Jesus Christ Implores Peter To "Feed My Sheep"

I think Jesus is teaching Peter that there are more important things to be doing than gong fishing.  That his was a monumental task which would take much effort.

Church Movie Review: Joy to the World

"Joy to the World" is a film produced by the church which is very useful for giving to friends at Christmas time.  It features the Mormon tabernacle Choir and includes several narrators telling the story of Christ's birth in both Jerusalem as well as the New World.  It also shows scenes from the birth of Jesus.  The stable has many animals.  And Mary and Joseph look very lovingly at Baby Jesus.  The shepherds look so astonished.  They travel to Bethlehem to see the baby.
We also see Samuel on the wall from the Book of Mormon.  The story of the sign of a day and a night and a day without darkness.  The threat made to the people that they will be put to death by a certain day if the sign is not revealed.  Nephi's prayer and answer "Today come I into the World."
But this it not all this short film offers. We also see scenes from Jesus' life; his miracles and teaching the people.  Jesus' crucifixion is shown, as well as his resurrection.  And then a brief review of the prophets.  The darkness which entered the world through apostasy, and then finally the restoration, and new testimony of Jesus.
This movie is very well done.  I recommend it as a movie to share with your friends.  It gives a brief testimony of the Church of Jesus Christ.  It also invites people to learn more and tells them how they can do so.

Caleb's Report to Stake High Council

Caleb did an admirable job reporting his mission.  Caleb presented to the Stake High Council the Tuesday after he returned from his mission.  He would have been his second day on the job.  We entered the meeting room at 8:30.  Also presenting with us was Emma Hunter who returned from her mission a week before Caleb.  She had been present for both the open house of a new temple in Florida, Fort Lauderdale and passing out Book of Mormon cards after the Musical “The Book of Mormon.”  She compared the reaction of the people at both events.  The people at the temple were very impressed with the influence of the church.

Caleb talked about how he felt the Lord put people where they needed to be to fulfill His plans.  He talked about proselytizing at the Nauvoo Pageant.  

Caleb focused his presentation on several stories of times when for whatever reason people where in the right place to get to the missionaries. Of course this also involved the missionaries being in tune to the spirit to take advantage.  The first was of a man who had been to Carthage jail.  While there he had a vivid vision and re-experienced the events that took place there.  After this he was seeking someone to teach himself about the church, or considered himself part of the church.
The second story was about a young man who embraced the gospel.  However his family was less than enthusiastic.  He wanted to go to BYUIdaho and serve a mission.  His family wanted to cut him off from funds for school.  He had a very difficult time with his parents, and it happened the missionaries had felt impressed to visit him.  They were able to support him through a hard time just by being there.
The last story was about an area in Caleb's last area.  Oquawka is about 30 miles from Burlington, on the other side of the Mississippi and to the north.  Caleb and his companion felt inspired to work there.  There were a few members there, but most were inactive.  They were trying to visit those inactive, but were having difficulty because the addresses were not clear.  As they were feeling so frustrated they prayed as to what to do.  Shortly after a local member, active, observed them.  He was able to help them find many of the people they were looking for.  In that way they were able to meet many families and teach new people.
I feel grateful for Caleb's service, and the Lord's help, and the members' help in providing him with a positive experience.   

Missionary Portraits from Tony and Caleb

Caleb's portrait of Tony

Tony's portrait of Elder Wardle

Tony's picture of Sister Wardle and companion.  Investigator is saying Yeay with his hands up

I invite You to Visit our Chapel for a Tour

Sunday School: Old Testamant: Micah: Our Responsibility to Share the Gospel

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2013-06-003-let-your-light-so-shine?lang=eng
Micah it one of those prophets who saw the latter days.  He wrote about the responsibility as children of Israel and members of the church, which we have to carry the gospel to the world.  Micah teaches by comparison and similitudes.  He presents the task of missionary work as gather the wheat and separating it from the chaff.  This was a task where the oxen were used. 

Micah: 4  11 ¶Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.

 12 But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

 13 Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.

