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July 27 2025

The Joy of the Atonement and Repentance

I recently had the opportunity to speak in church about the atonement and the powerful principle of repentance and the miraculous process by which we can experience a true change of heart. Repentance is not just about acknowledging our mistakes—it’s about turning to God, allowing His grace to transform us, and becoming more like the Savior, Jesus Christ. Through sincere repentance, we are not only forgiven but also changed from the inside out. It’s a process that brings peace, hope, and a deeper relationship with our Heavenly Father.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus confided in Peter, James, and John saying, “My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death”. Then withdrawing a little further into the garden, the Savior knelt alone and began to bear the unimaginable weight of the Atonement. There in the garden and later upon the cross, He took upon Himself the sins, sorrows, and sufferings of all mankind.

The Savior described that sacred experience to the Prophet Joseph Smith, saying,

“Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit”.

In that moment of infinite agony, Christ, the greatest of all, descended below all things, so that through Him, we might rise above them. Christ said,

“For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent”.

This is a staggering thought. What about us frail, flawed, often forgetful human beings could be so important that Christ would willingly endure such exquisite suffering to redeem us.

The answer is both humbling and breathtaking. We are His. We are His brothers and sisters. We are the ones He came to save, not because we are perfect, but because His love is.

To Christ, we are worth every drop of blood, every tear, and every breath. That’s the price He paid. Not for a mass of nameless humanity, but for you and for me.

Not long ago during the quiet reverence of the sacrament, a child loudly asked their parent a simple heartfelt question, “Does Jesus know my name?” I couldn’t hear the parent’s answer, but I can imagine what my response would be, I would have said”

“Yes, Jesus knows your name. He is your big brother and He loves you. He thinks of you every time he looks at the scars in His hands. It was especially for you that He allowed someone put them there. It is because he loves you that He has them. His wounds are not just reminders of suffering, they are a reminder of His love for you. Your name is written there. The Lord said in Isaiah, “Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands”.

When Christ atoned for our sins, He saw our potential, not just our sins. He saw who we are meant to become. And he knew without His help, we would never get there. So He paid the price.

What does He ask in return?

Christ does not demand perfection. He asks for something far more attainable: a willing heart and a contrite spirit. He asks that we come unto Him in humility, that we remember Him always, and that we repent of the very sins He already suffered for.

Examples of the Atonement in Action

One of the most powerful and personal stories of repentance in the Book of Mormon is the conversion of Alma the Younger. Once a rebellious and wayward youth, Alma actively opposed the Church his father led and sought to destroy the faith of others. His actions caused great pain, sorrow, and spiritual damage. Yet through the mercy of Jesus Christ, he was redeemed and transformed into one of the greatest prophets of his time. In Alma 36, while speaking to his son Helaman, Alma shares his conversion story bearing powerful witness of the Savior’s atoning power.

He begins by testifying that he did not come to the knowledge by figuring it out on his own, but from God.He said,

“I do know that whosoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day.
And I would not that ye think that I know of myself—not of the temporal but of the spiritual, not of the carnal mind but of God.
Now, behold, I say unto you, if I had not been born of God I should not have known these things; but God has, by the mouth of his holy angel, made these things known unto me, not of any worthiness of myself;”

Notice the words “not of any worthiness of myself”. In other words, not because I deserved it, but because of Christ’s mercy.

Alma then describes the moment when the angel visited him and called him to repentance. It wasn’t a joyful spiritual experience at first, it was soul-wrenching. He writes about the weight of his sins:

“I was racked with eternal torment, for my soul was harrowed up to the greatest degree and racked with all my sins.
Yea, I did remember all my sins and iniquities, for which I was tormented with the pains of hell; yea, I saw that I had rebelled against my God, and that I had not kept his holy commandments.
Yea, and I had murdered many of his children, or rather led them away unto destruction; yea, and in fine so great had been my iniquities, that the very thought of coming into the presence of my God did rack my soul with inexpressible horror.
Oh, thought I, that I could be banished and become extinct both soul and body, that I might not be brought to stand in the presence of my God, to be judged of my deeds.
And now, for three days and for three nights was I racked, even with the pains of a damned soul.”

Alma’s remorse was so intense that he wished he could cease to exist rather than face God with a stained soul. Be it was in this moment of deepest despair that he remembered something vital, a truth he heard from his father. That memory was his glimmer of hope.

