As a consequence of  conversing with my good friend, Pastor Elizabeth O’Neill regarding the focus scripture for “All Saints’ Day,” I recently looked through scriptures and teachings related to the story of Zacchaeus in Luke 19. He is rarely discussed in LDS history (JS Papers, All conference addresses, Denver’s Blogs and Books with exception of > > Read More …

In Be Kind there was one important context excluded: it was the command to write. I Loath Writing. This is not a one-off. The battle with the command to write existed long before I began this blog, though the blog is an admittedly poor attempt to fulfill the direction given. In the current context, there > > Read More …

I want to use that phrase in an upcoming post. I disdain placing myself in these threads other than providing context, but to use those words, more context is required. This is especially true because I intend to provide greater context for the last post. This loathing starts early in my first grade career when > > Read More …

On 2024.09.01, I bore my testimony. Based upon handwritten notes used as a memory crutch, this reconstructs (imperfectly, but satisfactorily) that testimony. I usually avoid posting personal events, but as this ties closely with posts that have already gone live and others not yet completed, this will provide substantial insight and context for those topics. > > Read More …

The Need for The Veil From the additional assumptions listed below, we might further observe: the veil strongly influences/enables our ability to develop the power of independent discernment by being outside the perceived view and influence of our Heavenly Parents and their host of servants. Dare we say that it is the norm for us > > Read More …

Let us presume that: God had to learn to be God Mortality is a time for us to become more like God. God has given us means to help us determine good from evil. God has given us opportunities to exercise discernment. So, why doesn’t God always stand at the ready to tell us what > > Read More …

The boy fidgeted. His Mom and Dad were holding his hands while deeply contemplating the magnificent treasure map on display before them. Then he got “the look.”  “Dear, you know how important this map is.” “Yes, Mom.” He knew that there was great symbolism, but none seemed to know what it all meant. Curiously, that > > Read More …

Yesterday I attended two Sunday School lessons. The second was filled with truth and light. At one point during the first, my arms and hands were shaking uncontrollably. I had to take a time out, unnecessarily heading to the restroom. It wasn’t anger. It wasn’t sorrow, grief, guilt, or regret. Nor was it pain, or > > Read More …

Implicit in agency is the need to discern between good and evil. I used to believe that one could get this right simply by listening to the Spirit. That might require faith in the form fasting/prayer, study and other efforts, and a lot of patience. That’s the easy answer, but it doesn’t take much thought > > Read More …