Maintaining Your Spirituality

One of the things that we have all studied in Sunday School and Seminary is the repentance cycle. We start out realizing our dependence on Heavenly Father, but as we are righteous and our lives get easier, we take for granted the things He has given us. Then we begin to drift away, until we have a crisis realize we need to repent and then begin again. This cycle is very easy to see as you read the Book of Mormon. What can we do as members of the church to avoid this cycle in our lives? It is important … Continue reading

Spouses and Differing Spiritual Wavelengths

Sometimes you go on a spiritual quest that your spouse supports, sometimes you don’t. Sometimes you’re in the same spiritual boat as your spouse, sometimes you’re not. Because of the big changes our marriage has incurred recently due to my mom moving in with us, lately Wayne and I have been having a lot of discussions about my spiritual beliefs. Why just mine? Because Wayne has fewer than I do. Also, mine tend to guide my decisions, and Wayne doesn’t always agree with the decisions I make. (i.e. If you read my article in which I examined control issues, interpret … Continue reading

The Benefits of Being in the Same Spiritual Boat (Or Not)

In Marriage and Spiritual Quests I wrote about how once upon a time I set out in search of spirituality. And found it. But Wayne was concerned I’d make him adopt whatever way I decided upon too. While there is much to be said for sharing the same faith as your spouse, there is also much to be said for not sharing one too. Wayne and I have experienced both realms. Neither Wayne nor I can claim a denomination. Just as my parents were raised Catholic and that’s the first church I was ever introduced to (just not formally), Wayne’s … Continue reading

Marriage and Spiritual Quests

Are you and your spouse of the same faith? Did you convert to his religion in order to marry, or did she convert to yours? (If you came from different ones.) Or maybe neither of you had one before marriage and adopted one together. Or maybe you didn’t. Right after Wayne and I first got married I’d pass churches and feel guilty I didn’t have a religion. “Maybe we should see about finding a church?” I once ventured. “Maybe we shouldn’t. Why start going now anyway? You never wanted to before.” I couldn’t put my finger on what was happening … Continue reading

Overwhelmed and Inadequate?

It is so common to deal with feelings of inadequacy. There are times when you may simply be overwhelmed with the responsibilities that are resting on your shoulders as a member of the church, a parent or just a person. It is important to realize that we are not expected to be perfect. We should be striving to improve ourselves, but we are not expected to be perfect. Some days you may have those aha moments when every thing clicks together and your understanding increases dramatically. But generally you will progress an inch or two at a time. Sometimes we … Continue reading

Defining Moments

Elder Joseph B Wirthlin speaks about defining moments in his talk “Life’s Lessons Learned.” His examples made me start thinking about my own defining moments in life. I have had quite a few. As I look back on these moments I have realized that they are moments when my testimony became solid are certain issues in the gospel, and as I have faced trials again I can look back at those moments and receive strength from them. It is important to take time to recognize these moments and record them in your journal. Elder Wirthlin said that you often do … Continue reading

LDS Family Week in Review: June 3-9

This week, we covered topics ranging from postpartum depression to ways to keep our youth busy over the lazy, hazy summer days. And, believe it or not, we actually had a full week of Gospel Doctrine and Relief Society lesson blogs! All in all, it’s been an interesting week! Gospel Doctrine In Signs of Destruction, we looked at some of the signs of the Second Coming of Jesus. In Blessings of the Elect, we talked about some of the positive blessings that we will receive when Christ returns. In Who Are the Elect?, we pondered how we might be able … Continue reading

Dinner Discussions 2007 Week 8

This week’s dinner discussions are based on lesson eight in the manuals. You may need to adjust the discussions according to your ward’s schedule. Remember to keep the discussions positive and upbeat. If you have a child in Nursery or Sunbeams he learned about the creation of the day and night. The children are continuing the lessons on the creation. The children discussed the different activities that you do during the day and night. The children also learned about the Nephites and how the night stayed light when Jesus was born. This is a great week to talk about bedtime … Continue reading