“behold, I remembered also to have heard my father prophesy unto the people concerning the coming of one Jesus Christ, a Son of God, to atone for the sins of the world.
Now, as my mind caught hold upon this thought, I cried within my heart: O Jesus, thou Son of God, have mercy on me, who am in the gall of bitterness, and am encircled about by the everlasting chains of death.”

That plea for mercy changed everything. In the instant Alma turned to Jesus Christ in faith, he experienced the miracle of forgiveness:

And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my pains no more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.
And oh, what joy, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!
Yea, I say unto you… there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.”

We find a powerful parallel to Alma the Younger’s transformation in the New Testament in the conversion of the Apostle Paul.

Before his conversion, Paul was known as Saul of Tarsus, a zealous Pharisee who persecuted the early followers of Jesus Christ. He believed he was doing God’s will by trying to destroy what he saw as a dangerous heresy. But everything changed one day on the road to Damascus.

The Book of Acts records:

“And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest.”

In that moment, Saul discovered that the very One he was fighting against was the Savior Himself. The voice of Christ pierced not just the air, but Saul’s soul.

Humbled and trembling, Saul asked the question only a truly repentant heart can ask:

“Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”

For three days, he remained without sight, and neither ate nor drank no doubt reflecting on his sins and on the grace he had just received.

Our repentance does not need to be as extreme Alma the Younger’s or Paul’s to be valid in the eyes of the Lord.A broken heart can be found at all levels. Like Paul we can ask, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?” As we earnestly follow the promptings of the Spirit, the Lord will see our sincerity and abundantly forgive.

Alma speaks of the Savior’s arms as arms of mercy when he says,

“Behold, he sends an invitation unto all men, for the arms of mercy are extended towards them, and he saith: Repent, and I will receive you.”

And he speaks of safety in the Savior’s embrace:

“And thus mercy can satisfy the demands of justice, and encircles them in the arms of safety.”

We feel the arms of mercy as we repent. Elder Neil L. Anderson has said,

“When we sin, we turn away from God. When we repent, we turn back toward God.
The invitation to repent is rarely a voice of chastisement but rather a loving appeal to turn around and to “re-turn” toward God. It is the beckoning of a loving Father and His Only Begotten Son to be more than we are, to reach up to a higher way of life, to change, and to feel the happiness of keeping the commandments. Being disciples of Christ, we rejoice in the blessing of repenting and the joy of being forgiven. They become part of us, shaping the way we think and feel.”

The pain associated with recognizing that we have erred is small in comparison with the joy and the peace we receive from living a life of repentance and becoming more like our savior. Elder Hafen has said,

“If you have problems in your life, don’t assume there is something wrong with you. Struggling with those problems is at the very core of life’s purpose. As we draw close to God, He will show us our weaknesses and through them make us wiser, stronger. If you’re seeing more of your weaknesses, that just might mean you’re moving nearer to God, not farther away.”

We may never forget our sins and in many cases, that’s a blessing. The memory can protect us from repeating past mistakes and keep us humble. But the Lord has made a merciful promise: When we sincerely repent, He will forget. He has said:

Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.

I can think of no greater assurance. As I reflect on the day of final judgement, there is deep peace in know that when I stand before the Savior and look into His eyes, I can do so without fear or shame for sins I have truly repented of.

And in that moment, I will feel His love and know that His mercy was real, and that His atonement was enough for a sinner like me.

Read more posts about Jesus Christ and the atonement.

Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Alma the Younger Art -AI Generated

June 15 2025

My Father’s Day Message June 2025

Faith, Fatherhood, Spirituality

This morning as I lay in bed enjoying a Father’s Day rest, I received a desperate text from a member of my ward’s bishopric. He had asked someone, via text, to speak in sacrament meeting. The problem? That person was not the individual he thought he was texting. The person on the other end played along, seemingly accepting the assignment and leading him to believe they would be speaking in church today. Until this morning… when the bishopric member followed up to confirm they were ready. That’s when they sprung the surprise. They weren’t who he thought they were, and they definitely would not be speaking in church today!

I thought it was hilarious. He did not.

With only two hours until the meeting, he needed someone to fill in and I was willing because I have several talks I’ve given in other wards over the last year. So I took the opportunity, prayed for guidance, and instead of recycling a talk from another ward, I gave this message.

