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. ContinueContinue reading “Carcassonne, France”
Category Archives: bible
Brother Brandt
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 inContinueContinue reading “Brother Brandt”
Jacob Gates and Oliver Cowdery
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,ContinueContinue reading “Jacob Gates and Oliver Cowdery”
Sin, forgiveness and the Atonement
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.ContinueContinue reading “Sin, forgiveness and the Atonement”
Why missionaries?
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.
Xavier debating scriptures with Dad
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 likeContinueContinue reading “Xavier debating scriptures with Dad”
Pioneer Day Lessons
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,ContinueContinue reading “Pioneer Day Lessons”
Rocky Mountain Sunshine 