LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED, Personal Reflections

Today, I commend my reading buddy, Anatolin,  who also finished reading President Dallin H. Oaks' book, LIFE'S LESSONS LEARNED, Personal Reflections. President Oaks gets personal sharing his experiences that helped shape his life, from being raised by a widowed mother, losing his wife to cancer, to making the transition to full-time Church service as a General Authority. Anatolin shared learning more deeply the purpose of adversity, the importance of respecting those with whom we disagree personally or politically, the merits and limitations of law, the blessings of tithing, the seeming conflict between science and religion, the Lord's use of imperfect people to further His work, and the power of the Atonement to recover those who have fallen behind. President Oaks'  powerful testimony of the Savior and His mission were woven throughout the book.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Out with the Old, In with the New: I Emptied My Gallery for 2026

Image
January 1, 2026 | Calgary, AB   As the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve, I did something I’ve been putting off for years – I hit "delete all" on my phone’s photo and video gallery. After backing up every single file to Google Photos, I watched thousands of moments from the past few years disappear from my device’s storage. It felt both terrifying and incredibly freeing.   Why I Decided to Hit Reset   My gallery had become a digital junk drawer. There were blurry duplicates of the same mountain, screenshots of messages I’d already acted on, videos that never loaded properly, and hundreds of photos taken just to "remember later" that I’d never actually looked at again. With over 10,000 files clogging up my phone, opening the gallery took seconds longer than it should have, and finding recent photos felt like searching for a needle in a haystack.   More than just freeing up space, I wanted to create intentionality around how I capture memorie...
Read more

A Meaningful Visit to the Clinic That Welcomed Every One of Our Children

Image
We recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the Holy Infant Clinic,  the place where all our precious children were born! It was a heartwarming experience as we reunited with Dr. Zarate and the midwives who played such a significant role in bringing our little ones into the world. Meeting them again filled our hearts with gratitude and joy. Their expertise, care, and compassion during those precious moments will forever hold a special place in our hearts. We were truly blessed to have such dedicated professionals by our side, ensuring the safe arrival of our little miracles.   As we walked through the halls of the clinic, memories of each child's birth flooded our minds. The anticipation, the excitement, and the overwhelming love that filled the air were felt once again. We couldn't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the blessings we have been given.   The opportunity to introduce our children to the doctor and midwives...
Read more

Our New Year's Family Tradition Takes a Beautiful Turn

Image
  Since we started our family, it has been a New Year's tradition for my husband, Anatolin , to give a priesthood blessing to me and each of our children. As we prepare to welcome the new year and seek the Lord's guidance for the months ahead, these blessings have become a cherished part of our family gospel culture – a way to invite the Spirit into our home, express love for one another, and set our hearts on things of eternal worth.   We gather in our living room and Anatolin would begin by opening his mouth in prayer, then place his hands upon our heads as he pronounced blessings tailored to each of our individual needs and circumstances – whether it was for a child preparing to serve a mission, for me navigating a new career chapter, or simply for strength to face whatever challenges lay ahead. For years, he has been our steady anchor for our family in this covenant path.    This year was especially meaningful because our oldest son, Ammon Jarom, who...
Read more

Stop "Getting By" – Start Living the Life You Actually Love

Image
As 2025 drew to a close, I knew I wanted more than just another year of "getting by." When I joined Gemma Stone's THRIVE program days before the new year, I was ready to make a change – and what I discovered was the path to building a life I genuinely love.   Living the Life You Love Starts Within   At the heart of the program is a powerful truth: we can only create lives we love when we're deeply connected to who we are and what matters most. We went through three core phases that turn this idea from a dream into a tangible reality.   Phase 1: Reflecting – Seeing Our Lives Clearly   The journey began with Reflecting – not just a quick look back, but a thoughtful exploration of where we are today and how we got here. We identified moments that brought us joy or drained our energy, and dug into the values that truly drive us (not just the ones we think we should have).   For me, this meant recognizing that while everything seems to be doing well, v...
Read more

