SiZ (Test): Women

Pray for My Family! - Transitioning into a Stay-at-Home Mom

Sista Beehive confesses her nervousness about transitioning from working outside the home to a stay-at-home mom.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGHp_j87RProzZlWJw_a1MwYvK_yj63exSp49ASlhg_pIWgv1GkM0KuXcIANj1-LMYayrwiFj2bFAPtwIRWuyvB07qU4ACLkAilo2Q-khD9VtFjMzek7nf_xqnqPjlBskAix8BH2Jb_E/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPGHp_j87RProzZlWJw_a1MwYvK_yj63exSp49ASlhg_pIWgv1GkM0KuXcIANj1-LMYayrwiFj2bFAPtwIRWuyvB07qU4ACLkAilo2Q-khD9VtFjMzek7nf_xqnqPjlBskAix8BH2Jb_E/s1600/3.jpg" /></a></div><br />Many of you don’t know that in my real life I am a hairstylist. Over the last 16 years I have been helping to beautify the women and men in Utah one highlight, relaxer or haircut at a time. Everyone knows that stylists aren't just people who provide hair care, we are the people that you confess your sins or someone else's sins to. We provide you with advice and sometimes it's actually beneficial to you and your loved ones.<br /><br />What I'm really trying to say is having your hair done at my salon was an experience that most of the people that I have come in contact with seemed to enjoy. In urban communities the church (no, not the Mormon church) and salon are main sources of information and news. Even God knows that people will miss church before they will skip out on a hair appointment...backsliders! Even people who don't attend church still need access to the information that is important to the community that they are expected to contribute to. I tried to make it my personal goal to know what was happening in our community so that I could pass that information on to the men and women I had the pleasure of serving.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-JVzO9teGFplBaIOHo4iGqRYjOaZYeG_MO-gjrJbSc6MDoC_iNAWSiPI_Lx3f2n90HGmAjkoyH1yOyc0C87XP7OlthKlr_XeW9p_uAjWrc3jDXFs7alv3H3PkHplHGjt977FLRMvmMA/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-JVzO9teGFplBaIOHo4iGqRYjOaZYeG_MO-gjrJbSc6MDoC_iNAWSiPI_Lx3f2n90HGmAjkoyH1yOyc0C87XP7OlthKlr_XeW9p_uAjWrc3jDXFs7alv3H3PkHplHGjt977FLRMvmMA/s1600/photo+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />These past few years have been a wonderful journey for me, I've met a lot of people and developed some very close relationships. I have always hated referring to the people that I worked on as clients because while most of them started off as clients, we've developed deeper relationships. I would consider them my friends and some of them are even as close to me as some members of my family.   That is why deciding to close the salon has been such a difficult decision for me.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />The past year has been an exciting one for Sistas in Zion (SiZ). As a multi-media entity we have grown and continue to grow. We are in the process of writing our first book which will more than likely be a New York Times Best Seller (keep your fingers crossed). I guess what I’m trying to say is that this past year trying to maintain the salon, SiZ , be a good mother to my children, and a woman who is present in her marriage has been a real struggle for me. It’s a wonder that my family didn't  fire me and hire a new mom/wife (lol). It was time for me to let something go because trying to hold on to everything meant that something or someone was suffering.  Those of you who know me know that I’m telling the truth.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_JU_gwdMeOVqHuP8uz_eMez23j_QAD-YMT2eULNwhu_5znZc-b-9LyRfnmGXtdVSdqfniMCcmlFWbHinKSbI_5HqLM3cLoeZGPhiikand5L-AhACqmaKbDcf3-m8FpebcZ_7zVG2Gok/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT_JU_gwdMeOVqHuP8uz_eMez23j_QAD-YMT2eULNwhu_5znZc-b-9LyRfnmGXtdVSdqfniMCcmlFWbHinKSbI_5HqLM3cLoeZGPhiikand5L-AhACqmaKbDcf3-m8FpebcZ_7zVG2Gok/s1600/6.jpg" /></a></div><br />Ultimately the driving force that pushed me to make the decision was my family. SiZ affords me the opportunity to work from home so that I can spend more time with my kids while they are still young and some of them still like me. The majority of my friends know that I have never been a “stay-at-home mom” (SAHM). I’m asking you, (all of you whether I've done your hair before or not) to please pray for me. I have no idea what I am doing. I don’t know how to hang a picture up on the wall, if you come to my home you will find most of my pictures leaning against the wall and there are no family pictures hanging, not because I’m not proud of my BEAUTIFUL family because I am, just look at my Facebook. I’m just afraid of hitting a stud or missing a stud, I don’t know, I’m going to YouTube it, I’ll figure it out.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDaVZUeNOc6YD_sA_TEp_N7b8J9pdMI5NkIcFbQxJ1UAoYEUz7agGpKUiGCqEpVWQAs8I2SMmOV-VHOKFpOEGalBVXV0kjSmu_EVlEw2xsA_3j-2lfwgB1uIeQqjj3zZdrBOSJx5mpTM/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIDaVZUeNOc6YD_sA_TEp_N7b8J9pdMI5NkIcFbQxJ1UAoYEUz7agGpKUiGCqEpVWQAs8I2SMmOV-VHOKFpOEGalBVXV0kjSmu_EVlEw2xsA_3j-2lfwgB1uIeQqjj3zZdrBOSJx5mpTM/s1600/8.jpg" /></a></div><br />I’m worried because the 3 meals that I make the best are: Tacos, Top Ramen, and Oatmeal. Please don’t send me a recipe unless it’s so easy that a 3rd grader can do it because I don’t follow instructions well and if I mess it up I might have a nervous breakdown. I know I've already asked, but please keep me and my family in your hearts and prayers. As I  transition into this next phase of my life even the title is somewhat intimidating (“Familial Law Enforcer and (or) President of the My Kids Fan Club”) so the thought of what the actual job entails is already overwhelming. However, when I see the women on reality t.v. shows and how they behave with their children I feel optimistic. I know that I should be ashamed for the comparison, but I’m not.<br /><br />If I could say anything to the people in my community that have trusted me with their children, family members, and secrets, I would say THANK YOU!! To say that I appreciate you is an understatement. I am grateful to you for your support! Thank you for patronizing my business over the past 16 years. You are the reason that I was so successful, you made me love what I do. I know that me closing the salon is going to change our relationship some, that scares me a little. However, much of our  relationship was limited to our interaction in the salon and now that can change.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq27Qan-WyClmu_rzBtpH11lLMZZYtySq-_ZbyFVdt-0oqV_MAh_SR98vNi68RX2kjfXDnfSqvc-lP0fyEueusG0lWDDQ2XxkCDNjjC_SObo8Ha2uEs9dsTN936OrqPGfeAZA_SP19KGc/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq27Qan-WyClmu_rzBtpH11lLMZZYtySq-_ZbyFVdt-0oqV_MAh_SR98vNi68RX2kjfXDnfSqvc-lP0fyEueusG0lWDDQ2XxkCDNjjC_SObo8Ha2uEs9dsTN936OrqPGfeAZA_SP19KGc/s1600/7.jpg" /></a></div><br />I hope that you will continue to extend invitations to me to join you for those special occasions in your life, more than likely I will have time to attend now. I will be certain to extend invitations to you. You have provided me with a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever. THANK YOU! You guys have been a wonderful source of love and strength for me! I love you for all your support with the salon, and thank you for your continued support with SiZ. Check back with SiZ occasionally so that I can keep you updated.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNCli_KbJuh6tsUQYdCJAyI9UR6iQ1b5il6Ja4_WzvLnb4lvlqwbusiAv276584luTxLMM6riuxM-F2GbaS8r9_IvDQQzIKDZkZYn-talQoIvBS_ZgBaX88tb8K8dnd_pOp-RV0gdSR4/s1600/good+bye.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNCli_KbJuh6tsUQYdCJAyI9UR6iQ1b5il6Ja4_WzvLnb4lvlqwbusiAv276584luTxLMM6riuxM-F2GbaS8r9_IvDQQzIKDZkZYn-talQoIvBS_ZgBaX88tb8K8dnd_pOp-RV0gdSR4/s1600/good+bye.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>"When one door closes, another door opens; but we often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us." ~ Alexander Graham Bell<br /><br />Got any tips for a SAHM that doesn't have a clue what to do? Remember, no recipes unless a 3rd grader can make it!<br /><br />Pray Always,<br />Sista Beehive

