1 Nephi 10:3: Jerusalem, Babylon, and the Return

"That after they should be destroyed, even that great city Jerusalem, and many be carried away captive into Babylon, according to the own due time of the Lord, they should return again, yea, even be brought back out of captivity; and after they should be brought back out of captivity they should possess again the land of their inheritance."


It had never fully occurred to me until today that Israel's captivity into Babylon is symbolic. 

• Jerusalem is like the place where God dwells, and where we used to live. Heaven. 
• Babylon is like the world to which we have been sent. Worldliness. Vanity and pride. A place distance from God. Being there (here) is an exiling, and a form of captivity. 
• Returning to Israel is like returning to God, the place (land) of our inheritance. 

A fascinating metaphor.

Howard Jones concert last year

About a year ago my wife and I had a wonderful, free opportunity to attend a Howard Jones concert in Sandy, Utah. A host of tender mercies or coincidences or divine intervention occurred so that we found out about the concert and were able to attend it. It was a memorable evening, and all I have are my memories and this photograph I took with my cheap cell phone:

While the picture may not be much to anyone else, it is a sweet memory for me, and Howard Jones is a great performer with positive, upbeat lyrics and music.

Cut Back a Little

I love this quote from LDS Apostle M. Russell Ballard:

"You don’t always have to fill up your schedule totally. Please carefully look at your calendars and consider where you might cut back a little and enjoy a less hectic life more fully. The Lord counseled us to find time to "be still and know that I am God."

(Taken from "To the Saints in the Utah South Area")

Salt Lake City Cemetery maps

Here are some maps of the Salt Lake City Cemetery (click on each photo to enlarge):

General Map

Prominent LDS Leaders

Photographs of Prominent LDS Leaders

Other Notable Individuals

Picture Hanging in the DUP Museum

Here is an interesting picture hanging in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers Museum in Salt Lake City:

(click to enlarge)

Numerous Reasons Why I Love the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In no particular order:

1. Their amazing website.
2. Their videos are inspiring. 
3. The Mormon Channel!
4. The Mormon Tabernacle Choir produces amazing music.
5. The yearly Christmas Concert at the Conference Center. It always has amazing performances, and they are free. 
6. Their selfless humanitarian service. They do so much to help others!
7. The tithing and fast offerings that the Church uses to help so many.
8. The Church History Library. They have an amazing collection of artifacts, books, documents, etc. on the history of the Church
9. The Church History Museum has numerous amazing displays.
10. Temple Square. It is so neat, clean, inspiring, heavenly, and peaceful.
11. Church meetings each Sunday. I almost always walk away with a firmer resolve to be a better husband, father, and man. I am a better person because of going to church.
12. Church callings. It causes me to look outside of myself and serve others.
13. The wonderful legacy of the Pioneers.
14. The missionary program. So much of who I am today came from my mission: my wife, my bilingual ability, my ability to live on a budget, get along with others, meet and interact with others, my love for Portugal, etc.
15. All of their prophets have been inspiring, brilliant, good men:
1. Joseph Smith
2. Brigham Young
3. John Taylor
4. Wilford Woodruff
5. Lorenzo Snow
6. Joseph F. Smith
7. Heber J. Grant
8. George Albert Smith
9. David O. McKay
10. Joseph Fielding Smith
11. Harold B. Lee
12. Spencer W. Kimball
13. Ezra Taft Benson
14. Howard W. Hunter
15. Gordon B. Hinckley
16. Thomas S. Monson
16. Amazing members and other leaders who have taught me so much:
1. Hugh Nibley. To read his amazing articles and books for free, click here.
2. Elaine S. Dalton. Read an amazing talk of hers here.
3. Emma Smith, the wife of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
4. Neal A. Maxwell
5. LeGrand Richards. He was an inspiring and humorous Apostle.
6. Bruce R. McConkie. He was an Apostle with amazing knowledge of the scriptures and the doctrines of the Gospel.
17. Joseph Smith's phenomenal contributions:
1. He translated the Book of Mormon. 
2. He revealed extensive teachings about God our Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ.
3. Under inspiration from God, he revealed and restored many lost passages from the Bible. Click here.
4. He received numerous revelations from God, many of which are published in the Doctrine and Covenants.
5. He received other revelations found in the Pearl of Great Price.
18. General Conference is always so inspiring!
19. Going to General Priesthood Meeting every six months with my dad and brothers, and their sons.
20. So many of my member friends are among the most inspiring people I have met anywhere on the planet.

