Author Archives: Deborah

About Deborah

Deborah is K-12 educator who nurtures a healthy interest in reading, writing, running, ethics, mystics, and interfaith dialogue.

RS Lesson #9: Open Your Soul to the Lord In Prayer

Posted on April 23, 2012 by Deborah

Opening Reflection Prayer.   It’s the earliest lesson in primary (“Fold your arms and close your eyes”) and yet as we grow older, the conversation grows richer, deeper — or perhaps more painful and confusing. How do we speak to God? How … Continue reading →

Posted in prayer, Relief Society, Relief Society Lessons | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

All Are Alike: Priesthood Restrictions and the Doctrine of Equality

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Deborah

When BYU professor Randy Bott used “folk doctrine” to justify why black LDS men were not ordained to the priesthood before 1978, his statements were swiftly condemned. The Church’s official response included the following: The Church unequivocally condemns racism, including … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 62 Comments

The Professor is Wrong

Posted on February 28, 2012 by Deborah

It’s not my day to post, but I have to get this out there — so I know my co-bloggers will forgive me.  Today, the Washington Post published an article on race and the Mormon Church that gets a lot right … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 52 Comments

Biblical Parenting Lessons

Posted on January 29, 2012 by Deborah

The Bible is a mixed bag when it comes to parenting advice. Quick, name the mom or dad: Why can’t you act more like your delightfully obsequious little brother? I like you best: dress up like your sibling and steal … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 13 Comments

Rockabye Baby

Posted on November 28, 2011 by Deborah

A few minutes ago, my baby’s screams lit up the monitor.  I found her writhing in her bassinet, eyes shut tight, whimpering between screams.  Do babies have nightmares? What do they fear? When I scooped her up, she nuzzled her … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 10 Comments

Family Resemblance

Posted on October 23, 2011 by Deborah

When she emerged, my first words were, “She looks like dad.” It was those lips. Those full lips that scrunch and pucker and eat up her face. And then I saw the Sasquatch feet – how can toes that long … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 24 Comments

She Brought Forth Her Firstborn Daughter . . .

Posted on August 23, 2011 by Deborah

She’s four weeks old today, gazing at me from her bassinet, flapping her hands and blowing spit bubbles.  It’s the first I’ve set her down in four hours. Breakfast, shower, nap, or blogging? On Sunday, she discovered a toy – … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 31 Comments

Mormons & Death: The After-Life (In This Life)

Posted on July 13, 2011 by Deborah

I started writing my grandfather letters the year after he died.  I was nine.  Soon these yearly letters, composed in our expansive garden that he had so lovingly and obsessively cultivated, migrated from paper to prayer.  I was, and remain, … Continue reading →

Posted in death, Family, fatherhood, grief, hope, suffering | Tagged , , , , | 28 Comments

Clubfeet & Other Imaginings

Posted on March 28, 2011 by Deborah

When I look out at the 20 students in my classroom, I sometimes wonder how many of them are in the present  . . . and how many are already eating lunch or enjoying afternoon play date or up too … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 24 Comments

The Face of Mormonism

Posted on March 15, 2011 by Deborah

I’m a fan of the “. . . and I’m a Mormon” PR campaign. (See also here.) The videos and profiles reflect the eclectic diversity of saints that I’ve known and loved in my wards across the country.  They deliberately … Continue reading →

Posted in women | 12 Comments