We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, service and “love thy neighbor” are emphasized repeatedly. While serving others is a great thing, sometimes as members of the church we can get prideful about it or other aspect of our religion. We can begin to think that we’re the only church that…… Continue reading We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”

Saving Madonna: Artwork and World War II (4 Stars)

I recently finished reading Saving Madonna by Kate Bristow. This book, which will come out on November 2, is a World War II novel set in Italy. It is based on the true story of a small Italian town’s quest to save artwork during World War II. My Feelings This book for me is hard…… Continue reading Saving Madonna: Artwork and World War II (4 Stars)

To See the Beauty, Just Turn Around and Look

As an ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls Temple, I get the chance to see pictures and murals from a different vantage point than most people who visit. I get to appreciate the beauty of the temple’s artwork. This artwork, particularly the handpainted murals throughout the endowment rooms, is unique. Recently, I was sitting in…… Continue reading To See the Beauty, Just Turn Around and Look

The Quest for Family: Overcoming the Odds (3 Stars)

Earlier this year, I won The Quest for Family: Beauty from Ashes, by Jessica Clancy in a Goodreads Giveaway. This is the author’s true story of overcoming childhood abuse to become a productive member of society as an adult. Understanding Me As a Reader First, in no way is my 3-star rating a reflection on…… Continue reading The Quest for Family: Overcoming the Odds (3 Stars)

I Swore I’d Never, But… Feeling Like the Outcast

Feeling Like the Outcast has been several years in the making. Back in 2017 or 2018, I started feeling like there was a specific book that I needed to write. I fought that feeling for over a year. I didn’t want to write it. While most of what I write has personal elements, this was…… Continue reading I Swore I’d Never, But… Feeling Like the Outcast

The Palisades: Who’s the Most Delusional? (4.5 Stars)

I recently finished reading an ARC of The Palisades by Gail Lynn Hanson. This book will be available on Kindle on October 24. I’m not sure when the paperback version will be released. There are two main characters, Dorothy and Ruth. Both are a bit delusional. Dorothy, who grew up in the Midwest, moved to…… Continue reading The Palisades: Who’s the Most Delusional? (4.5 Stars)

Maybe Their Blinker’s Broken: Don’t Be So Quick to Judge

This wasn’t the post I’d planned to write today. It wasn’t even on my list of potential future blog topics. Yet, as I was working at the temple yesterday, the outline for a blog about how we sometimes judge others without the full story came to me. Because of that, I felt that this was…… Continue reading Maybe Their Blinker’s Broken: Don’t Be So Quick to Judge

Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)

Recently, I finished reading Casalvento: House of the Wind by Gudron Cuillo. This book is about Erika Germoglio, who lives in New York City. Just as things in her life really feel like they are falling into place, she learns that she’s inherited an Italian vineyard. Before long, her whole life is turned upside-down. What…… Continue reading Casalvento: House of the Wind- Italian Vineyard Inheritance (4.5 Stars)

Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency

Lately, I’ve been thinking about a food mandoline emergency that happened almost exactly nine years ago. I won’t go into all the details of the incident, but feel free to skip ahead to the “Damage is Worse Than Expected” heading if you get a bit queasy regarding medical emergencies. Basically, I was slicing potatoes, didn’t…… Continue reading Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency

Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story

A while back, I entered a writing contest for “Not Quite Write.” When I entered the contest, I knew almost nothing about the company, so I entered based 100% on the contest rules. There were four rules. First, it had to be no more than 600 words. Second, it had to have someone cross a…… Continue reading Cross the Line: A Nonwinning Protest to Impress Story