Upon The Mountain — Reflections (Part 4.0 of 4)

After nearly a month of contemplation, there are a number of things that come to mind that I feel a need to clarify and to explore. Whereas I can’t see doing all that in one post, this is the first of several. The others will follow as Part 4.1 of 4, etc. 1. All of > > Read More …

To Be Worthy

I received an indirect “question” regarding my definition of worthiness in my last post (Musings on the Sacrament). This is fair as I did not elaborate on this topic to any great degree. I will attempt to do so here, though this is no simple task. While the concept of worthiness may be relatively simple, we > > Read More …

Musings on the Sacrament

Preface Seven weeks ago, Joy and I began writing the following “document.” It was subsequently forwarded to a significant number of associates for review and comment. With one notable exception (thank you LL), we received virtually no feedback. It may be that people are simply too busy. Perhaps it is too long. It may be > > Read More …

Sealing the Blessing

During High Priest’s Quorum today we reviewed ordinances. Naturally, we pulled out the Handbook of Instructions, Book 2, Section 20 (see here): Calls the person by his or her full name. States that he is sealing the anointing by the authority of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Gives words of blessing as the Spirit directs. Closes in > > Read More …

Throwing Down The Gauntlet

One really can’t be a Mormon who deeply and seriously studies the gospel of Christ without stumbling over Denver. Personally, this has meant (note imperfect verb form) that I could take an impartial look (yeah, like anyone could actually do that) at some portion of his teachings, opinions, and testimonies without having to make an > > Read More …

Exit Plan B

Might we correctly say that Heavenly Father does not want us to have to repent? What if we thought of this as Plan of Happiness, Plan A? Have faith in Christ (always remember Him; always keep His commandments) Receive the constant companionship of the Spirit In short, Plan A. Obedience. What if we thought of > > Read More …

Heavenly Father Likes Potato Salad

I believe The One Hypothesis to be correct. Generally, I try to include a reasonable degree of personal sacred experiences, erring on the side of slightly too much rather than too little, but certainly not everything. For a moment here, I turn off that filter. Filter off My morning prayer was singular. A few minutes > > Read More …

Soul Food – for a Hungry Soul

It is Christmas morning. Joy is in Vermont with Heather and the boys. Mitchell is in Clovis, NM. The rest of the family is in UT. The snow is lightly falling, adding to the pines’ now substantial flocked frock. Beautiful. Break-fast concluded the 40th day of this extended sequence of fasts. I do not feel > > Read More …