Chafing, rivalry, contention, and jealousy are the thorns and weeds of mortality. They spring up without any encouragement. When they appear in our own family garden, they are doubly troublesome.
Rivalry has bedeviled the human race since the first family. … Read more
I am certain that Mom and Dad were mystified by us. We were basically good kids but, in spite of all their good example and effective teaching, we kids regularly fussed with each other. And as our numbers swelled, so … Read more
Is time-out effective for children? Is spanking acceptable? Are consequences the best way to teach children? Is reasoning with children a waste of time?
The answers become much clearer when we realize that there is only one purpose for that … Read more
Our children grew up around their Great-Grandma Thacker. She loved our dear children as much as we did. But she worried: “You love your children so much—I wonder if you’re going to spoil them.” It seemed right to love them, … Read more
If it is true that “the natural man is an enemy to God,” (Mosiah 3:19), then maybe it is also true that the natural parent, that parent unrefined by the Spirit of God, is an enemy to both God and … Read more
There is a general law that you get what you pay for. It seems that cheap chips are less flavorful. The price of an inexpensive car is multiplied by the costs of repairs. A discount wig may look like road … Read more
It is hard to imagine Jesus nagging the apostles: “You guys need to get out there and spread the word. My ministry is half over and we haven’t reached our goals. I don’t know what I’m going to do with … Read more
A bright, sensitive young man told me about his recent battle with his brother. Harsh words and threats were traded. The young man told me, “If he apologizes sincerely, I will forgive him. But I rather like being estranged. It … Read more
Life in mortality is filled with petty complaints and surly jostling. In fact, mortality is designed to challenge the best in us. Our spirits yearn for peace yet face a tangle of annoyances, disappointments, and injustices. Our spirits are pained … Read more
Some time ago we were visiting a ward in a distant city. I do not remember the subject of the lesson in the high priest group that day. But I clearly remember a comment by a brother. He faulted some … Read more