Chasing Perfection 

an image of a woman holding a white sheet over her head

One of Satan’s most convincing lies is that we can become perfect on our own. Buying into this lie will trap and overwhelm us, but turning to Christ will make us whole.    Being hardworking and ambitious are common characteristics of disciples of Christ. Unfortunately, in our quest to “be ye therefore… Continue reading

More Than an Ugly Duckling

an image of a swan swimming in a lake with reeds in the background

If we could see ourselves clearly, we would know that we are worth more than we ever thought possible. Too often we compare our hidden weaknesses to others’ displayed strengths. Our inadequacies glare beneath the spotlight of our own scrutiny, and we start doubting our worth. However, in the talk… Continue reading

Divine Masculinity: What It Means to Be a Man

dad holding baby

Despite the false messages the world offers about masculinity, the masculine roles of husband and father, established and exemplified by God, are sacred and noble.   What does it mean to be a man? Representations of men and masculinity in the media offer many definitions—definitions that are often harmful or unrealistic. Men… Continue reading

The Leopard’s Lie: Do People Really Change?

an image of a leopard is sitting in a tree looking at the camera

Even with our knowledge of the plan of salvation, it can be difficult to see others as God sees them—especially when they seem unwilling or unable to progress toward achieving their divine potential. Is permanent improvement possible? Clinton Duffy, an American prison warden known for successfully rehabilitating prisoners, certainly thought… Continue reading

Perfection—Still in Progress

an image of a man sitting on a rock looking out over a mountain range

We are commanded to be perfect like Christ, but we aren’t expected to attain perfection immediately. It’s easy to see the distance between where we are and where we want to be—and even should be. It’s also easy to be discouraged when we realize how often we fail to “be… Continue reading

Love Yourself: A Key to Patience

an image of a group of people holding hands in a circle

Perhaps the best way to learn patience with others is to first be patient with yourself. How many perfect days have you had? Days that were truly perfect: love and harmony abounded, the sun shone brightly, and you were the paragon of patience. Or do you more often find yourself… Continue reading

Homesick for Heaven

an image of a plane flying through a cloud filled sky

God is calling out for you to come home—and asking you to help your brothers and sisters on their journey back. Whether your family situation is idyllic and peaceful or strained and uncomfortable, you have a perfect home waiting for you up above. In the talk “A Yearning for Home,”… Continue reading

You Are Enough

an image of a white sheep standing on a lush green field

I realized that even in the darkest of times, God is always available to me. We are never too unworthy to talk to God. The Paris train station was getting more crowded by the minute as I made my way through customs. It had been a phenomenal trip, but the… Continue reading

Our “Beautiful Messiness”

an image of a close up of a paint palette with different colors

It wasn’t until the last few weeks of my mission that I learned one of the most important lessons of all. When I served as a full-time missionary in Cusco, Peru, I did my best to be obedient, to overcome my fears, and to be positive even amid trials. Despite… Continue reading

Imposter Syndrome and Spiritual Success

an image of a little girl covering her face with her hands

It is easy to feel like you aren’t good enough, but recognizing why we feel this way can help us overcome self-doubt and more fully accept success in our lives. You may have heard the term imposter syndrome floating around recently. Scientific American defines the phenomenon as “a pervasive feeling of… Continue reading