Always Anxiously Engaged: 2020

Friday, December 25, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #25 - Kerry and Peggy

Today concludes my Christmas posts for 2020. I hope there has been some joy in both the music and the treasures I have posted.

Today's posts is a culmination of all of the previous posts. All have pointed to Christ in one way or another. They are filled with the appreciation I have for all he has given to me - to us.

Even the tiniest of things have meaning. The Danish plates point to Kerry's heritage. The ornament from Valley Forge represents my own ancestors, as well as some of Kerry's who fought to preserve our God-given freedoms on this land.

The Russian nativities and nesting dolls point to all of God's children around the world that he loves.

The Christmas plates from Kerry's mother point to the giving of something we would cherish for the rest of our lives. The kerosene lamps reminding me of Christmas Eves with my parents point to the light that Christ brings into our lives.

The red gingham bows my mom and I made together represent the time spent within a family, and how we should make an effort to get things all tied up in our lives.

The baby booties and quilt made and give to baby son Peter represent that Peter once lived, he died, and is very much alive in spirit in the afterlife. Trust me when I say I know this.

The cowboy boot from OGS represents that every now and then we need a kick in the rear to get us going in the right direction. Again, trust me when I say I know this.

So today, Kerry and I are grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ whose birth we celebrate today. A deeper study will show that it likely didn't happen in December, but that it happened at a different time of year. But, that's a whole other discourse. Today we commemorate that he was born and lived and taught his doctrine, he died to redeem us from our sins through his atoning sacrifice, he was resurrected.

And, he will return.

We were taught those things as children, growing up 3,000 miles apart.

We believe those things as adults, because we choose to.

Merry Christmas to all of you. May you find the peace that we have.

Peace is not living without conflict. It is finding peace amidst the conflict.

#Christmas

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #25 - World’s Largest Virtual #Hallelujah Chorus

This virtual Hallelujah Chorus came out in 2016 before there was ever a pandemic, or virtual choirs and orchestras.

It was spot on!

So today as we celebrate and commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ, we have every reason to sing Hallelujah that such a tiny one came into to the world to redeem us from our sins.

This will conclude my Christmas music posts for 2020. Merry Christmas!

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Thursday, December 24, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #24 - Kerry's Christmas Star

During the years 1971-1973, young Kerry was serving a mission in the Delaware/Maryland Mission. He had left for the mission field in September of 1971, arriving in Maryland sometime in October.

It was his first real time away from home. His parents taught him well, and he loved his mission and the area he was in - enough to return to it at the end of his mission.

But at Christmastime, your heart turns homeward.

During his first Christmas away from home, he and his missionary companion were poor, not having much more than about $150 each month as a living allowance.

They at least wanted to have a tree, so pooling their money they bought one for $4.

And, most missionaries don't take Christmas decorations with them in their suitcases from home. So, Kerry found some cardboard and cut out a star to place on top of their $4 tree.

We still have that star 49 years later.

After we married in December 1977, we decorated our first tree together. Soon, Kerry placed this cardboard star on the top of our absolutely perfect tree. I gasped. What in the world was that thing?

He told me. Oh. Okay.

I put up with that star for years, always wanting a beautiful angel with a long flowing dress. One year I finally bought one and told him that it was going on the tree.

He quietly took his star down, placed it safely in a folder, and didn't say much.

I felt like a heel. I looked at our tree, and thought it was the ugliest one I had ever seen. I told him how I felt, and asked him to bring his star back out.

Peggy learned a valuable lesson that didn't use any words. Just feelings. I learned how to get rid of my selfish self.

We now have framed the star so the points don't get damaged, and it hangs year round in our dining room.

And, it is the most beautiful thing in that room.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #24 - Silent Night, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Years ago a man from another faith told me of one of the yearly memories from his childhood.

They lived in the Ohio countryside surrounded by lots of hills. His parents always played records from the Mormon Tabernacle Choir during the holiday season, but particularly on Christmas Eve. As a young boy he could remember looking out his upstairs bedroom at snow covered hills and hearing the Tabernacle Choir playing on the record player.

