The last week of December always means a time for extra reflection on the past, the present and the future. With the New Year approaching, I join with millions across the globe to make resolutions to improve. But, the week carries a little extra importance for me. My oldest daughter and I celebrate our birthday’s this week. She was my birthday present 21 years ago today. (That’s more than a little crazy to think about!) How could that many years fly by so quickly? Continue reading →
It’s the worst nightmare any parent of a young Mormon missionary would have to face; learning your child who has dedicated two years of their lives away from home for church service will never return. Last night, not just one, but two families received this devastating news. Today, our world-wide community of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are grieving for the tragic loss of two exemplary young men struck down in their prime on a rural road in Texas. Continue reading →
On the cold afternoon of November 19, 1863 United States President Abraham Lincoln joined with over 15,000 people in a field on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The crowd was gathered for the purpose of dedicating the fresh graves of a newly created Soldiers National Cemetery; location of one of the most vicious and deadly battles of the raging Civil War.
The featured speaker of this event was U.S. Senator Edward Everett, a popular orator who chose to wax poetic for over two full hours to the [extremely patient] crowd. After he sat down, President Lincoln was asked to give “a few appropriate remarks” in closing. Lincoln spoke for only four minutes, and yet his words have become one of the most enduring and memorable speeches in American history. I feel his words stand as a solid American oath for Memorial Day, and an enduring anthem for every day. Continue reading →
Painting by Fra Angelico "Christ's Journey To Hell and Release of Old Testamentary Persons, beginning with Adam" - image via Wikimedia
Where was Jesus for the 30-35 hours between His death on Friday, and His Resurrection on Sunday? The answer unlocks the mystery of death and gives us a glimpse of God’s Great Plan of Happiness for all of His children. Elder Spencer J. Condie of the Quorum of the Seventy stated:
“…the significance of what He [The Savior] did during those hours provides the doctrinal foundation for building [Latter-day Saint] temples across the earth. Furthermore, a testimony of what He did can greatly console those who mourn the death of a loved one.” Continue reading →
The life of revered American poet and educator Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807 – 1882) held great sorrow, and also great faith. In 2008, actor Edward Herrmann recounted the inspiring story behind Longfellow’s enduring Christmas hymn of hope, “I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day“. Continue reading →
“In a recent stake conference, the tender mercies of the Lord were evident in the touching testimony of a young wife and mother of four whose husband was slain in Iraq in December of 2003. This stalwart sister recounted how, after being notified of her husband’s death, she received his Christmas card. Continue reading →
Mormons and non-Mormons alike are mourning Sunday’s senseless and tragic death of Bishop Clay Sannar, age 42, of the Visalia California Ward congregation, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Bishop Sannar had only been serving in his lay ministry calling a few months. While doing paperwork in his church office after morning services on Sunday August 29, a man who was “visibly upset” walked into the chapel, and asked to see “someone in charge”. When taken to Sannar, Continue reading →
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:
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.
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!”
On the 16th Day it isn’t always enough … to smile and grin and try to be tough… A post on coping with Grief and Loss at Christmas time.
For many days I have been posting regular messages of joy, glory, praise and holiday cheer as we ‘countdown to Christmas’. I plan to continue! Today, my message of hope and praise is just a little different from the norm. I wish to acknowledge the suffering that often accompanies this time of year when empty chairs and broken hearts seem especially out of place.
Suffering from the loss of a loved one at any time of the year is difficult, yet during the holidays or on other special occasions, the grieving experience has a more intense sense of loss. The world is moving forward, celebrating life and all its blessings, yet for those who grieve, a dark shadow pervades the holiday.
If you’re mourning a loss this Christmas, the holiday glam and seasonal lights can make you feel terrible … You’re not alone if you’re dealing with death – Grieving at Christmas
Every person’s grief becomes a very different and personal journey. There is no “one size fits all” guide to getting through the holidays, or to healing. Sadly, there is no magic wand that can make ‘everything ok’. According to Kay Talbot, PhD. one should expect “sudden Grief Attacks”, exhaustion, disruption, emotional “echos”, “if only’s”, “Should have’s”, anger, fear, and deep, soul searching questions. These are just a few of the many faces and stages of grief. Several books have been devoted just to getting through the holidays after a death.
