Living After the Manner of Happiness

The coming of a new year always has been a time of self-reflecting for me. Where am I now, and where do I want to be next year? What did I learn last year, and how can I do better next year? It usually takes me a few weeks of processing to feel like I’ve captured everything. My reflection this month has been different than any other before – I think in large part because last year was unlike any I’ve seen before. There’s been a heaviness in my reflection this year I have not experienced in prior years. So many words could be used to sum up last year, but the one that seems to encompass it all is divisive. It seems everything and everyone are being divided in extremes that I personally have never seen before. I’ve had the recurring thought over and over the last few months that there are so many “ites” among us right now (see 4 Nephi 1:17). At a time when we should be pulling together, so many have fallen victim to division. The constant cacophony and discord around us have led to ev...

photo credit: Becki Simonsen I am a lover of light! I decorate more with light than things. I eagerly throw open the shutters each morning allowing the morning sun to fill our home with light! Sitting with the majestic view of Mount Timpanogos in front of me studying my Come Follow Me one morning this week, I was reminded of my first visit to her cave many years ago. Have you ever visited a cave? The darkness, the change in temperature, and the unique formations can make you feel as if you have entered another world. The only way to see the Timpanogos cave system is on a tour. There are lights highlighting the cave formations and helping to light the way. Many of the walkways and staircases are narrow with very low ceilings. The natural beauty inside the cave is breathtaking. On my last trip, I remember thinking this must be the “awesome wonder” the familiar hymn describes (“How Great Thou Art,” Hymn #86). At one point, in the middle of the tour, the rangers turn off all the ...