B.H. Roberts and Frederick Kesler Diaries Available

Posted on
4

J. Marriott Library, courtesy Marriott Library archives

An exciting announcement has been made by the University of Utah Marriott Library. The personal diaries of two prominent Mormon pioneers, B.H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts and Frederick Kesler have been scanned and printed and are now available to the public! Not only are these diaries available at a very reasonable cost, but the library has also made them available free of charge to read online, through the miracle of internet and PDF. Continue reading →

Flute and Harp Duo Lift Spirits

Posted on
2

Oswald & Goeckeritz

“Have you had your music today?” That is what Tamara Oswald, (harp) and Jeannine Goeckeritz, (flute) ask their viewers in their new series of videos released on YouTube. In this video, they perform the beloved classic Londonderry Air – “Danny Boy”, arranged by Sam Cardon, from their CD ~ Chanson ~ Music of Light, Peace and Relaxation. Filmed above the city in a peaceful rooftop garden on the LDS Conference Center, this piece was a beloved favorite of the late President Gordon B. Hinckley who’s vision and example inspired generations Continue reading →

Calgary Gets Their Angel

Posted on
1

courtesy ottawacitizen.com

At sunrise on Thursday January 12, 2012, a traditional golden Angel Moroni statue was placed atop the new Latter-day Saint (Mormon) temple being built in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Despite being a very cold morning, many locals came out to watch the event. The video shared here makes a special keepsake! The Calgary Alberta Temple is slated for completion in Fall 2012. The public will be welcomed to attend a free Open House which usually lasts for one week before the formal dedication. (dates yet to be announced). In the meantime, Congratulations to the people of Calgary for getting their Angel! – MoSop

Credits: Video created by -jamietaki   /   Music – “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing” performed by Sufjan Stevens, Songs For Christmas

This post was featured in the Deseret News on 1/18/2012

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Related articles

Alex Boyé Takes Music To Higher Ground

Posted on
10

The latest release by the irresistible Piano Guys, entitled “Peponi“, has become yet another YouTube sensation for the classical duo. But, this one is an extra special treat. Pianist Jon Schmidt and Cellist Steven Sharp Nelson partnered with vocal powerhouse, (and my personal friend), Alex Boyé to create an African ”spiritualization” of Coldplay’s hit song “Paradise”. Alex Boyé is a British-born Mormon convert of Nigerian descent who currently lives in Utah, USA. Alex is a husband, a father, and a professional singer and actor. He gives his whole heart and soul into each performance, and allows his music to stand as a testament of his life and faith. Continue reading →

Snow Day At The Temple

Posted on
Reply

Utah ended 2011 with the warmest & driest December on record. We’ve nearly gotten used to wearing nothing more than a light jacket when we go out. Even our bicycles were (until yesterday) sitting in front of the shovels in our garage. So, when a decent sized snowstorm hit Saturday morning, we were more than a little bit surprised! It also happened to be very ironic timing, since any other Saturday we could have simply curled up cozily under the covers and listened to the snow plows rumble by. But, this particular Saturday we were up by 5:30 am preparing to leave for the Bountiful LDS Temple Continue reading →

New Year Resolution Epiphany

Posted on
4

Happy 2012! Today I sat down and dutifully started listing out all of my new year resolutions. First, I listed all the things I “should” do, which morphed into the things I “want” to do. Several on the two lists match up. In all honesty, it might be hard to stick to any resolution on the “should” list that isn’t on the “want” list. For example, I definitely “should” exercise every day. But, if I do not ”want” to commit to putting in the effort and persistence that it takes to plan and execute that goal, then will it actually happen? Continue reading →

Birthdays and Death Days

Posted on
1

My best birthday present of all time!

