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

The Seven Last Statements of Christ’s Life

While the Easter season is coming to an end, it’s never too late to focus on Christ’s sacrifice, especially with today being Easter Monday in some cultures. Last week, I was encouraged to study the last seven statements that Jesus said while on the cross. Different people might get different messages out of these statements,…… Continue reading The Seven Last Statements of Christ’s Life

The Unconditional Love of Our Savior

Over the last few weeks, in my “Come Follow Me” reading, I’ve come across several verses that make me think of Christ’s unconditional love. These verses have emphasized to me how much He loves us and wants us to succeed. While there are many verses where our Savior’s unconditional love is shown, I’m going to…… Continue reading The Unconditional Love of Our Savior

Don’t Let Them See My Fake Tattoos at the Temple

A few days ago, I got a bunch of dinosaur and dragon fake tattoos. They were, of course, for my niece and nephew who are 2 and 5. It wasn’t like I got them for myself at all. Yet, I had to try them out to make sure that they were high-quality fake tattoos. They…… Continue reading Don’t Let Them See My Fake Tattoos at the Temple

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

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

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 Beauty Doctor: Full of Ethical Issues (4.5 Stars)

The Second Edition of The Beauty Doctor by Elizabeth Hutchinson Bernard, will come out on January 4, 2024. I was able to read an ARC of this book. This historical fiction novel takes place in the early 1900s. It deals with an assortment of ethical issues. What You Should Know This was not the book…… Continue reading The Beauty Doctor: Full of Ethical Issues (4.5 Stars)

Can I Be Proud of Something Without Being Prideful?

I could be 100% wrong in this thought, but I feel like there is a huge difference between feeling proud of someone or something and being prideful about something. To me, the core of this difference lies in whether it’s about gratitude or if it’s about the desire to be better than others. What is…… Continue reading Can I Be Proud of Something Without Being Prideful?