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Author: Les Patterson

Sunday Reflections: Last Full Measure of Devotion

Sunday Reflections: Last Full Measure of Devotion

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Elisa and I are on the road visiting family graves and remembering those whose light has helped make us who we are. For today’s Sunday Reflection we share this beautiful rendition of the Last Full Measure of Devotion performed by the United States Marine Orchestra at the funeral services for President George H.W. Bush. The lyrics of this sacred hymn were inspired by this solemn phrase spoken by President Abraham Lincoln. “It is rather for us to be here dedicated…

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Monday Morning Boost: Graduates, It’s Time To SOAR!

Monday Morning Boost: Graduates, It’s Time To SOAR!

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What an anti-climatic ending 2020 has been for America’s 3 million-plus high school seniors. The figuratively best years of their life has been upended by our new friend Coronavirus. That’s gotta stink! Or does it??? The reality is hard. No question. Yet, so are the opportunities for graduates to discover their greatness and create their own futures. What wonderful opportunities we have as parents and those of us in positions of influence to lead and help our graduates discover how…

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Sunday Reflections: Abide With Me ‘Til Eventide

Sunday Reflections: Abide With Me ‘Til Eventide

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When you feel distant from God, who has done the moving… You or Him? As for me, I know it is I who has done the moving. God is steadfast, unmovable, an anchor to our souls. I loved this simple counsel from the Book of Mormon prophet Ether. “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to…

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SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: Our Unique Gifts As Children Of God

SUNDAY REFLECTIONS: Our Unique Gifts As Children Of God

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Analyze, if you would please, the leaf diagram pictured. What do you notice? Perhaps you are wondering, as I did, what tree each leaf comes from. Trees are generally classified as either deciduous or coniferous. Deciduous trees change color and lose their leaves in the fall, such as Sugar Maples and Black Walnut. Coniferous trees have needles instead of leaves and do not change color or lose their needles in the fall, such as Fraser Firs and Redwoods. There is…

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Monday Morning Boost: Leading In A Crisis

Monday Morning Boost: Leading In A Crisis

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The world took a turn in the spring of 2020 when a Coronavirus in the form of COVID-19 created a worldwide pandemic. The resulting impact, which we are still in the middle, has the world practicing “social distancing.” The new mantra of the day is “Stay Home–Stay Safe.” Mothers all over the world are rejoicing as kids of all ages have finally learned how to wash their hands! The pandemic health crisis has seen hundreds of thousands of people infected…

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Sunday Reflections: Behold Thy Mother

Sunday Reflections: Behold Thy Mother

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Few messages have touched the heart of mothers worldwide as beautifully and as powerfully as did “Behold Thy Mother” by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child,” Elder Holland shared as he paid tribute to mothers in General Conference of October 2015. From their long-suffering love when first bearing their children,…

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Sunday Reflections: The Sunshine of a Mother’s Love

Sunday Reflections: The Sunshine of a Mother’s Love

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Elisa and I have both been blessed with mothers who filled our souls with sunshine. Through their abundant love, their forever quest to nurture their children has blessed us, our siblings, their grandchildren, and many others. That blessing extends to you today as we share their love of music. My mother, Carolyn Christiansen Patterson, enjoyed singing and was blessed with the soft beautiful voice of an angel. She and her sisters enjoyed singing together and we’re often compared to the…

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Monday Morning Boost: My Mudder

Monday Morning Boost: My Mudder

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In honor of Mother’s Day coming up, I share with you a simple poem I wrote for a friend who was remembering her mother. Actually, it’s kind of a weird poem. If you know me at all, or at least know my writing, it may not seem that weird at all. But, if you don’t know me, don’t say I didn’t give you fair warning! MY MUDDER By Les Patterson Perfectly imperfectly Her voice guided me In life Now from…

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Monday Morning Boost: Why Do We Tease Fat Kids?

Monday Morning Boost: Why Do We Tease Fat Kids?

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My brother Shane was often teased for being fat. As a kid and as an adult. Why do we tease fat kids? Why do we make fun of those who don’t fit in? Why do we bully those who are different than we are, be it their race, religion, sexuality, ability level, income, politics, language, or any other area? BUT THAT’S NOT ME! But, wait you say, you wouldn’t tease, shame, or bully a fat kid. Or anyone else for…

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Sunday Reflections: Whose Child Am I?

Sunday Reflections: Whose Child Am I?

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When Naomi Randall wrote “I Am A Child Of God” in the middle of the night in 1957, she had no idea the impact it would have on millions of people. Translated into more than 90 languages, millions of children around the world have sung it and discovered the eternal truth they are children of God. That truth has created comfort and peace for Elisa and me. For Elisa, it was simply knowing an eternally loving Father also watched over…

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