We had a lovely nature hike – listening to low vibrating song of bullfrogs, admiring lily pad blooms, and tromping between shade and sun – and now, all three kiddos and their trail mix were packed back into the car. It was time to head home. As my minivan headed out the parking lot, we […]

“Ask God to put you just where He wants you, And to tell you what He wants you to do, And feel that you are on hand to do it.” – John A. Widstoe, 1954 (Discourses of Brigham Young)   I find myself asking God quite frequently. Asking doesn’t seem to be the problem. I […]

I had sat nose-in-phone, unaware of our surroundings for quite some time … when I finally looked up, I noticed my hubby leaning over the steering wheel and squinting. “See those dark clouds way out there? We’re driving through a storm next,” he warned. Our return road trip had been picturesque [...]

I am fascinated with how others gain ideas and inspiration. The actual creative process – ideas sparking, thoughts igniting – both boggles and intrigues me. One of my favorite TED talks is, “Your creative genius,” by Elizabeth Gilbert (author of Eat, Pray, Love). She tells of American poet Ruth [...]

“Have I done any good in the world today? Have I helped anyone in need? Have I cheered up the sad, making someone feel glad … if not, I have failed indeed.” It doesn’t take much to scatter sunshine … a sincere smile or hug … or sending a love note or inspiring quote can [...]

You enter a bountiful bookstore … what section do you head to first? Answer that, and you’ll reveal so much. This weekend our family ventured inside the largest independent used and new bookstore in the world – yes, the world! Spanning an entire block in the middle of downtown Portland, Ore., [...]

“Fear not, little flock … do good.” – D&C 6:34 This scripture hangs in our downstairs bathroom, and brings smiles, comfort and “you-can-do-it” whisperings whenever I see it. I adore that Christ calls us His little flock. His tender name for us proves His intention for us to be one [...]

Sitting in sacrament meeting, smothered by two snuggly porcelain dolls and one wiggly wrecking ball, I attempt to focus on the sacrament ordinance. I try not to let my brain settle on little arms that flail instead of fold, or the feet colliding with the pew ahead; I even dismiss the sick [...]

They had 80 acres to explore – free-range children all happy to the core. Armed with whistles and each other, they ran through the trees like wild, rehabilitated animals just released into their natural habitats. I think we had 13 kiddos, representing three families, in the group; ranging from [...]

That “fight or flight” theory is real. I feel like I’ve been fighting and flying with fury for weeks … even my sleep is stressed – and there’s proof in the clenched fists that continue through the night … I wake with fingernail marks engraved and hands hurting from the tight fight within. But [...]