M. Russell Ballard, one of the twelve apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, recently gave some very interesting remarks at the commencement address at BYU Idaho.

He initially reminded us of this season of the world that is filled with war, arrogance, and wickedness. But then he told the graduates: “As you think about your future, you should be filled with faith and hope.”….. “Face the future with optimism. I believe we are standing on the threshold of a new era of growth, prosperity, and abundance. Barring a calamity or unexpected international crisis, I think the next few years will bring a resurgence in the economy as new discoveries are made in communication, medicine, energy, transportation, physics, computer technology, and other fields of endeavor. Many of these discoveries, as in the past, will be the result of the Spirit whispering insights into and enlightening the minds of truth-seeking individuals.”

I am learning to appreciate the wisdom of inspired utterances given by apostles and prophets earlier in my life. I am excited to see how Elder Ballard’s prophetic council will play out. 

All my love and admiration.

I sound like a broken record on this one. But the clouds tonight were fantastic just after 7pm. The light was brilliant and the colors vibrant in the west sky. I had to break away from my routine to catch this one with my phone. I am grateful to experience these fantastic, heavenly, colorful displays.

My friend pointed out these two eagles on the buoy in the bay at Ketchikan. They seem out of place in this active little port town in Alaska. Aren’t eagles supposed to be soaring in the clouds and nesting in the tallest tress? It is fun to see some of life’s natural juxtapositions.

None of my portraits of Michelle have ever been given her stamp of approval. So why start now? (Maybe she won’t see this post.) Tonight I am grateful for Michelle’s selfless nature that draws our family together and blesses many along her path. Her selflessness has been a great tutor for me over the years. I give thanks for all of the goodness that is part of her being, all of the goodness that she shares so freely with others.