On Trial: Our Dedication to Truth

building with lots of columns

When we come across difficult gospel questions, how do we manage the court proceedings to come to the correct verdict? In a court of law, the phrase “leading the witness” is used to refer to a tactic some lawyers employ, in which they use carefully crafted questions to put words in a witness’s mouth or suggest… Continue reading

Church History and Doubt: Trusting in the Lord

glasses on top of scriptures

When aspects of Church history raise doubts, study and faith can help us navigate historical facts and lead us to answers. Sometimes learning about Church history can build testimonies, but other times, it can shake them. In his Ensign and Liahona article “Understanding Church History by Study and Faith,” Keith… Continue reading

Mormons and Catholics: An Alliance of Faith

catholic official with LDS leaders

On March 7, 2017, two LDS apostles welcomed a new Catholic bishop to Utah. Many people around the world, including some members of the LDS Church, have wondered what relationship Mormons have with the Catholic Church. Two LDS apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder D. Todd Christofferon, along with… Continue reading

The Absence of Answers

road with rainbow

At times, Heavenly Father does not answer our prayers for guidance because he entrusts us to make decisions for ourselves. As young adults we are often asked, “Where are you going to school?” “What are you planning to do after graduation?” “When are you getting married?” Figuring out the answers to these… Continue reading

Emma’s Faith: A Letter to Her Husband

handwritten documents

Despite hard trials and difficult separations from her husband, Emma Smith remained faithful to the Lord. It is well known that Emma Smith was the wife of Joseph Smith, the first president of the Relief Society, and the compiler of the first LDS hymnbook. Yet we don’t often hear her words directly. In… Continue reading

How Death Strengthens My Testimony

Creepy graveyard

With faith in Jesus Christ and in his resurrecting power, we know that death is not the end. I’m familiar with death. My parents were older than many parents when I was born, so my grandparents were older than many of my friends’ grandparents. Now that I am twenty-three, many… Continue reading

Simple Acts of Faith

sun rays through the clouds

What do the small and simple things have to do with the trials we find ourselves facing?  For some reason, we balk at simplicity. As humans, anything too easy makes us suspicious. With this tendency, sometimes we overlook the building blocks of the gospel, even though these building blocks are often what we need… Continue reading

On Waiting and Walking

Man walking on a train over a mountain vista.

Bravery and courage are demonstrated not only by facing big trials, but also by maintaining daily persistence. When I think of pioneers, my mind jumps to stories of frozen rivers; bundled and bloody feet; and death, faith, and perseverance. It’s overwhelming to think of the trials these good people suffered because of their faith. I… Continue reading

Accepting the Lord’s Timing and Standing Firm

Hand holding a pocket watch

As we accept the Lord’s will and timing with faith, we can drink from the “bitter cup” of soul-stretching trials and not shrink. In the August 2016 Ensign article entitled “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing,” Elder David A. Bednar shares the story of John and Heather, a newlywed couple facing John’s frightening prognosis… Continue reading

Choosing Joy

Top view of blue umbrella

We can choose to have faith, trust in God, and find joy during the storm. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf‘s talk “Living the Gospel Joyful” was exactly what I needed to hear. I was halfway through my mission, and I felt that my obedience determined any hope of success for my mission area and… Continue reading