Mostly about Utah
We had yet again another great week. This time its full of exciting things such as baptism! We had one investigator pass an interview and another having her interview this Friday. They should be baptized next weekend. Stephanie is a investigator that looked up the church online and went to the wrong building and at the wrong time. She remembered going there as a small child and said she enjoyed … [Read more...]
Paul has undertaken a number of projects of late. There was the arc welder from microwave ovens (still to be completed); the Halloween costume from a microwave oven; the Arduino AVR High-Voltage Serial Programmer; Green Jell-O Filled Orange Wedges; and Green Jell-O Pineapple Rings. His latest project has him collecting empty 55 gallon barrels. He spied his first two behind a car wash and … [Read more...]
The Williamsburg Charter reminds us that despite our constitutional prohibition against establishing a state religion, in many areas of the United States during the nineteenth century there was “a de facto semi-establishment of one religion in the United States: a generalized Protestantism given dominant status in national institutions, especially in the public schools.” In contrast, the Charter … [Read more...]
Between the Backstage Tour and Pride and Prejudice we visited Cedar Breaks National Monument. There was construction going on at the visitor center with areas roped off. I last saw Cedar Breaks over 25 years ago and it was bigger than what I remember it. We didn't have much time there but it was worth the drive. I did get a few photographs which you can click to enlarge. Cedar Breaks, according … [Read more...]
So far I have written about The 39 Steps, Much Ado about Nothing, Pride and Prejudice, The Greenshow and the Randall Theatre Backstage Tour. The Adams Shakespearean Theatre Backstage Tour is just a continuation of the Randall Theatre Backstage Tour. The whole tour takes 90 minutes. The Festival website states: The Adams Shakespearean Theatre, dedicated in 1977, was designed by Douglas N. … [Read more...]
After The 39 Steps and Much Ado about Nothing but before Pride and Prejudice and The Greenshow, Jill and I toured the Randall L. Jones Theatre backstage. The building was built completely with private funds. It was named after a former Southern Utah University shop professor whose family donated funds for the theater. The Festival website states: The Randall L. Jones Theatre, dedicated … [Read more...]
There was more to our visit to the Utah Shakespearean Festival than The 39 Steps, Much Ado about Nothing, and Pride and Prejudice. Not only were there more plays but there were such diversions as The Greenshow. The Greenshow is a series of complimentary performances presented six nights a week, prior to the evening theatrical performances. There are also several comely “tarts” selling Elizabethan … [Read more...]
My bookshelf is overflowing so I have used books to give away. The guidelines (subject to refinement) are: Request a book in the comments. You must be local to Kaysville, Utah. I will not mail books. Currently requests are limited to those who know me and/or know where I live. The books: The Majesty of Books Sterling W. Sill Mormon Fortune Builders Lee Nelson Abraham Lincoln Carl … [Read more...]
Having already seen The 39 Steps and Much Ado about Nothing, we were looking forward to Pride and Prejudice to finish our two days at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. Pride and Prejudice is a novel by Jane Austen. It was begun in 1796, her second novel, but her first serious attempt at publication. She finished the original manuscript by 1797 in Steventon, Hampshire, where she lived with her parents … [Read more...]
For our 30th anniversary Jill and I spent two days in Cedar City this week. Monday afternoon at the Utah Shakespearean Festival we watched The 39 Steps. In the evening it was time for Much Ado about Nothing, a comedy by William Shakespeare about two pairs of lovers, Benedick and Beatrice, and Claudio and Hero. The play is directed by B. J. Jones. The Utah Shakespearean Festival website has this … [Read more...]
For our 30th anniversary Jill and I spent two days in Cedar City. Our first stop was the play The 39 Steps showing at the Utah Shakespearean Festival. The original was the 1935 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, loosely based on the adventure novel The Thirty-nine Steps by John Buchan. The film stars Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll. The play was adapted by Patrick Barlow from … [Read more...]
This week was just as great as last. We were extremely busy and were doing all we could to teach, find, and help people come to church. We were blessed with success and had eight investigators come to church. We are excited for a baptism in about two weeks. It has been quite the effort to find people that are ready, but we should be having more here in the future. The Spirit has helped us so much … [Read more...]
