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.
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
Cardinal George greeted by LDS Authorities
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 of Genesis? Time is an elusive illusion. A mortal encumbrance. However, once in a while the whole creative process aligns in such a way that we are allowed to glimpse a significant change, and appreciate Gods handiwork.
Yesterday was one of those days. Continue reading
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
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 my throat driving down our street. It was lined with large American flags. The Boy Scouts had been up early, to carefully place them in each front lawn of the neighborhood. Becuase I was running late, I decided to take the freeway. I noticed that a senior citizen was following me awfully close. When I changed lanes, he changed too, and stuck right behind. It was starting to annoy me. As soon as I exited, he followed, and started honking and flagging me to pull over. I rolled down my window wondering what in the world the crazy old guy was shouting. I was startled to find out that my rear tire was in trouble, and he warned “she’s about to BLOW”! I waved appreciatively, and drove off ashamed of myself for being so hasty to judge my kind samaritan.
I was blesed to be nearby a service station, and was able to get help before “she blew”. While I sat in the small lobby waiting for my tire to be brought back to life, I noticed a program being shown on the television set. It was honoring ”The Greatest Generation” – our World War II veterans. I watched with interest, and gratitude.
Commander Dallis Joseph Christensen
Last year, I wrote a post honoring my own personal hero and grandfather, Commander Dallis J. Christensen. Grandpa Dallis served as a Navy pilot throughout WWII. He’s 94 years old now. He and grandma June had to move into an assisted living center a little over a year ago. It broke his heart. These days, his body shakes from Parkinson’s disease, and there’s a little shuffle in his step which causes him to get off-balance, but his mind is as sharp and his humor as witty as a 20-year-old. It’s been over 60 years since the Great Conflict ended. It was reported that our WWII heros are dying on average 900 – 2000 per day. Within five years, most will be physically unable to leave home, and within 10 years, they will only remain in our hearts and our memory.
One organization is racing against time to give these veterans one final standing ovation. They offer a free escourted trip to our nation’s capitol to see the newly dedicated, and long overdue, World War II Memorial in Washington, DC. This organization is called Honor Flight.
I share my inadequte, yet heart-felt THANK YOU to all of our veterans. May each of you feel appreciated, loved and honored, today, and every day.
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Please take a few minutes to watch this touching video documenting a recent Honor Flight.
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. It symbolizes all that I am personally thankful for – evoking words such as:
God. Family. Home. Country. Freedom. Worship. Life, and Eternity.
I remember that walk. It was a beautiful late summer afternoon. I lingered, and eventually the light began to fade. As I walked past the cemetary, I happened to turn and look back toward the LDS Temple nestled on the hill. At that moment, I saw the rays of the setting sun shimmering through the American flag, and the temple prominently settled in the background. I snapped a photo. At some point I downloaded the image to my computer, and then forgot about it. Until today.
This photo makes my heart swell with gratitude. I am grateful to our forefathers who sacrificed everything, including their very lives to build a country where men and women would be free to worship according the dictates of their own conscience. Through their courage & determination, and with divine assistance, they made that dream a reality. Likewise, I am grateful for my Mormon ancestors who sacrificed everything, including their very lives, to build a haven in the West. They desired a place where they could worship according the the dictates of their conscience, and raise their children free from persecution, terror, mob violence and fear. Through their courage & determination, and with divine assistance, they made that dream a reality.
If those pioneers and forefathers could have seen into the future, to our day, what would they have thought? Certainly, they could be amazed at how our nation has grown, and at our advances in medicine and technology. They could marvel at all of our modern conveniences, our tall buildings and rapid transportation. However, perhaps they might see something less impressive, and disconcerting. They would see that beyond all of our surface comfort and wealth, there lies a collective soul in bankruptcy.
Where is our courage and determination? How are we safegarding the religious freedoms they fought so hard to establish and preserve? What personal sacrifices are we making on behalf of our future generations? What legacy are we striving to leave?
In general, as 21st Century beings, we have become so distracted by our “pursuit of happiness”, we seem to be forgetting the things that matter most.
