The Process of Becoming

A group of missionaries in Scotland sit in a meeting together.

Many people talk about missionary work, but what about the time leading up to a decision to serve?  Preparing for a mission can be daunting. There can be so many voices trying to influence your decision. So what can you do when the choice feels out of your reach? In… Continue reading

Becoming Whole

Notes that are ripped and broken of different things people struggle with such as anxiety or depression and a note saying "give it to God" that is not ripped.

We can become whole and find healing through Jesus Christ, despite the brokenness of this world. In my last two months serving as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, my body started to seriously falter. I could barely walk and I struggled to get up… Continue reading

What Is God Like?

A person reaches out towards a sunrise over the ocean.

Sometimes God feels distant and unknowable, but he doesn’t have to be! Restored scripture and prayer can show us what he’s like. Humanity has wondered about the nature of God for thousands of years. The stories in the scriptures sometimes endear him to us, but other times seem to paint… Continue reading

Peace Is an Action, Not a State

Man standing on hill looking at mountains in the distance

Peacemaking requires courage, restraint, and faith as we respond to conflict in a way that reflects the Savior’s example. Recently, while reading comments on a news article, I watched an argument spiral. One person tried to calm everyone down, but they were quickly dismissed. “Now is the time for action,”… Continue reading

Obtaining Lasting Happiness

A woman sitting in a field with a basket looking toward the sky.

Prayerfully communicating with the Lord on how we can be more careful in our gospel worship leads to lasting happiness. As I finish my senior year in college, life feels overwhelmingly busy. A few months ago, I was juggling jobs, classes, assignments, applications, and everything in between, and prioritizing gospel… Continue reading

The Joy of Forgiveness Is a Miracle Waiting for You

Exterior image of the Orem Utah Temple. The image is in black and white.

How can we get over the shame of talking to our bishop? Trusting in God’s desire for us to return, despite imperfection, can lead us to healing, worthiness, and deeper discipleship. Recently, I’ve felt God’s presence strongly in my life. I work hard throughout the day, and at night as… Continue reading

Following Him at Home

an image of a woman reading a book to a child

 As we study Come, Follow Me with our families, the influence of the adversary will get weaker as we strengthen our testimonies together. As a part of the new emphasis on a “home-centered Church,” President Russell M. Nelson announced in October 2018 that Sunday services would be shortened by an… Continue reading

Your Testimony Is a Weapon, a Defense, and a Refuge

Child and mother connecting and sharing a conversation by touching hands.

We can share the gospel with greater confidence when we recognize the power of our testimonies. Your testimony is a weapon, a defense, and a refuge. And it’s powerful. When I was a missionary in southern Argentina, my mission president taught an important truth from a scripture I now hold… Continue reading

Choosing to Be Chosen

Two sign posts going in opposite directions

Being an “agent unto yourself” balances doing things of your own will and seeking God’s will. When we think about agency, we imagine the divine gift of the right to choose for ourselves. We often hear of agency in connection with being an agent, someone who actively makes decisions and… Continue reading

Spiritually Creating Your Day

Flying through a storm into the sunset

God created all things spiritually before he created them temporally. Similarly, we can “spiritually create” our day through meaningful prayer. I always seem to have a billion things to do, which makes it hard for me to keep track of everything and even harder to remember to involve God in… Continue reading