This letter was written by a student at Brigham Young University.

I’ve often wondered how I would react if I were asked to pick up a weapon and fight in combat. I’ve wondered if I’d be physically strong enough and if I’d be able to learn the necessary skills. I’ve wondered how it would feel to be confronted with such scary conditions and how it would feel to trust my leaders entirely. I’ve wondered if I’d come back alive, despite my inexperience. Mostly, however, I’ve wondered if I would really be brave enough to put my life on the line in order to do what was asked of me. Imagining myself in this situation always creates a certain degree of soul-searching contemplation. These thoughts never fail to come into my mind when I read about Captain Moroni and his two thousand stripling warriors from the Book of Mormon.

Their story is one of my favorites. I am always impressed by the courage and faith that these young, inexperienced boys had. Even when faced with the very likely possibility of death, they marched off to battle saying, “…behold, our God is with us, and he will not suffer that we should fall…” (Alma 56:46). It’s important to remember that these boys were not expert warriors. They were very young, and their enemy was much more skilled than they were. These two thousand boys had every reason to be scared. Yet, each one of them had such great faith in their eternal God that they marched forth into battle with courage, knowing that God would be on their side. We know He was, because “…not one soul of them fallen…” (Alma 56:56).

It’s amazing to think about how the God who was on the stripling warriors’ side is the exact same God who is on our side today. In other words, the same God who preserved each and every one of those boys’ lives and helped them defeat the enemy is the same God who cares for each and every one of us today. It’s the same God who hears and answers our prayers and watches over us. I have definitely felt His great power as I’ve fought my own unique battles in life. As I’ve put my trust and faith in Him, He has helped me overcome my own difficulties. Because of this, I know I can move forward with courage, no matter what battles might be awaiting next.

Additional Resources:

Mormons and Christ

I Believe: Expressions of Faith

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This letter was written by Andrew W., a student at Brigham Young University.

Hey Dad!

In my Book of Mormon class this week, we were reading in Alma 62. In verse 41, it talks about how the great length of the war between the Nephites and Lamanites causes some people to become very hardened in their hearts but also caused other people to become very softened because of their trials and caused them to be humble before God. Brother Griffin, my Book of Mormon teacher, made a point that it was their choice to choose if they became hardened by their afflictions or softened by their afflictions. I can see now how much relevance this has in our world today. When we are put in a situation, we can choose to look on the bright side or the miserable side of it. If we are given a trial, we can choose to say woe is me and be bitter, or choose to learn from it and become better. Heavenly Father put us on this Earth to be tested. I think it’s important that we always keep that in mind when we are having a hard time. I know especially need to in my life because I sometimes get in a slump. It is of the utmost importance that I keep a positive perspective and realize that the reason I have these trials is because my Heavenly Father loves me. When I really dive into them, it is amazing to see how much I learn instead of just skimming the surface. Dad, this university is truly amazing and I am so grateful for the Gospel that is present here. Thanks for everything you have done for me, I’ll call you when my mission call is here!

Additional Resources:

Mormons and Christ

I Believe: Expressions of Faith

Meet with Mormon missionaries

This blog post was written by Jacob S., a student at Brigham Young University.

For this week’s blog post I am looking in and around Alma chapters 43-56.

In these chapters the Nephites are at war against the Lamanites. The Nephites do not want to go to war but they are compelled to do so by the recurring attacks by the Lamanites. After many attempts to stop the Lamanites from attacking, through peace talks and other negotiations, the Nephites decide that the best thing to do is to go to war. Enter Captain Moroni. This man is only twenty-five years old, twenty-five, and he is already in charge of all the armies of the people of Nephi. This magnificent, brave man had this job thrust upon him without much say on his part. He knew that God expected it of him and he had a responsibility to obey God and protect his brethren. So he accepted the position.

