On January 4, 2008, after four years of extensive renovation, the Utah State Capitol building held a formal Re-dedication ceremony. The ceremony’s 2008 program was based on the program used during the original dedication in 1916.
“Into Light” compares the cold dark winter dawning slowly into spring as an allegory for our personal opportunities to change with the season, reach for new possibilities, and become beings of light.
“Lift us again, moon for the season.
From its warm nest the bird breaks into flight.
Set loose we spin with earth into blue,
Heaven’s dome turning us back into light.”
Historic Trivia: The dedicatory prayer for this ceremony was given by the current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley. This would be his final public appearance. He passed away 3 weeks later, on Jan. 27, 2008 at the age of 97.
On May 1, 2003 husband, father, son and friend, US Army Pfc. Jesse Givens died in Iraq in the service of his country. He was 34 years old. Givens was parked in an M-1 main battle tank alongside the bank of the Euphrates River in Al Habbaniyah, Iraq. The riverbank gave way, resulting in the tank falling into the river. His comrades tried desperately and unsuccessfully to free him. Ironically, Pfc. Jesse A. Givens drowned in the desert. Givens was assigned to 2nd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, Fort Carson, Colorado. He had shipped out just 3 weeks prior to his death, on April 6th. Two weeks prior to his death, he wrote a final letter, and mailed it to his wife Melissa, his five year-old son Dakota (nicknamed ‘Toad’) and his unborn child Carson (nicknamed ‘Bean’)
Last Letter pg1
The final letter arrived a month after the funerals, memorial services and gun salutes. It came in the mail, and delivered to Melissa Givens in the maternity ward, where she had just given birth to the son Jesse Givens would never hold….
“He called me a week before [his death] and told me he had written the letter, but not to open it unless he died,” Melissa Givens said.
Male Vocal Group - Cantus
Out of this tragedy, Pfc. Givens last letter home has made a tremendous impact on thousands of strangers. Something he certainly didn’t intend, and never could have imagined.
Since 2003, the letter has been published in the New York Times, and featured in the HBO Documentary Film ”The Last Letters Home“. In 2006, the mens vocal ensemble Cantus commissioned composer Lee Hoiby to write a song for them. Mr. Hoiby received permission from Melissa Givens to set the words of the letter to music. It was originally written for a men’s trio of voices (1 Tenor, 2 Baritones). Later, it was set into a full choral work.
Last Family Photo: April 6, 2003
Listening to Lee Hoiby’s setting of Jesse Givens’ letter, Erick Lichte [director of Cantus] says he’s especially touched by the closing lines: “Go outside and look at the stars and count them. Don’t forget to smile.”
“The hopefulness and the love of life that’s expressed in his words is immeasurable, It’s almost too much to bear.”
As we prepare to lay 2009 to rest, this seems a fitting tribute of remembrance. I hope that as we each step boldly into 2010, we will include the resolve not to take our freedom for granted. May the death of Pfc. Givens and all of his fallen brothers and sisters of the armed forces not be in vain. May the living sacrifice of the surviving families, friends, and fellow enlisted servicemen & women be forever honored.
Last Letter pg2
“…I searched all my life for a dream and I found it in you. . . . The happiest moments in my life all deal with my little family…I’ll be in the sun, shadows, dreams, and joys of your life…There is so much more I need to say, so much more I need to share. A million lifetimes’ worth. I married you for a million lifetimes. That’s how long I will be with you… “
I pray that Givens’ faith, hope, and love of family will live on in each of us.
Elder Richard G. Scott, an apostle with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often speaks on the subject of how to find happiness. I am sharing a short video clip with excerpts from a recent talk to help spark some ideas as you contemplate your New Year Resolutions, and set the course you wish to sail the next 12 months.
It’s time for “making the list” and “checking it twice”. And, no, we’re not talking about the big guy in the red suit [that was LAST week, try to keep up]. I’m talking about YOUR list. Or, more accurately, YOURS, MINE and OURS. The infamous ”New Year Resolutions List“. And, if you’re like me, you’re quietly pulling out last year’s list and quickly dusting it off….”Voila! All done!”
