The Peace Music Brings

Visit http://plainvieweq.blogspot.com ! This post contains videos!

Below is a video, to which music is sang by Dallyn Bayles, a member of our church, and the song is that which is sang by him is called "My Kindness Shall Not Depart From Thee". In times past I may have posted this video on the blog, but I never seem to be able to watch this video, hear the song, and view the inspirational pictures without being stirred and moved upon by the Spirit. I have needed a spiritual uplift as of late, and yet, know and take comfort that my Heavenly Father loves you, me, all of us. We know the worth of souls is great in the eyes of God, let us remain ever diligent in proclaiming his Gospel to the world... brethren, God Speed.

“A Celebration of Family History” Delights Thousands of Genealogy Enthusiasts

SALT LAKE CITY 30 April 2010

Thousands of genealogy enthusiasts filled the Conference Center Thursday, 29 April 2010, to enjoy an evening of music, stirring speeches and moving video presentations as part of the National Genealogical Society 2010 Family History Conference.

The event, entitled “A Celebration of Family History,” was organized by FamilySearch , a division of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served as an inspirational compliment to the lectures, presentations and other learning and networking opportunities offered at the conference. 

President Henry B. Eyring, first counselor in the First Presidency, spoke to those assembled. In his remarks he acknowledged the unique support family history researchers offer one another. “You have built and preserved a community where the mentor that helps those less skilled is revered,” President Eyring said. “It is rare in history for such a community to emerge. It is rarer still for such a community to sustain itself.”

“There had never been anything like this before — a production-quality event celebrating family history with thousands of enthusiasts in attendance,” said Jay Verkler, president and CEO of FamilySearch. “The personal family history stories depicted and the musical numbers by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were absolutely amazing, and we are so grateful that President Eyring and David McCullough were able to join us and share their remarks.”

Throughout the program, video segments projected on giant screens depicted the personal journeys and dramatic discoveries of a handful of individuals in pursuit of their family history.

 

“In telling these stories, we want to show what growing numbers of people are discovering — how family history research fulfills a need to belong or feel connected,” said Verkler. “Each new discovery into our family history provides immense satisfaction. What we learn can expand family relationships in the present and helps us better understand ourselves as we realize our ancestors struggled with similar or greater challenges.”

One video depicted the journey of Mailie Mossman, a Hawaiian woman who found uncommon inner strength that helped her survive her own breast cancer. Though her research, she learned of the remarkable life of her great-grandmother Emma Lyons Waimau, who suffered from Hansen’s disease (leprosy).

Emma had been forced to leave her family on Christmas day 1894 to live in Kalaupapa, a quarantined colony inhabited by others who had the disease. While there, she fell in love, married, and went on to give birth to six surviving children. By law, she was forced to send each child away from Kalaupapa within the first year of life to ensure the children did not contract the disease.

“As I speak about it, I feel sadness in my heart,” said Mailie. “I find her story so interesting because whatever she has in her, I would hope to have in me.”

After searching through thousands of grave sites twice, Mailie finally found the resting place of her great-grandmother Emma. The experience was very emotional for Mailie, as years of her searching, pain, loneliness and joy finally came together.

“As a result of my having breast cancer, I have been able to look at what happened to Emma and how she dealt with her illness. I’ve learned so much about life — my life — through Emma’s life,” Mailie continued.

To the delight of the audience, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian David McCullough returned to the Conference Center for the second time in six months to participate in the program. In December 2009, he worked with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square for their annual Christmas concert.

 

During his remarks, McCullough spoke about the nature of history and how we must come to understand those who came before us. “The more we know, the more we want to know. Curiosity is accelerative,” he said. 

“There really is no such thing as the past. No one really lived in the past. They lived in the present, their present,” McCullough later added.

In addition to the celebration, representatives of FamilySearch are contributing to other aspects of the conference. Over 30 of the conference workshops are provided by FamilySearch employees, and even more employees are staffing FamilySearch booths in the exhibit hall each day, answering the public’s family history questions and demonstrating free online resources. The conference runs through 1 May 2010.

