In 2011, I was going to grad school at Central Michigan University. Two friends and I decided to take a bit of a road trip during Spring Break that year. This was the last week of March, so it was still very cold. We planned to go to the Chicago Temple, the Nauvoo Temple, other…… Continue reading The Nauvoo Temple: What Happened To Me There?
Month: December 2023
Temples as Beacons of Hope
Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about temples, particularly temples in areas where the temple is a beacon of hope. This includes areas where the gospel isn’t preached freely or areas where war is taking place. I’m sure there are other great temple examples, but these are the three that came to mind for me.…… Continue reading Temples as Beacons of Hope
The Beauty Doctor: Full of Ethical Issues (4.5 Stars)
The Second Edition of The Beauty Doctor by Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard, will come out on January 4, 2024. I was able to read an ARC of this book. This historical fiction novel takes place in the early 1900s. It deals with an assortment of ethical issues. What You Should Know This was not the book…… Continue reading The Beauty Doctor: Full of Ethical Issues (4.5 Stars)
Three-in-One: Three Weird Christmas Short Stories
In late October, I encountered a strange short story writing contest. The company, Weird Christmas, wanted weird Christmas stories. There were three categories. The first, Stocking Stuffers, was any weird Christmas story. The second, Weird Christmas Specials, was about taking a well-known Christmas story and messing it up a little. The final one, Weird Cards,…… Continue reading Three-in-One: Three Weird Christmas Short Stories
Finding Baby Holly: A Cult and An Adoption (4.5 Stars)
Finding Baby Holly: Lost to a Cult, Surviving My Parents’ Murders, and Saved by Prayer was written by Holly Marie (AKA Baby Holly) with help from Cindy and David Lambert. This book was published last month, and I just finished reading it. Despite giving it 4.5 stars, I have included it on my “well-worth reading”…… Continue reading Finding Baby Holly: A Cult and An Adoption (4.5 Stars)
I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses
I’ll admit it. I’m one of those people who sometimes makes excuses why I can’t do something. I’m too tired. It’s too hard. I really don’t want to. It’s too awkward. I did it last time. I don’t even know that person that well. Can’t someone else help them? Examples of People Who Don’t Make…… Continue reading I Admire Those Who Do Rather Than Make Excuses
Once Upon a Time in Millsbury: Neighbors Love (4 Stars)
Once Upon a Time in Millsbury by Iris Lim is a Regency novel, which will be published on December 15th. I got the chance to read an ARC of this book. This is the story of neighbors, who were practically like family, falling in love and marrying. I don’t think I’m ruining the book by…… Continue reading Once Upon a Time in Millsbury: Neighbors Love (4 Stars)
A Hummingbird Temple Message of Love
A few months back, I think it was late August, my ward had a Relief Society temple night. I prefer to go to the temple earlier in the day. Our session was at 7 pm. At that time of night, I don’t feel like I can fully focus. I just want to be home, sitting…… Continue reading A Hummingbird Temple Message of Love
Hitting 40: How Life Didn’t Turn Out as Planned
This week was a monumental sort of birthday for me. While the day itself wasn’t especially memorable, the significance of the number hit me a little hard. Let’s just say that I was halfway between 20 and 60 earlier this week, but every second that goes by, I get a little closer to 60 and…… Continue reading Hitting 40: How Life Didn’t Turn Out as Planned