The Sublime Roundabout

That doesn't mean it's easy. For some time now, more than a year, my wife and I have been struggling with something that is at once very personal and affects our family and others. In retrospect, the way seems so clear, so easy, and so right. But for some reason I was not able to see the way. I don't know that the occlusion came from within myself or from external sources. Regardless, there was no clear answer. A year is a long time to struggle with something. Especially when you are as impatient as I am. Maybe that's what I needed to learn in all of this: patience and humility. I am certainly not strong at either of these things. But I am getting there. And in the end, my wife and I sat in the Houston Temple, contemplating our situation. The answer came in a clear and undeniable way. Gentle feelings and promptings entered into my mind and I KNEW what to do. I cannot describe these feelings. Those of you who have experienced these things know what I am referring to. Th...

No really! Who would ever want to be a millionaire? On one hand, I can appreciate the financial freedom that comes with a large amount of money. But on the other hand, I think that there are some things that I enjoy now that I wouldn't enjoy as much if I were too affluent: 1. The joy of a paycheck. Each paycheck. Every nickel. I work for my money, and I use it prudently (I hope) for things that my family needs. We have a budget that we live on/with/within. We pay tithing. We contribute in meaningful ways to people around us, not only financially but through giving of ourselves. It may be possible to experience these things if I were more affluent, but would I derive the same sort of satisfaction? As Christ pointed out, the people throwing in their millions contributed much, but the widow who threw in her mites gave all she had. 2. The fellowship of people I like and respect. For some reason, rich people only hang out with rich people. And many (not all) rich people are pretty bori...

OK, just bear with me on this one… I am admittedly and unashamedly LDS. A Mormon. I know that by admitting that many people assume things about me that may or may not be true. It frustrates me that I am immediately classified into a group to which I may or may not belong, with ideals that I may or may not espouse. I am proud of my religious affiliation, but I understand fully that there are others who are of whatever religious stripe that are better people and find equally sufficient gratification in their lives and beliefs. It’s our differences as a society that makes us strong and interesting. Keep in mind that people as varied as Harry Reed to Orrin Hatch are LDS and find no problem with that. I have heard people say “How can a good member of the Church be a Democrat?” Which makes me want to throw up. My mother’s uncle, Elder F. Melvin Hammond, is a Democrat and was also a member of the Quorums of Seventy. And so was President Faust, as well as many other leaders of the Church. One’...

This beautiful angel is my wife. Well, the one on the right is. The other angel is our daughter... This was taken a couple of weeks ago when it was snowing in Texas... I served my mission in Korea. It was one of the greatest experiences of my life, and it has shaped me and made me who I am today. There are so many things that hinged on my service on my mission that it is almost impossible to imagine how my life would be without having served. Not the least of which is the fact that my wife married me... Rewind to 1995. In spring of 1995, YS graduated from BYU -Hawaii. She graduated with honors in Biology with a Chemistry minor (yes, she's really the brains of the outfit - I'm more of the hired muscle). She was planning to stay in Hawaii and possibly pursue a master's degree at the U of Hawaii or something. She had a good job lined up and was really looking forward to staying in Hawaii. But she felt restless. One evening she rode her bike up to a place above the temple ...

I have never really appreciated this hymn before. Hymn 293 "Each life that touches ours for good" Each life that touches ours for good Reflects thine own great mercy, Lord; Thou sendest blessings from above Thru words and deeds of those who love. What greater gift dost thou bestow, What greater goodness can we know Thank Christ-like friends, whose gentle ways Strengthen our faith, enrich our days. When such a friend from us departs, We hold forever in our hearts A sweet and hallowed memory Bringing us nearer, Lord, to thee. For worthy friends whose lives proclaim Devotion to the Savior's name Who bless our days with peace and love We praise they goodness, Lord, above. I will miss you Claude. You are great. The world is darker without you. Thanks for everything...