Sundays are often so busy for me that by the end of the day I'm ready to crash (hence my lack of a post yesterday). But the past few Sundays, instead of feeling overwhelmed as I have every Sunday for the past five months, I've felt gratitude and peace. So what changed? Mostly my perspective. Sundays are busy because...

Today I read a blog post entitled ”'Blessed are the Warriors' Isn’t a Thing” and I can't stop thinking about it. The title states the premise of that short blog post clearly. Jesus said “blessed are the peacemakers,” so why are so many who claim to be Christians enthusiastically supporting war and glorifying those...

One of the things we have tried to do as a bishopric is visit people in their homes. We've set aside Wednesday evenings as the time to do this. Sometimes schedules don't line up or we aren't able to arrange to visit with anyone (we don't want to show up unannounced), but when it happens, it's always a wonderful...

I finished reading Patrick Stewart’s memoir “Make It So” – a long, interesting read by one of my favorite actors. Worth reading at least once, it has given me a deeper appreciation for Stewart and his work. His style is amiable and his storytelling is engaging. From his humble beginnings to his greatest triumphs, he...

I enjoy having long talks with loved ones. It's a wonderful way for us to connect, share experiences and perspectives, and to “think out loud” – to talk through and crystallize thoughts that have been bouncing around in our brains but haven't quite fully formed yet. Lately I've been having long talks with my son....

I forgot to write a post yesterday. My first church meeting started at 9am and between all the church meetings, phone calls with family, and meals somewhere in there, I wasn't free until about 8pm. Add Daylight Saving Time starting and having to take allergy medicine that makes me sleepy on top of all of that and I...

Today I watched “Francis of Assisi” – a 1961 film about the story of Saint Francis. I managed to find a free low-resolution version the film on YouTube. It was difficult to get into because it was very dated “Hollywood” in its style and acting, but when I started thinking of it as more of a grandiose stage play, it...

Today I finished reading a book I have been meaning to read for a long time called “The Crucible of Doubt” by Terryl Givens and Fiona Givens. This is a book I have heard recommended by several faithful LDS who have struggled doubts and questions. The book was written in 2014 and is out of print, so it's hard to...

You might have noticed I've been thinking a lot about music lately. Taking a break from Twitch has allowed me to sort of “musically reset” as I have tried to focus on listening to music that elevates the soul and draws me closer to God. It is reawakening a long-dormant part of myself that once loved to play musical...

I need to do better at recognizing the tremendous blessings in my life and acknowledging God's hand in all of them. A favorite hymn among Latter-day Saints is “Count Your Blessings”. It's fun to sing and has a good message. (1) When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all...

I received some good news about my job today. I'm just grateful to have a job in the first place, but it's nice to know my contributions are valued and are making a difference. It made me realize how starved for good news I've been. I've gotten used to bad news. In my extended family. In my community, state,...

Occasionally I listen to a podcast called “The God Minute”. These are daily prayer and meditation programs that last 10-15 minutes. They are a wonderful way to help me focus on God and on sacred things. And they often feature wonderfully curated, beautiful music that draws your thoughts heavenward. One of the songs...