11 heartfelt Mother’s Day gifts for the women you love

It recently came to my attention that one frequently used criticism of the Church is that it works to “condition” its members, from the time they are in Nursery, to believe. Antagonists cite things like Primary songs, celebrating baptism, and preparing youth to serve a mission as ways to create a feeling of investment or loyalty toward the Church—after all of that investment, how could one leave? The truth be told, it’s actually a strong argument. I found myself, for days after hearing this, pondering everything I do or have done in my life and internally debating whether or not I really believed. What if I had only been conditioned to believe?

The following is an excerpt from Elder John H. Groberg’s book Fire of Faith, which details his experiences with his family as he served as a mission president in Tonga.

Lindsay Ricks lives in Oakton, Virginia, with her husband, three boys and one girl. When she found out that her second son, William, was diagnosed with Down syndrome and autism, her life changed, for the better. Through raising her son, she has experienced growth outside of her comfort zone, a greater understanding of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and increased love and compassion for others. In this week's episode of All In, Ricks shares what her experience of parenting William has taught her as well as how it has given her increased empathy for others.

A common distortion of the doctrine of grace is the view that the Savior extends his grace to us only after we've done all we possibly can do. It would follow then that since no one ever really does all they possibly, theoretically could have done, no one can ever really be worthy of grace either. The false logic runs like this:

President M. Russell Ballard, acting president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, visited the United Nations Friday morning in New York City, meeting with representatives from the office of the president of the U.N. General Assembly.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has released a new, updated handbook of instructions for missionaries serving around the world.

Few musicals can claim a nearly 30-year consecutive run and performances for more than a million people. But Michael McLean’s The Forgotten Carols can claim just that—a testament to the show’s message and power. This year, however, McLean has surprises in store for his audiences. The classic beloved story of Nurse Connie Lou and Uncle John, and their amazing spiritual message surrounding Christ’s birth has been reimagined and is even more powerful than ever before.

Sixty-three missionaries from the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission are evacuating due to civil unrest following a presidential election.

While Latter-day Saints consistently, quietly, and faithfully work alongside their fellow citizens through JustServe and a multitude of other community projects, full-time missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have become an easily identifiable and compelling symbol of joyful service.