Saudade - Sons dos Oceanos - capa do CD 1998

Lyrics to the Justice Trio song from Studio C

Justice Trio is coming around,

Coolest superheroes in town

Brain attack, he’s the leader of the team,

And yeah, he’s just as smart as he seems

Steel Blade, he’s a lethal force,

Quick as a rabbit, strong as a horse!

Rotting Flesh, she has leprosy (cough, cough)

The Justice Trio will blow your mind

Sit back and watch them fight crime

(Steel Blade) You’re a big hit!

(Brain Attack) Mind if I help?

(Rotting Flesh) Need a … hand?!

When it seems like evil is going to win

Discover the power that lies within

(Rotting Flesh) Going somewhere? Oh, that’s my liver!

(Brain Attack) Mind block

(Steel Blade) Earth slam

(Rotting Flesh) Make it rain - Gonna get it

(Brain Attack) Teleport

(Steel Blade) I’m infected!

(Rotting Flesh) Yay! We can be leper friends!

Justice Trio’s coming around

Coolest superheroes in town

(Brain Attack) With your help we can -- ow! Don’t touch me! I told you to wear gloves!

(Rotting Flesh) Sorry, they don’t make gloves for my nubs

Loving Others and Living with Differences

I love the way Elder Oaks crafted his General Conference speech about loving others despite differing views. I learned much. I can share my views and beliefs, and I don't have to engage in any contention (which would be counter-productive anyway). Counsel to self: don't contend with others!

Black Friday

Black Friday is the antithesis of the Christmas spirit. People are concerned about buying things.

Abortion

I do not understand how one can justify performing an abortion. It is terminating the life of a human being.

The Pursuit of Happiness

Marlin Jensen wrote a great speech on keys to happiness in this life. Here it is: https://www.lds.org/ensign/2002/12/living-after-the-manner-of-happiness?lang=eng

Chick-Fil-A Values for Employees (Core 4)

This sign is posted at the cash registers of a local Chick-Fil-A. I love the values, ethics, and service-mindedness they espouse:

1. Create eye contact
2. Share a smile
3. Speak with an enthusiastic tone
4. Stay connected to make it personal

Copperton, UT

Today we went for a drive through Copperton, Utah. Founded in 1926, it is a unique, tucked-away, almost time-forgotten township. Here are some pictures of some of the unique architecture of its homes (click on each photo to enlarge).

Book - The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to our Brain

I agree with so much of what Nicholas Carr says in his book about how the Internet is changing the way we think. The Internet has splintered my thinking and my attention span. I think in snippets, and I jump around in my reading. I am less patient than before, because now I can find essentially any information on any topic in a matter of moments on the Internet. That immediacy does not allow time for reflective, deep, or complex thought.

            Before the Internet, I used to read more books and I was physically much more active. Now I often sit on my can and whittle away my time on mindless cyber searches.

            Before remote controls, I used to have to get up and change the channel manually, personally. And back then we only had about five channels. Now I flit from channel to channel, often spending more time hunting for something interesting to watch instead of actually watching something.

            Before the shuffle function on iTunes, I used to listen to albums in order, in their entirety. Now I only listen to songs. Gone are the days of listening to an entire album as a complete piece.

            Before cell phones, I used to enjoy solitary time where I could do an activity without physical or mental interruption. Now I feel leashed to elsewhere at all times. My ability to plan in advance is also diminishing, because I can simply phone whomever to inform them of my oft-changing plans.

