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Welcome to Not What I Prayed For, a space where faith meets real life, and honesty takes center stage. Here, I share my journey navigating the unexpected twists of life—infertility, mental health struggles, and finding grace in imperfection—all while holding onto hope and faith. This blog is about embracing the messy, unfiltered truth of walking a path that looks nothing like the one I had planned, but trusting that God’s plan is still unfolding. Whether you’re searching for encouragement, humor, or practical ideas for engaging Primary children in singing time, I invite you to join me in finding strength, joy, and connection through life’s raw, beautiful complexities.

  • Singing Time Ideas: Reverent Musical Chairs

    I have been in the primary for a few years now, and I love it. I have learned many lessons through the years, and the one that stands out the most is that the children need to be engaged through exciting and reverent singing time lessons. I will post one of my ideas each week.…

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  • My Struggle with Mental Health

    I really hate to admit this, but I have struggled with mental health. I have always considered myself an optimist, and I’m pretty sure that’s what got me into trouble. I never once thought about mental health or depression or anxiety at all. I had heard about people who were struggling, and I always felt…

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  • Growing Up in Rural Utah

    I grew up in rural Utah, and today, I’d like to tell you what that is like. Going to church was always interesting. The men would show up in bolo ties, and most people worked shift work, so sometimes we had teachers and sometimes we didn’t. Looking back on my experience, it felt like there…

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  • Our Struggle with Infertility

    My wife and I have infertility. People don’t want to talk about having infertility because, as soon as you do, that’s who you are: the couple with infertility. Then the advice and stories begin. Here are some words of wisdom i have been given:  Here are some comments I have gotten:  The best part has…

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  • Not What I Prayed For

    Embracing the Unexpected: A Latter-day Saint’s Faith Journey In the digital age of curated perfection, where social media feeds and blog posts often showcase only the highlights of one’s life, I find myself compelled to share a more authentic narrative. As a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my faith journey…

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  • Hello world!

    Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!

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  • Breaking the Silence: Talking About Mental Health in a Misunderstanding Community

    Living with depression, anxiety, or ADHD in a community that lacks understanding can be incredibly challenging. In this post, I share practical tips and insights on how to have open and productive conversations about mental health in a stigma-filled environment.

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  • Overcoming Loneliness: Finding Connection in Rural Areas While Battling Mental Health Issues

    Feeling isolated is a common struggle for individuals dealing with mental health issues in rural areas. In this post, I explore effective strategies and resources for overcoming loneliness and building a supportive community, even in the most remote locations.

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  • Creative Ways to Access Mental Health Support in Resource-Scarce Rural Areas

    Finding adequate mental health resources in rural areas can be challenging. In this post, I share creative solutions and alternative methods to access the support and care you need when traditional therapists and resources are far away.

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  • Finding Strength: Navigating the Tension Between Faith and Mental Health Struggles

    As someone with a faith-based belief system, reconciling mental health struggles can be difficult. In this post, I delve into the challenges and offer guidance on how to find strength and endurance while managing your mental health within the context of your faith.

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