MORMON SOPRANO

To say I do a lot of reading would be an understatement. Books, magazines, newspapers, blog posts, articles, commentary…online and offline…you name it, I can be found turning, flipping, scanning and scrolling down. Often during these ‘word feasts’ I come across a quote that sticks in my brain, and then churns around and around until it’s soft, and warm, and smooth as homemade butter taffy. (more…)

When sophomore Carrie Olson Falahi wanted to start a club at Ozark High School, she enlisted the help of fellow 10th grader Victoria Sutter and freshman Rebecca Carr. The result was (more…)

By now nearly all the world is aware of the devastating 7.0 earthquake hitting Port-au-Prince, Haiti on Tuesday. It’s been heart-wrenching to see the images and stories of destruction and desperation through media report . It’s hard to resist the intense desire to just rush to the airport, and book the next flight to HELP somehow!! Ironically, this generous spirit of charity has actually caused problems. As Haiti Aid Begins to Arrive, it is proving too much, and too fast for the poor Haitian airport and ground support to handle. What an agonizing Catch 22! It is nice to have trusted sources providing simple ways to get involved, such as LDS Philanthropies, or the Red Cross  (including - Texting “Haiti” to 90999). 

Rescued

Amid all of this chaos and heartbreak, thankfully there have been stories of survival and hope, adding a positive perspective. I was particularly touched to hear that large groups are gathering and singing songs of praise together! What a beautiful testament to the faith and heart of the people of Haiti. We were also relieved to learn that All LDS Missionaries In Haiti Are Safe - and that LDS Church Humanitarian Aid mobilized and shipped within 12 hours - with aid continuing to progress. This gives balm to the troubled heart. I know from past experience with large-scale tragedy, there will be many more miraculous and heartwarming stories to hear in the future. But, during these beginning stages of disaster, the negative usually far outweighs positive. Being able to see the whole picture is filtered through a slow motion lens. 

Pres. Uchtdorf

I have reflected on the most recent lead article in the January issue of the LDS Liahona Magazine. This publication is the church’s globally distributed magazine – a sister publication to the North American ‘Ensign Magazine’. The First Presidency Message for the month of January 2010 is interstingly enough entitled Hold On A Little Longer written by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. 

His message of hope seems especially appropriate, and even prophetic. I would like to direct his words specifically to all suffering due to the Haiti tragedy: 

“…hold on a little longer—even when things look bleak. Know and remember this: the Lord loves you. He remembers you. And He will ever sustain those who “endure in faith to the end” (D&C 20:25). 

You are continually in my thoughts and my prayers. May you each find peace amid the chaos. May you hold tight to your faith, and feel strength in singing praise and hymns together. May you feel the Savior’s love for you individually, and experience tender mercies. May those who are desperately and tirelessly working to send aid reach you as quickly as possible! And may God work His mighty miracles in this hour of great need. 

This is my prayer – Your sister, MoSop 

video courtesy Libera.uk.org

On today’s Wordpress home page there is a simple poll. The question reads:

“Are you optimistic for 2010?”

The 24-hr. vote shows that the answer “Yes” garnered 84%. Wow! It is nice to know that despite a world filled with troubles, we can still find a majority filled with optimism.

This knowledge makes me feel more cheerful and more optimistic, seeing that vote of confidence!

After consulting two online-dictionaries for the word “Optimism“, here are a couple of definitions I enjoyed: 

1. “Having a state of positive beliefs”

2. “The belief that the universe is improving and that good will ultimately triumph over evil.”

Take a minute to read some other words in the family of optimism:

anticipation, assurance, brightness, buoyancy, calmness, certainty, cheer, confidence, easiness, elation, enthusiasm, exhileration, expectation, good cheer, happiness, idealism, positivism, sureness, trust…

And one my personal favorites … Hope!

It is my hope that reading those words filled you up with as much positive energy as it did for me! Today, I join with you in sharing New Optimism for our New Year!

The Power of HOPE

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

On the 16th Day it isn’t always enough … to smile and grin and try to be tough… A post on coping with Grief and Loss at Christmas time.

For many days I have been posting regular messages of joy, glory, praise and holiday cheer as we ‘countdown to Christmas’. I plan to continue! Today, my message of hope and praise is just a little different from the norm. I wish to acknowledge the suffering that often accompanies this time of year when empty chairs and broken hearts seem especially out of place.

Suffering from the loss of a loved one at any time of the year is difficult, yet during the holidays or on other special occasions, the grieving experience has a more intense sense of loss. The world is moving forward, celebrating life and all its blessings, yet for those who grieve, a dark shadow pervades the holiday.

