How one couple raised 8 kids to recognize the Spirit for themselves

While in prison, I did a lot of soul searching. But it wasn't until I stumbled upon a piece of trash that I began to find the answers I was looking for.

After several successful half-marathons, I decided to run a full marathon. When I registered—actually paying money to run 26.2 miles—I felt motivated and excited. However, I got busy and my training suffered. My lack of preparation became evident when I took a short three-mile run a few days prior to the race. I decided to switch to the half-marathon. By then, however, it had been closed to new runners. My only option was to run in the 10K (6.2-mile) race. What had been motivation and excitement turned to laziness and indifference. The prospect of getting up early to run 6.2 miles didn’t appeal to me. I decided I’d run another time.

Who said license plates have to be boring? From Mormon culture to gospel messages, these gems spotted on actual vehicles are sure to make Latter-day Saints smile!

I was fresh out of U.S. Air Force pilot training, struggling to find my place as the new guy in my first fighter squadron. All the other squadron members seemed so sure of themselves, full of energy and confidence. I wanted to fit in. I wanted to be part of the gang, a member of the club. I wanted my career to flourish. The last thing I wanted to do was make waves or highlight myself as a troublemaker. But it seemed that I couldn't escape it if I wanted to live my beliefs.

As a single sister in the Church, I’ve gone on my fair share of dates (more than I can remember in my 10 years of dating). Going out with someone who has a problem with pornography was never my goal in life. In fact, I had tried to avoid it at all costs. But as I got older, I realized that finding someone who had never been mixed up in pornography was going to be trickier than I thought.

Did you know, you can refinance your auto loan? Many people simply accept the loan given to them at the dealership or from their bank. And for many, that loan is not the best one out there. Huh. You deserve better, don’t you think?

“I see God in everything,” Eric Ayala says. “I don’t want anyone to think the way Heavenly Father has blessed me is identical to how He will bless them. But He will bless those who trust Him. When you have to deal with hard things, pray and trust God.”

In this world, each day is a day of decision. President Thomas S. Monson has taught us that “decisions determine destiny.” The wise use of your freedom to make your own decisions is crucial to your spiritual growth, now and for eternity. You are never too young to learn, never too old to change. Your yearnings to learn and change come from a divinely instilled striving for eternal progression. Each day brings opportunity for decisions that will affect our eternity.

MR says: It's easy to get bogged down in long lists of what we want in our future spouse. But here is Elder Scott's list of essential qualities we should look for in a companion--ones that will simplify and bring perspective into our dating life.