Russell M. Nelson 1924-

“A strong human spirit with control over appetites of the flesh is master over emotions and passions and not a slave to them. That kind of freedom is as vital to the spirit as oxygen is to the body! Freedom from self-slavery is true liberation!” (“Accomplishing the Impossible: What God Does, What We Can Do,” Conference Report October 2013)

“One’s religion is not imposed by others. It is not predetermined. It is a very personal and sacred choice, nestled at the very core of human dignity. Therefore, care must be exercised to assure that government remains truly neutral in matters of religion, not only in lip-service and constitutional guarantees, but also in impartial application of the law. Individuals and institutions are naturally inclined to seek preference over others, but the state must not yield to those inclinations. To discriminate in favor of one religion, using non-religious labels such as ‘culture’ or ‘history,’ is to discriminate against others. If the state allows dominance of any one religious institution over another, discrimination results, allowing unequal treatment and regrettable restriction of other religious societies.” (from the International Scientific and Practical Conference, March 16, 2005)

“Obedience allows God’s blessings to flow without constraint. He will bless His obedient children with freedom from bondage and misery. And He will bless them with more light.” (“Face the Future with Faith,” Conference Report April 2017)

“Principles of agency pertain on both sides of the veil. There, in postmortal realms, personal choice and accountability will be of paramount importance.” (“The Spirit of Elijah,” Ensign, Nov. 1994, p. 84).

Thomas S. Monson 1927-2018

“When we safeguard (the heavenly virtue of freedom), when we honor it, when we protect it, we will walk with Washington, we will pray with patriots, and we shall have peace on earth, good will to men.” (“Choir Honored for Love of God, Country.” LDS Church News, 26 November 1988)

“We forget how the Greeks and Romans prevailed magnificently in a barbaric world and how that triumph ended—how a slackness and softness finally overcame them to their ruin. In the end, more than they wanted freedom, they wanted security and a comfortable life; and they lost all—comfort and security and freedom.” (“The World Needs Pioneers Today“, Ensign 2013)

“President Monson told of having gone to eastern Germany in August. He said he was reminded of tense scenes during his first visit 27 years earlier. “Back then, the flame of freedom had flickered and burned low,” he related. “A wall of shame sprang up, and a curtain of iron came down. Hope was all but snuffed out. Life . . . continued on in faith, nothing wavering. Patient waiting was required. An abiding trust in God marked the life of each Latter-day Saint.”

“When I made my initial visit beyond the wall, it was a time of fear on the part of our members as they struggled in the performance of their duties. I found the dullness of despair on the faces of many passersby but a bright and beautiful expression of love emanating from our members.”

President Monson said that he was touched by the members’ sincerity, and humbled by their poverty. “They had so little,” he said. “My heart filled with sorrow because they had no patriarch. They had no wards or stakes-just branches. They could not receive temple blessings-neither endowment nor sealing. No official visitor had come from Church headquarters in a long time. The members were forbidden to leave the country. Yet, they trusted in the Lord with all their hearts, and they leaned not to their own understanding. In all their ways they acknowledged Him, and He directed their paths. I stood at the pulpit, and with tear-filled eyes and a voice choked with emotion, I made a promise to the people: ‘If you will remain true and faithful to the commandments of God, every blessing any member of the Church enjoys in any other country will be yours.’ ”

President Monson said that the heavenly virtue of patience was required. “Little by little the promise was fulfilled,” he said. “First, patriarchs were ordained, then lesson manuals produced. Wards were formed and stakes created. Chapels and stake centers were begun, completed and dedicated. Then miracle of miracles, a holy temple of God was permitted, . . . Finally, after an absence of 50 years, approval was granted for full-time missionaries to enter the nation and for local youth to serve elsewhere in the world. Then, like the wall of Jericho, the Berlin Wall crumbled and freedom, with its attendant responsibilities, returned.”

The final part of the promise was fulfilled when President Monson and his wife, Frances, and Elder Dieter Uchtdorf and his wife, Harriet, went to Goerlitz, the very city where the promise was given 27 years earlier, and dedicated a beautiful meetinghouse there Aug. 27. The precious promise was thus fulfilled.” (“Seek Heavenly Virtue of Patience,” LDS Church News, 7 October 1995.)

Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008)

“[The Constitution] is the keystone of our nation. It is the guarantee of our liberty. That original document, with the Bill of Rights, constitutes the charter of our freedom. Through all of the years that have followed we have had some ambitious men who have sought to subvert the great principles of the Constitution, but somehow we have endured one crisis after another. We have been involved in terrible wars during this, the bloodiest of all centuries in the history of man. All of this is part of the miracle that is America, the struggle, the travail, the bitterness, the jealousies, the cynicism, and the criticism. But beyond and above it all is the wonder of a nation that for more than two centuries has remained free and independent and strong, the envy of the world, the hope of the world, the protection of free men everywhere, the manifestation of the power of the Almighty.” (“Keep Faith with America”, commencement address at Weber State University, Ogden, Utah on 6 May 1999)

“As I have stood before the cross that marks [my brother’s] grave, I have thanked God for the cause for which he died, for the great and eternal concepts” of human dignity, liberty, and freedom to worship, speak and assemble. Those concepts were handed down by God to the framers of the U.S. Constitution…I pray that America may always be worthy of [God’s] blessing. There is no place for arrogance among us. There is no place for conceit or egotism. As we look to God, we will grow in strength.” (Salt Lake LDS Tabernacle, American Legion’s 78th National Convention, Sunday, September 1, 1996)

Ezra Taft Benson 1899-1994

“The greatest right humans possess is the right of free choice, free will, free agency.” (Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], p.691)

“The time is fast approaching when it will require great courage for Latter-day Saints to stand up for their peculiar standards and doctrine—all of their doctrine, including the more weighty principles such as the principle of freedom. Opposition to this weighty principle of freedom caused many of our brothers and sisters in the pre-existence to lose their first estate in the war in heaven.” (Conference Report, April 1963)

“The fight for freedom is God’s fight. Freedom is a law of God, a permanent law. Men cannot break it with impunity. They can only break themselves upon it. When a man stands for freedom, he stands for God. As long as he stands for freedom, he stands with God. And were he to stand alone, he would still stand with God. Any man will be eternally vindicated and rewarded for his stand for freedom. The Lord has so endowed this matter of freedom with such everlasting repercussions that it sifted the spirits of men before this world in the Great War in heaven, and it seems today to be THE CENTRAL ISSUE that is sifting those who are left in the world. Life’s failures arise when men neither take the time nor find the season to perform their eternal duties.” (An Enemy Hath Done This, pp. 54-55)

“I don’t know how you feel, my brethren and sisters, but I’d rather be dead than to lose my liberty. I have no fear we’ll ever lose it because of invasion from the outside. But I do have fear that it may slip away from us because of our own indifference, our own negligence, as citizens of this land. And so I plead with you this morning that you take an active interest in matters pertaining to the future of this country.” (“The LDS Church and Politics”, BYU Devotional, December 1, 1952)

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints proclaims that life is eternal, that it has purpose…[God has a] plan…for the benefit and blessing of us, His children. … Basic to [that] all-important plan is our free agency. … The right of choice … runs like a golden thread throughout the gospel … for the blessing of His
children.: (The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson [1988], pp. 80-81.)

Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985)

“Verily I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness” (D&C 58:27.) All men have been given special powers and within certain limitations should develop those powers, give vent to their own imaginations, and not become rubber stamps. They should develop their own talents and abilities and capacities to their limit and use them to build up the kingdom. (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball [1982], p.257)

“You probably think you have found a new freedom: to think wholly for yourself, to make wholly your own determinations, to criticize and decide for yourself what is right and wrong. That was decided eternities ago. Right and wrong are not to be determined by you or me. Those elements were decided for us before our birth. We have the free agency to do the right or do the wrong, but who are we to alter those changeless things? W e can scoff at sacred things, express our own little opinions, but remember that millions of men and women with keener minds than ours, with more erudite training than yours and mine, have said things and done things more startling, more ugly, more skeptical than you or I could think of. Millions have gone down the path you are entering. They have all come to grief or will ultimately. Shall the violin say to Tony Stradivarius, “You did not make me”? Shall the created thing question the creator?” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball [1982], p.160)

“Of course we can choose; the free agency is ours, but we cannot escape the consequences of our choice.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball [1982], p.195)

“Men have free agency, as the Lord has made clear. They may do right or wrong but they cannot escape the responsibility of answering for their errors if they are normal individuals.” (The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball [1982], p.159)

Harold B. Lee (1899-1973)

“Now there is another important understanding that we have from the scriptures. W e are all free agents, which means to some people who manifest a spirit of rebellion that they are free to do anything they please, but that is not the correct meaning of free agency as the prophets have declared in the scriptures where free agency has been defined: “they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great mediation of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil” (2 Nephi 2:27.) (Stand Ye In Holy Places [1974], p.11)

