A CALL TO REPENT -

I wanted to share a partial transcript of the question about Mormons that Charlie Kirk was engaged in just before his murder. The question was the first of the Q&A session, posed by UVU student Hunter Kozak approximately 8-10 minutes before the fatal shot was fired at 12:23 p.m


Question:

"Mr. Kirk, as an evangelical Protestant speaking here in Utah, why do you believe Protestantism is the true path to Christianity? Isn't Mormonism more historically accurate than Protestantism, given the additional scriptures like the Book of Mormon and the restoration through Joseph Smith?"

Answer:

"First of all, I love Mormons. I've always said that—I love how Mormons send missionaries around the world. I love how Mormons have more kids than they can afford [light laughter from the crowd]. Look, we have the white shirt and tie crowd right there [gesturing to a group in the audience, including some of his own team members he identifies as Mormon]...

This was part of Kirk’s broader point praising the historical zeal of early Mormonism while critiquing what he saw as its modern institutional softening, contrasting it with the "unchanging truth" of evangelical reliance on the Bible alone. He delivered the line with his typical mix of humor and provocation, which drew chuckles from parts of the crowd but also murmurs from others, given Utah’s predominantly LDS audience. There are differing accounts on what he said, but I saw a clip that said the Mormon Church has lost it's mojo. Charlie: "You’ve got to get your mojo back.” One online comment from a viewer wrote this: 

"Mormonism had a spark when it started—bold, missionary-driven, a real fire for faith. But let’s be honest, some of that energy, that ‘mojo,’ has faded. It’s become too comfortable, too mainstream, maybe too focused on fitting in with the world instead of challenging it like Joseph Smith did.

The Book of Mormon warns the modern day Church of the same thing.

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The memorial service for Charlie Kirk took place on September 21, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. My wife and watch alot of the seven hour plus tribute and speech that were given. Tucker Carlson delivered a eulogy that lasted approximately six minutes. It was one of my favorites. Here is an excerpt:

"Charlie Kirk was bringing the gospel to the country. He was doing the thing that the people in charge hate most, which is calling for them to repent. He wasn’t just a political operative; he was a prophet in his own way, a voice crying out in the wilderness, telling young people—and all of us—that real change doesn’t come from Washington or from voting harder. It comes from here [points to heart]. It’s only an acknowledgment that what Charlie was really saying is that change begins, the only change that matters, when we repent of our sins. We, me. A recognition that the real problem is me, and how fallen I am. So today, let’s honor him by doing what he did. Let’s repent. Let’s forgive. Let’s fight, not with hate, but with love for what’s right.

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Sidenote:

Yesterday, September 22, 2025, marked the Fall Equinox, a day I celebrated with friends for the tenth year in a row. At sundown, the Jewish High Holy Day of Rosh Hashanah (also known as the Feast of Trumpets) began. Rosh Hashanah is rich with symbolic traditions, including sounding the shofar (a hollowed-out ram’s horn), eating apples dipped in honey to signify a sweet new year, and casting bread into flowing water to represent the casting away of sins. In Jewish tradition, Rosh Hashanah is believed to commemorate the creation of Adam and Eve and their initial steps toward returning to God’s presence.

For members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), Rosh Hashanah holds special significance. On September 22, 1827—coinciding with Rosh Hashanah—Joseph Smith received the golden plates from the angel Moroni, following four annual visits beginning on September 21, 1823. In LDS belief, the Book of Mormon’s emergence on this date fulfills prophecies associated with Rosh Hashanah, where ritual trumpet blasts symbolize divine revelation, a call to repentance, and the gathering of Israel.Rosh Hashanah also marks the start of the Ten Days of Awe, a period of introspection and repentance leading to Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement. Set during Israel’s final agricultural harvest, this holy day symbolizes the Lord’s final harvest of souls and the culmination of divine time periods, preparing believers for final judgment and the hope of having their names written in the Book of Life.

Attached are a few photos taken yesterday at sunset, capturing the start of the Ten Days of Repentance during our Rosh Hashanah observance.

If you can’t be corrected without being offended, you’ll never get anywhere in life

I came across the following quote: 

"If you can’t be corrected without being offended, you’ll never get anywhere in life. Growth happens when you are open to hearing feedback, learn from mistakes and know that reproof is not an attack but an opportunity to become better. And nobody’s that great, and we all have things to learn. Being personally offended each time someone highlights a flaw will get you nowhere. True power is in listening, in reflecting and in taking action when required. So don’t let pride get in the way of your growth. Be teachable — because those who learn the most are the ones who would be taught."  Neena Gupta.

