MORMON SOPRANO

“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ” – Plato

Never give up, never give in! You were born to win!

Bill Betz & Lauren Elizabeth

A touching story from Haiti of love, and tender mercies. Texas Medical Student Bill Betz  and his wife Amy have been married for 5 years and unable to conceive a child. When Bill was asked by his professor to join a medical relief team to Haiti after Jan. 12th’s devestating earthquake, the couple felt an impression that a little girl was waiting for Bill to find, and adopt. What followed was a miraculous journey, and a daughter named Lauren Elizabeth. Video attached. Full story can be read at DeseretNews.com

On January 22, 2010 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued an official statement on Haiti, urging its members to Help. This video features the text of that statement, combined with images from Haiti, and set to the LDS Hymn

 ”Have I Done Any Good?”

DO GOOD! – DONATE at give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

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Video courtesy HaveYouDoneAnyGood Channel

For the past three weeks I’ve been diligently working on my “New Years Resolution List”. Just like countless former ’NYR Lists’, the subject of Weight loss & Fitness is written near the top. And, just like every other year, I had good intentions. But unlike every other year, I made an important discovery which is helping me overcome my ultimate stumbling blocks to fitness. 

First, I had to resolve two logistical hangups: 

1. WHERE:  As regular readers know, I love walking outdoors with my dog Joey. However, since I live in a part of the country that experiences extreme weather conditions I need an ’indoor option’ for consistency. From past experience, exercising at home doesn’t hold my interest. I discovered [much to my embarrassment] that I actually OWN a gym membership, which I’ve been auto-paying for as part of a ‘couples package’ for well over one year [oops] OK. Location solved.

  

2. WHEN: This has always been my fitness ”Goliath”. I have conjured up a million wonderful, valid and legitimate excuses as to why I cannot be a consistent ‘fitness buff’, all excuses revolving around the fact that “There’s simply no time.” But, when I actually faced the giant, and looked it in the eye, the issue wasn’t about time, it was about commitment.

The truth is, we can always find time for something we are truly committed to. So, I needed to find a WAY, and also the WILL. First, I objectively analyzed my week, and discovered a pattern. For the past two years, every Sunday morning my alarm goes off at 5 am, I pop out of bed, I hop in the shower, and I leave the house on time like clockwork to keep my unique church commitment. During the rest of the week, my alarm goes off at 6:30 am, I hit the ‘snooze’ button at least once, I finally drag up my grouchy and groggy self, and I end up rushing around frantically to get to work on time. 

I had to face the facts. If I can get up at 5 am every Sunday for two years, then I am perfectly capable to do the same thing every other day of the week.  

Found: The WHEN and the WAY. 

Our Holy Gift

Last, I needed the WILL to exercise. From my personal experience of the past 2 years, it is clear that having a sacred calling attached to a commitment adds an extra layer of motivation. This made me ponder my fitness commitment a little deeper. 

Here were the steps to my discovery:  

1. God gave me a body.
2. He declared this gift is a holy temple for my spirit.
3. My Body is an essential part of my Soul.
4. I am responsible to take care of my body-gift, which includes physical fitness. This is a sacred calling. LDS Apostle Elder David A. Bednar taught:

“An essential part of the test of mortality is having and properly using a physical body“ 

- Bednar, ” Ye Are The Temple Of God“ 

[Next came my "Ah-Ha! Moment" or, as some say, "The light bulb finally switched on"] 

5. I formally accepted my personal calling from God to take care of His holy gift. I committed to Him that I would rise at 5 am each day and engage in fitness activity for one hour [with Sunday as my "day of rest"]. 

So far, so good. Exercise excuses are now a thing of the past! My alarm goes off at 5 am, I rise & [not quite] shine, I dress and leave the house. I found it’s a ‘no-brainer’ routine for me. However, this is something I have tried and failed so many times, and so many years, I’ve lost count. The difference today is that I’m participating in a sacred committment. Essentially, I’ve made God my workout partner. 

When the weather warms up, I’ll start pounding the pavement with Joe Dog more often. Meanwhile, I’ve been getting acquainted with my neighborhood Gym. I’m finding out it has a lot to offer, and I really enjoy the variety! The best part is how I feel afterwards, besides the sore muscles. My whole outlook on life is slowly but surely transforming!  

Pres. James E. Faust

This morning, as I started hobbling on a treadmill, I was pleased to find my machine had it’s own TV screen [what won't they think up next?]. I stumbled on the BYU Broadcasting Channel, which was replaying a talk given to BYU students in Sept. 1999 by Elder James E. Faust , entitled “Our Search For Happiness“. It was brilliant. Every word, quote, phrase, example and story he used was inspiring! As I struggled along fulfilling my cardio quotient, I found Elder Faust’s words motivating. In fact, I kept up my pace longer than planned, just so I could hear his entire message. I encourage you to watch, listen or read the entire talk.  

Here are a couple of excerpts that helped me find happiness today on a treadmill!  

