Find a way to recognize and remember God’s kindness through journaling. The counsel to write in a journal daily tends to invoke groans and grimaces. The excuses for not writing range from the practical (I don’t have time; I have bad handwriting; I can’t type) to the emotional (I don’t want others… Continue reading
Despite the whirlwind of challenges thrown our way, we can fulfill our potential by planting and nourishing roots in Jesus Christ. What do a scrub oak tree and a testimony have in common? They both can outlast oppressing conditions—but only if they have deep roots. In the article “Rooted in… Continue reading
Modern science continues to affirm the blessings of following the Word of Wisdom. In his Ensign article, “A Principle with Promises,” G. Craig Kiser discusses the counsel given in Doctrine and Covenants 89 with an insightful approach to the Word of Wisdom. Not surprisingly, there is scientific evidence to support the… Continue reading
Although we are imperfect mortals, we can still treat others with love and civility even if we don’t always agree with them. In today’s society, “civility” often sounds like an old-fashioned word. Why? In his publication “Civility and Moral Being,” Terrance D. Olson points out that in our day, we… Continue reading
Developing the virtue of kindness can help us in our efforts to build the kingdom of God. In “The Virtue of Kindness,” Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin highlights the importance of kindness with two powerful sentences: “The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have… Continue reading
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
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
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 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
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
