Category Essays

Foods preserved in 2024, 2025, and 2026 for comparison

“Thou shalt be diligent in preserving…”

The Lord’s message to Brigham Young at Winter Quarters in January 1847 included this: “Thou shalt be diligent in preserving what thou hast, that thou mayest be a wise steward; for it is the free gift of the Lord thy…

Yellow dice with blue spots on a dark wood table

“O Be Wise”

A thought came to mind as I listened to Pres. D. Todd Christofferson speak on the topic of gambling in the Saturday morning session of the General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on October 3,…

Six ways to be more prepared - finances, food storage, education, diet, exercise, cleanliness

National Preparedness Month 2026

Since 2004, September has been designated National Preparedness Month. Established because of the events of 9/11, it is a national campaign to encourage Americans to be ready for disasters. It is typically a month to focus on emergency plans and…

Dollar signs

The Rising Cost of Living

An article appeared in the 14 July 2026 edition of USA Today titled “Americans call for action as grocery prices surge” by Marcia Greenwood. It was about the results of a survey of 1,100 registered voters conducted in May by…

Collage of photos of homemade yogurt, artisan bread, canned plums, face masks

“Effective and Timely Preparation”

This post was previously published in November 2020. “Effective and timely preparation precedes successful proving.” I read Elder David A. Bednar’s October 2020 Conference address to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently after having listened to it.…

Grass covered sand dunes between Harlech Castle and Tremadog Bay

Conquered by the Dunes

Severe storms in 14th century Wales caused huge sand dunes to build up on the coast of Tremadog Bay. The dunes barred the bay water from reaching the water gates at Harlech Castle. The castle was no longer accessible from…

Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey, Wales

Review Your Defenses

After the Welsh revolt of 1294-1295, the English reviewed the defenses of their castles in Wales, made changes and even built another castle (Beaumaris Castle).  At Harlech Castle, new defense walls were built on the north and west sides of…

How a Water Gate Saved Harlech Castle

In 1283, King Edward I of England started building Harlech Castle in North Wales. It was 1 of 17 castles built or repaired by Edward I to maintain English control of Wales and to display his authority in that newly…

Nine coins plus 1 - tithing

Tithing and Preparedness

Elder Jorge T. Becerra spoke in the Saturday morning session of the April 2026 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His focus was on putting God first and paying tithing. His address reminded me of…