Ever feel you need a little helpful advice? Perhaps Albert Einstein has the answer:
Einstein
“The definition of insanity
is doing the same thing over and over again
and expecting different results.”
- Albert Einstein
I chuckled when I came across Einstein’s quip. Then, I thought about it a little longer. OK. How many insane people do you know? By that, I don’t mean the people-who-aren’t-taking-their-medication kind of insane. Rather, these are all the people you know, who, by Einstein’s definition are constantly complaining about problems and frustrations, but they never actually change their behavior. Instead, they continue to do the same things over and over again [or NOT do something, over and over again], just expecting things to magically improve.
Einstein’s quote is nothing short of brilliant. [but, of course it is! This is Einstein we're talking about]. What makes it double brilliant is that it works well in reverse [in essence]:
“Expecting the same results when doing the same things over and over again, is the hallmark of a sound mind!”
Or, perhaps we could break it down into these two “take-aways”:
“Bad Habits Create Bad Results”
“Good Habits Create Good Results”
Therefore, I have decided Einstein’s astute observation makes the perfect motivational quote for my refrigerator as I re-vamp my “2009 2010-New-Year-Resolutions-List”! It applies so well to just about everything:
1. Expect to lose some weight and become more physically fit by working out routinely? = genius!
2. Expect to gain a deeper relationship with God by setting aside daily devotional time? = genius!
3. Expect to have a closer relationship with my spouse by increasing the frequency of our “date night’s”? = genius!
4. Expect to have less financial stress by putting aside a little money into a savings account each pay day? = genius!
Now it’s your turn! Ready for a good ‘ole ”self-eval”? Are your actions taking you closer toward or father away from your goal? What reasonable adjustments could you make to create a positive change / improvement (i.e. this is something you can MAINTAIN doing over and over on a regular basis)?
Think of this as a chance to “custom design” your year. Ponder the things you do or don’t do over and over again, and fill in the blanks. Just remember, anything is possible, if you put your mind to it!
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
And, if all else fails, keep a good sense of humor!
On Christmas Eve 1906, a 33-year-old university professor, and former chief chemist for Thomas Edison, named Reginald Fessenden did something long thought impossible. Using a new type of generator, Fessenden spoke into a microphone and, for the first time in history, a man’s voice was broadcast clearly over the airwaves:
“And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed…,”
Reginald Fessenden
He began in a clear, strong voice, hoping he was reaching across the distances he supposed he would. Shocked radio operators on ships and astonished wireless owners at newspapers sat slack-jawed as their normal, coded impulses, heard over tiny speakers, were interrupted by a professor reading from the gospel of Luke.
To the few who caught this broadcast, it must have seemed like a miracle. Some might have even believed they were hearing the voice of an angel. After finishing his recitation of the birth of Christ, a second miracle took place. Fessenden picked up his violin and played “O Holy Night,” the first song to ever be sent through the air via radio waves. Music had found a new medium, and the world would never be the same again.
Placide Cappeau
The Christmas song “Cantique de Noël“ has a fascinating history. A parish priest in Roquemaure, France commissioned the poem from Placide Cappeau. Mr. Cappeau enlisted the musical talent of his friend, the opera composer Adolphe-Charles Adam. The song was first performed for Christmas Mass, 1847 in Roquemaure. It took the American continent by storm during the Civil War, becoming an anthem of sorts for the abolishonist movement, due to the English translation of the final verse:
Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Adolphe-Charles Adam
Over the centuries, this Christmas song has been sung millions of times, in hundreds of languages. The carol has also gone on to become one of the entertainment industry’s most recorded and played spiritual songs.
Requested by a forgotten parish priest, written by a poet who would later split from the church, given soaring music by a Jewish composer, and brought to Americans to serve as much as a tool to spotlight the sinful nature of slavery as to tell the story of the birth of a Savior –”O Holy Night” has become, in my humble opinion, one of the most beautiful, inspired pieces of music ever created.
