courtesy lds.org Free Domain
A new series of Bible videos created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being produced and offered free of charge to the public. The video series debuted this month with a stunningly beautiful depiction of The Christmas Story, Continue reading
Image via Wikipedia
In light of a sacrilegious Broadway musical disrespecting/ usurping/ plagiarizing/ mocking/ stealing/ “permanently borrowing” the same name as sacred scripture, I’d like to offer a few facts and personal thoughts about The Book of Mormon, and what it’s really all about. I’ve provided many links and references that you may find of interest.
As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often hear people referring to my “Mormon Bible”, or simply ”those different scriptures you use”.
For reference and clarification, here is:
My Top Ten List of What The Book of Mormon IS, and what it IS NOT. Continue reading
a "Pancake Moon"
When I was about 8 years old I learned that earthlings are not alone in the Universe. This was the summer my divorced mother bundled her three young children into the car for “an adventure to California“. I have limited memories of what we did or where we went, but the memories I do have are powerful and crystal clear. Continue reading
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A beautiful new video has been released that depicts a portion of the Old Testament account of Queen Esther, and the events that led to her great act of faith.
As you may recall, not knowing that his new wife Esther was a Jew, King Ahasuerus of Persia was persuaded to approve a decree that all persons of Jewish descent should be killed. Continue reading
On January 1st of each year, Mormons around the globe begin a new Sunday School & Seminary course of study focusing on one of our standard books of scripture. In 2010, we delved into the Old Testament of the Bible. For 2011 we now launch into the New Testament, and I couldn’t be more excited. I hope you are, too! Continue reading
Image from "The Good Samaritan"
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is embarking on an ambitious, if slightly daunting, film project. The goal? To reinact every story told in the New Testament.
That’s a lot of stories! And, it requires a lot of people. Which means, whether you are a professional actor, or a novice, you have the potential to become a part of movie-making history. Continue reading
Mormons believe the first principle of the gospel is “Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ” (A of F 1:4), and “No [one] cometh unto the Father, but by [Him]” (John 14:6).
We base our belief and conviction of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ on Continue reading
What are the fundamentals of a prophet? How and Why do we follow? One of the most powerful lessons ever taught on this subject was by President Ezra Taft Benson. Please watch this video, and share. Continue reading
The First Presidency
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we are blessed to be led by living prophets—inspired men called to speak for the Lord, as did Moses, Isaiah, Peter, Paul, and other prophets of the scriptures.
It is no small thing to have a prophet of God on the earth today! History has shown that there is safety, peace, prosperity, and happiness in following prophetic counsel. History has also shown that the instructions may be simple, but the actual following is never so easy.
The experience of Naaman is worth review. Continue reading
Each year the Young Men and Young Women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (ages 12-18) receive a scriptural theme which will be a focal point for lessons, activities, youth camps, and firesides. The Theme for 2010 is
“Be Strong and of A Good Courage“
“On The 19th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop celebrates her 20th Wedding Anniversary!
[I love you today Mr. Mo even more than I did on our wedding day]…
…and she shares some fun facts about the Nativity.”
“The only comet that fit the bill appeared in 5 BC, so it is possible Jesus was born five years before we thought he was, and he can’t have been a winter baby because this comet was only seen in the springtime…”
Shawna Belt Edwards
A new song has been released just in time for Christmas by LDS / Mormon musician Shawna [Belt] Edwards** which is taking the world by storm. It asks the timeless question: “Do YOU have room for the Savior?”
Within 24 hours, Edwards music video on YouTube started “going viral”, and since she has offered the MP3 and the sheet music as a free downloadable file - it is sure to be sweeping YouTube, websites, Facebook and Blogs by storm over the next few days. Of course, I can’t help joining in the excitement, too! The song, and message is beautiful. For her video, Edwards’ original music was arranged by Daniel Blomberg, and performed by LDS singer/songwriter April Meservy.
“There was no room for Him in the inn. Do you have room for Him in your life?”
December 14, 2009 Interview Update
MoSop received a personal email from Shawna Belt Edwards who graciously agreed to share additional personal information, and some background on the song:
Edwards Family
SBE: I originally wrote this song as a Christmas gift for my family, and I sang it to them on Christmas Eve. It was inspired by President Monson’s 1990 Ensign article entitled The Search for Jesus. For the next 4 or 5 years, my dad would occasionally ask me, “Have you done anything with that song?” But other than a few hundred print copies I placed in a local music store, the answer was, “Not yet.”
My dad died suddenly and unexpectedly about two years ago. He was my first, and biggest fan. In my youth, I sat at the piano and practiced for hours and hours, and my dad would sit in a wing back chair in the corner and listen. Lots of people listened to me perform, but he was the only one who listened to me practice. That meant more to me than anything he could have ever given me.
I have kept thinking that the best way I could honor him would be to do something with the song. So I put it with the video and shared it a month ago at our Stake Music Night. I later posted it on YouTube and sent the link to 5 people. (3 of my kids live out of town, and I figured it would be an easy way for them to see it.) They shared it with a few people, and the rest is history.
I think it’s an incredible example of the power of the Internet for GOOD. 3 1/2 weeks ago, the song was still tucked away in my music file drawer. But now, it will be sung around the world this Christmas in Sacrament Meetings, firesides, Christmas Eve worship services, outdoor pageants, Evangelical gatherings, small town churches, interfaith celebrations, seminary classes, neighborhood parties, and (my favorite) Family Home Evenings.
MoSop thanks Sister Edwards for sharing her story, and music with us!
Click To Listen: Do You Have Room? Shawna Belt Edwards
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**SEARCH WARNING! There is a graphic pornography website headlining on search engines with the same name as this LDS composer. MoSop and Sister Edwards warn readers: Please DO NOT click on those misleading links!
