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Featured Author
Joni Hilton
MEET AUTHOR Joni Hilton
Joni Hilton holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in Professional Writing from USC. She has written five award-winning plays and 25 books, including her most recent, A Little Christmas Prayer (Covenant). She’s also the author of the bestselling As the Ward Turns series, Funeral Potatoes—The Novel, and The Power of Prayer. All her books are available on her website (http://www.jonihilton.com), along with her weekly humor blog. She also writes for Music & The Spoken Word.
A former TV talk show host in Los Angeles, Hilton currently shares life hacks as the Youtube Mom with hundreds of videos on her channel “Joni Hilton”. She is married to TV personality Bob Hilton, is the mother of four, and currently serves as an Interfaith Specialist for LDS Public Affairs.
Author's Published Articles
A Missionary Question, Reversed
Here’s another way to consider what Jesus Christ has done…
How to Stop Gossiping Once and For All
Most people gossip. Here’s how to stop being like most…
The Secret of Symbols and Repetition
Here’s why we need both to advance spiritual understanding.
Are You Miles From Your Goals?
Sometimes we think we’ll never achieve our hearts’ desires, but…
The Four Words That Will Open Doors
There is one essential question that can open door after…
When You Can’t Seem to Make Your House a House of Order
If it’s hard for you to get organized, this article…
12 Ideas to Improve Unity in a Divisive World
How Can We Better Follow Christ’s Directive to “Be One”…
Embracing Those Who Question in Church
Too many times our members do have questions but hesitate…
What I Learned About Parenting from my Garden
How funny—and sad, really—that we are able to be patient…
A Family Home Evening Lesson from Space
Something is happening in the sky today and it can…
Does Your Life Truly Reflect Your Priorities?
Could a small change make all the difference?
Ever Wish You Could Have a Total Transformation?
We need to remember that before-and-after pictures are usually selling…
What’s the Trick to Staying Positive?
We live in strenuous times. Can we really look forward…
What Was Your Take-away from General Conference?
Sometimes a particular talk seems tailored specifically to us.
Five Words You May Be Taking for Granted in the Sacrament Prayer
Next time you listen to the Sacrament prayers, take special…
Has Anyone Ever Saved You From Disaster?
Searching and rescuing is actually our assignment.
VIDEO: How to Make an Emergency Heater
People across the United States are experiencing unusual and severe…
A Valentine’s Song with a Surprising Backstory
Six years ago my husband, Bob, got prostate cancer and…
Do You Inspire Others? Do They Inspire You?
Is it really possible to feel inspiration every day?
Is the Pandemic Making Your Family Stir Crazy?
Here are 10 activities to enrich your kids and increase…
Can We Become as Little Children if We Don’t Know Any?
What happens when we broaden our social circle to include…
Think of the Most Difficult Person You Know. Here’s How to Love Them.
We all have adversaries, even enemies. Can we really change…
Five Ways to Actually Get Along During This Divisive Time
Families are split politically, workplace resentments grow, COVID experts can’t…
Think You Can’t Make Much of a Difference? Think Again
What’s the one area where you can really know you’ve…
“Let Me Know If There’s Anything I Can Do”
We’ve all heard this useless phrase, right? Or is it…
Has Isolation Created a Loneliness Epidemic?
Are you lonely? Do you know someone who’s lonely? This…
How’s Your Tolerance for Repetition?
Why is there so much repetition in the restored gospel…
How Can We Survive This Disaster?
Often life does not follow your blueprint. Adversity strikes. If…
When Everyone Lets You Down
We’ve all been there. People disappoint us. Sometimes it seems…
Ever Wish You Could Know the Future?
The world seems filled with crazy chaos right now. Is…
How’s Your Testimony During this Pandemic?
Are you taking this one vital step to keep it…
Are Your Kids Going Back to School?
Don’t forget the most important step you can take as…
What’s the Hardest Part of Your Calling?
We’ve all struggled to measure up and serve well. Here…
Are We Living in Plato’s Cave?
Hundreds of years before the birth of Christ, a philosopher…
Instead of “How are You?”
Here’s how to ask meaningful questions that build real connections.
Are You Thankful in All Things?
Is it honestly possible to be grateful, immersed in today’s…
Is it Enough Just to Belong to Christ’s Restored Church?
