Jesus Christ: The Way to Lasting Joy

an image of a lightning bolt hitting through the sky over a mountain

We can find joy even in the midst of trials and disasters when we seek Christ and serve others. When we see news headlines about devastating hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes, or terrorist attacks, it may seem impossible to find joy in life when so much pain exists in the world. But… Continue reading

Building the Church through Friendship

an image of a couple of women sitting on a rock near a lake

Strengthening our relationships with others is a big part of living the gospel. The third hour of my Sunday church block generally goes like this: I walk into Relief Society, grab my usual seat next to my roommates, and promptly leave as soon as the meeting ends. In other words,… Continue reading

I Shall Come Forth as Gold

an image of a tall building with a triangular roof and a sky background

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, we can rise from our trials to become stronger and more capable. The fire was roaring, engulfing not only the plane and its passengers but also the life that Stephanie Nielson once knew. Whether or not our trials arrive in the form of… Continue reading

Burdens Are Blessings

an image of a red truck parked on the side of a road

Do you feel held back or weighed down by your burdens? They might actually be propelling you forward. When I think of the word burden, I imagine a man carrying a giant boulder on his back. He is exhausted and struggles to move forward. I’ve always viewed burdens as things… Continue reading

“Where’s the Baby?”: Some Questions We Just Shouldn’t Ask

an image of a man and woman standing in a field

When to start a family and how many kids to have are personal decisions. People’s well-meaning questions can create unhelpful pressure—and even pain. “So are you planning on having kids soon?” The first time I was greeted with this question, I had been married for three weeks. My husband and… Continue reading

Put On Your Gospel Glasses: Keeping a Spiritual Perspective

an image of a pair of sunglasses sitting on a sandy beach

Our view of the gospel’s truth is sometimes blocked by distractions; we can see past these distractions by looking at life through a spiritual lens. Without a doubt, life is busy. With our attention being pulled in so many directions, it can be hard to keep spiritual goals in view.… Continue reading

Hope: A Journey to Faith

an image of a person walking down a road with a mountain in the background

Sometimes it can take seconds to gain faith in certain aspects of the gospel, but what if it takes twenty years? For twenty years, I didn’t have a testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet. During these years, I served in numerous callings and even went on a mission. Despite… Continue reading

You Don’t Have to Feel Guilty—Depression Is Hard Enough

an image of a woman standing on a hill overlooking a river

Depression diminished my feelings of gratitude and left me feeling guilty, but a talk reminded me that I don’t have to feel guilty for being depressed. Most people think depression is a constant, deep sadness. It’s not. At least, for me it’s not. When my depression is at its worst,… Continue reading

He Is Mighty to Save

an image of a young man in a yellow hoodie standing in front of a tree

Understanding the Fall is essential to understanding how much the Savior loves us. When we find ourselves facing trials and challenges, it can be tempting to feel alone or forgotten. Sometimes, it seems that no one is watching out for us. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland focuses on this concern in his April 2015 general… Continue reading