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We are All Mormons Article

No matter what side you fall on in California's prop. 8 battle, the outlash that has happened against the Church all in the name of tolerance is unacceptable. Those that have threatened, vandalized and boycotted over the decision made in a democratic process are undermining the very foundation of freedom that this company was found on.

Rabbi Shifren, wrote a thought provoking article in response to the harassment that the church has received.

We are living in an era of insanity! Witness the latest attempt to remake the nature of our country, founded and established on certain principles that have been the envy of the entire world. The latest assault on our country and its values comes in the form of vicious and criminal violence against the Mormon church in Westwood, California

Interesting how the selective self-righteous indignation on the part of the radical Gay activists is played out here: they bewail the blow to freedom and justice! But I thought we just had elections, where the majority of Californians expressed their views in a free and open manner. Are we not a nation of laws? Dare we relive the McCarthy era, where Americans were harassed and threatened with the loss of their jobs for believing in a certain way? If the Gay radicals should have their way, untold numbers of Americans would live under the threat of the Gay-Lesbian "thought police," where individuals that reject the Gay lifestyle would be sought out and have sanctions brought against them.

It's bad enough for those working in the entertainment industry here in Los Angeles, where a fog of political correctness and a bending over backwards to accommodate, even promote Gay lifestyle is in full gear. Let none dare say that this type of activity is anathema to our country, our morality, and the debauchery of our young people.

Let it be stated unequivocally: The radical Gay attack on the Mormons is the shot over the bow against the United States of America. There was a time when what a man did in his bedroom was sanctified between himself and G-d. Now we are being served an "in-your-face" smorgasbord of smut and licentiousness as being between people who only "want their civil rights."

Hogwash! We are dealing with the equivalent of a moral takeover of the country that has as its bedrock a belief in G-d and His promise for humanity. They don't want civil rights! What they desire is quasi Gay/Lesbian hegemony, where a huge "bookburning," reminiscent of the Nazis, will purge any remnants of the "Christian, White, mainstream America" that has given ALL AMERICANS the most profound scope of freedom, liberty, and justice that Mankind has yet to experience.

People have perhaps wondered: why the Mormons? Answer: they are a small, yet vocal Christian minority. They have been selected by the mobs as vulnerable, a group that might not have such massive support among America's Christians.

We who are friends of the Mormons, their patriotism, their family values, will not falter in our continued support of these dear Americans. Let us recall the Christian minister Niemoller, whose admonition during those dark years of Nazi Germany moved us to our core:

"When they came for the gypsies, I said nothing, because I wasn't a gypsy. When they came for the homosexuals, I said nothing, because I wasn't a homosexual. When they came for the Jews, I said nothing, because I wasn't a Jew. Then they came for the Catholics, and I said nothing, because I wasn't a Catholic......then they came for me, and there was no one left to defend me."

My fellow Americans, in the coming battle for the heart and soul of America and everything we cherish, may this call to arms be the mantra of every concerned patriot:

"WE ALL ARE MORMONS!"

check out http://www.lawatchdog.com/RabbiShifren-WeAreAllMormons112008.html
for the original posting.

Thank Heavens the sun is shinning

After hitting a patch of black ice on my way to work and ending up with a bruise and a nasty cut I am so grateful to see the sun out and melting all the snow. I only wish that it would stay this way.

Workshops by Wally Goddard

Wally Goddard, author of The Soft Spoken Parent will be presenting three free workshops on January 8th.

The following information was taken from http://www.ldsmag.com/breakingnews/090107goddard.html

Those who live in Utah have a unique opportunity on Thursday, January 8th, to attend 3 free presentations by popular Meridian writer Wally Goddard. He will be recording programs for Covenant Communications at their studio in American Fork.

Clear your schedule and grab your friends to join other Meridian readers for three great talks. You will become the live studio audience. Each talk will be about an hour long and be recorded at the Covenant studios at:

920 East State
American Fork, UT 84003

The first talk, “Three keys to being a happy, vibrant, flourishing person even in difficult times” will be recorded on Thursday, January 8th, at 10:00 a.m.

It is human nature to fret over problems. It seems that our normal ways of living make us anxious and unhappy. Yet eternal principles point us to a happiness, growth, peace, and even joy. There are three keys to being a happy, vibrant, flourishing person. These principles are taught in the scriptures and supported by new discoveries in well-being.

The second talk, “The complete parent: Bring up your children in light and truth” will be recorded Thursday, January 8th, at 2:00 p.m. This will be at the same studio location listed above.

Popular parenting recommendations range all over the map and often contradict each other. Yet the research on marriage says that two processes must be in balance. Those happen to be the same things that God recommends. By using these timeless principles, any parent can be both more peaceful and more effective.

The last talk, “The first principles of marriage: Transforming an ordinary marriage into a heavenly one” will be recorded that same evening, same location: Thursday, January 8th, at 7:00 p.m.

The natural person is an enemy to his or her spouse. As a result, the harder we try to have a good marriage, the worse things get--unless we use Heavenly Father's principles of heavenly relationships. He knows-and gladly shows us-how to have great relationships. Learn the principles that transform lives and strengthen relationships.

Hope to see you there. Please arrive at least 20 minutes early for any recording session in which you desire to be part of the studio audience. No R.S.V.P. is required, just show up and enjoy!

What people are saying about "Loyalty's Web" part two

The praise for Joyce's novel, Loyalty's Web just keeps coming. Check out the following two author interviews Joyce did.

http://sarahaalbrecht.blogspot.com/2008/10/author-interview-with-joyce-dipastena.html

and

http://marshaward.blogspot.com/2007/09/author-interview-joyce-dipastena.html

Deseret News Article about Anna's Prayer

Anna's Prayer, written by Karl Beckstrand, and tells the true story of Anna Anderson was reviewed in the Deseret News on Sunday, December 21.

