First Vision Teen Travel Contest

Posted by on Feb 1, 2020 in Uncategorized | 3 comments

We are excited to send valiant youth of today to the Sacred Grove to Rejoice in the 200th Anniversary of the Restoration via insightful essays submitted to our contest – PRIZE is ONE SEAT on our JUNE 8-13, 2020 PALMYRA to KIRTLAND Tour! Youth 14-19 years (age as of June 8, 2020) are eligible to submit an essay. Winning “First Vision” youth essays will deeply contemplate this subject:  How does your testimony of the First Vision and Joseph’s words in “Joseph Smith-History 1:1-20 & v25” help you answer President Nelson’s call/challenge/plea to “go and do”?  Contest starts February 1, 2020 and entries must be submitted by February 28, 2020. PLEASE SHARE THIS CONTEST INFORMATION WITH THE VALIANT YOUTH IN YOUR LIFE–let’s give these amazing young people a hand and a boost to their testimony and understanding. Click link for essay contest rules and entry form:  2020 Essay Contest Rules Questions may be sent...

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Teen Travel Contest 2019

Posted by on Jan 23, 2019 in Uncategorized |

We are excited to hear from the valiant youth of today via insightful essays submitted to our contest – PRIZE is ONE SEAT on our JULY 27-AUGUST 2, 2019 MISSOURI to NAUVOO to WINTER QUARTERS Tour which includes 2 pageants in Nauvoo! Youth 14-19 years (age as of July 28, 2019) are eligible to submit an essay. Winning “Heroes from History” essays will highlight specific examples from the 1800’s LDS Church History and/or the youth’s own family history of that era.  Describe what these heroes have done and how you can apply their valiant examples to your life today and in the future.  Contest starts January 22, 2019 and entries must be submitted by February 28, 2019. PLEASE SHARE THIS CONTEST INFORMATION WITH THE VALIANT YOUTH IN YOUR LIFE–let’s give these amazing young people a hand and a boost to their testimony and understanding. Questions may be sent to info@mormonheritage.com.  Click on link below for more information and entry form. HEROES FROM HISTORY 2019 Essay Contest...

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5th Day Christmas Past Question & Story

Posted by on Dec 16, 2018 in Christmas Past 2018, Uncategorized | 15 comments

On the 5th Day of Christmas Past,  Question: What changed the tide of the American Revolution for George Washington and his men Christmas Day 1776? To be entered into today’s daily giveaway & FREE tour drawing- Read the story below; “Comment” & “Share” your answer on Facebook or our blog.  Click here for contest rules. “George Washington’s Christmas 1776” “At the end of 1776, the Revolutionary War looked like it might be lost for colonial forces. A series of defeats by the British had depleted morale, and many soldiers had deserted the Continental Army. Desperate to strike a decisive victory, General George Washington planned to lead 2,400 troops on a daring nighttime crossing of an ice-choked Delaware River. They were crossing not just to get to the other side but to surprise attack upon a force of German soldiers (Hessian garrison) of roughly 1,400 soldiers located in and around Trenton, New Jersey. Washington hoped that a quick victory at Trenton would bolster sagging morale in his army and encourage more men to join the ranks of the Continentals come the new year. After several councils of war, General George Washington was inspired to set the date for the river crossing for Christmas night 1776. George Washington’s plan of attack included three different crossings of the Delaware River that Christmas night. Col. Cadwalader was to lead his force of 1,200 Philadelphia militia and 600 Continentals across the river near Burlington, New Jersey. His role was to harass and prevent the British and Hessian units near the town from racing north to support the Hessians at Trenton. Gen. James Ewing’s force of 800 Pennsylvania militia was to cross the river at Trenton and take up defensive positions along the Assunpink River and bridge. Ewing’s soldiers would work to prevent the Hessians from retreating from Trenton. And Washington and his 2,400 soldiers would cross at McConkey’s and Johnson’s ferries, roughly 10 miles north of Trenton and would then march down to Trenton to surprise the garrison at dawn. This was an ambitious plan, one that even well rested and experienced troops would have had difficulty in executing. Lurking within Washington’s headquarters was a British spy who has never been identified. This spy was privy to the their plans and passed them on to British leaders who did not think they would actually attack but passed it on to Hessian Col Johann Rall, warning him to be vigilant.  Two American deserters who had crossed the river also told the Hessians that the American army was ready to move. So why wasn’t Rall more active in opposing the crossing or better prepared to defend the town? History records that a series of false alarms and the growing storm had given the Hessian defenders a sense that no attack was likely this night. How might history have changed if the Hessians responded differently to all this intelligence? That Christmas night by the time...

