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...
Forgiving the Wayward: Finding Peace

Forgiving the Wayward: Finding Peace

When you forgive someone who wronged you, you aren’t just helping them—you’re also healing yourself.  We have all had moments when we have felt wronged and the person who wronged us hasn’t appeared apologetic in the slightest. Whether it was a small incident, like someone cutting you off while you...
How to Choose Faith Over Fear

How to Choose Faith Over Fear

Sometimes, when we become overwhelmed, we allow fear to control us. Instead, we should choose to have faith in Jesus Christ so he can dispel our fears. Has the prospect of needing to change ever paralyzed you and kept you from moving forward? If so, you’re not alone. In Gregory...
Help and Healing: The Addiction Recovery Program

Help and Healing: The Addiction Recovery Program

Are you struggling with an addiction? Is someone you love? The Church offers free audio recordings of Addiction Recovery meetings to help you find hope and healing. Addiction takes many forms. You can become addicted to alcohol, cigarettes, drugs, gambling, sex, Internet surfing, shopping, video gaming, work, plastic surgery, food...
Don’t Just Avoid Bad Media—Consume Good Media

Don’t Just Avoid Bad Media—Consume Good Media

We are surrounded by many types of media. Its consumption always has a consequence, whether good, bad, or somewhere in between. What media are you going to choose to consume? In this day and age, we tend to use media every single day, whether it be for education, work, or...
Seeing Samson as a Messianic Prototype

Seeing Samson as a Messianic Prototype

Archaeological digs have uncovered mosaics and prayers suggesting Samson as an important messianic prototype in ancient Galilee. Samson of the Old Testament is revered for his strength and wit in his endeavors to deliver Israel from the Philistines. But his affair with Delilah made the biblical judge a controversial character,...
Accepting the Lord’s Timing and Standing Firm

Accepting the Lord’s Timing and Standing Firm

As we accept the Lord’s will and timing with faith, we can drink from the “bitter cup” of soul-stretching trials and not shrink. In the August 2016 Ensign article entitled “Accepting the Lord’s Will and Timing,” Elder David A. Bednar shares the story of John and Heather, a newlywed couple facing John’s frightening prognosis...