There is are many things that I dearly love about the temple. The peace and serenity that is there for one thing. The fact that silence is accepted and indeed encouraged. The warmth and kindness of ordinance workers who recognize the need for a comforting hand on the shoulder. In all of these things as well as everything else that happens in the temple, the central figure of it all is Our Lord. (more…)

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Sacramento California LDS temple

Sometimes family relations are not the picture of peace and tranquility that we  wish they were. Sometimes it can be downright ugly and people can wind up hurt. So what can one do under such circumstances? Go to the hills. (more…)

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Like Lambs Shall They Still in My Bosom Be Born

In many hymnals, there are usually up to four verses printed between the staves. Before the modern hymnals that we’ve grown accustomed to, the music for the hymn tune was printed above and all the text was written beneath the staves and there was no text between the staves. It is always my fond yet very seldom realized hope that we sing the entirety of a hymn and not just what’s between the staves when there are more verses. Often times, it becomes an entirely different experience when we look at what is beneath the staves. (more…)

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Peace Attend Thee

I’ve been thinking a lot about a favorite song that has been a part of my family tradition for at least three generations. It is a lullaby from Wales called Ar Hyd y Nos. It’s probably known more by it’s English title All Through the Night. (more…)

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As part of my work as a music director for a Lutheran church, this last week I’ve had a unique opportunity that scared me but which I ultimately found rewarding. Vacation Bible School. (more…)

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Sacramento River

I moved to Sacramento in February. Since then I’ve discovered a lot and found myself getting accustomed to various aspects of the area. Most notably, the river. (more…)

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Before My Back Got Old

Earlier this week, I celebrated my thirty-third wedding anniversary, married to the lovely, talented, and magnificent former Miss Barbara Wade. I’m fortunate to have found whom I consider to be the best woman on the planet.

I often get a chuckle when someone describes a very minor accomplishment, and someone sarcastically replies, “And they said it couldn’t be done.” In the case of my marriage, “they” actually said that. (more…)

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Today is my birthday, and I’ve probably had more well wishes from people from my past than ever before. I’ve loved it. The internet is a wonderful thing. Facebook gets the credit for me being remembered by so many. I won’t tell you how old I am, but some of you know. I don’t want to be a downer and such a great day, but there’s something on my mind today.

(more…)

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Sometimes there are days when we just want to let go, and give up. Some days we feel like we’re all spent and can do no more to further our own progression or the work of God. But then there are the days that the love which never lets us go reaches down and reminds us of where we came from and how much he wants us back. And it is often through loving friends both seen and beyond our mortal sight that he meets our need. (more…)

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My wife and I recently returned from a trip to California to visit our daughter, her husband, and their children. My grandchildren are all beautiful and sweet. I wish we lived closer. Our other grandchildren who live close to us are also wonderful. We get to see them more often. We get to see our other children more often. (more…)

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