April 29
Parenting Teens Toward Independence LDS
A warm LDS reflection on guiding teenagers toward independence with faith, open conversation, and steady connection instead of fear.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
Spring · April
LDS Family Life
from a small garden south of Salt Lake
Family discipleship, honest motherhood, and the slow work of making a home, written at the kitchen table by Rachel Whitaker.
Lately on the kitchen table
read more →A note from Rachel
Faith that holds in ordinary rooms.
Words that hold on a hard one.
LDS Family Life is a publication about LDS family life, motherhood, marriage, homemaking, and practical gospel living for families who want faith at home to feel lived instead of staged. I write first-person essays on family discipleship, spiritual formation in ordinary routines, and the pressures families are trying to carry with steadiness and grace.
The sink full of mixing bowls. The garden row that finally came up. The child calling for one more glass of water. The prayer I whisper while scraping plates after dinner. Those are the things that hold a family, and they feel worth writing down before they slip past.
with love, Rachel
Essays
April 29
Teaching Children Gratitude LDS
A warm LDS guide to helping children grow real gratitude through noticing, family rituals, and everyday grace beyond a forced thank-you.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 29
Teaching Children to Pray in LDS Homes
A warm LDS guide to helping children move from memorized prayers to honest conversations with God.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 29
Hospitality as a Spiritual Practice LDS
A gentle LDS reflection on moving from perfection-driven entertaining to heart-open hospitality that makes people feel seen, safe, and welcome.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 28
The Quiet Ministry of the Home
A warm LDS reflection on housework, invisible labor, and the sacred work of caring for a home with love.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 28
Teaching Children to Hear the Spirit LDS
A gentle LDS guide to helping children recognize the Holy Ghost through quiet moments, simple language, and everyday family life.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 28
Finding Patience in a Fast-Moving Home
A warm LDS reflection on patience, hurry, and finding spiritual stillness in the middle of ordinary family life.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 28
How to Make Family Prayer More Meaningful LDS
A gentle LDS guide to making family prayer more meaningful, even with tired parents and restless children.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 28
A Sabbath Reset for LDS Families
A gentle LDS guide to turning Sunday from a stressful checklist into a family rhythm of rest, worship, and real renewal.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
April 27
Raising Grateful Kids in a Culture of More
A warm LDS guide to teaching children gratitude, contentment, and stewardship in a culture that keeps telling families to want more.
By Rachel Whitakerwith love, Rachel
A few reader questions
FAQ
- What is LDS Family Life?
- LDS Family Life is an independent editorial publication about LDS family life, family discipleship, motherhood, marriage, homemaking, and practical gospel living at home for Latter-day Saint families and other Christian readers who want grounded faith in ordinary life.
- Who writes LDS Family Life?
- Rachel Whitaker is the sole author. Rachel is a 46-year-old former third-grade teacher, home cook, and mother of four writing from a kitchen table south of Salt Lake City.
- Is LDS Family Life an official Church publication?
- No. LDS Family Life is an independent editorial publication and is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
- What topics does the site cover?
- Rachel writes about family scripture study, Sabbath rhythms, marriage, parenting, homemaking, hospitality, emotional and spiritual life at home, and the slow work of building a faithful family culture. The voice still carries kitchen-table texture, but the core focus is faith and family life.
- How often does Rachel publish?
- Rachel publishes new essays throughout the week, with the archive updated regularly through both timely and evergreen pieces. Everything is announced on the homepage and in the archive.
- Does LDS Family Life focus on politics or church news?
- Not as a main lane. LDS Family Life focuses first on discipleship, family relationships, home rhythms, and practical gospel living. When public issues appear, they are handled only through the lens of family faithfulness and life at home.
- What does faith at home look like on this site?
- Faith at home means prayer, scripture, meals, service, repentance, and ordinary tenderness practiced inside a real family schedule. The site is built for readers who want discipleship that feels lived instead of staged.
- Who is LDS Family Life written for?
- LDS Family Life is written for busy families, especially mothers, who want honest encouragement, practical family discipleship, and a quieter, sturdier vision of gospel living in everyday rooms.