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51721

The Definition That Changed How I Experience Joy

Jessica Grimaud - I like to ask people the question, “What does joy look like in your life?” Sometimes they think I’m asking for a definition of joy and they’ll parrot back something like “Joy is a feeling of happiness” or “Joy is a state of being successful and knowing all is well in your life.” But when I press a little further—when I emphasize that I want to know how they, personally, experience joy in their own life— that’s when the answers get interesting. One of the most insightful responses I received to this question was from a widow I was interviewing. In...

51758

3 Reasons Why a “Regular” General Conference Is Exactly What We Needed

Kelly Newman - “I’ve got something really important to talk to you about,” said our missionary in Brazil last Monday on our video call. “Okay,” we said. “What is it?” “Well, there have been a lot of rumors going around our mission that have made me nervous. I think the Church is going to shorten missions to 18 months for young men. Since I have been out longer than 18 months, I’m afraid they will force me to go home. I’m not ready yet.” I was stunned! This is what has been plaguing my missionary the last few weeks? What would conference weekend bring?...

51751

Our Favorite Photos from April 2019 General Conference

LDS Living Staff - Take a moment to reflect on all the touching and uplifting experiences we shared this conference weekend with these spectacular photos from the   Deseret News and Church News. Saturday Morning Session Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Photo by Ravell Call, Deseret News. Photo by Steve Griffin, Deseret News. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News.   Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Photo by Steve Griffin, Deseret News. Saturday Afternoon Session Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred, Deseret News. Photo by Jeffrey Steve Griffin,...

51723

Michael Bublé Surprises Latter-day Saint with Onstage Duet + How Her Elementary Class Made It Happen

Danielle B. Wagner - Elementary school teacher Diana Fairbanks received the surprise of her life when Michael Bublé brought the Latter-day Saint onstage to sing an impromptu Disney duet. That surreal moment for Fairbanks all began with a sign, one handmade by her class of sixth graders. Part way through the concert Bublé spotted the sign, which had a drawing of the four-time Grammy award-winning artist and the words "can you show me the world" written on the back. The poster sparked a conversation with Bublé, who signed the ornate poster that included tassels that made it look like a magic carpet. And before Fairbanks...

51722

The One Temple Announced in Conference That Was First Announced 42 Years Ago

Danielle B. Wagner - Latter-day Saints across Polynesia rejoiced (albeit reverently) Sunday afternoon when President Russell M. Nelson announced the first temple to be built in American Samoa.  But this wasn't the first time a temple was announced in Pago Pago, American Samoa. In 1977, the First Presidency announced a regional temple that would serve Latter-day Saints in Samoa, Tonga, French Polynesia, and Fiji. The location of the temple would be Pago Pago, American Samoa. But on April 2, 1980, President Spencer W. Kimball announced a groundbreaking seven temples, an announcement that tripled the temples planned for Polynesia, ChurchofJesusChristTemples.org notes. In his announcement, President Kimball...

51718

Keeping Up with President Nelson: "It's Going to Be a Busy Year"

Deseret News - There was real weight embedded in a light moment between Presidents Russell M. Nelson and M. Russell Ballard as the Latter-day Saint leaders wrapped up a news conference in March. As the late Sunday afternoon sun warmed the stained-glass windows in the doors of the Rome Italy Temple, the men dubbed "the two Russells" by President Ballard himself stood in front of a gaggle of reporters and cameras. President Nelson pointed out that in 1981 the church had a grand total of 19 temples. Left unsaid was the fact that in 2018, his first year as the new prophet-leader of The...

51713

The Funniest Tweets from April 2019 General Conference

Danielle B. Wagner - This general conference weekend was overflowing with  inspiring messages and Church updates , but more than that it was a weekend of spiritual and emotional highs. We laughed, we cried, and our souls were filled to the brim. To keep the fun of conference alive, here are some of the best tweets from the 2019 April general conference. Elder Gong: "Do you ever have trouble falling asleep?" Me during every Sunday afternoon #GeneralConference session ever: pic.twitter.com/CCfRhGwkw8 — Arianna Rees (@AriWRees) April 7, 2019 Elder Holland: "Stop being late." Me: #GeneralConference pic.twitter.com/ZiizuQnLf8 — Madeline Marie (@oymadelinemarie) April 6, 2019 Hearing #presOaks deep...

