I wrote the following five years ago, in the midst of a challenging farming season. Nevertheless, the truths it contains remain just as relevant today as they were back then. I began with the following question: How does one navigate…
Loving Life Through Daily Habits
Learning that daily routines free up mental and physical energy to be used in other ways was a game changer for me. As I applied this knowledge I found myself empowered in my use of time. But on occasion I…
Choose to Believe
I was deeply touched by an article I read a few years back by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. He said, “You undoubtedly will have days, to quote Mr. Donne (John Donne, the English poet and cleric and dean of St….
Finding Peace in Chaos
Living on a farm, I now pay more attention to the weather than I ever did before. It’s not uncommon where I live in Idaho to experience sun, clouds, rain, wind, lightning, hail, even a tornado watch, and back…
Intuition or Emotion?
(Author’s Note: I have written on this topic before, but I’m curious to know if my original thoughts hold true. I’m interested in my reader’s experiences in regards to emotion and intuition.) Have you ever been uncertain about the distinction…
To Understand and Be Understood
Have you ever noticed how easily misunderstandings can arise in our conversations? The other day, while my husband was giving directions to our daughter over the phone, I could sense frustration building on both ends as the message wasn’t getting…
Ebb and Flow Rather than Balance
What does it mean to have a balanced life? Is that even possible? Are we striving for an unrealistic ideal? When my children were young, I used to half-jokingly comment that I could attend to my daily spiritual practice OR…
A Different Kind of Good
Do you ever limit your joy because an experience is different that you expected? Let me illustrate. When my daughter was young, she had the opportunity to experience a week-long outdoor adventure camp. The first year she attended she loved…
Emotional Survival Skills That Work
Have you ever thought about your approach to facing trials? Do you have emotional survival skills for when you feel emotionally weak? Let me share something I witnessed that might help you re-think your actions in times of distress. The…
In Honor of Those Who Had Vision, Character, and Faith
One of my favorite paintings depicts the signing of the Constitution of the United States of America by the Founding Fathers. It is titled “The Old Man Wept,” by Del Parson. https://delparson.com/shop/prints/old-man-wept/ The signing of the Constitution goes hand in…
Fear’s Hidden Power
Ever notice how fear can be both scary and empowering? It’s a complex feeling that can either hold us back, or be a catalyst for personal growth. Allow me to share a recent experience on our farm that reminded me…
In Honor of Fathers
As I watched this short video I was reminded of the many sacrifices my father made for me and my siblings. I remember: -the love he had for my mother -the love and concern he had for his children -the…