250 Blessed Years of Freedom

Today, Sunday July 5, 2026,  the first presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints  has invited all to participate in a unified fast to express gratitude of religious liberty and to pray that it be strengthened throughout the world.   The 250th anniversary of the United States of America yesterday on July 4, 2026 was quietly celebrated and commemorated here in our home.   I am so grateful to have enjoyed the many freedoms of citizenship here in this beautiful country throughout my life, and am sobered and reminded on a daily basis that so few people in the history of this world have enjoyed the blessings and freedoms that I enjoy.

This past week I had the privilege of accompanying my DS2 and his wife and four children on a visit and tour of the newly dedicated location of the Humanitarian Center of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The Humanitarian Center was actually established in 1991 with a two-fold mission:  provide job training for displaced people and others seeking employment skills, and to prepare charitable supplies for those in need all across the world.  Every year the Humanitarian Center hires hundreds of new employees to undergo work training in such skills as production, forklift operation, food service, custodial and maintenance.  Associates sort and process donations from Deseret Industries thrift stores which are then distributed across the globe for humanitarian aid, sold to other recycling buyers, or recycled when unusable. Many of the employees also attend English as a second language classes as a part of their paid work-day.   

Our timing was perfect, as we arrived at the center just before most of the associates working there that day were participating in a Fourth of July Independence Day Parade and activity.   Several of the supervisors were dressed in revolutionary period costumes, there was patriotic music playing, and the associates walked in the parade waiving flags.  Watching this parade made up mostly of recent arrivals to our country was  the highlight of my 250th Anniversary Independence Day week.   I was choked up and brought to tears as I realized again how very blessed we are to live in this country, in spite of the flaws and troubles we have here.   The parade ended with the presentation of the colors by several local Boy Scouts of America, and everyone singing the National Anthem.  

The rest of our week as been fairly quiet, spent in activities with the children and grandchildren and without many of the traditional Independence Day fanfare and fireworks.   We have been blessed with the freedom to raise and care for our family, to worship freely as we please, enjoy our abundance of  hamburgers and hot dogs, root beer and other treats.    And today we fast and reflect  again on our blessings and pray that religious freedom and peace may be strengthened throughout this beautiful world.   

Why Do People Love General Conference?

 

An Anniversary Some May Have Missed . . . And A Wonderful Blessing to All The World

 On February 11th, 1526, 500 years ago, an extraordinary event happened in London.  William Tyndale lived during the reformation when people were rediscovering that a person can be saved by the most famous event in history:  the life,  crucifiction and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  The only Bibles available at that time were in Latin. In Europe he was able to translate an accurate version of the New Testament into English.  Thousands of copies were printed and smuggled across the Channel into England.   The Bibles were captured and taken to St Paul's Cathedral where they were burned.  The seed was planted and demand grew and 100,000 copies made it into people's hands.

I am so grateful to have access to scripture any time of any day.  I own multiple books of scripture and can access digital versions of scripture at any time.  Aren't we blessed?

The Prophet of the Lord Speaks

 

The recently ordained Prophet of the Lord and President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Dallin H Oaks, gave his first public address yesterday, February 10, 2026 at the Student Devotional held at Brigham Young Unviersity in Provo Utah.   I'm grateful that I was able to listen to the devotional address last night before I went to sleep.  I'm grateful to know that the Lord has a living prophet to guide us in these days.   There was nothing new or earth shattering in his remarks, but a kind and concerned counsel to the students at Brigham Young University and to all who will listen, as the devotional is available for all to view and listen to online.  

President Oaks expressed his concern for people who are leavning the church.  He counseled us to surround ourselves with people who believe.  He outlined four ways for us to draw closer to our Savior:  First strengthen our faith in Him.  Second increase our humility.  Third seek help from others. And fourth, be patient.  He quoted former apostle and church leader Richard L Evans regarding science in that science is man discovering what God already knows.   He counseled us to take our doubts and our concerns to the Lord, and reminded us of the words of  our beloved Prophet Russell M Nelson that in coming days it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.  

