Calgary Gets Their Angel

courtesy ottawacitizen.com

At sunrise on Thursday January 12, 2012, a traditional golden Angel Moroni statue was placed atop the new Latter-day Saint (Mormon) 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 makes a special keepsake! The Calgary Alberta Temple is slated for completion in Fall 2012. The public will be welcomed to attend a free Open House which usually lasts for one week before the formal dedication. (dates yet to be announced). In the meantime, Congratulations to the people of Calgary for getting their Angel! – MoSop

Credits: Video created by -jamietaki   /   Music – “Come Thou Font of Every Blessing” performed by Sufjan Stevens, Songs For Christmas

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. Last night, not just one, but two families received this devastating news. Today, our world-wide community of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are grieving for the tragic loss of two exemplary young men struck down in their prime on a rural road in Texas. Continue reading

Much Ado About Mormons, Moments, and Mitt

the church of jesus christ of latter-day saints

Image by paparutzi via Flickr

Unless you have been living under a rock for the past year or two, you’ve heard something about “Mormons”. And, if you live in America, it’s likely you’ve been hearing a lot! Pick your passion, and you’ve probably heard the word “Mormon” connected somehow…whether it’s Broadway musicals, Politics, teen vampire lit., HBO polygamy dramas, or any number of reality TV shows and their famous contestants….In fact, a while back someone started calling this “The Mormon Moment“. Mainly because Mormons are a “hot topic” these days. Lots of people are exploring questions such as Who / What / Where are the Mormons? and, probably most popular of late: Can a Mormon win the White House? We’ve seen feature articles  Continue reading

For Times of Trouble, Remember The Pioneers

The Brigham Young Monument in Salt Lake City, ...

Image via Wikipedia

This weekend Utah commemorates the first pioneer arrival to the Valley of the Great Salt Lake. On July 24, 1847 a weary and ill Brigham Young raised up on his elbow from the back of a wagon, looked out over a vast desert valley, and confirmed “This is the right place!” Soon, that same desert would “blossom as a rose” and Mormons throughout the world answered the call to leave their native land and “come to Zion”. Thus began a gathering of epic proportions which shaped America in powerful ways. The Mormon Pioneer exodus Continue reading

Brighton LDS Girls Camp 90th Year: Already Memorable

1921-2011 Celebrating 90 Years

This summer marks the 90th Anniversary of the Brighton LDS Girls Camp, located in Big Cottonwood Canyon, east of Salt Lake City, Utah. Brighton Camp began in the summer of 1921,  and has the distinction of being the first and oldest continually running Latter-day Saint Girls camp in church history. It has welcomed girls ages 12-14 uninterrupted each and every summer since its dedication, [except one, due to a forest fire which destroyed most of the original buildings].  This summer also marks two more memorable “firsts” for Brighton. Continue reading

What Is The Book of Mormon About?

The Book of Mormon. Another Testament of Jesus...

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In light of a sacrilegious Broadway musical disrespecting/ usurping/ plagiarizing/ mocking/ stealing/ “permanently borrowing” the same name as sacred scripture, I’d like to offer a few facts and personal thoughts about The Book of Mormon, and what it’s really all about. I’ve provided many links and references that you may find of interest.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often hear people referring to my “Mormon Bible”, or simply ”those different scriptures you use”.

For reference and clarification, here is:

My Top Ten List of What The Book of Mormon IS, and what it IS NOT. Continue reading

I Know That My Savior Loves Me

A few years ago two talented women named Tami Jeppson Creamer, and Derena Bell teamed up to compose the song ”I Know That My Savior Loves Me“. It was written specifically for a children’s choir to perform at a local Stake Conference, but this weekend the song will “go viral” to a global audience! 

Creamer and Bell’s powerful message combined with a sweet melody has been popular with  Continue reading

Meet A Modern Apostle: David A. Bednar

David A. Bednar

An interview with Elder David A. Bednar, Apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ["The Mormons"] was recently released on YouTube, featured below. Prior to being called as an Apostle of the church, Bednar was a teacher and educator. He served as President of Rick’s College from 1997-2004 which received full  University status during his tenure becoming ”BYU Idaho“. At the time of his calling to Apostleship, Bednar was only 52 years old, making him the youngest member of the Quorum of the Twelve at that time, and one of the youngest to ever be called in the past century. Continue reading

Shining Star: Song For Christmas

For many years the LDS Church magazines have published new songs and hymns by talented Mormon musicians. Now, thanks to the updated official church website, it is easier than ever to find these treasures. This week, I will be sharing some of these with you. Today’s feature is a song entitled “Shining Star” published in the December 1979 issue of the NEW ERA magazine. Continue reading

Archuleta Sings Celtic Pat-A-Pan

David Archuleta attending his American Idol Ho...

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“Pat-a-pan” is a French Christmas carol originally written in the dialect of Burgundy, and later adapted into English. The song was written by Bernard de La Monnoye (1641–1728) and tells the story of the birth of Jesus Christ from the perspective of shepherds playing simple instruments such as flutes and drums. In this enjoyable video, Mormon pop singer, and former American Idol, David Archuleta performs a lively rendition of Pat-a-Pan with Celtic singer, Orla Fallon. Continue reading

Mormon Conference Offers Living Scripture

This Saturday and Sunday, Mormons throughout the world will be gathering to listen to the 180th Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Conference is always a very special event, which is anticipated with great excitement! Continue reading