He further talks about missionary work, comparing those who have the gospel as The Dews of heaven, who water all the grass.  He then compares them to a lion among ship.  When we open our mouths and invite others to Christ, we will be as the lion who none can oppose.
Micah 5: 7 And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
 8 ¶And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
M. Russel Ballard talked about the confidence that comes when combining missionary work and prayer. 
https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/put-your-trust-in-the-lord?lang=eng
In 1842 the Prophet Joseph Smith, in the Wentworth letter Joseph Smith made a similar statement.  He declared, “No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done” (History of the Church, 4:540).

Life In Manteca 110: Week Review: Broadway Review, Sunday School and Restaurant Review

My week has been great.  Sunday was fun.  Last weekend of rehearsal before the Broadway review and we have been having Sunday rehearsals.  It was actually fun.  In addition to the bit from Evita, I am also going to sing a Phantom line a' capella which is my forte. 

You are invited

We made it to Turlock yesterday, for just a short but fun visit with Charity, Anthony and baby.  Camberly took care of our chess game for us. (Tony and I were playing.)  She is a cute little thing.  Not quite walking yet, but she soon will get brave enough.  She will stand, but then sits back down where she feel safer.

Sunday School lesson was on missionary work, using Jonah and as an example.  He first didn’t want to go, then did, and was disappointed when the people of Ninevah repented.  He wanted the lord to destroy them, so the Lord taught him about the importance of souls and loving people.  
We also talked about a prophet Micah in the old Testament who saw our day.  He compared the children of Jacob (members of the church to dew on the grass.  The morning dew can give nourishment to all the grass.  We as members do this through example, service and opening our mouths.  He also compared us to the Lion among sheep.  I think he was saying that if we step out and do missionary work, none will be able to stand in our way.  The Lord will bless us with the faith to do.

It was a fun lesson.  I introduced the lesson, talking about my kids who are serving missions, Caleb and Miranda and the new spirit of missionary work. 

I went to the dentist Saturday.  I did a crown and have a temporary in.  It doesn’t quite fit right, but I can put up with anything a few days.

I also worked on making slide shows of the Skyview music.  It is enjoyable.  I have used many shots from the Yearbook.  I am about half done with the album, with a few more to go.
Sheri and I had a nice date night at ***^ Jack's Pizza Cafe.  We had a large pizza to share, half Hawaiian and half pepperoni and sausage.  Their sauce was pretty warm, but the pizza was good.  I did not venture to the Hawaiian side.  That was for Sheri.  I really liked their cheese bread that came with the special we ordered.  Sheri says she prefers Crazy Bread from Little Caesar's.  We also had mozzarella sticks with marinara sauce.  They were good with the sauce.  The also serve hamburgers and such but we stuck to the pizza.  They have a small game section.  The bathroom was not very clean--or actually someone had put paper towels in the toilet and I fished them out, worried they might cause an overflow.  They gave as a Manteca Bulletin to read so we were entertained.  It was comparable in price to Mountain Mike's; which I think we still prefer.  However Caesar's most often gets our business for the price.

What I Heard in Church today and Elder Christensen Homecoming Report

A couple of things I found noteworthy from church today.  Sister Paneda, a young sister, pregnant with twins, talked on gratitude.  She said an attitude of gratitude helps when faced with adversity.  If we are focused on the good, hardships,  though still hard, are a little more bearable. 
Another young sister, Sister Devey also said something very interesting.  We were talking about putting on the armor of God, so as to have a protection from the fiery darts of Satan.  We were saying things like prayer, and scriptures, but Sister Devey put it all into focus.  She said she would not go outside in the morning without doing some things to take care of her physical appearance.  She wouldn't go out in her pajamas.  She takes care of her hair, has a bath, brushes her teeth etc.  She mentioned that in the same manner, we must take the time to prepare ourselves to meet the world spiritually.  We should as much time in spiritual preparation, prayer, scriptures, attitude, etc., as we do with physical preparation.  Sister Ellis added that this preparation should come from inside, it cannot be an outside preparation only.  However, by doing these things, we then put a force field around ourselves to protect us from Satan's temptations.
The other part of sacrament meeting was a missionary report from Elder Eric CHristensen.  He talked of their going the extra mile to have three investigators at church on day.  They had set a goal.  They only had two there, and so with five minutes until church they took to the neighborhood.  They invited the first family, nope, the second, maybe, the third a young woman in a bikini appeared at the door, and the invitation was brief, if you like our meeting starts in three meetings, then onto the next home.  Still no one committed, so they headed back to the meeting.  There was somebody on the front row they didn't know.  Turns out it was bikini girl.  She embraced the gospel, as did many members of her family.  You never know.  He also talked about how different people came to know the church; how they were invited.  Some to play basketball, some to a baptism,some by the missionaries.  The spirit it was gives the increase, our job is to invite.  He quoted "Preach my Gospel."  Our duty is to invite people to Christ.  To invite.