Bishop Burton
The current conventional wisdom is that more is better and less is usually undesirable. For some, the pursuit to acquire more of this world’s goods and services has become a passion. For others, more of this world’s wealth is necessary just to sustain life or raise living standards to a minimum level. The unbridled desire for more often has tragic consequences…
It is hard to say no to more, when you can afford to say yes. Parents are rightfully anxious about the future. It is difficult to say no to more sports equipment, electronics, lessons, clothes, team participation, et cetera, when parents believe more will help children thrive in an increasingly competitive world. Young people seem to want more, partly because there is infinitely more to catch their eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics estimated that American children see more than 40,000 commercials a year. – Bishop H. David Burton, – “More Holiness Give Me” Oct. 2004
One of my favorite hymns was penned by the revered Evangelist composer Philip Paul Bliss (1838-1876), entitled “More Holiness Give Me“. It is found in many congregational hymnbooks – including the Latter-day Saints. The song is written as a plea to heaven for a list of virtues.
P.P. Bliss
The virtues expressed in “More Holiness Give Me” fall into several groups. Some are personal goals, like more faith, gratitude, and purity…Others center on adversity, [such as] patience in suffering, and strength to overcome…The rest firmly anchor us to our Savior…more blessed and holy; and more, Savior, like Thee. More of these virtues is better. Less is not desirable.
As I gaze at my photo, I can hear this hymn clearly in my mind. There is a certain line that particularly stands out…”More Freedom From Earth-Stains“… I offer a prayer in my heart for my family, my country and its citizens whom I love so much, and for the entire world to receive More Freedom. Oh, how I pray we will seek more of holiness, and we will turn to the One who can cleanse, heal and protect us in this time of great need. The truth is undeniable:
More Holiness offers More Freedom.
An Arrangement of Phillip Paul Bliss’ hymn by Michelle Willis. Performed by the BYU-Idaho Womens Choir, directed by Kathryn Ricks Willis.
What freedoms are you grateful for today?
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 the world.
And, for those of you who don’t have a blog yet, but are itching to delve into the world of online self-expression, you may post your thoughts directly on the NaBloPoMo home page, just check out the FAQ for directions. In light of this week’s American holiday, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate freedom!
Two words: Blogger Nirvana.
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And, while we are in such a celebratory mood my Bloglings – Have a very Happy First Zepplin Flight Day, too!
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But wait, there’s more! Thank you readers for helping Mormon Soprano surpass 100K visitors this morning! Wow – it’s a great day all around!
F. Enzio Busche
F. Enzio Busche was born in Dortmund, Germany. He led an idyllic life in the country for a few short years. In 1939 – when Enzio was just nine years old – the first English bomb fell on Dortmund, and his childhood ended. Years of devastating war, family turmoil, and despair began. Enzio was conscripted into Hitler’s army at the tender age of 14, and taken as a prisoner of war just months later. He endured fear, hunger and countless trials. After the war, in his early twenties, Enzio faced a new battle when he contracted a debilitating liver disease. As he lay dying in his hospital bed, he experienced a personal conversion to Jesus Christ, and a miraculous healing. Afterwards, he and his wife Jutta searched for God’s will in their life. They sought answers to their many religious questions.
“I told the Lord we wanted to find his church,” Busche recalls. “I knew that the earlier followers of Christ had been persecuted, so I told the Lord that it didn’t matter if his was an obscure church, even a ridiculed church.”
After that prayer, the overwhelming peace Enzio had felt in the hospital returned. Several weeks later, two Latter-day Saint missionaries stood on the Busches’ doorstep offering a spiritual message. Enzio and Jutta listened to the missionaries, studied the church, and were baptised two years later. They became humble and faithful members, serving in leadership capacities all of their lives. Elder Busche was often invited to speak. His theme centered on peace and happiness:
“Many are starving spiritually. We must feed the spiritual part of our being by learning to distinguish and search for the Spirit in all matters of our daily lives. Life is not meant to be easy, but when we are filled with the Spirit that Heavenly Father gives us as we live according to our covenants, we will be full of joy no matter what happens.”
