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

With changes in Church curriculum and an emphasis on home-study, LDS Living will be presenting a new set of digestible lesson helps geared to aid families, couples, and singles in their efforts to implement this new way of learning the gospel at home.

From understanding what "black" and "curse" actually mean in the scriptures to sharing insights from an inactive gay member of the Church to learning about the miracles that led to finding Annie Schmidt's body two years ago, there have been a lot of amazing stories shared by LDS Living this year. Check out the top 10!

This is an excerpt from the book Falling to Heaven: The Surprising Path to Happiness, by James L. Ferrell.

At least 20 references to a powerful and destructive “east wind” occur in the Old Testament (e.g., at Genesis 41:6, Exodus 10:13, Jeremiah 18:17 and Ezekiel 17:10, and Hosea 13:15). Such references reflect conditions in the Palestinian home of the biblical authors. Unlike the moisture-laden west wind from the Mediterranean Sea, the east wind, originating in the Arabian desert, is dry and desiccating.

With our eternal salvation at stake, it is no surprise that we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints often take ourselves too seriously. Elder J. Golden Kimball, often referred to as “the Swearing Apostle,” was notorious for his sense of humor and pragmatic attitude about the gospel and life. Here are five stories attributed to him over the years that help us remember to loosen up every now and again.

Godly sorrow, or mature guilt, is a constructive emotion. We are guilty of sin, and so feeling guilty is completely appropriate, including feeling deep remorse for our rebellion against God and sorrow for the hurt we have caused others. Awareness of our guilt is the first step in repentance and change. This godly sorrow appropriately follows the recognition that we have violated our own moral code.

Amidst their world travels andbig Church changes, it's impossible to summarize all the good the prophet and apostles have done this year. But here's a glimpse into some of the most popular and touching stories and messages shared from the Brethren this year.

"If you think the Church has been fully restored, you're just seeing the beginning," President Russell M. Nelson said during his South American tour this year. This past year has demonstrated our Church is a living church—one that is continually evolving to help bring us closer to the Savior. And this is just the beginning. "Wait till next year, and then the next year," President Nelson said. "Eat your vitamin pills. Get some rest. It's going to be exciting."

It’s no secret that the changes in the Church are preparing us to become more spiritually self-reliant in preparation for the Second Coming. We’re responsible for receiving inspiration for our ministering families and come January, we’ll focus more than ever on learning the gospel in our home and developing our own unshakeable testimonies.