Award-winning author Heather B. Moore (H.B. Moore) is giving away a copy of her Whitney Award-winning novel from the "Out of Jerusalem" series,specifically, Volume Four – Land of Inheritance.
H.B. Moore was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but spent most of her childhood in Orem, Utah. During these years, her family traveled back and forth between the Middle East and Utah. At the age of eight, while living in Egypt, she was baptized in the Red Sea. Heather attended the Anglican School of Jerusalem from 1987-88, and returned again to Jerusalem with her husband in 1994.
Heather B. Moore graduated from Brigham Young University with a major in Fashion Merchandising and minor in Business Management. This has nothing to do with writing books, but at least she can color-coordinate her kids school clothes and balance a mean checkbook.
Heather B. Moore is a member of the League of Utah Writers and LDStorymakers. She also manages the editing company, Precision Editing Group, LLC. She is the author of the historical series, Out of Jerusalem, and of Abinadi (2008 Whitney Award Winner & 2009 Best of State Winner).
Have you taken the time to develop your testimony of Jesus Christ and your personal relationship with Him? Do you live your life in a way that will encourage the Holy Spirit to be with you and influence you to make the best choice? Do you look towards the world to see how well you are doing, or to a higher path, the one of the Lord?
Our Father in Heaven loves us, His children. He has sent warnings to us through the scriptures and modern-day prophets so that we may be prepared for those trials, temptations and tribulations that will come to us. The world that we live in now is filled with hate, war, fear, blood, death, smoke, sin and pain. If we are to succeed temporally and spiritually, we must fortify our homes and ourselves as individuals, on a very personal level.
We need to be able to stand anywhere and be standing on a holy place because WE are standing there. We have been warned over and over again, it is time to heed those warnings to protect yourself, your family, and friends by having ears to hear and eyes that see.
No matter how appealing and enticing the things of this world may appear, they pass away, the pleasure is only temporary and it too soon fades. To have true eternal happiness, we must give heed to the things that the Lord has told us to do. To become the true people of Zion. Being of one heart and one mind as our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost are. We must connect to them spiritually that we may work as one to prepare to bring the Kingdom of God on earth forth. We must prepare every needful thing for the times that have already begun.
Be ever watchful, read the scriptures and know the signs of His coming that you will not be deceived or taken by surprise as a thief in the night. We may not know the day or the hour, but we can tell when the leaves are on the fig tree, and that the time is nigh.
If you have not gotten prepared in the ways that the video above lets you know you need to be, then work on it now. Press forward with faith, and do what is required. Do it not in fear, but with faith, that the Lord will guide you to be able to fulfill what He has asked of us, that He will indeed provide a way for you to accomplish what He has commanded.
As intense as the sin and wickedness is, there is still more to come. Stand on that firm foundation, your holy place, and be not moved. Cling to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and gather in all you can to safety.
Charity Angel Flies Through First Qualifying Round
Independent Christian singer Charity Angel has made it through the first qualifying round for Deseret Book's "Mormon Night" competition to sing the National Anthem at Dodger's Stadium in LA on August 6th.
"This is a pleasant surprise," Charity Angel stated as she excitedly showed her family her name on the list of those who made it through the first round. "I am number 30 out of 250." Charity then started to text some of her friends and extended family with the news. "I have to let the bishop know that I made it this far." She stated, as she selected another recipient.
The Deseret Book 'Mormon Night' competition will narrow it down to Fifty semi-finalist's for a round in Salt Lake City Utah or LA in July, and only one will go on to perform the National Anthem in Los Angelos at the Dodger's Stadium on August 6.
When asked about how she would feel if she didn't make it pass this point, Charity replied, "I am just thankful to have made it to this point. I understand how tough the competition is, when I was in the top 40 for Ozark's Idol in Missouri, the competition was tough, but it was a great experience. I look forward to where ever this takes me."
Charity just recently returned to Utah in March of this year, the previous 6 years she lived in Missouri, which she states that she loved it there. Charity released her first CD shortly after moving to Missouri called "Only Prayers Away". Her songs did really well when they were first released on independent internet music sites. Some of them even made it to the number 1 and number 2 position on the charts on several websites. There are only a few copies of her first CD left that are still available to the public.
You can hear her two A Capella entries for the competition in the player below:
From Deseret Book:
Over 500 entries were received, 250 listed qualified for the first round. Letters are being mailed out to notify those participants who have been selected by our professional panel of judges to compete in a semi-final round.
