“Who am I to judge?” This is a statement you have likely heard many times. Often it’s spoken by someone who judges without a second thought, until they are caught making an error in judgment. Judgments are a reality of life. We all make them. We all need to make them. They range from the simple (Should I wear long […]
I have a confession to make: I read the comments sections on news articles. Even though I know I shouldn’t—even though I tell myself that I won’t—they’re the disaster I can’t look away from. You could call it “online rubber-necking.” At times I do pretty well at exercising self-control, but at other times, they’re just too tempting to resist. Reading […]
A couple of weeks ago, I watched a volcano erupt on social media. As with most volcanoes, there were signs that danger was coming. The careful observer couldn’t miss them. Despite knowing what was coming and how it would play out, the ensuing devastation was sad to watch. The fight was between conservative Christians and liberal Christians. The conservatives started […]
I’ve been short-tempered lately, especially with my children. I told myself it’s because of self-isolation and social distancing. We’ve been inside for too long. With my husband working from home for the foreseeable future, I have nowhere to escape when I need a few minutes to myself. Even though our library is open, I can’t enjoy the quiet there because […]
Easter has long been my favorite holiday. As a girl, I loved picking out a new Easter dress, dyeing and hunting for eggs, and getting Easter candy. I love early spring with its daffodils and tulips, fresh air and warmer temperatures. I love the colors of the season, the sunny days and rainy days. The most important thing that I […]
I lost my focus. It happened gradually, as it usually does. Over the past few days, I’ve tried to write some ideas that have been in my head for a long time, but they won’t come out right. The only writing I feel somewhat okay about is the second draft of my novel, and all I’m doing there is transferring […]
“Is there one among you who is not stripped of envy?” Alma asks. “For such an one is not found guiltless.” (Alma 5:29) Every time I read this verse, it’s as though the wind is knocked out of me. My heart drops and I’m disappointed with myself. Of the many things I struggle with, one of the biggest is envy. […]
Author’s Note: The views expressed in this post are my responsibility and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. When I started this blog, I hesitated to share my religious views. Even now I only do so when the spiritual push is too strong for me to write anything else. My writing […]
Originally Published November 2017 My life is a paradox. At least it is right now. I know that if I eat healthier, go outside more, and get daily exercise, the anxiety and depression I suffer with will subside. But because of my anxiety and depression, I feel nervous about going outside, have no motivation to exercise, and lack the energy […]
Author’s Note: The views expressed in this post are my responsibility and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am the daughter of an immigrant. My mom came to the United States from Denmark when she was sixteen years old, knowing that she would likely get engaged to my dad. She […]