by Alison Moore Smith | Jan 25, 2016 | for Spirit
The Provo Tabernacle was a staple of my youth. When I was a child (pre-stake-center days) our stake conferences were there. My parents took us to see the Utah Valley Symphony a gazillion times in that venue. (The first, second, and third chair had each been my violin...
by Alison Moore Smith | Jan 17, 2016 | for Mind, Mormon Hacks
Thanks to Common Core and other cultural problems—you know, like legal mandates that allow boys to use the girls' dressing room if they feel strongly enough about it—we've had a massive onslaught of new homeschoolers coming down the pike. As with most experienced...
by Alison Moore Smith | Jan 3, 2016 | for Good, for Spirit, Simple Family Home Evening Ideas
The world is full of idols, athletes, entertainers, people famous for no reason at all, and people famous for all the wrong reasons. It's easy for our kids to get lost in the glamour and glitz and to idolize people whose examples are not worthy of being emulated. Some...
by Alison Moore Smith | Jan 1, 2016 | for Fun, Lifestyle Design, Mormon Hacks
Happy New Year! And Happy 13th birthday to Mormon Momma! If you're looking for some motivation, a nudge, a push, a shove, or just a little incentive to start 2016 off with a bang, here are some great resources for your consideration. 26 Ways To Take Your Life Back...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 27, 2015 | for Mind, for Spirit
Cliff Notes version of this post: Tolerance (inclusion, acceptance, etc.) is not inherently virtuous. It is only virtuous to the extent that the thing being tolerated (included, accepted, etc.) is virtuous or to the extent that tolerating (including, accepting, etc.)...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 16, 2015 | for Spirit
In October of 2013, a Pew survey made the claim that “big majority of Mormons (including women) oppose women in priesthood.” In March or 2014, I wrote Do Mormon Women Oppose Priesthood Ordination? Clarity About the Pew Survey to refute the erroneous...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 14, 2015 | for Spirit
Last week I engaged in a libertarian-esque discussion about geopolitical borders. In the midst of it, I came across a post by Kristine A titled The Rexburg Response to #PantsToChurch that rather fit into the concept of the necessity for distinction of groups. To be...
by Alison Moore Smith | Dec 7, 2015 | for Spirit
The Teenage Mind When I was in junior high, a mere 14 years old, I was positive I was in love. Not just infatuated. Not just hormonal. This was no ordinary teenage crush, it was different! And, indeed, it was. The object of my affection—affection that was first...
by Alison Moore Smith | Nov 13, 2015 | for Spirit
This morning the Office of the First Presidency clarified the handbook changes. These clarifications alleviate or resolve many of the problems being discussed. I'm relieved to hear the intent, much of which aligns with what I had hoped for. While many will still...
by Alison Moore Smith | Nov 12, 2015 | for Fun, Yea Big
[Upon hearing repeated snorting behind me.] Mom: Caleb, here's some tissue. You need to blow your nose. Caleb (12): Samson needs to blow his nose, too. Mom: You worry about your own nose. Samson can worry about his. Caleb: I need...