It's About Love

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“Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity.”

The Family: A Proclamation to the World 

When we hear a single young woman (not necessarily a teen girl) becomes pregnant, we also find out that there are many voices that surround her, giving their opinions about what to do. That young woman feels pressure from differing views: raise the baby on her own, expect the father to be involved, give the baby up for adoption, or even to have an abortion.

What’s the LDS Church’s position? From a January 2008 Ensign article, Why Adoption? we have Rebecca M. Taylor’s view:

“A primary reason the Church supports adoption is that children who are adopted by temple-worthy Latter-day Saint couples can be sealed to their adoptive parents. The sealing ordinance is the capstone ordinance in the Church, and its blessings are present in this life as well as in the next. As President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972) declared, children who are born in the covenant—and, by extension, those who are sealed to their parents in the temple—‘have claims upon the blessings of the gospel beyond what those not so born are entitled to receive. They may receive a greater guidance, a greater protection, a greater inspiration from the Spirit of the Lord; and then there is no power that can take them away from their parents.’

“Fred Riley, commissioner of LDS Family Services, says that although adoption is rarely discussed in Church meetings, it is a profound gospel principle. He points out that when the prophet Elijah restored the sealing keys, these keys encompassed adoption. And one of the ways in which Jesus Christ is our Father is through adoption, for we become His sons and His daughters when we are adopted into the family of Christ.”

Despite the emotional pain that’s involved in adoption, one thing is certain: it is about love.

The love of that giving birth mother, willing to give up her precious newborn to give the baby what’s needed-a family. And the love of brand new parents, willing to bring to that new bundle all that they have, including a temple sealing.

That’s true love.

As always we welcome your comments.

To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Monday 6 June, click here.

Personal Touch

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In today's Personal Touch interview Rebecca Cressman chats with Bonnie. Bonnie L. Peters is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and a Master of Social Work degree. She is the Executive Director of the Family Support Center, a licensed child welfare agency whose mission is to protect children, strengthen families and prevent child abuse. The Family Support Center offers crisis nurseries, counseling, respite, daycare, in-home parent support, and transitional housing to help families rebuild stable, nurturing families. There is also an Adults Molested as Children support group to help survivors heal. Bonnie has extensive experience working with people of diverse backgrounds and lifestyles and has a passion for human rights and equality. She has years of experience in social service arenas. She has received many awards and recognitions for her work in child welfare. She serves on many committees and boards. She and her husband Jim have parented twelve children.

Web: www.familysupportcenter.org/

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But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Matthew 18:6

Considering the book we're sharing today, Healing by Marion Stewart, I think this scripture is appropriate. It's hard to think clearly whenever children are concerned. It's hard to try to be Christ-like, when all you may think is how to hurt the perpetrator.

What are your thoughts about the subject? Please share with us.

To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Monday, 14 March, please click here.

Personal Touch

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In today's Personal Touch interview Rebecca Cressman chats with Michael and Melanie. Michael Flynn has just produced Midway to Heaven, a romantic comedy starring Melanie Nelson- who plays a wife that is lingering halfway between heaven and earth while her widower husband learns more about love and second chances. Michael Flynn started working in film in the early 1980’s. His first film is one of his most popular, Footloose. It was closely followed by a film that to this day is a family favorite, Savannah Smiles. Since then he has appeared in over 100 film and television shows and countless TV commercials and documentaries. Michael ventured into producing in 2004 with the ever popular The Best Two Years. Since then he has produced The Dance, Heber Holiday, Friends for Life and most recently Midway to Heaven, which he also directed. Melanie Nelson received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern Utah University and performed as a member of the Utah Shakespearean Festival acting company. She went on to receive her Master of Fine Arts degree from Southern Methodist University. Melanie is a founder and managing director of Pinnacle Acting Company, where she has performed in several roles, including Catherine in Proof. Film and television credits include Everwood: White on Rice; Hatching Pete; and The Return.
web http://www.midwaytoheavenmovie.com/

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There’s a whole genre in literature and movies dedicated exclusively to love and romance. Some of us enjoy reading these kinds of books or going to see the movies; some of us prefer other kind of books or movies. What are the opinions of our leaders about romantic love?

From Elder Bruce C. Hafen:

"The idea of romantic love, so commonplace that it is touched upon in virtually every popular book or movie or magazine, is also at the very center of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

As Elder Packer put it, 'Romantic love … is not only a part of life, but literally a dominating influence of it. It is deeply and significantly religious. There is no abundant life without it. Indeed, the highest degree of the Celestial Kingdom is unobtainable in the absence of it.' (Eternal Love, p. 4.)"

Sister Susan Tanner has said:

"Friendship, then, should form the foundation of romantic love—the love that leads to courtship and marriage. Likewise, both friendship and romantic love can become what God intends them to be only when they are founded on charity, “the pure love of Christ” (Moro. 7:47). As we learn in Moroni and 1 Corinthians, charity is patient, long-suffering, kind, free from envy, and unselfish. Charity leads couples to rejoice in truth, to believe, to hope, and to endure. Couples whose love is based on charity want the best for each other. Their love is infused with the pure love of Christ."