“It’s been very exciting to have the National Genealogical Society conference in Salt Lake City,” said David Rencher, chief genealogical officer for the Church. “This is the first time since 1985 that the conference came here, and we are absolutely thrilled to have so many people come.” 

Home to the world’s largest genealogical library, Salt Lake City has much to offer genealogy aficionados. The library’s collection includes over 2.4 million rolls of microfilmed genealogical records; 727,000 microfiche; 356,000 books, serials and other formats; over 4,500 periodicals; and 3,725 electronic resources.

The Family History Library was founded in 1894. Today, it is open to the public at no charge and is visited by an estimated 1,900 patrons or more each day. The library offers free classes and is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers eager to assist researchers.

In addition to the Salt Lake City branch, another 4,600 smaller family history centers dot the globe. These centers, combined with the Web site www.familysearch.org , receive millions of visitors a month.

FamilySearch is working diligently to make more of its records available online and benefits from a small army of volunteers that prepare records for online access. “Right now, over 300,000 people are currently helping create free online indexes that anyone can access,” said Verkler. “There are also several other ways that people interested in family history can help in this effort.”

Church Launches New Web Site to Help Unemployed Find Work

SALT LAKE CITY 30 April 2010

  With severe economic challenges affecting the nation and many parts of the world, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has established ldsjobs.org to assist people in the job market.

   The new interactive Web site is designed for job seekers, regardless of religious denomination, to locate employment, increase or improve skills through education and start or refine a small business. All the services are free. 

   “One of the first things we find with many people who come into our employment centers is that they’ve lost hope,” says Rick Ebert, director of employment resource services for the Church. “They’re desperate. We try to give a person a sense of hope that there are possibilities for them; there are resources that can be made available to them.” 

   Currently, there are approximately 250,000 job listings, and 9,000 employers are signed on to the site, looking for the right candidates to fill openings.

   Ebert says he sees this as a significant tool to assist local Church leaders in their responsibility to help members who are struggling to find employment or seeking to improve their careers. While the site has been launched in English, it will be available this year in Spanish and Portuguese, with plans to expand to other languages in the future.

   When a person logs on the site, they will be invited to create a profile that includes their employment history, qualifications, education and skills. Rich Vunder, manager of Church employment resource services in northern Utah, says the exciting thing about the site is the control prospective employees have over their information. “It is a self-directed Web site. The better their profile is, the better their opportunities to connect with employers.” 

   LDSjobs.org is also a tremendous resource for employers. Employers can post job openings, review potential candidates, make contacts and even hire new employees based on Web site profiles. As an employer, Ebert explains, “I can literally go to the Web site, send an electronic message to the individual saying, ‘I have an interest in meeting with you.’ ” The Web site is the catalyst for bringing the prospective employer and employee together. 

   In New York, Joe Doria, manager of Church employment resource services, says he and his associates use the Web site in their work with many of the Fortune 1,000 companies. The site’s resources help potential employers meet staffing needs at senior executive levels.

   LDSjobs.org can also be a resource for students and young adults looking for summer jobs. Julie Poole, manager of Church employment resource services in Dallas, Texas, says the Web site helps young people not only find a part-time job but plan a career. “It’s an incredible resource that supports Latter-day Saints and those of other faiths.” 

   The site includes information about schools, financial aid and programs that are available at technical and vocational schools as well public schools and private schools. In addition to specific job resources, ldsjobs.org also has a database of community resources to help those with disabilities, single parents and those who have health issues.

A Blessing For Plainview: The Mission President & Stake Presidency Visit

On Sunday, April 25th 2010 we had a momentous occasion! It was (From the recollection of our Branch President Williams) the first fireside Plainview had seen in over twelve years.