Pray for My Family! - Transitioning into a Stay-at-Home Mom

Sista Beehive confesses her nervousness about transitioning from working outside the home to a stay-at-home mom. Many of you don’t know that...

Mormon Breastfeeding Frenzy

<b>Do Mormon girls, the future breast-feeders of tomorrow, want to see their Young Women leaders' breasts?</b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_42lKxhyphenhyphenV-QeRIymrnUu5QohGItNbcxz7WpJmzJnviUdODkPkUk1x8EHpvRT4_5NWtsBOURXEcqfvVsmM_lePKrfRusvIwVwfoLJLQwz6BgO2imrRgsdEEGntPkfqbmOuPNg5pxdpPDo/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_42lKxhyphenhyphenV-QeRIymrnUu5QohGItNbcxz7WpJmzJnviUdODkPkUk1x8EHpvRT4_5NWtsBOURXEcqfvVsmM_lePKrfRusvIwVwfoLJLQwz6BgO2imrRgsdEEGntPkfqbmOuPNg5pxdpPDo/s1600/2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Mormons are stereotyped as being baby-making-machines, so when our non-LDS friends started saying, "I thought y'all were all about kids, kids and some mo' kids at your church, why are y'all trippin' about women breastfeeding then?" Y'all know we had to find out what they were talking about. Last Saturday, <a href="http://www.feministmormonhousewives.org/2013/02/call-to-action-lose-your-temple-recommend-for-feeding-baby/" target="_blank">Feminist Mormon Housewives</a> posted a story about a woman they say was released from her calling as Young Women leader and is in jeopardy of losing her temple recommend for breastfeeding uncovered. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Although the woman has asked to remain anonymous the story has garnered media attention and folks everywhere are weighing in on the breasts of the LDS. The FMH post doesn't give us many specifics and since her identity is being kept private it is hard to find out all the facts. What we gather is that that a complaint was made due to her breastfeeding uncovered during Young Women class in front of LDS girls and other leaders.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Based on our church going experiences trippin' over breastfeeding is not the norm in the LDS community. We've seen it go down on the regular both covered and uncovered. Now the debate over public breastfeeding, uncovered breastfeeding, how old is too old to breastfeed and if Americans are too uptight about breastfeeding...don't even try to front like that is particular to Mormonism. Just last May, Time Magazine was asking women, "<a href="http://www.time.com/time/covers/0,16641,20120521,00.html" target="_blank">Are you Mom enough?</a>" and yeah Mormons were discussing it, but so was everybody else.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We think that sharing unique and even unpleasant Mormon experiences of our sisters in the Gospel is a good thing and necessary. Asking for support from people within your faith, that is great. Debating your breasts, somebody else's breasts, ya mama's breasts, well carry right on. The media acting like there is some church instituted anti-breastfeeding contingency running a muck in the LDS church, ain't nobody got time for that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We Sistas have heard plenty about what adult men and women have to say on the subject so we thought; let's hear it for the girls in the <a href="https://www.lds.org/callings/young-women?lang=eng" target="_blank">LDS Young Women</a> program. YW would be similar to girl's youth group in other churches. It is made up of young ladies ages 12 to 17. Over the last few days we took the opportunity to speak to some Young Women and ask their thoughts on uncovered breastfeeding by a leader in front of them during their classes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYwvKHo_H9RUpecWEKsRlIHslPR0cBVcndGv3N1hfsZCAh-kIdl4fmd0BWu-6rF2QAD5itjprzYgvYqWfebmnIo2umPM4KFJmASe5M5DRsqqhDDxFldwEo0FDhoqNfd0eaywE3BTtuuc/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYwvKHo_H9RUpecWEKsRlIHslPR0cBVcndGv3N1hfsZCAh-kIdl4fmd0BWu-6rF2QAD5itjprzYgvYqWfebmnIo2umPM4KFJmASe5M5DRsqqhDDxFldwEo0FDhoqNfd0eaywE3BTtuuc/s400/4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">At first each of the girls said that they would not want their Young Women leaders to breastfeed uncovered in front of them. All of the girls said that they had seen a women breastfeeding before and the majority said that they planned on breastfeeding when they became mothers. The girls asked questions such as; Why not feed in the mother's lounge? Why not feed covered? We discussed that some women prefer not to leave their meetings and that some mother's say their babies' dislike being covered while eating.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As we talked more some of the girls said that if the baby's head was uncovered, but they couldn't see any of the leader's breast that they would be more comfortable with uncovered breastfeeding. For each of the girls that we spoke with there was no aversion to the act of breastfeeding, but they each did not want to see the naked breast of their leader. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">When asked how they felt about the rights of breastfeeding mothers, one girl responded, "I want mom's to have rights, but don't women's rights go for young women too? It's our class, I think we should get a say too."</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We agree, y'all do have a say! So we want to hear from other young women too, what are your thoughts girls? Do you feel differently than the girls we spoke with? Adults tell us what the young women you've been talking to are saying on the subject.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Be Blessed and Highly Favored,</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel</div>

Mormon Breastfeeding Frenzy

Do Mormon girls, the future breast-feeders of tomorrow, want to see their Young Women leaders' breasts? Mormons are stereotyped as being...

