Half A Million, and Counting!

Half A Million, and Counting!

This morning the Mormon Soprano blog surpassed 500,000 visits! WOW!! I wish I could adequately extend my thanks to each and every one of you, and do so in your native language, beacuse you are a very diverse group!…It’s been a fascinating journey… Continue reading »

You’re Invited! Please Come

You’re Invited! Please Come

In 10 days The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold its General Conference, and YOU are invited! The conference is FREE, and it’s open and available to all the world. In this post, you will find your official invitation, and a list of many ways to attend, watch and listen. Continue reading »

We Listen To A Prophet’s Voice

We Listen To A Prophet’s Voice

In 11 days The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will hold it’s 182nd Semi-Annual General Conference in Salt Lake City, Utah. . . This is my first in a series of posts to help us prepare for another marvelous General Conference. The feelings of love and joy for the blessing and opportunity we have to listen to a living prophet of God is captured well in the words of one of our hymns, “We Listen To A Prophet’s Voice”. Continue reading »

Heeding The Call To Caucus

Heeding The Call To Caucus

Utah Mormons were officially called to repentance over the pulpit this month for not being more involved in our local political process. Specifically, the importance of attending precinct Caucus meetings. The concern was magnified by a recent poll that showed that less than a third of registered state voters have been showing up for a caucus. .

B.H. Roberts and Frederick Kesler Diaries Available

B.H. Roberts and Frederick Kesler Diaries Available

An exciting announcement has been made by the University of Utah Marriott Library. The personal diaries of two prominent Mormon pioneers, B.H. (Brigham Henry) Roberts and Frederick Kesler have been scanned and printed and are now available to the public! Not only are these diaries available at a very reasonable cost, but the library has also made them available free of charge to read online, through the miracle of internet and PDF… Continue reading »

Flute and Harp Duo Lift Spirits

Flute and Harp Duo Lift Spirits

“Have you had your music today?” That is what Tamara Oswald, (harp) and Jeannine Goeckeritz, (flute) ask their viewers in their new series of videos released recently on YouTube. In this video, they perform the beloved classic Londonderry Air – “Danny Boy”, arranged by Sam Cardon, from their new CD ~ Chanson ~ Music of Light, Peace and Relaxation Filmed above the city in a peaceful rooftop garden on the LDS Conference Center, this piece was a beloved favorite of the late President Gordon B. Hinckley who’s vision and example inspired generations . . . Continue reading »

Calgary Gets Their Angel

Calgary Gets Their Angel

At sunrise on Thursday January 12, 2012, a traditional golden Angel Moroni statue was placed atop the new Latter-day Saint temple being built in Calgary, Alberta Canada. Despite being a very cold morning, many locals came out to watch the event. The video shared here, created by jamietaki, makes a special keepsake! Continue reading »

Alex Boyé Takes Music To Higher Ground

Alex Boyé Takes Music To Higher Ground

The latest release by the irresistible Piano Guys, entitled “Peponi”, has become yet another YouTube sensation for the classical duo. But, this one is an extra special treat. Pianist Jon Schmidt and Cellist Steven Sharp Nelson partnered with vocal powerhouse, (and my personal friend), Alex Boyé to create an African “spiritualization” of Coldplay’s hit song “Paradise”. Alex Boyé is a British-born Mormon convert of Nigerian descent who currently lives in Utah, USA. Alex is a husband, a father, and a professional singer and actor. He gives his whole heart and soul into each performance, and allows his music to stand as a testament of his life and faith… Continue reading »

Snow Day At The Temple

Snow Day At The Temple

Utah ended 2011 with the warmest & driest December on record. We’ve nearly gotten used to wearing nothing more than a light jacket when we go out. Even our bicycles were (until yesterday) sitting in front of the shovels in our garage. So, when a decent sized snowstorm hit Saturday morning, we were more than a little bit surprised! It also happened … Continue reading »

New Year Resolution Epiphany

New Year Resolution Epiphany

Happy 2012! Today I sat down and dutifully started listing out all of my new year resolutions. First, I listed all the things I “should” do, which morphed into the things I “want” to do. Several on the two lists match up. In all honesty, it might be hard to stick to any resolution on … Continue reading »

Birthdays and Death Days

Birthdays and Death Days

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. … Continue reading »

Christmas Eve Service Takes On New Meaning

Christmas Eve Service Takes On New Meaning

On Christmas Eve this year our family participated in a different kind of “Church Service”. Apparently, a few months back Mr. MoSop signed us all up for the weekly wardhouse cleaning detail. He felt it would be “a great chance for us to give a gift to Jesus on Christmas”. This blog post gives the lowdown on our non-traditional Christmas “gift-giving” experience – with a few “tips” thrown in for future participants. Continue reading »

