What I realized about God and garments from studying the Creation

The February 2021 issue of the Liahona provides many messages of hope focused on the topic of incarceration.

One Latter-day Saint hymn poses a pressing question: “Oh say, what is truth?” The hymn goes on to compare the worth of truth to “the fairest gem that the riches of worlds can produce,” and “the brightest prize to which mortals or Gods can aspire.” This question of discerning truth is perhaps more relevant now than ever.

Latter-day Saints recognize that, rather than an aberration in God’s plan, lack of knowing is a central and defining feature of mortal experience.

The Bible translator William Tyndale wrote, Evangelion (that we call the gospel) is a Greek word and signifieth good, merry, glad and joyful tidings, that maketh a man’s heart glad, and maketh him to sing, dance, and leap for joy. Yet in our interactions with Saints throughout the world, we have found many hurting members asking the same questions: If God weeps over our misery, why does Christ need to allay God’s wrath? If Christ promises to “wipe away all tears,” why do we anticipate sorrows to come in the next world? Too many of the wounded and struggling are wondering why a restored Church that heralds joy here and hereafter seems at time to inflict or add injury rather than proffer the balm of Gilead.

Brandon Stewart had the ride of a lifetime over the weekend. After many brain surgeries and cancer treatments, Stewart, age 44, learned in December 2020 that he doesn’t have long to live. So when his wife asked if there was something special he’d like to do with his remaining time, he responded that he’d like to ride in Brigham Young University’s football equipment truck.

The team at Work + Wonder has been producing beautiful general conference workbooks since April 2018 to help members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints transform their conference experience. Now in its 7th iteration, this fantastic conference prep resource will be available in Deseret Book stores and online at DeseretBook.com!

A subtle but significant rhetorical shift occurred during General Conference in April 2014. Almost in passing, Dieter F. Uchtdorf, then Second Counselor in the First Presidency, introduced the notion of an “ongoing” Restoration:

“Where my addiction waits for me to get discouraged, the Savior waits for me to give my troubles to Him.”

In an interview with LDS Living, author and Brigham Young University professor Anthony Sweat said, “The Restoration helps me better comprehend God (and therefore myself and His children), gives deep meaning and understanding to life, and gives me power and purpose through covenants. It means everything to me.”