#i. gospel. › c. hale .

[pckarchives]

group chat.    ›    the hales.

derek: hi. how are you all?

[free-pool-trash]

folklore - isaac lahey {5/?}

hey! this part is honestly mostly angst? like i think the start of it is ok but the rest is angsty as hell, because pre-bite isaac <333

mostly isaac/reader in this chapter and a little Derek towards the end, also peter but mans can’t talk yet so idk if he counts?

PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!! reblogs and comments are so appreciated <3

word count: 4k

warnings: blood, sad thoughts, reader being sad, isaac being sad, mentions of abuse, swearing

FOLKLORE MASTERLIST

Taglist: @makeusfreefromthisfandom​, @cece-lives-here​, @chocolate-raspberries​, @belsandthings​, @dancing-tacos-23​, @truly-dionysus​, @britty443​, @tanyaherondale​, @furiouspockettoad​, @yunsh-17​, @random-thoughts-003​, @gloomybrieyxb​, @futuristicslimemongerbanana​, @linkpk88​, @big-galaxy-chaos​, @im-a-stranger-thing​, @riaisnotcool​ let me know if you’d like to be added <3

The lights in his room were dim as they always were when you walked in. It’d been nearly two weeks since you’d last visited Peter, between becoming a vampire and trying not to get in a fist fight with Derek every five minutes you hadn’t had the time or energy to visit your favourite Hale.

When your eyes fell on him a strange feeling settled over your chest, you couldn’t quite put your finger on the sensation but if you had to describe it in one word; unsettling. It didn’t deter you from sitting in front of the man the feeling was coming from, though. If you were trapped in your own body you’d probably feel a little unsettled too.

Not wanting to waste anymore time you sat down in your usual seat across from Peter, shaking the feeling off as best you could before giving him a pleased smile, “Long time no see. I’ve got so much to tell you…” You trailed off, shaking your head when you caught yourself waiting for him to reply.

“First of all I got attacked by a werewolf which sucked and now I’m a vampire which, coincidentally, also requires a lot of sucking.” Silence.

“And I made some new friends, which is cool- Isaac got a little jealous but it’s fine, I handled it. I feel bad keeping him in the dark about all of this but I just want to keep him safe y’know?” Of course you received no answer, opting to continue filling Peter in despite his usual lack of response.

“Your nephew has been driving me crazy, by the way.” You informed him, letting out a grunt at the thought of how annoying Derek had been over the last few days, “He’s got this tough guy thing going on, I think it’s just to psych Scott out honestly, which is fine! But it’s the fact that he’s keeping it up with me as if I haven’t known him for seventeen years!” 

If Peter had control over his body you knew he would’ve laughed at your annoyance towards his nephew, he always had. Whenever Derek teased you growing up, it was always Peter that you’d go running to.

“Uncle Peter!” The man sighed at the sound of your shrill voice, closing the book he’d been reading out on the porch as you ran up to him with an angry pout on your face.

“What’s up, kiddo?” He asked, opening his arms as you threw yourself into them. You let out a puff of air, settling yourself on Peter’s knee as he sat on the porch steps. “Derek said that because I’m only six I can’t play basketball with him and his friends!” You whined.

Peter only scoffed, his arms pulling you close as he raised an eyebrow, “Don’t worry, sweetheart. They’re idiots, each and every one of them.” 

There was always something about uncle Peter, he had a certain tone of voice that made anything he spoke sound like gospel. If Peter said it, you believed it. That was just how it was, thinking about it now you figured that your attachment and high level of trust in Peter probably had something to do with the fact that he’d practically initiated you into his pack when you were so young. Truth be told, he was the hardest loss of the Hale’s for you to come to terms with because even though he hadn’t died he’d still been lost.

You twiddled with your fingers as your thoughts began to wander, getting the hang of heightened emotions wasn’t so easy now that you were sat in front of Peter, or what was left of him. You hadn’t noticed the tears that had built up in your eyes until they began to sneak down your cheeks, slipping down your chin and coating your neck with their salty stream.

All you could do was imagine that he was more than an empty shell, that he was himself and listening intently, that he was just waiting for you to finish before he offered his sage advice.

“I really wish you could tell me how to handle all of this.” You sniffled out, pressure in your chest growing as, for once, it was the weight of your own emotions weighing it down. 

Since being turned you hadn’t gotten a chance to stop and breathe or really even think about what was happening to you, living in a constant state of confusion, fear and loss. 

“I just feel… so lonely that I can hardly breathe sometimes-“ Your breath hitching stopped your confession in its tracks while your tears continued to fall freely down your face, there was no point in trying to wipe them away- you’d broken the dam.

Your watering eyes focused on the ceiling as you poured your heart out to the man who was essentially your second father, despite the fact he was more or less completely unresponsive you still couldn’t bring yourself to meet his empty gaze. 

“Nobody knows what I am, really. And it’s like I’m all on my own and nobody knows how to help me or- or anything!” Eventually you met his eyes and it was then that your feeling of sorrow grew considerably bigger, the pang in your heart sinking all the way down to the pit of your stomach as a new layer of tears replaced the ones that had just fallen down your cheeks.

“I’ve upset you.” You stated, heart racing at the fact you’d managed to upset Peter Hale himself.

Quickly you wiped your tears away, your face was still wet as you took a deep breath, shaking away the feeling that was eating you up. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be crying I just- I really need someone to talk to, you know? Usually I’d go and rant to Isaac but I can’t tell him anything and it’s killing me but everyone told me not to and I also told myself not to… it’s a mess. I’m just so lost.”

Peter, as usual remained quiet, but there was something in his eyes- it was quick and barely there but you’d seen it. They’d flashed red. 

*

After you composed yourself, you left Peter’s room and made your way to school, you’d woken up early to visit Peter.

As soon as you entered the building your feet moved quickly towards your locker, you sorted your books out as fast as you could before making your way to Isaac’s locker. Your meeting with Peter had shaken you up and honestly, in the moment, you just needed your best friend. 

As usual when you arrived by Isaac’s side you alerted him by gently tugging on his sleeve, you didn’t know why but he was extremely nervous, to the point where you felt your own stomach beginning to turn. Even though you’d sought him out for your own comfort you discarded that plan as soon as you met his eyes, he needed to be comforted more than you did right now.

“What’s wrong?” You immediately blurted out, grabbing his free hand that hung by his side unlike the other that held his locker door open, knuckles turning white from how tightly he clung to the metal door.

Isaac only shook his head, he gave you the smile that he always gave you, the one that screamed “please don’t worry about me” but you knew better than to believe that smile because as gorgeous as it is, it’s fake.

“I’m okay, don’t worry.” He squeezed your hand in an effort to deter you, but yet again, you knew better. 

Letting your eyes roll, you furrowed your brows, “Seriously, tell me what’s bothering you.” You demand not missing the defeated look that fell on his face when he hung his head, brown curls falling over his eyes, “Nothing, (Y/n). Just the parent teacher conferences are happening tonight…” He trailed off as he shuffled his feet.

The realization of why he was so nervous about it hit you like a ton of bricks and you didn’t care who was watching when you threw your arms around his shoulders, pulling him into you with a sigh. “How is it gonna go?” You asked, already knowing the answer would be: not well.

Isaac’s arms held you against him tightly, stabilizing you as you had to stand on your tiptoes to get a good grip around his shoulders, ever since he’d had his growth spurt when you were both thirteen if you wanted to hug him properly you’d always need to get on your tiptoes. He wouldn’t lie though, he thought it was the cutest thing. 

“I’ve got a C minus in Chem.” He muttered against your neck, tightening his grip on you for dear life, you both knew Mr Lahey wouldn’t be pleased. 

With a little grin, in an attempt to lighten the mood you pulled your head back to look your best friend in the eyes, “Should we dip? Run away? Move to France?” The question was made with humor but you were really considering the thought of just dragging him out of the school’s double doors and flying away to somewhere sunny where the pair of you wouldn’t have to deal with any of the shit you have to deal with in Beacon Hills. 

Isaac gave you a sad smile, connecting his lips to your forehead quickly with rosy cheeks before disconnecting from you, “I think that would probably make things worse.”

Before you could respond Isaac shut his locker and spoke again, “Anyway, what had you so upset a few minutes ago?”

Deciding that today wasn’t the best day to confide in him you simply offered him a sad smile and weak explanation.

“Just woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Wanted a hug.” Isaac let out an airy laugh, tilting his head to the side with a smile.

He beckoned you in for a side hug, “Get in here.” Immediately you obliged, attaching yourself to the boy’s side as the pair of you walked towards your first class of the day.