Snatch Happiness 

“Happiness is not given to us in a package that we can just open up and consume. Nobody is ever happy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rather than thinking in terms of a day, we perhaps need to snatch happiness in little pieces, learning to recognize the elements of happiness and then treasuring them while they last.” - Elder Faust 

  The Odessy To Happiness 

Little Prince & Fox

“In the story The Little Prince, the fox was wiser than he knew when he said, “Now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”.  

The odyssey to happiness lies in the dimension of the heart. Such a journey is made on stepping-stones of selflessness, wisdom, contentment, and faith. The enemies of progress and fulfillment are such things as self-doubt, a poor self-image, self-pity, bitterness, and despair. By substituting simple faith and humility for these enemies, we can move rapidly in our search for happiness.”  – Elder Faust 

Utah County

Yesterday I stopped off at my salon to get a broken nail fixed. As usual, a small TV in the back of the room was on. It happened to be queuing up the 6:00 news. Suddenly, I was hearing Utah would be getting another Latter-day Saint [Mormon] Temple! This is our state’s 15th LDS temple, and the 3rd for Utah County.

Payson Temple Site

The new temple will be located in Payson City, Utah - a growing rural community with population 17,500 located approx. 20 miles south of Provo City (home to Brigham Young University, and the Missionary Training Center). Payson is about a 1 hour drive south of Salt Lake City. This will bring the total number of LDS temples worldwide, already in operation or in the planning and construction phases, to 152.

Pres. Young

It is reported that Brigham Young, 2nd president of the LDS church, prophesied that a temple would one day be built in Payson. President Young often stayed at the John B. Fairbanks house on Main Street on his way to St. George.

LDS Gen. Conference

Amidst my joy at this news, I have to say, I was truly surprised. Usually, new LDS temples are announced during a session of the semi-annual General Conference of the church. It’s a moment of anticipation. The prophet comes to the pulpit, he smiles and talks just a little slower to savor the moment, and we all lean in closer to hear the ‘big reveal’. However, Payson wasn’t on the list last October. Not that I’m complaining – I think it’s fabulous! Way to go, Payson! Way to go President Monson for not waiting until April!

From the official announcement we read:

Artists’ renderings, the size of the temple, groundbreaking dates and other information will be released as they become available.

In other words, there’s still some mystery and anticipation remaining! At the press conference, President Thomas S. Monson stated:

Mt. Timp Temple

 ”Temples answer those soul-searching questions of the purpose of life, of why we are here and where we are going. They are sanctuaries from the storms of life and bless the lives of members of the Church who worship within their sacred walls.”

Video: Why Mormons Build Temples

Haiti Orphan Evacuation

Since the devestating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti Jan 12, media networks have exponentially inundated us with tragic tales & images combined with stories of survival, heroism, sacrifice, service and love. Not a day goes by without “Haiti” being present somehow in our conscious or subconscious life. If you are anything like me, then over the past two weeks you’ve probably done two or more of the following:

• Made at least one monetary contribution - such as texting “Haiti” to 90999 or logging online to websites such as American Red Cross, The LDS Humanitarian services, or HealingHandsForHaiti.org , etc.
• Prayed for Haiti
• Replayed images of suffering Haitians and desperate rescue workers over-and-over in your mind.
• Remembered Haiti as you blithely jumped into the car to run a quick errand, took a drink of water, ate a meal, hugged your spouse/child/friend, or … found yourself leisurely strolling through an aisle in a cavernous grocery/discount/home improvement/retail store surveying products stacked to the rafters that you knew millions of suffering people desperately needed RIGHT NOW TO SURVIVE, but could not receive.
• Found yourself magnetically drawn to reading every special feature, breaking news report, and dramatic human interest story involving Haiti, [especially lingering on the positive ones] and then feeling driven to keep re-telling these stories to any family/friend/co-worker/perfect stranger within earshot.

Yesterday, I arrived home a little earlier than the rest of my family, so I opened up the local newspaper thinking I would do a quick “catch up” before lunch. For the next hour, or more, I sat transfixed as I read one unforgettable, heart-wrenching & heart-warming story after another in my Deseret News.

1. A  survivor found after being buried 11 days - Amazing!
2. The bitter-sweet rescue and evacuation of Haitian Orphans - Beyond Words!
3. 

   Utah helps Haiti

   The miraculous story of Jeremy and Hollie Wardell bringing daughter Gabby Home - Incredible!

4. Nurse Liz Howell, a 9-11 widow, binding hearts in Haiti  - Inspiring!
5.  Nurse Howell’s tender account of helping an injured 4-year-old boy in Haiti. Priceless!

Reading these stories swamped my heart with alternating waves of sorrow and joy. I found myself having to stop often due to my inability to focus or breathe. These symptoms were, of course, directly tied to my uncontrollable sobbing. Although my mind was a million miles away, I distinctly heard a teenaged daughter loudly whisper: 

“Dad! Stay out of the kitchen! Mom’s having another one of her media meltdowns!”

True enough.

Moments later, the same daughter tiptoed into the kitchen just long enough to deposit an extra large box of Kleenex on my lap, before retreating quickly to the other side of the house. Later that night, just after I had heroically composed myself and we all sat down to our nice dinner, and just before the knot returned to my throat and my eyes welled up again, I was offered another piece of sage 16-year-old advice:

“Next time Mom, don’t even THINK about the news until you go get the Kleenex first!”

