Stop Judging, Start Loving

A vibrant rainbow in pink and blue skies going over a bridge in a lagoon.

When we let the love of God fill our hearts, we find strength to forgive others—and ourselves. It’s easy to notice when others judge, gossip, or hold grudges. Yet recognizing those same tendencies in ourselves can be far more difficult. We often justify our anger as righteous or dwell on… Continue reading

Creating Peace on Earth

Two candles labeled peace and joy sit on a reflective black surface.

As Christians, we can honor Christ by striving to develop peaceful characters—and through that, create more peace for the world. Christmas is my favorite time of year for a variety of reasons, but what I love most is how my priorities get realigned. There’s lots to do, of course—the holidays… Continue reading

Laboring in the Eleventh Hour

Vineyard field at a pink sunset.

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard isn’t just a lesson about unfairness; it’s about how Christ promises to make all things fair. As I read the parable of the laborers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20: 1–16, the unfairness of the situation stood out to me. On… Continue reading

Accessing the Enabling Power of Jesus Christ

A sparrow on a branch

Jesus Christ’s divine grace is available to all of us, but we have to be willing to put in the effort to access it. When Isaiah told Hezekiah, the king of Judah, to prepare for death, Hezekiah cried out to the Lord. He asked the Lord to remember his righteousness,… Continue reading

Weekly Promises, Daily Decisions

Young boy passing the sacrament in a church meeting.

Through the sacrament, we invite the Savior’s influence into our week, one decision at a time. A few years ago, I sat in a church meeting and silently prayed that my friend would understand at least part of what each speaker was saying. She had recently moved to the United… Continue reading

Lyrics of Light

a woman holds onto white headphones on her head and listens to music outside

Whenever life feels dark, we can turn to sacred music to let in the light. From the time I was a little girl, I have loved singing. I would burst into song at completely random moments, filling my home with lyrics from movies, Church, or my imagination. Singing filled me… Continue reading

Christ as the Good Shepherd

The shepherd returns to his flock with his lost sheep.

Understanding the roles of Christ as the Good Shepherd and Lamb of God helps us more fully trust his guidance and care. My favorite of Christ’s names is the Good Shepherd. There is something about that title that has always felt especially personal and reassuring to me. In his address… Continue reading

Only Jesus Could Be the Christ

White statue of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ is the only one who could have atoned for our sins, and there are four important reasons why he is our Savior. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is a miraculous gift that provides us all with the ability and power to improve. Because Christ atoned for each one… Continue reading

Gaining Confidence Through an Objective Perspective

A yellow-tinted camera lens/filter is held in front of a camera.

By objectively setting new goals to become more like our Savior, we will gain confidence and become more dedicated disciples of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Recently, I felt the fire of my faith burning low and felt a dire need to feed its flame. As I turned to my sweet… Continue reading

The Miracle of Self-Forgiveness

White and purple crocuses poking out of dead winter leaves.

Through Christ’s Atonement, we can remember our past without letting it define who we are. I sometimes wonder if I’ve been truly forgiven. Even after praying, repenting, and striving to apply the Savior’s Atonement, I still feel weighed down by guilt. I know Christ can forgive others—even me—but that truth… Continue reading