I just got back from vacation and found Tim Townsend’s article about Chatfields Boutique in Des Peres, Missouri – click here – specializing in bridal and formal gowns that are modest.

What a concept!

This is an idea that has caught hold in Utah, where Latter-day Saint clothing entrepreneurs have, in recent years, been helping young teens and adults dress up without dressing down, way down to cleavage baring styles reminiscent of Hollywood’s Night at the Oscars.

Learn of one such clothing entrepreneur in the Meridian Magazine article: Keith Hall takes on Fashion Industry with Beautifully Modest Clothing.

For years Latter-day Saints and people of many faiths have been imploring clothing manufacturers to provide clothing with more cloth. But the response was always the same: modesty does not sell. 

When I went shopping in St. Louis a couple years ago to buy my daughter a prom dress there were none that didn’t show a whole lot of shoulder and revealing…

I have enjoyed reading the comments that have been made to my last post — Latter-day Saints examine racial history. I especially enjoyed the expressions of faith in the grace of God.

To clarify, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is built on the foundation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We believe in a restored, not reformed gospel. We believe in living prophets and apostles and our doctrines are derived from an open cannon of continuing revelation from God. Our roots are in Christian teachings, but our doctrine is distinct relative to other Christian traditions because of our open cannon. If there are errors in our practice, those errors are of man.

Our open cannon makes us open for correction or clarifying revelations. It makes our church vibrant and responsive to challenges in our times. We often refer to the church as a “living church”.

We rejoiced in the clarifying revelation…

Tim Townsend’s article on Monday touched on a topic close to my heart, that is: the experience of black members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To read his story, Black Mormons straddle two worlds on 30th anniversary – click here.

I have to admit, Tim’s story, while balanced and refreshing, was also hard to read. Especially hard for me to read was a comment made by my friend, Latter-day Saint (Mormon) convert, Nekisha Rhodes who says she is “comfortable being uncomfortable” as she struggles to learn more about the heritage of her new-found faith, a heritage that includes a church policy, lifted 30 years ago, prohibiting black male members from the priesthood.

Nekisha sounds much like many African American Latter-day Saints when they candidly express their faith and experience in the church. Catherine Stokes, Latter-day Saint and former assistant director, Office of…

David Archuleta sings for his hometown crowd. Photo from the newsrooom of lds.org

Tonight’s the night “the two Davids” compete to be crowned the next American Idol.

One, I recently learned, David Archuleta, is a Latter-day Saint (Mormon). I don’t watch T.V. much and I am not up on popular ure, but I hear Mormons are now populating the reality television shows and drawing interest. I learned this from Newsweek.

My first reaction was: “where have I been?” I am missing all the excitement. There are members of my faith who are losing weight (the Biggest Loser), surviving (Survivor) and dancing (Dancing with the Stars and So You Think you can Dance). Who knew?

My second reaction was: “why all the fuss?” Why aren’t the faiths of others mentioned?

I guess it is because people still hold on to the notion that Mormons are not likely to be found doing normal things. If you…

A unique opportunity to learn a bit about the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is coming to a movie theater near you. Emma Smith: My Story  tells the story of Emma Smith who was wife to Joseph Smith, founder and prophet of the church.

Photo credit: Candlelight Media Group

The movie starts tonight and shows through May 21st at : Regal St. Louis Mills, 5555 St. Louis Blvd., Hazelwood, MO 63042. Showing at 12 pm, 2,00 4:00, 7:25 & 9:25 pm.

The movie is likely to have highlights of the church history in Missouri.

If you see the film, I would be grateful if you would share your thoughts by commenting to this post.

For more information, please see the website: click emmasmithmovie.com

Learn how the church has partnered with the effort: click here