Read through the talks of the 15 men that we sustain as prophets, seers, and revelators (the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles).  As you read, identify those paragraphs or ideas that pop out at you as being important.  Copy those into a separate document for quick reference later.

Next, read through your document and underline those sentences that contain the meat of the meaning.  Now, and here’s the important part, put those thoughts and idea into action in your life.  Actually do something or change something.

Now, after all of that exercise, don’t you feel like you’re in better shape?

Well, fret no more.  Now you can extract names in your spare time on the go.  Want to do a few names while you’re waiting for your spouse at the store – no problem.  Bored at that party?  Go ahead, extract a few names while nobody is looking.

All you have to do is get the new FamilySearch Indexing App for Android or Apple devices.  See the link below for more info and details.

http://www.ldschurchnews.com/articles/62005/RootsTech-2012-New-FamilySearch-Indexing-app.html

Now if they could only create a tooth extraction app to make that easy and painless….

There is a great website at https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth?lang=eng that provides inspiring messages on issues relevant to the youth today.  The messages ring true and will help our youth learn how to develop moral strength and good character.  The site also features articles, videos, and music associated with each topic.

Use the internet for good today and take a step to strengthen your rising generation.

Here is a site that focuses on helping people make changes in their lives:

Change Anything:  http://www.changeanything.com

So, what do you want to change today?

Take a moment to appreciate the blessings that we enjoy from the technological advances with which we’ve been blessed.  Be grateful for the comforts of our home, heating, cooling, in-door plumbing, microwaves, computers, cell phones, television, radio, automobiles, and much, much more.

A big dose of gratitude will go a long way to helping you enjoy the Christmas season.  Take a heaping helping!

Hail the wonders of email.

With email you can easily send your opinion without having to touch the phone.  Most businesses will have a web page with contact info available.  Just do a search for the business you’re looking for and shoot them an email telling them what you think.  You’ll feel good that you did your part.  Businesses want to please their customers so they’ll try to accommodate as many of them as possible.

Maybe your vote will make a difference.

He said that the Lord “has revealed the technology that enables the Church to take full advantage of these advances,” and that we should, “never forget that while we have computers, cameras, microphones, fiber-optic networks, clouds, and satellites, we have failed if we do not rely on the Holy Ghost.”

Speaking of the Savior, he said, “If our technology does not improve the lives of others and help bring them home to Him, we have missed the mark.”

Check out these links to read more about his talk.

http://ldsmediatalk.com/2011/08/23/president-eyring-on-technology/

http://lds.org/church/news/president-monson-dedicates-byu-broadcast-building?lang=eng

http://news.byu.edu/archive11-aug-byubdedication.aspx

Youth.lds.org – an outstanding site if you’re teaching the youth.  Free music and inspirational videos may support the lesson materials that you’re assigned to give.

Music.lds.org – try using an inspiration song or hymn  - it can help bring the spirit into your lesson.

You can also use recent General Conference talks, media, and stories to help support your lesson material.

So prepare well, spend some time, and make your class inspirational and motivational for your students while sticking to the lesson curriculum.

All you need to do is start at the left (or right) and take pictures one after another capturing the entire scene with a little overlap between pictures.  Then, when you get home, put them all on your computer and fire up Windows Live Photo Gallery.  Windows 7 computers come with this, or you can download it at http://explore.live.com/windows-live-photo-gallery?os=other.

Once open, browse to where your pictures are located. Click on all of your sequence of pictures while holding down the CTRL key.  Then, go to the “Make” menu item and select “Create panoramic photo.”  The software will do its thing and out will pop a single picture.  Cool.

Occasionally you may find a few errors in the transitions between pictures but you can use a photo editor such as Photoshop or Gimp to smooth those out.

Good luck!

But, how do I know what to buy?

Here are a few tips that I’ve found helpful.  First, give yourself a budget – how much do you want to spend?  Then look at online sites such as HP, Dell, and various search engines.  Look at what computers are offered.  Look for those priced about $100 below what you want to spend because of shipping, taxes, and a couple little upgrades.

Once you’ve picked out a couple potential candidates that fit your budget, do a search for reviews on the models.  There will normally be lots of input from other people of the pros and cons of buying a particular model.  Many vendor sites will include reviews on the same site where they sell the item.

Once you’ve decided on the lucky steed, look at what various vendors charge.  You can also see if Nextag shows a price history on the item.

Finally, you can shell out the cash and begin enjoying the wind flashing past you with your new speed and power.  As with any new item, think of how you can use it to accomplish many good things.