on the rim

Without a doubt, this is one of the hardest posts that I have written to date.  It is clear of anger, it is clear of depression, it is clearly seen in my mind's eye.  But translating it to words, is not easy.  It is written only to target a very small group of people, though the application is nearly universal.  It is a call home.  While there are some who may think it is directed at them specifically, the very small group is spread out enough, that it may be you, but undoubtedly it includes someone else.  I beg that none take offense, for certainly none is intended.   First things first.  I truly sing  "We thank thee o god for a prophet"  (LDS Hymn #19) in celebration of the call of a new prophet and president of the church.  Truly unique will be those calls from the prophet, who's letter, or certificate contains the signature of the President of the Quorum of the Twelve, rather than President of the church.  Are they any ...

It was the opening hymn, FYI. Sarah received a text from the ward music director, asking if I would conduct (sick kids).  Grateful to do so, we went to the church early to go through the hymns, all fairly common.  As it was Fast Sunday (we had Ward Conference the week before, putting our arms to the square to sustain the Quorum of the Twelve as prophets, seers, and revelators, as a Quorum presiding over the church) The opening hymn was #26 in the LDS Hymnbook,  "Joseph Smith's First Prayer".  I had worked with Sarah on some special embellishments that I felt would be important to the song.  Here are the verses: 1. Oh, how lovely was the morning! Radiant beamed the sun above. Bees were humming, sweet birds singing, Music ringing thru the grove, When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love, When within the shady woodland Joseph sought the God of love. 2. Humbly kneeling, sweet appealing— ’Twas the boy’s first uttere...

Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secrets unto His servants the prophets.  Amos 3:7 KJV Rest in peace, President Monson. Tuesday night, January 2, President Thomas Spencer Monson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, passed away at the age of 90.  He had served for decades as an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, dying just short of ten years as President of the Church, and prophet to the world.  He is known for his heart truly being in sync with his Lord.  Few mortals have been on the earth that exhibited the pure love of Christ, or charity, as he did. The Lord knows his servants are mortal, and that their time on earth is limited, whether just a few short years, or decades.  Because of this, His church is organized for a smooth succession.  We are blessed to know that the keys to the kingdom, the very keys carried by Peter in the ancient church, are vested in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.  All keys tha...