Our “Beautiful Messiness”

It wasn’t until the last few weeks of my mission that I learned one of the most important lessons of all. When I served as a full-time missionary in Cusco, Peru, I did my best to be obedient, to overcome my fears, and to be positive even amid trials. Despite… Continue reading

How to Serve the Poor and Needy Even When You Are Poor and Needy

Heavenly Father knows and cares about each person’s needs. If we prayerfully seek guidance, then we’ll know how to fulfill these needs. As Latter-day Saints, we know that God asks us to care for the poor and needy. Though this commandment is important, it can also be overwhelming at times—especially… Continue reading

Lose Yourself to Find Yourself: Service Brings You to Christ

When devastating mudslides destroyed neighbors’ houses, members of the Church left everything behind to help with the cleanup. “Brothers and Sisters, we just found out that the recent rainfall has flooded several houses with mud up Angeles Crest. We ask anyone who is willing and able to go help with… Continue reading

It’s Not the Mote in Your Eye—It’s the Beam in Mine

If you’ve ever asked, “How is that person married when I’m single?” or “I know that person is great, but they aren’t as righteous as I am,” then you probably need to take a moment to reflect. In the talk “Lord Is It I?” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf discusses the… Continue reading

Swimming with the Prophet

I learned from a dream that the prophet can’t take away our trials but that he can help us thrive during them. I was caught in a raging river in the dead of night, the only light the pale disc of the moon. Despite being an excellent swimmer, I thrashed… Continue reading

When the Answer Is “You Choose”

God will always answer our prayers, but sometimes his answer is that we should decide which choice is best. The other day, I was talking with my dad about an important decision I needed to make. I turned to him because he has always been my confidant and has given… Continue reading

Called to the Cavalry

You don’t need a name tag, satchel, and pair of walking shoes to effectively share the gospel. When my dad was in high school, he was less active in the Church. At the end of his senior year, a friend encouraged him to pray and ask if God exists. “If… Continue reading

The Prophet’s Voice: Our Beacon

We’re constantly surrounded by a fog of conflicting messages, but the prophet’s voice is clear, direct, and distinct if we’re willing to listen to it. San Francisco is famous for its iconic bridges and stunning natural beauty. Because of the city’s proximity to the ocean, dense fog often encompasses the… Continue reading

Shipwrecked in Antigua: How a Trial Became a Blessing

Water, Mountains, and Boats

When my family and I embarked on a journey to visit the Caribbean islands, we thought it would be smooth sailing. Little did we know what awaited us. My family has adventurous tendencies that kept my childhood interesting. My parents had always wanted to live on a boat, and the… Continue reading

4 Steps to Finding Your Role in God’s Work

Chess pieces

Every person has a role in God’s work. As you discover yours, you can find happiness and purpose. The “decade of decisions” we face as young adults will affect the rest of our lives. What should we study? Where should we work? Who should we marry? These big questions are… Continue reading