Have you ever had a hard week that just leaves you tired and discouraged? That has been my week (maybe even month or year). I keep telling myself it has got to get better. No doubt we’ve been blessed and somehow we just keep getting by. I woke up early this morning and had some [...]

I like to be in control—to have a plan all laid out and followed exactly. This at times makes it hard to trust the Lord. With the Lord, I can’t be in control. I have to submit my will and I can’t plan what I don’t understand.  The way I planned out my life is [...]

Years ago, while walking around one of my favorite stores, Quilted Bear, I came across a framed quote that seemed to be speaking to me that day.  I was facing some hard things and was feeling pretty discouraged about life. I had hoped that maybe a trip to my favorite store would lift my spirits [...]

The unemployment rate that is announced each month by the U.S. Department of Labor is actually quite misleading. According to their own website people are only listed as unemployed if they have actually looked for a job in the last 4 weeks. If they have given up on looking for a job for at least [...]

I’m not sure what makes me look like a good candidate to ask for money, but apparently I am. Perhaps it is my designer Walmart clothes, my amazing hair cut, or my rugged good looks. Or maybe that guy I gave $40 to in Houston all those years ago marked me with a piece of [...]

I’ve been reading a book called The Divine Center by Stephen R. Covey. I love it! Today I was reading about how we have general commandments that apply to everyone and then we have personal commandments that are given to us individually. I had never really thought of it that way. This got me thinking [...]

Occasionally, you meet someone who is just so cool that they make up for 10 or so other people who… aren’t so cool. A few weeks ago I went to a UPS store to pick up some packages. The guy behind the counter was very professional and at the same time very personable. He genuinely [...]

I’ve never doubted that God existed and I’ve occasionally felt his influence in my life, but the last few months have been miraculous. It all actually started a few years ago when my husband mentioned looking for a better job out of state. I was furious with him. We had just spent so much time [...]

Sunday morning at the Conference Center in Salt Lake City was an amazing experience. First, it was visually breath-taking with the set pieces, decorations, dancers in the aisles, bells, stained glass windows, the orchestra, etc. Then to hear Natalie Cole sing the Holly and the Ivy was wonderful. I have never appreciated that song until [...]

Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to “recommend to the people of the United States [...]