Dear Friends,Have you ever felt frustrated because bullies never give it a rest? I have. It seemed as if I was continually being challenged into arguments. I knew they were trying to provoke me. I knew these bullies’ thoughts. Yet I kept focused on my Father and on my mission.One time I was asked to choose between Caesar and my Father. Caesar was an authority, but my Father is the ultimate authority. There was no contest. My answer was “Give to Caesar what is his, but give to Go...

Dear Friends,What a day! I’d been with a crowd of people all afternoon. I was exhausted! My disciples and I got into a boat to cross the lake. I soon fell asleep. Suddenly I was shaken out of my sleep. A terrible windstorm had blown up. The waves were high. My disciples were panicked. I got up and ordered the wind and the waves to be quiet. My friends were surprised. Didn’t they realize yet that I am the Son of God?   When you are having problems, you may think that yo...

Dear Friends,There is a town, not far from Jerusalem, called Emmaus. On Easter Sunday, two of my friends were on their way there. They didn’t know that my resurrection had taken place, and they were so depressed and sad! But I had a surprise for them. Suddenly, I approached them and began walking with them. They didn’t recognize me, but began to share with me their disappointment. I listened, and then filled in some important information for them—predictions of the prophets tha...

Dear Friends,Have you ever been really, really, sick? Was there someone there to take care of you? Didn’t it feel good to know that someone cared? Didn’t it make you feel as though you weren’t alone?Maybe you’ve had the chance to take care of someone who’s sick. Even if you can’t be with that person, you can always pray for comfort and healing.When I saw the man who was ill with leprosy, I wanted to help him. During my ministry, I was able to help many people ...

Dear Friend,Have you ever asked your mom about the day you were born?  How she felt when she first saw you? My Mother, Mary, had some awesome things happen to her before I was born! It was all part of my Father’s plan to send me to save everyone—all of mankind—from sin. My Mother, Mary, was chosen by my heavenly Father to be my Mother. Her “yes” to the angel’s message would change her life forever! With it would come a lot of challenges. Soon enough I was...

Dear Friend,Have you ever had a hard time learning something? Sometimes, no matter how hard you study, you still might not get the grade you hope for. Maybe the person next to you doesn’t even have to study to get an A+. I see more than just grades. I know what effort you put into your work.Or perhaps you know someone who’s a good athlete and makes lots of goals. Maybe you go to every practice and try very hard, but you just don’t shine as much on the field. I see the true effo...

Dear Friend,Do you like to use your imagination? So do I.When I spoke to my followers, I would tell them stories to get my message across. I used really vivid images that would be hard to forget. I wanted to let them know that my teachings were not just make-believe. They were the truths my Father wanted me to tell everyone.My words are reliable and forever true. If people practice my teachings and my way of life, they will be happy, honest, and good. Heaven will open to them. It is up to us to ...

Dear Friends,“Saying yes” and “doing no” is a challenge for everyone! Sometimes you may feel stuck between the two. At times, doing the right thing will go against what you feel like doing. At other times, it will be tough and unpopular to do right. But when you live as my follower, my help will always be there for you.I tried to make this point by telling the following parable. Remember, when you do the right thing it is always seen by my heavenly Father!Signed,Your frie...

Dear Friends,This Sunday fourth Sunday after Easter is called Good Shepherd Sunday. Jesus called himself the Good Shepherd.  Do you know what a shepherd is?A shepherd is a person who takes care of a flock of sheep. Being a good shepherd means keeping the sheep safe and sound. That is the most important part of the job. A good shepherd knows each and every one of the sheep in the flock.When I talked to my disciples, I told them I was the Good Shepherd. Why? Because I love and ...

Dear Friends,Have you ever thought that something sorrowful had happened, but then—surprise!—there was a happy ending?On Easter morning, the third day after my crucifixion, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to my tomb. An angel came and rolled back the stone from the tomb The angel told the women who came to the tomb,"Do not be afraid. Jesus has been raised, as he said." They ran to tell the others this wonderful message.Saint Matthew, one of my apostles, wro...