Putting Off the Shoveling Just Results in Extra Work

It’s been snowing a lot in Idaho Falls since last Friday. Up until that point, it had been a mild winter. I guess that we were trying to fit four or five months of winter into a week. Of course, a lot of snow meant we had to do some shoveling. On Friday morning, there…… Continue reading Putting Off the Shoveling Just Results in Extra Work

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

When Feeling Uncomfortable is Really Feeling Unsafe

I started attending a SA ward in October. Over the last few months, I’ve heard a lot about getting outside of my comfort zone. I’m never going to meet people if I just stay at home, refusing to socialize. I have to get involved, do things that make me feel a little uncomfortable. I’ll admit…… Continue reading When Feeling Uncomfortable is Really Feeling Unsafe

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?

Being Judgmental Versus Righteous Judgment

Other than Jesus Christ, none of us are perfect. While some sins are bigger than others, we all sin daily. Unfortunately, it can be easy to be judgmental of others despite our own imperfections. Yet, there are also times when we have to use our righteous judgment abilities. We are taught that we are all…… Continue reading Being Judgmental Versus Righteous Judgment

Coming Home: Secrets That Hurt and Divide (4 Stars)

I recently finished reading Coming Home by Julieann Dove. It’s the first book in a planned series about some women who grew up in a small town in Texas. This one is about Abigail, who left that small town with her parents during her senior year of high school. Her father’s a preacher, and Abigail…… Continue reading Coming Home: Secrets That Hurt and Divide (4 Stars)

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?

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

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

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)