I read yesterday of a family with four children who were removed from an airline flight because of their noise and restlessness. One son had autism and a daughter had cerebral palsy. It was the childrens’ first flight. On another flight, a family was removed because their 3-year-old was crying. What surprised me the most about these stories was the enthusiastic “Kick them off and good riddance” chorus in the follow-up commentary. Of course safety and respect for other passengers is warranted. But I think it shows a general intolerance our society has for anyone who annoys or irritates us. I believe we are teaching by example the exact opposite of what we want our children to learn and to become. This intolerance is in opposition to the doctrine of ... Read More

There are many people who don’t believe in God, but there are many others who believe in Him, but believe that once Jesus’ earthly ministry ended, God decided His work was done and lost interest in the people yet to come until after they died. Nephi, the second prophet of the Book of Mormon, talked about this to his people: 3 For it shall come to pass in that day that the churches which are built up, and not unto the Lord, when the one shall say unto the other: Behold, I, I am the ... Read More

In Isaiah 29 of the Bible, Isaiah discusses how the fullness of the gospel will disappear and the prophets will no longer guide us. For the Lord hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes: the prophets and your rulers, the seers hath he covered. (Isaiah 29:10) From this verse we understand that even in the days of the Old Testament, the prophets knew there would be an apostasy, a time when there would be no more prophets, no more direct guidance of the church from God, this due to the choices of the people. Because there would ... Read More

In Doctrine and Covenants 109:7 it reads: And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom, seek learning even by study and also by faith; (D&C 109:7) This is a reminder about the responsibilities of discipleship. When we recognize our place as a follower of Christ and commit ourselves to serving Him in every facet of our lives, we also covenant to do the things He did to the best of our personal ability. One of the thing... Read More

29 He commandeth that there shall be no priestcrafts; for, behold, priestcrafts are that men preach and set themselves up for a light unto the world, that they may get gain and praise of the world; but they seek not the welfare of Zion. 30 Behold, the Lord hath forbidden this thing; wherefore, the Lord God hath given a commandment that all men should have charity, which charity is love. And except they should have charity they were nothing. Wherefore, if they should have charity they would not suffer the laborer in Zion to perish. 31 But the laborer in Zion shall labor for Zion; for if they labor for money they shall perish. (2 Nephi 26) The people of the ... Read More

It is a well-known story among members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, nicknamed the Mormons. Ammon and his brothers were the sons of a Nephite King. The Nephites were God's people who lived in the Americas starting 600 years before Christ was born. The king, Mosiah, knew his time on earth was coming to an end, and asked his sons who should be king. All of these young men declined the offer, wishing instead to go and serve as missionaries to the Lamanites. The Lamanites were those who were either led to hate the Nephites because of the traditions of their fathers, or who had openly rebelled against God's Church. Mosiah feared for his sons' lives, and... Read More

I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about, well, time. Where my time is going, if I’m using it effectively, how I can gain better control over it. All those questions we’re prone to in this fast paced world we live in. In one of my pondering moments I ran across a scripture from the Doctrine Covenants. And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; (Doctrine and Covenants 88:95)... Read More

I have a friend who makes me smile every time I see her. She always gives me a big hug and sincerely asks how I am. Often, I forget to ask how she is because she makes me feel like I am the most important thing—me, and my life. And because she radiates love and joy, I often assume that all is well with her. The irony is, that is just not true. Her husband is embroiled in an ugly battle with his former employer and is currently out of work. She has a young son with disturbing mental issues. She fosters several teenage girls with varying troubles of their own. She is a woman, trying to make ends meet, trying to be a good mom, trying to be a good friend, just trying to get by. If she were any other woman, I’m sure she would be crying on my shoulder. If s... Read More

20 And the Gentiles are lifted up in the pride of their eyes, and have stumbled, because of the greatness of their stumbling block, that they have built up many churches; nevertheless, they put down the power and miracles of God, and preach up unto themselves their own wisdom and their own learning, that they may get gain and grind upon the face of the poor. 21 And there are many churches built up which cause envyings, and strifes, and malice. (2 Nephi 26) Jesus taught the gospel for only three years in his lifetime, a very sh... Read More

22 And there are also secret combinations, even as in times of old, according to the combinations of the devil, for he is the founder of all these things; yea, the founder of murder, and works of darkness; yea, and he leadeth them by the neck with a flaxen cord, until he bindeth them with his strong cords forever. (2 Nephi 26) The Book of Mormon talks often of secret combinations. Later in the Book, you’ll read about some of these groups and the dangers they posed to even the righteous of the people. These are not just a problem of... Read More

Nephi was the second prophet of the Book of Mormon. He foresaw in visions that the time would come when his people would disappear from the earth through their own wickedness. He also knew the record he started, which would come to be known as the Book of Mormon, would survive, hidden away until a future time. The words he and the prophets who came after him would be saved: 16 For those who shall be destroyed shall speak unto them out of the ground, and their speech shall be low out of the dust, and their voice shall be as one that hath a fami... Read More

23 For we labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do. (2 Nephi 25) This particular scripture, found in the Book of Mormon, has become a point of controversy among those who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Some religions teach that no acts of any kind are required to receive salvation. The Latter-day Saints also believ... Read More