Before texting, I used to interact with people face-to-face. Now we bow our heads and face a screen. 

         All of this has made me a more superficial, uncreative, flabby, unreflective person.

"The Second Coming," by William Butler Yeats

    Turning and turning in the widening gyre
    The falcon cannot hear the falconer;
    Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;
    Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,
    The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
    The ceremony of innocence is drowned;
    The best lack all conviction, while the worst
    Are fullof passionate intensity.

    Surely some revelation is at hand;
    Surely the Second Coming is at hand.
    The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out
    When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi
    Troubles my sight: a waste of desert sand;
    A shape with lion body and the head of a man,
    A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,
    Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it
    Wind shadows of the indignant desert birds.

    The darkness drops again but now I know
    That twenty centuries of stony sleep
    Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,
    And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,
    Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

Hello. Is there anybody out there?

Nobody visits my blog any more, which is nice. I can safely publish my thoughts and feelings for an audience that isn't there. I can blare my horn in the forest, and nobody responds.

Like a journal.

Mormonism good for the body as well as the soul?

Great article:

 http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/she-the-people/post/mormonism-good-for-the-body-as-well-as-the-soul/2012/06/20/gJQARk3IqV_blog.html

Sermon on the Mount

Five Siblings All Wed The Same Day at the Temple

I like the way these couples come across as wholesome and jubilant. What a wonderful day for the family. Here's their story.

I agree:

Great Article on Marriage and Divorce

This was written by Apostle Dallin H. Oaks:

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2007/04/divorce?lang=eng&query=saving+your+marriage+%28name%3a%22Dallin+H.+Oaks%22%29

Interview with Daniel Peterson on PBS

http://www.pbs.org/mormons/interviews/peterson.html

How to say what you mean without being mean

I need to do this:

http://www.ksl.com/?sid=21322350&nid=1010&title=how-to-say-what-you-mean-without-being-mean&s_cid=queue-1

Blog of lady who was at CO theater

I like this:

http://aminiatureclaypot.wordpress.com/2012/07/20/so-you-still-think-god-is-a-merciful-god/

Mormon Conspiracy

Brothers Joseph Smith and Hyrum Smith

Today my family and I visited the LDS Church History Museum in downtown Salt Lake City. Of an interesting note were the death masks of Joseph and Hyrum Smith:

 (click on each photo to enlarge)

We also saw a touching painting about his death:

Here is the plaque to the side of the painting:

For more information about Joseph Smith, click here.

And for information about how he was killed, click here.

John Rowe Moyle

Today my family and I visited the Daughters of the Utah Pioneer Museum. Among the fascinating artifacts we saw was the prosthetic foot of John Rowe Moyle:

(click on each photo to enlarge)


What a story of determination, faith, and focus.

Click here to read a speech about his life.

Here is his Find a Grave site.

And here is a wonderful video about his life:

Doldrums

Doldrums must be fought against. Doldrums will eventually suck you down. Combat them with faith, structure, and effort.

.

I grow tired of the same. There must be sincerity and variety.

Oppressed? Really?

Sometimes I feel very oppressed to say what I truly feel. On the other hand, that is probably a good thing. Much of what I feel or think is fleeting, anyway, and if said would only hurt and cause regret.

Oppression

There are times when I feel oppressed by negative, deprecatory voices that would have me shut up, lower my head, and let them bash my beliefs.

I will fight that feeling.

.

There is nothing more to say at this time.

Faith

Have faith.

Twitter

Twitter can be dangerous because one's words are limited and impulsiveness is increased. People often say things they don't mean, and readers often misunderstand the intended meaning.

Poetry

People should write more poetry, and contemplate it more. It is art with words. It is liberating, profound, and insightful.

