The Memorial Day Promise

Cemetery Hill

Image by Soaptree via Flickr

On the cold afternoon of November 19, 1863 United States President Abraham Lincoln joined with over 15,000 people in a field on the outskirts of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The crowd was gathered for the purpose of dedicating the fresh graves of a newly created Soldiers National Cemetery; location of one of the most vicious and deadly battles of the raging Civil War.

The featured speaker of this event was U.S. Senator Edward Everett, a popular orator who chose to wax poetic for over two full hours to the [extremely patient] crowd. After he sat down, President Lincoln was asked to give “a few appropriate remarks” in closing. Lincoln spoke for only four minutes, and yet his words have become one of the most enduring and memorable speeches in American history. I feel his words stand as a solid American oath for Memorial Day, and an enduring anthem for every day. Continue reading

Please Remember Who You Are

At The Back Door by Robert Duncan

One of my mother’s “famous sayings” when I was growing up, [used with increasing frequency and urgency the older my siblings and I became], was  Please Remember Who You Are!” Without fail, as we were running out the door to play with friends, or to have a “sleep over”, attend a party or go to Prom, Mother’s voice could be heard calling after us;  “Please Remember Who You Are!

As time went by, it became an inside joke to see Continue reading

What Is The Book of Mormon About?

The Book of Mormon. Another Testament of Jesus...

Image via Wikipedia

In light of a sacrilegious Broadway musical disrespecting/ usurping/ plagiarizing/ mocking/ stealing/ “permanently borrowing” the same name as sacred scripture, I’d like to offer a few facts and personal thoughts about The Book of Mormon, and what it’s really all about. I’ve provided many links and references that you may find of interest.

As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I often hear people referring to my “Mormon Bible”, or simply ”those different scriptures you use”.

For reference and clarification, here is:

My Top Ten List of What The Book of Mormon IS, and what it IS NOT. Continue reading

Fight Like A Girl For Mother’s Day

Today's Race - over 15,000 people! (photo taken by me)

Today I joined with my family, friends and over 15,000 new “bosom buddies” in the annual Susan G. Komen Race For The Cure in Salt Lake City, Utah. This event is always held the first Saturday of May and you can read about our experience last year, here. Although the weather was predicted to hit record temperatures of 80 degrees Fahrenheit, we were blessed with Continue reading