Personal

Pain is a natural part of our mortal probation. In an oft-quoted piece of writing from Elder Orson F. Whitney, we learn “No pain that we suffer, no trial that we experience is wasted. It ministers to our education, to the development of such qualities as patience, faith, fortitude, and humility. … It is through sorrow and suffering, toil and …

I feel like charity can be over-complicated. It can be thought that if we need faith, there must be hope, and both require charity; or that hope without faith is nothing. Either way, faith, hope, and charity always seem to go hand in hand, as if one is not complete without the other. Moroni 10:21 says, “And except ye have charity ye can …

All four New Testament Gospels tell the account of Christ feeding his five thousand followers with only five loaves of bread and two fishes. Examined more closely, we can learn a lot about the Atonement and how truly wonderful it is from this experience. After the beheading of John the Baptist, Christ boarded a ship with his apostles to seek …

In times of great sorrow or pain, we often find consolation in the knowledge that Jesus Christ knows exactly what we’re going through. Not only does the Atonement provide him with a complete knowledge and understanding of our suffering, but he himself faced loss, betrayal, and temptation. The Temptation of Christ One particular experience from the Savior’s life directly pits …

Mother’s Day is a wonderful time to honor the women who have made a lasting impact on our lives. However, for many, the holiday can serve as a reminder of unfulfilled dreams and painful longing. Whether you’re single and wondering if the possibility of a family will ever be available to you or if you’ve tried desperately for years to …

After President Monson announced the missionary age changes in October 2012, suddenly the lives of everyone around me began to change as well. It seemed that all of my friends and even the strangers around me were filling out mission papers, opening mission calls, and flying out to the MTC. I, however, was not. I was surprised and excited when the age …

It is a story referenced in both the Bible and the Book of Mormon. It is a story that can sound pretty scary, especially when “fiery flying serpents” are mentioned. It is a story that can also leave us dumbfounded. “How could they not look?” we exclaim. “It is such an easy thing to do!” The Israelites, as they were …

The grandeur of God is there, if you just look. At least, that is how it has been for me. I have never struggled to see the beauty of the earth as God’s creation and doing. The twinkle of the stars and the whistle of the wind testify to me that there is a creator. I can see God through …

When you think of the characteristics that describe our Heavenly Father, what comes to mind? Probably loving. Gentle. An omnipotent, all-knowing celestial being. What about how he looks? We know that our Heavenly Father has a body of flesh and bones, so maybe you imagine him with straight teeth, long hair and a beard – all a heavenly white color. …

James and Jennifer Grover, the subjects of a viral internet video, had never really considered adoption. The couple met as resident assistants at Brigham Young University in August 1993. By April they were married and would eventually have three biological children, Emily, Brianna, and Joshua. In 2001, the Lord intervened and everything changed. Their stake issued a challenge to attend …