Rejoice with Those Who Rejoice

Even in seasons of sorrow and grief, we can rejoice with those who rejoice. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I try to live by the principle to “mourn with those who mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” as taught...

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...
Singing Redeeming Love

Singing Redeeming Love

Music—especially singing—can heal our souls from the pain inflicted by life.  Alma 5:26 poses a poignant question: “If ye have experienced a change of heart, and if ye have felt to sing the song of redeeming love, I would ask, can ye feel so now?” Several months ago, my answer...
Patriarchal Blessings: Roadmaps for Our Lives

Patriarchal Blessings: Roadmaps for Our Lives

Patriarchal blessings are gifts from God that can help us reach our potential as his children. Living the principles found in the scriptures leads to eternal life, but the Lord offers each of us extra help in the form of a patriarchal blessing. Our patriarchal blessings are like personal maps...
The Secret Behind Cultivating Inclusivity at Church: Charity

The Secret Behind Cultivating Inclusivity at Church: Charity

Charity is cultivating inclusivity at church—it’s recognizing the signs of exclusion and learning to be inclusive toward excluded members. Moving to a new location usually means moving to a new ward. For shy people like me, the thought of starting over fills us with dread. Will I make friends? Will...
Our Intuition Is a Gift: Judge Righteously

Our Intuition Is a Gift: Judge Righteously

Spiritual promptings and our own intuition are gifts from God to keep us safe. Let us trust ourselves while still respecting others as children of God. Recently, I took my car to the dealership for a routine service appointment when an older man approached me and struck up conversation. As...
Wandering Sheep

Wandering Sheep

A general conference talk gave me hope for my wandering son’s future. My husband and I have six children. They all bring us joy, but parenting them has also provided us with trials and learning experiences.  In 2003, our fourth child was fourteen and was struggling with many issues. Although I never learned...
Testimony: Another Thing That Makes You, You

Testimony: Another Thing That Makes You, You

When we share our unique testimonies, we contribute meaningful insights to others’ lives. We are all unique people with individual life experiences. It makes sense that our testimonies are unique too. In a general conference address entitled “The Power of a Personal Testimony,” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf helps us recognize...