Christmas Worship 2025

Enjoy these Christmas Originals written by Emily Willis! We're loving these new songs!

Fasting: Physical and Spiritual Benefits

Fasting is a powerful practice that offers both health and spiritual blessings. Over the past month, as I’ve applied this law and principle in my life, I have felt a deep desire to fast more often. I’ve seen that fasting works as a principle—its blessings are received in proportion to my sincerity and intent—and yet it is also a law, a divine commandment that strengthens both body and spirit when honored.

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The Health Benefits of Fasting

Dr. Sten Ekberg teaches that fasting supports the body’s natural healing processes. When we stop eating for a period, insulin levels drop, allowing the body to switch from burning glucose to stored fat. This reduces insulin resistance, supports healthy weight loss, and decreases harmful visceral fat.

Fasting also activates autophagy, the body’s cellular cleanup system, which recycles damaged cells, supports mitochondrial function, and may slow aspects of aging. Many people notice steadier blood sugar, fewer cravings, and improved metabolic flexibility.

Reduced insulin and oxidative stress can decrease inflammation, resulting in clearer thinking, less joint discomfort, and improved vitality. Heart and metabolic markers, including triglycerides and HDL, may also improve.

Because fasting allows ketones to become a primary fuel source, many report sharper mental focus and better mood. Hunger and satiety hormones rebalance, helping the body recognize true hunger. Finally, fasting gives the digestive system a rest, calming the gut, improving digestion, and resetting eating patterns.

What Happens If You Don't Eat For 5 Days? Watch on YouTube.

Safety note: Fasting is not recommended for children under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding women, those with eating disorders, type 1 diabetes, or certain medical conditions.

These physical benefits naturally lead to the deeper mental, emotional, and spiritual clarity that many people experience through fasting.

Spiritual Benefits of Fasting: Receiving the Holy Ghost

While fasting has physical benefits, its spiritual blessings are even greater. The Glossary of Terms on Fasting explains:

“And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the holy ghost (3 Nephi 5:15). This scripture is not about hunger or poverty. It is about fasting and seeking after righteousness. All qualify for this blessing by ‘hungering after righteousness.’ All qualify by ‘thirsting after righteousness.’ In other words, one receives the holy ghost in proportion to the hunger and thirst he or she displays. Fasting is a promised means for increasing the holy ghost in one’s life.”

Wow! Look at this incredible blessing! Fasting is a promised means for increasing the Holy Ghost in one’s life. "The Lord speaks in simple formulas; they work. When tried in sincerity, acting no hypocrisy, with real intent, they work. Half-hearted efforts are not so effective. But when a soul, any soul, hungers and thirsts after righteousness, they are filled with the holy ghost."

Fasting and prayer open the spirit and allow individuals to know matters through the power of the Holy Ghost. As Alma testified:

“And this is not all; do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety? Behold, I say unto you, they are made known unto me by the holy spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself” (Alma 3:8).

The sons of Mosiah also illustrate this principle. After their missionary service, they returned to Alma having “given themselves to much prayer and fasting,” and as a result, “they had the spirit of prophecy and the spirit of revelation… and they taught with power and authority” (Alma 12:1).

The Glossary further explains:

“Fasting is the most effective way to slacken the grasp of this telestial world on the mind and to move toward another ambience. To fast is to do without some normal necessities; your everyday considerations must be put aside because you will be doing other things that require a totally different mind-set. To fast is to disengage from the temporal and wasteful activities of the ‘real world.’”

Fasting, when done with sincerity and real intent, promises:

• Greater companionship with the Holy Ghost
  
  

• Clarity of mind and spirit
  
  

• Increased sensitivity to revelation
  
  

• Alignment of the heart with God’s will

Hungering and thirsting after righteousness is the pathway to being filled with the Holy Ghost.

Ideas taken from Glossary of Terms on Fasting

Why Scripture in the Language of the People Matters

One of the most remarkable patterns in the history of faith is this: when the word of God becomes readable and understandable to ordinary people, spiritual awakening follows.

For centuries, the Bible in Europe was available primarily in Latin. It was read in churches, quoted by clergy, and interpreted for the people—but the vast majority of men and women could not read it for themselves. Faith depended on someone else explaining what God had said. Access to scripture was indirect, filtered, and often limited.

Everything changed when the Bible began to be translated into the languages of the common folk—German, English, French, and others. Suddenly, farmers, mothers, merchants, and students could search the scriptures on their own. They could hear and read God’s word in their own tongue. They could wrestle, question, ponder, and pray without needing a mediator. The Reformation, the spread of literacy, and entire movements of spiritual renewal emerged as people started reading God’s word for themselves.