Ten-year-old Anna Anderson and her sister, Ida, are sent by their mother to America to live with an aunt after the family joins The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1888.

She and Ida, who is going to Idaho to work, become separated at the Ogden train depot. The aunt never received letter explaining the details of the sisters' arrival.

Alone, afraid and unable to speak English, Anna offers a prayer in Swedish. The picture book details the answer that Anna receives.

To read the original review click here

What people are saying about "Loyalty's Web"

Most of us love a good romance, but are weary of picking up a book because we aren't sure what exactly we are going to find in it. Joyce DiPastena's book Loyalty's Web is the perfect romantic getaway. It has passion, intrigue, suspense, handsome knights and best of all it is clean and was a 2007 Whitney Award Finalist for Romance. (For those that don't know, the Whitney Award is an award for LDS Novels). Her remarkable storytelling has delighted all who has read her book.

But don't just take it from me, listen to what other people are saying.

Loyalty’s Web is a historical tale of intrigue with multiple twists and turns, arranged marriages and true romance. It is a face-paced, wellwritten, fascinating read. If you enjoy historical novels, particularly of the medieval period . . . you will enjoy Loyalty’s Web.

Midwest Book Review

Torture, blackmail, murder, forbidden love . . . this historical tale has it all. Soap-opera fantasy—a medieval Dallas . . . a sure-fire page turner.

Kirkus Discoveries

A MUST READ
From the beginning, DiPastena paints a vivid picture of life in medieval times. She quickly draws you into the lives and passions of her characters in a way that leaves you anxious to find out what happens next. Her research is clear, and adds to the authenticity of the story, without ever taking away from the flow of the story itself. (It made me actually want to go and find out more about what really did happen during that time period.) If you have any interest in the time period, or just in a great read, this book will not disappoint you.

Kristine M. John (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

YOU WILL LOVE THIS ONE!
You will really enjoy this book.

Loyalty's Web kept me up late several nights as these realistic characters marched across the chapters. My husband asked me if I was coming to bed one night at 2:00 a.m. Yikes, I had lost track of the time and needed to get up for work the next day!

Her characters are all believable. You are cheering for the heroine as she faces her family and external wrongs. I felt the pain of the hero as he struggled to maintain his duty, honor and his love.

This is a real page turner! I recommend this book to you!

Lorna W. Hale (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

UNRAVELING THE WEB
I enjoyed Loyalty's Web a great deal. The characters became real to me from the first, and I was torn between the conflicting desires and loyalties of the heroine and the hero. Could they find a way for both of them to be true to their loyalties, to themselves, and to each other? It was great fun to unravel the web and find the real spiders in the cast of characters. Intrigue and hidden motives rounded out the plot to provide more than enough suspense to keep the pages turning. Ms. DiPastena knows how to fashion an emotional roller coaster for her readers. I want more.

T. Deighton (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

LOYALTY'S WEB
I very much enjoyed reading Loyalty's Web and recommend it to anyone who is ready for a great adventure. Ms DiPastina masterfully transports her readers into that mystic era of lords and castles, dungeons and knights. This historical fiction weaves its tale amidst the time of King Henry and his dominions in France. It lacks nothing, and is filled with suspense, romance, battles, dreaded arranged marriages, herbal concoctions, murder, and mystery.

My Song "Joan" (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

LOYALTY'S WEB
Joyce writes with a freshness and authority for a first time writer. I hope this is not her last effort.

Rebecca Drew (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/159992123/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

GREAT HISTORICAL ROMANCE
I really enjoyed Joyce's book. The more I read the story the faster I read. It seemed very well researched with accurate historical settings and lifestyles into the Medieval times. Great story and great writing.

Valerie J. Steimie (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/159992123/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

ALL-NIGHTER
Wonderful! Engaging characters, believable conflict, heartfelt emotion, and lovely romance without graphic sex. This book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. It was truly a joy to read and hard to put down. Do not pick this one up late at night. You will not be able to stop once you start. :o)

Jaimey Grant (http://www.amazon.com/review/product/1599921235/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1_cm_cr_acr_img?_encoding=UTF8&showViewpoints=1)

LOYALTY'S WEB
Snatched it up at Deseret Book and couldn't wait to read it. It is my new recommended reading to all my friends. So love how you always stay in that time period and I couldn't put it down. Thanks for quenching my medieval madness but write more soon! Please.

Mom of 5

LOVELY VISIT TO A WORLD OF LONG AGO AND WONDERFUL STORY OF CHOICE AND LOVE.
Joyce DePastena is a welcome fresh voice in historical romance. Her writing style is a real gift. Her characters come to life. I walked the time period through her detailed descriptions and found it fascinating and so visual. I was captivated by the story and the characters. Thank you Joyce for sharing this wonderfully clean historical romance with the world.

Cindy

HISTORICAL NOVEL AT IT'S BEST

I love clean romances and I love historical novels that are acurate. Joyce DiPastena creates both in Loyality's Web. She captures the essence of the days of knights and intrigue. It is a journey you must take and then when you are done, you want more. A great read!!

Valerie

WONDERFUL
Wonderful! Engaging characters, believable conflict, heartfelt emotion, and lovely romance without graphic sex. This book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. It was truly a joy to read and hard to put down.

Laura

LOYALTY'S WEB
I had to go back to your website because it dawned on me that your book was a topic of discussion at our class graduation party. Those who have read it raved about it. Congratulations.

and lastly check out http://lizadairwrites.blogspot.com/2008/08/loyaltys-web-by-joyce-dipastena-review.html. A fantastic full review by Liz Adair.


and don't forget to check out Joyce's website http://www.joyce-dipastena.com/