This simple way of gathering helps Relief Society sisters find real connection

Throughout history, the people of God have suffered from bad memories. Our recollection of the most amazing blessings will disappear from our memories if we are not attentive. Moses had seen this reality in his people a lot of times. They had memory spans roughly equivalent to a box of corn flakes. Miracles and divine demonstrations were forgotten more quickly than the IRS’s phone number. Much of Deuteronomy was given and written to help the covenant people remember the important things.

From Russia to Costa Rica and Tonga to Nigeria, learn more about the new stake presidents called and stakes created around the world.

"One of the coolest parts for us was to not only see how much he loved the church and believed in the things the church was doing," said Elder Keetch's daughter, Steffani Keetch Dastrup, "but also that he wanted to defend and support all churches and all religious beliefs and all people's rights to believe and act the way they feel is right. That was a big part of his work."

In 2002, my oldest son returned home from his mission after only five months. I was shocked, confused, and had no idea what to do—this is not something a parent expects or prepares for. While I was wrestling with my own feelings, I also felt great compassion and sorrow for my son, who was struggling. Over time, my son adjusted to post-mission life, was sealed to a wonderful woman, started a family, and moved to another state to pursue better employment. But then, in 2010, it happened again—my youngest son returned home after four months due to anxiety. He was deeply disappointed and did not want to be released. He worked hard to get back out into the mission field only to be released again when the anxiety returned. Feeling a deep sense of failure, he fell into inactivity and moved away, hoping to escape the shame he felt.

Editor's note: This article is part of a series on what the Church has actually taught about various topics. To read more about the Church’s teachings on cremation, garments, beards, and more, click here.

Sahar Qumsiyeh, a Palestinian born in Jerusalem, often faced extreme difficulties attending LDS sacrament meetings in Jerusalem, the closest services to her home in Bethlehem. Facing checkpoints, blocked roads, the possibility of arrest, and even Israeli soldiers shooting at her on numerous occasions, Qumsiyeh continued to press forward in order to partake of the sacrament on a regular basis. The following is an excerpt from her story, Peace for a Palestinian: One Woman's Story of Faith Amidst War in the Holy Land.

If I were to ask which of the Lord's commandments is most difficult to keep, many of us might cite Matthew 5:48: "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

The Church released the following statement on January 26:

Only the best music artists make it to the Grammys! Check out the Mormons who have won a Grammy Award or been nominated.