Failure Is Part of Success

Girl doing tree pose on rock outcropping.

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

Joseph Smith’s Journals: Records of Revelation

Black and white image of Joseph Smith's handwriting

Joseph Smith, the Prophet of the Restoration, provided a clear view into the roots of our faith through his detailed record keeping. There are many unanswered questions surrounding Joseph Smith, the Latter-day prophet and founder of the LDS Church. Inquiries arise consistently about his character, his actions, and his role… Continue reading

Understanding the Book of Mormon’s Translation

Though translating with a seer stone may seem odd, what matters most is that the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God. Never-before-seen pictures of Joseph Smith’s first seer stone are found in “Joseph the Seer” in the October 2015 Ensign and Liahona. Assistant Church Historian Richard… Continue reading

Applying the Savior’s Atonement to My Own Life

Hand in the dark.

I realized that I had been so focused on working to take the gospel to other people that I had forgotten to let the gospel work in me. Early in my mission to Tennessee, my companion shared with me part of Sister Linda K. Burton’s address from the October 2012 General… Continue reading

Martin Harris: An Example of Repentance

Martin Harris home

Although Martin Harris was not a perfect man, his example shows us that when we approach our mistakes with humility, we can partake of God’s gift of repentance. Martin Harris (1783–1875) was a decorated war hero, a civic leader, a successful farmer, and an excellent father. He became a central… Continue reading

Dealing with the Death of a Loved One

I learned that losing a loved one, although incredibly painful, can be an opportunity for tremendous spiritual growth and joy as we come to truly understand our Father’s beautiful plan of happiness.   A few months ago, my roommate reached out to me in a time of need. Someone very… Continue reading

What I Learned From Not Serving a Mission

While not serving a mission, I learned more about myself, my Heavenly Father, and the places he is leading me.   As waves of missionaries return home, lots of things have changed, such as housing, dating, school enrollment, and marriage. President Thomas S. Monson’s 2012 general conference announcement lowering the ages… Continue reading

What’s the Secret to Scripture Study?

We often feel like there’s no time for meaningful scripture study. Even when there is time, we may be lost as to how to make the most of it. Joseph Fielding McConkie—son of Bruce R. McConkie, grandson of Joseph Fielding Smith, and longtime professor of ancient scripture at BYU—tells of… Continue reading

God Is Never Hidden, Yet Sometimes We Are

busy train station

“God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make him seem distant and inaccessible.” As members of the Church, we often feel that although we are keeping the commandments, going to the temple, and praying regularly, we… Continue reading

What Does It Mean to Be the “Seed of Abraham”?

dandelion seed

Often we are reminded that we are connected to the prophets of old, but how? And why does that matter? If you’ve ever tuned out at the words “seed of Abraham,” this article is for you. With modern-day advances in technology, transportation, and daily living, and the centuries that separate… Continue reading