Father’s Day Message

Several years ago, our ward Primary had an activity. I believe it was for Father’s Day, much like today. The activity was a quiz for the children: could they correctly identify their father from a series of photos, when the only image shown was of their father’s hand?

At first, it might seem like an impossible task. Hands can appear so minor and inconsequential—something easily overlooked. Yet, as I recall from the reports of that activity, most children were able to recognize their father’s hand with surprising accuracy.

My hands are a bit distinct. They bear a good number of scars of work and various cuts. But I was also born with a web between my index finger and thumb, and after a couple of surgeries to correct it, I was left with a mess of scars in that area. Naturally, didn’t let them photograph that hand for the activity. I would have been too east a giveaway and I wanted to give my children a challenge.

But really, how could a child not recognize their father’s hand when they see it reaching out to take their hand, help them tie their shoes, throw a ball, draw pictures, or hold on their handlebars as they learn to balance while riding a bike. Better yet, how could they not learn to recognize their father’s hand as he holds out the sacrament tray for them to take on Sunday, or using his finger to point to the words in the scripture, or holding their hand during a prayer.

Hands of a father can indeed be threatening if a father uses them for violence and hateful finger pointing, but can be comforting when used to bless their children with love and tender care.

Fathers work each day, using their hands to support and provide for their families.

But a father’s greatest work in this life is not just physical its spiritual. A father’s most sacred calling is to use both his hands and his heart to lift, guide, and bless his children. And ultimately, to point his children to our Elder Brother, Jesus Christ, whose hands were scarred for our salvation.

And our Savior Jesus Christ, in turn, uses His hands to point us back to our Heavenly Father who we look to for all our needs.

Today we celebrate Father’s Day and our earthly dads, but let us also remember our Father in Heaven. How is our relationship with Him? Do we put our faith to work and learn of Him through diligent study of His words? Do we offer heartfelt gratitude in our prayers? Do we trust in His plan for us? And do we make Him a daily reality in our lives?

Looking back at the scars on my hands. They tell a story. Some of them were brought about for my children and even some of them were as a direct result of my children. My children may not see them the way I do, but to them, they’re just dad’s hand, the same ones that have helped them, guided them, held them. Flawed yes. But familiar. Loved.

And isn’t that a small echo of the Savior’s own hands—scarred, marked, and forever reaching toward us? His hands bear the ultimate evidence of love, not from a single moment, but from an eternity of devotion. They were pierced for our sins, stretched out in mercy, lifted in healing, and extended in invitation.

Just as a child learns to recognize the familiar hand of a loving father, we, too, are invited to recognize the hands of our Redeemer—hands that broke bread, washed feet, calmed storms, and carried a cross. Those same hands now reach for us in our moments of weakness, doubt, and pain. They offer comfort when we are weary, guidance when we are lost, and assurance when we feel alone.

In every scar, we see not just the pain He endured, but the covenant He made—to never leave us comfortless. His hands are always extended, waiting for us to reach back.

In the clarion call of Joseph Smith “Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory!”

May we as fathers rise to that call. May we use our hands not only to labor and provide, but to lift- to lift our families toward our Heavenly Father. And may we help our children come to recognize and love the Savior’s hands just as surely and tenderly as they recognize our own. And as He loves and receives them into His hands as He leads them back to the Father.

Oh yeah! Happy Father’s Day! And even Happy Father’s Day to all of the future fathers out there.

Image Credit: Dallas Golden

May 25 2025

How Does the Godhead Work? The Truth Restored

Heavenly Father, Holy Ghost, Jesus Christ

Controversy surrounding the nature of the Godhead has existed for as long as I can remember. Interestingly, it was a topic of discussion during my stepdad’s lifetime. (Family joke: He would tell us kids about “his buddy Ramsey II,” a story I now continue with you!). Clearly, this question isn’t new; debates about the Godhead have persisted since at least the late second century A.D. At the heart of the matter is a fundamental theological question: Is God a single person or are there three distinct beings?

The First Article of Faith

The foundational beliefs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are outlined in the Articles of Faith. The first Article of Faith states:

“We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.”

This simple but profound declaration reflects a belief in three distinct members of the Godhead: God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost.

