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Elder Gong explains the Lord's definition of perfection and why it's attainable

Danielle Christensen - Becoming perfect in Christ isn’t unattainable, said Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles—otherwise, the invitation wouldn’t be extended in the first place. In his 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar address, Elder Gong reminded listeners of President Russell M. Nelson’s teaching that the Greek word “telios,” which is often translated as “perfect” or “perfected” in English, means “complete.” It does not mean flawless. The Apostle continued by explaining that “part of becoming perfected in Christ is to become complete,” and that doing so is different than what the world views perfectionism to be, Church News   reported. Understanding...

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Commemorating 90 years of 'Music and the Spoken Word': Special broadcast to feature renowned guest artists

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - The Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square are commemorating 90 years of the weekly broadcast, “Music and the Spoken Word,” with a special worldwide broadcast. The pre-recorded program, “Music for a Summer Evening: Celebrating 90 Years of Broadcasting,” will first air on Saturday, July 18, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT).  The 90-minute broadcast will feature interviews and performances with renowned guest artists who have previously appeared with the Choir. The Choir and Orchestra have selected special performances of their most beloved music under the baton of conductors Mack Wilberg and Ryan Murphy. In addition, the five Tabernacle...

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President Nelson: Joseph Smith's ‘divine tutoring’ from ‘dozens of ancient prophets and angels’

Danielle Christensen - The Prophet Joseph Smith was the recipient of divine tutoring in remarkable ways. During the virtual 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar on June 26, President Russell M. Nelson spoke about the Prophet Joseph's many experiences with divine beings. For example, aside from the First Vision, Joseph saw the Father or the Son eight additional times. Four of these occasions were of the Father and the Son together while four others were of Christ by Himself.  According to Church News , Brandon Metcalf of the Church History Department assisted President Nelson in gathering and confirming information for the talk. “These visitations provided him...

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Elder Holland’s insights on these 8 lesser-known names of Christ

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, excerpted from "Witness for His Names" - This excerpt originally ran on  LDS Living in December 2019.  After serving as an Apostle of the Lord and studying the names of Christ for 25 years, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's new book,  Witness for His Names , shares some insights into the various names of Christ. Here are just a few. Adoni This word means literally “My Lords.” It is the plural form of  adon or Lord . It is one of the principal Hebrew synonyms for Jehovah, used in the Hebrew Bible more than 430 times to refer to the Divine Being of the Old Testament, He who would...

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5 ideas to level up your study of this week’s ‘Come, Follow Me’ on Alma 23–29

Lindsey Williams - As you explore Alma 23–29 , here are five ideas to level up your study. We hope these prompts, in addition to the Come, Follow Me  manual , will enhance your understanding of these chapters. Burying your rebellion In this week’s episode of “ Don’t Miss This ,” Emily Belle Freeman and David Butler issue a challenge to “bury your rebellion,” like the Anti-Nephi-Lehies did. “You’re not just burying things you’re not supposed to do . . . they said they buried their rebellion,” Butler said. “We like to think of that rebellion in context of the two great commandments. My...

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New #HearHim video from Elder Gong: 'You and I are never truly isolated'

Emily Abel - In continuation of the #HearHim video series, Elder Gerrit W. Gong of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles testified that in a time of social isolation, we are not, and couldn’t ever be, isolated from the Savior. “During this period of social distancing and COVID-19, I have felt the Savior beckon, ‘I see you. I know you. I love you.’ When you truly know that He sees you, He knows you, and He loves you, you can understand that you are not isolated,” Elder Gong wrote in an article  released with the video. Elder Gong said he has taken time recently...

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Elder Holland shares ‘1 of the 10,000 reasons’ why he knows the Book of Mormon is true

Lindsey Williams - Speaking at the 2020 Mission Leadership Seminar , Elder Jeffrey R. Holland noted the seminar marked 176 years since the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother, Hyrum. Part of the final hours of these two brothers adds to Elder Holland’s conviction of the veracity of the Book of Mormon, and that event occurred on June 26—the same day Elder Holland spoke to the audience, as reported by Church News . In Carthage Jail on June 26, 1844, Hyrum Smith opened the Book of Mormon and likely read, “And it came to pass that the Lord said unto me:...

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19 countries you may not have known received Church donations recently

Emily Abel - A world in commotion creates a world of opportunities to serve. And Latter-day Saints everywhere are doing just that. The Church has more than 80 international Newsroom websites for various countries, and writers have been busy documenting how the Church and its members have responded to the COVID-19 crisis in their communities. A compilation of service projects from 19 different countries was recently published, and the wide array of service is enough to make anyone smile. See a few of our favorite stories from Church Newsroom below. Mongolia The Ministry of Health in Mongolia received a donation of sterilization kits, blankets,...

