When I was a missionary, I compiled my favorite General Conference talks into a binder so I could frequently refer to them for inspiration and comfort. Very quickly, Russell M. Nelson, then an apostle of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, became one of my favorite speakers because ...
In my last column I described a “Swimming with the Sharks” adventure I enjoyed with my husband and daughter in Hawaii. As I was writing, I found myself thinking about my mother. She’s gone now, but I couldn’t help imagining what might have happened had she come with us. You have to ...
We are a nation drawn and quartered by difference of opinion and indifference toward each other, shaken by faith-testing tribulation. Sometimes I catch myself wondering if we truly are a Christian people. That question aches in my bones. And so, as we scramble to rebuild a sense of peace within ...
For the past six years, before each November election, my neighbors and I have gathered in a home or backyard, shared some good food, and discussed candidates and the issues on our ballots. It’s always been productive and helpful, and we’ve left more informed while also maintaining positive ...
Despite living in Provo for the past 8 years, local elections have felt like such a mystery to me. So I decided to jump into the City Council race for a first-hand perspective. Here’s what I learned: 1. These candidates work extremely hard. They knock doors and host events for months leading ...
When I was seven years old growing up in Orem, I remember driving past Utah Valley University and thinking: college isn’t for kids like me. My dad worked in construction, my mom cleaned houses, and no one in my family had gone to college. A university degree felt like a distant dream that ...
It’s hard to believe David G. Wright is talking about the same Jeff Whitlock I know in his recent opinion piece, “The Power of Listening.” Although I had never met Jeff Whitlock until I attended the same forum Wright references, I was immediately impressed by his business savvy, ...
Several months ago, I attended an Orem City Council meeting where the issue of rezoning the beloved Wilkerson Farm from open space to residential housing was heard. The City Council chambers were filled to capacity with Orem residents who were against the proposed rezoning. Many of them spoke ...
At a recent forum for Provo’s District 2 City Council candidates, Councilman George Handley revealed a troubling philosophy. He praised politicians who have the “courage” to ignore the voices of their neighbors and instead rely on their own “convictions” when casting votes. That’s ...
What’s all the hubbub about 501(c)(4)s, PACs, and their impact on elections? And why are Orem voters right to be concerned about “dark money” in local politics? First, let’s clear up the basics. A PAC (Political Action Committee) is created to distribute funds to candidates, political ...
