* This Nation Will Be On the Very Verge of Crumbling - (Joseph Smith)

 

(Joseph Smith Papers, LDS Church Historical Archives, Box 1, March 10, 1844.)

I appreciate having the source provided for this statement I had heard quite a few years ago but didn't have the documentation for it.

* Finding Safety in Counsel

Nearly 30 years ago, President Henry B. Eyring, who was then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve, said something in general conference that I have not forgotten. I shared his insight this past Sunday as I spoke to the students of BYU–Idaho.

“One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time” (“Finding Safety in Counsel,” Apr. 1997).

Two weeks ago, President Dallin H. Oaks repeated the warning issued by President Russell M. Nelson from general conference in April 2018:

“In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

So, what do you do to rivet your attention, to assure that you survive spiritually by having the constant influence of the Holy Ghost?

You look carefully at your daily activities. Am I praying? Am I thoughtfully partaking of the sacrament? What am I putting into my mind? Am I associating with others who seek the constant influence of the Holy Ghost? What could be my distractions, my obstacles, or my deceptions? You pray for inspiration and courage to make any changes you need to make.

Let us be true disciples of Jesus Christ. The Redeemer of Israel knows you, loves you, and will strengthen you as you seek to draw closer to Him.

* Conference Impact Often Determined by Conference Preparation

 

Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer

Julie Andrews Christopher Plummer didn’t just play Maria and Captain von Trapp—they gave us one of cinema’s most tender and enduring partnerships.

Julie, with her luminous warmth and boundless joy, didn’t just enter the von Trapp household—she reawakened it. Through song, laughter, and quiet acts of kindness, her Maria became the heartbeat of a family long silenced by grief.

Christopher, meanwhile, brought profound humanity to the Captain—a man of discipline and sorrow, slowly softened by love. His performance balanced strength with vulnerability so beautifully that we believed every step of his journey from stern widower to devoted father and husband.

Their chemistry? Effortless. Whether dancing in the grand ballroom or sharing the hushed intimacy of “Something Good” under moonlight, they made love feel real—not grand, but gentle, earned, and deeply human.

And off-screen, their mutual respect blossomed into a lifelong friendship—one that quietly deepened the truth of their performances. Julie once called Christopher “a true professional and an absolute joy.” He, in turn, often spoke of her brilliance with admiration and affection.

Together, they helped create more than a film.

They gave us a timeless sanctuary of hope, where music heals, love finds its way, and families are rebuilt—not through grand gestures, but through small, brave acts of the heart.

Decades later, The Sound of Music still sings to us—because of them.

The Real Maria von Trapp

Did You Know About the Real Maria von Trapp?

(Julie Andrews in the lower right photo; the other two photos are of the real Maria von Trapp.)  Maria was one of the children in real life. 

The real Maria von Trapp was spirited, fiercely determined, and deeply resilient—a woman who didn’t just sing through life’s storms, but led her family straight through them.

After fleeing Austria, she became the heart and backbone of the Trapp Family Singers, organizing tours, managing logistics, and holding everyone together as they built a new life in America. When they settled in the hills of Vermont, Maria rolled up her sleeves—running a farm, raising children, and working alongside her husband with unwavering strength and grace.

In her memoir, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers, she shared their true journey: one of faith, music, sacrifice, and unshakable love. That honest, moving account would later inspire the Broadway stage—and ultimately, the beloved 1965 film we all cherish.

Beyond the twirls and “Do-Re-Mi,” Maria’s legacy is one of courage, leadership, and hope. She proved that even in the face of exile, uncertainty, and loss, joy could still be found—in song, in family, and in the quiet strength of an ordinary woman doing extraordinary things.

So yes—the hills were alive with music…

But even more so, with courage, perseverance, and love. 

President Trump's State of the Union Speech - February 24, 2926

State of the Union...

Big ideas from Trump's State of the Union speech, from federal 401k payments to Dalilah's law
A federal matching payment for Americans' 401k retirement accounts was among Trump's promises.

