Not What I Prayed For – A Blog by Barry Poppleton

Category: Uncategorized

  • The Thrilling World of Rural Utah’s Demolition Derby: A Cultural Phenomenon

    Barry

    Meta Description Explore the exhilarating world of demolition derbies in rural Utah. Discover the cultural significance, technical aspects, and community impact of this unique motorsport event through the eyes of a lifelong enthusiast. Introduction: A Personal Derby Experience The roar of engines filled the air as I settled into my seat at the county fairgrounds.… Read more

  • Let’s Be More Inclusive

    Barry

    I may be going out on a limb here, but why is it that so many people in our culture, church, and society do not understand what it means to be inclusive. I believe only a very small percentage of the population understands this because they are “watchers.” They watch everyone. They see how people… Read more

  • Let’s Be More Sex-Positive

    Barry

    I don’t know about all of you, but when I was growing up, sex, or as we often call it in our religion—intimacy, was never talked about. This was especially true when speaking positively about it. I have heard many different ways to describe it, including “the big nasty,” “a necessary evil,” “doing bad things… Read more

  • Engaging LDS Primary Children: Scripture Song Match Lesson Plan

    Barry

    Keywords: LDS Primary, singing time, scripture songs, gospel principles, children’s music education, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Meta Description: Discover an innovative LDS Primary singing time lesson plan featuring the Scripture Song Match activity. Learn how to engage children in connecting scriptures with gospel songs, enhancing their spiritual education. Introduction to LDS Primary… Read more

  • Five Years of Sacred Keys: Reflections of a Former Bishop

    Barry

    It’s been exactly one month since I was released as bishop of our ward. Tonight, as I prepare my singing time lesson about Joseph Smith’s First Vision (trying to figure out how to keep a dozen 3-11 year-olds engaged with a song with complicated words), I find myself reflecting on these past five years with… Read more

  • Embarrassing Story

    Barry

    I am going to admit something very embarrassing. My wife and I have infertility and it’s all my fault. It feels emasculating to be the one who can’t make it work. I always feel like I am letting her down. Since this is our problem, I’ll tell you what I get to do. We have… Read more

  • Remember Truck Nuts?

    Barry

    Sociocultural analysis of rural vehicle accessories Growing up in a rural town, everybody has a big old truck. I have a big old truck. I remember when we were all getting “truck nuts” for our trucks. At first, I thought it was the manliest thing to do, but then I saw a woman driving a… Read more

  • Why I’m Glad Trump Won

    Barry

    Breaking the Silence: Sharing My Political ThoughtsI know the conventional wisdom says to steer clear of politics in casual conversation, but I’ve already talked about both politics and religion here. So, let me share my perspective: I’m glad Trump won. This isn’t about being a hardcore Republican; it’s about frustration with how the Democrats were… Read more

  • Erectile Dysfunction and Infertility: When Your ‘Lab Equipment’ Fails During Crucial Experiments

    Barry

    With infertility, there are many feelings: abandonment, loneliness, stress, feelings of inadequacy, feelings of not belonging to the church community, and many more. One of the craziest and least expected feelings I had was anxiety before baby dancing (the fertility world’s word for baby-making sex). When it is ovulation time, there’s a lot at stake.… Read more

  • Transforming LDS Sunday School: Active Learning Methods for Spiritual Growth

    Barry

    Meta Description: Discover innovative teaching methods for LDS Sunday School that enhance spiritual learning through active engagement. Learn practical strategies for implementing think-pair-share, small group discussions, and interactive activities that align with gospel principles. Target Keywords: LDS Sunday School, teaching methods in church, active learning in church, spiritual learning, gospel teaching strategies, Mormon church lessons,… Read more