Color, color, color ... Indian Night 2010

Have you ever seen an Indian sari? This is a colorful, beautiful garment worn mostly by Indian women. My wife and I attended Indian night last night at the local university (our second time) and enjoyed an incredible evening. First we got in line for a small buffet of Indian dishes (way spicy for my wife's stomach, but I enjoyed it.) Then several local Indians (people from India, not Native Americans) put on a show that brought out multiple rounds of clapping. Native dances were performed. Native songs were sung. And a fashion show of sorts, with runway and everything, capped off the night as many colorful saris and other Indian dress were displayed.

The thing I enjoyed most about the evening was getting to learn more about such an interesting culture. It is wonderful to see the good parts of such a diverse world. With all the turmoil seeing good people with a different way of living and who worship in a different way than I do makes my heart sing. These are good people with a rich culture that dates back many years. If you have an opportunity to see people of a culture you may be unfamiliar with showcasing that culture, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the opportunity. You'll learn, you'll enjoy, and you just might come away with a new love for the people who are slightly different than you are.

It's OK to be LDS

In the world many people have limited contact with Mormons and as a consequence are taken aback by the limitations of our lifestyle. I am referring to the temporal, or worldly limitations. For, as Mormons our opportunities in spiritual matters are endless. The ultimate prize is a return to live with our Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Everyone has this opportunity available to them, but as Latter day Saints we have a special knowledge that gives us a sort of inside track. Some Mormons, like me, live in an area populated with folks who believe as I do and that helps in a way, but it can also lead to complacency.

When you live in an area where the Church isn't predominate it is sometimes difficult to stand up for your beliefs. The natural man in all of us often craves the attention of those around us. We know what we believe, but we want the acceptance of our neighbor. Those who sometimes snicker in our direction cause us to feel uneasy. We find it hard to stand up for what we believe in. What we always have on our side is the gospel and its truth. We have Heavenly Father to always shield us. And we have the right and responsibility to say I'm LDS and that is okay.

Helaman's Army (The Song)

In Sacrament we often have a song in between talks. I think most wards follow this practice because the Lord's heart delights in hearing a gospel song. And my heart is also warmed by hearing ward members (with beautiful voices) sing. Today's song was about the 2000 strippling warriors, or son's of Helaman. I'm not sure of the title, but it is something like the Army of Helaman or Helaman's Army. Someone can help me out with that.

Anyway, three young sisters sang this song beautifully with their mother accompanying on the piano. The song was in support of a young elder preparing to enter the mission field who'd just spoken. I guess I was blessed with a certain writing ability, but when it come to voice (carrying a tune) I was not so blessed. So when I hear a song beautifully sung I take it in and cherish it, just as I know the Lord does.

If you have a singing voice put it to good use and sing.

Chapters

One thing I find interesting (and complicated) about writing is chapters. I've heard many people talk about what is contained in a chapter is essential in keeping a reader tuned in and hooked on the overall story. And each and every chapter must meet the criteria for making this happen. And this all must happen while keeping the flow of your story constant, making your characters believable, setting up your plot twists (for every good story has those) and convincing the reader your story is logical.

My question is what constitutes a perfect chapter, since writing is encapsulated in well written chapters. Does the length of a chapter matter? Can a one page chapter be as good as a ten page chapter? I find my chapter vary greatly depending upon what I've trying to tell. I have written chapters with only a 1000 or so words which I felt hit the mark and I've written chapters of several thousand words where I wondered if I'd adequately addressed the topic and issues of that chapter.

Also important is the opening and closing of a chapter. What makes for a great chapter first sentence? Obviously, drawing the reader into your story and keeping them there is important, even within the confines of a chapter. Their wanting to read on and see what happens is also key. And when we close a chapter our intent is to motivate the reader to move on the next chapter. So what makes an average chapter a great chapter? What does every great chapter contain? Great writing to me means incorporating the elements of a chapter people can't stop reading while being true to what is important to you.

For me a chapter has to include a thought, or progression of thoughts, that tell of something meaningful. Whether it is a one sentence narrative or several sentences of descriptive passage, it should captivate. When I reread and hopefully edit I look at each individual sentence and paragraph to see how I can make each chapter really shine. In writing, how do you tackle the chapter?

Prophet

For some time now religion has weighed heavily on my mind. Being a Latter Day Saint I have a unique perspective in that I belong to the Lord's church. I belong to the church because of the simple, humble prayer of a young boy in a grove (it would be called sacred). The prayer offered by this young boy was answered as all other prayer are, but perhaps this was something special because this young boy was visited by his Heavenly Father and His only Begotten Son, our very Lord, Jesus Christ. When the prayer and Heavenly visitation was complete the young boy, Joseph Smith, Jr. returned home changed for the reminder his mortality and beyond and we were soon treated to the restoration of the gospel, the dispensation of the fullness of times, and a prophet who would take his place with Moses, Abraham, Enoch and one who other latter day prophets would call the greatest man to walk the face of the earth, save the Savior only. I have such a strong love and respect for Joseph Smith and wholeheartedly concur with what those prophets have said of him.

I am so lucky to say many my ancestors were early church converts. Their faithfulness has helped prepare me for what is true and right and I am encouraged to follow in their faithfulness. Like any human, I make my share of mistakes, but I have such a wonderful base.

Remember, all my LDS friends, that we belong to the greatest organization in the world and Jesus stands at the head. And all of this we have because young Joseph Smith kneeled down and spoke in humble prayer.

Charlie

Hierarchic of passions

What is the LDS writer passionate about? The ones I've met (in cyberspace) are passionate about writing. And that is a good thing. Their passion is reflected in some very well told stories. In addition, LDS writers are passionate about helping other writers. And that is also a good thing. Also, LDS writers are passionate about praising the books their fellow authors have written and filling them up with encouragement. But, it is my belief that if you ask an LDS writer what he/she is most passionate about their answer will probably be being LDS. They would probably say that giving a blessing (Melchizedek Priesthood holders) is something they'd always stop writing for. They would always say being a mother comes before being a writer. I believe most LDS writers would say their passion for the Lord come first, followed by passion for their family (and all that that entails) and then passion for writing a wonderful story of clean engaging fiction or non-fiction that would hold the interest of anyone. And that is a very good thing.

I am so grateful

Each Sunday I listen to the talks, lessons and miscellaneous conversations and search for a phrase or something among all the important things discussed to remember and stick with me. The speaker in sacrament meeting today talked about cleaning the building and the spiritual benefits of doing it. I sort of glossed over his words until he drew near the end. He talked about the pleasure and spiritual uplift he received when he was asked to clean the temple. And then those four words, spoken often, but rarely given justified attention, perhaps because of repetition, came out his mouth. "And I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who gives me the chance to grow, to give back to Him. I am so grateful to my Savior who sacrificed all for me." And on it went and for some reason my ears perked up and I knew I felt the same way.

I am so very grateful for a wonderful loving Heavenly Father and perfect older brother and my Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful for friends who like to write, like me, and who are LDS and know the encouragement each of us needs. Each of my friends at latterday authors, even though I have not met any of you, I know you are the most wonderful people. You couldn't be any other way.