Sunday, November 9, 2008

How Many Getting-into-Heaven Points Do you Get for Posting Your Testimony(ish) on You Tube?

I've mentioned before that Greg is pretty active on you tube posting videos in an effort to help dispel myths about Mormnonism, as per Elder Ballard's suggestion (that we join the "conversation" on the internet).

Two weeks ago he came home from work and told us that he wanted to take us to the forest because he wanted to make a video with our family. During the drive we talked about how our day had gone, and right as we were about to park he told me what the plan was for the video. Apparently I was supposed to take an active role, so I had about 5 minutes while walking to the filming spot to think about it. You'll be able to tell if you decide to watch the video.

I'm posting this, not because I expect you all to watch it, but because it's a good thing to post on Sunday. (And also I sort of don't really want people to watch it anyway because in the video, besides seeing me, my husband and my kids (those are the good things), you also get see more than enough of my chins. (those are the bad things)) Greg and I talk about why we feel the restored Gospel is needed in our day, or what we appreciate about having it in our lives.

It's long. About ten minutes BUT if you have a fast connection and it will upload quickly, even if you don't plan on watching the whole thing, I at least recommend you watch from about 8:10 and watch Evie and David carefully. I wasn't aware that they were actually listening to what we said until I watched this and saw their immediate reaction to what Greg says at 8:22. I find it to be a little hilarious. Maybe it's because I'm part of this family, but I've watched that part over and over.

If you're not up for a long video or double chins, and you didn't read my older post about you tube you should TOTALLY click on the link at the top (mentioned before) to see a very funny, very short clip from Cheers related to Mormonism. Sort of.
And if you're a you tube surfer and you're interested, you can find Greg's page or whatever it's called here.

24 comments:

Melissa said...

Hey, that was great! I watched the whole thing, and I loved the mosquitoes part (they are of the devil) and the anger part. That was classic. By the way, from a photographic standpoint, if you are worried about double-chins (you don't have any, by the way) you should shoot from above rather than below. I think it's great that you guys are taking such an active role in getting out good information about the Church.

Heidi said...

I loved this for so many reasons. I agree with Melissa (including the shooting from above--it is more flattering to everyone) but also I wanted to add that you are just what you seem like on your blog. Sometimes when you hear the voices of bloggers or somehow get to see them or know them in ways you don't ordinarily (like hearing TAMN on radio, how weird was that?) their voice or personality isn't what you were expecting but you do--your voice and personality, it all comes across in your words and that is so cool!

LisAway said...

I hear you guys about the shooting from above, let me tell you!! Unfortunately there were only a few minutes before the sun set too low for filming. We had to go up on a hill to catch any sun at all and the sun was shining on the side that we had to be facing down. I knew the whole time we were shooting that looking down wasn't my thing, and we were in such a rush that I didn't even remember that I was on the wrong side. My left is my "good side." :)

Kazzy said...

You really are helping to fulfill Elder Ballard's challenge to use technology to help teach the gospel. Nice job. I am going to show it to my husband and kids later after dinner. What a family you are!

nevadanista said...

What a nice video! Besides it being a wonderful record of your testimonies (and fun seeing and hearing you in action), your kids interrupting here and there is precious :)

nice job!

Becky said...

I think you look great and did just fine!

There were a few moments where Greg is looking straight into the camera and making his point, and you're eyes are kind of darting around. Were you thinking about making a break for it? :)

I had no idea that Elder Ballard had suggested doing something like this. Very cool!

Heather said...

Wow, that is great and inspiring. I am going to show it to my husband, maybe he will want to do something like that too. Good Sunday post.

Pancake said...

What a great video! It was great to hear your voices and I guess I was a bit surprised it was in English. Lisa you are a great example of listening and doing what is asked of us!

melissabastow said...

I didn't seen any double chins, but I liked the anger part - the reactions were great.

Erin said...

When I read how Greg gave you no warning about this I was thinking, I would never agree to do that if my husband put me on the spot like that. But then I realized to my relief that he would never make me bear my testimony on camera. I am impressed that you are both so brave! I am also impressed that your kids were so well behaved on the video AND they were even listening. My kids would be pulling faces and putting leaves in each others shirts!

Stephanie said...

I have seen your comments on several blogs and this is my first day to visit yours, but I was really impressed by your spontaneous testimony and efforts to follow prophetic counsel. Also, I was impressed by your children's reverence and loved that they could stand there and hear their parents bear testimony and it's documented for them to know what their parents believe. Well done. It's easy to tell that you are good parents and a good family. (I know no family is perfect, but it's easy to feel when things are right.)

Shauna said...

Awesome! Thanks for sharing! Hope you are having a beautiful Sunday :) ♥ Hugs!

Anonymous said...

What an amazing disciple of Christ you are! I'd say that video qualifies for at least 100,000 points -- or, at least, an extra few acres added on to your mansion in heaven.

Thora said...

I think that the video was great; I didn't get to watch all of it (we don't have that great of an Internet connection), but I really admire Greg for actively spreading good information about the church, and I admire you for doing it all on the fly.

Since I read that speech, I've been trying to introduce the Church more often into my blog.

I totally hear you about the chins, because I have a short chin, and if I'm not careful how I take pictures, I always have a double chin, even if I'm skinny (or nine months pregnant, or whatever). But seeing you made me feel better, because you looked fine, and only had one chin, so maybe I'm being too hard on myself as well.

Alison Wonderland said...

I only saw one chin. Ditto to what everyone else said about the bravery and the well behaved shildren and all that but I want to comment on how cute it is that you have a polish accent! It's not real pronounced (no pun intended, I'm not that smart) but it's there and how precious is that?!

Melanie Jacobson said...

The answer to your question is that you get 14 getting into heaven points. To put that in perspective, helping a little old lady across the street gets you one and being the RS president without complaining is twenty (fifteen if you whine).

*MARY* said...

I watched it all, and now I don't feel guilty about not going to church today (I had a cold)
You have a lovely family.

J. Baxter said...

Wow! You guys are so good to do that! I could never get my husband on board for anything like that (I don't think).

And you do know that you are my blogging friend from Poland, right?

Little GrumpyAngel said...

You get a ton of points for this! What an awesome family you are for actively being ambassadors of the church thru technology. I think it takes valiant people to stand up and speak out about things we believe in and be active missionaries of the gospel.

You have a very beautiful family (and I didn't see any extra chin on anyone-what are you talking about?):-) And that thing about mosquitoes being of the devil made me chuckle. Good job!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

What a fabulous idea this was, Lisa! And what a lovely introduction to your family too!

And I'm only a leeeetle jealous of how good you look on camera.

I'm going to show this to Neil when he gets home. He's not quite up on technology and I think it would be good for him to see the amazing ways the kingdom can be built via online interactions.

Lesley said...

I'm still trying to get the speakers hooked up on the computer! Can't find the right dang thingy! As soon as I do I'm going to watch this though!

Randi said...

I love this! What a great job you are doing with Elder Ballard's suggestions.
It's really fun to hear your voice and see your cute kids, too!

Anne said...

Love the sermon on anger! Great little video. Keep it up!

Jocelyn Christensen said...

This is awesome! Great testimony!!!