23 Mar
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…)
27 Jan
On January 22, 2010 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued an official statement on Haiti, urging its members to Help. This video features the text of that statement, combined with images from Haiti, and set to the LDS Hymn
DO GOOD! – DONATE at give.lds.org/emergencyresponse
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Video courtesy HaveYouDoneAnyGood Channel
25 Jan
Haiti Orphan Evacuation
Since the devestating 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti Jan 12, media networks have exponentially inundated us with tragic tales & images combined with stories of survival, heroism, sacrifice, service and love. Not a day goes by without “Haiti” being present somehow in our conscious or subconscious life. If you are anything like me, then over the past two weeks you’ve probably done two or more of the following:
Yesterday, I arrived home a little earlier than the rest of my family, so I opened up the local newspaper thinking I would do a quick “catch up” before lunch. For the next hour, or more, I sat transfixed as I read one unforgettable, heart-wrenching & heart-warming story after another in my Deseret News.
Utah helps Haiti
The miraculous story of Jeremy and Hollie Wardell bringing daughter Gabby Home - Incredible!
Reading these stories swamped my heart with alternating waves of sorrow and joy. I found myself having to stop often due to my inability to focus or breathe. These symptoms were, of course, directly tied to my uncontrollable sobbing. Although my mind was a million miles away, I distinctly heard a teenaged daughter loudly whisper:
“Dad! Stay out of the kitchen! Mom’s having another one of her media meltdowns!”
True enough.
Moments later, the same daughter tiptoed into the kitchen just long enough to deposit an extra large box of Kleenex on my lap, before retreating quickly to the other side of the house. Later that night, just after I had heroically composed myself and we all sat down to our nice dinner, and just before the knot returned to my throat and my eyes welled up again, I was offered another piece of sage 16-year-old advice:
“Next time Mom, don’t even THINK about the news until you go get the Kleenex first!”
Orphans in Haiti are held by volunteers
22 Jan
Mormons Mobilizing
‘Mormons’ and ‘Service’ are synonymous. When tragedy strikes, no matter when or where, you can bet a group of Mormons will be on the next plane bringing truckloads of blankets, sanitation kits, food, clothing, medical supplies and volunteers. Local Mormon leaders, missionaries and congregations will be coordinating the efforts, and the local Mormon churches will immediately become a designated shelter.
"Helping Hands"
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hailed as having one of the best organized Humanitarian Aid Services in the world. But Latter-day Saints don’t wish to trump their own horn. They desire to serve quickly, quietly and efficiently. They strive to follow the example of Jesus, taking care of His children “one by one“.
“and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them.” 3 Nephi 17:21
Infant born at Haitian LDS Chapel Jan 19 '10
When Haiti was struck with a catastrophic earthquake last week, Mormons mobilized! Thousands of volunteers immediately stepped up - whether through donations of money, products, and services, tying quilts, packing up supplies, or putting their lives on hold to physically go to Haiti.
The devestation in Haiti is so vast, and the needs are so great, it is hard not to become overwhelmed with the news reports, and the mounting task ahead. However it is heartwarming to see people of all faiths and nationalities coming together, rolling up their sleeves, and digging in (often, literally) to help the Haitian people.
There is hope for a brighter day in knowing that help is coming to Haiti one person and one day at a time.
LDS volunteer plays with Haitian children Jan 19,'10
The following two video clips, courtesy Deseret News , gives a glimpse at the work Utah “Doctors without Borders” and “Mormon Helping Hands” are doing right now.
“go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” Mark 10:21
A Team of Utah Doctors Helping in Haiti
“And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” Mosiah 2:17
LDS Relief Efforts in Haiti
To Make A Donation, Go To LDS Humanitarian Services
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Read Updated Stories & Become a Fan! Facebook Page – LDS Humanitarian Services
13 Jan
LDS Tongan Temple
On Thurs. Jan 7, 2010 [Wed Jan 6 in North America] a baby boy was born in the LDS (Mormon) Nuku’alofa Tonga Temple. The circumstances surrounding this unusual occurance were nothing short of miraculous. Mormon Soprano has received permission from all parties involved to share the story with you, as told by Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”), serving as an LDS Sister Missionary Nurse in Tonga:
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“I went to the [Tonga] Temple last night. I had taken my watch off at home (something the brethern have asked us to do), so I ended up leaving 20 minutes earlier than usual, and arrived early, [about 6:30 PM] planning to attend the 7:00 PM session. As I was entering, the brothers at the desk said they needed a nurse urgently, and asked me to go into the waiting room!
Tonga Temple
“What I did not know at the time of my arrival is that the phones and internet had gone down at the temple, and no one could call out. The Acting [Temple] President had tried to find me, but no one knew where I was, as I am now working as a proseletyzing missionary. He began to fervently pray for me to come to the 7:00 temple session, and had just completed his prayer when I walked in the door.
