Why I’m so grateful someone pushed through awkwardness to serve

As a missionary, or as a member of the Church, many times we question why to put forth so much effort when we see little or no results. For one missionary, a critical, overwhelming moment came after such a struggle, and she realized that the Savior gives us the strength we will need to continue on. The following is an excerpt of a missionary's letter from Missionary Miracles: Stories and Letters from the Field compiled by Chris Stewart with John Crowley:

Words matter. Precision in communication matters. For example, the words used in sacramental prayers over the bread and water are prescribed (see D&C 20:77, 79). The bishop as an overseer (the literal meaning of the word for “bishop” in Greek is episkopos, meaning “overseer”) ensures that the priests have said the prayer properly, correctly, and with precision. Otherwise, the prayer needs to be said again, correctly.

World War II hero Saiji Zakimi courageously served the U.S. after Congress granted Japanese-American men the right to serve in the military—even as more than 100,000 Japanese Americans were being held in internment camps throughout the country. And since he found the gospel so many years ago, he has honorably served the Lord with the same commitment and integrity.

Technology can help our lives run smoother and make our days just that much easier. But sometimes, it can make our lives just that much more cluttered. Here are some great tips to help you focus your Sabbath day on what matters most.

As the world continues to be filled with evil all around and the times may seem bleak, we can find peace and hope through our Savior and His gospel. Elder Oaks recently shared the following in a post on his Facebook page to remind us to look to and trust in Christ.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently joined five other faith groups to "file a 'friend of court' brief with the U.S. Supreme Court opposing a federal ruling that allows transgender students to use bathrooms matching their stated gender identity," according to the Desert News.

Despite the heartbreak of losing her daughter, this mom found the courage to turn her experience into a way she could save others from similar heartbreak.

Many times in life we wonder how it is that God loves us when we have so many trials. As we continue through life, our experiences will teach us, if we let them, and ultimately guide us back to Him. The following is an excerpt of a missionary's letter from Missionary Miracles: Stories and Letters from the Field compiled by Chris Stewart with John Crowley:

"People expect Latter-day Saints to be a lot of things: white, rich, serious. They picture who they’ve seen in the media like Mitt Romney,” says Zandra Vranes, although then she adds, “But I’m black, broke, and funny, and I’m a Latter-day Saint too.” She and her longtime friend Tamu Smith are known as the Sistas in Zion: two soul sisters whose faith and humor unites them. Their shared mission? To provide “a relief from sobriety where hilarity never faileth.”