Feeling Discouraged?

It’s an inevitable hazard of becoming awesome. Do you think Moses felt overwhelmed when he was charged with leading the Lord’s covenant people? Or that Joseph Smith was insecure about his ability to be the prophet through whom Christ’s church would be restored? Chances are that your lack of confidence… Continue reading

Back So Soon?

Returning home early from a mission can be devastating. But with the support of loved ones and Heavenly Father, returning missionaries can press forward to achieve what the Lord has in store for them. For most missionaries, coming home is a joyous occasion. As the proud returning missionary is greeted… Continue reading

Talking about Suicide

The most important thing we must remember when discussing suicide is that Heavenly Father is a merciful and just God who knows the intents of our hearts.  Suicide is understandably a difficult topic to address emotionally, verbally, and socially. In his article “Suicide: Some Things We Know, and Some We Do… 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

The Good in Grief

Small purple flowers poke through newly fallen snow and dead leaves.

When we understand our part in God’s plan, the pain we feel at the death of a loved one can be more meaningful and help us grow emotionally. We all have our share of everyday setbacks that make us exclaim “good grief.” These troubles can range from just annoying to… Continue reading

Outshining the Darkness

a castle wall

When you have questions or concerns about the gospel—don’t lose hope. Heavenly Father sends his guidance to you while you are doing your best to progress. On a cold, dark night in 1972, more than 100 people died because the crew of their plane was more focused on a light… Continue reading

Is the Gospel Helping You Be Happy?

Hands molding a piece of clay

If it’s not, you might be thinking the gospel simply isn’t working for you. Consider these suggestions. Everybody in the world is searching for happiness. Everything a person does is to achieve greater happiness. Sometimes it’s for immediate gratification—like the simple joy of eating ice cream. Sometimes it’s for a… Continue reading

12 Steps to Hope and Healing

a woman walks on the beach, leaving footsteps in the sand

Watch a powerful video series depicting the true accounts of recovering addicts who found hope through the 12 steps of the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program. (Warning: Videos address mature addiction-related topics.) Addiction is a serious condition—one that should be addressed with both frankness and compassion. The Mormon Channel accomplished this… Continue reading

How Do I Know if I’m Good Enough?

“On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate your spiritual confidence before God?” —Jörg Klebingat  We have all surely asked ourselves at some point, “How do I know if God is pleased with what I’m doing?” We know the commandments, but no matter how hard we strive… Continue reading

Contest Winner: Trusting the Lord through Anxiety and Depression

young woman bowing her head in a field.

When depression feels like it is taking over, faith can make our trials worth it. I could see sympathy in the doctor’s eyes as she explained to me, “It’s not uncommon for the medication to not only heighten your symptoms of anxiety and depression, but also to hinder the effectiveness… Continue reading