51651

The March Madness of Yesteryear: A Look Back at the History and Intensity of Church Ball

Morgan Jones - Tonight, the championship game of the NCAA Tournament will be played in Minneapolis, but recently, a group reunited in Salt Lake City to relive their own March Madness 50 years ago. These days, “Church Ball” is used to describe a recreation-league type experience held once a week at your local chapel or stake center. But in 1969, Marshall Hamilton and his teammates left their home in Cincinnati to drive more than 1,650 miles to play in the All-Church tournament. Victories in a stake tournament, a district tournament, and a regional tournament made them eligible to compete in the All-Church tournament so...

51680

One Quote from Every Talk Given This General Conference

LDS Living Staff - With so many inspiring stories, profound insights, and spiritual promptings concentrated into conference weekend, it can be difficult to remember all we have learned and felt. Here is one powerful quote from each talk given during the April 2019 general conference to help you remember the inspired words from our Church leaders and all the wonderful experiences we had together as members of the Church. Saturday Morning Session Elder Ulisses S. Soares "Remember always that hope is an important part of the gospel plan." Sister Becky Craven "Although we may not be perfect, brothers and sisters, we can be worthy—worthy to...

51647

7 Announcements and Updates from April 2019 General Conference

LDS Living Staff - Find out more about the eight temples announced, a historic general authority call, the Church's new temple website, and more! Read general conference talk summaries, speaker bios, and facts here . ► You'll also like:  One Quote from Every Talk Given This General Conference 1. First Presidency announced changes in policies impacting LGBTQ members and their children. On April 4, the First Presidency announced that, effective immediately, children of parents who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender may be baptized if the custodial parents give permission for the baptism . In addition, "a nonmember parent or parents (including LGBT...

51699

President Nelson Announces 8 New Temples, Updates on Pioneer Temple Renovations

Newsroom - "May I suggest that you bow your head with gratitude of heart," President Nelson said  to members of the Church before announcing eight new temples, reminding us of the sacred nature of temples and asking that exclamations of excitement over new temples be kept reverent.  At the conclusion of the 189th Annual General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced plans to build eight new temples. This brings the total number of operating temples (162) and temples announced or under construction (47) to 209 worldwide. The new temples will be in the following...

51698

Church Releases New Website About Temples

Jannalee Sandau - "The temple is the house of the Lord," Elder David A. Bednar declared as part of his general conference talk Sunday afternoon. With the increased focus on home-centered, church-supported gospel learning, Elder Bednar talked of the implications of the recent changes in the Church, particularly the fact that our homes are now the best and first MTCs, Sunday School classes, family history centers, and temple preparation classes. He shared a sneak peek of a brand-new Church resource to help families know what they should or shouldn't say as the teach about temples in their homes.  While emphasizing the importance of speaking...

51690

How President Nelson Showed Us This Conference Has Been One of the Most Exciting and Fulfilling

Danielle B. Wagner - While there have been several significant announcements made this weekend , this general conference has moved at a different pace than what we've grown accustomed to since President Nelson became prophet—and it is exhilarating! Last general conference, while introducing changes to our church schedules, President Nelson explained that our Church leaders have "wrestled with a fundamental question" in recent years, and that question is how to focus on the "simple purity" of the gospel and implement policies with "eternal efficacy to all of God's children." He reflected on that focus when he reaffirmed our commitment to the full name of the...

51666

Church Membership More Than 16.3 Million + Temples, Missionaries, and Other Church Statistics

LDS Living Staff - The Church grew to more than 16.3 million members during 2018, according to the statistical report for 2018. The report, which was released during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2019 general conference , showed the number of temples dedicated, stakes, missions, temples dedicated, and more during 2018.  ►You’ll also like: Watch: Church Releases the World Report Heading into Conference Weekend The report showed that membership is on the rise, increasing from 16,118,169 in 2017 to 16,313,735 in 2018. Newly baptized members also increased from 233,729 in 2017 to 234,332 in 2018.  You’ll also like: First Presidency Issues 2017 Statistical...

51664

First African American Sustained as General Authority in the Church

LDS Living Staff - During the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, President Dallin H. Oaks announced the calls of 10 General Authority Seventies and 55 Area Seventies during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2019 general conference.  Among them was Elder Peter Matthew Johnson, who Church Public Affairs confirmed is the first African American general authority in Church history. Elder Joseph W. Sitati, who was sustained as a General Authority Seventy in April 4, 2009, was the first black African called as a general authority. The Church continues to call and sustain leaders from around the world. We have confirmed with Church Public...

51663

New Sunday School Presidency and General Authorities Announced at April 2019 Conference

Newsroom - President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced the calls of 10 General Authority Seventies and 55 Area Seventies during the Saturday afternoon session of the April 2019 general conference. He also announced a new Sunday School General Presidency to replace Brother Tad. R. Callister, Brother Devin G. Durrant and Brother Brian K. Ashton, who have served as a presidency for five years. Brother Mark L. Pace is the new president, with Brother Milton Camargo and Brother Jan E. Newman as his counselors. General Authority Seventies serve in the Presidency of...

