I know it's been several weeks since you've received a newsletter, and here's why: I am the brand new editor of the LDS Families site here at BellaOnline. TA-DA!!! My name is Jamie Rose (I think that's enough personal 411; you can read more about me in the bio section of the site!) I cannot tell you how grateful and excited I am to have the opportunity to fill this position. In many ways, this is an answer to prayer. I am so impressed by the excellent work my predecessor, Terrie Lynn Bittner, did during her time here. Reading through her articles as I work to complete my BellaOnline training has shown me that I have some large and dedicated shoes to fill. I have a million ideas, and, of course, my work is not going to be exactly the same as hers, but I hope that I can prove myself to the several hundred of you who subscribed to her newsletter. I can promise you that I am dedicated to providing quality, relevant information and inspiration every week.

My biggest concern is ensuring that what I offer is pertinent to you. I have a deep love for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and the gospel of Jesus Christ. And while I need to make it clear that this site is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by the Church, I pray every day (several times per day, in fact) that I might be guided by the spirit in my efforts here and that I might write only that which is pleasing to my Heavenly Father. My first introduction to BellaOnline was the result of a google search I did looking for FHE help. I have seen that this is a common request, as are requests for articles on the “big Mormon stuff” in the news (such as Prop 8, and HBO’s “Big Love.”) I have written a few articles already, and I hope you will let me know what you would like to see covered.

I’m still finding my feet a bit here, but a new featured article goes live on the site every Thursday. I have planned articles covering profiles of LDS businesspeople, gospel-centered parenting, ward life, personal development, doctrinal topics, and an emphasis on the LDS family’s place in the larger community. (Plus more!) I also plan on featuring a product review each week. Beginning next week, the newsletter will be sent on Friday. Today is a special circumstance. As many of you know, HBO is airing an episode of its show “Big Love” tonight that features a depiction of an endowment session. This has upset many of us in the Church, and prompted an official statement from the Church, (This may be found here: http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/commentary/the-publicity-dilemma This link does not take you to BellaOnline, but to the LDS Newsroom on the Church’s official site.) I received several requests to cover this topic, and I wanted to do so in a timely manner (ie before the episode airs tonight!)
I hope you'll join me on the site!


Here's the latest article from the LDS Families site at BellaOnline.com.

An LDS Member's Response to HBO "Big Love"
The upcoming episode that depicts an endowment session has many of us outraged. Here is why we need not fear.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art51338.asp


And here's this week's product review from the LDS Families site at BellaOnline.com.

Cranium Hullabaloo - Product Review
Cranium Hullabaloo is a family game for ages 4+. It is a fast-paced physical activity that is easy to understand and fun to play. Bottom Line: For what it is it's good, but it may not be worth $25.

http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art45642.asp

Please visit LDSFamilies.bellaonline.com for even more great content about LDS Families.

To participate in free, fun online discussions, this site has a community forum all about LDS Families located here -

http://forums.bellaonline.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=postlist&Board=392

Questions? Comments? Feedback? I hope to hear from you soon either in the forum or in response to this email. What subjects would you like to read about? What topics are most relevant? What information would be most helpful?

Please pass this message along to family and friends. The more people who join in and share the better the site will be!

Jamie Rose, LDS Families Editor
http://LDSFamilies.bellaonline.com

One of hundreds of sites at BellaOnline.com