My husband recently gave the closing prayer at an Empty Nester’s Family Home Evening. He said a phrase which really struck me: “Strengthen our week.” In context, I knew he referred to “week.” But my mind switched it to “weak.” In the days prior, I’d heard struggling life stories, so “strengthen our weak” seemed especially appropriate. My mind flashed to scripture stories where the Lord strengthened weakness. In a Gospel of peace and turning the other cheek, what does God prescribe... Read more
Nephi and his brothers all heard Lehi recount his dream of the iron rod, great and spacious building, mists of darkness, and the Tree of Life with its delicious fruit. Evidentally the brothers all had questions about what the dream meant. We have Lehi’s cursory explanation of the dream. Nephi noted that Lehi preached and prophesied about many things. Did the brothers ask Lehi their questions about the dream and subsequent prophecies? We don’t know. To Ask or Not To Ask... Read more
My parents are revolutionaries. They lived as equal partners. My dad generally cooked the meals and Mom baked the treats. Dad did dishes and laundry and Mom balanced the budget. Mom oversaw cleaning minutia and Dad managed the broader house cleansings. Mom was nurse and homework advisor. Dad gathered the family together for family home evening, prayers, and scripture study, and out the door for church on Sundays. They both handed out chores to the closest person in proximity—even visitors.... Read more
As a kid, I spent hours lying on the grass staring into the night sky. From light years away, twinkling stars beckoned. A “nearby” planet’s color added to the mystery of the black night. A falling star’s glowing trail caught my attention for a moment. The moon in all of its phases became a friend and confidant. These Celestial wonders made me ponder, “Where is the kingdom of God?” and “What is the kingdom of God like?” As I looked at... Read more
Paralyzed by the ‘to-dos’, I escaped. The walk along a mountain ridge brought clarity and renewed sense of purpose as the sun burst through the clouds with illuminating morning light. None of the overwhelm had changed. I needed to change that myself. Sometimes life experiences clearly highlight personal weakness and ineptness. Church callings usually do that for me. I easily identify my gross lacking in the Christlike attributes I attempt to follow. The Church Is Full of... Read more
Part of LDS.net’s celebration of During a defining moment, we all have a choice. We can turn from God, or turn to Him. We can choose to be bitterly despondent and refuse to see options, or we can creatively cope with our challenges. There is always a choice. One of my defining moments occurred soon after I timed our entrance to church so I wouldn’t have to talk to anyone. We entered the chapel just as we heard the welcome... Read more
The Doctrine and Covenants teaches that Seth “was in the express likeness of his father, insomuch that he seemed to be like unto his father in all things….” I used to read this as Seth and Adam simply looked alike. As I’ve gotten older and have started looking more like my parents, I realized the scripture says that Seth “seemed to be like unto his father in all things.” All things—like idiosyncrasies, habits, thought processes, decision making, righteousness. Seth being... Read more
Last year, I shared pretty publicly the struggle I had with suicidal thoughts after miscarrying in an article called “Saved From Suicide.” I feel compelled to share a recent experience that gives me hope that not only can those feelings be managed one day at a time, but they can be eradicated from my life. Pregnancy Take 12 When I discovered I was pregnant earlier this year, I cried. I didn’t cry tears of joy. I cried... Read more
“And a woman having an issue…which had spent all her living upon physicians, neither could be healed of any, Came behind Him, and touched the border of His garment….” I lay there, wide awake in the darkness. Despair suffocated me. The violent thoughts intensified. I felt myself slide another step deeper into the emotional chaos and ultimate oblivion that beckoned me. I knew I needed his help. My husband is such a light sleeper and responded when I whispered his... Read more
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