Member Missionary 4: Pray for Missionary Opportunities: Elder M. Russel Ballard

http://bcove.me/34xm8m2q
Elder M. Russel Ballard: Put Your Trust in the Lord

http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision
Hastening the work of salvation

I felt this talk was inspired.  He adds an important step to Elder Wardle's model of being a member missionary, pray for missionary experiences.  Following are excerpts from this discourse.

We need to work together in partnership with our 80,000 missionaries now serving.

We ... know that many members hesitate to do missionary work and share the gospel for two basic reasons.

1. •The first one is fear. Many members do not even pray for opportunities to share the gospel, fearing that they might receive divine promptings to do something they think they are not capable of doing.
2. •The second reason is misunderstanding of what missionary work is.

 Brothers and sisters, fear will be replaced with faith and confidence when members and the full-time missionaries kneel in prayer and ask the Lord to bless them with missionary opportunities.

While the outcome is a result of the exercise of one’s agency, sharing the gospel is our responsibility.

Preach My Gospel reminds all of us that “nothing happens in missionary work until [we] find someone to teach.  Talk with as many people as you can each day. It is natural to be somewhat apprehensive about talking to people, but you can pray for the faith and strength to be more bold in opening your mouth to proclaim the restored gospel”

The key is that you be inspired of God, that you ask Him for direction and then go and do as the Spirit prompts you.

 I want to have missionary experiences.  I am committing to pray for them, and hope you will join me.

Member Missionary 3: A New Note from Elder Wardle

Note from Caleb

This is very simple, but I think it reflects Elder Ballard's yesterday in conference.  Share, sometimes you have to just start a conversation.  We can also do things to give our selves an opportunity to share.  Opening our mouths, and talking to someone is the first step.  I like to share our family and home.  This gives people a chance to see the gospel.  Inviting can be a bit scarier.  In this step you actually invite somebody to something; to our house for family home evening, to an activity at the church, to hear the missionaries.  And then Testify.  I have not ventured to take this step other than with the missionaries.

Member Missionary Work 1: Caleb's Mission

Caleb has written several letters in which he has talked about member missionary work, and the importance of opening our homes to be a place where people can be introduced to the gospel, and invited to hear the missionaries.  He says this is very important.  They have visited a few less active families, and had some success.  The are also taking a young man from a part member family.
My greatest worry with the increase in the number of missionaries, is that we as member will let them down; that we will not be willing to increase our efforts in terms of inviting people to hear the missionaries, and as a result, the missionaries will not have a positive experience.  I have seen the spirit of the young people going on missions, including the of Caleb.  The do carry the spirit.  It is beholden upon us to put people in their path so that spirit can touch the heart of our friends.  I pray for missionary, and am committed to invite people to hear the gospel.  I still lack in this area, but I am beginning to open my mouth.
What we did when I was on my mission
http://whilhelmsthoughts.blogspot.com/2013/09/member-missionary-work.html

