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
4 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
From One Stranger Thing to Another
It’s true, I’m a Stranger Things junkie. Big time. Nearly ten years ago, my son - who had recently left home to start his military career - texted one day, instructing me to check out a new show on Netflix. “I think you’ll really like it, Mom,” he wrote. “It’s X Files meets Super 8 meets Stand By Me.” I comprehended and appreciated two of those three references - X Files and Super 8. From the very first seconds of the first episode, I was hooked. The opening setting of the s
Laureen Simper
Jan 23 min read
The Loaves and Fishes of Ward Choir
Three weeks ago, I got my annual Christmas present a little early: my epic, barking, you must've-started-smoking-at-age-4 cough. Once again, it was looking like I would not be able to participate in our annual ward Christmas program, and I was devastated. I used to hate being in the ward choir, but my experiences with ward choirs have forever changed how I feel about spending yet another hour to stay at church to go to the rehearsals. I used to be a lot like Fanny Brice when
Laureen Simper
Dec 24, 20254 min read
Changing What Waiting Looks Like Part 2
Knowing there is purpose in learning to wait changed waiting for me, but it still hasn't made me love it. Neither has looking for the lessons in it. Still not a fan. During my intense waiting curriculum, Father left me with the unmistakable knowledge that a LOT of His time involves waiting, and I'm so truly grateful for that inspired insight. For example... How long DOES it take for an earth to be ready for water? Light? Plants? Animals? How long does it take for the first hu
Laureen Simper
Dec 16, 20254 min read