Orphans in Haiti are held by volunteers

Mormons Mobilizing

‘Mormons’ and ‘Service’ are synonymous. When tragedy strikes, no matter when or where, you can bet a group of Mormons will be on the next plane bringing truckloads of blankets, sanitation kits, food, clothing, medical supplies and volunteers. Local Mormon leaders, missionaries and congregations will be coordinating the efforts, and the local Mormon churches will immediately become a designated shelter. 

"Helping Hands"

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hailed as having one of the best organized Humanitarian Aid Services in the world. But Latter-day Saints don’t wish to trump their own horn. They desire to serve quickly, quietly and efficiently. They strive to follow the example of Jesus, taking care of His children “one by one“.

“and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.” 3 Nephi 17:21

Infant born at Haitian LDS Chapel Jan 19 '10

When Haiti was struck with a catastrophic earthquake last week, Mormons mobilized! Thousands of volunteers immediately stepped up - whether through donations of money, products, and services, tying quilts, packing up supplies, or putting their lives on hold to physically go to Haiti.

The devestation in Haiti is so vast, and the needs are so great, it is hard not to become overwhelmed with the news reports, and the mounting task ahead. However it is heartwarming to see people of all faiths and nationalities coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and digging in (often, literally) to help the Haitian people.

There is hope for a brighter day in knowing that help is coming to Haiti one person and one day at a time.

LDS volunteer plays with Haitian children Jan 19,'10

The following two video clips, courtesy Deseret News , gives a glimpse at the work Utah “Doctors without Borders” and “Mormon Helping Hands” are doing right now.

“go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”  Mark 10:21

A Team of Utah Doctors Helping in Haiti

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”  Mosiah 2:17

LDS Relief Efforts in Haiti

To Make A Donation, Go To LDS Humanitarian Services

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Read Updated Stories & Become a Fan! Facebook Page – LDS Humanitarian Services

David Foster

When Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer David Foster collaborated with Grammy-award winner Carole Bayer Sager to write ”The Prayer“, it was a match made in heaven. Their song debuted in the 1998 animated film Quest for Camelot, and went on to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Written with lyrics in both English and Italian, ”The Prayer” was first recorded as a duet between Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli. In 2008 it was recorded by Dion & Josh Groban, and in 2009 Groban and Bocelli gave a memorable performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Over the years this song has been translated into many languages, and recorded by multiple artists. It also likely ranks as a “top hit” to be belted out in the privacy of showers and automobiles everywhere.

As our hearts are aching for the people of Haiti, and so many other sorrows throughout the world both public and private, I cannot think of a better time to offer up this musical prayer for peace, love, safety and comfort.

For Info on this recording click here / Video courtesy MoTabChoir01 

“The Prayer” Lyrics

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

La luce che tu dai
I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restera
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera

By now nearly all the world is aware of the devastating 7.0 earthquake hitting Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday. It’s been heart-wrenching to see the images and stories of destruction and desperation through media report . It’s hard to resist the intense desire to just rush to the airport, and book the next flight to HELP somehow!! Ironically, this generous spirit of charity has actually caused problems. As Haiti Aid Begins to Arrive, it is proving too much, and too fast for the poor Haitian airport and ground support to handle. What an agonizing Catch 22! It is nice to have trusted sources providing simple ways to get involved, such as LDS Philanthropies, or the Red Cross  (including - Texting “Haiti” to 90999). 

Rescued

Amid all of this chaos and heartbreak, thankfully there have been stories of survival and hope, adding a positive perspective. I was particularly touched to hear that large groups are gathering and singing songs of praise together! What a beautiful testament to the faith and heart of the people of Haiti. We were also relieved to learn that All LDS Missionaries In Haiti Are Safe - and that LDS Church Humanitarian Aid mobilized and shipped within 12 hours - with aid continuing to progress. This gives balm to the troubled heart. I know from past experience with large-scale tragedy, there will be many more miraculous and heartwarming stories to hear in the future. But, during these beginning stages of disaster, the negative usually far outweighs positive. Being able to see the whole picture is filtered through a slow motion lens. 

Pres. Uchtdorf

I have reflected on the most recent lead article in the January issue of the LDS Liahona Magazine. This publication is the church’s globally distributed magazine – a sister publication to the North American ‘Ensign Magazine’. The First Presidency Message for the month of January 2010 is interstingly enough entitled Hold On A Little Longer written by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. 

His message of hope seems especially appropriate, and even prophetic. I would like to direct his words specifically to all suffering due to the Haiti tragedy: 

“…hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25). 

You are continually in my thoughts and my prayers. May you each find peace amid the chaos. May you hold tight to your faith, and feel strength in singing praise and hymns together. May you feel the Savior’s love for you individually, and experience tender mercies. May those who are desperately and tirelessly working to send aid reach you as quickly as possible! And may God work His mighty miracles in this hour of great need. 

This is my prayer – Your sister, MoSop 

video courtesy Libera.uk.org