There Is Always an Olive Branch

Maybe the path to peace entails not only forgiveness but understanding. With billions of people in the world, it may seem impossible to understand and love everyone. Sister Kathleen H. Hughes discusses this difficulty—and how to overcome it—in her 2005 general conference address, “That We May All Sit Down in… Continue reading

More Than an Ugly Duckling

If we could see ourselves clearly, we would know that we are worth more than we ever thought possible. Too often we compare our hidden weaknesses to others’ displayed strengths. Our inadequacies glare beneath the spotlight of our own scrutiny, and we start doubting our worth. However, in the talk… Continue reading

Instruments of Righteousness: Accomplishing God’s Work

We can use our spiritual gifts to fulfill the divine work that God has prepared for us. The Lord has prepared important and specific tasks for us to accomplish. God’s work is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39), and our divine gifts play… Continue reading

He Is Mighty to Save

Understanding the Fall is essential to understanding how much the Savior loves us. When we find ourselves facing trials and challenges, it can be tempting to feel alone or forgotten. Sometimes, it seems that no one is watching out for us. Elder Jeffrey R. Holland focuses on this concern in his April 2015 general… Continue reading

Love Yourself: A Key to Patience

Perhaps the best way to learn patience with others is to first be patient with yourself. How many perfect days have you had? Days that were truly perfect: love and harmony abounded, the sun shone brightly, and you were the paragon of patience. Or do you more often find yourself… Continue reading

Becoming All In: Turning toward the Savior

When we fall short of divine expectations, we can turn toward the Savior to be lifted up in his perfect love. Often we find ourselves not quite meeting mortal and divine expectations. We can become burdened with sin, shortcomings, and imperfections. We feel alone and forgotten, too weak to climb… Continue reading

When the Waves Come Crashing

When life is really hard and we feel like we’re drowning, God will help us if we cry out to him. Waves were crashing around me—monstrous waves. I couldn’t breathe. I was drowning. Panicking. Flailing. I was on my bed, anguishing about the storms in my life, when Ether 2:24–25… Continue reading

7 Tips for Newlyweds After the Honeymoon Stage

Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is hard. However, through persistence, humility, and love, a couple can maintain their close relationship and overcome the trials that occur within marriage.   For most couples, the first few weeks of marriage are total bliss—love, laughter, and happiness abound. However, that… Continue reading

Lose Yourself to Find Yourself: Service Brings You to Christ

When devastating mudslides destroyed neighbors’ houses, members of the Church left everything behind to help with the cleanup. “Brothers and Sisters, we just found out that the recent rainfall has flooded several houses with mud up Angeles Crest. We ask anyone who is willing and able to go help with… Continue reading

Called to the Cavalry

You don’t need a name tag, satchel, and pair of walking shoes to effectively share the gospel. When my dad was in high school, he was less active in the Church. At the end of his senior year, a friend encouraged him to pray and ask if God exists. “If… Continue reading