Returning for the Brass Plates: Learning From Nephi’s Experience

Recently, I was reading in the Book of Mormon where Nephi and his brothers return for the brass plates. For anyone unfamiliar with this story, Nephi and his immediate family recently fled from Jerusalem. Then Nephi’s father, Lehi, sends Nephi and his brothers (Laman, Lemuel, and Sam) back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates.…… Continue reading Returning for the Brass Plates: Learning From Nephi’s Experience

A Focus on the Essentials at the Temple

Over the last few weeks, I’ve been trying to concentrate better as I attend the temple. During my last two visits to the temple as a patron, it has hit me how important it is to focus on the essentials or the basics of the temple covenant. What Do I Mean by the Essentials? If…… Continue reading A Focus on the Essentials at the Temple

Amalickiah and Satan’s Three Tactics to Encourage Sin

Last week, we studied Alma 43-52 for “Come Follow Me.” For me, Alma 47 stands out. This is where Amalickiah uses treachery to obtain the Lamanite kingdom. We might think we’re too smart now to fall for Amalickiah’s tactics, but these tactics are the same ones Satan uses today. Disguising Evil: First Amalickiah Tactic In…… Continue reading Amalickiah and Satan’s Three Tactics to Encourage Sin

Prompted by the Spirit and It Ends Badly

I recently read an article where someone asked Elder Bednar how they can trust God when they’ve followed a prompting that didn’t work out. I wouldn’t say that a prompting that doesn’t go well would cause me to lose trust in God. Unfortunately, though, when I feel prompted to do something, and I follow that…… Continue reading Prompted by the Spirit and It Ends Badly

Sacred Versus Secret: Do They Mean the Same Thing?

Lately, I’ve been thinking about the difference between sacred and secret. On the surface, some people may think that something that is sacred is secret. After all, things that we hold sacred are things that we often don’t share with other people. Yet, I think it’s important to differentiate between the two. I don’t have…… Continue reading Sacred Versus Secret: Do They Mean the Same Thing?

Deer, Brake Lights in the Dark, Semis, and Tender Mercies

Last Saturday, I went with my family to the Playmill Theatre in West Yellowstone, Montana. Over the last few years, it has become a tradition to see at least one play there every summer. This year, we saw “Anastasia.” I ended up driving on the trip home, and along the way, I encountered tender mercies…… Continue reading Deer, Brake Lights in the Dark, Semis, and Tender Mercies

Trust Not in Man, But Trust in God

Several well-known church members have chosen to leave the church in recent years. Many of them, at least in the public eye, appear to be strong members of the church before suddenly announcing their departure. This reminds me how important it is to have my trust in the correct source rather than allowing the world…… Continue reading Trust Not in Man, But Trust in God

Scripture Study Hints: Study with a Question in Mind

I think we all have lessons or talks that stick with us more than others. For me, one of these lessons happened in December 2011. In a Relief Society lesson, the teacher encouraged us to write down a question as part of our scripture study. She encouraged us to make a chart where we recorded…… Continue reading Scripture Study Hints: Study with a Question in Mind

My New General Conference Commitment

This last weekend was stake conference for me. One of the members of the stake presidency talked about how he’s listened to the general conference talks multiple times already. That, of course, made me feel a bit guilty. I’m usually good about reading the general conference talks once the “Liahona” comes out. I have started…… Continue reading My New General Conference Commitment

Just a Temporary Change or a Lasting Improvement?

This last weekend was general conference. I felt like there were three themes: temple attendance, focusing on our covenants, and working on our relationship with Jesus Christ. As is always the case just after general conference, I think we all felt a desire to make improvements in our lives. Yet, it’s important that these changes…… Continue reading Just a Temporary Change or a Lasting Improvement?