Monthly Archives: April 2009

Pandemic Panic versus Peace

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In light of the “pandemic panic” which is presently creeping through our nation, and the world, I think it is important to step back, and put things into proper perspective.

siegel_marc_mdNothing captures the imagination like a new scourge, and too often we worry about remote risks while ignoring real dangers…The best antidote for this kind of fear is the facts  – Marc Seigel, MD, NYU School of Medicine

Let’s take a look at just a few of those facts. Globally in developed countries the yearly leading cause of death is Heart Disease (over 3 million) , and in Developing Countries: HIV/AIDS (over 2 1/2 Million) In America alone, the average annual death rate from heart disease  is over 650,000.  Cancer: 550,000. Our alcohol related deaths are over 75,000. And regular old influenza and pneumonia: anywhere from 36,000 to upwards of 64,000 nationally (due to conflicting data). Now, contrast that with the recent “Swine Flu” tally. Mexico = a few hundred. USA = 1.  A Mexican toddler visiting Texas, who contracted the virus in Mexico and had “underlying health problems”.

Bottom Line: No Need To Panic.

What the world needs now is healing by staying calm, and coming together. That can only happen if we refuse to buy into the media rumor mongering. We must reject panic & fear, and embrace peace & faith. Continue reading →

In The Shadow Of The Temple

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During the Saturday morning session of this month’s General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LDS apostle Elder Richard G. Scott addressed the subject of Temple Worship. This talk has had a significant impact upon our family. When we heard the following words, the message sank deep into our souls, and spurred us to action:

richard-g-scott

Elder Scott

“Because I love you, I am going to speak to you heart to heart, without mincing words. I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple. Set specific goals, considering your circumstances, of when you can and will participate in temple ordinances. Then do not allow anything to interfere with that plan. This pattern will guarantee that those who live in the shadow of a temple will be as blessed as are those who plan far ahead and make a long trip to the temple.”

Our family falls under the category of “living in the shadow of the temple”. Literally. A glorious LDS temple is within a 20 minute walk from our home, or a 5 minute car ride. Thus, Elder Scott’s words took on a personal meaning, and bore deep into our hearts. First, we felt the great need to Continue reading →

Prejean and American Pediatricians: Stay True

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carrie_prejeanWhat do a beautiful pageant contestant and a large group of American pediatricians have in common?

In a word: Honesty.

This month both Prejean and the ACPeds give us pause to consider that perhaps when it comes to a choice between ”Political Correctness“, and just plain correct-ness; PC is passe.

Case #1.

Miss California - Prejean

Prejean

When California’s Miss USA contestant Carrie Prejean answered her pageant question this week regarding same-sex marriage, her answer was a polite but firm personal stance on traditional marriage. Many believe it cost her the top crown. Continue reading →

The Susan Boyle Phenomenon

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05_Flatbed_1 - APRIL

Susan Boyle

When Susan Boyle, an unassuming single recluse from a small Scottish village, decided to audition for “Britain’s got Talent” last week, she did not expect to become an overnight sensation. For the handful who have yet to hear about her, I’ve included the audition clip.  (if you’ve seen it, please scroll to the rest of the article – with a special bonus recording at the end) Continue reading →

“Viva La Vida” + “Love Story” = Magic

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Jon Schmidt

Jon ala "Mozart"

One of my favorite Latter-day Saint “Mormon” musicians is Jon Schmidt. To truly appreciate Jon’s talent, I believe one has to experience him live in concert. He plays with abandon, and tells jokes and touching stories. He combines crazy antics with deeply spiritual messages. In short, Jon’s energy is boundless, his faith is deep, and his love for others is genuine. Jon even treats his audience to at least one back-flip off the stage during the finale’. Jon Schmidt’s latest offering is this marvelous little music video featuring a combo of Cold Play’s “Viva La Vida” and Taylor Swift’s “Love Story“. Hey, it works! Jon’s self-proclaimed “mish-mash” of the two songs; with piano, cello, and vocals – is dedicated to 7-yr-old daughter Sarah. The result is pure musical magic. Enjoy!

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Spring Things

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Today’s a great day to celebrate  the season – and wax a bit poetic. 

SPRING THINGS

robin with wormA brand new Robin graced my land

He hopped and he sang

Eyes glowing bright

Welcoming Spring with his boundless delight

 

engagementring_red-ribbonA brand new ring graced Marianne’s hand

She hopped and she sang

Eyes glowing bright

Welcoming Spring with her bridal light.

~MoSop 4/13/09

A Bright Light To The World

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sunset-with-sun-and-clouds-jesus-in-backgroundThere are many names and titles for Jesus Christ. One of them is ”The Light“. He is referred to multiple times in the scriptures as “The Light of the world“,  ”The Light of Men” and “The True Light“.

In addition to Jesus being the light, those who choose to follow him are promised to receive a portion of his light individually and collectively, and thus also become a light to the world.

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16

Although we cannot see Jesus physically right now, we can feel the warmth and power of his presence within us. kindnessDescribed as light, the power of Christ encompasses feelings and emotions which Continue reading →

Easter Gift

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Tokens of Love~~~~~~~~~~~~

Easter

Suffering Pain

Mocked in Vain

Falsely Accused

Sorely Abused

Walked Alone

To Atone

Dying Breath

Permitting Death

Morning Refrain

Lives Again!

~ Mormon Soprano – April 2009 ~

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

May each of you feel the love of Easter. Today, and Always.

LDS Apostle Song Welcomes Andersen

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A catchy tune called “The Apostle Song” has been getting a lot of attention today. Recently updated by “The Sons of Ammon” (creators of a popular Seminary Scripture Mastery series), lyrics now include the newest LDS Apostle.

Elder Andersen

On April 5th, 2009, during the 179th Semi-Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Elder Neil L. Andersen was sustained by the general membership of the church. Andersen, 57, was born in Logan, Utah but raised in Pocatello. He fills the vacancy left in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles by the death of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin in December 2008. Elder Andersen was a senior member of the Presidency of the Seventy prior to this announcement. He was appointed as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy in April of 1993.

Enjoy this catchy little melody that outlines the new LDS Church Leadership:

Consider The Lilies: Fear Not

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consider-the-lilies-childrenJesus often taught his followers to “fear not“. In today’s world climate of anxiety and uncertainty, Christ’s parable of the lily is more relevant than ever, and offers us great comfort and proper perspective.

In the Master’s sermon on the mount, imagery from nature is used to remind us of God’s power over all things.  (see Matthew 6:28-33)

Composer Roger Hoffman explained that he desired to set the Savior’s words to music as an expression of his personal gratitude to the Lord for “[always sending] help, just when we needed it.”  

Hoffman’s beautiful music has been performed by many artists and choirs throughout the world, and has touched countless souls. I would like to express my own personal gratitude to the Lord for His tender mercies with this visual tribute to Hoffman’s song. (see MoSop Movie attached below).

“He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky. And he will feed those who trust him, And guide them with his eye.

Consider the sweet, tender children, Who must suffer on this earth. The pains of all of them he carried, From the day of his birth…He feeds the lambs in His fold, And he will heal those who trust him, And make their hearts as gold.”  – R. Hoffman