Taking A Stance Without Wearing Pants

As I was leaving my ward building Sunday December 9th, I announced to the bishop and others standing near me "remember that next Sunday is black tie Sunday", so don't act shocked when I stroll into church looking like I'm bout to go to the Christmas Ball with Jesus. I wasn't prepared for what was coming my way as a Sista in this church. On 12/12 a Wednesday facebook, twitter, and the social media highway was all a buzz about the up rising of Mormon Women. Everyone wanted to know who was wearing pants to church on Sunday? At first I thought it was a joke, it was not a joke, these Sista's were serious, they were actually gearing up to wear pants to church, on a Sunday. There was a whole facebook page dedicated to it, the news media was actually covering it, NPR reserved a whole 3 minutes to talk about it, WHAT?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhb6XpqRzaGXljyCgv5vzEvPSqk6aO4Z70p0nT0tB0ycaFN_UFGEMW5BQcqUtqXs_nCINf8EeLLU5cUQTMa9CfLanYEoAcAvSQPsocF4uoMphBFdTw9V8JfPU4HrOBE0rZAkO9hNc-g10SZ90Acqg5-fNwzAyli8JaXP6W4HmF-Y_4A7shMzcYtIpVrtWLFV4sepMk=" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc1/576356_10152308265915231_624707034_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br /><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Sista Laurel and I have both at separate times in our lives worn pants to church we had no idea it was or could be seen as an act of defiance. We certainly had not worn pants in the past to be defiant. We wore pants because that's what we wanted to wear. When I wore my pants no one treated me in a negative manner. No one politely or impolitely for that matter asked me to leave the church because Mormon women don't wear pants. It was just business as usual, the opening prayer got said, the sacrament got passed, and responsibilities got handled. Some people looked at me strange, because it's not typical to see an LDS sister wearing pants to church but nothing rude was said directly to me, and I have yet to hear any reports that were bad. As I pondered the conversations that I'd participated in on facebook, twitter, and within my social circle. I started to feel somewhat fearful as to whether or not I would be judged by some of the women that I loved and respected if I chose not to wear pants to church on Sunday. In my real life, not my Sista Beehive life here in zion. I am very active in my community, I would consider myself a fighter for those who can't or don't know how to fight for themselves. I am one who speaks up, and these days when I speak up it's rarely for me or my children; Usually it's for someone else, someone who feels bullied in some way by  the system, or powers that be. I have even been invited to battles, and joined in only to find myself at the front of the line taking the blows until ultimately I am left alone in a fight I had not planned to participate in except  a friend tearfully asked for me to shoulder a burden, and I obliged.<br /><br />I don't know what a Mormon Feminist is, friends who claim to be have tried to describe the group to me but their description of themselves aren't even the same. So, I still don't really know not 100% what a Mormon Feminist is. For example, I know that I'm a woman, I know that I'm a Mormon, and I know that I'm African American/Black (both terms acceptable to me). I don't know that I am a Mormon Feminist, you understand what I'm saying? Although I've been told several times that I am, (of course I'm scratching my head on this one). As I read comments and had my own discussions it was clear that Mormon Feminist Women should stand together and they wanted all Mormon Women to stand with them they were asking for an act of solidarity. One of my running buddies asked "don't you want equality in the church? Don't you want to feel like you have a voice"? Now, clearly she is a running friend only and we don't attend church together because she would ask me completely different questions. She said "You can get all dressy any time, this Sunday is for Sista's, it's to say I'm here if you need me, I have your back, I got'cha, you know? Letting them know you will stand with them, that's all it's  about."    <b><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">REAL TALK: </span></b> I can't do all that in a dress? Where were these Sista's from? I know what the start of a fight looks like when I see one, and this <b><i>is </i></b>the start of a fight. Where I'm from it's better to fight in a pretty dress then to get bet up in one!<br /><br />After contemplating the pants issue I decided to dress up for Jesus. Dressing up for church was what I was taught to do, so I skipped wearing the original boring semi-formal dress that I was going to wear for something with a little more pop. The way that we dress in our church has been an adjustment for me as well, while it's not my desire to wear pants I like dressing up a little more then we do in our faith (especially in Utah) the women tend to dress a bit more casual then what I was exposed to in my youth. Which isn't completely bad, it's just different and I had to learn to adjust to things here and to this culture. However there are times when I have a desire to <b>DRESS</b> and when the mood hits I break out my "Holiness" outfits. They call attention to themselves, people at church always want to know why I'm so dressed up and I tell them "I dressed up for you and Jesus", they smile, I smile, all is well in zion.<br /><br />I decided that I wasn't going to dress down, but as an act of solidarity I was going to dress up. I wore a sparkly black tea length dress (black for the tragedy that happened in Connecticut), a red belt and red pumps for the season (although Sista Laurel would claim it was for the UofU), a few purple braids & purple eye shadow (you can't tell in the photo) purple for women suffrage: And all my fabulous accessories. In my wonderful outfit, I was prepared to stand next to any Sista that stood in need of a friend. In my red pumps I was ready to stand strong and call out anybody who had a negative thing to say to my Sista who came in her best slacks to worship with us at OUR Fathers House. In the best black dress I could find in my closet Sunday I was prepared. I was unsure and I was afraid, but I was willing to stand with ALL those who stood in need of a Sista and I knew that at the end of whatever fight (should one jump off) there were going to be other RIGHTEOUS Brotha's and Sistas standing with me and my sista(s) who decided to venture into the house of the Lord hoping to glorify His name, in the clothing of their choice, in a space that was comfortable for ALL of God's children.<br /><br /><br />** The good news is we were able to have a conversation with some of our Feminist Mormon Sista's it was eye opening. We got more information about the<b><i> Pants To Church Event</i></b>. What we discovered is there is a place and space for everyone, we just have to be willing to come to the table to have the conversation. The conversation was started it isn't finished yet so we will just leave it at<b><i> to be continued...</i></b><br /><b>The Conversation can be heard here on SiZ Radio: <a href="http://m.blogtalkradio.com/sistasinzion/2012/12/17/who-wears-the-pants-in-mormon-culture">Mormon Women Talk About Wearing Pants To Church</a></b><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These are some of the Sistas that sat at our table:<br /><br /><a href="http://askmormongirl.com/">JoAnna Brooks </a> ~Ask A Mormon Girl<br /><a href="http://ablackmormongirl.blogspot.com/">Karyn Dudley</a> ~A Journal Black Mormon Girl<br /><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WearPantsToChurchDay">Kristina Monson</a> ~ All Enlisted<br />La Shawn Schultz~A Sista In This Gospel<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><br />

Taking A Stance Without Wearing Pants

As I was leaving my ward building Sunday December 9th, I announced to the bishop and others standing near me "remember that next Sunday...

