Selfless Service through Self-Reliance

Old pier at sunset with flying seagulls.

Self-reliance gives us the freedom to follow Christ’s commandment to “lift up the hands that hang down” (Doctrine & Covenants 81:5). “Let’s not be gullible gulls. We…must preserve our talents of self-sufficiency, our genius for creating things for ourselves, our sense of thrift and our true love of independence.” In… Continue reading

10 Characteristics of an Educated Person

Education can help you learn about your eternal nature, discover truth and self-discipline, and become who God wants you to be. Personal questions can help us evaluate our educational progress: “Where am I now? What do I need to do better? What do I need to learn in order to… Continue reading

How to Find Meaning in Your Job

Two women sitting at a table working

The job we’re paid to do can, at times, seem meaningless and monotonous. How can we find a lasting sense of purpose? We wake up every weekday morning earlier than we’d like, dress in clothes we likely wouldn’t wear otherwise, and go to jobs we’d rather not do. Maybe we… Continue reading

The Test and Blessing of Tithing

Stack of paper money

We may experience times when paying our tithing seems impossible, but if we have faith, the Lord will bless us more than we can imagine. In the general conference address “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Elder Robert D. Hales says, “Tithing develops and tests our faith. By… Continue reading

Education: A Sacred Endeavor

Friends Throwing Graduation Caps

Education is considered a modern commodity, but how often do we consider its role in reaching our divine potential? Life is full of learning opportunities. But the knowledge gained from formal education is unique in that it refines not only the mind, but the whole person. This transformative knowledge should… Continue reading

Honeybees and Service

bee on a sunflower

Out of small things—even “honeybees”—great things can come to pass. Though I lacked the funds, the feeling that I should do something to help a missionary’s struggling family in Tonga persisted. This elder had served long and faithfully in our stake; now his mother’s diagnosis of cancer and mounting medical… Continue reading