Yes, Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so.

I have a very good friend, one who has been a sacred and true friend for many years. This friend has taught me many important truths over the years, and has given me many precious insights. This friend has shared stories that have become an integral part of my life.
I treasure the moments that I have spent with this wonderful friend. I treasure the spirit and the wisdom that this friend has blessed me with.
This friend celebrates a milestone birthday this year; so significant that the celebration began last week.My friend is now 400 years old. If you haven't guessed by now, my friend is the King James Bible. I hope that is a friendship I share with many people.
To mark this great birthday, I will read the Bible in its entirety this year. It is a long, rewarding journey that I have undertaken many times.
I love the scriptures. I love each of our Standard Works that we as Latter-day Saints recognize as sacred scripture: the Bible, both Old and New Testaments; The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ; the Doctrine and Covenants; and The Pearl of Great Price. Nothing compares to them. Nothing I have read has influenced me more.
Of course, nothing compares with the spirit and the power of the Book of Mormon. It truly is the cornerstone of our religion. It is the word of God.
But I love the Bible, too. It reinforces the Book of Mormon. It provides important background information that helps us to better understand the children of Lehi and their ways. It teaches us about our covenants and what happens when we fail to honor them. It tells us of our noble ancestry. It teaches that there have been prophets throughout history, some of whom have seen our day.
Above all, the Bible testifies of Jesus Christ: the Old Testament testifies that He would come; the New Testament testifies that He did come.
Both Testaments point to the Savior, and to Another Testament of Jesus Christ, The Book of Mormon.
It is with great gratitude that I mark this important birthday. How blessed we are to have the Bible, and the freedom to read and heed the truths that are found in its pages. I am thankful for those who sacrificed everything they had so that we could have the privilege of reading God's word. I hope that none of my readers ever takes this privilege for granted.

Reach out and take a hand; make a friend if you can.

We had the interesting experience of visiting another ward today. It is a very affluent ward, with members well-educated and very talented. But there was something lacking, and we felt it. We were not greeted as we entered the chapel, which is disappointing, but not a bad thing. It continued when a sister bore testimony that their city was the holiest place on earth and their ward the best in the church (and she has lived in many in that area). We were touched by the testimony of one good sister who said that as she gets older, her testimony becomes simpler (more on that another time). Oh, and we were greeted after Sacrament Meeting, when a sister told us we were blocking the aisle.
I was greeted as I walked into Sunday School, and there was a good spirit there. But as in many other educated wards, they looked beyond the mark, and tried to approach the gospel too intellectually. The gospel is beautifully simple, except when we try to complicate it.
In Priesthood Meeting, I was greeted by several men, and had brief conversations with those around me before the meeting started. But during our lesson, there were some negative comments made about California, as if that made them more important. But then the lesson progressed beyond that, with some good discussion, and some good insights. Still, it was a little showy. And it was shocking to them to hear the concept of working with less-active members.
When I am traveling, I try to attend church if I am away on Sunday. Some meetings (even at home) are better than others. But I always hope to feel the Spirit and to be edified. In this I was not disappointed.
But the attitudes I felt from them were disappointing. I have only attended three wards that I felt were unfriendly. And one of them was so full of new move-ins that no one knew whom to greet. It should never be too much to ask for members to say hello to someone they do not yet know. In examining my life, I find that when I have the Spirit with me, I always feel more welcoming of others. When I don't feel like greeting people, it is usually because I have not prepared myself for worship and don't feel the Spirit.
The other attitude that disappointed was the attitude of geographical superiority. Now let me make it clear that I defend them against negative comments, too, so I don't care for it from any direction. Where I live or where I'm from does not make me better or worse than another. (Nor does who I cheer for, but that is the topic for another rant.)
The Lord has called us to build Zion wherever we are. I live in a Stake of Zion; so do they. That puts us on equal footing. The attitude that "I live in Zion now, not in the mission field" has always disturbed me. With all due respect, that kind of arrogance has no place in the church. I agree, in jest only, with the hol(e)y part: their roads are like swiss cheese: potholes everywhere. But this valley, while it has temples and chapels, and many important places, is no more holy than anywhere else. Take away the presence of the church, and it is just another medium-sized city.
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we need to be mindful of all the Lord's children. It is important to greet our friends, but what of the stranger? What did the Savior teach? What of the wandering sheep in our midst? What did the Savior teach? What about using our talents to build the kingdom? Have I buried my talent because it is so comfortable living in an affluent area with many good members? Is my light on view to all, or is it hidden under a bushel? What more can I do to build the Lord's kingdom on earth? How can I be a more devoted disciple of Christ? I must be up and doing, and be about the Father's business.
Now lest I sound like a ranting critic, I did leave with a commitment to myself and to the Lord to magnify my callings better. I left with some specific resolves for my own life. Because I know that I can do better. Zion prospers, and much is well in Zion. but I also have a duty and a covenant obligation to make sure that all is well in Zion. Because at this moment, it isn't.