Last week, my wife and I were in a remote area with limited access to any outside news or information. Truly, ignorance can be bliss. When we heard the news of the tragic assassination on the campus of UVU, I was shocked. I feel like we have entered a whole new chapter in the history of our country. Grief is part of this world. One of the only ways I know how to deal with difficulties is to spend time in God's creations. I share some recent photos I have taken over the last few weeks in the hope that they can bring some peace.

SECOND EDITION OF SCRIPTURES:

I wanted post a  quick reminder regarding the limited purchase opportunity that will soon close for the second edition restoration scriptures. For those interested you can still order a set, but you need to do so before Saturday, July 26th.  Here is the link: https://scriptures.shop/special-order/2nd-edition/

What's New in the Second Edition? 

Significant improvements have been made to the Second Edition. 

• KJV and LDS Chapter/Verse Numbering: Added alongside the traditional Restoration Scripture chapter and paragraph format, making it easier to cross-reference with LDS and Christian friends using familiar Bible or LDS scripture notations.

• Updated Content: Includes new sections in the Teachings and Commandments, plus hundreds of minor text corrections, punctuation fixes, and updates across all books in the canon. These improvements are complete, with no further changes expected.

• Heirloom Quality: Printed by Jongbloed in the Netherlands, these leather-bound books are sold at cost with no markup, ensuring exceptional value.

Why Act Now?

• This is the final leather-bound printing of the Restoration Scriptures—no additional runs are planned.

• Print-on-demand paperbacks (7 books, ~$200 total) are planned for early 2026, but they won’t match the heirloom quality of this edition.

• Online scripture updates are in progress but have no set timeline due to manual effort and contributors’ schedules.

Once again, The buying window closes on Saturday July 26th at midnight Mountain Daylight Time. That is just a few days from now.

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UPDATE: 

Originally the second edition scriptures for the 3 volume set were only available in Black and British Tan. The stand-alone Covenant of Christ books were always available in all four colors below.

• Black
• British Tan
• Firebrick Red
• Blue

If you have already ordered your Black or British Tan 3 volume set and would like to choose red or blue, please email your requestion to scripturesrestoration@gmail.com

KEY INGREDIENTS TO A SUCCESSFUL FRIENDSHIP/FELLOWSHIP: PROXIMITY, TIMING, and ENERGY

My oldest daughter recently finished The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, and over dinner last night, she shared some fascinating insights from the book with our family. Beyond the key takeaways promoted in the book, she highlighted the three pillars that explain why some friendships, connections and/or fellowships endure while others naturally fade.  I found the things she shared to be fascinating, so I wanted to share some of the concepts in this blog post. (A quick hat tip to Grok, as I haven’t read the book myself yet!)

 

Friendships/Fellowships are shaped by three pillars: proximity, timing, and energy.

Proximity: The Role of Physical and Emotional Closeness.

Physical proximity refers to the physical or situational nearness that facilitates connection. Friendships often form because people are in the same place at the same time—whether it’s a workplace, school, neighborhood, or shared social circle. Proximity creates opportunities for repeated interactions, which are the foundation of building trust and familiarity. Without intentional effort to stay in touch, the friendship may fade because the natural opportunities for bonding diminish.

Emotional Proximity: Beyond physical location, proximity also includes emotional closeness. This involves shared experiences, vulnerabilities, or life circumstances that create a sense of “being on the same wavelength.” For instance, two friends who bond over navigating similar challenges (e.g., parenting, career transitions) feel emotionally close, even if they’re physically distant. However, if one friend’s circumstances change significantly (e.g., one becomes a parent while the other remains single), the emotional proximity may decrease, leading to a drift

Timing: The Right Moment for Connection. 

Timing refers to the alignment of life stages, priorities, and circumstances that enable a friendship to thrive. Friendships flourish when both individuals are in similar phases of life, with compatible schedules or emotional availability. When timing shifts due to life changes—like marriage, career demands, or personal crises—friendships can struggle.  Timing is about being in sync with a friend’s life phase. For example, friends who bonded over shared career goals in their 20s may drift apart if one starts a family while the other pursues travel or entrepreneurship. Differing priorities can make it hard to relate or find time to connect, leading to a natural fade. Timing also involves being emotionally available for a friendship. If a friend is navigating a crisis (e.g., a divorce or job loss), they may lack the capacity to invest in the relationship. Similarly, if you’re focused on personal growth or intense goals, you may not be as available for connection as before.

