J.D.

latter-day saint, husband, and father (in that order) also an attorney #SaintsOnX

[Kyler Blackmore @Kjb_lovinlife]

10 years ago today, I followed Jesus Christ by getting baptized.

Jesus snatched me from a life of selfishness and torment. I met with missionaries from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for almost 10 months starting the summer leading up to my senior year of high school.

I told my parents I wanted to get baptized on my graduation day. I still remember knocking on their door early that morning with the good news. My dad’s instant reaction was to call me a (censored) idiot, and my mom started crying hysterically as if I had admitted to some heinous crime.

I was discouraged but not deterred. My best friend, whom I wanted to baptize me, was leaving on his mission June 22, and I didn’t turn 18 until July 22. As a minor, I needed permission from one of my parents.

The missionaries and I made a game plan. We set the baptism for June 20 to give us the most time to convince my mom. Each week leading up to it, I fasted and prayed that her heart would soften so she would let me pursue the path I had chosen.

We talked frequently, and she wasn’t shy about her disagreement, even threatening to cut me out of her life. I knew it was mostly a bluff, but my mom could be unpredictable. Despite endless conversations, she refused to sign.

On Saturday, June 18, 2016, I felt a strong impression to fast for two days straight. I was new to fasting and prayer, and it was one of the hardest things I had done up to that point of my life. On the morning of June 20, my mom was still unwilling.

I was deeply discouraged again. Elder Heggie from Raymond, Alberta, Canada inspired me to have faith. He said we would hold the baptism with or without the signature. So we did, inviting everyone from town and my entire family.

As we filled the font, my beautiful mother walked in wearing a pink dress I had never seen before.

I was overjoyed to see her and embrace her. She told me how proud she was of me and that, though she didn’t agree with my path, she would love me no matter what choice I made. Then she signed the paper.

It was a miracle. This picture of us is one I will cherish forever. It was also one of the last photos we took together before she passed away while I was serving as a missionary. I miss her dearly.

These past 10 years have not been easy, but they have been filled with joy that comes only through a covenant relationship with Jesus Christ.

I started as an anti-Mormon atheist and am now a disciple of Jesus Christ, a husband to the most wonderful woman, and a father to two beautiful girls.

I love my life.

[Roman Helmet Guy @romanhelmetguy]

All good traits correlate. People hate this. That hot girl is probably smarter than you. Life isn't fair.

[Kimball Call @KimballCall]

One thing I love about @TheCougChron is that, unlike The Daily Universe (the official BYU campus newspaper) we give students the chance to actually do hard-hitting journalism on things that affect our local community.

I could never have published the story on UVU’s extremist student clubs at The Daily Universe.

We could never be so unapologetic about children’s rights to a father and a mother (I.e. by publicly criticizing Charlie Bird and saying what needs to be said) if we had to get permission from liberal communications professors.

In fact, I don’t think The Daily Universe can be properly called a newspaper at all, it reads more like they want to distract you from what’s actually happening in Provo and Utah.

@TheCougChron gives students real hands-on learning experiences that a professional university withholds from them out of fear of being controversial (mostly taking aim at the journalism department here).

We will always support student-led journalism. This is how we make real change in Utah and America—by training the next generation to get sh*t done.

When a new recruit reaches out to me to get involved, the first thing I ask is “what are you passionate about” because I know that if we get them working on something they care about quickly, they’ll get addicted to the feeling of taking action.

Few things are more crucial in the life of a young adult than the realization that they can “just do things,” and make a real impact in the process.

That feeling of being able to “just do things” is stripped away from young adults for far too long by a system that insists on 4-7 MORE years of oversupervised, micromanaged learning in overly cautious environments.

Then the students who study journalism go to work for news agencies here in Utah who are also afraid of any work that might ruffle establishment feathers. So they disincentivize and select against the kinds of people and behavior that might try something new.

I’m not trying to say that BYU, as a whole, is holding students back. But some professors, and some departments, certainly do, and that includes the staff who run The Daily Universe.

We at the Cougar Chronicle take the opposite approach: give students the chance to do real journalism, make real mistakes, learn real lessons, and forge real experiences upon which they can build for the rest of their lives.

You can just do things.

[Dallin H. Oaks @OaksDallinH]

What your children really want for dinner is you!

In an age of constant online connection, we may need to disconnect from technologies and other distractions to truly reconnect with our families.

Families grow stronger when they set aside these distractions and spend meaningful time together—learning eternal values like the importance of marriage and children, the purpose of life, and the true source of joy.

Parents also have a duty to teach their children practical knowledge apart from gospel principles. Families unite when they do meaningful things together. Happy family experiences strengthen family ties. Camping, sports activities, and other recreation are especially valuable for bonding families.

