At The Back Door by Robert Duncan
One of my mother’s “famous sayings” when I was growing up, [used with increasing frequency and urgency the older my siblings and I became], was “Please Remember Who You Are!” Without fail, as we were running out the door to play with friends, or to have a “sleep over”, attend a party or go to Prom, Mother’s voice could be heard calling after us; “Please Remember Who You Are!“
As time went by, it became an inside joke to see Continue reading
A few years ago two talented women named Tami Jeppson Creamer, and Derena Bell teamed up to compose the song ”I Know That My Savior Loves Me“. It was written specifically for a children’s choir to perform at a local Stake Conference, but this weekend the song will “go viral” to a global audience!
Creamer and Bell’s powerful message combined with a sweet melody has been popular with Continue reading
In this sweet video, the youth of the Meadowood Latter-day Saint Ward ages 3-18 share the true story of Christmas through scripture, images, song and faith.
The following story was told by Elder M. Russell Ballard, Apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:
[In 1990] I had the privilege of participating in the Washington, D.C. Visitors’ Center Christmas lighting celebration. When I turned on the 200,000 lights, they seemed to dance and sparkle in the trees, with the majestic temple glowing in the background.
That night, outside of their Soviet community for the first time, Continue reading
Image via Wikipedia
Children possess many special gifts – one of them is the ability to see and feel the pure magic of Christmas. This sweet video gives us a glimpse of Christmas through the eyes of a child, as we prepare to celebrate the birth of The Holy Child. Continue reading
In a world where we experience a continual barrage of discouraging information and negative news, it often seems impossible to find hope. How do we rise above it all? How can we find higher meaning? How do we have faith?
I’ve learned through personal experience that it is only by entering darkness that we may emerge into brighter light. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragedy to give new perspective, but also allows us to experience a miracle, like the story of Bronson. Continue reading
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
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:
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.
Utah helps Haiti
The miraculous story of Jeremy and Hollie Wardell bringing daughter Gabby Home - Incredible!
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
Pres. David O. McKay with his wife "Ray"
Like all people of faith, Latter-day Saints (Mormons) like to gather inspirational quotes. Over time, the words become integrated into our souls, our values, and our culture. When the quotes come from “over the pulpit”, [i.e. spoken by a general authority, apostle or prophet in an official meeting of the church, or published in an official LDS magazine], then it is given much more weight, and considered for all intents and purposes, ‘living scripture’.
One of our “top 10″ living scripture quotes is commonly attributed to President David O. McKay, 9th prophet and president of the LDS Church (serving from 1951-1970)
“No other success can compensate for failure in the home”
For over six decades, this memorable sentance has wielded great power to motivate (and sometimes discourage) millions of parents! I recently gathered some interesting back story, along with an intriguing mystery about this quote.
1. NOT President McKay:
While it is important that President McKay DID use these words as part of two separate General Conference talks - April 1935, and April 1964 respectively [unavailable online], he was actually quoting someone else; J. E. McCulloch, to be exact.
2. Who was J.E. McCulloch?
Surprisingly, the oft-quoted James Edward [J.E.] McCulloch remains shrouded in mystery. An online search will give you hundreds of references [mainly by Mormon leaders quoting McKay quoting McCulloch]! However, I have tried and failed to find a bio or a photo of the man. Thanks to a great article published in 2004 by Russell Arden Fox at Times and Seasons, we know that McCulloch “lived in Nashville at the turn of the [20th] century, and served as secretary to the Southern Sociological Congress”. From what I have ascertained, Mr. McCulloch was a prolific author of books, as well as editor for Southern Sociological Congress essays, on topics of conservative values and societal trends. A listing of his literary output – totaling 73 - is found on GoogleBooks, with titles such as: “The Human Way: Addresses on Race Problems“, “Battling for Social Betterment“, and “Democracy In Earnest“.
3. Source of The Quote:
A Family, circa 1924
Our ”success/failure” quote comes from J.E. McCulloch’s book entitled Home: The Savior of Civilization [ 1924, The Southern Co-operative League, 638 pages]. You’ve gotta love that title. Like all of his books, it is out of print, and sadly, unlike most of his other books, it is not scanned yet, nor available online (but consider, it is 638 pages). The good news is that a book synopsis pdf is available through online archives which gives a fascinating glimpse:
Wow! Just the outline of this book says so much about Mr. McCulloch’s deep commitment to home and family. It states here that the book is a compilation of scriptures, poems and quotes, so we still cannot be 100% sure if McCulloch is the actual author of the famous quote included in the book, or if he was also quoting! This is another ’mystery’ part of our story, waiting for final confirmation.
