Action: A Product of Our Thoughts and Words

snowy mountain view

The way you think about yourself directly impacts your level of success. Choose to think positively, and your own ability might surprise you.  “I am so bad at math—my brain just doesn’t work that way!” “I forget things all the time!” “I’m never going to be able to manage all of… Continue reading

Four Words Can Transform Life’s Journey

butterfly on leaf

As we follow four important words in Alma 34:32, the purpose of life can become clearer, and our journey through life can become easier. It’s easy to become overwhelmed with all that living the gospel entails. The long list of to-do’s can distract us from the true purpose of life.… Continue reading

Shot Down but Soaring

If you are someone who participates in gospel lessons, even to the point of making your imperfections apparent, thank you. You’re fully engaged in the lesson and desirous to contribute. You raise your hand and bravely offer a comment. It soars into the discussion with all the beauty, strength, and… Continue reading

The Wisdom of the Aged

We may cherish physical strength, but the Lord knows what strengths his leaders need. Seeing President Thomas S. Monson be able to give only a couple of short talks at general conference is saddening. His physical abilities are declining, and the weaknesses of old age are apparent. But old age has its strengths—strengths that are so great… Continue reading

The Power of Language on Social Media

Do we comprehend the power behind the language we use on social media? Language is powerful—especially our language on social media. A single word has the power to influence people and their feelings, for good or bad. Elder Charles A. Didier reminds us in his talk “Language: A Divine Way of Communicating” that we often… Continue reading

Unplugging: How Literature Brings Us Closer to God

Taking time away from computer, phone, and television screens gives us the stillness we need to find refinement and come to know our Heavenly Parents.  Many missionaries have a hard time giving up Facebook, phones, and computer time for eighteen months to two years. For my friend, the difficult sacrifice was books.… Continue reading

Outshining the Darkness

a castle wall

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… Continue reading

Our Words May Minister Grace

One young woman whispers to another.

Our language can either lift others or tear them down. As Christ’s disciples, we can use good language and humor to uplift others and bring light to their lives. Everybody loves people who have good humor and wit. On the other hand, it is harder to communicate with people who… Continue reading

You Can Write, Right?

Find a way to recognize and remember God’s kindness through journaling.  The counsel to write in a journal daily tends to invoke groans and grimaces. The excuses for not writing range from the practical (I don’t have time; I have bad handwriting; I can’t type) to the emotional (I don’t want others… Continue reading

Saving Face and Loving God

The mark in Christ's hand on the Christus statue

Loving others is an essential part of this life, but we cannot forget the first great commandment.  In our efforts to please or impress others, we sometimes give in to peer pressure. But the first of the Ten Commandments is to love God wholly and sincerely—not to impress man. Elder Lynn… Continue reading