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

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?

One Disaster After Another at the Temple

A little over a year ago, I felt like my shift at the temple was one disaster after another. I began to question why I’d even bothered to come that day. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Disaster on My Dress One of the first things on my schedule that day was my lunch break.…… Continue reading One Disaster After Another at the Temple

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

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

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!

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?

My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

Several years ago, I was feeling like I didn’t have a friend in the world. I was having a bit of a pity party for myself. After a few days of feeling like no one cared, I began to pray. I prayed for one of those church magazine or General Conference story moments where someone…… Continue reading My Pity Party Revelation: Next Time, Listen to the Spirit

We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, service and “love thy neighbor” are emphasized repeatedly. While serving others is a great thing, sometimes as members of the church we can get prideful about it or other aspect of our religion. We can begin to think that we’re the only church that…… Continue reading We Don’t Have a Monopoly on “Love Thy Neighbor”