Mormon Bloggers

Earlier this month I posted about the ongoing psych-op we call “Curfew” (Original post here). What I didn’t anticipate was the terrific response. Apparently I hit a topic that many of us are interested in – with a wide array of opinions. It quickly became my #5 all time post, and my #1 most commented-on post. This was surprising to me, because I had been told that I was the only parent on the entire planet that still believed in the archaic curfew system. Before I go on, I need to clarify one thing:  My returned missionary FOML has never complained or questioned when we have asked him to follow some guidelines as to when to be home. He “gets it”, probably doesn’t like it, but he is just good. So, to add another layer to the discussion, I would like to share with you “The Speech”. This is a speech that I would give during annual youth interviews to 15 year-olds. It wasn’t so much as speech, as a discussion, but here is the... Read the rest of this entry »

“I haven’t received notification of any new blog postings recently, ” a friend wrote. “I really miss reading your thoughts and insights.” He reminded me that I have an audience for my writing, which is something hard to cultivate and worth keeping. My writing continues off blog, but not out of sight. I’m publishing in [...] All Content Copyright (C) 2007-2009 TJ Hirst. No content may be reproduced without the copyright owner’s express written consent.The Writerly Life  Read More →

Teen comes out of bedroom. Parent asks, “How’s everything going?” “Fine.” “How’s school?” “Fine.” “Is something wrong?” “No.” “Where are you going?” “Hang out with friends.” “Be back by eleven.” No response. Door closes.   Shortly after 12:00, the child comes in the door.   “Where have you been?” “Hanging out with friends.” “I asked you to be home by eleven.” “I lost track of the time.” “What were you doing?” “Nothing.” “Why didn’t you call?” “I don’t know.” “You need to remember when I tell you things.” “Can I go to bed now? I’m tired.” Teen goes off to room.   Whether teenagers act like it or not, they want to connect with their parents. They want to feel their love and acceptance, and they want to share their life with them. Some parents get along great with their teens. But for many, there seems to be an impenetrable wall of disconnect. Some may feel... Read the rest of this entry »

Sometimes trusting that the Lord is in charge, that He is aware, and that afflictions are for our eventual gain can be difficult. Especially when we are right in the middle of our sorest trials. Neal A Maxwell said that one of the greatest objectives in life is to learn patience in the face of irony, injustice and persecution. Consider what Christ says in the Doctrine & Covenants 101: 11 Mine indignation is soon to be poured out without measure upon all nations; and this will I do when the cup of their iniquity is full. 12 And in that day all who are found upon the watch-tower, or in other words, all mine Israel, shall be saved. 13 And they that have been scattered shall be gathered. 14 And all they who have mourned shall be comforted. 15 And all they who have given their lives for my name shall be crowned. 16 Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God. Bringing the Spirit into our lives through scriptures,... Read the rest of this entry »

I have just spent close to an hour writing a post called Follow the Traffic- only to have accidentally deleted it. At first I was mad.  I put a lot of thought and effort into it.  It was a good one, too! But  I guess I just wasn’t supposed to write about that today. Perhaps I should write about how, sometimes, life just doesn’t go the way we plan- and that’s OK.  There is a higher power, a  Read More →

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”-Proverbs 3:5-6 For years I have struggled with the concept of trust, especially where it came to answers to prayers. When I thought about trusting the Lord, I would say, “Of course I trust Him. He’s perfect. He loves me. He would never let me down or lead me astray. It’s me I don’t trust. I’m imperfect and flawed. I make so many mistakes. How can I trust myself to know if I’m hearing the right answer or interpreting it correctly? How can I trust myself to make the right decisions?” The answer to these questions came only a few months ago as I began studying the Book of Mormon specifically for insight into the nature of trust. I sincerely asked Heavenly Father for direction, and He responded as quickly as I was willing to open my heart to Him. The answer began in 1 Nephi 1:20.... Read the rest of this entry »

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I just finished reading Isaiah 29 and 2 Nephi 27 where Isaiah is prophesying about the coming forth of the Book of Mormon. The part that intrigues me the most is a line in 2 Nephi that is repeated twice by the Lord in two consecutive verses. “…I am able to do mine own work.” (2 Nephi 27: 20-21) V. 20 says “The learned shall not read them, for they have rejected them, and I am able to do mine own work… V. 21 says “I will bring them forth in mine own due time: for I will show unto the children of men that I am able to do mine own work.” I think it’s intriguing that the Lord repeats himself verse after verse reminding us that “I am able to do mine own work.” I had to stop and think “Am I letting the Lord do his own work in my life?” Or do I do my own thing only stopping to ask for his help and advice when I am stumped, at my wits end, or about to get into trouble? Letting the Lord do his own work in my life involves... Read the rest of this entry »

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~by Candace I know this is the true Church of our Savior Jesus Christ and that we are led by a living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. My story: My life challenges started at a very early age. I was eight years old when I was first molested. He was a friend of the family and I had a child’s love for him. He broke my heart and severely injured my spirit. Unable to tell my parents, my trust of people around me was shaken. I became very insecure and frightened of life. When I reached my teens, my insecurities and lack of participation in school activities became evident and a concerned counselor started drawing me out and I felt comforted by his concern. But, once again my life was jolted when he betrayed my trust. One day he offered me a ride home. I accepted his kind gesture. I soon realized he had other intentions. We took a ride into the hills near our town and the unspeakable happened. Once again I was shaken to the core and afraid to go to my parents. I had no idea how to deal with any... Read the rest of this entry »

Question: “My husband and I have been married for nearly eighteen years. It has been turbulent much of the time. We both had teenagers from previous marriages when we blended our families. We both had careers. From the beginning we had very different styles especially in regards to finances. Since my previous husband had been a compulsive gamble who wiped us out financially I came in to this marriage very protective of my income. It would send my new husband into literal rages that I would want to have a separate bank account. Needless to say his reaction did nothing to foster trust. Then there were the children. I was to have all the responsibility of a step mother but none of the authority and there were LOTS of fights about that. Finally, because he refused to use any form of birth control I got pregnant at 42 and had baby girl. For a while it looked like she might be the solution to our problems and we are both intensely devoted to her (she’s nearly 11 now). I have not been... Read the rest of this entry »

Dieter F. Uchtdorf, an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, shares how hope encourages and inspires us to place our trust in the loving care of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  Read More →