How I stopped worshipping a false God

Few things are more empowering than being able to choose. While there is much in the world that we cannot control, each day we can decide how we will respond to the people and circumstances that come our way. A recent articlein the Church’s YA Weekly section encourages Latter-day Saints to actively choose to bring positivity into their lives. How? By harnessing the power of positive communication.

Students at Brigham Young University will begin their fall semester on August 30th. Two time-honored traditions at the university are the weekly devotionals and the forums held at the Marriott Center on campus. Devotionals are spiritual in nature, while forums tend to focus on a more secular topic. These weekly addresses cover a wide variety of topics and speakers range from local leaders to nationally recognized names, but they all bring welcome perspectives, insights, and spark discussion among students and faculty alike.

I used to believe that a life free of trials was the most desirable. I figured that if I were just righteous enough, I would be spared the difficulties and challenges experienced by others. As my understanding of the Father’s plan has increased, I’ve realized I’m wrong on both counts. A life free of trials is the least desirable mortal experience because it would lead to such little growth. And righteous behavior definitely does not exempt us from difficulties and challenges.

At ages 4 and 7, siblings Ari and Geo Bonner notice who is depicted in the images around them. They are excited to see their favorite superheroes and princesses. They are proud to point out people they recognize in books and movies. And, sometimes, they are confused when they don’t see people who look like them.

This week’s Come, Follow Me highlights familiar scriptures for members of the Church. Doctrine and Covenants 89, known as the Word of Wisdom, is only 21 verses long—but there’s a lot to unpack.

Oneita Sumsion, age 90, has proven that it’s never too late to graduate.

When Stephen Dunham noticed his wife Kay was having memory lapses and often repeating herself, he grew concerned and they eventually began visiting doctors. As Kay was still young, the couple received many diagnoses before eventually confirming she had Alzheimer’s disease. The Liahona magazine shares that Stephen cared for Kay until she passed away from complication with the disease.

Last Saturday, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck the country of Haiti, leaving devastation and rubble in many cities and towns in the southern part of the country.

Editor’s note: The following excerpt comes from a book about special witnesses of Jesus Christ. You can read this chapter in its entirety at truthwillprevail.xyz as well as other chapters as they are posted. This excerpt is republished here with permission.