Getting to Know the Sistas

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0FrcGqIkuZDqmbGJ2DhvA06ZFFPC7W-g-lZBJfxlsAvhmUCCwZA13tyqexOcdeyp2UK6UvF6-s_8OYpxwV4M6OjHGxNpYifogkmBpA5YElViazWSMTP62TlvzXmYMj2RhuePRVYtDx4/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ0FrcGqIkuZDqmbGJ2DhvA06ZFFPC7W-g-lZBJfxlsAvhmUCCwZA13tyqexOcdeyp2UK6UvF6-s_8OYpxwV4M6OjHGxNpYifogkmBpA5YElViazWSMTP62TlvzXmYMj2RhuePRVYtDx4/s320/2.jpg" width="240" /></a><br /><p>We know it seems like we talk ALOT, and we do, but we actually are two pretty private gals.<br /><br />Here's an opportunity to learn a little more about us personally.<br /><br />We had a wonderful time participating in <i>The Mormon Women Project</i>. Check out our interview <a href="http://www.mormonwomen.com/2011/07/20/as-sistas-in-zion/">here</a>.</p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mormonwomen.com/2011/07/20/as-sistas-in-zion/"><img border="0" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpQoE-dfyV0fxmNiIWLbDTYKCGiMUBOqqojYOMDz1XJqvJgW3FARmyKxobsq7EmSgPDCi0hchGXsZh5r52QdxF7gl2Q8oUkZpiqBEi-odnh-BpCtY4K7bHPI6VAyenKnvgenqZ3ysfcDY/s400/3.png" width="279" /></a></div>

Getting to Know the Sistas

We know it seems like we talk ALOT, and we do, but we actually are two pretty private gals. Here's an opportunity to learn a little more...

Mormon Nudists

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lMHyHiSvFZN1H7-WFD_tKpVwf7ayWLYNYsrWpYLTKUHfuFiN3GoZfl-K-P6Y9S1ZiTNPR6Ag9nx-AmbLqHCkW3mYbRY0QR-OyAKBPvkepG_G76IIqeU9qoaKT2-UuCBp920dbnsNXSc/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6lMHyHiSvFZN1H7-WFD_tKpVwf7ayWLYNYsrWpYLTKUHfuFiN3GoZfl-K-P6Y9S1ZiTNPR6Ag9nx-AmbLqHCkW3mYbRY0QR-OyAKBPvkepG_G76IIqeU9qoaKT2-UuCBp920dbnsNXSc/s320/1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><p>Before we heard about <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2009/10/kutv-mormon-nudists-news-story.html">this</a> KUTV news story on <a href="http://mormon.org/">Mormon</a> nudists we had no idea that such a community existed. Of course the idea of Mormon nudists piqued our interest, not because we are tempted to try it, but because of how contrary the concept seems with the <a href="https://lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng">modesty teachings</a> of the <a href="http://lds.org/">LDS</a> faith. </p><br /><br />Since we don't personally know anyone who is a Mormon nudist/naturist, we decided to check out <i>LDS Skinny-Dipper Connection</i>, a website dedicated to "...faithful members of <a href="http://lds.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a> throughout the world who have a wholesome interest in social nudity under appropriate circumstances." There are no pictures on the website. While the site contains a lot of information about how these Mormon members reconcile teachings of the LDS faith with their desire to be nude, we were still unable to find answers to <i>our</i> most pressing questions about Mormon nudism.<br /><br />~ A common tip for those who might be nervous about public speaking is for them to picture their audience naked. When giving a talk, if everyone is already naked, then what do you picture?<br /><br />~ If you are <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?locale=0&sourceId=f0862f2324d98010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=bbd508f54922d010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">home teaching</a> or <a href="http://lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4691-1,00.html">visiting teaching</a> a reluctant family or sister, does showing up naked make them more or less likely to let you in to share the message that month?<br /><br />~ When out and about and naked, where are our keys supposed to go?<br /><br />~ When playing nude sports...there are just so many questions here we can't even wrap our brains around it?<br /><br />~ Does getting naked make the stretch marks go away?<br /><br />~ Since your clothes are already off, do you put your clothes on to let your spouse know you would like some alone time with them?<br /><br />~ Sunburns, bug bites, splinters, frost bite, sports injuries, poison ivy, these all seem so deadly when naked?<br /><br />Look, we don't foresee the LDS church coming out with a list of "appropriate circumstances" where "social nudity" is okay any time soon...or ever. To each their own, God be with you naked Saints, but we Sistas plan on keeping our clothes on.<br /><br />Modest is the hottest,<br />Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

Mormon Nudists

Before we heard about this KUTV news story on Mormon nudists we had no idea that such a community existed. Of course the idea of Mormon nu...

You Might Be a Mormon If...

Finish this sentence! We know you've got some good ones.

