Comprehending Death

Rose sitting on a headstone

When my friend Malori passed away, my beliefs about life after death were put to the test. Did I really believe in the spirit world? We all will eventually face the reality of losing a loved one. Until recently, though, I had never had to experience that pain. It was… Continue reading

Dealing with the Death of a Loved One

an image of a woman is looking out a window in the rain

I learned that losing a loved one, although incredibly painful, can be an opportunity for tremendous spiritual growth and joy as we come to truly understand our Father’s beautiful plan of happiness.   A few months ago, my roommate reached out to me in a time of need. Someone very… Continue reading

With Open Arms

Red hearts in a row with one green heart standing out

It’s easy to feel like you’re on the outside, but there is a place for everyone in Christ’s arms. I have never liked giving talks or saying prayers in front of a crowd. I felt like I couldn’t thank the Lord or express my thoughts as well as those around… Continue reading

“Jesus Wept”

Person on the end of a pier

Life can be unfair, painful, and uncertain. When we or our loved ones find ourselves in those times of grief or frustration, we can rely on the Savior and his perfect example of empathy. In his BYU devotional, “Hard Sayings and Safe Spaces: Making Room for Struggle as Well as… Continue reading

No Scars Remain

an image of a woman with glasses and a hoodie on

Christ wants to heal our spirits completely—all we have to do is repent.  When my six-year-old brother broke his arm, he immediately thought, I bet Dad can fix it! My dad is not a doctor, but in my brother’s mind, he can do anything. While my brother was a little… Continue reading

Hope You Know, I’m Having a Hard Time

an image of a woman covering her face with her hands

Remembering that the atonement covers all trials can help us feel God’s love during hard times. In his October 2008 General Conference talk, “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time,” Elder Quentin L. Cook shares the following story: After he and some of his children experienced a harrowing car… Continue reading

Help God Help You

an image of a person reaching up to the sun in the sky

In a time of great personal trial, I followed a prompting that allowed me to help God help me. When I was younger, I tried to find peace and happiness in every way but the right way; that is to say, God’s way. I ended up suffering from addiction, as… Continue reading

Break Free from Anxiety’s Isolation

an image of a man standing in a cave with a flashlight

When you are struggling with anxiety, it is easy to feel lonely. But you are not alone in this fight. It’s hard to fight a battle when it’s inside your head. The battle against anxiety is tough. Anxiety ruins many simple experiences in life, and the loneliness anxiety brings is… Continue reading

Why Does God Talk to Us?

girl on phone

Elder Oaks explains that whether it’s to comfort, uplift, restrain, or inform, God communicates with his children through revelation. You’ve decided to take a job offer, but before your first day you suddenly feel terrible about your decision. Why do you feel this way? God might not text or call… Continue reading

A House Built for Everyone: How the Temple Is for You

an image of a large white church with a lot of flowers in front of it

No matter what your life experiences are, the temple can be a source of joy and guidance for you. Continue reading