It is a tradition he has kept for nearly 70 years.

And, this is the song that clinched the feeling of Christmas for him then...and, still does,

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #23 - Nativity Ornament from Relief Society

A few years ago I made a decision about Christmas. My own children were adult enough to realize the meaning behind celebrating the birth of Christ during this time of year.

So, I decide that every Christmas card I sent, and nearly every decoration would be centered around this meaning. I still have some of the favorites from years' past.

But, I began to change on the inside.

My heart changed.

My actions changed.

I changed.

And it's all for the better.

This year the Relief Society Presidency gave out gift bags that contained a number of beautiful items inside. One of them was this ornament that I absolutely love. And, everyone who received one loves theirs, too!

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #23 - Largest Nativity Event, The Piano Guys, David Archuleta, Peter Hollens

A few years ago, in a very short amount of time, a thousand people came together to create this beautiful nativity.

And it leaves me breathless each time I hear it.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #22 - O Come, O Come Emmanuel, The Piano Guys

This is absolutely one of my most favorite Christmas carols coupled with one of the most tender videos ever. Whenever I hear any other arrangement, I can't help but compare it back to this arrangement.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #22 - Holy Family, by sister Betty

Monday, December 21, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #21 - Missing Me, The Piano Guys and Craig Aven

I happened upon this beautiful song by accident.

It's so difficult to lose someone close to the holidays, for you can't help but notice the empty chair. To me, the year of "firsts" is the hardest - the first birthday without them, the first Mother's Day and Father's Day, the holidays, etc. To me it's when the grieving is the hardest and noticing their absence is the most evidence.

It gets easier, but not much. We don't get over it. We just simply get through it.

You may have noticed that I post many songs and videos from The Piano Guys. Jon Schmidt (piano) and Steven Sharp Nelson (cello - both traditional and electric) are some of the finest musicians around.

In 2016, Jon's daughter Annie went missing while hiking in Oregon. Here is a clip from Billboard: "Her death was ruled accidental. Nearly a month after The Piano Guys co-founder Jon Schmidt's daughter 21-year-old Annie Schmidt went missing in Oregon, it has been confirmed she died while hiking. The younger Schmidt's body was found at the bottom of a cliff below Munra Point in the Columbia River Gorge."

I followed this story closely as the search went on to find her. Annie is the granddaughter of one of our genealogy colleagues.

At the beginning of the clip, Jon tells how he found this song and the person who sang it when he first heard it.

So, if you are experiencing grief during this time of year, and so, so many of us are, then this song is for you.

And, for me.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauties of the Day #21 - Peter's Baby Booties and Quilt

By all admissions, this is probably the hardest of my Christmas posts to write.

Eleven years ago at this very moment, son Peter was fighting for his life at Celebration Hospital in Florida. It was a Monday.

Three hours later, he would be gone.

But as I look at our tree and our surroundings, you will always be able to tell that we had a child by that name - a child who would not live past age thirty.

He was born in April, and the little green booties were made for him by a member of our local congregation. They hang on the tree as a reminder that he and our other three children were absolute gifts from God. We could not have received greater gifts than the four of them.

The second is a quilt made by my mom and dad. Peter would have been about eight months old when they stopped by our house with this quilt. All of the babies in our house have been snuggled in this quilt. Kerry held it up for me to take this photo last night, and I later looked at the detail in the binding that they sewed on. I still have the Necchi sewing machine they used to stitch it.

As every Christmas rolled around, we would spend quiet candle time in the evenings reading stories, listening to music, or watching special holiday television shows. Whoever the baby was that year was the one that was snuggled. I would wrap them up like a little burrito and wonder if it was anything like the swaddling clothes used to wrap baby Jesus.

I'm going to say probably not.

It is still in good shape, even after forty-one years and lots of "kid stuff" happening to it.

