Before Joseph Smith ran for US president, he established an organization in Nauvoo to govern the temporal concerns of the Saints. He called the group “the Council of Fifty.” I remember the first time I learned about Joseph Smith’s seer stones, polygamous relationships, and other uncomfortable tidbits of Mormon history. I… Continue reading
The Church recently announced big changes in the activity programs for young men regarding participation in the Boy Scouts. Learn what those changes are and what they mean for the Church. On May 11, 2017, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a significant change in the activity programs for… Continue reading
When we become uncertain, overwhelmed, or lost in this life, we can reorient ourselves toward the goal that matters: returning to Christ. For as long as I can remember, I have had some goal that I was working toward. First it was to be more involved in my small community. Then… Continue reading
On March 7, 2017, two LDS apostles welcomed a new Catholic bishop to Utah. Many people around the world, including some members of the LDS Church, have wondered what relationship Mormons have with the Catholic Church. Two LDS apostles, Elder M. Russell Ballard and Elder D. Todd Christofferon, along with… Continue reading
Marriage and family are divinely designed, and leaders from several religions are encouraging everyone, regardless of their religion, to develop that vision. In a world that undervalues the sanctity of marriage and family, it can be hard to defend the belief that marriage and family are of God. But the Church… Continue reading
Keeping silent about Heavenly Mother often leads to incorrect assumptions, proving more problematic than protective. We’ve all heard explanations about why we don’t discuss Heavenly Mother. Some say that we don’t talk about her for fear of sullying her name, like the world has done to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.… Continue reading
What you choose to do after general conference is over can have a far greater impact than can the notes you took or the good feelings you felt during the conference. Every six months, we have the privilege of joining with people across the world to hear messages from men… Continue reading
Why are ordinances considered to be sacred? And how can we avoid being complacent about them? Today our attention is captured by catchy headlines, enthralling television shows, and clever gifs. We’re preoccupied with pressing deadlines and personal responsibilities. Our busy schedules can make it difficult to find time to pray daily and… Continue reading
When God’s plan for us seems like a thrift-store, hand-me-down plan, we need to be patient, have faith, and remember the blessings God has promised us. Maybe you’re past the “standard” Mormon marrying age or you’re working in a job unrelated to your degree. Or maybe you’re wondering if you’re… Continue reading
After spending weeks as a missionary punching bag, I stopped fighting and got down on my knees to call for backup. I bit back my words as the three of us walked to our apartment. The tension between us was palpable and strangled any patience I still maintained. I was… Continue reading
