“Now, we’re all going to do headstands.” The faces of my bleary-eyed seminary students were priceless. WHAT? After watching my seminary students for the past two months, I concluded that most struggled with stillness and being present. I struggle that way, too, sometimes, as most of my teachers over the past 47 years can attest. I’d asked Tasha to come to seminary to share ideas about mindfulness and pondering. She owns Yoga4Ewa, a yoga studio in our community, and mindfulness... Read more
Doctrine and Covenants 17:1 discusses the items viewable to the Three Witnesses. Behold, I say unto you, that you must rely upon my word, which if you do with full purpose of heart, you shall have a view of the plates, and also of the breastplate, the sword of Laban, the Urim and Thummim, which were given to the brother of Jared upon the mount, when he talked with the Lord face to face, and the miraculous directors which were given to Lehi while in the wilderness, on the borders of... Read more
Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God; For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him. And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance. And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth! Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people. And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be... Read more
Have you ever had to choose between people you love and something you believe is right? My friend (who asked to remain anonymous) faced that scenario after accepting the Gospel of Jesus Christ. She grew up in a Buddhist nation and expected repercussions for accepting new-found faith. But service rendered years ago to a woman in need bridged the gap for my friend. Following are my friend’s words. Service Includes Accepting Help From Others What is service? President Thomas S.... Read more
A friend, who asked to remain anonymous, shared part of an incredible life story during a talk on compassion. I sat mesmerized listening to the stories. If living with compassion is possible during times of war and survival, how much easier should it be to cultivate that empathy during times of peace when we have the chance to choose. But do we? My friend’s words. What Is Compassion? What is compassion? And, who are examples of compassion? According to... Read more
A new month or new year is always an exciting and motivating time for me! I really love the metaphorical prospects for fresh new starts. But, sometimes, I look back at the closing month or year and what I didn’t accomplish. I let myself feel discouraged when I see little, or no, progress on my “Ultimate To-Do List.” During October Conference, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf said, “Sometimes we feel discouraged because we are not “more” of something—more spiritual, respected, intelligent, healthy,... Read more
I encountered “Tabitha” several years ago. (Protecting her identity, I’m calling her Tabitha because like one of my scriptural heroines, this woman is “full of good works and almsdeeds,” too.) So I met Tabitha in her work environment several years ago. She seemed brusque and hard. Her manner was so abrupt. I felt shocked that she worked in such a people-oriented position. But it didn’t really matter to me because our encounter was brief and I went on my way. But... Read more
I’ve been pondering an insight my friend Lahapa Ichimura shared while we were in the temple. Recently called as a Stake Temple and Family History Consultant, she read 1 Nephi 3, the story of Lehi’s sons returning to Jerusalem for the brass plates from the new calling’s perspective. The importance of that story suddenly became even more meaningful. How much were those brass plates worth to Lehi and why? The Cost of the Brass Plates After angering his community by... Read more
This is my friend Marcy Andrew’s story. I met her on July 1, 1992, when we were assigned to be MTC companions. We served as companions again in Scotland and are sisters for eternity. She’s vivacious, creative, and strong. And my heart broke for her and rejoiced with her as this experience unfolded, even though I only knew news available on social media. Her story, while “logistically” unique, resonates with the struggles we all have to look to heaven and... Read more
I’ve been studying the concept that celestial people are willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. The obvious example of this is Jesus Christ and His willing atoning sacrifice for the Earth and all life. A less obvious example is God’s willingness to let us blame Him for our misuse of personal agency. For example, I blame a trial on “God’s plan” for my life when I’m actually facing consequences of my own choices. I feel like God doesn’t... Read more
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