Why Your Greatest Accomplishments Can Be Small and Simple

an image of a man sitting on a concrete wall reading a book

We often think we need to change the world in order to feel accomplished. In truth, it’s the small and simple things that are harder to achieve and more glorious in reward. In “Small and Simple Things,” President Dallin H. Oaks reminds us of a familiar scripture: “By small and… Continue reading

Choose to Believe: Faith Is a Choice, Not a Happenstance

an image of a woman in a hat standing in a corn field

We often think of a testimony as a burning flame we have to feel in our hearts. In reality, the base of our testimony is simply choosing to believe.  Faith is frequently described as a feeling that suddenly overcomes someone after a spiritual experience. While spiritual experiences can greatly strengthen… Continue reading

I Don’t Wanna Grow Up

an image of a little boy holding sparklers in his hands

The Peter Pan mentality might not be a bad one. In fact, having the believing heart of a child can increase our spiritual growth. January 14, 2002 “Tonight I had a verry bad dream and I started to cry then I said a paryr and then I stoped crying.” February… Continue reading

The Book of Mormon: Corrective Lenses of the Soul

Glasses on a book

Through reading the Book of Mormon, our spiritual field of vision can be widened and strengthened. In the talk “The Eyes of the Blind Shall See,” Elder Lynn G. Robbins identifies six ways in which having two eyes is better than one and how these benefits are metaphors for having… Continue reading

Joseph Smith’s Handwritten Account of the First Vision

portrait of Joseph Smith Jr.

Joseph Smith’s 1832 account of the First Vision preserves personal and intimate details that are not recorded elsewhere. The only known account in Joseph Smith’s own handwriting of his early spiritual experiences—including the First Vision—are included in his 1832 personal history. This unique history can be read on The Joseph… Continue reading

The What, When, and How of the Book of Moses

an image of a book open on a table with a white background

The Book of Moses came to Joseph Smith as a revelation from God, eventually sparking the Joseph Smith Translation of the Bible. Why is it that only The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a book of scripture named after Moses? Doesn’t the world already have books of… Continue reading

Choosing Progress over Perfection

Man sitting in a cave

In a world focused on achievement and perfection, let’s remove unrealistic expectations by celebrating our progress. In his talk “Be Ye Therefore Perfect—Eventually,” Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles emphasizes the importance of not beating ourselves up when we seem to keep falling short. He… Continue reading

Come, Follow Me: One Influencer Worth Following

Photo of woman using mobile phone

What if instead of spending our days being influenced by strangers over the internet, we spent our days being influenced by our Father in Heaven? Last week at the grocery store, I was reaching for my usual box of protein bars when a certain brand caught my eye. I recognized… Continue reading

Of Ducks and Destinies

an orange duck standing on grass

Although we might prefer our lives be as neat and cozy as a duck pond in a manicured garden, we must navigate the wilderness of uncertainty guided by the Spirit if we are to discover our personal promised lands. While hurrying home one October day, I was struck by the… Continue reading