I would love nothing more than to elaborate on how this came to be, before I discuss the fireside in actuality. On January 10th, 2010 , I received a calling that would be the last I'd ever think the Lord would have inspired our Branch Presidency to call me to; Branch Mission Leader. Truly, it was a calling that humbled me deeply as I looked well into the responsibilities of such a great calling. I went straight to work (Amidst A Re-organization of the Stake Presidency.) trying to get the info that I needed from deep reflection and humble prayer in the Lubbock Temple... I began to ask to what extent or specific that the Lord wished me to approach this new calling. Little was I aware that the Lord wasn't going to Fed-Ex all my needed wisdom, but did indicate to me (Or caused me to reflect on) a particular scripture;

“Study it out in your mind; then … ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.” (D&C 9:8; italics added.)

Now, that simply states you need to pray, but not some monotonous casual prayer that the Zoramites of old would be tickled pink to hear! This prayer that was needed of me by the Lord, was His way of telling me to continue steadfast in prayer, not meant to cease. Said the Lord,

“Cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.
“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day” (Alma 37:36–37; emphasis added).

So I set out just to do that very thing, sadly, having to deal day in and day out with doubt concerning my ability to fulfill this new calling. Often, almost every time the Stake Presidency visited (Mostly President Kimball) I would ask for the assurances that I should have been able to realize without them breathing a word in my direction. But, such is the way the adversary works against me. Finally, a special moment came for me, but I must first tell you concerning January and February of this year.

I went to the Temple 6 or 7 times in those two months. Each time I began to get more and more insight and testimony of the Holy Ghost that the Lord indeed was guiding me. In the process of that, on January 16th 2010 I I finally got affirmation as I read D & C section 42 that I needed to become more familiar with the word of God, and free of fear that comes from teaching the Gospel to investigators with the Missionaries. I went out as often as possible with the Missionaries. Most weeks this meant at least 4 or 5 outings with the Elders.

Sometime close after all this, several ideas of possible things we could do to help the Member Missionary Effort get better came and went. One idea was frequented and prayed about, a Fireside to help give counsel to the members of the branch. I presented this information at some point to Brother Brown and President Kimball and slowly started to make arrangements for the Fireside. Initial planning on my part targeted May 22nd to deliver this grand Fireside to the Branch. Taken aback, it was not long after the idea was initially presented, that I was informed for a change to make it on April 25th. The enthusiasm of the Stake Presidency, and even Mission President was grand.

The special occasion that I eluded to (earlier) was that a General Authority, alongside our Stake Presidency took time from their busy schedule and gave me a blessing. Never had I previously felt so honored... and it made a great difference for me (still continues to as well). Weeks of preparation still had me short of anxiety free living when I conducted that Fireside. But what an incredible Fireside it was. The Porters (Who are our Branch Missionaries) expertly helped me in planning to put the wonderful thing together.

As I stood there, giving my talk, I was frequently with emotions near the  surface as I stressed significance of our study of the Book Of Mormon. I was overwhelmed by this great Spiritual lift of the Spirit, to me, it felt that my speaking held no distinct pattern and I feared many would believe that. So far as I know, nobody has thought that. After I spoke, President McCombs (I hope I spelt that right) was asked by President Shumway to bear short testimony regarding this work. He did so, and he did command the attention of all whom were there. I personally was touched by his testimony as I silently reflected about my life of the past 2 years.

We were then blessed to hear testimony of President Kimball, and in that a great parable (if that is best means of referring to his relation of a story:) he spoke that like a basketball being shot towards a hoop, it may not always go in on the first time, but it will eventually go in. The same he related to Missionary work; Not every time we knock, or invite an investigator to our church do they come, or take lessons, but the Lord will provide that means of eventually that person coming around... even if we aren't around to see it.

President Robinson then spoke after we had our congregational hymn, and I think the best and most significant thing he spoke concerning, was that even Missionaries in the field, on their mission call, suffered from the anxiety just as we did. It was great to perceive this, and I don't believe I am the only one whom took that talk, and made it a Spiritual reason to try harder, to "lengthen our stride".

The last speaker that addressed us, was President Shumway himself. His command of the audience was without words to best explain. He wanted us all to focus on "Inviting" people to come out... and even spoke after the Fireside was over, to me personally describing it simply as, "Invite, Invite...... Invite". All whom attended this meeting were moved upon by the power of the Spirit, and some (visibly to me) had made resolutions to themselves to take it up a notch.

