Family Matters: For Time and All Eternity

  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...

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...

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...

As a Sunday School teacher, I have always sought inspiration from leaders within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Having served in various wards teaching adult classes,, including Tarlac 3rd Ward (Tarlac Philippines Stake), University Ward (Baguio Philippines Stake), and Riverbend Ward (Calgary Alberta Bow River Stake), I've always sought inspiration and guidance from church leaders. One name that consistently resonated with me, and with countless others worldwide, is Tad R. Callister. I always looked forward to watching the Sunday School training sessions for teachers during his time. His service as the General President of the Sunday School (2014-2019) left an indelible mark, and his teachings continue to influence my approach to gospel learning and teaching. With a heavy heart, we mourn his passing yesterday at the age of 79, but we also celebrate a life dedicated to service and unwavering faith.   Tad R. Callister's service as the General Presid...

For Latter-day Saints , the concept of eternal families is central to our beliefs. We strive to create homes filled with love, respect, and growth. This vision has been powerfully shaped by the teachings of prophets like President Russell M. Nelson , whose recent passing has brought a wave of reflection and gratitude.   In a talk given in 1968, then-Elder Russell M. Nelson shared timeless wisdom on how to cultivate a strong and loving marriage. These words, which have profoundly impacted our family and countless others, remain incredibly relevant today.   He stated:   " Our home can never be any better than our selection and care of the one to be the queen in our castle. This sweet and hopefully eternal companion needs particular attention, for she is so tender and so special. 'Thou shalt love thy wife with all thy heart, and shall cleave unto her and none else' (D&C 42:22)   If you really love her, you are more concerned for her welfare than for that...

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...

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...

Being a mom is crazy busy!  It's a mix of messy diapers, sleepless nights, and so much love it's overwhelming. You're always juggling a million things, feeling like you're running on empty. So, why add another thing to your to-do list? Why journal? Because, mama, you deserve a break.  Think of it this way: you're already living a huge, amazing story – your life as a mom. It's full of ups and downs, happy moments and tough ones. But all those feelings and thoughts are happening inside your head, and it's easy to forget them in the rush of daily life. A journal helps you remember. It's a way to capture those special moments before they disappear. Here's WHY journaling is important for moms: To understand yourself better:  Motherhood changes you. Journaling helps you figure out your feelings, understand why you react the way you do, and grow as a person. This is good for you and your family. To feel better: Let's face it, being a mom is ...

Creating a well-structured home environment is crucial for raising responsible children. Clear rules aren't about being strict; they're about building character and instilling valuable life lessons. Here are some essential rules that foster a loving, respectful, and orderly home:   Respect & Responsibility:   - Respect elders and siblings: Treat everyone with kindness and courtesy. No fighting or backtalk.   - Shared responsibilities: Fairly divide chores and contribute to the household.   - Honesty & Integrity: Always tell the truth. No lying, even in jokes.   - Gratitude & Helpfulness: Show appreciation and offer help without being asked.   - Financial Responsibility: Practice saving and avoid borrowing without permission.   Household Management & Order:   - Family Time: Meals, devotions, and family time are sacred. Phones are off during these times.   - Quiet Time: Respect quiet hours. No loud music at nig...

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. ...

The recent Worldwide Relief Society Devotional  resonated deeply, renewing my focus on the power and importance of covenants. The inspiring messages from Camille N. Johnson, Sister J. Anette Dennis, Sister Kristin M. Yee (speaking from Red Brick Store in Nauvoo, Illinois), and Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (speaking from Hawaii), powerfully reminded me that cleaving unto these sacred promises isn't merely a religious duty; it's a lifeline, a source of strength enabling us to navigate life's complexities. The devotional helped me understand that our covenants provide access to God's power – a divine resource sufficient to overcome the burdens, obstacles, and temptations we face daily.  This isn't just about personal strength; it's about being empowered to protect, defend, and strengthen those around us.  We are given the ability to be instruments in God's hands, lifting and supporting others on their journeys.   Thinking of women...