Open criticism

I tire when people constantly harangue my culture, my religion, my ethnicity, my beliefs, my practices. There needs to be more acceptance, more tolerance, more zipped mouths. To think it is one thing; to say it is another, and those words, once spoken, are very difficult to take back. Makes me think I need to keep my mouth shut more often too.

Five Smooth Stones

A wonderful blessing today:

I had the occasion to teach the young men today, and our topic was "Faith in Jesus Christ." Part of our lesson was to read and discuss the fight between David and Goliath. In 1 Samuel 17:40, we read that David picked up five smooth stones to use with his sling.

We discussed the rest of the story. I wanted to apply it to our lives, equating Goliath to any challenge or obstacle we face. Spontaneously I asked our bishop about his work with members who face "Goliaths," or in other words, challenges or obstacles. I asked him: What is the difference between those members who successfully overcome their challenges versus those who don't? His answer: the successful ones do five things:

1) study the scriptures daily
2) pray daily
3) attend church regularly
4) attend the temple regularly
5) hold Family Home Evening regularly

On the spot, it came together in my mind. The five smooth stones David picked up have symbolic significance. They can represent the five things the bishop mentioned that help members overcome challenges or obstacles. If we are to conquer our Goliaths, we need those five stones in our pouch.

This was a spiritual experience for me. Unplanned for. Unanticipated. Wonderful.

Great Service from Shoe Carnival

Letter I wrote to Shoe Carnival:

Dear Shoe Carnival,

I just wanted to send a shout-out for your West Jordan, UT store.

Last month I bought a pair of Doc Martens from there, and didn't realize how tight the right foot was in the ankle until a week or two later, when I noticed that the skin on my heel was rubbing off because of it. I tried to fix the problem on my own by stretching out the heel, but that didn't work.

Although I had thrown the box away a long time ago, fortunately I still had my receipt. Yesterday I returned the shoes, and your employees were nothing but professional, cheerful, and helpful. They immediately took back the pair and had me get a new pair.

When I got the new pair home, I realized that in my rush I had inadvertently gotten a size too large. Ugh! So I returned back to the store a couple of hours later. The employee who greeted me was not the one who had helped me earlier in the day, yet he still recognized me and immediately helped me switch to the right size, saying in essence, "We just want you to find the right shoes for you and for your feet to feel comfortable."

I have bought my last four pairs of shoes from Shoe Carnival, and have experienced nothing but excellent service there. I intend on buying there over and over again. Your West Jordan store definitely deserves recognition for outstanding service.

Just thought you'd like to know.

The Terks have a new album out

Give this awesome band a listen: http://www.reverbnation.com/tunepak/3522219

Mormon Scholars Testify

This evening I came across a fascinating website where scholars share their belief in the truthfulness of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormon). Check it out: http://mormonscholarstestify.org/

.

Hey! I'm a Mormon!

http://mormon.org/me/6X4F/#

Are you looking for the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

If you are, try here: http://lds.org/general-conference/sessions/2011/10?lang=eng

Here you can read the words of modern-day prophets, speaking under the inspiration of the Almighty God.

Leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon)

Every time I sit down and listen with an open heart to the speeches of the leaders of the Church of Jesus Christ (Mormon), I am touched. Their words speak inspiration to my soul. They emanate truth. I believe their words. They make me want to do all I can to please God, to keep His commandments, to repent, to forgive others, and simply to be a better person.

http://lds.org/?lang=eng


Do you know about the Book of Mormon? I have read it many times. It speaks to my soul, and rings of truth. It teaches so many of God's truths with clarity, simplicity, and power. Here's the book: http://lds.org/scriptures/bofm?lang=eng

Hear a Living Apostle

Elder Holland's words move me. He is an Apostle of Jesus Christ: 

http://lds.org/general-conference/2011/04/an-ensign-to-the-nations?lang=eng&media=video

Havoc. Insanity.

.



Havoc.




Insanity.



.

Don't look at me.

