MORMON SOPRANO

This has been a hard week, with a lot of tragedy in the news. I don’t know about you, but my soul has felt pretty battered. Perhaps that’s what made hearing a beautiful hymn played by a gifted artist on a magical flute all the more sweeter today. My soul was touched. My hope was renewed. And, my faith and confidence in the world was restored. (more…)

“God has given again in these Latter-days the truth about where we came from, why we are here, and where we are going. Much of the confusion we experience in this life comes from simply not understanding who we are.” – Dieter F. Uchtdorf (more…)

On April 6, 1830, the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was formally organized, and in essense the first General Conference convened. (more…)

In a world where we experience a continual barrage of discouraging information and negative news, it often seems impossible to find hope. How do we rise above it all? How can we find higher meaning? How do we have faith?

I’ve learned through personal experience that it is only by entering darkness that we may emerge into brighter light. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes a tragedy to give new  perspective, but also allows us to experience a miracle, like the story of Bronson. (more…)

We continue this week’s theme of love with a masterful sermon given on the subject by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This message was delivered at the 179th Semi-Annual General Conference on October 3, 2009.

President Uchtdorf

“Our Father in Heaven has given us, His children, much more than any mortal mind can comprehend. Under His direction the Great Jehovah created this wondrous world we live in. God the Father watches over us, fills our hearts with breathtaking joy, brightens our darkest hours with blessed peace, distills upon our minds precious truths, shepherds us through times of distress, rejoices when we rejoice, and answers our righteous petitions.”

The entire text, entitled “The Love of God”  is worth careful study. I have included a video clip of the last half of this powerful message for you to ponder and enjoy. May we never forget;

” Though we are incomplete, God loves us completely. Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly. Though we may feel lost and without compass, God’s love encompasses us completely….Since “God is love,”the closer we approach Him, the more profoundly we experience love.”

Happy Valentines Week!

For the past three weeks I’ve been diligently working on my “New Years Resolution List”. Just like countless former ’NYR Lists’, the subject of Weight loss & Fitness is written near the top. And, just like every other year, I had good intentions. But unlike every other year, I made an important discovery which is helping me overcome my ultimate stumbling blocks to fitness. 

First, I had to resolve two logistical hangups: 

1. WHERE:  As regular readers know, I love walking outdoors with my dog Joey. However, since I live in a part of the country that experiences extreme weather conditions I need an ’indoor option’ for consistency. From past experience, exercising at home doesn’t hold my interest. I discovered [much to my embarrassment] that I actually OWN a gym membership, which I’ve been auto-paying for as part of a ‘couples package’ for well over one year [oops] OK. Location solved.

  

2. WHEN: This has always been my fitness ”Goliath”. I have conjured up a million wonderful, valid and legitimate excuses as to why I cannot be a consistent ‘fitness buff’, all excuses revolving around the fact that “There’s simply no time.” But, when I actually faced the giant, and looked it in the eye, the issue wasn’t about time, it was about commitment.

The truth is, we can always find time for something we are truly committed to. So, I needed to find a WAY, and also the WILL. First, I objectively analyzed my week, and discovered a pattern. For the past two years, every Sunday morning my alarm goes off at 5 am, I pop out of bed, I hop in the shower, and I leave the house on time like clockwork to keep my unique church commitment. During the rest of the week, my alarm goes off at 6:30 am, I hit the ‘snooze’ button at least once, I finally drag up my grouchy and groggy self, and I end up rushing around frantically to get to work on time. 

I had to face the facts. If I can get up at 5 am every Sunday for two years, then I am perfectly capable to do the same thing every other day of the week.  

Found: The WHEN and the WAY. 

Our Holy Gift

Last, I needed the WILL to exercise. From my personal experience of the past 2 years, it is clear that having a sacred calling attached to a commitment adds an extra layer of motivation. This made me ponder my fitness commitment a little deeper. 

Here were the steps to my discovery:  

1. God gave me a body.
2. He declared this gift is a holy temple for my spirit.
3. My Body is an essential part of my Soul.
4. I am responsible to take care of my body-gift, which includes physical fitness. This is a sacred calling. LDS Apostle Elder David A. Bednar taught:

“An essential part of the test of mortality is having and properly using a physical body“ 

- Bednar, ” Ye Are The Temple Of God“ 

[Next came my "Ah-Ha! Moment" or, as some say, "The light bulb finally switched on"] 

5. I formally accepted my personal calling from God to take care of His holy gift. I committed to Him that I would rise at 5 am each day and engage in fitness activity for one hour [with Sunday as my "day of rest"]. 

