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Closing the Chasm.

Things have been rough in our home lately.  It feels like the kids are more often than not very contentious and critical of each other, and oftentimes I chime in with cutting remarks to counter theirs.  This evening, while attempting to have dinner, one son was chasing another with a broom and a third one got involved and got clawed by his angry brother.  We called everyone over to try to sort things out and calm them down, but one by one the kids were "casting in" their own "stones".  I felt like I was looking at a group of feral, injured animals, all ready to pounce and inflict more wounds.  My frustration turned to sadness. Though my son's scratches were only surface level, I felt a tenderness towards this often unruly son and with it a desire to gently put band aids on his arm.  Then quietly I opened to one of the most poignant passages of scripture, Alma 7:11-12,    And he shall go forth, suffering pains and   afflictions   and ...
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There's No Room for Me.

This morning I was looking for a parking spot at the hospital.  I thought I saw an open spot between two vehicles, and wondered if I could fit comfortably in the spot.  The idea came to mind, if they were parked between THEIR lines, I should be fine.  They had, so sure enough, I was able to easily park and get in to my appointment without problem.   If either of those drivers had parked over a line, it would have made it either uncomfortable for me to park or impossible. As I was walking in the thought came of parking spots paralleling BOUNDARIES in relationships. Several weeks ago, I read a quote by Prentis Hemphill,  “Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously”. If someone is so pushy with their opinions, preferences and needs, their is little to no room for mine .  If I am too pushy with my opinions, preferences and needs, there is little to no room for theirs . Have you ever been in a relationship where the other pe...
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The Joy of Gethsemane.

Have you ever heard of “The Garden”?  It’s my favorite allegory to listen to at Easter—click here  to listen. It’s the story of a possessive, domineering landlord and a humble gardener who LOVES his garden and wants so much to clear the weeds and help things grow. It’s a powerful and stirring story of good versus evil, despair versus hope and a Man who sacrifices and suffers greatly to save.
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The Nativity Experience—FOLLOW UP

After our nativity event, I felt like I had little energy left to give but SO wanted to provide counsel and support for all of the concerns that had been left unanswered. A dear, dear friend of mine offered to take the papers and type them up.  As the last few months have passed, I have thought several times of the project, but never felt like it was the right time to check back in with my friend. Last week, I felt a green light to reach out. Today she texted me back, mentioning that she kept having the thought that she should wait til Eastertime to share the finished product. Below is a lovely message that she included (along with all the concerns & counsel)—it touched my heart and reminded me that nothing is too big for God. He holds us each in His hands. Much love, Sarah In contemplating Christmas and the blessed gift of Jesus Chirst’s birth, this quote from President Gordon B. Hinckly always comes to mind.  “There would be no Christmas if there had not been Easter. The...
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