It is done.

I have completed graduate school for the second time in my life and am thrilled beyond measure. There were aspects of it the first time around that I loved, but writing a book that only three people would read and possibly cite in their research was not one of them. Now I have written two books that 10 people (at the most) will read.

When the Savior was preparing to begin His earthly ministry, and He most urgently and earnestly needed His Father’s assistance and reassurance and strength to sustain him through what He knew lay ahead, what did He do? He fasted and prayed (Matthew 4:1–2; Mark 1:12–13; Luke 4:1–2).

Last summer, Meghan Vogel, a high school track runner, competed in her state’s 3,200-meter race. Meghan was in last place after running nearly two miles. In the last 20 meters of the race, Meghan had the opportunity to not place last when the runner ahead of her collapsed on the track. Rather than pass her fallen opponent, Meghan stopped, placed her arm around her and carried her to the finish line.

A friend of mine posted this photo on Facebook suggesting that a Christian who belongs to a religion that has a building as ornate as this cannot consider him/herself a good Christian given all the suffering that occurs in the world.

Let me tell you about this building: the Salt Lake Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (AKA, the Mormons).

I remember having an argument with a friend and his dad, an LAPD officer. The dad put us two teens into a scenario that he’s seen often — you’re a cop and you’ve just busted a local drug lord. There’s cash everywhere in one of the rooms and you’re alone. It hasn’t been counted and “no one” would know that you took some of it. Would you take any of the money?

This year, I spoke in church on Mother’s Day. As one would expect, I focused on the sacred calling that motherhood is; however, since I’m not a mother, I looked at this topic from the perspective of a mother who has experienced much in her life — my mother.

I came across the following quote and, since we just celebrated Mother’s Day, I thought it an appropriate one to share and to add my fervent Amen:

A father can do no greater thing for his children than to let them feel that he loves their mother.
~ President David O. McKay

I had never thought about the two groups selected to worship the newborn Savior of the world until now. After some reflection, I came to realize the differences between these groups symbolize one’s willingness to serve under any circumstance.

I’ve been listening to Handel’s Messiah since it’s Christmas and Bryan and I’ll be attending a sing-along in Downtown LA later this month. The music is wonderful, but today, I heard an aria I’d never really listened to before. It comes right after the ever popular “Hallelujah!” chorus, and it is a Soprano aria based upon my favorite scripture of all time: Job 19:25–26.

There aren’t too many subjects that are all but guaranteed to make me emotional, but America, patriotism, and those who serve in the Armed Forces are near the top of that list. I have known many who have defended this country and I am awed by their willingness to sacrifice, and the scale of that sacrifice, so that the rest of us can enjoy freedom. “Thank you” is entirely inadequate, but must be said. I am frequently appalled at the way we treat our vets, even today. They richly deserve our highest honors and unwavering gratitude, regardless of whether we approve of the war they are fighting or, indeed, of war in general.

So, to those who have served our country, and by extension me and my family, THANK YOU. I am deeply grateful.