My Thought On Caleb's First Couple Letters

I have had some thoughts on Caleb's first couple letters, and then a bit of missionary advise I found in the Deseret News.  First Caleb said he is going to be singing in the choir, on of 1300.  I imagine he is singing today.  He may also be singing at a fireside.  Caleb loves to sing.  He is much more accomplished than I.  Where I at his age was always a follower, he has been a leader, and usually leads with the right notes.  Lack of confidence makes one a follower, and that is where I often was in singing; however now I usually have confidence singing bass an less so tenor.  Caleb is a natural tenor.
Caleb also said there are 3000 missionaries now at the MTC.  That would mean almost half sing in the choir.  However, I think he is short on his number.  They were up to 3800 a couple months ago, and there are more missionaries now than then.  Maybe he meant to say 5000, I will have to ask him.
He has had nothing but positive things to say about his experience.  He keeps leaving subtle hints for Miranda, encouraging her to join him in the mission field.  Miranda will find he own path.
Caleb has been serving as the district leader, which he says is hard, as he prays of how best to serve the other missionaries in his district.  He did meet the mission president at the MTC.  He is having a good time.  He says the food is good, but runs through him.  I had the same experience there 35 years ago.  It is different eating institutional food when compared to your momma's cooking.
As for me, I have missed Caleb.  We are redistributing his chores.  I think Tony has missed him the most, but we are all adjusting.
Caleb is flying to Iowa this Wednesday, 28th.  Sheri says he gets to call.  Even though it has only been a couple days, it will be nice to talk with him. 
http://www.deseretnews.com/top/1717/11/Be-yourself-11-cant-miss-tips-for-successful-LDS-missionaries.html
Now as for missionary advise.  This article list 11 things.  Five of them have to do with obedience.  Be obedient, have faith that obedience will lead to blessings etc.  It also talks about being loving five times in different ways: don't judge other missionaries, serve you companions, give praise, love those you teach, love everyday.  It concludes with "Be yourself."

Three Missionary Farewell Talks and a Baptism in One Day

Caleb is not here this week, so it becomes my job to report on all the missionary goodbyes he is missing today.  There were two in our ward, Clayton Williams and Phillip Herrera as well as one in the Ripon Ward, Ben Tolman.  I must admit I skipped part of priesthood meeting to go and listen in.
In our ward the theme was covenants.  Clayton after given and overview of covenants through our lives, focused on the baptismal covenant.  He told a cute story of his own baptism, and having to be baptized twice because his toe came up.  I guess that is embarrassing when you are eight.  However he gave a good idea of the obligations we take upon ourselves at baptism, commiting to help those who stand in need and being willing to witness for Jesus in whatever circumstance we might be in.
Phillip focused on the oath and covenant of the priesthood.  He read to us from D&C 4, the list of things which qualify us for the work.  And faith, hope, charity and love, with and eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.  

Remember faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience,  brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, humility, diligence.
He focused on faith from that point.
Ben talked more on choices and free agency.  All three missionaries expressed gratitude for those who had helped them get to the point where they are leaving on missions.
A couple weeks ago we had a returning missionary speak, Elder Joe Ekland.  He also talked about covenants, with a focus on missionary work.  He indicated it isn't hard to ask some one if they would like to see a presentation about our religion.
This pm I went back to the church for a baptism.  The missionaries have been teaching Darrin Williams and he was baptized today.  Caleb had visited him with the missionaries, and I express his desire to have been there. 

It was a very beautiful service.  Sister Smith played for Sister Ward.  They sang "I know my Redeemer Lives" but to the music for "A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief."  Sister Dees visited from Oak Grove where she is now serving.  There were lots of visitors.  I talked with grandmother, and she set up a date to visit with the missionaries.  Another young lady was also there who has been investigating, as well as Darring