All you hoped was that his anxiety didn’t get the better of him today or later on when his father confronted him, so, as any good friend with supernatural abilities would, before you parted ways you made sure to transfer some much needed relaxation onto the boy who was positively teeming with fear. For now, it was all you could do for him without exposing yourself, you prayed it was enough.

*

As the day drew on your mind drifted from your conversation with Peter to your conversation with Isaac constantly. Understandably. You needed to get on top of your heightened emotions and you needed to do it fast, because to put it simply; you were drowning.

But like you mentioned to Peter, nobody knew anything about anything, not even Deaton could tell you how to gain control or even tell you the full extent of your capabilities. The loneliness was what hit the most. It was that empty, distant, ever-sinking feeling that was slowly but surely swallowing you whole. Scott had Derek, not to mention Stiles, to help him figure out everything he needed to know, an experienced wolf and a loyal best friend to walk him through everything, to support him, to keep him grounded, to tell him the dos and don’ts of being a wolf.

What did you have? An unwavering loyalty to a member of a pack who was barely even alive? Half baked theories from books of lore that your parents managed to dig up from some dusty corner of the attic? Derek who spent all of his time focused on Scott despite a member of his own pack being in obvious distress? A best friend you can’t confide in because he’s just as broken as you are? It didn’t seem fair.

The bite turned you to a vampire instead of a wolf, every night you wondered why you’d taken this form when seemingly nobody else had ever been turned by wolf bite, the conclusion you’d come to was that it was just some sick karmic joke. A test of endurance that you weren’t sure if you were going to pass. The universe spotted you- hand picked you as it’s favourite love-sick, hopeless romantic with a heart too big for her body and with a soul that felt emotions as vast and deep as the ocean. It chose you, but the gag was you never wanted it to be you. For once, you wished someone else had won the prize that felt more like a curse.

It was all too much. You felt too deeply. Every emotion consumed you, every sound vibrated like bass from a speaker, every touch sparked like static and every beating heart made you hungry. But every time you even so much as pondered simply giving in to the feelings, of letting go of that rope that seemed to be holding your empathy close and letting it fall away, every time you entertained those thoughts that voice, from the first night, would ring through your skull and echo until you agreed to the words being spoken by the oh so familiar voice. Don’t let it kill you.

Scott had been nowhere to be seen all day, nor had Allison, it was only when you’d spotted Stiles sitting alone at lunch that you’d realized that the wolf and his girlfriend probably ditched. 

The final bell eventually signaled the end of the school day, solemnly you walked alongside Isaac towards the doors of the school, stomach twisting with anxiety knowing that the next time you’d be seeing him he’d more than likely be barring a new bruise or emotional scar.

“Can I drive you home?” You asked, hoping he’d say yes but understanding when he shook his head no, “I cycled here, I’ll take my bike. Thank you though.”

You pulled your bottom lip between your teeth, looking at him with worry clear on your face, it was all you could focus on and you were half sure he could feel it too, your efforts of masking it failing.

Isaac could feel the worry seeping off you, but even before you’d turned he always had a knack from knowing when something was on your mind. He knew all your tells, when you were worrying about something you’d bite your lip and furrow your eyebrows, when you were upset you’d wring your hands together or play with your fingers, he knew how you were feeling whenever you were feeling it purely because of the mannerisms you used when you were around him. It’s how he knew that you’ve been hiding something from him since you’d been attacked, the boy didn’t know what it was but he saw it weighing you down, he was determined to get to the bottom of it so he could be there for you. He let out a heavy sigh when he realized in the moment that the roles were reversed and with the way you gazed at him he knew you wanted to be there for him, like you always were.

“I’m gonna be okay, nothing that hasn’t happened before.” He finally spoke in an attempt to reassure you that there was nothing to worry about but his statement only served to upset you more and he silently cursed himself as he watched the corners of your lips sink downward. “It shouldn’t happen ever.” You told him softly, trying your very best to keep your composure when you heard your voice crack.

Glancing around quickly, Isaac grabbed your wrist and tugged you towards your car, knowing how much you hated getting upset in front of people he took the initiative to carry on the conversation in the confines of your car away from the rest of the prying students.

Once you were both situated in the front seats, Isaac spoke up, “I know that you hate seeing me hurt, I know it shouldn’t be like this but it is. I’ll survive, you need to stop worrying about me so much, (N/n).”

“You don’t deserve this.” You muttered, sorrow dripping from each word. 

“(Y/n)-“

“No Isaac! You don’t deserve to be treated like this! Every time I see you hurt it makes me so fucking angry because when you tell me what happened you say it as though you had it coming! But you never do, you never have it coming!” The words left your mouth in a high pitched string of cries as Isaac simply lowered his gaze to his lap, hating how your voice shook in agony for him.

With every word you spoke you became more and more worked up, tears trickling down your face freely now that all the cars in the parking lot were more or less gone. “And every single time I wish I could do more for you- I wish that I could make you see what I see.” Your confession was fragile, the words barely audible as they passed your lips.

Isaac lifted his head, his own eyes welling up, “You have no idea how much you do for me so don’t think like that.” He demanded, his tone far more assertive than you’d ever known it to be.

His hand met your face, gently but quickly, his palm cupping your cheek while his thumb brushed away your tears. For a second, you closed your eyes, imagining the feeling of his hand cupping your cheek happening under better circumstances before reconnecting your eyes with his.

“I’m gonna go home.” He told you, sad smile on his lips as you shook your head, gripping the wrist of the hand he still had placed on your cheek desperately. “Stay.”

“I’ll come over to yours tonight ok? But you have to let me leave.” When you didn’t move, he sighed and pulled his hand away from you himself, trying not to wince at the hurt look on your face.

Your best friend opened the car door and stepped out, leaning in with an arm resting against the top of the door with a look on his face that you couldn’t pinpoint, that feeling had returned to your chest though, the light and flowy one. “Love you, kid.” His lips formed a cheeky grin when the nickname caused you to smile, he hadn’t rubbed the fact he was two months older than you in your face recently, you should’ve seen it coming. Finally allowing yourself to give him a weak smile you gave him an equally as weak, but still meaningful, “Love you too, idiot.” Before he shut the car door and made his way towards his bike.

*

To put the cherry on top of an already stressful day when you got home Derek was waiting at your dining table expectantly. The first words leaving his mouth being, “Where’s Scott?”

You rolled your eyes at him, walking into the kitchen and grabbing a blood bag out of your fridge, Stiles had been sweet enough to fill some bags for you since you were both still trying to work out the whole euphoric feeding situation, feeding on Stiles on a school night usually meant Stiles being completely away with the fairies the next morning and obviously you needed to feed during the week. Blood wasn’t as tasty cold but as weird as it was to admit, it still slapped.

Taking a sip from the small straw sticking out of the bag you raised an eyebrow at the wolf in front of you, “I dunno, Derek. Where’s my hello?” 

“This is serious.” He growled, “So am I.” You rebutted, taking another sip as the man grew more irritable.

He didn’t answer, only growled at you, he was probably hoping you’d buy into his ridiculous power play. You didn’t, obviously.

Nonchalantly, you lifted yourself up onto the counter of the kitchen island, facing Derek and sipping your blood happily.

“Growl at me all you want, D. Scott might buy into your big bad wolf act but I remember when you used to watch Barbie movies with me every single day.” You told him matter of factly, “Things are different now. Scott needs my help.” At his statement your carefree demeanor faltered. You needed his help, but not once since you’d been bitten had the man you considered a brother offered you even a morsel of support but yet here he was in your home, asking for a beta he barely knows.

“If Scott was around today would you have come to see me?” You asked him, keeping your voice as steady as you could.

Derek shook his head as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, “No, because I’m looking for Scott.”

Slowly you nodded your head, allowing his words to sink in. Today had been emotionally draining, sure, but you couldn’t find the strength within yourself to leave this alone.

“So where exactly am I on your supernatural list of priorities? Or am I even on it at all?” The question was harsher than you intended but Derek had a fairly hard head, if you wanted to get a point across you sometimes had to be a little less than gentle with the delivery.

The wolf groaned, head falling back in exhaustion, “Can we not do this right now?” 

Slapping the now empty blood bag down beside you and crossing your arms, you glared, “Answer my question.”

He gave you a hard look, standing up from his seat in what you assumed was an attempt to intimidate you, “I’ll admit you’re not my top priority right now, alright? Scott needs me, you’ll be fine.” A humorless laugh left your lips as you jumped down from the counter, squaring up to the taller man before you with absolutely no fear.

