The Power of Prayer
I recently gained a stronger understanding of the power of prayer. I've been blessed in my life to have prayers answered. One of my favorite stories happened when I was very small. I love gum, and as my parents were teaching me about God answering prayers, I decided...
Preserved: The Errand of Angels and Armies of Helaman
As our ward's young women leaders planned their Young Women in Excellence program, they asked the young women to sing. They had the "As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth" Especially For Youth anthem in mind for the song. As the leaders approached...
Emergency Preparedness Tip: Store Water
I've been working on becoming prepared for a variety of contingencies. After all, the world we live in is not very stable. Unrest can happen at a moment's notice — think of Hurricane Katrina. Thus, as a wife and mother, I want to make sure I am a provident individual,...
Low-Hanging Fruit, Part II
To read part one, click here. I thought I had learned a lot by the time I was 40. Then, at 50, I was really focused on a fast track to self-care workshops and success seminar excellence. (Notice the growth of ego?) I am an experiential learner with the scars to...
Mid-Single Wards: Finding Home
In a church that is primarily focused on families, it can be challenging to find your home as a mid-single adult. This past year, I had the chance to make the transition out of a YSA ward. I was trying to feel things out to decide where my place should be when word...
The Rose
When I was a young man, I didn’t really appreciate the good life that I had and the opportunities given me—not fully. I failed to realize that my situation was so sublime and simply assumed that everybody enjoyed the life that I did. That is not so uncommon....
Revelation Requires a Listening Ear
The greatest tool we have for a successful life is the power of revelation. We need revelation if we are to progress. Revelation comes from the Holy Ghost. Some have expressed to me over the years that they wished they could receive revelation. I have told them that...
Overcoming Limitations: Snorkeling to the Turtle Cleaning Station
How does the Lord teach you to be strong during trials? I learned to snorkel on the West side of O'ahu. I kept drowning when I used a mask, so I took myself and my mask and fins to Ko'olina's lagoons. The lagoons are full of ocean water and protected from the...
From Addiction and Abuse to Recovery Through Christ
This blog post contains mature themes dealing with abuse. Reader discretion is advised. "He also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ." (Alma 31:38) Oh, how true this...
Steering Required
I drive a minivan. Yup, I’m one of those moms. Recently, I bought a new Honda Odyssey with a crazy feature that’s almost like autopilot. At first it freaked me out, but now I think it’s the coolest thing in the world. I simply take my hands off the...
My Health Journey, Part 1: Temple Answers
This is the first in an eight-part series that will be released every other Thursday chronicling Ashley's health journey and how she has seen the Lord's hand in her life even in the most difficult moments. One day I was standing and talking to a coworker when...
The Perfect Job
What if you could select the perfect job? Not the one that you have been studying for at the university or the one that will provide for your family adequately, but the one that you can’t wait to get up for in the morning. Think sleepless nights in anticipation of...
Why We Need to Pray for Our Country’s Leaders
It's no secret that Utah, home to 2.1 million members of the Church, is a red state. Yet despite that, many members of the Church residing in the States are not happy with the current political climate or our nation's leaders. In fact, only 45.5% of Utahns...
Lift Each Other
I have a friend who makes your day brighter each time you speak to her. She has a special way to lift and lighten every person she meets. Her smile and warm greeting makes it impossible not to smile back... And I want to be just like her when I grow up. Do you have a...
Even Though It’s the Hardest Test, Would You Still Take It?
I offered to help proctor a test. On the second of two days, we welcomed seven examinees to their Structural Engineering Lateral Forces National Licensing Exam. My friend Cherish was designated as chief proctor and invited several people she knew to help proctor the...
Low-Hanging Fruit, Part I
My low-hanging fruit is dragging on the ground and getting hit by the weed whacker! Scriptures promise that when you are obedient to God’s counsel, your vine will not cast the fruit before its season. It’s important to remember, of course, that “ripe” is the...
You Are Powerful
There is a meme that floats around occasionally on Facebook that contains a very happy thought, and I saw it again recently in my feed. Here it is: There are quite a few variants of this, but the overall message has both a good and bad part. The...
Leave Your Mark For Good
Have you joined the exclusive group of those included in my journal? “What are you talking about? I don’t even know you,” or something like that is what you are probably thinking, or perhaps even said out loud. And I wouldn’t blame you. With all the...
The Joy of the Gospel
My last article explained the difference between happiness and joy. While it was published after general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, it was actually written before general conference. I was amazed during general conference at some...
Why Temples Matter
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints build temples. Gorgeous, impressive structures that stop traffic and inspire awe just by looking at them. When I was a kid, I remember my parents going to the temple often. They made it a festive occasion by...
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