Trump boasts victory at the southern border — 0 illegal aliens entered in 9 months
Trump called the past year "a turnaround for the ages" in the United States after the prior administration allowed "11,888 murderers" to enter the U.S.

Trump predicts tariffs will replace income tax
"I believe the tariffs paid for by foreign countries will, like in the past, substantially replace the modern day system of income tax," Trump declared during the State of the Union Address.

Trump stresses red line for Iran but holds out hope for peaceful resolution
"My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy," said the president, "but one thing is certain: I will never allow the world's number-one sponsor of terror, which they are by far, to have a nuclear weapon. Can't let that happen — and no nation should ever doubt America's resolve."

Trump pays tribute to slain Charlie Kirk, honors wife Erika in emotional moment at State of the Union 2026 address
“I’m very proud to say that during my time in office, both the first four years, and in particular this last year, there has been a tremendous renewal in religion, faith, Christianity and belief in God. This is especially true among young people, and a big part of that had to do with my great friend Charlie Kirk, great guy.”

Miracle in the Capitol: Trump compels Dems to stand and applaud during SOTU
"That's the first time I've ever seen them get up," Trump says of congressional Democrats after introducing gold medal US hockey team. 

Murdered Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska’s mom breaks down during State of the Union
Trump honored Iryna Zarutska during the State of the Union, recounting how the 22-year-old Ukrainian refugee was killed by a repeat offender freed under no-cash bail, as her mother broke down while Democrats stayed seated.

Dems refuse en masse to say the government should protect Americans, not illegals
It appears that not a single congressional Democrat at the State of the Union agreed that the United States government is meant to serve Americans, not illegal aliens.

Rashida Tlaib appears to chant ‘KKK’ during Trump’s SOTU
The Michigan congresswoman stood up alongside Rep. Ilhan Omar on other occasions during the speech to shout and wave fingers at Trump.

New York Times ‘fact-checks’ Trump’s State of the Union — before he delivers the address
Progress on inflation, immigration, crime and jobs? All imaginary, the Times insists.

Trump's speech is longest State of the Union address in recent history
Tuesday's address lasted approximately one hour and 48 minutes making it the longest speech before a joint session of Congress in at least 60 years, according to the American Presidency Project, which tracks the lengths of each speech since 1964.

Turner Classic Movies counterprograms Gaslight opposite Trump’s State of the Union address
Gaslight, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, and Angela Lansbury, is considered the inspiration for the term “gaslighting,” which refers to manipulating a person into questioning their perception of reality. 

Computer - Group by File Type

Your Mac desktop is a screenshot graveyard: Every capture piles up there like digital clutter. Fix it in 10 seconds. 

Press ⌘ + Shift + 5, click Options > Save to > Other Location and pick a new folder. 

Screenshots go there automatically from now on. 

Bonus: Right-click your desktop and hit Use Stacks. It groups everything by file type. You’ll wonder why you lived like that for so long.

The Real von Trapps: Truth, Tenderness, and the Heart Behind the Legend

The Real von Trapps: 

Truth, Tenderness, and the Heart Behind the Legend

The Sound of Music wraps us in song, sweeping hills, and cinematic magic—but behind the melody lies a real family whose story was just as courageous, though far less polished by Hollywood.

In truth, Captain Georg von Trapp was never the stern disciplinarian we first meet on screen. Those who knew him described him as warm, deeply affectionate, and devoted to his children from the very beginning—a loving father long before Maria arrived.

And Maria, far from stepping into a household of seven silent children, came initially as a tutor for just one—little Rupert, recovering from illness. Her journey with Georg began not with a gazebo kiss, but with quiet duty… which, over time, blossomed into a steadfast partnership rooted in shared faith, resilience, and mutual care.