“As an essential to the obtaining of a fulness of [the] attributes and qualities [of godhood], man has been given his free agency, that he should act for himself and choose his course according to his own pleasure. As mortals, we have this priceless heritage; but like reckless spendthrifts that we are, we often squander our precious treasure in riotous living and return to eat the husks with our Father’s swine.” (The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, edited by Clyde J. Williams [1996], p.75)

“But, you ask, why does God, if He truly loves his children, permit Satan to tempt us and thereby jeopardize our chances to gain the best experiences in mortality and return to enjoy eternal life in His presence? The answer is given by a great prophet-teacher: “Wherefore, the Lord God gave unto man that he should act for himself. Wherefore, man could not act for himself save it should be that he was enticed by the one [which is evil] or the other [which is good].” (2 Nephi 2:16.) Think about that for a moment. If there were no opposition to good, would there be any chance to exercise your agency or right to choose? To deny you that privilege would be to deny you the opportunity to grow in knowledge, experience, and power. God has given laws with penalties affixed so that man might be made afraid of sin and be guided into paths of truth and duty.  (Stand Ye In Holy Places, p.219)

Joseph Fielding Smith (1876-1972)

“The Lord does not delight in the punishment of men. He is kind enough to grant to each his freedom to merit blessings or punishment according to his free will or pleasure. It never was the intention of the Lord to destroy, in the sense of annihilation, any of the souls of his children. His great object is to save them all, if they will freely partake of the blessings of salvation.” (Doctrines of Salvation, 3 Vols. [1954-56], 2:227)

“This great gift of agency, that is the privilege given to man to make his own choice, has never been revoked, and it never will be. It is an eternal principle giving freedom of thought and action to every soul. No person, by any decree of the Father, has ever been compelled to do good; no person has ever been forced to do evil. Each may act for himself. It was Satan’s plan to destroy this agency and force men to do his will. There could be no satisfactory existence without this great gift. Men must have the privilege to choose even to the extent that they may rebel against the divine decrees. Of course, salvation and exaltation must come through the free will without coercion and by individual merit in order that righteous rewards may be given and proper punishment be meted out to the transgressor. Therefore, when the great day of the Lord shall come, the wicked who have merited banishment from a righteous government will be consumed, or the privilege of continuance on the earth will be denied.” (Answers to Gospel Questions 5 vols. [1957-66], 2:20)

“What of our own country? The Lord raised up honorable men to make it a land of freedom, and he declared: “It is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose, and redeemed the land by the shedding of blood” (D&C 101:79–80). (Doctrines of Salvation 3:273)

“I have heard people say, and members of the Church too, “I have a right to do as I please.” My answer is: No, you do not. You haven’t any right at all to do just as you please. There is only one right that you have, and that is to do just what I read to you: keep the commandments of Jesus Christ. He has a perfect right to tell us so. We have
no right to refuse. I do not care who the man is; I do not care where he lives, or what he is–when the gospel of Jesus Christ is presented to him, he has no right to refuse to receive it. He has the privilege. He is not compelled to receive it, because our Father in heaven has given to every one of us in the Church and out, the gift of free agency. That free agency gives us the privilege to accept and be loyal to our Lord’s commandments, but it has never given us the right to reject them. Every man who rejects the commandments of our Father in heaven is rebellious.” (Conference Report, April 1967, pp.120-121)

David O. McKay (1873-1970)

“Men may choose the right or they may choose the wrong; they may walk in darkness or they may walk in the light; and, mind you, God has not left his children without the light. He has given them in the various dispensations of the world the light of the gospel wherein they could walk and not stumble, wherein they could find that peace and happiness which he desires, as a loving Father, his children should enjoy, but the Lord does not take from them their free agency.” (Gospel Ideals [1953], p.301)

“The Magna Carta… was an expression of freedom-loving men against a usurping king. It was a guarantee of civil and personal liberty. These guarantees later found fuller and complete expression in the Constitution of the United States.” (Stepping Stones to an Abundant Life, p.88)

Close up of the Constitution of the United States of America

We should feel grateful that we are not hampered nor hindered in any way by a government that would presume to tell us how to worship, what to worship, or how to build. I wonder how many of us kneel down and thank the Lord for that freedom vouchsafed to us by the Constitution of the United States, a step towards the liberty, the freedom mentioned by the Savior when he said, “If ye continue in my word . . . ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” [John 8:32].

Very seldom do we think of our God-given privileges to exercise the freedom which dates back to the Constitution, even to the Declaration of Independence.

William E. Gladstone, having read the Constitution one hundred years after it had been in force, said:

The American Constitution is, so far as I can see, the most wonderful work ever struck off at a given time by the brain and purpose of men. It has had a century of trial, under the pressure of exigencies caused by an expansion unexampled in point of rapidity and range; and its exemption from formal change, though not entire, has certainly proved the sagacity of the constructors and the stubborn strength of the fabric…

Do we feel to thank God for the freedom we have here in this country?” (Man May Know for Himself, pp.388-89)

George Albert Smith (1870-1951)

“We should be deeply concerned in the welfare of the nation, and sustain good and great men, as the Lord has commanded us, in order that we may continue to enjoy freedom.” (Conference Report, Apr 1914, 11)

“Since the God of this choice land is Jesus Christ, we know that his philosophy of free agency should prevail here. Thou didst amply demonstrate this great principle to us by raising up wise men for the very purpose of giving us our constitutional form of government, concerning which thou hast said:

. . . I have suffered to be established, and should be maintained for the rights and protection of all flesh, according to just and holy principles; That every man may act in doctrine and principle pertaining to futurity, according to the moral agency which I have given unto him, that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment. Therefore, it is not right that any man should be in bondage one to another. And for this purpose have I established the Constitution of this land, by the hands of wise men whom I raised up unto this very purpose. . . (D&C 101:77–80.)

There are those, our Heavenly Father, both within and without our borders, who would destroy the constitutional form of government which thou hast so magnanimously given us, and would replace it with a form that would curtail, if not altogether deprive, man of his free agency. We pray thee, therefore, that in all these matters thou wilt help us to conform our lives to thy desires, and that thou wilt sustain us in our resolve so to do. We pray thee that thou wilt inspire good and just men everywhere to be willing to sacrifice for, support, and uphold the Constitution and the government set up under it and thereby preserve for man his agency.

We thank thee that thou hast revealed to us that those who gave us our constitutional form of government were men wise in thy sight and that thou didst raise them up for the very purpose of putting forth that sacred document.

Wilt thou, O our Father, bless the Chief Executive of this land that his heart and will may be to preserve to us and our posterity the free institutions thy Constitution has provided. Wilt thou, too, bless the legislative and judicial branches of our government as well as the executive, that all may function fully and courageously in their respective branches completely independent of each other to the preservation of our constitutional form of government forever.

We pray that kings and rulers and the peoples of all nations under heaven may be persuaded of the blessings enjoyed by the people of this land by reason of their freedom under thy guidance and be constrained to adopt similar governmental systems, thus to fulfill the ancient prophecy of Isaiah that “. . . out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Dedicatory Prayer of the Idaho Falls Temple)

Heber J. Grant (1856-1945)

“We are told in this same Doctrine and Covenants that we should be anxiously engaged in laboring and bringing to pass many good works, of our own free will and accord. The power is in us wherein we are agents unto ourselves. We should not wait to be commanded in all things. He that is compelled in all things is a slothful and not a wise servant. We should have the ambition, we should have the desire, we should make up our minds that, so far as the Lord Almighty has given to us talent, we will do our full share in the battle of life. It should be a matter of pride that no man shall do more than you will do, in proportion to your ability, in forwarding the work of God here upon the earth. That has been my ambition all my life—to do my full share.” (Gospel Standards [1981], p. 39)

“We are trusted by the Lord. We are agents. We have our free will. And when the battle of life is over, we have had the ability and the power and the capacity to have done those things which the Lord required us to do and we cannot blame anybody else.” (Gospel Standards [1981], p.63)

Joseph F. Smith (1838-1918)

“The free agency of man is a fundamental principle which, according to the tenets of the Church, even God Himself does not suppress.” (Teachings Of Presidents Of The Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], p.283)

“There are many blessings, however, which are common to the human family, which all enjoy, without regard to their moral status or religious convictions. God has given to all men an agency, and has granted to us the privilege to serve Him or serve Him not, to do that which is right or that which is wrong, and this privilege is given to all men irrespective of creed, color or condition. The wealthy have this agency, the poor have this agency, and no man is deprived by any power of God from exercising it in the fullest and in the freest manner. This agency has been given to all. This is a blessing that God has bestowed upon the world of mankind, upon all His children alike. But He will hold us strictly to an account for the use that we make of this agency.” (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols. [1967], 24:176)

Lorenzo Snow (1814-1901)

“We cannot be forced into living a celestial law; we must do this ourselves, of our own free will.” (Teachings of Lorenzo Snow [1984], p.166)

“Now, I believe in the independence of men and women. I believe that men and women have the image of God-given them-are formed after the image of God, and possess deity in their nature and character, and that their spiritual organization possesses the qualities and properties of God, and that there is the principle of God in every individual. It is designed that man should act as God, and not be constrained and controlled in everything, but have an independency, an agency and the power to spread abroad and act according to the principle of godliness that is in him, act according to the power and intelligence and enlightenment of God, that he possesses, and not that he should be watched continually, and be controlled, and act as a slave in these matters.” (The Teachings of Lorenzo Snow, ed. by Clyde J. Williams [1984], p.4.)