However, there is an assurance that life will get better. Of course, it will never be the same as before. But, gradually we can each feel stronger and more in charge of our life.
“Death leaves a heartache difficult to heal ~~ Love leaves sweet memories no one can steal”
Epitaph on a tombstone in Ireland, dated 1889
Cori Connors
Two years ago I had the priviledge of attending a Christmas concert being given by an LDS folk singer named Cori Connors. I was enchanted with her warm personality, her generous spirit, and her deeply moving lyrics. Cori’s songs bubble with life. They include the joyful moments, but she is not afriad to explore the many not-so-happy challenges of mortality. I love Cori’s songs. They’re real. They’re honest. And, they’re intimite. One of these songs, entitled “You Would Have Loved This” was written at Christmas, following the death of Cori’s mother-in-law. That particular song has been running through my mind so much lately that I decided it really wanted to be a MoSop Movie, and that this topic really needed be posted!
It is my hope that Cori’s words, and music can help heal something inside each of us.
Cori Connors
Cori Connors:
Not long ago, when my family had gathered together at my mom’s house, we set up the old brown card table in the middle of the living room. Out from the cupboards and bookcases came boxes and albums full of old family photos. Those photos called up memories for all of us, some painful, but mostly sweet. They were a tangible representation of all that brought us to where we are today.
Richard Exley said…”Experience again the full range of emotion memories invoke. Let them play a nostalgic melody on the strings of your heart. Remember the warmth of a special friendship, the comfort of kindness, the closeness of family. Think about the Christ Child in Bethlehem’s manger and the nearness of God. Blink back the tears, if need be, and swallow past the fist sized lump in your throat, but don’t quench the memories. They are a part of your history, part of the web of experience which God has woven into the tapestry of your personhood.”
I have counted the years by Christmases, written on a series of envelopes and papers, and set to music in the wee silent hours at home. These songs are the pages of my scrapbook. My love and thanks to family and friends who embedded themselves in my heart.
The following MoSop Movie was created with all those in mind who have some hurt to endure, tenderness of soul, or pain of heart. It is my wish that you will find joy in your memories, and much sweetness amidst the sorrow. I’m sorry I do not have the right words to say to take your particular pain away. But, I offer up a song, and a prayer, and my love.
Mormon musician Paul Cardall was born in 1973 with a severe congenital heart defect. He has undergone countless surgeries, and is currently wait-listed for a heart transplant. This is his last hope. He dreams of living long enough to raise his little girl Eden alongside his beautiful wife Lynette.
Ironically, Paul possesses an exceptional art for healing others. Despite his failing health, he remains an unfailing inspiration and source of hope. He uses his musical gifts to comfort, bless and heal the world one person at a time. Paul doesn’t get to the piano much these days, but when he does, the music comes straight from his broken heart.
This week, I was extremely touched by his new composition entitled “Gracie’s Theme“. Paul shared his thoughts on this piece:
“Over the years I have been deeply affected by other sick children. One particular child was Gracie, a baby who passed after a failed heart transplant. It’s heartbreaking to watch parents fight to keep their children alive only to see them slowly slip back into Gods loving arms. However, it is inspiring to witness children whove been fortunate to continue their journey in this life. I am one of those. Regardless of the outcome it seems these experiences teach the value of life and how fragile it truly is. We live for a short while, but in the end we all go home to that God who gave us life.”
Paul Cardall received his heart transplant, and is doing fabulous! What an inspiration and miracle he is. A benefit concert is planned for Feb. 15th, 2009. See video!:
On Thursday May 28, 2009 it was announced that one of the great philosophers and historians of Mormonism, Truman G. Madsen passed on to the next life, succombing to cancer. Members of the church, and LDS Bloggers worldwide are bidding him a fond farewell. This post pays my tribute to a great man, and a great mind, who leaves a lasting legacy.
