5 ways to build unity in your ward and family

Oftentimes, as a practicing mental health professional, I am asked: when should a person see a clinical professional, seek the help of friends and family, or seek help from priesthood leadership in regards to medical mental health issues? I can say that from both a personal perspective and as a mental health counselor such questions are very complex, and it is important to be sensitive both to individual needs and the situation. Having said that, there are some very clear directives when mental health assistance should be considered. All of us at various times in our lives will face complex and difficult life situations that can bring sadness, loss, anxiety, confusion, and concern into our lives. More often than not, such situations and feelings are part of this mortal existence and can be worked through by the guidance, direction, and comfort from family, friends, and Church leadership.

Veteran’s day is almost here, once again on November 11th, flags will fly and patriotic programs will prompt our remembrance of the service of our veterans. This year, Veteran’s Day coincides with the 100th anniversary of the close of the Great War, World War I. Touted to be the war to end all wars, World War I was one of the most terrible conflicts in history. At least nine million soldiers and nearly as many civilians died from war-related causes. This number does not include those who perished in consequence of the worldwide influenza pandemic near the end of the war.

To truly understand Tara and Jared Madsen’s story, you have to start in the present. Skip past the first five years of their marriage, when she felt lonely, confused, and disconnected from her husband. Get past the excruciating discovery of Jared’s pornography addiction and the infidelity to which it led. Skim the subsequent five years of recovery work they slogged through to get to this place. Because this place is a really good place.

"Family is not something. Family is everything" was a saying Latter-day Saint Major Brent Taylor often told Afghan pilot Major Abdul Rahman Rahmani. A saying Rahmani says changed his life.

With a cute personality and incredible talent, is there anything Claire Ryann Crosby doesn't have?

“I fear that our society is losing its ability to come together with respect and civility and to find solutions when we see things differently,” said Elder Craig C. Christensen, area president of the Utah Areas, who welcomed the NCAA Common Ground Executive Committee to Temple Square.

"I was sitting in a lesson at church and the teacher said that all people with tattoos are bad people." Unfortunately, this is the kind of email Latter-day Saint author Al Fox Carraway receives too often. But it also opens up room for discussion on how we should include all members, ink or no.

Seventy-six-year-old cancer survivor Shepard Adams and his wife, Gracelyn, age 69, were the first to raise their hands to volunteer when the Amite Louisiana Branch of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was called upon to serve in Hurricane Michael cleanup efforts in Florida. When she didn’t see hands immediately go up amongst the gathering of some of the older couples, Gracelyn said to herself, “Could we do it next year? Well, better do it while we are able and can.” The Amite couple was not alone as they joined over 2,700 Church volunteers from five different states traveling to Florida weekly since the storm hit. Volunteers are hauling debris, chopping up large trees, and tarping damaged roofs.

Here are just a few of the things I enjoyed as a child more than riding the bus.