Mormon outlines Moroni as a type of Christ and it is very apparent throughout all of the war chapters (Alma 43-63). Mormon tells us that Moroni does not like war at all, not even the least bit. He does say however, that Moroni will fight in order to retain his freedoms that God wants him to have. When his army was feeling down after many losses on the battlefield Moroni reminded them why they were fighting with what is called the Title of Liberty.

“And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it–IN MEMORY OF OUR GOD, OUR RELIGION, AND FREEDOM, AND OUR PEACE, OUR WIVES, AND OUR CHILDREN–and he fastened it upon the end of a pole” (Alma 46:12).

What are we willing to defend with our lives?

Would you protect with your one life, God and religion? Would you fight for freedom and peace? Would you do anything for your family?

Moroni knew the importance of all of these things, and he knew that when you fight for any one of these things God will be on your side. I think that it is important that we each take time to know for ourselves what we are willing to defend. What do we stand for? Where do we draw the line? Those are questions we should be addressing everyday. Fight a good fight, stand for something worth protecting. The Lord God will bless and direct your paths.

Additional Resources:

Mormons and Christ

I Believe: Expressions of Faith

Meet with Mormon missionaries

One lesson found early in the book is a lesson on agency and entitlement, taught by both the words and deeds of a prophet named Nephi (nee-fie).

The Book of Mormon is made up of many books written by the prophets who inhabited the ancient American continent. The first was written by Nephi. In 1 Nephi 15, Nephi is trying to explain to his older brothers, Laman and Lemuel, the revelations he and his father have been given. However, his brothers aren’t receptive and think they are without fault, like many people might feel in their situation.

In 1 Nephi 15:8, Nephi records, “And I said unto them: Have ye inquired of the Lord?” His older brothers’ response, “We have not; for the Lord maketh no such thing known unto us.”

Laman and Lemuel’s response represents many of us when faced with a challenge.They are sort of willing enough to listen to what is told to them; however, they have no desire to actually go and find out something for themselves.

We should be actively engaged in our learning, both temporal and spiritual.

Too often, especially as a student, I’ve noticed this mentality with those who attend classes. Students look to be entertained, to have the answers simply given to them. They would like to learn, however they lack the desire to seek and be taught. A critical part of learning is action. On campuses nationwide, not just BYU, students know that the fastest way to failure is to just show up at class, and the fastest way to success is to engage oneself in their own education by actively pursuing knowledge.

Knowledge is ability, and ability precedes success. Instead of feeling entitled to learn and then do nothing about it, go and seek after your own knowledge, both in spiritual and secular endeavors, and you will come to understand the truth of all things. Christ said, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you” (Luke 11:9).

This lesson from the Book of Mormon can be applied in other places, not just in circles of education. Have you ever seen how much of our daily news is simply rumors? There is an incredible amount of unsubstantiated claims in the world around us, and the amount of it we take as truth is appalling. It is a great practice to seek after the truth in all situations. Fact check as much as you want.

However, I know one way to know the truth of all things, and that is through prayer. Prayer is direct communication between God and an individual. When you pray in faith, you are lifting your thoughts and words to the heavens to the most powerful being in the universe, the Omnipotent, Omnipresent God of Heaven and Earth.

We can seek answers from the Lord through prayer.

He only speaks truth through the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, or the Holy Spirit as some call him. Why, then, would anyone sit around and wait for knowledge to simply be given to them? Or, even worse, why would anyone say there is no way to know the truth for sure, so they give up the pursuit? With an all-knowing God in Heaven who loves us and wants us to know the truth of all things, it is sheer foolishness to think that truth is never an option.

Thus it is perfectly logical that Nephi asks first, “Have you inquired of the Lord?” to his brothers, and follows it up with a great statement about God. He says, “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said? – If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you” (1 Nephi 15:11).

I echo Nephi’s words with what I know to be true: I know that if you ask God with a sincere heart, truly seeking truth, the Holy Spirit will manifest the truth unto you if you are receptive to its promptings. May we not be like the rest of the world, confused by a lack of truth. Let us be proactive and find the knowledge that will always benefit us.

This article was written by Andrew L., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

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Christ is waiting for us to let Him into our lives.