And, it is quite meaningful today - especially today.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Sunday, December 20, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #20 - The Wexford Carol, Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square

This song has been done by several artists, one of which is Alison Kraus. I posted her version earlier this month.

But this is the version that gets me every time.

From Wikipedia we read the following, "The Wexford Carol (Irish: Carúl Loch Garman, Carúl Inis Córthaidh) is a traditional religious Irish Christmas carol originating from County Wexford and, specifically, Enniscorthy (whence its other name).^[1] The subject of the song is the nativity of Jesus Christ.

"The Wexford Carol", sometimes known by its first verse "Good people all this Christmas time", is of uncertain origins and while it is occasionally claimed to be from the early Middle Ages, it likely was composed in the 15th or 16th century based on its musical and lyrical style."

I personally believe Christmastime is a time to look inward at things we could improve on. I have many, and perhaps you do, too.

As you listen and watch this video, I would encourage you to watch it twice. Are there people that perhaps you need to forgive.

Do you need to be forgiven?

Put yourself in the place of both brothers, and see which one you are today.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #20 - Danish Santa Claus

In keeping with the Danish theme that runs through our home, and also through Kerry's lineage, I am posting this Danish Santa Claus I found at a craft fair a few years ago.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Saturday, December 19, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #19 - Away in a Manger, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

I will often have people ask me how I just seem to be so calm, so cool, so collected.

It does appear that way, doesn't it? Trust me...I have my moments.

But the things I have been posting this month and all of last month are the ways I maintain my focus on the things that really matter and walk away from the things that don't.

This particular arrangement of "Away in a Manger" made me stop what I was doing and hone in on the message. It is one of the tender and gentle versions I've heard.

Through song and scripture I have somewhat of a visual of what it may have looked like on that Christmas Eve of long ago. I think of young Mary, likely a teenage girl according to custom, as she was bring baby Jesus into the world. What a tremendous responsibility that was placed on her shoulders.

I think of Joseph, and the supportive role he played in raising this baby boy. We only know a little about him, but we know that he did not turn Mary away and disgrace her. What a tremendous responsibility that was placed on his shoulders.

This tender melody brings me into those moments of so long ago.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LighttheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #19 - Cowboy Boot from OGS

About three years ago, the Ohio Genealogical Society had "Blazing New Trails", or something similar to that, as their annual conference theme. Many of the talks centered around Ohio being either a place you were going to or through as ancestors migrated westward.

As a speaker, there hasn't been a single conference I've been to that didn't have a marvelous gift bag for the speakers. Many times they contain gifts and products related to the them or are from the local area.

When I opened my bag, I was delighted to see cowboy boot cookies from the marvelous Stacey Adger. I am amazed at her baking talent!

But, also included was this adorable boot! I absolutely loved it then, and love it still! First, I have always wanted a pair of cowboy boots.

And second, Mr. Kerry worked on his dad's ranch and dairy farm as a "cowboy". This ornament is one that hangs on a special tree year round.

As a hint for conference organizers...if we ever get back to any sort of normal, in-person conferences, this is the type of thing I would love from your area. It provides a history for me.

Thank you to Marleen Applegate and Stacey Adger for the thoughtful things that go into these bags, and to each and every organizer I have received things from. I absolutely love them!

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Friday, December 18, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #18 - Mini Cooking Utensils from Deseret Book

Years ago I placed order for Christmas items from Deseret Book in Salt Lake City. To my surprise this tiny set of cooking utensils were included as a gift.

Though not entirely sure what they were meant to be used for, I decided to hang them on the tree. They represent thousands and thousands of meals eaten at our table. At a bare minimum, that would be a minimum of 6,708 meals.

As our children grew older, they were responsible for one evening meal each week. They just had to let me know what to plan for early in the week so I could pick up the ingredients. They learned to crank out some pretty good meals!

Mealtime was sacred to our family. We talked about our day, what went well, what could have gone better, different issues facing the country, plans for the next day, Kerry quizzing them about American history, LDS church history, math, etc. In turn, if they answered correctly they had the chance to stump Dad. (Guests were invited to participate, too!)

