Comprehending Death

Rose sitting on a headstone

When my friend Malori passed away, my beliefs about life after death were put to the test. Did I really believe in the spirit world? We all will eventually face the reality of losing a loved one. Until recently, though, I had never had to experience that pain. It was… Continue reading

Is the Gospel Helping You Be Happy?

Hands molding a piece of clay

If it’s not, you might be thinking the gospel simply isn’t working for you. Consider these suggestions. Everybody in the world is searching for happiness. Everything a person does is to achieve greater happiness. Sometimes it’s for immediate gratification—like the simple joy of eating ice cream. Sometimes it’s for a… Continue reading

Saving Face and Loving God

The mark in Christ's hand on the Christus statue

Loving others is an essential part of this life, but we cannot forget the first great commandment.  In our efforts to please or impress others, we sometimes give in to peer pressure. But the first of the Ten Commandments is to love God wholly and sincerely—not to impress man. Elder Lynn… Continue reading

Patriarchal Blessings: Roadmaps for Our Lives

roadmap

Patriarchal blessings are gifts from God that can help us reach our potential as his children. Living the principles found in the scriptures leads to eternal life, but the Lord offers each of us extra help in the form of a patriarchal blessing. Our patriarchal blessings are like personal maps… Continue reading

Failure Is Part of Success

Girl doing tree pose on rock outcropping.

The things I thought were failures in my life were actually my best opportunities to grow—and God didn’t love me any less for them.    We all have those moments when something we have heard our entire lives finally clicks, really sinking into our minds and hearts. I had that… Continue reading

Choosing Peace in the War of Controversy

an image of a rainbow is in the sky over a city

“Both sides in big controversies . . . should seek to understand the other’s position and seek practical accommodations that provide fairness for all and total dominance for neither.” —Elder Dallin H. Oaks  With the recent legalization of gay marriage in the United States, The Church of Jesus Christ of… Continue reading

Leading As Christ Would

Jesus Christ with cream head scarf

Our mission as leaders in our families and communities is to actively apply the gospel of Jesus Christ in each of our daily interactions.   Powerful leaders have often left destruction and sadness behind them in their quest for control and power. But Jesus Christ, the perfect example and leader,… Continue reading

Joseph Smith’s Journals: Records of Revelation

Black and white image of Joseph Smith's handwriting

Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, provided a clear view into the roots of our faith through his detailed record keeping. There are many unanswered questions surrounding Joseph Smith, the Latter-day prophet and founder of the LDS Church. Inquiries arise consistently about his character, his actions, and his role… Continue reading

How Joseph Smith Preserved the Plates

an image of a statue of a man holding a book

Joseph Smith didn’t write much about how he protected the gold plates, but some people close to him left records of what really happened.  Many people are familiar with the account of the appearance of the angel Moroni in Joseph Smith’s bedroom  on the evening of September 21, 1823. It… Continue reading