How to Build a Boat to Handle Life’s Storms

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The storms of life can be plentiful and scary, but when we build a strong boat, even the biggest storms become easier to handle. One summer day at a beach in the Puget Sound, two of my brothers and I decided to build a makeshift boat. We borrowed some rope… Continue reading

Feeling Stuck?

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Although you might not always feel like you’re moving forward, even small steps count as progress. Do you ever feel like life just isn’t going anywhere, like you’re working as hard as you can without making any forward progress? Ashlee Cunningham’s Liahona article “How Do I Know If I’m Moving… Continue reading

My Second Life … As a Latter-day Saint

The Salt Lake City Temple

The first time I heard the story of Joseph Smith and the First Vision was at Temple Square in Salt Lake City during a guided tour. I believed it. But my family didn’t. My father said it was the most bogus story he had ever heard. I was crushed and… Continue reading

Stormy Days and Mountain Waves: Finding Strength

Ocean waves at sunset.

We were created to withstand and overcome even our most challenging trials. Have you ever asked the question, “How could God let this happen?”  I have. I was 17 and struggling with severe depression, and I couldn’t understand why God didn’t just take it away and help me feel normal… Continue reading

We Are More Than Survivors

White flowers on a green stem.

When bad things happen to us, such as abuse, bullying, or trauma, we must remember what Christ said: “I know your sorrows, and I have come to deliver you” (Exodus 3:8–9). Survival stories come in many different forms. Some may think of natural disasters, wilderness survival, or plane crashes, while… Continue reading

Putting on the Armour of Light

Woman standing at the mouth of a cave.

By filling our lives with things that draw us closer to Jesus Christ, we can put on the armor of light and move forward with faith knowing that we are protected from the attacks of the world and the adversary. Darkness can be paralyzing. I remember touring a cave with… Continue reading

The Keystone of Our Religion, The Keystone of Our Faith

Open scriptures

The Book of Mormon is a compelling witness of the truthfulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  The Book of Mormon is often referred to as the keystone of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Why? In his talk “God’s Compelling Witness: The Book of Mormon,” Elder Tad… Continue reading

What Is True?

Man grabbing head in frustration

When you are flooded with conflicting messages and instructions, faith it ‘til you make it. Discerning truth can be difficult. Years ago, Elder Bruce R. McConkie shared some valuable insights that are just as relevant today as they were then. In his Brigham Young University devotional discourse “The Seven Deadly… Continue reading

Tackle the Book of Isaiah with These Strategies

Bible with pink tulips

At the Lord Jesus Christ’s recommendation, learn to understand the lessons, prophesies, and beauty of Isaiah’s writings by using these strategies. In the Ensign article “Ten Keys to Understanding Isaiah,” Elder Bruce R. McConkie explains that Isaiah was “known [for] the abundance, beauty, and perfection of his prophetic utterances.” Yet… Continue reading

How Jacob 5 Helped Me Cope with Sickness and Grief

Trees in field

Jacob 5 isn’t just a story about some olive trees and a few blue-collar workers; it’s a testament that Christ loves each one of us and that he, the Lord of all, rejoices and weeps with us through our mortal experience. In October 2018, I was diagnosed with a lifelong… Continue reading