I must say that the Lord has blessed us Brethren... let us do all we can to preach the Gospel to every "Nation, Kindred, Tounge and People" , because the Lord said that his glory was to bring about the immortality and Eternal Life of man. Thats a charge we need to be keen on remembering. I love you all brethren. Truly we are all going to make things happen here in Plainview, and I look forward to every single moment of it!!


 *********************************************************************************

Elder Jeffrey Holland at the 180th annual General Conference, said the following: • Above all, start by separating yourself from people, materials, and circumstances that will harm you. As those battling something like alcoholism know, the pull of proximity can be fatal. So too in moral matters. Like Joseph in the presence of Potiphar’s wife,4 just run—run as far away as you can get from whatever or whoever it is that beguiles you. And please, when fleeing the scene of temptation, do not leave a forwarding address. * • Acknowledge that people bound by the chains of true addictions often need more help than self-help, and that may include you. Seek that help and welcome it. Talk to your bishop. Follow his counsel. Ask for a priesthood blessing. Use the Church’s Family Services offerings or seek other suitable professional help. Pray without ceasing. Ask for angels to help you. * • Along with filters on computers and a lock on affections, remember that the only real control in life is self-control. Exercise more control over even the marginal moments that confront you. If a TV show is indecent, turn it off. If a movie is crude, walk out. If an improper relationship is developing, sever it. Many of these influences, at least initially, may not technically be evil, but they can blunt our judgment, dull our spirituality, and lead to something that could be evil. An old proverb says that a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,5 so watch your step. * • Like thieves in the night, unwelcome thoughts can and do seek entrance to our minds. But we don’t have to throw open the door, serve them tea and crumpets, and then tell them where the silverware is kept! (You shouldn’t be serving tea anyway.) Throw the rascals out! Replace lewd thoughts with hopeful images and joyful memories; picture the faces of those who love you and would be shattered if you let them down. More than one man has been saved from sin or stupidity by remembering the face of his mother, his wife, or his child waiting somewhere for him at home. Whatever thoughts you have, make sure they are welcome in your heart by invitation only. As an ancient poet once said, let will be your reason.6 * • Cultivate and be where the Spirit of the Lord is. Make sure that includes your own home or apartment, dictating the kind of art, music, and literature you keep there. If you are endowed, go to the temple as often as your circumstances allow. Remember that the temple arms you “with [God’s] power, … [puts His] glory … round about [you], and [gives His] angels … charge over [you].”7 And when you leave the temple, remember the symbols you take with you, never to be set aside or forgotten.

Solar-Powered Construction Design Gets “Green” Light from Church Leaders

SALT LAKE CITY 27 April 2010 The Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints introduced the latest environmentally friendly construction efforts by the Church at its first solar powered meetinghouse in the Northern Hemisphere. The new building in Farmington, Utah symbolizes the continued innovative use of technology by the Church in its construction design. The roof-mounted solar panels are projected to generate enough electricity to completely power the structure, saving an estimated $6000 in energy costs annually.

“It’s about creating a place of worship that works in harmony with the environment,” said H. David Burton, Presiding Bishop of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and responsible for the physical facilities of the Church. “For decades we have looked for innovative ways to use natural resources in our meetinghouses that reflect our commitment as wise stewards of God’s creations.” 

The Farmington meetinghouse is part of a new pilot program that demonstrates the Church’s ongoing commitment to stewardship and conservation. Four other meetinghouse prototypes located in Eagle Mountain, Utah, Apache Junction, Arizona, Logandale, Nevada, and Pahrump, Nevada are also currently under construction. In addition to Farmington, Apache Junction and Logandale are solar powered.

Upon completion, these meetinghouses will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified; built to the construction industry’s highest standard. Journalists were given a tour of the Farmington building to highlight some of its conservation features which included the high efficiency heating and cooling system that can interface with the solar power equipment, landscaping designs and plumbing fixtures that cut water use by more than 50 percent, and Low-E Solarban 70 windows that block 78 percent of the sun’s heat energy. 