“Are you sure about that, D? Cuz last time I checked, Scott has Allison and Stiles and Deaton and you telling him exactly what to do and when to do it. I have no one.” Derek bit his tongue, his jaw clenched and lips pursed before he gave you a response, “He needs all the help he can get. Your abilities aren’t as difficult to get the hang of as his are.”

“Oh yeah?” It was a challenge, not only had he managed to piss you off and upset you at the same time, he’d also managed to erase the pain of your own transition in favour of defending Scott. 

Derek sighed, the voice in his head telling him to step down when he noticed your fists clenched tightly into balls against your side, “Look (Y/n)-“ He started before a gasp ripped from his throat when you arm gripped his.

The anger, the fear, the pain, the loneliness, the confusion, the weight that came from feeling everything all at once, you made him feel it all, not releasing your tight grip on his bicep until he’d looked down at you with tears glazing his eyes.

Roughly, you ripped you hand from his arm, purple eyes glowing as you stood chest to chest with him, “Maybe if you bothered to check up on me you’d know that my shift wasn’t easy, I don’t have the hang of my abilities and every single morning I wake up and think about how much easier my life would be if I just let them destroy me.” You were seething, Derek’s face was painted in shock as he stood at a loss for words.

“But hey! By all means go help Scott. What’s pack loyalty anyway?” Your words were seeped in venom and as soon as they left your mouth you took advantage of your enhanced speed, running from the room only leaving a gust of wind and an emotionally overwhelmed Derek in your wake.

[rucbarthatbowtiesarecooldw]

Sunday Afternoon Session

Christ the Lord is Risen Today

He Sent His Son

 President Dallin H Oaks

Oldest written constitution still enforced today.

Maybe not the oldest one out there but the oldest one still being used?

God established it for the rights and protection of all flesh.

Human slavery is wrong (no duh)

Also wrong for citizens to have no voice in the choice of their rulers and laws

Divinely inspired principles in the constitution

1 The source of government power is the people

2 Division of delegated power between the nation and its states

3 Separation of powers

4 Cluster of vital guarantees of individual rights – bill of rights

5 Vital purpose of entire constitution – governed by law and not by individuals

We should trust in the Lord and be positive in this nations future

Don’t just go with the political party you are a part of – join the one which most aligns with the morals you align with

 Elder Ronald A Rasband

Miracles are divine acts

What miracles have you seen in your life?

Side note: I will have to read this later sounds great but having problems paying attention

Just because we don’t see miracles around us does not mean we are less beloved by the Lord

How can I respond with peace?

Peace amidst sorrow is a miracle

Elder Timothy J Dyches

Darkness will always surrender to the smallest bits of light

God grants us the light of Christ

That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day. – D&C 50:24

Light and darkness cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Light dispels darkness. When light is present, darkness is vanquished and must depart. More important, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is diminished or departs. – Robert D Hale

Miracles don’t always come how or when we expect

How Firm a Foundation

 Elder D. Todd Christofferson

Ordinances and covenants are key to protecting you from fiery darts of the adversary

The result of unforced errors (tennis)

Staying on, not just crossing, the covenant path is our greatest hope

The difference is in the nature of our obedience, the divine help we receive, our eternal inheritance

The covenant path:

1 Our obedience to God

With covenants this becomes rooted in our very souls

2 relationship with deity

Covenants with God bind us to Him, and bound to Him we can overcome all things

3 incomprehensible gift of the Holy Ghost helps us be covenant makers AND keepers

essential blessings of forgiveness

4 singular blessings in divinely appointed gatherings

ALL deserve to hear the blessing of the Lords gospel

5 in pursuing the covenant path we receive all the blessings of Gods covenant people

Heed the prophets call to stay on the covenant path

His resurrection is our hope

 Elder Alan R. Walker

Hark All ye Nations – hymn

·How can you feel Gods enduring joy?

Side note: great talk! I was not listening well haha

 Elder David A. Bednar

Efficacious = successful

What blessings and spiritual gifts do you see in your life?

Principles of the gospel

Principle of non distraction

If you understand the principle you can use your own guidelines and judgements – and Gods of course

There shouldn’t be a million little rules

Spirituality is about principles not rules

Don’t have a list of dos and don’ts

What sign do I want to give to God?

Things are easier when you let God prevail

Gospel principles are for me and you like a helm is for a ship in a storm

So we do not lose our balance in the raging storms of life and confusion

Govern ourselves according to the truths of which they have testified during this conference

Learn, live, and love gospel principles

The Savior is the fount from which these truths flow

 President Russell M Nelson

Your temple will be open where local government regulations allow it, when the incidence of COVID-19 in your area is within safe limits your temple will be reopened. Do all you can to bring numbers down in your area so that your temple opportunities can increase. Meanwhile keep your temple covenants and blessings foremost in your minds and hearts, and stay true to the covenants you have made

Oslo, Norway

Brussels, Belgium

Vienna ,Austria

Kumasi, Ghana

Beira, Mozambique

Cape Town, South Africa

Singapore, Republic of Singapore

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

Cali, Colombia

Queretaro, Mexico

Torreon, Mexico

Helena, Montana

Casper, Wyoming

Grand Junction, Colorado

Farmington, New Mexico

Burley, Idaho

Eugene, Oregon

Elko, Nevada

Yorba Linda, California

Smithfield, Utah

Let Us All Press On

[hydrasassct]

URL Song Challenge

Rules: spell out your URL with song titles and tag people.

H: Hey Look Ma, I Made It by Panic! At the Disco Y: You Call Me A Bitch Like It’s A Bad Thing by Halestorm D: Dear Agony by Breaking Benjamin R: Remedy by Seether A: Ain’t It Fun by Paramore S: Shatter Me by Lindsey Stirling ft. Lzzy Hale A: Angel by Theory of a Deadman S: Save Yourself by My Darkest Days S: Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana C: Close to Heaven by Breaking Benjamin T: This is Gospel by Panic! At the Disco

Tagged by: Uhhh no one but I saw @warwearysoldier do it and thought it looked fun so Tagging: shr U GS, anyone who sees it and wants to say they stole it from me, go for it

[pongpalace]

tagged by @leahlisabeth​

rules: answer these 20 questions and tag 20 amazing followers you’d like to get to know better!

name: jayme

nicknames: jay, jame, chayme 

zodiac sign: gemini

height: 5′4″

orientation: pansexy

nationality: canadian

favorite fruit: ummmm, apples i think. crisp apples

favorite season: fall with winter as a close second

favorite book: oh boy. the gospel according to biff has travelled across the country with me anddddd now around the world so i think that’s very high on my list because it’s my favourite version of jesus. (also winter of the worlds from the century trilogy is the perfect marriage of my love of 20th century history and fucking kick ass characters) 

favorite scent: salty ocean or the crispness of a -40°C day

favorite color: navy blue

favorite animal: whales and sharks and elephants 

coffee | tea | hot cocoa: the sweetest fucking coffee you can manage

average hours of sleep: 6

cat or dog person: both but i’d rather have a cat at this point in my life

favorite fictional characters: ummmm. jack zimmermann, eric bittle, bucky barnes, steve rogers, biff from according to biff, stiles stilinski, derek hales, derek nurse, kel of mindelan, alanna of trebond, basically the whole cast of brooklyn 99

number of blankets you sleep with: at least one usually two end up 

dream trip: i’d really like to go to poland and wanna travel around south america one day  

blog created: christ uhhh, 2011 

number of followers: 396 and i’d loooove to hit that big 4-0-0 (+100 but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ )

random fact: i spent a summer driving heavy equipment, like giant tonka trucks

tagging: @apprenticedmagician, @zimbitswithtimbits​, @halfabreath​, @nikiforovstiel​, @polyamorousparson​, @lardo4lyfe​, @abominableobriens, @heyfightme, @angryspace-ravenclaw, @61below, @crosmopolitan if you wanna but as always no pressure if you don’t :)  

[redcarpetview]

GMA announces nominees for 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards, October 15 in Nashville

    NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 15, 2019) - The Gospel Music Association (GMA) announced the nominees for the 50th Annual GMA Dove Awards, revealed exclusively on Facebook 'Live' with the help of Natalie Grant, Jekalyn Carr and Karen Peck. This historic celebration will take place on Tuesday, October 15 in Nashville, Tennessee. Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively air the show on Sunday, October 20, 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST. Voting for the final winners will run August 21 through August 28.

     Lauren Daigle leads artist nominations with six, followed by for KING & COUNTRY and Kirk Franklin with five. Crowder, Phil Wickham, Tasha Cobbs Leonard and TobyMac each honored with four nods. Top nominated writer/producer Wayne Haun scored 10 nominations. View the full list of nominees here and top nominee images here.

