A solid American oath for Memorial Day, and an enduring anthem for every day. Continue reading »
Filed under Freedom …
Truly Blessed and Duly Grateful
Sharing Ten Things I am grateful for, and a beautiful song for Thanksgiving. Continue reading »
Dame Vera Lynn Adds Light To Mormon Conference
I love it when songs are used as illustrations in talks during the Semi-Annual General Conference of our Church. Thankfully, it happens often. Last week’s October 2010 Conference was no exception. Continue reading »
Catholics and Mormons: United We Stand
There’s an old saying: “What a difference a day makes“. In the grand scheme of things, a “day” might be 24 hours, or perhaps a week, a month, a decade, a generation, or even an eon. Biblically speaking, who is to say how long a “day” needs to last for God’s six creative steps, recorded in the first chapter … Continue reading »
Privacy: Dead or Alive?
Today’s Wordpress Poll asked the following question: “Is Online Privacy Dead?” Yes, or No. Here are my thoughts on the subject of “Privacy” [and lack thereof] in the year 2010 and beyond…. Including what I consider the “Bright Side”. Continue reading »
Anthem For A New Year
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.
The poem 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.
Watch A Video Of This Musical Premiere Continue reading »
The Last Letter Home: A Soldier’s Song
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…
Hear the story, and watch the musical performance of his last Letter Home. Continue reading »
Honoring The Greatest Generation
Today America commemorates Veterans Day. This is a day to formally honor those who have served our country, in all branches of our Armed Forces. It is a day to remember those who are currently serving, those who are veterans, and those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. When I left for work this morning, I got a lump in … Continue reading »
9/11 Survivor Finds Peace
As we prepare to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001 – one of America’s saddest days, there is opportunity for reflection, healing and peace. In this powerful video, survivor Victor Guzman describes his personal journey from the tragedy and trauma of 9/11, to hope, healing, and renewal. Created by Mormon Messages
More Holiness, More Freedom
This past weekend I was archiving files on my computer, and I discovered some photos I took in July 2008. One image in particular has captured my attention. If a “picture is worth a thousand words” then this one certainly tells a beautiful story… Continue reading »
FREEDOM
What freedoms are you grateful for today?
Happy NaBloPoMo!
That’s “National Blog Posting Month“, of course! (hat tip WordPress) Yep, there is even an official NaBloPoMo Blog WebSite dedicated to encouraging you to write something every day and share it with the world. For those of you with your own blogs – you may JOIN NOW. It’s open to anyone with a blog, anywhere in … Continue reading »
National Hymn: God Of Our Fathers
Many are familiar with the National Anthem of the United States of America, however did you know there is also a National Hymn? This is a beloved song included in the Latter-day Saint Hymnal. Learn more about its history, and watch a music video. Continue reading »
Fight The Good Fight
The holy scriptures teach us of the great battle which is being waged for souls between the forces of good and the forces of evil. In this new MoSop Movie you will see that once we become truly converted to the Lord’s cause on earth, then we are recruited as His warriers for truth and righteousness…to victoriously serve our fellow men through missionary and humanitarian efforts. Continue reading »
Glenn Beck Tells Why America is Going Broke
Here’s an entertaining clip from Glenn Beck, illustrating where our money is actually going. more about “Glenn Beck on Why America is Going Br…“, posted with vodpod
US Bailouts Face Prophetic Warning
For some reason, the subject of politics always seems to wake the “raging beast” within people. I find this unproductive, and completely contrary to my site’s theme. Therefore, it is with soft footsteps I venture into recent government decisions. That said, if something endangers individual and collective spirituality, then I feel it is within the … Continue reading »
God’s Game Plan
God our Father has a Gameplan, and we’re all on the team! If He had a “playbook”, He might borrow a few play titles straight from daytime TV: As The World Turns One Life To Live Guiding Light All My Children Search For Tomorrow Another World For simplicity, this is Our Family Story.I love hearing, … Continue reading »
Apology Accepted, Tom Hanks
Last week I wrote an open letter To Tom Hanks From An American Mormon Fan. During my letter, I encouraged Tom to apologize for his disparaging Mormon comments. Yesterday, he did: “Last week, I labeled members of the Mormon church who supported California’s Proposition 8 as “un-American.” I believe Proposition 8 is counter to the … Continue reading »
Inauguration Celebration For The Working Class
We are on the eve of another POTUS hand-off. There’s plenty of talking heads talking, and blogging hands blogging out their opinions and witty repartee. I have absolutely nothing important to say. But, just like millions of other Americans, that won’t stop me from saying something anyway.
To Tom Hanks: From An American Mormon Fan
Dear Tom, What were you thinking?! You must have been temporarily impaired. It could happen. After all, you were having such a good time celebrating your recent “Big Love” Executive Producer success, maybe it was just too easy to lose track of the refills. Alcohol does that to people. Open mouth – drink booze – insert … Continue reading »
A 1978 Warning Of Current USA Crises
Thirty years ago Elder Neal A. Maxwell, who was then serving in The First Quorum of the Seventy of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave a talk at Brigham Young University entitled “Meeting The Challenges of Today,”. It was later republished as “A More Determined Discipleship“. His words of warning that day … Continue reading »
A Prayer For Veterans Day
On This Day, We Pause To Remember DANTE’S PRAYER by Loreena McKennitt
The Morning After An Election
Our nation is experiencing the “morning after” syndrome of a presidential election. After managing to drag out the anticipation, mudslinging, media blitz and emotional roller coaster ride for over two years I don’t think it is surprising for most Americans to wake up with an anticlimactic political hangover. Of course, there are those who still … Continue reading »
Vote True 2008
Here is an important message to all Americans from my friend Truett, age 4
Freedom From Earth Stains
Today Americans celebrate the 232nd birthday of our nation’s Declaration of Independence. The flags are flying, and there will be many parades with beautiful floats and energetic marching bands. Most workers are enjoying this day as a paid holiday, me included. Our parks are filled with families enjoying time together, eating picnics and anticipating an … Continue reading »
