News Worthy

From the BBC News, Saturday, 24 March 2007, 15:56 GMT:

"The General Synod of the Church of England apologised last year for its role in the slave trade. The church, through the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, once owned the Codrington Plantation in Barbados, where slaves had the word “society” branded on their backs with a red-hot iron."

Rowan Williams, the Archbishop of Canterbury said:

"The body of Christ is not just a body that exists at any one time, it exists across history and we therefore share the shame and the sinfulness of our predecessors and part of what we can do, with them and for them in the body of Christ, is pray for acknowledgement of the failure that is part of us not just of some distant ‘them’...

The intention of today is not only to renew that act of repentance, not just an apology but repentance, acknowledgement that we were part of this terrible history, but also to wake people up to where we are now, the fact there still are problems.

It's an opportunity to involve people whose ancestors were involved in this, who are still feeling the effects of it, and so bring to light some of what it meant, some of what it cost.'

"The Archbishops of Canterbury and York led a procession through London [Saturday, March 24, 2007] to mark the 200th anniversary of Britain’s abolition of the slave trade. They [joined] a group who have walked 250 miles from Hull (where abolitionist MP William Wilberforce held his Parliamentary seat) in yokes and chains."

After reading this article, I could not but help wonder: shouldn't the modern LDS Church apologize for it's past advocation, and perpetuation, of racist doctrines and practices??? Certainly, as leaders of a world-wide organization, they cannot pretend that there is no shared responsibility to their fellow men regarding the racist doctrines and practices of The Church's past. The leaders are the ones who can, and have the responsibility to, renounce those past doctrines and apologize for its past practices.

Ultimately, whether the LDS Church does (or does not) take accountability for it's troubling history is out of my hands. What is in my hands, however, is how I reconcile myself to The Church's history, as well as our current social policies, and how I connect with my brothers and sisters.

Book Review ~ The Floating Book: A Novel of Venice

This historical novel takes place in 15th-century Venice at the beginnings of the moveable printing press. It's story is really multiple stories that are linked throughout the novel.

From a review on Amazon: "Lovric's Venice can be deliciously evil and romantic at once, with murky water that sometimes gives up dead babies and with doors that hide intense passion and curses. Her characters are Venetians and foreigners alike: Sosia, a Serb Jew who seduces men of every class as long as they are Venetians; her husband Rabino, a respected doctor who embraces practical medicine over superstition; Wendelin von Speyer, a German entrepreneur and typesetter; Wendelin's Venetian wife Lussièta who loves him despite, or perhaps because of, his foreignness; Bruno, Wendelin's editor and a man at the mercy of Sosia's indifference; and many others. Catullus and his poetry hover over all as his poetic undying love for his cruel lover (mirrored in the relationship between Bruno and Sosia) becomes the publishing venture the main characters eagerly await".

The problem is, with so many characters and so many details nothing gets fully realized. Unfortunately, the book just didn't move along; It didn't seem to have anywhere to go.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

A Budding Poetess

Four new poems from Madison Swift's Poem Book:

Sunset, Sunset,
pink, orange, yellow, red
light the way into the night.

The ocean blue.
The sand among the ocean blue
shining just for me and you.

Butterflies, butterflies,
bright and beautiful
high up in the sky.

Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
I can't wait to
run over you!

Iraq War: Four Years Later

Iraq War: Four Years Later

Today, in 2003, the U.S. roared into Iraq with "Shock & Awe". Now, after four years of fighting, American soldiers are still rolling into Baghdad; more than 3,200 American lives have been lost and more than 50,000 Iraqis killed.

On this anniversary, I want to remember all those who have suffered, fought and died in this conflict; I hope that those left behind can find comfort. May all of us do what we can to aleviate suffering, exercise kindness and promote peace.

The Beginnings of Relief Society

165 years ago today, in 1842, Joseph Smith formally organized the Relief Society. After Joseph addressed the group of sisters, the new presidency was ordained by John Taylor.