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The time and placement of the Founding Fathers—coincidence or providence?

LDS Living - “Did the Founding Fathers coincidentally and conveniently appear on the scene at the same time or were they raised up by God at a specific time for a divine purpose?” This is the question Elder Tad R. Callister, an emeritus General Authority Seventy and former Sunday School general president, posed in a recent article for Church News . Elder Callister answers the question by quoting F.W. Boreham, a Baptist minister and author, who said, “We fancy that God can only manage His world by big battalions abroad, when all the while He is doing it by beautiful babies at home. When...

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17 screen-free games and activities for hot summer days

LDS Living Staff - Running out of ways to entertain your kids? Need an inside activity so they can beat the heat? These games and activities are the perfect screen-free entertainment to keep your kids busy all season long. Salt Lake Temple Brick Set Spend time as a family putting together the Salt Lake Temple. This unique puzzle is made up of 445 pieces, including customized temple spires, windows, doors, and angel Moroni figurine. Build time of around 1 hour. Ideal set for younger builders. Learn More Tenzi Be the first player to get all 10 of your dice to show the same number. Everyone...

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What happened to Joseph and Emma Smith's children?

Jannalee Sandau - This article originally ran on  LDS Living in  October 2015. Of the many hardships, Joseph Smith Jr. and his wife Emma endured, one of the most difficult, especially for Emma, was losing so many of her precious children. Only 5 of her 11 children lived past the age of 2, and her only biological daughter died at birth. After her husband was killed in 1844 and the majority of the Saints moved West, Emma stayed in Nauvoo to raise her surviving children. Find out what happened to each of the Smith children and where the surviving ones ended up in their...

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What 1 Latter-day Saint mother learned from receiving service following a home gas explosion

LDS Living - On February 15, 2019, Lori Walker walked into her vacation home in Heber City, Utah, but she never walked out. Instead, after the home exploded with Walker trapped inside, she was lifted and carried both out of the home and through the days, weeks, and months that followed. On this week’s All In  podcast, Walker shared how she felt supported by family, friends, and neighbors following the explosion that changed her life forever. “I felt so much love coming from the whole world into our hearts. You know, sometimes you hear people talk about the Spirit feeling like a hug around...

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What newspapers in the 1800s said about the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum

Jannalee Sandau - This story originally ran on  LDS Living  in 2017.  Most members of the Church are familiar with the events surrounding the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum, but what they might not realize is that news of their murder made headlines all across the country, from Arkansas and Connecticut to Florida and Maine. And though many didn't believe Joseph was a prophet, the majority of these media sources condemned the act as murder and a scandal. As we remember the anniversary of this tragic moment in Latter-day Saint history, here's a look at a few of the...

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These young adults in Hong Kong are helping renovate a hospital's family center

Lindsey Williams - As the pandemic restrictions eased in Hong Kong, young single adults donned masks, gloves, and painting clothes to help renovate a part of a local hospital. The Kowloon West Stake has long partnered with the Pok Oi Hospital to serve the community. Since the end of May, young single adults have volunteered in the hospital twice a week renovating the 1,000-square-foot family development center, according to Church Newsroom Hong Kong . “We don’t let COVID stop us from serving others,” said Derek Au, second counselor of the Kowloon West Stake. “We want to contribute to society and be good citizens. This...

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Ask a Latter-day Saint therapist: Should we have attended our unmarried granddaughter’s baby shower?

Jonathan Decker, LMFT, Contributor - Editor's note: The views, information, or opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author. Readers should consider each unique situation. This content is not meant to be a substitute for individual, professional advice. For daily Gospel-based relationship insights, join Jonathan’s  Facebook group . To submit a question for Jonathan,  click here .  Q:  Our granddaughter is going to have a baby soon and the child will be born out of wedlock. Someone gave our granddaughter a baby shower and we did not attend as we feel it is not right to celebrate due to the circumstances of the...

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New #HearHim video from Elder Stevenson, inspiring message from Elder Holland

Emily Abel - Editor's note: " This week from the pulpit " highlights recent messages by General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.   Diligent effort is easier to sustain when results are obvious and come quickly. The real test of diligence, however, may be maintaining consistency even without signs of progress or reward. For many, the effects of the pandemic have slowed life down, bringing increased feelings of monotony. As days and week blur together, it can be more difficult stay dedicated to important spiritual habits.   Several social media messages from Church leaders this week can help re-inspire you to keep...

