4 Programs that Help LDS Youth (and Can Help Your Youth) Stand Out

I've had the opportunity to work with youth inside and outside the LDS church in a number of different capacities throughout my life. During those times, I've often been approached by other leaders/counselors who have said things like “there’s something different about LDS youth” or “your youth are just so good.” While I absolutely do not claim that LDS youth have a monopoly on goodness, I think there is something to my friends’ observations. What is it that makes LDS youth stand out? In the end, I believe it stems from a firm knowledge of God’s plan for them and a strong conviction to live the principles of the restored gospel. Although the basis for most of this learning starts in the home, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a number of programs that support parents and help LDS youth put those principles into practice.

Here I outline just four of the programs that LDS youth take part in all around the world. The best thing about these programs is that they are not exclusive to members of the church! If you’re interested in learning more, just ask an LDS neighbor or contact the missionaries in your area to see how you or your youth can get involved.

5 ways to make your spiritual resolutions stick this year

New Years is an exciting opportunity to start fresh and set goals for yourself… but the reality is that old habits die hard.

We are almost done with the first month of 2015 and a lot of us--me included--have started to slide back into our regular hustle and bustle.

5 Principles That Will Help Your Children Love Family History

Malachi’s prophecy that the hearts of the children shall turn to their fathers is being fulfilled today (Malachi 4:6). The Spirit of Elijah – a manifestation of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of the divine nature of the family – can be found throughout the world, regardless of religious affiliation. [1] In a recent post, I talked about the positive psychological benefits of children who have a knowledge of their family history. Today, I focus on five principles that will help foster the Spirit of Elijah in your home and family. 

Five Things That Helped Me Overcome the Death of a Loved One

This past weekend marked five years since my father passed away. Although we knew it was coming and we had been preparing for it for days, weeks, months, even years, the heartbreak was and still is there.

In preparing to write this post, I reflected on the week of my father's passing and things I have done since to keep moving forward and remember him. I came up with five things that helped me, and may help others, overcome the death of a loved one.

7 Financial Mistakes Every Latter-day Saint Family Should Avoid

Since the earliest days in the history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, personal and family finances have been topics the Lord and His prophets have frequently addressed. Who can forget the Lord’s terse counsel to Martin Harris, an early Church member who generously mortgaged his farm in order to finance the initial printing of the Book of Mormon: “Pay the debt thou has contracted with the printer. Release thyself from bondage” (Doctrine & Covenants 19:35). Indeed, a substantial number of sections in the Doctrine & Covenants contain revelations from the Lord that relate principally or in part to financial matters. In these scriptures and in the nearly two centuries of teachings of modern prophets from the Prophet Joseph Smith to President Thomas S. Monson, we have been cautioned about the dangers of excessive debt and the blessings of living within our means.