life in color

I spent the weekend camped out in the church building with eight girls, ages 12-18. Together we read the Book of Mormon from cover to cover in 24 hours (pausing only for a four hour snooze and some food/yoga breaks). To be completely honest, when the other leaders first invited me to participate, I hesitated. I thought of the migraine that would surely come without adequate sleep. I thought of all the other things I could get done over the weekend. I didn't think of Christ. I didn't think of the relationship I would build with Him as I read His words. I didn't think of the love I would develop for His young daughters as we sat cross-legged on the floor. I didn't think of the sweet spirit that would enter my heart. I didn't think of the life-changing experience I would have. We read the Book of Mormon like a novel instead of like a textbook. I enjoyed seeing how the characters all connected. I enjoyed reading about their lives. They were real people who...

On Sunday night, I read about a fatal shooting at an LDS church building in Nevada. The news hit particularly close to home, as earlier that same day I also sat in a chapel singing hymns with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I can't imagine having my peace shattered with the crack of a bullet. And this act of violence doesn't even scratch the surface of the tragedies that occur every day. With the constant stream of bad news, it's difficult not to lose faith in humanity or to lose faith in God. It's difficult to avoid becoming cynical, numb, or hardened. These feelings (or the lack thereof) are often likened to having a hard heart. In the scriptures, people who are rebellious against God are described as having hard hearts, but I believe our hearts can be hardened by more than just sin. Health issues, failed relationships, corrupt politicians, loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, and mistreatments by others can all cause our hearts to be hardened. Lif...

Former LDS Young Women General President Elaine S. Dalton frequently shared her favorite saying, "Whate'er thou art, act well thy part." That phrase inspired the thoughts I shared with my church congregation back in August 2013, which I have repurposed to share with you. We all have different "parts" that we play in the world. Our parts may be professional:  doctors, lawyers, teachers, politicians, librarians, janitors, or secretaries. Our parts may be religious: bishops, missionaries, Sunday School teachers, or ministers. Our parts may be familial: mothers, fathers, brothers, daughters, cousins, aunts, and grandfathers. At this stage of my life, I am called sister, aunt, daughter, granddaughter, daughter-in-law, wife, sister-in-law, friend, student, writer, Mia Maid adviser, and volunteer. But my most important title will always be daughter of God.  Knowing and understanding this title--and wearing it proudly--impacts me daily. As I come to understand m...