First Friends

Every parent wants their toddler to be well liked. After all, we adore them, so why shouldn’t they have tons of friends and other adoring fans? Many toddlers revel in attention and enjoy social interaction. Others prefer to explore their surroundings independently and may seem shy and quiet. Part of paving the way towards positive social experiences for your toddler is observing how different types of social settings affect him and seeking out the kinds of social experiences that he enjoys. Play dates can be a lot of fun, but they can become overwhelming if there are too many children … Continue reading

A Friend and Foe at Church

I remember sitting in Relief Society one of my first weeks in my ward and spying one of the most beautiful children ever. Really, they’re a family of beautiful children, but my baby-loving eyes rested on the youngest of this tow-headed family. She had impressively white hair and the most beautiful big brown eyes, which stood out on her clear little face. I was sitting next to her mom that day, so I started making silly faces and trying to win her affection. It kind of worked, to her mom’s surprise. Of course, that won me over completely. This little … Continue reading

Find an Ally

In the ideal two-parent household, parents serve as allies for each other. They can present a united front and encourage and support each other in parenting endeavors. Now, I know that this is not the reality in all two-parent families (as many of us can testify) but there is a “built-in” ally for a parent. As single parents, we can often feel like lone wolves in our families, particularly if you have more than one child in which case you are always outnumbered! It can be important, therefore, to find an ally or two that you can turn to when … Continue reading

Finding Energy while Following the Word of Wisdom

In the Word of Wisdom we are counseled to take good care of our bodies. We are told specifically not to drink “hot drinks” (tea and coffee). We are also counseled to go to bed early and get up early (Doctrine and Covenants 88:124). It can be difficult to find the energy to do everything that you want to do. Here are five ways to increase your energy without taking supplements and caffeine. These suggestions will help to improve your overall health as well. 1) It is important to get enough sleep. This can be difficult when you are a … Continue reading

RS/EQ: Developing a Friendship With the Savior

This week, you should be studying lesson three from the Teachings of the Presidents of the Church book. The lesson focuses on Christ and His role as our Savior and our God. As I studied the first two parts, I was touched by the depth of the love President Kimball obviously felt for the Lord. The first section, on the life of President Kimball, recalls a time when then-Elder Kimball left his sickbed to commune with the Savior and to celebrate his role as an Apostle. The scene painted so obviously reveals the love and emotion the man felt towards … Continue reading

Top 10 Reasons to Be Glad Your Neighbors Are Mormon

Sure, everyone runs and hides when the missionaries come knocking, but you know there are times when you’re glad your neighbors are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 1. You mention in the morning that you have the sniffles and a slight cough. Your neighbor shows up the door that night with three course dinner and a smile. 2. You get lots of free movies. Sure, they are religious movies, but who knows when they will come in handy? It seems like every time the church magazine mails out a new one, your neighbor brings it … Continue reading

Moving Gift for a Friend

Moving scrapbook When a good friend is moving away, it can sometimes be challenging to think of something that would be a meaningful gift or memento for them to take along with them to help them remember where they lived. Recently, a group of my friends put together an album for some friends that were moving. I’d like to share a few things that I learned from this project that should help it run smoothly for you and help you create a very meaningful gift for a friend. 1. Pass out a page protector with a sheet of white cardstock … Continue reading

Jesus is My Friend

There are many ways I see God. I see Him as my Father, my Comforter, my Hope, my Healer… There are so many wonderful attributes about Him. One of the greatest ways I’ve see Him is as my friend. To think God wants to be our friend is so humbling to me. Jesus tells his disciples in John chapter 15 verses 13 through 15 that the greatest love comes from someone who would lay down his life for his friends. Of course, He was referring to Himself as He was going to die for us. He tells his disciples if … Continue reading

More About Using Internet Resources

The Internet provides you with dozens and dozens of options when you are a member in the triad. But I am going to focus on an adoptees view point and what we can gain from Internet use. Support Groups/Mailing Lists I was able to find support groups and email groups. They kept me sane. They answered questions when I had them. They looked at every aspect of adoption. I only joined those that allowed all members of the triad, because I wanted everyone’s viewpoint. Often they will provide you with information you might not otherwise have found. Friendship This was … Continue reading

Looking for Need

Another place to look for opportunities to share God’s Word with others is by looking to those people who are in need. Everyone needs something from time to time whether it be food or just someone to talk with about the things that are going on in their life. Sharing your time, money, food, clothing, or home with others shows that you care about them and are willing to sacrifice things in your life for them. Christians ought to be looking out for those who are in need. Although many times it is obvious when a person is in need, … Continue reading