At Least It’s Christmas Sock Season: A Look on the Bright Side

I know there are people who are very strict or specific about when the Christmas season starts. Some will argue that putting up your tree before Thanksgiving or decorating for Christmas at all before Thanksgiving takes away from the Thanksgiving celebration. For me, the Christmas sock season starts on November 1, and I was grateful…… Continue reading At Least It’s Christmas Sock Season: A Look on the Bright Side

Amalickiah and Satan’s Three Tactics to Encourage Sin

Last week, we studied Alma 43-52 for “Come Follow Me.” For me, Alma 47 stands out. This is where Amalickiah uses treachery to obtain the Lamanite kingdom. We might think we’re too smart now to fall for Amalickiah’s tactics, but these tactics are the same ones Satan uses today. Disguising Evil: First Amalickiah Tactic In…… Continue reading Amalickiah and Satan’s Three Tactics to Encourage Sin

Scabs Never Heal if We Keep Picking at Them

Sometimes, I get really dry skin. This is particularly true in the winter. My hands are the worst. It gets to the point where my hands, particularly my knuckles, will start to bleed. Then they’ll get scabs. I’ll also sometimes get really dry skin around my ears, which also may turn into scabs. Not to…… Continue reading Scabs Never Heal if We Keep Picking at Them

Insecurities, Assumptions, and Not Having the Full Story

While going to grad school in 2010-2012, I taught a YSA Sunday School class. Honestly, it was one of the hardest callings emotionally and mentally that I’ve ever had. I had an assortment of insecurities concerning teaching. I felt unsure about my own gospel knowledge. Along with that, several people in the class were going…… Continue reading Insecurities, Assumptions, and Not Having the Full Story

Are They Judging Me or Am I Being Self-Conscious?

Earlier this week, I talked about how I started an Emotional Resilience group last week. While the class went well enough this week, ironically I had two moments where I wondered if people were judging me. Take this half-jokingly. In looking back, the other people probably put almost no thought into what I said even…… Continue reading Are They Judging Me or Am I Being Self-Conscious?

Pet Peeve Ponderization: People, Grammar, and the Spiritual

Several years ago, I had a job interview where the person asked me about my biggest pet peeve. Honestly, up to that point, I don’t think I’d put a lot of thought into my pet peeves. I don’t even fully remember my response. I think I said something about people who stand around, waiting for…… Continue reading Pet Peeve Ponderization: People, Grammar, and the Spiritual

Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency

Lately, I’ve been thinking about a food mandoline emergency that happened almost exactly nine years ago. I won’t go into all the details of the incident, but feel free to skip ahead to the “Damage is Worse Than Expected” heading if you get a bit queasy regarding medical emergencies. Basically, I was slicing potatoes, didn’t…… Continue reading Repentance and a Food Mandoline Emergency