Joseph Smith: Just Another Treasure Seeker?

landscape with river

Why would Joseph Smith have hunted for Spanish treasure? What did he find as a result? Have you ever found yourself prompted to do something that you normally wouldn’t do? Perhaps you’ve accepted a job that takes you out of your comfort zone. Or maybe you’ve felt like you should… Continue reading

The God Hypothesis

Closeup of Microscope

You don’t have to reject science to believe in God. But to prove a spiritual theory, you need spiritual evidence. I recently heard of a chemist who strongly opposed the existence of God. He claimed that his belief in science was so intense, it could never coexist with religious faith.… Continue reading

Porter Rockwell: Man of Faith or Murderer?

an image of a black and white photo of a horse drawn carriage

Loyalty to Joseph Smith earned Porter Rockwell protection from bullets and blade. That protection also led to his infamous reputation. Porter Rockwell was a lawman and a bodyguard to Joseph Smith and Brigham Young. In spite of his rough reputation, he was a faithful and devout man, as stated in… Continue reading

Which Cross is Mine and How Do I Bear It?

an image of a man standing on a rock looking at the mountains

“For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.” —Matthew 16:25  Jesus Christ had a heavy cross to bear. His divine mission on earth was to provide eternal salvation for the souls of all mankind. In Matthew 16,… Continue reading

The Surprising Lesson We Can Learn from Pickles

Pickles

Cucumbers become pickles through a deliberate process of transformation. Similarly, each of us must be transformed, or born again, through Jesus Christ. I still remember the day I learned that pickles used to be cucumbers. As a young girl, I couldn’t fathom how one food could turn into another with… Continue reading

Be Still, My Soul

an image of a man standing on the beach at sunset

As life’s trials rock us, we can feel peace and love through songs of the heart. I came to know this truth more clearly than ever before as I grieved my mother’s death. The choice to serve a mission can be a hard decision for many young adults. I left… Continue reading

Are You Really There?

an image of a woman sitting on a bench with her hands folded over her knees

The world confuses us about our relationship with God. But a simple children’s song reminds us to send our questions heavenward. “So, do you believe in God or not?” My friend Jane was the kind of person to dig deep into a person’s soul, and tonight my brother was the specimen… Continue reading

Master, My Tempest Is Raging

an image of a lightning storm is coming over a mountain

In the midst of my battle with pornography, a sacred hymn let me know that I was loved. You wouldn’t have recognized me that Sunday in Los Angeles. I was 19. I had tangled, unkempt hair that came down past my shoulders and a bushy beard that hid most of… Continue reading

Wandering Sheep

child in a field of red flowers

A general conference talk gave me hope for my wandering son’s future. My husband and I have six children. They all bring us joy, but parenting them has also provided us with trials and learning experiences.  In 2003, our fourth child was fourteen and was struggling with many issues. Although I never learned… Continue reading

Finding Faith amidst Our Failings

silhouette of man at sunset

When we ask ourselves “What lack I yet?” most of us (if we are being honest) would have to respond with a long list of faults and failings. Is there any reason to hope for anything better? In the world that many of us imagine for ourselves, each of us… Continue reading