 “These buildings are designed to last many, many years,” said Dean Davies, managing director of the Physical Facilities department of the Church, “It may actually cost more up front to put certain systems in but because they have lower operating costs and longer life cycles in the long run they are better for us and better for the environment.” 

In fact, around 75 percent of the technologies qualifying for LEED certification have been used in existing Church buildings for several years.  

“I clearly think we’ve ramped it up,” said Davies, “We use emerging technologies in our building design, from the use of materials to computer aided design, to energy management systems.” 

For example, Church buildings in the Baltic Nation of Latvia are built with radiant heated floors for greater energy efficiency during the harsh winter months, the tabernacle in Vernal, Utah was rebuilt into the Vernal Temple by reusing existing materials from the historic structure, and a meetinghouse in Susanville, California, is heated exclusively through geothermal energy produced from a well located on the property. 

Emerging technologies also extends to landscaping. Moisture sensors monitor weather conditions via satellite to shut off Church sprinkler systems during rainfall at many meetinghouses across the country. The Church Office Building in Salt Lake City even utilizes several underground spring wells for heating and cooling.

Jared Doxey, director of architecture, engineering and construction for the Church, said, “It’s important that buildings are designed to be a reflection of the community in which they are constructed.”  He added that “conservation is a natural built-in part of the planning process. We’ve always been interested in following best practice in industry. Whatever the best thinking is, we want to latch on to that. If there is a new technology that reduces total cost of ownership, makes good business sense, we want to tie into that.” 

That’s especially true when the Church operates 17,000 meetinghouses and is building or expanding a new facility every working day of the week. Bishop Burton said, “As the Church continues to grow globally, and there is a greater demand for meetinghouses, more than ever we need to engage in wise construction practices to benefit both the environment and our members.” 

 “This is a member-driven initiative,” said Davies, “it's representative of how our members feel about the communities in which they live.”

**************************************************** Elder D. Todd Christofferson @ 180th Annual General Conference, said the following concerning the scriptures... "God uses scripture to unmask erroneous thinking, false traditions, and sin with its devastating effects. He is a tender parent who would spare us needless suffering and grief and at the same time help us realize our divine potential. The scriptures, for example, discredit an ancient philosophy that has come back into vogue in our day—the philosophy of Korihor that there are no absolute moral standards, that “every man prosper[s] according to his genius, and that every man conquer[s] according to his strength; and whatsoever a man [does is] no crime” and “that when a man [is] dead, that [is] the end thereof” (Alma 30:17–18). Alma, who had dealt with Korihor, did not leave his own son Corianton in doubt about the reality and substance of a divine moral code. Corianton had been guilty of sexual sin, and his father spoke to him in love but plainly: “Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?” (Alma 39:5)." "In a complete reversal from a century ago, many today would dispute with Alma about the seriousness of immorality. Others would argue that it’s all relative or that God’s love is permissive. If there is a God, they say, He excuses all sins and misdeeds because of His love for us—there is no need for repentance. Or at most, a simple confession will do. They have imagined a Jesus who wants people to work for social justice but who makes no demands upon their personal life and behavior.2 But a God of love does not leave us to learn by sad experience that “wickedness never was happiness” (Alma 41:10; see also Helaman 13:38). His commandments are the voice of reality and our protection against self-inflicted pain. The scriptures are the touchstone for measuring correctness and truth, and they are clear that real happiness lies not in denying the justice of God or trying to circumvent the consequences of sin but in repentance and forgiveness through the atoning grace of the Son of God (see Alma 42)." "Scripture tutors us in principles and moral values essential to maintaining civil society, including integrity, responsibility, selflessness, fidelity, and charity. In scripture, we find vivid portrayals of the blessings that come from honoring true principles, as well as the tragedies that befall when individuals and civilizations discard them. Where scriptural truths are ignored or abandoned, the essential moral core of society disintegrates and decay is close behind. In time, nothing is left to sustain the institutions that sustain society."