No, Thank You! I'm Mormon

<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblSCAjsCEiIluAS1rbtOWU7yvTlmdPxHOPaM297yw0kBz5OE0fmh_sbyY6HhGbKjH-2mxKIaexIsB6osbLGmkaV6Ftsag51iNlSv8_a5W0n_mVohYQiG660k9xhSYqd0gSvfQD8hLU5w/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblSCAjsCEiIluAS1rbtOWU7yvTlmdPxHOPaM297yw0kBz5OE0fmh_sbyY6HhGbKjH-2mxKIaexIsB6osbLGmkaV6Ftsag51iNlSv8_a5W0n_mVohYQiG660k9xhSYqd0gSvfQD8hLU5w/s400/1.jpg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1958 "Be Honest With Yourself" LDS advertisement.</td></tr></tbody></table>As Sistas in Zion scenario: Dick and Jane are guests at a dinner party at the home of Bob and Betty. Betty has prepared a lovely tray of cocktails which Bob is graciously offering to his guests. Dick and Jane are members of <a href="http://www.lds.org/">The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints</a>,and Bob is unaware that Dick and Jane do not drink alcohol.<br /><br /><br />Being a gentleman, (ladies first!) Bob offers Jane a drink. Before Jane can even respond Dick yells, "No! We do not drink alcohol. We are <a href="http://www.mormons.org/">Mormons</a> and we believe in the <a href="http://lds.org/study/topics/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng">Word of Wisdom</a>." Dick then knocks the drink out of Bob's hand spilling red wine on the new tie which Bob's children lovingly handpicked from the Sears Roebuck Catalogue, and gave to him for Father's Day.<br /><br />Betty, the ever prepared hostess, retrieves a bottle of club soda to offer as a drink to her sober dinner guests and use on the spilled red wine before any stains set. Bob tells Dick "not to worry" and that "Betty is a whiz at getting stains out." Bob apologizes to Dick and Jane for being unaware of Mormon customs and assures them that any offense was unintentional. Bob and Betty excuse themselves so that they can get Bob out of his soiled shirt and into a freshly pressed one, which Betty wisely had on hand in case of instances such as these.<br /><br />While Bob and Betty are away Jane gives Dick a stern look. Dick tells Jane that he is "uncomfortable staying at a dinner party where "<a href="http://lds.org/scriptures/tg/word-of-wisdom?lang=eng">strong drink</a>" is being served." When Bob and Betty return, Dick and Jane make a polite excuse and swiftly leave the dinner party. Bob and Betty discuss how they "never took Dick and Jane for such strange people," and decide that it must be their being Mormon that makes them so peculiar. Betty regrets inviting them over for dinner and hopes to heaven she can get the wine out of Bob's tie, because the children would be so disappointed.<br /><br />Have you ever been with an LDS friend in a social setting and they act so awkwardly in a situation in which a simple "no, thank you" would be enough? You're at a restaurant and they hand you the wine list and this friend has to go into a long explanation about why you don't need it.  Someone asks if you have a lighter and instead of just saying no, there's a weird stutter filled answer, or they are always complaining because there's a coffee pot in the break room. Do you ever find yourself in the situation of apologizing for the social awkwardness of Mormon friends, or are you the person that finds it difficult to navigate these social scenes?<br /><br />In the 1950s the LDS church launched an advertisement campaign entitled "<a href="http://www.keepapitchinin.org/2010/03/01/be-honest-with-yourself-the-background/">Be Honest With Yourself</a>." Although the ad may be dated we think the following advice is still quite relevant:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblSCAjsCEiIluAS1rbtOWU7yvTlmdPxHOPaM297yw0kBz5OE0fmh_sbyY6HhGbKjH-2mxKIaexIsB6osbLGmkaV6Ftsag51iNlSv8_a5W0n_mVohYQiG660k9xhSYqd0gSvfQD8hLU5w/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjblSCAjsCEiIluAS1rbtOWU7yvTlmdPxHOPaM297yw0kBz5OE0fmh_sbyY6HhGbKjH-2mxKIaexIsB6osbLGmkaV6Ftsag51iNlSv8_a5W0n_mVohYQiG660k9xhSYqd0gSvfQD8hLU5w/s320/1.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"</span>No, Thank You!</span></i></div><blockquote>How should you answer the person who invites you to “take a cigarette” or “have a drink” – or do anything which is against your conscience or contrary to the teachings of your Heavenly Father?<br /><br />What should you say? How much do you need to explain or apologize? When, if ever, should you compromise just a little for the sake of appearances?<br /><br />The answer is easy. Just say “No – no, thank you.” Don’t waver. Don’t worry about how others may think or act. Be your own natural, honest self. Everyone admires sincerity.<br /><br />If the invitation to indulge in something you don’t believe in comes from a host or hostess while you are a guest, your answer will come even easier. The obligation of courtesy is not that of the guest but of the host.<br /><br />The gracious host will never press you, never question your right to be yourself in matters of conscience. He will admire you for your forthright stand.<br /><br />It’s natural to want to be liked by the crowd. But compromising with principles is always wrong, often dangerous.<br /><br />What is right? What is wrong? Fortunately, there are ways for members of the Church to recognize right from wrong. Read the Scriptures; listen to the teachings of your Church leaders. And listen, also, to the whisperings of that “still, small voice.” When it whispers “It’s wrong; don’t do it!” – say firmly, honestly, finally: “No, thank you – no!”<br /><br />BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">"</span></blockquote>Sidenote: Is it just us, or does anyone else looking at this picture think Dick should be less worried about the drink and more worried about why Jane and Bob are gazing into each others eyes? We're just sayin.<br /><br />God be with you,<br />Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

No, Thank You! I'm Mormon

1958 "Be Honest With Yourself" LDS advertisement. As Sistas in Zion scenario: Dick and Jane are guests at a dinner party at the ho...

Girls Gone Mild: Duck Beach Mormon Style

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg2G0vPohKq8vqkVVosKsYAShyphenhyphenCezjODDIeZftC3OntdNDNY2BukhdNYLRwMUHwCnz5FJHV5D1Q4mCZkj9ok3JEU4H04nI8_OvuaghuFkEMQp4lxNwRVpm3NxMGfl4m7KAs5xGMBA2Yg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLg2G0vPohKq8vqkVVosKsYAShyphenhyphenCezjODDIeZftC3OntdNDNY2BukhdNYLRwMUHwCnz5FJHV5D1Q4mCZkj9ok3JEU4H04nI8_OvuaghuFkEMQp4lxNwRVpm3NxMGfl4m7KAs5xGMBA2Yg/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This weekend hundreds of <a href="http://mormon.org/">Mormon</a> young single adults will be flocking to Duck Beach, North Carolina for spring break. This annual get away is seemingly a chance for <a href="http://lds.org/">LDS</a> singles to find their eternal companions. We had never even heard of it until we read <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2011-05-18/the-mormon-jersey-shore-spring-break-at-duck-beach/">this article</a> by McKay Coppins at the Daily Beast. Coppins calls it "...the most bizarre spring break on the planet," because there is no sex or alcohol.<br /><div><br /></div><div>Apparently the unwed LDS are feeling extra pressure this year because of <a href="http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/priesthood-power?lang=eng">President Monson's words on marriage at this past April's General Conference.</a> What has this obscure Mormon spring break making headlines this year is that there is a documentary being filmed called <i><a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1455369505/duck-beach">Duck Beach A Single Mormon Story</a></i>. The filmmakers are planning on capturing the mystery of a weekend "fraught with sexual tension." </div><div><br /></div><div>We sistas would like to give our peeps headed to NC this weekend some tips on how to stay SAFE & CHASTE.</div><div><br /></div><div>1) <b>Remember</b>. Remember that there will be a camera crew there filming a documentary. Remember that people will be taking pictures and posting it on Facebook. Remember to not do anything that you wouldn't want us to find on YouTube and post on our blog, because yes, we are like that, we will post it.<br /><br /></div><div>2)<b> Practice safe text</b>. Those flirty text messages can get you all hot and bothered and into a whole heap of trouble. Here's what you do. Click on the contact button at the top of our site and send us an email with "Safe Text" in the subject line. We'll send you a phone number, where you can cc us on every text you send this weekend. Knowing that we will see everyone of your texts and post them on our Facebook wall in a hot second, should keep your texts clean and pure.</div><div><br /></div><div>3) <b>Chasity belt</b>. Wear a fanny pack and keep your scriptures in them. Seriously, it's harder to be unchaste when you have to get through <a href="http://www.bookofmormonmusings.info/SurvivingIsaiah.pdf">Second Nephi</a> first.<br /><br />4) <b>No cohabitation</b>. Remember when you were little and you had that sign on your bedroom door or your tree house that said "NO GIRLS/BOYS ALLOWED" bring it with you.<br /><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5) <b>Eternal perspective</b>. Remember you are there to find an eternal companion not eternal damnation.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">6) <b>Modest is the hottest</b>. Keep your clothes on.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">7) <b>Have fun</b>. The I'm going to Disney land kind of fun, not the I'm auditioning for MTV's <i>Jersey Shore</i> type of fun.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Got any other tips to keep our Duck Beach brothers and sisters SAFE & CHASTE?</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Remember who you are,</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel</div></div></div>

Girls Gone Mild: Duck Beach Mormon Style

This weekend hundreds of Mormon young single adults will be flocking to Duck Beach, North Carolina for spring break. This annual get away i...

