I Must Be Perfect Now… Or Not

In life, we often feel like we have to present ourselves as perfect. Social media often adds to this desire to appear as though we do everything perfectly and have the perfect life. Unfortunately, as we do this, we present an inaccurate representation of ourselves, and in turn, we may make others feel like they’ll…… Continue reading I Must Be Perfect Now… Or Not

Tell Me Another Lie: A Stalker, Flowers, and Messages (4 Stars)

Tell Me Another Lie by K. T. Raine, came out recently. In this book, Belle is a massage therapist who has recently moved back to the small town of Huckleberry Ridge, Idaho. Early on in the book, she starts getting flowers and messages from a secret admirer. The messages and presents soon take on a…… Continue reading Tell Me Another Lie: A Stalker, Flowers, and Messages (4 Stars)

SA Ward: Still Feeling Like the Odd One Out

About a month ago, my younger sister and I encountered the bishop just as we were heading out to take the dogs for a walk. He asked us if we knew about a meeting the next day, Sunday, for Single Adults 31-45. We hadn’t heard about the meeting, but right away I was pretty sure…… Continue reading SA Ward: Still Feeling Like the Odd One Out

It Was An LDS Best Seller on Amazon

This morning, I was obsessively looking at the statistics on my book, Feeling Like the Outcast. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I do this pretty regularly, hoping for good news. Well, this morning, I scrolled down, and I saw unexpected numbers in the Best Seller Rank section. My book was #81 in the Church…… Continue reading It Was An LDS Best Seller on Amazon

The Last Caretaker: With Unexpected Job Tasks (5 Stars)

I recently finished reading my November First Reads book, The Last Caretaker by Jessica Strawser. After her recent divorce, Katie needs a new start. When her best friend, Bess, suggests a position as a caretaker of a nature reserve, Katie jumps at the chance, even though she’s not really a nature person. Katie soon discovers…… Continue reading The Last Caretaker: With Unexpected Job Tasks (5 Stars)

My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

Several years ago, I was feeling like I didn’t have a friend in the world. I was having a bit of a pity party for myself. After a few days of feeling like no one cared, I began to pray. I prayed for one of those church magazine or General Conference story moments where someone…… Continue reading My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

This is No Magic Trick: Another Writing Contest Loser

It’s time for another writing contest loser. This entry came from “The Chilling Pen Award.” The criteria were that the story needed to be under 1,000 words, it should have a bit of a scary element, and it should involve betrayal. The contest results were announced on Halloween. I decided to write a story about…… Continue reading This is No Magic Trick: Another Writing Contest Loser

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