Strength in the Struggle

hiking on a snowy mountain

Recognizing repentance as a divine gift of hope and healing can transform the way we view our mistakes. One Tuesday evening as I sat in the back row of an institute class, I read a sentence from Elder D. Todd Christofferson that changed my life: “Real repentance, real change may… Continue reading

Faith as a First Response

Image of house interior with windows

Life is hard. Faith makes it easier. In Elder Rex D. Pinegar’s October 1982 general conference address, “Faith—The Force of Life,” he shares an experience when his daughter was departing for college and was just now understanding the extent of the responsibilities lying ahead of her. After considering them all,… Continue reading

Never Forsake: How to Help People Through Mental Health Trials

Man hugging child

When we don’t know where to start, how can we let the gospel in and help buoy others through mental health trials? Overcoming mental health challenges is a struggle that no one needs to go through alone. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are called to… Continue reading

3 Steps to Find Peace in Trying Times

Man silhouetted against the mouth of a cave over a scenic overlook

Although we can’t control our life’s circumstances, we can find peace throughout any trial by relying on Christ. Peace is something the majority of people search for in life. We have likely felt peace at some point, but we have probably also felt its absence. The social and civil unrest… Continue reading

How My Weaknesses Have Brought Me Closer to Christ

Woman Crying

When facing trials, we may feel like our weaknesses make us failures. But these very weaknesses can be what lead us closer to Christ. At this point in my life, I seem to face a new challenge every day. Sometimes I feel like I have reached the limits of what… Continue reading

How to Overcome Analysis Paralysis and Make a Decision

Yellow and Black 2-way Signage

Don’t let the fear of choosing wrong stop you from making a decision. Have you ever prayed about a major life decision and not received an answer? The first time this happened to me, I panicked. Why wasn’t God helping me decide? What if I made the wrong decision? I… Continue reading

We Are Never Alone: God Knows Us and Loves Us

Man Standing on Wood Near Mountain Range

Just because we are spending time by ourselves, the Lord hasn’t left us alone. The past year has been filled with heartaches and disappointments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. I have spent a large portion of the year by myself, and as a result, have had countless moments when I… Continue reading

How to Make Your Watchlist Something to Be Proud Of

Woman uses laptop on couch in a nice apartment

The movies and TV shows we watch carry messages with them, ranging from good to bad and from beautiful to ugly. With an array of options to choose from, how can we best curate a watchlist worthy of our time? Compiling watchlists has become a sort of hobby of mine.… 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