Robbins notes that timing is not something you can control. If a friend’s priorities or life stage no longer align with yours, forcing the same level of closeness can feel like swimming against the current. The “Let Them” approach involves accepting their current season of life and focusing on your own path. While the friendship may not be over permanently, clinging to it tightly during a mismatch can lead to disappointment.

Energy: The Emotional Investment and Alignment. 

Energy refers to the emotional effort, enthusiasm, and mutual investment both parties bring to a friendship. It’s about the “vibe” of the relationship—whether it feels reciprocal, uplifting, and aligned with your values. Mismatched or one-sided energy can make a friendship draining or unsustainable.

• Reciprocity and Effort: Energy thrives on mutual give-and-take. A healthy friendship feels balanced, with both friends offering support, listening actively, and making time for each other. If one person is always initiating contact or carrying the emotional load, the imbalance can erode the connection. For instance, constantly texting a friend who rarely responds signals a lack of reciprocal energy, suggesting the friendship isn’t a priority for them.
• Values and Emotional Alignment: Energy also involves shared values and emotional compatibility. Friends with similar outlooks—on humor, ambition, or growth—enjoy a natural flow in interactions. However, if one friend’s values shift (e.g., adopting a lifestyle or belief system you don’t share), the emotional energy may feel misaligned, leading to tension or disconnection.

 Robbins emphasizes that you can’t control someone else’s energy. If a friend’s effort is lacking or their values no longer align with yours, trying to “fix” the relationship is often futile. The “Let Them” theory encourages letting their actions reveal their priorities and redirecting your energy toward connections that feel mutual and fulfilling.

The Emotional Toll of Holding On: Robbins argues that clinging to friendships that no longer fit creates unnecessary stress and prevents you from forming new, meaningful connections. The “Let Them” theory encourages releasing the need to control or fix relationships, which can lead to peace and emotional freedom. Holding onto a fading friendship—whether due to guilt, fear of confrontation, or nostalgia—can lead to resentment, insecurity, or a sense of rejection. For example, if a friend no longer invites you to events, you might obsess over why or try to “win” their attention, which Robbins sees as wasted energy. Instead, she advises accepting their choices and focusing on your own well-being—e.g., seeking new friends who share your current interests or values. This process can be painful, as it involves grieving the loss of what the friendship once was, but it opens space for relationships that align with who you are now.

Natural Fading vs. Toxic Ending: Robbins distinguishes between friendships that naturally fizzle out and those that end due to toxicity or betrayal. Some friendships fade without conflict due to life changes, while others require deliberate boundaries if they become harmful. Not all friendship endings are dramatic. A “slow fizzle” can occur when both parties stop investing due to diverging paths, like moving to different cities or entering new life stages. This is often mutual and doesn’t require confrontation. However, Robbins also acknowledges that some friendships end because of toxic dynamics—e.g., a friend who constantly criticizes you or makes you feel small. In these cases, the “Let Them” theory involves setting boundaries and prioritizing your peace, even if it means stepping away entirely. For example, if a friend’s behavior consistently drains you or violates your values, letting them go is an act of self-care, not failure.

Robbins’ core message is that letting go of friendships that no longer serve you isn’t a failure—it’s an act of empowerment. Not all friendships are meant to last forever, and that’s a natural part of life’s ebb and flow. By embracing the “Let Them” mindset, you free yourself from the emotional burden of trying to control others’ actions or cling to outdated connections. This creates space for new relationships that align with your current self, fostering greater peace and authenticity.

While Robbins’ theory is empowering, some critics argue it risks oversimplifying complex emotional dynamics. For instance, a Reddit thread suggests that the “Let Them” approach might discourage vulnerability, which researchers like Brené Brown argue is essential for connection. However, Robbins counters that letting go isn’t about disconnection but about redirecting energy toward relationships that are mutually fulfilling. The key is balancing acceptance of others’ choices with active investment in your own social well-being.

Summer solstice 2025

In a few hours here on the East coast it will be the summer solstice. The solstice moment is universal, happening at the same instant worldwide. This week my family and I traveled to the East Coast. It is not very often that you can see such a beautiful sunset from a small plane window. Thought I would share in part of my observance of this years summer solstice. 

 

First Father's Day without my father.

