As a missionary serving among Native Americans, I learned much about their faith. I believe that the Native Americans in Alberta are descendants of Lehi. One time, my companion and I were either tracting or visiting less-active members. A family invited us in and said, “Elders, we are so glad you are here. There are … Read more
Do you remember the day we were finally sealed to our adopted daughter? It was during the chaos and confusion of COVID, when everything was delayed and the adoption process seemed to take forever. You fought so hard—you were diligent, persistent, and determined to arrange the sealing as soon as possible. And finally, the day … Read more
Perhaps the most spiritual moment of my life was when you and I were sealed by the power of the priesthood in the sealing room of the Temple. The temple was beautiful—white, bright, and filled with light, peace, and love. We were surrounded by family and loved ones. As the sealer spoke, the Spirit was … Read more
In the second area of my mission, I was serving in the middle of nowhere—in Creston, British Columbia. We were an hour and a half from the nearest missionaries, and I was training a new Samoan elder who was difficult for others to understand. He came from a very different culture and life experience. It … Read more
When Caleb was born, I remember holding him—this precious, tiny infant—and feeling the incredible love that only a parent can feel. It was a profound spiritual experience to realize that I was being entrusted with this precious spirit child. Just moments earlier, he had been beyond the veil, in the presence of loved ones, with … Read more
Had you never chosen to serve a mission, I am confident that I never would have married you. Shortly after my mission, I made a “checklist” of things I wanted in my future wife. It included what I thought were important qualities for someone who would be my companion in this life and for eternity—things … Read more
From my perspective, you have always been the more spiritual person in our family. While I may have studied the scriptures more and held more big church callings, it was you who seemed more attuned to receiving direct revelation from God. It was you who received and acted on the prompting to come home from … Read more
When we went to the temple for what I hope will not be your last time ever, my heart was broken and contrite as I earnestly sought answers. While the main focus of my prayers was that you might regain that light and restore your faith, I personally felt great comfort. At the beginning of … Read more
A few years ago, during one of the holidays, we went skiing as a family at Cherry Peak. We were in the lodge attending to a younger child, where there was a small section of books, including several on Church history. For some reason, you started a conversation with a man named Carlos, who had … Read more
Travis was Sam’s friend at Ricks College before his mission and was our roommate during my senior year of college. He later worked for me at SB Systems in Riverside, and was even a success story from one of our “pizza dates.” Like you, his wife Amy is the daughter of a CES director. He’s … Read more