Emergency Time – Do You Have Your Papers Ready?
Many people watched Californians running from those dreaded fires. What was it like, having such intense heat so close to your homes? To smell the choking smoke, to have it in your hair and your clothes so such degree that it won't leave - even after showering? What...
I Have My Important Papers – What Next?
As Mormons, we believe in being prepared. Why? Because in so have recommended. In the blog "Emergency Time - Do You Have Your Papers Ready?", I gave a few easy steps to get your important papers ready. Why? Because we never know when an emergency might send us...
The Little Closet Chalkboard
My husband and I have a little chalkboard. It is a sweet little thing - message leaving or instruction, but not so my husband nor myself. I'm not sure why dusty white chalk appeals so much to me. Could it be the way it lingers on my fingers, reminding me of early...
Frustration with Children
As Mormons, we believe children are a blessing. It's why Mormon families tend to be larger than average. But even Mormons struggle to raise their children with grace and to teach them gratitude, amongst other things. Two nights ago I had the bright idea I'd take my...
Scripture Study Resources – LDSCES.org
President Henry B. Eyring stated: “There should never be a conscious choice to let the not be obvious at first, nor may it ever be clear in mortal life. But remember, you are interested in education not for life, but for eternal life” (Education for Real Life [CES...
The Self-Discovery Paradox: Finding Your Life by Losing It
“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" And Jesus said unto him, "Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God” (Luke 18:18,19): “but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. . . ....
An Eternal Perspective of Chastity
There was a time we all stood in the pre-mortal world and chose to follow God’s plan. Part of that plan included the opportunity to create families here on earth. Each spirit child had a hope to be born into a family that included a loving father and mother who would...
Are You Having Fun Yet?
When I was a young adult, having fun usually involved going out with my friends to a bar or a club to dance and to drink. We had a great time, but there were always consequences to be paid. Sometimes the consequences were relatively minor, like a hangover or a broken...
Preparedness – an Urgent Matter
Ever had a sleepy feeling? You know it when you feel it. Whether sitting in a class or even at work, your body begins to feel heavier and heavier. It's hard to make your brain work, let alone keep your eyes open. Before you know it, the yawns are coming, one on top of...
Osmonds on Oprah
Approximately 125 Osmonds flew from Utah to Chicago to appear on the Oprah Winfrey Show that aired on November 9, 2007. Despite the recent passing of their father, the family chose to do the show anyway, feeling that he would have wanted them to do it. He had...
Video Game Violence
The recent release of a game touted as "the most violent video game ever" has again opened up the question of whether such violent entertainment really has an effect on viewers and participants. Many people would intuitively answer "yes" to that question, and there...
Giving Your First Public Prayer
I learned to be comfortable praying privately and in my meetings with the missionaries. Since the missionaries were there to teach me, I didn’t worry about getting something wrong. The first time I was asked to pray in class however, I was very intimidated. I didn’t...
When You Call a New Convert to a Calling
When we call someone to a position within our organizations, we often assume she has a certain amount of knowledge, even if she has never held that particular calling. When we in the church all your life, you might be surprised to discover how many things are not...
Sharing Can Be Lethal
I was raised in a family and culture that places tremendous value on sharing. I've in turn taught my children that sharing is good, that we need to share what we have whenever we can. I still believe in these values. I still believe that all of us can do a little more...
The Lord Calls to Samuel
* Story taken from 1 Samuel Chapter 2, KJV * Samuel, the prophet of the Old Testament, left his mother and father when he was about three years old. His mother hadn’t been able to have children for many years. She made a promise to the Lord: if he granted her a son,...
Don’t Cross the Morality Line
There is a line, unseen but nonetheless there, that keeps us safe. Crossing this line affects not only our physical well-being but our emotional and spiritual well-being too. I’m talking about the Morality Line. I’ve taught In an effort to help illustrate this point,...
Teaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ by the Spirit of Truth
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called the “Mormon Church”) is uniquely different from all other religions: It is not a man-made religion; it is God-made religion. The definitive proof of this bold claim is given by God. This means that the...
Finding Happiness in Your Marriage
I have a unique marriage story that'll probably set your teeth on edge. The story is my own and it goes like this: I was a young woman of twenty-two when I wanted to serve a mission for the LDS Church. I prepared my papers with the help of my Bishop and everything was...
Slave Schedules
A slave schedule refers to a census taken of slaves that lived in the United States. There were only two slave schedules taken, one in the year 1850 and one in 1860. The 1850 slave schedule asked the following questions: * Name of slave owners * Number of slaves * Age...
Preparedness is a Lifestyle … Not a One Time Event
I find in my own personal preparedness activites that it is important to remember that preparedness is a lifestyle ... not a one-time event. For some people, to hear the term "preparedness" causes them to think of Hurricane Katrina and the immense suffering of those...
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