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46356

The Beautiful Symbolism Behind Temple Sealings and How They Represent Christ's Suffering

Bruce C. Hafen, Marie K. Hafen, excerpted from "The Contrite Spirit" - Many of us go to the temple today the way Adam and Eve first offered sacrifices—simply because we are commanded, without knowing why. Simple obedience is certainly better than not performing the ordinances at all. But the Lord who sent that angel must have wanted Adam and Eve to know why they performed the ordinances—and I believe He wants  us  to know why we do. Are today’s temple ordinances also “a similitude of the Only Begotten”? Think of how the temple’s altars are—like the altar of Adam and Eve—altars of prayer, sacrifice, and covenant. Think of the elements of sacrifice in...

46354

New Zealand Temple Closes for 3-Year Renovation + See First Photos of What the Temple Will Look Like

Mormon Newsroom - The Hamilton New Zealand Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently closed for an extensive renovation. The New Zealand landmark has been in service since 1958 and needs seismic strengthening retrofit and significant upgrades to its mechanical systems. In addition, the finishes and furnishings of the temple will be refreshed along with expanded parking and landscaping installed. The project is expected to be completed sometime in 2021. Following the remodel, the public will be invited to tour the temple during an open house. After the open house, the temple will be rededicated. Rendering of Hamilton New Zealand...

46308

When Your Friend Leaves the Church: 7 Ways to Cope and Comfort

Rachelle J. Christensen - When one of my friends announced on social media that she no longer had a testimony of the Church, I was shocked and saddened. A few months later I met up with another good friend who told me that she and her entire family had left the Church. I felt profound grief, confusion, and loss for these friends, and I struggled to understand and reconcile my feelings. How would their choices affect the future of our friendship? These experiences have opened up several talking points with my family about personal testimony and how we can be an example to others. I...

46347

The 9-Year-Old CEO and Latter-day Saint Who Dedicates His Time to Serving Others

Yvonne Liu - “Dad, I can’t wait to go on a mission,” Chase Hansen told his father, John Hansen, after Chase got baptized and walked out of the baptismal font in 2017. John responded, “Son, we are already on a mission.” The mission Chase and John are on right now is to empower homeless people and vulnerable children. Chase, who is now 9 years old, is already a CEO for a nonprofit and has met with church and government authorities to discuss how to lift his community. Speaking of the reason behind his nonprofit work, Chase says, “If you watch a bunch of superheroes,...

46344

The Twelve Apostles Discuss What It Really Means to Sustain Them (+ What It Means to Them)

Church News - “Membership in the Church is a very personal matter. Every individual counts. That is why we function on the principle of common consent,” Elder Holland said. “We want everyone to have an opinion, to express him or herself, and to be united in going forward. . . . I love the imagery of arms to the square and the meaning behind that. No one has to serve alone in the Church, whatever our calling.” Elder Renlund added with a smile, “Another thing that the members can do to sustain me as one of the Twelve is to forgive me for not being...

46338

8 Things You Didn't Know About Joseph Smith Obtaining the Gold Plates

Yvonne Liu - The prophet Joseph Smith would not have been the man God needed him to be without the help of others and without the events that shaped his life. Many historical events during or before the restoration of the Church influenced Joseph Smith and opened the way for new revelation. The Mormon Channel recently released a new podcast series discussing the Church’s groundbreaking new history, Saints: The Story of the Church of Jesus Christ in the Latter-days . Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the restoration of the gospel from this new podcast and book: ►You’ll also like: Was Joseph...

46319

Vocal Point Releases Soul-Stirring Cover of "You Raise Me Up"

LDS Living Staff - It's difficult to create a remake of Josh Groban's heart-melting hit "You Raise Me Up" that lives up to the original, but BYU Vocal Point's recent cover of the song adds an upbeat twist that makes you want to listen to it again and again. BYU Vocal Point has been described as an "optical illusion for your ears." Their inventive a cappella style, innovative arrangements, and incredible vocal percussion continue to wow audiences everywhere. They have performed before millions on national television on NBC's The Sing-Off , in concerts, and on YouTube. While Vocal Point showcases mostly popular songs from yesterday...

46318

Apostle Speaks to Japanese Youth in Their Language: "I Hope They Realize How Loved They Are"

Mormon Newsroom - At the first Face to Face event held in Asia , Elder Stevenson told the youth in attendance at the Manila MTC, "The covenant path is not a path for perfect people. The covenant path is for those who are trying to become perfect." He later added, "The gospel is a gospel of joy and it tries to teach us to be happy." Elder and Sister Stevenson continued to share their message of love and joy as they met with youth in Japan for another Face to Face event, and this time the apostle spoke in the native language of those...

