This week we are studying the Articles of Faith and Official Declarations One and Two. We’ll talk about the importance of asking questions and being curious about the things in our lives. Many times, we are able to find ways forward because we are asking questions and looking for alternative solutions to problems. We’ll also talk about how belief i…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 137-138. We’ll discuss the relationship between our beliefs and our actions, and how sometimes these seem to be inconsistent with one another. We’ll review the truth that in order for effective change to happen, we need to align our beliefs more with truth. We’ll talk about the importance of…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 135-136. We’ll talk about the legacy of the prophet Joseph Smith and the blessings he brought to the world through his service. We’ll review some of his teachings that can help us improve emotional resilience. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding the meaning in our trials, and ho…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 133-134. We’ll talk about the process of change and how it is critical for us to understand our responsibility in moving forward. We’ll review the importance of trying avoid “looking back” when striving for change. We’ll discuss some of the theory regarding personal readiness for change and …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 129-132. We’ll discuss the concept of how whatever improvement we do in this life will benefit us in the life to come. As we better understand this doctrine, we can see our trials differently and strive for greater action on a daily basis. We’ll talk about the importance of covenants in our …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 125-128. We’ll talk about the example of Joseph Smith in terms of going through difficult things to increase emotional resilience. We’ll discuss the importance of trials in our emotional and spiritual development to become more like our Father in Heaven. We’ll review some principles that can…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 124. We’ll talk about how improvement is one of the main purposes of life, and how this usually requires some sort of sacrifice and difficulty on our part. We’ll review how the Lord expects us to join with him to make something more of ourselves. We’ll discuss how mental health issues can see…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 121-123. We’ll talk about the very challenging experiences that Joseph Smith had in the Liberty Jail, and how, like him, we might also wonder where the Lord is and if He is going to help us as promised. We’ll review the Lord’s answers to Joseph’s pleas and talk about how we can gain comfort …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 115-120. We’ll discuss the idea of what it means to find “refuge” from the storms of life. We’ll review how the Lord always provides refuge and protection to the faithful, but sometimes this does not come in the ways that we expect. We need to look closely for His hand in our lives. We’ll al…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 111-114. We’ll review the role of self-compassion and how this is consistent with the Savior’s example. We’ll talk about how failure is inevitable, but we can treat ourselves kindly when we do fail, as the Savior does. We’ll also talk about the role of humility in improving our mental health…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 109-110. We’ll talk about the sacrifices that were made by the early saints to build the Kirtland temple. We’ll review how in most cases, sacrifice and diligent effort bring results that could not be obtained otherwise. We’ll discuss how the Lord expects us to do difficult things for our ben…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 106-108. We’ll review the role of priesthood authority in the gospel, specifically that of the Melchizedek Priesthood. We’ll talk about its origin and actual name, the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God. We’ll review how the authority and power of the Melchizedek Priesthood is…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 102-105. One of the themes that stood out was regarding being “all in” to the gospel of Jesus Christ, what that entails, and how that can help us improve our mental health. We’ll talk about how we need to be prepared for long-term effort when trying to improve mental health, including being …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 98-101. There was a theme throughout this week’s reading which had to do with avoiding contention and promoting peace. We’ll talk about the counsel the Lord has given, throughout the dispensations, to avoid conflict as much as possible. We’ll review the doctrine of forgiveness and the promis…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 94-97. We’ll talk about several different themes. We’ll discuss the concept of patterns, and how the Lord has set and invited us to follow certain patterns to achieve greater happiness. We’ll review how commandments are not restrictive, but help us achieve greater happiness. We’ll talk about…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 93. We’ll talk about several different insights. We’ll review the frustration that some feel, when it takes a long time to manage mental health issues. We’ll talk about the blessings that can come from being patient and diligent, over a long time, to eventually reach a goal. We’ll discuss the…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 89-92. We’ll talk about some of the promises made in the Word of Wisdom, and emphasize how increasing evidence shows a link between physical health and mental health; improving our physical health will often improve our mental health. We’ll discuss the importance of following prophetic couns…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 88. We’ll talk about the concept of personal responsibility and action, using our agency to improve ourselves. We’ll review the doctrine of eternal inheritance, and how the things we choose in this life will not only affect our happiness here, but our potential happiness in the world to come.…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 85-87. We’ll review some of the prophecies associated with the Second Coming of our Savior Jesus Christ, including some of the devastation and difficult things foretold. We’ll talk about principles to help manage anxiety regarding these predictions. We’ll discuss how we need to focus on the …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 84. We’ll talk about one of the Savior’s teachings in this section that has to do with anxiety management. We’ll review the importance of exercising our agency to change, and how this process can improve our spiritual and mental health. We’ll also discuss the concept of aligning our beliefs w…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 81-83. We’ll talk about the blessings and talents the Lord has given to each of us, and the expectations He has as a result. We’ll review how as we magnify our talents we can improve self-concept and other mental health issues. We’ll also discuss the beneficial approach of addressing mental …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 77-80. We’ll talk about several principles. First, we’ll review the importance of asking sincere questions and seeking for inspired answers. We’ll discuss how this is a sign of strength, not weakness. Second, we’ll talk about how improving our mental health will not just be a benefit in this…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 76, which is a description of the three degrees of glory. We’ll begin by talking about the amazing promises made from God to those who strive to follow Him. We’ll review some of the differences between celestial and terrestrial beings and how overcoming our trials through the Savior plays a l…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 71-75. In part, we’ll continue some of our discussion from last week, but do a much deeper dive into the concepts of personal responsibility and accountability. We’ll talk about the idea of stewardship, and how each of us have a personal stewardship to improve our lives. We’ll discuss the im…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 67-70. We’ll discuss the importance of being patient with our mental health progress, understanding that complex issues take much time and effort to remedy. We’ll review cautions against those promoting “quick fixes” or “life hacks” to circumvent the needed work to improve mental health. We’…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 64-66. We’ll discuss how the Savior yearns to forgive us no matter the sin. We’ll talk about how this is extra amazing considering the great price He paid to achieve that power. We will also talk about the commandment He has given for us to forgive each other. We’ll review how forgiving othe…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 60 through 63. We’ll discuss the concept of work and how this is an eternal principle that should guide our lives. We’ll review the idea of spiritual gifts, or talents, and how the Lord expects us to use them for the benefit of our own lives and those of others. We’ll talk about how we need …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 58-59. We’ll talk about how blessings come based on obedience, but usually after there is some tribulation and trial. We’ll review how the idea that we can skip the difficulty in life through good choices is not accurate; most all of our growth comes from our challenges. We’ll discuss the va…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 51-57. We’ll review how many times the Spirit will teach us things that are specific to us if we are willing to hear and accept the counsel. We’ll talk about the ideas of “being patient in tribulation” and “taking up our cross.” We’ll emphasize the importance of understanding the will of the…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 49-50. We’ll talk about the importance of understanding truth, regardless of whether it is spiritual truth or secular truth. We’ll review the many difficulties people face when they are not aligning their personal beliefs with truth. We’ll discuss the sources of misinformation and disinforma…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 46-48. We’ll talk about the importance of faith and how it can help mitigate certain distressing mental health experiences. We’ll review the relationship between rigid thinking and some mental health issues, and how learning how to think flexibly can built resilience. We’ll also talk about t…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 45. We’ll talk about the concept of “future anxiety” and the Savior’s admonition that we “fear not.” We’ll discuss the differences between external peace and internal peace, and how greater access to truth can increase our personal sense of peace. We’ll also review the importance of reasoning…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 41 through 44. We’ll talk about how the Lord commanded his disciples to follow His law, expecting them to be disciplines. We’ll discuss how discipline is also required when trying to achieve consistent change, and how inconsistent efforts are less effective. We’ll also talk about the idea of…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 37 through 40. We’ll talk about a theme in the readings regarding hope during times of difficulty. The Lord has promised that all trials will come to an end, but has also commanded us to have hope in the meantime. We’ll review how hope is critical in overcoming mental health challenges. We’l…

