Why Religion Matters
The indisputable power of religion binds us with “loving ties” to each other and to God. What can religion actually do for us? In a world of changing values and widely varying opinions, many of us are starting to ask this question. Others of us may feel that religious freedom is...
Do You Have Faith in God’s Plan Even if It’s Not Yours?
We often strive to have faith for things we wish to happen, but do we also have faith that things happen for a reason even when they might not be what we want? Faith is a foundational principle of the gospel of Jesus Christ; it’s something we’ve been taught since...
Becoming a Missionary Without a Name Tag
You do not have to be a full-time missionary to share your testimony and bring others to Christ.
Mormonism’s Lost American Gothic: Rediscovering Joseph Paul Vorst
An unsung immigrant painter’s work resonates with Latter-day Saints. Individual suffering and heartache are not common themes in LDS artwork. Many of us prefer “uplifting” and familiar scenes—pioneers fearlessly crossing the plains, Helaman leading his stripling warriors, Christ descending from the heavens. Although most of the paintings by Joseph Paul...
The Purpose of Relief Society: Moving His Work Forward
The Relief Society, the world’s longest-running organization for women, has recently made changes to its purpose statement. One hundred seventy-five years ago, on March 17, 1842, Joseph Smith formally organized early Latter-day Saint women into an organization called Relief Society. Today, this organization is still blessing the lives of millions of people...
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...

