The Unforgettable Forget-Me-Not Talk

Relief Society

Image via Wikipedia

Saturday September 24th was the global 2011 Relief Society Annual General Conference held in Salt Lake City, Utah and broadcast by radio, satellite transmission and online streaming to the world. I was priveldged to be able to watch it by satellite. Each talk was inspiring and made me feel better about myself and glad to be alive. The most “unforgettable” talk was, as usual, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the LDS First Presidency who delighted us with a modern parable centered on the tiny blue forget-me-not flower. Each of the 5 petals of the flower represent a guiding principle that he hopes women everywhere never forget. This talk is sure to rank right up there with the late President Gordon B. Hinckley’s beloved, and equally unforgettable, “6 Be’s” Talk from Jan. 2000.

Created by Jocelyn at beinglds.blogspot.com

You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine!”

President Uchtdorf’s talk could not have come at a more appropriate time for me personally. Our family has been experiencing some difficult trials over the past month, and I have definitely struggled with discouragement. One of the overriding themes of this women’s conference was Continue reading

He Is Risen!

The Resurrection of Christ by Carl Bloch - image courtesy Wikimedia

“Of all the things for which I feel grateful, I am most thankful this Easter morning for the gift of my Lord and my Redeemer. This is Easter, when, with all of Christendom, we commemorate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This was not an ordinary thing. It was the greatest event in human history. I do not hesitate to say that.

If a man die, shall he live again?” asked Job (Job 14:14). There is no question of greater importance than this. Continue reading

I Believe In Aliens

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

Christmas Every Day In India

Samaritan

Image via Wikipedia

When I heard the story of Narayanan Krishnan, my heart was deeply touched and I was moved to tears. I cannot think of a better story to share as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ – whose ministry was devoted to the  forgotten and neediest of society. Continue reading

Let There Be Peace On Earth

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

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.

Dame Vera Lynn at the War and Peace Show 2009

Image via Wikipedia

During the Saturday October 2nd afternoon session, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared that for his birthday, he received a newly remastered CD of World War II songs by vocalist Dame Vera Lynn. He explained, Continue reading

Hi, I’m A Mormon Unplugged

Over the past year, the official Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint “website to the world” – MORMON.ORG – has been implementing a new, personalized format filled with searchable member profile pages, and video spotlights. If you have a facebook account, you’ve likely seen a few sidebar ads and videos featuring these individuals. It’s Mormons “unplugged”! Telling their stories, sharing their opinions, and faith, and lives, all in their own words. Continue reading

Conference Countdown April 2010

Temple Square - SLC, Utah

It’s time for “Conference Countdown“! Each April and October Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City becomes the quintessential “Mormon Mecca”. Anticipation is heightening, and many preperations have been underway to make this global Conference just as beautiful and spiritually edifying as ever. Continue reading

Video: Haiti – USA Med Student Adopts Orphan

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

Video: Help Haiti – Do Good!

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

 ”Have I Done Any Good?”

DO GOOD! – DONATE at give.lds.org/emergencyresponse

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Video courtesy HaveYouDoneAnyGood Channel

Helping Haiti One By One

Mormons Mobilizing

‘Mormons’ and ‘Service’ are synonymous. When tragedy strikes, no matter when or where, you can bet a group of Mormons will be on the next plane bringing truckloads of blankets, sanitation kits, food, clothing, medical supplies and volunteers. Local Mormon leaders, missionaries and congregations will be coordinating the efforts, and the local Mormon churches will immediately become a designated shelter. 

"Helping Hands"

 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hailed as having one of the best organized Humanitarian Aid Services in the world. But Latter-day Saints don’t wish to trump their own horn. They desire to serve quickly, quietly and efficiently. They strive to follow the example of Jesus, taking care of His children “one by one“.

“and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.” 3 Nephi 17:21

Infant born at Haitian LDS Chapel Jan 19 '10

When Haiti was struck with a catastrophic earthquake last week, Mormons mobilized! Thousands of volunteers immediately stepped up - whether through donations of money, products, and services, tying quilts, packing up supplies, or putting their lives on hold to physically go to Haiti.

The devestation in Haiti is so vast, and the needs are so great, it is hard not to become overwhelmed with the news reports, and the mounting task ahead. However it is heartwarming to see people of all faiths and nationalities coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and digging in (often, literally) to help the Haitian people.

There is hope for a brighter day in knowing that help is coming to Haiti one person and one day at a time.

LDS volunteer plays with Haitian children Jan 19,'10

The following two video clips, courtesy Deseret News , gives a glimpse at the work Utah “Doctors without Borders” and “Mormon Helping Hands” are doing right now.

“go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.”  Mark 10:21

A Team of Utah Doctors Helping in Haiti

“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.”  Mosiah 2:17

LDS Relief Efforts in Haiti

To Make A Donation, Go To LDS Humanitarian Services

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Read Updated Stories & Become a Fan! Facebook Page – LDS Humanitarian Services

The Prayer: A Song To Heaven

David Foster

When Grammy-award winning songwriter and producer David Foster collaborated with Grammy-award winner Carole Bayer Sager to write ”The Prayer“, it was a match made in heaven. Their song debuted in the 1998 animated film Quest for Camelot, and went on to win a Golden Globe for Best Original Song. Written with lyrics in both English and Italian, ”The Prayer” was first recorded as a duet between Celine Dion & Andrea Bocelli. In 2008 it was recorded by Dion & Josh Groban, and in 2009 Groban and Bocelli gave a memorable performance at the 50th Annual Grammy Awards. Over the years this song has been translated into many languages, and recorded by multiple artists. It also likely ranks as a “top hit” to be belted out in the privacy of showers and automobiles everywhere.

As our hearts are aching for the people of Haiti, and so many other sorrows throughout the world both public and private, I cannot think of a better time to offer up this musical prayer for peace, love, safety and comfort.

The Prayer

The Prayer

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For Info on this recording click here / Video courtesy MoTabChoir01 

“The Prayer” Lyrics

I pray you’ll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we don’t know

Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we’ll be safe

La luce che tu dai
I pray we’ll find your light
Nel cuore restera
And hold it in our hearts
A ricordarci che
When stars go out each night
L’eterna stella sei

Nella mia preghiera
Let this be our prayer
Quanta fede c’e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe.

Sogniamo un mondo senza piu violenza
Un mondo di giustizia e di speranza
Ognuno dia la mano al suo vicino
Simbolo di pace e di fraternita

La forza che ci dai
We ask that life be kind
E’il desiderio che
And watch us from above
Ognuno trovi amore
We hope each soul will find
Intorno e dentro a se
Another soul to love

Let this be our prayer
Just like every child
Needs to find a place,
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we’ll be safe

E la fede che
Hai acceso in noi
Sento che ci salvera