As always, we welcome your comments.

To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Monday, 28 February, please click here.

Summertime

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Summer is running away from us so quickly. We can still savor it, but it tastes like a ripe fruit. We can still enjoy it, but we know it’s past its prime.

Marion Stewart blogs at ‘Marion’s Melodies’, and she has written her article “Oh What Do You Do In the Summertime.” In it, she reflects on past times with her children, and how much she enjoyed having them at home during the summer. Except for one little detail she couldn’t avoid, one night a week: the ice cream truck. She finally came up with an idea of how to deal with the pesky guy, and you can read about it in her story. I just came across another blog a few days ago (I read a lot of blogs—it’s my job), and someone was commenting that she’d told her children that when they heard the song it was because they were out of ice cream. How funny! I remember running after the guy myself when I was a kid –I grew up in Argentina, however, there are things that seem to transcend all cultures. In my case, it was flavored popsicles (they tasted like frozen Kool Aid). I have nothing against the kids having a treat, as long as they pay with their own money. Finances, however is not part of this blog today. :o)

I found this cute blog ‘Family Chic’, and its contributor, Camilla, came up with this great idea using cupcake liners. The article is named “Cupcake Lights are Sweet.” The idea has spread, I believe, because I’ve seen it in different areas on the internet. All you need is those cute liners you can find at Ikea, they’re colorful and inexpensive. Some people were concerned about safety-you know, lights can get hot. Then someone else contributed the idea of LED lights. So there you have it, inexpensive, practical and safe, all in one easy-to-make craft. Decorate your backyard for your next barbecue and enjoy all the comments. Be a trend setter!

As usual, we have a Friday Family Home Evening lesson idea. Have you had sometimes to remind your family that you’re supposed to love each other? And sometimes it’s not an easy task? Well, this lesson will motivate you and the kids to show appreciation for each other, and it’s a sweet lesson to have for just those difficult moments. Have fun with it, and let them know that we’re all God’s children.



As usual, on Fridays Positive Music and Downloads offers Free Download Friday. Please enjoy the music of Sam Riddle, and his song "Testify."


Have a great time this weekend, and go ahead and drop off a few words in the comments section, we'll certainly appreciate that.

Images from www.sxc.hu/ and http://www.fotopedia.com/  

To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Friday, 6 August, please click here.

Personal Touch

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In our Personal Touch with Rebecca Cressman segment, she interviews Sheralyn

Pratt. Sheralyn Pratt graduated from the University of Utah in Communications. She's best known for creating the private investigator book series featuring the young, fearless, and slightly impulsive California character, Rhea Jensen. Sheralyn has published 3 novels, 1 e-book, and even produced 2 screenplays. She also enjoys adventures. She served a mission for the LDS Church in Budapest, Hungary, and enjoys traveling and living in new places (Maui is her favorite so far). When she isn't writing, she enjoys hiking with her dog and learning new skills. She has been a karate instructor, a musical theater performer, and is currently a publicist. Visit her at http://www.sheralynpratt.com/, to learn more about her books.

Our first article comes from Russ Beck, who blogs at ‘On the Couch… by Russ Beck.’ His article is aptly named “Five Tips to Strengthen Your Marriage”; in it, he says: “What …is a couple to do living in a world where divorce is becoming so widely accepted? How are they to find joy and happiness?” We should listen (or read) Russ’ counsel, since he is a licensed, professional counselor with a Master's degree from the University of Wyoming, and has been doing family counseling for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for ten years.

Next, we have Paul, who blogs at ‘A Latter-day Voice.’ His article is “Working Celestial Marriage” and it’s a smart, well put together piece. He opines: “Mormons talk about "saving ordinances," meaning ordinances that we believe are required to return to our Father in Heaven's presence. The final of these is the sealing ordinance in which a man and woman can be sealed together in the temple for time and all eternity. … It seems that the sealing ordinance is just the start, just as baptism is the gate by which we enter a path back to God. Said another way: a temple wedding does not by itself a celestial marriage make.” How many of us really, truly think that we’ve made it to the Celestial kingdom just because we married in the temple? Food for thought.

Last, we have this article from Carolyn who blogs at ‘Fruit of the Carolyn.’ Her article is “Taillights and Falling in Love”, and it’s a sweet, loving tribute to a husband. How many people out there would just come out and say “I still love my spouse”? Carolyn is following her husband on their drive home, and she says: “I followed. I let my mind wander as I fixed my gaze on his taillights and followed him all the way home.
"It hit me like a wave of warm water, familiar and joyful. How following someone you love unconditionally can bring peace, rest, and quiet revelation.”


To view a copy of the Neighborhood News for Monday, 19 July's, please click here.