Ours was a family that sat and talked - and listened. We were not "meals on wheels" just walking around the house eating whatever. There was a purpose to mealtime.

So, this tiny utensil set may have had a different purpose, but to me it represents good conversations around our dinner table where we made every attempt to stay connected. To this day, I can't remember what many of the meals were.

I just remember the feeling.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #18 - The Prayer, by David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco

This one is a bit of a repeat from the post of a few days ago, except it was done by The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square.

David Archuleta and Nathan Pacheco provide a perfect blend of their voices for this beautiful song written by Carol Bayer Seger. I could just keep it on a loop all day long.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Thursday, December 17, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #17 - Danish Plates and Commemoration of the Death of Kerry's Father

It was sixteen years ago today that we learned of the death of Kerry's father Orson William Lauritzen. He was truly one of the kindest men I ever knew, and our loss was great.

He made me feel welcome from the first moment I met him. He was a gentleman, and taught his children well. Kerry often talks about how his father taught him to care and be respectful of women - to help them on with their coats, pull their chair out for them, open doors, etc. He taught them - and he also set the example.

And, Kerry still does this for me. When we were dating, many would say it wouldn't last. I knew better, for I knew his father. My sons tried to do the same for the girls they dated, but they were often shrugged off, with an "I can do it myself" following their attempts. Kerry taught them, but couldn't help it if it wasn't received.

Orson's paternal heritage is pure Danish, with the generations hailing from Vesterlund, Denmark. (Lauritz Lauritzen b1816 Denmark d1896 Utah - the immigrant)

Kerry's family is quite proud of their Danish heritage, but he and each of his siblings are actually only one quarter Danish. But today, we regale in Orson's paternal heritage as we remember the day of his passing.

Years ago we met a man who had been quite a collector, and a curator at a Swedish museum. He had several of the Danish Christmas plates, and gave us a boatload of them. They are clean and proudly displayed in our home.

The earliest one I have happens to be from the year of Orson's birth.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #17 - Alleluia, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

I don't recall the first time I heard this quiet, yet majestic hymn. I do recall having a conversation with Dan Earl about it awhile back.

To me, it is one of the most beautiful songs of pure praise that I've heard. It almost reminds me of the songs you would hear in a monastery.

When I think of the angels singing on the night of baby Jesus' birth, this is the sound I think of. Perhaps there were louder praises. Perhaps there were majestic choirs with angels in long white gowns singing loudly.

Perhaps there was a sound like this with nothing but pure praise, quiet rejoicing, and the abundance of love flowing from the voices.

A miracle had happened. Some would recognize it. Some wouldn't.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #16 - Valley Forge Ornament

Kerry and I love to travel. We have had the opportunity to set our footprints in all fifty states, and a few countries, as well.

When we traveled with our children, we often visited American history sites, and also LDS Church historical sites. We would stop, perhaps feasting on snacks or lunch, and Kerry would begin to tell them of events that took place on the very ground they were standing on. Some of those would be:

Antietam Battlefield

Gettysburg

Boston Harbor

Kirtland, Ohio

Nauvoo, Illinois

The North Platte River

Emigration Canyon in Utah

Jamestown and Williamsburg, Virginia

Sharon, Vermont

Palmyra, New York

Bunker Hill

And, Valley Forge

The latter is where this beautiful little ornament was bought just a few years ago.

After Kerry would tell them the history of the area, then it was my turn to tell them of their ancestors who also stood in that very spot. By doing this, we hoped it would help them to make a connection when they studied the subject in school.

We hoped.

Now, we send post cards to all of the grandchildren when we visit these places. With son Jordan's children, I will write something like, "One of your grandfathers fought in the battle that took place here. Have your dad tell you about him!"

Son: Mom. Why do you do that?

Me: Because I can.