“When I entered [the temple waiting room], there was the mommy sitting in a wheelchair in all her white [clothing] and she had already delivered most of the baby. I was very concerned about the baby, and felt the tremendous urging of the spirit prompting me as to what to do. I give all the praise to the Lord! I had to scoop him out of her [undergarments] and turn him over to get him to breathe, and then came that famous cry! They do not have twist ties in Tonga, so I asked for scissors, and elastic bands. I cut the cord and put the elastic bands on. All this time, Sister Clayton [a temple worker] was helping me, as she has had 8 children and many grandchildren! We lifted the mother out of the wheelchair and onto the floor where I delivered the placenta (afterbirth). It took a few pushes and I needed to help it along, but finally it came. In Tonga, the family takes the afterbirth and ceremonially buries it, so it was important to have it preserved.
proud parents with Sister Teni holding the baby
“The mother of the baby’s name is Ati. She is a teacher here in Liahona, and had just returned from BYU Hawaii where she had been taking a course. Her due date was set as February 14th, and she had seen her doctor the night before she came to the temple [with everything appearing on schedule]. She and her husband decided to attend a session at the temple together, where she went into labor without warning. Her husband was by her side the whole time of the delivery.
“I could hardly believe it, but the birth only took 20 minutes for all of this to happen from beginning to end! At this point, the ambulance arrived and took mother & baby to the hospital, and all was well! In the meantime, I noticed that I never got one drop of blood, or anything on me! I was able to wash up, get ready for the session, and attend just as planned!
Sister Teni, Mommy Ati & Baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale and Sister Clayton
“The next morning [Sister Clayton] and I went to the Hospital to see the baby. Mom and Dad were waiting for us. They [gave us a great honor] and asked us to name their baby. His name will be “Teni Keleitoni Temipale“, which is the Tongan translation for our names, [ten Hoopen & Clayton] plus the Temple.
“I joined the church 11 years ago in New York City, which has changed my life forever. This was another incredible blessing, to be of some small service in the Kingdom.
I have a testimony that the Atonement can heal all ills of this society, and the world! I share these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
With Love, Sister Teni (ten Hoopen)”
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Sister Teni’s life is also a miraculous story. She was born and raised in Canada, and moved to New York City in 1980. She joined the LDS Church in 1998, and three months after her baptism, travelled by train with her two boys to live in Utah. A little over a year ago, she chose to serve at her own expense as a single Senior Missionary. She was originally called to the Samoa mission, but one week before arriving at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah her assignment was changed to be the Missionary Nurse in Tonga. After arriving in Tonga, her mission President sent her to serve in Niua – more famously known as “The Other Side of Heaven“, and became the first white (palangi) single Sister Missionary to serve there. Delivering a baby at the Temple is just one of the many miraculous and unique experiences of her missionary service. She is beloved by the Tongan people:
[Sister Teni] is truly a remarkable and wonderful example of Heavenly Father’s answer to many prayers. The lives she’s touched, the miracle of her being here in Tonga, that’s another story all together! She has escaped near death, survived a typhoon [the Tsunami that hit Niua in September] nursed the survivors, healed and witnessed a true miracle, baptized families, delivered a baby in a Temple, and saved one person I know very well–literally saved their life. She is an answer to prayers, my very own Angel, and quite a few others feel that way, too!
- Sister Kathleen Peaua, a Latter-day Saint living in Tonga
We thank Sister Frederika ten Hoopen (“Sister Teni”) for her selfless service, and for sharing her story and testimony with us. We also welcome baby Teni Keleitoni Temipale to the world, and extend best wishes to his family!
31 Dec
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
23 Dec
On The 23rd Day of counting down, we’ve reached the Eve of Christmas Eve…
here is a story that warms the heart, and helps us to believe!
Click to Play: “Away In A Manger” by Paul Cardall
The following anonymous letter arrived on the desk of President Thomas S. Monson in December 1998.
“Dear President Monson:
“I am a dentist by profession…my receptionist informed me that an acquaintance of hers was coming into my office. She had problems with two of her teeth. She knew this woman and told me of her circumstances. The woman carried many burdens. The family business, which she ran, was doing poorly and the family was three months behind in paying rent. They had five children, many grown into adulthood, but all had moved back home because of difficult personal circumstances. By sheer force of will, she had kept her family together for some time. Now two teeth were broken.
“The woman arrived for her appointment and explained about her dental problem. She asked if I would allow her to pay her bill over time. She explained to me that her family had experienced several financial reversals and were just recently starting to pay some overdue bills.
“I assured her that her credit was good with me. She asked if I could repair just one of the two broken teeth at that time. I assured her that I could, and we began.
“Since I had the time, I repaired both teeth, for which she was grateful. When the work was completed…I told her that if she would not be offended, I should like to make a Christmas present of the dental work, for which there would be no bill. She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out.
“Both my assistant and receptionist were so moved by her reaction that they also sprouted tears and could hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was doubly glad. One part, in seeing such a simple act have such a happy effect on another. And the second part, for once in my life having a patient in my office crying for joy, and not for pain!
“To you, my very best wishes.
“Sincerely,
“A brother in the gospel”
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President David O. McKay said:
“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.
