A 4th grader set up a typical lemonade stand, sold a few cups of sugary joy, and saved a life. That life belonged to Todd Sylvester, a kid failing in college and struggling with addiction so severe he was ready to end his life. But then he found that lemonade stand. And a spontaneous decision to give all the money he had to that little 4th grade girl selling lemonade changed his life. And then saved it. Welcome to your unplanned,…
A Note From Les… If today you are rising from defeat, succeeding in failure, buffeting the storms of life, then this is the day you become the best version of yourself. This is the day you see your eternal worth, the day you step forward in courageous confidence, the day you change for the good. This is the day you love yourself with more grace, and love others with more understanding. This is the day you receive that grace, and…
It’s Monday morning, the start of a new week, a week for both you and me will be extremely busy. As you start out your week, I invite you to think about what it means to be busy. Lee Iacocca counseled us to keep busy. “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.” Henry David Thoreau took the opposite side of the spectrum and strongly…
I have often found myself, by choice or circumstance, in the arena, battling my fears, trembling in fear, defeated more by myself than the battle. Not anymore! I am in the arena. I know why I am there. I stand in more confidence. I rise when I’m struck down. I empower others to also rise. My inspiration for today’s thought comes via Aaron Kelson, a good friend from our college days, who shared his thoughts on Teddy Roosevelt’s passionate speech…
I joined for the connections and knowledge. I was quickly was embraced by the love and hope. And Wednesday I came home with a guitar. Yep, life doesn’t get much better. Or does it? Time for a story! DREAMING OF SPEAKING I have long enjoyed sharing stories, one-on-one, in front of a group, and on a stage. But that wasn’t always the case. While even as a youth I like to share stories and give talks in church, I didn’t…
My friends Jenna Riser and Emily Marlow have caused me to ponder again on my journey with body image. As I have contemplated I have poured my thoughts into creating. If I may share… First, a couple of stories, And then a gift of poetry. GYM INTIMIDATION I have often felt intimidated in the past when going to the gym because scrawny old me couldn’t lift like other men could. Lifting was unfamiliar, I really didn’t know what I should…
Dallas Jenkins isn’t worried about the multiplication. No, we’re not talking about new math that made helping with homework nearly impossible for me after my kids hit the 3rd grade. We’re talking about loaves and fishes. The creator of The Chosen, a TV series based on the Life of Jesus of Nazareth, was in Logan Wednesday evening for the USU Arrington Lecture Series at the USU Russell/Wanlass Performance Hall. Jenkins referenced several times the New Testament story of the feeding…
In the well-known poem “Footprints In The Sand”, a weary traveler realizes “at the very lowest and saddest times in his life” there was just one set of footprints. Upon sharing his concerns, the Lord gently teaches His “precious child” that “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you.” The Old Testament Prophet Jacob, as he dreamed of a ladder reaching up into heaven, also…
The robins in our front tree drive our cat absolutely nuts! Meet Mr. Troye Sivan. TROYE SIVAN Troye Sivan, named after a singer Leslie adores, has a fascination with the robins. He loves to sit in the window sill, or on the front porch swing, and watch as they dart about scurrying for food and nest building material I remember the first time Troye climbed up into the tree after the birds. He scurried up fast, nearly reaching the top…
As war and rumors of war once again erupt around the world, we pray for peace. We pray for those who defend against their attackers. We pray for the beautiful people and their families on both sides of this ugly conflict. We pray for political leaders making decisions. We unite our prayers with yours and with many around the world — truly a Worldwide Unified — who have joined together on this Sunday to fast and pray for Ukraine….