In the case of this Valley Forge trip, I later learned that two ancestors were there during that fateful winter. By looking on the Valley Forge site, I learned they had actually been housed in cabins pretty much next to each other.

And, we had parked right in front of those cabins.

You know they had to know each other.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LighttheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #16 - Silent Night - Placido Domingo and The Piano Guys

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #16 - Silent Night, by Placido Domingo and The Piano Guys

There is just something about cathedrals.

Years ago Mr. Kerry and I were on a tour through Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize. My favorite part? The cathedrals. One of my dream trips would be to go cathedral hopping through Europe.

When I heard this video of Placido Domingo singing in this gorgeous Cathedral of Saint John the Divine in New York City, I had to stop what I was doing and listen intently. Again. And Again.

And the children's voices in the background!

Perhaps it's the majesty of the building, or the high ceilings, or...I don't know. But the sound takes on a completely different feeling. It's sort of like when you sing in the shower. Everyone sounds good because of the porcelain.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Tuesday, December 15, 2020

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #15 - What Child is This? - Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Remember the kerosene lamps I posted within the past couple of days? This is the music that was always playing in the background as we sat by their light, the glow of the fireplace, my grandmother baking her arthritic knees, and my dad reading the Christmas story.

My mom could barely listen to this song without tears welling up in her eyes. It was her absolute favorite of all time. She would often ask me to play it on the piano, which I gladly did.

Personally...I think it's because as a mother, she could put herself in the place of holding a child in the most humble of circumstances. When each of my children were born, I felt a connection with every woman on earth, whether they were a mother or not. All have "mothered".

When I was a young teenager, she let me take her mountain of S&H Green Stamp books and buy a recorder - just like the one in this video. When I played it for her on that instrument, she melted.

I still have that recorder. It survived all of these years from the time I was about 13-14. I was even part of a recorder choir at one point.

This song brings me back to those Christmas Eves of my childhood.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #15 - Christmas Stockings

Kerry and I still have the stockings from our youth. I imagine they would be considered antiques at this point.

His is a large stocking that his sister Joy made for him. She has always been an excellent seamstress, and can make just about anything. When he was a young man she presented him with this beautiful stocking that he has used ever since.

Mine is a bit older. Perhaps you remember me talking about the log cabin I grew up in until I was age five. I had it then, and am age 65 now.

It's old. I am old.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LighttheWorld

Monday, December 14, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #14 - Musical Ornaments

Many of you who know me also know that beside being an Accredited Genealogist I am a musician.

So, it is only right that a few things representing music also hang on my tree.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #14 - It Is Well With My Soul

This is another one of those songs that reach to the depths of my being, but isn't necessarily associated with Christmas.

It's associated with pain.

Before I tell you why this touches me so much, let's learn the background of this song. From Wikipedia, we read: "This hymn was written after traumatic events in Spafford's life. The first two were the death of his four-year-old son and the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, which ruined him financially (he had been a successful lawyer and had invested significantly in property in the area of Chicago that was extensively damaged by the great fire).^[1] His business interests were further hit by the economic downturn of 1873, at which time he had planned to travel to England with his family on the SS Ville du Havre, to help with D. L. Moody’s upcoming evangelistic campaigns. In a late change of plan, he sent the family ahead while he was delayed on business concerning zoning problems following the Great Chicago Fire. While crossing the Atlantic Ocean, the ship sank rapidly after a collision with a sea vessel, the Loch Earn, and all four of Spafford's daughters died.^[2] His wife Anna survived and sent him the now famous telegram, "Saved alone …". Shortly afterwards, as Spafford traveled to meet his grieving wife, he was inspired to write these words as his ship passed near where his daughters had died.^[3] Bliss called his tune Ville du Havre, from the name of the stricken vessel."

This man had suffered terrible tragedies, yet found solace and comfort in the worst that could happen.

So did I.

My sister-in-law Martha Lauritzen was a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir for years. Not long after son Peter died, I received a CD in the mail with their latest release, which included this song.

