Of Primary Importance: I Will Go; I Will Do!

Because the LDS Church does not have paid clergy, the members are asked to serve each other. Everyone from our bishop to the nursery teachers serves voluntarily and without pay. Although we serve voluntarily, sometimes we're asked to serve in ways we never would have dreamed of volunteering for ourselves. About a year ago, I was happily serving as the Webelos Den Assistant for our congregation's Cub Scout pack, performing science experiments...

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Gratitude for the Gospel of Jesus Christ

I joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints when I was two months shy of my 19th birthday. I was a freshman in college at a small private university a long way from home, and to say that my family was disappointed with this decision is a grand understatement. I learned about the LDS Church, or “the Mormons” when I was in high school. I had made friends that were Mormon, but I'd never thought twice about what that meant. They were...

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We All Need Lighthouses in Our Lives

I heard an urban legend about a naval ship receiving instructions recommending a change of direction: Ship 1: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the north to avoid a collision. Radio Response: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees to the south to avoid a collision. Ship 1: This is the captain speaking, I say again, divert your course. Radio Response: No I say again, you divert your course. Ship 1: I am the captain of...

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Gratitude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ

As I ponder in this season of Thanksgiving what I am grateful for, what comes to mind first and foremost is the grace of my Savior Jesus Christ who died so that I might live. I was recently asked, "Why did Jesus have to suffer so much for us?". After all, if God is all powerful then why can’t He just forgive our sins without the need for Jesus Christ to suffer? It’s a fair question and my first response was to explain the eternal nature of laws...

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Why I'm Grateful for My Old, Faded Sofas

When you walk in my living room, you can’t help but notice my hand-me-down sofas.  I’m no interior designer, but even I can tell they’re dated.  Having once belonged to my grandma, who loved bright colors and patterns, the sofas are floral-print and now faded.  Some might even call them ugly.  But I’m grateful for them. While my widowed grandma was dying of breast cancer almost two years ago, it occurred to me that once...

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The Ups and Downs of Parenting: How Gratitude Helps

A few weeks ago I had my third child and since then I've experienced a range of emotions.  I am grateful to have a sweet, new baby boy.  I am grateful that I could get pregnant, that my baby is healthy, that I have a supportive husband, and that I have health insurance.  But being a parent is a mixed bag.  Sleep deprivation takes a toll.  Last weekend I felt really stressed when my two year old woke up in the middle...

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Searching for Gratitude in Trying Times

I love this time of year. I like everything from October through January 1st. It is a time when people look inward and are more aware of their decisions, their community, and their faith. It is a time when you pass the bell ringers outside of grocery stores and don't think twice about dropping in your pocket change.  It is a time when you consider all you have been given and count yourself blessed. It is a time when you have a mindful eye...

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Why Mormons Choose Children

As discussed in an earlier post, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) believe in eternal marriage.  We also believe in eternal families. Children born into the covenant of eternal marriage (through a temple sealing) become part of an eternal family unit. We believe children can bring us joy both now and in the eternities. I came across the cover of this Time Magazine back in August, and I found it intriguing....

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Developing Lasting Family Relationships

By Guest Blogger: Mishay In my personal and professional experience, I have observed that family relationships can bring about a range of emotions—from levels of absolute joy to almost unbearable heartache.  The following principles can be applied to promote healthy relationships: The first principle is SERVICE.  I love the New Testament and learning about the countless acts of service performed by Jesus Christ.  Matthew 10:39...

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Making the Case For Marriage

I used to waitress at the Cheesecake Factory. One day, a man and his father sat at one of my tables.   As I greeted them, the father asked, "Are you married?" I responded that I was; he then replied "Will you convince my son to get married?" The son looked to be in his thirties, well-groomed, appearing to be a professional in the work force.  He lived with the mother of his two or three children, but they were not married.  I...

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Coming to Know God Through Parenting: My Son's Prayer

Being a mother is a very humbling job.  One, because I am given the responsibility to raise God’s spirit children.  And two, because somehow parenting makes my impatience and imperfections seem so glaring. I really believe my children were given to me so I can learn from them, and for the purpose of perfecting myself.  It sure is a good thing they come young... hopefully by the time they're grown, I will be full of the qualities...

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Hello! Are You In There?

"Mother, Father, are you in there?" ... "To truly understand [the hearts of our youth], we must do more than just be in the same room... We have to pay attention to them just as we would pay attention to a trusted adult colleague or close friend. Most important is asking them questions, letting them talk, and then being willing to listen..." "Being there means understanding the hearts of our youth and connecting with them. And connecting...

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