Try this experiment. Type the expression in quotes “I know the church is true” into a Google search, and see what you get. Page after page after page of material set in a Mormon context. That kind of affirmation is a specifically Mormon thing; it is not something other Christians are in the habit of saying about their churches. If you can go through an entire Fast and Testimony Meeting and not get at least a dozen recitations of that statement, it has been a slow Sunday.

Dear Dave,

Often, when seated in my office with members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I hear questions and statements such as: “Why doesn’t God love me? Why do I not receive the blessings that are promised when I strive so hard to be obedient? Why does it feel like I am being punished when others are blessed? I try so hard to do what I know is right, and yet nothing seems to change; why? Why can’t I get past or over these feelings of depression and/or anxiety? Is there something wrong with me? Why does it feel like God is not listening when I have done all that I know how to do? Why, if God is so powerful, does He not bring the changes into my life that I desire and so desperately need?” With each of these heartfelt questions expressed in desperation and defeat, the next phrase I hear, more often than not, is this: “I must be doing something wrong. I am just not good enough.” It is as if this anguished response expresses a logical answer to their questions.

As I have put together [a] series [of articles] on singles [in the Church], a theme has emerged. This theme has run through all articles and all experiences; it is the same theme I hear in conversation with single friends: condescension. Single members feel a sense of pity, shunning, and lower status in the church. Leaders and married members may or may not feel disregard for or disappointment in their single brothers and sisters, but they do communicate the message.

After a near mental collapse, I took some time to reconnect with God. During that time, He gave me personal revelation and three specific things I needed to do to stay spiritually healthy. I didn't realize then how much that revelation would mean to me later.

LDS Living’s article “Ten Ways to Reinvent Your Sunday” offers tips on making the Sabbath your best day of the week. One of the most popular tips was simplifying Sunday meals from the big feast they normally are to something that doesn’t require your whole day. Here are some easy—and delicious!— recipes to make cooking Sunday meals a breeze.

Patrick Mason is the author and publisher of Planted, a book that offers helpful insights for members of the Church who are struggling with their faith. He shares his knowledge to Latter-day Saints abroad at firesides and through media outlets like The New York Times, Washington Post and ABC News. In this week's episode, All In host Morgan Jones talks with Mason about what to do when we, or those we know, have doubts or questions about the Church.

Instead of making an overwhelming list of goals, try reflecting on what went well this year as you shape the next one.