This week we are studying doctrines and concepts associated with the celebration of Easter. We’ll talk about the encouragement from church leaders to make Easter preparation a more significant part of our celebration, helping us focus more intentionally and proactively on this event. We’ll review some of the events from the last life of Jesus’ mort…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 29. First, we’ll talk about the role of agency in change and mental health improvement. We’ll discuss how we need to take accountability for our choices and do difficult things. We’ll also talk about how as we align our will with God, we will achieve greater strength to endure all kinds of c…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 29. First, we’ll talk about the role of agency in change and mental health improvement. We’ll discuss how we need to take accountability for our choices and do difficult things. We’ll also talk about how as we align our will with God, we will achieve greater strength to endure all kinds of c…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 27-28. We’ll talk about the armor of God, each particular piece mentioned, and how it can help us improve our spiritual and emotional health. We’ll also talk about the idea of emotional armor. We’ll review how sometimes this can help us when setting boundaries and limits in our personal live…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 23-26. We’ll talk about the difference between self-condemnation and self-compassion related to our emotional and mental well-being. We’ll review how although the Lord does condemn at times, it is out of love and for our eventual improvement. We’ll discuss the importance of learning to walk …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 20-22. This portion of the record contains specific instructions for Joseph Smith regarding how he is to establish the church in the latter days. We’ll talk about how the Lord is willing to help us achieve larger goals by giving us specific instruction, but we have to be ready to receive the…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 19. This section is a direct revelation from Joseph Smith to Martin Harris. Although the counsel was specifically for Martin, there are many truths which can help us as well. We’ll talk about some of the characteristics of the Savior which enabled Him to complete His Atonement, including havi…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section 18. We’ll talk about the counsel given to Oliver Cowdery that he needed to rely on the things he knew to be true, as he went forward to establish the Lord’s church. We’ll discuss this same concept in our own lives, and how sometimes we do not act on the things we know to be true, because of f…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections 12 through 17, in addition to the final verses of Joseph Smith History. These sections are revelations given in answers to questions that individuals had about their lives. We’ll talk about the doctrine of revelation and how God wants to reveal things to us, but we must be prepared to receiv…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections ten and eleven. We’ll talk about the Savior’s counsel to be diligent, while at the same time giving ourselves adequate time for rest. We’ll review the example of the creation of the earth and how the Lord taught this principle. We’ll also talk about striking the balance between doing enough …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections six through nine. We’ll talk about the importance of trusting in the Lord’s timing and understanding that He will help us through our trials. We’ll discuss the commandment to look unto the Lord without doubt or fear, and how difficult it can be to obey that commandment. We’ll review the bles…