Stop Counting the Minutes, Start Cherishing the Moments: A Parent's Guide

Image
We've all been there – juggling work, household chores, social commitments, and the ever-present demands of modern life. In the midst of this chaos, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer amount of time our children seem to require. "I just need a break!" we sometimes think, or even say. But what if the very thing we perceive as a burden is actually the greatest gift we'll ever receive?   I recently came across a quote that struck me to my core: " You will never look back on life and think, 'I've spent too much time with my kids.'" Let that sink in for a moment.   The Days Are Long, But the Years Are Short   It's a cliché because it's true. The days with young children can feel incredibly long. The constant needs, the endless questions, the sheer exhaustion – it can all feel like a never-ending marathon. But as any parent of older children will tell you, those years fly by in the blink of an eye. One minute you're...
Read more

10 LIFE IMPORTANT LESSONS I Learned by Age 40 (An excerpt from my journal)

Image
Writing this, I'm definitely feeling older. I've gained weight, my skin is not as vibrant as it once was and I'm more anxious about eating right, exercising, meditating, sleeping more, and surrounding myself with loved ones. All signs of ageing, I guess.  Looking back and reflecting on the last forty years of my life, I have learned a lot about life and have grown into the woman I am today. So before I have troubles with my memory, let me share some of LIFE IMPORTANT LESSONS I learned by age 40: 1. I learned not to worry about what the people think about me and expect of me because God loves me and accepts me unconditionally. 2. I learned not to please people but seek to please God. 3. I learned not to compare myself to others but look up to my Savior Jesus Christ, who is my exemplary.  4. I learned not to prove my worth by successes, accomplishments, relationships, and material things but seek to honor God with all His blessings.  5. I learned not to crave aff...
Read more

More Than Just a Dad: What It Really Takes

Image
Okay, let's get real. Anyone can have kids, right? But being a dad? That's a whole different ballgame. As a mom, I've seen firsthand what it takes to be a great father, and let me tell you, it's so much more than just biology. It's Not Just About the Genes   Making a baby is just the starting point. Being a father starts when you step up and take responsibility.  It's about:   - Being Present : Like, really present. Not just physically, but emotionally too. Putting down the phone, turning off the game, and actually engaging with your kids. It's about being there for the good, the bad, and the messy. - Keeping Them Safe : Making sure they're okay, both in their bodies and in their heads. Teaching them how to navigate the world and protecting them when they can't. It's about being their rock. - Providing the Basics : Food, clothes, a roof over their heads. But also, giving them opportunities to learn and grow. It...
Read more

BYU-I Fall 2021

Image
We are looking forward to starting and completing our chosen course this fall semester. Child Development course is a theoretical, academically oriented course focusing on the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of the child from conception through adolescence. As parents ourselves and assisting and giving support to other children, we are excited to learn and  explore the influences of family, peers, and social institutions on the child's development.  We know that connecting the dots between what we learn and what we do takes creativity and even stepping outside our comfort zone.Our most favorite part is searching for daily opportunities at home and at work to apply what we learn.
Read more

Slow Living in Calgary: A Family Guide to a More Intentional Life

Image
Calgary, with its stunning natural beauty and vibrant community, offers the perfect backdrop for embracing a slower, more intentional lifestyle. But with busy schedules and the constant demands of modern life, how can families in Calgary truly integrate slow living principles? This guide provides practical steps to help your family savor life's moments and cultivate a deeper sense of connection.   Nurturing Family Bonds   The foundation of slow living lies in strong family connections. Here's how to prioritize quality time:   - Weekly Family Dinners: Designate a night for a screen-free dinner. Share stories, discuss your day, and truly connect. This simple act fosters communication and creates lasting memories.   - Embrace Calgary's Outdoors: Explore Calgary's incredible parks! Hike the trails of Fish Creek Provincial Park, bike the Bow River pathway, or visit the Calgary Zoo. Shared adventures create lasting memories and appreciation for nature. ...
Read more

Temple Ordinance Work

Image
On April 25th this year, we were set apart as ordinance workers with Sister Melanie and Brother Micheal King. We are grateful for the privilege to glimpse celestial joy every time we serve.  Every 4th Tuesday of the month, Anatolin and I travel at 2AM to the Manila Philippines Temple with the Kings. The temple opens at 5AM for ordinance workers. We have prayer meeting at 6 and work until 2 in the afternoon.   Serving as temple workers makes the ordinances and blessings even more special to us as it increases our understanding of the everlasting gospel. Coming closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, they become our focus and have peace in our hearts no matter what challenges we face. For the next months before the dedication of the Urdaneta Philippines Temple, we will continue working in the Manila Philippines Temple.  
Read more