John Wycliffe risked censure to produce the first English Bible, insisting that every believer should read God’s word personally. William Tyndale declared that even a plowboy should understand scripture, and he was executed for translating it into common English. Martin Luther’s German translation spread rapidly and allowed ordinary families—not just scholars—to study the scriptures in their own homes. Each time the word of God was placed into the language of the people, faith deepened, understanding expanded, and spiritual renewal followed.

We are witnessing something similar in our own day.

The Bible has recently been translated into modern Hebrew, making it readable and understandable to Israelis in a way it hasn’t been for centuries. Instead of encountering scripture as an archaic text that feels distant or academic, they can comprehend it in their native tongue. Joel Rosenberg interviewed Victor Kalisher, the head of the Israeli Bible Society, sharing how this new translation is helping modern Israeli readers read and understand the Bible.

As I was reading the June 20th revelation this morning, my attention was drawn to the idea that God wants His word to be understood—not obscured, not hidden behind linguistic barriers, and not dependent on gatekeepers. The pattern of history shows that when scripture becomes accessible in the common language of the people, faith deepens and spreads.

I am so grateful the Book of Mormon has been translated into modern English. Greater understanding and insight has come to our family as we have read the Covenant of Christ, the modern English version of the Book of Mormon. This revelation shows God’s consistent care in instructing His children using clear and understandable language.

“. . .In the future when translating the Book of Mormon into other languages, use this Covenant of Christ version as the source for that work. And again, let this be how you proceed with the Hebrew translation also underway. . .”
—June 20, 2024 Revelation

Scripture in the language of the people is an act of liberation. It invites personal revelation. It removes unnecessary intermediaries. It lets God speak directly to His children in words they already understand.

History testifies of what happens when this gift is given.

And we are living in a moment where it is happening again.

Nail in the Head

🌱 Zucchini Mania: Our Family’s Favorite Recipes 🌱

This time of year, our garden is overflowing with fresh produce, and we’re loving every bit of it! Right now, zucchini and tomatoes are coming in by the basketful, and we’re finding new ways to enjoy them while remembering some of our old family favorites. From smoothies to spaghetti sauces, roasted soups to stir-fries, there’s a lot of garden-fresh goodness in every meal.

We hope these recipes inspire you to enjoy your own garden produce and spark some new ideas for using all that fresh, organic food.

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🥣 Roasted Vegetable Soup

This simple, nutritious soup is one of our family’s go-to snacks.

Ingredients

• Zucchini and tomatoes, coarsely chopped (slightly more zucchini than tomatoes)
  

• Small onion (green tops and all) per casserole dish

• Small amount of green pepper (just enough for flavor)
  
  

• Garlic to taste (fresh or dried)

• Olive oil or bacon drippings
  
  

• Salt & pepper
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   
   

2. Place mostly zucchini and plenty of tomatoes in a casserole dish. Add onion, green pepper, and garlic, then toss everything with olive oil or bacon drippings, salt, and pepper.




3. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring a few times while roasting, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.

   
   

4. Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender and pulverize until smooth.
   
   

5. Serve straight from the blender.
   

Family Note: One of our daughters has been eating the leftovers for breakfast and is requesting more—she’s loving this healthy snack!

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🍝 Roasted Zucchini-Tomato Spaghetti Sauce

One of our daughters experimented with this recipe last week—it was such a hit we’re making it again today! The house smells amazing while the vegetables roast, and the flavors blend beautifully.

Ingredients

• Equal portions of zucchini and tomatoes
  

• Small onion (green tops and all) per casserole dish
  
  

• Small amount of green pepper (just enough for flavor)
  
  

• Garlic to taste (fresh or dried)
  
  

• Olive oil or bacon drippings
  
  

• Fresh or dried herbs: basil, oregano, marjoram, rosemary, thyme
  
  

• Salt & pepper
  
  

• Meat of choice (we usually use sausage or beef)
  

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
   
   

2. Place zucchini, tomatoes, onion, green pepper, and garlic in a casserole dish. Toss with olive oil or bacon drippings, herbs, salt, and pepper.
   
   

3. Roast uncovered for 35–40 minutes, stirring a few times while roasting, until vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized
   
   

4. Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender and pulverize until smooth.
   
   

5. Brown meat separately, then stir it into the sauce.
   
   

6. Serve over zucchini noodles or pasta.
   
   

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🥢 Green Bean, Zucchini & Tomato Stir-Fry

This is an old family favorite that we hadn’t made in a long time—and it’s so good to have it back on the table. Cinnamon plus bacon gives this dish its unique and wonderful flavor.

