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55220

How the Brother of Jesus Led Joseph Smith to the Sacred Grove

Dr. Taylor Halverson - The following has been republished with permission from taylorhalverson.com and complements this week's Come, Follow Me study.   All of you are reading this article because someone asked a solitary question. That person was Joseph Smith. Questions are the foundation of revelation. Questions are the gateway to wisdom. Questions are the pathway to finding truth. Questions are the bridge to discovery. Joseph had a gaping need for wisdom and the brother of Jesus taught Joseph how to find wisdom in Jesus. The Circle of Revelation The writer of the Epistle of James was the half-brother of Jesus. Think of the beautiful...

55217

The Unusual Experiences That Led This Woman to Find a Home in the Gospel After Five Years

LDS Living Staff - "Oh no, please don't let that be our coach," Audra thought as she watched a man walk through the parking lot.  But the man kept walking toward the children on the soccer field until Audra could see the reason for her "oh no” in all its glory. "He was decked out head to toe in BYU attire," Audra says in an episode of This Is the Gospe l . "And while this might not seem strange, what you need to know is I live in North Carolina. . . . If you're not a member of Church, you don't know what...

41142

14 Adorable Kid-Friendly Nativity Sets

LDS Living Staff - Displaying a nativity set in your home is a simple way to help your family focus on the Savior, but most nativity sets should probably be kept out of reach of little hands. Check out these kid-friendly nativity sets that will hold up for years to come, even when handled extensively by little hands. Greg Olsen Diorama Nativity $3.99 Buy Now Little People Christmas Story $47.99 Buy Now The Mismatched Nativity $39.99 Buy Now Nativity Brick Set $59.99 Buy Now 11-Piece Children's Nativity $23.99 Buy Now Nativity Magnet Set $11.99 Buy Now Mini Hinged Nativity $2.99 Buy Now Nativity Puppet Glove...

55116

Osmondmania: The Latter-day Saint Family Who Took the UK by Storm as "Musical Missionaries"

Fred E. Woods - In the 1970s, the Osmond family thrilled throngs of screaming fans with performances throughout the United Kingdom. Because of their shining example both on and off the stage, these musical missionaries would play a key role in sharing the gospel and growing the Church in that corner of the world. Osmondmania struck London when the Osmond boy band from Utah arrived in mid-January 1973. Their father, George Osmond, told a correspondent for the  Sunday Times Magazine , “We’re just a plain, simple family. We’re all members of the Mormon faith, and it is that more than anything else that has held...

55215

Gospel Living App, “Strive To Be” Logo, FSY, and New Aaronic Priesthood Theme Introduced During Face to Face Event

LDS Living - Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have known that a new Children and Youth program was coming, but there remained a lot of unknowns, many of which were answered during the Face to Face event on Sunday. Among the many changes that were announced, we learned that Activity Days are out and Primary activities for both girls and boys are in, while campouts for both Young Men and Young Women are here to stay. For the Strength of Youth Conferences (five-day experiences that have already proven to be a success internationally) will now be instituted worldwide. A Gospel Living...

55216

David Archuleta Sings 2020 Youth Theme Song "Go and Do" Live During Face to Face Broadcast

LDS Living - As part of Sunday evening’s Face to Face Event for Children and Youth, David Archuleta sang the 2020 Youth Theme song, “Go and Do,” based on the scripture found in 1 Nephi 3:7. Archuleta, who is best-known as the runner-up on the seventh season of American Idol,  not only performed the never-before-heard song but also shared his personal testimony of the Book of Mormon. Archuleta explained that, as a child, he was often called “socially awkward” and felt that he wasn’t worth anything but an invitation from his bishop led him to read the whole Book of Mormon when he was...

55213

President and Sister Nelson Receive Warm Welcome in Vietnam Days After Government Authorizes Religious Activities

LDS Living - There are approximately 16 million members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As President Russell M. Nelson and his wife, Sister Wendy Nelson, visit Southeast Asia over the next week, they are visiting countries where just 30,000 Latter-day Saints live. President Nelson calls these countries a “vibrant corner of the world, one that has seen plenty of strife through the years but also a region filled with valiant, resilient, determined souls.” According to Elder David F. Evans, General Authority Seventy and president of the Church’s Asia Area, this is a trip that both the Saints in the area...

55193

Morgan Jones: Conditioning vs. Being Conditioned

Morgan Jones - It recently came to my attention that one frequently used criticism of the Church is that it works to “condition” its members, from the time they are in Nursery, to believe. Antagonists cite things like Primary songs, celebrating baptism, and preparing youth to serve a mission as ways to create a feeling of investment or loyalty toward the Church—after all of that investment, how could one leave? The truth be told, it’s actually a strong argument. I found myself, for days after hearing this, pondering everything I do or have done in my life and internally debating whether or not I...

