MORMON SOPRANO

God our Father has a Gameplan, and we’re all on the team! If He had a “playbook”, He might borrow a few play titles straight from daytime TV; “As The World Turns“, “One Life To Live“, “Guiding Light“, and “All My Children“. He could certainly include “Search For Tomorrow“, and “Another World“. For simplicity, this is Our Family Story.I love hearing, and sharing, and reading and telling the story of our Heavenly Father’s plan. I’m in good company, too. Apostle and scholar, (more…)

This video highlights prophetic words of modern Latter-day prophets and apostles spoken over the past 30 years, up to the present. Our world is undergoing rapid change, much of which is destructive, catastrophic and devastating. People everywhere are suffering pain, discouragement and fear. However, there is HOPE, even in these dark and troubled times. God desires to lead each of us to higher ground. Listen to these timely and prophetic words of warning, love and peace. Remember, The Lord has promised;

“If Ye Are Prepared, Ye Shall Not Fear” D&C 38:30

~~~~~~~~~

“For God Hath Not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” - 1 Tim 1:7

You do not want to miss watching this awesome short movie called “VALIDATION“. It has won many independent film festival awards and has changed lives. The creators are offering it free of charge to the public. This is 16 minutes guaranteed to make you smile. Be sure to watch it to the very end. Afterwards, please share it with someone.

And by the way, YOU are Spectacular! - MoSop

Would you like to know more about what the Mormon Sunday worship service is like? Here’s a simple video that gives all the basic facts about attending, and what to expect. All are welcome and encouraged to join with us each Sunday. You may also bring your whole family (even the baby). Finding the nearest Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint (“LDS” or “Mormon”) congregation is simple, too. We hope that you will visit. Come and share a special Sabbath experience with us soon! – MoSop

Yesterday I wrote about Finding Light In The Darkess of our lives, and had the amazing good fortune of announcing that after our dark and dreary wait, Mr. MoSop received a job offer!! However, the Lord in His infinite wisdom made sure we didn’t get too uppity about it. (explanation momentarily). (more…)

In early Spring of 2008 the economic crises hit our household when my husband was laid off from his job. His employer was sad to have to let him go, but had no choice “due to the economic turn-down”. Mr. MoSop was provided with a small severance package, and a glowing reference letter, which were greatly appreciated. Although this was not a pleasant situation, we had weathered similar storms before and we were positive that new employment would be found quickly.The days turned into weeks, and the weeks turned into months. As time passed, (more…)

Last week I wrote an open letter To Tom Hanks From An American Mormon Fan. During my letter, I encouraged Tom to apologize for his disparaging Mormon comments. Yesterday, he did:

Actor Tom Hanks

“Last week, I labeled members of the Mormon church who supported California’s Proposition 8 as “un-American.” I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination. But everyone has a right to vote their conscience – nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are “un-American” creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use “un- American” lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have. Sincerely, Tom Hanks. “

Tom, I am not sure if you ever read my letter. However, as promised, on behalf of myself, and my decorated US Navy Veteran [and Mormon] grandfather, Commander Dallis J. Christensen, your apology is accepted.

We wish you well, and we thank you. – MoSop

Trek

For decades, LDS Youth have experienced Mormon Pioneer Handcart Reenactments (lovingly nicknamed “Trek”). Sometimes, these super activities last just a weekend, sometimes an entire week or longer. This year, Brigham Young University is offering the chance of a lifetime, to participate in the ultimate Handcart Trek! They will be staging a re-enactment of the entire authentic 1856 Mormon Trail(1,400 mile) journey, offered as an official Study Abroad program through the University.

The Mormon Trail

Participants will be traveling the USA Mormon Trail beginning in Iowa City, Iowa (the original pioneer staging point) departing on April 27, 2009, traveling through Nebraska, Wyoming, and Utah, ending with arrival in the Salt Lake City Valley on approximately August 27, 2009. That’s 4 months of walking 15-20 miles per day (except Sundays), pushing or pulling a handcart full of supplies over rugged terrain in rain or shine! Participants will also be required to wear authentic period clothing, and will be eating authentic meals, singing and dancing each night around a campfire, and sleeping under the stars (in tents).

Get University Credit

The BYU Handcart-experience-as-Study Abroad course offers full college credit, and includes instruction in history, and other applicable topics. It is being broken up into two terms (Spring and Summer) and students may enroll for one, or both. (cost is $2000 per term)

Make It A Family Affair