As I prepare myself to attend the temple tomorrow, I thought that I would share a few videos and thoughts.
The temple has always been a place of peace for me, literally a refuge from the storms of life and the filthiness of the world. When I enter there, time disappears, and peace fills my soul. I have had many experiences while serving others in the temple, that have helped me through many things. Now that I live in the shadows of many temples it would be a shame not to take full advantage of that blessing. In Missouri, I would attend the temple once a year due to the distance and the fact that I was home educating my children and other trust issues that I had about leaving my children with anyone.
The last time that I was at the temple was April 25th. I cannot believe that it has been that long. I was going once or twice a week, and then with moving and other things, got too distracted. I suppose that could be the very reason that I am struggling as much as I am right now, because I have not had that constant strengthening each week as I had been. While I was there, it was the first time that I felt alone. My father and brother were there with their wives, and I was single. It happened to be a day where there were a lot of other couples attending the Provo temple that day. I had mixed feelings of knowing I was where the Lord wanted me to be, but that I was without a companion, and I felt that void for the first time in a very deep way. My brother was very helpful to me, and that helped me a great deal. While we were in the Celestial room, he stated that I looked like I belonged there, that I radiated like the temple. I admit that there have been many times that I wished that I could live there and never leave. I am often reminded of a Heavenly home that waits for me when I am there, I feel connected to it at such a depth that I do not want to leave, because it feels like I am home, and additionally, I don't want to go back into the dark and dreary world. I prefer the light.
Now, all I have is now To be faithful To be holy And to shine Lighting up the darkness Right now, I really have no choice But to voice the truth to the nations A generation looking for God
Chorus For such a time as this I was placed upon the earth To hear the voice of God And do His will Whatever it is For such a time as this For now and all the days He gives I am here, I am here And I am His For such a time as this
You - Do you ever wonder why Seems like the grass is always greener Under everybody else's sky But right here, right here for this time and place You can live a mirror of His mercy A forgiven image of grace Repeat Chorus
Can't change what's happened till now But we can change what will be By living in holiness That the world will see Jesus
A wise Samuel Adams once stated “But neither the wisest constitution nor the wisest laws will secure the liberty and the happiness of a people whose manners are universally corrupt. He therefore is the truest friend to the liberty of his country who tries most to promote its virtue, and who, so far as his power and influence extend, will not suffer a man to be chosen into any office of power and trust who is not a wise and virtuous man.”
Samuel further states that they need to have proven virtue and proven wisdom. One of the most quoted scriptures of that time period was Proverbs 29:2 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn”.
The founders were keenly aware of the short comings of human nature. Knowing that they could not create a utopian society, they created a system that would help bring forward the most promising element of society and then be able to draft them into service. They hoped to develop a spirit of public virtue by having leaders that have a strong private virtue. It would be a new kind of freemen aristocracy or natural aristocracy, which would be open to all, but inheritable by none. Every leader would have to rise to office by merit, not by wealth or reputation of his ancestors. They firmly believed that the best of private citizens should accept major roles in the public life.
John Adams believed that we must prepare for service in politics. He said “The science of government is my duty to study, more than all other sciences; the arts of legislation and administration and negotiation ought to take place of, indeed to exclude, in a manner, all other arts. I must study politics and war, that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history and naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
Benjamin Franklin taught that it was important that public office was viewed as an honor rather then a position of profit. He gave the example of how there was a violent struggle to be appointed to office in Europe due to the amount of pay for the position. He felt that it was of utmost importance that service would attract men of public virtue and repeal scoundrels scrambling for a soft job. He stated that although the founders set low pay, throughout time this would change and the rulers would return to the political warfare that occurs between the governed and the governing. Those who govern always seek for their own personal benefit and have an appetite that is never satisfied.
Franklin foretold the potential of America returning to a monarchy. Not called a monarchy, of course, since the people would never allow it but rather a president that would be given monarchial powers. He stated that if given the chance, this executive power would follow the example of Pharaoh. First get all the people’s money, then all their lands, and then make them and their children servants forever.
(The 28 Principles of Liberty are adapted from the book "The 5000 Year Leap" by W. Cleon Skousen. This article is also published at www.Myspace.com/angelsings www.LDSFreemen.com and the Cape Fair Cryer newspaper in Missouri.)
