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

In celebration of Hobbit Day―the shared birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins on September 22―I thought it would be worthwhile to learn from one of J.R.R. Tolkien's wisest characters―Gandalf, a.k.a. the Grey Pilgrim, a.k.a. Mithrandir.

Though a haven for sports fans and concert enthusiasts, Safeco Field became something else on September 15 as a prophet of God stepped onto the infield—it became holy ground. There nearly 50,000 Latter-day Saints heardPresident Russell M. Nelson "invite all of God’s children on both sides of the veil to come unto their Savior, to receive the blessings of the holy temple and qualify for eternal life, so that they can have enduring joy now and forever." There a living prophet shared with the world five life-changing lessons that can bring lasting peace and happiness.

New information has been released by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on plans announced in May for new worldwide resources for girls and boys, young women, and young men. The initiative for Latter-day Saint youth, ages 8 to 18, will replace all existing youth activity programs beginning in January 2020, including the Church’s relationship with all Scouting programs around the world.

The following was written by Michael Meyers for the Ensign.

In the writing of the hymn “Lord, I Would Follow Thee” (Hymns, no. 220), I learned that the Lord’s timing is not our timing, and the Lord so often has plans of His own.

Recently, Elder Neil L. Andersen wrote an articleabout the remarkable life of our new apostle, Elder Ulisses Soares. In the article, which will be published in the October Ensign, Elder Soares's daughter Lethicia says, “When Jesus called His Apostles, He didn’t pick the most knowledgeable Pharisees, He picked fishermen. My father and mother are like that. They totally trust the Lord, and He uses them to fulfill His works because He knows they are selfless, willing to work hard, and humble enough to accept correction.” Elder Dale G. Renlund adds, “Elder Soares is an exuberant, committed, devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. I don’t know anyone who feels more keenly that he’s on the Lord’s errand. If he’s asked to do something, he does it with all his might.”

Born in South Dakota, Brian Cummings grew up under the dual care of his parents and his grandmother, starting his career in radio as a teenager. Little did he know what the Lord had in store for him, as he went on to find the gospel, raise a family, and bring to life the voices of animated characters such as Chef Bouche (the stove) in Beauty and the Beast, Doofus in the original Duck Tales, and Papa Q. Bear in The Berenstain Bears.

Since Joseph Smith directed Latter-day Saints to form a dramatic company after building the first community theaters in Nauvoo, Illinois, Latter-day Saints have had a fondness for the performing arts. One of the first structures the pioneers erected after reaching Salt Lake City was a bowery on what is now Temple Square where they could perform music, dance, and plays.

“We believe this proposition loses sight of our real purpose, which is to relieve pain and suffering and, if passed, could become a slippery slope to unintended uses of marijuana,” Elder Christensen said.