Lily Tomlin as Edith Ann

Based on a talk given by me in the Butler Creek Ward of the Gresham Oregon Stake on 7/15/2012.

Most people of my generation will recognize the precocious little girl in the rocking chair, Edit Ann, who had funny things to say about life and people. Edith Ann was one of the many characters invented and played by Lily Tomlin, a genius of wit, comedy, and social commentary.

One of my favorite routines was from the album, “And That’s the Truth”, where Lily plays an average, single woman walking home from somewhere and encounters the persistently annoying Edith Ann.

Part of the conversation that ensues is as follows: (more…)

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With the growing support of Mitt Romney for President, a growing openness about homosexuality, and an internet media blitz about it, we are seeing more and more members of the Church who deal with same-sex attraction writing about it, appear in videos, even get interviewed by the news media. (more…)

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Throughout the scriptures and in hymns and other places of inspiration, there is a wonderful message. Fear not! (more…)

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Friday morning, as with most Friday mornings, I got up at 4:00AM to go to my health club  where I swim laps, do physical therapy exercises, and run in place for an hour. I had been up fairly late on Thursday evening. In recent days, I have been somewhat overwhelmed.

Client problems have skyrocketed. I have found myself depressed, disillusioned, disappointed, and even angry. Add to that problems with not enough sleep, glucose fluctuations, and worry about money. I was in a bad state. (more…)

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As I sat contemplating the other day, the thought kept coming to me that I should write about some of the people who have had a positive impact in my life.  (more…)

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I was thinking recently about the upcoming presidential elections and musing about the last election. I don’t mean this to be a political treatise, but my thoughts about the subject began with a political memory. Much of the last election was centered around the idea of change. In fact, “change” became the most important buzzword and the single-word slogan of the victor in the race. The hard thing was, I couldn’t figure out what it meant when it was used. (more…)

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Come, Follow Me

Myfriend, Eric, who posts here, reminded me of a favorite hymn that has blessed my life and given me comfort in difficult times. The hymn is Lead, Kindly Light, written by John Henry Newman. I hope you will take the time to read Eric’s entry, “Lead Thou Me On.” (more…)

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There is a great truth in the phrase, God moves in a mysterious way, his wonders to perform. Sometimes the inspiration and message can come from a most unlikely source. Yes, even Facebook.  (more…)

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Sometimes it is really easy to get stuck in a way of thinking that leads to a dead end in life. I often find myself thinking that there is only one solution to a situation and that I must focus all of my efforts on that situation. I think this way of thinking results too often from what I think of as the positive mental attitude cult. (more…)

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Jesus Praying in Gethsemane

In my new calling in my stake’s Sunday School Presidency, I have the opportunity to visit Sunday School classes in other wards. Today, I visited a Gospel Doctrine class in a neighboring ward. The teacher was someone I knew many, many years ago. (more…)

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Adolphe Adam

I’ve had a lot of anxiety and depression lately. Sometimes it seems the loneliness and longing can be overwhelming. However I have found a lot of comfort and encouragement in an unlikely place.  (more…)

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I’ve given a lot of thought to storms the last couple of weeks. Since I wrote my post about lighthouses and their strength amid the storms and relentless pounding, I’ve had some time to reflect on some of the storms in my own life. Some of them are things that I have no control over. Others are things that I am working on. (more…)

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Many years ago, I was dubbed the Giant Mutant Prairie Dog from Hell by one of my coworkers. It happened when he called my name and I stood up from my cubicle sporting a full beard. He thought that’s what I looked like. I suppose I did. (more…)

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Cape Blanco Lighthouse

A couple of weeks ago I took a little vacation trip up to Ashland, Oregon and the Oregon Coast. The trip was very restful and energizing. The gentle rhythm of the waves rolling in is one of the greatest lullabies ever. The visit with beloved friends was wonderful as well. But one of the most powerful images that I came away with was that of the lighthouse.

(more…)

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This week is one in which I meet myself coming and going. It’s been a month of ups and downs. I’m house sitting while both my sisters are out of town. While I’ve been house sitting, I’ve had the opportunity to revisit some of my favorite movies. The Sound of Music has been one of my favorites for as long as I can remember.

(more…)

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