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...

Even If…

Uncertainty is a reality of life that we all have to deal with. By acknowledging the imperfection of our own knowledge, we can still learn despite uncertainty. “Fear is asking, ‘What if…?’ Faith is saying, ‘Even if….’” My boss once shared this quote with me during a work training, and...
Shipwrecked in Antigua: How a Trial Became a Blessing

Shipwrecked in Antigua: How a Trial Became a Blessing

When my family and I embarked on a journey to visit the Caribbean islands, we thought it would be smooth sailing. Little did we know what awaited us. My family has adventurous tendencies that kept my childhood interesting. My parents had always wanted to live on a boat, and the...
Creating Peace on Earth

Creating Peace on Earth

As Christians, we can honor Christ by striving to develop peaceful characters—and through that, create more peace for the world. Christmas is my favorite time of year for a variety of reasons, but what I love most is how my priorities get realigned. There’s lots to do, of course—the holidays...
Why I’m Not Eloping (Anymore)

Why I’m Not Eloping (Anymore)

If my own family couldn’t be at my wedding, I didn’t want anyone else to be there either. With a new global standard, Church policy now allows couples to be sealed in the temple immediately after they’re married civilly. Up until a few weeks ago, I wanted to elope. Not...
Seeing, Stopping, and Surviving Suicide

Seeing, Stopping, and Surviving Suicide

You or someone you know may be thinking of suicide. Learn how to tell, how to help, and how to heal after a suicide attempt.  According to Dr. Kenichi Shimokawa of LDS Family Services, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among people between 15 and 29 years of age...
Turn to the Source of Truth

Turn to the Source of Truth

It is more important now than ever before to proclaim the truth of the Book of Mormon and “hearken unto these words and believe in Christ.”  We are currently living in the last days: political turmoil, widespread economic upheaval, and a world turning to sin more and more every day....
Life and Improv: Building On Uncertainty

Life and Improv: Building On Uncertainty

By saying “yes, and…” to life’s uncertainties, we can be more prepared to creatively take the next step with Christ’s help. As a college student approaching graduation, I am asked about my postgraduation plans almost every day. I don’t always know how to answer—the next chapter of my life is...