The time has flown by and in the process we have produced five children and they in turn have given us three grandchildren -- so far. I don't really have too much advice for newly married couples except to tell you to make sure you go to church together often. In my church on a Sunday the men meet separately for part of the time and quite often we will be reminded to honor and respect womanhood and … [Read more...]
"Science without religion, like philosophy without religion, has nothing to feed on. . . . It is my contention that any branch of human thought without religion soon withers and dies of anemia." ("Science Fiction and the Gospel," The Collected Works of Hugh Nibley 12:519) "The worst sinners, according to Jesus, are not the harlots and publicans, but the religious leaders with their insistence … [Read more...]
Last Wednesday Jill and I took Bryson to visit Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake City. The weather was cooler than normal, making the afternoon temperatures just right. We enjoyed seeing the animals with Bryson and took a few photographs and a video. Click on the images to enlarge. Merry Go Round Video If you cannot see the video click here. … [Read more...]
This week was a dream come true and it continues to be that way. We had two days in a row that we were so busy we had just enough time to grab a snack for lunch between appointments. I like to have lunch as a back up plan anyway. We continue to find many prepared people to hear the gospel. Joe is a good example. He is 11 years old and we had talked to him about a month ago and he missed our return … [Read more...]
"Now that I am a Christian I do not have moods in which the whole thing looks very improbable: but when I was an atheist I had moods in which Christianity looked terribly probable." (Mere Christianity) "Reality, in fact, is usually something you could not have guessed. That is one of the reasons I believe Christianity. It is a religion you could not have guessed. If it offered us just the kind of … [Read more...]
Derek and Sarah have been back from Texas since June and staying with family. Yesterday it was time for them to move back into their own home. We loaded the truck and trailer with their belongings that were stored with Steven and Adelaide. The photograph of Paul reminds me of a television show I used to watch a few years ago. … [Read more...]
All the mission leaders met this week for a four day training for missionaries. It has a lot to do with how to follow the Spirit, teaching skills in general, and the importance of certain commitments. It's hard to summarize four days of excellent training, but we were able to role play each day to practice. I've already had the chance to use the things I learned and it has been great. Elder Hardy … [Read more...]
Last Sunday the family gathered to the Lakeview Ward for the blessing of Cassandra Willoughby. For my readers unfamiliar with the naming and blessing of children I will explain. Under the direction of the presiding authority (in our case today it was Bishop Macrum), brethren who hold the Melchizedek Priesthood may participate in the ordinance of naming and blessing children (see Doctrine & Covenants … [Read more...]
I wanted to take my grandchildren camping so I made reservations for two campsites. I then invited the parents to go and before the day was out they were ready for the trip. So last weekend we went to Wasatch Mountain State Park. We camped overnight at Little Deer Creek Campground. Here are a few of the photographs and videos taken by Steven, Jill, and Rick. Click on the images to enlarge. If you … [Read more...]
Today the court struck down Proposition 8, literally accusing the majority of California voters of discriminatory intent when casting their votes. The role of the courts is to interpret and apply the law only as enacted by the people and their elected representatives, not to impose new social policies. (Source: Andy Pugno, general counsel for ProtectMarriage.com) I suspect that many of the voters … [Read more...]
My grandchildren Aurora and Bryson never sit still for long, even when you give them both a chair. Video and crash sound effects by Jill. If you cannot see the video click here. … [Read more...]
Because of recent mission rule changes they have asked us to knock on every door we see. They have told us to wait for someone to come to the door before we leave. At one door we were there for a while so we took a picture of it. This week was absolutely incredible. Possibly the best week of my mission. We had several situations a day where we followed a thought we had or a feeling and recognized … [Read more...]
"My main objective in my discussions on religious freedom is to remind this new generation of [Chinese] leadership that religion is not to be feared but to be welcomed in society." (Mon, 04 Aug 2008 Washington Post) “I don’t think witchcraft is a religion. I would hope the military officials would take a second look at the decision they made.” (Mon, 23 Apr 2007 New York Times) "I will be your … [Read more...]