The meeting was address’d by Prest. Smith, to illustrate the object of the Society- that the Society of Sisters might provoke the brethren to good works in looking to the wants of the poor—searching after objects of charity, and in administering to their wants- to assist by correcting the morals and strengthening the virtues of the female community, and save the Elders the trouble of rebuking; that they may give their time to other duties &c: in their public teaching.
Prest. Smith further remark’d that an organization to show them how to go to work would be sufficient. He propos’d that the Sisters elect a presiding officer to preside over them, and let that presiding officer choose two counsellors to assist in the duties of her office- that he would ordain them to preside over the Society- and let them preside just as Presidency, preside over the church: and if they need his instruction ask him, will give it from time to time.
Let this Presidency serve as a constitution- all their decisions be considered law, and acted upon as such.
If any Officers are wanted to carry out the designs of the institution, let them be appointed and set apart, as Deacons, Teachers, &C. are among us.
The minutes of your meetings will be precedent for you to act upon- your Constitution- and law.
He then suggested the propriety of electing a Presidency to continue in the office during good behavior, or so long as they shall continue to fill the office with dignity &C.,- like the first Presidency of the Church.
Motioned by Sister Whitney and seconded by Sister Packard that Mrs. Emma Smith be chosen President-passed unanimously.
Mov’d by Prest. Smith, that Mrs. Smith proceed to choose her Counsellors, that they may be ordain’d to preside over this Society, in taking care of the poor, administering to their wants, and attending to the various affairs of this Institution.
The Presidentess Elect, then made choice of Mrs. Sarah M. Cleveland and Mrs. Elizabeth Ann Whitney for Counsellors.
President Smith read the Revelation to Emma Smith, from the book of Doctrine and Covenants; and stated that she was ordain’d at the time the Revelation was given, to expound the scriptures to all; and to teach the female part of community; and that not she alone, but others, may attain to the same blessings.-The 2d Epistle of John, 1st verse, was then read to show that respect was there had to the same thing, and that why she was called an Elect lady is because elected to preside. (Eliza R. Snow Smith, Relief Society Minutes, 17 March 1842)

My experiences in Relief Society have been varied; often I struggled to belong. Now, as I reflect on the years I have spent as a member of the society, I feel a sense of thankfulness for everything it has been to me.

First, it is a place where I have grown to apprecitate all kinds of women. I consider it a blessing to be able to associate with such a varied group of women, some of whom don’t necessarily approach things the way I do, but with whom I have connection because of our shared love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Second, it is a place where my knowledge and understanding of the Gospel has been challenged and strengthened. As I participate in lessons, I find opportunities to ponder my faith, fine-tune my testimony, and deepen my relationship with the Savior.

Third, I love the rich history of the Relief Society. I love the connection I feel with my grandmothers and great-grandmothers knowing that we share this common thread; that we are all a part of this community of sisters. I love the feeling of being part of something larger and greater than myself.

In honor of it’s 165th birthday, share how Relief Society has affected/touched/improved your life.

Before & After

Hee-hee! I feel like a Barbie Fashion Fever Grow 'N Style doll. For the first time in 7 years I have long hair (or longer)!

It was like instant hair! Ok, not quite as easy as simply pushing a button, but after only 3 1/2 hrs. in the salon chair I was a new woman!

A Piece of the Action

"It is possible for the human spirit to be broken, then to rise again, as a Phoenix from the ashes; and the power of the imaginative mind, the power of books...is one way that rising can take place." ~ Sandy Wells, "The Letters"

Here are some ways you can help: Voices to Afganistan, Books for Soldiers, Books to Prisoners

Wife of a rock star!

Who knew, right? ...but it is true. Eric was a rock star; or so he says.

