recording

The Next Temple Fireside Discussion

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I have received several comments from people who said they enjoyed the temple fireside discussion we had this past Sunday. If you were not able to watch the discussion, it is available for viewing as a recording from that post.

Our next discussion was tentatively planned for Sunday tomorrow. We have pushed that back to this coming Thursday evening, August 16th, at 7:30pm. This will facilitate some of the panelists in participating with us.

As some of you know we were only able to make it through about three paragraphs of the introduction of Andrew Skinner’s book Temple Worship. I hope to move a bit faster than that through the text, or it will take an eternity to get through the text (which might be fitting, given the subject matter). Our first discussion also ran a little long at 1 hour 38 minutes. We had some technical difficulties that we believe we’ve ironed out. I hope to keep the discussions to around 1 hour, to be considerate of our panelists’ time, and to help more people find the time to watch live or the recording later.

Please let me know if you have any questions. We’ll see you on Thursday.

Reflections on Temple Discussion

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Of course many of you know that we had a discussion about the temple this past Sunday on Google Hangouts.  I hope you were able to listen in or watch.  If not, a recording is available.

I’m curious to get your feedback on the fireside discussion.  Some questions in my mind are:

  • Was it helpful to you? In what way?
  • Did you learn new things?  What?
  • Did you enjoy it?  Why?
  • Were you nervous about what might be said?  Did we assuage that fear?
  • What did you think of the length?  Shorter?  Longer?
  • What did you think of the contributors?  (Be nice!)
  • Was the material we addressed accessible and understandable?
  • Did the discussion encourage you to go learn more on your own?
  • Do you believe it is helpful for the Church in general, both for members within the Church to learn about the temple, and for outsiders to gain a greater understanding of our temple traditions? (Ok, that’s a loaded one.)
  • Any concerns? Suggestions? Critiques?

Before I schedule the next one, which might be as soon as this coming Sunday, August 12, I want to get your take on this, so we can improve it or cancel it.  Please take a moment to share with us your thoughts in the comments below.

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout Fireside Series

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Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

Temple Prep Live Google Hangout

I’m sure many of you are aware of the new Google+ Hangout feature, but let me explain briefly. Essentially it is a group video chat, where you can see video and hear audio from all the other participants in the chat. Google also provides a “On Air” feature which will broadcast the Hangout video and audio live on Google+, YouTube, and anywhere the video is embedded into a website. This provides the opportunity for live events to be broadcasted around the world quite easily, and for many people to participate in them, both by contributing directly with their webcam, or by just viewing the live broadcast, or viewing the recording later.

Some enterprising members, such as Sheila DuBois, have begun using Google Hangouts to broadcast live “firesides” on Sundays. I think this is an innovative use of the technology to help build up the kingdom, and allows members of the Church to connect in ways previously not possible.   [Read more…]

Hugh Nibley’s on Twitter! And has a Blog

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Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Hugh Nibley [off the record]

Well, not really.  But it sure seems so!  

Nibley’s family organization Hugh Nibley & Associates has organized a Twitter feed and a new blog, HughNibley.net, dedicated to Hugh Nibley’s work.  The Twitter feed includes quotes from Hugh at least once every day, as if he were tweeting, which I’m sure he would scoff at, but is fun nonetheless.  What would Nibley write in a 140-character sound bite?  You’d be surprised some of the concise, off-beat, meaningful, spot on, quirky, poignant, strange, and humorous things that have already been posted.

The HughNibley.net blog is meant to publish more of Hugh Nibley’s work, including ebooks, and new materials.  They explain:

[Read more…]

Mormon Thoughts on the Temple – Round #2

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A few days ago I posted a request for thoughts on the temple.  I’ve received a few messages from some readers, but not as many as I would like.  We’d really like to hear from more of you.  I think this could be a very powerful missionary tool for all of us.

What does the temple mean to you?  Why do you go to the temple?  Do you have a short experience you’d like to share?  Do you have a testimony of the temple you think others could benefit hearing?  Does the temple have an important place in your life?  What have you learned about the temple that you’d like to teach others about?  Is the temple a blessing to you?  How has the temple changed your life?  What is it that makes the temple different from the rest of ordinary life?  Have you been privileged to do temple work for your ancestors?  What was it like?  Are you grateful for the temple?  Why?  Has the temple brought you closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ?

Here is an excellent example from a convert who has been a member of the Church for 11 years, and who has a genuinely powerful testimony of the temple.  Press the play button below:

Thank you, brother, for sharing with us your witness and testimony of the temple and the Holy Ghost.  You’ve blessed my life today.

What could you share with us about the temple?

The method is the same.  Just click the “Call Me” button below, enter in your name (or “anonymous”), your phone number, select “keep number private,” and then click “Connect.”  You will receive a phone call and be connected straight to the TempleStudy.com voicemail where you can share with us your message (3 minute limit). In a few days I’ll select some to share with everyone.

Feel free to be a missionary today and share what the temple means to you.  It’s easy and you could make a positive difference in someone’s life by something you share.