More than a Holiday Special

Celebrating the Easter story is not meant to be reserved for the holidays; Christ lives—today! During the Easter season, Church leaders have reminded us of the significance of the Easter story. But the truth of the Atonement, death, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ is not simply a holiday message. In...

A Mighty Heart Workout

How to become like Jesus: a transformation made possible through his grace. Love one another as Jesus loves you. Try to show kindness in all that you do. Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought, For these are the things Jesus taught. (“I’m Trying to Be like Jesus,”...

Faith: A Power Rooted in Eternal Principles

We often wait for the fog to lift before taking another step. Learning instead to walk through it is real faith. The modern world is a chaotic echo chamber, reinforcing our own thoughts about who to be and how to plan our lives. We may try to rely on our...

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...
Joseph Smith: Life of the Party

Joseph Smith: Life of the Party

Joseph Smith knew when to be serious and when to have fun. We too must find the balance. “Therefore, cease from all your light speeches, from all laughter, from all your lustful desires, from all your pride and light-mindedness, and from all your wicked doings” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:121). This...
Prayer of an Atheist: Out Loud and in His Name

Prayer of an Atheist: Out Loud and in His Name

As an atheist, I knew nothing about prayer. But when I learned about Joseph Smith and the First Vision, I learned how to get answers from God. I asked God every night for eight years if he was real, and I never got an answer. Growing up as an atheist,...
The Pornography Problem: Unavoidable, but Not Unconquerable

The Pornography Problem: Unavoidable, but Not Unconquerable

For those who have been wounded in the trap of pornography, there is hope for healing, no matter how serious the injury.  The word “pornography” is often associated with addiction. Pornography addiction is a serious and real problem. However, “addiction” doesn’t necessarily describe every user, and the term shouldn’t be...
Befriending Our Missionaries

Befriending Our Missionaries

Missionaries are more than just the name tags they wear; they are individuals who need support just like us. When I returned home for the holidays last year, my family invited four missionaries over on Christmas Day: three that currently served in the ward, and one that had served in...
Seek Learning by Faith

Seek Learning by Faith

“Are you and I agents who act and seek learning by faith, or are we waiting to be taught and acted upon?” Elder David A. Bednar shared insights rich with imagery about the power of faith in an address reported in the Religious Educator. Elder Bednar outlined three basic elements of faith:...
10 Characteristics of an Educated Person

10 Characteristics of an Educated Person

Education can help you learn about your eternal nature, discover truth and self-discipline, and become who God wants you to be. Personal questions can help us evaluate our educational progress: “Where am I now? What do I need to do better? What do I need to learn in order to...