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
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
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
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
2008 Re-dedication
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.
“Into Light” 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.
“Lift us again, moon for the season.
From its warm nest the bird breaks into flight.
Set loose we spin with earth into blue,
Heaven’s dome turning us back into light.”
Video Courtesy Kurt Bestor
Historic Trivia: The dedicatory prayer for this ceremony was given by the current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Gordon B. Hinckley. This would be his final public appearance. He passed away 3 weeks later, on Jan. 27, 2008 at the age of 97.
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.
“On The 6th Day of Christmas, MoSop shares a music treat”…
NEW WORDS sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell (so sweet!)
~~~~~~~~~~
The first time I heard broadway star Brian ‘Stokes’ Mitchell perform this song, my soul was deeply touched. In fact, I was moved to tears. Not only was I overcome by Stokes incredible, passionate performance, but also by the message of the piece. This song reminds us that when we see the world through the eyes of a child, life is a joyous miracle!
I have created this particular musical gift for two reasons.
#1. It stands as an obvious tribute to Stokes, whom I deeply admire as not only a stunningly gifted performer, but a human being who manages to be genuine, and has strong family values. No one who visits my site should be deprived of discovering the “magic of Stokes”!!
#2. My primary reason for sharing this video is to give a holiday gift of hope to my readers, and to the world. I personally feel this song captures the very essence of Christmas. We have a Child, a Father, the Spirit of Wonder, and the Wonders of Creation – all wrapped up together in a tidy 4 minute musical package to ponder and enjoy!
So, despite the chaos of the impending holidays, and the many things that may be weighing heavy on your heart this season, it is my prayer that God will Bless you to feel the true Peace and Joy that can only come from A Child!
NEW WORDS (Lyrics and Music by Maury Yeston)
Look up there, high above us,
In a sky of blackest silk.
See how round, like a cookie
See how white as white as milk.
Call it, “the moon” my son,
Say “MOON”.
Sounds like your spoon, my son,
Can you say it?
New word today!
Say “MOON”
Near the moon brightly turning,
See those shining sparks of light?
Each one new, each one burning
Through the darkness of the night.
We call them “stars”, my son,
Say “STARS”!
That one is Mars, my son.
Can you say it?
New word today!
Say “Stars”.
As they blink all around us,
Playing starry-eyed games,
Who would think it astounds us
Simply naming their names?
Turn your eyes from the skies now.
Turn around and look at me.
There’s a light in my eyes now,
And a word for what you see.
We call it “Love”, my son.
Say “LOVE”.
So, hard to say, my son.
It get’s harder.
New words today, we’ll learn to say.
Learn “moon”, learn “stars”, learn “love”.
La la la la …
Learn “Moon”, learn “stars”, learn “happy”
Learn “peace”, learn “love”, learn “puppy”
Learn “friend”, learn “toy”, learn “sharing”
Learn “hope”, learn “joy”, learn “caring”,
Learn “Life is there for living”
And “Love is there for giving”
Learn merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
Live, and Laugh, and Dream.
This past Saturday the moment of truth finally arrived for our family. It was time to bid goodbye to our oldest child as she begins College. In my earlier post entitled “Don’t Turn Around“, I spoke about the bitter-sweet experience it is to watch a child grow up, and accept the circle of life.
I didn’t know exactly what to expect on Saturday. Would I bawl like a baby? (as many predicted) Would I go home, crawl into a fetal position on her bed and refuse to come out? Or, would I actually cheer? (as one jovial brother-in-law suggested).
College Or Bust
In the end, I certainly didn’t cheer. But, I didn’t cry, either… (misty-eyed doesn’t really count, right?). The day was long and eventful. It involved packing the car to it’s extreme capacity, an extended road trip, an unfortunate encounter with a friendly but stern Highway Patrol officer, and several hours at our final destination. We helped our new Freshman get her Post Office Box, move into her dorm room, buy books and supplies, make several trips to the local Walmart, and eventually have our “last supper” together. Our daughter’s joy and excitement was infectious. She chattered non-stop about all of the upcoming events planned on campus that weekend. The day her mother had secretly dreaded was the same day that she had been dreaming about for years. (Funny how that usually works between parents and their children).
After driving back to her apartment building one last time, we stood on the sidewalk exchanging hugs and kisses and giving last-minute parental warnings and advice. It didn’t take long for Daughter #1 to extract herself from this familial frenzy, and make her way up the steps to her new ‘home’. She turned, waved, and yelled: “Just remember, Mom! It’s not like I’m DYING!”
We all smiled and chuckled. We waved one more time. She went into the building and closed the door. Her father, sister, and I got into our car and drove away. Clean and simple. No problem.
It was true, after all, I thought. It’s not like she’s dying. It’s not like she’s even out of reach. I don’t have to wait even two minutes to hear her voice I if want, let alone months, thanks to T-Mobile. I don’t have to wait for a message to arrive by mail, I can just shoot off a quick text. We could even talk to each other face-to-face if I figure out how to use Skype. So, there really shouldn’t be any emotional drama sending a child to college in the 21st Century at all. It’s almost like they’re still right there!
Almost.
But not.
I suppose the bottom line is that although our child is not dying, the way things have always been up until that moment we drove away without her has – for all intents and purposes – “died”. Or, in more pleasant terms, “passed on”. My experienced co-workers and friends who have forged this path before offered their matter-of-fact words of wisdom:
“Nothing’s ever really the same once they move out”.
“They seem more like visitors when coming home”.
“They always forget to tell you where they’re going and when they’ll be back.”
According to these bastians of wisdom, the college child also frequently forgets to call home, and avoids telling details about parties or other late night activities. This is all aparently part of their right of passage to grow up, gain new confidence, form new friendships and ideas, and solidify their independence. As parents, we hope that the wisdom we have shared and lessons we have taught will be retained. As devout Latter-day Saints, we hope the core values of faith, scripture study, church attendance and prayer are planted deep in her soul. We hope she will turn to God daily. We cannot be with her now to guide and protect – but we know He can. We hope she will treasure the spiritual things which we know can bring peace and strength. For over eighteen years her father and I have been exerting all our effort preparing her for this moment. I guess we forgot it would really come. But it did. She has officially received her wings to fly, and must chart her own course.
Every family must experience this. It’s our turn now.
Ready or not, here we come.
Cardall Family
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.”
~~~~~~~~~~~
For more music videos by Paul, visit the Cardall YouTube Channel. You may also download Cardall music selections, and help support his fight for life at Paul’s “Living For Eden” Blog.
~~~~~~~~~~~
UPDATE DEC. 2009
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!:
President Thomas S. Monson
“As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves.
If we remember, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17), we will not find ourselves in the unenviable position of Jacob Marley’s ghost. When he spoke to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ immortal A Christmas Carol, he spoke sadly of opportunities lost. Said he,
Marley and Scrooge
“Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness! Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunities misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I!”
“Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!” (In The Best Short Stories of Charles Dickens, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1947, p. 435.)
We can learn a treasured lesson from the pen of Dickens and from the example of Christ. As we lift our eyes heavenward and then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity.
Sunday School
Such was the experience of a Sunday School class some years ago when a wise teacher placed aside the manual one Sunday morning as Christmas approached. With her class members listening in, Continue reading
Last year little 6 year old Connie Talbot, WOWed Simon Cowell and the other judges of the “Briton’s Got Talent” TV search. Connie went on to become one of the winners of the television competition. She is beloved by all who hear her sweet voice, and see her charming grin. In this video, Connie sings “Walking In The Air” set to the beautiful animated classic “The Snowman”. Connie’s new album entitled “Over the Rainbow” is available for purchase at her official website. Enjoy!