Wilford Woodruff (1807-1898)

“For God has given to every man individual agency, and He will hold him accountable for the use of this agency.” (Delivered by President Wilford Woodruff, at the General Conference, Sunday afternoon, October 6, 1889. Collected Discourses, 5 vols. Ed. Brian H. Stuy, Vol. 1)

“The Lord Almighty never created a world like this and peopled it for six thousand years, as He has done, without having some motive in view. That motive was, that we might come here and exercise our agency. The probation we are called upon to pass through is intended to elevate us so that we can dwell in the presence of God our Father. And that eternal variety of character which existed in the heavens among the spirits–from God upon his throne down to Lucifer the son of the morning–exists here upon the earth. That variety will remain upon the earth in the creations of God, and for what I know, throughout the endless ages of eternity. Men will occupy different glories and positions according to their lives–according to the law they keep the flesh.” (The Discourses of Wilford Woodruff [1946], p.8)

“God has given unto all of his children of this dispensation, as he gave unto all of his children of previous dispensations, individual agency. This agency has always been the heritage of man under the rule and government of God. [We] possessed it in the heaven of heavens before the world was, and the Lord maintained and defended it there against the aggression of Lucifer and those that took sides with him, to the overthrow of Lucifer and one-third part of the heavenly hosts [see Revelation 12:1-9; D&C 29:36-37; Moses 4:1-4]. By virtue of this agency you and I and all mankind are made responsible beings, responsible for the course we pursue, the lives we live, the deeds we do in the body. “(Teachings Of Presidents Of The Church: Wilford Woodruff [2004], p.205)

John Taylor (1808-1887)

“We talk sometimes about free will. Is that a correct principle? Yes. And it is a principle that has always existed, and proceeded from God, our Heavenly Father. When God revealed himself to Joseph Smith, it was optional whether he obeyed his counsel or not. I suppose, however, looking at things as they exist, and as they are in truth, God understood that he would do it, he having been selected for that purpose a long, long time ago. And [I suppose] that the Lord knew that he would adhere to those principles and would carry out the designs of heaven as they should be communicated unto and required of him.” (The Gospel Kingdom [1943], p.59)

“Besides the preaching of the gospel, we have another mission, namely, the perpetuation of the free agency of man and the maintenance of liberty, freedom, and the rights of man. There are certain principles that belong to humanity outside of the Constitution, outside of the laws outside of all the enactments and plans of man, among which is the right to live. God gave us the right and no man: No government gave it to us, and no government has a right to take it away from us. We have a right to liberty–that was a right that God gave to all men; and if there has been oppression, fraud, or tyranny in the earth, it has been the result of the wickedness and corruptions of men and has always been opposed to God and the principles of truth, righteousness, virtue, and all principles that are calculated to elevate mankind.” (The Gospel Kingdom [1944], p.222)

“What is it that will enable one man to govern his fellows aright? It is just as Joseph Smith said to a certain man who asked him,”How do you govern such a vast people as this?” “Oh,” says Joseph, “it is very easy.”“Why,” says the man “but we find it very difficult.” “But,” said Joseph, “it is very easy, for I teach the people correct principles, and they govern themselves.” (The Gospel Kingdom [1987], p.323)

Brigham Young (1801-1877)

“What is the foundation of the rights of man? The Lord Almighty has organized man for the express purpose of becoming an independent being like unto Himself, and has given him his individual agency. Man is made in the likeness of his Creator, the great archetype of the human species, who bestowed upon him the principles of eternity, planting immortality within him, and leaving him at liberty to act in the way that seemeth good unto him, to choose or refuse for himself …. As I have just stated, the Lord Almighty has organized every human creature for the express purpose of becoming independent, and has designed that they should be capable of receiving the
principles of eternity to a fulness; and when they have received them unto a fulness, they are made perfect, like unto the Son of Man, and become Gods, even the Sons of God.” (Journal of Discourses, 26 vols [1967], 2:314)

“The volition of the creature is free; this is a law of their existence and the Lord cannot violate his own law; were he to do that, he would cease to be God. He has placed life and death before his children, and it is for them to choose. If they choose life, they receive the blessing of life; if they choose death, they must abide the penalty. This is a law which has always existed from all eternity, and will continue to exist throughout all the eternities to come. Every intelligent being must have the power of choice, and God brings forth the results of the acts of his creatures to promote his Kingdom and subserve his purposes in the salvation and exaltation of his children.” (Discourses of Brigham Young [1954], p.62)

“My independence is sacred to me – it is a portion of that same Deity that rules in the heavens. There is not a being upon the face of the earth who is made in the image of God, who stands erect and is organized as God is, that would be deprived of the free exercise of his agency so far as he does not infringe upon other’s rights, save by good advice and a good example.” (Discourses of Brigham Young [1954], p.62)

Joseph Smith (1805-1944)

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

“Come, all ye lovers of liberty, break the oppressor’s rod, loose the iron grasp of mobocracy, and bring to condign punishment all those who trample underfoot the glorious Constitution and the people’s rights.” (History of the Church 6:499)

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

It was my birthday. My friend Roxanne drove me to Makua Beach to celebrate.

Makua Beach wraps its lovely sand around a large bay, backed by stunning mountains and fronted by beautiful, blue waters. I love Makua Beach because it’s a place where spinner dolphins play.

All week, I checked and rechecked the surf report to see what conditions would be. I didn’t have to check that often, but I hoped I’d see something besides a prediction for flat water. The surf’s been really flat on the west side of Oahu and I’ve never seen the dolphins when the water is totally flat. I mean, totally flat is ideal for a person with my swimming talent to swim in a bay, but it doesn’t seem to attract the dolphins. A couple of weeks ago, some friends and I watched a glassy horizon for those beautiful creatures for hours in vain.

However, the desire to swim with dolphins on my birthday kept propelling me forward, and Roxanne said she’d take the risk of no sighting. We excitedly journeyed to the end of the island.

Scanning the Horizon at Makua Beach

Dolphins at Makua PC: Debbie Tanner

We made it to our lookout vantage point and scanned every direction across the glassy water. No dolphins.

After a superhero adventure wherein Roxanne and I saved a medium-sized fish from being stuck in a small-sized puddle on top of the rock (that must have been a serious tide!) by using Roxanne’s netted snorkel fin bag, our attention turned back to the sea. To our astonishment and delight, way out, way out, we saw fins shimmering on the water.

The wind picked up. The sky grew overcast. The glassy water turned choppier. The dolphins came to the bay to play on my birthday.

The First Mile

We immediately headed into the water and started swimming out towards the middle of the bay. By the time we got out there, however, the dolphins had cruised all the way across the bay and apparently disappeared. They swim back and forth across the bay, so we hung out chatting and hoping they’d come back. Finally, after waiting 45 minutes or so, we decided to head back to shore.

Suddenly, we saw a dolphin jump out of the water between us and the shore! We clicked into high gear to meet them on their trajectory. We arrived just barely as they flitted around and then hightailed across the bay.

We were so happy for our few moments with them and following them! They are beautiful! Roxanne could hear their song. I’m deaf in one ear and don’t hear high pitches, so I couldn’t hear it.

While following the dolphins, we’d swum pretty far out again, so we meandered back to shore. We got to our bags and I put on my glasses. We both looked towards the sea and saw a large pod coming back across the bay!  Should we go back out?

I get seasick on the ocean — whether on boats, boards, or snorkeling. For me, the most effective method to combat the impact is to fast before I go so I don’t have anything in my stomach. But still, the acid starts rising as nausea ensues. I’d been battling it as we’d come to shore. I wasn’t certain how much more sea was left in me.

But the dolphins were right there!!

The Second Mile

Dolphins at Makua PC: Debbie Tanner

Roxanne was game. I was game. We dropped everything in our hands, grabbed the snorkel gear, and rushed back into the sea.