As I was driving, the tears streamed down my face, and I had to pull over into a rest area. Even as I am listening to it now, the tears are coursing down my face as I recall the moment when I began to heal - in a rest area.

Lyrics:

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll;
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,
It is well, it is well with my soul.
- Refrain:
  It is well with my soul,
  It is well, it is well with my soul.
Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come,
Let this blest assurance control,
That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate,
And hath shed His own blood for my soul.
My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!
For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live:
If Jordan above me shall roll,
No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life
Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.
But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait,
The sky, not the grave, is our goal;
Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord!
Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!
And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight,
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll;
The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend,
Even so, it is well with my soul.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Sunday, December 13, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #13 - Kerosene lamps

Though not normally associated with Christmastime, my memories of kerosene lamps go back to the holidays of my childhood.

On Christmas Eve, my mom would turn out every light in the house except for the ones that were twinkling on the Christmas tree. Then, with only the embers crackling from the fireplace and the image of my grandmother sitting beside it in her chair, warming her arthritic knees...mom would light every kerosene lamp she had.

With just those soft glows emanating from the lamps, the fireplace, and the Christmas tree, Dad would go over the Christmas story. It was during those winter nights that I developed a love for the holiday season, and a deeper love for the meaning behind celebrating His birth.

I can't recall but one or two gifts that I ever received for Christmas. But, I will never forget those Christmas Eves of my childhood.

When I married, mom gave me one of her kerosene lamps. She said they were good to have on hand, "just in case". And, when I married Kerry, I was delighted to know he already had one, too!

Our collection grew. A couple of times when storms had taken our electricity out, we lit them and ate "cowboy grub" at the dinner table with our children. They were quite disappointed when the electricity was restored.

A few days ago I gathered them together and saw that their globes needed to be washed. I thought of the replacement globes we've bought through the years, of the many times we've used them and had to buy replacement wicks, of the tender nighttime talks we've had with our children, and how we do an inventory a couple of times each year to make sure...we have enough oil for our lamps.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #13 - The Friendly Beasts, by Brian Stokes Mitchell

This is one of those oft-forgotten Christmas songs that isn't sung much anymore. And yet, I remember bringing one of my guitars out during Christmas season and teaching my kids to play the autoharp along with me while we sang this song.

It sort of brings you right into the stable on that Christmas night so long ago. Did the animals have a clue what had just occurred in their in their abode? I think they did.

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

Saturday, December 12, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #12 - The Christus

Many years ago I stood in front of the large Christus statue in the North Visitor's Center on Temple Square. It towered over me at 11', and weighed in at 12,000 pounds.

And I could not take my eyes off of it.

It is a reproduction of the one in Copenhagen, Denmark. Here is its history: "Officially entitled Christus Consolator, this statue by Bertel Thorvaldsen is known around the world. After a fire destroyed the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Our Lady in Copenhagen, Denmark, Thorvaldsen was commissioned to create the statue, which was moved into the rebuilt church in 1833. The original statue was carved from Italian Carrara marble and is 11 feet tall. It contains a description in Danish underneath on the pedestal: "Kommer til mig." This translates to "Come to me."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is known for its use of the Christus statue. This association began in the 1950s when Elder Stephen L. Richards, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, presented the 11-foot replica now displayed on Temple Square to President David O. McKay. The Church has continued to place the Christus in Visitor Centers and exhibitions around the world.

I can recall hearing the news in 1982 that this beautiful piece of work had been severely damaged by a man wielding a hammer. Why in the world would someone do that?

"For the second time in 18 months, the towering white statue of Christ in the Mormon Church's Temple Square has been battered with a hammer, church officials say. A man identified as Larry B. Sargeant, 51 years old, of Heber City, attacked the 12-foot statue Thursday, the authorities said, breaking its hands and arms before being pulled off by bystanders. He was charged with felonious destruction of property and aggravated assault."

https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/18/us/mormon-statue-battered.html#:~:text=For%20the%20second%20time%20in,man%20identified%20as%20Larry%20B

Over the years, replicas have been available for purchase through different venues. I knew I had to have one, and presented one to my own self one Christmas many years ago. They are a bit more expensive now, but it wouldn't matter to me. This is one of the most beautiful things I own in my home.

