The Role of Ephraim and Manasseh and You

Near the end of his life, old father Jacob who was Israel said to his son Joseph: “… O my son, the God of my fathers hath blessed me in raising thee up to be a servant unto me, in saving my house from death; In delivering my people, thy brethren, from famine; wherefore the …

The First Hymns of the Restoration

My family and I recently visited Palmyra, New York and Kirtland, Ohio—sites of the early church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I found a replica of the first book of hymns, compiled by Emma Smith. It is a small brown book with gold leafing, about 3 in x 4 in x 1/2 in thick. …

Expect Surprises

“During His life, Jesus Christ often challenged people’s long-held traditions and beliefs.” Come Follow Me Even his closest friends and followers found themselves regulary baffled by Jesus’s methods, priorities, and corrections. Peter was told “Get thee behind me, satan, for thou savorest not the things of God,” when he tried to tell Jesus he shouldn’t …

Making choices that won’t dissolve under pressure

We are pouring some concrete in the front yard for a front porch. The team of builders needed to remove with a jackhammer,  concrete orginal to the house. It was 62 year old and so solid! We hope our new concrete porch step will last even longer. It made me think how valuable construction materials …