I belong to a musical family. Most of us sing in the Church choir and some of us have done some singing in Community Theater, with an occasional solo or vocal recital to keep us on our toes. One of my brothers is a true professional, and because he loves us, he likes to involve us in his musical ... Read More
“Not Knowing Beforehand” An Adventure in Letting Go – Step 3
As Nephi sets out on a very difficult assignment from the Lord he says, “And I was led by the Spirit, not know beforehand the things which I should do.” When I study the scriptures I find it very instructive to use a dictionary and look up key words. “Beforehand” means: in advance, ahead, ... Read More
The Hawk on the Temple Grounds
Two summers ago I was on the grounds of the temple taking a walk outside with my grandchild Sammy while her parents were inside. It was the picture of peace and beauty as usual. As we were walking I noticed a huge bird, the biggest bird I had ever been so close to, outside of a zoo. As we rounded a ... Read More
“Is It Enough?” – Perfectionism
The opening song in Sacrament meeting was, “Come Follow Me.” During my fifty plus years, I have sung this song many times. This time was different. As I sang the first line of the second verse, tears came to my eyes. “Is it enough alone to know that we must follow Him below?” I heard, “Is it ... Read More
It’s Never Too Late, But It’s Also Never Too Early
I know it’s never too late to apply the principles of recovery and healing to our lives, but I also believe that it’s never too early. My granddaughter Eliza went through a tantrum phase that had us all baffled. One day she was spending the afternoon with me when she had occasion (and any occasion ... Read More
The High Price of Forgetting – Addiction: The Destructive Substance or Behavior I Consistently Turn To Instead of Turning to God
In The Book of Mormon 1 Nephi 7:11 Nephi asks his brothers, “How is it that ye have forgotten…?” I think it’s so funny that this verse is numbered 7:11 like that “convenience” store we find ourselves walking into for a quick fix, the thing we have forgotten. We kick ourselves as we drive to the mini ... Read More
The Dailies – Daily Devotion or Daily Deception?
The Dailies - Those things we do each day that help us access the knowledge and power needed to do God’s will are sometimes referred to in addiction recovery, as The Dailies. As I was raising my children I encouraged them to make such things as prayer, scripture study, and journal keeping a part of ... Read More
Maybe Progress is Perfection
Today as I walked into school I was met with true elation. Five-year-old Ethan ran into my arms ecstatic over an event that had just occurred at recess. Jake, his hero, his older by 6 years and a near home school graduate had spent the thirty minute brake preparing Ethan to have a “first.” “Grandma, ... Read More