Napoleon Dynamite's House and the city of Preston, Idaho

Last week our family toured the sights and sites of the great film Napoleon Dynamite:

Napoleon's house

Pedro's house (vote for him, by the way), where Pedro got about three feet of air on his bike jump.

Napoleon's high school. These steps probably gave him inspiration to draw a liger.

The bike rack, where Napoleon's bike was nearly stolen until Pedro's cousins offered their protection.

Where Napoleon bought his sweet suit for the dance.

King's Store, where Uncle Rico dissuaded Napoleon from buying the 24-pack of markers because they could only afford the 12-pack.

Why didn't Napoleon want Deb's hair styling services? Because he already had his hair done at the Cuttin' Curral!

There is so much garbage to sift through...

possessions, emails, voice messages, junk letters, invitations, sales pitches...




priorities.

Why I Love Portugal

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.

I will not follow you

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I will not follow you on Facebook.

I will not follow you on Twitter.

.

17 Miracles

I saw the movie 17 Miracles over a week ago. An amazing movie.

Here is their website: 17 Miracles.

And here is the journal of Levi Savage, narrator of the movie: Levi Savage's Journal.

Believe.

Believe in God, and believe God. Shake yourself; humble yourself so that God doesn't have to. Be an instrument in His hands. Go out and do. Serve others; help others.

Friendship

If you cannot tolerate my opinions or values, you are not my friend. If you criticize me with disparaging remarks, you are not my friend. Leave my presence then.

Funny Dog

New You Tube account: elephantnavel

Due to changes in the way You Tube is insisting upon me, I will no longer be posting on my "Umbigoelefante" You Tube account, which was http://www.youtube.com/user/umbigoelefante.

As of today, all of my future You Tube posts will be on my new "Elephantnavel" account.

My new You Tube account is:  
http://www.youtube.com/user/elephantnavel

Please stay with me on this incredible journey.

- T.

....

Who cares.

"Empty Soul," by The Terks

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you THE TERKS - a great band - a great sound. Give them a LISTEN.




Peace.

"This is My Letter to the World," by Emily Dickinson

This is my letter to the world,
That never wrote to me,--
The simple news that Nature told,
With tender majesty.
Her message is committed
To hands I cannot see;
For love of her, sweet countrymen,
Judge tenderly of me!

E-mail

I am caring less and less for my personal email account. So much of it is cluttered with unnecessary communication. Weeds. And I sometimes feel this obligation to answer every email personally. I am fading away from emails.

I am strangely enjoying the connections established with Facebook. I like the idea of throwing up a few words, catching up with good friends, and the sort.

But, no, email is not enticing me much any more. Less of a priority.

I love the feel of the pen in my hand, and the real paper of a journal or a book.

"Shaving," by Unshaven Abrasion

Homosexuality, again

My family and I just completed a trip to Disneyland. Compared to our last trip in 2008, I noticed more homosexual couples than ever before. It caused me to contemplate this topic once again. As those in favor of homosexuality are quite vocal, and those who are opposed to it seem almost mute, once again I feel a need to assert my position.

The practice of homosexuality is not natural. It does not follow what nature intends. Male species are not designed to copulate or propagate with other males; nor are females with females. (See Harry Jaffa's excellent article on this premise.)

The practice of homosexuality promotes the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS.

If the practice of homosexuality were to become widespread, it would eventually kill off the human race, because it does not allow for the propagation of our species.

The practice of homosexuality confounds gender roles. Men and women, fathers and mothers, fulfill specific roles in the raising of children, and children need both.

While I do believe there are those who are born with homosexual tendencies, most homosexual people I know have somehow been groomed toward that lifestyle; they have either been molested at an early age, or had a gay peer or role model. In other words, most have been taught to be gay.

There are those who argue that it's OK if two adults willingly enter a homosexual relationship. But if our society continues to approve of homosexuality as a viable, alternative lifestyle, we are condoning a practice that will harm our entire race.

I have several friends and acquaintances who are gay. I consider them my brothers and sisters. I care for them. I do not want to hurt them, and I condemn the practice of any hate crimes against the homosexual community.

