Peacemakers and Children of God

an image of a group of people walking up a flight of stairs

As a people who have decided to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, Mormons should seek opportunities to make peace in the political world. Ernest Benn once said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble [and] finding it everywhere.” With the political world becoming more and more polarized, it’s… Continue reading

Faith to Not Be Healed

an image of a woman is covering her face with her hands

Sometimes faith isn’t found in receiving desired blessings but in accepting the will of the Lord regardless of the outcome.  John and Heather were recently married when they discovered that John had cancer. His prognosis was bad. However, the couple had confidence that everything would work out. When Elder David… Continue reading

Graduating Life with Honors

an image of a group of graduates throwing their caps in the air

Decisions to take the higher road can make us feel disadvantaged; but when in doubt, consider what the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did.  In the Book of Mormon, Aaron presents his account of the Anti-Nephi-Lehies—a people who, when they had come to a knowledge of their Savior, promised never to lift their swords… Continue reading

Lessons Learned from a Broken Bow

an image of a green arrow and a red bow on a table

When Nephi breaks his bow in the Book of Mormon, he teaches us by example how to deal with adversity. The first part of the Book of Mormon follows the journey of Lehi and his family out of Jerusalem, through the wilderness, and across the ocean to the promised land.… Continue reading

Curve Ball or Careful Pruning?

shrub

At times, God may seem to throw you a curve ball that is unfair or causes hurt. Those are times of “pruning.” He is preparing you for something greater. You probably have something you are working toward right now. It might be a degree, a job, a trip, or some… Continue reading

Strong in Spite of My Weakness

an image of a person walking up a set of stairs

Our weaknesses aren’t meant to beat us down or make us discouraged. They can help us to eventually become strong. During my freshman year of high school, I memorized—and promptly forgot—Ether 12:27: “And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness… Continue reading

Tithing: More Than the One Thing I Do Right

an image of a person holding a ball of money in their hands

As we faithfully pay tithing, it becomes not only a habit but a meaningful ritual of service to the Lord. Tithing often brings to mind the miracle stories: A poverty-stricken family pays their tithing and is miraculously blessed. Some are suddenly given just the amount of money they need to survive. Or they… Continue reading

The Lord’s Timing Is Everything

an image of a man holding a watch and a cell phone

Plans change, and we may not always know why. By applying faith and a commitment to the commandments, we can overcome any unexpected changes. We all have plans—and we’ve all had to adjust them occasionally. Take Elder Dallin H. Oaks, for example. When he was seventeen years old, he was called… Continue reading

Have Hope: The Light Will Come

brilliant light shines at the end of a row of white columns

I thought this new calling would be my worst nightmare. Instead, it was exactly what I needed.  The first few years of college were hard for me. Really hard. Three years into college, I still found myself struggling. It wasn’t just schoolwork. I felt strangely drained. My workload was what… Continue reading

Refugees: How Can Our Past Help Their Future?

an image of a man and a child walking on a beach

Understanding the Mormon refugee experience has prepared us for a great work: helping millions in the same plight today. Latter-day Saints have a special connection with people currently fleeing from religious persecution: we were once refugees too. In his speech “The Mormon Refugee Experience,” given at Windsor Castle on September… Continue reading