As for the von Trapp children—there were ten of them, not seven! Their names were different, their personalities uniquely their own. Rupert was the eldest (not Liesl), and the family’s escape from Austria wasn’t a dramatic midnight dash over alpine peaks—it was a quiet train journey to Italy, made possible by courage, careful planning, and unwavering principle.

Yet despite these differences, the heart of the story remains true:

A family chose conscience over comfort.

They refused to pledge loyalty to tyranny.

They left everything behind—not for adventure, but for freedom.

The film may have softened edges and rearranged timelines, but it captured something essential:

the power of music to bind a family,

the strength found in unity,

and the quiet heroism of ordinary people standing firm in extraordinary times.

So while “Do-Re-Mi” may be fiction, the von Trapps’ courage is fact.

And perhaps that’s the most beautiful harmony of all.

* SCRIPTURES - Walking the Covenant Path with Abraham

Walking the Covenant Path with Abraham

Genesis 12–17; Abraham 1–3

Abraham’s story does not begin in strength.

It begins in pressure.

He was not raised in a home anchored in covenant faith. The Book of Abraham teaches that his father had embraced idolatry. In fact, Abraham was nearly sacrificed to false gods (Abraham 1:1–19). The man we now honor as “the father of the faithful” once lay bound on an altar built by his own family.

That detail matters.

Because it proves something eternal:

Your background does not have to become your boundary.

In the middle of that darkness, Abraham declares:

“It was my desire to be a greater follower of righteousness” (Abraham 1:2).

That sentence changes everything.

Not deliverance.
Not covenant.
Not posterity.

Desire.

_________________________

The Battle Inside the Soul

Elder Neil L. Andersen taught that before choices come desires. We are influenced by family and culture, but there is a sovereign place inside each of us that we uniquely shape. Eventually, our inner desires are seen in our actions.

President David O. McKay said, “The greatest battles of life are fought within the silent chambers of the soul.”

Abraham won there first.

Before he left Ur.
Before he counted stars.
Before promises unfolded.

He chose what he wanted most.

What do you absolutely want?

Because desire precedes destiny.

_________________________

Leaving Ur: Faith Requires Movement

In Genesis 12, the Lord commands Abraham to leave his country and kindred.

That was not just a change of address.

It was a change of allegiance.

Abraham walked away from:

Familiar culture
Inherited belief systems
False worship

And he walked toward:

Covenant
Promise
The unknown with God

That is why James 2:23 can say, “Abraham believed God… and he was called the Friend of God.”

Friendship with God is built on trust.

Trust is proven through movement.

Faith often requires departure before fulfillment.

_________________________

When the Promise Feels Far Away

Abraham and Sarah longed for a child.

Years passed.
No child.

Decades passed.
Still no child.

Yet Hebrews 11:13 says they “embraced” the promises even when they were “afar off.”

They trusted before they saw.

That is mature faith.

President Russell M. Nelson has taught that those who make and keep covenants have increased access to the power of Jesus Christ to lift them above the pull of this fallen world.

Abraham endured because he was connected.

Covenant power sustained him.

________________________

The Covenant That Reaches You

In Genesis 12–17, God promises Abraham:

A land
A posterity as numerous as the stars
A great name
Blessings to all nations

Through Abraham 2:10–11, we learn this covenant extends to all who receive the gospel. Paul confirms in Galatians 3:29:

“If ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

You are part of this covenant story.

Through baptism.
Through the sacrament.
Through the temple.

Elder Dale G. Renlund described covenant power as a tidal wave that pushes upstream against the natural current of the Amazon River. When we walk the covenant path, we receive power to go against the world’s flow.

Abraham did that.

So must we.

_________________________

Compare This with Our Day

Abraham lived in a culture of idolatry.

We live in a culture of distraction.

His world worshipped carved images.

Ours worships status, success, comfort, influence, and self.

His family tried to sacrifice him physically.

Our culture often tries to sacrifice faith quietly—through compromise, busyness, and gradual drift.

The pressure is different.

