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

Ward families provide wonderful opportunities to worship, make friends, find support, and strengthen your testimony as ward members work, learn, grow, and live together. But speaking as a former long-term member of a young single adult ward and a current member of an apartment-heavy ward with newlyweds and senior missionary couples coming in and out on a regular basis, I know that feeling support and connection at church can be a little more difficult when your ward family is constantly changing. Here are a few tips I’ve gathered that might help both leaders and members create more unity in an ever-changing ward.

Including the inspiring accounts of women leaders in the church as well as the real life, raw experiences of women facing illness, loss, and loneliness these 13 books remind all women just how strong and important they are no matter the storms they face in their lives.

Neon Trees drummer Elaine Bradley recently shared the sweetest picture of her and her family outside a temple after their sealing. The sealing came after Bradley and her husband adopted the newest addition to their family, a daughter named Elise.

The First Presidency has called a new temple president and matron for the Taipei Taiwan Temple.

There is much to celebrate this time of year as we look back on the day America gained its independence. And for LDS musician and Utah ambassador for refugees Alex Boyé, this season has an extra special meaning.

“What the Church did to come in and help the community was incredible. . . because if they hadn’t, I can tell you thousands of people would have been put back for months and months, not only financially, but with a place to live," Astros senior vice president over corporate partnerships Matt Brand said at the June 18 game honoring Mormon Helping Hands volunteers.

Maybe you feel your prayers aren’t being answered—or even heard. Perhaps you feel you have strayed beyond the Father’s ability to forgive. Maybe you’re struggling to trust that the Atonement of Jesus Christ really works in your life. Perhaps you are awash in fear, grappling to stay on top of adversity. Maybe you have been betrayed in the deepest way by one who should have treasured you. Or maybe you’re just trying to be patient, waiting for promised blessings and starting to lose faith that they will come.

When I was fourteen, I decided it was time I received my own testimony of the Book of Mormon. I began to read it, but as I read, I was filled with doubt about its truthfulness. I was frightened by my feelings, but I shared them with no one. One day after a particularly distressing day of reading, I decided to go into the willows by the river and pray until God gave me an answer. I begged God to take away the dark feelings and tell me if the Book of Mormon was true. “If you are really there and you love me, you will tell me,” I prayed. For hours I stayed in the willows. Night came on, and yet I continued to pray. This had worked for Enos, so I prayed and prayed. Finally, hungry and cold, I left the willows and went to bed. I heard no voice. I felt no lightening of my load. I received no witness, no calm burning in the heart. I had demanded an answer on my terms, according to my time line, corresponding to my needs. I had jumped from the pinnacle.

Addressing an audience at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London, England, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints called on non-governmental organisations (NGOs), governments and faith groups to refocus their efforts in responding to the personal and family crises suffered by refugees and internally displaced people.