Science Is Catching Up

Modern science continues to affirm the blessings of following the Word of Wisdom. In his Ensign article, “A Principle with Promises,” G. Craig Kiser discusses the counsel given in Doctrine and Covenants 89 with an insightful approach to the Word of Wisdom. Not surprisingly, there is scientific evidence to support the… Continue reading

Why Religion Matters

Stained glass window of Jesus and his disciples

The indisputable power of religion binds us with “loving ties” to each other and to God. What can religion actually do for us? In a world of changing values and widely varying opinions, many of us are starting to ask this question. Others of us may feel that religious freedom is… Continue reading

Single and Still Faithful

In a church that focuses so much on dating, marriage, and family, how can you avoid feeling discouraged when you are single? Being single is often difficult for members of the Church, no matter their age. Even as a young adult, you may feel unwanted and doubt that you will… Continue reading

Faith to Not Be Healed

Sometimes faith isn’t found in receiving desired blessings but in accepting the will of the Lord regardless of the outcome.  John and Heather were recently married when they discovered that John had cancer. His prognosis was bad. However, the couple had confidence that everything would work out. When Elder David… Continue reading

Curve Ball or Careful Pruning?

shrub

At times, God may seem to throw you a curve ball that is unfair or causes hurt. Those are times of “pruning.” He is preparing you for something greater. You probably have something you are working toward right now. It might be a degree, a job, a trip, or some… Continue reading

The Lord’s Timing Is Everything

Plans change, and we may not always know why. By applying faith and a commitment to the commandments, we can overcome any unexpected changes. We all have plans—and we’ve all had to adjust them occasionally. Take Elder Dallin H. Oaks, for example. When he was seventeen years old, he was called… Continue reading

How Can I Be Optimistic about the Future?

A lighthouse shining in the evening sky

In the aftermath of one of the world’s darkest hours, President Hinckley encouraged the world to stay optimistic. That advice still applies today.   As told in scripture, in the last days there “shall be . . . wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in… Continue reading

Contest Winner: “But If Not”

We must have faith that things will work out—but if they don’t work out according to our desires, we need to trust in God and in his timing. During the April 2004 general conference, I listened to a talk by Elder Dennis E. Simmons that literally made me stop in my… Continue reading

Comprehending Death

Rose sitting on a headstone

When my friend Malori passed away, my beliefs about life after death were put to the test. Did I really believe in the spirit world? We all will eventually face the reality of losing a loved one. Until recently, though, I had never had to experience that pain. It was… Continue reading

How I Faked Conversion

a girl wearing a backwards baseball cap gazes out toward the ocean

I wasn’t even close to being a disciple of Christ, but I was able to fake it. Fortunately, God saw straight through me.  I think you should know right off the bat that I was born into a super-normal Mormon family. We went to church, we had family prayer, we… Continue reading