Being positive is one aspect that has helped me better understand myself. When I’m positive, I can focus on the things that matter most rather than be worried about all the things that are not going right. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the main contributing factor to my positive attitude. We must open our hearts and allow Christ to write upon them. This will bring happiness and guidance in our lives. If His gospel is written in our hearts, will our faith increase?

Often times, life doesn’t seem “fair.” All that is unfair about life can be made right by Christ’s atonement. The atonement works to strengthen, heal and cleanse each of us. We come closer to the Lord Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost as we partake of the atonement. The atonement can be better understood when analogized with speeding tickets. When we get pulled over due to speeding, we get a ticket. Jesus has offered to pay our speeding tickets- every single one that we will ever receive. In fact, He already paid it! We can choose to allow Christ to cover the cost or we can repay the price. Which is silly if it has already been paid! By partaking of the atonement, we avoid the frustrations that come with “paying our tickets” through guilt, sorrow, sadness and loss of hope. We must rely on Christ and allow His act of charity to pay in full.

In Matthew, we read of the apostles in the midst of a storm and Christ is sitting in the boat with them. They must wake Him before He arises to aid them during their difficult time. We each experience this same thing! Christ is always with us, but we must ask for His help in order to receive it. He is willing and capable but we must be proactive in involving Christ into our lives. When we have external storms around us, we can choose to also have internal storms or to be calm inside. As long as Jesus is in the same boat as us, we won’t sink. And the storm will be made easier to bear with his support. He is there for each of us! He loves each of us! All we must do is ask for His hand in our lives. Cast your burdens upon him. Pray to Heavenly Father and tell Him about your pain. Give it all to Him and allow the atonement to take it away! Heavenly Father will give us answers and comfort through His Son. We can find His Son in the scriptures. They are the most reliable resource we have to find answers. I know that taking the time to study the scriptures will increase our understanding of Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ and ourselves! As we come to know them, we will come to know ourselves. That is my goal here at BYU. I want to come to know who I am, and I am going to do that by waking Jesus in my boat and asking for His atonement. I am already seeing positive progression and know that I will only continue upward with Him in mind.

This article was written by Mackenzie C., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

The Bible in Mormonism

The Book of Mormon teaches how we can learn from our trials and become better.

Here are two analogies that helped me understand this scripture. In the refining of silver, the silver is heated until it reaches about 1472° F. This burns away impurities in the silver. The same principle happens in our lives. The trials we face help burn away shortcomings in our character, which we all have. The second analogy is in diamond making. To make a diamond, coal is heated to 2000° F and is subjected to pressure that is 50 times what we feel on the earth’s surface. The extreme pressure and heat are like obstacles in our lives. They help us develop as a person by changing our nature, meaning our most fundamental beliefs and desires.

In 1 Nephi 18, Nephi is instructed by the Lord to build a ship so that they can cross an ocean. It is important to realize that Nephi knew almost nothing about ships or shipbuilding. “Now I, Nephi, did not work the timbers after the manner which was learned by men, neither did I build the ship after the manner of men; but I did build it after the manner which the Lord had shown unto me; wherefore, it was not after the manner of men.” Nephi did not know how to proceed in making a ship, so the Lord showed him how, but it was not constructed in the way that contemporary boat builders would have recommended. In our lives, we are often uncertain about how to proceed with difficult and important decisions, just like Nephi was unfamiliar with the method of boat construction. But if we let God help us in those decisions, just as Nephi asked the Lord how to build a boat, He will make our lives more fulfilling and satisfying than we ever could.

At the start of this post, I stated that there is a reason for our trials. The simple answer is that these trials make us a better person. The key is that we must see our trials as stepping-stones to perfecting our character. I know that if you work through hard times in your life and let God refine you through those trials, you will feel a deep-rooted happiness that will permeate all aspects of your life. Trials will not change our behavior for us. A final thing to remember is that more often than not, the Lord strengthens us so that we can overcome obstacles rather than adjusting them so that they are more comfortable.

