Professional Writer
Feb 20th, 2010 by larrybarkdull
During our thirty-eight years of marriage, we have experienced long seasons of distress when no sign of relief was in sight. Looking back, we have wondered how we ever survived such times. My wife and I adopted a standing joke that we told each other on Thursdays, as we wheeled the garbage cans to the edge of the road. “Well, we made it to another garbage day!” Continue Reading »
Feb 4th, 2010 by larrybarkdull
Imagine a world in which there is no poverty of any kind—neither the impoverishment of financial distress, ignorance, relationship problems, nor emotional, physical or spiritual health. Amazingly, a few civilizations achieved this ideal by applying to a higher law. Continue Reading »
Jan 25th, 2010 by larrybarkdull
Elder Neal A. Maxwell wrote, “Apparently it is necessary for us on occasion to be brought to a white-knuckles point of anxiety so as to be reminded, when rescued, of who our Rescuer is!”[i] Continue Reading »
Jan 21st, 2010 by larrybarkdull
The sum of sacred covenants and ordinances coupled with life’s experiences help served to create in us a new and pure heart, one that has “no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.”[i] There remains but one essential step to regain the presence of the Lord: taking upon us fully the name of Jesus Christ. By fully taking upon us the Lord’s name we approach the ideal of Zion. Continue Reading »
Jan 13th, 2010 by larrybarkdull
Sometimes we do things so often that they become commonplace and lose significance in our lives. The sacrament is a case in point. But worthily partaken of and understood, the sacrament can serve to sanctify and empower us so that we might better rescue wayward souls. Continue Reading »
Jan 5th, 2010 by larrybarkdull
Frustrated with the Saints’ apathy towards becoming Zion people, Brigham Young said, [We] have been praying to the Lord for…years for that which we might have received in one year.” Was the prophet exaggerating, throwing out a figure on a whim? Do prophets stoop to such tactics when exhorting their people? Were it not for the account in 3rd Nephi, we might discount President Young’s preparatory “year” as optimistic at best. Continue Reading »
Dec 28th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
In the autumn of 1941, Avilda Curtis received an unexpected gift. Continue Reading »
Dec 17th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
What would it have been like to have been an eyewitness of the Savior’s birth? What would the shepherds have seen and experienced? Through the eyes of Joshua, a shepherd, this first-person narrative attempts to describe the extraordinary events that took place that first Christmas eve. Continue Reading »
A parent’s love is a powerful saving agent, but the sealing of that love is what is required to fully and finally save our children and cement our marriages. Continue Reading »
Dec 14th, 2009 by larrybarkdull
In a day when treasures are slippery, foundationless nations collapse under the weight of their pride, enemies combine against righteousness, and men’s hearts begin to fail them, we should “come to ourselves,” as did the awakening Prodigal, come out from Babylon and “flee unto Zion for safety.” As prophesied, only Zion is a condition of abundance, safety and security. “Surely Zion shall dwell in safety forever.” Continue Reading »