Gratitude and Thanksgiving – Antidotes for Pride and the Universal “Pride Cycle”

"Sunday Thanksgiving Sermon" Pride - the Greatest of all Sins In 590 AD, Pope Gregory I codified the “Seven Deadly Sins,” and he listed pride as the most serious.  In the beginning, pride led to Lucifer’s rebellion and downfall. “Pride is considered the original and worst of the ‘seven deadly sins.’” “Pride is thought to … Continue reading Gratitude and Thanksgiving – Antidotes for Pride and the Universal “Pride Cycle” →

10 Most Popular Baby Names and 10 Names Rejected by Officials

"Fun Facts Saturday" 10 Most Popular Baby Names for 2023 (USA) Boys Liam Noah Elijah Oliver James William Benjamin Lucas Henry Theodore Girls Olivia Emma Charlotte Amelia Ava Sophia Isabella Mia Harper Evelyn (ChatGPT based Social Security Administration data; “List of most popular given names,” Wikipedia;  AI Chat) 10 baby names rejected by government officials … Continue reading 10 Most Popular Baby Names and 10 Names Rejected by Officials →

If men are good, their government cannot be bad – William Penn (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" “Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them; and as governments are made and moved by men, so by them are ruined too. Wherefore governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. Let men be good, and the government cannot be bad ... But, if men be bad, let … Continue reading If men are good, their government cannot be bad – William Penn (Great Quotes) →

5 Causes and Cures for Unhappiness, According to Yale Professor (and the Gospel)

"Sunday Sermon" Dr. Laurie Santos is a Professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science at Yale University. She has spent her career studying the science and psychology of happiness. Her course, “Psychology and the Good Life,” became the most popular class in Yale history. She hosts a podcast, “The Happiness Lab.” Dr. Santos has identified common … Continue reading 5 Causes and Cures for Unhappiness, According to Yale Professor (and the Gospel) →

Rolly-Polly Pillbugs (Fun Facts)

"Fun Facts Saturday" Kids love to play with harmless rolly-polly pillbugs. (Armadillidium vulgare) Rolly-Polly.  They get this name because of their unique defense mechanism.  When threatened, the roll up into a tight ball, the armor on the outside and the soft stomach and legs tucked inside. Not bugs (insects). They are “terrestrial crustaceans” (neither “telestial” … Continue reading Rolly-Polly Pillbugs (Fun Facts) →

God calms the storm, or the child – John H. Groberg (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" “Sometimes the Lord calms the storm, and sometimes he lets the storm rage and calms the child.” (John H. Groberg. “The Other Side of Heaven.”) Life and Legacy Birth. December 3, 1936, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Mission. Tongan Islands in the 1950s.  Education. BA from BYU, and MBA from Indiana University Career. Business and real estate. Author. “In the Eye of … Continue reading God calms the storm, or the child – John H. Groberg (Great Quotes) →

First LDS Missionary and the Converting Power of the Book of Mormon

"Sunday Sermon" Most members of the Church cannot answer the question: “Who was the first person in this dispensation called as a missionary.” Or in other words, “Who was the first official LDS missionary?”  The answer: Samuel Smith. Samuel Harrison Smith, a younger brother of Joseph Smith, was the first official missionary of the Church … Continue reading First LDS Missionary and the Converting Power of the Book of Mormon →

The Modern War Between Canada and Denmark

"Fun Facts Saturday" There is an island (Hans Island) which is disputed territory between Canada and Denmark.  The militaries of both countries periodically visit the island to remove the other guy’s flag. They leave a bottle of Danish schnapps or Canadian whiskey.  It is known as the “Whiskey War” or the “Liquor War.”  This is … Continue reading The Modern War Between Canada and Denmark →

“Being Offended is a Choice”– David A. Bednar (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" To those who were not presently participating in Church and meetings, I would say … “Let me make sure I understand what has happened to you. Because someone at church offended you, you have not been blessed by the ordinance of the sacrament. You have withdrawn yourself from the constant companionship of … Continue reading “Being Offended is a Choice”– David A. Bednar (Great Quotes) →