Serving Others Despite A Busy Life

I have been thinking a lot lately about serving others. At this stage in my life, it feels impossible to reach outside the needs of my own little family that demands so much, to others that might be in need. However, I believe that the Lord expects so much more of each of us. In the book, Daughters in My Kingdom, there is a quote by George Albert Smith that states, “Our eternal happiness will be in proportion to the way that we devote ourselves to helping others.” When you really think about that statement, it is hard not to … Continue reading →

Is Your Life Too Noisy?

We had stake conference this past weekend, and as usual, my husband and I were dreading going with our three small children. It is always difficult to keep them quiet and happy for two straight hours. But, they did great, and I actually heard some of the talks! Our stake president spoke last, and I really liked what he had to say. He shared a story about his teenage niece. He said that at a family Christmas gathering, his kids, and lots of their cousins were hanging out together in the front room of his house. He wasn’t sure what … Continue reading →

Mormons and Politics

I have to admit that on this election day, I could hardly think of anything to write about that did not directly relate to politics. While the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints maintains political neutrality, politics are still a very hot topic among LDS members. And, I have to say that I have been ashamed by some of the comments I have seen by LDS members of the church opposing other parties. Politics and Religion are two things that do not go hand in hand very easily. However, I have felt that during this election year, I have … Continue reading →

Coping with Ward Changes

Two weeks ago, we got the news that our stake was finally going to re-allign the ward boundaries. This is big news, and a long time coming. Last year about the same time, 3 stakes in our area were combined into two. This area of Salt Lake has struggled in recent years to maintain members. So, many of the wards, including ours, have struggled a lot. Our ward currently has just a handful of members. We have maybe 100 attending sacrament meeting. Enough youth to count on one hand, and just a few more primary children. It is hard. So, … Continue reading →

Helping in the Vineyard: Virtual Service

Looking for easy ways to serve in the church? I ran across an interesting tweet the other day about a website where you can find ways to give service. The link was attached to LDS.org, so I was curious about what it was, and how it works. The website is vineyard.lds.org and it looks to me like a way that the church is trying to utilize the millions of members that it has that are computer savvy and would like to do something to move forward the missionary work of the church. How does it work? When you go to … Continue reading →

Your Typical American Mormon Family

So, I was watching the Today show this morning and there was a lot of focus on Mitt Romney and the Republican Convention. Big surprise there, I know. The story also included the subject of MItt Romney’s faith because apparently he is going to speak about it in his speech tomorrow night. So, once again, Mormonism is in the spotlight. But, one thing that surprised me was that they said that most people don’t know a lot about our faith. And, I thought, really? Sure, maybe you don’t know a lot about specific theology, like the fact that we do … Continue reading →

Temple Open House in Brigham City

On September 23rd, another Utah temple will be dedicated. The Brigham City temple. For that day, church services will be cancelled in Utah and surrounding areas so that members ages 8 and up can attend a broadcast of the temple dedication. As we were listening to this announcement in church on Sunday, my husband said to me that we should make it a priority to take our children to the open house before the dedication. I loved this idea. Our children are little, and will not be able to attend the temple for some time. They have never seen the … Continue reading →

A Hot Topic in the LDS Church

The subject of homosexuality and the gospel has been on my mind a lot lately, and on the mind of many Latter-Day Saints, I’m sure. I have had many discussions with friends inside and outside of the church about these issues. I know people that are gay. I live close to people that are gay, and there are people in our society that I truly admire that are gay. Recently, an active member of the church posted a blog post sharing his intimate story about how he is a homosexual living in a heterosexual marriage, and recently decided to share … Continue reading →

Can’t All Moms Get Along?

Yesterday, I went to a non-LDS Moms playgroup. Yep, that was the name of it. It strikes me as very silly. But, then again, I live in Utah. I recently met a friend at a park a month or so ago. She had just moved here, our little boys are about the same age, and she and I hit it off. We exchanged phone numbers and have gotten together many times since. Our little boys are loving each other, and it’s great to have another friend. Period. She’s Jewish, I’m Mormon. Big deal. But, to some people, it is a … Continue reading →

A Wonderful Mother’s Day

This Mother’s day has to rank as one of the best so far in my book. It started on Saturday when my husband told me I could do whatever I wanted, and he would just go with the flow. I spent the day shopping by myself which is something I never get to do! Sunday was a beautiful day too. This year, my husband helped my kids make a beautiful card for me about all the things that are impressive about me. Some of my favorites were: I make the best mac and cheese and cake. (Courtesy of my 3 … Continue reading →