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4th Day Christmas Past Question & Story

Posted by on Dec 15, 2018 in Christmas Past 2018, Uncategorized | 21 comments

On the 4th Day of Christmas Past,  Question: What unexpected problems could not dim the enjoyment during two Pioneer Christmas Celebrations? To be entered into today’s daily giveaway & FREE tour drawing- Read the story below; “Comment” & “Share” your answer on Facebook or our blog.  Click here for contest rules. “December 25, 1877 (Southeastern Nevada) “ “As the first year of settlement ended in the little town of Bunkerville, twenty-three people made up the community.  It had been a struggling year, with no time for fun or recreation in the face of a serious effort for sheer survival.  But the crops had been good, so it was decided to celebrate with a dance. A few rude kerosene lamps gave some illumination, and music was supplied by Ithamar Sprague playing his accordion.  Settlers came from near and far and admission was paid in potatoes, pumpkins, squash, or other produce, which was piled near the musician’s stand. Big tables groaned under stacks of refreshments for the dancers, who tromped and stamped with thankfully huge work shoes and not slippers, because of the rough planking used as a dance floor to keep from kicking up all the dust on the ground.  They loved to dance and this was their first opportunity in more than a year. They danced with such enthusiasm that unexpectedly rough pine splinters would slough off the make shift dance floor and would build up. Splinters started to be flicked every which way at all the dancers.  Every few minutes the dancing had to be paused for the floor to be cleared away, removing all the splinters so it wouldn’t continue to become kicked into anyone’s eyes or skin.  The dancing continued until daybreak, when weary couples sorted out their own slumbering children from the heap in back of the musician and made their way to their homes out in the sagebrush.” “1907 La Verkin, Utah” By Sarah A. Sanders “The La Verkin LDS Ward had their first Christmas party and program in 1907.  Bishop Morris Wilson Jr., hauled a cedar tree in from the foothills.  The butt of the tree was thrust into a hub of a wagon wheel which served as a stand.  They decorated the tree with threaded popcorn, colorful homemade paper chains and wax candles.  They bought mosquito netting from Isom’s store in Virgin City and made bags which were filled with nuts and candy as gifts for the children. The eyes of the children sparkled when the candles were lit and the program was presented.  Then old Santa appeared to distribute the sacks of candy and nuts.  His cotton beard caught on fire while he was removing the candy from the tree.  Mrs. Joseph Bubler began clawing the burning cotton from Old Santa and scratched his face.  Although Santa’s helper lost his disguise, no serious injury was caused and everyone still enjoyed the party.” Taken From: An Enduring Legacy 3:145 Treasures...

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2nd Day Christmas Past Winner & Answer

Posted by on Dec 14, 2018 in Christmas Past 2018, Uncategorized |

Answer 2nd Day Christmas Past: When Pres. Russell M. Nelson hears “Good King Wenceslas”, he thinks of Wenceslaus Square in Prague, Christian martyrs, of pioneers, of freedom, and of all who have gone before to make life for us as sweet and meaningful as it is.  That Christ is the Good King bestowing the riches of eternity. Congrats to 2nd Day drawing winner, KAY PEEL, who won “The Savior in Kirtland” book by Karl Ricks Anderson, 6 Kirtland watercolor print note cards, and an olive wood laser-cut tree ornament from Israel, valued at $50!  Please contact MHA office 801-272-5601 or info@mormonheritage.com within 30 days to arrange for how to receive your prize.  Story still available on yesterday’s...

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2nd Day Christmas Past Question & Story

Posted by on Dec 13, 2018 in Christmas Past 2018, Uncategorized | 18 comments

On the 2nd Day of Christmas Past,  Question: What does the Christmas song “Good King Wenceslas” bring to mind for President Russell M. Nelson? To be entered into today’s daily giveaway & FREE tour drawing- Read the story below; “Comment” & “Share” your answer on Facebook or our blog.  Click here for contest rules. “Christmas Thoughts of Home & of Prague” “At Christmastime, when our family sings ‘Good King Wenceslas,’ I find myself silently reflecting on the real meaning of the words in that song.  They are seldom understood, and their connection with Christmas seems obscure. ‘Good King Wenceslas looked out On the feast of Stephen When the snow lay round about Deep and crisp and even Brightly shone the moon that night Though the frost was cruel When a poor man came in sight Gath’ring winter fuel…’ Several other verses follow, ending with the lines, ‘Therefore, Christian men, be sure Wealth or rank possessing Ye who now will bless the poor Shall yourselves find blessing.’ In spite of that nice Christian reminder to give to the poor, the song has never been one of my favorites.  But my call as an Apostle and my many visits to the country of Czechoslovakia have given me a greater appreciation for it. What was the “Feast of Stephen”?  – The Feast of Stephen relates to the Stephen who was stoned to death in Jerusalem.  I presume that Stephen was one of the first martyrs after the crucifixion of the Lord.  Over the years, the martyrdom of Stephen and the feast that commemorated the event became associated with the birth of Christ.  So these two dates were interlocked – the birth of Christ, celebrated Dec 25, and the Feast of Stephen, observed Dec 26. Who was “Good King Wenceslas”? – King Wenceslas, more correctly spelled Wenceslaus was born in the year 907 near Prague.  Wenceslaus is the English translation of his real name, which in the Czech language is Václav.  He was one of the first Christian martyrs.  In Czechoslovakia, he strove to bring peace between the Christians and non-Christians.  For his Christian belief and commitment, he went to a martyr’s death on the doorsteps of a church in Prague.  Thereafter he became a patron saint of all Czechoslovakia. There is a well-known square in Prague (Capitol of Czech Republic) that bears the name of Wenceslaus (in English), or Václav (in Czech).  Even through many decades of political oppression, the statue of good King Wenceslaus has stood on this square as a silent symbol of the enduring spirit of Christianity. The first time Sister Nelson and I went to Wenceslaus Square it was starkly deserted that we could hear the voice of the only other sole person at the opposite end of the square talking in a telephone booth.  Subsequent visits we found the same thing with very few people ever outside at night. Following the “velvet revolution” in 1989 and the...

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