Charity Angel's blog about anything. Saturday, May 2, 2009 Come What May and Love It
1. Learn to Laugh 2. Seek for the Eternal 3. Understand the Principle of Compensation 4. Put our trust in Our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ
I have found this talk given by Elder Wirthlin to be very touching and absolutely the truth. As I have faced the many difficulties that I have the last several years, and even more specifically, the ones that I am currently facing now, I must acknowledge the truth of these words.
Through my heartache and pain, it is through my many great friends that have helped me continue to laugh that I have been lifted out of feelings of sorrow very rapidly. Although the pain can come back over and over through disappointment and other grief, laughing does remove it once again.
Seeking for the eternal does help us keep the right perspective about what we are going through, it is but a small moment of our eternal life. There is much more left to accomplish and to develop, and if we can focus on looking forward, then we can accomplish many things, and the painful past becomes less and less painful.
I can testify that the Lord literally does compensate us for our losses. It has been my personal experience that not only am I compensated, but I am blessed beyond measure. As I have lost almost all my earthly possessions, my marriage, political goals and opportunities, completely uprooted my life, and have had to face starting over as the sole provider of my family, I must acknowledge the many that have helped the Lord compensate those losses. The blessings are increasing, and each loss I have had is being compensated for one thing at a time, in the Lord's timing. Not all things are compensated for, but I know that the Lord will provide it. For example, one day I will again be married, and I will be blessed to have that joy in my life. This is going to happen in the Lord's time, but I know that it will happen.
The final one is the most important one. We must trust in Heavenly Father and in His Son Jesus Christ. If we do not do this, the other blessings do not come as rapidly. It is by trusting in them, rather then the arm of flesh, that we are inspired to make choices and take actions that bring these blessings to us. For when we obey they Lord's commandments, those blessings must be given that are connected to them.
To all those who have touched my life for good, I thank you. You have been an instrument in the hands of God to reach the soul of one of His daughters. I appreciate you being willing to serve, and to do His work through service to others. I admit that I prefer to be the one giving to others, but I am amazed by all that everyone has done. Everything from just being a listening ear when I need it, to sharing with me of your things so that I can have a home once again. I am thankful for my family and friends, and ward members, both those I have left behind, and those I am with now. Without all of you, I am not sure that I would have been able to work through things as much as I have so far, or as fast as I have. There is still a lot more to go through, but thank you so much for aiding me on that journey.
The family is the central unit of society. Without it, our society dies. Not only is the family needed for our culture and people to flourish, but it is also where the next generation is cultivated. I believe that it was Abraham Lincoln that said that the hand that rocks the cradle rules the nation. As we become more involved and distracted by the things of the world, or are pursuing more things rather then spending more time with our families, the side effects are becoming ever evident. The most precious of relationships are neglected, and our children are left to find their own way following new teachers, like the media and other avenues in which the philosophies of men rather then God become central to their lives.
It is my experience that when we make God the center of our home, we are better able to weather the storms that will come to us in this life. Below I have included the proclamation to the world that was given back in 1995 to all.
It is my hope that it will reach those who may not have seen it nor read it yet, that they may change the focus of their lives to more of an eternal perspective.
We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator’s plan for the eternal destiny of His children.
All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.
In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshipped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize their divine destiny as heirs of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.
The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God’s commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.
We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God’s eternal plan.
Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.
The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. 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. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.
We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.
We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.
This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
John 16: 13 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
Jacob 4: 8 8 Behold, great and marvelous are the works of the Lord. How unsearchable are the depths of the mysteries of him; and it is impossible that man should find out all his ways. And no man knoweth of his ways save it be revealed unto him; wherefore, brethren, despise not the revelations of God.
Morm. 9: 7-8 7 And again I speak unto you who deny the revelations of God, and say that they are done away, that there are no revelations, nor prophecies, nor gifts, nor healing, nor speaking with tongues, and the interpretation of tongues; 8 Behold I say unto you, he that denieth these things knoweth not the gospel of Christ; yea, he has not read the scriptures; if so, he does not understand them.
John 14: 26 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
Matt. 28: 20 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
John 14: 21, 23 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. • • • 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
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age of eight, while living in Egypt, she was baptized in the Red Sea. Heather attended the Anglican School of Jerusalem from 1987-88, and returned again to Jerusalem with her husband in 1994.
