A Focus on the Essentials at the Temple

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to concentrate better as I attend the temple. During my last two visits to the temple as a patron, it has hit me how important it is to focus on the essentials or the basics of the temple covenant. What Do I Mean by the Essentials? If…… Continue reading A Focus on the Essentials at the Temple

Is It Really Success Disguised as Failure?

I talked recently about how I’ve started taking an Emotional Resilience class in my ward. Each week, we set five goals to work on for that week. The following week, we individually rate how we did with each goal. You can pick “very little effort,” “some effort,” or “significant effort.” The first two weeks, I…… Continue reading Is It Really Success Disguised as Failure?

Just a Temporary Change or a Lasting Improvement?

This last weekend was general conference. I felt like there were three themes: temple attendance, focusing on our covenants, and working on our relationship with Jesus Christ. As is always the case just after general conference, I think we all felt a desire to make improvements in our lives. Yet, it’s important that these changes…… Continue reading Just a Temporary Change or a Lasting Improvement?

The Prodigal Son and An Unexpected Pride Lesson

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to read through all the October 2023 General Conference talks another time. Recently, I came to Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf’s talk, “The Prodigal and the Road That Leads Home.” I’d heard the story of the prodigal son many times before, and I’d heard and read this talk…… Continue reading The Prodigal Son and An Unexpected Pride Lesson

They Just Are Not a Good Fit

In one of my first blog posts, I talked about how a lady I work with at the temple set me up with her friend’s son. Last week, this guy texted me. To maintain his privacy, I’ll call him “J.” He wanted to know if I felt like he hadn’t given us enough of a…… Continue reading They Just Are Not a Good Fit

Wearing White Slippers in My Heavenly Father’s House

Earlier this week, I watched the “Don’t Miss This” podcast, which goes along with “Come Follow Me.” In this podcast, one of the hosts, Grace Freeman, talked about sitting on the front porch of Heavenly Father’s house. That image has stuck with me. Yesterday, I went to the temple as a patron. As I looked…… Continue reading Wearing White Slippers in My Heavenly Father’s House

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

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

General Conference is Over- What I Learned- Now What?

Last week, I wrote a bit of a pre-General Conference post. I talked about some of the reasons that I looked forward to General Conference. Now I’d like to focus on what I learned from the most recent sessions as well as how my excitement matched up with each thing that I was excited about.…… Continue reading General Conference is Over- What I Learned- Now What?