So far, so good. Exercise excuses are now a thing of the past! My alarm goes off at 5 am, I rise & [not quite] shine, I dress and leave the house. I found it’s a ‘no-brainer’ routine for me. However, this is something I have tried and failed so many times, and so many years, I’ve lost count. The difference today is that I’m participating in a sacred committment. Essentially, I’ve made God my workout partner. 

When the weather warms up, I’ll start pounding the pavement with Joe Dog more often. Meanwhile, I’ve been getting acquainted with my neighborhood Gym. I’m finding out it has a lot to offer, and I really enjoy the variety! The best part is how I feel afterwards, besides the sore muscles. My whole outlook on life is slowly but surely transforming!  

Pres. James E. Faust

This morning, as I started hobbling on a treadmill, I was pleased to find my machine had it’s own TV screen [what won't they think up next?]. I stumbled on the BYU Broadcasting Channel, which was replaying a talk given to BYU students in Sept. 1999 by Elder James E. Faust , entitled “Our Search For Happiness“. It was brilliant. Every word, quote, phrase, example and story he used was inspiring! As I struggled along fulfilling my cardio quotient, I found Elder Faust’s words motivating. In fact, I kept up my pace longer than planned, just so I could hear his entire message. I encourage you to watch, listen or read the entire talk.  

Here are a couple of excerpts that helped me find happiness today on a treadmill!  

Snatch Happiness 

“Happiness is not given to us in a package that we can just open up and consume. Nobody is ever happy 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Rather than thinking in terms of a day, we perhaps need to snatch happiness in little pieces, learning to recognize the elements of happiness and then treasuring them while they last.” - Elder Faust 

  The Odessy To Happiness 

Little Prince & Fox

“In the story The Little Prince, the fox was wiser than he knew when he said, “Now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye”.  

The odyssey to happiness lies in the dimension of the heart. Such a journey is made on stepping-stones of selflessness, wisdom, contentment, and faith. The enemies of progress and fulfillment are such things as self-doubt, a poor self-image, self-pity, bitterness, and despair. By substituting simple faith and humility for these enemies, we can move rapidly in our search for happiness.”  – Elder Faust 

Today’s WordPress poll asked the following question: “Is Online Privacy Dead?” Yes, or No.

I chose “Yes”. But, I wanted to expand on my answer. I tried to leave a comment, but it was flagged as “spam” for some reason, and rejected.

No worries. Thanks to my trusty blog, I have a personal “platform” to share all my “brilliant” views on life with the world, whether the world is interested or not. For anyone that is interested, here is are my thoughts on the subject of “Privacy” in the year 2010, and beyond….

When the internet was born, the definition of “privacy” was changed forever. The 20th Century definition of privacy is, for all intents and purposes “dead”. We now live in the so-called “age of transparency”. There are online hackers, and other dishonest folk, who take advantage of this reality. They can steal our medical records, bank accounts, credit cards, social security numbers, and entire identity with a click of a mouse. If we own a phone, the number can be found. With new technology, our conversations can be monitored and recorded. If we own a cellular phone, our location can be traced. If we have a facebook or other social networking site, the world can potentially learn everything they would ever want to know [and more] about us. If we have an email account, it can be highjacked, and we can be inpersonated.

Case in point. Just this morning, I received the following correspondence from a family member. [copied an pasted word-for-word for your reading pleasure, de-identified].

From: [my family member's email address]

Subject: SOS

Sorry for not informing of my recent trip to London for a program. I had intended to stay for five (5) days,
  but for the mishap I had…. Some gangsters strapped me of my money and my traveling document, that I was left empty.  I need to pay for my hotel accommodation and other traveling expenses, therefore will need  candid help by asking for a soft loan of ($ 2500.)   to enable me solve the  financial burden. Please you can remit to me through Western Union Money Transfer. Name: [my family member's full name here] I will appreciate. Here is my  address: [address in the UK given]

Thanking you in anticipation.
  Regards,
[first name of my family member]

This ridiculous email would be more laughable, if it wasn’t causing so much damage and disruption to a real person that I love.