The way we view our membership can make all the…
Do We Fall Into Categories We May Not Realize?
Have you ever identified with some of the “-ites” in…
Have You Heard Mistakes Made in the Sacrament Prayers?
Here’s why I think those mishaps can be a glorious…
12 Tips for Coping Financially from a Latter-day Saint Analyst
When it comes to our health, we want to hear…
The Secret Power We All Could Access, Yet We Don’t
During these times of quarantine there’s an activity we all…
12 Ways to Stay Hopeful During this Pandemic
We, and our children, can still follow Christ’s admonition to…
Do You Feel Pulled Towards Heaven?
Many animals have a homing instinct. But what about humans?
Two Words That Can Help You Move Forward
We’ve all procrastinated, felt gripped by fear, and doubted our…
Going Beyond Mindfulness to Heartfulness
Just studying, just knowing what we know is not enough.…
How to Love Your Missionaries Even More
It’s not about feeding them, or greeting them warmly in…
How Can God Let Such Awful Things Happen?
How can a loving God just stand by when disaster…
Who We Should Really Look Up to in the Story of Cinderella
There’s a secret hidden in many of our favorite tales.
What’s the Trick to Achieving Our New Years’ Resolutions?
Here’s how to make this year different from last year.
One American Sign Language Word We All Should Know
Hearing or not, we all need to learn this key…
The Hymn You Didn’t Know was a Christmas Song
You may never hear this song the same way again.
#LightTheWorld: A Handmade Christmas
For generations, people around the world have crafted amazing and…
White Friday: A New Thanksgiving Tradition
Here’s a wonderful way to unify your family and instill…
Do You Think You Live in a Safe Area? Think Again
How are we doing, when it comes to watching out…
Is it Really Enough Just to Try?
When success seems unreachable, is it worthwhile to keep trying?
Do You Compare Yourself to Others?
Welcome to Displeasure Island. But it’s worse than you think.
What Actually Eases Grief?
Whether you’re suffering from the crushing grief that seems to…
Why We Should Each Strive to Be “That Guy”
Whether you’re a man or a woman, let’s all resolve…
We Have the Truth, We Know it, and We’re Good. Right?
Here’s what’s wrong with that line of thinking.
Five Things to Do When People Disappoint You
Ever notice how many people seem to fall short of…
5 Ways to Improve Your Listening Skills
Do you ask more questions or make more statements?
What One Thing Do You Most Desire?
There are many righteous wishes. There are many beautiful blessings.…
R-E-S-P-E-C-T: We can spell it, but are we teaching it and giving it?
Why does society seem so lacking in respect today? And…
What’s the Most Exciting Mission Location?
Have you ever been disappointed by the announcement of a…
Have You Grown Comfortable with Unhappiness?
Too many people have stopped believing they can truly be…
How are You Weird?
When we insist upon mirror-image appearances, we reveal our insecurities.…
Sharpening That Pencil for Life’s Next Test
Everybody faces adversities in life. That’s plural for a reason.…
Sharpening That Pencil for Life’s Next Test-duplicate-1
Part of the plan is to accept the plan.
Does That Face Look Familiar?
Have you ever visited ancestral lands looking for distant relatives?
We Need Charity, but We Also Need Clarity
Without charity we are nothing—but if you read that wrong,…
When We Feel Forgotten By the Lord
Each of us will endure grief, disappointment, and great losses…
Interfaith Project Doubles Expectations: 2,000 Kits Donated to ‘Days for Girls’
A Northern California Stake Center recently filled with 1,000 women…
One of the Most Common Mistakes We Make in Missionary Work
I am an expert at missionary methods that don’t work.…
Two Words That Can Help You in Making Difficult Decisions
We all find ourselves at a crossroads from time to…
How the Adversary Tries to Stop Us From Heeding the Prophet’s Counsel
What really keeps us from reading the Sunday School lesson?
One Tip That Can Improve Your Gospel Teaching at Home and at Church
We’re all given callings to teach from time to time,…
How Can We Really Keep the Christmas Spirit All Year?
