Family History: How Do We Even Start?

Young adult woman holding temple cards

We know we need to do family history, but the mere thought can be overwhelming. What should we do? Why should we care about people who exist as little more than names on a piece of paper? Recently, President Russell M. Nelson has emphasized the importance of gathering Israel and… Continue reading

Is He Really My Savior?

Time lapse photography of person standing near train

I’ve grown up believing that Christ is my Redeemer, but sometimes it’s hard to believe that he can actually save me. In psychology, a flashbulb memory refers to a vivid memory of a past moment, usually a shocking or emotionally charged event. I have a flashbulb memory from when I… Continue reading

“Jesus Wept”

Person on the end of a pier

Life can be unfair, painful, and uncertain. When we or our loved ones find ourselves in those times of grief or frustration, we can rely on the Savior and his perfect example of empathy. In his BYU devotional, “Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggle as Well as… Continue reading

Preserving the Sanctity of Marriage in Modern Times

The Plan of Salvation: Temple Marraige

In today’s world, marriage is being attacked and ridiculed; we should restore its importance now more than ever. Marriage doesn’t have the same importance today as it once did. The narrative around marriage tends to lean in one of two directions: One is toward a twisted picture of misery and… Continue reading

It Starts with Empathy

A busy intersection with people walking

“You are surrounded by people. You pass them on the street, visit them in their homes, and travel among them. They are all children of God.” (Preach My Gospel: A Guide to Missionary Service, 2018). In Elder Jorge T. Becerra’s April 2021 general conference talk, “Poor Little Ones,” he shares… Continue reading

Why Choice Matters

Man Standing in Woods

In order to more fully experience joy in this world, we must choose to live the gospel and follow Christ. In today’s world, it’s easy to prioritize choices that will help us either fit in or avoid notice, but that’s not what living the gospel is really about. As Elder… Continue reading

Come, Follow Me: Make Your Life A Parable

Shepherd tending his flock on a misty afternoon

Christ’s parables exemplify everyday people who experience common challenges and changes in their lives. Upon reflection, we may find that our own lives can become a parable. Throughout both the Old and New Testaments, parables illustrate how gospel principles can apply to the lives of ordinary people. For example, the… Continue reading

Claiming Priesthood Blessings: A Single Mother’s Experience

an image of a painting of a woman leading a cow in a wagon

Her husband was dead. She was alone with her children crossing the plains. But Mary Fielding Smith quieted her fears. She protected and empowered her family by relying on the power of the priesthood. Mary Fielding Smith (1801–52), best known as the wife of Hyrum Smith and mother of Joseph… Continue reading

Treasures from the Wentworth Letter

an image of a painting of a man in a forest

Discover the original document containing an account of the First Vision, the Standard of Truth, and the Articles of Faith. In 1842, John Wentworth, editor and owner of a newspaper, Chicago Democrat, asked Joseph Smith to write a summary and history of the early Church. Joseph took this opportunity to… Continue reading