This week went very well. We had some of the best work I've had since coming to this mission. The Lord really blessed us and we were grateful. There are many exciting stories to share, but I'll just mention one. We have been meeting with an investigator that has been thinking that he doesn't have nice enough clothes to come to our church. We didn't really know that was his concern, but we left him … [Read more...]
“We separate church and state affairs in this country.... No religion should dictate to the state nor should the state interfere with the free practice of religion.” (Fri, 7 Dec 2007 National Public Radio) “I’m not sure that we fully appreciate the profound implications of our tradition of religious liberty. I have visited many of the magnificent cathedrals in Europe. They are so inspired … [Read more...]
Saturday we had family over for a meal. Afterwards we set off a few fireworks in daylight so that Bryson and Aurora wouldn't be frightened of them. Steven lit one of the racing car fireworks which got too close to Adelaide and Aurora. It frightened Aurora, so before Steven lit the next firework, Adelaide moved herself and Aurora to the opposite end of the patio and sat between me and Jake. Now that … [Read more...]
Today we hiked The Mueller Park Trail in Bountiful. It is a great walk that is mostly shaded all the way up. Much of the trail is gently sloped. From various locations there are good views of the Great Salt Lake and the valley far below. The Mueller Park Trail is 13 miles round trip. The route begins at the Mueller Park Picnic Grounds in the east Bountiful foothills and ends at a small grassy clearing … [Read more...]
On Tuesday I went with family to the Days of ‘47 Float Preview Party at the South Towne Expo Center. You could meet the creators and technicians behind the 2010 Days of ‘47 Parade floats and see how it all comes together. There was voting for your favorite float to win the “People’s Choice” or the “Children’s Choice” award. Also enjoy bands, clowns, and entertainment. Admission was … [Read more...]
So Wednesday we picked up our new companions. My companion is Elder Hardy from Atlanta, Georgia. He lived close to where I served for three weeks, so that was really cool. He plays the guitar and had a job working at a pest control company selling door to door. He has lots of good ideas that work for tracting, but we keep in mind that following the Spirit is most important. We have had many great experiences … [Read more...]
I wrote recently about the new Mormon.org and the inclusion of 1,000 profiles of Mormons. Each profile is a collection of stories and testimonies from Mormons. Profiles of members just like you and me. In my case it turns out that I do indeed have my profile for all to see in the "Meet Mormons" section. I looked through many of the profiles to see if I recognized anyone but they were all strangers … [Read more...]
Transfer calls created chaos (kind of). Every companionship in my district is changing. Only three Elders (including me) are staying and the rest are going to be different. It was quite surprising. Elder Draper and I are sticking it out in the apartment with two new missionaries to train. We were both humbled by the call and excited at the same time. We'll get to meet them tomorrow. The hike last … [Read more...]
The next time you are in downtown Kaysville take a look at the street banners. They read "Kaysville City," "Utah's Hometown." Sandwiched here between the two banner photographs are the two originals (click to enlarge). Mayor Steve Hiatt saw the photographs in my 2008 Kaysville 4th July Parade blog post and asked if he could use them. I was happy to oblige. So what are these banners for? I will explain … [Read more...]
This classified ad offering free scrap metal appeared in KSL.com today with my cell phone number listed. This is how the ad was worded: I have some heavy scrap meta [sic] that I need to give away asap. please come and pick it up call for address. First come First service no holds. Thanks! At first I assumed the callers had the wrong number (which they did). After the calls kept coming I asked the … [Read more...]
Yesterday found us walking along City Creek Canyon Trail. City Creek was the first water source used by the Mormon Pioneers settling the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. In the early years water flowed through ditches for irrigating gardens. Residents hand dipped water for their culinary and domestic needs. In 1866, City Creek was first diverted into a municipally-owned, piped water distribution system to … [Read more...]
On Monday, for a view of the Salt Lake Valley, we hiked to The Living Room. We relaxed in sandstone chairs with armrests. There were even coffee tables we parked our feet on. The hike takes about two hours (it took us longer). It is considered easy (it isn't). Trail length is 2.3 miles (seemed like 5 miles). Here are some photographs of our hike. Click on the images to enlarge. Left … [Read more...]
