In order to more fully experience joy in this world, we must choose to live the gospel and follow Christ. In today’s world, it’s easy to prioritize choices that will help us either fit in or avoid notice, but that’s not what living the gospel is really about. As Elder… Continue reading
When we identify first and foremost as children of God, we are able to see ourselves as God does—individuals with eternal divine worth. When I was five years old, I believed with the utmost confidence—as only a child can—that I was Heavenly Father’s favorite child. As I grew older, however,… Continue reading
We all face choices. What can we do when what seemed like a good plan starts to fall apart? When I got home from my mission, I had it all planned out. I wanted to leave for college early to see my friends, find a place to live, and settle… Continue reading
If we knew the consequences of our actions, how would our choices change? In the article “Weightier Matters,” Elder Dallin H. Oaks discusses the ability to choose and the argument people use to justify actions that are contrary to God’s commandments: “But I have free agency!” The phrase free agency… Continue reading
We all have dreams, aspirations, and goals, but when we trust the Lord to direct our lives, he will bless us beyond our expectations. Lawrence P. Vincent is a professional opera singer, but he says, “in my wildest dreams…I never envisioned myself [here]. Never!” In a BYU devotional, “Ordinary Lives,… Continue reading
As spirit children of a creative God, we all have the ability to be innovative and artistic in our fields when we depend on the Holy Ghost. In his talk “Gospel Vision of the Arts,” President Spencer W. Kimball wrote, “I have had a vision of members of the Church… Continue reading
Quiet the voices of the world and refocus on the sanctity of life by remembering President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel. Today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are truly peculiar in the eyes of the world. The commandments of God differ from many popular opinions, and… Continue reading
We often think of a testimony as a burning flame we have to feel in our hearts. In reality, the base of our testimony is simply choosing to believe. Faith is frequently described as a feeling that suddenly overcomes someone after a spiritual experience. While spiritual experiences can greatly strengthen… Continue reading
God didn’t give me any guidance in the hardest decision I have ever made. But he gave me something better. Continue reading
Given our drastically different life experiences, unless we exercise charity, it is all too easy to write off others’ soul-trying experiences as instances in which they simply made choices. I have three really good friends who have come out as gay, and I highly admire each of them, the first for his ability… Continue reading
