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Until I read the recent article about The Piano Guys partnering with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) on a new Christmas project, I had never heard of them. I was blown away by how soothing and spiritual their sound is. It was one of those moments that carries you away as you listen. When I watched it, I read through some of the comments and an athiest even commented on how moved he was. I rank it as the best song I’ve heard this year. If you haven’t had a chance to see the video yet, here it is:
Other Christmas songs that move me during the Christmas Season are by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. The first time I really paid attention to the songs, “For Unto Us a Child is Born” and “Hallelujah” was as a young Mormon missionary in Germany in the mid-’90s. I purchased Handel’s “Messiah” and would listen to that cd over and over again. Every time I hear both of these songs, not only do I feel the Lord’s presence, but my mind goes back to my mission and how each day was dedicated to serving the people of Germany and lifting them up through Christ’s message.
Versions of each song are included below:
There are so many great versions of Christmas Songs out there. Please share in the comments your favorites and links to them so we can all enjoy.
In conclusion, I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas. I pray that we all enjoy spending time with our friends and family and also spend time serving those who may need a little of the Lord’s hope in their lives. I also pray blessings on each of you during this Christmas season and always.
It was like a good old boys club as each of us sat around joking and telling stories. I was having a good time surrounded by friends and colleagues, but I noticed the only lady in the group sitting on the side trying to stay calm as her face turned various shades of red. She was not amused.
After the meeting, she approached me and expressed her frustration with the direction the meetings were going. She felt that we rarely stayed on topic and that there wasn’t a purpose to the meeting. Furthermore, she wondered why we were wasting time meeting anyways when we could be doing more important things like visiting people who needed our help.
She was the Relief Society President and I was the Elders President in a local singles congregation. I was primarily responsible for over 90 young men (Elders) and she was responsible for primarily the young ladies and we also collaborated to help each other. The meeting was a leadership meeting that was held each Sunday with our Bishop (Pastor) and the purpose was to keep him informed of the needs of the young people in the congregation.
While the intentions were good and important, some, including our Relief Society President thought the meetings were a waste of time in that we could be using that time more effectively.
Mormons are notorious for having meetings, as referred to in this blog I read today. We have 3 hour meetings on Sundays and if we are in a leadership position that can be as much as 6-8 hours in meetings on Sundays. It can be exhausting (believe me, I know from personal experience)!
Using Technology to Address the Issue
I think that meetings are an important part of building unity between the various groups and also keeping the lead pastor (bishop) informed on what each auxiliary is doing. However, I don’t think we need to physically meet for every meeting.
For example, much of what is discussed between auxiliaries could be handled in emails that with each leader receiving a copy. Meetings could also be held via Skype or teleconference.
Additionally, for Mormons who find it hard to attend their church meetings, perhaps there could be a live stream or recording of sacrament meeting so they can view it from home.
Conclusion
I think there are many resources that we aren’t using and as a result some members are getting frustrated. Implmenting some additional technology into our mix could only help the situation.
What are your thoughts?
Jeff Lindsay thinks Joseph Smith’s greatest legacy is the Book of Mormon. I agree with him and personally feel that the Book of Mormon is probably his greatest legacy for me personally because reading it has literally changed my life.
However, there are many more things that Joseph Smith accomplished in his lifetime that I thought it would be worth highlighting some of them since this month is his birthday. In fact, John Taylor (the Church’s 3rd president) went so far to say that “Joseph Smith has done more save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it.”
Some things off the top of my head that I can think of that Joseph Smith left behind include: temples, translation of the Bible, Doctrine and Covenants, eternal marriage, and the organization of the Church. I’m sure there are tons more that I’m not thinking of, so that’s where you come in!
Below is a poll that includes a list of the major good things Joseph Smith accomplished. Take the poll and leave a comment on your favorite legacy left by Joseph Smith.
Grace for Grace 
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