Elder Holland's Classic Easter Message...

This message on the Atonement of Jesus Christ is perhaps the most powerful testimony of His mission and message that I have ever heard. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, an apostle in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spoke of the sacrifice of Christ and the unique way it applies to our own lives. He gave this address on Sunday morning, April 5th, during a General Conference address for the church. I have never felt the spirit as strongly as I felt it at that time. Take a few moments to listen (again and again if you like!), learn, and love our Lord and begin to understand His love for us. Happy Easter!

Elder Holland's Address: None Were With Him.

He's really there...

Well, David has spent the last 5-6 months in South Africa. When we first got pictures of him, it looked like he was just a few miles down the road. However, he's finally sent us some photos that really do look like he's in the middle of nowhere, so it must be South Africa. This picture was taken just a few "klicks" outside of Secunda, where he and his new companion, Elder Dondashe, are preaching the Gospel. The largest coal refinery on the African continent is in the far distance behind him. (Many of the people who live in Secunda work at that coal refinery -- Sasol.) Above all else, David constantly reminds us that he is "loving the work" and "working hard" to share his testimony of the Gospel with the South African people. (When many people find out his last name is "Nelson" they often ask if he is related to Nelson Mandela. He smiles and points to his face. Then he tells them he is not Xosha, but from the tribe of SoCal. Everyone seems to accept that just fine.)

What a cutie

I know I've been neglecting my personal blog, but with work and school (combined together) I rarely take any time for myself. However, the most important people in my life -- my family -- deserve some attention here, so, in an attempt to continue this blog, I'm inserting a couple of video clips my daughter, Rebekah, took of my grandson, Chase, last month. It's particularly difficult to simply watch when I want so badly to be there. Nevertheless, Chase is undoubtedly the cutest baby ever! I absolutely adore this video. Rachel and Chase are playing "peek-a-boo" and Chase seems to be loving every second of it.