Church Leadership Training:

http://www.lds.org/broadcasts/watch/the-work-of-salvation/2013/06?lang=eng

If you missed the leadership conference on missionary work, I heartily recommend it to you.  The work is moving forth, and this conference answers for me some of the questions I have been having with regards to what will the Church do with all the new missionaries?  I found a few answers.
We attended as a family, Miranda who attends the single's ward, Caleb, who is joining the missionary force in August, Sheri and I and Tony.  For fear Tony may not last a couple hours in the meeting, I started with him in the lobby, and the Spanish speaking room.  For a while I had this room to myself with Tony, and I was pleased I could understand what was being said.
Caleb's mission president was also at the meeting, as he is a new mission president, who has been at the MTC for training and will be in Iowa shortly.
Elder Jeffrey Holland conducted.
Elder L Tom Perry was the first speaker, and provided insight to what the new missionaries will be doing.  This includes opening up the churches, where the missionaries will spend time each day serving via the internet.  Also members will be called upon to take a more active roll.  He said, "By virtue of our membership in His Church each of us is called and commissioned to invite others to come unto Christ, whether they be active members, new members, inactive members or non-members."
He was followed by Elder Neil Andersen who presented several stories of success in the area of ward and stake councils doing the work of inviting others to Christ.  He mentions this link:
http://www.lds.org/training/wwlt/2013/hastening/a-new-vision?cid=HPL1P01W01031&lang=eng#media=
Elder Russell Nelson presented the duties of the ward mission leader using an example from Oklahoma.
It concludes with Elder Boyd Packer talking about teaching, and using the spirit to teach.
It then concludes with a testimony from President Monson.  He told the story of the Saint Thomas Branch in Canada.  There was a Branch President with a vision, which influenced this good area for good.  "I testify that when we act in faith the Lord will show us how to strengthen His Church in the ward and branches in which we live.  He will be with us; will become and active partner in our missionary labors."

My Thoughts on Stake Conference

Stake conference resulted in the reorganization of our stake presidency.  I attended the temple session, which was very well attended. President Crockett spoke of his observations of the temple, and it reminding of our role as children of our Heavenly Father.  He compared our relationship of parents to our children to that of Heavenly Father and mother to us, and how there are many similarities, and the temple teaches us of these. 
Saturday was the adult session.  It started with President Crockett giving a farewell address.
This was followed by the wives of all the members of the stake presidency also giving testimonies.  During this, a brother in the audience had a grand mal seizure.  Several members of the stake with medical experience intervened.  We waited for a time while music played. and the ambulance came. 
After this brother Nathan McGuire spoke.  He is a member of our ward.  I thought he was a member, but I thought wrong.  He was baptized a couple months ago.  His testimony and story were very moving.  Many people had the sniffles, including Sheri and myself.
We also had two Seventies talk.  Elder Sabin who is an area seventy and and Elder Haleck who is in the Second Quorum of Seventy.
Elder Sabin shared stories from his life, addressing four life questions, statements, "What if it is true?" "She said yes?"  "I'm a father." and "No one really dies."  From this he talked of seeking your own personal testimony, that marriage is more than just going to the alter, but takes work, parenting also takes positive effort.  It is not all being liked by our children, but being able to guide and counsel.  It does not end when they leave the home, and finally, facing life after the death of a loved one.  A couple of his children had lung disease, and he shared going through the process of death, knowing that death is not death, but moving onto a different realm.  He shared and experience his grandfather related of when he came home from his mission.  Grandfather said, "This is like when my mother died."  He explained that he had seen people from beyond the veil waiting for his mother's passing, and greeting her, just as they were greeting the returned missionary.
Interestingly Elder Haleck shared a similar experience.  He was apprehensive of his son serving a mission in an inner city environment (Cleveland).  When he was set apart the Stake President said, "You will have a special guardian from beyond the veil."  When he returned home, his son related how they often went through very bad neighborhoods, but it seemed no one even saw them.  He explained he felt the influence of his grandmother protecting him.  "You know grandmother would never let anything bad happen to me."
Sunday we were presented with a new Stake Presidency.  President Crockett again bore his testimony, as did President Smith.  Also President Norman and President Brown and finally President Maxfield.
The rest of the meeting was presented again by Elder Sabin who talked about fathers.  His own father, after being a missionary in Washington, served in the Navy during WWII.  He was promised if he remained true he would be uninjured.  One time he had a sense to get out of his bunk.  He jumped up, and got behind a smoke stack when a bomb struck where he had been, sending shrapnel all over.  Through his example, he influenced a couple ship mates to be baptized. 
Elder Haleck invited those who had been to the temple, but were not currently holding recommends, to correct this situation, and take advantage of the keys restored by Elijah.  He also talked about missionary work, and helping the missionaries with inviting.  He said missionaries do not go out alone.  They go out with the influence of their parents and their home wards.  He suggested that as we would like people to help our missionaries, we should be helping those who are serving in our wards.
I pray for our missionaries, and I am now seeing the great promises of working in the kingdom for the last time.  The Lord has blessed our efforts, but as the Bishop pointed out this is the result of a long season of working hard and preparing for the harvest, which we are now seeing.
Choir sang for the session Sunday, "The Lord is my Shepherd" and "Come Let us Anew."  For the Saturday adult session a soloist sang 

