Stronger Through Him

  A couple weeks ago a friend asked me what I did that made it so my kids get along. And part of me wanted to laugh out loud.  Because there are so many moments where that wasn't the case. And so many moments when I lost my cool and launched into lecture and yell mode. Or threw things.  Or made utterly ridiculous threats.  Even as toddlers they sometimes were battling.  One would even tell another to bite them and then tell on them. I remember the time two of my kids were in a physical brawl and after unclenching their fists and threatening to declaw one of them , they were sent to opposite corners.  I gave them each a notebook and pencil and told them I didn't want to hear another word out of them but to write down what happened.  One wrote a detailed three page entry of past grievances and how they should be completely absolved. The other wrote "__________ disrespected me so I beat the crap out of her." Then there was the phone vs the dog poop inciden

  A friend of mine is currently in Sweden with her husband and children to attend a relative's wedding.  I have been enjoying her posts with pictures of beautiful views as well as learning more about the Swedish culture.   One of her favorite things so far is the custom of the fika.   What is fika? It is the daily tradition of a leisurely afternoon break features coffee and pastries or cake shared with friends.   It is a moment to slow down and appreciate the good things in life. While we may substitute another beverage for the coffee, surely there is much to be admired at retaining that control of life and investing in relationships and not just to-do lists.   Elder Uchtdorf cautioned, "My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has

  As I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting today I had a clear memory of my Grandma Hines sharing her favorite scripture with me. It was 3 John 1:4 which reads "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." I am not under any grand illusion that each of my kids won't have moments or even long periods of spiritual wonderings, stumbling or even intentional steps away.   They each have their agency, personal experiences and own stories to write.  And many have had seasons of doubts already.   But today was one of those days where I got to feel true joy at the intentional steps they are taking in the Gospel or Jesus Christ. And I know what Grandma meant. Alex spoke in church and shared her thoughts and personal testimony as she prepares to leave on her mission. She was honest and open about her awareness of her own shortcomings and yet so excited about her opportunity to serve. Ella played "Come Thou Fount" on her harp at church

  Milo of Crotin   was an Olympic wrestling champion in Ancient Greece who according to legend could carry and adult bull.   This was accomplished by starting to carry the bull as a newborn calf and continuing each day until it was grown.   As the weight increased, so did his strength.   Sometimes we think "hard" is the burden we pay for being here in this life.   And yes,  at times that is true.  But that hard also serves a purpose.   Opposition isn't just a thing we have to go through or that tries to stop us, it actually changes us. 2 Ne 2:11 teaches us that there will be opposition in all things, so why does it continually catch us by surprise? We have actually been told to expect it.  This should remind us that opposition doesn't mean we should quit, in fact it's the opposite.  Of course Satan also likes opposition to anything of Christ and  God or that which would make us truly better and happier. So we do need to make sure our goals are aligned

Life is precious.  Each and every life.   The lives of babies.  The lives of women in every situation. The lives of men. The lives of those who disagree with us. And even the lives of those who hurt us.  We can't add or subtract from their worth.   But we can make their journey here on earth a whole lot easier. Especially when they find themselves in crisis situations.  Lend a hand, share some food, help with a bill, listen, support, cry together, take in, babysit, foster, hold a hand, adopt, be patient, and most of all LOVE.  Exodus 22:22- Ye shall not afflict any widow, or fatherless child. 23If thou afflict them in any wise, and they cry at all unto me, I will surely hear their cry. Pray and ask where God needs you now.   And then go to work.   Lives depend on it.

  I remember one time when I was driving home from Indianapolis after taking Alex and her friend to the zoo. I had made the trip many times, but on this day I started following a semi and mindlessly followed him  off the wrong exit and due west instead of due south for 50 miles.   50 miles!!!  I passed towns I didn't recognize and unfamiliar landmarks and still kept driving.   I had made this trip before so it should be fine, right?  Wrong.  Finally I knew I was lost (and this was pre-GPS) and much to my chagrin I had to call George.   He helped me figure out where I was and made arrangements to go get the other kids since I would now be very late getting home. I lost my way because I stopped being intentional about my navigation and just started following the crowd.   How many times have I done that same thing in my spiritual life? How many times have I caught myself wondering why inspiration seems less clear and find myself just going through the motions or f