This experience in the aftermath of the California wildfires tells…
Becoming More Deliberate and Meaningful in our Christmas Gift Giving
The biggest problem with Christmas shopping isn’t the prices, the…
Are These the Worst of Times? Yep. But Not in the Way You Think
But it’s Christmas! How can these be the worst of…
What Prophets Have Promised When You Read the Book of Mormon
In our last General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson challenged…
Lessons from a Hospital Waiting Room
Who knew an MRI would reveal much more than medical…
Do You Really Minister Like a Shepherd?
There’s another way to shepherd—I learned it on the sheer…
The Untapped Power in the Verses We Don’t Sing
How many of our hymns’ messages are missed because we…
When Parenting Loses its Luster
Is it sometimes difficult to get excited about raising kids?…
Ten Ways to Help Your Student Boost Their Grades This Year
We know education is important. Here are 10 ways to…
When Spouses Fail to Understand Each Other
Why do so many young marrieds struggle to feel truly…
The Beautiful Gospel Lesson Hiding on Your Key Ring
Is your key ring also an object lesson?
The Busy Christian: Is the Label an Oxymoron?
Think about Jesus for a moment. You could have an…
A Helpful Formula for Keeping Your Priorities Straight
Here’s an easy way to help you make daily life…
Ministering Outside the Box
How one bishop discovered the perfect solution for a suffering…
The Spiritual Message That Pulled Me From Despair to Delight
Sometimes our darkest moments lead to brilliant light and understanding.
Are Differences Ruining Your Marriage?
No two people are identical. But what happens when the…
Who’s Really Going to Hasten the Work?
Are Latter-day Saints going to shoulder this alone?
The Subtle Message in this Month’s Ensign You May Not Have Noticed
It’s not about reading between the lines, but beside them.
How a Cancer Diagnosis Shifted my Paradigms about Mortality
How a breast cancer diagnosis made me face mortality, but…
A Surprising Way to Feel Energized All the Time
When you first read “how to feel energized all the…
Can LDS Women Really “Have it All”?
The world offers more opportunities than ever. But what’s the…
How do you Grow an Elephant?: An Insight into Better Parenting
One of the best lessons we can teach our kids…
Embracing Faith When You’re Filled with Fear
President Gordon B. Hinckley said that faith is the antithesis…
The Exciting Part of Conference No One is Talking About
It’s certainly an exciting time for the LDS Church. Those…
What Would You Do With Only Days Left to Live?
Perhaps you’ve even wondered how you would live if you…
The Best Sacrament Talk I Never Heard
Sometimes there’s another message beyond the one coming through the…
How to Get Out of a Rut on Your Goals
Sometimes wards labor for years to reach a goal—more baptisms,…
Has Someone Ever Saved You From Disaster?
That life-changing moment when someone’s small decision to act made…
Accessing the Gift of the Holy Ghost
We call him The Comforter. And in pondering this wonderful…
10 Common Games That Teach Surprising Gospel Principles
Eric Schwitzgebel, author of Perplexities of Consciousness, said of the…
How About a Simpler New Year’s Resolution?
Here’s a one-size-fits-all resolution that can direct and inspire you…
Seeing “The Least of These” a Whole New Way
Sometimes there’s more to a scripture than we realize.
Can You Honestly Say You Love Reading the Scriptures?
Here are 12 ways to get over the hump and…
Have you Ever Flipped Gratitude Inside Out?
Here’s a way to make Thanksgiving even more meaningful.
A Major Mistake LDS Singles Make in their Search for the Perfect Spouse
It seems more and more young people today are postponing…
The Aspect of Missionary Work That We Emphasize Too Much
The least important part of missionary work is the one…
Hurricanes, Floods, Earthquakes, Fires, Terrorism—What Can We Do?
Here’s how to meet these disasters head on.
Does Your Success in Life Depend on This One Trait?
What single attribute can help you in every single endeavor?
Pressing the Pause Button to Serve a Mission
What actually happens when missionaries set aside their current activities.
Are Mormons Leading the Way Again?
As society and families break apart, one author recommends following…
This Forbidden Phrase Can Actually Help You
How this family taboo can truly save the day.
Who Needs More Blessings – Men or Women?
Priesthood blessings are available to all, including nonmembers, but who…
A Beautiful Thing You Probably Didn’t Know About the Pioneers
The little-known, amazing part of the Mormon Trail.