If you’re mourning a loss this Christmas, the holiday glam and seasonal lights can make you feel terrible … You’re not alone if you’re dealing with death – Grieving at Christmas

Every person’s grief becomes a very different and personal journey. There is no “one size fits all” guide to getting through the holidays, or to healing. Sadly, there is no magic wand that can make ‘everything ok’. According to Kay Talbot, PhD. one should expect “sudden Grief Attacks”, exhaustion, disruption, emotional “echos”, “if only’s”, “Should have’s”, anger, fear, and deep, soul searching questions. These are just a few of the many faces and stages of grief. Several books have been devoted just to getting through the holidays after a death.

However, there is an assurance that life will get better.  Of course, it will never be the same as before. But, gradually we can each feel stronger and more in charge of our life.

“Death leaves a heartache difficult to heal ~~ Love leaves sweet memories no one can steal”
Epitaph on a tombstone in Ireland, dated 1889

Cori Connors

Two years ago I had the priviledge of attending a Christmas concert being given by an LDS folk singer named Cori Connors. I was enchanted with her warm personality, her generous spirit, and her deeply moving lyrics. Cori’s songs bubble with life. They include the joyful moments, but she is not afriad to explore the many not-so-happy challenges of mortality. I love Cori’s songs. They’re real. They’re honest. And, they’re intimite. One of these songs, entitled “You Would Have Loved This” was written at Christmas, following the death of Cori’s mother-in-law. That particular song has been running through my mind so much lately that I decided it really wanted to be a MoSop Movie, and that this topic really needed be posted!

It is my hope that Cori’s words, and music can help heal something inside each of us.

Cori Connors

Cori Connors:

Not long ago, when my family had gathered together at my mom’s house, we set up the old brown card table in the middle of the living room. Out from the cupboards and bookcases came boxes and albums full of old family photos. Those photos called up memories for all of us, some painful, but mostly sweet. They were a tangible representation of all that brought us to where we are today.
Richard Exley said…”Experience again the full range of emotion memories invoke. Let them play a nostalgic melody on the strings of your heart. Remember the warmth of a special friendship, the comfort of kindness, the closeness of family. Think about the Christ Child in Bethlehem’s manger and the nearness of God. Blink back the tears, if need be, and swallow past the fist sized lump in your throat, but don’t quench the memories. They are a part of your history, part of the web of experience which God has woven into the tapestry of your personhood.”

I have counted the years by Christmases, written on a series of envelopes and papers, and set to music in the wee silent hours at home. These songs are the pages of my scrapbook. My love and thanks to family and friends who embedded themselves in my heart.

The following MoSop Movie was created with all those in mind who have some hurt to endure, tenderness of soul, or pain of heart. It is my wish that you will find joy in your memories, and much sweetness amidst the sorrow. I’m sorry I do not have the right words to say to take your particular pain away. But, I offer up a song, and a prayer, and my love. 

Consider this a Christmas hug from Cori, and I.

Enlarge in HQ for Best Effect!

Learn more about Cori Connors & purchase her CD’s at www.CoriConnors.com. Or, follow her family adventures at her BLOGwww.CoriConnors.Blogspot.com

“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.

As we prepare to commemorate the anniversary of September 11, 2001 – one of America’s saddest days, there is opportunity for reflection, healing and peace. In this powerful video, survivor Victor Guzman describes his personal journey from the tragedy and trauma of 9/11, to hope, healing, and renewal.

Created by Mormon Messages

A Mormon Message for everyone running the race of life.

There are times in our life when we are going to feel completely and utterly alone. I have endured these. Some have only lasted a moment, or a day. Other experiences have lasted over a long extended period of time. These feelings are painful, frightening, and often seem overwhelming. If ever you are feeling lonliness, hopelessness, or fear, I want you to know that you are not alone. There are people who care about you. And no matter what happens, or what circumstance you may be facing, there is a God in Heaven who is real. He has promised He will never leave you. He wants you to be happy and to succeed, and He will send help. 

In November, 2008 LDS Apostle Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave these powerful words of counsel:

Jeffrey R. Holland, LDS Apostle

“My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify of angels, both the heavenly and the mortal kind. In doing so I am testifying that God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. “[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved.” (Moroni 7:36) On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” – The Ministry of Angels, Ensign Nov. 2008

YOU’RE NOT ALONE

 The song used in this video is sung by John Canaan, and was written by Michael McLean. Hat tip to ‘yoehoeyne‘ YouTube channel for creating this lovely video.