In ancient Israel, the closest male relative was responsible for the well-being of the entire family. He was often the head of the house, but he could also be a brother or an uncle. His responsibilities included making sure the extended family, in-laws, and nonrelatives living with the family were… Continue reading
Impatience, uncertainty, and fear can all be overcome through hope. We can see the blessings God offers us more clearly when we put hope into action. God is good. Sometimes we forget that. In the moments when we seek answers, wishful thinking can become our greatest enemy, making us feel… Continue reading
Christ’s light shines within us when we choose to love others through word and deed. As I come to know my Savior better by reading about his life and ministry, I am always inspired by his capacity to love so abundantly. When Christ healed and blessed those in need, his… Continue reading
Mary and Martha lost hope after the fourth day that Lazarus had been dead. Sometimes our trials leave us feeling hopeless and out of options, but even then, Christ can be a source of hope. Four days after Lazarus’s death and burial, Mary and Martha had given up hope. When… Continue reading
Through prayer, faithful obedience, and service, we can draw near to the Savior and feel his love. This week, my niece chose the blessing of baptism. As she prepared to enter the water and receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, I found myself reflecting back on my own baptism… Continue reading
In President Dallin H. Oaks’s first address as the prophet of the restored Church, he counsels us to come closer to the Savior by being teachable. “Humility is a master virtue, given to help us learn other virtues necessary for us to become what our Heavenly Father and His Only… Continue reading
What does the gospel of Jesus Christ teach us about our life’s purpose and eternal destiny? Familial bonds don’t end with mortality. There are millions of pop culture portrayals of the afterlife and speculations about what it’s like. For instance, I recently watched a movie with a depiction of an… Continue reading
Being a disciple of Christ doesn’t need to be complicated, and it doesn’t come with a list of prerequisites. In his October 2015 general conference talk, “It Works Wonderfully!,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf emphasizes the Savior’s grace in the journey of discipleship. He asks us to consider whether we are… Continue reading
Learn from President Kimball how serving others and sharing the gospel can help you—and help you help others—stride over hurdles in your life. “Lengthen your stride.” You’ve probably heard this quote from President Spencer W. Kimball’s (1895–1985) October 1974 address urging members to engage in missionary work. (Also see “Lengthen… Continue reading
Interfaith experiences can help the deeply religious learn more about God. When the Stockholm Sweden temple opened in 1985, many Swedes were unhappy about it. But defense for the building came from an unexpected source: Krister Stendahl, Bishop of Stockholm for the Church of Sweden. Stendahl, who was also the… Continue reading
