A Lesson in Repentance

Today I was sitting at home doing some Saturday chores when there came a knock on my door. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I went to the door not knowing what to expect. I opened the door, and a man and boy from my ward stood on my doorstep. I greeted them and asked how I could help, and the answer startled me. They were there to tell me that the boy and his cousin had damaged our rock wall a few days earlier. My husband had come home from work that day to find pieces of the rock wall … Continue reading →

What Are You Doing, and Why?

I remember coming home to visit during college and spending a little time with my youngest brother. I remember he asked me a question, which I answered. Then, he asked the question every parent or older sibling knows is coming: “Why?” Since I’d been away for a while, I hadn’t been asked why like that in a few months and kind of forgot how the whole process works with little ones. I answered his question, but my answer was met with another why. I think he asked why about four times before being satisfied with what I was able to … Continue reading →

Maintaining Personal Worthiness

As LDS people it is important to focus on personal worthiness daily. These habits and choices can make it much easier to have the Holy Ghost as a constant companion. It can make it easier to face life’s many trials and to hold your family together during difficult times. Personal worthiness can also be looked at, as making sure that your personal testimony remains strong. One of the most important things you can do to keep your testimony strong is to continue to build your relationship with your Savior and Heavenly Father on a daily basis. This means taking time … Continue reading →

The Blessings of Church Membership

When people look at our church or think about Mormons, many people only see the restrictions that we commit to when we join the church. This includes no alcohol, coffee, tea, and no smoking. Often times it is too easy to get caught up in the things that you don’t instead of focusing on the things that do. The church also offers many blessing as a result of being members of the church. First of all the things that we are not supposed to do, there is little that we are really missing. Studies and experience have shown that there … Continue reading →

When You Miss Church

I look forward to Sunday each week. I enjoy going to church to take the Sacrament. It is my chance to spiritually renew myself each week. After a long stressful week it is nice to be surrounded by friends who understand my beliefs and support me during my trials. But sometimes I can’t make it to church on Sunday. Generally this is because we have little ones who are ill or I am ill, since we try to attend church even when we are out of town. On those weeks I have to work extra hard so that I don’t … Continue reading →

Find Peace Through Temple Attendance

If you are struggling with a decision or you are just feeling like your life is out of balance, you may want to consider going to the temple. The temple is a place where you can go to seek comfort, personal revelation, and it allows you to serve others. Temple attendance can give you the strength to deal with the difficult times of you life. It is important to make temple trips a priority. You should go to the temple as often as possible. If you are about an hour away from the temple you may want to try for … Continue reading →

Why Are the Little Things So Important?

Often I think about what one aspect of living the gospel stands out as the most important thing that I should focus on, and I never can quite pinpoint what one thing is the most important. Every aspect, and principle is equally important to maintaining and strengthening your testimony. Each individual aspect works to make you balanced and whole, and neglecting one aspect such as personal scripture study, personal prayer, paying your tithing or attending the temple can all have a negative influence on you. It is important to remember that the little things help to maintain an overall peace … Continue reading →

Are You Out of Balance?

Sometimes there are too many options and choices available and they all have merit and worth. At times it can be difficult to find the proper balance in your life and in the life of your family. There are many choices that are good, and other choices that are better. Personally I often struggle with my priorities and the way that I choose to spend my time. When I feel overwhelmed, stuck or unable to focus then I know that something is out of balance and it is time assess and change things in my life. Filling my time with … Continue reading →

Stop Your Prayers from Becoming Routine

All too often I allow my prayers to become routine. My concerns seem to be the same over periods of time, and I find myself asking for the same things, and giving thanks for the same things. When my prayers become routine like this, I worry that they are not as effective as they should be. Here are some things I do to try and improve my personal prayers. I often pray silently, especially when I am not alone. If I find that my prayers are routine then I make sure that I find a good place where I am … Continue reading →

Praying for Others

One of the simplest and kindest things that we can do for others is to pray for them. This is as simple as including them in our daily prayers or it can include a special prayer on behalf of someone who needs it. When you are unsure about the best way to help someone you can simply say a prayer for him or her. At times you may be prompted on a course of action that you can take, and you may not. The times that you do receive a prompting in regards to your prayer you should act on … Continue reading →