Choose to Believe: Faith Is a Choice, Not a Happenstance

an image of a woman in a hat standing in a corn field

We often think of a testimony as a burning flame we have to feel in our hearts. In reality, the base of our testimony is simply choosing to believe.  Faith is frequently described as a feeling that suddenly overcomes someone after a spiritual experience. While spiritual experiences can greatly strengthen… Continue reading

Wading through the Waves of Uncertainty

an image of a city in the distance with a foggy sky

Our lives are riddled with uncertainty and confusion. As we learn to trust in the Lord and act on gospel principles, we’ll find answers to our deepest questions. Lately, my conversations with friends have consisted of debating what to study, who to date, whether to get married, what job to… Continue reading

I Don’t Wanna Grow Up

an image of a little boy holding sparklers in his hands

The Peter Pan mentality might not be a bad one. In fact, having the believing heart of a child can increase our spiritual growth. January 14, 2002 “Tonight I had a verry bad dream and I started to cry then I said a paryr and then I stoped crying.” February… Continue reading

Finding Peace While Pursuing Perfection

an image of a man standing in front of a tree with his hands on his face

How do you know when you’re forgiven? In many LDS homes, a favorite activity for teaching children about repentance involves food coloring. In this object lesson, parents bring out a glass of water and add a few drops of food coloring to it, tainting the water to represent what happens… Continue reading

Our “Beautiful Messiness”

an image of a close up of a paint palette with different colors

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

an image of a man helping a woman with a backpack

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

an image of a man and woman riding a horse through a flooded field

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

an image of a man holding up a glass with a finger

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

an image of a chair sitting on a rock in the water

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”

an image of a field of red poppies in the middle of a field

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