“‘To be or not to be?’ That is not the question. What is the question? The question is not one of being, but of becoming. ‘To become more or not to become more. This is the question faced by each intelligence in our universe.” – Madsen, Eternal Man
Madsen was a beloved and honored contributor to Mormon scholarship and education. He taught for 37 years at Brigham Young University,
“A little boy, I’m told, wrote a letter to God (this is published in a collection of children’s letters). It said, “Dear God, How do you feel about people who don’t believe in you? A friend of mine wants to know.” Recently I was invited to sit in on a graduate class elsewhere–a group most critical and equipped with jaw-breaking terminology and bone-breaking arguments against religion.
Jesus Christ
At one point I said, “So I’ll know where you’re coming from, would each person here consider: If you had only one question to address to Jesus Christ, what would you ask him?” Well, most of those in the room had a grievance and said that they would ask a kind of “pick-a-fight” question. But one lad, in the corner, didn’t respond, and, having been urged, finally said with a thoughtful smile, “Well, if I had only one question, I would ask, ‘How am I doing?”’ – Madsen, On How We Know
Jerusalem Center
His in-depth study of the Life of Christ, lectures recorded and filmed on location in the Holy Land, were of great fascination and education to me personally. These lectures greatly enhanced my experience and deepened my personal witness of Jesus the Christ, as I participated in a BYU Study Abroad program to Jerusalem in 1986 – 87. Additional links to Madsen’s work, and videos can be found at the official Truman Madsen Website. Other links and a bio can be found at the Truman G. Madsen Wiki Page.
I was hopeful to find a video version of Madsen’s lecture on Gethsemane, entitled The Olive Press, which had a tremendous impact on me. Madsen truly had a grasp of The Atonement on a higher level than the rank and file:
“The greatest tragedy of life is that, having paid that awful price of suffering “according to the flesh that his bowels might be filled with compassion,” and being now prepared to reach down and help us, he is forbidden because we won’t let him. We look down instead of up.” – Madsen, The Highest In Us,
Sadly, there is not much offered by and about Truman Madsen on YouTube (yet). He possessed such a unique persona and voice, that it is a delight to see him speaking, as well as hear and read his words. The video I have attached (getting a lot of play time in the past 24 hours) offers a great sample of Madsen’s riveting storytelling and talent as a master teacher. Here, he details the beginning of the practice of polygyny instituted by the prophet Joseph Smith in Nauvoo (filmed on location in Nauvoo).
God bless your next adventure in the great beyond, Brother Madsen! No doubt, you are already instructing and teaching the angels in their heavenly duties. - MoSop
Brother Madsen
“My testimony to you is that you have come literally “trailing clouds of glory”. If you only knew who you are and what you did and how you earned the privileges of mortality and not just of mortality but of this time, this place, this dispensation, and the associates that have been meant to cross and intertwine with your lives…what in my bitter moments I call this spook alley of mortality…if you knew the latent infinite power that is locked up and hidden for your own good now – you would never again yield to any of the putdowns that are a dime a dozen in our culture today.” – Madsen, The Highest In Us
According to 
“Over the years I have been deeply affected by other sick children. One particular child was Gracie, a baby who passed after a failed heart transplant. It’s heartbreaking to watch parents fight to keep their children alive only to see them slowly slip back into Gods loving arms. However, it is inspiring to witness children whove been fortunate to continue their journey in this life. I am one of those. Regardless of the outcome it seems these experiences teach the value of life and how fragile it truly is. We live for a short while, but in the end we all go home to that God who gave us life.”
“The greatest tragedy of life is that, having paid that awful price of suffering “according to the flesh that his bowels might be filled with compassion,” and being now prepared to reach down and help us, he is forbidden because we won’t let him. We look down instead of up.” – Madsen, 