Ingredients

• Equal portions of fresh green beans, zucchini (diced small), and tomatoes (diced medium)
  
  

• Bacon, as much or as little as you like

  

• Reserved bacon drippings
  
  

• Cinnamon, generous
  
  

• Salt, to taste
  
  

• Cooked zucchini rice (add small diced zucchini to rice while cooking; optionally season with cinnamon, salt, and chicken bouillon)
  

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon until crisp. Crumble and set aside, saving the excess bacon drippings.
   
   

2. In the same skillet with a little of the bacon drippings, stir-fry green beans until tender but still fresh. Add most of the cinnamon and salt now, tasting and adjusting as you add the zucchini and tomatoes.
   
   

3. Add diced zucchini and cook until warmed through (still fresh and crisp).
   
   

4. Turn off the heat and add diced tomatoes.
   
   

5. Mix in the crumbled bacon.
   
   

6. Serve over zucchini rice.

Family Note: This last week, one of our married sons stopped by with a question and when he found out what we were having for lunch, he asked if he could join us—it is so delicious!

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🥤 Morning Shakes

We love, love, love our morning shakes! They’re packed with nutrition and keep us full and satisfied for a good part of the day. Everyone in the family has their own favorite combinations.

Ingredients (customizable for each person)

• Frozen zucchini chunks (used like ice)
  
  

• Fresh or frozen greens (kale, spinach, finely chopped carrot tops, beet greens, etc.)
  
  

• Frozen fruit of choice (apples, rhubarb, peaches, bananas, berries, mango, etc.)
  
  

• Liquid base (water, milk, almond milk, or juice)
  
  

• Shake powder or protein powder of choice (optional)
  
  

• Optional daily supplements: collagen, minerals, etc.
  

Instructions

1. Place liquid in the blender first.

   

2. Add frozen zucchini, greens, and fruit.
   
   

3. Add shake powder or protein powder and any daily supplements if desired.
   
   

4. Blend until smooth.
   
   

5. Adjust thickness with more liquid or zucchini chunks as needed.
   

Family Note: The kids say Mom’s chocolate shake looks green because it has so many greens! We store a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, and greens to last us through the year. Last year we ate up every bit of what we had, and these shakes are still a favorite!

✨ Zucchini chunks act as ice, keeping the shake cold and creamy without watering it down, and the mix of greens gives a lasting full and satisfied feeling.

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🌻 Closing Thoughts

It’s such a joy to sit down at the table this time of year and know that so much of what we’re eating came straight from the garden. These recipes have been a fun way for us to experiment, revisit old family favorites, savor the flavors, and add a few seasonal harvest dishes to our table.

If your garden is overflowing with zucchini and tomatoes like ours, I hope these ideas give you some inspiration and help you enjoy every bite of your harvest. And if you try any of these recipes—or put your own twist on them—I’d love to hear what you create. After all, the best part of cooking from the garden is sharing the goodness with the people you love. 🌱💛

Never Once Was He Alone

The music video below contains visual depictions of John's injury,

and so it is only available to watch on YouTube for those over 18 years.

Never Once Was He Alone is based on the true story of a mountain accident on July 3, 2014. While operating heavy machinery alone grading a ski slope, John experienced an accident that could easily have taken his life.

The physical trauma was severe: his head was lacerated and later closed with 21 staples; his back was bruised and rubbed raw from bracing against the seat as the machine overturned; and his side was pierced—likely by a branch. He sustained seven broken ribs and three breaks in his back. He rolled over 600 feet down the mountain slope through small-diameter trees and was finally stopped by larger trees at the base near the parking area. John landed upside down, freed himself from the machine, and crawled to the edge of the parking lot, where other workers—including our oldest son—rushed to his aid. And yet, through the pain and disorientation, there was an unmistakable sense of protection, guidance, and grace.

As he endured his own wounds, John came to glimpse the wounds of Christ. This was not just suffering—it became a personal invitation to understand the love of a Savior who willingly suffered for us. It is a testimony that even in our most broken moments, we are never abandoned. This is a story of faith refined through fire, of a prayer answered in unexpected ways, and of a God who walks with us through the hardest terrain.

About the photos in the video:
The first photo shows the slope John rolled down, with the Takeuchi track skidsteer visible at the base. The crashed machine appears in the background during the lyric, “He’s crawled through the thickets…”. The picture of John in his S300 Bobcat was taken at a different job site. The slope photos are original from 2014, when John was grading the ski runs. Some photos were taken immediately after the accident and later in the hospital; others, from August 2014, show John working in the garden and riding the 4-wheeler, determined to stay active despite the pain. The cliff-side shots are from a September 2014 road trip in Southern Utah with a close friend.

Many original accident-site photos were lost over the years. The trees seen in the video as John rolls down the slope were filmed in 2025 at the original location.