Spreading Sunshine and Sharing Faith
This past weekend I took my two daughters, Julienne and Maggie, to the BYU Spectacular at the Marriott Center on the Brigham Young University campus. There are multiple performers at the BYU Spectacular and this year it looked like it would be a great show with Colbie Calliat, David Archuleta, and Vocal Point all singing. ... Continue Reading →
I normally would be writing this blog and posting it right away, but a little thing happened yesterday which has kind of put a kink in things and might have taken a couple years off my life due to the stress it has caused. Let’s backtrack. I own a company that imports cables and we... Continue Reading →
This week I have had two different friends touring through southern France and posting pictures of the town of Carcasonne. I have enjoyed seeing their pictures that they have posted of this incredible medieval city. It reminded me of a message I had written back in 2004 for our church (ward) newsletter in Springville, Utah. ... Continue Reading →
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 →