26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. (2 Nephi 25) This is one of my favorite scriptures. It could be a one-sentence summary of the church’s purpose. Although it is often erroneously called the Mormon Church, the Church is rightfully named “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Notice that the Savior’s name is right in the center of the name of the church, signifying the place of the ... Read More

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called, Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (2 Nephi 19 and Isaiah 9) There have been many who didn’t recognize the Savior as the Savior or believe He did what He came to do because, although He was called the Prince of Peace, there has seldom been peace on earth, and certainly none today in his homeland. Those who ... Read More

When Mary learned she was to have a divine Son, she was instructed to name him Jesus. Long before Mary knew He was to be her child, however, the Savior had been given many names—Jehovah, the Lamb of God, the Savior, the Redeemer. In His lifetime, He taught that He was God’s son. The Old Testament and ... Read More

The Book of Mormon frequently quotes Isaiah, beloved by a number of Book of Mormon writers. In the following verse, found in 2 Nephi 16 of the Book of Mormon, and quoted from Isaiah 6, we find a clue as to how God wants us to study the gospel and to make spiritual decisions. 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying: Who... Read More

Anyone who has seen a temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (incorrectly known as the Mormon Church) has seen the impressive statue of a man with a trumpet that tops most temples. This man is actually an angel named Moroni. A close-up view of the statue makes it clear angels don’t have wings. So what are we to make of the seraphim described in the Bible, in Isaiah, chapter 6, and quoted in the ... Read More

I've had good occasion of late to spend a lot of time considering the value of being a powerful example of Jesus Christ in these last days. On some days it brings huge rewards, and others, not so much. It brings to mind the struggles and trials many prophets, through the ages, have undergone. It helps me to stop, breathe and reassess what I do. When all is said and done, I am still a daughter of God, standing for His Son, Jesus Christ and willing to proclaim Christ's Gospel to the world. Looking back on the words of Joseph Smith, Jr. as he proclaimed to the world: So it was with me. I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in... Read More

In the Book of Exodus, God gave Moses ten commandments, detailing the least that is required of us to be worthy of our place in Heaven. The seventh commandment might appear to us to be out dated—out of touch the reality of modern day life. The seventh commandment is the law of chastity. That commandments teaches that we must practice chastity before marriage and fidelity afterward. However, we have all heard renowned modern-day psychologists say that such old fashioned standards as chastity, virtue and marriage aren’t relevant today and that it’s impossible to live up to such standards Don’t believe it. The value of virtue and chastity are perhaps more relevant today than they have ever been. In his talk, “... Read More

The Fourth of July is one of our family’s favorite holidays. It includes a pancake breakfast in the mountains, a parade, a barbecue, homemade ice cream and a “Driveway of Fire” with the family. The celebration is inspiring and meaningful. It is spent with people we love. Across the country, it is what founding father John Adams expected it to be. “It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews, Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more.” (The Book of Abigail and John: Selected Letters of the Adams Family, 1762-1784, Harvard Univ... Read More

Does this sound familiar to you? “Moreover, the Lord saith: Because the daughters of Zion are haughty, and walk with stretched-forth necks and wanton eyes, walking and mincing as they go, and making a tinkling with their feet—“ This certainly seems to describe the women—and the men—of today, but it was actually first said by Isaiah in chapter 3, verse 16, and was quoted in the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 13:16. Billions of dollars are spent to make women fit the descript... Read More

What does membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes called the LDS Church) mean for the disciple of Christ? Is it possible to be a disciple without membership? The most basic answer to the second question is yes of course. Anyone who realizes how important Jesus Christ is to them can begin a new life as His disciple. Emulating Jesus Christ is the best goal for anyone in this world. In fact, it is the primary purpose of our time on earth. As we’ve discussed many times, discipleship is a gr... Read More

Years ago, as I was preparing to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints, I was told a story that had a powerful influence upon not only my mission, but also the rest of my life. A young man, whom I knew, was called to serve a mission in Italy. He was so excited to go and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ to his brothers and sisters in the great country of Italy. He knew that the message he was going to share was true. ... Read More

As I was sitting in the temple, the other night, I saw a copy of The Book of Mormon on the table next to me. I picked it up and randomly began to read. I had opened to the Book of Alma. Captain Moroni had just torn his coat and written upon it the famous Title of Liberty: "…In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children…" Alma 46:12 As I continued to read, the next few verses stood out to me in a powerful way. For after Moroni fashioned this Title of Liberty upon a pole he, ... Read More

A few days ago I was attending a luncheon with a handful of my blogging sisters. Near the end of the luncheon one of the women asked my mother and me how we felt about my little sister's marriage. Now this is not the first time we have been asked this question. This is probably due to how unique my sister, and her husband's story are. After sharing the details of how they came to be together, my mother and I assured our friends, that we are so happy and totally supportive of my sister's marriage. All you need is to see them together to know that the Lord brought this union about. That is what is so beautiful. Next thing I knew, every one of the women present shared their own sweet story of how they were united with their own true love. As I listened to the various storie... Read More

