Whitney Sorensen

{LDS How-to} Throw the Perfect Ward Christmas Party

By Whitney Sorensen

November 30, 2011 02:53 PM MST

Carols. Candy canes. The ward Christmas party. These signs of the season are just about to arrive. Since wards no longer have formal activities committees, the coordinators of this annual event will vary from ward to ward, but the following tips will help anyone host an unforgettable Christmas bash.

3 Min Read

WWII Refugee to Mormon: Walter Maschmeyer's Journey

By Whitney Sorensen

October 25, 2011 04:05 AM MDT

At age twelve, Walter Maschmeyer traversed Germany amid the turmoil of World War II. Traveling only with his mother, Maschmeyer saw miles of German countryside during 1945 as they used whatever transportation was available to find a safe place in the war-torn nation. With Maschmeyer’s father on the German front and the Soviet army fast approaching, this journey was both frightening and essential. Only upon the arrival of American soldiers did the Maschmeyer family reunite and settle again into a peaceful life.

7 Min Read

The 5 Browns to perform with National Symphony Orchestra for first time

By Whitney Sorensen

July 20, 2011 04:02 AM MDT

Accepted as a group to the prestigious Julliard School of Music, the 5 Browns are proof that piano lessons can pay off and practice does make perfect. Even today, having released three CDs and performed in venues as varied as the Grand National Theater in China and the Rose Bowl arena in Southern California, the 5 Browns still spend their summers practicing up to seven hours a day—five hours as a group and two hours on their own.

4 Min Read

The Civil War 150 years later: The Mormon connection

By Whitney Sorensen

July 06, 2011 04:02 AM MDT

After celebrating U.S. independence with family and friends beneath a shower of fireworks on Monday, many Americans reflected on the freedoms we enjoy because of sacrifices made in behalf of this great nation. Many sacrificed their lives for that freedom under the fall of some very different fireworks: cannon fire.

3 Min Read

Missionary moms connect through email support group

By Whitney Sorensen

June 29, 2011 04:01 AM MDT

Behold, the royal army with over 52,000 members. When missionaries are called to serve, they often feel like they are joining the modern-day stripling warriors. Whether they serve in Haiti or Houston, Australia or Austria, missionaries go forward with faith to serve the Lord. But almost any missionary will report that support and encouragement from home will make this service a little easier.

4 Min Read

{LDS How-to} Talk to Your Neighbor About a Mormon Candidate

By Whitney Sorensen

June 23, 2011 04:05 AM MDT

In case you haven’t heard by now, Jon Huntsman Jr. is running for president. Now that Huntsman has joined fellow Mormon Mitt Romney, you’re probably going to have more than one conversation with a neighbor or co-worker about these prominent Mormon candidates.

2 Min Read

Mormons got talent

By Whitney Sorensen

June 22, 2011 04:02 AM MDT

Have you ever wanted to sing in front of a crowd of thousands? Or share your best recipes with the entire nation? Do you think you could win a race around the globe because of your superb camping know-how? No matter the nature of your talent, there’s a reality show for your skills.

4 Min Read

African Saints find hope in the gospel (and perform Book of Mormon productions of their own)

By Whitney Sorensen

June 15, 2011 04:44 AM MDT

On August 28, 2010, more than seven months before the premiere of the irreverent Book of Mormon musical that swept the Tony Awards over the weekend, more than 10,000 African youth staged their own productions of events in the Book of Mormon. Participants came from Nigeria, Benin, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Ghana. Based on the theme of “A Mighty Change,” these productions had the primary purpose of increasing each participant’s testimony of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon.

3 Min Read

Marriage age on the rise, LDS singles still hanging out

By Whitney Sorensen

June 08, 2011 04:04 AM MDT

As the nationwide marriage age continues to rise, two LDS women have moved beyond hanging out and are exiting the single life.

3 Min Read

Jimmer Fredette, fans await June 23 NBA draft

By Whitney Sorensen

June 01, 2011 04:03 AM MDT

In 23 days, Jimmer Fredette will know which team he will play for in the NBA. The draft will be held on June 23, but there have already been plenty of predictions from top basketball analysts.

2 Min Read

Jacob & Isabella most popular names of 2010--but not for Mormons

By Whitney Sorensen

May 25, 2011 04:03 AM MDT

Earlier this month, the Social Security Administration released the list of most popular baby names for 2010. Topping the list are Jacob for boys and Isabella for girls.

2 Min Read

‘The Mormon Bachelorette’ begins new season

By Whitney Sorensen

May 18, 2011 04:16 AM MDT

One Mormon girl is about to go on the ultimate blind date—22 times. On May 30, The Mormon Bachelorette will announce the lucky girl who will be set up with 22 eligible Mormon bachelors in hopes that she will find “true Mormon love” with one of them.

3 Min Read