Discipleship and Everyday Demands

Woman looking at a path in a forest.

Focusing on the Savior helps us make changes that will balance our lives. Repent, share the gospel, read the scriptures, pray, keep the commandments… The more I think about everything on my spiritual to-do list, the more overwhelmed and hopeless I feel. And that’s not including my daily tasks as… Continue reading

Where Are the Miracles?

Man holds a journal while looking into the distance

The scriptures are bursting with miraculous experiences—manna from heaven, people raised from the dead, and enemies conquered. Reading about these miracles can cause each of us to wonder, “Where are the miracles in my life?” A few years ago, I was given an assignment to create or do something that… Continue reading

A Mighty Heart Workout

Vibrant pink bleeding heart flowers (Lamprocapnos spectabilis) blooming outdoors in spring.

How to become like Jesus: a transformation made possible through his grace. Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught. (“I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,”… Continue reading

Faith: A Power Rooted in Eternal Principles

Open pocket bible on a green surface.

We often wait for the fog to lift before taking another step. Learning instead to walk through it is real faith. The modern world is a chaotic echo chamber, reinforcing our own thoughts about who to be and how to plan our lives. We may try to rely on our… Continue reading

Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice

A yellow smiley face balloon up against the sky.

Even in seasons of sorrow and grief, we can rejoice with those who rejoice. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I try to live by the principle to “mourn with those who mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” as taught… Continue reading

More than a Holiday Special

A lamb standing in a vibrant green meadow with yellow dandelions in Le Grand-Bornand, France.

Celebrating the Easter story is not meant to be reserved for the holidays; Christ lives—today! During the Easter season, Church leaders have reminded us of the significance of the Easter story. But the truth of the Atonement, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not simply a holiday message. In… Continue reading

Faith to Affect and Faith to Accept

A person holding an umbrella.

The absence of a miracle doesn’t necessarily mean we lack faith—the faith to accept God’s will is an equally valid expression of devotion. President Russell M. Nelson once told the story of two contrasting yet powerful examples of faith. In his April 2021 general conference talk “Christ Is Risen; Faith… Continue reading

Growing Through Every Season

Purple crocus flowers growing out of grainy, icy snow.

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can grow and flourish in every season of life.   Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect. Plans change, opportunities are lost, and unexpected trials can leave us wondering why life is stagnant. In these moments, we can easily think that God has forgotten… Continue reading

Culture vs. Creed: Thoughts on Our Bodies

Two women smiling and embracing in front of a wall.

As we teach and learn together, we must distinguish between Church doctrine and local culture. I see a disconnect sometimes, especially in online echo chambers, between my lived experience and the lived experiences of others within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These differences are often benign or… Continue reading

Ongoing Restoration

Close up of a black and white sculpture of Jesus Christ in Rhede, Germany.

Renovations to Temple Square allow for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached to the world like never before. During my mission at Temple Square, I sometimes struggled to keep Jesus Christ at the center of my conversations. I deeply wanted to share the joy of his restored… Continue reading