Learning Through Grief and Finding Happiness

A melancholic woman sitting in a windowsill, looking sad and worried.

In a world full of unexpected grief and trials, finding happiness comes not from avoiding sorrow, but from turning to Christ in the midst of it. I often ask myself how to hold on to joy when tragedy strikes. In moments of helplessness, optimism feels out of reach. I felt… Continue reading

The Spiritual Power of Pausing

Man in a red jacket standing in the outline of a circular rock formation overlooking three mountain peaks.

When restlessness and anxiety rise within us, we can take a deep breath and remember the words “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). If I had been asked what I missed most while on my mission, my answer might have been surprising: Google. I’m naturally curious,… Continue reading

The God We See in Jesus

Jesus and Heavenly Father sitting in the clouds

How can observing the life of Jesus Christ help us understand and love God? How do you get to know someone? Likely, you do so by observing their words and actions. When it comes to getting to know God, a general conference talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Grandeur… Continue reading

Jesus Christ—The Greatest Gift of All

Christ hugs a woman who is distressed. His hand holding her head.

Jesus Christ’s ministry shows us his love. That love and his Atonement are the greatest gifts ever given. The last two lines in the song “Gethsemane” read, “Jesus loves me, / So He gives His gift to me from Gethsemane.” This simple song tells us why Jesus performed his Atonement:… Continue reading

How to Find Joy in Jesus Christ

Sun shining on girl in a field

Joy can be hard to find in a world that feels so dark. Elder Patrick Kearon says that “joy in Jesus Christ…changed [his] world,” and invites us to focus on that same joy. A few months ago, I was reading Mosiah 5 in the Book of Mormon. In it, King… Continue reading

Loved Without Limits

Person making the shape of a heart with their hands and the shadow of the hand shape

Feeling the Savior’s love can be difficult, but he shows us just how far his love extends.  Since an early age, I have always had the fundamental knowledge that Jesus loved me. However, as I have grown and matured, I have found that simple belief to be difficult to hold… Continue reading

Building Belonging Through Friendships

A sign on a building that says "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Visitors Welcome"

In order to welcome others into our communities, we must actively build “higher and holier relationships.” Attending a new ward for the first time can be nerve-wracking for anyone. This can be even more true for people who look and act differently due to disability, gender presentation, or fashion and… Continue reading

Christ, the Universal Savior: Lessons from Third Nephi

Christ visiting the Nephites in Third Nephi

Jesus Christ’s presence as an active character in Third Nephi proves the Book of Mormon’s purpose of inviting all to come unto Christ.   When I was a missionary, my companion and I met every week with a recently baptized young adult. Our friend struggled with reading, so we would study… Continue reading

Navigating Grief and Death: Finding Hope Through Jesus Christ

A graveyard on a hill

It’s never easy to lose a loved one, but with a sure understanding of Christ’s Atonement, we can find peace and hope while in the midst of grief and death.  Imagine being one of Jesus’s disciples standing on the hill of Calvary witnessing his Crucifixion. Their friend, teacher, exemplar, and… Continue reading

How Can I “Think Celestial”?

The Christus statue from the Salt Lake Temple visitor's center

In the face of adversity, it can be difficult to believe that God loves and wants the best for us. We can manage this doubt by thinking celestial. I had a rough year in 2019 (little did I know what 2020 had coming for us all!): my family moved from… Continue reading