What I find particularly intriguing though, is that families are being invited to join the trek for week-long (Sunday to Sunday) intervals during this mammoth undertaking. There are only 80 spots per week available for family participants, and will be assigned out on a first-come basis (deadline for application is March 1, 2009). Cost ranges from $200-250 per person for the week-long adventure, depending on age. It also states “under age 3 free”. That made me chuckle. I think if you are crazy enough to actually attempt taking a 20 mile daily hike/ nightly camp out experience (with no showers or amenities) for an entire week with an ”under age 3″, maybe someone ought to pay you!

Groundbreaking Research

The BYU department of family studies will be conducting a research project as part of the trek. Each family member will be interviewed before, during and after, and will be required to keep a journal of their experience. The study wants to analyze “how wholesome recreational activities strengthen families”.

Be A Part of History

Bottom line, this is sure to prove a once-in-a-lifetime experience both for the students, and the families who join. You do not have to be a member of the LDS (Mormon) Church to be a part of  this historic event. All are welcome. However, BYU standards and honor code must be kept during participation.

To read more about the trek, or download an application, go to the official site: HANDCARTTREK.BYU.EDU .

Everyone can join in the fun by reading daily experience entries at The Mormon Trail Handcart Trek 2009 Blog . The blog is a place to keep up with the preparations, find free weekly training walks to join, or read all the amazing experiences once the trek actually begins!

When Nick Vujicicwas born, his Australian Christian parents held a tiny child with no arms or legs. Despite the crushing odds Nick faced, he has turned his trial into triumph. He now spends his life speaking to groups all around the world. His message is one of hope and joy. No matter what we face in life, we never face it alone. Nick is a living testimony, that with God, everything is possible!

“Circumstances do not have to change for you to become victorious.”- Nick Vujicic 

I recently came across a short biography of Elder John B. Dickson of the Latter-Day Saint Seventy. I found his life story very inspirational, and his words of wisdom are applicable to our own daily living:

Elder John B. Dickson

“When it was time for me to go on a mission, I was very excited to serve the Lord. Just before I was to leave, however, I found out that I had bone cancer. The chance of living long enough to serve a mission wasn’t very high. I had faith that the Lord would provide a way if He wanted me to go.

My father gave me a blessing in which I was told that I would serve my mission in Mexico, serve in the Church all my life, and have a family. My right arm had to be amputated above the elbow, but my life was spared, and the promises I was given have all been fulfilled.

“Some would think that losing an arm would be a terrible burden, but it has been one of the greatest blessings in my life. I learned that it is very important to have challenges and to face up to them.”

Elder Dickson had always been right-handed, and now he had to learn to do everything left-handed. One struggle was learning how to tie his necktie. He said:

“One Sunday morning when I was in my bedroom with my necktie in my hand, I thought, How am I going to tie this? I thought about getting a clip-on tie. I thought about asking Mom to help me. But I couldn’t take her with me on my mission just to tie my ties. So I decided I had to learn how to do it myself. I finally figured it out by using my teeth. I still do it that way, even after having tied it thousands of times.”

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

I’ve been thinking about the idea of “Using Our Teeth“. The subject of teeth is foremost in my mind currently. Last Friday I had some surgery on my mouth and teeth (NOT fun). Since then, I’ve been in a lot of pain, and I can’t eat anything that requires chewing (which rules out a LOT).

Often, when we are faced with a difficult burden or task, one of the most overwhelming things is accepting that life cannot be the same (either temporarily, or permanently). I know that my mouth will heal, and I will get to eat again. It’s not going to last forever. However, some things in life are more serious. We may face a trial that means we can never move forward doing things the way we used to. In the English language, when we are having a hard time, we might use the phrase: “I’m holding on by the skin of my teeth”. Imagine that you are hanging over a steep cliff, and the only thing keeping you from plunging into the abyss is by grasping a branch with your teeth! Obviously,you are surviving, but you are in need of some help FAST!

Making a change is always hard. Especially when it is not something we anticipated, and is unpleasant. “Different” is uncomfortable. Sometimes, it’s painful, and really unfair. If we want to find a solution, it usually means we have to have courage, be flexible, and maybe we have to get a little innovative.

"Heavenly Hands"

No matter what we face, it is important to remember we were created to succeed! In our darkest hours, the Lord has given each one of us a precious promise:

“I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand, and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts; and my angels round about you, to bear you up.”

D&C 84:88

The Lord never makes a promise He doesn’t keep. It is my hope that no matter what, we will keep our faith strong in these troubled times. Let’s not be afraid to use our teeth once in awhile if necessary. And if we can’t use our teeth, then let’s just hold on some other way! - MoSop