Primary the Mormon TMZ

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bh-aRUQphXHLlNBJfqogs2SKbDbzGyAOgW9NVEruCNsoxStzikBSBWxlx4a77i4RjkiD8tYvGNDXCddhqmyzrH7msoBUQGitITv12VLmwAWZjbtttbUIsJFTQDKckBfZaT4u8Y_Evwc/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Bh-aRUQphXHLlNBJfqogs2SKbDbzGyAOgW9NVEruCNsoxStzikBSBWxlx4a77i4RjkiD8tYvGNDXCddhqmyzrH7msoBUQGitITv12VLmwAWZjbtttbUIsJFTQDKckBfZaT4u8Y_Evwc/s320/3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>We have both had callings in <a href="http://lds.org/pa/display/0,17884,4695-1,00.html">Primary</a> (<a href="http://www.lds.org/">LDS</a> Children's Sunday school.) Every church <a href="http://lds.about.com/od/organizationsauxiliaries/p/church_callings.htm">calling</a> allows you the opportunity to learn and grow. Here's a lesson we've learned through serving in Primary. If you are walking down the hall on a fine Sunday morning and somebody deliberately trips you causing you to fall on your face and break your nose. If you look up and the person that tripped you is your child's Primary teacher, just get up and keep walking. Don't even look em in the eye, you might even want to apologize to <i>them</i>.<br /><br />Look, here's the thing...even if you are known in your ward as the Grinch who stole Sunday, have some sense and at least be nice to your ward's Primary leaders and teachers. You may think you know why we are offering this crucial piece of advice. It's not because they are the poor souls who take your kids off your hands for two hours on a Sunday. It's not because they are the ones entrusted with your most prized possessions each week. It's not even because Jesus said love everyone, treat them kindly too, when your heart is filled with love, others will love you.<br /><br />The bottom line is this, be nice to the adults who serve in Primary because: THEY KNOW ALL YOUR BUSINESS! Yup, brothas and sistas, that's it. All of the information that you don't want to leave the house and all of the stuff that is supposed to stay in the family, forget about it, cause ya kids are spilling the beans in Primary. You may be thinking to yourself, not my children, my children are well trained, they know better than that. Nope, they don't.<br /><br />You see it's not intentional, and it usually happens quite innocently. A poor unsuspecting Primary teacher could ask a question as simple as: Can anyone tell me of a time when you have prayed and received an answer to your prayer? The next thing you know your son raises his hand and says: Once my Dad forgot his and my Mom's anniversary and my Mom was really mad and was slamming all the doors in the house. The teacher at this point might try to keep the child on topic and say: So you prayed that your Mommy would feel better and she did. Then your son says: Nope. Then the teacher says: You prayed that your Dad wouldn't forget their anniversary next year. And your son says: No, I prayed that she wouldn't slam the doors anymore because it was making my ears hurt. And it worked because she went outside and ran over Dad's golf clubs instead, and that didn't hurt my ears.<br /><br />A leader might ask, what did you do this past week? BAM! That's all the invitation your little <a href="http://www.sistasinzion.com/2011/04/lions-and-tigers-and-bedlamites-oh-my.html">bedlamite</a> needs to explain how Daddy grounded her older brother for life because Mommy and Daddy had to go get him from the jail, and Mommy says he's irr-ray-possible and can't drive the car anymore.<br /><br />TMZ, The National Enquirer, Google, they can all take a back seat, they can't get the scoop like these Primary <strike>reporters</strike> children can. Channel 8 news is probably lying when they say breaking news, we're bringing it to you first, cause chances are somebody in Primary told that headline weeks ago.<br /><br />So now we are all on notice. The next time you see your ward's Primary presidency and teachers, smile, say hi, shake their hand, give em a peice of chocolate, some hush money, do something, cause brothas and sistas...THEY KNOW ALL YOUR BUSINESS!<br /><br />Jesus is the reason,<br />Sista Beehive & Sista Laurel

Primary the Mormon TMZ

We have both had callings in Primary ( LDS Children's Sunday school.) Every church calling allows you the opportunity to learn and gr...

I Wonder if Heaven Got a Ghetto?

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzocNR4vd14P5U-k5hGQg4pW5lkTJkknK3vU7zLmuYNZyOgWLK9eQLqIalw2sdZP9eacHBf5aGqJFXB3nw5oqitm6gCgzjPNRgXb8ouN_fGFyX9qvcULg-uDBCtmuyOBwEOyrnawrWZSA/s1600/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464899041263274146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzocNR4vd14P5U-k5hGQg4pW5lkTJkknK3vU7zLmuYNZyOgWLK9eQLqIalw2sdZP9eacHBf5aGqJFXB3nw5oqitm6gCgzjPNRgXb8ouN_fGFyX9qvcULg-uDBCtmuyOBwEOyrnawrWZSA/s320/1.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 266px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 274px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> I was visiting with a few of my girls the other day, and one of our sistas who isn't LDS commented that she appreciated the VIP Heaven that we LDS folk have, you know the three Heavens, she said, because I just don’t think I want to be in the same Heaven as my Mother. (I've probably had that thought a few times myself.)<br /><br />While engaged in this conversation, another sista bore her testimony about the three degrees of glory.<br /><br />Renee Ebony Miller: <em>When I was a child, Tupac had a popular song out where he asked the question, “Does Heaven have a Ghetto?” That struck a cord with me in my childhood, so much so, that I asked my Mother the very same question. She explained that her belief was that, in Heaven the Lord would want us to be comfortable, and because paradise was different to every person, it was entirely possible that Heaven did have a Ghetto. My mother and I always thought that this was something we would have to wait until we got Heaven to find out. So, when at the age of 14, I started taking the missionary discussions and Sister Butterworth told me about the three degrees of glory, the Celestial, the Terrestrial, and the Telestial Kingdoms. I knew the church had to be true, because Heaven had a Ghetto. It was also interesting to know that the Lord would answer a childhood question of mine. Plus in VIP Heaven (Celestial) you can go visit people in the other degrees of Heaven, but they can't come visit you! For example, my family in South Central can't come visit me in Beverly Hills, but I can go visit them in South Central. Yes, Heaven got a Ghetto/Trailer Park.</em><br /><br />Of course our non-LDS sista was now even more curious so we broke it down for her.<br /><br />Telestial Kingdom: This is the place for those who don't know how to follow the rules. If you don't know how to abide by the law, you might end up in the Telestial Kingdom. In the Telestial Kingdom you are stationary. It’s not prison, but a similar concept. You can make collect calls to your friends and family in the higher Kingdoms, you can beg for a visit, and they’ll come if they want to. No passing contraband from the other Kingdoms to the people in the Telestial Kingdom. It’s nothing like the Penitentiary (not that I know what that’s like), It’s nicer, more like where Martha Stewart went. You don’t have to visit through the glass, no one is going to shank you, and you don’t have to worry about your celly snitching on you. While it’s not quite lock down, it’s not all roses though, because you don’t get to leave. No outside visits, no leaving your Kingdom.<br /><br />Terrestrial Kingdom: This is like a "middle class neighborhood". In this neighborhood, there are people who are good, kind, and who actually tried to live a decent life. They tried to do right, and still recognized that Christ was the Savior, yet didn't develop a personal relationship with God the Father. Now this place is much nicer than the Telestial Kingdom. You’re not rolling in a Lexus, but you do get a bus pass. There’s nothing wrong with public transportation, shoot, a bus pass is a privilege, cause that means you get to travel! You can visit all your friends in the Telestial Kingdom, however, that’s it though, cause your line doesn’t run up town.<br /><br />Celestial Kingdom: Now this is what Brigham Young was talking about! This is the place! This is an all access pass. This is the Kingdom that you inherit if you have lived up to all the covenants that have been required of you In this neighborhood, you really do get to leave your doors unlocked and everything is fine. If your address is 2438 North Celestial Boulevard, then you have arrived. The best part about living in this neighborhood is that the "Stationary" and "Bus Pass" friends and family can't just stop in and case your house. No one can try to make you feel bad because you have nicer things than they do They have to call and invite you to visit them... and you got the free agency to say we’re not available. Now what I hope is that we have caller I.D. in the Celestial Kingdom, for just in case we don't feel like answering the phone.<br /><br />But then we had to drop the BOMB…the Celestial Kingdom has a VVIP! So if you should be one of those who has earned a mansion in the Celestial Kingdom, don't be shocked if you look around one day and find there is an area that is sectioned off, with Porter Rockwell guarding all of "us" VVIP folk. Please don't think I can get you in, chances are I barley got in myself. However I will tell Jesus, Joseph Smith, Mother Teresa, Gandhi, my Mama and my Daddy that you said hello.<br /><br />Peace & Love,<br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