This article was written by Christian W., a BYU student studying neuroscience. He enjoys playing any sport with a ball, disc, puck, etc. He is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Meaning of Life

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

The Book of Mormon teaches us to better act in faith and receive the Lord’s help.

He started with the experience that Nephi, the ancient prophet, had when God told him to build a ship. To give a little background, he and his family lived in Jerusalem around 600 BC and were warned by God to leave the city before Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians conquered it. Nephi’s family traveled in the desert for eight years before reaching a coastal region that they named Bountiful.  It was here that Nephi was commanded to build the ship to carry his family to the Americas, known to them as the Promised Land.  Nephi had never built a ship before and had absolutely no idea how.  However, his faith-filled response to the Lord was powerful.  This is what my professor used to introduce his point.Instead of complaining to God that he couldn’t do it or that it was too hard, Nephi’s first response was to ask where he could find ore.  He knew his family lacked the tools necessary to construct an ocean-worthy vessel, and he knew that if he could find ore, he could make the tools to accomplish the task. This might seem like a small thing.  However, if you think about it in modern terms, it would be like God commanding me, a college kid with no construction experience, to rebuild the World Trade Center and my first response being, “Ok Lord, where should I go to get a power drill and some screws?”  Nephi knew God wouldn’t tell him to do anything without helping him do it, so once he was given a task, he immediately started working on it.

My professor’s point was that there is a three-part cycle of faith that is exemplified by Nephi’s experience with building the ship.  In his situation, Nephi trusted that the Lord could help him, tried his best to do what he was asked, and eventually completed the ship.  There is a pattern here that we each can follow.  First, we must have faith that God knows what He’s doing and can help us do what He asks of us.  This leads us to trust Him enough to act, to try our very best to do it.  As we keep expending our best efforts, we eventually see the fruits of our labors and accomplish the task with His help.  We are rewarded with a personal example of the Lord’s help in our lives.  This assurance increases our faith that the Lord will help us in the future, and so the cycle continues.

With the Lord’s help we can succeed in school, at work, and in the home.

I have seen this pattern many times in my own life.  One ongoing example is my efforts to get an education.  In recent years, God, through His prophets, has advised His children to obtain all the education they can so they can better support their families and be good citizens.  Thus, I am studying here at BYU and hope to get into medical school someday.  As a new freshman in my first semester, I often feel overwhelmed and, on occasion, I get discouraged.  However, I can fall back on my faith in God. I know that He has commanded me to get a meaningful education and has helped me in my studies countless times already.  This knowledge helps me to keep putting forth my best efforts, which always pays off.  I have been able to excel all throughout high school and I know that, with my total effort and God’s help, I can do the same in college. I also know that this pattern can work for anyone that puts his or her trust in the Lord and is willing to try. God is ready and willing to help! This article was written by Matt K., a student at Brigham Young University, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Meaning of Life

Request a free copy of The Book of Mormon

This past week, I was reading from the first book in the Book of Mormon, and I came across a passage taken from the book of Isaiah. One verse that stuck out to me was, “Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; for the feet of those who are in the east shall be established; and break forth into singing, O mountains; for they shall be smitten no more; for the Lord hath comforted his people, and will have mercy upon his afflicted.” (I Nephi 21: 13 or Isaiah 49:13)  In this verse Isaiah beautifully calls people to be happy and joyful. He says our feet shall be established, and the mountains shall be smitten no more.  This is a great promise of peace.  The Lord will comfort his people and have mercy on those who have suffered.  At times when we are feeling sad, alone, depressed, or hopeless I believe this is a wonderful scripture to read and find solace.

Jesus Christs loves us and will never forsake us, if only we trust in Him.