I'm grateful to live in this time when we have a living prophet on the earth.  I'm grateful to have good friends and family and neighbors who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ and strive to live by Christ's teachings and example.  I'm grateful for the power of prayer.  I hope I can do better each day and become a better person each day, and go about doing good and helping others as Jesus Christ did and taught.  May you all have a wonderful evening or a wonderful day, and may you take the time to listen to the words of our living prophet of God.  

Let's Act For Ourselves: It's Too Late to Say We Didn't Know

The popular TV/Movie series  The Chosen does a very good job of portraying how many of the people of Jesus's time missunderstood the mission of the Messiah.   Many believed that the promised Messiah would come to save the Jewish people from the political and economic difficulties of their day.   As we know, that was not the case.  In his encounter with the woman from Samaria at the well near the beginning of his ministry, the Jesus instructs 

Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again;

But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water spring up into everlasting life . . . . 

The woman saith unto him, I know that messias cometh, which is called Christ:  when he is come, he will tell us all things.  

Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.

John 4: 13,14,25,26

John Taylor, the third President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints reported:  "Some years ago in Nauvoo, a gentleman in my hearing a member of the Legislature, asked Joseph Smith how it was that he was enabled to govern so many people, and to preserve such perfect order; remarking at the same time that it was impossible for them to do it anywhere else.  Mr Smith remarked that it was very easy to do that. "How?" responded the gentleman; 'to us it is very difficult.'  

Mr Smith replied, 'I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves.'"

(bold added.  See Gospel Courses, Principles John Taylor, "The Organization of the Church," Millennial Star, Nov. 15, 1851, p. 339.)

For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.

Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness;

For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves.  And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward.

But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfullness, the same is damned. 

D&C 58:26-29.

Some of us may be hoping for the Messiah to come and save our country and our world from the political chaos that we currently see all around us. 

Some of us may be hoping that our current leaders, legislators, judges and administration will somehow figure it out and make it all right.

Some of us may be hoping that our religious leaders will speak up and that the world will listen, and somehow everything will be all right.   Our religious leaders teach us correct principles and are hoping that we will do our part to stand up for what is right and good and true.  

I believe that the Savior will return to the earth and reign in righteousness, but I don't believe it will happen this week.  Or this month.  Probably not this year.  We know not the day nor the hour.

I DO believe that our nation is lost and in trouble and I believe it is up to each of us to PAY ATTENTION to what is happening and to SPEAK UP.   Call and write your Senators and Representatives. Right now Senators are considering more funding for ICE and CBP as they finalize spending bills for federal agencies before the January 30th deadline.  If you've never contacted your public officials before, here's where to do that:  

Contact your Senators

Contact your Representatives

We have been sent to live on earth during these days.  It is part of our test as to how we will act and respond to what is happening in our country. 

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdome for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

It's too late to say you didn't know.  This isn't just about deporting criminals and the worst of the worst.  It's about agents being ordered to meet impossible quotas.  It's about insufficient and inadequate training for agents and officers.  It's about agents being told they don't need to follow due process and can detain anyone based on "suspicion".  It's about for profit detention centers lining the pockets of the rich.  It's about White Nationalism and Racial profiling and the abuse of our consitution.  Fellow Americans WAKE up and SPEAK up.  Call your Senators and Representatives.  

Bright Spot of the Day

 This evening as I was leaving work, a bit later than most people,  my path crossed with one of the cutest tiniest little people I have met quite a while.  This little guy must be about 1 year old based on his size and the way he was toddling down the hallway with his mother.   Our eyes met, and I smiled at him.  His serious face broke out into a huge grin, and he started to follow me as I headed towards the exit.  The movement and noise of the automatic doors opening startled him for a split second, and he headed back towards his mother, but not for long, and he again started to follow after me.  His mother quickly intercepted him before he could speed out into the cold and dark evening, and we exchanged smiles.  

Isn't the innocent and accepting curiosity and happiness of babies and young children wonderful?  

Happy Evening!

Have I Done It Unto The Least of These?

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visted me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. 

--Matthew 25:35, 36

A week or so ago I posted some of my thoughts for this new year 2026 -- Jesus Went About Doing Good -- I really do want to be good and do good, but so many times find myself lacking, and wishing I coud or would be able to do more good in this world and to do more to take away some of the injustice and inequity we see all around.   These versed from Matthew are quoted fairly often in may places as an example of what the Lord Jesus Christ expects of his disciples.  