I Wonder if Heaven Got a Ghetto?

I was visiting with a few of my girls the other day, and one of our sistas who isn't LDS commented that she appreciated the VIP Heaven ...

Acting Mormon

A couple of years ago <a href="http://www.kirbyheyborne.com/">Kirby Heyborne </a>, an LDS actor known for his work in LDS films such as <em>The R.M</em>, <em>Singles Ward</em> and The <em>Best Two Years</em>, did a beer commercial for Miller Lite. He received some backlash from the LDS community for appearing in the ad. Some called him a “sell out” others questioned his “personal ethics and faith.”<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vlbFUMUokRw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vlbFUMUokRw&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />In response to the scrutiny, Heyborne said this in an interview with <a href="http://mormontimes.com/home/">Deseret News’ Mormon Times</a>: "I'm a temple-worthy member that loves his wife and kids, and fulfills his calling at church and does his home teaching. And yet I'm going to play characters that might have moral dilemmas, or do a commercial -- or whatever it is --because my job is the way that I provide for my family." Heyborne also released this parody:<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/FqKmokqwd6I&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/FqKmokqwd6I&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOCkFxZiDrCgEK9KyxIKDdba0FmfjJwuKKZDKy9OETbiF2GPdGUzh4b2MjE1sOmGLpWJ7xmlqBvOylI1ZpujKs-somc31nF-kOuuIZhYdhEHH03Y1vPpcX8KZoj-LVTpY2c7SfMALCgE/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441544329887683074" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOCkFxZiDrCgEK9KyxIKDdba0FmfjJwuKKZDKy9OETbiF2GPdGUzh4b2MjE1sOmGLpWJ7xmlqBvOylI1ZpujKs-somc31nF-kOuuIZhYdhEHH03Y1vPpcX8KZoj-LVTpY2c7SfMALCgE/s320/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; float: left; height: 320px; margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px;" /></a> Recently a group of 12 LDS women posed for the <em>Hot Mormon Muffins: A Taste of Motherhood</em> calendar. Though Chad Hardy, the calendars creator says that his calendar was “created as a vehicle to create dialog and deliberately debunk the subservient stereotypes of women's roles within the Mormon Church,” criticizers called it immodest, sleazy and even pornographic.<br /><br />Calendar cover girl and mother of three daughters, Tami Roberts, in an Idaho Falls, Local News 8 interview said, "I don't see what the big deal is. I think it's kind of campy and fun.”<br /><br />Hot topics such as these remind me of when I was younger, having lived in an area that was predominantly non-Mormon, I was often told by my parents that I needed to set a “good example.” What exactly did they mean by that? Well, I was told because I was the one of the few members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that many of my friends and family members knew, I should act in a way that showed others that I was a follower of Christ. As a Latter-day Saint I am always quite conscious of the eyes that may be upon me. I cringe at even the thought of the instances when I have behaved poorly, and a witness to my un-Christ-likeness finds out that I am Christian and LDS.<br /><br />As a kid it’s hard to be a good example all the time, and as an adult it is even more complex. Children are following their parent’s rules, but as an adult there is no one that says to us, “Because I said so.” Religious leaders, politicians, actors, models, celebrities and all other public figures are scrutinized more so, because they are in the public eye. The whole world is often privy to their words and their actions. Is our scrutiny fair?<br /><br />Are there exceptions? Would the LDS community have felt differently if Kirby Heyborne had portrayed a beer-drinking investigator of the LDS church or drunk King Laban of the Book of Mormon? Can "Hot Mormon Muffins” of today still be effective Young Women Leaders of tomorrow?<br /><br /><em>Mosiah 29:12: Now it is better that a man should be judged of God than of man, for the judgments of God are always just, but the judgments of man are not always just.</em> It is not my desire to be an unjust judge; you know what the Bible says, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” (Did you hear that…all the rocks just fell out of my hand?)<br /><br />This is what I have come to realize, however unfair it may seem, my personal actions can and often do have an affect on how others view my faith.<br /><br />Sidenote: I thought about auditioning for next years “Hot Mormon Muffins” calendar (not really), but then they would have to call it Warm Mormon Muffin-Tops (really)!<br /><br />An imperfect follower of Christ,<br />Sista Laurel<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Acting Mormon

A couple of years ago Kirby Heyborne , an LDS actor known for his work in LDS films such as The R.M , Singles Ward and The Best Two Years ,...