      "Congratulations to this year’s Dove Award nominees!” GMA President Jackie Patillo said. "This year, to commemorate our golden anniversary, we will celebrate some iconic Dove Awards moments from the last 50 years. This milestone reminds us all of the extraordinary people whose shoulders we are standing on today and how the sound has evolved over the years!” 

     The 50th celebration will be a powerful evening of high-energy and unforgettable vocal events paying tribute to 50 years of special appearances and sensational stage highlights over the decades. Performances representing modern Rock, Rap/Hip Hop, Pop/Contemporary, Inspirational, Southern Gospel, Bluegrass, Country, Worship and more will make up an evening praising the rich musical diversity from the past, present and future of Gospel and Christian music. Nominees are determined by GMA’s professional members, and winners will be voted on by the entire GMA membership. For more information or to purchase tickets to the show, visit www.doveawards.com.

   TobyMac backstage during 2016 Dove Awards in Nashville, Tenn. Photo by Naomi Richard.

     Artist of the Year

for KING & COUNTRY, Curb / Word Entertainment

Hillsong UNITED, Hillsong Music / Capitol CMG

Lauren Daigle, Centricity

MercyMe, Fair Trade

TobyMac, Forefront / Capitol CMG

        Song of the Year

“Counting Every Blessing” - (writers) Chris Llewellyn, Gareth Gilkeson, (publishers) Capitol CMG Paragon, Rend Family Music

“Everything” - (writers) David Garcia, Toby McKeehan, (publishers) Achtober Songs, D Soul Music, Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing

“Joy.” - (writers) Ben Glover, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone, Matt Hales, Seth Mosley, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Tedd Tjornhom, (publishers) 9t One Songs, Ariose Music, CentricSongs, Curb Wordspring Music LLC, Fleauxmotion Music, Kilns Music, Method to the Madness, Shankel Songs, Shaun Shankel Pub Designee, Stephen Blake Kanicka Publishing, These Tunes Go To 11, Warner-Tamerlane Publishing Corp.

“Known” - (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Capitol CMG Paragon, Crucial Music Entertainment, EGH Music Publishing

“Living Hope” - (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs

“Only Jesus” - (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West, (publishers) Be Essential Songs, Highly Combustible Music, House of Story Music Publishing, My Refuge Music, One77 Songs

“Red Letters” - (writers) David Crowder, Ed Cash, (publishers) Alletrop Music, Inot Music, sixsteps Music, worshiptogether.com songs

“The Breakup Song” - (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli, (publishers) Bartatronic Millaphonic, D Soul Music, Francesca Music, Tunes of MercyMe, Universal Music - Brentwood Benson Publishing, Word Music LLC

“Who You Say I Am” - (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing 

“Won't He Do It” - (writers) Loren Hill, Makeba Riddick-Woods, Rich Shelton, (publishers) SONGSBYMAK, Janice Combs Publishing, EMI Blackwood Music Inc., Nieze World Music, One Dynasty Music

“You Say” - (writers) Jason Ingram, Paul Mabury, Lauren Daigle, (publishers) CentricSongs, Fellow Ships Music, Flychild Publishing, So Essential Tunes

     New Artist Nominee Kelontae Gavin on 2019 Stellar Awards’ Red Carpet Arrivals in Las Vegas, NV. Photo by Naomi Richard.

             New Artist of the Year

Aaron Cole, Gotee Records

Austin French, Fair Trade

Josh Baldwin, Bethel Music

Kelontae Gavin, MBE / Tyscot

Riley Clemmons, Sparrow Records / Capitol CMG

        Gospel Artist of the Year

Jekalyn Carr, Lunjeal Music Group

Kirk Franklin, Fo Yo Soul Recordings / RCA Records

Koryn Hawthorne, RCA Inspiration

Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Motown Gospel

Travis Greene, RCA Inspiration

      Worship Song of the Year

“Build My Life” - (writers) Brett Younker, Karl Martin, Kirby Kaple, Matt Redman, Pat Barrett, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Capitol CMG Genesis, Housefires Sounds, Kaple Music, Martin Karl Andrew, Said And Done Music, sixsteps Music Thankyou Music worshiptogether.com songs

“Living Hope” - (writers) Brian Johnson, Phil Wickham, (publishers) Bethel Music Publishing, Phil Wickham Music, Simply Global Songs, Sing My Songs

“Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” - (writer) Elyssa Smith, (publisher) UR Global Publishing

“Who You Say I Am” - (writers) Ben Fielding, Reuben Morgan, (publisher) Hillsong Music Publishing

“Yes I Will” - (writers) Eddie Hoagland, Jonathan Smith, Mia Fieldes, (publishers) All Essential Music, Be Essential Songs, HBC Worship Music, Hickory Bill Doc, Jingram Music Publishing, So Essential Tunes, Upside Down Under

   Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year

“Only Jesus” - Casting Crowns, (writers) Bernie Herms, Mark Hall, Matthew West

“God Only Knows” - for KING & COUNTRY, (writers) Joel Smallbone, Jordan Reynolds, Josh Kerr, Luke Smallbone, Tedd Tjornhom

“The Breakup Song” - Francesca Battisteli, (writers) Bart Millard, David Garcia, Francesca Battistelli

“You Say” - Lauren Daigle, (writers) Jason Ingram, Lauren Daigle, Paul Mabury

“Known” - Tauren Wells, (writers) Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp, Tauren Wells

       Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“Blessings On Blessings” - Anthony Brown & group therAPy, (writer) Anthony Brown

“Make Room” - Jonathan McReynolds, (writer) Jonathan McReynolds

“Love Theory” - Kirk Franklin, (writer) Kirk Franklin

“Unstoppable” - Koryn Hawthorne, (writers) Kid Class, Makeba Riddick, Robert D. Reese

“My God (feat. Mr. Talkbox)” - Nashville Life Music, (writer) Dwan Hill

    Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year

“Longing For Home” - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, (writers) Ernie Hasse, Joel Lindsey, Wayne Haun

“We Are All God's Children” - Gaither Vocal Band, (writers) Benjamin Gaither, Sara Beth Terry, Todd Suttles

“How Great Thou Art (feat. Sonya Isaacs)” - Josh Turner, (writer) Stuart K. Hine

“I Know I'll Be There” - Karen Peck & New River, (writers) Dave Clark, Karen Peck Gooch, Wayne Haun

“Even Me” - Triumphant Quartet, (writers) Jason Cox, Jeff Bumgardner, Kenna Turner West 

               Inspirational Film of the Year  

"Breakthrough" - (director) Roxann Dawson, (producers) DeVon Franklin, Jessica Dunn

"Indivisible" - (director) David G. Evans, (producers) Darren Moorman, David G. Evans, Esther Evans

"Run The Race" - (director) Chris Dowling, (producers) Darren Moorman, Jake McEntire, Ken Carpenter

"Unbroken: Path to Redemption" - (director) Harold Cronk, (producers) Matt Baer, Mike Elliot

"Unplanned" - (directors) Chuck Konzelman, Cary Solomon, (producers) Cary Solomon, Chris Jones, Chuck Konzelman, Daryl C. Lefever, Fabiano Altamura, Jason Stafford, Joe Knopp, Mark Cheatwood, Megan Harrington, Sheila Hart

                                                                                                                     # # #

[lincoln-cannon]

Yesterday and today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the largest Mormon denomination, met together for our semi-annual General Conference. I participated in the conference via webcast and Twitter, watching and considering the thoughts shared, and expressing some of my thoughts along the way. Below is a list of the thoughts I shared publicly, including both affirmations and criticisms, questions and elaborations. My intent, as always, is to promote real engagement with the messages shared at the conference, beyond the superficial cheerleading or indiscriminate ridicule that is so common among apologists and enemies of the Church. I welcome any feedback or questions you might have in the comments.

I enjoyed listening to the Tabernacle Choir sing "Let Us All Press On:" "If we do what's right, we have no need to fear." Doing what we believe to be right doesn't mean nothing bad will happen. But fearing what we can't control isn't practical.

I love my Church. That's particularly easy to do when the Tabernacle Choir is singing "Press Forward Saints."

Ulisses Soares mentions Paul's teachings on human transformation in the New Testament. The next verse encourages us to participate in the Atonement, by taking up our call to the "ministry of reconciliation." As God is in Christ, Christ is in us.

Becky Craven suggests that we can't find happiness in a $15 purchase. I share her esteem for more abiding things, but I've often also found happiness in a $15 purchase. Life just works that way.

Becky Craven says, "there is not a right way to do the wrong thing." I agree. But sometimes that actually does mean disagreeing with a leader, which we can do constructively. I wish she would acknowledge that.

