The Author of Agency

A woman sits at a desk and uses a green typewriter next to a manuscript and writing materials.

I wanted God to be the author of my faith, so why wasn’t I receiving the direction I was seeking? In her talk “Invite Christ to Author Your Story,” Sister Camille N. Johnson points to Hebrews 12:2 to remind us to let Christ guide our lives. She explains, “We can… Continue reading

Endure to the End

A bible open to Psalms

One night a few years ago, I was busy doing something many teenage brothers find entertaining: annoying my sister. As usual, she tried many things to get me to stop. Eventually, she pulled out her phone and started looking at scriptures. She checked Genesis chapter 6 and moved on when… Continue reading

Faith Like King Lamoni’s Wife

Artist's depiction of King Lamoni being mourned over by his wife.

When I needed advice, King Lamoni’s wife provided an example that taught me how to receive personal revelation. One courageous woman in the Book of Mormon who sometimes gets overlooked is the wife of King Lamoni. Her husband believed what the missionary, Ammon, taught him about Jesus Christ and his… Continue reading

Christ, the Universal Savior: Lessons from Third Nephi

Christ visiting the Nephites in Third Nephi

Jesus Christ’s presence as an active character in Third Nephi proves the Book of Mormon’s purpose of inviting all to come unto Christ.   When I was a missionary, my companion and I met every week with a recently baptized young adult. Our friend struggled with reading, so we would study… Continue reading

Jesus Christ’s Beloved Enemy

Jesus washing the feet of his disciples

During his Last Supper, Christ washed the feet of Judas Iscariot. By doing so, Christ set the ultimate example of what it means to “love your enemy.”  For over a millennium, the teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired spiritual growth for those who study and accept his words. During his… Continue reading

Lessons from Pahoran: Accepting Feedback with Humility

Learning about Pahoran

If we follow Pahoran’s example and practice humility, we can improve our lives and collaborate better with others.  One of the most unexpected lessons I’ve had to learn as an editor is that I need to be just as comfortable receiving feedback as giving it. Editing is a collaborative effort,… Continue reading

Discovering Light in the Dark: The Power of the Book of Mormon

Light comes from the Book of Mormon.

We can know through the example of the brother of Jared that the Book of Mormon is a radiant source of light, guiding us through life’s darkness and illuminating the path ahead.  What does absolute physical darkness actually look like? It’s hard to imagine that kind of darkness when modern… Continue reading

How to Slow Down and Savor the Scriptures

Appreciating a work of art

Is speed-reading the scriptures a regular habit? This principle for appreciating art may aid in slowing down and savoring the word of God once again. I dreamed of seeing the painting Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I for almost ten years. When I finally stood in the main room of the… Continue reading

Not My Feet Only: Accepting the Lord’s Service

Two hands cup water as it pours in

When we struggle to accept the Lord’s help, let us follow the example of Peter at the Last Supper when Christ washes Peter’s feet. My parents were recently called to serve as a mission president couple in California. While they’ve been preparing for their mission, I’ve thought a lot about… Continue reading

Marking the Way Back Home

person walking on a log in the forest.

Our spiritual experiences can become the monuments we raise to mark God’s hand in our lives. If you’ve ever been on a hike, you’ve probably seen stones stacked on top of each other. These manmade trail markers, called cairns, have been used to point out a hiker’s course along the trail, ensuring that hikers know which way… Continue reading