What is blogging?

A blog (a contraction of the term weblog) is a type of website, usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. "Blog" can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.

Many blogs provide commentary or news on a particular subject; others function as more personal online diaries. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, Web pages, and other media related to its topic

When to Blog?

President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985), "The Angels May Quote From It," New Era, Oct. 1975, 5.

"Begin today and write...your goings and your comings, your deeper thoughts, your achievements, and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies. We hope you will do this...for this is what the Lord has commanded, and those who keep a personal journal are more likely to keep the Lord in remembrance in their daily lives."

Why Blog?

Elder Ballard taught at BYU Hawaii in December 2007:

“We cannot stand on the sidelines while others, including our critics, attempt to define what the Church teaches,” he said.
“While some conversations have audiences in the thousands or even millions, most are much, much smaller. But all conversations have an impact on those who participate in them. Perceptions of the Church are established one conversation at a time.”

Participation in online conversations about the church can happen as you follow and provide comments on blogs dedicated to issues related to church doctrine and policy or other blogs that make statements regarding issues that relate to your principles, values and faithful views.

"For me personally, blogging helps me to be more aware and alert of my surroundings because I'm always looking for something to blog about. I notice people and their interactions more, I pay more attention to the little details of my day to day, and when I pause for a moment to really evaluate a situation I'm better able to find the humor in it. Regular blogging also gives me an outlet to express my thoughts and feelings on various subjects or ideas, where I wouldn't normally take the time to express them." --Natalie, a faithful blogger

How to Blog...

Okay...we're ready to roll up our sleeves and get serious.

First, we will create a blogger account for all those who need one.


I will walk you through this process or if you are watching this at home because you weren't able to make it or need a refresher you can watch the following videos:

Blogger Training Videos

To begin please go to the following website: Create A Blogger Account


Second, we will update the settings of your blog to include the privacy options you prefer and show you where you can change your template.

Third, we will create and publish your first post that includes an image and a video from YouTube.

Finally, we will look at a few sample blogs for inspiration and ideas and set you loose to try some blogging and ask any questions you have.