Tag: blessing

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?

Kindness and Love Or Allowing Others to Take Advantage of You?

I’ve started this post several times. Then I don’t like the direction it’s going, so I’ll start in another direction, rename it, and try something else. I think perhaps part of the problem is that I do struggle to find that right balance between helping and serving others versus being willing to stand up for…… Continue reading Kindness and Love Or Allowing Others to Take Advantage of You?

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

Any Church Calling: We Are Called for a Reason

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about church callings. Maybe, part of that is that for the first time in quite a while, I find myself long-term without a ward calling. Yes, I’m a temple worker, but I don’t have an official ward calling. I think we’ve all had times when someone was given a…… Continue reading Any Church Calling: We Are Called for a Reason

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

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

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!