There are people who choose to NEVER use a computer in the attempt to stave off these kind of things, and preserve their “privacy”. Are they really “safe”? No. You might be able to control your own actions, but you certainly have no control over others. There are millions of people choosing to post stories, photos or contact info daily of their family, friends, children, coworkers, and perfect strangers. This is regularly done without any notice, or permission.

All-seeing eye

If you ever venture outside the four walls of your home then your movements are being tracked by security cameras on the street, in parking lots, stores, the bank, the zoo…name the place, and chances are, they’ve captured your movements.

Anything can potentially end up online. We live in an age when nearly every person we see [or don't see] is carrying some sort of electronic device capable of recording,  filming or photographing. You never know when something you do will turn up on YouTube. And, if it is something really stupid or embarassing – it’s almost guaranteed to be tomorrows breaking story!

Knowing these things could cause our stress level to rise. A lack of security means potential danger to us, and that’s scary. But, remember  “God has not given us a spirit of fear“ 2 Tim. 1:7. We can reject paranoia. Life is a beautiful gift! Being born into the ‘age of the internet’ has amazing benefits. There is always a bright side to everything. Our “New Age [lack of] Privacy” has a bright side -

Extra motivation for living honestly and honorably. To borrow a great movie line:

“being a good person even when you don’t think anyone is watching“. 

- Will Smith as ‘Tim Thomas’ in 7 Pounds

If you are alive, [and you don't happen to live in a cave in Pakistan], then you really can’t hide. Someone is always watching. But, Is ”transparency” really a new phenomenon to the 21st Century? I submit that it has always existed. Before this life, we lived with God. Each of us were given a “full disclosure statement” prior to being sent to Earth. At that time, we signed a contract. We agreed to be put through a personal test which would be recorded, monitored and carefully preserved for replay and review. We knew that at the end of the test, our scores would be tallied, a  final judgement of our collective actions, thoughts, intentions, deeds and misdeeds would be handed down, and we would receive a reward. It is reported that each of us sang together and shouted for joy to take this test. Why weren’t we scared? Because we knew we would not be alone. Someone would be keeping an eye on us, and giving unseen help.

A Prophet-King named Benjamin gave what I think is the best possible advice for passing the test:

“watch yourselves.” – Mosiah 4:30

I can’t remember exactly when I joined the Facebook craze. I’m sure it was well over a year ago. I created two accounts. One “Mormon Soprano” Facebook, and one for my personal/family use. I didn’t actively start using my personal account until about 6 months ago. It seems the trick to getting the most out of FB, and/or being a successful “Facebook-er” is to check in often – preferably, at least once per day. I have noticed an inordinate amount of people choose to leave their pages open throughout the day for as long as they are online, presumably to allow a more active role in conversations, commenting and personal chatting. There are also some people who rarely check their pages at all, and those who seem to have found a user balance somewhere in-between.

Lately, there’s been quite a hullabaloo since the announcement about the changes Facebook has made, and some very valid fears of security breaches, when considering The Good The Bad and The Ugly of Facebook. There’s been worries expressed the changes are an anti-privacy plot, and there’s even a vibrant Facebook / CIA conspiracy theory.

click to enlarge

Facebook has certainly gained a startling amount of global power as the top social networking site, and when there is great power, there is potential for great abuse. I agree that it is very important to safeguard our privacy and make our personal information “personal” … as far as this is actually possible, when weighed against the dichotomy of “online transparency”.

However, I wish to set aside these worries, clamor and discontent for a moment. When I look at the bigger picture of Facebook, “I stand all amazed“. This post is not intended to be an “advertisement for Facebook”. There are many ways to stay connected these days, and life certainly does not end if you don’t have (or want) FB. This post presents a personal observation.

In the past year, I have seen nothing short of a miracle in the good that has come to me personally from my Facebook account. The scriptures remind us that “all things which are good, come from God” Moroni 7:12, Alma 5:40.

Here is how I am finding the Greater Good on Facebook:

1. Finding FOREVER FRIENDS

Facebook has allowed me to  reconnect with people who were a very important part of my life  – my BFFs - whom I had lost all contact with, and nearly all hope of ever finding again. Here’s just a sample that has occurred over the past month:

• Finding my best friend from High School. I discovered she has been happily married for 25 years, has 8 beautiful children (yes…8!!) and is a professional tri-athlete (putting all of my photos to shame). We also found that we can still talk for hours on end and laugh like little girls!
• Finding my first best friend from Elementary School days. We have had the most delightful conversations –  sharing memories that had nearly faded. We’ve shared our joys, our sorrows, our stories, our families, and we can certainly still talk for hours on end and laugh like little girls! We’re planning a reunion during her  family vacation next summer.
• I found my former boyfriend, which allowed each of us to mend the fence, and have closure. We share joy in our memories, our friendship, and our matured perspective on life.

