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
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:
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.
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:
“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"]
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
2008 Re-dedication
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.
Included among the many performances was a new musical commission entitled “Anthem for a New Year: Into Light”. The lyrics were a new poem written by Utah’s Poet Laureate Katharine Coles, PhD, and set to music by Utah composer Kurt Bestor. The premeire was conducted by Craig Jessop, and the extensive cast of local performers included The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, the Utah Symphony Orchestra, The Bells on Temple Square, the 23rd Army Band, the International Children’s Choir, and the Cathedral of the Madeleine Choir School.
“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.”
Video Courtesy Kurt Bestor
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.
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!
This past Saturday the moment of truth finally arrived for our family. It was time to bid goodbye to our oldest child as she begins College. In my earlier post entitled “Don’t Turn Around“, I spoke about the bitter-sweet experience it is to watch a child grow up, and accept the circle of life.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect on Saturday. Would I bawl like a baby? (as many predicted) Would I go home, crawl into a fetal position on her bed and refuse to come out? Or, would I actually cheer? (as one jovial brother-in-law suggested).
College Or Bust
In the end, I certainly didn’t cheer. But, I didn’t cry, either… (misty-eyed doesn’t really count, right?). The day was long and eventful. It involved packing the car to it’s extreme capacity, an extended road trip, an unfortunate encounter with a friendly but stern Highway Patrol officer, and several hours at our final destination. We helped our new Freshman get her Post Office Box, move into her dorm room, buy books and supplies, make several trips to the local Walmart, and eventually have our “last supper” together. Our daughter’s joy and excitement was infectious. She chattered non-stop about all of the upcoming events planned on campus that weekend. The day her mother had secretly dreaded was the same day that she had been dreaming about for years. (Funny how that usually works between parents and their children).
After driving back to her apartment building one last time, we stood on the sidewalk exchanging hugs and kisses and giving last-minute parental warnings and advice. It didn’t take long for Daughter #1 to extract herself from this familial frenzy, and make her way up the steps to her new ‘home’. She turned, waved, and yelled: “Just remember, Mom! It’s not like I’m DYING!”
We all smiled and chuckled. We waved one more time. She went into the building and closed the door. Her father, sister, and I got into our car and drove away. Clean and simple. No problem.
It was true, after all, I thought. It’s not like she’s dying. It’s not like she’s even out of reach. I don’t have to wait even two minutes to hear her voice I if want, let alone months, thanks to T-Mobile. I don’t have to wait for a message to arrive by mail, I can just shoot off a quick text. We could even talk to each other face-to-face if I figure out how to use Skype. So, there really shouldn’t be any emotional drama sending a child to college in the 21st Century at all. It’s almost like they’re still right there!
Almost.
But not.
I suppose the bottom line is that although our child is not dying, the way things have always been up until that moment we drove away without her has – for all intents and purposes – “died”. Or, in more pleasant terms, “passed on”. My experienced co-workers and friends who have forged this path before offered their matter-of-fact words of wisdom:
“Nothing’s ever really the same once they move out”.
“They seem more like visitors when coming home”.
“They always forget to tell you where they’re going and when they’ll be back.”
According to these bastians of wisdom, the college child also frequently forgets to call home, and avoids telling details about parties or other late night activities. This is all aparently part of their right of passage to grow up, gain new confidence, form new friendships and ideas, and solidify their independence. As parents, we hope that the wisdom we have shared and lessons we have taught will be retained. As devout Latter-day Saints, we hope the core values of faith, scripture study, church attendance and prayer are planted deep in her soul. We hope she will turn to God daily. We cannot be with her now to guide and protect – but we know He can. We hope she will treasure the spiritual things which we know can bring peace and strength. For over eighteen years her father and I have been exerting all our effort preparing her for this moment. I guess we forgot it would really come. But it did. She has officially received her wings to fly, and must chart her own course.
Every family must experience this. It’s our turn now.
Ready or not, here we come.
Recently my heart has become tender as I ponder the bitter-sweet truth of being a parent.
Our babies grow up.
On one hand, it is a thrill to see Baby reach milestones . We celebrate her very first step, the first word, the first loose tooth and the first day of school, among a long list of other “firsts”. Indeed, our child exponentially gains knowledge, skills, talents and personality beyond our wildest imagination. It is pure joy to watch the miracle of our creation in partnership with God!
And yet, on the other hand, there is a price which must be paid. The currency required is Time. A sadness softly creeps into my heart knowing as milestones are met and passed, they never return. The beloved pacifier and blankie are left behind for toys, and play-dates. These are then discarded for car keys, prom dresses and real dates. As the fingerprints and smudges disappear from our home, the shiny glass and walls left behind seem hollow and empty.
We turn around, and discover our babies are grown and heading off on their own. This conundrum is called “the Circle of Life”. It is part of a grand plan of God for us to be born, to grow, to live and to die. And yet, no matter how necessary or logical, the process is never easy. Especially on a mother’s heart.