4. The Mormon Connection
President David O. McKay’s legacy with the church includes fully implementing the Family Home Evening Program, (an idea first introduced in 1915 – given as “advice” to LDS parents – see history). Since 1964, Family Home Evening (affectionately abbreviated to FHE) has been a standard practice in Latter-day Saint homes. Mormon families set aside Monday night as the evening to be spent exclusively with their families – to sing together, study the scriptures, play games (and eat treats).
In some ways, Monday night becomes the “most sacred” night of the week for a Mormon – in the sense that as a lay congregation with many service responsibilities, this is the only night the church building is guaranteed to remain locked, and unlike Sunday’s or other days of the week, church responsibilities, service projects, choir rehearsals, meetings, and activities will NEVER be scheduled! It’s also an unspoken rule that Mormons don’t call other Mormons after 6 PM on a Monday night, in respect for Family Home Evening.
by Bruce Clovis Smith
From the synopsis of his book, Mr. McCulloch had already instituted a very successful family home evening program of his own, which others were using, too! Did McCulloch’s program of holding ‘Home Council’, and his subsequent book encouraging the practice, have an influence on President McKay? Could it have prompted the inspiration to begin the full-fledged Church-wide ‘Family Home Evening Program’? Another mystery, but certainly feasible. Either way, McCulloch would be pleased to know that Mormons are “Keeping the family altar a supreme element in the home“.
It seems to me that Latter-day Saints have a lot to owe the mysterious J.E. McCulloch. If nothing else, I think it would be fair to say he holds the unique distinction of being the most-quoted-yet-least-credited-non-Mormon-by-Mormons. :) I would certainly be interested in learning much more about this fascinating man. [If you have detailed information, or actually possess a copy of his rare book, please contact me by leaving a comment!]
Although we usually only remember the famous McKay ‘one-liner’, the full McCulloch quote given by President David O. McKay is as follows:
“The home is the first and most effective place for children to learn the lessons of life: truth, honor, virtue, self-control; the value of education, honest work, and the purpose and privilege of life. Nothing can take the place of home in rearing and teaching children, and no other success can compensate for failure in the home” ( J. E. McCulloch, Home: The Savior of Civilization [1924], 42; in Conference Report, Apr. 1935, 116).
In 1972, President Harold B. Lee, first counselor to Pres. McKay, and later 11th President of the church, added a line to the McCulloch/McKay quote “over the pulpit”, which does a marvelous job of both softening and strengthening the message of this famous quote for all families:
Pres. Lee
Remember, paraphrasing what President McKay said, “No success will compensate for failure in the home.” Remember also that no home is a failure as long as that home doesn’t give up. “- Harold B. Lee, Ensign, Feb. 1972
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AUTHOR NOTE: To all my fabulous, alert and very-eager-to-be-mystery-solving readers. Yes, I am aware there is a pdf offered by Sage Journals Online. At first glance, it looks like a pdf of Mr. McCullough’s book! Nope. Rather, it is an article published in the same year, 1924, and by the same press company. The article lists the synopsis of McCulloch’s “Home: The Savior of Civilization”, along with several other newly released books that year. It was essentially designed as a promotional ad from the publishing house, but it also provides fascinating insight. I have quoted this article extensively in #3 above.
I welcome any new info. And, as always, I hope to hear your thoughts and comments! – MoSop
Pfc Jesse Givens
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 reported by Minnesota Public Radio
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.
Video tribute created by Seth Adam Smith
To read the full text of Jesse Givens Final Letter Go To: fallenheroesmemorial.com
To Read An Indepth Interview – Go to thefinalrollcall.us
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”
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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 17th Day of Christmas Countdown, MoSop reminds us
what Christmas is all about, courtesy, Linus.
I’ve always loved the Peanuts Cartoon series. Creator Charles Schulz was smart. He knew that often it takes a child to be able to state the facts. There’s nothing quite so beautiful in simplicity. You’ve probably seen this video clip before, but as we face the last mad dash to complete our shopping and baking and party-going … it’s nice to be reminded.