We missed them as they crossed the path in front of us, so we quickly turned and followed after them, pausing to get our bearings (well, pausing while Roxanne got our bearings on the dolphins, since I’m kinda blind without my glasses) and then continuing.

At one point, we stopped and suddenly, we saw fins behind us!  We plunged our faces into the water to see a pod swimming underneath us. Within a few moments, we were enveloped by dolphins. They were all around us — below, on the sides, in front of us, behind us. They even surfaced near us, so it felt like they were above us.

They are so beautiful. They were so close that even I could see scars on their bodies and the colorations in their skin and their smiles.

It was glorious.

And then they swam back across the bay. I was getting nauseous and turned towards the shore again, thinking we could swim towards the beach closest to us and then walk to our stuff. But then Roxanne saw them pop up just so close over there.

The Third Mile

So we swam after them again.

Again, for another glorious moment, I couldn’t even see Roxanne because of the dolphins surrounding us!

It’s like they were smiling at us and encouraging us. It’s like they came back for one last moment together. It’s like we were a couple of humans visiting the home of more than two dozen dolphins and they were glad.

It’s like it was a perfect birthday present from Heavenly Father.

Going the Extra Mile Made the Difference

PC: Debbie Tanner

And as I’ve reflected on the experience repeatedly since this morning at Makua Beach, I realized that going the extra mile really made all the difference.

We were so grateful for our initial two or three-minute encounter. I didn’t really expect to see them at all, so to see something on a flat day was miraculous to me.

But the really memorable and glorious moments happened when we stretched beyond what we expected to do. I’ve never gone back into the ocean after snorkeling for that long. But the draw today was so immense. Roxanne and I felt like we could experience more.

I can’t tell you how thrilling it is to catch the first glimpse of a dolphin in the water. I always catch my breath and I can’t believe I’m coexisting with such spectacular creatures.

Then we stretched again and were similarly rewarded again.

Did a Small Glimpse of Glory Suffice?

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

So many applications came to mind, but specifically, the Holy Ghost asked me where I would rate this week’s prayer and scripture study habit on the glorious dolphin experience rating. Did a small glimpse of glory suffice? Did I rush back into the deep end, stretching my muscles and capacity, expecting even more fulfillment? When I was tired and failing, did I make that one last push to capture an even greater and, then, unexpected experience?

Because the Lord has promised that He would envelop us just like the dolphins did.

[T]here I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Obviously, I can’t swim like a dolphin. But despite my deficiencies, they came to me. The Savior promises to do that, too. When I stretch and reach after Him, He always turns and comes back to me.

Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

He turns back to reach for me because He knows me. And you. He knows we are in deep water, reaching for Him. He knows our capacity and weakness. And still, He saves.

But now thus saith the Lord that created thee…and he that formed thee…Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

For I am the Lord thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour:

And He is glorious. Every extra mile spent reaching Him is worth it. The experience exceeds every expectation as we are enveloped in His love. And knowing Him is salvation.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

The other major obvious lesson meant especially for me is with a student who just razes himself every time he makes mistakes. Sometimes he struggles to even start a song, even when he’s practiced, because he just knows he’s going to make a mistake.

“That was just terrible,” he exclaimed after playing something well but missing one note along the way.

When Mistakes Cause Inaction

One day he got so frustrated at his playing that he leapt from the piano and threw himself on the floor. He’d missed the same note in the song on a series of run-throughs.

I prayed in that moment. How could I help him know that mistakes are a part of the process? To actually realize he made a mistake is a huge success celebrated by me. If he didn’t realize a mistake was made, then a different kind of correction had to be made. But to recognize a wrong note is played is awesome! That just requires practice to learn where to place fingers correctly.

He refused to be comforted by my words of wisdom from the “teacher’s chair.” I felt a nudge. I laid next to him on the floor. He looked at me in surprise. I smiled but didn’t speak. We just laid near each other staring at the ceiling.

He said the song was too complicated and he’d never learn it. I said it would be hard to conquer it while we laid on the floor because even our feet couldn’t reach the keyboard. He laughed. We laughed.

We laid there in silence again.

How Many Times Had I Lain on the Floor, Too?

I flashed to times I’d essentially lain on the floor because I was afraid to make a mistake. I rapidly understood foreign languages but refused to speak because I feared to make mistakes. I mean, I had borne testimony from the pulpit that the “cherry” was true and famously counted “1, pig, 3” in German.

I didn’t walk into doors of opportunity because I decided I wasn’t ready and would fail. There were times I did try and failed, and some level of disaster ensued. I vowed to not try that again.

Selected memories washed over me as I laid on the floor with my young student who had made a mistake.

How Could I Help Him Know Mistakes Are a Part of the Process?

I’d listened to him play without judgment. I knew he would perfect the measure with a little more practice—and the smallest shred of confidence in himself that he could do it. I’d been surprised at how intensely he felt frustrated at himself.

At least he was honest with himself and his feelings. He knew he was mad at himself for missing the note. And he could verbalize his angst at trying again and failing again.

“How could I help him know that mistakes are a part of the process?” I prayed.

“How can I help you know that mistakes are a part of the process?”

Tears stung my eyes. I knew I needed the same lesson. I blinked the tears back and turned to look at him.

“Are you ready to try again?” I asked him.

“Yeah,” he responded.

“Let’s conquer that F note together!”

“OK!” He laughed and jumped up. He sat down at the piano and played the song perfectly. He looked so shocked. We let out a victory shout and did some high fives and some low fives and I told him to play it again. And he did. He missed the note. And we did some high fives and some low fives, but he was frustrated at himself again.

I quickly taught him to play “Baby Shark” in the key that would reinforce the note he’d been missing. And he suddenly played F perfectly over and over again. And over and over again. He apparently really loved that song.

I’d never played “Baby Shark” before that day, but I’d been praying for guidance for this awesome kid. And the notes and the why were suddenly in my mind. And that kid played the life out of that F key.

Mistakes Are a Fact of Life But Can Have Great Purpose in Life

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

“Mistakes are a fact of life. Learning to skillfully play the piano is essentially impossible without making thousands of mistakes—maybe even a million. To learn a foreign language, one must face the embarrassment of making thousands of mistakes—maybe even a million. Even the world’s greatest athletes never stop making mistakes.

 

“Success,” it has been said, “isn’t the absence of failure, but going from failure to failure without any loss of enthusiasm.”

 

With his invention of the light bulb, Thomas Edison purportedly said, “I didn’t fail 1,000 times. The light bulb was an invention with 1,000 steps.” Charles F. Kettering called failures “finger posts on the road to achievement.” Hopefully, each mistake we make becomes a lesson in wisdom, turning stumbling blocks into stepping-stones.

 

Nephi’s unwavering faith helped him go from failure to failure until he finally obtained the brass plates. It took Moses 10 attempts before he finally found success in fleeing Egypt with the Israelites.

 

We may wonder—if both Nephi and Moses were on the Lord’s errand, why didn’t the Lord intervene and help them achieve success on their first try? Why did He allow them—and why does He allow us—to flounder and fail in our attempts to succeed? Among many important answers to that question, here are a few:

 

• First, the Lord knows that “these things shall give [us] experience, and shall be for [our] good.”
• Second, to allow us to “taste the bitter, that [we] may know to prize the good.”
• Third, to prove that “the battle is the Lord’s,” and it is only by His grace that we can accomplish His work and become like Him.
• Fourth, to help us develop and hone scores of Christlike attributes that cannot be refined except through opposition and “in the furnace of affliction.”

So, amid a life full of stumbling blocks and imperfection, we all are grateful for second chances” (Lynn G. Robbins, “Until Seventy Times Seven,” April 2018 General Conference).

I’m grateful for the ways the Lord lets us know that mistakes are a part of the process. It’s inevitable that we’ll make mistakes. Hopefully, I don’t make the mistake of fearing to try something new or fearing to repent of mistakes I make. And along my journey, I hope that as I keep doing, others will know it’s OK for them to do, too. I’m so grateful for those who are helping me know and believe that, too. And I’m grateful especially for moments laying on the floor, staring at the ceiling, when perspective becomes clearer and mistakes don’t seem so insurmountable.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

In September, the ward piano teacher announced she was moving. My friend Roxanne asked if I would reconsider my previous stance of no longer teaching piano lessons. I said no. I wasn’t interested in teaching piano lessons.

I love the kids. I love the piano’s creative process. But I often felt trapped by the commitment to so many people at specific times and I didn’t feel like I needed that entrapment in my life.

It’s a conversation I’ve had many times over the years. I appreciated the thought but, meh, not for me.

Being Pursued by the Thought

For some reason, as I went to bed, the conversation with Roxanne played over and over in my mind. What was the deal? I’ve never felt compelled to teach. Why wouldn’t this go away?