Don't Make Us Do the Sheri Dew

Ok guys, I hate to pick on you, but you make yourselves such easy targets. I don’t know what it is, but some of the worst pick up lines I have ever heard come from Mormon men. Maybe it’s because they don’t drink, does drinking give you swagger? Every time I hear “My <a href="http://mi.byu.edu/publications/jbms/?vol=3&num=2&id=59">Liahona</a> is pointing at you?” I throw up in my mouth, just a little. Come on are you serious, and that doesn’t even sound right. If the ratio of men to women at BYU weren’t 5 women for every 1 man, no one would be getting hitched. <br /><br />MoMen you have seriously got to find some swagger and find it fast! LDS women are getting savvy. We’re not supposed to drink caffeine, but we know how to DO THE DEW!<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> <img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398102327930927490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAjJLBvWuiFfkW-N53DFJfN75pFznv-4wYToEb1r8hDefiiclKkAigbfCfJO3ERcOy2trJJAQu5I1eDsRRrB0r7GcbiZz1nqyZg2XvPoZh-ZRK2dS9d9nZAn69pkAQ1yWs3wtDgBvzAM0/s200/1.jpg" style="cursor: hand; display: block; height: 200px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 142px;" /><a href="http://deseretbook.com/auth/14/Sheri_L_Dew">Sheri L. Dew</a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">In 2003, she was described as <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">“the most prominent single LDS woman right now”.<br /></div><br /><div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnx1pwhSqghqvZyGkEVtGbtKZXJ5F2LulIkFe5GDQIQz6iZrq_DWcf7YOrBPqoYpUMqfekcIjTP3-WMC9u5Uel0on2ybgdcpWodSLybdx0nwTEFW87rE9xOSRx0S6hr3Xliek_InHXOTk/s1600-h/1.jpg"></a><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398102335575309026" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbbPW3wZdiKPR59KFK2gOPw3TKz7fT3QBBJ8ZFJLr6fvooJgp12cl1Cg09t_XhPFREjKypPiDPOsj_5WCZSdV-_plVj61LGT1OCkQ2Q6GD8hj3FWofcI27sN6LX7eGMPy8Osjqm-NVOw/s200/2.jpg" style="display: block; height: 146px; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; width: 200px;" />Now this is a Sista who is not having it, those rusty pick lines are not working on her. She can do bad all by herself. <br /><br />Look boys, going on a <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/membership-in-christ-s-church/missionary-work?gclid=CL2U9amE450CFRhfagodNTyx3g">Mission</a> is nice and all, but I don’t care how cool you thought those clothes were two years ago, they are not in style anymore. Step your game up Brothas! Stop going to dances and saying how grateful you are for <a href="http://scriptures.lds.org/gs/h/9">Martin Harris</a>, cause if it weren’t for him we would be <a href="http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=9bbb0f9856c20110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=e36d5f74db46c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD">116 pages</a> further apart. Stop telling us you found a way for women to hold the priesthood, and then trying to get us to hug you.<br /><div><br />Now ladies, you know why they keep doing it? Cause some of ya’ll are giggling and acting like it’s cute. STOP! That’s why you end up married for 10 years and your man is still wearing his <a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/missionary">Missionary</a> suit.<br /><br />Ok guys, so you have now been officially schooled. We don’t want to hear it! D<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6CdxNVKFZFOCpaiS6_uXcsMcQihqjkosBbniIoZvMr10Li81SinJrxqo_Li4SuXl9wc4Ni5ibkag2AYwogXIRrARQLh9NTF47ExrpBrAHH3GwMDBttVwoDCC1iwom8WUq-0kS0gkP3SQ/s1600-h/1.jpg"></a>on’t tell us you recognize our name from your patriarchal blessing, that when you came to church you knew you would feel the spirit, but you didn’t know you would see an angel. We don’t want the gift of tongues bestowed upon us, and yes we do obey the <br /><a href="http://www.mormon.org/mormonorg/eng/basic-beliefs/glossary/glossary-definition/word-of-wisdom">Word of Wisdom</a> even though we are SMOKING…Hot.<br /></div><br />And Sistas, next time a fella steps to you and says some crazy ish like “If our bodies are a temple, where can I get a recommend to yours?” You better tell that fool he ain’t worthy!<br /><br />What are the worst pick up lines you've heard? MoMen don't be shy, which ones have you used? Are any of these lines actually working? Are you an RM who still wears their pre-Mission clothes? How long can a Missionary suit last?<br /><br /><div></div>Sista Laurel<br /><div></div><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Don't Make Us Do the Sheri Dew

Ok guys, I hate to pick on you, but you make yourselves such easy targets. I don’t know what it is, but some of the worst pick up lines I ha...

Blessed And Highly Favored!

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-c3EzqVEBupvViI7ogZGMnnQ59Usp2_GstSF5xbKc_ZOVY82UfVfBqygmDNy5PKt-QzTMesFJcaHxS1MLA-xPuuA83PYbUra6h9OG4eaPF12ISaYJFXDgogzK2ky0llWRRmrh442iuw/s1600-h/1.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5397370579762071218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-c3EzqVEBupvViI7ogZGMnnQ59Usp2_GstSF5xbKc_ZOVY82UfVfBqygmDNy5PKt-QzTMesFJcaHxS1MLA-xPuuA83PYbUra6h9OG4eaPF12ISaYJFXDgogzK2ky0llWRRmrh442iuw/s400/1.jpg" style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 225px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 315px; CURSOR: hand" /></a> Being a convert to the L.D.S. Church, I'm always impressed with our brothers and sisters who attend General Conference. Everyone always looks so nice and neat. Which is in contrast to my memories of the many Pentecostal Conventions I attended in my youth. My mother would go through great pains in search of the perfect hat, dress, and shoes, and that was just for us kids.<br /><br />On the other hand, my mother took a totally different approach with her outfit. It was all about being and looking "blessed and highly favored by the Lawd". If her dress was store bought then her hat was hand made, if her hat was store bought then her dress was tailor made. My mother, like most women, wasn't willing to "run into herself," and the thought of that happening would create enough stress to make her switch outfits 3 or 4 times to be sure that she was going to look unique and fabulous! I want you to know that during Convention the women put the "D" in Dress and the men put the "S" in Sharp! At Convention, looking nice and neat simply won't do!<br /><br />Now I know that there are so many other things that I need to be focused on during General Conference. However, my thoughts were on the wives of the many General Authorities that line the stands this Conference. I also wonder about the thoughts of the many sisters who are seated in the congregation. Did they frantically run around SLC in search of the perfect pink blazer? Did some of the women make a mad dash to ZCMI looking for the perfect purple dress?...oops that was the Mo-Tab. Anywho, I wonder if there will ever be a time when the women in our church will decide that "nice and neat" is no longer an option. I wonder when we will decide that it's time for us to really dress up for Jesus. When will we decide to step up and step out SHARP!!!?<br /><br />Oh my... Where has the time gone? Here I've let my thoughts get the best of me, and I've missed most of the speakers. I'm so grateful for the Ensign!<br /><br />Sista Beehive<br /><br /><a href="http://www.myfreecopyright.com/registered_mcn/BT8QW_3GY41_YKT8E" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected"><img alt="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" border="0" height="38" src="http://storage.myfreecopyright.com/mfc_protected.png" title="MyFreeCopyright.com Registered & Protected" width="145" /></a>

Blessed And Highly Favored!

Being a convert to the L.D.S. Church, I'm always impressed with our brothers and sisters who attend General Conference. Everyone always...