Akish, the Daughter of Jared, Omer-Temporal and Eternal Kingdoms
Yesterday, during my Book of Mormon reading, I reached one of the Book of Mormon's most curious stories (to me) about the daughter of Jared, Akish, Jared, and Omer. I keep thinking about the questions the story posed to me this time — Do I search the scriptures for...
Basic Sunday Meeting Terminology
Here are some basic terms that a new member or visitor will encounter when attending Sunday meetings at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Ward: a congregation. Wards are organized according to the number of active members within a specific...
This Is Just a Phase
During our holiday movie-watching binge, a particular sentiment was expressed and hung in the air begging to be discussed. A young woman dying of cancer left her lover telling him that the only way she could live on was to live in his memory, and she wanted that...
Jesus Christ, Savior and Redeemer
Jesus Christ. That name evokes such emotion, power, strength and unmatched love. He is known by so many names: Immanuel, Shiloh, Son of God, Son of Man, Prince of Peace, Wonderful, Counselor . . . they go on and on, every one testifying of the divinity of our Lord and...
The Marathon
Have you ever run a marathon? For many families, participating in a marathon is a relatively rare opportunity. I know there are a number of folks that would like to run the St George marathon for instance, but for one reason or another, they have been unable to...
When Did Following The Prophet Become Bad?
I’ve seen a disturbing bit of action going on around the blogosphere and social media. People who call themselves good Latter-day Saints are attacking people who stand up for the Church or announce that they follow the prophet. They try to paint them as people who...
A Butterfly in the Ecosystem
I'm captivated butterflies and moths. When working, I sit facing exterior windows. Butterflies and moths flit about my yard, sometimes not landing on anything, but just diving and rising in a dance before my eyes. Sometimes there are groups of butterflies. But most...
Choose the Lord’s Way
Does the Lord care about the individual? I see how the Lord moves people and uses their experiences and strengths to bless others’ lives. These individuals are making a tremendous impact in the world around them. But what about regular people? Like me....
Part of Your Family
I was in the check out line at Target chatting with the woman behind me and the checker. The checker was sharing that she would complete her 8-hour shift, go home, and still stay on her feet, to make macaroni and cheese for her family. At first, I thought she meant...
Helping Kids Keep the Sabbath Day Holy
If your kids are anything like my kids, the first thing they want to do on Sunday morning is turn on the television. At our house, cartoon exposure tends to stop at our two local PBS stations, meaning what they normally watch is all educational. Unfortunately when...
Every Step of the Way
One of the premier privileges of living in the western United States is the opportunity to delight in the mountains and to take occasion to enjoy them from afar and up close. Every state I have lived in has unique and wonderful mountains that to me are incredible....
Twelve Months of Christmas
As a senior citizen, I sometimes find myself asking the same question children ask on vacation, “Are we there yet?” I try very hard to be a good disciple of Christ, but am I really? I feel like I’m progressing, but taking baby steps. At this point in my life, I should...
Surviving Dumb, Cold Mistakes
I shivered constantly as I huddled on the ground asking my handcart pioneers to help me survive until morning. The temperature dropped into the 30's and I wore a T-shirt, shorts and a light jacket my cousin lent me. I'd never been so cold in my life. The...
Our Beloved Prophet’s Legacy
Our beloved prophet, President Thomas S. Monson has passed away at the age of 90 years. My youngest daughter cried at the news of his passing. He was our prophet for almost 10 years, she does not remember any other prophet. Of course, she loved him! We all did!...
Amelia Earhart
I don’t read very often for pleasure, just not my thing. However, I have always been interested in Amelia Earhart. A few years ago, I read two biographies about Amelia, back-to-back. One appeared to be sponsored by her family, and the other by her husband or...
Treat Others with Kindness
How we deal with other people has always been a big thing at my house. At least once or twice a day the kid’s will hear something to the effect of, “Be nice to each other” or “Treat each other with kindness.” If I could open up my kids’ heads and cross-stitch this...
The Great Hunt
All of the commandments are given to make blessings available to us. A grateful heart is the parent of all virtues. Now I grew up in the county, and I have four brothers, all of which showed interest in hunting and fishing. So I naturally engaged in the sport...
How is a new Apostle Chosen?
With the passing of our beloved Robert D Hales this past fall, a vacancy was created in the Quorum of Twelve Apostles. Latter-day Saints began their wild speculation as to who the new apostle would be . . . and it is a favorite pastime. Names are suggested at...
Inspired by a Better Cause- Lessons From Alma Chapter 43
I love the Lord Jesus Christ and his glorious gospel. I have a personal testimony that He truly is our Savior, Lord, and Master. And I desire with all my heart to share that knowledge with the world. Hence the reason I am so excited to have the opportunity to write...
Mine! Mine! Mine!
I was called to serve in Nursery during a 6-week stint in that particular ward. Knowing my time was limited but that I need to feel useful, I said I'd be happy to serve wherever the need was greatest. Nursery's need was very great. I served in the younger...