A Beautiful State
If it is one thing, being in a refiners fire sure helps you learn, and quickly. I am incredibly grateful for the knowledge I have of a loving and sure God. I am also thankful for the many kind and gracious men and women who work on our behalf. Today I wanted to share a bit about suffering… and the oppositive which is peace and beauty. One of my mentors, Allyson Chavez, is teaching me about being in a beautiful state, and how...
Updated Church LBGTQ
Today’s updates to our church’s policy on matters of baptism and blessings and marriage in the LGBTQ/Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints brings me joy and peace. What once was black and white in my mind and heart is now a garden full of compassion, love, empathy, and strength. I’m sharing what I wrote about the original policy back in 2015. I love my fellow humans. I am grateful to be a traveler on the...
Brain Tumor Anniversary
It was a year ago today that Jonny and I took the final steps into the hospital, where our lives would forever be adjusted to that moment, for good or ill. One year ago Jonny’s head was opened and an acoustic neuroma brain tumor removed. One year ago that his severed nerves would be a daily reminder to the life saving and altering course. One year ago that I was reminded poetically and majestically of God’s love for us, individually....
Trusting and Having Faith in the Lord to Get Us Through the Challenges We Face
There is charcoal colored volcanic rock scattered across St. George. At the very top of Snow Canyon is the remnant of an ancient, and now dead volcano. Recently we gathered our four kids ranging in age from 15 to 4 and made our way around on the ice cream swirl trail. The hike started with a small incline as we twirled around the back side. About halfway up the trail, the path took a sharp turn straight up the mountain. The view from...
Born into the Kingdom For Such a Time As This
No stranger to turmoil, Esther was orphaned when her parent’s died. Taking the roll of father, protector, teacher and guardian, her cousin Mordecai also shared his devout Jewish practice with his niece and raised a daughter unto God. Descendants from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, their ancestors, back 4 or so generations, were exiled out of their homeland of Jerusalem during the Babylon captivity. Now living in modern day Iran,...
Enduring the trial of the Rocky Mountain pass, then and now.
I arose on Saturday morning after a night of many awakenings; my mind wandered to a holy landmark. It had been nearly two weeks since my husband had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. At 16 years old I traveled with the youth from my stake on a journey to remember our pioneer ancestors. Pioneer Sheroes Early Mormon saints were driven out of their homes and land by extermination order in Missouri, and then again in Illinois. They...