46315

A Company Accidentally Put an LDS Temple and Scripture on "Beauty and the Beast" Phone Cases, and the Internet Bought Them All

Salt Lake Tribune - In addition to the lyric “Tale as old as time, Beauty and the Beast” written in script, a phone case depicting iconic Disney characters in front of the Church's most iconic temple contains lines from a D&C 123:17. Katie Hoyos didn’t know what was missing from her Beauty and the Beast collection until she saw it: a phone case featuring Belle and the Beast striding toward the LDS temple in Salt Lake City. She thought it was amusing that the Australian manufacturer probably had no idea that the majestic six-spired granite building isn’t a fairy-tale castle but rather a place where...

46314

15 Pieces of LDS Art Perfect for Your Child's Room

LDS Living - Start Each Day 12x12 Plaque Learn more » Girls with Deep Roots 12x12 Matted Print Learn more » Growing Up Boy 12x12 Matted Print Learn more » Take My Hand 11x14 Matted Print Learn more » Provo City Center Temple 8x10 Watercolor-Style Print Learn more » Worlds Without End 8x10 Print Learn more » Love Your Life Print 8x10 Print Learn more » Precious in His Sight 11x14 Matted Print Learn more » My Baptism 6x6 Plaque Learn more » Believer Art Set 5x7 Prints Learn more » Let Your Light Shine 10x10 Plaque Learn more » Be Not Afraid 11x14...

21572

21 Simple Pleasures Only Mormons Will Understand

Kelsey Berteaux and Danielle Wagner - Have you ever had a moment where you pause to take a breath and appreciate something small? These little wonders can be tender mercies in our lives. Here are 21 such simple pleasures that Latter-day Saints in particular might find in their everyday lives.  1. Knowing the scripture that a speaker is quoting. Especially if it's not a scripture mastery scripture.  2. Finding the answer to a prayer in a random scripture. Getting an answer to a prayer is always a simple pleasure. Finding it somewhere unexpected is even more touching. 3. Singing your favorite hymn in sacrament. Or any of...

46136

“I'm Ready to Go Back”: NFL Player Shares His Journey Back to the Church and Temple

Church News - "There were so many things that I was able to learn on my mission that helped me when I started going back to Church, and helped build my testimony,” Isaac Asiata said. “I will carry those things with me for the rest of my life.” Andy Phillips wasn’t alarmed to receive a text a few years ago from his University of Utah football teammate Isaac Asiata. The two young men had become friends on and off the gridiron. They were part of the team’s field goal unit and often swapped texts. On the field, it was Asiata’s job to protect Phillips...

46312

How the Book of Mormon Teaches Us to Use Social Media for a Holy Purpose

Rhonna Farrer - It seems impossible. How could an ancient record that was written before modern-day technology teach us about social media? Surprisingly, the Book of Mormon is full of lessons we can apply to social media and how to use it for good. For example, in Helaman 5:21–51 we see the brothers Nephi and Lehi devoted their lives to preaching the word of God. Because of this, they were taken by an army of the Lamanites and cast into prison. And while in prison, they were encircled by fire, yet it “burned them not and their hearts did take courage.” They testified and declared,...

46310

"You Annihilated It": LDS Dancer Advances to Top 8 on "SYTYCD," Earns Judges' Praise with Africanized Routine

Utah Valley 360 - “I have to say I was a liar. I said that your first number was the best performance of the night, but that number was definitely the best number of the night,” So You Think You Can Dance judge Mary Murphy said. “The attack was so amazing. You were just digging in, and you just ate it up. Both of you were just stars in that piece. You annihilated it.” Provo ballroom dancer Jensen Arnold advanced to the Top 8 on So You Think You Can Dance with two strong performances on Monday night. Arnold and her partner Jay Jay Dixonbey danced a...

46099

2 Crucial Ways Elder Hales Said We Can Protect Ourselves (and Our Families) from the Adversary

Elder Robert D. Hales, excerpted from "Return: Four Phases of Our Mortal Journey Home" - Because the battle for our souls is real,   we must anticipate how the adversary will test us. None of us is immune to his clever, perfectly tailored temptations. The hero of Homer’s  Iliad,  Achilles, had a mother, Thetis, who dipped Achilles in the waters of the River Styx so that he became invulnerable. Thetis was successful, as the story goes, except for that part of her son’s heel by which she had held him. That was his  Achilles’ heel.  There he was unprotected. We are all vulnerable. We all have a proverbial Achilles’ heel, and the adversary knows what it...

