Personal / Spirituality 
Nov 28, 2014 11 Comments There is a lot of good in Mormonism. There are teachings of love and compassion, of service and productivity, of humility and integrity. Within its community, there is a sense of belonging and safety. And I see much sincerity in its people. However, I’m concerned that too often, the ability for members to live by these good principles is handicapped by other teachings in the church that...
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Entrepreneurship / Goals / Spirituality Oct 16, 2014 3 Comments When I created Music Teacher’s Helper ten years ago, it was to solve a need that I had in my own life — to better organize my student lesson schedules and payments. I decided to turn it into a “business” for two reasons. One, because other teachers expressed interest in it. And two, to provide for my family without being dependent on an employer. I’ve learned a lot since...
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Personal / Spirituality Jun 24, 2014 14 Comments If you’re connected at all with Mormonism, you may have heard about the recent situation in which LDS church leaders have sent letters warning of excommunication to about a dozen members who are publicly asking difficult questions about church history, policy, and doctrine. The two most well-known individuals include Kate Kelly, founder of the Ordain Women movement, which raises questions about gender inequality in the...
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Entrepreneurship / Personal / Productivity / Spirituality May 08, 2014 13 Comments Despite having stated that I no longer offer business consulting, I occasionally get emails asking me if I can make an exception. Sometimes I’ll write back asking what they hope to get out of consulting, and it usually turns out they want advice on what they should do, or instructions for how they should do it. One of the reasons I stopped offering consulting is that...
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Personal / Spirituality Apr 19, 2014 18 Comments Jennifer and I sometimes get asked what we believe about life’s “big questions”, like our views on death, God, and the purpose of life. Are there “core truths” we believe in, that provide us comfort or guidance on these issues? Or do we reject all belief and wander through life aimlessly? These questions usually come from people who not only believe their own answers to...
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Personal / Spirituality Apr 17, 2014 3 Comments Throughout history, thousands of books have been written to inspire spiritual awakening, or enlightenment. While experiencing this state is completely different from studying it, I enjoy learning from others’ perspectives and experiences with it, as it tends to fuel my own growth. Here are some books that have been helpful for me in expanding my awareness of things as they are, and of who I...
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Personal / Spirituality Mar 31, 2014 24 Comments It’s been almost four years since my family and I decided to leave the LDS (Mormon) church, and almost three years since I published my document about Why I Left the Mormon Church. This letter has since been read by tens of thousands of people, and still prompts almost weekly emails from readers, mostly people thanking me for the comfort and courage it provided them on...
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Personal / Spirituality Sep 18, 2013 15 Comments Remember when you were a child, and life was full of wonder and excitement? When every experience was new and you were fully present in each moment, feeling more than thinking, and enjoying your connection to everything you interacted with? What if you could jump back into that state of aliveness and appreciation, and experience life again, for the first time? I’m writing this post...
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Italy / Personal / Spirituality Jul 16, 2013 6 Comments For the next 5 weeks, we will be traveling through Italy, from Rome, Naples, and Amalfi, to Tuscany, Como, and Venice. This is the first time any of us have been to Italy, and so far we’re loving it! Most people we talk to about Italy have only positive things to say. They mention the impressive architecture, serene landscapes, tasty food, and lively people. Except...
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Personal / Spirituality Jun 28, 2013 39 Comments It’s no secret that humans are sexual beings. Yet, many of us have been taught from a young age to suppress this part of our nature, to hide it, or to see it as wrong or evil. The negative effects of this conditioning can be far reaching, and can last a lifetime. Not everyone who grows up in a sexually oppressive religion or culture ends...
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