Some may say, “But we have no time for any of that.” To find time to do what is truly worthwhile, many parents will find that they can turn their families on if they all turn their technologies off.

What those we love need most is simply time with us. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, is our ultimate role model. He will help us as we strive to build these family bonds.

[vittorio @IterIntellectus]

this didn't "happen", we caused it

first, children disappeared from daily life
most women turn 30 without ever holding a baby (they don't have siblings or cousins, and young babies have been removed from shared spaces), never changed a diaper or watched one up close.
you cant want what you've never seen

second, we killed the single income.
the average family needs both parents working just to get to the end of the month, so raising a family well went from hard to something practically impossible (2-3 months of maternity leave should be considered a crime against humanity).

then schools and media, the whole cathedral, all pushed towards the same direction in a systematic brainwashing effort: pushing every girl at the career, motherhood turned into that despicable thing you settle for when the better options run out, "a smaller life". nothing worth desiring, and if you do you must be ostracised

social media just finished the job.
presented childfree as freedom and ideal life, filmed the worst four seconds of a mothers day and called it a warning or "here's motherhood"

and underneath all of it, we removed people from history

no ancestors you owe anything, no descendants you're building for, just one atomic self detached from any sense of continuity. one life with no purpose other than its own selfish goals
especially for western people who have been taught that their ancestors are the most evil humans who ever existed
someone with no past and no future has no reason to see themselves as part of history, and everything they do revolves around their own pleasure
why would you carry something you were raised to be ashamed of?

so a quarter of women raised in captivity selecting for civilizational suicide becomes inevitable
the idea that this was a conscious choice is delusional.
we are the first species in history to get everything it ever wanted: safety, medicine, abundance, ninety good years, and the result is suicide.
everything else alive still manages to reproduce through famine and plagues. we got paradise and stopped

anyone shutting off their own survival drive with no threat in sight is definitionally suicidal and that's where we are now

[Brad Wilcox @BradWilcoxIFS]

Myth: Dads don't do their fair share.

Truth: Dads actually spend slightly more total time on family work (paid work, housework & childcare) than moms — nearly 60 hours/week.

Source: @aibm_org

[All Those In Favor @ATIF_Podcast]

How come no one ever posts THIS South Park clip? #LDX

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

@JoelWebbon Bigotry at its finest

[D. Todd Christofferson @ChristoffDTodd]

In recognition of the 250-year anniversary of the founding of the United States of America as a free and independent nation, Elder Quentin L. Cook and I discussed the importance of religious liberty and its underlying significance for the restored Church of Jesus Christ.

We believe in religious liberty.

As the Eleventh Article of Faith reminds us, “We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.”

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

@solirvine The answer is almost certainly yes

[Gérald Caussé @Gerald_Causse]

The same way that a ten-dollar bill given to me was turned into something with priceless value, our life can be something of eternal value through the sacrifice and Atonement of Jesus Christ.

[Dallin H. Oaks @OaksDallinH]

Have faith and trust in the Lord. Know that He is there and He loves you.

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

Hot take: Ben Shapiro is better defender of Latter-day Saint values than most Christians (and certainly most liberals)

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

@ItsMattsLaw My estate planning firm uses word perfect. Works great with HotDocs

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

@gingerage365 💯

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

Twins are born!

[J.D. @C0Nlaw]

My wife worked to put me through law school and an MBA at BYU. We graduated debt free.

She continues to work from home while simultaneously being the best mother to our two kids (and TWINS due next month).

We’re doing the best we can and we love the Lord.

[Governor Cox @GovCox]

I’ve heard from a lot of Utahns over the past week about the proposed data center project in Box Elder County. Many are asking questions about water, air quality, energy, land use, and the long-term impact on rural Utah. Those are real concerns, and all Utahns should expect clear standards and accountability.

Industry is our state’s motto. And in our pursuit of economic strength, we must always ensure that development is thoughtful and in line with Utah values.

Based on conversations with residents, local leaders, subject matter experts, and project stakeholders, the following actions are now being taken regarding this project. 🧵

[Erika Kirk @MrsErikaKirk]

Even though our kids won’t see our love “grow old together” from an earthly stand point; they’ll see it from a Heavenly one. And I’ll tell them of our love story any moment I can.

Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.

[Charlie Kirk @charliekirk11]

Today marks 4 years of being married to @MrsErikaKirk. Second to following Jesus, it's the best decision I've ever made. She is bold, smart, loyal, and beautiful.

Happy anniversary, Erika. I love you.

[Headquarters @HQNewsNow]

New reporting has revealed that Trump is planning to fire his FDA Commissioner Marty Makary.

This comes days after reports that Trump pressured Makary to rush FDA approval of flavored vapes.