  Life is full of challenges but there is still so much joy if we look for it. And embrace our youth.  And laugh with littles.  Full belly laughs that make your sides hurt.  And if you don't have littles of your own find some to borrow.  Be part of the solutions.  (And their tired mommas will thank you!).  Go to the splash pad.   And let the bucket dump on your head too.   And shriek with them when the icy water hits.  Feel the sensory explosion and dance together.  They don't care what size your suit is.  Or if you have a perfect tan.   They only care that you are with them.   As Elder Richard L Evans counseled, "Live to make memories that will bless the whole length of your life”. These little boys from my school have wormed their way into my heart.  And I'm helping them with their summer bucket list. Eat ice cream. Go to the park.  Color. Play tag. Go to the beach.   It's the little things like these that end up being the big things

  A good friend shared this with me today.   "Elephants are herd animals. They travel long distances to find food and water and move together to provide protection.  Along their journey, one mother elephant fell behind the herd to give birth. This left her in a vulnerable position as well as her newborn calf. Not long after, a pack of hyenas surrounded her and started attacking the calf. One would distract the mother head on while others went after the baby.  She did all she could to keep herself and baby safe by keeping the baby between her long powerful legs. She let out a loud trump calling for help over and over while she continued to charge at the predators and keep baby close. The battle went on for some time and she was getting worn out and I knew she couldn’t stand alone for long. Then suddenly the elephant herd came charging through the trees to her rescue, trumpeting loudly and scattering the hyenas for good. The herd surrounded and defended the mother and baby on all si

 I had several parents and students recently thanking me for my service as seminary teachers. It was genuine and appreciated but I heard the phrase several times "I know you give up so much." On the surface, perhaps yes.  I gave up some sleep each day.  I dedicated an hour or more each night to preparation.  I sometimes had to move or miss work meetings. But here is the thing.   I gained  SO much more than I gave.  And those gains and blessings have proven to be direct answers to prayers I had made asking for help. It has helped me connect with my daughter.   It has given me focused scripture study that provides a continuous fountain of new inspiration and guidance.  It has blessed me to get to know and love these amazing kids and makes me feel younger! It brings the Spirit into my home- every.  single. day. I had lots of legitimate reasons I could have turned this calling down.  But I'm so glad I didn't.   And I want to remind myself to ask this when new opportunitie

 Seminary Graduation was last night. The youth were amazing.  I heard one of the best reasons I have ever heard to go to church and seminary and to worship and serve together. So we don't have to stand against Satan alone. Simple yet profound.  What am I doing to establish relationships that increase this possibility? Do I make it easier or harder for my friends to stand against evil?  Sister Sheri Dew put it this way, "The time has come for us each to stand tall and to stand together.......Do you want to be happy? I mean really happy? Then nurture someone along the path that leads to the temple and to Christ." Where we stand and who we stand with make all the difference in our fight against Satan. 

  Hannah's prayer found in 1 Samuel Chapter 2 is one of my favorite passages of scriptures. It is also a passage in which much can be learned from the footnotes.   And in which I take a bit of poetic license in my interpretation.  Starting in the very first three words. "And Hannah prayed".   But the prayer goes on in such a way that she is not only talking to God but also herself, and I can picture her going about her daily work and duties as she prays. But the footnote actually says "singing, sang, sung".   Can you see her sweeping her floor, preparing a meal, headed out to pause and serve others and continuing to perform her song with God?   Can you hear her reminding herself  with the chorus to keep pride in check? "Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed." Can you see her adjusting her course day by day when she's more and

  Sometimes we have opportunities to help in small ways.   And sometimes in big ways. And often the small ways are the big ways.   This week my friend, Robyn, shared the beautiful story of a success she was blessed to be a part in. She is an active volunteer in her local community, especially among teens and recently found out that a student who was a refugee was going to fall short of his requirements for graduation. She jumped into action and involved her son-in-law, her kids and gave plenty of hours as she stepped in and reviewed his transcript, met with teachers and compiled a list of what needed to be done. Then she met with his family to encourage support from them and literally sat at her table helping him complete every last assignment and requirement.   Her heart is pure gold.  Only to have her hopes and his crushed when she found out that he had never filled out the waiver forms for activity fees in high school.   So $1000 was sitting on his account preventing him from gradua

  A few months ago I purchased a shirt to support my friend Rachael in her fight against cancer. When the shirt arrived, it included a "you can do hard things" sticker and also some pink starbursts.  Those are my favorite (the starburst) and I like them a bit stale because it feels good to use up some of my jaw tension chomping on them.   But I set the sticker aside and forgot about it.  Today as I'm back home and quarantining in my room I found my sticker and decided it was the perfect time to add it to my hydro flask.  Someday I am confident that the fact that I put a sticker on my hydro flask will very clearly date this moment, but I digress. I carefully added it to the bottle and have looked at it several times today. I can do hard things.  I've done things that were physically, emotionally, spiritually, financially, intellectually and socially hard.   And there are times I do it by myself.  Or at least try. But it always goes better if I do it