One of the best ways to rejuvenate is to sit around a campfire and create the perfect S’More! That’s exactly what we are doing this Labor Day weekend, camping at Paris Spring on the Idaho side of Bear Lake, exploring the Ice Caves, and sitting around the campfire. We’ll hike a little, read a book or two, and sleep. We’ll listen to the creek gurgle and the birds call out to each other. Maybe we’ll even see some wildlife. Mostly,…
Most people deal with struggle one way or the other in life. Trials will come our way, most likely quite often. Even those who from the outside seem like everything is going perfect for them, there’s high probability they are dealing with a personal struggle of some nature. Why do trials happen? Is there a reason? Or is it just life? Philosophers, pundits, and prophets have shared their collective wisdom. One such was Spencer W. Kimball, a prophet. I have…
“Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” – Pablo Picasso Children start out life with unabashed enthusiasm! They’ll try anything over and over and love it. They smile and laugh at the simplest things, get back up when they fall down, create masterpieces out of squiggles on the blank canvas of life. And, yes, they also cry pretty easily. I appreciate this thought from my friend Alyssa Ann who inspired…
I see past your mask. Not the face masks you may or not be wearing thanks to COVID19. I’m talking about the masks we wear throughout life, those that hide what we are really feeling. You know, the masks you wear that create the automated responses of “fine” when someone asks how you’re doing. The masks that hide your happiness and our sadness, that cover up your joy and heartache. Past your insecurities and your successes. Past your heartaches and…
“The Story I Most Consistently Create Will Be The Story To Most Consistently Come True. I Will Intentionally Create A Beautiful, Powerful, And Wonderful Story Of Greatness!” This you’ve just read is my Personal Promise Proclamation. You see it every week at the end of every Monday Morning Boost. Today, it’s time to bring it front and center. CREATING OUR STORY Creating our story is an intentional focus. It starts first with what consumes or occupies our thoughts. As Gandhi and…
“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…
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…