Today marks the first day I have accepted my own inner challenge to keep a record of my thoughts and learning in a place where I can refer back to it, where others can aid in the learning and correct my false notions, and I can reach out to my scattered progeny and fulfill the ongoing duty I have unto them to teach them of correct gospel principals.

I am grateful for good friends and family members that have encouraged this project and have given their thoughts and advice. I treasure and enjoy my relationships with all of them, and have more gratitude than they know (primarily because I don't vocalize it properly, or enough). I hope that the things that I learn from each of you, from our fellowship and association, can be recorded here in a fashion that is understandable and easy to read, and that we call all learn a thing or two from this project.

You should know, at the outset, that my filters don't work very well, and many times I speak my mind without realizing that what I am saying may not sit well with others. This is good and bad. On the one hand, we are commanded to speak with boldness when teaching true and correct principles, or sharing the testimony of Christ. On the other, boldness can sometimes be misunderstood, and interpreted as other traits. So, while I will attempt to write with some degree of caution so that I may not be misinterpreted, I will also write as my own self, for better or worse.

I shall also attempt to write as often as possible. I am a poor journal keeper. This is one of the reasons I have opted to use this forum to record my learning. This means that I may write once a day, or more, or have gaps in the regularity. I make no promises as to the consistency of my writings. I will do my best. That is my promise and commitment to myself and my family.

I welcome all who wish to read these posts. I will speak truth as I understand it. Feel free to disagree with me, or to correct me. I appreciate well-reasoned and civil dialogue. However, strifes and contentions will not be tolerated. Please participate in a Zion-like fashion here.

To those that have inspired me to do this, I thank you. I hope that I can be at least partially as inspirational, informational and educational as you have been to me.

And lastly, to my family: I do this for you. Please take the time to read what I write to you. It is for your benefit and learning.

 ...And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith; Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing, and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God; That your incomings may be in the name of the Lord, that your outgoings may be in the name of the Lord, that all your salutations may be in the name of the Lord, with uplifted hands unto the Most High...

(D & C 109: 7-9)

Please feel free to interact with this forum. Tell me your thoughts. Help us build our house of learning here. Let us create a house of order and a house of God. I love you all!