A lot of people are interested in either obtaining or creating a kit to “grab and go” in case they must be evacuate. A key point that I make is that “all kits are not created equal.” With headlines blaring about the natural disasters taking place world wide more and more newspapers and TV ads are touting their solutions for the best evacuation kits on the earth. For that reason I thought today’s blog should contain some words of caution to help you make your decisions – or even re-make - your evacuation kit decisions. Emergency preparations can easily be driven by rumor, fad or panic. Before you let yourself get all stirred up, use your head and think! For example, not too long ago I heard a very opinionated person ... Read More

How many of us have a clear purpose in life? How many of us can say we have a vision of who we are and what we were meant to be in this world? Some of us may have more knowledge than others. Within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a little more knowledge about such things than the general population. What is it we know? We know we are literal sons and daughters of a Heavenly Father that loves us and wants the best for us. We know that we lived with Him before we were born into this world. We know that we were sent here to learn, to grow, to ob... Read More

Families are intensely under attack in today’s society. As courts try to alter the definition of marriage, as schools refuse to teach students that children need both a mother and a father, and as media undermines the proper structure of the family unit, those who hope to keep the family intact fight a constant battle. The Book of Mormon says in 2 Nephi chapter 13: 12 And my people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O my people, they who lead thee cause thee to err and destroy the way of thy paths. In this... Read More

In 2 Nephi 12:8, we read: 8 Their land is also full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made. In this passage, Nephi, the second prophet of the Book of Mormon, is quoting from Isaiah 2. Isaiah is chastising those who worship false gods. Today, many people skim over these passages, thinking they don’t apply to them since they don’t worship statues. However, modern leaders of t... Read More

The temple in Salt Lake City, Utah has become a well-known symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, sometimes incorrectly known as the Mormon Church. This temple was prophesied by Isaiah in the scriptures. In 2 Nephi 12, Nephi, the second prophet of the Book of Mormon, quotes Isaiah (See Isaiah Chapter 2 for the King James translation of these verses.) 2 And it shall come to pass i... Read More

The Book of Mormon is given a subtitle that explains it is another testament of Christ. A careful reader of the Book of Mormon will be impressed by how many verses talk about the Savior. It’s been said that on average, He is mentioned once every 1.7 verses. The Savior is discussed long before He is born by Book of Mormon prophets and future prophets. Lehi, the first Book of Mormon p... Read More

Life is busy and complicated. Most of us have more to do each day than we can get done, and we also have a long list of fun things we want to do as well. Some people work diligently through their to-do lists; others dawdle and play. Both groups can seem or even be very busy, and yet not be doing what God has asked us to do. In addition, we may find that however busy we are, we can’t get it all done. Does God have an answer for that problem? He does. The ... Read More

After returning home from serving a full-time mission for the church, I spent two months with my family before leaving to jump right back into school. For eight months I totally immersed myself in the realms of academia. Then I felt prompted to come home. My family needed me, and I probably needed them as well. This is how I found myself back in the same stake singles ward I have been attending since I graduated High School at 17. Where there was a handful of familiar faces, most of my friends from years past had either; graduated from college and moved, or they had gotten married. For the first few months, I forced myself to be outgoing and try to make some ... Read More

In 2 Nephi 9:34 of the Book of Mormon, we learn that there are fierce penalties for lying. Honesty is essential in helping us to live a Christ-like life. When we’re honest, we keep our relationships in good order and have the peace of mind of knowing we have nothing to hide. Unfortunately, honesty is not much practiced in the world today. While many people want to be surrounded... Read More

Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting at church, the topic our assigned speakers spoke on was Love. More specifically they spoke on loving God, and loving our neighbors, which is the greatest of all the commandments! The last single adult to speak began his talk with the powerful New Testament scripture, "Then said Jesus, Father, Forgive them; for they know not what they do…" Luke 23:34 As I heard these words, my mind immediately conjured up the scene where those words were spoken. I saw the Savior of the world hanging in agony upon a Roman cross. He had recently suffered incompr... Read More

During my time serving as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I was sent to an area where many of the saints were struggling. This area hadn't had missionaries for almost a year before my companion (the missionary I was assigned to serve with)and I arrived. The stress was high. To make matters worse, we both had hard experiences with previous companions. One night we started discussing the problems we were facing in this new area. Before I knew what had happened, we were discussing our past area and companions. The longer we talked, the more unkind our words became. Luckily, we realized what w... Read More

The Book of Mormon speaks often of the importance of gaining a personal testimony of the gospel and of being open to receiving the truth. God wants us to know what’s true, but He can only tell us if we invite Him to do so. This is more than a mere token effort. We have to want to know the truth so badly we will do anything to obtain it, and will gladly act on that truth once we learn it. It can be an unnerving experience to put aside our own will and agree to bend to the will of ... Read More

But wo unto the rich, who are rich as to the things of the world. For because they are rich they despise the poor, and they persecute the meek, and their hearts are upon their treasures; wherefore, their treasure is their god. And behold, their treasure shall perish with them also. (2 Nephi 9:30) This scripture in the Book of Mormon might suggest the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes incorrectly called the Mormon Church) opp... Read More