A Prayer of Faith

I went visiting teaching yesterday. I must confess that I was not excited to go. I was tired. I didn’t feel good. I hadn’t had much downtime with my children because we have had lots of craziness (errands, doctor’s appointments, car troubles, dad out of town). More than anything, I just wanted to be cozy and comfortable at home. “Visiting teaching is never convenient,” I found myself thinking. (It really rarely is.)

I printed out the lesson and mused over the title: “Blessings of Relief Society.” I found myself wondering about why the lessons this year have focused on Relief Society. I even noticed some complaints I have heard about these lessons and about Relief Society creeping into my consciousness. (How easily negativity can try to take root!)

Fortunately, the Spirit was merciful enough to teach and to touch me during the next hour and a half, in spite of the bad start to my service. I was able to repent of my attitude and receive a clear answer to my question. Read the rest of this entry »

Before Sunday, 3 December, I found myself succumbing to a creeping “bah humbug” attitude, brought on by the early start and frequent ads of the commercial Christmas season.

I felt my heart begin to thaw (perhaps “defrost” would be a better word, since I wasn’t too far gone!) in Sacrament meeting when we sang Christmas songs and shared testimonies. Then that evening was the First Presidency Christmas Devotional. Not really wanting to venture out in the cold, I listened over the Internet. The defrosting was quickly complete. The encouragement, testimonies, and stories of the First Presidency were heartwarming to hear. To be reminded of the real meaning of Christmas was what I needed and what I received. Read the rest of this entry »

The holiday season has officially begun. And, as much as we try to avoid it, the holidays usually bring stress — or at least full calendars and long to-do lists. I thought I would share a few main dish recipes that have helped keep dinner simple and not-too-time-consuming. (Some you can add veggies to and make a complete meal!) Read the rest of this entry »

I have always hated admitting weakness, but I’m going to do it here. I have been insecure most of my life. I have struggled to feel worthy of the love of people around me, and especially to feel worthy of God’s love.

I have usually looked to mortal means to fill my I-am-lovable-and-worthwhile bucket. I did well in school and got good grades. I have tried to be and do good, and have looked for positive verbal reinforcement from those around me in the process. I have done things that add bullets to my résumé…. You get the picture. Read the rest of this entry »

Or at least He cared about the one I was in charge of.

Ten years ago, I was Activities Chair in my ward. It was one of the more daunting callings I have had. I had no co-chair to help carry the load, and no husband to brainstorm with at home. But I learned that I was not working alone. Read the rest of this entry »

I finished a book today. It was about symbolism on various temples from early church history. It was a fascinating read.

As I read the last chapter, I was moved by a story, and wanted to share it with you. Read the rest of this entry »

Mary A. recently wrote a great essay on patience. We must be on the same wavelength, for patience has been on my mind as well. Following are some of my thoughts on the topic.

Sometimes I think that the main reason why we have computers is to help us develop one of the most important virtues for a Latter-day Saint woman: patience. Read the rest of this entry »

I love General Conference. I’m always a bit saddened when the spiritual feast comes to an end and the “conference is adjourned for six months.”

However, hasn’t the feast just begun? Read the rest of this entry »

This piece was written by Cheryl, one of our guest writers.

I finally figured it out! (Although, as you will see, I had a lot of help.)

The Family: A Proclamation to the World states that a mother’s responsibility is to nurture her children. I’ve often thought a lot about what that means. There have been several Relief Society and Sunday School lessons about parents (mothers) taking care of their children–raising them in righteousness, being an example, caring for their physical and spiritual needs, etc.–and I’ve heard much about it in General Conference, Sacrament Meeting, and Stake Conferences as well. But try as I may to apply it to my life as a mother, I’ve always felt so inadequate and awkward. Discipline is important, yes, but what about letting them know you love them, too? Clean house, yes, but what about spending time with them? Scripture study, yes, but what if they don’t pay attention? What about when I’m just too tired? What about my personal time? Read the rest of this entry »

I’m not sure what I was afraid of, but I know that the fear was deep, animal, and visceral. Even my husband shared it. For all that he loves to jump out of airplanes for fun, that 28-foot ladder up against the side of the house bested him as well as it did me. The job had to be done, though, and it was up to one of us to do it. Read the rest of this entry »