Posted in Bible Book of Abraham Christianity Evidence Faith Gospel of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Repentance Resurrection Sacrifice The Church

The Light of Christ and the Birth of Christ

This is the short message I gave near the end of the musical Christmas Devotional for the Appleton, Wisconsin Stake on Dec. 24, 2022 in Neenah, Wisconsin. The Light of…

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Posted in Faith Leadership Miracles Prophets Travel

Confirming a Small but Meaningful Miracle from President Monson’s Life

In his October 2011 General Conference address, “Stand in Holy Places,” President Thomas S. Monson shared an experience as a small part of his talk that I find instructive in…

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Posted in Faith Gospel of Jesus Christ Miracles Prayer

Trivial Miracles and Petty Prayer: How the Accuser Teaches a Man Not to Pray

Sometimes we create our own barriers to spiritual experiences. Many people, including some Latter-day Saints, struggle with the notion that God would or could answer individual prayers, especially those dealing…

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Posted in Evidence Faith Gospel of Jesus Christ Media Science Social Issues The Church

Weighing Mormonism: Thoughts for Mormon Doubters (and Readers of the New York Times)

The New York Times and Shaken Faith in Sweden The arguments that weigh against Mormonism and the LDS story of a divine Restoration came to the front page of the…

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Posted in China Faith Gratitude Miracles Service Stories Surviving

Yes, Cookies Can Matter

I want to share a story that might be helpful the next time you wonder if your little acts of kindness, like baking cookies for someone else, really make a…

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Posted in Faith Gospel of Jesus Christ Miracles Prayer Service

Two “Easy” Ways to Get Answers to Prayers

Back in my days at BYU, ahortly after gatting married, I was quite happy to be part of a local “city ward,” the Provo Ninth Ward – Hugh Nibley’s home…

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Posted in Faith Miracles Prayer Scripture

Do Big Tragedies Negate Small Miracles?

In a previous post (currently on hold while I consult with the source on what details I should share), I referred to the many small miracles that have blessed people…

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Posted in Atonement Bible Book of Moses Christianity Doctrine Faith Fall Gospel of Jesus Christ Jesus Christ Scripture

Adam and the Fall: God’s Plan Thwarted?

We’ve had a few comments recently from people who disagree with the LDS view of the plan of salvation, especially our understanding of the purpose of life and the destiny…

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Posted in Faith Gratitude mental health Miracles Prayer Service suicide

Reaching Out to the Suicidal – And My Little Cell Phone Miracle

I’m glad to see Church magazines dealing more with some of the gritty issues of life. The Feb. 2007 New Era magazine, aimed at youth, has an excellent Q&A section…

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Posted in Book of Mormon Evidence Faith Mesoamerica Scholarship

Don’t Forget Cement

I continue to be intrigued by the way that “ridiculous” elements in the Book of Mormon eventually become significant evidences of authenticity. The mention of cement in Helaman 3 is…

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