Great-Uncle Clarence Stood to His Potential Even If on One Leg
In the early 1920s, my great-uncle, Clarence Smith, had a construction job at the Ironton iron mill plant, located on the southern border of Provo, Utah. One day, as he was waiting for an open elevator to come down, the toes on his right foot were smashed because his foot was in the way of the elevator’s downward movement. Continue reading “The Able-Bodied Man”
Life Is Precious—What Are We Doing With It?
On Tuesday, February 23, 1943, Baxter Ireland—an experienced military pilot—took off from Pueblo, Colorado, in an army cargo plane headed for Denver. By all appearances, the flight was considered a routine one. Continue reading “Cousin Baxter”
What Renovation Projects Are We Undertaking in Our Own Lives?
As temples of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begin to reopen, Church members are feeling excited about attending once again. But one temple will remain closed for an extended period. Continue reading “A House of Learning”
How California’s Wildfires Have Sparked Embers of Faith
In California, it’s that time again. Like a nightmarish version of Groundhog Day, fire season has once again reared its hellish head. And the 2021 season is looking grim. Continue reading “Thy Fire to Refine”
If We Want to Get A Handle on Gun Violence, Let’s Check Our Own Temperatures
The recent shootings in Boulder and Atlanta have left many, including myself, searching for answers. What could possess two individuals to open fire on people they don’t even know? Continue reading “A Soft Voice”
An Honest Take on How You Feel about Christ and His Message
I served a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 2001–2003 in Quito, Ecuador. Recently, I was on a Zoom conference call with members from my full-time mission. Continue reading “Does It Feel Real?”
The Story Behind the Real Fountain of Youth
Myth has it that the conquistador, Juan Ponce de León, learned of a magic fountain of rejuvenating water on his second voyage to the New World with Christopher Columbus in 1493. Continue reading “The Ultimate Gift”
The Story Behind America’s Fallout with Traditional Christianity
When the Supreme Court handed down its decision (5-4 vote) supporting the State of Nevada’s restrictions on religious service attendance but not explaining why it was still ok for large casinos and other businesses to operate at 50% capacity, it was a lot to think about. Continue reading “The Great Fallout”
What An Ancient Prophet Could Teach Us about A Modern Pandemic
About six months have passed since the Coronavirus made its way center stage. No cure is presently available, and billions of people have experienced some form of government-mandated or self-imposed quarantine. Continue reading “Elijah’s Quarantine”
Trust God, Share the Wealth, and Block Out Discrimination
God wants His children to love each other. He expects them to share the Earth’s resources so no one goes hungry or homeless. Continue reading “All Things in Common”
