Finding purpose in our trials can bring joy! Thinking about how we can learn or grow from problems brings more meaning to our lives, which in turn can increase our overall level of happiness.

Join us next year to connect with the divine across Europe and Asia! Students will study Protestantism in Luther’s homeland, Catholicism in the shadow of the Vatican, Judaism in the “Holy City” of Jerusalem, Islam by the Middle East’s stunning mosques, Hinduism in India’s “Golden Triangle,” and Buddhism in Japan’s unforgettable temples. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to see the world, know its people, and cherish its magnificence!

Jesus Christ has the power to "redeem from sin, change hearts and heal souls, strengthen and empower, and bring about a glorious resurrection."

Our belief in and efforts to become like Jesus Christ are part of what makes us excellent. How has your faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ helped you succeed?

This week we're spotlighting Professor Ken Alford! What he enjoys most about his job are the students. Professor Alford loved helping to create the BYU online version of the Rel C 225 (Foundations of the Restoration”) course. In his research, he's enjoyed writing about recognizing Latter-day Saint military heroes (in his “Saints at War: The Gulf War, Afghanistan, and Iraq” book) and identifying Latter-day Saint Civil War veterans (in his “Civil War Saints” book). A fun fact about Professor Alford is that he's earned the rank of full professor twice in two different disciplines (organizational behavior at the National Defense University and church history at BYU), but he has not been a full professor in his PhD discipline of computer science.

Heaven is often closer than it feels. What do you do to feel heaven near?

Mark your calendar! The Sperry Symposium is being moved to January 2024 and is now the Come, Follow Me Symposium. We'll see you there!

Centering ourselves on both reason and revelation can prepare us for the challenges and choices we face! How have you balanced the two when facing trials or making important decisions?

We are imperfect beings trying to become more like Christ every day. How have you seen yourself grow recently?

This week we're spotlighting Professor Brian Mead! He feels incredibly blessed to do what he does! Professor Mead's favorite thing about working at BYU is the students. He loves being with them and the opportunities they have to talk about the incredible truths of the gospel whether in the classroom or in one-on-one settings. Before coming to BYU, he worked for Seminaries and Institutes in the Church Office Building. He focused on topics like disabilities, mental health, suicide prevention, loss and grief, LGBTQ+, and others that are important to him. He loved helping to build the body of Christ and making it so that all who walk the covenant path feel that they are seen, valued, and belong. Professor Mead loves to cook, which is something his wife loves! They have a pretty good system where they talk while he makes the food and she cleans up after him.

"There is power in living the higher ­teachings of Jesus Christ as taught in His marvelous ­gospel—to not judge or revile, to love, to pray for, to forgive, to extend mercy, and to make peace." —Professor Anthony Sweat

Next up we're spotlighting Professor Dan Belnap! Professor Belnap gets an adrenaline rush after teaching a class. He also loves getting a good research project, writing up a paper about it, and when the connections start meeting up in the writing. To him, it's important that he teach as wide a variety of classes as possible, especially when teaching scripture. As for his research, right now the book that he and Mike MacKay have authored has the potential to change the way we think about certain aspects of church history and theology. Professor Belnap likes racquetball, volleyball, and reading both science and fantasy novels. He enjoys a good LEGO Xbox game, especially when competing with boys. Recently, he's also been trying to learn how to Mongolian throat sing.