Statistically speaking, the days that follow Christmas and other year-end holiday celebrations show a higher spike in depression and suicide. Today’s post is is a new 9 minute video from MormonMessages which offers some insight and solace. Produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the message comes from a talk by LDS apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, originally given at a CES Fireside at Brigham Young Univeristy on Sept. 7, 2008 - entitled “Lessons From Liberty Jail“, combined with beautiful photography, and touching movie clips. It stands as a powerful reminder that we are never really alone, and there is always hope. I encourage you to watch!
On the 25th Day of December…MoSop wishes you a Merry Christmas! As we pause to celebrate, rejoice, and remember.
The night of Jesus’ birth, shepherds near Bethlehem were tending their sheep. Suddenly the skies became bright:
“And the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid… Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord”.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.”
As the angel spoke, a large Chorus of Angels appeared, praising God:
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men”. – Luke 2:14
I love to think about those shepherds. The most miraculous and significant event yet to happen on earth would receive an official heavenly announcement! Who would God choose to hear His marvelous and important proclamation? Surely, there were so many to consider: The countless religious scholars who had studied the prophesies since youth. The faithful rabbi’s who taught their followers of the coming of the Messiah. And, the devout followers themselves, who had heard the prophesies and had been strictly keeping the Law of Moses.
However, our Father in Heaven looked down, and chose to send his Angel Messanger to the most unlikely recipients. A few humble men and women, who lived simple lives, and cared for sheep. These were people most often overlooked [and generally avoided] by society. However, social status has never been a requirement for revelation. God knew these shepherds. He knew their hearts, and must have known that he was choosing individuals willing to drop everything they were doing when they heard the clarion call. They would go ”with haste“ to Bethlehem to see “this great thing“. These shepherds would become sincere, life-long witnesses of Christ. They would eagerly proclaim what they had heard, and seen, and felt that night. In fact, they would do so with such simplicity, and power, and conviction, that “all that heard them would wonder at those things that were told them“.
The apostle Luke gives us a glimpse into the attitude of those chosen:
“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them”.
The shepherd’s experience and testimony is still as relevant today as over 2000 years ago. It is now our opportunity to hear the shepherds story, and follow. We can hear the message of Jesus Christ proclaimed by the angel, and invitation to ”come and see“. Like them, we are urged to take action, and hasten to be near the Lord. We have the opportunity to rejoice in the birth, life, and sacrifice of our Savior. And, like the shepherds, we can choose to recognize the blessings which we have recieved because of it, and “noise it all abroad“!
It is my prayer on this Christmas day that we will have cause to rejoice and glorify our God just like the shepherds of old! In celebration of this day, I have created a new MoSop Movie which illustrates a beautiful song by Jaroslav Vajda and Carl Schalk. (Close Captioning may be turned on or off)
1.
Where shepherds lately knelt and kept the angel’s word,
I come in half-belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;
But there is room and welcome there for me,
But there is room and welcome there for me.
2.
In that unlikely place I find him as they said:
Sweet newborn Babe, how frail! And in a manger bed,
A still small voice to cry one day for me,
A still small voice to cry one day for me.
3.
How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,
His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me,
A child, a son, the Prince of Peace for me.
4.
Can I, will I, forget how Love was born, and burned
It’s way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned?
To die, to live, and not alone for me,
To die, to live, and not alone for me.
On The 23rd Day of counting down, we’ve reached the Eve of Christmas Eve…
here is a story that warms the heart, and helps us to believe!
Click to Play: “Away In A Manger” by Paul Cardall
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The following anonymous letter arrived on the desk of President Thomas S. Monson in December 1998.
“Dear President Monson:
“I am a dentist by profession…my receptionist informed me that an acquaintance of hers was coming into my office. She had problems with two of her teeth. She knew this woman and told me of her circumstances. The woman carried many burdens. The family business, which she ran, was doing poorly and the family was three months behind in paying rent. They had five children, many grown into adulthood, but all had moved back home because of difficult personal circumstances. By sheer force of will, she had kept her family together for some time. Now two teeth were broken.