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants sections three through five. We’ll talk about the history of section three, the lost Book of Mormon manuscript, and Joseph’s mistake in not following the will of the Lord. We’ll review the importance of getting heavenly direction in our lives, especially when it involves personal and mental health im…

This week we are studying Joseph Smith History verses one through twenty-six. This is one of the accounts of the First Vision as given by Joseph Smith. We’ll talk about several truths that can help us manage our mental health. The first is the knowledge and hope that God is aware of us and has a plan for our success. The second is that we must act …

This week we are studying Joseph Smith History verses one through twenty-six. This is one of the accounts of the First Vision as given by Joseph Smith. We’ll talk about several truths that can help us manage our mental health. The first is the knowledge and hope that God is aware of us and has a plan for our success. The second is that we must act …

This week we are studying Doctrine and Covenants section one. This is considered the preface to the Lord’s revelations, and was actually given a couple of years after some of the other published revelations. We’ll talk about the concept of the law of the harvest; that we will only get out of something what we are willing to put into it. We’ll revie…

This week we begin of study of the Doctrine and Covenants. We’ll talk about some of the principles taught in the Restoration Proclamation that can help with our mental and emotional well-being. We’ll discuss how the very fact that a Savior was provided and that the gospel was restored in the latter days is a testimony of God’s love and concern for …