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
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
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
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
“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
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...

