Mormon Bloggers

Tanner and Leif (nephews) © 2011 Matthew 5 (Sermon on the Mount) is so full of gems to wonder on. I’ve been there a week already and it will probably take another week to finish. Sadly, not because I’m so spiritual and pondiferous, but because there are verses I’m clearly not adhering to and being reflective and analyzing myself is taking some time. I have a ways to go! What really struck me today is how extensively Jesus guides us regarding social relations. My husband and I talked this morning about the way the Savior specifically teaches us howto deal with our enemies. Not only does He NOT condemn you for having enemies, but assumes that you WILL have them. He uses phrases like “agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him”. This seems to be the nature of our competitive, short-on-love mortal existence: enemies and adversaries, those who do not wish us well. We cross paths with them at work, at church, at school,... Read the rest of this entry »

We bump up against each other most every day. Kids bear cub their way into each others personal space. We feel that conflict at our house with everyone home for summer. Adults maintain that space better, but we feel tension in less physical ways. Our weaknesses—or strengths—rise to the surface of our actions and slam [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.Characters in Conflict  Read More →

Question: “My husband grew up in a very verbally abusive home. When his family fought there were harsh words always and things I never had in my home. Now that we are married and have been for 9 years when we get into arguments these words come out. He is usually a very sweet, and quiet man but when we argue he says things are as so hurtful. An example was the other day we fought about something silly and he got angry and said “I am about to get rid of your A**!” about an hour later he said sorry and that he does not mean to say those things they just come out because that is how is family was. My problem is I think it’s horrible to even say things especially if you don’t mean it. These words hurt even when I know he is not meaning it. I do not know how to handle these situations. I know sometimes I will say things that provoke him even more but still. How do I proceed with this?” Answer: The scenario you spoke about is a common pattern in couples that... Read the rest of this entry »

Question: “My husband grew up in a very verbally abusive home. When his family fought there were harsh words always and things I never had in my home. Now that we are married and have been for 9 years when we get into arguments these words come out. He is usually a very sweet, and quiet man but when we argue he says things are as so hurtful. An example was the other day we fought about something silly and he got angry and said “I am about to get rid of your A**!” about an hour later he said sorry and that he does not mean to say those things they just come out because that is how is family was. My problem is I think it’s horrible to even say things especially if you don’t mean it. These words hurt even when I know he is not meaning it. I do not know how to handle these situations. I know sometimes I will say things that provoke him even more but still. How do I proceed with this?” Answer: The scenario you spoke about is a common pattern in couples that come from... Read the rest of this entry »