Peaceful lives will not deliver freedom fighting we know

For many years, I have enjoyed the leadership books that explore an individual’s life and discuss leadership lessons that can be learned from him or her. Books have been written about everyone from Abraham Lincoln to Walt Disney and Michael Jordan, discussing how we can lead just as they did. It is no surprise, then, that I would be attracted to Geoff Loftus’ new book, “Lead Like Ike.”
Loftus tells the story of what is arguably the greatest military leadership feat in recent history, the retaking of Europe and the defeat of Nazi Germany, Interspersed among the details of plans for battle, invasions, fighting, and overcoming challenges are lessons in business leadership that can be used today.
I enjoyed this book for several reasons. First, it is a quick read. Loftus was thorough, but didn’t get bogged down in details that are best left to history books. Second, I am a history buff, and I learned some things while reading the book. Third, Loftus explored the interpersonal relations between the principals among Allied leaders. This, after all, was where Eisenhower truly showed his leadership skills. Fourth, Loftus made effective use of sidebars to give modern business illustrations that correspond to what Eisenhower dealt with. This was a very effective teaching tool. Finally, at the end of each chapter, he summarized the main learning points. This will make it easy to return to the book and find significant points of interest to me. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in historical leadership.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Forgiveness, even if you don't love me

Andy Andrews is a phenomenal storyteller. I have heard him in person and have read several of his books, so I already had high expectations when I picked up this book. The Heart Mender exceeded my expectations. Andy said that this book is his favorite and I understand why.
The Heart Mender is a story within a story. It begins when Andy unearths a can with Nazi military mementos and tries to discover why they would be buried on the coast of Alabama. His investigation segues into a heart wrenching story of a young war widow who is angry with the world. As she walks along the beach late one night, she discovers the body of a nearly drowned German sailor. Something he says touches her heart and she decides to take him in and care for him. As the sailor's physical wounds heal, the woman and the sailor both begin the psychic and spiritual healing process as well, with the insightful help of a man with Down's syndrome.
I thought that the jacket notes gave away the ending, but I was wrong. There are some plot twists that left me breathless.
I enjoyed this book on several levels. First, Andy revealed a part of American history that was new to me. I was not aware that u-boats had patrolled our waters and sunk our merchant ships. I had thought of the war as something more distant.
Second, I found the book hard to put down. Andy Andrews is a master storyteller. He explores human emotions without becoming obscene or lurid, and that is all too rare in the literary world today. I was drawn in to the story and felt the anger and heartaches of the protagonists.
Third, I appreciated the reader's guide at the end. The discussion questions gave an added insight into the author's purposes.
Fourth, the Where Are They Now? section was a great addition, since the book is based on actual events.
Fifth, there is an element of romance to the book, but not enough to turn off most male readers.
Finally, and most important, the book teaches the principle of forgiveness in a unique and powerful way. Andy did this in a very genuine way: it did not seem contrived or preachy.
I highly recommend The Heart Mender.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

There is an hour of peace and rest

We were richly blessed by our attendance at Stake Conference today, where we received wise counsel from President Poulsen. First, he counseled the young women of the stake to be a light to the young men and to push them to greater righteousness.
The adults were counseled to purchase “two extra cans of corn” every time they shop. These extra cans (don’t have to be just corn) are to be kept for a rainy day, for a time of need. President Poulsen also counseled us to be ready for the potential impact of the H1N1 flu this winter. If we were quarantined for three weeks, could we survive on what we have in our homes?
Finally, he counseled us to participate in General Conference from our homes or from the chapel. He said that if we do so, we will be blessed with the guidance we need in our lives.
President Poulsen also put forth a challenge to all members of the stake. He asked us, beginning tomorrow morning, to have a daily personal early-morning devotional. He said to find somewhere quiet where we can spend a few minutes each day to pray, read from the scriptures, and ponder. If we do this, he promised us added spiritual strength as we face our various trials. We might also remember previous challenges, and during our devotionals, pray for the strength to resist temptation that day, and pray for an increased capacity to love those within our stewardships.

Speak to me, teach me, magnify the truth you are

This week, I joined the faculty of the newest dental school in the country, Western University College of Dental Medicine in Pomona. I am a Clinical Managing Partner and an Assistant Professor. I'll be running a group practice within the dental clinic, teaching and role modeling for the students, and teaching classes as well. I'm excited for the change.
On Saturday, August 8, we held our convocation, followed by a white coat ceremony. Above, you see our Dean Dr. James Koelbl, addressing us. I'm the farthest right in the picture, not that you can tell. We heard many inspiring messages to kick off the new school year.
Following the convocation, we had our white coat ceremony for the new dental students. This is an exciting moment, where we welcomed our 74 new students as colleagues and healers.