54872

What the Death of a Branch President Taught One Mission President About Why Good People Suffer

Elder John H. Groberg, excerpted from "Fire of Faith" - The following is an excerpt from Elder John H. Groberg’s book  Fire of Faith ,  which details his experiences with his family as he served as a mission president in Tonga.  One of the strong branches in the mission was in a small village in the Eastern district. The branch president, Kelepi, was a convert of not many years. His wife and children were stalwart examples. His parents had been very angry when he joined the Church, and threatened to disinherit him. Over the years, however, he proved to be a good son, and they allowed him limited farming privileges on...

55194

"All In" Podcast: 3 Things Every Parent of a Child With Special Needs Should Have

LDS Living - Lindsay Ricks lives in Oakton, Virginia, with her husband, three boys and one girl. When she found out that her second son, William, was diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, her life changed, for the better. Through raising her son, she has experienced growth outside of her comfort zone, a greater understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and increased love and compassion for others. In this week's episode of All In,  Ricks shares what her experience of parenting William has taught her as well as how it has given her increased empathy for others.  Read an excerpt from their conversation...

40910

10 Must-Have Christmas Albums from Latter-day Saint Artists

LDS Living Staff - Whether you're someone who saves all Christmas music until after Thanksgiving or someone who partakes of the Christmas spirit all year round, you can only listen to the same classic songs so many times before they start to lose their magic. The trick is to mix your long-time favorites with a few non-traditional arrangements to keep you in the holiday spirit. Below you'll find a whole selection of Christmas albums from Latter-day Saint artists that you won't get tired of anytime soon! Rejoice! Calee Reed   Calee set out to create a Christmas album that captures the two things most important...

55009

How Latter-day Saints Often Misunderstand the Phrase "After All We Can Do"

Stephen E. Robinson, adapted from "Believing Christ" - "After All We Can Do" A common distortion of the doctrine of grace is the view that the Savior extends his grace to us only after we've done all we possibly can do. It would follow then that since no one ever really does all they possibly, theoretically could have done, no one can ever really be worthy of grace either. The false logic runs like this: 1. Grace and mercy are given only to those who are worthy of it, and only after they have proved they are worthy. 2. Only those who keep all the commandments of God all...

55212

President Ballard Seeks To Build Bridges of Understanding in New York City

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - President M. Russell Ballard , acting president of the  Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited the United Nations Friday morning in New York City, meeting with representatives from the office of the president of the U.N. General Assembly. The meeting came as part of a three-day trip to New York where the 91-year-old Church leader is meeting with government diplomats, faith leaders, national media and local Latter-day Saints. President Ballard was joined by Elder Jack N. Gerard , General Authority Seventy . “This is a very important place for people of all...

55211

Missionary Handbook Updated, Further Emphasizes Importance of Becoming Disciples of Jesus Christ

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a new, updated handbook of instructions for missionaries serving around the world. The handbook, “ Missionary Standards for Disciples of Jesus Christ ,” replaces the previous handbook that was last updated in 2010. Missionaries refer to the handbook regularly for guidance on dealing with a variety of situations and to help them act appropriately. “To be an effective missionary, you must be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ,” states a letter from the Church’s First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in the opening pages of the new handbook. “Heavenly...

55306

Sponsored: "The Forgotten Carols" Reimagined—Bringing the True Meaning of Christmas to Life

The Forgotten Carols - Few musicals can claim a nearly 30-year consecutive run and performances for more than a million people. But Michael McLean’s The Forgotten Carols  can claim just that—a testament to the show’s message and power. This year, however, McLean has surprises in store for his audiences. The classic beloved story of Nurse Connie Lou and Uncle John, and their amazing spiritual message surrounding Christ’s birth has been reimagined and is even more powerful than ever before.   What began as a simple idea for a collection of Christmas-themed songs written by McLean and has grown into a true phenomenon and Holiday tradition based around...

55205

63 Missionaries Evacuate from Bolivia Cochabamba Mission

LDS Living Staff - Sixty-three missionaries from the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission are evacuating due to civil unrest following a presidential election. Missionaries from the Cochabamba Mission will be reassigned while missionaries in other parts of Bolivia will remain in the country.  According to a statement by Church spokesman Daniel Woodruff on the Church News website:  “The Church is in the process of transferring 63 missionaries from the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission. This is due to growing political unrest as well as the U.S. government’s recent decision to pull non-emergency workers from that country. The missionaries—who are all from North America—are being temporarily reassigned to other missions....