When Elder F. Enzio Busche spoke to the student-body at Brigham Young University, the title of his talk was ”Unleashing The Dormant Spirit“. In this illustrated video, we hear Enzio’s wise instruction on how to keep a joyful soul, no matter what.
The holy scriptures teach that there is a great battle being waged for the souls of mankind. The forces of good and the forces of evil surround us. Often, the physical battles related in the scriptures are symbolic of the spiritual battles we each must fight in order to stay on the straight and narrow path, following our Savior, Jesus Christ. Along our path, we must make choices that will either draw us farther away, or bring us closer to light and truth.
In the MoSop Movie below you will see images depicting two battle stories found in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ. In 72 BC, an invading force threatened to destroy the entire Nephite nation. Their military leader, Captain Moroni, united his people quickly by tearing his coat and writing upon it all of the things worth fighting for (family, wives, children, freedom, and God). He hoisted this “Title of Liberty” upon a staff, and waved it throughout the land rallying his people to victory.
Ten years later, the country is once again threatened. This time, defences are weak, the soldiers are worn down and discouraged. They are in critical need of reinforcement. A leader named Helaman recruits 2,000 young men called the”Stripling Warriors“ . These young boys fearlessly march into battle to defend the freedom of their family and country. Despite daunting odds, the inexperienced youth are victorious. Their faith never wavers, and not one is lost in battle. These men explain to Helaman that they trusted in the words and prayers of their mothers. They believed that Christ would deliver them and strengthen them, no matter how difficult their task.
Today, faithful Latter-day Saints of all ages go out into the world to share the restored gospel message. 
Just like Helaman’s little army, they have limited experience, and face daunting challenges. However they go forth with faith. They trust that Christ will strengthen them no matter how difficult their task. At their own expense, they willingly sacrifice their time to share the things that matter most with any who will listen. These valiant individuals are bringing needed reinforcement of hope and peace to the world.
It is Jesus Christ who will strengthen each soul during our individual battles of life. He has promised that He will magnify our efforts as we go forth to serve our fellow men and make the world a better place.
The text for the song ”Fight The Good Fight” is taken from passages by the Apostle Timothy:
“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness..and not to me only, but [unto all] that love his appearing.” – 2 Tim 4: 7-8
The Apostle Paul taught exactly HOW to prepare ourselves for battle against the forces of evil:
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”
“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”
“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness…and your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked…and the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God”
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;…that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” - Ephesians 6:10-20
To learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, our missionary work, and The Book of Mormon, go to Mormon.org
For over a year now I have been continually amazed and inspired by the inspirational gems created on YouTube, especially the Guru of Mormon-YouTube-ism SethAdamSmith. Off and on I would say to myself:
“Self, Someday I’ve got to sit down and learn how to make my own movie! I mean, how hard can it really be?”
Well, for some [insane] reason I decided that last night “someday” had arrived.
I embarked on my Movie Producing quest with gleeful abandon. Of course, knowing me, I certainly couldn’t go about it in any sort of logical way. My learning process always involves twists and turns and scaling the Mt. Everests of the Creativity Kingdom.
This time was no different.
For the sake of posterity, or anyone else who thinks they might like to become a Movie Producer Continue reading
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 mission of this blog to raise a voice. It is my belief that the US Bailouts are a serious breach of our Constitutional liberty, and this course of action presents great spiritual danger as well as political. Over 30 years ago a prophetic message was given, which sheds light on this subject. Sadly, the warning has gone unheeded, Continue reading
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:
Actor Tom Hanks
“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 promise of our Constitution; it is codified discrimination. But everyone has a right to vote their conscience – nothing could be more American. To say members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints who contributed to Proposition 8 are “un-American” creates more division when the time calls for respectful disagreement. No one should use “un- American” lightly or in haste. I did. I should not have. Sincerely, Tom Hanks. “
Tom, I am not sure if you ever read my letter. However, as promised, on behalf of myself, and my decorated US Navy Veteran [and Mormon] grandfather, Commander Dallis J. Christensen, your apology is accepted.
We wish you well, and we thank you. – MoSop
