5 short scripture verses that say more than you think

Every once in a while, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints find themselves in a position where they are spontaneously asked to share a spiritual message. As has been said, “when the time for performance arrives, the time for preparation is past.”[i] As a youth, I overcame this dilemma by memorizing the shortest scriptures I could find to have ready at a moment’s notice. Now as an adult, I’ve found that many of these scriptures are actually quite profound.

Below is just a sample of some of the short but meaningful scriptures I have come across in study throughout my life and as I searched for hidden gems over the past few weeks for this post.

5 Things I Saw in Latter-day Saints That Opened My Heart to the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Convert's Perspective

I did not grow up in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I was just baptized a year and a half ago.  Many of my friends and colleagues knew me as a really nice girl who drank a lot of coffee. They were surprised to hear that I joined the church, and I would get these anxious calls that went something like this:

"Melissa, I heard the craziest rumor that you joined the church. Is it true??"

The tone of their voice when asking contained a bit of judgment (like are you crazy?) and fear. They were asking a question, but also making a statement about their opinions of the church. These interactions made me think about people, their hearts, and what underlies their fearful questions.

Experience has taught me that most people are looking for peace and happiness. The world teaches people that happiness comes through the pursuit of self, money, power, and numerous other false beliefs. In the U.S., we spend hundreds of millions of dollars a year on books and classes that promise to teach the path to happiness but often push people further away from God. Many people are searching, but how is it that people get to a point where their hearts are open to listening to the gospel message?

10 Encouraging LDS Quotes to Lift a Troubled Heart

If there’s one thing for certain in this life, it’s that we will be tested and go through trials. The pain from these trying times can at times feel soul-crushing and incredibly lonely. But there is a light in the darkness, One who perfectly understands what we are going through.

While the Lord might not always lift our burden immediately, there is help available if we ask. In Christ, we can find peace and solace from our pain and sins. Here are some words of wisdom to help lift your heart when you’re feeling down.

7 Talks From General Authorities That Will Strengthen You as a Parent

I feel like we live in an era where we have an abundance of information available to us at any time--or rather an overabundance of information that we cannot seem to escape. This seems particularly true for parenting as anyone and everyone has an opinion on what you should or shouldn't be doing. Over time parenting trends and "expert" opinions always change, however, I've found that the best parenting advice comes from the loving guidance of our prophet and apostles. Here are seven of my favorite talks that will strengthen you as a parent and help you prioritize the most important things in life.

President Russell M. Nelson: 5 Fun Facts

With the recent passing of President Boyd K. Packer, who will dearly be missed, President Russell M. Nelson was called to be president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In light of the recent calling of President Nelson, I thought it would be interesting to find out some fun facts that not everyone may know about him. I really enjoyed learning more about his life and some of the things he has experienced and accomplished.