by Dave Jackson

As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there were a few things missing from my Mormon résumé when I joined the Church. Among the missing were my family history and a heritage of pioneers crossing the plains. Obviously I couldn’t do much about the pioneer thing, except stew over it. Which I did. I’ll explain.

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by Dave Ellis

The 4th of July is special in my family. Not only is it my brother Jason’s birthday but it is also my daughter Hattie’s birthday. We spend that day being thankful to live in a country where we can show our patriotism by setting off fireworks and waving flags that were both made in another country. But the most funnest (it will be a word if we all start using it) part of the day is lighting off fireworks!
Who here loves fireworks? Raise your charred limbs high!

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By An Anonymous Serviceman

The following recent letter is reprinted with the permission of the soldier and his wife.

Dear Family and Friends,

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During this patriotic time of year, we collectively pause and give thanks for our nation: from its tenuous beginnings, upheld by the hand of the Almighty; to its rise in wealth and power; to the restoration of the gospel with the ordinances and covenants that lead us to eternal life. In counting the blessings of our lives and of this land, our list is long indeed.

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by Danielle Ellis

During his missionary labors, the apostle Paul experienced much trial and tribulation. He was often in the company of those who sought his life. He was arrested, beaten, plotted against, imprisoned for years, and shipwrecked. And yet he gloried in his trials.

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