Civic Knowledge “by Study and by Faith”

Our leaders have always encouraged us to be civically responsible by independently exercising our right to vote. As I scroll on my phone and get notifications from online newspapers, there is a distinct feeling of dread that weighs on my shoulders at the end of each day. Faceless accounts spit...

Choosing the Safer Path: Avoiding Temptation in a Covenant Life

The Savior didn’t debate temptation—he dismissed it. When we do the same, his strength will help us overcome our weakness. In our world today, we are surrounded by distractions and worldly pleasures that seek to turn us away from the covenant path. One of the proverbs of Solomon teaches a...

Your Testimony Is a Weapon, a Defense, and a Refuge

We can share the gospel with greater confidence when we recognize the power of our testimonies. Your testimony is a weapon, a defense, and a refuge. And it’s powerful. When I was a missionary in southern Argentina, my mission president taught an important truth from a scripture I now hold...

Using the Book of Mormon to Understand the Old Testament

In his day, Nephi studied and cherished the Old Testament record. Because of what Nephi left behind, we can too. The Old Testament can be a difficult read for many, and it definitely is for me. Not only is it the oldest scripture in our canon, but it sometimes seems...

Humility Deepens Covenant Connections

Christ is the ultimate example of handing his will to God in humility, and we can follow his example in our covenants to draw closer to God. As a newly endowed member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I found—and sometimes still find—the temple covenants to be...
Six Hows of Scripture Study

Six Hows of Scripture Study

People at church always say that we need to study our scriptures. But how can we actually have meaningful experiences with scripture study? For a long time, I struggled with studying the scriptures. I was always jealous of how other people had meaningful experiences with the scriptures, and I felt guilty...
Cultivating Your Spiritual Gold Rush

Cultivating Your Spiritual Gold Rush

We don’t need grand gestures to grow spiritually—just steady flecks of faith, love, and kindness each day. Recently, I attended the temple for the first time. I was surprised by how much of the experience was about progression. Going through the temple was a powerful reminder that spiritual growth doesn’t...
Trust, Happiness, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

Trust, Happiness, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ

While it sometimes feels like adversity and sorrow are dragging us down, those challenges are actually making a place for greater happiness. We are commanded to trust God and have faith in his plan for us. Often, however, that is much easier said than done. We may face challenges and...
Your Royal Identity: Becoming Royalty and Superheroes

Your Royal Identity: Becoming Royalty and Superheroes

Every little kid dreams of one day becoming royalty or a superhero. Because of our royal identities as sons and daughters of God, we have the potential to become the royalty and superheroes we dreamed of becoming.  When I was a little girl, I always dreamed of becoming a princess....
Finding and Giving Love

Finding and Giving Love

The scriptures tell us to love others as we love ourselves. Elder Holland helps us understand what that really means. In a Brigham Young University devotional address in 2000, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland discussed ways we can find and give true love. Elder Holland emphasizes that true love is divine...
Families: All Shapes and Sizes

Families: All Shapes and Sizes

Families are essential to the plan of salvation, but what do we do if our family doesn’t fit the traditional mold? Every birthday as a little girl, I would wish to become a fairy-mermaid when blowing out my birthday candles. When I was older, I asked my mom what she...