Avoiding Pinterest Perfect Comparisons

an image of a table topped with cupcakes covered in frosting

On social media we usually see only the “picture perfect” ideal. We must learn to embrace reality for all its glorious imperfections. Have you ever scrolled through social media and felt horrible about yourself? With so much pressure to portray a certain image, social media too often becomes a platform… Continue reading

What John Whitmer’s History Tells Us

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John Whitmer’s history of the Church shows ordinary people working through real-world difficulties. When John Whitmer was commanded in 1831 to record the history of the Church, he simply said, “I would rather not do it.” Regardless, he obeyed, and as Joseph Smith promised, his history has become “a choice record in Israel.”… Continue reading

Are You Listening to the Spiritual Secrets of the Universe?

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All the planets and stars, nebulas, and galaxies witness that there is a Supreme Creator, and they teach us of his nature. In 2009, apostle Neal A. Maxwell turned his attention to the skies. In his talk “Our Creator’s Cosmos,” he spoke about how the nature of the universe can… Continue reading

More than Divine Words on a Page

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I had been living far below my privileges when it came to scripture study. In a class I took on teaching seminary, I learned that there is a better way to study scriptures: by following the learning pattern. The learning pattern includes understanding the context and content, identifying and understanding… Continue reading

Hypothesis: Faith and Science are Symbiotic

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Science and faith are not only symbiotic, but inseparable. Religion and science fuel people to seek truth; truth can be found in religion and science. Both can work together to promote faith and truth. Award-winning chemist Henry Eyring once said, “Some have asked me ‘Is there any conflict between science… Continue reading

Six Ways to Invite the Lord to be Your Partner in Building Your Life

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We all have dreams, aspirations, and goals, but when we trust the Lord to direct our lives, he will bless us beyond our expectations. Lawrence P. Vincent is a professional opera singer, but he says, “in my wildest dreams…I never envisioned myself [here]. Never!” In a BYU devotional, “Ordinary Lives,… Continue reading

You Can Be a “Yellow Angel”

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Developing a heart of service comes down to one thing: following the prophet’s counsel. When we do that, we can become someone’s “Yellow Angel.” Continue reading

Facing Discouragement with Faith: Susa Young Gates

Susa Young Gates

Despite divorce, mental health issues, and the burdens of family life, Gates used her talents to defend women’s achievements as well as her beliefs. Susa Young Gates’ motto “keep busy in the face of discouragement” proved to be a recurring theme throughout her life. Though she faced both physical and… Continue reading

You Are Allowed to Believe in the Magnificent

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There are miracles all around us that we take for granted. Recognizing the incredible in the everyday can help us believe in the magnificent aspects and promises of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We live in an era that is dominated by secular thought, and sometimes it’s hard not to… Continue reading

Sarah Granger Kimball: Teacher, Activist, Dedicated Leader

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This exceptional woman dedicated her life to serving and fighting for the women of the Church. Who was Sarah Granger Kimball? [Sarah Granger Kimball (1818–98) was a remarkable example of leadership and lifelong service. Throughout her life, she gracefully combined the three things she was most passionate about: education, women’s… Continue reading