The Church’s Understanding of the Godhead

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ understanding of the Godhead shares certain similarities with other Christian traditions but diverges in profound ways. Most notably, many mainstream Christian denominations subscribe to the doctrine of the Trinity, a belief formally articulated in the Nicene Creed of 325 A.D. This creed teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ the Son, and the Holy Spirit are three distinct persons who are nevertheless one essence, coequal, coeternal, and indivisible. Do you understand how it works by that definition? I have a hard time myself. In other words, the Trinity teaches that God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost are somehow three different individuals, but still just one God, not three gods. They are all equal, all eternal, and can’t be separated from one another. If that sounds confusing, you’re not alone—many people, including me, find it hard to understand how something can be both three and one at the same time.

In contrast, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost are three separate and distinct beings. Though they are united in will, purpose, love, and doctrine, they are not one substance or person. This distinction is not a minor doctrine nuance, it is foundational to Latter-day Saint theology and worship.

Latter-day Saints offer their prayers to God the Eternal Father in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ. God the Father is the supreme being whom we worship. Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son and our Savior, Redeemer, and Advocate. The Holy Ghost is a distinct member of the Godhead, whose role is to testify of the Father and the Son, provide spiritual guidance, and comfort the faithful.

While all three members of the Godhead are divine and perfectly united, their individual natures differ. God the Father and Jesus Christ are glorified, resurrected beings with tangible bodies of flesh and bone. The Holy Ghost, by contrast, is a personage of spirit, allowing Him to dwell within us and communicate truth directly to our hearts and minds.

The Restoration of the True Doctrine of the Godhead

Latter-day Saints believe that the original understanding of the Godhead as taught personally by Jesus Christ and reinforced by His Apostles during the New Testament era was gradually lost in the centuries following their deaths. This period, known as the Great Apostasy, was marked by widespread spiritual decline, the loss of priesthood authority, and the introduction of man-made philosophies and creeds into Christian doctrine. Over time, plain and precious truths were distorted or forgotten, including the distinct nature and identity of the members of the Godhead.

Joseph Smith Vision of God the Father and Jesus Christ of the Godhead

This divine truth began to be restored in 1820 through a humble, heartfelt prayer offered by a 14-year-old boy named Joseph Smith. Confused by the competing claims of various churches and longing to know which one was true, Joseph turned to the Bible and read James 1:5: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God.” Acting in faith, he went into a grove of trees near his home in Palmyra, New York, and prayed.

In answer to that prayer, Joseph experienced what is now known as the First Vision. In a miraculous moment of divine revelation, God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, appeared to him. They stood before Joseph as two separate, glorified beings, filled with light and majesty. This event not only opened the last dispensation the Restoration of the gospel in its fullness, but also immediately corrected centuries of misunderstanding about the nature of God. Joseph saw with his own eyes that the Father and the Son were real, distinct individuals, not abstract beings or a single incomprehensible essence.

Later revelations through Joseph Smith clarified and confirmed this truth. He taught that “The Father has a body of flesh and bones as tangible as man’s; the Son also; but the Holy Ghost… is a personage of Spirit” (Doctrine and Covenants 130:22). This restored understanding reveals a God who is not distant or unknowable, but a loving Heavenly Father—personal, real, and relatable—who hears and answers the prayers of His children.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave a wonderful talk at our General Conference covering this very subject.

Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

May 18 2025

Preparation for the Second Coming – Consecration

Faith, Spirituality

This morning, I had the opportunity to share a message with a congregation about preparing for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.

In Matthew 25, Jesus teaches the parable of the ten virgins. In the story, ten virgins took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were described as wise, and five as foolish. All ten had lamps, but only the wise brought extra oil in preparation for a possible delay.

As time passed and the bridegroom delayed his coming, all ten of the women grew weary and fell asleep. Then, at midnight, the call came, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him” The virgins rose and trimmed their lamps, but only those who had brought extra oil were able to keep their lamps burning. The foolish, having run out of oil, hurried off in search of more. But while they were gone, the bridegroom arrived.The prepared virgins entered into the marriage feast, and the door was shut. When the others returned and pleaded to be let in, they found that it was too late.

At first glance, we might think this is a parable about being prepared. And it is. But it’s also about what kind of preparation matters most.

All ten virgins had lamps. This means they all looked the part. They were all invited and all had light burning from their lamps, they likely even used each other’s fire to bring a flame to their own lamp. But when the bridegroom delayed, what separated the wise from the foolish wasn’t their lamps, but their oil.

The Doctrine and Covenants deepens our understanding of the parable of the ten virgins by identifying the oil as the Holy Ghost. It states, “For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.”