Finally, I realized maybe I was supposed to pursue the reason why the conversation wouldn’t die, so I asked God why it wouldn’t leave me alone.

Suddenly images of teaching and how it could work and what I could do for my “trapped feelings” flooded my mind.

“Wait, what? You want me to teach piano lessons?” Startled by the possibility, I recognized the prompting that made it clear that my teaching was more for me than the students. I needed something they had to share.

So I grabbed my phone and shot off a midnight text to my friend saying that if she really was interested, I would do it with the caveat that if I felt trapped and didn’t want to come one day, she’d understand and be willing to skip the lesson. She responded affirmatively the next morning. Somehow just having an understanding and an out for “trapped days” relieved me of the stress of it.

Word spread and I got requests to take other students. I decided to do all of the lessons on Wednesdays so I’m only “trapped” one day a week. Several of the kids were meeting on Wednesdays already so that day seemed best.

I have 12 students—several groups of siblings—on Wednesdays for half-hour lessons. Except for two students who come to my home, I go to all of the students’ homes. I knew the sunshine and driving would be a welcome break for me between lessons.

Everyone Is Bright and Capable

Each student is so different! Every one is so delightful in his or her way! Each student is motivated differently and has different piano goals. But without exception, all students are bright and totally capable of improving their talent as a pianist.

I remember what kind of piano student I was. My most prominent habit was that I picked the music up fairly quickly, so I discovered I could sightread well enough to get along. I didn’t practice the songs that were boring. And I also didn’t take the time to really stretch my capability on a regular basis.

Competitions stretched me. I excelled in those pressure moments when actual talent had to compensate for my laziness. But instead of motivating me to do better next time, I figured I didn’t really have to work harder and would still meet my teacher’s expectations for me (or at least what I understood those expectations to be).

Opportunities to Transform

In October, this season of learning began. As I got started that first Wednesday chock-full of students, I experienced crazy anxiety attacks over entrapment issues. I called Anthony on the drive between lessons to be regrounded. Apparently, I really have commitment expectation issues.

I quickly got into a groove and looked forward to seeing the kids and what they knew and accomplished. Within three weeks, I knew which of the kids practiced regularly and which were more like me as a student. Some were paralyzed by fear of failure. Some were paralyzed by a lack of knowledge. Some lacked direction. And some looked at the music as a challenge to be conquered and set about doing just that. Some were really self-motivated. Some weren’t, necessarily. I learned that with good questions, kids can tell me exactly what they’re feeling. And all of it kept me on my toes.

I love and value each of my students. As I’ve prayed for them and how to teach based on their uniqueness, the Lord shows me ways that help them individually. They can choose to act on the lessons I share or not. I know that if they’d follow my suggestions, their skill and confidence would transform.

Being their teacher has already taught me so many things.

But the reason for this post is the lesson I’m learning particularly from one student. I already confessed my approach to piano lessons as a kid. That approach also influenced other habits in my life.

When I think about transformative moments that jarred my thinking or habits or perceptions, it’s been by seeing another way being modeled. For example, while seeing myself as a victim, I met someone who experienced victimization but who didn’t consider herself a victim. I had never met anyone else with her empowered mindset — or maybe I should say that I hadn’t ever noticed it before. Meeting her changed my perception and I changed my reality.

I saw an alternative path. And I took it.

30 Minutes of Daily, Focused Practice

One of my students has an insatiable quest for excellence. The first week in her home, to gauge her skill and knowledge, I had her play some of her favorite songs. Her dad taught her the basics and then expanded her piano instruction on the simplified hymns. We selected a couple of other hymns for her to practice. The next week, she played those assigned songs and another one that interested her.

I was seriously blown away. I looked over at her mom and asked what her practice schedule was. She smiled as my student responded instead by asking how long I expected her to practice. I said 30 minutes daily unless her mother expected her to practice longer than that.

I assigned more songs that were completed (with another couple of songs!) the following week. This little girl was keeping me on my toes. I quickly shifted gears into adding technical aspects that would enhance her skill.

One week, I brought some fun crossword-type note challenges for treble and bass clef which she finished before I finished her sibling’s lesson. She asks for homework every week now.

I took a book of Christmas songs and we picked one song for her to practice during Christmas break. When I returned in January, she played every single song in that book for me. Every single one! She added commentary about the ones she really liked and the ones that were ho-hum, but she still learned every single song. And learned them well. And played them at top speed. That’s another fun thing about her—she loves top speed.

Luckily, that week the Holy Ghost prompted me to take a book that leveled her up. So we picked a more difficult song for her to practice. At this week’s lesson, I discovered she’d found one of the hardest pieces in the book and played it for me—at top speed. There are things for her to work on like getting every single note’s timing consistent and implementing dynamics she hadn’t learned before. When I taught her notations on the music, she immediately said, “Can I try that?” And she practiced implementing the instructions on the spot.

30 minutes of daily, focused practice. Wow. I am a believer.

Do I Put in the Same Consistent Practice?

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

And so I see an indefatigable pursuit of excellence taught by parents with vision to a little girl, and modeled for me.

What can I accomplish with 30 minutes of daily, focused practice? We often hear about 30 minutes or more of daily exercise and 30 minutes/regular moments of daily scripture study. We also see the results of those commitments.

The Light of Christ shines in all of us as Heavenly Father’s children. The opportunity to be and accomplish His will for us requires the persistent, consistent effort that can open the windows of heaven. I see nonchalant prayer versus mighty prayer.  I see just reading scriptures versus understanding the scriptures. I see asking questions and finding the questions.

I see time spent in real relationship with Deity. I see feeling awkward in beginning but then breaking out into a confident run towards the prize—racing to Heavenly parents at top speed. The only limits set on our relationship with Them are self-imposed by our unwillingness (for whatever reason) to put in the effort—30 minutes of daily, focused practice—to reach that goal.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

No Time to Savor

In dreamlike fashion, I suddenly entered the kitchen again, smiling lovingly at the mango I was so excited to eat. My mouth watered in anticipation, but I didn’t have time to savor the mango just then. I promised myself I’d find the time soon to enjoy my delicious treat. I walked out of the kitchen.

Again, instantly walking into the kitchen. Evening sun hinted at the orange and purple sunset hues dancing on my kitchen cabinet around my precious mango. “Oh, no! I need to eat that mango soon before it spoils!” I thought. I picked it up to examine it. It was rolling into over-ripeness, but it still looked and smelled okay. “Great!” I thought. “I can wait a day or so until I can really savor it!”

I hurried into the kitchen to make food for my family and dog. I moved the mango out of the way so I could use the counter space. I didn’t even really look at it, worried it was spoiling and not wanting to acknowledge it. But I didn’t have time to peel and cut it up right then. I had so many things to do. I ran out of the kitchen.

I stood at the sink washing the dishes that piled up on the counter. How did that pile get so big? I’d been so busy. As I grabbed a rag to wipe down the dish-free counter, I spotted the forgotten mango, wilting and little spotted. “Oh, yes, the mango!” I put it back on the visible counter so I would remember to eat it tomorrow.

Finally, Time to Savor the Mango

I walked into the kitchen excited to eat my mango. I did everything else I needed to do in the kitchen first. They took a knife and began to peel the mango.  The smell, still luscious, filled the air. As I turned the mango to peel its other half, I noticed black spots covered the skin. That part of the fruit had spoiled. “Oh, bother! Well, at least I can eat this other section of the mango,” I thought glumly.

Most of the mango spoiled. I took the remnants and sat down to savor my two bites of mango. They were luscious and flavorful!

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

And then I sat there, looking at the waste in the trash and feeling so sad that because of procrastination, I missed savoring the whole fruit. It beckoned me and promised it would satisfy. I knew it would be satisfyingly delicious, but was too busy. I missed out.

And then I awoke—hungry for mango.

I mulled over several interpretations as I laid in bed, craving mangos. These two ideas prevailed the most:

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.

 

Behold, the Lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

“When the student is ready, the teacher appears.” — Lao Tzu

“A teacher is never a giver of truth; he is a guide, a pointer to the truth that each student must find for himself.” — Bruce Lee

I pretty much look for teachers everywhere and in everything.

Lately, I’ve really been pondering these verses:

And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

 

Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.

I am extremely active-minded, a.k.a. easily distracted. I multitask and bounce from thing to idea to action. After reading articles about how multitasking is not efficient, I began trying to become single-task oriented with my long to-do list. I still find myself in the throes of busyness. And while taking time to pray and read the scriptures helps, I still often feel like I have to maintain a self-imposed frenetic pace.

This mindset has gotten me further along my spiritual and temporal journey, but now I’m ready to shift again. And the direction that keeps illuminating my thoughts is:

doing all things with an eye single to the glory of God.

