Spreading Sunshine and Sharing Faith
Have you ever had a thought like, "I should really thank so-and-so for ...." Or even something like, "I sure do appreciate this person ......"? But then you never actually tell them what you were thinking? I had been thinking about my seminary teacher Brother Brandt and what a good influence he had been in... Continue Reading →
My great-great-great grandfather Jacob Gates knew Oliver Cowdery and the Prophet Joseph Smith personally. He saw Joseph Smith on his horse heading to Carthage, IL before the martyrdom. Here is a cool story about him talking to Oliver before his death. "Testimony of Jacob Gates. My father, Jacob Gates, while on his way to England,... Continue Reading →
I think that growing up I understood what sin was. I learned about the commandments and I understood when I chose not to follow them, that it was a sin. However, even though I had heard the word "Atonement", I didn't really understand what it meant and how it related to my sins and to forgiveness.... Continue Reading →
It's been one year since I started this blog! It's been an incredible journey. It's much harder than I anticipated to find the time to write. When I write, I want it to be worth your time to read it, and worth my time to write. Often I jot down a thought that I want... Continue Reading →
I remember speaking to someone who asked me, “Why are you serving a mission for your church in a country where we already believe in Jesus Christ? Why don’t you go to a country where they have not heard of the Gospel, instead of preaching in the predominately Catholic country of France?” It’s a fair question.
I know that Bible bashing isn't good, but this was funny. Enjoy a little peek at our drive from Washington to Utah today. This was Xavier's reaction when we said we were going to do our family scripture reading in the car. https://youtu.be/4uD3OiTHgB8 From the Primary Songbook: 1. Because I want to be like... Continue Reading →
Pioneer Day is celebrated in Utah on July 24th every year commemorating the arrival of the Mormon pioneers into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This year I am 47 years old and I have been joking that these are my days of 47. In the traditional sense I do have a rich pioneer heritage,... Continue Reading →
I've been thinking a lot about how to write this post. Twice in the past three years, one of my closest friends has unexpectedly lost their older brother, with whom they were very close both in age and as friends. My friend Shawn lost his brother, Todd, July 3rd, 2015 and my friend Gary lost... Continue Reading →
Last week in Elders Quorum class, (a Sunday church class for the men in the ward/congregation), the teacher asked the question "What would you do if you only had one day left to live?" It was based on a General Conference talk by Elder Godoy, titled "One More Day." We all gave different answers. Someone... Continue Reading →
