Nauvoo: Brigham Young’s “Whistling and Whittling Brigade” — Law Enforcement by “Nuisance”

"Fun Facts Saturday" In the 1840’s, Nauvoo, Illinois was a thriving Latter-day Saint community on the banks of the Mississippi River. Nauvoo had about 12,000 residents, almost as large as Chicago.      In 1845, the year after the mob murdered the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Nauvoo Charter was repealed, and the “City of Joseph” was legally … Continue reading Nauvoo: Brigham Young’s “Whistling and Whittling Brigade” — Law Enforcement by “Nuisance” →

Following Christ Is Not Casual — Dallin H. Oaks

"Great Quotes" “Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice.  It is a continuous commitment and way of life that should guide us at all times and in all places.” Dallin H. Oaks (“Followers of Christ,” Gen. Conf. Apr. 2013) Life and Legacy Birth and Childhood: Dallin Harris Oaks was born August 12, 1932, … Continue reading Following Christ Is Not Casual — Dallin H. Oaks →

David O. McKay: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff”

"Sunday Sermon" Worldwide Expansion of the Church David O. McKay was the President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints during the 1950’s and 1960’s.    He presided over the worldwide expansion of the church. Until his administration, the church was perceived as a Utah church.  President McKay personally changed the image of the … Continue reading David O. McKay: “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” →

The Famous Porter Rockwell – Prophets’ Bodyguard and Outlaws’ “Avenging Angel”

"Fun Facts Saturday" “Porter Rockwell killed more outlaws than Wyatt Earp, Doc Holladay, Tom Horn, and Bat Masterson combined, earning him the menacing title, the ‘Avenging Angel.’”   Orrin Porter Rockwell (1813-1878) is one of the most colorful characters in Utah and LDS Church history.  He is memorialized in biographies, novels, newspaper articles, ballads, and … Continue reading The Famous Porter Rockwell – Prophets’ Bodyguard and Outlaws’ “Avenging Angel” →

Our Battles Are Fought Within — David O. McKay

"Great Quotes" “The greatest battles of life are fought daily in the silent chambers of the soul.” -- David O. McKay (Gospel Ideals: Selections from the Discourses of David O. McKay) Life and Legacy Born on September 8, 1873, David O. McKay spent his youth in Huntsville, Utah. He studied at the Weber Stake Academy … Continue reading Our Battles Are Fought Within — David O. McKay →

The Most Important Verse in the Doctrine and Covenants

This year's scripture focus is the Doctrine and Covenants. "The Doctrine and Covenants is a collection of divine revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last day." (Introduction) The "Most Important" Verse I gave my Gospel Doctrine and Seminary students the assignment … Continue reading The Most Important Verse in the Doctrine and Covenants →

Miracle of Protection: Wilford Woodruff and the Steam Boat Disaster

Wilford Woodruff is one of the greatest missionaries and spiritual giants of this dispensation. He is responsible for the baptisms of thousands of converts in England. In addition, Wilford Woodruff had more visions, more personal revelation, and more spiritual experiences than anyone in modern church history, with the exception of the Prophet Joseph Smith. His safety … Continue reading Miracle of Protection: Wilford Woodruff and the Steam Boat Disaster →

In life, bliss is not normal. Life is not just for happiness, but training and correction. – Jenkin Lloyd Jones & C.S. Lewis (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" "Great Quotes" "Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste a lot of time running around shouting that he’s been robbed.  "The fact is that most putts don’t drop, most beef is tough, most children grow up to just be people, more successful marriages require a high degree of … Continue reading In life, bliss is not normal. Life is not just for happiness, but training and correction. – Jenkin Lloyd Jones & C.S. Lewis (Great Quotes) →

The Plethora of Blessings Promised for “This Life”

"Sunday Sermon" Most of the blessings promised for keeping the commandments and covenants are for the “here and now,” not just the “here after.” A Catholic cardinal declared, “The purpose of life is to accept suffering humbly.” The restored gospel of Jesus Christ is not a “pie in the sky religion,” where we suffer through … Continue reading The Plethora of Blessings Promised for “This Life” →

Choose the Right; Speak the Truth – Marcus Aurelius (Great Quotes)

"Faith on Friday" “If it is not right, never do it; if it not the truth, never say it.” (Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (121-180), Meditations, p. 182) Life and Legacy Emperor of Rome from 161-180 AD Last of the “Five Good Emperors” A leading Stoic philosopher Called “the Philosopher” His personal journal became the classic "Meditations" … Continue reading Choose the Right; Speak the Truth – Marcus Aurelius (Great Quotes) →