The following Sunday Reflections is written by my angel wife and best friend Elisa! Several years ago I went through a weight loss and physical fitness journey. I went through a program that helped the pounds to come off and I started walking every day all over Hyde Park. I would try to extend the length of my walks every so often and made sure I climbed the steep hills as often as I could. I made the decision to…
I was captivated the first time these soulful lyrics penetrated into my soul. When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul. The enriching story flowed through my veins resonating with truth Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own…
James Stockdale was a United States Navy vice admiral and aviator awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War. He was shot down over Vietnam and held captive for over seven years as the most senior naval officer in Hanoi, North Vietnam. Also of note, Stockdale was a candidate for Vice President of the United States in the 1992 presidential election, on Ross Perot’s independent ticket. Interviewed by Jim Collins for his landmark book “Good…
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…
Have you ever felt like a “worthless speck in an uncaring world?” I know I have and it’s not a great feeling. Gratefully, I have been blessed by the incredible and beautiful greatness Elisa confidently sees in herself. Her love combined with the eternal love of our Heavenly Parents and our Savior Jesus Christ has helped me come to know there is no greater truth than the simple declaration: “I Am A Child Of God.” Have a beautiful Sunday! We…
“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…
iIt’s the little things that really make a difference. Like being kind to others, lifting where you stand, and getting back up over and over. Mark Bennett is one who is a beautiful example of this. “Give,” said the little stream, “Give, oh! give, give, oh! give.” “Give,” said the little stream, As it hurried down the hill; “I’m small, I know, but wherever I go The fields grow greener still.” Mark is a neighbor, friend, and a church leader….
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…
Journey with us back to the summer of 1988. On July 4th that year Elisa and I had our very first date. She asked me out after waiting several months for me to get the hint that she was interested. Our first date was a barbeque in “The Forest,” the wooded backyard of the McKinlay’s who lived next door to Elisa. We skipped out on the fireworks opting to watch the Sylvester Stalone arm wrestling movie, “Over the Top.” Something…