How to Find Stability in this Unstable World
As the world grows more uncertain, here are two ways…
The Often-overlooked Part of Your Testimony
Think you’ve checked all the boxes? Think again.
When You’re Happy to Give, But Unwilling to Receive
Are you one of those folks who’s happy to give,…
Do You Live in a Land of Milk and Honey?
Why was Israel called the Land of Milk and Honey?…
What One Skill Will Most Ensure Your Children’s Marriage Success?
Here’s how to train your kids to make great spouses.
Fire-proof: Five Ways to Keep From Losing Your Job
Whether you’re a teenager with a summer job or an…
How Do You Really Feel About Yourself?
Have you joined the Self-Acceptance movement? Here’s why I don’t…
5 Things That Keep Us From Being Good Listeners
You might not be as good a listener as you…
How Much Evidence is There of God?
Have you found His signature everywhere that it exists?
Does Anyone Here Hold the Priesthood?
A crisis at the airport leads everyone to self-reflection.
The Greatest Love Story in all of Scripture
In honor of Valentine’s Day, let’s take a look at…
Do Coincidences Really Exist?
How often do we discount everyday miracles as happenstance?
What Opportunities are Linked to Your Struggle?
How studying genetics helped me face adversity.
A Formula for an Instant Answer to Prayer
I don’t know anyone whose every prayer is answered immediately.…
A New Way to See Your Christmas Tree
The most important part of the Christmas tree is the…
10 Tips for Celebrating Christmas, Even if You’re Alone
Christmastime can be stressful whether you’re busy or lonely. Here’s…
You Belong to THAT Church?
Criticism and persecution will always find the church. How do…
10 Ways to Adjust to Being Released from a Calling You Loved
We hear much about how to adjust to a scary,…
Remembering Where the Keys Are
Are You Wishing to see the Signs and Power of God?
We may not seek signs and wonders, but we have…
The Best Thing You Can Do for the Teens in Your Ward
What one, simple thing can have the most impact on…
When You Feel Your Cup is Empty
Much of the Christian world, including many Latter-day Saints, think…
A Triple Whammy About the Creation
I just learned how to multiply my appreciation for God’s…
How to Get Out of Your Prayer Rut
What if we applied the “Good-Better-Best” formula to our prayers?
Taking the Pressure Out of Missionary Work
How can we be more like Ammon, without having to…
3 Things That Will Surprise You at the MTC
Think you know what it’s going to be like? Here…
Has Your Life Been Touched by the Fires of Adversity?
Did you know hardships actually present a choice?
Have You Ever Felt You Were Sinking, Spiritually?
We all struggle spiritually from time to time. But what’s…
Five Perfect Disguises in the LDS Church
Sometimes things look one way, but are exactly the opposite.
Easy Summer Treats to Beat the Summer Heat
Your YouTube Mom is back with some great summer tips…
The Gift I’ll Never Forget
Nonmembers are often stunned when they learn about Fast Offerings,…
Doing Something You’re Not Assigned to Do
What if you didn’t wait for instructions? What if you…
What Would You Do if You Knew You Couldn’t Fail?
Did you know there’s actually a guarantee for success?
Living with the Deadliest Animal
Think you know the deadliest animal alive? No, it’s not…
The Visiting Teacher Poem
Sometimes feelings are best expressed in poetry. If you’ve ever…
How Many Light Bulbs Does it Take to Change a Mormon?
We’ve all heard the light bulb jokes. But have you…
What Was The Last Big Choice You Made?
Did you know it’s impossible to procrastinate a decision?
Pressing the Elevator Button—and Why God Cares About It
Next time you step into an elevator, think of this…
Sure Footing in Unsteady Times
Does the ground seem shaky, sliding about in these troubling…
Is Attitude Actually the First Lesson in the Book of Mormon?
Check out this hidden gem on the most-read page of…
When You’re Called to Follow the “Tough Act to Follow”
Whether you’re succeeding a popular bishop, an extraordinary chorister, or…
We Have Smart Phones and Smart Cars, But Are We Smart People?
What if you could start your day like you start…
Does Your Vote Really Matter?
Millions of people will be voting soon. What difference will…
Making Christ a Dearer Friend
James Thurber once said, “Love is what you’ve been through…
What if Your Family Isn’t Christmas-Card-Picture-Perfect?