As we strive to be worthy of the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost, we are, in effect, adding oil to our lamps one drop at a time. This spiritual oil is accumulated in quiet sincere morning prayers, in daily choices to act with integrity, in moments of extending forgiveness to others and ourselves, in loving through selfless service, in learning to trust God and His, and in diligently studying and applying the word of God, as revealed in scripture and through living prophets.

All of these small actions might seem insignificant on their own, but together they create a steady reservoir of oil.

Each drop is not a one-time event, but a daily offering. An accumulation of choices, sacrifices, and quiet acts of devotion. It is all the small, consistent efforts that keep our testimonies burning brightly, even in the darkest of nights. A source of light, peace, and guidance that will help us endure and ultimately “abide the day.”

This kind of steady discipleship is illustrated by the Nephites in the Book of Mormon, We read:

Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy… even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.

Unlike dramatic conversion stories such as Alma the Younger, their oil did not come from suddens, miraculous moments. Instead, it was gathered drop by drop through daily spiritual habits.

As a result of their consecrated efforts, “many blessings were poured out upon the people, that even the high priests and teachers were themselves astonished beyond measure.

And it came to pass that the work of the Lord did prosper unto the baptizing and uniting the church of God, many souls, even tens of thousands.

Thus we see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.

Yes, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.

To have our lamps filled in preparation for the coming of the Savior, our lives must begin to reflect the life the Savior would have us live. This means more than checking boxes or going through the motions. It means offering our hearts fully and sincerely to Him

In the most recent General Conference, Elder Renlund shared a story that speaks powerfully to this idea. He told of a teacher named Zusya, who began to tremble as he approached death. His disciples asked, “Master, why do you fear? You’ve lived a righteous life. Surely God will reward you.”

Zusya replied, “If God asks me, ‘Zusya, why were you not another Moses?’ I will say, ‘Because You didn’t give me the greatness of soul You gave Moses.’ And if He says, ‘Why were you not another Solomon?’ I will say, ‘Because You didn’t give me Solomon’s wisdom.’ But what will I say if God asks, ‘Zusya, why were you not Zusya? Why were you not the man I gave you the capacity to be?’ That is why I tremble.”

This story reminds us that the Lord is not asking us to be someone else. He isn’t measuring us against prophets, leaders, or those around us. He is asking us to become the version of ourselves that He created us to be. He is not merely asking for our presence in the chapel each Sunday—He is asking for our hearts. And not just any hearts—consecrated hearts.

Too often we reduce consecration to the idea of communal sharing or temporal sacrifice, forgetting its deeper spiritual meaning: to make something sacred or holy. Elder Neal A. Maxwell taught, “Ultimate consecration is the yielding up of oneself to God. Heart, soul, and mind.”

Consecrated hearts are willing hearts. Willing to follow. Willing to trust. Willing to give Him our time, our efforts, our talents, our devotion. When we do, our lamps begin to fill. Drop by drop, day by day, we become more prepared, not just for His coming, but to become the disciples He has always known we could be.

“For how knoweth a man the master whom he has not served, and who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” When we offer these things with sincere intent, He sanctifies them. He fills our lamp with those blessed drops of oil supplying light we could never create on our own.

There’s a story about a chicken and a pig hanging around the barn and they found themselves discussing their contributions to the farmer’s breakfast table. The hen bemoaned always having to donate her eggs for breakfast each day. The pig responded thoughtfully, “Yes, but for you, it’s just a small sacrifice. For me, it’s a total commitment!”

Elder Neal A. Maxwell has said:

“In pondering and pursuing consecration, understandably we tremble inwardly at what may be required. Yet the Lord has said consolingly, “My grace is sufficient for you”. Do we really believe Him? He has also promised to make weak things strong. Are we really willing to submit to that process? Yet if we desire fulness, we cannot hold back part!

Having our wills increasingly swallowed up by the will of the Father actually means an enhanced individuality, stretched and more capable of receiving “all that [God] hath”. Besides, how could we be entrusted with His “all” until our wills are much more like His? Nor could His “all” be fully appreciated by the partially committed.”

If there is one thing President Nelson has repeatedly admonished in recent years, it is that we must be preparing ourselves to see the Savior.

What does it mean to be prepared for the Second Coming?