During high school, Eric was a member of a straight edge punk band named "Scared Straight". After countless hours spent honing their skills in friend's garages, the five adolescent young men set out in search of their dreams on their first tour across America. For weeks they traveled together in a foul van, slept where they could, enjoyed a growing base of fans and the thrill of artistic abandon. Unfortunately, the tour was cut short when all of their equipment was stolen after the gig at the Electric Banana in Pittsburg.

Not to be so easily detered, "Scared Straight" continued to practice and play. The next year, they set out on their second tour, this time to the south-western states. In 1985 they released a mini- album, ironically named, "Born to be Wild".

More information available at http://bandtoband.com/index.php?Page=Search&BandId=1185

International Women's Day ~ March 8, 2007

Since today is International Women's Day I wanted to honor the essenstial women in my life.

First, my Mom. It was not until I matured, married and had children of my own that I began to fully appreciate the greatness of my mother. She is strong, independent and faithful. She taught me to seek for truth and to develop charity. My mom taught me the Gospel of Christ; it is the integrity and strength of her faith that has laid the foundation of my own. My mother gave me life; literally, by birth, but also by her love and belief in me which gives me the ability to be who I am.

Second, my Sister. This relationship is one of the most beautiful I have. My sister is sensitive, intelligent and funny. We grew into womanhood together, being so close in age; through college, marriage and children she has been my constant friend. I still share with her my most intimate thoughts and fears; I love to be with her and cannot go a day or two without speaking with her.

Third, my Grandmother. Although I did not live near my Grandmother, she was a constant presence in my life. My parents frequently spoke of her and I strove to be like her. To me, she was an authentic person; she lived her life honestly. When my courage or energy fails me, she is one that I turn to for strength. She was constantly pursuing knowledge. It is from her, either inherently or by example, that I gained my love of reading. This is a gift that has, and continues to, greatly enrich my life.

What effect have the women in your life had on you?

A Few Book Reviews

Veil of Roses ~ Fitzgerald

While the plot is familiar (boy meets girl, an obstacle stands in the way of their relationship, but love prevails in the end), it is told from a point of view that is unique in American literature: that of a young Iranian woman. The political and religious elements of the story are presented in perfect measure; honest but not sensationalized. Tamila is an endearing character that I quickly fell in love with, and continued to admire as the story unfolded and more details of her repressive life in Iran become apparent. I enjoyed experiencing Tami embrace her new found freedom, and marvel at the American culture, which gave me, an American reader, a fresh view on my own everyday life.

Veil of Roses was a quick, entertaining read; it grabbed my attention immediately and held it. I would categorize it as "chick-lit", however, it is more thought-provoking than most "chick-lit" novels; it left me with a desire to learn more about the Persian culture.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Rasputin's Daughter ~ Alexander

Alexander's book is set in the period of the Russian revolutions and the fall of the Romanovs but the emphasis is on Rasputin -- the much-hated madman who "cured" Alexei Romanov and, it is believed, played a key part in bringing about the downfall of Russia.

The story is told through the words of Rasputin's oldest daughter and allows us to see him in a different light; his flaws are not glossed over, but a "good" side of him emerges. We also learn about the various plots to kill him.

This also was a quick, entertaining read. The quality of the writing is fair.

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

In Cold Blood ~ Capote

I loved, loved this book! I found it touching, horrifying, and saddening. Capote is a master at taking you into the minds of the killers and forcing you to take a different view of criminals; it left me wondering of ways in which we could take better care of those who are on the fringes of society.

For me this was one of those rare books I could not put down and hated to finish.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars


The Bell Jar ~ Plath

Facinating, well written novel on the study of psychology. The Bell Jar tells the story of a young Esther Greenwood at the beginning of her mental decline. She first recognizes its oncoming during a summer of interning at a magazine company in New York City. Trying to fit in with the other interns, as well as dealing with boys and co-workers prove to be a struggle at times for her. Later, when the real depression and suicidal thoughts set in, we are invited into a dark and scary world, one created realistically and honestly by Plath.

I am so glad I read this book...it is one of my favorites.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars