“Begin today and write in it your goings and comings, your deepest thoughts, your achievements and your failures, your associations and your triumphs, your impressions and your testimonies.” —President Spencer W. Kimball
He is proof that we will overcome our storm(s)..We are all battling through some of the gnarliest days in history. Not only do we have personal battles, but we have all the unexpected encounters. The world continues to toss us to and fro..The year 2020 could remain unscathed from any other year that I've seen …
Continue reading He is proof that we will overcome our storm(s).
How are you dad’s doing?.I know I'm not the only one, so if you have ideas, I want to hear from you in the comments..“If I were asked to name the world’s greatest need, I should say unhesitatingly; wise mothers and … exemplary fathers.” David O. McKay..I am FAR from an exemplary father. I can …
Is it okay to show emotion?.Unless you're my mom, dad, or siblings, you wouldn't think I have a soft bone in my body. Okay, maybe my wife and kids have seen that side..Law Enforcement has definitely hardened me up, and I've learned to shut down my emotions. Occasionally, I'll get a call for service or …
What are even a few million humble followers of Christ as compared to billions of unbelievers?.The road is long, and the adversary is going to impede your entire journey. You're going to face obstacles, and you're going to have to deal with them..With the millions of faithful followers, how do we withstand the powers and …
The fear of death can be comforted by fearing God..Is it that straightforward? I would say it is. When we think of ”fear,” we are not talking about being scared. Fearing God has an entirely different meaning..It is not fear in the normal sense of lack of courage, but rather love, respect, and reverence. Undoubtedly, …
Continue reading The Fear of Death Can be Comforted by Fearing God.
Our Father in Heaven gave you talents..It's true. You may disagree and say you have no talent, which is wrong. One of my favorite things to do is watch America’s Got Talent, American Idol, The Voice, World of Dance, etc....I enjoy seeing people perform and discovering their talent. I would say our Father in Heaven …
Stop panicking. He has enough for you, too..As we think about the lesson, Christ taught the multitudes of 5000 people by feeding them; Christ never ran out..Isn't that the lesson He wants all of us to learn from Him? He has plenty for all of us, with several baskets to spare..What is it that He …
Continue reading Stop Panicking. He Has Enough For You, Too.
The clock is set, & your time is given..We don't have forever on this mortal journey. Our time will expire, just as it began..How you chose to live your life here on earth is entirely up to you. How do you want to be remembered, and what legacy do you want to leave? Better yet, …
Contention in our families drives the spirit of the Lord away..I'm probably the most guilty of this in my family. I can always find a way to stir the pot, whether I'm trying to or not..I read an article today from B.H. Roberts. In it, he talks about a time when Joseph Smith was troubled …
Continue reading Contention in our families drives the spirit of the Lord away.
God truly loves you..We were not so long ago in our Heavenly Fathers presence. We don't remember, and that's the point. I can't remember what happened 10 minutes ago, so I don't expect to remember what happened 34 + years ago..We were also in the age category of 1-5 years old. We don't remember very …
I believe that being rested is essential to having the energy necessary to reach perfection..I am one to burn myself out quickly. I set a goal and work until I finish it. It doesn't matter what it is; if I want it done, I'll get it done..I have done this many times, and I still …
Continue reading Being rested is essential to having the energy necessary to reach perfection.
Maybe you have this question, and in addition to this question, I ask you—what do you expect from Jesus Christ?.If you're looking for something of a temporal nature, I can assure you; you're going to be disappointed..This will be easy to remember—persons who belittle the value or importance of the Gospel and are seeking temporal …
Don't compare your mortal journey with others..Too often we hear some of the following..They have this and I don't..They have that and I don't..Why isn't the Lord blessing me abundantly like he does everyone else?.I walk righteously, but I see my neighbors in sin..I'm a member of His church, and I'm faithful; however, they are …
Continue reading DON’T COMPARE YOUR MORTAL JOURNEY TO OTHERS.
Children learn from our example..I had a few Sunday meetings today, and one of the thoughts brought to the table was children watching the adults..I'm used to this. As a police officer, I get the opportunity to see the faces of little children light up! They see me in uniform or driving in my patrol …
If we live beyond death, why should it be strange that we lived before birth?.How do we comprehend a premortal and postmortal life if we don't study and understand God's plan for us?.If you don't believe in life before birth or life after death, how do you explain your knowledge and existence? Something living created …
Continue reading If we live beyond death, why should it be strange that we lived before birth?
General Conference concluded 125 days ago..Why is this a significant thing to remember? For me, I had a change of heart. How about you?.Did you answer the Apostles call to present an offering to the Lord?.123 days ago, I solidified my offering I would present to the Lord, and I haven't broken my commitment to …
Continue reading Did you answer the Apostles call to present an offering to the Lord?
What kind of cross do you bear?.I want everyone to know that it's okay to have affliction and responsibilities—some of us may have several crosses to bear..It's all about our willingness to accept these crosses and the direction we go. Are you picking up your cross and moving it towards the greater good?.Christ moved his …
Are you serious about the Lord’s work?.I think about my commitment to Christ and if I'm serious about it. Some days I do better than other days. Some weeks I do better than other weeks. Some months I do better than other months..When I look at some replica photos of Christ, I feel determination. I …
Take a moment to enjoy your family..A lot is going on, and I don't think anyone will argue with me. Sometimes, we take our frustrations out on those that matter the most to us..Work, sports teams, church callings, or any other activity can cause stress. This stress sometimes carries over to your family responsibilities..Take a …
Beware of Counterfeit Revelation..This is a real thing. Our Heavenly Father wants us to hear Him and provide revelation to us..The Devil also wants us to hear him and give us revelation..Yes, Satan can give you revelation. President Packer reminds us, ”Be ever on guard lest you be deceived by inspiration from an unworthy source. …
I have been following Operation Underground Railroad, and as a dad of four girls and one boy, my heart aches for those of sexual abuse. My job as a Police Officer is to protect and to serve. Some of the hardest moments are finding out I was ’too late,’ even though there was nothing I …
Continue reading Focus on the healing and redemptive powers found in the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
You are where you are for a reason. We don't necessarily have to understand why we are where we are in life. When I say that I mean, the Lord has placed us where He has placed us for purposes known to Him. It's up to you to discover His will for you in His …
Just how merciful is the Lord?.I need to continue to remind myself of this. I often beat myself up more than I probably should. I tend to beat myself up the more and more I learn of Christ, too. Isn't that weird?.Why wouldn't I learn and want to have more patience and love for myself? …
My wife shared this photo with me this morning. This is what she had to say about it.."It means that the Savior is always there to show me the way..He is my light and gives me that light every day, just like he gave his life for me..Every day, everywhere, and anytime, He is there. …
How fast do you turn to prayer?.In a world of temptation, it's almost impossible to run like Joesph of old did when Potiphar's wife tempted him..The Lord’s prayer simply indicates,” And suffer us not to be led into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” (JST)..The Lord will not give us a temptation without a way …
To become as the little children..What an interesting and powerful teaching from the Savior..“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”.I have a thought on this and by …
Sometimes we won't succeed.-That can be a hard visualization—especially if you're anything like me. I don't like to lose and I definitely don't like to fail..Over the years, I have experienced all of those things. I have won, lost, succeeded, and failed..The good thing about all of them, they've helped me grow to the person …
Do you whine and complain, or do you just get the job done?.I've read the passage over and over again about Nephi breaking his bow. Today, I thought to myself, do I whine and complain, or do I just get the job done?.I know I've asked the question before about ”Are you a leader or …
Continue reading Do you whine and complain, or do you just get the job done?
Do you struggle to be Christlike?.I have a strong love for the Savior, and I enjoy studying the scriptures, the words of our prophets, and 98% of the time I listen to church hymns..I am also stubborn. I yell, argue, and get frustrated with anything and everyone 99% of the time. This very well could …
Let Us Celebrate Pioneer Day!.Today is a day of remembrance! May our thoughts be turned towards the Mormon Pioneers..This day commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847, where the Latter-day Saints settled after being forced from Nauvoo, Illinois, and other …
What would it be like to walk with Christ?.I have often thought about this very thing. I also hear many people say they can’t wait for Christ to return; however, I see many who don’t even walk in the steps of righteousness..What does that even mean? “I can’t wait for Christ to return.”.I think the …
Why we need a prophet..Sometimes I think we either take this for granted or we don't understand how blessed we are. For those who don't understand, pay close attention, and ask questions..Let's learn a little from Elder McConkie—A prophet is a living witness of the divine Sonship of the Lord Jesus Christ..He is one who …
If not you, who?.These sweet individuals are my centerfold. You can start at the beginning or the end of my book, but you'll always find that my story leads to them. Let me explain why with a scripture..”For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the …
What is your Abrahamic test?.As you think about that question, I want you to turn your mind to Abraham and the test the Lord put him through. Would you be like Abraham and be so willing to follow the Lord’s direction?.We all will be tested and go through our own ”Abrahamic test(s).”.Joseph Smith taught many …
He is your greatest friend..As your friend, I have many things to say to you, but also, as your friend, I do not have the right to interfere with your life..I can only advise you based on my own experiences and out of love and compassion..As we proceed through this life, you may feel it …
The adversary pushes as we spread..We are not welcome—I can tell you that much. On this earth, you and I are NOT welcome. Before the fall and since the fall of Adam and Eve, the Devil has been an influencer..The message of the gospel is his worst enemy. That's why it's our most reliable tool. …
What is your divine nature and destiny?.We are all sons and daughters of loving Heavenly Parents. This means we all possess some measure of a divine nature. We are created in the image of God..We learn from scriptures and even our current Prophets that we were taught in the spirit world. This means we have …
Purge your temple if it's filthy!.All too often, I see people waiting for direction. People are waiting for someone to move their chess pieces for them. Why is this?.Christ has laid it out there for us. He has told us what to do and how to do it. He provided a perfect example of what …
Are you drawing close to the Savior?.Do your actions represent Jesus Christ?.I would say around February this year; I started asking myself this same question. I couldn't give myself an honest ”yes.” Not all of my actions represented Him—they still don't..I was lost in all the noise of this world. For too long, I had …
Is your heart too hardened to change?.So what if you've lived a rough life. Today is the day you change your tactics. Today is the day you pick yourself up and change the course of your life..You're afraid of what others may think about you, I understand. I also understand what's more important, and that's …
No matter how much we say of him, it is still too little..I was reading a story of President Benson this morning, and after three heart attacks, he went away to New Mexico to rest..One morning he wasn't found in his bedroom, and those he had been staying with went out to look for him..When …
How do I decide to follow Christ?.I live in Utah, and as many of you Utahns have read, our area Presidency has asked us to wear masks..I'm not perfect, brothers and sisters. I am far from it. I don't have all the answers, and I assume I won't until the 2nd coming is here..What do …
You made a mistake, so what?.I think a lot of us (yes, including me) decide to climb the ladder, and when we start our climb, we look down. Are you guilty of this?.How many of you are like me and look down? I do this almost every time. I get a pit in my stomach …
What can we give to God?.Growing up, my mom would read the book “The Giving Tree” to me. I’ve read the book many times over the years..The tree was always happy to see the young boy return and was still willing and glad to give everything he had to the boy..The boy knew the tree …
You must battle every day..Yesterday, I had the opportunity to witness a miracle happen. It only happened because of a will and a desire..Maybe later, I will have an opportunity to describe in detail how these events transpired. I can tell you this: we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7)..Did we …
Do you receive revelations?.Let me ask you this, as well. How do you know, and how can you say Jesus Christ is your savior and the Redeemer of the world?.The only way you can say Jesus Christ is Lord is by the Holy Ghost—Plain and simple..I have heard it many times ’There is no such …
How imperative is my testimony of Jesus Christ?.I remember as a young kid, we prayed as a family, we went to church as a family, and I had no doubt this ”Jesus Christ” my parents taught me about was extraordinary..I could teach you about Jesus Christ, but I wouldn't have room to do it; Instead, …
There was no greater Prophet than John the Baptist..Christ said so himself. Jesus acclaimed that John was ’A burning and shining light.’ He also said there was not a greater prophet born of a woman than John..Who is John, and why was he so important? He was a link between two dispensations. John was given …
Continue reading THERE WAS NO GREATER PROPHET THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST
Will the constitution be destroyed? No..This has been repeated by Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, John Taylor, George Q. Cannon, and other leaders..The Lord, however, is making his investment in each of us..It's time for us to be bold and and stand for what we believe. Do you believe in God the Almighty and His Son …
Fortify your homes & teach your children..It's a sad thing to see, and I see it more and more. Parents are passing their duties to teach their children to the babysitter, church leaders, school teachers, and whoever else..We can have a beautiful home on the outside, and we should. We should also have a beautiful, …
How secure is your testimony?.I have been asked several times to read anti literature—especially when it comes to Joesph Smith..I always get the questions, ”did you know this, or did you know that he did that?” Well, of course, I'm aware because people like you have told me my entire life!.So, to those individuals, I …
Will you open your door? He holds Heavenly Gifts!.Have you figured out your Heavenly Gifts?.What are you doing at this moment in your life to find the Gifts of Heaven your Heavenly Father has for you?.Have you found one, two, three, or are you at a loss and have no idea what gifts you have?.I …
Eva Timothy - Art Following Christ means taking the hard road..If you think following Christ is easy, you're not on the right path..Following Christ means taking the hard road—the uphill climb..This road means to do what is right for you and for others..We all know what the other road is. It's easier to go downhill …
Continue reading FOLLOWING CHRIST MEANS TAKING THE HARD ROAD
Why Joseph Smith deserves respect..This can be a topic of debate, and I understand that. I’m not looking for a negative discussion, and I’m not looking for opposition to this. Bear with me!.I’ll share a few reasons I respect him; although I won't scratch the surface, I intend to drive you to study his life. …
Kevin Carden Art What legacy do you want to leave for your children?.It's hard for me to explain to my children what's going on in OUR Nation. They didn't understand why they had to miss the last part of their school year.-My 4-year-old thought she was in trouble. She was sick a week before lock …
Continue reading THE FUTURE OF AMERICA ; WHICH LEGACY WILL YOU LEAVE?
Does The Adversary Have You Where He Wants You?.The Lord is waiting now for his soldiers; will you volunteer?.I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. I’ve discussed it with my wife and I’m very aware of an external power and influence surrounding me..It’s taken me a few months to make the necessary realignment in …
Who is the most exceptional example of a peacemaker?-My little sister reached out to my older brother today and me. Growing up in a Law Enforcement family, she has a deep love and respect for what we do and what she's seen her daddy do.-She wanted to let us know how proud she was of …
There are worlds without number. Christ being the creator of every single one of them.-Not just ’one’ planet inhabited by Heavenly Fathers Children, but an ’infinite’ number of planets.-We know Moses ”beheld many lands: and each land was called earth, and there were inhabitants on the face thereof” Moses 1:29-35.-Enoch said it pretty dramatically in …
How deep is your reverence to God?-As you read the message that President Romney shares, think about your reference to the Lord—Especially in these final days here on earth. What difference are you making and what legacy do you want to leave behind?-”Reverence may be measured, I think, by the quality of one’s veneration for …
Are you anxious or feel unjustly confined?-Maybe we have felt some of these feelings over the past four months and still feel them. I know I do.-When I’m told, I have to wear a mask, stand six feet apart, walk down a particular aisle in the grocery store, or confined to stay away from my …
Who will be my Son?-It's interesting to me when I think of the plan of the Father. I have heard many times from members as they talk about His plan and how it was presented.-Let's be clear. It's the Father's plan. There were not two separate plans. When I say that, I am saying that …
What is the greatest blessing that has come into your life?-The greatest day for me is the 23rd of August 2008. I was able to kneel at the alter in the Lord's temple with Mekenzi. That day I received her as my eternal companion.-I want you to imagine our pre-mortal life. We were once with …
We must endure to the end.-Have you ever heard the phrase ”Endure to the End?” I used to teach this towards the end of missionary discussions as a fifth element of principles and ordinances of the gospel.-Of all that our Father in Heaven might have said, He stressed endurance. Why?-God has repeatedly said He would …
It's time to dust off your scriptures.-If you don't know where your scriptures are or don't have any, let me know, and I can get one to you.-If you don't know where to begin, that's perfect, and there are some exciting times ahead of you!-We learn a lot in the scripture about faith and how …
Are you helping to fulfill Isaiah's promise?-”The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” Isa 11:9-Elder Oaks is an Apostle of the Lord who says things the way they need to be told. I always look forward to his direction.-In a conference talk he gave in 1989, he addresses their current time. …
Heavenly Father wants us to listen and hear Him.-My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ.-And may the grace of God the Father, whose throne is high in the heavens, and our Lord Jesus Christ, who …
Grandpa Shayne and Emma ”It's okay; Daddy's here.”-Those are the words I can remember hearing quite often—When something wasn't quite right, or I needed my dad.-My dad was traveling on the Governors Executive Detail for the majority of my childhood. My mother often had to play both roles, mom, and dad.-It was my senior year, …
Will Heavenly Father be there during our most painful moments?-If you ask Lynne Smith, she will share her testimony with you.-”After my back surgery, I was struggling because I couldn’t take pain medicine.-I wasn’t getting restful sleep at all, suffering from insomnia. At about 3 weeks post surgery, I slipped out of bed so as …
Continue reading HEAVENLY FATHER ANSWERS PRAYERS IN OUR MOST PAINFUL MOMENTS
How can "Love" make you a champion?-This is interesting to think about. Can love make you a champion? I would say love can give you anything you want, but it comes with a price.-Growing up, I played with some of the best football players in the State of Utah. Since we were eight years old, …
Can you be LGBT & ”All In” the Gospel of Jesus Christ?-I am going to ask you for patience and forgiveness if I say or do anything to offend anyone throughout this post today.-This past week I listened to a podcast from @allin.podcast featuring @mrcharliebird with the host @mojo7795.-This raised a lot of questions in my mind because I simply …
Why must we do our best to be righteous?-Life is a day-to-day operation. We wake up, and we face whatever comes our way. Some of us have a routine, and some of us simply expect something new thrown at us.-Regardless of what your new day brings, there is going to be an enticer, an influencer, …
What happens when a prophet reveals the truth?-In the last few weeks, I've read and listened to several discourses given by Ezra Taft Benson. He's a powerful speaker and relays the message of the gospel the way I enjoy hearing it.-Here is a thought from President Benson to end our Wednesday.-”As a prophet reveals the …
What stops you from turning your life over to the scriptures?-I'm not a perfect person; none of us are. We can be consumed by the day to day formalities and procedures. We can get wrapped up in what the world expects from us, what we think our friends expect from us, what our neighbors, family, …
A temple is a sacred place, not a secret.-So, how do we explain that to family and friends who are not of our faith?-If you're in my shoes, you've been asked questions like ”What do you do in the temple? Why can't I go into your temple?-These are a few questions I like to ask …
Mike and David - August 2008 Who is a friend you will never forget?-In August of 2005, I left on a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was called to serve in the Florida, Orlando Mission, Spanish speaking.-One of the greatest blessings during my mission (or curses 🤣😬) was this …
Do you have the gift of love?-I don’t assume I have been given the gift of love, because I know I haven’t. I wish I had, though. It would make life on earth a little easier.-When I think of those blessed with this gift, I think of several Prophets & Apostles. My mind surely goes …
PC: See Photo Autograph Are we prepared for the final inning?-Yesterday, I posted a complete opposite depiction with Christ. We are living in a time of wars and rumors of wars (D&C 45:26). If you would like to call yourself an experienced fighter of war or even a veteran, I would say you're 💯 correct.-We …
"Come out of Babylon and be not partakers!” Rev 18:4-There is no particular city today materializing Babylon. Babylon was, in the time of ancient Israel, a city which had become sensual, evil, and faithless.-Sound familiar to anything in today's world? What an deceitful thing is this culture in our communities. It permeates our environment.-As the …
(PC: Mary Ann Wright) My thoughts go to the missionaries this morning.-Who are the Elders and Sisters? They have black name tags and walk your communities. Have you listened to their message or do you run inside and pretend you're not home?-This is why you should take the time to listen to them!-Did you know …
Are we seeing revelations come to pass and prophecies being fulfilled before our eyes?-We all need to seek the spirit of revelation in order to understand and read the signs of the times.-It’s the only way we will know when He will come again. By seeking Him and trying to understand which of His words …
As a firsthand witness to the riots and protests—A question came to my mind during my study of the Book of Mormon. It comes from 1 Nephi 3:7-“The Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which He commandeth them.”-With …
Do you ”cling” or ”continually hold fast” to the iron rod?-It's not enough anymore to brush through a few pages of scripture. We need to continually be studying the word of the Lord.-We learn in 1 Nephi 8:25-28, the first group partook of the fruit from the tree of life and became embarrassed because people …
Things change!.We need to be careful not to judge an individual of the past by today's standards..I know it's hard to accept sometimes what people or governments did since the beginning of time; however, no one is asking you to accept or understand. You're just being asked not to judge.."Judge not, that ye be not …
