We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

This past Sunday as we watched General Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, this closing hymn was the highlight of the conference for me.

Templehousegalery.com explains the uniqueness of the presentation of hymn:

The 190th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in April 2020 featured Latter-day Saints from around the world virtually joining The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square in a prerecorded performance.

In addition to the historic significance April’s general conference holds as the bicentennial anniversary of Joseph Smith’s First Vision — one of the Church’s most important foundational events — risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic meant that the Church’s official choir could not sing live, as they normally would.

These unique circumstances provided even more value to a recently produced compilation of prerecorded videos of the iconic Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and choirs of Latter-day Saints from congregations across the globe.

At the close of the Sunday afternoon session, the preproduced video of Church members on six continents singing “We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet” along with the Church’s iconic choir was broadcast by satellite and streamed by internet to millions of people worldwide who listened to general conference on Church and public-facing channels.

Latter-day Saint choirs from Accra, Ghana; Mexico City, Mexico; Seoul, South Korea; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Frankfurt, Germany; and Auckland, New Zealand, participated in the almost five-minute rendition of the beloved Church hymn.

Speaking of  being grateful for our prophet, President Russell M. Nelson asked that we fast on Good Friday that our lives may be "normalized" as we are dealing with this "present pandemic"

The church news states:

Latter-day Saints and all others who want to participate are being called to join in a worldwide fast.

“For all whose health may permit, let us fast, pray, and unite our faith once again,” said President Russell M. Nelson in his Saturday evening general conference address. “Let us prayerfully plead for relief from this global pandemic.

“I invite all, including those not of our faith, to fast and pray on Good Friday, April 10, that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized.”

This video shows President Nelson's invitation"

As I fasted on Good Friday and listened to this 2015 recording of the  Hallelujah Chorus, I felt connected to my brothers and sisters around the world in a united cause.  

Sabbath Day Worship With a 2-Year Old

On March 12, 2020 our church made this announcement:

As the rapid spread of COVID-19 continues across the globe, the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced Thursday afternoon that all Church gatherings—including public worship services and sacrament meetings,......will be suspended immediately. The announcement included no end date. 

A week and a half later I found myself in Idaho welcoming home our twin grandbabies from the hospital.

Saturday was the first day all five Jeppsons were home together.  On Sunday morning I found myself with my two-year old granddaughter while her parents and newborn siblings slept in.  We had a special time listening to songs about Jesus.  The songs brought tears to my eyes as we both learned about the special mission of Jesus Christ.

Enjoy a couple of the songs we watched:

The Miracle is a song written by Shawna Belt Edwards to teach children and youth about the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

I Will Walk with Jesus is written by Stephen P. Schank.  We can be assured that Jesus Christ will walk with us along the way. When we choose to walk with Him, we find safety,  purpose and salvation.

Double Blessings!

Grandbabies #9 and #10 arrived this month just in time for a Valentine's Day treat.  Baby girl and baby boy joined Kristine and Bryce keeping the Magnusson grandchildren count at an even 5 girls and 5 boys.  We couldn't be more excited!

 Let the fun begin!

A Mission Memory

We have been home from our mission for almost 9 months.  As I think back on the many experiences we had, this reading from the Book of Mormon and discussion with Charles is one of my most precious memories.

 In this video, we are reading from and discussing 3 Nephi 11:15

15 And it came to pass that the multitude went forth, and thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet; and this they did do, going forth one by one until they had all gone forth, and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety and did bear record, that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.

Book of Mormon reading from Kathleen Magnusson on Vimeo. 

Chase's Baptism

Earlier this month, we traveled north to Idaho.....

....so we could attend the baptism of our grandson, Chase.  

We are proud of him and that he has followed the example of the Savior.  

Matthew 3:16
16 And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:

Acts 2:37-38

37 ¶ Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Click on the arrow to view my favorite depiction of Jesus' baptism

Baptism 

Words: Mabel Jones Gabbott

Music: Crawford Gates

1. Jesus came to John the Baptist,

In Judea long ago,

And was baptized by immersion

In the River Jordan's flow.

2. "To fulfill the law," said Jesus,

When the Baptist questioned why,

"And to enter with my Father

In the kingdom up on high."

3. Now we know that we must also

Witness faith in Jesus' word,

Be baptized to show obedience,

As was Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Christmas Nativity Sets

While I was in Belize, I discovered this free printable nativity set available on the made by joel website.  