Like the rich young man, we can check our spiritual thermometer by pondering the question, “ what lack I yet?” Is it about watching for the signs, or is it something much more meaningful like becoming someone like the five wise virgins prepared to meet the bridegroom with our lamps trimmed and filled with a reservoir of oil gathered drop by drop in faithful consecrated discipleship.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell stated,

“Only by aligning our wills with God’s is full happiness to be found. Anything less results in a lesser portion. The Lord will work with us even if, at first, we “can no more than desire” but are willing to “give place for a portion of [His] words”. A small foothold is all He needs! But we must desire and provide it.

So many of us are kept from eventual consecration because we mistakenly think that, somehow, by letting our will be swallowed up in the will of God, we lose our individuality. What we are really worried about, of course, is not giving up self, but selfish things—like our roles, our time, our preeminence, and our possessions. No wonder we are instructed by the Savior to lose ourselves. He is only asking us to lose the old self in order to find the new self. It is not a question of one’s losing identity but of finding his true identity!”

You know I had never consider the possibility of losing my hair. A beautician once told me that because of how thick it was, I’d probably go gray before ever I lost it. So I didn’t think twice—until one day I happened to notice in a photo that it was thinning. That was the first time it became an area of concern.

But did that change my identity as a “hair grower”? Certainly not. I just started growing it in new, more creative places—like my ears and nose.

Did that change my identity as a father? As a husband? As a member of my church or community?

And most importantly—did it change my identity as a child of God?

I simply joined the ranks of the Elder Eyrings of the world.

Brothers and sisters, the parable of the ten virgins is not just a warning—it is an invitation. It is a call to prepare not just by doing, but by becoming. To live not just with a lamp in hand, but with a reservoir of oil deep within our souls—oil that cannot be borrowed, bought last minute, or faked. It must be gathered personally, quietly, and consistently.

The wise virgins were not perfect. But they were faithful. They understood that spiritual preparation is not a one-time event—it is a way of life. It is not about appearing righteous, but becoming holy. And that kind of preparation—the kind that fills our lamps and sanctifies our hearts—comes from consecrating our lives to the Savior, one drop at a time.

Image Credit: the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

April 20 2025

My Easter Message – He Is Risen

Easter, Faith, Jesus Christ

This was an Easter message I gave to my church congregation.

On the Sunday following Christ’s crucifixion, when Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Peter, went to the borrowed tomb of the Savior, they discovered the stone rolled back and an angel of the lord there declaring, “Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him.” All that remained in the tomb were the linen clothes. The Savior of the World had indeed risen as the perfect resurrected Lord.

The disciples would once again see the Savior individually and collectively, as He appeared to them twelve times over the next 40 days. Including when He “shewed unto them his hands and his side.”

Christ appeared to the people of Nephi declaring to them:

“Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the word.

And behold, I am the light and life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world.”

The Nephites went forth one by one and “thrust their hands into his side, and did feel the prints of the nails in his hands and in his feet.. and did see with their eyes and did feel with their hands, and did know of a surety.. that it was he, of whom it was written by the prophets, that should come.”

In our day, the Father and the Son appeared to the boy Joseph Smith to restore the Gospel. Later, the Savior would appear, this time in the Kirtland Temple, to Joseph Smith accompanied by Oliver Cowdery. In His glorified, resurrected form, Joseph Smith described Christ saying

“We saw the Lord standing upon the breastwork of the pulpit, before us; and under his feet was a paved work of pure gold, in color like amber.

His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah,”

The resurrected Lord has continued to visit His prophets to this day. LeRoi Snow, son of President Lorenzo Snow, shared an experience his daughter Allie had with her grandfather Lorenzo Snow in the Salt Lake Temple, where he recounted a sacred visitation from the Savior. Allie said:

“Then Grandpa came a step nearer and held out his left hand and said: ‘He stood right here, about three feet above the floor. It looked as though He stood on a plate of solid gold.”

“Grandpa told what a glorious personage the Savior is and described His hands, feet, countenance, and beautiful white robes, all of which were of such a glory of whiteness and brightness that he could hardly gaze upon Him.”

One of my favorite scriptures found in the Doctrine and Covenants is the powerful testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith:

“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!

For we saw him, even on the right hand of God;”

Witnesses of the resurrected Savior echo the same refrain: He is risen.

The angel at the tomb instructed the two Marys to go and tell the others of the Savior’s victory over death.

