4 empowering quotes for a Mother’s Day tribute

Is there any evidence to support the description of Jerusalem and surrounding lands found in the Book of Mormon? This fascinating video created by Book of Mormon Central explores many details found in 1 Nephi, comparing it with known geography of ancient Israel and the Arabian Peninsula. "Amazingly, nearly every travel detail in his record can now be connected with some plausible site, route, or ancient custom or practice," Book of Mormon Central posted on YouTube. Learn more in the fascinating video below.

In February — and for the first time in more than 40 years — the State of Kuwait gave official recognition to a religious organization. That organization is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

We begin where almost everyone begins—with the name. As all know, the name means “olive press” and derives from Hebrew. The place lay on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, on the east side of the Kidron Valley, opposite the city of Jerusalem, which sat on the west side of that valley (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:39). It likely had a wall around it for it was called “a garden” (John 18:1). The name “olive press” points to the place’s essential character, a parcel of ground that grew olive trees and therefore must have had a working press. Archaeology does not disappoint. Though we do not know the exact location of this garden, very near this area was a cave that shows evidence of having been used for olive oil extraction and for the storage of tools.1 Occasionally, the cave may also have served as a sleeping place for Jesus and His disciples (Luke 21:37; John 8:1).

The first year Dr. Robert Ferrell spoke at BYU Education Week, he was surprised to find his classroom was packed.

Peter M. Johnson was born November 1966 in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. He is the fourth of five children born to McKinley Johnson and Geneva Paris Long. McKinley Johnson affiliated with the Baptist church; Geneva with the Jehovah’s Witnesses. Elder Johnson remains grateful that a belief in God was established and encouraged in their home.

It's been 15 years since Napoleon Dynamite hit the big screen on June 11, 2004. While the moon-boot wearing, tater-tot loving Napoleon became a national sensation, he has a special place in the hearts of many Latter-day Saints. As BYU Magazine relates, Napoleon Dynamite's production team was "made up almost entirely of BYU students and alumni." The movie was only made possible by an "angel investor" who put up $400,000 for the indie film that "sold to Fox Searchlight Studios for $4.75 million and grossed more than $46 million in the first year it was released. It remains one of the most profitable low-budget films of all time and a leader among Fox’s all-time bestselling home-video titles."

It’s not just what our fathers teach us that matters; often it’s what they don’t teach us that can make the difference.

The following has been republished with permission from taylorhalverson.com.

It can be difficult to maintain our daily spirituality. These unique and beautiful CTR rings are not only a stylish accessory but they are great, subtle reminders of our divine heritage and faith and an awesome conversation starter too.