Recovery from Abuse

an image of a woman standing on a beach at sunset

Abuse is an unfortunate reality in our fallen world, but the Lord will ensure we find the tools to overcome traumas we face. In his talk “To Heal the Shattering Consequences of Abuse,” Elder Richard G. Scott says, “Moral agency is a vital element in our Father in Heaven’s plan… Continue reading

Faith in Revelation: Learning from Joseph Smith’s Civil War Prophecy

Statue of Joseph Smith

Sometimes the revelation we receive can be confusing. But we can learn how to overcome our doubts from the experience of Joseph Smith. Just before Christmas in 1832, the South Carolina legislature established tariffs that challenged the federal government’s right to enforce its own laws. US president Andrew Jackson warned the… Continue reading

Finding the Right Bowl of Porridge: 10 Things to Consider before Marriage

an image of a man and woman holding hands in a field

Deciding whom to marry is one of the most important choices you’ll ever make. Considering these 10 traits and habits can help you make the right decision. When Goldilocks broke into the house of the three bears, she tried each bowl of porridge until she found one that was “just… Continue reading

Elder L. Tom Perry: Builder of Souls

Picture of L. Tom Perry on a background with a sunset

Elder L. Tom Perry lived a life of service to his fellow men as a builder of churches and souls. On May 30, 2015, L. Tom Perry—a man with a big smile and an even bigger heart—passed away. Elder Perry (1922–2015) lived a long life of service. As a young man,… Continue reading

How Ordinary Women Can Become Extraordinary

an image of a woman with a black shirt and a blue and purple flower

Heavenly Father sees value in us, and he designed each of us with the potential to become someone incredible. How will you choose to be extraordinary? It’s easy for women who live “normal” lives to feel less valuable than those around them. We might not be as popular, beautiful, funny,… Continue reading

On Waiting and Walking

Man walking on a train over a mountain vista.

Bravery and courage are demonstrated not only by facing big trials, but also by maintaining daily persistence. When I think of pioneers, my mind jumps to stories of frozen rivers; bundled and bloody feet; and death, faith, and perseverance. It’s overwhelming to think of the trials these good people suffered because of their faith. I… Continue reading

Sally Randall’s Letters from Nauvoo

Drawing of Joseph Smith in Carthage Jail

Joseph Smith’s death was a heartrending event in Church history. In her letters home, Sally Randall shares her faith-filled perspective of the tragedy. The martyrdom of Joseph Smith on June 27, 1844, was unjust and abhorrent. However, many early Saints did not let Joseph’s death shake their faith. Sally Randall, a woman… Continue reading

Joseph Smith’s Seer Stones: Coming to Grips with Troubling Information in Church History

sketch of Joseph Smith showing the golden plates to a group of men

Paradigm shifts can rock our world, but they can also bring greater understanding. Before 1697, Westerners believed the idiom “all swans are white.” But when a Dutch explorer discovered a black swan in Australia, his discovery “instantly demolished an apparent reality while also enabling a new, more informed state of… Continue reading

Spirit-Strengthening Street Art

cup of colored pencils

Whether it takes us a few months or several years to prepare ourselves for what life brings, the Lord will help us share the Spirit with those we meet. Like many Latter-day Saint youth, E. Tracy Williams wanted to serve a mission. However, she spent seven years preparing for it.… Continue reading

What Hurts the Most

hands typing on a laptop

Are you sure your partner would be okay with that text you just sent? Today, it is more likely than ever before that infidelity will be based in technology. According to licensed marriage and family therapist Dr. Lori Cluff Schade in her Ensign article “Marriage, Technology, and Emotional Infidelity,” “texting, email, games,… Continue reading