Our charge today is unchanged: to declare to the world the Savior’s triumph over sin and death, to testify of His continued returns, and to prepare for His imminent and glorious return.

President Nelson has repeatedly admonished us to prepare ourselves to see the Savior, to move forward in faith, to trust in His grace, and to share His life and light with others.

Happy Easter!

Delivered Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025

Watch this Easter video I created 5 years ago.

Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Jesus Christ's entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday

April 13 2025

Palm Sunday and An Easter Invitation

Easter, Jesus Christ

The Sunday before Easter is known throughout the Christian world as Palm Sunday. It marks the beginning of Holy Week, the most sacred time in the Christian calendar. This day commemorates Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem. This moment symbolized both reverence and hope, setting the stage for the sacred events of His suffering, crucifixion, and ultimately, His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday.

Before entering Jerusalem, Jesus instructed two of his disciples to bring Him a donkey to ride into the city. They were to find a colt that had never been ridden. This act fulfilled an Old Testament prophecy and recognized Jesus as the promised Messiah. The prophet Zechariah foretold the event:

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.

A great multitude of people greeted Jesus, bearing palm leaves, flowering branches, and cloth to cover his path. They shouted praises such as “Blessed be the King that that cometh in the name of the Lord,” and “Hosanna to the Son of David.”

In the book of Revelation, those who praise God are described as “clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands.” (Revelation 7:9)

When some, not understanding, asked, “Who is this?” the crowd responded, “This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee.”

A brief video presents a depiction of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem as found in Matthew 21.

This Palm Sunday has added meaning to me as I’ve been able to reflect and see a depiction of the glory of the Savior entering Jerusalem. My heart cries, “Hosannah!” as I think that he knowingly went forward with the Atonement with me in mind. I hope that if I were among the crowd I would have been one of those who recognized the Savior for who He is.

In his inspiring message on Palm Sunday and Easter, President Russell M. Nelson, the President and Prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflects on the profound significance of Easter and how it offers peace amid life’s challenges. He says:

Because of Him, we do not have to deal with our frailties, sins, and fears alone. Because of Him, death is not the end– ressurection will come to all who have lived. Because of Him, families can be together forever. Because of Jesus Christ we celebrate Easter. And Easter is all about hope.

Make Palm Sunday A Special Day of Remembering the Savior Jesus Christ

President Nelson extends this invitation for Palm Sunday:

On this Palm Sunday, I invite you to make this coming week truly holy by remembering — not just the palms that were waved to honor the entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem — but by remembering the palms of His hands

Read a past Easter message article of a video I edited one Sunday afternoon.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a site dedicated to helping you Grow Your Relationship with Jesus Christ During Holy Week and a new one to Experience Jesus Christ’s Greater Love For You.

Image Credit: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Saints: History of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

September 1 2024

Saints – Latter-day Saints Book Series

Church History

After years of dedication, the long-awaited four-volume collection of The Saints is finally complete! This book series is not just a historical account; it’s a labor of love that brings the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to life in a way that is both meaningful and accessible. Each volume is filled with easy-to-read, short stories that are not only informative but also deeply inspiring.

What makes this collection so special is the way it connects readers to the real, human experiences of those who shaped the early days of the Church. Through personal stories of faith, resilience, and hope, we can see the struggles and triumphs of the Saints in a deeply personal way. These stories go beyond dates and events—they highlight the hearts and souls of those who lived them, making history feel both relevant and relatable.

Whether you’re learning about the challenges faced by early Church members or finding inspiration in their triumphs, this collection is designed to uplift and inspire. It’s perfect for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Church history or simply looking for stories that resonate with faith, perseverance, and love. From seasoned scholars to those just beginning their journey, this series offers a warm, inviting way to connect with the past and feel the enduring spirit of the Saints.

If you’re not yet a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but are curious or just beginning your investigation, The Saints series is a wonderful place to start. This collection isn’t just for members; it’s for anyone who wants to understand the story of a people whose faith has shaped their lives and communities in profound ways.

One quote I enjoyed from Volume 4 is:

The knowledge of the truth did not come to me suddenly, but it had come by degrees, in such a gentle and natural way that I had not even realized it had already been shining upon me.
-Helio da Rocha Camargo

It is available to read for free on the Church’s website.

I wrote about Saints previously.

Image Credit: Book Covers: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints/Photoshop: Dallas Golden