Images from www.sxc.hu/  and www.thinkstockphotos.com/

Personal Touch

Welcome to the Neighborhood News!

Our theme for today is Kindness. In Doctrine and Covenants 4:6 we read: "Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence." I think we can be kind enough to ourselves to work on one attribute at a time.

We begin with Rebecca Cressman's Personal Touch interview. Rebecca was so fortunate to get Annette Lyon, who's lending a hand to military moms, to talk to her about Annette's newest release, Band of Sisters. The book is about five women who come together during their husbands' deployment to Afghanistan. Listen to this conversation, and learn about the struggles that military families go through, and about the kindnesses they receive from others.

Our dear friend and contributor Marie Ricks from HouseofOrder.com muses about criticism and its opposite: Kindness, in her article "Criticism Kills...Kindness Heals". We can all agree that this would be a better world if we were all a bit more positive, and less critical of others.


We also have a very uplifting point of view about kindness in this talk from Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, 'The Virtue of Kindness'. He recounts his time as a bishop, and the consequences that could come -from an unkind word or comment- to a whole generation. We do need to be careful about what we say or do; we can't really know how we might influence others. We can't say that what we do has no consequences, or that we're not important enough to make a mark. All that we do matters.


I liked this account from Matt, at Metal Band Promised Land. It comes from a daddy about his daughter, and their learning experience. I just thought it was so cute, especially the kindness that he showed her, in the end. The thought that came to my mind was 'he's learning, and she's teaching him'.  It was all done with kindness and love. That's how it should be.

To view a copy of Wednesday, 17 March's Neighborhood News, click  here.

Love Please, and Peas

Today's Neighborhood News has Cindy Beck talking about unconditional love in The Heart That Has Truly Loved: "With February being the month for love, I thought I’d post a story I wrote a few years ago. Although the story is based on a true event, the main character’s personality is a figment of my imagination."

Paul, from A Latter-Day Voice brings the thought of Heavenly Father's love for us in "Unconditional" Love?: "While divine love can be called perfect, infinite, enduring, and universal, it cannot correctly be characterized as unconditional. The word does not appear in the scriptures."

Since the 16th century, royalty dined on peas due to their sweet flavour. Dine like royalty on homegrown peas with these tips on How to Grow Peas: "Cool temperate climates suit peas best. Sow in very early spring, once any heavy frosts are over."

Included in today's issue is "Free Download Friday" offered by Positive Music and Download. Featuring Elizabeth Velez Urie's music.

To view a copy of Friday, February 19th's, Neighborhood News, click here.

Have a great weekend!

Don't Just Say it, Show it

In today's Neighborhood News Jennifer Ricks talks in her blog Cleaving Together about her early married life: "This simple delegation of housework was the beginning of how we learned that housekeeping can mean love."

Dave Ward from eHow reminds us to remember our daughters at Valentine's time: "Most men remember their wives on Valentine's Day. We can forget, though, how important our love is to our daughters."

Margaret in Sandy, UT contributed to the blog Family Home Evening in a Snap, and shares her family home evening about the importance of hugs.

Included in today's issue is "Free Download Friday" offered by Positive Music and Download. The download is by the rapidly rising star Nathan Osmond singing, "How Can I Love You More?"

To view a copy of Friday, February 12th's, Neighborhood News, click here.

Prepare Your Heart

Today's Neighborhood News offers a little heart conditioning. Our first article, "A Month of Love" is by the popular LDS author, Heather B. Moore. In her teens, Heather had the unique experience of living in Jerusalem among the numerous sites where Jesus walked, taught and spent his final days. During this month of love, she reflects upon her time in Jerusalem and of one of the greatest commandments, to love one another as the Savior loves us. How can we truly understand the love the Savior has for each of us? Read what Heather has learned and each of can do to deepen our capacity to love.

Valentine's Day allows us to express how much we love and are grateful for the ones dearest to our heart. In relationships, we share our hopes and dreams held within our own hearts. It is a difficult thing to find a gift that captures those feelings and is not met with disappointment. Let us help say it for you. Positive Music and Downloads has a wide variety of love songs by numerous artists. There are some melodies that stay with us forever, calling to mind a lifetime of cherished memories with special people. Find a new song to express your love, capture a memory, or just get in the mood for Valentine's with these love songs.

Does Valentine's make your heart sing? It is true with many celebrations that the countdown is half the fun. If your heart is already bubbling over in excitement or perhaps you need some ideas to help you celebrate this day of love, we have the hook up for you. Tasha of Creation Corner has a lot of fun with all things Valentine's. She is an active crafter and has her finger on the pulse of the crafter's world. Visit her varied collection of Valentine's to do's and find how you can put your heart into hand-made this holiday.

Valentine's Day evokes many emotions, but one thing most all can agree on, is we all need to give our love and be loved. Have you noticed a connection between the state of your testimony and how easily you give love on any given day? Do you have any Valentine's Day traditions? What symbolizes love to you?

To view Monday, February 8th's Neighborhood News, click here.