The difficulty of experiencing a major “season change” has become very personal recently. In a few short weeks I will be placing my own little child in the car and then driving her to another city where I will help her move her things into a dorm room, and then be expected to kiss her goodbye, and drive away.
In that brief moment, our family and our life as we know it will change forever. I have reached a chapter which I yearn to keep writing, but soon must close.
Of course, 
I feel boundless joy in celebrating my child’s great achievements. She has soaring hopes, amazing dreams, and a bright future! She’s beautiful and vibrant and eager to spread her wings. She’s ready and capable to fly. What more could a mother hope for?
And yet, I feel a heavy tug at my heart which threatens to break my resolve to be a reasonable and rational mother, and just lock her tightly away in a tower!
I know the circle of life will continue to turn, no matter how hard I may try to stop it. Therefore, every moment I have between this day, and that fast approaching day in August is priceless. These are days to be treasured, savored and never forgotten. Oh, how I wish I could have internalized this perspective the moment she arrived eighteen years ago, when all six pounds nine ounces of her was gently placed into my arms. I imagined then that there would be oodles of time together. So, I wasn’t careful enough, and I turned around.
After-Note: The song “Turn Around” was written in 1959 by Harry Belafonte, Alan Greene, and Malvina Reynolds. Thank you to McMahonBJ for creating this exquisite video.
A compelling documentary has been created entitled “Pornography: Confronting the Addiction“.
Director Brandon Kowallis
This 35-minute film began as the Masters thesis project of up-and-coming director Brandon Kowallis, a graduate of both National University, and BYU. Awhile back, I had the opportunity to attend a screening at my local library, and came away inspired. Director Kowallis was on hand to introduce the film, and moderated a question and answer session following the screening along with Continue reading
History gave us “Generation X”, which in turn gave birth to “Generation Y”. Today’s rising youth are sometimes referred to as the “Lost Generation”. It is a retrospective reference to the disillusioned youth of post-WWI, viewed comparable to present-day. Two years ago, a creative and thought-provoking video was submitted to the AARP’s U@50 video contest. It received a standing ovation, and took second prize. I was impressed with the underlying spiritual message.
Out of small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. Out of small and simple souls the world can change forever. This video is an inspirational feast. Enjoy – MoSop
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.
Nothing 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
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, Elder Neal A. Maxwell once stated:
“The Lord wants the plan taught plainly and repetitively. And why not? It is God’s plan—not ours! And, given the unimpressive outcomes of man’s plans to solve the world’s problems, aren’t we glad!”
- Elder Neal A. Maxwell, The Great Plan of The Eternal God, 1984
The Basic Plan
So, What is The Plan?
The Plan encompasses the entire purpose of life. It goes by many titles. The standard is “The Plan of Salvation“. There is also the Plan of… “Happiness“, “Redemption“, and “Mercy“. Different names, same plan. This life on earth is just a small part of that plan.
Long before we were born on this planet, we lived as spirit children (Num. 16:20), in a heavenly home with God our Father. (Ps. 82:6) We were obviously a very large family. (Eph. 1:4) We spent our time developing our personalities, talents, and spiritual gifts. However, eventually, a time comes when the only way a child can progress and become like their parents, is by leaving home and forging out on their own. 
That time came for us. Our spirit-self needed to come to an Earth, receive a physical body from mortal parents, create our own families, and gain knowledge. During our pre-earth life, (or, “pre-mortal existence”), we were taught important things. However, there were many more things we could only learn as mortals. For all intent and purposes, living on earth serves as not only our continuing education, but also our “practical exam”.
“Such longing for a heavenly home is real… when we rejoice in beautiful scenery, great art, and great music, it is but the flexing of instincts acquired in another place and another time.”
Pre-mortal Council In Heaven
Our Heavenly Father presented and explained The Plan to us in a Grand Council meeting, which we all attended. It was a very exciting day for us! We were finally ready to prove ourselves! We understood we would be born with no conscious memory of who we really are, or what took place before this life. A veil would draw over our minds. That was part of the plan. You could say we are all currently suffering “earth-induced amnesia“. However, we do retain our spiritual memory. This life is our time to live by faith, to make choices, and to prepare to return to live with Our Father again. However, our Father knew in His divine wisdom that we would make many mistakes, we would often fail our exams, we would break His laws and disobey His commands. We would become unclean and unworthy to enter His presence again.
Our Father was not sending us to earth to fail! His purpose was for us to have everlasting joy. Therefore, the Plan provided a way for us to be saved. Jesus Christ was chosen to be our Savior. Our Father would send him to earth, and he would willingly pay the price so that all of our debts could be forgiven. We would have to do our part by accepting his sacrifice in faith, repent, be baptized, and keep our faith to the end.
During that great council in heaven, there was a spirit named Lucifer who wanted to be Father’s chosen to save the world. He wanted to force us to obey, and take all of the glory to himself. 