“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.”
There’s Christmas in the home and church,
There’s Christmas in the mart;
But you’ll not know what Christmas is
Unless it’s in your heart.The bells may call across the snow,
And carols search the air;
But, oh, the heart will miss the thrill
Unless it’s Christmas there.- Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Gifts”
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Excerpts of a talk given in December 1998 by President Thomas S. Monson, then First Counselor in the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, entitled: What Is Christmas?
10 Dec
“On the 10th Day Christmas, MoSop shares a story … for finding the Christmas Spirit’s glory“
The following is excerpts of a talk by President Thomas S. Monson of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have included a musical clip for you to enjoy while reading. Just click on the arrow.
In Search Of The Christmas Spirit
I am the Christmas Spirit.
I enter the home of poverty, causing pale-faced children to open their eyes wide in pleased wonder.
I cause the miser’s clutched hand to relax and thus paint a bright spot on his soul.
I cause the aged to renew their youth and to laugh in the glad old way.
I keep romance alive in the heart of childhood and brighten sleep with dreams woven of magic.
I cause eager feet to climb dark stairways with filled baskets, leaving behind them hearts amazed at the goodness of the world.
I cause the prodigal to pause a moment on his wild, wasteful way, and send to anxious love some little token that releases glad tears—tears which wash away the hard lines of sorrow.
I enter dark prison cells, reminding scarred manhood of what might have been, and pointing forward to good days yet to come.
I come softly into the still, white home of pain; and lips that are too weak to speak just tremble in silent, eloquent gratitude.
In a thousand ways I cause the weary world to look up into the face of God, and for a little moment forget the things that are small and wretched.
I am the Christmas Spirit. – [author unknown]
President Thomas S. Monson
This is the spirit each true Christian seeks. This is the spirit I pray each may find. This is the Christ spirit. No quest is so universal, no undertaking so richly rewarding, no effort so ennobling, no purpose so divine. The Christmas season seems to prompt anew that yearning, that seeking to emulate the Savior of the world…
…With the birth of the babe in Bethlehem, there emerged a great endowment—a power stronger than weapons, a wealth more lasting than the coins of Caesar. This child was to become the King of kings and Lord of lords, the promised Messiah—Jesus Christ, the Son of God…
Born in a stable
…Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, He came forth from heaven to live on earth as mortal man and to establish the kingdom of God. During His earthly ministry, He taught men the higher law. His glorious gospel reshaped the thinking of the world. He blessed the sick. He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. To us He has said, “Come, follow me.”
Seeking
As we seek Christ, as we find Him, as we follow Him, we shall have the Christmas spirit, not for one fleeting day each year, but as a companion always. We shall learn to forget ourselves. We shall turn our thoughts to the greater benefit of others…
…If we remember, “When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God” (Mosiah 2:17), we will not find ourselves in the unenviable position of Jacob Marley’s ghost. When he spoke to Ebenezer Scrooge in Dickens’ immortal A Christmas Carol, he spoke sadly of opportunities lost. Said he,
Marley's Ghost
“Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led Wise Men to a poor abode! Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me?” (In The Best Short Stories of Charles Dickens, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1947, p. 435.)
Reaching Out
We can learn a treasured lesson from the pen of Dickens and from the example of Christ. As we lift our eyes heavenward and then remember to look outward into the lives of others, as we remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive, we, during this Christmas season, will come to see a bright, particular star that will guide us to our precious opportunity…
…[Then our] quest for the Christmas spirit is rewarded.
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Excerpts from the 1987 First Presidency Message: In Search of the Christmas Spirit - by Thomas S. Monson
Musical Selection: “Silent Night” by Michael Dowdle
18 Mar
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
8 Mar
In this week’s Mormon Message video, presiding LDS Bishop H. David Burton gives details regarding the humanitarian effort of the LDS Church.
The scripture passages:
“As ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:40) and “Remember in all things the poor and the needy” (D&C 52:40) take on special meaning as Bishop Burton shares this profound truth:
“The things you do for yourself are gone when you are gone.
The things you do for others remains your Legacy.”
God our Father has a Gameplan, and we’re all on the team! If He had a “playbook”, He might borrow a few play titles straight from daytime TV; “As The World Turns“, “One Life To Live“, “Guiding Light“, and “All My Children“. He could certainly include “Search For Tomorrow“, and “Another World“. For simplicity, this [...]
A very historic and sacred event in history was commemorated this weekend. In June 1978 the Priesthood was extended to “every worthy male” member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I remember that prophetic day. I would have been 12 years old. My mother picked me up from school and told me [...]
Come, Sing, Fall, Cry, Dance, Fly… … and Live! I thank Chris Rice for writing such a beautiful song, and tferise69 for this lovely video
Composer Clyde Bowden shares a spiritual experience while working on the score for “Reflections of Christ”
We have been experiencing a little taste of spring weather lately in Northern Utah. The other day it was unresistable, and I had to get out and enjoy it while it lasted! I believe I made my dog the happiest
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