An Easter song, written by the author, tells us that within three gardens—Eden, Gethsemine, and surrounding the empty tomb, the miracle of new life brings hope to a weary world. Read more
An Easter song, written by the author, tells us that within three gardens—Eden, Gethsemine, and surrounding the empty tomb, the miracle of new life brings hope to a weary world. Read more
Two of my children made history this year! Jordan, age 18, and Mariah, age 16, are the first brother and sister duo to win the state wrestling championships in the same year in the State of Florida. Choices and efforts both have made about hard work, dedication, and sacrifice have shaped their future, affected their ability to deal with adversity, and determined their success on and off the mat. Jordan’s extremely painful choices and efforts have and still are greatly... Read more
Ten years ago, March of 2014, our family was plunged into suicide grief. My brother found my 40-year-old sister Meggan who had died by suicide. In that moment my world changed. Everything I thought I believed about hope, healing, and heartbreak was put under the microscope of grief. If ever there was a time I needed a Savior, it was in this shock and grief. Experiencing Suicide Grief I relate to the words of M. Russell Ballard. The act of... Read more
(Vine/Unsplash) “The almost impossible thing is to hand over your whole self—all your wishes and precautions—to Christ.” In his masterpiece Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis warned Christians that Christ wants to change and develop all aspects of our lives. This will be a mighty change, involving the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and all prophetic teachings, as through His Atonement we may repent of our sins and weaknesses, experience change in our hearts, and become new. A Mighty Change of Heart... Read more
“We may think that coming unto Christ requires a strength, power, and perfection we don’t have . . . [but] faith in Jesus Christ is what gives us the energy to begin.”1 These reassuring words of Elder Claudio R.M. Costa introduce a metaphor I love: Christ offers us an “extra layer of strength.” Aproaching Easter, I remember the extra layer of strength Christ gave His apostles as He prepared to leave them. Peter was especially vulnerable, as he was to... Read more
“Humility is willingness to submit to the will of the Lord . . . It is being teachable . . . Humility includes gratitude for God’s blessings and acknowledgment of your constant need for His help.”1 This description is deserved by many of Christ’s legions of devoted disciples. As we focus on His lifetime, we remember the humble strength of Mary Magdalene. As we approach the Easter season, with our hearts and minds on Christ’s infinite and eternal sacrifice, we... Read more
In 1860, with his nation approaching civil war, Abraham Lincoln pleaded in his First Inaugural Address, "“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies." Today, as we face divisive issues in personal and public issues, we must measure our words with compassion and extend both justice and mercy, honoring the words of Lincoln and following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Read more
(Geranimo/Unsplash) I was lost once. Losing my GPS access, I had no idea which direction I should be facing or which way to turn. I was totally confused. When I got to a place with phone service, I was able to turn on my GPS and easily find the way to my destination. With my life’s direction, I have sometimes been lost with more serious confusion and danger. But my guide through life—my Savior, Jesus Christ—never loses power or function.... Read more
In some cultures February is the month dedicated to love. Like the song says, love is the answer. The thirteenth century poet Rumi wrote, “Love is the bridge between you and everything.” If love is the answer and the bridge to everything, understanding what love really is really matters. Love seems to be the focus of countless movies, poems, and songs. But the love in the movies isn’t real. Real life is messy and complicated. And it requires something more... Read more
Sharing stories of Jesus is a precious blessing. Through stories children—and adults—come to know the Savior in vivid, personal, and intimate ways. Sharing stories brings His divinity, his love, his sacrifice , and his doctrine to visible and emotive form they can remember, relate to, and love. Children sing their plea in this well-loved song: Tell me the stories of Jesus I love to hear, Things I would ask him to tell me if he were here. Scenes by the... Read more
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