Pres. Monson met Pres. Obama today and gave him his genealogy.  Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV and a Church member) joined them.  UPDATE:  Church Public Affairs put out a news release with more information on the meeting here.

These meetings are mostly photo ops, but it is important (and an honor) for the prophet to meet the president.  The Church has provided genealogy to all of the recent presidents.

Anybody interested in the relationships between Church leaders and the leaders of the free world should read “Presidents and Prophets.” I reviewed the book here.

Mitt and Pres. Obama tied at 45 percent each.

Folks, please take this in the spirit of fun exploration in the scriptures:  what the heck is Paul saying in this verse:

NIV version: 1 Corinthians 14: 33-35:  As in all the congregations of the saints, 34women should remain silent in the churches. They are not allowed to speak, but must be in submission, as the Law says. 35If they want to inquire about something, they should ask their own husbands at home; for it is disgraceful for a woman to speak in the church.

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This article covers yesterday’s kiss-in at Temple Square pretty fairly.  The primary feeling I have had throughout this controversy is gratitude that the Church had the foresight to take control of the property in front of the temple to prevent the kind of desecration that took place outside the temple in Los Angeles after the Prop. 8 victory.  The bottom line is:  I support the Church’s right to prevent lewd behavior near the temple, and the Church has the right to control what happens on its private property.

I would imagine there are many who disagree.  If you’d like to post your thoughts, please do so in a way that does not offend anybody or the Church.   Comments that are offensive will be deleted.

UPDATE:  Guy Murray has more information, including the police report from the SLC PD, here.

If you have noticed something missing at M* lately, it is because JA Benson’s husband Mike passed away this week.  He was young, just 50, and he died of a heart attack.  Joanna is now a widow.

Her husband Mike is being dressed today and there will be a small graveside service tomorrow.  One of Joanna’s first thoughts was to let her fellow bloggers here know that she would not be able to participate on M* with her usual enthusiasm.  She says:  “I started lurking in 2004 and commenting in 2005.  M* was where it started for me.  I know we do not really know each other, but I have felt a sense of community.  I need all the heaven sent prayers I can get.”

Please say a prayer for Joanna and her family to help her through this difficult time.