Why Prayer Is the Answer

A child in a dress sits in prayer

We need to take the time to understand prayer. The clarity it gives us makes it the best answer to our problems. We can try to solve our problems in many ways, such as asking for advice or seeking distraction. But no solution is quite as powerful or comforting as… Continue reading

Building Belonging Through Friendships

A sign on a building that says "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Visitors Welcome"

In order to welcome others into our communities, we must actively build “higher and holier relationships.” Attending a new ward for the first time can be nerve-wracking for anyone. This can be even more true for people who look and act differently due to disability, gender presentation, or fashion and… Continue reading

Words Matter: The Hurting and Healing Power of What We Say

Black and white tiles with random words on them are scattered around

We have all heard the phrase “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” Elder Rasband reminds us that words have great power, to harm or to help. “Ridiculous” “Disgraceful” “Shame” “Repugnant” These are some of the words that were directed at a classmate of… Continue reading

Spreading God’s Love on Valentine’s Day

Hand holding red heart

Valentine’s Day can be a lonely holiday for many of God’s children, but we can help the people in need all around us to feel God’s love on this holiday. When I was young, Valentine’s Day was my favorite holiday. My mom would get up early in the morning to… Continue reading

Get on Your Knees and Face It

Woman wearing red sweatshirt looking at top between trees near grass during daytime

When life is beating you down, relying on the Lord through prayer can help you confront your trials. A highlight of this week’s Come, Follow Me lesson is the classic scripture 3 Nephi 5:13, which starts off, “For behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” It’s clear why this… Continue reading

Lessons from Pahoran: Accepting Feedback with Humility

Learning about Pahoran

If we follow Pahoran’s example and practice humility, we can improve our lives and collaborate better with others.  One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve had to learn as an editor is that I need to be just as comfortable receiving feedback as giving it. Editing is a collaborative effort,… Continue reading

Witnessing the Power of Community Care

The Lord has blessed us with friends and neighbors to strengthen us when the floods of life—literal or metaphorical—threaten to overwhelm us. I’d never truly understood the destructive power of water until I witnessed it submerge my hometown under seven feet of water. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey overtook many homes… Continue reading

Building Healthy Community through a Gospel of Beauty

Building a healthy community may mean asking for help—Minerva Teichert did just that, helping her paint a gospel of beauty through her art. Building a healthy community means supporting one another, but it begins by having the courage to ask for help. In Laura Paulsen Howe’s article “I Have Dreamed… Continue reading

Remembering Emmeline Wells

While Emmeline Wells lived over 100 years ago, her example of faithful living demonstrates how our faith can drive us to do good works. Tucked among the Church History Topics in the Church’s digital library is an entry dedicated to a woman named Emmeline Wells (1828–1921). I stumbled upon this… Continue reading

Jesus Christ’s Beloved Enemy

Jesus washing the feet of his disciples

During his Last Supper, Christ washed the feet of Judas Iscariot. By doing so, Christ set the ultimate example of what it means to “love your enemy.”  For over a millennium, the teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired spiritual growth for those who study and accept his words. During his… Continue reading