“The woman arrived for her appointment and explained about her dental problem. She asked if I would allow her to pay her bill over time. She explained to me that her family had experienced several financial reversals and were just recently starting to pay some overdue bills.
“I assured her that her credit was good with me. She asked if I could repair just one of the two broken teeth at that time. I assured her that I could, and we began.
“Since I had the time, I repaired both teeth, for which she was grateful. When the work was completed…I told her that if she would not be offended, I should like to make a Christmas present of the dental work, for which there would be no bill. She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out.
“Both my assistant and receptionist were so moved by her reaction that they also sprouted tears and could hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was doubly glad. One part, in seeing such a simple act have such a happy effect on another. And the second part, for once in my life having a patient in my office crying for joy, and not for pain!
“To you, my very best wishes.
“Sincerely,
“A brother in the gospel”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
President David O. McKay said:
“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.
“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.”
There’s Christmas in the home and church, There’s Christmas in the mart; But you’ll not know what Christmas is Unless it’s in your heart.
The bells may call across the snow, And carols search the air; But, oh, the heart will miss the thrill Unless it’s Christmas there.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Gifts”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Excerpts of a talk given in December 1998 by President Thomas S. Monson, then First Counselor in the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entitled: What Is Christmas?
On The 22nd Day of Christmas it’s time for something good to eat…MoSop shares several favorite recipes, choose your treat!
Click to Listen: “Jingle Bells”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
YE MERRY OLDE DIP (Toffee Apple)
Ye Merry Olde Dip
Something easy to make and take that’s delightfully different!
1 package (8/227 g) cream cheese, softened
1/2 C packed brown sugar
1/4 C sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
10 ounces (284 g) crushed and crumbled English toffee
1 Large Red Apple, sliced
1 Large Green Apple, sliced
Beat the cream cheese, sugars, and vanilla in a bowl. Fold in the English toffee. Serve with the Christmas colored apple slices for dipping. A jolly good yule treat!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Christmas Crunch
Grandma June’s Christmas Crunch
In a heavy pan over low heat, add the following:
2 Cubes Butter
1 C sugar
1/4 water
Stir continually. As soon as it begins to boil, remove from heat and cover with a lid.
Let stand 2 minutes. Then, Add:
1/2 C chopped almonds
Return to low heat, stir continually. Watch the color. When it turns to a darker tan, and slightly smokes, remove from heat and pour quickly onto a cookie sheet with a lipped edge.
Cover hot mixture with:
1/2 pound chocolate: I like to use 1 bag chocolate chips, or you may break a large candy bar into little pieces. As the chocolate begins to melt spread it gently across the sheet with a spatula, until evenly coated.
Evenly sprinkle on top of the melted mixture:
3/4 C ground walnuts
1/4 C ground peppermint candycane
[Hint, lightly press down on the toppings with back of spatula, to set them into the mix] Allow the tray to fully cool and harden. [Hint: I place the tray into my refrigerator overnight.] Then, break into pieces using a mallet or hammer. (the kids love this task)
Wrap in cellophane with a ribbon, and give to all your friends and neighbors!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Santa's Brownies
Santa’s Brownies
Here is the treat we always leave on a plate by the fireplace on christmas eve!
2 C sugar
2 C flour
1 cube butter, softened
4 Tb. cocoa
1/4 C. oil
1 C water
1 C Buttermilk
1 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
2 eggs
Mix sugar and flour well. Set aside.
Place butter, cocoa, oil and water in pan on med heat. Stir and bring just to a boil. Pour hot mixture slowly into the flour/sugar and mix until well blended. Add remaining ingredients, mixing well. Pour into large baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 min. Do not over-bake. Remove and cool.
Santa's peppermint frosting
Santa’s Peppermint Brownie Frosting
2 egg whites, unbeaten
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. lemon extract
dash of salt
1 pkg. powdered sugar
1/3 C. butter softened
Red food coloring
Beat first 4 ingredients until fairly stiff. Gradually add (about 1 Cup at a time) the powdered sugar and blend well.
Beat until completely smooth, scraping the bowl often.