36039

What Happened When a Drug Lord Was Invited to Watch General Conference

Phillip Price - With general conference this weekend, we have the great opportunity to invite our friends and others to listen to a prophet’s voice and to hear the word of God. This is a special chance for others to learn more about us, but more importantly, to feel the Spirit testify truth in their hearts. The following video of a missionary's invitation to watch general conference comes from the YouTube channel, Prepare to Serve . For one young missionary, Elder Bodine, the invitation to a drug lord to come watch general conference became a miracle story that would change the man’s life forever....

31228

9 GIFs That Perfectly Capture How We Feel About Conference

LDS Living Staff - For many members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, general conference weekend is one of the most exciting and inspiring times of the year. Every April and October, Church leaders gather in Salt Lake City, Utah, and address the worldwide Church on matters involving faith, change, and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are GIFs that perfectly explain our conference experience. 1. When you finally manage to get a ticket to a session of general conference. 2. When you reach the final countdown to when the first session begins. 3.When the prophet announces a new temple to be...

51660

President Nelson’s Remarkable First Year as Prophet Filled with Milestones, Travel, and Promises for More

ChurchofJesusChrist.org - In the past 12 months, President Russell M. Nelson and the senior leadership have changed the way Church members worship on Sundays, how they minister to one another, how priesthood quorums are organized, how missionaries begin their service and interact with their families, and how the Church’s name should be used. They’ve also introduced changes that affect every auxiliary organization in the Church. This week the council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles announced  changes to policy related to LGBT members. As he and Church members prepare for the first general conference of the second year of...

51659

Church Leaders Ask Latter-day Saints to Love Those Who Have Left +More at Conference

Deseret News - Latter-day Saints should preserve their relationships with family and friends who distance themselves from God or the church, an apostle of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints said Saturday morning at the beginning of the faith’s two-day, global general conference. With millions watching and listening via broadcasts on the 189th anniversary of the organization of the church, Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles told 20,000 people in the Conference Center across the street from Temple Square in downtown Salt Lake City that some church members may be experiencing sadness, agony and regret over loved ones...

14502

The Most-Sung Conference Hymn and 3 More Fun Music Facts (+Poll)

Kelsey Berteaux - Conference is around the corner—and so's the chance to listen to the Tabernacle Choir and sing some of our favorite songs. Which hymns might we hear or sing this year? Turns out that some are more popular than others! Check out what we found by combing through the last 21 years of hymns sung in general conference: Top 6 Hymns Sung Across All Sessions: 1 - "High on the Mountain Top" (20 times) 2 - "How Firm a Foundation" (20 times) 3 - "Rejoice, the Lord Is King" (20 times) 4 - "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" (20...

51841

Sponsored: Turn Your Saving into a Habit to Build Wealth

Mountain America Credit Union - Why do so many of us have such a hard time-saving money? Several factors can contribute to our inability to save, but one of the biggest is inconsistency. That’s right—financial success often stems from developing a few simple habits and sticking with them. We all recognize what it takes to save money—the trick is to stay focused while keeping the procrastination beast at bay. These strategies will help you stay on track: Look for opportunities to save —If saving money is at the top of your list, it’s time to look at your money flow a little differently. Every purchase is...

51650

Gay Latter-day Saint Shares the Beautiful Way Some Members Embraced Him Following Policy Changes

Ben Schilaty - I am not in a same-sex relationship. I have no plans to marry a man. I have no children. The November 2015 policy said nothing about gay Latter-day Saints like me. And yet when I read about the policy, I felt pain and confusion. You see, the hurt came from wondering if the church didn’t want people like me. The hurt came from feeling excluded. The hurt came from fearing that if I chose to be in a same-sex marriage that I would be erased from my people. In the days following the policy release in November 2015, I got so...

51646

"Deseret News" Editorial: Paradox, Revelation, and the LGBT Baptism Policy

Deseret News - Religious leaders and followers have long grappled with paradoxical points of doctrine. Thursday’s announcement from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints relating to the baptisms and blessings of children of LGBT couples is no exception. It may also serve as the latest example of how revelation can come, in part, through a process Joseph Smith said involves “proving contraries.” “Proving” in this context no doubt requires deliberation, study, fasting and prayer. It requires searching for, and understanding, God’s will. The answer comes in the form of revelation. In 2015, a policy change in the church, which owns this paper,...

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