Nativity Collection Shares Peace, Goodwill

Nativity Collection Shares Peace, Goodwill

Every year in November my friend Nola Child begins to unwrap her Christmas treasures and transform her home into a sacred museum, of sorts. It takes Nola over a week of full-time effort to get everything into place. That’s because Nola owns over 600 nativity scenes from around the world (although, I’ve heard the unofficial number might be closer to 700). . . [Merry Christmas everyone! In this post, Enjoy Nola's nativity collection as a MoSop video] Continue reading »

Silent Night Gets A Fresh Take

Silent Night Gets A Fresh Take

Jake Justice and Amy Whitcomb may be young, but they are already making a name for themselves in the competitive music industry. The two talented Mormon artists recently collaborated on a new recording of “Silent Night” which I am pleased to share with you today. Continue reading »

Welcome Christmas! Pull Up A Chair

Welcome Christmas! Pull Up A Chair

Hello Christmas! You look so beautiful, and not even a day older, this year! Won’t you please come in and stay awhile? I’m sorry I’ve been rushing around so much lately I haven’t paused to spent more quality time with you. I know you can’t stay long, and your presence always fills my heart and home with such a special feeling! . . . A gift for my readers Continue reading »

Carol Of The Bells and Cellos

Carol Of The Bells and Cellos

Confession time. There are a few Christmas songs I don’t particularly care for. Take Carol of The Bells, for instance, which usually scrapes along the edge of my nerves like a dull razor. The song is merciless for any singer with articulation problems, or any listener who prefers their music to stay on pitch. And, don’t even get … Continue reading »

David Archuleta Mission Plan Admirable

David Archuleta Mission Plan Admirable

Last night at the close of a special Christmas Concert performed at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City, former American-Idol-singing sensation David Archuleta (a Mormon), shared a “special announcement” with his home fans regarding a new direction he has chosen to take with his life.

The Magnificat, Mary and Elisabeth In Film

The Magnificat, Mary and Elisabeth In Film

A new series of Bible videos created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being produced and offered free of charge to the public. The video series debuted this month with a stunningly beautiful depiction of The Christmas Story, told in six parts. . . . .The second video depicts the joyous and emotional reunion of Mary and her cousin Elisabeth… Continue reading »

A Warm Hallelujah! From Chilly Alaska

A Warm Hallelujah! From Chilly Alaska

Last year, a small group of 5th graders living in the remote Alaskan village of Quinhagak received the thrill of a lifetime when their school project became an international video sensation! Their creative music video of Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” was originally crafted to entertain “only about 200 people”, but thanks to the wonders of YouTube, email, and social media sites, the video has now traveled around the globe entertaining well over one million people…and counting. Continue reading »

A Nigerian Christmas

A Nigerian Christmas

In December 2007 a Mormon man from Brazil named Eduardo went on a business trip to Lagos, Nigeria. During his stay, he had the opportunity to attend a Christmas Party held at the local Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was charmed by his video of the enthusiastic Yaba Ward Choir performing “Silent Night”. Enjoy! Continue reading »

The Most WONDERFUL Time Of The Year

The Most WONDERFUL Time Of The Year

The distinctive voice of Johnny Mathis crooned through my radio, declaring “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of The Year!” The popular Christmas song went on to list exactly what makes it so wonderful, such as holiday greetings, being with loved ones, caroling, “parties for hosting”, and even “marshmallows for toasting”… Continue reading »

A Sweet Caribbean Dream and Our 4th Blogiversary

A Sweet Caribbean Dream and Our 4th Blogiversary

With all this recent talk of surviving windstorms, property destruction, subzero weather, and participating in neighborhood clean-up efforts, combined with the stress and franticness of holiday planning I think it’s high time for a tropical escape, don’t you? So come on in for a little “Calgon moment”, and sail away with me!

Sabbath of Service in Bountiful

Sabbath of Service in Bountiful

It’s been a “beautiful day in the neighborhood”! Bountiful residents were out in force on Sunday helping their neighbors clean up from Thursday’s big windstorm. We were also gearing up and “battening down the hatches” in preparation for a second storm predicted to hit tonight with 70+ mph winds. All sabbath services of The Church of … Continue reading »

Tragedy Or Destiny In Texas?

Tragedy Or Destiny In Texas?

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 home. Last night, not just one, but two families received this devestating news. . . Continue reading »

Free Wireless

Free Wireless

I have learned in a very personal way that God is real. He loves us. He listens. The best way to know this, is simply to put His amazing “free wireless service” to the test any time of the day or night. Amazingly, the more we use it, the clearer our reception gets. Continue reading »