Are You Being Pruned?
It’s springtime! And for me, that means my peach tree needs some long overdue attention. In years past, we have had some amazing peaches from this tree. But last year we had some issues, and very few of them were edible. So it was really time to address how out of...
How and What You Worship
My long-time favorite section in the Doctrine and Covenants is Section 93. In simple, yet profoundly deep words, Section 93 teaches how Jesus Christ grew from grace to grace. The section testified that the Savior received the Father's fulness, that John received of...
A Fearless Woman of God
We see faithful women who understand the power inherent in their callings and in their endowment and other temple ordinances. These women know how to call upon the powers of heaven to protect and strengthen their husbands, their children, and others they love. These...
Courage to Accept and Magnify
When I think of courage, I think of U.S. soldiers on the beaches of Normandy. I think of Nephi calling his older brothers to repentance. I think of a co-worker who continues to smile even though he has been fighting cancer for years, and another who returned to work...
I’m Not the Social Media Version of Me
Spoiler alert: life is hard. Sometimes, to be honest, it's pretty terrible. Now look, don't get me wrong. I realize that I might sound a little silly saying that because I am so lucky and so fortunate in so many ways. But it’s easy to see someone’s life...
Every Day is Garbage Day
Today is garbage day. You know—the day designated for gathering up all the refuse in the house and depositing it in the garbage can for pickup. In my neighborhood, like most, this day occurs once-a-week. As I wheeled the can to the curb for pickup, I noticed...
Repentance Equals Growth: Learning from Every Mistake
I struggle with having to relearn lessons I should have learned long ago. My Dad always said, “If you’re going to make a mistake, at least make it a new one. Don’t make the same mistake twice.” My grandfather (Pa) used to say, “Even a [donkey] never bumps his head...
Mother’s Day, Full of Mixed Emotions
Mother's Day is coming. Every retailer will tell you all about it. But Mother’s Day isn’t always the glitz and shine of the shops. I’ve seen Mother’s Day from three different perspectives. And I think you will be surprised that Mother’s Day is not always a day women...
What “Bearing Each Other’s Burden” Means to Me
Last week I wondered "Why Do We Think We Have To Go It All Alone?" My friend Roxanne Carlile responded with an interesting comment that flooded my mind with thoughts. Our society is so interesting. The way we think we need to appear as if we have it all...
God Space
Life brings trials to each of us. This last year, my much-loved mother-in-law dealt with the trial of cancer and chemotherapy. She is cancer-free now, yet it will still be awhile before she regains her full physical strength. My girlfriend’s husband lost his job,...
Negotiating with the Tooth Fairy
First, I should explain. Mormons celebrate Christmas, Easter, Halloween, Valentine’s Day and many other holidays depending on national and local traditions. I’ve never met a Mormon family in the United States that didn’t use Santa Claus, the Tooth Fairy, or the Easter...
The Power of Words
Have you heard the story of the First Vision? How did it affect you? It's amazing the power that the story of the First Vision can have. When you first hear it, your heart either rejoices or your mind clouds over and can't see the possibility of its truth....
Editors
I love editors. There, I said it. Editors make everything look superior. Editors take typical copy and make it outstanding. Editors have great things to say about every story. In a sense, they make everything better. True, sometimes they have to make...
A Case of the Book of Mormon Blahs
This article was originally published on Mormon Hub on November 6, 2016. Minor edits have been made. People find a way to make time for the things they want to do. Which is probably why I never found much time to read my scriptures. I’d never really...
Our Choices Affect Generations
I've debated sharing this story. But I think it's an issue for many families, and for much of society. And I think the discussion has to happen. So I'm starting it. My Grandfather unintentionally hurt my children. He never met them. He's been dead for 20 years, but...
Why Do We Think We Have to Go It Alone?
While climbing up and down a mountain with some ladies from my ward, I chatted with one about how she saw the world. She mentioned how perplexed she felt that in a community of women, sisters, how often we carry burdens alone. She lamented that in today's society, our...
Six Months Left
Six. Months. Left?!? Today marks exactly eighteen months since my son entered the Provo, UT Missionary Training Center. It has been eighteen months since I have hugged my son. Eighteen months since he’s been able to date, chat with friends, or just lay...
How to Find Gratitude in a World of Hardship
Cicero, the great Roman orator, claimed that gratitude was “not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others.” (Marcus Tullius Cicero, Pro Plancio, 54 b.c.) With a grateful heart, our minds are free to experience true happiness because we aren’t...
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Winter is over. Take a deep breath…and laugh.
Calling an Audible: Finding Peace in Christ
In all sporting events, there are situations when a last-second decision has to be made. Opponents may change their originally-planned tactics or strategy because in the moment, that line of attack isn’t really going to work out. It happens. This occurs...
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