Today was my first fathers' Day without my father. It has almost been a year since he passed away. Hard to believe it has been that long. Remember like it was yesterday when we had him over to our home for Father's Day dinner last year. Like always, he came over to dinner that Sunday with his suit and tie on. I miss him. I went hiking this weekend as part of my tribute to him for Father's Day. He was an extremely difficult hike. Camped at the Timpanogos trailhead up Provo Canyon and woke up early in the morning in an attempt to make it as close to the summit as possible. Mount Timpanogos was one of my dad's favorite mountains. Here are some photos from the hike. 

Didn't quite make it to the summit because of the danger of climbing across the snow, but instead jumped in Emerald lake at the base of the glacier. One of the best polar plunges I've done.

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This morning in Church I heard one of the most beautiful prayers. Here is my best attempta to transcribe the words:

"Our Father in heaven on this day, when fathers are being remembered and honored, we honor you, the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named. As you've told us, see what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God, and so we are. 

Father, we thank you for our fathers, for their sacrifices, for their example, their care, their counsel, their presence in our lives. May we honor them through our words and deeds. 

 
For those who don't have good memories of their fathers, we pray that they would be strengthened with power through your Spirit in their lives. We pray for patience, to understand, particularly to forgive, encourage to stand fast, in the truth of the gospel. 

For those fathers, who are estrange from a child or children, for anyone who is unreconciled with their own father, would you bring to pass this promise you gave us in Malach. "And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers." 

For those who have never known their father, can they be more aware than ever that you are the father of the fatherless, that nothing in all creation will be able to separate us from your love. in Jesus Christ's name, our Lord. Amen."

SACRED SITES: Ancient and Modern, Natural and Manmade.

Our Belated 30th Wedding Anniversary Trip:

Last year, we planned a special trip to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary, but unforeseen family events delayed our travel. This year, we finally were able to explore the beauty and sacred locations in England, Scotland, and Ireland.  Here’s a glimpse of some of the photos (just 20 of 1000's) I took of the incredible places we visited

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral

Durdle Door Beach

Durdle Door Beach

Durdle Door Beach

Durdle Door Beach

Seven Sisters, South Coast of England

Kilchurn Castle with Highland Cows

Glastonbury Tor

Chalice Well, Glasonbury

Newgrange, Ireland

Fountains Abbey, England

Rosslyn and Chapel, Scotland

Scottish Highlands

Glenfinnan Viaduct, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle, Scotland

Cliffs of Moher, Ireland

Stonehenge, England

Peace and Alignment

Expect turbulent waters. APRIL 6 - A significant day.

 

Today is April 6th. Since I wasn't able to hike on the Spring Equinox, today was the best day to make up for it. While never easy to wake up in the middle of night and drive a long distance to a trailhead, reaching a peak in time to see the sunrise is always worth it.  A few photos from this morning. 

Just read this and thought it was important to share today: 

"Expect turbulent waters. But you can still be at peace because of Him. This is the message that Joseph Smith’s restored gospel is trying to get across to us: an immediate, accessible, proximate Lord and Savior who understands and comprehends what you are going through and what you will go through and has the ability to sucor you in your every need. It doesn’t mean your burdens are gonna go away. It means your burdens are gonna be made understandable to you so that what you experience is acceptable and does not harm your soul. Despite turmoil, you can find peace.

 What Christ acquired through His suffering was knowledge and understanding of everything you have or will ever go through or suffer. He understands. But He doesn’t understand that in order for you to simply be the passive recipient of a blessing that He confers as a consequence of what He went through. He went through it so He can guide you to the same end. There is no magic fairy dust. You must rise up. You must overcome sin. You must leave behind you the things that bring about guilt and remorse. He has finished His preparations. And now the Righteous (who has knowledge of how to bring you through that) can guide you, can lead you, can succor you in your affliction so that you too can overcome that portion of the world that you have to contend with.

 He's gonna wipe away every tear, and He's gonna defeat the grave. But that can't make us individually worthy. The only way that we can become individually worthy is if we do as He instructs us to do, acknowledge our own many shortcomings, and then turn around to face God and leave behind us all the things that are unworthy, unacceptable, disobedient; all of our jarrings; all of our contentions; all of our pride; all of our efforts to raise ourselves at the expense of others; all of our ambition, our desire for control and compulsion and dominion, our desire to be profiting at the expense of others. In many respects, it requires Zion for us to fully repent, and yet Zion requires us to be something very different than what we are."

 excerpts from the Preface of the Volume 8 - 2022-2023 of the Teaching of DS 

The 2025 Spring Equinox Hike that never happened. (Viewer Discretion advised.)

Dedicated to my wife and my mom—the two Wisdoms in my life.

