Invest in the Right Climb
Several months ago, I learned that a young adult in our neighborhood had changed the pursuit of her professional career. After graduating from college in a rigorous and competitive field, she realized that path wasn't for her, and set about to discover where to go next after such a heavy investment of her time and money. I've found myself thinking of that brief conversation often. I admire her deeply for her pluck. It's generally counter to human nature to invest highly in an
Laureen Simper
5 days ago5 min read
"You Are Not the Voice in Your Head"
Knowing I have a Heavenly Father who created me for a reason (see Colossians 1:16) has given me a very important project: learning what He sounds like so I can recognize His voice. I mean, if He created me because for some incomprehensible reason He needed a “Me”, I don’t want to miss any important messages, instructions, or assignments. I wish I could tell you I had this one down, but there’s been a pretty steep learning curve. I’m definitely getting better, but can’t say I
Laureen Simper
Jan 256 min read
"He Knows Changes Aren't Permanent... But Change Is"
"Always hopeful, yet discontent, He knows changes aren't permanent But change is." Neal Peart & Pye Dubois, "Tom Sawyer" I can't believe when truth tumbles out of a rock song. It does happen from time to time. I can't get this line from Rush's Tom Sawyer out of my head: "Changes aren't permanent... but CHANGE. IS. Those six words declare one of the hardest truths of eternity, in my estimation. Absolutely nothing stays the same, except the fact that nothing stays the sa
Laureen Simper
Jan 204 min read
The Place We Hate to Start
Elder Gary E. Stevenson gave an important talk in general conference in October last year called "Blessed Are the Peacemakers." ( https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2025/10/12stevenson?lang=eng ) In it, he stressed a pattern which defines direction. It's terribly important to recognizing the Lord's way of doing things, particularly in contrast to the world's way of doing things. Elder Stevenson doesn't suggest a vast, overarching program to promote w
Laureen Simper
Jan 125 min read