So, as part of my introspection during the past few weeks, Have I Done It Unto The Least of These?

Have I given food to the hungry?

Have I done anything to help others have clean sources of water?

Have I taken in a stranger?  Into my country, my neighborhood, or even my home?

Have I provided clothing to anyone who needed clothing?

Have I visited the sick?

Have I visited or helped anyone in prison?

Yes.  I can honestly say I have done something in each of the categories above.  Though I haven't personally invited a stranger to live in my home, we have fed strangers and advocated for welcoming strangers and refugees into our country and helped to provide basic necessities for people and families new to our country and area.

Have I been the recipient in each of the above categories?   Yes, I can say I have in every instance, except for being in prison.       

Have I done enough?   Absolutely not.  I still can give and share much more.  This is my goal and my desire to continue to find ways to love and serve my fellow men and women, and my Savior.  

Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me in:  Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visted me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righeous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?  When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?  

And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. 

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:  

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat:  I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:  I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.  Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?  Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.  

Matthew 25:34-45

Loving and Nurturing Others In Times of Commotion

 In these times of political and economic commotion and uncertainty,  it is very tempting to be discouraged almost every day.  It is difficult to focus on the good and joyful things in life when we see and hear of so much trouble contention, trouble, and even violence and evil. So much of what we read in the news and on social media is focused on political differences, and violence of so many kinds.   This morning I was listening to the recent talk given by Elder Quentin L Cook in the October 2025 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and this particular comment stood out to me:  

"As we contemplate the challenges of our day, we must remember that the Savior, during His earthly ministry, also lived in turbulent and violent times.  His focus was not on the political challenges of the day; it was on the perfection of the Saints."

Yes, the Savior focused on going about teaching and doing good.  It's hard most days to keep the focus where it should be and to not be overly troubled by things we have very little control over.   We need to focus on what we do have control over . . . our own words and deeds and actions.  Yes, we may need to speak up at times for what is good and true and right, but most of all we need to focus on doing good with our own lives whenever and wherever we can and adding as much light and goodness to the world as we can.  Here's a video of the talk for those of you who would like to watch and listen:  

Jesus Went About Doing Good -- Thoughts For A New Year

photo source 

 A week ago Thursday I was asked if I would speak in our church ward/congregation's Sacrament Meeting worship service this past Sunday.   Of course I agreed to do so, always feeling that I shouldn't ever turn down such an apportunity as long as I am able to do so, even though this only gave me a few days to prepare.  I asked for a suggestion of topic for the talk, and was given several suggestions.   The first one was the recent talk given by Elder Patrick Kearon in the October 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints  The first line of his talk,  "Jesus went about doing good," jumped right out at me as this phrase has been coming to my mind often the past few months.   All of my life I have been taught to follow the example of Jesus Christ, and of course most days I try, and every day I fall short.  Isn't that basically what life is all about?  Trying to do good, and falling short, but in the meantime hopefully we are making a difference.   

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. 

Acts 10:38

Elder Kearon expounded on how this phrase is an enormous understatement, and that Jesus Christ is the very essense and source of goodness.  He knows each of us personally as our Savior, all of our strengths and our weaknesses, and yet he calls to each of us to come and follow him.   I feel the struggle, and yet, I have chosen this phrase as my motto for the coming year of 2026 -- He Went About Doing Good.  I believe that the talk went well, and several who were there mentioned the same to me.  One of my friends sent me an email this past week sharing a memory of a time when a very small act of mine towards her had made a difference and meant a lot to her.  I had forgotten about that incident, and her kind act of sharing the memory with me was also an example of her going about doing good.

How can I best use my time, my talents, my energy and my finances during 2026?  I hope to check in with my Heavenly Father and the Savior each morning and each evening throughout the year during my daily prayers, to ask for help in recognizing what good I can do each day.  Each week as I attend church and partake of the sacrament will be another time to reflect on how I am doing, as will the times that I attend the temple.  I hope to trust in the Lord to guide me and to use my faith to let God prevail in my life this coming year. 

Do you have a phrase or word or theme for the coming year?  I hope everyone can have faith that the best is yet to come!