Tuning to the Key of F(aith)

A violin is laid next to a spread of sheet music

God wants everyone to be in tune with the sacred music of faith. We get in tune by following Christ’s example and following the Spirit. I’ve played violin since I was ten years old, and the first thing my teacher taught me was how to play in tune. With the… Continue reading

The God We See in Jesus

Jesus and Heavenly Father sitting in the clouds

How can observing the life of Jesus Christ help us understand and love God? How do you get to know someone? Likely, you do so by observing their words and actions. When it comes to getting to know God, a general conference talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Grandeur… Continue reading

Living Harmoniously with Others

People standing in front of a blackboard with their arms around each other

In a world full of varied beliefs, the Savior asks us to live in harmony with everyone.  Today’s world is full of different religious beliefs and identities, differences that can often lead to contention. How can we go about combating that contention? In his general conference talk “Loving Others and… Continue reading

Humble Like a Child

A little girl in a pink jacket standing with her hands clasped together and her eyes closed

If we act with love, faith, and humility like children, we can better connect with our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. I frequently babysit my little cousins, and the five-year-old frequently loses his toys. His first instinct when this happens is always to pray because he knows God will help… Continue reading

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

Five Ways to Practice Gratitude at Thanksgiving and Beyond

A surface is shown from above with fall leaf decorations, a mason jar, and the words “give thanks.”

Gratitude is the parent of all virtues. Here are five specific, actionable ways to practice gratitude and increase thankfulness all year long. It’s easy to look backward and feel gratitude—after all, hindsight gives way to insight. When I was a sophomore in college, I experienced consistent failures in my academic… 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

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