Share these inspiring quotes with a 2026 graduate

Like many pro athletes, Latter-day Saint basketball player/newly crowned NBA champ Elijah Bryant spends the moments before he takes the court with eyes closed and headphones in place, ritualistically canceling the noise in search of peace and focus.

There are no restrictions on preparing for patriarchal blessings and helping others prepare. Here are three ideas that can help.

Seven days ago, a headline on ESPN read, “MyKayla Skinner’s Olympic gymnastics experience did not have to happen this way.” It seemed that after dedicating the majority of her young life to the sport of gymnastics and after battling back from injury as well as COVID-19 in the last two years, Skinner’s Olympic dream was over after just one night of competition. It appeared she would return home before the Games were even finished. She described it as “devastating.” But on Sunday in Tokyo, Skinner became an Olympic silver medalist.

Be greeted with a family-friendly welcome, fresh mountain air and a plethora of activities for every age. When Ruby and Minnie Syrett established the original inn, Tourist Rest, their focus was always on welcoming every visitor. Rich in pioneer history, the Bryce Canyon area that Ruby’s Inn resides in was founded by Ebenezer Bryce. From the beginning, this area was established by hard-working and family-oriented folks. Today, Ruby’s Inn still lives by that motto. Escape from school, work, everyday stresses and establish Ruby’s Inn as your home-away-from-home.

As I studied the Bible during my youth and on into adulthood before I visited Israel—the modern nation that encompasses the Holy Land, where Jesus lived and ministered—I too had questions about events described in the Old and New Testaments. I used maps of Palestine and Jerusalem to try to follow the storylines in the Bible and to try to discover where these sacred events unfolded. At an even more basic level, I wondered what remnants of ancient Israel could be seen in the modern nation of that same name.

Thurl Bailey didn't come to Utah looking for religion. But growing up in a Baptist home laid the groundwork for his spiritual journey later in life and his future relationship with Jesus Christ.

In the last installment of a four-part series from Church News on the essential role of councils in the Church, Young Women General President Bonnie H. Cordon shared some insight into the development of the Children and Youth program.

In 2008, David Archuleta released his hit debut single “Crush.” Today, 13 years later, it remains one of Archuleta’s most popular songs with over 128 million views on YouTube. The 30-year-old even recently joked on Twitter that despite his new music release—on July 28, he came out with the single “Movin”—fans really just want him to sing “Crush.”

Editor’s note: “This week from the Pulpit” highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.