Brook Hales contemplates divine foreknowledge. I don't know the capacity of superintelligence. But the exponential complexity of possible futures seems to limit even superintelligent foreknowledge, unless we're more determined than we like to believe.

Dieter Uchtdorf only has to mention "airplane" to get a laugh from the congregation. :)

Dieter Uchtdorf wants you to tweet more. It's a commandment. ;)

Dieter Uchtdorf says, "some will never join the Church ... that doesn't change our love for them." Amen, brother.

So I have to admit that, ironically, this session of General Conference has been far more normal than I anticipated. What about all those rumors about a change to the official interpretation of the Word of Wisdom?!? I now expect the unexpected.

"I Am a Child of God" is among my favorite hymns. My parents sang it to me when I was young. I sang it to my children when they were young. It's a beautiful expression of human potential in theosis.

Henry Eyring comforts those who worry about their family not being together in heaven, suggesting that God will make more wonderful accommodations than we can presently imagine.

When we recite the names of our Church leaders, it becomes painfully obvious that we need many more women in leadership.

Oh, wow. I don't remember ever hearing a vocal soloist in General Conference before. I like this.

Russell Ballard amends his quote of the Book of Mormon text about joy to include "women." I appreciate the implicit reminder that our scriptures can always be improved.

Russell Ballard doubles down, amending his quote of the Pearl of Great Price text about the work of God to include "women." It's not just the Book of Mormon text that can be improved. All scripture is subject to improvement.

Russell Ballard encourages us to observe the Sabbath in a way that "brings a smile to our faces." That reminds me of Jesus' comment in the New Testament: the Sabbath was made for humans, not humans for the Sabbath.

Russell Ballard encourages us to keep the Sabbath simple, without unnecessary meetings. Unfortunately, this may not make much of a practical difference, as most Church leaders sincerely think that all the meetings they schedule are necessary. 

Neil Andersen says truth can be "painfully complex to the secular mind." It seems to me that when we're sufficiently honest with ourselves, if should be painfully complex to the religious mind too. We're not the God in whom we trust.

Neil Andersen says we celebrate the discoveries of science and medicine. Good. He also says religious truths go far beyond those. I'm not sure "beyond" is the right comparison. It's not a competition.

Neil Andersen acknowledges that there are good persons whose lives do not fit neatly within the prescriptions of the Proclamation on the Family. This is important. The Proclamation doesn't actually say many of the things some assume it to say.

Joseph Smith claimed that truth, "let it come from whence it may," is a "grand fundamental principle of Mormonism." In that spirit, I hope we can do better to ensure that we don't cultivate the notion that religion is superior to science or medicine.

Jeffrey Holland recounts the mythic narrative of Adam and Eve. In my experience, there's inspiration to be found there. My experience also suggests it's important to remember that the story doesn't (couldn't) disprove evolution.

Kim Clark says we have priesthood power. That may be true. But that depends on more than priesthood. As D&C 121 emphasizes, no power may be maintained by virtue of the priesthood. Power comes from how priesthood is applied, with love.

Henry Eyring quotes my double-great grandfather, George Q. Cannon, claiming that God reserves the right to find fault with Church leaders, and members should not. Sorry grandpa. I disagree. And I still love you. And I still feel the Spirit saying so.

Dallin Oaks shares some practical thoughts on prioritization. We don't have time to do everything that's good. We have to choose, seeking to do what is better or best. He's right, of course. Such is life.

Russell Nelson is going into Greek etymology again. And he's pointing out that repentance is change, even physical change, not an event but a process -- transformation! I love it.

Russell Nelson says we should better honor women by giving them more attention. I agree. And I hope the Church will do more to set a clear example on this subject.

I love how the hymn, "How Firm a Foundation," puts the vocalist in the position of speaking the words of God. It is an under-recognized ritual through which persons take on Christ and speak the sublime words.

Dale Renlund shifts, in one sentence to another, from a discussion of the science of combustion to a discussion of fiery flying serpents in the Old Testament. I have to admit that was a bit jarring for me.

Dale Renlund says "sometimes we need to make tools before revelation comes." By extrapolation, sometimes we need to engineer technology before revelation comes.

Sharon Eubank points out that many stories about Jesus depict him reaching out to persons who were not broadly accepted in society. What is the implication, for those of us who aspire to take the name of Christ with Jesus?

Quentin Cook encourages us to a divine partnership that cultivates love rather than generates guilt in our interactions with others. Is it hypocritical to point out that some general authorities should give greater consideration to this advice?

Todd Christofferson repeats the prophecies of the Millennium: beyond traditional notions of enmity, poverty, suffering, and death. And he encourages us to prepare for that time.

Todd Christofferson quotes NT Wright, claiming that the resurrection of Jesus was the seed of ultimate hope.

Todd Christofferson says that the Church is a community willing to work and prepare for the Millennial world.

Todd Christofferson recounts the prophecy that we must construct Zion on Earth, and that we must make it our greatest object, before expecting fulfillment of prophecies regarding the Millennium. 

Todd Christofferson says God is hastening the work, employing our contributions, to join Zion on Earth with Zion above. I enjoyed his reminders of the scriptural vision of global transformation.

I could listen to Sharon Eubank's speech again. Her emotional delivery, cultivation of hope, and encouragement to persistence were moving.

When we talk about Atonement, it's often mystery rather than comprehension, and magic rather than work. By contrast, per Paul's account of Atonement in the New Testament, we are each called to participate in it, in comprehensible and practical ways.

Russell Nelson says that everyone will be resurrected but all relationships will end if not sealed in covenant. Consider that the function of covenant doesn't always require ritual. In the Bible, some receive the Gift of the Holy Ghost without baptism.

I disagree with President Russell Nelson's claim that salvation is an individual matter. Unless there's someone who can and desires to live in solitude, salvation requires at least some extent of relationship.

Nice, Gerrit Gong. Now I won't be able to think of counting sheep to fall asleep without thinking about Jesus' parables about sheep. Thanks for that. 

Gerrit Gong tells a story about how a woman comes to understand the Atonement of Christ by saving another person. This is a key observation. Atonement is a work we can and should all participate in, reconciling with and saving each other.

I'm deflated by memes advocating: "salvation is an individual matter." I sympathize with interest in supporting President Nelson. But I think the phrase, unintentionally, cultivates misunderstanding. Nothing in the Gospel is only an individual matter.

Exaltation is a family matter, for sure. And it's also a friend matter, and a community matter, and a global matter. We're all in this together. The function of covenant is that which binds us together in aspiration for better worlds without end.

There's a sense in which it's true that salvation is an individual matter, but in that sense it's also true that exaltation is an individual matter. In both cases, we have both individual and communal responsibility.

Originally published at lincoln.metacannon.net on April 07, 2019 at 04:44PM.

[bongaboi]

Grammy Awards 2019: The List, Part 2

R&B

Best R&B Performance

"Best Part" – H.E.R. featuring Daniel Caesar

"Long as I Live" – Toni Braxton

"Summer" – The Carters

"Y O Y" – Lalah Hathaway

"First Began" – PJ Morton

Best Traditional R&B Performance

"Bet Ain't Worth the Hand" – Leon Bridges

"How Deep Is Your Love" – PJ Morton featuring Yebba

"Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight" – Bettye LaVette

"Honest" – MAJOR.

"Made for Love" – Charlie Wilson featuring Lalah Hathaway

Best R&B Song

"Boo'd Up"

"Come Through and Chill"

"Feels Like Summer"

"Focus"

"Long as I Live"

Larrance Dopson, Joelle James, Ella Mai & Dijon McFarlane, songwriters (Ella Mai)

Jermaine Cole, Miguel Pimentel & Salaam Remi, songwriters (Miguel featuring J. Cole & Salaam Remi)

Donald Glover & Ludwig Göransson, songwriters (Childish Gambino)

Darhyl Camper Jr., H.E.R. & Justin Love, songwriters (H.E.R.)

Paul Boutin, Toni Braxton & Antonio Dixon, songwriters (Toni Braxton)

Best Urban Contemporary Album

Everything Is Love – The Carters

The Kids Are Alright – Chloe x Halle

Chris Dave and the Drumhedz – Chris Dave and the Drumhedz

War & Leisure – Miguel

Ventriloquism – Meshell Ndegeocello

Best R&B Album

H.E.R. – H.E.R.