46306

Choosing Whom to Marry: 3 Research-Proven Tips to Help Create a Lasting Marriage

LDS.org - What a powerful thought from this Ensign article about how agency influences our relationships: "It is much more meaningful to say to the one you love, 'No, you weren’t chosen by someone else; I chose you. And I will continue to choose you every day of our life for eternity.'" When I first began my doctoral work in clinical psychology, I was given a little assignment: read everything that’s ever been written about what predicts divorce. Daunted but determined, I read my way through decades of research. Poring over stacks of articles, I was amazed at how well we could predict...

46279

The Symbolism Behind 8 Animals in the Scriptures That Can Help You Understand Christ's Atonement on a Deeper Level

Jay A. Parry, Donald W. Parry, adapted from "Symbols and Shadows: Unlocking a Deeper Understanding of the Atonement" - A number of animals—red heifers, rams and ewe lambs, he-goats and nanny goats, turtledoves, bulls, pigeons, and a bronze serpent—serve as symbols of Jesus Christ’s atonement or sacrifice. The blood of the group of animals sacrificed in sacred ceremonies was shed in anticipation of Jesus’ blood, which would flow in Gethsemane and on the cross. Female animals that were sacrificed had specific life-giving qualities that pointed to Jesus as the giver of immortality and eternal life; male animals had other qualities that served as types of Jesus. The animals’ economic worth made them a sacrifice of value to Israelite households that...

46293

5 Ways Receiving My Temple Endowment Was Unlike Anything I Expected

Danielle B. Wagner - In 2015, my New Year’s resolution took an unexpected spiritual turn. For once in my life, I wanted to make a resolution that counted—one that I wouldn’t forget in two months and that could impact me for eternity. I decided to prepare to enter the temple. That was the best resolution I have ever made—but I had to fight for it. Every moment of that year I battled to stay focused. I questioned “Am I ready? Is this right?” and I worried over all the warnings I received about the temple being strange, confusing, or overwhelming. I learned quickly that, for...

46302

LDS Living Readers Share 14 Unforgettable Dreams That Answered Their Prayers

LDS Living Staff - Many Latter-day Saints have had sacred experiences through dreams. In fact, as Elder Richard G. Scott revealed, dreams are one of the ways our Heavenly Father communicates with His children: “Revelation can . . . be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise, it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire experience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a...

46299

Church Releases Letter About Suicide Prevention and Helping Others After Loss

LDS Living Staff - On August 9, the Church released a letter  outlining how Church members can better "take an active role within their communities to minister to those who have thoughts of suicide or who are grieving a loss." The letter includes resources to help Latter-day Saints understand Church teachings about suicide, how to recognize warning signs, how to help someone in crisis, and how to support loved ones grieving a family member who has taken their own life. In the letter, the Church clearly outlines LDS doctrine regarding suicide, stating: "Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ experienced the fulness of mortal challenges so He...

46282

How Truman G. Madsen's Joseph Smith Lectures Are Still Changing Lives 40 Years Later

Trent Toone, for LDS Living - Of all the letters Truman G. Madsen received over many years from people who read or listened to his Joseph Smith the Prophet lectures, one from a man in Australia stood out to Madsen. In a 2005 email, Adam Carthew, of Melbourne, told Madsen that 16 years earlier when he was 15, he was the only member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in his school. One day while riding with his companion to a home teaching visit, one of Madsen's Joseph Smith tapes was in the car's cassette player. The young man became engrossed in what he...

46296

5 Ways Angels Communicate with Us

Donald W. Parry, adapted from "Angels: Agents of Light, Love, and Power" - President Boyd K. Packer taught that divine revelation may come in various ways: “The Lord reveals His will through dreams and visions, visitations, through angels, through His own voice, and through the voice of His servants. ‘Whether by mine own voice,’ He said, ‘or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.”1 Depending on the needs of mortals and according to the will of the Lord, angels communicate with mortals in a variety of ways—by a visitation, by a voice, by thoughts, by feelings, or in other ways. . . . Many visitations from the spirit world are from...

14904

FHE: Withholding Judgment

Shauna Gibby - Conference Talk: For more information on this topic read “ The Merciful Obtain Mercy ,” by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Ensign , May 2012, 70. Thought: "This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following: Stop it!" (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “The Merciful Obtain Mercy,” Ensign , May 2012, 70).  Song: “Kindness Begins With Me,” Children’s Songbook , p. 145. Scripture: "Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest...

46292

Church's First Face to Face Broadcast in Asia Features Elder Stevenson, Faithful Youth

Mormon Newsroom - Young members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints participated in the first live Face to Face broadcast in Asia on Saturday, August 11, 2018. The special event featured Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Lesa. The event originated from the Missionary Training Center in Manila, the capital of the Philippines, and was broadcast to Church members throughout Asia in eight languages. “You’re representing over half the population of the world in just the broadcast that we’re having today,” said Elder Stevenson as the event began. “Each one of you have...

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