“Home Is Where You Hang Your Hat” A sign with this nostalgic phrase hung above the booth where my dad almost always sat at the coffee shop inside the Rodeway Inn on Main Street in our hometown of Richfield, Utah. The “hotel,” as we always called it, seemed like it was Dad’s second home. Not that he actually lived there, nor do I know if he ever literally hung his hat on one of the hooks, but he did spend…
In the midst of the confusion and all the unknown connected with the Coronavirus turmoil, my soul is actively seeking elements of peace. My heart found great comfort yesterday listening to words of hope from the leaders of my faith during our worldwide general conference. More than their words, it was the feeling of peace and comfort I felt. As we enter this week between Palm Sunday and Easter, I am also drawn to the peace found in the Holy…
The legacy we pass on is a HUGE reason I continue to share stories of my life and of my family. Writing for the world, so to speak, helps me write in a more compelling and persuasive way. My hope is someday when my family stumbles upon my written words (most likely generations down the road!) they will better enjoy because I write and share compelling stories. This concept of leaving something for our legacy suggests we leave our words…
When a child expresses their desire to do something that seems impossible, or maybe just impractical, there are millions of ways to say it can’t be done… I don’t have time, not now, we’ll do that another day, you’re not old enough, you’re not strong enough, you can’t do it, that’s too far, too hard, what are you thinking, I don’t think so, let’s do something else instead. And the one used most often… No. Right now, thanks to our…
When a crisis hits, it’s time for you to step into your confidence and lead. When all around seem to be clamoring like chickens with their heads chopped off, it’s for you to be the confident calm in the storm. When there are no visible solutions to the many surmounting problems, it’s time for you to find and/or create solutions you may not presently see. It’s Time For You To Lead! “But wait! It’s the Coronavirus,” you say. Yeah. I…
What is your adventure? What passions are you pursuing? How are you creating epic moments? As I have contemplated such thoughts, I recalled a poem I wrote sometime in the last three years, which was when the poetry bug bit me. Originally inspired by the outgoing adventures of Linda Perkes (that’s her climbing the icefall by the way!), “Create Epic Moments” is all about the choice to discover and pursue our own adventures — no matter our age, our limitations,…
What did you dream, when you were a kid, of becoming when you grew up? If you believed the stereotypical, boys dreamt of becoming firefighters, police officers, and astronauts. And girls dreamt of becoming teachers, hairstylists, and secretaries. Kinda funny how stereotypical the stereotypical actually is! When I was a young kid, I had three core dreams I wanted to be when I grew up… army guy, cowboy, and racehorse jockey. And, in one way or the other, I had…
The raging storms of life come in many ways, seemingly perfectly tailored specifically for the course we are navigating. Along our journey, we are often nurtured, served, and loved by others who make our journey just a little less difficult. In turn, we also often blessed with corresponding opportunities to love and serve others who are navigating their own journey the challenging waters of life. An additional blessing of striving to simply serve and love people just as they are,…
What are the beacons in your life??? To start with, let’s simply understand a beacon is a “light or other visible object serving as a signal, warning, or guide.” The mighty lighthouses providing guidance for ships at sea are beacons. A buoy floating in water indicating the presence of underwater hazards is a beacon. Airport lights guiding pilots to a safe landing are beacons. There are also those people we would call “Life Beacons.” Life Beacons are those people we…
Mrs. Hummel told me if I wanted to be a better writer I needed to read more. “Read more Mr. Les. Read more.” With her quirky soft smile and dainty eyes hidden behind her spectacles, my 9th grade English teacher Mary Hummel would look at me with that rare level of confidence found only in a few teachers (along with every mother) who saw something the rest of the world never could. I don’t know if she knew then the…