Because we blog, too.
Jeff Lindsay not only gives us a surprising answer to the question of what keeps our church leaders awake at night, he surprises us with his suggestion for what is contributing to the issue and what we can do about it in Helping Young Men Becomes Proactive Leaders: The Importance of Actually Dating.
Regardless of which side of the bishop’s desk you’re sitting on, the words of wisdom Jeff Lindsay shares in a recent post on his Mormanity blog is good advice.
One of the most unenviable responsibilities of our lay clergy is counseling people through life’s most trying circumstances. Jeff, a former bishop, was discussing the challenge with a Pentecostal minister, who shared with Jeff some sagely guidance on the matter.
Don’t miss Pentecostal Minister Offers Sound Advice to Mormon Bishops (and All of Us).
So much good stuff – not enough days. Hence, The Friday Five:
An Abundance of Pudding. A husband’s offer to volunteer 30 minutes turns into a 9-hour ordeal and an experience never-to-be forgotten. In a good way.
Jeff Lindsay’s post in Mormanity shows that were more than just about the Jello at LDS functions. Sometimes, we’re about the pudding. Read An Abundance of Pudding.
The Easter Egg Miracle. Funny guys Kirby Heyborne and Lincoln Hoppe are at it again, just in time for Easter.
Kirby is the “kerB” in kerBLINK, Lincoln is the “LINK”. While the duo specializes in funny business, their aim is for something a little more serious. They are trying to create a place where families can come view good, funny, clean videos and other creative content. They hope to soon be site that features other people’s content as well, offering a more family-friendly version of sites like funnyordie.com.
We wish them all the best. For now, let them entertain you with An Easter Treat. Bring a tissue.
Smiling Guy Revealed! His winning smile will be an indelible memory from April’s General Conference. But who is he? What were his intentions? And is he single?
These questions raged throughout the LDS blogosphere, but leave it to a newcomer to MDB to land the Oprah-sized interview. Paul Wilson, co-owner of LDSFriends.com, tracked down the smiling guy in Australia and lined up a webcam interview. Paul and his wife have two daughters. He serves in the bishopric of his ward in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Welcome Paul and his blog to MDB by watching Interviewing Smiling Guy, who turns out to be Dan Smith, a self-employed carpenter from Melbourne. (And yes, ladies, he’s single.)
No Peace in the Restroom. With seven children under age 14, it’s been years since Ken Craig has been able to use the restroom in peace.
“Dad, look! I’m waving at you! (Little fingers sticking out from under the door.)”
Read Ken’s fun post, Reader’s Indigestion.
Pennies from Heaven. Another newcomer to MDB is from a blogger known only as Middle-aged Mormon Man.
MDB has learned that MMM is the father of 5, happily married, active in church service, and a former Bishop.
“Am quite ‘orthodox,’ in my beliefs,” writes MMM, “but feel we can joke and have fun within our unique culture.”
For his 99th post, he created a video to demonstrate how family budgets work using a table full of pennies. Welcome MMM to MDB by watching Family Finances – Penny Wise.
Photo courtesy of Todd McKinley
Here is a sampling of some reflections from members of the MDB community (including two newcomers!) on the 181st General Conference:
Braden Bell
As a teacher of theater and music at a private school in the Nashville area, Braden Bell knows his blog is bound to visited by members and non-members alike. With all who care to drop by, he shares a profound experience he had over the weekend: hearing a living prophet of God speak.
“I know that sounds crazy and I thought about not writing this. But this is my blog, a place for me to reflect and ponder,” writes this father of five. Read the rest of his post, What I Believe: A Prophet of God.
LDS Media Talk
For you dads of youth, Larry Richman shares the following link featuring highlights for youth from General Conference, LDS General Conference Video Highlights for Youth. You may wish to pass the link along to your youth, and you really should, but don’t be surprised if you find these bite-sized highlights of some of the best stories from conference appealing to their dads, too.
Photo courtesy of Lee Ann Lavender
A new member of the MDB community is Jeff Lindsay, an author of a book on innovation/IP strategy, inventor, patent agent, and holder of a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. In other words, Jeff’s a pretty smart fellow. Hence, when Jeff calls General Conference A Great Way to Experience the Real Teachings and Spirit of the Church, we’re inclined to want to read on. You will, too. Enjoy.
Mormon Life Hacker
Another new member of the MDB community is Tevya Washburn, named after Rev-Tevye from “Fiddler on the Roof” (but neither Jewish nor Russian). Tevya, who is a husband and father, is a man of many talents, including entrepreneur, graphic designer, WordPress expert and historian. On top of all that, he is also one of the primary authors of Mormon Life Hacker (“life hack” refers to various shortcuts and automation techniques to make working time far more effective — and what Mormon dad couldn’t use a little of that?).
Tevya’s recent post gives us an opportunity to weigh in the funniest moments from General Conference. See what others have to say and chime in with your input in What Are the Funniest Moments From Conference?
Jeff Westover
Jeff Westover takes a look at the differences between what the media report our leaders say and what they actually say in Itching Ears and False Doctrine. In another post, Jeff discusses Retaining the Glow of General Conference.
Plenty to reflect upon over the next six months until we call a collective time out again in October. In the meantime, the talks themselves are available here.
Ken Craig is a father of six make that now seven (congrats, Ken!) kids from the age of 13 to new arrival. Originally from California, he’s a bishop in Las Vegas.
Ken’s posts always give a fun glimpse into his busy life. His personal blog is The Craig Report, and he is now also a contributor to Modern Mormon Men.
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