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

We Do Not Walk Alone

Woman walking alone in nature

When it feels like we are left alone to face our trials, we can be assured that the Savior will always walk with us. I switched my college major four times because I didn’t feel a passion for anything. Each time I switched majors, I felt that I was getting… Continue reading

It’s Time to Let Go of Your Past

Silhouette of tree against sunset

If we don’t let go of the past, we run the risk of committing the greater sin of focusing on the past  instead of enjoying the present. Do you know what it’s like to have your past mistakes loop through your head repeatedly? I do. After you’ve done all you… Continue reading

Trusting in Our “Promise Keeper”

UPWARD GAZE IN A GROVE OF TREES

God has promised each of us blessings that we may receive only after this life. How can we trust God and find happiness now? The problem with eternity is that it lasts a really long time. When we are promised blessings, God fulfills them in his eternal time. Sometimes we… Continue reading

Becoming Whole Through Broken Hearts

Ceramic circle with cracked clay

When we offer our broken hearts to God, he can mend them and transform our brokenness into beauty. The first time I saw a piece of kintsugi pottery, I was struck by the gold cracks in the bowl. Once broken, the bowl was laboriously made whole again by a master… Continue reading

“Peace I Leave With You”

Hand extended holding a dove with a teal background

The tools we need to “grow an economy of genuine goodness in society” are found in the gospel of Jesus Christ.  In the current climate of growing social unrest and war, peace is needed more than ever. As Elder Jeffrey R. Holland reminds us in his April 2021 general conference… Continue reading

You’re Not Stuck to Your Life Story

woman in orange in front of a building

How would you tell your own life story? Many cultures use stories to explain things in life that we don’t understand. Greek mythology often explained trials by blaming them on some god’s whims or personal vendetta. Luckily, our God is not like the gods of ancient Greece. Though our God… Continue reading

Trials and Tribulations as Disguised Mercies

A man slumped.

When the burdens on your back are overbearing, remember that our stumbling blocks are God’s gifted stepping stones. Pandemic. Job loss. Family division. Controversy. Wars. Rumors of wars. We are all affected by the turmoil of the world right now, and it is scary. Some people shake their fists at… Continue reading

Failure—It’s All Part of the Plan

A woman writing on a chalkboard.

When failure becomes motivation, we can learn and grow from any outcome. While pursuing his undergraduate degree at BYU, Matthew O. Richardson failed a chemistry test.  He hurried out of the classroom after stuffing the test with the red “76” scrawled at the top into his backpack. In disbelief, he… Continue reading

Choosing Faith

A woman sitting on a bed, stressed.

Choosing faith can be difficult, especially in the face of personal doubts and frustrations, but choosing to keep trying will bring us closer to our Savior. Asking questions is good. Asking questions can help strengthen our faith. But there are a lot of thorny questions about Church doctrine, history, or… Continue reading