Karen

Excited to hear about this new beginning--thanks for sharing and keep us posted. If you are willing to share a baptismal photo for us here and for More Good Foundation's journal, and a few sentences as to your online experience, growth, and decision, that would be awesome. The photo alone would be terrific. So exciting. I'm a convert and it will be 30 years for me on Dec 10th--the best thing I've ever done--save being a mother :). Karen (you can email me at ktrifiletti at moregoodfoundation dot org, PR/Marketing)

You've surely heard the stir around Elder Packer's sound and compelling remarks about the sanctity of heterosexual marriage at the Sunday session of our recent 180th General Conference. You've read about the silent protest on Temple Square.. Well, there's a great editorial that just came out in the Deseret News about this.. Check it out and share it with those who may be interested. Here's an intro to the Editorial with a link to it... Elder Boyd K Packer, current president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, respectfully dealt with the issue of same-sex marriage in a Sunday General Conference address to members and to the world. While unapologetically declaring, as an apostle of Jesus Christ in our day, that while some might say that tendencies toward gay lifestyles are forever fixed and unchangeable (“pre-set and cannot be overcome”), that very assertion is counter anything the Lord would construct. In their hour of protest, a group of the gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgender community created a visual image of death and suicide--as a claimed commentary and call to the church to change their position, and/or recognize its impact. What is implicit in this protest is a clear case of false attribution--a media tactic and deliberate attempt to equate two mis-identified events as causal--in this case, the position of an ecclesiastical organization proclaiming the sanctity of heterosexual marriage, with the tragic, grievous deaths of youth struggling with same-gender attraction. Connecting these two causally is incorrect and injurious on many levels and raises the following question: If any church’s position is indeed a Biblical one, and speaks out against homosexuality, then does that mean that any tragedies that result from those who violate the Biblical or divine standard are due to the one who delivers that Biblical or scriptural or ecclesiastical message? Or, one step further, is God held accountable for raising the standard? Clearly not, though the GLTB community, in this case, has made it seem so. This is both unsettling and inappropriate, as this Editorial aptly pinpoints (Intro from the MGF blog)... Thanks all.

Congratulations! You look elated and bright! So excited for your son, too.

Welcome! You might want to check out Mormonmusic.org--our newly launched site... All the best, K

Congratulations to you on your decision to be baptized! I understand people's fears or dislike of 'organized religion' as they know it, since they often will associate the misuse of power, things improperly done in the name of religion and other apostate practices with 'org religion.' In a sense, these are smart thoughts. They only represent, though, the "apostasy", one half the picture. If you can see that as common ground, it may help you continue to have the Spirit work in you as you approach that subject. I would applaud anyone who recognizes that org religion holds no benefit there, if practices are apostate. In terms of the person-to-person relationship with God, it's true that our relationship to God is intimate and our application of His word individual--again, common ground--but perhaps eventually, as the door of her heart opens, you can also share the fact that He is also a God of order, that He Himself chose to organize His Church with apostles, priests, teachers, deacons, while on the earth, so that we could have fellowship, serve, and be instructed in doctrine. I appreciated the questions about spousal consent, and Pam and others' comments (and Pam, love your quotes :)).. I have to say that I checked on this once for a friend of mine who was recently baptized, and it also appears in Preach My Gospel. While your spouse may not agree with your decision, they can still consent to your moving forward. If there is a serious conflict there, you may want to address that with your local leaders. It sounds like they are fully aware of your situation. On the upside, my friend's wife was absolutely against his learning about the Church initially, and ended up attending his baptism and is now studying the teachings. All the best,

So excited to hear about this journey! How did your initial interest in the Church begin? Love to know more. Also, if you have a photo of your baptism that you are willing to share, when that all happens, would love to see that. What are you learning in gospel principles? I just drank in the plan of salvation--never knew my purpose before this life...until I found the gospel. You are truly on the right path! Will pray for your continued progress and joy! Take special care, K

Thrilled, Rick, as you already know!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hi Rick, Glad to see you on this forum as well! Amazing how this keeps going! As you've heard, you will dress in white clothes provided for you, as a symbol of your being cleansed through baptism and reborn through those covenants or promises, and ordinances... It will take place at the font, with a meeting before the baptism and remarks following the baptism. You can designate those who will speak and who will baptize and confirm you with the laying on of hands for the Gift of the Holy Ghost. You can also choose hymns or special musical arrangements as part of your program. I'll send you some photos. I'll be in touch as well, Rick.

So excited for you--brings back memories of my day.... The missionaries also teach children, and with you there, it may be so much easier to go that direction. Also, it would be helpful to ask if another child in Primary could attend and be a buddy, and answer questions on the child's level. My then 9-year old did something like this with a friend. And if you just share your simple faith that you learned you are a child of God and that Jesus put His Church back on the earth and wants you all to be part of it so you can have blessings and live together forever, any child can wrap their minds around that, sometimes, more readily than adults. Let us know how it goes. Much love, Karen MGF

So excited to hear about your progress. Let us know how everything goes. Is there something we can send to you? A book about the gospel you'd like to read and don't have? Karen, More Good Foundation

------------------ Hi all. I'm Karen. I work with More Good Foundation, of which LDS.net is a huge part. As many of you know, we have over 100 websites. One of our newer developments, in partnership with other fine women, is mormonwoman.org. I am wondering if any of you had the chance to visit the site at Mormon Women: Who We Are. We'd love to know if you have any suggestions, or if you've made some contributions. What works well? What else would you like to see there? It's fledgling but hopefully it will be a space where we can proactively share our experiences with each other and friends of any denomination can join in. Karen & Shelley

Hi all! Just letting you know about a relatively new website we're developing. Here's a quick introduction. Let us know your thoughts. MORMONWOMAN.ORG Perhaps you have been feeling a nudge to become even more involves online in sharing what being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints means to you. Or perhaps you are interested in reading even more about the lives and feelings of members of the Church. Either way, we invite you to visit Mormon Women: Who We Are. Don't let the name fool you -- the site is not just for women. We do address women's issues, but much of the site is about Mormonism in general. On this site, you can: - Share or read thoughts on various gospel topics and about how the gospel makes a difference in day-to-day life - Share and enjoy creative expressions of faith, including personal essays, music, visual arts, photography, video, and slideshows - Browse (or contribute to) a library of links to inspirational and informational talks, articles, music, video, and various other resources Any questions or suggestions please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Thanks,:) Karen Merkley Director of Marketing/PR More Good Foundation [email protected] 801.705.5115

Why don't you search the quad, asking the question you are asking us. I promise you that as you do, you'll know the Lord's will and intentions for you. The book holds the answers and when you open it and study it, you open yourself up to impressions from His Spirit--which is His voice. He has much to tell you, I believe. Let us know what you learn! Love, Karen:)

What a great project! I'd be glad to talk with you about all of these questions. I've been a member for about 27 years. My conversion story, in response to one of your questions, can be viewed if you visit www.youtube.com/moregoodfoundation. I'd love to visit as well about your similar beliefs, and the role of the Book of Mormon! I can write specific answers, or if you are in a hurry, please leave a comment on the youtube video page and I'll email you with a number where you can reach me.