 2. Finding ANGELS

Maj. Griffeth & Capt. Illingworth

Facebook has allowed me to find new friends in unexpected ways that have been a tremendous inspiration, and have changed my life for the better.  

One of those new friends is Major Tobin C. Griffeth of the US Air Force  . I found him on Facebook. As a fellow Latter-day Saint, we had something instantly in common. I was impressed with his love of family and country and his service in Afghanistan.  Then I discovered that Maj. Griffeth was an exceptional Airman, nominated alongside Capt. Katie Illingworth as one of this year’s “most inspiring people” on BeliefNet.com. While bravely serving in Afghanistan, he has still found the time and energy to spearhead the Service Project Operation Red River Care , which has helped change countless lives, build bridges of trust, and confirms that angels do still exist.

3. Finding LOVE

Facebook has allowed me to cultivate friendships, both old, current and new. The bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood with our friends and family here on earth are truly one of God’s greatest gifts. The older I get, the more precious these friendships are becoming. I’m finally old enough to grasp how short life is, and how fleeting our opportunity to share it with the ones we love really is.

Being wanted and needed is a crucial part of what defines us, and gives us purpose. Therefore, being able to gather our friends into a central place, where we can all keep in touch - as often, and as quickly as we like – is an amazing gift.

4. Finding GOD

Facebook’s business slogan is “Internet for Everyone”. So, is God on Facebook?  

I wouldn’t put it past devout followers to create a ‘fan page’ for Him. I’ve read that churches routinely use social networking, and it is reported that many people are Finding God on Facebook and Praying on Twitter. However, I am confident our Father in Heaven is capable of taking care of all His social networking needs through a much higher, and yes – even better - system!

That said, while God may not have his own “Facebook” page, I do believe He uses Facebook.  “Where there is good, there is God”. I have found the good. I have felt His power and His Spirit present. And for that, I give thanks for Facebook.

Statistically speaking, the days that follow Christmas and other year-end holiday celebrations show a higher spike in depression and suicide. Today’s post is is a new 9 minute video from MormonMessages which offers some insight and solace.  Produced by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the message comes from a talk by LDS apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, originally given at a CES Fireside at Brigham Young Univeristy on Sept. 7, 2008 - entitled “Lessons From Liberty Jail“, combined with beautiful photography, and touching movie clips.  It stands as a powerful reminder that we are never really alone, and there is always hope. I encourage you to watch!

Look To The Light: A Message of Hope

The attached video is based upon a true story, and I feel is worthy of sharing with my readers. The Government of the Republic of Macedonia’s Ministry of Education & Science created this thought provoking clip. It was used as part of a social advertising campaign aimed at promoting religious education. The Headline for this commercial reads:

 ”Religion is knowledge, too.”

The concept is clear. The lack of light brings darkness. One of the great Latter-day Saint (Mormon) prophets of this century spoke on evil just one month following the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Here were his words regarding evil:

” [As] wonderful as this time is, it is fraught with peril. Evil is all about us. It is attractive and tempting and in so many cases successful. Paul declared:

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come…Having a form of godliness; but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Tim. 3:1–5).

We see today all of these evils, more commonly and generally, than they have ever been seen before, as we have so recently been reminded by what has occurred in New York City, Washington, and Pennsylvania…. We live in a season when fierce men do terrible and despicable things. We live in a season of war. We live in a season of arrogance. We live in a season of wickedness, pornography, immorality. All of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah haunt our society. Our young people have never faced a greater challenge. We have never seen more clearly the lecherous face of evil.

And so, my brothers and sisters, we are met together…to help and lift one another, to give encouragement and build faith, to reflect on the wonderful things the Lord has made available to us, and to strengthen our resolve to oppose evil in whatever form it may take… Our strength is our faith in the Almighty. No cause under the heavens can stop the work of God. Adversity may raise its ugly head. The world may be troubled with wars and rumors of wars, but His cause will go forward.” Gordon B. Hinckley, Oct. General Conference, 2001