The Spring Equinox has always held deep significance for me, not only because it symbolizes life and renewal but also because it marks my mother’s birthday. Observing the equinoxes and solstices—four pivotal days in the year—is something I have always enjoyed. For over a decade, I have observed the Spring Equinox by going on a sunrise hike in the mountains. I usually share photos from my experience, and this year, a few people asked if I had gone on my hike and, if so, why I hadn’t posted any pictures.

The truth is, I wasn’t able to go this year. I hadn’t planned on sharing this, but after some thought, I decided to do so.

A few weeks before the equinox, I woke up with a sharp pain in my left leg, just below the knee. When I looked down, I saw a large bite mark. The area around it was swollen, inflamed, and discolored.

At first, I didn’t mention it to my wife. I assumed it would heal on its own. But as the days passed, the inflammation worsened. The swelling spread down my leg, affecting my ankle and foot, making it painful to wear shoes.

Following the advice of the Wisdoms in my life, I went to an urgent care clinic. The doctors asked if I had seen what bit me. I am not sure what did..but it was something. Unfortunately, I hadn’t found it.

I received several shots to treat the infection, but a few days later, my leg wasn’t improving. I had to return to the doctor, who ordered an ultrasound to check for a potential blood clot. Thankfully, there was no clot, but I was warned to monitor it closely. If my condition didn’t improve, I was to go to the hospital immediately.

Little by little, with the help of anti-inflammatory medication and additional treatments, the swelling began to subside. It took nearly three weeks for my leg to return to normal.

Lately I have thought a lot about this experience.

What should someone do if they find something potentially harmful in their home? Bites with severe reactions like mine are rare. Many would simply kill whatever it was on the spot. 

My daughter, however, has a heart of gold. She won’t even harm a fly.  Time and again, I’ve seen her carefully scoop up insects and release them outside, returning them to the earth where they belong.

This made me think hypothetically: 

What if there were a structured, fair process for safely removing something from a home? Imagine if, after following that process, someone still felt it hadn’t been done correctly. What if they insisted on bringing whatever it was back inside, claiming the process that was followed was flawed? Would those living in the home feel safe?

Would it be righteous to prioritize the procedure over the well-being of the household? Or what if we  say, “They will do what they will do,” and allow the it stay in our home. Just don't get to close to it or aggravate it. 

What kind of a father or husband am I if I didn't do anything, and just let that thing stay in my home. What if it attacked again and bit my wife and daughter.

Sidenote: 

My wife and I recently watched the movie Braveheart. This is the 30 year anniversary release of this historical movie epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson. It tells the story of William Wallace, a Scottish warrior who leads a rebellion against England’s oppressive rule in the late 13th century. After the brutal murder of his wife by English soldiers, Wallace unites the Scottish clans in a fight for freedom against King Edward I ("Longshanks"). I was inspired to see the sacrifice that William Wallace made in the defence of his wife and his people.  If only there were more men like William Wallace today. 

REMEMBER YOUR VOCATION

Morning sunrise over the Wasatch Mountains.

A vocation is a calling or a sense of purpose that drives someone toward a specific path in life. The term comes from the Latin word "vocatio," meaning "a call" or "summons," and it traditionally carries a sense of being drawn to work that aligns with one’s values, talents, or passions. Too often, we forget our vocation and get distracted on other things. 

I appreciated the wake up call this weekend to remember my vocation. 

IT IS A GIFT TO EXIST and WITH EXISTENCE COMES SUFFERING

Some photos and thoughts from evening hike up to Guardsman Pass last weekend.

Solace: 

comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. 

It is a gift to exist. And with existence comes suffering. There is no escaping that. But, if you are grateful for your life - which I think is a positive thing to do, though not everyone feels that way, and I certainly don't always feel it myself-  then you have to be grateful for all of it. You can't pick and choose what your grateful for.

So, what do you gain from loss and suffering? You gain an awareness of other people's losses, which allows you to connect with them. This connection enables you to love more deeply and understand what it’s like to be human. You can then relate to others and love them in a profound way that not only accepts the fact that we all suffer, but also makes you grateful for your own suffering, for it gives you the ability to truly understand others.

It’s about embracing the fullness of your humanity. What’s the point of being here, of being human, if you can’t be the most human you can be? I’m not talking about being the “best” human, but the “most” human. That means acknowledging—and ultimately being grateful for.. EVERYTHING - even the things I wish hadn’t happened, because they gave me a gift.  

(adapted quote by Stephen Colbert)