The Process of Becoming

A group of missionaries in Scotland sit in a meeting together.

Many people talk about missionary work, but what about the time leading up to a decision to serve?  Preparing for a mission can be daunting. There can be so many voices trying to influence your decision. So what can you do when the choice feels out of your reach? In… Continue reading

You Are Encircled in the Arms of God’s Love!

Rays of light shine into a cave through a narrow entrance.

Isolation can be overwhelming, but it is never all-encompassing; Christ’s love is greater than our loneliness. Tears rolled down my cheeks as I listened to the sacrament hymn being sung around me. But I wasn’t crying because I felt the Spirit—I was crying because I felt nothing at all. Physically,… Continue reading

The Joy of Forgiveness Is a Miracle Waiting for You

Exterior image of the Orem Utah Temple. The image is in black and white.

How can we get over the shame of talking to our bishop? Trusting in God’s desire for us to return, despite imperfection, can lead us to healing, worthiness, and deeper discipleship. Recently, I’ve felt God’s presence strongly in my life. I work hard throughout the day, and at night as… Continue reading

When Hard Work Doesn’t Seem to Be Worth It

Field at sunset

If you keep working and waiting without getting anything back, don’t give up. You may be making a long-term investment. “What’s the use? What am I getting out of this? Am I really willing to keep working even though I’m getting nothing in return?” President Henry B. Eyring, while serving… Continue reading

Choosing the Safer Path: Avoiding Temptation in a Covenant Life

Clasped hands on top of a bible

The Savior didn’t debate temptation—he dismissed it. When we do the same, his strength will help us overcome our weakness. In our world today, we are surrounded by distractions and worldly pleasures that seek to turn us away from the covenant path. One of the proverbs of Solomon teaches a… Continue reading

No Success Is Too Small

Ascending stone stairs

New year, new you…right? When you fall short of your goals, God sees each tiny step you take in the right direction. Every time January rolls around and the world is abuzz with New Year’s resolutions, I can’t help but feel anxious rather than excited. Setting goals has often felt… Continue reading

The Faith to Become Divine

Young Man Looking Out Window

Sometimes we feel that our hard-exercised faith is not yielding the blessings we desperately need. But the Lord is not abandoning us—he’s offering us an opportunity to become divine. A few weeks ago, my husband and I anxiously waited to hear whether he would receive a job offer for a… Continue reading

Developing the Faith to Be Healed

A brown teddy bear with bandages on its head and leg.

When we focus on the Lord and have unwavering trust in him and his plan, he promises that we will be healed according to his will and timing. Recently, I had an opportunity to be healed from a physical ailment that I have had for more than 20 years. My… Continue reading

Families: All Shapes and Sizes

A man holds a child's hand while they stand in the ocean during sunset

Families are essential to the plan of salvation, but what do we do if our family doesn’t fit the traditional mold? Every birthday as a little girl, I would wish to become a fairy-mermaid when blowing out my birthday candles. When I was older, I asked my mom what she… Continue reading

Laboring in the Eleventh Hour

Vineyard field at a pink sunset.

The parable of the laborers in the vineyard isn’t just a lesson about unfairness; it’s about how Christ promises to make all things fair. As I read the parable of the laborers in the vineyard found in Matthew 20: 1–16, the unfairness of the situation stood out to me. On… Continue reading