He was a smooth talker, and convinced an entire third of our brothers and sisters to follow him in open rebellion against God. There was a great and terrible war in heaven. Lucifer and his followers had to pay the price for their rebellion, and were cast out forever. They will never be able to receive a body. They will never enjoy the blessings of God’s eternal plan of happiness. Lucifer became known as Satan, the devil. He is the great deceiver and angel of darkness. His goal is to try to destroy our Father’s plan, and to destroy us. Satan knows who we are. We opposed, fought and defeated him before this life, and he has not forgotten. Every soul born on this earth chose to follow our Father’s plan and accepted Jesus Christ as our Redeemer. It is important to remember that the war for souls that began in heaven has not ended. Satan is still trying to deceive us into following and worshiping him, and making us miserable. Unfortunately, he has been quite successful.
This life then, is our time to be educated, pass many tests, and hold firmly to Gods gameplan. We have the freedom to choose between right and wrong. It is our assignment to make the correct choices, and to continue to choose to follow God our Father, and our Savior Jesus Christ.
“Life turns out to be just what one would expect of a deliberately constructed proving and tutoring experience which features opportunities, choices, and deprivations. Furthermore, there is no way around—the only way to go is through! And what a “through” it is! “
Our Father wants us to get “straight A’s”. He has given us textbooks filled with His Words to study for the answers, and representatives to be our instructors. He has also provided our very own personal lifelines to speak with Him, and to receive His direct answers.
“…this mortal school produces some soaring triumphs but also a history filled with individual mistakes. But we should not blame the school, nor the curriculum! Least of all, the Schoolmaster! Furthermore, we dare not lecture Him on the plight of His students!”
Eventually, our time on earth will end, and our body will die. However, our spirit is eternal and does not die. What we call “Death” here, is just the beginning of “Life” as we return back HOME!
Jesus Christ is the central figure in our Heavenly Father’s Plan of Happiness. Chosen from the beginning, He was the literal Son of God on earth, the Redeemer, the Messiah, The Creator, the Life and Light of The World. Jesus left His heavenly throne, and descended to the depths of humility to do the great work he was assigned to do. Jesus was born in a stable, and cradled in the arms of his mortal virgin mother. He learned to walk, and talk, and grow, and develop wisdom, just like each of us. But Jesus was no ordinary man.
His purpose and mission was critical for every living soul who had ever or would ever live. Through His atoning sacrifice, he paid the debt for all of the mistakes, and bad choices, and sins that no one else could pay. He satisfied the demands of justice, so that mercy could be given. The night before he died, Jesus prayed to our Father for us. He pleaded that we would understand the plan as perfectly as he did. Jesus did everything he was required to do, so that we have the opportunity to return to our Father’s presence again pure, and holy. The choice is now ours whether we will reject his gift, or accept Him, repent, and believe.
It is important to remember that although we have been given the free agency to choose for ourselves in this life, we do not have control over the consequences attached to our choices. God sets the rules, and the consequences attached.
“…being free requires being responsible…and the willingness to accept the consequences of one’s decisions.”
Jesus conquered death for all mankind. His spirit left his body as he hung upon the cross. The great Redeemer died. His body was shut in a tomb. On the third day, his spirit returned to His body, and He arose, whole and perfect. One day, every human spirit that has ever lived on earth will be reunited with their body in perfect form. All will be resurrected, just like Jesus.
I have shared with you the beautiful and marvelous Plan of God. This is God’s “Gameplan” of happiness, redemption, meaning, mercy and love. Right now, wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, whether you know it yet, or not, you are a part of the plan. As a Latter-Day Saint, I rejoice in proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ. It is a message of peace and hope to the world. It is the most important message you will ever hear and choose to follow. If you have ever pondered the big questions about LIFE, what it is all about, and what happens next, all the answers are found in our Father’s plan.
We are all children of The Father. As the offspring of Diety, we are brilliant, creative, glorious beings with infinite capacity . Because we have free agency to choose happiness or misery, good or evil, kindness or cruelty, love or hate… some are making terrible choices. Some of our brothers and sisters are being deceived by Satan, causing untold suffering to others, and chaos in the world. This is Satan’s goal. He is working diligently to keep our minds and hearts blind, and our souls far away from God. But knowledge of our Savior and the plan of Salvation brings us Hope, and Power.
Eventually, there will be a judgment, and a final grade. No matter what circumstances we have been born to on this earth, no matter what we are required to endure, each of us has a divine purpose, and each of us have the potential to be perfected, just like our Father, and His Son. (Matt 4:48, Eph 4:13, 1 John 3:2, 2 Nephi 28:10).
In the “Super Bowl of Life”, following the gameplan and winning the good fight promises rewards beyond our imagination!
The following video is a beautiful testimony of love for our Savior, and our Father’s plan. The song is by Kenneth Cope, entitled “Your Father’s Child“.
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
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“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
