In unusual cases, I have seen how the inspiration to interview someone for a call ends up accomplishing a different, but necessary, purpose. The Lord may wish to reassure someone that they are worthy to be called to a position, even though they are unable to accept the call because of health, family, or other reasons. Sometimes the interview calls forth a needed confession that may help someone along the path to repentance and peace. Sometimes we may hold a calling only for a very brief, but necessary and sufficient, period of time.
15 June 2023
Being Called of God
In unusual cases, I have seen how the inspiration to interview someone for a call ends up accomplishing a different, but necessary, purpose. The Lord may wish to reassure someone that they are worthy to be called to a position, even though they are unable to accept the call because of health, family, or other reasons. Sometimes the interview calls forth a needed confession that may help someone along the path to repentance and peace. Sometimes we may hold a calling only for a very brief, but necessary and sufficient, period of time.
25 February 2023
Dealing with Weakness
I needed to recognize a serious weakness lately, when I was having my photograph taken to accompany a quote of mine that is going to be displayed with several others at an upcoming church Women's Conference with the theme "Fear thou not for I am with thee."
After taking shots in several poses––front and three-quarter, smiling and serious––the photographer asked me to sit in profile with my hands clasped in front of me, as though perhaps in meditation or prayer.
I hesitated, mentioning that I was a bit sensitive about my hands. I used to consider them one of my best features, but they are now noticeably deformed with osteoarthritis.
She immediately said that pose wasn't necessary, but I responded, "I'll do it. I need to overcome my vanity!" And I took the pose.
Nowadays I consider that my green eyes are my best feature, and I was originally hoping she would use a shot where they were visible. But now I realize that I'll be happiest if she uses the pose where one of my weaknesses began to turn into a strength.
09 January 2023
Lessons for 2023 from an Amaryllis
I’ve often said that I have a “black thumb” because plants given to me have usually died rather than thrived. Thus, when my sister gave me an amaryllis bulb kit that was intended to bloom at Christmastime, I was worried.
Little did I know, as I valiantly tried to strictly follow the directions on how to plant the bulb in the included soil and pot, that observing the growing cycle of this lovely gift over the coming days would help me see how I could make 2023 become a year of increased joy and satisfaction.
08 November 2020
A Simple Phrase that Changed My Life Forever
29 September 2020
My Attitude Made the Difference
Many years ago, while living in Europe, I had an unusual experience that brought me some spiritual insight that has influenced my life for good ever since.
As I recall, this took place during my first meeting with our bishop after I was sustained as the new ward Relief Society President. As I came into his office, I was greatly surprised to see that he had written quite a few names of sisters on the blackboard. He explained that their arrangement showed how he thought their visiting teaching assignments should be organized.