courtesy lds.org Free Domain
A new series of Bible videos created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being produced and offered free of charge to the public. The video series debuted this month with a stunningly beautiful depiction of The Christmas Story, Continue reading
Today is a special day. On July 24, 2009 the Mormon Pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley after years of persecution and an arduous trek of over 1300 miles - blazing what became known as the Mormon Trail. I have blogged before about Honoring The Mormon Pioneers, and my own pioneer heritage. It is something I treasure. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for their courage and determination to build a life free to worship how they choose, and raise their families in security. This video shares clips of movies reenacting that experience. It is set to one of the most beloved hymns of The Latter-day Saints – a song written during the trek that became an anthem of the pioneer legacy, and a song of faith and hope for all generations. “Come, Come, Ye Saints“.
My family and I will be making our own trek this morning. Since today is a State holiday, all of the Utah LDS Temples are closed. This posed a problem. We have been striving to attend a temple each weekend as a family. Instead of allowing our goal to be thwarted, we decided to take a family road trip to Idaho where we will get to attend TWO temples; The REXBURG IDAHO TEMPLE and the IDAHO FALLS TEMPLE . 
As we embark this morning, I can’t help think of the contrasts between this experience and that of our ancestors! We will be driving in the luxury of our air-conditioned SUV, while listening to music on a radio. We will drive over 200 miles which will take us less than 4 hours. If we get hungry for a snack, or have to go to the bathroom, we will just stop at a gas station or Rest Area for a few minutes. When we arrive at our destination, we will attend not one, but two beautiful Temples of our God, and tonight we will be sleeping in a hotel with a swimming pool, showers with hot running water, and fluffy mattresses. 
How does one express enough gratitude for this? I can’t. I don’t know. It makes me feel so many mixed components of guilt and joy. I suppose the best way is just to go forward in faith and joy. I really can’t help thinking there is no better way for us to honor Pioneer Day. But, before I get into that fluffy hotel bed tonight, you can be sure I will be kneeling beside it with my family, and we will thank our Heavenly Father for the pioneers.
A compelling documentary has been created entitled “Pornography: Confronting the Addiction“.
Director Brandon Kowallis
This 35-minute film began as the Masters thesis project of up-and-coming director Brandon Kowallis, a graduate of both National University, and BYU. Awhile back, I had the opportunity to attend a screening at my local library, and came away inspired. Director Kowallis was on hand to introduce the film, and moderated a question and answer session following the screening along with Continue reading
Jesus often taught his followers to “fear not“. In today’s world climate of anxiety and uncertainty, Christ’s parable of the lily is more relevant than ever, and offers us great comfort and proper perspective.
In the Master’s sermon on the mount, imagery from nature is used to remind us of God’s power over all things. (see Matthew 6:28-33)
Composer Roger Hoffman explained that he desired to set the Savior’s words to music as an expression of his personal gratitude to the Lord for “[always sending] help, just when we needed it.”
Hoffman’s beautiful music has been performed by many artists and choirs throughout the world, and has touched countless souls. I would like to express my own personal gratitude to the Lord for His tender mercies with this visual tribute to Hoffman’s song. (see MoSop Movie attached below).
“He clothes the lilies of the field. He feeds the birds in the sky. And he will feed those who trust him, And guide them with his eye.
Consider the sweet, tender children, Who must suffer on this earth. The pains of all of them he carried, From the day of his birth…He feeds the lambs in His fold, And he will heal those who trust him, And make their hearts as gold.” – R. Hoffman
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
Mormon Temple worship and the ceremonies which take place inside are often a subject of curiosity and scrutiny. Because the worship which takes place in LDS temples is closed to the public, there is the potential for suspicion, rumor, misunderstanding, or inaccurate information. This is unfortunate. My website is designed to enlighten readers, to answer questions, and to build bridges of understanding.
Latter-day Saints wish the world to understand that our temple worship is not deemed so much as ”secret”, but rather “sacred”. In other words, it is something so special to us we keep it private and personal. In the temple, Continue reading
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
In this creative short film, A man finds a stethoscope which illuminates the soul of anything it touches. Enjoy the surprise ending!
You do not want to miss watching this awesome short movie called “VALIDATION“. It has won many independent film festival awards and has changed lives. The creators are offering it free of charge to the public. This is 16 minutes guaranteed to make you smile. Be sure to watch it to the very end. Afterwards, please share it with someone.
And by the way, YOU are Spectacular! - MoSop
Dear Tom,
What were you thinking?! You must have been temporarily impaired. It could happen. After all, you were having such a good time celebrating your recent “Big Love” Executive Producer success, maybe it was just too easy to lose track of the refills. Alcohol does that to people. Open mouth – drink booze – insert foot.
I’d like to offer some sort of excuse for you, because quite frankly your latest comments calling Mormon’s “un-American” seem awfully out of character. Of course, Continue reading
