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...
You Don’t Have to Feel Guilty—Depression Is Hard Enough

You Don’t Have to Feel Guilty—Depression Is Hard Enough

Depression diminished my feelings of gratitude and left me feeling guilty, but a talk reminded me that I don’t have to feel guilty for being depressed. Most people think depression is a constant, deep sadness. It’s not. At least, for me it’s not. When my depression is at its worst,...
Stewards of the Earth

Stewards of the Earth

We are not owners but rather stewards of the earth. This means we are responsible to care for it.  We learn from the tenth article of faith that the earth “will be renewed and receive its paradisiacal glory” after Christ’s Second Coming. So does that mean that we don’t need to...
Called to Be an Apprentice

Called to Be an Apprentice

Because we are not yet masters, God has not asked us to produce a masterpiece. Instead, he invites us into his workshop as apprentices to Jesus Christ. At age 17, I struggled to pound and twist and mold my messy life into a masterpiece. Alone, I strove to right my...
The Story of the Dutch Potato Project

The Story of the Dutch Potato Project

Loving your enemies is more than a catchphrase. In the video That We Might Be One: The Story of the Dutch Potato Project, we see the great sacrifice Church members in Holland made for members of the Church in Germany following World War II. After the war, food was scarce. The Dutch people...
Before the Doctrine and Covenants

Before the Doctrine and Covenants

The “Revelation Books” preceded what we now know as the Doctrine and Covenants. Thanks to these books, the path for publishing modern revelation was open.   As the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith was given power by God to translate the golden plates...
Is Media Always Bad?

Is Media Always Bad?

Media is bad—at least, that’s what we hear. What if we focused more on improving our media use rather than reducing it?   I remember a specific Sunday that was particularly dim. I was frustrated with my spirituality and couldn’t seem to connect with the teachings I had learned that...