Sex & Cigarettes – Toni Braxton

Good Thing – Leon Bridges

Honestly – Lalah Hathaway

Gumbo Unplugged (Live) – PJ Morton

Rap

Best Rap Performance

"King's Dead" – Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake

"Bubblin" – Anderson Paak

"Be Careful" – Cardi B

"Nice for What" – Drake

"Sicko Mode" – Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee

Best Rap/Sung Performance

"This Is America" – Childish Gambino

"Like I Do" – Christina Aguilera featuring Goldlink

"Pretty Little Fears" – 6lack featuring J. Cole

"All the Stars" – Kendrick Lamar & SZA

"Rockstar" – Post Malone featuring 21 Savage

Best Rap Song

"God's Plan"

"King's Dead"

"Lucky You"

"Sicko Mode"

"Win"

Aubrey Graham, Daveon Jackson, Brock Korsan, Ron LaTour, Matthew Samuels & Noah Shebib, songwriters (Drake)

Kendrick Duckworth, Samuel Gloade, James Litherland, Johnny McKinzie, Axel Morgan, Mark Spears, Travis Walton, Nayvadius Wilburn & Michael Williams II, songwriters (Kendrick Lamar, Jay Rock, Future & James Blake)

R. Fraser, G. Lucas, M. Mathers, M. Samuels & J. Sweet, songwriters (Eminem featuring Joyner Lucas)

Khalif Brown, Rogét Chahayed, BryTavious Chambers, Mike Dean, Mirsad Dervic, Kevin Gomringer, Tim Gomringer, Aubrey Graham, John Edward Hawkins, Chauncey Hollis, Jacques Webster, Ozan Yildirim & Cydel Young, songwriters (Travis Scott, Drake, Big Hawk & Swae Lee)

K. Duckworth, A. Hernandez, J. McKinzie, M. Samuels & C. Thompson, songwriters (Jay Rock)

Best Rap Album

Invasion of Privacy – Cardi B

Daytona – Pusha T

Swimming – Mac Miller

Victory Lap – Nipsey Hussle

Astroworld – Travis Scott

Country

Best Country Solo Performance

"Butterflies" – Kacey Musgraves

"Wouldn't It Be Great?" – Loretta Lynn

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" – Maren Morris

"Millionaire" – Chris Stapleton

"Parallel Line" – Keith Urban

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"Tequila" – Dan + Shay

"Shoot Me Straight" – Brothers Osborne

"When Someone Stops Loving You" – Little Big Town

"Dear Hate" – Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill

"Meant to Be" – Bebe Rexha & Florida Georgia Line

Best Country Song

"Space Cowboy"

"Break Up in the End"

"Dear Hate"

"I Lived It"

"Tequila"

"When Someone Stops Loving You"

Luke Laird, Shane McAnally & Kacey Musgraves, songwriters (Kacey Musgraves)

Jessie Jo Dillon, Chase McGill & Jon Nite, songwriters (Cole Swindell)

Tom Douglas, David Hodges & Maren Morris, songwriters (Maren Morris featuring Vince Gill)

Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman, Ashley Gorley & Ben Hayslip, songwriters (Blake Shelton)

Nicolle Galyon, Jordan Reynolds & Dan Smyers, songwriters (Dan + Shay)

Hillary Lindsey, Chase McGill & Lori McKenna, songwriters (Little Big Town)

Best Country Album

Golden Hour – Kacey Musgraves

Unapologetically – Kelsea Ballerini

Port Saint Joe – Brothers Osborne

Girl Going Nowhere – Ashley McBryde

From A Room: Volume 2 – Chris Stapleton

New Age

Best New Age Album

Opium Moon – Opium Moon

Hiraeth – Lisa Gerrard & David Kuckhermann

Beloved – Snatam Kaur

Molecules of Motion – Steve Roach

Moku Maluhia: Peaceful Island – Jim Kimo West

Jazz

Best Improvised Jazz Solo

"Don't Fence Me In" – John Daversa, soloist

"Some of That Sunshine" – Regina Carter, soloist

"We See" – Fred Hersch, soloists

"De-Dah" – Brad Mehldau, soloist

"Cadenas" – Miguel Zenón, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album

The Window – Cécile McLorin Salvant

My Mood Is You – Freddy Cole

The Questions – Kurt Elling

The Subject Tonight Is Love – Kate McGarry with Keith Ganz & Gary Versace

If You Really Want – Raul Midón with Metropole Orkest conducted by Vince Mendoza

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Emanon – The Wayne Shorter Quartet

Diamond Cut – Tia Fuller

Live in Europe – Fred Hersch Trio

Seymour Reads the Constitution! – Brad Mehldau Trio

Still Dreaming – Joshua Redman, Ron Miles, Scott Colley & Brian Blade

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

American Dreamers: Voices of Hope, Music of Freedom – John Daversa Big Band featuring DACA Artists

All About That Basie – Count Basie Orchestra directed by Scotty Barnhart

Presence – Orrin Evans and the Captain Black Big Band

All Can Work – John Hollenbeck Large Ensemble

Barefoot Dances and Other Visions – Jim McNeely & The Frankfurt Radio Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album

Back to the Sunset – Dafnis Prieto Big Band

Heart of Brazil – Eddie Daniels

West Side Story Reimagined – Bobby Sanabria Multiverse Big Band

Cinque – Elio Villafranca

Yo Soy La Tradición – Miguel Zenón featuring Spektral Quartet

Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music

Best Gospel Performance/Song

"Never Alone" – Tori Kelly featuring Kirk Franklin

"You Will Win" – Jekalyn Carr

"Won't He Do It" – Koryn Hawthorne

"Cycles" – Jonathan McReynolds featuring DOE

"A Great Work" – Brian Courtney Wilson

Kirk Franklin & Victoria Kelly, songwriters

Allen Carr & Jekalyn Carr, songwriters

Koryn Hawthorne

Jonathan McReynolds, songwriter

Aaron W. Lindsey, Alvin Richardson & Brian Courtney Wilson, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

"You Say" – Lauren Daigle

"Reckless Love" – Cory Asbury

"Joy." – For King & Country

"Grace Got You" – MercyMe featuring John Reuben

"Known" – Tauren Wells

Lauren Daigle, Jason Ingram & Paul Mabury, songwriters

Cory Asbury, Caleb Culver & Ran Jackson, songwriters

Ben Glover, Matt Hales, Stephen Blake Kanicka, Seth Mosley, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone & Tedd Tjornhom, songwriters

David Garcia, Ben Glover, MercyMe, Solomon Olds & John Reuben, songwriters

Ethan Hulse, Jordan Sapp & Tauren Wells, songwriters

Best Gospel Album

Hiding Place – Tori Kelly

One Nation Under God – Jekalyn Carr

Make Room – Jonathan McReynolds

The Other Side – The Walls Group

A Great Work – Brian Courtney Wilson

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Look Up Child – Lauren Daigle

Hallelujah Here Below – Elevation Worship

Living With a Fire – Jesus Culture

Surrounded – Michael W. Smith

Survivor: Live from Harding Prison – Zach Williams

Best Roots Gospel Album

Unexpected – Jason Crabb

Clear Skies – Ernie Haase & Signature Sound

Favorites: Revisited by Request – The Isaacs

Still Standing – The Martins

Love Love Love – Gordon Mote

[livingprophets-blog]

Atonement

Position: Nothing is more beautiful about the Plan of Salvation than the willingness of our Savior to atone for our sins, and the willingness of the Father to sacrifice His Only Begotten for our sake. Without the Atonement, this experiment of mortality would mean damnation for us all. The work and the glory of our Eternal Father is to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. Modern day servants of the Lord have taught us that it is through Jesus Christ that we may be shown mercy and forgiveness, and that His grace is sufficient for all, if we will repent and come unto Him.

