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59096

‘Of course, Black lives matter’: President Oaks speaks on ‘Racism and Other Challenges’ at BYU devotional

Lindsey Williams - Speaking at the Marriott Center at Brigham Young University, President Dallin H. Oaks, First Counselor in the First Presidency, renewed Church leaders’ pleas to Latter-day Saints to “root out racism.” In his address, President Oaks spoke about current events tied to racism, like the police-produced death of George Floyd, as well as historical examples of racism, as reported by Church News . Speaking about the protests following the death of George Floyd carried under the message of “Black Lives Matter,” President Oaks said, “Of course, Black lives matter—that is an eternal truth all reasonable people should support. Unfortunately, that persuasive banner...

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10 profound blessings Latter-day Saints have been promised if they will forgive

Emily Abel - This story originally ran on  LDS Living  in July 2019.  The principle of forgiveness can be a difficult one to fully understand and obey. Knowing the blessings promised to those who do forgive, however, can be a powerful motivating force to do so. Here is a list of 10 beautiful blessings promised by general conference speakers to those who will forgive. 1. Tranquility to the Soul From Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's "The Ministry of Reconciliation" : "My beloved brothers and sisters, I testify that forgiving and forsaking offenses, old or new, is central to the grandeur of the Atonement of Jesus...

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6 takeaways for our times from Mormon 1–6

Lindsey Williams - Editor's note: “ Resources to follow Him ” curates study resources, teachings, and thoughts to deepen your study of this week's  Come, Follow Me . The start of this week’s lesson in the Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families   manual paints a grim picture: Mormon spared us the “full account” of the “awful scene” of wickedness and bloodshed that he saw among the Nephites ( Mormon 2:18 ; 5:8 ). But what he did record in Mormon 1–6 is enough to remind us how far righteous people can fall. Why did Mormon choose to include these scenes in the records...

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Watch: How the missionaries taught one couple the gospel thanks to a remote referral

Valerie Russell - Chris and Katy Bush had already visited many different churches and were ready to give up their search for a religion that felt right. But in a new video from the Church, the Bush family shared how they learned about the restored gospel through remote means. Just about a week or two after crying out to God, Kenneth “KB” Boggs, a childhood friend of Chris’s, decided to reach out after many years. During their conversation, Boggs told Chris that he is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  While Chris was initially surprised by this phone call,...

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How political neutrality and social engagement coexist in the Church

Danielle Christensen - Many US citizens have begun casting their votes prior to election day on Tuesday, November 3. But while voters may have strong opinions about the candidates on their ballot, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints “takes no sides in support of or against political parties and candidates and encourages individual members of the Church to participate and engage in the political process,” a recent Church News   article reminded readers. The Church News  piece describes how the Church has long encouraged Latter-day Saints to be informed and involved in the voting process. For instance, a 1999 letter from the...

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Watch: Missionaries choreograph dance to honor sister missionary who passed away in hiking accident

Tylee Hunt, contributor - A group of missionaries serving in the Alpine-German Speaking mission are using their talents to share their testimonies and honor the life of a fellow sister missionary who recently passed away. On Tuesday, October 13, Sister Annabelle Nielsen, 20, from Highland, Utah, died while hiking with five other missionaries in Switzerland. According to Church officials, Sister Nielsen, who had been serving since July of 2019, slipped and fell down a steep incline. “We express our sincere condolences to her family and loved ones,” said Church spokesman, Daniel Woodruff . “We pray they will feel the peace and comfort of our loving...

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16 perfect Christmas gift ideas for missionaries

LDS Living Staff - It might seem early, but now is the time to send gifts to ensure that they arrive before Christmas. Here is the perfect gift guide full of inspiring and affordable gifts for your missionary. The Companion Bag This cross-body bag is perfect for any elder or sister, no matter where they're serving! The bag sits comfortably across the front or against the back of the wearer and includes an adjustable shoulder strap, a large internal compartment specially developed to organize missionary materials like scriptures and an electronic device, two zipper pockets, and a magnetic closure pocket. Buy Now Plan of Salvation...

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7 hidden treasures for a mom from the Word of Wisdom

Carrie Skarda - The test came back positive. My 8-year-old had COVID-19, and our family was stuck in quarantine anxiously wondering if we’d get sick, too. Although her case was mild, long days not knowing what would unfold brought me to my knees in prayer. I pleaded that my family would be able to bear the physical, emotional, and spiritual strain this pandemic put on us. Surprisingly, I found myself drawn to studying the Word of Wisdom. Honestly, when I’m looking for smart, thoughtful ideas for developing resiliency, the Word of Wisdom isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. But as I...

