Is God’s love ‘unconditional’? What the scriptures teach about feeling His presence

The announcement of seven new temples to be built across the world (three of which are the first in their countries) this conference was an exciting and historic message to many members—and it even fulfilled prophecy.

What an amazing story!

I think I really started to believe that the Church was true when I was finishing reading the Book of Mormon for the first time. When I read the scriptures, the words about prayer really stood out to me. I could see there were people who truly had conversations with God. After I completely read through the Book of Mormon, I saw Moroni’s challenge to pray and ask God yourself. His words were so convincing. Moroni already knew this was true, but he challenged people at the end of the Book of Mormon to ask for themselves if this book was true and see if God would give them an answer. It was humbling to read what he had to say and to take on that challenge. I had to get up enough courage to ask God if this was real and if it was true. And the great thing is that I did learn for myself that the Book of Mormon is true!

"Ridiculous." "Gross." "Contemptible." These are just a few words early critics of the Book of Mormon used to describe this sacred text. While some are critical of the Book of Mormon's authenticity, the sophistication of these sacred scriptures shows its complexity.

Kim Burgon recalls the highlight of a family trip to Disneyland in 1959 when he was just 8 years old, and it wasn’t the rides. It was a time-lapse video of Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A., being constructed. The time-lapse concept fascinated Burgon, who was already interested in buildings and architecture. That little-known Walt Disney movie would become the inspiration for a video Burgon would make nearly 20 years later of the Jordan River Temple being constructed—a video that is being shown at the Jordan River Temple open house for the first time in several decades. But this impressive, historic film did not come about without its share of miracles, testimony, and work.

From barbecues to ward potlucks to firesides, Mormons love socializing around a good plate of food. And no matter what event you’re at, there are a few staple “Mormon” foods you’ll likely find. Try your hand at some of the following recipes, including Jell-O, funeral potatoes, and pasta, collected in The Essential Mormon Cookbook.

It's remarkable to read the humility, and sometimes the humor, with which our current Church leaders accept the calling to serve as an apostle of the Lord. When PresidentHenry B. Eyring was calledby President Gordon B. Hinckley to serve in the First Presidency, he blurted out, "President Hinckley, are you sure you’re talking to the right person? This is Hal Eyring.”

I often hear that single people want to be married and married people want to be single. Life seems so much easier on the other side of the fence. We often only see the other sides’ finished product or the public appearance, not what really goes on behind the scenes.

From Zimbabwe to Canada and Belgium to South Korea, learn more about the mission presidents and their wives called by the First Presidency who will begin their service in July.