As most of you are aware, I am a convert to the Church, having been baptized in Tokyo, Japan, back in 1952 while serving in the U.S. Navy during the Korean conflict. I was born and reared in Missouri, where much of the early history of this church took place.Continue Reading

John and his two-year-old brother lived with their mother in Trondheim, Norway. After Father’s death they had moved from Froya to a small apartment on Steensbakken (Steen’s Hill). The two little boys and their mother often looked out over the beautiful old city on the outermost island off the coastContinue Reading

This house is your wedding present Sterling W. Sill We have heard Dr. Goodell’s story of the house dishonesty built. It tells of a very wealthy man who had as a part of his household a young woman to whom the entire family was devoted. She was courted and finallyContinue Reading

The Wishing Tree A Hindu parable One way of gaining insight into the doctrine of karma is through the parable of the Kalpataru,  or the Wishing Tree: Into a room full of children at play walks their uncle, who, of course, knows better. Laughing at their preoccupation with make-believe games,Continue Reading

This post contains links to a few books that have helped me understand the context and content of the scriptures. As an Amazon Affiliate, I do earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no extra cost to you). Click here to see all of my favorite books on Amazon. That SameContinue Reading

The Unpardonable Sin – Joseph Smith I have a declaration to make in relation to the provisions which God made for every creature from before the foundation of the world to suit the conditions of man. What has Jesus said? All sins and all blasphemies—every transgression that man may beContinue Reading

Jesus Had to Overcome the Veil When Jesus was born, “the veil of forgetfulness common to all who are born to earth, by which the remembrance of primeval existence is shut off” was cast over him. (Talmage, Jesus the Christ, p. 111.) In the premortal world, Jesus had stood as “one like untoContinue Reading

The story of Korah and his friends is one of many examples in the first 5 books of Moses that deals with rebellion. I really like the following quote that relates to this: Weakness versus Rebellion The joyful news for anyone who desires to be rid of the consequences ofContinue Reading

Genesis 33 contains the wonderful story of the reunion of two brothers that were at odds. When Jacob left Esau 20 years before their reunion, Esau vowed that he would kill his brother Jacob (Genesis 27:41). After both men have matured over 20 years, we read that, “Esau ran toContinue Reading