Here they come, the cards and newsletters, the family photos.…
DIY Suggestions for Your Last Minute Halloween
Your YouTube Mom is back with great suggestions of easy…
Trying out the Two Ingredient Brownie Recipe
Your YouTube Mom is back to try the two-ingredient brownie…
Do You Pray for Missionary Miracles?
There’s something about airports for me. And Heavenly Father knows…
Something New to Think About During Sacrament
Do we really take Christ’s name upon us as we…
VIDEO: Using Your Ice Cube trays for More than Ice
Your YouTube Mom is back to tell some cool uses…
Is the Holy Ghost Always with You?
If we’re basically good people, why can’t we feel the…
Two of the Most Powerful Words You’ll Ever Use
What two words have the power to free, heal, and…
Do You Write Anything Down Anymore?
Everything’s on the computer now. Can we finally take a…
Back to School: DIY for Keeping your Lunch Fresh
School is back and so is your YouTube Mom with…
Do You Have a Back-to-School Checklist?
Many LDS children are given back-to-school blessings, new clothes, backpacks,…
Are You Gathering or Scattering Your Sheep?
Every branch and ward is a flock—but are all the…
The Prayer That Will Always Be Answered
Have you ever wished your prayers could be answered sooner?…
The Two-word Test That Will Change Your Day
Can two words really be powerful enough to turn your…
Video: Your YouTube Mom: DIY Measuring Hacks
Your YouTube Mom Joni Hilton shows you how to measure…
Take a Break From Scripture Reading
Is it time you stopped plowing through your scriptures every…
Video: Your YouTube Mom How to Make Strawberry Roses
Your YouTube Mom Joni Hilton teaches you a make strawberry…
Life Hack: How to Easily Eliminate Kitchen Odors
Your YouTube Mom is back with a life hack on…
What to do When you Spill on Your Keyboard
Your YouTube Mom is back with a great life hack…
What Are You Giving Christ for Easter?
Many of us try to follow Christ’s example, but rarely…
Life Hacks: How to Seal a Box for Shipping
Here are some great tips on making sure the stuff…
Building Your Personal Temple
As temple construction rolls forward around the world, are you…
Are You More Like Mary or Martha?
Weren’t both of these sisters exemplary women? Then why does…
VIDEO: How to make an Emergency Heater
Your YouTube Mom demonstrates this easy method for creating your…
8 Ways to Celebrate New Years with Kids
Check out these great do-it-yourself activities for getting your kids…
What Does Jesus Want for Christmas?
What are you giving Christ for Christmas? After all, this…
How to Clean Your Shower Curtain
Another life hack for keeping a cleaner bathroom from your…
What’s the Next Rung on Your Ladder?
Think you’ve finished climbing the ladder of life, and checking…
The Bottom Line: Is Religion Dispensable?
Does the next generation want faith in their lives?
Groundbreaking, Indeed
Ten years ago something miraculous happened at a temple groundbreaking.
VIDEO: What Not to Put Down the Disposal
Here are some things you may not know about this…
Is There Actual Power in the Book of Mormon?
Is the Book of Mormon even more than it claims…
Ten Tips for Parents of New RMs
The first crop of younger missionaries are just starting to…
Household Tips: How to Clean a Microwave
Joni Hilton is your youtube Mom who shows you a…
Next Time You Feel Worthless
Soft Landings
What
If You Died Tonight, Would You Be Happy with How You Spent Your Day?
None of us know the moment-will you end on a…
What is Your Work and Your Glory?
Have you ever looked at God's purpose through your own…
Are Your Friends Really Your Friends?
If you aren't happy with your circle of friends, maybe…
Could this be the greatest missionary question ever?
Next time you consider sharing the gospel, here's a new…
Are You Spiritually Gifted?
Gifted people are fascinating. And not just because of their…
Facebook and the Faithful – a Marriage Made in Heaven?
Where do you weigh in on social media? Is it…
Unlocking the Power of the Sacrament
Do you know- and do your children know-about the power…
The Compatibility Myth
What if you're incompatible with your spouse, your co-workers, or…
The Perils of LDS Event Planning
From Temple Openings to the Pinewood Derby, we always have…
Have You Ever Memorized a Scripture?
Is scripture memorization a talent some have, and not others?
