Jesus said, “Thou art mine” (Isaiah 43:1). Those three words have changed the way I think about myself. I’m sure those words had an impact on the first people who heard them as well—the Israelites. Because of their unrighteous decisions, the scattered Israelites were afflicted, robbed, and trapped by their… Continue reading
The first time I heard the story of Joseph Smith and the First Vision was at Temple Square in Salt Lake City during a guided tour. I believed it. But my family didn’t. My father said it was the most bogus story he had ever heard. I was crushed and… Continue reading
If you have felt “weary in well-doing” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:33), hear the words of the prophet and find peace in Christ. As I approach the end of my last semester in college, my most prominent feeling is usually tiredness. I’m tired in my 8 a.m. lectures, I’m tired when… Continue reading
As you wait for the waters to part, don’t hesitate to start walking. Trust that soon enough you’ll see the dry ground beneath your feet. As a high school senior, I prayed daily about which college to attend, but I did not get an answer from God. Frustrated, I eventually… Continue reading
Life can be overwhelming to face alone, but the Lord has promised to hold your hand. When I was sixteen, I had a memorable hike with my ward. On the way down the mountain, the path became very steep, and I began to move very slowly. My friends got ahead… Continue reading
As women, it can be easy to forget our purpose and place in God’s eyes, but the foundational truths in the Young Women Theme can remind us that we are divine daughters of our Heavenly Mother and Father. When I was a teenager, I participated in the Young Women program.… Continue reading
We were created to withstand and overcome even our most challenging trials. Have you ever asked the question, “How could God let this happen?” I have. I was 17 and struggling with severe depression, and I couldn’t understand why God didn’t just take it away and help me feel normal… Continue reading
Sometimes when it seems like God is silent, we need only to be patient, and we will see his hand in our lives. “Are you there, God? It’s me, Mackenzie.” “Heavenly Father, are you really there? And are you hearing and answering my prayers?” I know I’m not the only… Continue reading
There’s no shame in simply starting with what you know. If you just continue moving forward, Christ will help you build your confidence. When we doubt, we may think that we lack faith; however, we do not need to be ashamed of our doubt. The story in John 9 about… Continue reading
When we choose to sacrifice more through fast offerings, not only will we be blessing others, but our own lives will be blessed as well. In a world of monthly expenses, credit card bills, and student loans, the decision of how much to donate for fast offerings can be a laborious… Continue reading
