The Blessings from Connecting with Our Ancestors

hands opening a black and white family picture book

Connecting with and learning from our ancestors is a simple way for us to receive a multitude of blessings, including increased faith and strength. Family history work—the act of learning and discovering more about our ancestors—is a way that we can connect with our family. The simple effort of researching… Continue reading

Why Does It Matter That No One Sits Alone?

an image of a woman holding a silver ball with red nails

We are often encouraged to reach out to those who are alone and forgotten, but what is the true motivation behind that? When I taught a church lesson on Elder Gerrit W. Gong’s talk “No One Sits Alone,” I was struck by something that had never previously occurred to me.… Continue reading

Christ as the Good Shepherd

The shepherd returns to his flock with his lost sheep.

Understanding the roles of Christ as the Good Shepherd and Lamb of God helps us more fully trust his guidance and care. My favorite of Christ’s names is the Good Shepherd. There is something about that title that has always felt especially personal and reassuring to me. In his address… 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

Witnessing the Power of Community Care

an image of a group of people in colorful clothing hugging each other

The Lord has blessed us with friends and neighbors to strengthen us when the floods of life—literal or metaphorical—threaten to overwhelm us. I’d never truly understood the destructive power of water until I witnessed it submerge my hometown under seven feet of water. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey overtook many homes… Continue reading

General Conference Roundup: April 2019

an image of a woman smiling while standing on a balcony

“May [Heavenly Father] bless us to strive with patience and persistence toward the ideals we have heard proclaimed this conference weekend.” —Elder Jeffrey R. Holland The 189th Annual General Conference has come to an end. But that doesn’t mean the learning and loving that happens during this sacred weekend has… Continue reading

No Borders in Christ’s Kingdom

Women in black Hijab headscarf walking on field.

Although it may often seem that the world is divided by borders, religion, or politics, we are all one when we live in Jesus Christ’s kingdom. The year 2020 was defined by unrest in the United States. With a dangerous virus, a contentious election, and protests and riots taking place,… Continue reading

How to Build Creativity through Faith

Two kids doing arts and crafts.

As we continue to strengthen our faith in Christ, we can find joy in creativity and receive creative gospel joy and blessings, despite the challenges we face. When we were kids, we showed excitement and took pride in displaying our creative abilities, whether through drawing, making a silly home video,… Continue reading

Creating a Community of Covenant-Keeping People

Temple building

By keeping our covenants with God, we open the doors to a shared community of belonging with God and with each other. In an increasingly individualized society, it may be difficult to see how any of us can truly connect with and understand one another. However, we can create a… Continue reading