Mormon Bloggers

Our first snowfall on December 18, 2012 It was either this post title or the “The Anatomy of Hope.”  But then the next analogy would be “dissecting” hope, so naturally “anatomy” got tossed. What is hope anyways? We hear people use the word all the time. In our everyday language, it seems to mostly refer to wishing. “I hope Grandma sends money for my birthday.” If someone asked you to describe the essence of hope, what would you say? I didn’t have an immediate, satisfactory answer of any real depth, so I’ve been contemplating it. One thing became clear, the Gospel uses the word differently than modern culture.  For example…it would sound really off to say – “press forward with a brightness of wishing” [referring to the 20th verse from 2 Nephi 31]. The standard Sunday School answer I’ve heard whenever hope comes up is: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the... Read the rest of this entry »

Dr. Wendy Ulrich (parent, psychologist, business consultant, writer, and educator) talks about how a difficult day helped her learn more about the Lord’s personal love for her — for each of us. It relates to something she shared in her profile on Mormon Scholars Testify: “Like many people who have longed for a close and loving relationship with God and more regular access to spiritual impressions and direction, I used to wonder why God seemed so distant when I wanted so much to be close to Him. In recent years I have increasingly realized that I have been the one who has kept Him far away, not so much by my disobedience as by my restlessness, my distractibility, my impatience, my blindness, and, especially, my fear. Intimacy is hard enough to tolerate in human relationships, where closeness reminds us of just how vulnerable we are, how often we have been disappointed and hurt, how much we have to lose. God, for me at least, has been even harder to let in than people.... Read the rest of this entry »

Maybe you are like me… It seems every time I pray to be strengthened, in any given area of my life, I then receive a test that tries me deeply—specific to whatever I prayed for. Obviously I need to learn that Christ-like qualities are not handouts given to us at no cost, rather they are earned attributes that have to be worked for. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (also known as the “Mormon Church” by friends of other faiths) I know and believe the words of one of our Church leaders, Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy, who said: At times it may seem that our trials are focused on areas of our lives and parts of our souls with which we seem least able to cope. Since personal growth is an intended outcome of these challenges, it should come as no surprise that the trials can be very personal—almost laser guided to our particular needs or weaknesses. (“More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us,” Ensign, May 2011) In... Read the rest of this entry »

This post is a wonderful topic. It can also be used for Book of Mormon – Lesson 7 in Sunday School… Snippets for Sunday School 2012. Use search term Book of Mormon to view more for this week or for other weeks. In 2 Nephi, chapter 4 – Nephi shares a personal, inside glimpse of the sufferings of his soul. I’ve heard these verses referred to as “Nephi’s Psalm”: 17 Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth: O wretched man that I am! Yea, my heart sorroweth because of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities. 18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me. 19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted. “I know in whom I have trusted.” Priceless words and priceless direction for the rest of us. Sometimes, we LDS Saints find... Read the rest of this entry »

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 »