The Perfect LDS Valentine
Why There Will Never be a Gospel Olympics
A New Look at Crying Babies
Nature, Nurture, and the Missing Ingredient
Scientists have argued for generations about which one has the…
Decorate Inexpensively for Christmas in One Easy Lesson
You can make your home elegant without spending elegant prices.
Scripture Study: Are You Asking the Right Questions?
We all know the question words Who, What, Where, When,…
The Six Levels of Testimony: Where are You on the Ladder?
Testimonies are important and dynamic. They can grow or diminish…
But I Don’t Want to Go There!
We have become entertainment junkies. We have bought into the…
How’s Your Ward Council Going?
Do Mormons love administrative meetings? Why do we plan so…
Widows, Widowers, and Empty Nesters: Finding a Fit
There's a growing group among our ranks- seniors who feel…
Origami and the Butterfly
With some things you can follow specific instructions and receive…
Be Gone, Lake Wobegon! Garrison Keillor Takes a Swipe at Mormonism
While we cheerfully acknowledge our cultural quirks, we never actually…
Sister Missionaries: Another LDS Etiquette Matter?
"How's your love life?" "So who are you dating?" "When…
Think You Have No Talents? How About Trials?
Have you ever considered consecrating your trials unto the Lord…
The Power in Blessing a Baby
Tiny white lace bonnets, a blanket crocheted by a grandmother,…
Are Mormon Women Natural Matchmakers?
There's just something about happily married Mormon women. They can't…
You Have a Prophet? What Does He Say?
Prophets guide, warn, and inspire us in countless other ways…
The Myth of Man’s Search for Happiness
There are two kinds of people in this world- those…
Is There a Lesson For Us From Penn State?
What if the Penn State pedophile tragedy was repeated at…
The Real Reason Kate is Less Active
After working for years with less active women, I honestly…
Is it Okay to Play Video Games at Work?
One study shows that about one-fourth of employees admit to…
The Scriptures as Entertainment- Enjoying the Stories, but Missing the Point
Our standard works are filled with drama, excitement, glory, and…
Thunderstruck in Relief Society
Patience- this is not my favorite topic-okay, it's my least…
Is There Such a Thing as Mormon Manners? (And How to Make Sure Your Future Missionaries Have Them!)
Herewith is a list of just 20 ways to ensure…
The Parable of the Stranded Motorist
There I was, right in the middle of an intersection…
But the Book of Mormon Repeats Itself!
When my neighbor complained that the Book of Mormon repeats…
“You Better Not Pout, I’m Telling You Why”*
In the familiar Christmas song, "Santa Claus is Coming to…
The Best, Inexpensive, Always-Appreciated Christmas Gift
We're always on the look-out for the ideal gift, aren't…
The Biggest Mistake that Parents can Make
When you need parenting advice, you often go to others…
When Honesty is Not The Best Policy
Honesty is the best policy and we should never fudge…
Are We Five-Year-OIds in Disguise?
Do we have the attention span of five-year-olds when learning…
Have You Taken Your Vitamin M Today?
Here are a dozen ways to frustrate the adversary and…
Have You Slipped Beneath God’s Radar?
It is tempting, sometimes, to think God has forgotten about…
Three Words That Make a Marriage-or An Entire Culture-Succeed
These three words encompass an entire way of looking at…
The Overlooked LDS Holiday: Commemorating the Restoration of the Priesthood?
I'd love our boys to go off with their dads…
Why Certain Themes Reappear at General Conference
I have a friend who thinks that General Conference is…
12 Days of Christmas Relief Society Parody
You've never heard the "12 Days of Christmas" like this…
Elbow Grease: Essential for Happiness
Spare your children the lessons of hard work and we…
The Birthing Biz: How LDS Moms Get Sidetracked
Who has more babies than Mormons or Catholics? Nobody, right?…
Newbies Take It- Converts Often Run Circles Around Lifers
The trouble with being a "lifer" in the Church is…
Why so few Latter-day Saints Make New Years’ Resolutions
Improvement is a good thing, right? So why do so…
If More Celebrities Joined the Church
Joni imagines what great callings would be Al Pacino, Celine…
Are These Really The Worst Times?
I'm watching TV with my 19-year-old son the other day,…