Handing out this simple nativity set has brought me so much joy.  I have given this set to so many people --young, old, teenagers, and ages in-between.  Enjoy the smiles of some of the children who have received it.

Click here to go to the made by joel link for the free Nativity Scene printable   I print the 3 pages on card-stock paper, cut the figures out, and place the set in a quart size ziplock bag to hand out.  As the child sets it up for the first time, we talk about the stable, the animals, and the events of baby Jesus' birth.  

2023

I discovered that after the children set up the nativity, it is fun to have them watch this video that tells the nativity story.  As the song sings about a part of the scene they have set up, the children can point to that item that is being sung about at the time.   (See the words below that are in bold print) 

The Nativity Song

by Patricia Kelsey Graham

1. This is the season beloved of the year.

Sing a rhyme; Christmastime soon will be here.

Tell the true story of Jesus’ birth,

When, as a baby, he came to the earth.

2. This is the new star, shining so bright,

Lighting the world on that first Christmas night.

This is the angel proclaiming the birth,

Singing “Hosanna!” and “Peace on the earth!”

3. This is the stable, shelter so bare;

Cattle and oxen first welcomed him there.

This is the manger, sweet hay for a bed,

Waiting for Jesus to cradle his head.

4. These are the shepherds, humble and mild,

Hast’ning to worship the heavenly child.

These are the wise men who followed the star,

Frankincense, gold, and myrrh brought from afar.

5. See the sweet mother, Mary so fair,

Joseph, who guided the donkey with care.

See the dear baby of Bethlehem,

Little Lord Jesus, the Savior of men.

We're Tied Up in Knots

We send to all our friends, far and near, this year's Christmas card, with love.

You can see the other Magpad Christmas cards through the years by clicking here.  

It's a Tie!

Grandbaby # 8 has us all tied up.  We  have 4 granddaughters and with this latest little one joining our family, 4 grandsons.   Renee and Dave's baby boy was born just before Thanksgiving which has given us a lot to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving Activity Ideas

picture:  Freedom From Want by Norman Rockwell

As we gather around the Thanksgiving table this year, we'll be "talking turkey".  This is an activity to get some conversation going and to learn a little more about those we love.  

Let’s Talk Turkey!  

1. What’s your favorite Thanksgiving food and why?
2. Share a Thanksgiving memory.
3. What is something that happened this year that you are thankful for?
4. What part of the Thanksgiving story do you like the best?
5. Why do you think Thanksgiving is always on a Thursday?
6. What’s something that happened in your lifetime that you are thankful for?  
7. What is your favorite Thanksgiving dessert?
8. What are you looking forward to doing the week after Thanksgiving? 
9. Tell about a Black Friday shopping experience.
10. What’s a Thanksgiving experience you had while away from home?  
11. Whole or jelly cranberry sauce?  Why?  

You can print this up and pass it out:

Made by Joel came through by designing and making available this placemat.   We'll be printing it up and have crayons available to keep the kids busy before the meal is served.  

You can get the pattern for the placemat on  the Made by Joel's website by clicking here.  

"Holding On and Letting Go"

I am an auditory learner and enjoy listening to past devotionals given at the different BYU campus devotionals.  I enjoyed listening to Elder L. Todd Budge's address given at a BYU-Hawaii devotional on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019

Here are some summary thoughts taken from thechurchnews.com webpage about Elder Budge's address  (click onto this link to read the whole article)

Elder Budge shared with BYU-Hawaii students four things to let go:

Let go of sin. 
Let go of guilt. 
Let go of grudges.
Let go of your own will. 

Elder Budge encouraged students to not let go of their righteous expectations or desires, such as finding a companion to marry, having children or being free of sickness. “But do let go of your attachment to them as a condition of your happiness,”

“Life is much more joyful when we choose to trust God and His plan for us,” 

Elder Budge also shared four things to hold on to that will increase joy and the power to let go:

Hold on to the Holy Ghost.
Hold on to your faith.
Hold on to the word of God.
Hold on to your covenants.

You can also see the video by clicking here

One more quote from the Church News article:

Elder Budge encouraged students to find joy by holding fast to that which is of God and letting go that which is not. Letting go of grudges is one of several ways to increase joy, Elder Budge told the students. 

“If there is anyone you have not forgiven, I invite you to let go of your judgement of that person, leave that to God, and allow yourself to love them instead,” Elder Budge said. “I testify that you will be much happier when you do.”

Don't take my word for it about what a great devotional this was.  Take 30 minutes and listen to it yourself.  It will brighten your day.