Life in Manteca 66: Bird in the House; 19-Year-Old Sister Missionaries

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz8LdxWGsEQ

Tony wanted to play out front yesterday, and I wanted to hear him so said leave the door open.  He did and a bird invited itself in, and then flew high to the upper windows where we could not get it out.  We could get it to fly with noises, or the broom up close, but it wouldn't  come down to the door.  Miranda read on the internet to close all the windows but one, but it wouldn't come down to the windows that open.  The second option was to throw a towel over it.  We could not  get up to it to to do this.  We decided to wait it out.  As it got dark we took the screen out of lower window and opened it, we also left the door open.  We turned on the porch light, so the open window and the door where lit, while the upper windows were now getting dark.  We then left it alone.  With twenty minutes, Tony announced that the bird had left, and it had.

While the bird was in the living room, we had the missionaries share a message outside.  They are both 19-year-old sisters.  Sister Smith three weeks ago was home with her family.  Sister Dees has been a missionary a couple months, and is now training another missionary.  It is so exciting to see these changes.  I hope I am up to the change and can help by inviting neighbors and friends to hear the missionaries.  They seem excited and willing to serve. 

Missionary Son

Last night Russel M Nelson, in his conference address, asked for all the missionaries to stand up.  In the chapel where I and Caleb were watching three missionaries stood up.  In the Conference Center, the entire choir stood up as they were a priesthood choir from the MTC.  I couldn't help but wonder if my son, Jeremy, was standing in a chapel in Colorado where he is serving a mission.  I had a twinge of pride.  (After President Uchtdorf's speech I must be wary of pride, but he said it was OK with regards to your children.) I am grateful Jeremy decided to go on a mission, and I am grateful that he was worthy to go. You can read some about his mission at his Yahoo Group.
  http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/group.php?gid=68468431690

Elder Russel quoted Paul's letter to Timothy, "Be Thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."  From what I can gather from Jeremy's letters, he has been an example of this traits.  I know he has lived a life of service and hard work.  He has hauled hay, and he has tracted.
He is one of over 52,000 missionaries in 340 missions world wide.  He is now preparing to return to us in November.  It will be a happy day to meet him.  But for him I know it will be bitter sweet.  He loves his mission.
"Their purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored Gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and his atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost and enduring to the end."  These words from Elder Russel tell us what missionaries do. What joy comes from serving the Lord in this way.  Elder Russel observed the missionaries in his family--their "growth in wisdom, maturity in judgment and flowering in faith."  Through his letters, I wave witnessed growth in Jeremy. Here is a portion of his testimony from a recent letter:

I know that the Lord's hand is definitely in this work. He is engaged more in our lives than we would ever imagine. My testimony of that 2 years ago was not anywhere near to what it is now, but I have no doubt that it's true. God really knows us and watches us and simply put supports us with everything. Our lives are intricately designed to mold us into our divine potential. We are capable of far more than we give ourselves credit, but only if we humble ourselves and have faith in God. Then God takes us in our weakness and makes our weakness strength. With the strength of God we can do all things.

Jeremy is a special son.  We miss him, but are proud of his service, and are anxiously awaiting his return.
Elder Russel suggested a link for those who might be interested in reading stories from members of the church.  I have enjoyed this particular link and it has helped increase my faith, as I hear the stories of others.  I know God lives, and his Gospel has been reestablished upon the earth.
http://mormon.org/