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Fond Farewell Revised

 I spoke in our stake conference last week. My assignment was given based on my last Letters From the Nest Post, so I revised it to be a 5-minute talk. I think I did a better job at organizing my thoughts since I had that 5-minute limit. I'll also add some pics from life lately. I keep meaning to write an actual family update, but haven't gotten to it yet.

Given Altoona Stake Conference on November 16, 2025

Sometimes our children ask me to help them clean their rooms. When they do, I know they’re not just asking me to help them put things away-- they’re asking me to help them declutter, so their spaces are easier to manage.

We begin by procuring two containers--one for trash and one for donations. We will go through their room, addressing one item at a time. I’ll hold an article of clothing or toy up and ask, “Can we say goodbye to this?” If the item is a keeper, they’re tasked with putting that item away in a place that contributes to that item’s usefulness. If they’re ready to say goodbye to something, we place it in either the donation bag or trash bag. For things like candy wrappers and holey socks, I don’t even have to ask--they’re obviously garbage.

Does this clean-up process seem very Marie Kondo to you? Maybe some of you know about her. Marie Kondo became famous about 15 years ago for her work as an organizing consultant and author of “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up.” Her decluttering philosphy became known as the Konmari method.

One sort of quirky thing about the Konmari method is her personification of items. On her website she says,

“Keep only those things that speak to the heart, and discard items that no longer spark joy. Thank them for their service – then let them go.”

If the Konmari method works for stuff, understanding and accessing the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives works for our Spirits.


Just as our physical spaces can become more peaceful and useful as we decide what to keep and what to let go, we can strengthen our spirituality by prioritizing a relationship with our Savior Jesus Christ, making His gospel the center of our homes and lives.

I have been asked to address two questions today:

  1. How does placing Jesus Christ at the center of our lives help us simplify and strengthen our homes?

  2. How can we better understand the Savior’s role in helping us know what to add to or subtract from our lives to lead to greater strength?

First, How does placing Jesus Christ at the center of our lives help us simplify and strengthen the home?

Marie Kondo’s tidying method places emphasis on what you keep rather than what you throw away, and she encourages clients to ask, “Does this spark joy?” She uses the word joy in much the same way that we do when we differentiate it from pleasure or happiness. Joy is not short-lived. It’s deeper. Joy implies utility, growth, and purpose.

How can we place Jesus Christ at the center of our home and family? I have three ideas--each of which could be their own topics of study.

  1. nurture our personal faith and trust in Him

  2. Let our connection to Him infuse our interactions with our family members

  3. Prioritize opportunities for our family members to feel His love and influence.

When we focus on Jesus Christ with these principles in mind, what falls away? Like the room tidying metaphor, what is discarded or found no longer useful?

I have a quote near my computer that I refer to often, “Who do I want to be in the face of this challenge?” The answer is easy--I want to be like the Savior. Putting that into practice is much more difficult, but that’s why it’s called practice.

What are some interpersonal habits or perceptions of ourselves or others that no longer serve us when Jesus Christ is at the center of our lives? What would you discard? Maybe you have a tendency towards defensiveness when you receive well-meaning guidance. Perhaps you harbor resentment toward somebody, or you try to exert control over people or circumstances outside of your stewardship.

Everybody has attitudes, ideas, and perceptions that we perpetuate, and in doing so, damage relationships and personal progress. What is it for you? Can you let those habits and perceptions fall away and allow room for more of Christ’s love and joy in your life?

The second question, How can we better understand the Savior’s role in helping us know what to add to or subtract from our lives to lead to greater strength?

Let’s go back to the room-cleaning metaphor:

Does placing Christ at the center of your home and family life seem like an overwhelming project? Is there too much clutter? Maybe there are items that are too heavy to move. Maybe you can’t see solutions.

Or, on the other hand, are you more comfortable with the idea that your space (spiritual life) is good enough? Sometimes, we’re so used to the clutter that it becomes invisible to us until we invite somebody else into our space. Is it like that for you?

Maybe you don’t want anybody to help you with your clutter because you’re ashamed of how bad things are. I feel like that sometimes.

Don’t be afraid to allow others into your space who will treat you and your challenges with kindness and respect. If you’re not sure about who that might be, I can absolutely tell you of one person guaranteed to handle your mess with care.

You can trust the Savior with your big project because your growth, development, peace, and joy are his project.

I can hardly get through a lesson or talk without quoting of thinking of these two scriptures: Moses 1:39 and 2 Ne 2:25-26

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.

And 2 Ne 2:25-26

25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.

26 And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall . .

Our Savior Jesus Christ sees both the mess and the potential, and unlike other people in your life, He’s never too tired or too busy or too overwhelmed to help you. If you’re not sure where to start, or don’t know how, ask Him. Invite him to help you see what sparks true joy in your life and what might be weighing you down, then participate in a grateful release.











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