Not So Bad

When life doesn’t make it easy to sing “all is well,” try “not so bad.” Science and religion agree about the benefits of gratitude. Research and scripture alike show that grateful people are happy people. But what about when I fail a test, have a bad day at work, or… Continue reading

Giving the Gift of Receiving

As we give gifts to bring happiness to the people around us, we must also receive gifts cheerfully and thankfully, especially the ones from God.  About 1,990 years ago, Jesus Christ suffered in Gethsemane and died on a cross. His life on Earth was spent giving gifts of joy and… Continue reading

Should We Think About Gratitude in a Different Way?

Two people praying together.

Perhaps focusing on what we are grateful for is the wrong approach. Have you ever tried counting your blessings? Counting your blessings can be uplifting, but what if you lose some blessings on your list? Perhaps you lose a prized possession or a loved one.  Life changes quickly, and we… Continue reading

Ways to Prevent a Casual Testimony

Helping to build a home

With the difficulties of COVID-19, it’s important to find ways to keep your testimony strong. Let’s look at some ways to strengthen it! Many people in the world were hit hard by the effects of COVID-19, both physically and spiritually. With social distancing and other restrictions, temples have been closed… Continue reading

The “Be” I Will Always Remember

Photo of orange maple leaves.

President Hinckley taught us many things to be, but out of them all, the one I have learned the most from is “be grateful.”  President Gordon B. Hinckley addressed young adults in a general conference talk “A Prophet’s Counsel and Prayer For Youth.” In this talk, he introduces six “B’s” to… Continue reading

Gratitude is Key: How to Be Happy in Hard Times

Woman Using Umbrella With Lights

We may struggle to be grateful in difficult times, but gratitude has an important role in our happiness.  We may find ourselves focusing on the negative effects that COVID-19 has had on our lives, and with good reason. But we should also remember the good things that have come from… Continue reading

Looking for a Miracle?

Miracles have not ceased in our day; they are all around us—we just have to open our spiritual eyes to notice them. When I was 16, I was an exchange student in France. The home I was staying in became dangerous, and I had to leave. I was alone in… Continue reading

Created to be Creative

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

Outside In: The Secret to True Happiness

Happiness is found by turning outward rather than focusing on ourselves. Everyone searches for happiness, but many people aren’t sure how to achieve it. In the talk “Choose Happiness,” Elder Larry R. Lawrence assures us that the Lord wants us to be happy: “Latter-day prophets have taught us that happiness… Continue reading

Learning to Love Whatever Comes

At a time when my life was filled to the brim with challenges, I learned a life-changing lesson about the value of cherishing each day. Since returning home from a Church mission and marrying my sweetheart, my life has been filled with wonders—and inevitable trials. Learning to love whatever comes my… Continue reading