I’ve known this commandment existed my whole life and tried to live it according to the various levels of my journey. What does it look like now? I asked the Lord to teach me how to better live this principle at this stage in my life.

When the Student is Ready, the Teacher Appears

Our English bulldog, Stig

Enter the teacher.

I’ve known this teacher for five years. He is obstinate, arrogant, hilarious, and adorable. He is high-maintenance and worth it. He’s our English bulldog, Stig.

I’ve recognized Stig’s tenacious single-mindedness before. But two experiences over the past two weeks have taught me the lesson about living with an eye single that I’d been seeking.

Stig Meets Paddle Board

Our friend Malia invited me and Stig to doggy playgroup hour at their homeowner association’s lagoon. Since Stig absolutely loves his skateboard, we wanted to see how he would react to a paddle board.

We arrived at a beach full of dogs—primarily large dogs. I let Stig off leash and he ran to meet them. They greeted him and they ran all over the beach together—until Stig, after running for a couple of minutes, looked onto the water and saw a boy on a paddle board.

Stig full stopped amidst the doggy chaos and watched that boy for several moments. He walked into the water, and apparently calculated the obstacle (Stig doesn’t like obstacles). He turned and ran with the dogs again.

Soon, the boy came to shore and turned his board upside down on the sand.

The dogs began their lap towards that side of the lagoon again. Instead of running the distance, Stig (who was somehow sort of in front) ran straight up on that upside down paddle board and stopped. The other dogs ran with him to the board and sniffed it, but had no desire to follow his lead. They jumped around him in the water.

And there stood Stig, like the king of the world from Titanic, until I could get to him and physically pull him off that boy’s board. Then he started his crying, chirping noises to let me know how he really felt. He wanted—no, needed—back on that board.

Malia grabbed a staff person and asked for a board for Stig.

A board appeared and Stig ran immediately onto it. The dogs came to him, asking him to play with them, and he paid absolutely no attention to them ever again.

And thus began Stig’s paddle-boarding adventure. He loved every second of it. He slid off the board three times, but that never scared him or diminished his desire to get back on. He barked orders about keeping our speed up when I slacked and let us just float while talking to someone nearby.

We meandered around the lagoon for 35-40 minutes and then our allotted time was up. Oh, he didn’t want to leave! As I rinsed him down, he could still see his board upside down on the beach. Once, both of my hands were off his body and he bolted for the beach. I caught him and held him back the rest of the time.

From the time he first stepped onto that upside down board, he never took his eye off his prize.

Second Time at the Lagoon

Yesterday, Anthony accompanied me and Stig to the lagoon. We asked for a board for Stig right away.

There weren’t as many dogs as the time before, but they all came to greet Stig while he waited on-leash for Malia’s family to arrive. Soon, he was off leash and ran to the dogs. He said hi to everyone, but then looked for a paddle board.

It soon appeared and he hopped right on. Anthony took him for a spin. I got a board and went to meet them. As I approached, Stig suddenly lunged from Anthony’s board to mine! He ran up to me on the board, turned around, and then jumped across to Anthony’s board. We laughed.

Another 10-year-old friend paddled close to us and Stig jumped to her board, too. So we began paddling close to each other and watching Stig run from board to board. It was hilarious.

Stig wanted to ride every paddle board, so he did.

Some dogs approached Stig in the water. He would look at them, but had was not dissuaded by them. We tried to get several other dogs onto our boards, but they preferred to swim in the lagoon.

So Stig floated around the lagoon on his several perches until the inevitable, heart-wrenching gotta-go-home time came. Anthony and I both held onto him during the rinse-off. Stig’s body was tensed and ready to bolt back to the boards at any opportunity.

Eye Single

The realization that Stig was my teacher hit me yesterday while we stood to the side, waiting for Malia’s arrival, watching the dogs and the lagoon.

Stig knew the place when we arrived. When we got in, he watched a kid paddling on the lagoon. He watched a man corralling his dog onto a board. The dog jumped off. Stig watched the dogs running around the beach. He greeted the dogs that came to see him.

But as soon as he had agency, Stig bolted to the beach and barked for a board. The other dogs swirled around, but he was not distracted. People came to talk to us, but he was not deterred. Board! Board! Board!

As soon as the paddle board hit the water, Stig captained it. Except for sliding off while jumping from board to board, Stig never came off the paddle board.

He didn’t grow tired or bored or discontented. We could tell he was physically spent and decided to go home. He absolutely disapproved of our decision. He would have stayed on the board forever.

My Eye Single Lesson?

Do I live intentionally? Do I have a specific goal? If not, why not?!

If I do have a specific goal, do I get distracted when other dogs clamor for my attention? Do I think, “Oh, I could just play with that doggy for a moment! I don’t want to be rude!” or do I balance my interactions with others and my intentional living as the Lord directs?

To read more of Delisa’s articles, click here.

Do I recognize the tool(s) that enable me to reach my goals? Only one item at that lagoon brought Stig to his goal though many, many other good and fun things were present. None of the things, dogs or people, were bad things, but could have been distractions to what he really wanted.

But Stig is incapable of distraction. He is laser-focused on food. He is laser-focused on his skateboard. He is laser-focused on paddle boards.

He chooses to live with an eye single to his intentional life. He is the best teacher of how to live that way. I love him for that.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

I suppose anyone would agree with his feelings. But later on he wrote, “I freely admit that I don’t want to die. I don’t worry about what comes after death—I am not a “spiritual person” in the slightest. When I die I expect nothing but nothing. Life will be over. That is what I dread. I can’t imagine saying goodbye to life and all the things in it that mean something to me, especially to the people I love.”

I know my friend is an avowed atheist. Several times we have had discussions about God and life after death. He simply believes he is right and sees no logic in believing otherwise. To him, there is no God in heaven, no Christ, no Redeemer, nor anything after this life but a void and emptiness. Everything will be as blank and empty then as before his first memories.

Why Do People Fail to Pursue Spiritual Knowledge?

I find it so sad that he is willing to give up on life after death without even examining the alternatives. I have often asked myself, “Why do so many of God’s children give up so easily in the pursuit of the knowledge that leads to immortality and eternal life? What is the harm of pursuing this hope with every last bit of strength we have? What can be of more worth than living in God’s kingdom for time and all eternity and seeking exaltation?”

Yet, for various reason, many of God’s children would rather remain in darkness and ignorance than humble themselves and learn of Him and of His unconditional love for each of us—love that provides us with eternal life and exaltation after this life if we work to accept it.

My friend is a good man in all respects. He is a good family man raising several wonderful children and caring for his dear wife with love and kindness. He contributes his time and efforts to the community. But he will have nothing to do with religion either formally or informally.

What are some of the possible reasons for him and so many like him to follow this hopeless route in life? I offer here a few thoughts that might shed some light on the subject.

1. No Religion in the Home

Some people live without God and religion simply because they never heard of it in their homes while growing up. Children most often follow the ways of their parents, whether they know it or not. Look at how children tend to follow their parents’ political persuasions. More often than not, democrats follow democrats and republicans become republicans.

There is no truer example of this trend than in The Book of Mormon. The Lamanites followed the traditions of their fathers and were a godless people and, as such, were almost constantly in ignorance of Christ and his teachings. This verse sums it up: “And that wicked one cometh and taketh away light and truth, through disobedience, from the children of men, and because of the tradition of their fathers.”

Because of these false traditions, generations of Lamanite children grew up in ignorance of Christ and His teachings. This conflicts with the happier outcome when children are under the teachings and influence of parents who teach the powerful truths of the Spirit of Christ. These faithful parents produce generations of men and women who believe in Christ, follow His teachings, and live by correct principles, having hope in eternal life and exaltation.

2. The Joseph Smith Dilemma: Which Church is Right?

Another possible reason for being uninvolved with religion comes down to sheer numbers. With so many churches and religions in the world today, each preaching different doctrines, one can easily become so frustrated that it becomes too confusing to find a satisfactory doctrine to follow. For almost 2,000 years, the true church of Christ was not on the earth. It all but perished with the death of the original apostles. That means that all churches founded during those millennium were the churches of men, following their interpretation of religion rather than God’s.

After the First Vision, Joseph declared about this dilemma:

“. . .I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join.

I was answered that I must join none of them, for they were all wrong; and the Personage who addressed me said that all their creeds were an abomination in his sight; that those professors were all corrupt; that: “they draw near to me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, they teach for doctrines the commandments of men, having a form of godliness, but they deny the power thereof” (Joseph Smith—History 1:19).

3. Losing Faith in God

Now we come to one of the hardest traits of man to understand. I speak of losing all faith in God (and His love for His children) and replacing it with the science of men. How many have turned their backs on a belief in God because His existence can’t be “proven by science.” They purport that science has all the answers and that it has no room for God. In reality, they know so very little of God and His worlds, yet they think they know enough to disprove His existence.

