There is a new Christmas video, starring Kevin Sorbo, which exemplifies how sorrowing hearts can be healed and families reunited through the “silent night” of Christ-like love and forgiveness. May the Spirit guide us to do only that which is essential this year as we strive to bring Christ’s love into Christmas.
Read MoreFor some people, Christmas is a joyous time. However, for many other people, they just pretend to be happy while counting the days till the holiday is finally over. Most sadly, are those who already struggle with chronic depression, and the holidays only make it worse. Hopefully, by trying to make Christmas more Christ-centered, and being realistic about our time, energy-level, and finances, we will eliminate stress and feel real joy.
Read MoreI hope this Christmas season, and throughout this coming year, that we will find one person we can help each day. It might be a family member, it might be a friend, it might be a stranger on the street. We each must find someone in need and do a little something to help.
One, by one, by one.
Read MoreWhile I’m in the “habit” of praying every morning and night, I don’t always take the time to really meditate and ponder about the issues that are on my mind. What I have learned is that meditation, pondering, and prayer take less time than lying awake all night worrying over a myriad of problems. I don’t believe God wants us to feel alone and helpless. He wants us to let Him into our lives.
Read MoreFor centuries of time, there have been people on earth who have looked toward heaven to find meaning in life. We need spirituality as individuals and as married couples. We cannot form an enduring relationship with our spouse without a spiritual foundation.
Read MoreI remember my mother always saying to me as I walked out the door to go to any activity, “Have fun!” While she was confined to her bed a lot throughout her life because of a serious back injury, she knew the importance of encouraging her eight children to have a good time. This was a noble act of kindness for a mother to do. While she couldn’t do fun, recreational activities herself, she pointed us in the right direction from her bedside. I now cherish those words, “Have fun!”
Read MoreThere is no perfect marriage partner. Give each other a break! You’re all doing okay. Just keep repenting, apologizing, and picking up the pieces that fall by the wayside when you hurt each other’s feelings. Give the broken pieces to the Savior, and He will put them—and you—back together again. That is His divine calling. That is what the Atonement is all about. Let Christ be the One you turn to with your grief, pain, and sorrow.
Read MoreWhile we all have different missions in life, it would be a blessing for all women to nurture even one child with tender, unconditional love. Whether we give birth, adopt, or simply “mother” any precious child of God within our circle of influence, we will be passing on the gift of love to untold generations.
Read MoreWhat do you do when an unexpected “storm” hits you in your life? This could be a serious accident, the death of a loved one, loss of employment, or any other type of trial or tragedy that knocks you down unexpectedly. You do what I did while driving in that early October snow storm—keep going, even in slow motion, because it will be worse if you completely stop.
Read MoreI want to be a nice person. When I blow it and say something unkind, I try to apologize. I’m still striving to “be nice” at all times, but I’m not there yet. However, I know I can look to my Savior as my example.
Read MoreFinancial stability is important for peace of mind and happiness in life. Budgeting must be a top priority. When you’re not in control of your money, you’re not in control of your life.
Read MoreOften times, we have “blind spots” that we can’t see until someone points it out to us. True humility will bless our lives as we continue to take “personal inventory” of our lives and admit when we have made a mistake.
Read MoreIn my book, ABC’s for a Happy Marriage, each “letter” contributes to happiness, but an essential “letter” is “F” for forgiveness. As two imperfect people begin the upward journey of marriage, there will be many misunderstanding, offenses, and sometimes even intentional misdeeds and sins. How do both spouses heal from this kind of emotional pain?
Read MoreIt is true that you will feel better sooner if you stop re-playing on a daily basis the “video tape” of your spouse’s offences. But these memories may resurface again when you are least expecting them, which can be devastating when they occur. If you know these heart-breaking recollections may come and go occasionally, you’ll be better prepared to deal with them realistically and then be able to put them away once again.
Read MoreI like reading dictionary definitions of words I don’t commonly use in my own conversations, and the word “reparation” is one of these. As I’ve pondered on this word, I have begun to wonder if I have ever gone out of my way to truly make reparations to people I’ve offended in my life. This has been a time of introspection for me.
Read MoreMy youngest daughter once used a very special rock as a visual aid for a Family Home Evening lesson that she taught to our family several years ago. On the rock, she wrote the word, “Covenant.” It’s kind of a heart-shaped rock, and to me it is quite symbolic, which is why I have kept it all these years. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of love. As we keep the covenants we have made to follow our Savior, our lives will be built on a firm foundation, like this rock, and we will be filled with His love.
Read MoreThere are a myriad of ways we lie to people, and hurt ourselves at the same time, such as intentionally deceiving someone, telling “white lies,” sharing part of the truth but not the whole truth, and staying silent when we know we should speak up and say something. After listening to this chapter, I decided I needed to become more intentionally honest in everything I do and say. I also decided to start being more courageous when I know in my heart that I need to say something to someone.
Read MoreThe physical environment that you see in your home is closely related to the spiritual environment that you feel in your home. When you choose to create a refuge of comfort and peace by beautifying your surroundings, you will feel real joy in your home, and your happiness and self-esteem will rise.
Read MoreYes. We must accept the blame. We must stop making excuses. We must stop rationalizing our behavior. We must make amends and restore justice. This is the only way we will find true peace.
Read MoreMy two favorite role models for creating a happy, successful marriage came from President David O. McKay and his wife, Emma Ray Riggs. On their 65th wedding anniversary, President McKay referred to their married life as 65 years of “wedded courtship.”
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