A journey of friendship

 I have always been a strong advocate for those in abusive relationships. I have had many friends and even family members who have suffered the effects of physical, mental, and emotional abuse. Before I share my words for this week, please, if you have ever felt the effects of abuse, seek out professional help. I am here for you if you ever need me. I love all of you and know that you do not have to live a life of fear, you are meant to live a life of hope and joy. Music is powerful. The lyrics that some artists create are often only listened to with shallow ears. When you look at the words, do you understand that many of them have a story attached to them? That perhaps these artists are trying to share something other than a catchy beat?  For example, here are two songs that touch on domestic violence. One of them was rather common, the other is one I stumbled across once.  "Third Degree" by Coral Bones You cup your love in your hands, Letting none go to waste His sweetn...

I wrote a poem, and I hope you all will enjoy these words. The context is that I had gone to church alone because Frances was extremely tired. I wrote this poem as I reflected upon the day and week during the sacrament. Here it is: A missing piece As I sit here on this pew. I'm missing something, that's true. All I feel is empty. Like a shell without its yolk. But why, what is missing? Isn't it obvious? It's you, it's always you. Without you, what is there for me. Loneliness, a despondent feeling. Heaven would be hell if I could not be by your side. Oh how I am encompassed about such a forlorn thought! To be without you, I would rather be naught. You're my missing piece. Without you I am simply not complete. I love you, I need you, you bring me full circle. My lover, my soulmate, my one day. You complete me, what more can I say. Unapologetic and feeling open to sharing. I believe this is one of the more heartfelt poems I have ever written. I hope we all cherish ...

Did you know that for the longest time, repentance and forgiveness were just regarded as religious ideas? That non-religious folk and the educational field did not regard this topic as a needed one. However, in recent decades since the 1990s, "repentance and forgiveness have become increasingly prominent in the professional literature. Mental health experts acknowledge that it is impossible to address emotional and physical well-being without considering the relevance of repentance and forgiveness". Interesting. Very interesting. Mental health has always been a prominent part of my own marriage. My wife deals with diagnosed anxiety and depression. Dealing with these things is crucial to a successful and happy marriage and family. In generations past, mental health was to be swept under the rug, cultural factors pressured affected individuals into suppressing detrimental mental health. For me, I have my own mental health problems. They cause more issues to our marriage than he...

This topic makes me emotional. Forgive me.  A dinner table is a place of gathering. A place of laughter, conversation, guidance, and discussion. For years I have sat with my family, in-laws, friends, and my spouse at this gathering spot. These are cherished memories. Memories that I hope encapsulate the eternities.  God in His mercy and love, provided us the opportunity to become like him. For life to exist, for life to persist beyond the grave. What does this mean? That my family can be together forever. The power behind that phrase is real. I can always be with my loved ones. We can have our seats at the dinner table forever.  But we must be faithful. We must keep our covenants and honor them. We must be 100% responsible. There is an empty seat at the table. It is reserved for a gentle person. One that never raises their voice, one that sacrifices their time selflessly, one that is thoughtful and considerate.  But they cannot come to this table. They have lost thei...

Have you ever felt empty inside? That's how I feel when I'm feeling depressed. Ironically though, I do not "feel" anything. A hollow trunk, an empty Russian doll, river without its water. Empty. I did not recognize my triggers until I met my wife. Whenever I fail her or unintentionally hurt her in some way (all of which are accidents), a switch turns and I shut down. Prior to my marriage, I had these moments before. I would lay down on my bed motionless for hours sometimes, not feeling anything.  My wife too struggles with depression, though hers has been properly diagnosed. She describes her moments as being "numb". Similar to being out in the cold, but not shivering. You know you should go inside and warm up, but you feel disconnected from yourself.  Marriage for us did not necessarily make us instantaneously happy. Nor did it take away those numbing moments from us. However, it forced us to change. We are committed to each other and staying in a funk is n...

 "When troubles come, the parties to a contractual marriage seek happiness by walking away. They marry to obtain benefits and will stay only as long as they’re receiving what they bargained for. But when troubles come to a covenant marriage, the husband and wife work them through. They marry to give and to grow, bound by covenants to each other, to the community, and to God. Contract companions each give 50 percent. But covenant companions each give 100 percent. Enough and to spare. Each gives enough to cover any shortfall by the other." -Elder Bruce Hafen Let me tell you about a post that I wrote when we were married for no more than 4 days total. Marriage is not a contract. It's a covenant. With any covenant comes a promise. A promise to endure for something better. Ahem, When everything seems to go wrong. This honeymoon of ours was everything but ideal. Visits to the ER, stomach aches, headaches, cuts, pulled up nail beds, immensely sore throats, tonsillitis are just w...