Melissa Buckley is a wife, mother to twins, and a writer. She shares her love of life and Jesus with both written and spoken word. She shares real-life experiences full of heartache and struggle, but also hope, faith and learning. Her ultimate goal is to testify that purpose, resilience and healing all come through relying on Jesus Christ. You can find her encouraging words here on the blog, on Instagram, or have her speak at your next event!
Five years ago she began I’m Learning to Thrive, to heal herself through writing and perhaps help others. While writing about her life, struggles and faith here and has found that learning about herself, relationships and the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the fastest way to go from surviving to thriving. As she seeks to continue to thrive in Christ, she shares her story and hopes to help others find the same success as they turn to the Savior for strength.
Motherhood has not only brought her great joy, but has granted her clarity as she has found greater purpose in writing and sharing her story. Being a mom has helped her better see the truths of the gospel in everyday life. Melissa lives in Las Vegas with her husband and two children and is a joyful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Most Popular Articles
One of the most challenging things about being a mother of faith is finding the time to commune with God. Personal Revelation is such a vital part of my faith, yet motherhood can often overtake my personal study and prayer. In this article for LDS Living, I offer a few fresh ideas to help busy moms to find meaning and revelation in just 5 minutes. Being intentional about what free time we do have and getting creative with how to use it has changed the way I can recharge with God in a time when time for myself is sparse. Click the image to read the article.
I knew my history of depression would factor in to how I would fare as a new mother, but I didn’t expect it to be so difficult to admit. In this Personal Essay, I share some very real moments of despair while seeking help and healing from Postpartum Depression. And the chief among them was reaching out to other women and mothers to help me along the path. This deep, but inspiring essay will help you see that empathy is one of the most courageous things we can do for ourselves and others.
Jesus taught in parables with shepherds, talents and olive trees. But today, our landscape is a little different. Amoungst my messy stove and food-throwing toddlers, I found my very own parable. Read about how I came to better understand what the depth of the Atonement and the power of Christ’s love can mean in our everyday lives.
Monthly Contributor on A Worldwide Sisterhood Blog
One of the most powerful ways to strengthen faith and lift others is to testify of Jesus Christ. No one knows this better than Kay West, the brains behind the blog and video series on A Worldwide Sisterhood. I have been blessed enough to be a monthly contributor with many other amazing women, and have the opportunity to regularly testify of the impact the gospel of Jesus Christ has brought to my life. Come and see the varied and powerful #testimoniesofChrist this blog and video series have to offer! Each of my articles are below.
In a moment of trial, I wanted to keep my feelings in, it was only once I lay all my feelings out for God that He was able to help me.
Satan uses many tactics to lead us astray, even small and simple things. But when we cease being light-minded we are better equipped to withstand temptation.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, but it is powerful when we allow its truths to change us.
“It is a sociological fact that women need women. We need deep and satisfying and loyal friendships with each other. These friendships are a necessary source of sustenance. We need to renew our faith every day. We need to lock arms and help build the kingdom so that it will role forth and fill the whole earth.”
Marjorie Pay Hinckley
Part of what I hope to do here is create a community of like-minded women, both here on the blog and on the Instagram account. We really do need each other. In joy, in sadness, in triumph and in sorrow. I hope to encourage you in any way I can to build up yourself so that you might better serve the sister sitting next to you. Join me on Instagram for more daily devotionals. Subscribe to the blog for longer messages. And stay tuned for my upcoming project…A Patriarchal Blessing Study Guide. I hope that by studying our blessings with more fervor and understanding, we can find greater purpose in how we might contribute to the gathering of Israel. Click here to subscribe and get updates!
Catch my very first podcast interview on Looks Like Wandering, a podcast for and about millennials finding their way to a fulfilling career. Hear more about my career path and transition from chef to mom to writer. You may even hear some more details about my upcoming Study Guide Project! Give it a listen!
Want to know more about how I got my start writing? Check out my first post here to see how I finally had the courage to jump, not knowing where it would lead. Check out the post, I am Melissa.
Spiritually Minded Mom was the first podcast I ever listened to. From their I was hooked to Darla’s show! She interviews a wide variety of mothers in hopes to teach us all, that no matter our circumstances, God is always our partner in motherhood.
I was over the moon when Darla asked me to be a guest, but hesitant when she asked what my main message about motherhood was. I am still a new mom with toddler twins, but the most powerful reality I have found is that relying on God first is what make me the best mother. Click the picture to go to the show notes and listen!
Most Popular Blog Posts
Motherhood
Strengthening Marriage
Marriage and conflict is a little like peanut butter and jelly. Between our individual emotions and those tied to our partner, it can become messy. Using Brene’ Brown’s Rising Strong Process as a template, I created actionable ways we can each wade through both our own issues and those in marriage to create a brand new marriage. Practicing critical self awareness, braving our deep emotions and using empathy to connect with our spouse, can help us revolutionize our marriage (in a good way!). Follow the pictures for links to this series written for Healthy Humans Project.
“Pray to understand your spiritual gifts – to cultivate, use and expand them, even more than you ever have. You will change the world as you do so.”
Russell M. Nelson
I'm Learning to Thrive 