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Member of Utah Area Presidency joins with other religious leaders in asking Utahns to wear masks

Emily Abel - In light of recent surges in COVID-19 cases in Utah, Elder Randy D. Funk, First Counselor in the Utah Area Presidency, joined with other religious leaders in issuing an appeal to people of faith to wear face masks. Evangelical, Catholic, Jewish, Islamic and other faith leaders, 28 in total, signed the letter. It was read by Utah Governor Gary Herbert in a press conference on Wednesday, June 25. Read the letter below. “Over the last several weeks we have seen alarming increases in COVID-19 infection rates in the state of Utah. The state epidemiologist has identified the lack of masks and...

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7.4 magnitude earthquake rattles Mexico; Missionaries reported safe, other damages under assessment

LDS Living - A 7.4 magnitude earthquake shook Mexico’s Pacific Coast on Tuesday morning, taking the lives of at least six and leaving significant damage in its wake. However,   Church News reports that according to spokesman Daniel Woodruff, all full-time missionaries serving in the impacted areas “are safe and accounted for.” Damages suffered by members or to Church-owned properties are still being assessed, the most serious of which seem to be being reported near the epicenter in Oaxaca. Nearly three years ago, a pair of earthquakes , including one of a 8.2 magnitude, devastated the same part of Mexico. The quakes, which happened...

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'The road ahead will always be bumpy': President Nelson talks in new Church News video about finding relief in service

Danielle Christensen - In a Church News   video released Thursday, President Russell M. Nelson revealed that the Church's efforts to aid in the COVID-19 pandemic has become the Church’s largest-ever humanitarian response, with a total of over 500 service projects. The Church has spent millions of dollars on humanitarian projects in recent months. Most of that money is funded by donations from Latter-day Saints who voluntarily pay fast offerings or contribute to the Church’s humanitarian funds, both of which have increased during the coronavirus. Additionally, thousands of Relief Society sisters have participated in making more than 5.7 million surgical masks during ProjectProtect for...

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Elder Stevenson shares a Book of Mormon phrase for times of affliction and disappointment

Lindsey Williams - The year was 2011. Elder Gary E. Stevenson was serving as president of the Asia North Area of the Church when a 9.0–magnitude earthquake and accompanying tsunami resulted in 20,000 deaths and 551,000 destroyed homes in Sendai, Japan. Now, in an article from Church News , Elder Stevenson shared what he learned from affected Latter-day Saints nine years ago—those he witnessed overcome times of personal loss—and related those lessons to our current experiences with COVID-19. Elder Stevenson shares that as the pandemic has intensified, he has reflected on Nephi’s first sentence in the book of Mormon: “I, Nephi, having been born...

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Latter-day Saint Psychologist: How to reach our potential for happiness

Dr. David T. Morgan, Contributor - When I was about 13 years of age, a new family moved into our ward. They had a 12-year-old son. He and I had some things in common. He was the oldest in his family; I was the oldest in my family. He had an alpha male personality; I had an alpha male personality. But perhaps the thing we had most in common was a very strong dislike for one another. I don’t know why—we didn’t even know each other well enough to be enemies. Yet it was true that we did not get along at all.  However, our mothers got...

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Watch: Latter-day Saint singers remind listeners to ‘Be a Light’

Lindsey Williams - Some Latter-day Saint artists recently teamed up to perform a cover of country singer Thomas Rhett's new song, “ Be A Light .” The performers include Yahosh Bonner of The Bonner Family , Bri Ray, Madilyn Paige, and Maddie Wilson. The video begins with a quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” Ray shared a clip of the music video on her Instagram account and said, “To those of you who have spoken and continue to speak up—thank you. Continue to spread love and be love. Continue...

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6 weeks and nearly 6 million masks later, ProjectProtect concludes

Emily Abel - On June 20, Project Protect officially ended after an added “encore week.” Over the course of six weeks, 57,500 volunteers from around the state of Utah sewed more than 5.7 million medical-grade masks to help health care professionals in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Project Protect was organized by University of Utah Health, Intermountain Healthcare, and Latter-day Saint Charities. And while the masks were certainly a blessing to those in the medical field, participants in the project were blessed as well. “During these difficult weeks of wondering what else could possibly go wrong in the environment and society around us,...

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Elder and Sister Rasband to host next young adult Face to Face broadcast from Sacred Grove

Danielle Christensen - The young adults of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been invited to a live Face to Face broadcast with Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quroum of the Twelve Apostles and his wife, Sister Melanie Rasband. Elder and Sister Rasband will be speaking about The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: A Bicentennial Proclamation to the World from the Sacred Grove in Palmyra, New York. President Nelson originally recorded the proclamation in the Sacred Grove. The document testifies of the Restoration of the gospel, the First Vision, the Book of Mormon, the restoration...