Psychological Effects of Trying to Stay Young

The media is obsessed with the way stars look as they age and they delight in printing unflattering shots of a time-ravaged Madonna or a paunchy Harrison Ford caught unawares on a remote beach. As our society often looks to the stars, literally, as role models, many of us try to emulate their looks, including the stars increasing pursuit of youth. But how emotionally healthy is it for us to relentlessly chase the fountain of youth? The milestone age of 40 is a big one for most of us. It reminds us that we are no longer truly young, and … Continue reading

Unconventional Methods of Service

Some recent events have helped me consider some rather unconventional methods of helping the sisters we visit teach. When a crisis looms, women of the church are often quick to offer a meal. While I have been the joyful recipient of several dinners and in no way mean to downplay their wonderful help, there are times when I realize that I, myself, am trapped in the dinner mentality. It can be very helpful to take the time to think about the individual needs of the sisters and reach out to them in a more individual effort. Homebound Sisters – A … Continue reading

Small Acts of Service

Every day we are given small opportunities to serve those around us. This type of small service can make a big difference in someone’s day. It can also help you to feel closer to the Lord as you help His children. It is important that we look for these opportunities and take advantage of them. I have witnessed several small acts of service over the past few days. My husband just helped our neighbors load their moving truck. He went over and volunteered to help, when he realized that they did not have anyone to help them. We have spoken … Continue reading

Relief Society: Compassionate Service

One of the central purposes of Relief Society is to provide compassionate service to ward members and others who are need. The sisters in the ward are the ones who make sure that meals are brought in, children are cared for and other day to day needs are met when there is a crisis in the ward. In fact visiting teaching is designed to make sure that each family’s needs are being met. It is important to help when and where you can. At the same time it is important to not feel guilty if you need to say no … Continue reading

The Positive Effects of Service

Life is seldom a static unchanging thing. Each day can bring a new struggle, or it can bring a moment of peace. At times you may have control over what life throws at you, other times you do not. In my observance there are different ways that people react to the events that they face in life. Some people seem absolutely resilient. No matter what is happening to them, they seem to be able to find a positive note. While others can get dragged down, and just seem to fight to make it day to day, but they keep trying. … Continue reading

Report: Instagram is the Worst App for Young People’s Mental Health

A report titled #StatusOfMind was done by the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH). They surveyed 1,500 young people about social media. Of the five social media platforms that were included in the survey, Instagram was found to have the worst effect on young people’s mental health. The #StatusOfMind report examined both the positive, and the negative, effects that social media has on young people’s health. The report included Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Snapchat. The report asked 1,500 young people, who were between the ages of 14 and 24 to rank what extent different social media platforms impacted certain … Continue reading

Have You Lost Your Spark?

Sometimes, you might wonder where along the way the sizzle with which you started out as a home – based professional began to fizzle. It is only natural for our passion and energy for our work to ebb and flow right along with other things that are happening in our lives. However, in order to have a successful home – based business, it is important that we keep our passion and energy as high as we can as much of the time as we can so that we consistently generate top quality work. That is a tall order, especially since … Continue reading

Why Faith Makes All the Difference to Your Teen

Faith or religion may not be anything you talk about in your home or with your teenagers, but that doesn’t mean they don’t think about it. Teenagers are in the midst of asking important life questions, such as “Who am I?” and “Why am I here?” These are spiritual quests, regardless of whether they’re thought of in a traditional religious sense. I believe that every person, whether self-identified as religious or not, has these spiritual thoughts. It’s why my counseling philosophy is called ‘whole-person’ – emotional, relational, physical, and spiritual. When you treat the whole person and address each of … Continue reading

Learning Unit – Japan and Natural Disasters

We have all watched the news reports from Japan with horror and sadness. Some of us have children old enough to understand the ramifications, and some of us have children too young to comprehend. I suggest using this monumental event in our world’s history as a study unit in our homeschools. Geography –pull out maps or our globe and discuss where Japan is, what its major cities are, and learn what other countries surround it. Social Studies – learn about the culture of Japan and what makes it such a strong, proud country. Learn to make some traditional Japanese dishes … Continue reading

Reach Out to Help Others

Recently I had a conversation with one of my friends about the importance of giving back. It started as a discussion on the economy, and the dismal way it seemed to be going, and then it turned to the extravagant lifestyles that so many people seem to be embracing. We then talked about how we could help those around us. She mentioned a project she had completed in another town where she cut hair for the poor children whose parents couldn’t afford to get them a new outfit and school supplies for school. This is a great way to reach … Continue reading