When her youngest daughter graduated from college, my mom rejoiced. She called all of her children and spouses to a family council in Utah where she could celebrate our accomplishments and share her thoughts. She set the date. The outlier children bought tickets to Utah. We set aside an afternoon to spend adult time together in family council. We’re usually a lively and loud bunch. But as mom stood so we could all see and hear her, with her emotions... Read more
While studying symbols of Jesus Christ’s atoning sacrifice, I curiously wondered about the prevalence of the term “Lamb of God” throughout the scriptures. So many prophets tied the symbol of paschal lambs to Jesus Christ’s atonement from birth to receiving His celestial kingdom. The verbal images are intense, the price infinite, and the glory complete. Praise be to the Lamb of God for His redemption of His Father’s flock! Old Testament and Pearl of Great Price References to Lamb of... Read more
In preparing for General Conference, I wrote four items on my note paper. I asked two questions—one specific to my calling and one specific to something I’ve been pondering. I also asked to see personal strengths/spiritual gifts and weaknesses. Identifying questions I seek answers to focuses my attention span. I listen more fervently to conference speaker’s words. The Holy Ghost helps me see application to talks in ways I probably wouldn’t have noticed without intentional listening. Questions Focus My Attention... Read more
Breanna Nowden is a vivacious, adventurous, talented woman I’m blessed to know. She recently shared some thoughts about combatting feelings of “not enough” in our lives which reminded me that everybody faces something and since we’re all on this journey together, we really can bless each other by sharing our unique talents. From Breanna Nowden For those of you that don’t know me, my name is Breanna Nowden and I have lived in Hawaii for about 9 months now. I... Read more
On Sunday, March 10, 2019, President Russell M. Nelson dedicated the Rome Italy Temple. Notably, all members of the First Presidency and Quorum of Twelve Apostles joined President Nelson in Rome. “It is significant that the full First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles will be together for the Rome Italy Temple dedication,” said Justin Bray, a historian for the Church History Department. “It is rare that they are all together outside of Church headquarters.” After the dedicatory services,... Read more
Baptism of Water Baptism is an ordinance performed by immersion in water by someone with priesthood authority which symbolizes purification, rebirth, and resurrection. It’s a physical ceremonial act of taking the Savior’s name by symbolically following his path of death, burial, and resurrection. The Lord designated eight as baptismal age. Baptism is a covenant to maintain a sinless, Christlike life by applying the Atonement of Jesus Christ to ourselves, our sins, our weaknesses. It’s also the gateway to admission into... Read more
Trials are inevitable obstacles on our mortal journey. My friend Becky Keogh, from Dundee, Scotland, shares her thoughts on how she’s come to view one major life trial as a blessing. Her words remind me to look at trials as an opportunity for growth, just like she did. Lessons Learned from a Pair of Crutches By Becky Keogh For three years now (except from a few months here and there) either one or both of these crutches and/or a moonboot... Read more
Joseph Smith told Brigham Young to “tell the brethren to keep their hearts open to conviction, so that when the Holy Ghost comes to them, their hearts will be ready to receive it.” So when we think that we know something, or are sure about something, we will still be open to the Holy Ghost and accept revelations, promptings, and chastisements. One reason I love the Book of Mormon is because it’s full of ordinary people having extraordinary experiences. Nearly... Read more
I’ve been studying this profound notion that the Savior commanded us to do the things He did. And I give unto you a commandment, that ye shall observe to do the things which ye have seen me do, and bear record of me even unto the end (JST Matthew 26:25). I feel amazed by what He did. And, wait, it’s a commandment? If the commandment is that we do what He did, I figured I should find a lot of... Read more
Today I took my cousins Valerie and Cannon to Makua Beach, one of my favorite spots on the island. It’s a beach on West Oahu where dolphins frolic in the bay during the morning light. It’s flanked by fabulous crater-shaped mountains away from civilization. It feels other-worldly. As I walk down the path to the water, peace just envelopes me there. Sometimes, like today, I can spot the dolphins from the road. “Look, dolphins!” I shouted and pointed to the... Read more
Select your answer to see how you score.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In