“Even the deepest spiritual wounds—yes, even those that may appear to be incurable—can be healed. My dear friends, the healing power of Jesus Christ is not absent in our day. The Savior’s healing touch can transform lives in our day just as it did in His. If we will but have faith, He can take our hands, fill our souls with heavenly light and healing, and speak to us the blessed words, “Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.” Bearers of Heavenly Light - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - October 2017

“The Savior has indicated how to know “if a man repenteth of his sins—behold, he will confess them and forsake them” (D&C 58:43). Then comes the miraculous promise, “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18). If the Spirit is pricking your heart to correct something in your life, know this: your soul is precious. Heavenly Father wants you to be part of His eternal family.” Overcoming the Stench of Sin - Spencer V. Jones - April 2003

“However, in our lifelong quest to follow Jesus Christ, His example of kindness to those who sin is particularly instructive. We, who are sinners, must, like the Savior, reach out to others with compassion and love. Our role is also to help and bless, lift and edify, and replace fear and despair with hope and joy.”        Our Good Shepherd - Elder Dale G. Renlund - April 2017

“Even when you stumble, even when you turn away from Him, God loves you. If you are feeling lost, abandoned, or forgotten—fear not. The Good Shepherd will find you. He will lift you upon His shoulders. And He will carry you home.”   Three Sisters - President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - October 2017

“As the Only Begotten Son of God and the only sinless person to live on this earth, he made a perfect atonement for all mankind. It applies to everyone unconditionally as it pertains to the resurrection from temporal, or physical, death, for all shall rise from the dead with immortal bodies as a result of the Atonement. However, the Atonement is conditional as it pertains to each person’s individual sins. It touches everyone to the degree that he or she has faith in Jesus Christ, repents, and obeys the gospel. Exaltation and eternal life with God are reserved for those who keep the commandments.” Answers to Life’s Questions - Elder M. Russell Ballard - April 1995

“Should there be anyone who feels he is too weak to change the onward and downward course of his life, or should there be those who fail to resolve to do better because of that greatest of fears, the fear of failure, there is no more comforting assurance to be had than the words of the Lord: “My grace,” said He, “is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.” Your Eternal Voyage - President Thomas S. Monson - April 2000

“Our agency—our ability to choose and act for ourselves—was an essential element of this plan. Without agency we would be unable to make right choices and progress. Yet with agency we could make wrong choices, commit sin, and lose the opportunity to be with Heavenly Father again. For this reason a Savior would be provided to suffer for our sins and redeem us if we would repent. By His infinite Atonement, He brought about “the plan of mercy, to appease the demands of justice.” Agency: Essential to the Plan of Life - Elder Robert D. Hales - October 2010

“When there was a controversy in the early Church regarding who was entitled to heaven’s blessings and who wasn’t, the Lord declared to the Prophet Joseph Smith, “Verily I say unto you, [the gifts of God] are given for the benefit of those who love me and keep … my commandments, and [for them] that seeketh so to do.” Boy, aren’t we all thankful for that added provision “and … seeketh so to do”! That has been a lifesaver because sometimes that is all we can offer! We take some solace in the fact that if God were to reward only the perfectly faithful, He wouldn’t have much of a distribution list.” Tomorrow The Lord Will Do Wonders Among You - Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - April 2016

“Sometimes humility is accepting callings when we do not feel adequate. Sometimes humility is serving faithfully when we feel capable of a more high-profile assignment. … Sometimes humility is overcoming hurt feelings when we feel that leaders or others have mistreated us.” The Eternal Everyday - Elder Quentin L. Cook - October 2017

“The symbolism of the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper is beautiful to contemplate. The bread and water represent the flesh and blood of Him who is the Bread of Life and the Living Water, poignantly reminding us of the price He paid to redeem us. As the bread is broken, we remember the Savior’s torn flesh. Elder Dallin H. Oaks once observed that “because it is broken and torn, each piece of bread is unique, just as the individuals who partake of it are unique. We all have different sins to repent of. We all have different needs to be strengthened through the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom we remember in this ordinance.” The Living Bread Which Came Down from Heaven - Elder D. Todd Christofferson - October 2017

[emilieelleneliza]

Modesty Matters

Hey guys! So now that I’ve finally chosen my subject for my zine, I thought I’d give you a deeper insight into how fashion plays such a huge role within LDS culture, and why clothing is so important to them. I don’t think the general public really understand a lot about this church and in case you have any assumptions or have heard things that maybe weren’t 100% true about the reasons why Latter-Day Saints choose to dress modestly, then I thought I’d clarify that for you here!

During a talk at the BYU Women’s Conference, Sister Carole F. McConkie says she believes “that when we choose to wear modest clothing and behave with a modest demeanour, we wear and we live our testimony of God the Eternal Father and of His Son, Jesus Christ.” (McConkie. C, 2013).

There’s a quote from the scriptures that says “Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? … The temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-16). Throughout my youth, the church taught me that our bodies are divine gifts from God and that they are temples of our spirits, and should be treated as such.

Now for anyone who’s new to this religion and needs a little explanation to fully understand this scripture, the Latter-Day Saints believe that their temples are literal houses of God. They’re also places of worship, but not where they worship on Sunday’s - instead, temples are more holy places of worship. Only members who are fully prepared to make sacred covenants (promises) can go inside. Therefore, only those who are baptised members of the church and who hold temple recommends, aged twelve and above can enter. Members go to the temple to be married and sealed to their partners for eternity, they go to do baptisms for those who are passed and to receive endowments, (which are like sacred gifts). If you feel as though you want to understand more about these things, then head over to Lds.org, because they can explain everything so much better than I can!

Latter Day Saints also believe that there are three members of the Godhead, Heavenly Father (God), Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is referenced a lot in the scriptures as the Spirit of God, the Holy Spirit, or the Comforter. When members are baptised, they receive the gift of The Holy Ghost to be with them always as a guide to help them make righteous decisions and to receive the full blessings of the gospel. The Holy Ghost can help confirm the truth of the gospel and scriptures to members, helping to strengthen their testimonies. Moroni 10:5 says “And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things”. The Saints believe that our bodies house our immortal spirits, and that the Holy Ghost communicates these truths to our spirits, and that the strength and power of this communication is far stronger than that of any of our natural senses.

So now that you know all this, does that scripture make more sense to you? And can you see how and why the church encourages its members to treat their bodies with such respect and reverence? If their bodies are temples and if they want the Spirit of the Lord to be with them always, then shouldn’t what they wear reflect this, and be inviting to the Spirit?

The late Elder Robert D. Hales once said “When we recognise our bodies as the gifts they are and when we understand the missions they help us fulfil, we protect and honour them by how we act and dress” (Hales, 2008). In the same article, Hales speaks about the beauty of the temple and its grounds and discusses how clothing should work in the same way. He says that clothing “is the landscaping for presenting our bodies as temples. Just as the temple grounds portray the sacredness and reverence for what takes place inside the temple, our clothing portrays the beauty and purity in our inner selves” (Hales, 2008).

So you must be wondering, what exactly is the Latter-Day Saint standard of modesty? Well, for women, clothing that is deemed immodest is anything that is “tight, sheer, or revealing in any other manner” (LDS.org, 2016). Women are also taught to “avoid short shorts and short skirts, shirts that do not cover the stomach, and clothing that does not cover the shoulders or is low-cut in the front or the back” (LDS.org, 2016). In my experience, anything above knee length was considered to be too short. The church’s standards of modesty actually extends beyond clothing as they don’t encourage tattoo’s or body piercings, and advise that women only wear one pair of modest earrings. Dress and appearance should always “be neat and clean” and they should “avoid being extreme or inappropriately casual in clothing, hairstyle and behaviour” (LDS.org, 2016). In reference to modesty, the prophet Gordon B. Hinckley once said “I am not asking you to be prudish. I am asking you to be virtuous, and I think there is a vast difference between the two.” (Hinckley, B. (2006).

Members of the church believe that we are made in the image of God, and are on this earth to experience the blessings of having a body like him, and that one day after death, our spirits and bodies will be reunited and we will receive eternal and everlasting life if we are diligent and strive to be worthy. (This is a super basic interpretation of The Plan of Salvation, which you can learn more about here - https://www.lds.org/topics/plan-of-salvation?lang=eng&_r=1&old=true). So if our Heavenly Father is perfect, and we are made in his image, then the church questions why we would want to ‘disfigure’ or alter something that is already made perfectly. I remember being taught in Primary that we don’t have tattoos because it would be like graffiti on the temple. But that doesn’t mean that the church isn’t accepting of those who have tattoos or body piercings! These are just guidelines they encourage members to live by – not enforce.

Church members believe that Jesus Christ was the only perfect human being to ever walk this earth. In the scriptures, there isn’t anything that I’ve ever read that states that He is in any way judgemental or that He only favours and loves the ‘good’. I was always taught that Christ loves and accepts everyone, no matter who they are or what they look like because we are all sons and daughters of Heavenly Father. In my experience, I think sometimes some members of the church can get caught up in the ways they choose to live the gospel principles and then project those opinions on others, but one of the great things about LDS religion is that there is always free agency and a choice on how each individual lives out their beliefs. Sister McConkie was good to remind that “even as we teach and exemplify modesty for our young women, we must never condemn those that choose short skirts or ‘rainbow hair and the many splendored rings.’ Always, we exemplify compassion and Christlike love for the individual while we remain loyal to the standards the Lord has set.” (McConkie, C. 2013).

She also sums up the concept of dressing modestly with asking one simple question. She says, “we must ask ourselves, if the Saviour stood beside us, would we feel comfortable in the clothing we wear, or would we want to hide?” (McConkie, C. 2013).