We should remember Moses as he spoke to God face to face. When finished seeing all of God’s creations, Moses fell to the earth and lost his strength “for the space of many hours” so great were the works of God. It left Moses saying, “Now, for this cause I know that man is nothing, which thing I never had supposed.” The vastness of God’s creations cannot be comprehended by us even in the slightest, yet with our myopic view, we dismiss Him completely from our lives.

It is like the the age-old story of leading a blind man to the side of an elephant, then letting him touch the trunk and asking him to describe the whole beast. There is so much he does not see nor comprehend without his vision. He cannot do describe the elephant as a whole with any accuracy. The scriptures tell us, “O how marvelous are the works of the Lord, and how long doth he suffer his people; yea, how blind and impenetrable are the understandings of the children of men, for they will not seek wisdom, neither do they desire that she should rule over them.”

4. Our Own Agency

Another reason for refusing to accept the teachings of life after death and the existence of God is that we all have the right to do so. We can make choices to abandon God of our own free will for various shortsighted reasons. This is the improper application of “free,” or better yet, “moral” agency. God will never force anyone to accept and worship him. We read in the scriptures, “For remember, remember, my brethren, that whosoever perisheth, perisheth unto himself; and whosoever doeth iniquity, doeth it unto himself; for behold, ye are free; ye are permitted to act for yourselves; for behold, God hath given unto you a knowledge and he hath made you free.”

Many are the traps set by Satin to entice us into misusing our free agency. The Book of Ephesians best sums up the pit into which we can fall into by improper use of our agency: “That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and the cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive . . .”

The list of idols that man has to choose from rather than God’s way are many. He can freely choose the praise of man, power, pride, vanity, excessive wealth, immorality in all its facets, intellectualism, and a multitude of other vices that trap and starve us spiritually.

The height to which men will go to in choosing unholy objects and objectives was best brought to my attention a few years ago when I was looking at the large and expensive luxury yachts anchored in a South Florida marina. As I passed a huge new boat several hundred feet in length, my host said to me that it costs the owner over $1,000,000 a year just to berth and maintain this one yacht!

As I looked up at the stern of this boat to see what its name was I was appalled. It was christened “NEVER ENOUGH.” It just proved to me that without God in our lives, our appetites become unquenchable. Without Him, we would never make the time nor effort to live Christlike lives. It would not take long for mankind to fall into the abyss described by Alma about the people of Ammonihah. In a state of apostasy, the Ammonihah-ites became a hard-hearted and a stiffnecked people; a lost and fallen people who would be visited with utter destruction as a judgment from God.

5. Apathy

Lastly (and sadly), what holds so many from seeking out a testimony of immortality and eternal life is apathy. Many are just too busy or lazy to be bothered at this time. As Elder L. Tom Perry said, “A major problem we face in preaching the gospel in the world is general apathy toward religion, toward things spiritual. Too many are very comfortable with their present lifestyle and feel no need to do more than “eat, drink and be merry” (Luke 12:19). They are not interested in anything but themselves—here and now.”

Until we can convince man to stop and take time to explore the true nature of God and His eternal love for us, then many of his children will walk in their own way and after the image of their own god.

Their likeness will be a reflection of the image of the world. There is so much more to be gained by following Christ. This, then, should be our great goal in life—to be missionaries with the wholesome goal to teach the plan of salvation until all believe.

George Domm

George Domm was born and raised in upstate New York around historical LDS sites such as the Hill Cumorah and Palmyra. He was very familiar with the Church long before he was baptized in 1959. Soon after joining, he found himself serving a full-time mission for the Church in Berlin, Germany. That was his first of four missions! George currently lives in American Fork, UT with his wife, Margaret, and busies himself trying to keep up with their 11 children and 42 grandchildren. He loves to do family history and play golf with “all the old men in our neighborhood.” His goal is to one day shoot his age, 74.

Pink Pillbox

I’d gone with another friend a couple of weeks ago and even though we went in the morning, it was still brutally hot for me. I endure a physical condition that freaks out at heated body temperature. So while my friend Shayla scaled the trail’s steepness and boulders with a baby strapped to her front and a preschooler strapped to her back, I leaned against a rock trying to keep the heat nausea at bay because I was so hot. I joined her and her six children at the pillboxes long after they arrived. But I arrived.

That’s why I told Roxy I’d go with her, because whatever the struggle, I always make it to the top. I crave conquering struggles right now. And the view at the top is worth the struggle for me. Also, I’d never been on that mountain at sunset.

Feeling the Fear

The day of our adventure, though, I absolutely regretted my promise. I felt drained from a challenging day/week teaching seminary. I only slept a few hours the night before. I felt drained physically for other reasons. And it was still so hot! The weather forecast predicted the afternoon/sunset climb time to still be the hottest part of the day.

Really, I felt fear. What if my body freaked out and left me in trouble and a world of hurt on the mountain?

When he got home from work, my husband—who has carried my fainted self out of more than one hot situation—asked if I really should be going. He reminded me that he wasn’t climbing up a mountain to carry me down a mountain. Our love is honest and real.

I’d made a commitment, a covenant, with a friend I love, so I prepared to go. But I told Anthony and myself that I would take the climb at my pace. And I promised him that if I felt too hot at the base of the mountain, I wouldn’t climb.

Facing the Climb

Roxy arrived and we began our drive. I’d told her I needed an hour to make the climb since it was so hot, so we planned to begin the climb at 5:30. Sunset was at 6:29 PM. I did NOT want her to miss her sunset photography and drone moments because of me.

The mountain view from the top of the last pillbox.

Being with Roxy and seeing her excitement to hike the trail for the first time gave me courage. I’d already climbed an even steeper, hotter mountain with her and she was so patient with my infirmities. I expressed my concern, telling her if we cut it close to sunset, I just wanted her to go ahead so she could experience it. That was her goal, after all. She reiterated that for her it’s not about a race to the summit, but an entire journey/adventure to be enjoyed.

True friends are priceless gifts.

Finding a Strong Reality

As I drove, I watched the clouds. Some seemed to hover over our mountain and remained as we parked at the trailhead. We hit the trail with Roxy leading at a very Delisa-doable pace. She actually went much slower than I would have attempted to go. I appreciated her kindness to me.

The clouds provided a respite from the afternoon sun. It was still hot and humid, but the sun wasn’t beating us to a pulp.

I love listening to Roxy’s thoughts. She carried the conversation as we slowly, but surely, wound our way up the mountain. We paused to take a picture of my favorite tree and any time we felt a trace breeze. Per usual, I was drenched, but I wasn’t totally overheating.

I repeatedly expressed surprise that my foregone conclusions and fears hadn’t materialized. I felt stronger in that realization.

We turned right at the final fork leaving the vertical climb beginning the more horizontal section of the trail. As we approached the seaside face of the mountain and the summit, we felt the wind again. The wind always rejuvenates me.

We saw the sun start falling from the sky. It burst across the crest in front of us. Beautiful.

Suddenly, we arrived at the summit’s first pillbox. The views are incredible. The sea extends forever…to Roxy’s homeland of New Zealand.

We checked the time (because I am mission-focused). 6:01 PM. WHAT? 6:01? How was that possible?! I couldn’t believe it.

While Roxy cherished the view and expanse of sky, sea, and mountains, I stood bewildered. By taking the slowest pace known to man, I’d shaved 20 minutes off my personal record.

We leisurely climbed the trail to the higher pillboxes and more expansive views. The clouds providing respite also blocked the sunset—which was hysterical to me—but we still enjoyed sunset colors over the ocean’s horizon.

The Point

Fear—the voices of an unknown future based on my weaknesses—nearly kept me off the mountain. I feared my body’s weakness in heat. I feared my lack of personal fitness. I feared my sleep deprivation. I feared slowing my friend down, causing her to miss the sunset. I feared my inability to travel at her pace.

I’m not sure where it comes from, but deep, deep down, my DNA’s wired to accept responsibility and keep promises. Though I’ve failed in that regard, for the most time I show up, no matter how difficult.

Because I had promised and actually could go climb a mountain that evening, I showed up despite my fear. Miraculously, the reality was a million times better than the horrific physical meltdown I’d imagined.

Fear became an awesome reality by “not [hiking] faster than I had strength.”

And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order.

As I went slower, at my own pace, I set a new personal record. Roxy could have easily climbed in the mountain in half that time, but she willingly walked with me at my pace in my weakness. I felt no comparison or competition as we walked together, Roxy invigorated by the beauty visible at a leisurely pace and me chugging along in profuse sweat. We walked toward the same goal and reached it together.

[I]f ye are prepared ye shall not fear…. I will be merciful unto your weakness. Therefore, be ye strong from henceforth; fear not, for the kingdom is yours.

