Perfection Is Not a Prerequisite

puzzle pieces

Focusing on God’s promises can help you access the power of Jesus Christ—even when perfectionism tells you you’re not enough. My friend was doing everything she thought she should be—attending church regularly, praying and studying the scriptures daily, and striving to keep her covenants—but she still felt like she was… Continue reading

When Acquainted with Grief

woman sitting at a window

Welcoming grief as a natural expression of love helps us understand the Savior as we search for peace and healing. “I never cried for her once this week until the funeral” was what I wrote in my journal after my grandmother died. My emotional indifference was an accomplishment for me.… Continue reading

Pulling Life’s Weeds by Facing Trials

A father and son kneel next to each other as they work in the garden.

Sometimes the trials we face feel too heavy for us to carry, but those very trials are what strengthen us.  While I was growing up, “spring break” meant “spring cleaning” at my house. We lived on just under two acres of land, and those two acres put up a fight.… Continue reading

Catch Joy, Not COVID-19

woman holding bunch of sunflowers

  Joy is a power we can experience through Jesus Christ that will help us endure the difficulties of a pandemic. Just a couple of months before the world was shut down by the onset of COVID-19, Brigham Young University president Kevin J Worthen gave a devotional focused on joy.… Continue reading

Making Peace Our Strength

Pink, purple, and orange clouds at sunset.

The peace we receive from accepting our weaknesses gives us the power to conquer our trials—not just endure them. When the sons of Mosiah began their missions to spread Christ’s teachings, they prayed to have the Spirit to guide them (Alma 17:9). They knew many people would mock them, hate… Continue reading

How Church Structure Brings Us Closer to Christ

Three Women Laughing

Without loving leaders and members at church, there would be few places for us to be buoyed up and “nourished by the good word of God”.  Sister Reyna I. Aburto was nine years old when a devastating earthquake rocked her home country of Nicaragua. Her brother died in the earthquake,… Continue reading

With Open Arms

Red hearts in a row with one green heart standing out

It’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside, but there is a place for everyone in Christ’s arms. I have never liked giving talks or saying prayers in front of a crowd. I felt like I couldn’t thank the Lord or express my thoughts as well as those around… Continue reading

6 Questions to Evaluate Your Faith

Silhouette of a man praying in foggy field

Have you ever wondered if your faith is enough? Strengthen your faith with Elder Kacher’s advice before trials come! In today’s world, having faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ can be hard. Naysayers plant seeds of confusion and doubt in the hearts of the Saints. Under such attacks,… Continue reading

Asking Hard Questions in the Gospel

an image of a woman sitting on a couch looking out a window

Rosemary Wixom describes a spiritually healthy way to respond to tough answers we may receive when asking questions about the gospel. “As the questions [grow] harder, so [do] the answers. And sometimes there [are] no answers—or no answers that [bring] peace.” Rosemary Wixom points out in her April 2015 general… Continue reading

Beat the Blues by Serving Others: President Spencer W. Kimball

elderly couple reading.

Learn from President Kimball how serving others and sharing the gospel can help you—and help you help others—stride over hurdles in your life. “Lengthen your stride.” You’ve probably heard this quote from President Spencer W. Kimball’s (1895–1985)  October 1974 address urging members to engage in missionary work. (Also see “Lengthen… Continue reading