Faith to Affect and Faith to Accept

The absence of a miracle doesn’t necessarily mean we lack faith—the faith to accept God’s will is an equally valid expression of devotion. President Russell M. Nelson once told the story of two contrasting yet powerful examples of faith. In his April 2021 general conference talk “Christ Is Risen; Faith...

Growing Through Every Season

Through faith in Jesus Christ, we can grow and flourish in every season of life.   Life rarely unfolds exactly as we expect. Plans change, opportunities are lost, and unexpected trials can leave us wondering why life is stagnant. In these moments, we can easily think that God has forgotten...

Ongoing Restoration

Renovations to Temple Square allow for the restored gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached to the world like never before. During my mission at Temple Square, I sometimes struggled to keep Jesus Christ at the center of my conversations. I deeply wanted to share the joy of his restored...

Accepting Weaknesses Gracefully

How can I accept my weaknesses and grow without hopeless self-hatred, anxious disappointment, or worldly sorrow? The Apostle Paul is remembered as a great man of Christ. But in his own writings, he said, “There was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet...

Culture vs. Creed: Thoughts on Our Bodies

As we teach and learn together, we must distinguish between Church doctrine and local culture. I see a disconnect sometimes, especially in online echo chambers, between my lived experience and the lived experiences of others within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. These differences are often benign or...
Fruits of the Fast

Fruits of the Fast

When we follow the commandment to fast, we harvest far more than we sow. The law of the fast includes forgoing two meals in a 24-hour period, attending fast and testimony meeting, and contributing a generous fast offering. Though obedience to this commandment can be difficult, the rewards of fasting...
Avoiding Conflict or Creating Peace?

Avoiding Conflict or Creating Peace?

Is avoiding conflict enough, or does true peacemaking require action? When I first heard President Russell M. Nelson’s general conference address “Peacemakers Needed,” I felt called to be a peacemaker in my relationships. I’ve learned as a middle child to see both sides when there are disagreements in my family....
Finding Balance

Finding Balance

Balance stabilizes our lives. But how do we find balance if life constantly seems to shift? Finding a sense of balance in my life has always been important to me. However, it can sometimes feel like the harder I look for it, the more it slips from my grasp. Recently,...
Be a Financial Guru

Be a Financial Guru

Living on your own? Graduating? Getting married or expecting a baby? At some point we all must learn to manage our own finances. When you’re facing all kinds of expenses—tuition, insurance payments, daily lunch—you might feel flustered. The first step toward improving your finances is simply feeling positive about your...
The Test and Blessing of Tithing

The Test and Blessing of Tithing

We may experience times when paying our tithing seems impossible, but if we have faith, the Lord will bless us more than we can imagine. In the general conference address “Tithing: A Test of Faith with Eternal Blessings,” Elder Robert D. Hales says, “Tithing develops and tests our faith. By...
Choosing Peace in the War of Controversy

Choosing Peace in the War of Controversy

“Both sides in big controversies . . . should seek to understand the other’s position and seek practical accommodations that provide fairness for all and total dominance for neither.” —Elder Dallin H. Oaks  With the recent legalization of gay marriage in the United States, The Church of Jesus Christ of...