on the rim

I really didn't want to write anything today, but for some reason feel very compelled to do so.  It is the eve of General Conference, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and the opportunity to hear Apostles, prophets, and other authorities of the church give us the words we need to hear.  I suspect that I will probably write about that, but this is much more personal. Do not think for a moment, that I know a whole lot about Carl Whitcomb.  I had met him when his grandsons were in Scouts, and was impressed with his kindness in volunteering to help out.  Most of us say "Let me know if I can do anything." and then promptly go back to what we were doing.  He did not.  When a need was present, he was there.  He didn't ask that question, he offered his amazing talents to those in need. Carl died last week.  His mortal probation finished.  Today, a funeral was held, he was eulogized, he was remembered.  I do not like funeral...

Twelve years ago, I finished teaching my early morning seminary class, assigned homework for the weekend, and headed to the airport.  What a whirlwind of a day!  I met Sarah at the airport, and we flew to SLC.  I was going to go to a twenty year reunion for my mission president.  Well, that was A reason for the trip.  The other reason was to get married.   I remember picking up the rental car ( a yellow neon) and as we were early, we stopped at Taco Bell to get a snack.  It was snowing a bit, as I recall. My parents met us at the courthouse at the appointed time, and we were married by the county clerk. My parents served as witnesses.  It was actually a very nice, simple ceremony.  Afterwords, we went to Chinese down at the old ZCMI mall. I still think about the huge changes in my life during that period. In 2002, I had made the decision that I was going to be fully active in my church.   I had not been, and while I did ha...

So many things on my mind this past weekend.  But one of the things that came to me was in regards to laws, justice, and God.  I think that a large part of it came from the fact that Judge Gorsuch was repeatedly asked about rulings being "fair", and standing up for the little guy, and so on.  Because, after all, progressives do hate the idea that a judge would rule based on the law, rather than judge based on feelings.  And while that example has political implications, it really is so much bigger than that. Usual disclaimer about my own opinion. Could it be that that muddying of the law is why many progressives reject the idea of a religion teaching eternal truths?  That would explain a lot.  And for those that are wondering.  Yeah, I know that the law is mitigated for those accepting the Atoning blood of Jesus Christ.  But does it change?  No. As far as the ultimate judge of mankind, He doesn't change, His Law hasn't changed, and can'...

A little paperback book came to me a couple of months ago.  Blue, very inexpensive, cost-wise.  the challenge was to read it, to note the "gems" that I found in it, and to prayerfully consider to whom I should give it. I have looked at it on and off since I got it.  I have read it, a little.  Don't confuse that with my personal reading (of which I don't do enough).  I have been thinking about it.  The missionaries have asked about it.  Of course, they have asked if I had thought on anyone to give it to.  Yes, I had, and no I hadn't come up with anyone. Of course, if you have read here before, you know that that is always the challenge.  My circle of interaction is extremely small.  And if you are asking about that circle outside of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, then smaller still. But I haven't forgotten the book.  In fact, tonight, I picked it up, and started reading, in earnest, feeling that I w...

This one will be a religious post, so warned.  All the usual disclaimers apply.  While I will be referring to a discussion hosted by two apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ in this dispensation, the opinion, and commentary will be mine, and mine alone. On 4 March 2017, Elder Holland, of the Quorum of the Twelve, and President Eyring of the First Presidency hosted a Face to Face meeting, with the youth of the Church present, and through the world via the internet.  It was broadcast from Palmyra, NY, near the site of the First Vision.  For those who don't know, the First Vision was when God the Father and His son Jesus Christ appeared to Joseph Smith, the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (the Church),in direct response to his prayer.  The Church recently released a new video regarding this event. Here is the link to the Face to Face: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/face-to-face/eyring-holland?cid=HP_SA_4-3-2017_dPFD...