The Final Words of a Prophet

President Nelson of the LDS church shakes the hand of a child

What can we learn from President Nelson’s last general conference address and from the legacy he left with us?  President Russell M. Nelson left an impressive legacy, from his amazing career as a heart surgeon to his incredible role as prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.… Continue reading

The Active Aspects of Peacemaking

Two hands, one passing a cut out paper heart to the other that is open to receive it.

As I’ve implemented President Nelson’s invitation to be a peacemaker, I’ve found that it’s not about avoiding conflict or staying quiet—it’s about actively spreading love, joy, and understanding, even in the middle of chaos.  Being a peacemaker is energetic, intentional, and often messy—it’s choosing kindness, patience, and encouragement every single… Continue reading

Avoiding Conflict or Creating Peace?

Multiracial group of people eating pizza, chatting, and having fun together.

Is avoiding conflict enough, or does true peacemaking require action? When I first heard President Russell M. Nelson’s general conference address “Peacemakers Needed,” I felt called to be a peacemaker in my relationships. I’ve learned as a middle child to see both sides when there are disagreements in my family.… Continue reading

How Can I “Think Celestial”?

The Christus statue from the Salt Lake Temple visitor's center

In the face of adversity, it can be difficult to believe that God loves and wants the best for us. We can manage this doubt by thinking celestial. I had a rough year in 2019 (little did I know what 2020 had coming for us all!): my family moved from… Continue reading

Personalizing a Prophet

an image of a group of three men in suits standing next to each other

Attending President Monson’s funeral and the announcement of the new First Presidency changed the way I saw President Nelson. I remember as a young girl when President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away and President Thomas S. Monson became the prophet. I wondered how anyone could ever replace my beloved prophet.… Continue reading

Sunday Blues and Sabbath Delights

an image of a mountain with a sun shining over it

I dreaded Sundays. I wanted to enjoy them, but I didn’t until I learned to focus on my relationship with God. In his talk “The Sabbath Is a Delight,” President Russell M. Nelson uses the word delight sixteen times. To me, delight meant eating ice cream or watching a romantic comedy; it did not… 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

Reflecting on the Pandemic

an image of a person standing on a lake at sunset

The past few years have been hard and unpredictable—but what can we learn from them? As mask mandates begin to lift and life begins to return to something approaching normal, I can understand the desire to stop thinking about the pandemic. Life seems to have been paused for two years.… Continue reading

Creating Faithful Families in a Fear-Filled World

The sky and light visible through tree branches.

The world seems to be spiraling ever downward, but we can have faith that the Lord understands our circumstances and that our families will be protected from the evil around us. Have you ever wondered how your personal family situation fits into God’s plan? It might sometimes feel like Church… Continue reading

Abortion: Clarity from a Prophet

an image of a woman is playing with a baby in the grass

Quiet the voices of the world and refocus on the sanctity of life by remembering President Russell M. Nelson’s counsel. Today, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are truly peculiar in the eyes of the world. The commandments of God differ from many popular opinions, and… Continue reading