It stays up year round in a place of prominence. It is 19" high, and is quite heavy. I carefully dust it and make sure nothing is near that could harm it.

I once heard that when you walk into a person's home, the first thing your eyes land on is the thing that is most important to the people in that home.

This is the first thing you see when you come through my front door. Next are all the pictures of my family.

#ChristmasBeautyoftheDay

#LightTheWorld

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day - Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

This is not a Christmas song, and is not usually even associated with Christmas at all. It is usually sung at Thanksgiving.

But, there is something about this song that makes me stop in my tracks whenever I hear it, especially by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. And, I often play it for prelude at Church.

From Wikipedia, we read the following: ""Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is a Christian hymn written by the 18th century pastor and hymnodist Robert Robinson, who penned the words in the year 1758 at the age of 22.^["

#ChristmasMusicoftheDay

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Friday, December 11, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day - Russian Nesting Dolls

When we visited Russia in 2005, I was able to acquire several of these Russian nesting dolls. These are just a few pictures of them.

2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #11 - Infant Holy, Infant Lowly

I have to admit that I was not as familiar with this Christmas carol until the past few years. I remember hearing it on a Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square broadcast and wondering what song this was.

From Wikipedia, we learn that it is an old carol that has Polish origins: ""Infant Holy, Infant lowly" (known in Polish as "W Żłobie Leży") is a traditional Polish Christmas carol. In 1920, the song was translated into English by Edith Margaret Gellibrand Reed (1885-1933), a British musician and playwright.^[1] Reed found the carol in the hymnal Spiewniczek Piesni Koscieline (published 1908), though the song itself may date back as far as the thirteenth century.^[2] The Polish text could possibly be attributed to Piotr Skarga (1536-1612).

The video that accompanies this recording is all about second chances. Thank goodness for the second chances I've been given. And the third. And the fourth. And so, so many more.

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Thursday, December 10, 2020

2020 - Chrisitmas Beauty of the Day - The Magi, made by Gay Nickle Lauritzen

One year we received a box from Kerry's sister, Gay. She was quite the artist and sculptor, so we never quite knew what was coming when her name was on the return address.

Low and behold, she had created The Magi. These are probably 33-35 years old, and still hold a place of honor in our home.

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2020 - Christmas Music of the Day #10 - What Child is This? by Lindsay Stirling

This was my mom's most favorite Christmas carol ever. No matter who was playing it, she would stop in her tracks. It could have been me playing it, or muzak on an elevator - Mom would stop. She just couldn't help it.

She used to tell me out of the billions of babies born on the earth, there was only one Messiah, one King. The people of the time were looking for a political liberator, not a spiritual one. And, sure didn't expect him to come as a baby.

From Wikipedia we read, ""What Child Is This?" is a Christmas carol whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. At the time of composing the carol, Dix worked as an insurance company manager and had been struck by a severe illness. While recovering, he underwent a spiritual renewal that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to this carol that was subsequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song. Although it was written in Great Britain, the carol is more popular in the United States than in its country of origin today.^[1]"

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Wednesday, December 9, 2020

2020 - Christmas Beauty of the Day #9 - Christmas Eggs from Russian Friends

Son Erik served his mission to Samara Russia 2003-2005. While he was there both he and us were introduced to different artforms that struck me with their beauty.

For our anniversary one year, he sent home a beautiful painted egg with our portraits on one side and a painting of the Washington Temple on the other. Kerry and I were in awe as we looked at the talent that had gone into this precious gift.

When we visited there at the end of Erik's mission, I was able to meet the woman who had done this work for us. She then showed us a nativity egg that she had done. It was much smaller, but again the detail was remarkable. She laid it in my hand and gave it to me.

And, I cried at her tender gesture.