But How Can I Know He’s a Prophet?

In an era oversaturated with access to information and opinions, is it possible to know for certain whether a prophet is called of God? The first time I questioned my testimony about Joseph Smith was during a bike ride with a district leader on my mission. I still vividly remember… Continue reading

Turning Trials into Temples

Silhouette of man sitting on grass field

Revelation can come at any time in our lives—even the hardest times—if we stay close to Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father. I was preparing to go on my mission when the COVID-19 pandemic started. My life was turned upside down in a matter of days, and I was miserable… Continue reading

Our Heavenly Father’s Checklist

We may wonder whether Heavenly Father has a plan for the world. The Restoration shows us he’s had everything planned out from the start.  Many of us have learned about the Restoration of the Church, beginning with Joseph Smith’s First Vision of the Father and the Son. However, some of… Continue reading

Judging to Save, Not Destroy

As future leaders of the rising generation, we must learn how to judge in Christ’s way, which is “merciful, loving, and redemptive, not condemning.” When speaking to young adults, President Russell M. Nelson has said, “you are the future leaders of the Lord’s Church!” It is thus our sacred opportunity to… Continue reading

The Pearl of Great Price…and Mummies?

With the publication of the Joseph Smith Papers, we can better understand the history of the Book of Abraham and thereby gain greater faith in it. The Pearl of Great Price is perhaps the least-mentioned book in the Latter-day Saint canon. We know that some parts of the book are… Continue reading

What Did Joseph Smith Say about Your Divine Potential? 

Although Joseph Smith gave his King Follett discourse nearly 175 years ago, it can still teach us about our relationship with God. The Prophet Joseph Smith gave his King Follett discourse on April 7, 1844, in Nauvoo, Illinois. He was commemorating the passing of a faithful Church member named King Follett. The comprehensive doctrinal points Joseph discussed make this one of the… Continue reading

The First Vision Goes Global

Want the whole story? Differing accounts of Joseph Smith’s First Vision are now available in 10 languages. Contrary to popular belief, the First Vision account included in the scriptures is not the only version available. At least four accounts were written by Joseph Smith or recorded at his request. Five more… Continue reading

Hope: A Journey to Faith

Sometimes it can take seconds to gain faith in certain aspects of the gospel, but what if it takes twenty years? For twenty years, I didn’t have a testimony of Joseph Smith as a prophet. During these years, I served in numerous callings and even went on a mission. Despite… Continue reading

The Blessings of Conflict

young boy holds his fist up in a fighting stance

None of us are immune to conflict. When approached the right way, conflicts can present the opportunity for us to better ourselves and magnify our faith. Conflict is abundant in today’s world, and it’s all too easy to walk away from an argument sure that we’re right and that the… Continue reading

A Personal Witness

The Holy Ghost can testify of the truth of the restored gospel through music. In only two weeks I would leave on my mission to serve in the Dominican Republic. I was excited and nervous about my new journey, but mostly I wondered if my testimony was strong enough to… Continue reading