but do not guarantee quality control, states should hold professionals equally accountable for the quality of their outcomes. That will reduce the need for strict licensure laws and other regulations that are purported to protect the public at large.
The time is right for eliminating barriers to nonphysician health care providers. Many Americans are seeking low- cost nontraditional providers and even choose to pay out-of- pocket for their services. Breaking the anti-competitive barriers of licensure laws and federal reimbursement regulations will provide meaningful health reform, increase consumer choice, and reduce health care costs."
Ms. Blevins wrote those words 12 years ago and things have only gotten worse. Midwives continue to be harrassed out of practice, laws and licensing around birth have constricted to the point where parents either choose complete obstetric or unassisted birth.
And now we have politicians who want to completely socialize the whole mess. Make the tax payers pay for all that abomination.
No, what we need in America is for someone to come in and break up the monopoly. Pull out a blow torch and blast it to bits. Set off an explosion under the pompous derierres of those who live so deliciously off the tortured wombs of the mothers of America and the hard working Men who love them and work to provide for them.
We need to get rid of all licensing of health care and open up the flood gates of freedom and let consumers decide for themselves what they will and will not pay for. Then, only then, will we see that wall of obtetrics come crashing down and families enabled to run to the freedom and health that is waiting on the other side.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 6:32 AM
July 30, 2007
NYT: Chief Mormon Explainer
This was an interesting article at the New York Times: Go Here
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 7:50 AM
July 8, 2007
Pageant season continues with the Hill Cumorah, Nauvoo, and Oakland pageants in July and the Castle Valley and Clarkston pageants in August
For those of you out and about during the summer, Mormon pageants are a sight to behold. I saw the Hill Cumorah Pageant when I was a teen. One of my old acting buddies is now the choreographer for the show, and it is an amazing experience to watch. From California to New York, these shows are a must see, and are free to the public!
Pageant season continues with the Hill Cumorah, Nauvoo, and Oakland pageants in July and the Castle Valley and Clarkston pageants in August. For more information Go Here.
Paul and I have set a goal to be actors in the Hill Cumorah Pageant sometime in the next ten years!
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:11 PM
July 2, 2007
Deseret News: Mitt's LDS roots run deep
"NANTES, France — Elder Romney didn't even have time to put on his shoes.
The 19-year-old missionary was in his apartment when a woman burst in to say some Frenchmen were beating up one of his fellow Mormons down the street.
The barefoot Mitt Romney, who had been in France for just six months, joined his roommates in rushing into the snowy night.
They found a team of rugby players, drowning their sorrows after a lost match, hassling two female missionaries. The women had cried out "Allez-y!" which means "go on," rather than "Allez-vous en," meaning "go away." The male missionary who leapt to their defense had been punched out. Romney ended up with a badly bruised jaw.
"There were about 20 guys, very large and very muscular, and we were a group of very young and very small American guys," Romney would recall 40 years later. "If you get into a fight with Muhammad Ali, you don't return the punch, you just put your arms up."
.......
But his family's history, like that of his church, is an ever-present part of his life: In the first-floor hallway of his home the portraits of five generations of Romneys hang in an unbroken line: Miles Archibald, Miles Park, Gaskell, George and Mitt."
FYI Mormon missionaries are still getting beat up, My nephew Michael had his nose broken and his shoulder dislocated last year by a couple of drunks in the Ukraine.
Posted by Jenny Hatch at 8:19 AM
May 22, 2007
Unassisted Childbirth and Thieves Essential Oils Blend are the answer for plagues of any kind!
I have been taking a blogging break for the month of May, just too busy, but a headline announcing plague at the denver zoo caught my eye yesterday and I thought I would repost an entry I did in September about the Thieves Blend of Essential Oils. It is below:
Here are a couple of highlights from the past few weeks.
Paul and I were part of the Denver WestWord Article on Unassisted Childbirth last week. Here is the link.
Laura Shanley has a round up of the various Unassisted Childbirth Media Stories from the past few weeks on her blog. Go Here.
And Here are the Links to all of the Freebirth articles: (This outpouring of Media Interest in UC Birth has been extremely gratifying to those of us who have been promoting it for many years!)
The Independent 3-20-07 (UK) - Oh, baby!
Guardian 5-9-07 (UK) - Going it alone
Marie Claire 5-10-07 (UK) - The women having 'extreme births'
Globe and Mail (Canada) - 5-15-07 - DIY delivery
Channel 2 News (Alaska) - 5-15-07 - Great Expectations This video clip contains the UC Birth of Twins at home alone, one was a footling breech.
Reuters - 5-22-07 (UK - London)- Freebirthers dismiss fear and bring babies home
The Age - 5-27-07(Australia) - No doctor, no midwife — women go it alone
Same family, different story from Australia - A 'relaxed, beautiful' entry for Carter
And here are the links to the various online versions of the many UC Birth articles that have been written in the past month: Bornfree web site.
And here is a quick overview of some headlines for parents, so many different voices and opinions. Mothers and Fathers really need to just follow their hearts and not listen to all of the fear mongering about babies.
Having large families is an "eco crime"
Vegans sentenced for starving their baby
Stay-at-home mother's work worth $138,095 a year
Navelgazing Midwife - Oh, The Homebirth Debate Blog - Insights into the psyche of the fraud named Amy Tuteur MD (Pseudonym for a couple PR guys from Eli Lilly out to destroy and shut down the debate around home birth with statistics!!!). Go Here
Marsden Wagner's new book Born in the USA: How a Broken Maternity System Must Be Fixed to Put Women and Children First - Go Here
Unassisted Childbirth forum at Mothering - Go Here
Here are a couple of links used in the various debates that I engaged in at Salon and the NHS Blog Doctors comment sections.
The website of the Pre and Peri Natal Psychologists - Go Here
A Declaration of the Rights of Childbearing Women
Monty Python Birth Sketch: And people wonder why we don't want to have a hospital birth?
I have also participated in two online chats at blogs where Unassisted Childbirth was being discussed. Go Here and Here.
Here is a link to a synopsis of my comments at Salon: Go Here
And my Comments at the NHS Doctors Blog starts with this one: Go Here
I posted quite a few entries on that blog, so keep scrolling down for the rest of my comments.
I tend to let myself go when debating with medical people, they are just so full of themselves.
The chats are filled with lots of rage against those of us who birth alone, but I want to take the chance to testify right here on this entry, that I believe bubonic plague is very much tied to unassisted childbirth.
If the hospitals are overun with patients hacking and dying from plague and/or any other disease (certain forms of staph infection only exist in hospitals!), it is the last place in the world a healthy woman should be giving birth to a healthy child. Preparing for a quiet home birth is the best investment a healthy mom can make to insure the safe arrival of her child, despite what those individuals with MDs after their names have say about it. And they have plenty to say, I've been talking to some of them all week!
Speaking of prepration, I was asked to do the Food Basics booth at our Church Preparedness Fair last saturday! It was really fun and I was thrilled to be a part of it.
A little video:
My dear friend Esther baked twenty loaves of bread for the booth. All but one and a half loaves were chowed down by the people who attended. We teach a bread class for young moms to learn how to make this amazing bread which only costs 25 cents a loaf to make from scratch.
I also recorded this version of Be Still My Soul a few sundays ago:
Here is a link to the plague article at Reuters:
I'll start blogging again when Allison and I get back from New York. Too busy right now with rehearsals for our Faure Requiem performance next week with Colorado Repertory Singers. Michelle is graduating and we have a boatload of activities to attend around her commencement from high school. She has decided to accept the scholarship fro