But I cannot sit back any longer and act like it's OK to be a practicing homosexual -- because it's not OK.

There are those who would label me as narrow minded, a bigot, prejudiced, stupid, etc. If you feel that way, look at my arguments and show me where I have erred. There needs to be an open dialog on the issue; but to just say my argument is "stupid" accomplishes nothing.

Elder Oaks Regarding Speech on Religious Freedom

Here is an Apostle of God steeped in constitutional knowledge:

Backwards Video... these guys copied us!

Here's theirs:



Feel free to compare to my backwards videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/umbigoelefante

One More Reason Why I Like Neil Diamond

FAIR LDS

With all the bashing against the LDS faith,... well....

If you want a great site that refutes the numerous accusations levied against the Mormon Church, check out FAIR LDS. It's a site like Wikipedia. Click here. Very interesting, useful, and informative.

The Role of an Apostle

I loved viewing this:

Disco Parents

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

High School Musical

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Disco Kids

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Diving

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

The Terks

My buddy Adam Reader is lead vocalist for an up-and-coming band, The Terks. Check out their You Tube Channel!

Click here to see them  on You Tube: THE TERKS

Click here to learn about them: Terks Bio and Other Info

I was in a car crash on my birthday....

on the way to a Jazz game. My buddy and I came out OK, but the car didn't:

Drive slowly.

Call me Senator

"Twilight: Honeymoon Over" spoof

My buddy Lance Caselman made this:

Articles about Homosexuality

1) "The Hypocrites of Homosexuality," by Orson Scott Card: http://www.nauvoo.com/library/card-hypocrites.html

2) "Homosexuality and the Natural Law," by Professor Harry V. Jaffa: http://inclusion.semitagui.gov.co/Subjects/SexualImmorality/Homosexuality/HomoAndNaturalLaw.htm

3) http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2008/11/homosexuality.html

The Beatles in India

Check this out.

George Brooks (1845-1930): web sites about him

View buildings he helped build in St. George, Utah: http://wchsutah.org/index.htm

Specifically, read about his participation in building the Dixie Academy Building: http://wchsutah.org/buildings/dixie-academy-building.htm

See historic pictures of the St. George Tabernacle he helped build (scroll to the bottom for the full list): http://wchsutah.org/churches/st-george-tabernacle.htm

Even more pictures of the St. George Tabernacle: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0100/ut0146/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=St.%20George%20Tabernacle,%20Main%20Street%20and%20Tabernacle%20Streets,%20Saint%20George,%20Washington%20County,%20UT&displayType=1&itemLink=r?pp/PPALL:@field%28NUMBER+@%28ut0146%29%29

Read about the ship he sailed on in 1856 in order to migrate from Wales to Utah after his family joined the Mormon Church: http://www.lib.byu.edu/mormonmigration/voyage.php?id=327

Download/read a very rare book Juanita Brooks wrote about him: http://www.autobahnsoftware.net/Autobahn/MS2.htm (scroll down to Brooks)

See where he's buried at Find a Grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=brooks&GSiman=1&GScid=109372&GRid=111286&

See/download a picture taken of him late in life with his wife and extended family in front of the St. George Tabernacle: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2010/07/george-brooks.html

More pictures on the Dixie Academy Building he helped build: http://www.gly.uga.edu/railsback/BS/BS-SGU.html

Read about his participation in the construction of the St. George Temple and Tabernacle: http://library.dixie.edu/info/collections/temple/temple.htm

Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906): web sites about him

St. George Temple quarry, which (as master stone mason) he would have accessed frequently during the construction: http://www.sonsofutahpioneers.info/hs/a11-templequarrytrail.html

Historic sites of St. George, many of which he helped to build: http://www.dostgeorge.com/historic-sites.html


My blog entries:

* His patriarchal blessings: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2009/12/patriarchal-blessings-of-edward-lloyd.html

