I hope you have a wonderful and exciting ride this year. I hope you turn lemons into lemonade, and that you don’t let the problems of life turn you bitter, but instead, make you better!

I love you all!
Jay

How Spirituality Keeps You Well
~ by Dr. Ranit Mishori

Planning on going to church this holiday season?  That should be good for the spirit, of course – and perhaps also for the body.  According to a study in Annals of Epidemiology (the branch of medical science dealing with the transmission and control of disease), people who attend religious services tend to be healthier than the rest of us.  More specifically, weekly churchgoers have a lower risk of death than those who never set foot inside a place of worship.

The report came out earlier this year, but it’s only the latest in a series of studies exploring the link between health and spirituality.  This research has found that prayer and meditation seem to be associated with improved immune systems and fewer episodes of chronic inflammation.

Not surprisingly, the benefits extend to mental health as well.  People who identify themselves as more religious reveal lower rates of depression.  A study reported in September by the Journal of Affective Disorders showed lower suicide rates among people who regularly attend religious services.

So is church a healing place?  While some faithful may believe it is, scientists point out that religious people often take better care of themselves.  Studies show that regular churchgoers are also people who don’t smoke, drink rarely, and see their doctors regularly.  More important, people who make church a habit – and the same goes for people who worship at mosques and synagogues – are more socially integrated, which means they have more friends and acquaintances and a better support system to help them cope with stressful life events.

Many researchers also believe that at bottom there seems to be a strong connection between the mind, the spirit, and the body.  Improve one, and you have an effect on the other.  Praying, meditating, or attending religious services may not cure a disease, but those activities may make you feel better and contribute to a more positive outlook on life.

From the First Presidency
Updated version of Mormon.org

In a letter dated October 30 and to be read in ward and branch sacrament meetings, the First Presidency announced a new version of the Church’s mormon.org website.

The letter reads:

Dear Brethren and Sisters:

The website lds.org is directed primarily to members of the Church and has information to help members live the gospel and serve in the Church.  We call your attention to the newest version of mormon.org, a website designed specifically for those not of our faith.  This revised site is aligned with the missionary guide Preach My Gospel and contains information about the basic doctrines of the Church, including answers to some of life’s great questions.  The information is enhanced by video testimonies of recent converts.

We invite you to become familiar with mormon.org so that you might refer your friends and family members of all faiths to experience what is available there.

May the Lord bless you as you use these gifts of technology to invite others to come unto Christ by receiving His restored gospel.

Have a beautiful bright New Year.

Love,
Elder Jason Osmond

Message from Eric Osmond...

Well HELLO

I just wanted to thank everyone who purchased my album since it came out in October. I commend those who deciphered all the hidden meanings and messages and actually understood the confusion! ;)  Thank you all very much for your comments (good and bad) they were all very constructive and helped me to progress into the musical dimension.