Death, Patriarchy, and the Struggle of Discipleship

Tunnel over railroad tracks in the fall.

The answer is not to give up when tough questions arise—but to understand that the struggle is part of something greater.  From one overthinker to another, I’m going to be real with you: this time, you’re not overthinking it. Being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints… Continue reading

Early RMs, Your Mission Isn’t Over

an image of a man sitting on a rock looking out at the sunset

Many early return missionaries have a lot of worries, but wondering if they’ve “done enough” doesn’t have to be one of them. If you could ask an apostle of the Lord any question, what would you ask? This is exactly what young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of… Continue reading

Break Free from Anxiety’s Isolation

an image of a man standing in a cave with a flashlight

When you are struggling with anxiety, it is easy to feel lonely. But you are not alone in this fight. It’s hard to fight a battle when it’s inside your head. The battle against anxiety is tough. Anxiety ruins many simple experiences in life, and the loneliness anxiety brings is… Continue reading

Wise Words: God’s View on Vaping and Other Issues

an image of a book with glasses on top of it

Though we might not always fully understand God’s laws, those laws are always for our good. In today’s ambiguous world, knowing where to draw the line can sometimes be difficult, especially when it comes to the Word of Wisdom. The commandment in Doctrine and Covenants 89:9 to refrain from “hot… Continue reading

When What We Want and What We Need Aren’t the Same

an image of a person walking down a path in a forest

We all face choices. What can we do when what seemed like a good plan starts to fall apart? When I got home from my mission, I had it all planned out.  I wanted to leave for college early to see my friends, find a place to live, and settle… Continue reading

Leave Your Garbage in the Dump

an image of a pile of junk with a yellow bird on top

Sometimes repenting is the easy part; believing you’re forgiven is what’s difficult. Think about your garbage can. No, seriously. What’s in it? How does it smell? What do you use it for? If you’re anything like me, right now it might contain spoiled leftovers, empty cans and bottles, and a… Continue reading

Smoothing Our Transitions, Maximizing Growth

knitted scarves

When facing major transitions, maximize your growth by following four simple steps. Few things can be as exciting and intimidating as big transitions. In the 1996 BYU devotional address “Transitions,” Janette Hales Beckham, then serving as Young Women general president, shares four tips to smooth transitions when we’re experiencing the major changes that come with moves, missions,… Continue reading

If You Want to Be My Lover, You’ve Got to Be My Friend

Friends spelled out in scrabble letters

Dating isn’t just a time to fall in love; it’s a time to strengthen friendships. Everybody knows somebody—or knows somebody who knows somebody—with a story about a couple who got engaged after only dating for a few months, weeks, or even days. That quick jump between dating and marriage can… Continue reading

Do Policy Changes Negate Standing Doctrine?

Person writing at a desk

Policy change, with a capital “C.” How does it affect previously revealed doctrine? It’s an exhilarating time to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints! The Church is growing like never before, and there are so many exciting changes happening. However, it can also be… Continue reading

The Pearl of Great Price…and Mummies?

an image of a painting of a boy reading a book

With the publication of the Joseph Smith Papers, we can better understand the history of the Book of Abraham and thereby gain greater faith in it. The Pearl of Great Price is perhaps the least-mentioned book in the Latter-day Saint canon. We know that some parts of the book are… Continue reading