One of the most prominent promises for wearing the temple garment is to avoid the power of the destroyer. Initially, I assumed that “destroyer” meant the adversary, Satan. Then one day while serving as an ordinance worker in initiatories, a new thought dramatically changed my mind. While pronouncing the blessings of being clothed in the holy garment, my mind flashed to the Passover story in Exodus 11. 4 And Moses said, Thus saith the Lord, About midnight will I go out into... Read more
Scripture contains several variations on a theme about the Lord providing protection. An accumulation of stickers taught me about that promised protection. Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you—there is no weapon that is formed against you shall prosper (Doctrine and Covenants 71:9) Versions of that promise occur in the Bible, Book of Mormon, and Doctrine and Covenants. I’ve often wondered how that could or would apply to me. Yesterday as I concluded my walk around the neighborhood, I discovered... Read more
At the tail-end of my daily walk, I turned from the road onto the alley that connects my subdivision to the one I was in. I saw a construction crew building a large workshop midway down the alley. Then suddenly, a German shepherd darted onto the alley. I paused to gauge intent. I decided I didn’t need to fear her and preferred walking the alley rather than walking an extra mile the long way around. The dog stopped, glancing back... Read more
My niece, Kyla Bushman, recently shared some thoughts about daring to stand alone and standing up for what she believes. I’m so impressed by her determination to attend the temple every Friday morning with her dad and sister, Bailey. Kyla’s always been such a strong young lady, but her habit of attending the temple weekly has increased her strength and courage to trust in the Lord’s guidance for her life. Kyla Bushman | Dare to Stand Alone The definition of... Read more
The phrase made sure always catches my attention in scripture. The Lord promises that our exaltation can be made sure. Prophets, like Samuel the Lamanite, promise that spiritual and/or physical destruction can be made sure, too. Isaiah 22:21-25 paints the image of the Messiah being fastened as a nail in the sure place. 21 And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to... Read more
Something I’d always apparently glossed over as I read Samuel the Lamanite’s story suddenly jumped out at me this time. Before he began to speak on the wall, Samuel “stretched forth his hand.” Aside from believing that God just protected Samuel from the Nephite’s stones and arrows, I hadn’t really examined reasons the Nephites missed their mark. However, this phrase totally added to my perspective when viewing Samuel’s action as a manifestation of God’s protective priesthood power, which is the... Read more
100 days before his 100th birthday, President Russell M. Nelson invited folks to “reach out to ‘the one’ in our lives who may be feeling lost or alone.” I’ve appreciated his invitation to reach out, because I am so grateful for people who have seen me and reached out to me. This is a quick story of one of Lynlee’s #99+1 Invitation—to me. Lynlee’s #99+1 Invitation Someone who recently made a difference to me by reaching out is my niece... Read more
While visiting my sister Dionna’s family in Tyler, Texas, my niece Madi taught me a lot about setting and achieving soul-stretching, short-term goals. Madi turns four years old in three months. She is a bright, fun, strong-minded little girl. Like most of us, Madi prefers fun punctuated by comfort. Dionna expertly navigates the motivational spectrum with Madi, and during round one of negotiations, successfully proposed a winning suggestion for Madi’s participation in a 1.3 mile loop trail hike: a completion... Read more
Over the past two years, I’ve been visiting important historical sites of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I’d never been to the Priesthood Restoration Site on the banks of the Susquehanna River and eagerly visited. In my typical style, I’d sandwiched my visit into a drive—on a schedule—from Palmyra to New York City. I quickly wandered the paths and Sugar Grove and then drove to the baptismal site. Surprised to be the only car in the parking... Read more
I am fascinated by people’s stories. I love learning what makes you, you! I love journeying beyond the pleasantries to find out what you really think about life and struggle and why. I believe we all deal with our version of abandonment, rejection, heartbreak, and trauma. How did yours shape you? I lived for a long time in the shadows of my experiences. I learned to define myself differently by listening to the stories of other people who did, too.... Read more
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