Jim Nelson

The Power of Experience

The other day, I was playing tennis with friends and I noticed something about how I played. My backhand is still terrible, but I can hit a forehand reasonably well. While playing, it occurred to me that certain things came naturally to me. Hitting up through the ball, finishing high, using my legs. I didn’tContinue reading “The Power of Experience”

Peace in Politics?

Some years ago, I watched an interview with a candidate who was asked, “Who do you consider your enemies?” The candidate started the list, “Well, the NRA are definitely my enemies. The Koch brothers. John Boehner…” and the list went on. It immediately struck me that the candidate’s long list of enemies were people orContinue reading “Peace in Politics?”

Respect

A talk given to a stake priesthood meeting in Bothell, WA. Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. —Matthew 25:40 One of the most popular types of characters in the movies or on TV is theContinue reading “Respect”

Voting Ideology

I used to say that I would always vote for the person of better character for government office, not just for the party line. However, all that stopped in 2008. I had friends who knew Barach Obama and said that he was really in fine guy—good husband and father, kind to others and caring ofContinue reading “Voting Ideology”

Scripture Study

Scripture Study—the Key to Family Gospel Learning I opened it with eagerness and read the title page. I then read the testimony of several witnesses. After this I commenced its contents by course. I read all day. Eating was a burden. I had no desire for food. Sleep was a burden when night cameContinue reading “Scripture Study”

The Atonement

We believe that through the Atonement of Christ, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel –First Article of Faith There are more than a dozen enlightening discourses on the Atonement in the Book of Mormon. None is more remarkable than the impressive epitome contained in a singleContinue reading “The Atonement”

America Strength is Its Industry

All citizens of the United States including conservatives, liberals, alt right extremists, progressive extremists, politicians, including presidential candidates and naïve activists, and whoever else opposes capitalism, should reconsider and cherish American industry. America has been the most successful democracy that the world has ever known, primarily because it has succeeded in business. America runs onContinue reading “America Strength is Its Industry”

Reagan

The marriage of Reagan and Sam was an impossible dream come true. Reagan’s parents, Mike and Leslie, are among our oldest and dearest friends. We had often spoken of having our children marry each other–we had some match ups that could happen. But of course, those things never happen. Sam and Reagan and Fred andContinue reading “Reagan”

Samhirt

Because a Sam already existed in our family, Sam Hirt immediately and permanently became Samhirt. Raised in Alaska as the 6th of 10 children, he already knew what he was about to get into when he married Kim. When a father thinks about his daughter getting married, he hopes for the greatest young man thatContinue reading “Samhirt”

Shane

One of the greatest things that happened to our family was the induction of Shane as our 11th. He, Sam and Katherine were friends in high school and he shared a lot of our values. He and Sam were teammates on the wrestling and football teams. One day after practice they were talking and ShaneContinue reading “Shane”