The following verse is comforting as well. It reads, “For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel. Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.” (1 Nephi 21:15-16 or Isaiah 49:15-16)  The closest relationship on earth is between a mother and her child, and here Christ says that a mother would forsake her newborn baby before He would forget us.I know this to be true. I know that Jesus Christ loves me, and that He has done everything for me, so that I can return to live with Him again someday. I know that our Heavenly Father has a plan for me, and even if it involves struggles and hardships, He is always aware of my situation. Not only is He aware of my situation, but  He is on the other side cheering for me, and helping me in whatever way He can. This is true for everyone; we are all beloved sons and daughters of God.  If we put our trust Him, and strive to be the best that we can be, we will find happiness.  Not just happiness in this life, but also in the life to come.

This article was written by JeriAnn W., a student at Brigham Young University, and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

The Biblre in Mormonism

Mormon Scriptures

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

We can express our gratitude to the Lord through prayer.

After they tied Nephi up a storm begins to rage. The storm was getting worse every day and soon everyone on the ship started to fear for his or her life. Laman and Lemuel knew that the Lord had given them the storm as a result of their unrighteousness, so they untied Nephi. The storm passed. After being let loose Nephi’s wrists and ankles were tremendously swollen and sore having been tied up for four days. Then Nephi writes in 1 Nephi 18:16, “Nevertheless, I did look unto my God, and I did praise him all the day long; and I did not murmur against the Lord because of mine afflictions.” Nephi had just been tied up for four day and was painfully swollen, but still did not complain. Instead, he looked to God and thanked Him for his blessings.The main principle that I learned from this story is to always be grateful. Hard circumstances will come up, but if they are faced with a positive attitude those circumstances will not seem too difficult. Whenever I remember to thank Heavenly Father for the blessings in my life, I start to have better days. The days have not necessarily gotten better but I am able to notice the good things in my life and look at the positive more.

I heard a story in church one Sunday that illustrates this principle very well. A woman in my neighborhood had a friend with cancer. Her friend was told in blessings she received from those holding proper priesthood authority that she would be healed. Months went by and she was not getting any better in fact she was slowly getting worse. One night as she was on her knees in prayer she was given the impression that she needed to be grateful for any improvements she saw in her health. She started thanking Heavenly Father in her prayers for the tiniest improvements and was healed. The Lord blessed her for showing gratitude.

This article was written by Shannon O., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Meaning of Life

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Jesus is waiting for us to let him in

Many times in our lives we feel down and dejected. With no one around us we often cast our gazes upward and ask why. No response is usually given. So we pick ourselves back up, brush off the dust, and continue on the paths of life. However, what most people don’t realize is that Christ is there for us through the thick and thin; we just have to let him into our lives.There are many things in this world that can catch our attention and lead us from the path that we need to follow in order to reach heaven. Satan would love to bring us down and make us miserable, but with the Lord’s help we can overcome anything. There are certain times in our lives where we all have given in to such temptations for various reasons. Often, when this occurs, we feel guilt and grief over our mistake and seek to hide our shame by not associating with others, which ultimately leads to separation and depression.There was a time in my life where I felt desperate and alone. I felt like I could handle my problems on my own, that things would eventually get better. However, the feelings of dejection did not leave until I reached the lowest point that I have been in my life. Completely broken, I turned to one of the only natural places for any form of comfort I could find. In humility, I turned to the Lord for answers and peace.

By praying we allow the Lord to guide us.

The peace that comes from the Lord after being in desperation is one of the sweetest feelings that I have ever known. Throughout the rocky course of life, if we keep the Lord in our life we will have our burdens lifted from us, and we will find it easier to carry on throughout our daily lives. Letting go of our pride to let the Lord help us can be difficult for us to accomplish. We as a people, especially males, have an inherent perception that we can do anything without external help. This needs to be overcome in order for the Lord to step in and give us his aid, because if we are too prideful in our own supposed “capabilities” on our own, then he will not infringe upon our personal decision. Because of this natural tendency, we usually have to hit an all time low before we go to the Lord for help. If we continually keep the Lord in our lives, we can do anything and overcome anything that may cross in our path to happiness.

This article was written by Keegan M., a student at Brigham Young University and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

The Bible in Mormonism