Agency: Putting Choices in Context

Agency is not the power to make choices in a vacuum—it is the power to make choices in relationship to our surroundings. We as children of heavenly parents have agency, or the ability to choose. The hymn “Choose the Right” expresses succinctly what we are to do with this ability:...

Anchors in the Storm

We don’t have to wait until the storm is over to find joy. Amy A. Wright gives us four anchors to help in this process. November 2024 marked the beginning of a dark time for me. I was battling seasonal depression and wondering when I would overcome the obstacles that...

Perfection and Spiritual Wholeness: How Can We Obtain It?

Wholeness does not necessarily mean physical and emotional restoration in this life. Wholeness is born of faith in and conversion to Jesus Christ. Throughout my life, I have struggled with the idea of needing to be perfect. On my mission, I strove to follow every rule in the missionary handbook...

Upholding Your Standards When Others Might Mock You

It can be hard to stand out in a crowd as a disciple of Jesus Christ, but we are promised great blessings if we rely on Christ anyway. In our often intellect-based world, we can place a lot of value on being seen as “smart” and “logical.” Anything that doesn’t...

You Are a Child of the Covenant—What Does That Mean for You?

Being a child of the covenant isn’t just an identity. It’s a responsibility and a source of blessings. President Russell M. Nelson has told us that being a child of the covenant is one of our most important identities, but being a child of the covenant can feel like an...
The Joseph Smith Papers: Preserving Precious History

The Joseph Smith Papers: Preserving Precious History

The Joseph Smith Papers project is one of the most significant ongoing projects the Church has ever taken on to preserve its history. Find out how historians are making it happen.  Have you ever tried reading old family records? These records can be nearly impossible to read. The ink is...
Giving the Gift of Receiving

Giving the Gift of Receiving

As we give gifts to bring happiness to the people around us, we must also receive gifts cheerfully and thankfully, especially the ones from God.  About 1,990 years ago, Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and died on a cross. His life on Earth was spent giving gifts of joy and...
Outshining the Darkness

Outshining the Darkness

When you have questions or concerns about the gospel—don’t lose hope. Heavenly Father sends his guidance to you while you are doing your best to progress. On a cold, dark night in 1972, more than 100 people died because the crew of their plane was more focused on a light...
Contest Winner: Finding Faith amidst Our Failings

Contest Winner: Finding Faith amidst Our Failings

When we ask ourselves “What lack I yet?” most of us (if we are being honest) would have to respond with a long list of faults and failings. Is there any reason to hope for anything better? In the world that many of us imagine for ourselves, each of us...
Have Hope: The Light Will Come

Have Hope: The Light Will Come

I thought this new calling would be my worst nightmare. Instead, it was exactly what I needed.  The first few years of college were hard for me. Really hard. Three years into college, I still found myself struggling. It wasn’t just schoolwork. I felt strangely drained. My workload was what...
Can Christ Really Heal ME?

Can Christ Really Heal ME?

Jesus Christ has the power to provide healing and relief regardless of the trials we face. Life can be hard for many reasons. Some people suffer from mental illness, addiction, financial burdens, death, or even familial burdens. Everyone struggles and needs help to persevere through life. Sister Carole M. Stephens, then...