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6 beautiful reminders for when you don't feel good enough

Lloyd Newell, excerpted from "Celebrating Music and the Spoken Word" - This story originally ran on  LDS Living in June 2016.  Music and the Spoken Word has been uplifting and inspiring listeners for more than half a century with spiritual music and a touching message every Sunday morning. And for more than 25 of those years, the familiar voice of Lloyd Newell has introduced the program. Here are just six of his messages that encourage us to move forward in life and inspire us to overcome trials. 1. Have an Eternal Perspective Our common lot is to be born into an imperfect world, filled with disappointment and unanswered questions. It is natural,...

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Why having goals for your social media use could make all the difference

LDS Living - What is the goal behind your use of social media? It is a question that, if you are like most people, you likely haven’t thought about. But how might approaching social media with clear objectives and goals change who you follow or how you spend your time online? This is what entrepreneur Becky Higgins answers on this week’s episode of the All In  podcast. “You do have to ask yourself that question, ‘What are your goals with social media? What is your purpose? Why are you there? Are you there to consume? Are you there to share? Are you there to...

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The importance of names and how the name of the Church changed over time

Jannalee Sandau - This article was originally shared on  LDS Living  in 2017 and has been updated to reflect additional recent counsel. “What church do you belong to?” “The Catholic church.” “The Protestant church.” “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” Compared to churches worldwide, the official name of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints can seem like a mouthful, but every part of this name came through revelation. When the Church was organized in 1830, it was organized under the simple name “The Church of Christ.” This was in line with ancient references in the Book of Mormon: “And they...

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Names of Christ, building relationships, and preparation: What Church leaders shared in messages this week

Valerie Russell - Editor’s note: “ This week from the pulpit ” highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church. This week, leaders from the Church have addressed several different audiences—from students at Brigham Young University campuses, to religious leaders of various faiths, to covenant-keeping sisters all over the world. Even so, their counsel is applicable to all and reminds us of our Savior’s love. It is our hope that as you read these messages that you will be inspired and motivated to follow Him in faith. Remembering His Names This week, Elder Ronald A. Rasband and his wife,...

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Elder Uchtdorf says this hymn can serve as a theme for our times. Here’s how it opened my eyes

Lindsey Williams - Editor's note: Our bi-weekly Friday column, “ Found in the footnotes ,” explores some of the footnotes from remarks given by General Authorities and General Officers of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In a devotional for BYU-Pathway Worldwide earlier this week, Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, asked a question that prompted me to pause: “The Salt Lake Temple took 40 years to build! The pioneers experienced many setbacks, and the process was slow and grueling. What if those pioneers had given up? What if they said, ‘This is just too hard’...

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‘This is the healing ward’: How a brutally honest Relief Society lesson helped one woman find belonging

LDS Living - On this week’s episode of   This is the Gospel , two storytellers discuss how fitting into the body of Christ can sometimes be painful and difficult. Suzanne, who moved after ending a 40-year temple marriage, felt invisible in her new ward. After moving a second time, she was cautiously optimistic when she walked through the doors of another Church meetinghouse. Little did she know that sisters from Relief Society would welcome her with the words, “You are exactly where you need to be. This is the healing ward.” Read why the sisters’ complete honesty and vulnerability during a Relief Society...

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Why the newest animated Church video resonated with me as a working mom

Jannalee Sandau - I don’t know about you, but the words “I’m tired” have been finding their way into my conversations at an alarming rate lately. And while my immediate response is to think that I need to simply get more sleep, this delightful new animated video from the Church was a reminder that spirituality and energy go hand in hand.  Following a working mom throughout her daily tasks, the video gives us a visual "battery level" reminder of how our energy is affected throughout the day. It goes on to remind us that if we want to be more like the Savior and...

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Church extends invitation to submit musical performances for virtual Christmas concerts and Light the World campaign

Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - Christmas celebrations on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah, usually include hundreds of musical performances throughout the month of December. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, Temple Square Performances will hold its Christmas concerts virtually this year, and all are invited to participate. The annual Savior of the World , a musical drama celebrating the birth and Resurrection of Jesus Christ, will not be held this year. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends of other faiths from across the world will have the opportunity to submit Christmas video performances. The submissions will be edited into concerts...