Add the butter, and a few drops of red food coloring – beat well
Next, hand stir in crushed peppermint stick candy (hint: try using 1/2 red peppermint and 1/2 green starlight mint for an extra festive look)
Frost Santa’s brownies, slice into squares, and be sure to serve with milk!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Candy Cane Popcorn Balls
Candy Cane Popcorn Balls
I saved the best for last! These popcorn balls are sure to become a favorite family tradition! [Hint: One batch is never enough!]
Ingredients:
4 quarts popped popcorn
2 teaspoons water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
2 cups sugar
24 miniature candy canes
Directions:
Place popcorn in a large greased bowl or roasting pan; set aside. In a small bowl, combine the water, baking soda and vanilla; set aside.
In a heavy saucepan, combine corn syrup and butter; heat over medium heat until butter is melted. Add sugar; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved and mixture comes to a boil. Cook and stir until a candy thermometer reaches 230° (thread stage), about 2 minutes.
Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla mixture (mixture will foam) until blended. Immediately pour over popcorn, stirring to coat evenly. Cool for about 5 minutes, stirring several times. When cool enough to handle, firmly shape with buttered hands into 2-in. balls. Insert straight end of candy cane in the center of each ball. Yield: 2 dozen.
These make great gifts for children to give, or receive. When guests are expected, hang several popcorn balls on your Christmas tree. They not only make great conversation pieces, they serve as fun and tasty party favors!
“On The 21st Day of Christmas Countdown we contemplate the vision of Handel’s musical gift…combined with Isaiah, a timeless prophecy to uplift!”
~~~~~
George Frideric Handel
This weekend Ed Reichel, music critic with The Deseret News, published an excellent article entitled “Hallelujah! Messiah is beloved holiday tradition“. It delves into the life of composer George Frideric Handel, and the story behind his famous Oratorio masterpiece: “Messiah“. (including how the tradition started for the audience to stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus)
Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without “Messiah.” But…”Messiah” was never intended as a work for the Christmas season. Its first performance occurred in April 1742 in Dublin as a benefit to free men incarcerated in debtor’s prison…
Reichel goes on to explain that Handel was, in essense, the ‘John Williams’ of his day. He composed trendy music for theater, and countless operas. When the popularity of his music dwindled, along with his bank account, a wealthy benefactor named Charles Jennens stepped up in the nick of time. This allowed Handel the chance to re-invent himself, and revive his career ala Oratorio. In 1741 Jennens gave Handel a libretto he had written. It encompassed the entire scope of Jesus Christ; using scriptures from the Old and New Testament. Handel’s reaction was nothing short of electric! He shut himself into a room in his home for 3 weeks, writing the musical score.
During that time, he never left his house and barely came out of his room. A servant who brought him his meals said, “He was praying, or he was weeping, or he was staring into eternity.”
Isaiah records his visions
I believe Handel and Isaiah share a common bond. Each bore their witness of Jesus Christ. Each received divine guidance and vision. Once their inspiration was written down, it would change the world. There is an amazing synergy of creative power that these two great men were able to accomplish together, although centuries apart.
There can be no doubt that Handel was inspired when he wrote the music for “Messiah.” He admitted as much when he said about the “Hallelujah Chorus,” which he had just completed, “I did think I did see all Heaven before me and the great God Himself.”
During that three week period of intense creative communion, a great prophet, and a great composer channeled their devotion – and the result is a timeless work of harmonic scripture. A musical prophecy, if you will, to guide our weary souls and promote heavenly peace, eternally.
by Liz Lemon Swindle
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign, Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.
“The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light:…
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 7:14, 9: 2, 6-7,
For Unto Us A Child is Born – Mormon Tabernacle Choir
►
~~~~~~
So, why does the audience stand during the “Hallelujah” Chorus?
According to a contemporary account, King George II was present at the first performance of “Messiah” in London, and during the “Hallelujah Chorus” at the words “for the Lord God omnipotent,” the king was so touched by what he was hearing that he stood up. Seeing their majesty on his feet, the audience swiftly followed suit. That’s where the tradition to stand for this chorus originated.
