MORMON SOPRANO

The Olympic Games in Beijing is just around the corner, and so is the release of a documentary which celebrates the spirit & emotion of an amazing global event that for a few glorious days unifies the entire world! (more…)

Today is a big day for Utah. We are celebrating our “foundation” day. The day the first pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, and then made it “blossom as the rose”. It is a day to reflect on their courage and determination, and for those of us with Pioneer heritage to remember our ancestors and express gratitude for their lives and examples. It is also a day for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints worldwide to celebrate the legacy the Mormon pioneers provided to all future members, in coming to a place which would allow the church to grow and flourish and eventually spread outward to the entire world.

Modern Salt Lake City Skyline

Today’s MormonTimes section of the Deseret News included a great article on Pioneer Myths that emphasises that most of the pioneers had a very positive and faith building experience walking over 1000 miles across the USA – and we often focus on the tragedies or sorrows of the experience, which overall (although heart wrenching and greatly valued) was a small percentile.

Westward Ho

“Pioneer Day” can be valued by anyone, of any faith. It stands as an important world historic event. It stands as an important example of (more…)

The Osmond Family

UPDATE: Read”Osmond Family Through The Years“

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir will perform two special concerts honoring “Pioneer Day” (the day that the first Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley, July 24, 1847). Special guest artists for this concert will be the Osmond Family (including Donny & Marie). The concerts will be held Friday July 25, and Saturday July 26 in the Conference Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah. Tickets were free, but have been fully distributed. A “stand-by” line is available, but will not guarantee entrance. The concert begins at 7:30. Stand-by will be taken beginning at 7 PM. Come early!

For all of you who do not reside in Utah, or who did not win the lottery receive the free tickets through the online “random selection process”, you may still watch the upcoming concert on local and satellite TV stations. (more…)

I have a little tool installed on this site called “StatCounter”, and it’s kind-of nerdy & fun to watch it off and on. It has a cool page with a world map, and whenever any of you visit my site a little red arrow is placed on your location. When I click on the red arrow, it tells me your city / state and/or country. Now don’t worry; it’s nothing creepy. It doesn’t tell me your name, address and first-born child. It’s just a way to see where most of my traffic comes from. I like to think about all of my “little red arrows” out there. I wonder about whom you are, and what your lives are like. What is your biggest joy and your greatest challenge right now? I wonder how you found my site, (more…)

This week I will include posts honoring the Mormon Pioneers.  July 24th marks the important yearly anniversary of the pioneer’s arrival into the Great Salt Lake Valley. “Pioneer Day” is a Utah State holiday, but also stands as an important date to all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout the world. Each year in Salt Lake City, a huge parade (the largest and oldest west of the Mississippi) takes place, along with a famous marathon, and a “Days of ’47” Rodeo. Businesses and schools will close, grand musical concerts will take place, some will participate in pioneer re-enactments. Fireworks displays & family BBQ’s are always a tradition. It is a marvelous time to celebrate the perseverence and honor the courage of those brave souls who walked over one thousand miles, suffering terrible hardship to find a safe haven from religious persecution. 

Mormon Handcart Pioneer memorial statue on historic Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah

One of the greatest pioneer stories of love and sacrifice (more…)

Two LDS (Mormon) missionaries performed an act of heroism this week, saving a woman’s life.  The two young men, Elder Beard and Elder Bennellack, are serving full-time missions in Australia for the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were put to the ultimate test, when walking down the street they came upon a pregnant woman being repeatedly stabbed. Although the young men had no training for such a dangerous situation they immediately went to the woman’s rescue. They miraculously were able to talk the attacker away from the victim, who then fled. They carried the woman to safety, and flagged down a man in a car passing by who turned out to be an off-duty policeman. The woman was taken to the hospital for immediate care, and the attacker was arrested a very short time later.

One of the missionaries stated that “everything just came together” for being at the right place at the right time. What a brilliant example of bravery and selfless service. There were certainly many miracles involved. This is a beautiful 21st century version of the good samaritan parable. It is the gospel of Jesus Christ being put into action!  

WATCH LOCAL TV NEWS REPORT

Because of its ability to communicate, music is often described as the “Universal Language”. Many definitions of music implicitly hold that music is a communicative activity, which conveys to the listener moods, emotions, thoughts, and impressions. Indeed, music seems to have, as many definitions as there are participants and listeners. (more…)

I read a fun post over at A Band Of Christians regarding Mormon & Evangelical music, how to find the music, and many other good resources. It started me thinking how often we hear that music “crosses all boundaries”. It has been my experience that music does break down barriers and soften the rough edges in all of us. Respect and unity (true harmony) can be fostered through music. This is why I propose we build an interfaith playlist together. (more…)

What do Mormons believe? It is a question that usually invokes a large list of answers, and an equally long list of questions. It generates opinions and conclusions both positive and negative. It is a question that has sparked many respectful discussions, and also disrespectful accusations. Ever since 1820, this question has opened up heated debates, but it has also opened up millions of hearts who have embraced it. When we break down all the words and tumult and lists and debates, there is one simple answer left. (more…)

The largest outdoor pageant in America is the annual Hill Cumorah Pageant, in upstate New York, sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Featuring over 700 volunteers, the pageant portrays events from the Bible’s Old and New Testaments, and the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

Each July, seven evening performances are presented on the beautiful Cumorah hillside next to the new Visitors’ Center.

 The production features a 10-level stage, with 50-foot light towers. (more…)