Talking about Same-Sex Attraction

yellow leaf in a pile of purple leaves

Conversations about same-sex attraction require love and understanding. In a world where more and more people believe that right and wrong are relative, the teachings of the Mormon church about same-sex attraction stand out. Mormons believe that only marriage between a man and a woman is of God. But does that mean they reject… Continue reading

Finding Power through Forgiveness after Abuse

an image of a woman standing on a hill with her arms outstretched

Those struggling to forgive after abuse can find healing through the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I was convinced that I would not find peace until he was in prison. I needed justice. But I was an eighteen-year-old with few resources and he was a much older man with criminal lawyers… Continue reading

Wandering Sheep

child in a field of red flowers

A general conference talk gave me hope for my wandering son’s future. My husband and I have six children. They all bring us joy, but parenting them has also provided us with trials and learning experiences.  In 2003, our fourth child was fourteen and was struggling with many issues. Although I never learned… Continue reading

Divine Discontent: An Invitation to Improve

an image of a man standing on a ladder holding a kite

Recognizing and welcoming divine discontent will help us gain an eternal and hopeful perspective on our path of progression. Feelings of discontent usually aren’t something we welcome. However, in a general conference address, Sister Michelle D. Craig explains how discontent doesn’t have to be destructive if we use three principles of… Continue reading

3 Ways to Everyday Happiness

an image of a man jumping in the air with a skateboard

When life doesn’t go down the planned path, don’t worry—there is an easy formula to make every step you take a happy one. School, work, family, friends—all day every day, something needs our attention. In his talk, “A Summer with Great Aunt Rose,” President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gives us a… 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

Hope Is a Call to Action

Graffiti on an electrical box that says "Be the Change" with a heart.

God doesn’t expect us to sit and hope for heaven—he expects us to hope as we work to make heaven here on Earth. Take one look at the state of the world, and it makes sense why so many in our generation deal with anxiety, depression, and despair: think chaotic… Continue reading

Five Ways to Practice Gratitude at Thanksgiving and Beyond

A surface is shown from above with fall leaf decorations, a mason jar, and the words “give thanks.”

Gratitude is the parent of all virtues. Here are five specific, actionable ways to practice gratitude and increase thankfulness all year long. It’s easy to look backward and feel gratitude—after all, hindsight gives way to insight. When I was a sophomore in college, I experienced consistent failures in my academic… Continue reading

Finding Hope in Jesus Christ

Young man smiling in a field.

No matter how dark or difficult life becomes, there is always hope through our Savior, Jesus Christ. Have you ever felt like life has gone so wrong it could never be set right? Has something ever felt so hard or so painful that you weren’t sure you would survive? In… Continue reading