How to Overcome the World’s Distractions

An Island inside a lake.

The world will always try to distract us from our spiritual pursuits, but we can learn to overcome worldly temptations while building a life centered on what our Heavenly Father wants for us. Have you ever wondered how you can have a life filled with deep, abiding joy? We can… Continue reading

Building the Best You: Live with Intention

Architect jumping in front of a house.

You can be so much more! Don’t just “find yourself.” Build yourself into the person you want to be. We’ve likely been told that progress comes through hard work—through time set aside for dedicated practice—rather than natural talent. While natural talent certainly influences the skills we master, it doesn’t guarantee… Continue reading

We Are More Than Survivors

White flowers on a green stem.

When bad things happen to us, such as abuse, bullying, or trauma, we must remember what Christ said: “I know your sorrows, and I have come to deliver you” (Exodus 3:8–9). Survival stories come in many different forms. Some may think of natural disasters, wilderness survival, or plane crashes, while… Continue reading

Eternal Truths Provide Eternal Perspective

Woman standing in front of a field at sunrise.

The perspective we gain from God’s plan helps us recognize how God’s love for us motivates Church policies. When an Apostle feels the need to reemphasize something he said just three and a half years before, I can’t help but feel that it must be very important. In President Dallin… Continue reading

Rolling with the Punches

Lighthouse at sunset.

Learn not only to adapt to unexpected situations in life but also to find joy in them too. We’ve all had those days—something breaks, the dog makes a mess inside, we’re late for work, the traffic is endless. Everything that can go wrong, does. Sometimes these days stretch into months,… Continue reading

Who Are You? Identifying the Devil

Thoughtful man looks up from smartphone.

Discerning whether something is from God or Satan will give us the power to make conscious decisions that will help us overcome the devil. One night I was feeling very discouraged. I was in a whirlwind of doubt, self-loathing, and worthlessness until something occurred to me: these thoughts were from… Continue reading

Humility Will Take Us Home

Man sitting with hands clasped to cover his face

We are taught to “be ye therefore perfect” (Matthew 5:48), but is this actually attainable? With the help of Christ, it is—in time. We’ve all experienced feelings of pressure or stress. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed with simple everyday tasks, school, work, or the expectations of family and friends. My to-do… Continue reading

Joy Through His Perspective

Sunlight over Brown Bamboo Trees.

How can we be happy in difficult circumstances? When we align our vision with God’s, we find joy through his perspective. If we see an eight-ounce glass with four ounces of water sitting on a table, our perception of the glass at half capacity tends to vary—it could be half… Continue reading

Making Peace Our Strength

Pink, purple, and orange clouds at sunset.

The peace we receive from accepting our weaknesses gives us the power to conquer our trials—not just endure them. When the sons of Mosiah began their missions to spread Christ’s teachings, they prayed to have the Spirit to guide them (Alma 17:9). They knew many people would mock them, hate… Continue reading

It’s Time to Let Go of Your Past

Silhouette of tree against sunset

If we don’t let go of the past, we run the risk of committing the greater sin of focusing on the past  instead of enjoying the present. Do you know what it’s like to have your past mistakes loop through your head repeatedly? I do. After you’ve done all you… Continue reading