Jesus Christ also walks with me, at my slow pace and in my weakness. Stunningly, by His grace, He’s actually offered to not only strengthen that weakness but often remove the weakness. But I have to be willing to fully face and understand the weakness to give it to Him. And so we walk together, Jesus merciful to my weakness and me learning to be strong.

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.

“The cone of shame” via Disney’s “Up“

To make matters worse, he continues to chew on it. This has resulted in an upset stomach, so on top of everything else, he isn’t eating much. He had to be taken to the vet for fluids and we’ve put an Elizabethan collar, or E-collar, on him so he stops chewing on his injury.

However, regardless of what the manufacturer advertises, the collar still makes it difficult for him to drink water from his bowl. And I have tried a couple of bowl/stand configurations to make it easier for him.

President Monson told a wonderful story one General Conference about lighting a field on fire near a campground. He described how he and his young friends quickly saw their well-intentioned fire circle grow to a fully sized brush fire headed toward some local homes. He described how his friend continued to attack the fire while he ran for help. Adults ran and worked together to put out the brush fire.

What do these stories have in common? Don’t turn one mistake into two mistakes. We all mess up. We all sin or forget something or sometimes react without thinking. We have all been triggered by panic or anger or stupidity. We’ve all been there. However, don’t make it worse by chewing on your wound. Don’t make it worse by being so stubborn that you don’t ask for help.

If you don’t ask for help to remedy your mistake, the brush fire grows, burns down homes, hurts people, and you end up in jail.

If you continue to chew on your wound, it continues to bleed, it upsets your stomach, you can’t eat or drink, then your Mom puts a collar of shame around your neck, and you have no idea what you did to deserve all this. You look pitiful.

To read more of Molly’s articles, click here.

Remind you of anyone? Just look in the mirror. You are better than a dog or a pre-teen boy with matches, aren’t you?

I think the old adage, “Work smarter, not harder” has an additional meaning beyond using tools appropriately: be smart and get the help you need, when you need it. Forgiveness and repentance and humility are great ways to get that help.

*The feature illustration for this article is from the children’s book “One Little Match” detailing Thomas S. Monson’s brush fire story. This book can be found on Deseret Book’s website.

Molly A. Kerr

Molly is on a life long quest to figure herself out. Born to be and educated as an aerospace engineer she is also blessed to be a wife and a mom of two in the present, previously served as a full-time missionary, is consistently called to teach the youth in her ward, is eagerly though slowly doing home improvement as money and time allow, all while gradually learning how to be herself and find peace and balance somewhere in between.

Despite her attempts to make “the right” decisions in her life, she has learned to deal with some unexpected challenges over the last two decades. Total tornadoes, really. What she has discovered is that her career has taught her a lot about the Gospel and being a better mother, and the Gospel, when applied to challenges at the office, has made her a better professional. She has also learned that it is okay to be herself, and God still loves (and forgives) her for it.

“I wish you to understand that sin is not an attribute in the nature of man, but it is an inversion of the attributes God has placed in him. Righteousness tends to an eternal duration of organized intelligence, while sin bringeth to pass their dissolution” (Brigham Young Discourses of Brigham Young, 10:251).

Brigham Young’s statement caused me to pause when I first read it. I’d seen sin as an aberration from God’s path, or willful disobedience, but hadn’t ever thought of it as an inversion from His nature and attributes.

The truth is so obvious in simple juxtapositions.

The Lord is a giver. In its inversion, a thief takes. The Lord creates life. In its inversion, a murderer kills. Jesus gave glory to the Father. Inverted pride vaunts itself.

And more attributes and inversions: Peace-War, Love-Hate, Honor-Gossip, Abundance mindset-Victim/Lacking mindset, Happiness-Anger, Built on a Rock-Tossed as a Wave, Forgiving-Bitter/Vengeful. It’s pretty easy to see how each attribute is inverted to an opposite.

Righteousness tends to eternity; sin tends to destruction. Hence, the devil enjoys seeing others miserable like he is, while Jesus Christ suffered for all so we wouldn’t suffer if we repented.

Being Filled with the Holy Spirit’s Inversion

The scriptures readily teach the impacts of being filled with a spirit. The Spirit of God tends to life and eternity. In that inversion, the spirit of devils tends to destruction. We can be filled with either spirit.

The New Testament Gospels discuss all sorts of demon and devil possessions of man. Examples of that destructive possession that leap to mind include Mark 9’s story of a man who besought the Savior for his son’s release.

And wheresoever he taketh him, he teareth him: and he foameth, and gnasheth with his teeth, and pineth away…straightway the spirit tare him; and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming…And ofttimes it hath cast him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him.

Legion

Der liebende Jesus jagt Dämonen in unschuldige Schweine by Julius Schnorr von Carolsfeld

The other story that really hit this principle home for me was the story of Legion in Mark 5.

[I]mmediately there met him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, Who had his dwelling among the tombs; and no man could bind him, no, not with chains:Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any man tame him.

 

And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones. But when he saw Jesus afar off, he ran and worshipped him,

 

And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.

 

For he said unto him, Come out of the man, thou unclean spirit. And he asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.

 

And he besought him much that he would not send them away out of the country. Now there was there nigh unto the mountains a great herd of swine feeding. And all the devils besought him, saying, Send us into the swine, that we may enter into them.

 

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea.

In an instant, their possessed pig bodies were violently dead.

Other destructive possessions aren’t quite so obvious. Alma discerned that charismatic, seemingly rational Korihor was possessed.

Behold, I know that thou believest, but thou art possessed with a lying spirit, and ye have put off the Spirit of God that it may have no place in you; but the devil has power over you, and he doth carry you about, working devices that he may destroy the children of God.

Korihor experienced spiritual destruction. He’d had light, but he turned to darkness. He demanded a sign. God struck him deaf and dumb. A horse eventually trampled Korihor to death.

And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.

Blinded to Sight

Being blinded by an evil influence produces pronounced fruits and so does the Spirit of God.

Blinded by an incorrect judgment, Saul held coats while others stoned saints like Stephen. He rounded up and persecuted the righteous. But in a dramatic turn of events, Saul saw the light, repented of his erroneous ways, and corrected his life path. He devoted his life to the true God.

Filled with the Spirit of God

Rather than specific stories, two quotes demonstrating the principle of God’s spirit tending to life, creation, and eternity sprang to mind.

Joseph Smith sent the following in a letter to the Quorum of Twelve in 1840:

Love is one of the chief characteristics of Deity, and ought to be manifested by those who aspire to be the sons of God. A man filled with the love of God, is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race.

Possession of the love of God yields dramatic, beneficial results.

Illustration of Joseph Smith’s First Vision, from T. B. H. Stenhouse’s The Rocky Mountain Saints.

Possession of the Holy Spirit

This quote by Parley P. Pratt has changed the course of my life several times. It correlates well with Brigham Young’s thought—that we are designed with the Spirit of God, but because of the Fall are subject to inversions of these characteristics. I love it.

An intelligent being, in the image of God, possesses every organ, attribute, sense, sympathy, affection, of will, wisdom, love, power and gift, which is possessed by God Himself.

 

But these are possessed by man, in his rudimental state, in a subordinate sense of the word. Or, in other words, these attributes are in embryo; and are to be gradually developed. They resemble a bud–a germ, which gradually develops into bloom, and then, by progress, produces the mature fruit, after its own kind.
The gift of the Holy Spirit adapts itself to all these organs or attributes. It quickens all the intellectual faculties, increases, enlarges, expands and purifies all the natural passions and affections; and adapts them, by the gift of wisdom, to their lawful use. It inspires, develops, cultivates and matures all the fine toned sympathies, joys, tastes, kindred feelings and affections of our nature. It inspires virtue, kindness, goodness, tenderness, gentleness and charity.

 

It develops beauty of person, form and features. It tends to health, vigor, animation and social feeling. It develops and invigorates all the faculties of the physical and intellectual man. It strengthens, invigorates, and gives tone to the nerves. In short, it is, as it were, marrow to the bone, joy to the heart, light to the eyes, music to the ears, and life to the whole being. (Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology, pp 101-103).

My personal challenge is to expunge the inversions from my soul. My spirit is resilient and welcomes the change. For any shallow or deep-rooted aberrations, the Savior’s atonement promises relief and regeneration. “If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”

(Originally published on Delisa’s blog on Patheos.)

Delisa Hargrove

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have moved 64 times and have not tired of experiencing this beautiful earth! I love the people, languages, histories/anthropologies, & especially religious cultures of the world. My life long passion is the study & searching out of religious symbolism, specifically related to ancient & modern temples. My husband Anthony and I love our bulldog Stig, adventures, traveling, movies, motorcycling, and time with friends and family.