55200

Why the Houston City Mayor Asked Latter-day Saint Missionaries for Help

Church News - While Latter-day Saints consistently, quietly, and faithfully work alongside their fellow citizens through JustServe and a multitude of other community projects, full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become an easily identifiable and compelling symbol of joyful service.  Case in point: At a recent backpack and school supply giveaway at Tuffly Park in Kashmere Gardens, a historically African-American neighborhood of Houston, Texas, the missionaries were there by invitation—from Houston City Hall. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner had asked for the missionaries to help at the event, reported Texas Houston Mission President Jordan Peterson.  To have the mayor...

55199

In Vegas, Donny Osmond Helps Reveal #LightTheWorld Giving Machine

Brad Richins - Donny Osmond, a popular Latter-day Saint and music icon, helped unveil one of the ten Giving Machines throughout the world in Summerlin, Nevada on Thursday as part of the #LighttheWorld campaign for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Donny and his son, Brandon, were the first individuals to donate to the innovative vending machine after presenting it to a large crowd in downtown Summerlin. The Osmonds were also joined by John Boswell, the director of the #LighttheWorld Giving Machines for the Church. The majority of donations that will be made through this particular Giving Machine within the next few...

55195

Watch the Newest Book of Mormon Video, "The Nephites Separate from the Lamanites"

LDS Living Staff - After the death of Lehi, Nephi is warned that Laman and Lemuel will try to take away his life and is told by the Lord to flee with his family.  Covering 2 Nephi chapter 5, the newest Book of Mormon video illustrates Nephi and his family's separation from the Lamanites and what happens after they settle in the new land of Nephi.   ...

53187

"Come, Follow Me" FHE: Why Is Temptation Necessary?

Emily Abel - This week's FHE lesson topic comes from the Come, Follow Me reading of James . Check out this week's Come, Follow Me study ideas on LDS Living for additional resources and suggestions. Thought “Once we reach the age of accountability, trials and temptations are universal. Sometimes they can become heavy burdens, but they also give us strength and growth as we successfully overcome them” (Hugo Montoya “Tested and Tempted—but Helped ” Ensign or Liahona November 2015). Scripture “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” ( James...

54751

“Come, Follow Me” November 18–24: “Be Ye Doers of the Word, and Not Hearers Only”

LDS Living Staff - This week’s readings: James Don’t forget to record your impressions and rea d the ideas outlined in the Come, Follow Me manuals on ChurchofJesusChrist.org . Related Video Scripture Insight This scriptural insight comes from  Verse by Verse: Volume 2 by Andrew C. Skinner and D. Kelly Ogden. In the title “Lord of Sabaoth,” “Sabaoth” has nothing to do with “sabbath.” The word in Hebrew is tzava’ot , which means “hosts.” “Lord of hosts” is a familiar title for Jehovah (see  Isaiah 51:15 ;  2 Nephi 8:15 ;  D&C 64:24 ; 88:2 ; Bible Dictionary, “Sabaoth” ). Study Ideas These ideas and...

55191

Watch: How the Ancient Day of Atonement Helps Us Understand Christ's Role as Our Savior

LDS Living Staff - The Day of the Atonement was extremely significant to the people of the Old Testament, but how do they relate to Christ in the New Testament? A new video from Messages of Christ explains the intricacies of Day of Atonement referenced in this week's Come, Follow Me readings (Hebrews 9–10) and how these ordinances point to Christ's Atonement in the New Testament.  As Daniel Smith from Messages of Christ explains, "The problem today is that very few modern-day Saints understand the intricacies of the [Law of Moses] so much of the text is not understood. Yet, as you understand the various...

55184

Ready to #LightTheWorld? See What’s New This Year

Newsroom.ChurchofJesusChrist.org - A global effort to minister to others during the 2019 Christmas season has been unveiled by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  The Light the World: One by One effort officially kicks off December 1. Online resources are already available at  LighttheWorld.org , including sharable images and videos. Participants are encouraged to think of someone every day who they can help or invite, and serve as the Savior did, one by one. “Light the World presents marvelous opportunities to invite friends and neighbors to church and to your homes to learn with you about the Savior,” said  Elder Dieter...

55188

Watch: NFL Offensive Tackle Garett Bolles Sings "Child of God" With The Bonner Family

LDS Living - It’s been a tough season in the NFL for Garett Bolles , the left tackle for the Denver Broncos. Throughout this season Bolles has repeatedly found comfort and confidence from an unexpected source: The Bonner Family’s song, “Child of God.” While this is probably the last place you would expect a 6’5” 300-pound offensive tackle to find inspiration, it doesn’t come as a huge surprise to those who are familiar with Bolles’ story. People around the world have fallen in love this year with Emily Belle Freeman thanks in large part to the Don’t Miss This YouTube series, which has helped...