Smiling: The Soul’s Medicine

A woman smiling at herself in the mirror, in black and white.

We often think we need to have perfect lives to be happy, but sometimes it’s the little things, like smiling, that bring true joy. Many assume that feeling happy leads to smiling, but what if it worked the other way around? In 2022, a group of researchers published a paper… Continue reading

Small Spiritual Moments Matter

Single Roman column silhouetted by the bright sun and blue sky.

We often hope for big spiritual experiences, but our faith in God is usually strengthened through small and simple moments. There are countless stories of epic faith-building experiences and miracles. If we compare our spiritual experiences to these grand ones, we can sometimes feel discouraged when our own faith grows… Continue reading

The Dangerous Pursuit of False Perfection

A young woman sitting in a public place with sunlight shining on her face through the blinds of a nearby window, in black and white.

When a demanding secular world tells us who to be and what to do, we can let the gospel of Jesus Christ be our guide and our primary source of comfort. In today’s world, we are constantly bombarded with checklists: what to eat, what to wear, what to do with… Continue reading

Hope: The Key to Propelling Our Faith

Cristo Blanco Statue in Cusco, Peru.

Impatience, uncertainty, and fear can all be overcome through hope. We can see the blessings God offers us more clearly when we put hope into action. God is good. Sometimes we forget that. In the moments when we seek answers, wishful thinking can become our greatest enemy, making us feel… 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

Unplugging: How Literature Brings Us Closer to God

an image of a stack of pink books sitting on top of a wooden floor

Taking time away from computer, phone, and television screens gives us the stillness we need to find refinement and come to know our Heavenly Parents.  Many missionaries have a hard time giving up Facebook, phones, and computer time for eighteen months to two years. For my friend, the difficult sacrifice was books.… Continue reading

4 Steps to Break the Bands of Debt

an image of a person holding their hands up in the air

Debt can be a terrifying master, but there are resources to help you break free from debt’s chains. Debt can be scary, especially when you find yourself drowning in it. Thankfully, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has several programs intended to help people become financially self-reliant. Here… Continue reading

Am I Ready for General Conference?

an image of a man in a suit and tie giving a speech

General conference is an important worldwide event, and there are many ways for us to prepare. Twice a year, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a general conference where leaders share uplifting and inspired messages. To help you get ready for a conference weekend full of wholesome… Continue reading

Don’t Get ‘Cheetah’ed out of Spiritual Safety

an image of a cheetah running in a field with a fence

When the adversary’s forces push against you, how can you find true spiritual safety? We live in a world that is increasingly antagonistic. How can we maintain safety from the spiritual dangers around us? Elder David A. Bednar, in his talk “Watchful unto Prayer Continually,” shares three important lessons for… Continue reading

The Lord Needs Self-Reliant Women

an image of a woman in a graduation cap and gown

Let us do all we can to invest in our potential—earthly and divine—so we may be ready for all God has in store for us. Undoubtedly, God has commanded us to educate ourselves. Obtaining education from good sources, including but not limited to a traditional college education, allows us to… Continue reading