I had the opportunity as President of Tri-County Dental Society, to welcome the students into organized dentistry. I got a new white coat, too!














I get to work with a great group of people. Here you see most of our faculty. There are 10 of us so far. The students are a very diverse group, coming from places like Armenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Tunisia, The Philippines, El Salvador, and Texas. I have been very impressed with the quality of these young people. We also have 4 LDS students.
Heidi and I are standing with Dr. Koelbl before the white coat ceremony. This all started for us in December of 2007 when we were invited to the groundbreaking of the dental school. As we became acquainted with Dr. Koelbl and others associated with the school, we were impressed with the caliber of people there. Heidi encouraged me to ask about the requirements, and when I asked, Dr. Koelbl said "We're looking for people like you." He let me know when an opening came up, and I interviewed in February and was hired in March. My practice is now in escrow, and scheduled to close on August 24th if all goes well. I'll work part-time until the practice sells, then go full time. This is an exciting change for us, and I see the Lord's hand in it.

You say it's your birthday? It's my birthday, too, yeah!

It seems that we often become so busy living our lives, that we don't have time to chronicle them. I apologize for that. I wish there were an easy way to share all my talks, presentations, and newsletter articles so you can see that I'm actually doing things. Until I discover that, please take my word for it.
However, a once-in-a-lifetime moment came along last weekend, one that I won't forget. I had another meeting of the CDA Foundation in Sacramento last Friday (no, that isn't the once-in-a-lifetime moment). Because of the timing, I decided to expand the trip this time. I flew up to Sacramento on Thursday, and played tourist for a little bit. I went to the State Railroad Museum, and to Old Sacramento, doing my best to steer clear of the dangers of the Capitol. In the afternoon, I attended a session in the Sacramento Temple. I really enjoyed that.
It is a very beautiful temple. Of course, they all are. Aunt Donna says that her temple (this one) is the most beautiful of all. This is the fountain at the entrance to the temple. I also got to participate in a 20-minute sealing session after my session. They do that after each session.
I stayed with Aunt Donna in her nice big house in Folsom. We enjoyed visiting, and I enjoyed just relaxing. On Friday, I went my Foundation meeting in Sacramento, and Aunt Donna went to work in the temple. I always enjoy our meetings there. It has been a blessing for me to associate with some of the best of my profession.
Dad and Mom drove up on Friday, and we had a good time visiting with them, too. Now Saturday was the never to be forgotten event, Grandma Stevenson's 100th birthday!
Here are Dad and Aunt Donna with Grandma. We spent a little over an hour with her (and probably wore her out). Her faithful home teacher and visiting teacher were there with us, too.
Here is Jared Duval, me, Mom, Tim Duval, Sue Duval and Jenni Duval. In front is Grandma's roommate Evelyn, Aunt Donna, and Grandma. Note the roses in the balloons. A sister in Aunt Donna's ward made them.
Grandma was pretty sleepy, but had moments of alertness. I did not sense recognition of us, but she was comfortable and happy with us. One of the things that will stick with me is that every time any of us said "We love you Grandma," she just lit up, and would say something like "Oh, isn't that wonderful!" (Typical Grandma expressions.) There is great power in love, and particularly in expressing love. It sure made a difference to Grandma that day! And I will try not to put off expressing love to those around me while they can appreciate it.
Dad made the balloons. He learned how the night before at a dinner group that Aunt Donna goes to. He and Mom went and had fun. That's a purple dog on Grandma's hat.
Here's the cousin picture. That's Sondra, me, Sue, and Tim with Grandma. It was fun to go and renew family ties with all who were there. It is a good reminder that families are forever. My goodness, Grandma's mortal life is almost forever.
After the celebration died down, Dad and I and Grandma's home teacher gave Grandma a priesthood blessing. We felt that was probably the best gift we could give a centenarian. It was a very special experience to lay my hands on my Grandma's head and exercise the priesthood in her behalf. It was a delightful day. When we visited Grandma four years ago, I determined that would not miss this birthday, and I'm glad I made it! I can report that Grandma is in a good facility, and that they are taking good care of her, and the staff loves her. We can't ask for better than that, unless we ask for her to rejoin Grandpa and all her family.
We left Grandma to have her lunch, and we went to eat at Scott's, a favorite of Dad and Mom's as well as Aunt Donna's (and Uncle Lloyd's, when he was with us). We had some awesome seafood for lunch. That held me until I got home that evening, tired, but happy to be back with my family.
I hope we will all treasure our family relationships, especially our immediate families, but also across the generations, for these are the people that helped make us who we are.