At LDS Living, we love sharing the hope and joy of Latter-day Saints around the world. Here are 11 of our favorite photos featured in stories from this year, including some breathtaking works of art and a hilarious ward prank.
During his wife’s cancer treatments, Ruben took over all family responsibilities, in addition to working at his job and serving as a bishop. For months, he often slept for only a few hours a night. While doing yard work one morning, he realized that, miraculously, the Lord had sustained him through it all.
“As I swept the driveway, I saw the beautiful blue sky and heard the sweet little voices of my children playing and giggling, and I was suddenly aware that even though I had been tired maintaining this schedule, I had a lot of energy. ... ‘How is this possible?!’ I thought to myself. Almost immediately, the answer came to my mind through a scripture: “Because of thy faith in Christ, whom thou hast never before heard nor seen; ... wherefore, go to, thy faith hath made thee whole” (Enos 1:8).”
Read the full story here.
Sandra Panton of London, England, was an overwhelmed single mom when she prayed to God one day asking for help. Following her prayer, she went to the park with her son where she happened to meet two missionaries. She was soon baptized and embraced into a community of people who accepted her. She has played the role of Jane Manning James in the Nauvoo Pageant six times.
“I am no longer afraid of life but live with purpose and joy.”
Read the full story here.
Several years ago, artist Shelby Stroud felt guided to create a portrait representing the countenance of Christ. The final image, A Sure Foundation, contains over 3,500 elements, including rocks, fossils, shells, petrified wood, and driftwood.
“Though I didn’t feel qualified to portray the Creator of the world, I trusted that if the prompting was from God, He would make up the difference. And I feel like He did.”
Read the full story here.
Ethan Hunt went on a hike near Tooele, Utah, on December 23, 2021. On the drive home, his car got stuck in a snowdrift. As search and rescue looked for Ethan, his sleep-deprived family desperately prayed for his safety and grappled with the possibility that their son and brother may not survive the winter night.
“The possibility of losing my son led to a newer, deeper appreciation for the sacrifice it was for Heavenly Father to offer up His Son for our sake.”
Read the full story here.
In December 2023, photographer Anna Rasmussen was visiting Lou, a sister in her Chicago ward, when a powerful feeling of love washed over her. The experience prompted Anna to later photograph Lou and then, over the course of the next year, photograph each member of her ward.
“Through my portraits, I hope to help others truly see each individual as God sees them. For when we see others as He does, we can’t help but love them.”
Read the full story here.
To promote excitement about the Yorba Linda Temple, currently under construction, a stake in California hosted a food festival and created a magnificent cake replica of the temple.
“I think we have people who, just being in that room, seeing the replica, feeling the Spirit, and singing the songs, realized that the temple is the place where they need to be.”
Read the full story here.
The members of a Relief Society pulled off an incredible Father’s Day prank. At church on Sunday, the men of the ward all showed up wearing the same tie.
“Walking into church and making eye contact with other women as we tried to not burst out laughing was … hilarious.”
Read the full story here.
After Alisi Fakatou was diagnosed with dyslexia, her mom felt prompted to read the Book of Mormon with her every day to help her keep up in school. Following much scripture reading and tutoring, Alisi is now attending college and reads far above the level psychologists predicted.
“We read out of a large-print Book of Mormon every day. And we believe that is the only reason I was able to keep up with third grade.”
Read the full story here.
Jozsef Botos was a year and a half into his training to become a Catholic priest in Hungary when he learned about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As he read the Book of Mormon, gaps in his understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ were filled, and he decided to be baptized. He was later called to serve in the Scotland/Ireland mission.
“With my baptism, I received the biggest gift of my life, and it was the best decision I ever made.”
Read the full story here.
At 23 years old, Travis Wood was deployed to Afghanistan, where his vehicle was blown up by three enemy anti-tank mines. He sustained multiple life-threatening injuries and remained in the hospital for the following two years. Travis was overcome with despair during his recovery, but a visit from his then two-year-old daughter, Maddy, changed everything.
“I remember when she walked in the door. She was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen in my life.”
Read the full story here.
Though raised in a non-religious family, French twins Samuel and Ruben Paris were always seeking God from a young age. When a friend in the United States introduced them to the Church, the twins began meeting with the missionaries and quickly realized that this was the truth they’d always been searching for.
“Now I really know who I am. I know where I come from.”
Read the full story here.
More articles for you:
▶ 5 inspiring things Pres. Oaks has said about Christmas
▶ 2 things to do when you want to help but don’t know how
▶ Watch: This new video may help your family feel the Christmas spirit