The principle is the same.

Will you go with the flow?

Or will you build righteous desire strong enough to redirect your life?

Today we see:

Confusion about identity
Redefinition of marriage
Increasing love of money
Casual commitment to sacred things
A constant digital noise competing for our souls

Elder Andersen warned that if we do not educate our desires, the world will educate them for us.

Abraham teaches us how to respond.

_________________________

How Do We Apply These Principles in Our Lives?

1. Examine Your Desires Honestly

Ask yourself:

What do I think about when no one is watching?
What do I want most?
What am I becoming through my daily habits?

Desires are not formed accidentally.

They are shaped daily.

Scripture study.
Temple worship.
Prayer.
Sacrament participation.

These are not checkboxes.

They are desire-shaping environments.

_________________________

2. Be Willing to “Leave Ur”

Ur may look different for each of us.

For some, it is a toxic influence.

For others, it is pride.

For others, it is a habit that quietly distances us from God.

Leaving Ur might mean:

Turning off something that feeds the wrong spirit
Reordering priorities
Restructuring time
Choosing obedience when it costs something

Faith moves before it sees.

_________________________

3. Embrace Promises Even When They Feel Distant

Some of you are waiting.

Waiting for healing.
Waiting for clarity.
Waiting for marriage.
Waiting for children.
Waiting for relief.

Abraham and Sarah show us how to wait with faith.

You may not yet see the stars fulfilled.

But you can still embrace the promise.

Keep your covenants.

Trust the timing.

______________________

4. Use Covenant Power Intentionally

Covenants are not passive blessings.

They are active connections.

President Emily Belle Freeman taught that covenants are about relationship. The covenant path is not merely a checklist; it is walking with Christ.

When life feels overwhelming:

Remember your baptismal covenant.
Remember the sacrament prayers.
Remember temple promises.

You are not alone on the path.

You are tethered to Christ.

________________________

5. Be a Blessing

God did not just bless Abraham.

He told him to “be a blessing.”

In our day, that might mean:

Strengthening your marriage
Teaching your children faith
Ministering intentionally
Speaking truth with love
Standing steady in a wavering world

Covenant people do not hide.

They lift.

_____________________

Where Did the Book of Abraham Come From?

In 1835, Egyptian mummies and papyrus scrolls were brought to Kirtland, Ohio. The Saints purchased them, and the Prophet Joseph Smith produced what we now know as the Book of Abraham. It was published in 1842 and later canonized in the Pearl of Great Price.

Only fragments of the original papyri survive today. The exact mechanics of translation are not fully known. What is clear is that Joseph translated by revelation, not by conventional linguistic means.

The Book of Abraham gives us doctrine that shapes identity:

We lived before this life.
We kept our first estate.
We are here to prove faithful in our second.
We were foreordained to responsibilities.

You are not random.

You are intentional.

________________________

Why This Matters Now

We are living in a time of spiritual pressure.

The question is not whether culture will influence us.

It will.

The question is whether covenant desire will override it.

Abraham did not inherit Zion.

He built it inside himself first.

Then God built promises around him.

________________________

My Personal Testimony

Abraham’s life removes excuses.

He began with opposition.

He chose desire.

He chose covenant.

He chose movement.

And heaven met him there.

I have seen that when desire aligns with God’s will, help follows. Not always quickly. Not always easily. But consistently.

Covenants have steadied me in uncertain seasons. They have reminded me that promises may feel afar off—but they are still real.

I know the Abrahamic covenant is alive.

I know covenant connection brings power.

I know Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of every promise given to Abraham—and through Him, we become heirs of something eternal.

And I believe that if we educate our desires, leave our “Ur,” and walk the covenant path with Christ, we too can become friends of God.

_______________________

To explore these teachings in depth—including scripture references, prophetic quotes, and learning activities—refer to the Come Follow Me study guide: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/come-follow-me-for-home-and-church-old-testament-2026/08?lang=eng