Personal

I struggle with sharing my struggles. There are a lot of reasons why and they will likely sound familiar. There never seems to be a good time. It is hard to find the words to say. You don’t know how others will react. Vulnerability is scary. Why is it so hard? I think it has something to do with the …

Commentary from Mormon Newsroom Our Heavenly Father created the earth as a home for His children to learn and progress—He provided crisp air, rolling waters, and fertile fields; He wrought panoramas of breathtaking peaks and verdant valleys; He painted striking scenes that evoke awe and humility. His creation, however, is more than a pristine picture; it’s an abundant world full …

Closed doors are painful. We may want to burst it open and journey towards something better. We may want to be let into a place we feel locked out of. We may even feel we’re at heaven’s door and God isn’t answering. These times can be harrowing and, if we are not careful, can lead to spiritual exhaustion and paralysis. …

In the most recent General Conference, major changes were made to how members of the church serve one another. The new initiative is called ministering and is “a newer, holier approach to caring and ministering to others.” I was excited and inspired. Then, in all honesty, I was skeptical. Really, skeptical. On the whole, my home teachers and visiting teachers …

On a lonely night, I curled up in bed and thought of all the ways I was too damaged to be loved. Maybe you’ve been there too. I had a list in my mind of all the things I had been through and how they had negatively impacted me. I thought of how badly I wanted to find my help-meet …

There is one conversation I have had over and over again. I’ve had it at the end of a long temple shift with a fellow ordinance worker. I’ve had it over a huge plate of carne asada nachos with my best friend. I’ve had it with God in my closet, collapsed on a pile of dirty clothes. Two things are …

Are you scared to serve? Sometimes, helping those around us can be intimidating or nerve-racking. We don’t want to be a bother. We don’t want to embarrass someone. We don’t know what to do. Have you even had the experience where you had the thought to do something good, but then decided against it? We start thinking of all the …

In Sunday School recently, we discussed the story of Cain and Abel. As we reached the tragic conclusion that left one brother dead and another forever cursed, a classmate said something I’ll never forget. “God cared more about the agency of Cain than the life of Abel.” It was a strong statement and one I’ve thought a lot about. I …

On June 13, 2016, one day after the horrific shooting in an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead and another 58 wounded, I was overwhelmed. Overwhelmed with grief. Helplessness. Exhaustion. I expected all of these. Sadly, I also expected to be overwhelmed by something insidious that should never be so tied to tragedy: contention. It’s commonplace these days when …

Positive affirmations are a popular way to cultivate happiness and peace in life. A positive affirmation is a phrase designed to encourage and inspire you. They are based in truth and short enough to repeat when you need them. Positive affirmations are especially useful when you feel overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged. One of the common reasons members of the Church …