There’s this weird phenomenon I’ve observed. It’s unclear where it’s nexus lies— It may be influenced by the rise of the Pinterest quote culture, or the focus on and elevation of lifestyle blogs. Are wall-quotes in living-areas a symptom or a cause? I’m not sure. What I see in my own community, on social media, and online in general, is an elevation of happiness being considered a virtue, a morally superior position. Being happy is great, of course, but the converse side of expecting happiness (or cheerfulness) as a marker of faith is that those who are somehow not “happy” or who struggle in any way, are somehow perilously close to morally failing.

I recently received an email from a friend looking for advice. He related how he has been diagnosed with major depression for several decades. Throughout that time, he has gone to counseling, read self-help books, taken antidepressant medication, and done his best to keep his covenants. Still, his feelings of depression never fully resolved and have waxed and waned. Then about five years ago he was diagnosed with a chronic nervous system disease which has increased his suffering and decreased his hope. Although he tries every day to look forward with faith and gratitude, he finds this more and more difficult as his situation deteriorates. I empathized with his situation. Reflecting on his case, I realized he was definitely not alone. I have personally known many individuals who suffer with persistent problems. Despite their best efforts, they are not able to fully overcome their challenges.

Fortune magazine last year shared an article written by Liz Wiseman, Latter-day Saint and president of Wiseman Group. In it, she shares why it is so important to take this one day of the week to unwind, shut out the world, and focus on faith. This advice is important to remember, especially considering the Church's new social media campaign, #HisDay, where they've encouraged families to share what unique things they do to celebrate the Lord's holy day.

Recently, Elder Neil L. Andersen wrote an articleabout the remarkable life of our new apostle, Elder Ulisses Soares. In the article, which will be published in the October Ensign, Elder Soares's daughter Lethicia says, “When Jesus called His Apostles, He didn’t pick the most knowledgeable Pharisees, He picked fishermen. My father and mother are like that. They totally trust the Lord, and He uses them to fulfill His works because He knows they are selfless, willing to work hard, and humble enough to accept correction.” Elder Dale G. Renlund adds, “Elder Soares is an exuberant, committed, devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. I don’t know anyone who feels more keenly that he’s on the Lord’s errand. If he’s asked to do something, he does it with all his might.”

What profound insight from Mitt Romney as a missionary in France, from a letter written to his father. "I am only 21 years old and yet I am a leader in the most important organization in France — L’Eglise de Jesus-Christ. Where else or when again will I have the opportunity to hold such authority and responsibility as I now hold? And when again will I be able to consecrate all my energy and time to it?"

It was faith that landed Patrick Hiltbrand in the path of a tsunami last week, but arguably it was also his faith that got him out —as he survived the deluge in the upper floor of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the small town of Tagajo. Despite the ordeal he has survived, he so far has no intention of leaving Japan soon, and that too has to do with his religious convictions.

MR says: Phebe Carter's parents were set against her leaving their home in Maine to join the Saints in Kirtland, but this faithful sister sacrificed everything to "link her life with the Saints of God."

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the name of the Church Latter-day Saints believe came by revelation from the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (see Doctrine and Covenants 115:4). “Jesus Christ directed us to call the Church by His name because it is His Church, filled with His power,” President Russell M. Nelson has said.

We've all experienced heartbreaking moments when we plead and strive to feel our Heavenly Father near and to know His will for us, but for some reason, the heavens seem silent. What do we do in such situations? Here is incredible advice from prophets, apostles, and seers.

Even as members in Haiti labor to build a promising future for their faith and families, they remain grateful for the Church’s humble beginnings—and the pivotal, historic role of a prophet in their island nation. It was three decades ago that President Thomas S. Monson—then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve—visited Haiti and dedicated the land for the preaching of the restored gospel. Since that time, the Haitian members and their neighbors have endured staggering economic struggles and, three years ago, a devastating earthquake.