* The Edward Lloyd Parry Papers: http://elephantnavel.blogspot.com/2010/08/edward-lloyd-parry-papers.html

The U of U Library info for the "Edward Lloyd Parry papers": http://content.lib.utah.edu/cdm4/item_viewer.php?CISOROOT=/UU_EAD&CISOPTR=1910


Search this site for newspaper articles about him, particularly in the Manti newspapers: http://digitalnewspapers.org/

Allen Hackworth wrote a book about his family line, which you can purchase or peruse on line: http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/1163840

Download an article Hackworth wrote about him: http://www.autobahnsoftware.net/Autobahn/MS2.htm (scroll down to Parry)
or
Read it on-line: http://allenhackworth.com/prose/parry.htm

Read about his grave site, as well as other biographical information at Find a Grave: http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GSln=Parry&GSfn=Edward&GSmn=Lloyd&GSby=1818&GSbyrel=in&GSdy=1906&GSdyrel=in&GSst=47&GScntry=4&GSob=n&GRid=34630527&df=all&

Read about his participation in the building of the St. George Temple and Tabernacle: http://library.dixie.edu/info/collections/temple/temple.htm

Read about his participation in the burial site for Martin Harris: http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~utcache/clarkston/harris/index.htm

Order pictures of him from the photo department of the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers: http://www.dupinternational.org/

See historic photos the St. George Tabernacle he helped build: http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0100/ut0146/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=St.%20George%20Tabernacle,%20Main%20Street%20and%20Tabernacle%20Streets,%20Saint%20George,%20Washington%20County,%20UT&displayType=1&itemLink=r?pp/PPALL:@field%28NUMBER+@%28ut0146%29%29

Read about his trek across the plains with the Joseph W. Young Company of 1853: http://lds.org/churchhistory/library/pioneerdetails/1,15791,4018-1-14326,00.html

See photos of buildings he helped build in St. George: http://wchsutah.org/index.htm

See historic pictures of the Manti Temple he helped build: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=pphhphoto&fileName=ut/ut0000/ut0065/photos/browse.db&action=browse&recNum=0&title2=Manti%20Temple,%20Main%20Street%20%28U.S.%20Route%2089%29,%20Manti,%20Sanpete,%20UT&displayType=1

Finally, read his autobiography on-line: http://www.welshmormonhistory.org/index.php?/resources/view/2397

Finally, if you are a member of Facebook, search for the group "Descendants of Edward Lloyd Parry" and join!

Dad Life - the video

This is hilarious, clean, clever, and creative:

Do you know of a baby in need of adoption?

If you do, or know of someone who does, please refer them to this web site: https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/24857992/ourMessage.jsf

Thank you!

The Edward Lloyd Parry papers

(Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906), master mason of both the St. George and Manti Temples)


Recently I came across some fascinating documents of my ancestor, Edward Lloyd Parry (1818-1906), at the University of Utah Library. They detail the construction and dedication of the Manti Temple, as well as the construction of the St. George Temple. They were compiled by his son, Edward Thomas Parry (1859-1938) in the 1930s. If you are interested in obtaining a transcript of them, and are a descendant of these men, please email me at elephantnavel@gmail.com.



(Edward Thomas Parry (1859-1938), son of Edward Lloyd Parry, who also worked on the stonework of the Manti Temple)

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Sometimes I don't think enough.



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I'm a Believer

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Though the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is frequently slammed in the media, particularly here in the Salt Lake Valley, I believe the Church is true. The more I study its doctrine, particularly in the scriptures, and the more I listen to the speeches given in General Conferences, and the more I listen to Church music, and the more I learn of Church history, and the more I sit and think about it, and the more I sit and mull over a particular passage of scripture, and when I learn about temples .... the more I believe, the more I know it is true. Its doctrines are profound, touching, and comforting.

The Church offers so much of goodness, and light, and hope. And in this world spiraling out of control in every aspect, I need that.

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