The 4th of July was lots of fun. We got to watch a few fireworks from our apartments backyard. We were completely surrounded on all sides with people launching fireworks into the air. Since they are legal here they are everywhere. We were riding our bikes at the usual quick pace that we do and we were coming up on a driveway that leads down a slight hill. I was just about past it when I glanced … [Read more...]
A few photographs from the Kaysville and Fruit Heights Independence Day Parade. Click on the images to enlarge. … [Read more...]
This morning was the Independence Day Kaysville Rotary 12th Annual 10K and 5K Run / 5K Walk "Run for Reading" at the Davis High School Stadium. In 2009 there were 873 participants who entered, beating the previous year by over 200 runners. The proceeds of the $15 race registration will go towards the purchase of "I Like Me" reading books for Kaysville area elementary school children. I was there … [Read more...]
The baby looks great and I'm glad the vacation went well. So we mowed someone's lawn this week for service. I took some before and after pictures. It was really exciting and was fun to have grass flying everywhere and all over us. We also got to participate in a dance festival that was held for all the youth that live here. Over 1,800 of them had prepared for six months working on dances to where … [Read more...]
At 3:49 am Jill received this text message from Steven: Six pounds eleven ounces. Nineteen inches. Born at three twenty eight. We're all doing well. We went to see the new baby for a few minutes. Adelaide said that they went to the hospital at 12:30 and because three other women arrived at the same time, she wasn't in her room until 1:30 am. Two hours later a little sister for Aurora was born. Congratulations … [Read more...]
This was an eventful week. Not quite as much happened this week. We had our last Zone Conference with President Belnap and the spirit there was wonderful. The new President is coming and will be here by the beginning of July. It looked like you all had a good hike. We also had the opportunity to go the the temple. It was awesome and I really enjoy going there. There is always a special spirit … [Read more...]
We had a busy week knocking on doors and hearing lots of anti-Mormon claims, having an offer for help if we ever think we are in a cult, and another yelling at us to leave him alone. At the same time we had an increase of new investigators, great lessons taught, and lots of experiences where we knew we were following the Spirit. It was truly an awesome week and left us with a stronger conviction to … [Read more...]
After reading about the Official LDS Call for Photos in Mormon Times I responded. After all, what use are great photographs of temples, families, and church history sites if no-one sees them? Sure, I can put them on my blog, and I have, but who reads my blog, apart from you? The Church needs all kinds of photographs -- there is a list on their Official LDS Call for Photos Flickr page. Your submitted … [Read more...]
This year's Kaysville South Stake 5K Family Fun Run participation was a little lower than usual, probably because of the weather. With rain, temperatures in the 40's, and a 12 mph wind only the hearty ventured out. Here's what the weather looked like from where I stood, nice and dry inside the bowery. There were plenty of officials on hand. There were official officials -- our stake president … [Read more...]
There was a lot of changes this week. It took about ten minutes to drive to my new area, so it's close to where I still was. It is a great area and my new companion is Elder Derges. He was originally born in Russia and was adopted by an American family that lives in Missouri when he was 13. He has a little bit of an accent, but that's all you can tell about him being Russian. He works hard and we get … [Read more...]
My eco-friendly green paper shredder was converted from a normal everyday paper shredder you buy at Target. I fed too much paper into it and stripped the gears. My son Paul repaired it by connecting a handle to the shredding mechanism from parts lying around in the garage. Now I can save the planet by not having to use any electricity when I shred my private papers. I do have to remember to turn … [Read more...]
My guest writer today is my wife Jill. In the last year she has lost 29 pounds. Weight Watchers issued a Walk-It Challenge two months ago. Everyone was encouraged by our inspiring leader Lois to do something challenging even if that meant walking to the mail box and adding some more steps each day. We decided to run and found the on-line training guide that started with walk 5 minutes, run … [Read more...]
We were hoping that Daniel would be able to return to the Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Mission. But now we know for sure that he will finish his service in the Washington Kennewick Mission. Today we received a letter signed by President Monson: Dear Elder Willoughby, This letter is to confirm that your mission assignment has been changed from the Mongolia Ulaanbatar Mission to the Washington Kennewick … [Read more...]
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