Developing Christlike Self-Discipline

an image of a woman standing in a field with her hands clasped

Rather than focusing on our mistakes and losing hope, we can discipline ourselves with kindness in a Christlike way. At the end of one long week, I sat quietly in a pew waiting to take the sacrament. The familiar words of the prayers went in one ear and out the… Continue reading

Children and Youth Program—Not Just for Kids

an image of a group of kids sitting on a rail by a river

Don’t let the name “Children and Youth” keep you from participating in this visionary, goal-setting program. A young mother asked if I was feeling overwhelmed with all the changes to the Church’s children and youth program. To be perfectly honest, I felt like I was off the hook because there… Continue reading

Women and Men Building the Kingdom of God—Together

an image of a group of people sitting in a room

Women and men both have key roles in building the kingdom of God. Equality is a basic doctrine of Christ that is essential to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. God created women and men equally—to live alongside each other and to help each other. All of Heavenly… Continue reading

Lyrics of Light

a woman holds onto white headphones on her head and listens to music outside

Whenever life feels dark, we can turn to sacred music to let in the light. From the time I was a little girl, I have loved singing. I would burst into song at completely random moments, filling my home with lyrics from movies, Church, or my imagination. Singing filled me… Continue reading

Learn to Love Like God

Hand reaching up into trees, sunlight peeking through the fingers.

In a world where loving ourselves and others feels like a fading dream, we can learn how to love through Heavenly Father’s example. Without a doubt, one of the most pervasive problems in today’s world is a lack of love. Individuals experience this lack of love as they struggle to… 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

Perfection and Spiritual Wholeness: How Can We Obtain It?

Girl on a swing looking over the water

Wholeness does not necessarily mean physical and emotional restoration in this life. Wholeness is born of faith in and conversion to Jesus Christ. Throughout my life, I have struggled with the idea of needing to be perfect. On my mission, I strove to follow every rule in the missionary handbook… 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

Facing the Future in Uncertain Times

Small plant coming up through rocks

When we face uncertain times, we can combine the Savior’s grace with hard work to propel ourselves forward toward a better future. The COVID-19 outbreak has made 2020 a tough economic year. No one has it easy. My roommate just finished his master’s degree in statistics. He had a full-time… Continue reading