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8 powerful images of Christ perfect for your home

LDS Living Staff - As we head into the end of the year, we focus our thoughts on the Savior and celebrate the birth of the Savior. It is a great time to remember Christ in our lives. Here are 8 of our very favorite depictions of Christ. These art pieces will become a special reminder of His love and spirit within the walls of your home. Peace in Christ 23x19 Framed Art | By Kate Lee  Buy Now Morning Solace 24x32 Framed Art | By Yongsung Kim  Buy Now Vision 32x24  Canvas Wrap | By Victoria Mathews   Buy Now Christ in the Red...

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Her two grandfathers were presidents of the Church. Here’s why her legacy doesn’t stop there

Valerie Russell - “Over my dead body are you tearing that house down.”  You may not recognize these words from Florence S. Jacobsen, the first female Church curator, but you may recognize the historic buildings she fought to preserve—the Lion House and the Beehive House, among others. On a recent episode of the Latter-day Saint Women podcast , Emily Utt, historic sites curator for the Church, discusses Jacobsen’s legacy. Before Jacobsen, who was the Young Women General President in the 1960s, intervened, the Lion House was almost torn down and replaced with a new parking garage entrance. But because she spoke up, the Young...

59059

BYU-Pathway Worldwide devotional shares exclusive look inside Salt Lake Temple renovation

Morgan Jones - In a recent nine-minute video devotional, Sister Michelle D. Craig, First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency, shared five lessons learned from the Salt Lake Temple renovation. The video begins with Sister Craig standing in front of the renovation site, but soon you realize you are watching rare footage of the temple renovation. Still, perhaps the most powerful parts of the video are the lessons shared by Sister Craig as she has watched the renovation process on Temple Square nearly every day since it began in January. Sister Craig began by explaining that Elder David A. Bednar shared that the...

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The problem with how we perceive time and how it relates to the Second Coming

Elder Gerald N. Lund, excerpted from “The Second Coming of the Lord” - Over and over the Lord has indicated that the time of the end is near and that the day of His coming will be soon. And yet most of those scriptural passages are now almost two hundred years old, but we are still waiting for their fulfillment. So how are we to interpret words like “close,” “quickly,” “soon,” “hasten,” and “speedily”? This is why some, including some faithful Church members, claim that we have no reason to believe that the Second Coming is not still five or six hundred years away, and that we are working ourselves up into a dither...

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'Every hand flew up': President Ballard recalls support for President Kimball's recommendation that the priesthood be given to all worthy males

Morgan Jones - On the debut episode of the Church News podcast , President M. Russell Ballard, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, recalled the moment President Spencer W. Kimball recommended that the priesthood be given to all worthy males. At the time, President Ballard was a young member of the First Quorum of the Seventy and all of the General Authorities were meeting on the fourth floor of the temple for their monthly meeting. “And President Kimball, I can still see him and still hear his voice saying, ‘We have contemplated and prayed.’ He said, 'I’ve spent many hours here...

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Pastry chef meets pumpkin: See this stunning carving of President Nelson on a pumpkin

Lindsey Williams - When a virtual pumpkin contest was announced as a family home evening activity in Hailee Henson’s young single adult ward, she knew just what to do: carve an image of President Russell M. Nelson. “Intricate facial details are always a fun challenge,” Henson told LDS Living . As a pastry chef, Henson has plenty of practice using knives to make detailed cuts, so she found a stencil of the prophet on Pumpkin Glow, a website with pumpkin carving stencils. “I grew up very artistic and have dedicated my life to food! It was a natural fit for me,” Henson said. Henson...

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Church provides list of ideas for effective virtual teaching and learning

Valerie Russell - Teaching and serving in the Church through virtual means is an exciting opportunity to reach out to others. But at the same time, virtual teaching presents unique challenges. The Church has put together several  ideas and suggestions to ensure each virtual meeting is successful and filled with the Spirit. Many principles related to teaching the gospel will never change—no matter if meetings are held in person or through virtual means. For example, loving those you teach and encouraging active participation are ways to invite the Spirit to testify to all who are present for the meeting.  Asking for participation in a...

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How does serving a mission affect attitudes on global development? What one economist found

Valerie Russell - Lee Crawfurd was watching The Book of Mormon musical when something clicked—the full-time missionary program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints could be considered a “natural experiment.” Crawfurd is not a member of the Church. He is an economist who seeks to understand why some people are more interested in helping people in poor countries than others. Crawfurd, who has worked with a few members of the Church who served missions, recognized while watching the play that, unlike many international volunteers who choose where they will go, prospective missionaries face uncertainty. They could learn Swahili to serve in...