The last week of December always means a time for extra reflection on the past, the present and the future. With the New Year approaching, I join with millions across the globe to make resolutions to improve. But, the week carries a little extra importance for me. My oldest daughter and I celebrate our birthday’s this week. She was my birthday present 21 years ago today. (That’s more than a little crazy to think about!) How could that many years fly by so quickly? Continue reading →

Christmas Eve Service Takes On New Meaning

Posted on
26

8:00 am on Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve this year our family participated in a different kind of “Church Service”. Apparently, a few months back Mr. MoSop signed us all up for the weekly wardhouse cleaning detail. He felt it would be “a great chance for us to give a gift to Jesus on Christmas”. This blog post gives the lowdown on our non-traditional Christmas “gift-giving” experience – with a few “tips” thrown in for future participants. Continue reading →

Nativity Collection Shares Peace, Goodwill

Posted on
2

My Friend Nola

Every year in November my friend Nola Child begins to unwrap her Christmas treasures and transform her home into a sacred museum, of sorts. It takes Nola over a week of full-time effort to get everything into place. That’s because Nola owns over 600 nativity scenes from around the world (although, I’ve heard the unofficial number might be closer to 700). The pieces range from nearly life-sized down to the size of a thimble, and everything in-between.  Continue reading →

Silent Night Gets A Fresh Take

Posted on
2

Jake Justice and Amy Whitcomb recording Silent Night - used with permission

Jake Justice and Amy Whitcomb may be young, but they are already making a name for themselves in the competitive music industry. The two talented Mormon artists recently collaborated on a new recording of “Silent Night” which I am pleased to share with you today. Continue reading →

Welcome Christmas! Pull Up A Chair

Posted on
Reply
A Christmas tree inside a home.

Image via Wikipedia

Hello Christmas! You look so beautiful, and not even a day older, this year! Won’t you please come in and stay awhile? I’m sorry I’ve been rushing around so much lately I haven’t paused to spent more quality time with you. I know you can’t stay long, and your presence always fills my heart and home with such a special feeling!

I recently noticed that over the past 4 years of blogging, I’ve written more during the months of November and December than any other time. You, Christmas, inspire me! Some of the older posts are getting attention and traffic all on their own through search engines, or chance, but many readers may not be aware of some of the fun Christmas posts from the past. So, I would like to welcome all of my dear readers to come sit a while with me and Christmas. Whatever time you have to spare, here are a few of my favorite topics of conversation:

The Music of Christmas

Oh so many posts to choose from! I can’t possibly list them all, but here are some that I am particularly fond of:

The Story of Christmas

The Food of Christmas

The Gifts of Christmas

  • What Shall We Give? - Try some gift-giving tips from President Thomas S. Monson, and enjoy an inspiring song.

The Sorrow of Christmas

For many, Christmas is a poignant, even sorrowful time. Chairs are empty at the table, and hearts are aching and missing the ones we love. Here are two posts for remembrance and healing:

  • A Soldiers Christmas Card - A tender story, and sweet video honoring our troops
  • You Would Have Loved This – A special Christmas song of love, loss and faith – written and performed by Mormon folk-singer Cori Connors and featured as an original MoSop video.

The Joy of Christmas

  • Joy To The World For Everyone – music video released in 2009 featuring Emmy-award winning composer and producer Sam Cardon and vocalists Jenny Jordan Frogley and David Osmond

The Magic of Christmas

The Legends of Christmas

The Power of Christmas

Here are some stories about how we can live with the spirit of Christmas all year round.

  • Seeking Christ - This post features a video entitled “Look to the Light” with real people telling their real stories of how the meaning of Christmas changed their lives.
  • Christmas Every Day In India - Meet Narayanan Krishnan, a professional chef who lives every day with the true Christmas spirit
  • Let There Be Peace On Earth - “Sooner, perhaps, than we realize, the fate of nations will be in the hands of today’s children.” Words of wisdom by Elder M. Russell Ballard, and a song for peace.

The Fun of Christmas

I hope you have enjoyed a peaceful moment sitting here with me, and the spirit of Christmas. Thank you so much for your readership, your friendship, your comments and most of all, your presence in my life that motivates me to look for the good in each day!

Merry Christmas with Love – MoSop

Carol Of The Bells and Cellos

Posted on
12

Confession time. There are a few Christmas songs I don’t particularly care for. Take Carol of The Bells, for instance, which usually scrapes along the edge of my nerves like a dull razor. The song is merciless for any singer with articulation problems, or any listener who prefers their music to stay on pitch. And, don’t even get me started with all of the painful High School Choir concert renditions I’ve been forced to sit through…”ding, dong, dinng, doonnnnng”…But, I digress. Enter cellist extraordinaire Steven Sharp Nelson and the magic elves with The irresistible Piano Guys (all classically trained Mormon musicians). They have just redeemed this poor carol from its drudgery status and demonstrated to the world how truly brilliant it can be!  Continue reading →