As the sun gently disappeared over the desert horizon, a group of soldiers soon headed to war gathered to pray. Though we came from different faiths, including those with no faith traditions, we felt united in brotherhood. It was my duty as the Ministry Team Leader for our unit to lead and arrange these times we could gather in worship and prayer. That night it was also my honor to share a few words. Though I have long since forgotten…
Our family has a longstanding birthday tradition where each member of the family shares something they like about the birthday person. We start with the youngest and work up to the oldest, which is always me… except when it’s my birthday! This birthday tradition started when our kiddos were quite young and continued pretty regularly until they left home. The tradition started to fizzle for those kids who have moved away from home, though we would easily pick it back…
A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief is my most favorite hymn and is the first one I learned to play on the piano. It’s also the only one I still know how to play! It was also the favorite hymn of the Prophet Joseph Smith who was martyred on June 27, 1844, at the age of 38. I penned the following words today in tribute to each of us who have been both the “man of grief” and the one…
On May 26, 1951, Glen Ogden was a young 19 year old soldier fighting in the Korean War during one of the most decisive victories in military history, the Battle of Kapyong. For those of us who know of the story, that day is better known as the Miracle at Kapyong. On that day in 1951, 240 soldiers of the Utah Army National Guard’s 213th Field Artillery Battalion engaged a brigade-size force of more than 4000 Chinese infantry. Trained as…
After three years of law school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, our son-in-law Taylor walked across the stage Saturday and receive his diploma. The Honorable Elizabeth B. Prelogar, Solicitor General of the United States, was the commencement speaker. I jotted down the following 9 key points she shared as counsel for the graduates as they finish one journey and start the next. Work where you have people to learn from. Know that you will make mistakes, and that’s okay. What…
A leader who creates magic is one to follow. A leader who empowers you to create your own magic is next level. A leader who empowers everyone to work together so we all achieve magic is truly a servant leader. This is the type of leader Cheryl Knowlton is. She will be stepping in as president of the Mountain West chapter of the National Speakers Association. We gathered in the beautiful Salt Lake Valley this past Saturday for our annual…
So you want to be a speaker… Or you want to be a more confident leader… Or you simply want to use your voice with more confidence… Then come see me speak on May 18th! I have been selected to be part of the Paid to Speak event for the Mountain West Chapter of the National Speaker Association in Salt Lake City. I’ll be sharing the stage with 17 other incredible speakers in this “TED Talk” like presentation. Each of…
It’s time to embrace ownership of your life. If you are looking for someone else to do it for you… It won’t happen. No more expecting someone else to solve your problems. Take charge. Be resourceful. Create opportunities. Owning your life starts by intentionally and consistently owning the story you create for your life. Intentionally and consistently creating a better story for yourself starts by creating better thoughts which lead to better actions, better insights, and better ideas. You live…
One year ago this week I asked a group of incredible people what they felt made them great. Today, I am following up to see how they feel about their greatness now. As I specifically invite each of them to evaluate how they feel today and share their response, I extend the same invitation to you. I have been greatly empowered on my journey of creating my story of greatness by those who share their journey. I hope in a…
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,…