Category: Spiritual Stories

Not Letting Go of Old, Familiar Shoes and Sins

I have a pair of shoes I’ve had for most of my life. I’m not exaggerating when I say that. I got them during the summer of either 1995 or 1996, so they are almost 30 years old. The traction is pretty much completely gone. Some threads are coming out of the sides of the…… Continue reading Not Letting Go of Old, Familiar Shoes and Sins

13 Ways to Prepare for and Enjoy Your Temple Visit

I’ve been an ordinance worker at the Idaho Falls Temple since June 2018. During that time, both as a worker and as a patron, I’ve noticed several things that allow the experience to be more spiritual for everyone involved. Make a Temple Appointment While some temples have always required or strongly recommended that you get…… Continue reading 13 Ways to Prepare for and Enjoy Your Temple Visit

Suffering and Joy: Are They Mutually Exclusive?

In Sunday School yesterday, we talked about the final few chapters of 1 Nephi. In this section, particularly in chapter 17, Nephi talked about how his people suffered but were also blessed. Then our teacher said that he enjoys suffering. People laughed a bit at his response. He then explained that he enjoys activities such…… Continue reading Suffering and Joy: Are They Mutually Exclusive?

One Disaster After Another at the Temple

A little over a year ago, I felt like my shift at the temple was one disaster after another. I began to question why I’d even bothered to come that day. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Disaster on My Dress One of the first things on my schedule that day was my lunch break.…… Continue reading One Disaster After Another at the Temple

Better to Prepare for the Storm That Never Comes

This morning, school was canceled in our area because of a projected blizzard. The storm never came, and some people mocked the situation a bit. Yet, these same people would have been mad if the storm had happened and school hadn’t been canceled. It hit me that it’s better to prepare for the storm that…… Continue reading Better to Prepare for the Storm That Never Comes

The Nauvoo Temple: What Happened To Me There?

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?

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

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

Give Me My Outer Darkness Donuts Now!

Any family member who reads this headline is probably going to roll their eyes, smile a bit, and tell me to get over it. Honestly, they’re probably right. I should get over it, but before I do, I’m going to tell you how I know that there are no donuts in Outer Darkness. The Story…… Continue reading Give Me My Outer Darkness Donuts Now!