Miracles can be grand. And they can be very small. Whatever end of the spectrum, each miracle will be powerful when we choose to receive and then allow them to have an impact in our life. We have experienced the grand miracles, such as the beautiful healing I had from cancer that defied the expectations of medical professionals. We’ve also experienced the minor, and today was one of those. Elisa and I had one of those normal life experiences where…
FOR THE GOLD STAR FAMILIES By Les Patterson Upon the altars of Freedom Their lives young and Old Willingly given as a lasting Sacrifice By the courageous and the Bold In honor and eternal Memory May we forever never Forget If not for their sworn Allegiance Each of us would face the Threat We stand today in solemn Honor In frigid weather or sweltering Heat Even in pristine and ideal Conditions Our circumstances can not be Beat We live today…
“An incredible perspective on what power and influence a single person can have on your life. So many gems in this conversation.” This is how Nick Smith and Ryan Morris introduced the latest episode of their show, “Wake Up With Giants TV.” It was my honor to be their guest Sunday morning as we explored the impact a single person and a single story can have on your life. In the episodes, I share a few stories from my life…
Kristine Marie Jensen is my second great-grandmother on my father’s mother’s side. She was born July 23, 1847, in Denmark. She migrated to America in 1863 and crossed the plains with a group of Mormon Pioneers. In preparation for last week’s “Red Edge Live Pioneer Day” special with renowned LDS historian and storyteller Glenn Rawson, Elisa did a little research on her history for me and discovered an account of her miraculous journey across the plains Kristine was a young…
It took incredible faith for the Mormon Pioneers to make their arduous trek across the plains. Every footstep Every moment Every journey The same is true for each of us. It takes incredible faith to make our arduous trek through life. Every footstep requires faith. Every moment demands patience. Every journey necessitates fortitude. When the going gets tough, we step up to the occasion. We pull ourselves up by the bootstraps. We step into our confidence. Even when it’s hard….
Will you listen to an “Uncomfortable Conversation With a Black Man?” It’s a valid question… Uncomfortable conversations, no matter the subject, are difficult to hear even if you are not an active part of the conversation. Such is this conversation. I shared in last week’s Monday Morning Boost my journey with those of a different race, from childhood through high school and the army and into adulthood. Several of you shared a little of your journey, both the struggles as…
I used to think it was important to not see another person’s color or race. I think differently today. Over the years I have come to realize it’s important to see color and race. And I’ve learned it’s crucially important to talk about color and race. Asking questions and having conversations creates understanding, builds connections, and allows relationships to form. Listen. Love. Care. MY STORY WITH COLOR & RACE I only recall seeing very few black people while growing up…
As you enjoy your Independence Day festivities, in whatever manner you are able to celebrate this year, I encourage you to remember to Stand for the Flag. This year being void of many traditional activities, Standing for the Flag can take on many forms. Here are a few suggestions: Fly the Flag on your home or in your yard – Many youth groups will do this in neighborhoods for fundraising projects. Share stories of those in your family who have…
“The Stars and Stripes Forever” by John Philip Sousa, widely considered to be his magnum opus, is the official “National March” of the United States of America. It’s also one of our favorite musical performances, and we love this rendition by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square. I was first introduced to Sousa marches through the military and I really enjoyed the performance of the Utah National Guard’s 23rd Army Band performing at the annual Governor’s Day event where the Governor…
Dr. Kenneth MacFarland, in a post-Vietnam America, gave a speech he called “Selling America to Americans” wherein he shared the story of a young soldier who had recently returned from serving in those distant jungles. The young man, in a subdued and serious talk with his parents, asked if they loved America to which both his mother and father deeply expressed their love for their country, even saying it was more precious to them than their own life. “Why didn’t…