As an editor for LDS Living, not a day goes by that I’m not inspired—whether it’s a new message from a Church leader, a Latter-day Saint doing incredible things in their community, or a nugget of wisdom from this week’s Come, Follow Me study.
But some of my favorite articles that come across my metaphorical desk are the thought pieces—the fresh perspectives, the unique insights, or the profound application of a gospel principle presented in a way I’d not considered before. Sometimes they are scholarly, but more often than not, they’re simple, tied to someone’s life experiences and heartfelt testimony of the basic principle.
Here are six stories that have changed my outlook on gospel living and how I want to approach a few things differently in 2024.
See More Deeply How the Book of Mormon is For Me
We’re all familiar with the commandment to “liken the scriptures unto us.” And as we dive back into our study of the Book of Mormon in Come, Follow Me next year, I’m hopeful that I can make my time spent in the scriptures even more meaningful in 2024.
I loved this approach to applying Book of Mormon verses to very modern-day concerns like body image, and I want to find even more unique and contemporary applications in my scripture study next year.
7 Book of Mormon verses that have changed my perspective on body image
Step Back and See the Angels
Looking back at 2023, things look messy for me. If I’m being honest, it felt like a “survive” not “thrive” year for me and my family. But the idea of literal angels working alongside us—even within the walls of my own home—is an incredibly thrilling and powerful thought.
Yes, we know we always have the love and support of our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, but in 2024, I want to pray more for angels to help me. I want to participate in family history work so that my ancestral angels will help me, too. And I want to take steps back more often to see and be grateful for the angels who are already helping me.
How to be more mindful of the ministry of angels in your life
Take Advantage of the Blessings of the Temple Endowment
Many of my friends and family members are setting goals to attend the temple more in 2024, as am I. But in the weeks and months that I inevitably find myself coming up short throughout the year, I also want to be more mindful and intentional about accessing the blessings I have just by being temple-worthy and being an endowed member of the Church. Incredible blessings like covenantal love from God, a unique way of seeking Heaven’s help, and wearing the temple garment.
8 blessings of the temple endowment people aren’t talking about enough
Keep Assembling the Spiritual Gifts I Want to Have
At the end of nearly every day, I look back and find fault after fault in my abilities, especially as a mother: I’m impatient. I’m selfish. I’m too busy. I'm no fun. And my personal prayers are full of pleas to heaven for the spiritual gifts I feel like I desperately need to be a better mother and wife and disciple of Christ.
But I love this perspective on spiritual gifts from Maria Eckersley: Recognize gifts you need are there all along, but God wants you to assemble them rather than giving the blessing immediately. He doesn’t just want to send us blessings but instead sends us gifts we can feel confident will last.
“Assume that those gifts are there,” Eckersley shares. “The Lord won’t be holding them back from you. They’re outside your front door, but you have to do the spiritual work.”
So as I continue to better myself, I’m also going to give myself credit for the work I am doing to be better, acknowledge that these gifts may just be part of a work in progress for me, and appreciate that my efforts will not go unrewarded.
Don’t leave your spiritual gifts as unopened packages on the front porch
Follow the Savior’s Example in Making New Friends
I’ve always considered myself a very outgoing person and some of my happiest moments have come when I have been surrounded by friends and family. But as I’ve gotten older and busier—and quite frankly, the isolating effects of the pandemic didn’t help—I’ve felt less comfortable and less sure of my ability to connect with others and make new friends.
Instead of setting a specific, measurable goal this year (a la “Make 12 new friends”), I’m taking inventory of my approach to friendship—including my insecurities, fears, and what it looks like for us to belong—and revisiting the simplicity of Christ’s doctrine of friendship, as demonstrated by a four-year-old friend.
Delightful advice from a four-year-old on making friends at church
Help My Son Shine as a Sunbeam
My three-year-old son will be in the Sunbeams class next year and, oh boy, are we nervous. He has an incredibly social nature (see the above statement about my own outgoing personality) so I know he will appreciate being surrounded by even more friends in Primary. But will he sit still? Will he even learn anything?
So as a family, we are setting goals to implement some of the tips found in the article below to help him get the most out of singing time and his Primary lessons.
4 easy ways to help your child get the most out of Primary
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