Giving the Gift of Receiving

an image of a stack of three gift boxes with lights on them

As we give gifts to bring happiness to the people around us, we must also receive gifts cheerfully and thankfully, especially the ones from God.  About 1,990 years ago, Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and died on a cross. His life on Earth was spent giving gifts of joy and… Continue reading

Answering the Challenging Question: Why?

A group of young adults talking together

As members of the Church, we often meet people who ask why we act a certain way. Keeping Christ as the common denominator can aid in answering these questions. Continue reading

Trying: Improving Our Efforts by Taking the Name of Christ

Desert highway

As we try our best during trials, we can lean on Jesus Christ for support. We fortify our relationship with Christ as we direct our energy to service. “I’ve been having a hard time adjusting I had the shiniest wheels, now they’re rusting … I just wanted you to know… Continue reading

Where Is My Happily Ever After?

A woman holding an apple

It may be hard to believe that our imperfect families can be happy together forever, but if we are able to forgive, we will see blessings. Families can be hard to live with. Whether it’s trying to understand someone we don’t get along with or talking to family members who… Continue reading

Rein It In: Controlling Our Anger

Lightning in the sky at night above a city

To build a testimony of Jesus Christ, we need to control our anger toward His other children, even when we don’t share the same opinions. When I was a child, one of my father’s favorite spiritual lessons was about bridling passions (Alma 38:12). He would explain what the function of… Continue reading

The Blessings of Owning Your Testimony

an image of a woman is sitting in a chair and reading a book

When we learn to take charge of our own testimony of Jesus Christ, we’re able to overcome life’s daily struggles.  In her Fall 2022 address to BYU students “Eternal Perspective Through Owning Your Testimony,” Peggy S. Worthen shared a story about a rabbi and the prophet Elijah.   On their journey,… Continue reading

Understanding the Symbol of the Cross

A cross on top of a large building

Latter-day Saints do not normally wear physical crosses, but instead take up a symbolic cross in order to come unto Christ. Why do Latter-day Saints not wear crosses? I recently talked about this question with a fellow member of the Church. She told me that she did wear a cross… Continue reading

Mountains Out of Molehills

an image of a person standing on top of a mountain

Our situation may seem rough in the midst of our trials and hard decisions. Who can we turn to for help? Mountains are beautiful; in many parts of the world they surround us with their towering peaks and treacherous slopes. We often see these slopes as a challenge and try… Continue reading

Stewardship: It’s Time to Step It Up

an image of a person is picking up a plastic bottle

We often talk about stewardship in our callings. What about stewardship in our other divine responsibilities? I absolutely love the ocean. The sound of the waves, the sun on my shoulders, and snorkeling…wow. Every time I go, I swear nobody can get me out of the water. The ocean, and… Continue reading

Choosing the Right through Christ

Man sitting outside with view of mountains

Decision-making can be a simple process when we put Christ first. In the October 2022 General Conference, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf announced an updated version of the Church’s “For the Strength of Youth” pamphlet. This pamphlet has served as a guideline for the youth of the Church since 1965, with… Continue reading