It has been quite a long time since have written on this blog. There are a couple of reasons for that. I had started to write a post in October and then my father died on October 16th. My father had a special love of Christmas and particularly the Christmas church services that were part […]

I’ve had my share, and maybe more, of members who are so assured of their own righteousness that they see nothing wrong with trying to wrench me from my testimony. I marvel at whatever thought processes might lead a person in authority to treat one of their flock as a wolf. I’m fortunate to be […]

It has been a rough couple of weeks for me, but it began over a year ago. I wrote about it on another post on another blog, Thud and Blood. The short version is that I went ATVing on some trails near Sandy, Oregon and wound up face down in the dirt with my leg […]

Rex Goode ponders about a talk by President Boyd K. Packer at the October 2010 Semiannual Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The talk, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel”, stirred a lot of controversy in its remarks about same-sex attraction. Rex Goode’s review speaks of civility and tolerance for all sides of the question of dealing with same-sex attraction and spirituality.

I had a wonderful opportunity this last week of traveling along the coast of Northern California with a close friend of mine. It was wonderful to spend time with a friend and laugh, as well as share some special experiences. Among those special experiences that will live forever in my memory is the sacred silence […]

There is are many things that I dearly love about the temple. The peace and serenity that is there for one thing. The fact that silence is accepted and indeed encouraged. The warmth and kindness of ordinance workers who recognize the need for a comforting hand on the shoulder. In all of these things as […]

Sometimes family relations are not the picture of peace and tranquility that we  wish they were. Sometimes it can be downright ugly and people can wind up hurt. So what can one do under such circumstances? Go to the hills. 8 people like this post. Like Unlike

In many hymnals, there are usually up to four verses printed between the staves. Before the modern hymnals that we’ve grown accustomed to, the music for the hymn tune was printed above and all the text was written beneath the staves and there was no text between the staves. It is always my fond yet […]

As part of my work as a music director for a Lutheran church, this last week I’ve had a unique opportunity that scared me but which I ultimately found rewarding. Vacation Bible School. 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

I moved to Sacramento in February. Since then I’ve discovered a lot and found myself getting accustomed to various aspects of the area. Most notably, the river. 5 people like this post. Like Unlike

Earlier this week, I celebrated my thirty-third wedding anniversary, married to the lovely, talented, and magnificent former Miss Barbara Wade. I’m fortunate to have found whom I consider to be the best woman on the planet. I often get a chuckle when someone describes a very minor accomplishment, and someone sarcastically replies, “And they said […]

Today is my birthday, and I’ve probably had more well wishes from people from my past than ever before. I’ve loved it. The internet is a wonderful thing. Facebook gets the credit for me being remembered by so many. I won’t tell you how old I am, but some of you know. I don’t want […]

Sometimes there are days when we just want to let go, and give up. Some days we feel like we’re all spent and can do no more to further our own progression or the work of God. But then there are the days that the love which never lets us go reaches down and reminds […]

My car is burning through oil faster than five foolish virgins. 3 people like this post. Like Unlike

I’m thinking quite a bit about graduations this week. My niece just graduated from High School on Wednesday. Hard to believe the baby I held in my arms  before I left for my mission is going to be a freshman in college studying nursing. I guess it’s pretty obvious I’m proud of my niece. Her […]