Gordon B. Hinckley spoke to the young women of the church once saying “it may be difficult to find modest clothing, but it can be found with enough effort. I do not hesitate to say that you can be attractive without being immodest. You can be refreshing and buoyant and beautiful in your dress and in your behaviour. Your appeal to others will come of your personality, which is the sum of your individual characteristics” (Hinckley, 2006).

Modest dress within this culture is not so much about covering or hiding the body from the world, but treating it with dignity and respect. Clothes are used within the church to communicate the message that those members “understand their identity as sons and daughters of God” (McConkie, C. 2013), and that they are keeping their spiritual virtue. They don’t seek attention from the clothes they wear, but instead attract it with their character with the things that they do and say. They are in this world but not a part of it. In a world where fashion is ever changing and evolving, they believe the Lord’s standards remain constant, and they abide by those as an act of devotion and love for him.

If anybody would like to read the talks I’ve referred to all the way through, I’ve put some links down below for you. If The Saviour Stood Beside Me, Would I Wear The Things I Wear? - Sister Carole F. McConkie: https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/carolmcconkiemodesty.pdf 

Modesty: Reverence For The Lord - Elder Robert D. Hales: https://www.lds.org/liahona/2008/08/modesty-reverence-for-the-lord?lang=eng 

The Body Is Sacred - Prophet Gordon B. Hinckley: https://www.lds.org/new-era/2006/11/the-body-is-sacred?lang=eng 

Hales, R. (2008) ‘Modesty: Reverence for the Lord’ The Liahona, August [Online]. Available at: https://www.lds.org/liahona/2008/08/modesty-reverence-for-the-lord?lang=eng (Accessed: 7 October 2017).

Hinckley, G. (2006). ‘The Body is Sacred’, New Era, November 2006 [Online]. Available at: https://www.lds.org/new-era/2006/11/the-body-is-sacred?lang=eng (Accessed: 7 October 2017). 

LDS.org (2016). Available at: https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/dress-and-appearance?lang=eng (Accessed: 7 October 2017).

McConkie, C. (2013) ‘If the Saviour Stood Beside Me, Would I Wear the Things I Wear?’ BYU Women’s Conference, May 2nd [Online]. Available at: https://womensconference.byu.edu/sites/womensconference.ce.byu.edu/files/carolmcconkiemodesty.pdf (Accessed: 7 October 2017).

[pckarchives]

oh, hey, ana. ——like i was saying, you have to prioritize survival over that other shit, right? so it makes sense. i don’t understand how this is controversial!

you say that, but your first picks were mason and gwen! not that they don’t deserve that, but you have to admit that that is an emotionally-charged decision and not based on survival at all. [at liam’s grumbling, cora smiles and looks to her baby sister.] if the world were overrun by people who came from the sea — giant carnivorous clownfish with the legs of sheep — and you could only select five people to survive the apocalypse with, who would you choose?

[pckarchives]

——emi? [cora’s brows furrow in slight confusion. she missed the journey home and she’s a few hours too late for any hugs and kisses, but... oh, well. the woods are sparkling clean and all traces of the battle have been cleared from beacon hills. her job is done and that’s all that matters. well, that and emilia.] you’re the last person i expected to find alone... you okay?

[pckarchives]

“——i was hoping i’d find you up here.” charlie lowered himself to the ground of their little hiding spot, throwing a glance to the waterfall, then back to malia as he sat beside her. he smiled at her. “hey. how are you?”

[pckarchives]

...rohan? [cora knocks lightly on the door to his study but doesn’t enter, in case he doesn’t actually want company.]

[pckarchives]

meet me in the afterglow | ana, cora, derek and laura.

the loft was flooded with rare silence as the trio of siblings stepped inside, seeped with slight tension, as if the ghosts of their past stood at the ready, eager to witness their reunion. the jingle of derek’s keys was nearly deafening, shattering the crystal silence as he led the girls inside. cora’s fingers flicked the lights on and her eyes swept over the loft, wondering suddenly how it looked to new eyes. she wondered how it looked to ana, whose last memories of beacon hills included the extravagant house ––– even that was no longer as it once was.

in what had been the blink of an eye and an eternity, the world had changed behind ana’s back. cora bit the inside of her cheek and tasted blood; she knew that feeling well.

derek breathed, and the spell of liminality was broken.

“i can drag a few of the spare mattresses out.” cora toed off her sneakers, bending down to grab them from the floor. it wasn’t so much a house rule as it was cora’s instinct to make as little sound and leave as few traces as possible. “unless we want to camp out in my room until isaac and camden get back.”

derek shook his head. “i’ll get them. you two... should talk.” if cora caught the look in his eye, she sacrificed a verbal response for a nod. he shrugged off his jacket and cora took it wordlessly. he nodded his thanks and looked to ana once again, idly wondering if that impulse to check in on her every few seconds would ever leave. he wasn’t sure if he wanted to. “i’ll be right back.”

“come on,” cora offered, laying derek’s jacket over her arm and taking ana’s hand in her free one. “i’ll give you a tour.” she led her sister away from the front room. “there’s the kitchen. lucy and fiona use it more than we do. honestly, the rest of us only use it to get coffee. our rooms are this way,” she says, leading ana down the hall. “that one’s lucy’s –– she’s one of the other betas. she’s lived with derek longer than i have. and that’s derek and allison’s room. allison is a hunter and derek’s girlfriend. that room is malia’s; she’s a newer pack mate, and she’s been staying with us since we found her. and this one’s mine.” cora nudged her door open, briefly flipping on the light to let ana see. 

the room was rather large –– and cora was willing to admit that dominic was right about her slight claustrophobia –– and simple. there was little doubt that cora still had issues with the idea of permanency, and the room was a mild reflection of that. the covers pulled across her oversized mattress were black to match the color of her desk and nightstand. the headboard of her bed was centered and pushed against the wall, leaving the rest of the spacious room mildly bare. there were shelves pushing out from the wall above her desk, containing a multitude of books, ranging from legal studies to age-old fairy tales. the wall itself was all white, except for the wall behind cora’s bed, which was black and decorated with white flowers. there were stringed lights hanging from the ceiling to replace the room’s original lighting system. the most extravagant thing in the room was the pair of swings hanging from the ceiling; it’d been kira’s idea, back when they were dating and cora hadn’t had any reason to say no. aside from the clothes in the closet, the books and the swings, there were few traces of cora in her room; even her desk was bare. she wondered what that said to someone like ana, whose last impression of cora was still light and innocent.

with a glance to the swings, she tugged ana over to them. “sit down with me? i’m going to drop this off in the library, but i want to talk to you first.” she sat down on one of the swings, draping derek’s jacket across her lap. “ana, there is... so much that i want to tell you. so much that i’ve dreamed about telling you since we were kids. but there are things that i can’t say around derek, because he’s... not as healed as he likes to believe.”

cora’s toe pushed against the floor, lightly rocking her swing back as she tried to figure out how to go about this conversation. there was no doubt that it had to be her; she specialized in bad news and misery. but inflecting that upon ana was a new trial altogether. her teeth dug into her lower lip and she let it go as she made her decision. “ana, when we were younger, derek had a girlfriend. or... not necessarily that. there was a woman who’d taken advantage of him. she was too old for him, and we were just too young to understand that. but her name was kate. one day, when derek and laura were at school... kate set our house fire. derek and laur survived, because they weren’t there. the rest of us were trapped. peter helped me out, but i... ana, i thought you...” –––nope, not the time to go there. cora breathed. “you and i ran away. derek and laura left town when they heard. everyone else... only peter survived that. and he wasn’t quite the same afterwards. he was in the hospital for a few years, and when laura came back, he–––”

fuck, how was she supposed to say this?

“peter killed laura. he did a lot of awful things, but he did that first. and i don’t think derek has forgiven himself for it. he came to town when laura stopped responding to him, but he feels like he should’ve come instead. that maybe things would’ve been different if...” cora didn’t try to imagine a life without derek. she’d had that life already; she’d had it for a very long time and she had no interest in going back to it. she put her hand on ana’s back, searching her sister’s expression. “it’s better for me to tell you without derek in the room. the rest, we can all talk about together, but... how are you holding up so far?”

[pckarchives]

[in a room filled with instruments — and cora does want to know when and how they all got here — there’s a chair with cora’s name on it. literally; a folded card sits on top of the seat with her name written in some fancy lettering. beside the chair sits a cello on its stand, almost sparkling with how new it is. the card reads: no take backs! enjoy, bitch. cora lets out a light scoff, eyes traveling around the room. there are countless other instruments and folded cards. for a minute there, cora forgot about amari and lydia’s insistence on a band. but of course, they didn’t forget. the cello sits innocently, an accomplice in whatever crime amari is cooking up. she tries not to feel too amused.] amari rose kent, you... are a brat.