Patterns of Integrity
Art is one of the great joys of this world. During my life, I have had the privilege of associating with some really great artists. Maybe I have had more than my share—or perhaps we all just need to recognize the plethora of incredible souls that have lived in our...
My Life-Changing Prayer as a 7-Year-Old
This blog post contains mature themes dealing with abuse that may not be suitable for all readers. Reader discretion is advised. At age 48, I sit reading my most prized possession. It’s worn from years of holding it too close to my panicked heart, yet the...
Simplify Christmas
I went to the craft store in June and found the Christmas aisle was already stocked and sparkling. I was surprised! But since I love Christmas and the joy it brings, it brought a smile to my face and then I completely ignored it. I mean, that is way too early by any...
Hidden Treasures—Dark or Bright?
A couple of days ago, for the hundredth-plus time, I read this scripture: And it shall come to pass, saith the Lord of Hosts, yea, our great and true God, that whoso shall hide up treasures in the earth shall find them again no more, because of the great curse...
Treasures in Heaven
One day as the Savior was with a group of disciples, He started talking to them about treasure and the importance of laying up treasures in heaven. I was reading the verses depicted in this image and couldn't help but ask myself again, "What does Christ mean by...
My Conversion Story, Pt III: Lions
This is part three in Lauren's conversion story. See parts one and two by clicking on their respective links. The featured image for this post is an original painting by the post's author, Lauren McKinnon, and all rights for its use belong to her. At this...
Preparing Our Hearts: Alma 48
We live in an unpredictable world. Nations are in flux. The UK is trying to leave the EU and having a terrible amount of inner turmoil because of it. Russia and Ukraine are at odds. Africa is in such a state that people are migrating at an exponential rate. The US...
Crazy True
I am writing this piece on my younger sister’s birthday. Her life and accomplishments are enormous. At least from my perspective, they dwarf my own attainments. And that is fine. Life is not a contest. I want the very best for her. That is what is important to me....
A Call to Serve in a Holier Way
Recently, I was rereading my notes from the October 2018 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Previously, I highlighted my notes according to different topics. As I studied my notes, I kept seeing the word “serve” and the word...
How to Tell Your Child They Have Autism
Telling your child that they have high-functioning autism (Asperger's) requires some preparation and a specific frame of mind — and because telling your friends and family is also a challenge, I will address that in this article too. But before I say anything else, I...
Just Follow the Directions
Early morning seminary in our stake also utilizes men from the stake as rotating security people. Ideally, the man volunteering as seminary security for that day arrives before everyone else, opens the gate to the church property, unlocks the building and our class...
Why We Must Speak Kindly
One of the greatest gifts from our Heavenly Father is the ability we've been given to communicate with one of another. We have many senses—including smell, touch, vision and hearing—that we use to communicate. But none of these equal the power of our ability to use...
Inviting People to Church: Why You’re Making it Too Hard
Do you think it is possible to have a friend of another faith with you at church every single Sunday? Yes, you read that right—every single Sunday. It sounds audacious, but it has been done. Diana Hoelscher of the audio CD “The Missionary Next Door” did just that...
Two Hour Church: Growing Pains
When they announced in general conference that church would be two hours instead of three starting in January, my son cheered. He’s nine and has a hard time sitting quietly through church. But I was a little disappointed because church is where I often see most of the...
The Sweet Spot
One of my most exhilarating experiences is familiar and comfortable. Though not common, it is regular. I know you have experienced this as well. What you call it, however, may vary some. Let me explain with an example. I love the thesaurus. That statement may...
My Conversion Story, Pt II: Depression and Finding Strength in Christ
Imagine thick black mud hugging the backs of your feet, dragging your every step. The air is dense and bitter. Every breath feels muffled and like you have only gotten enough air to survive, but not enough to relieve the stinging in your lungs. The bags under your...
When The Holiday Looks Different
This Thanksgiving holiday was not what I expected. Our family had planned to go to my husband's side of the family for the big dinner, and my side of the family for dessert. But my son had major problems with his braces and wasn’t in the mood to be with people. We...
Hiding My Talent Behind Fear
Before seminary started, I wrote this question on the board: "Can you think of a time when you hesitated to tell others about your beliefs or were reluctant to share your testimony of the gospel?" We'd start off the day talking about Doctrine and Covenants 60,...
Trying to Trust God
Lately, Facebook has become a source of terror for me as each new day is filled with people who have moved on from being single to married and now to having babies. The latest in this parade of everyone else’s accomplishments was the announcement that my high school...
A Book of Mormon Christmas
Now that Thanksgiving is officially over and the Christmas tree is up, I feel like I can officially move on to Christmas. I really love this time of year, and not because it means that my birthday is just a few days away either. (But it is, just in case you were...
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