I’ve become obsessed with scriptural “ins” and “throughs.” The words are the simplest, but I feel I have so much to learn through them. My in and through obsession began in John 17 which I read during the sacrament. And all mine are thine, and thine are mine; and I am glorified in them. And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those... Read more
I looked up from my reading and stared at the wall, suddenly lost in thought. The ceiling fan eagerly flipped my pages away from the scene of Mary of Bethany anointing Jesus. My mind busily recreated the scene. Why Was Not…? A dissenting, judgmental voice icily penetrates Mary of Bethany’s sacred moment. “Why are you doing that?” He says with all its implications—she’s silly, wasteful, and disregarding the Master’s teachings, and interrupting their time together. There they made him a... Read more
Teenagers are invited to attend The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saint’s seminary program. Students attend a daily scripture class focusing on a book of scripture each year. Attending seminary requires sacrifices of time and commitment, and often sleep. Opportunities to learn about Jesus Christ and His gospel offer any individual profound spiritual blessings. But I’m always interested to hear a teenager’s takeaway. This awesome freshman, Connor Bushman, shared some of his thoughts about seminary, promised blessings for attending... Read more
Do you feel like your small, simple acts of service really matter? Scarlet Bushman shares some awesome insight on how each small act of service becomes flecks of gold that fill our hearts with treasure. Coming Unto Christ by Scarlet Bushman Elder M. Russell Ballard shared a story that I would briefly like to relate. A young merchant from Boston, who in 1849, as the story goes, was caught up in the fervor of the California gold rush. He sold... Read more
One hot, summer day in Oklahoma, my brother Donovan and I stood on top of the old well pump house (don’t tell our dad) for a better view to observe a storm rolling in across the plains. We stood perched there in our 9-ish and 6-ish-year-old wisdom talking about the weather and life until the rain hit and we ran back into the house. Even from a young tot, Donovan’s been observant. He observes life and the Gospel and connects... Read more
Imagine entering the hustle and bustle of a congested festival space amidst increasing heat from an autumn’s morning sun. You see a man seated, teaching a throng around him. As you approach, you begin to hear his doctrine when, quite abruptly, a determined group of men makes their way through the crowd with a woman in tow. They bring her directly to the man and stand her in front of him and at the focus of the congregation. And then,... Read more
I stared at the bed, its mostly crinkle-free bedspread, my pillow tossed at the top. I stood at the side of the bed for several minutes holding my prayer journal and two pens. I figured I’d need them both. I’d known I’d needed to do this for a while. I’d found myself on a plateau. I didn’t really feel guided by the Holy Ghost. Usually, when that happens, I’ve offended the Spirit in some way to make it withdraw from me. ... Read more
God speaks through prophets. He confirmed, What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same. Prophets generated thousands of pages of God’s word. Holy books contain much of their effort. But what about the prophets themselves? As I read their books of scripture, I become invested in them... Read more
Have you ever been happy to have an excuse to not do something you really didn’t want to do? I laugh at funny excuses like, “oh, sorry I have to floss my cat that day,” “my goldfish is ill, so I can’t,” or “my psychic told me not to.” Some of my excuses probably seem that silly to God. I’ve used a pretty consistent health excuse for nearly three decades. And in truth, my strength gets zapped and I focus... Read more
The Sacrament table was right there. I saw the creases in the tablecloth, the glint of silver as a corner of a tray peeked out. I watched the young men reverently pass the tokens of the Lord’s sacrifice off of and back on to the altar. I took the emblems of Him who drank the bitter cup completely. I collapsed inside because I didn’t think I could do the same. I didn’t know what to do. Enduring to the end... Read more
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