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Lola Ogunbote: Racism and the human race against time

Lola Ogunbote, contributor - This article originally appeared on  LDS Living in June 2020. An updated version ran in the  January/February 2021 issue  of  LDS Living  magazine. This article has been updated to match that version. Editor's note:  Born in Nigeria and raised in London, Lola Ogunbote is a lawyer-turned-soccer coach who has learned how to prioritize joy in life. Ogunbote was featured in an  All In podcast  on February 26, 2020, where she talked about seeking our acceptance from God and celebrating each individual for the many things that make them who they are. The British spellings used throughout this article have been included...

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The tip Elder Matthew S. Holland shared that can transform your Gospel Library study

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 the hours following Elder Matthew S. Holland’s talk in the Saturday afternoon session of general conference, many of my friends told me how much they loved his address. Some said it was as if having the last name of Holland automatically causes soul-stirring remarks. One thing both Elder Matthew S. Holland and his father, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, have in common is the ability to...

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Setting a New Year's resolution? Here are 31 quotes for January 2021 to help you achieve your goals

Danielle Christensen - This story was originally published by  LDS Living in December 2019.  The new year is fast approaching, and with it, those New Year’s resolutions. Whether you’ve decided to run a marathon, write a book, or start a business, January 1st is nearly upon us. But whether you've set lofty goals or are keeping things simple next year, perhaps you're feeling that impending sense of dread at actually accomplishing those goals you’ve set. You're not alone. According to New York Times writer Harry Guinness, we sometimes get a little ahead of the game and make lofty goals at New Year’s that are,...

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Ask a Latter-day Saint therapist: My loved one physically hurt someone I love

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: A loved one physically hurt someone else I love. It happened years ago, but I just found out today and it really shocked me. Apparently, it was a one-time thing, but I didn't know they were capable of something this awful and I really don't...

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‘Real stories from real people’: A look at this year's most-downloaded episodes of ‘This Is the Gospel’

LDS Living - Have you ever felt imperfect in your practice of living the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you’re in good company and the This is the Gospel  podcast is on a mission to prove it to you. Like host KaRyn Lay says at the beginning of every episode, the podcast “features real stories from real people practicing and living their faith every day.” These people are facing real triumphs, successes, challenges, and hardships in the best way they can. Sound familiar? Whether it’s heartache, loss of a loved one, fatherhood, motherhood, or true conversion, the 23 episodes we shared this year...

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President Nelson shares great, greater, and greatest goals

President Russell M. Nelson, excerpted from "Accomplishing the Impossible" - This excerpt originally ran on  LDS Living in December 2019. You will have goals that are great, greater, and greatest. Great goals I relate to temporal attainment. You will continue to set great goals for yourself and achieve them one by one. Greater goals I relate to developing your attributes of character. Attributes of character are worthy of our attention as we strive to become whom we ought to be. Heading the list of greater goals would be the attribute of love, including its related qualities of kindness, compassion, courtesy, civility, and mercy. Fostered first in the family, love is centered...

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28 changes and announcements made by the Church in 2020 unrelated to the pandemic

Lindsey Williams - In a year dominated by news and announcements related to COVID-19, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints not only made announcements and adjustments related to the current pandemic but also announcements and adjustments related to other aspects of worship, administration, and policy. The year 2020 marked the 200th anniversary of the First Vision , and throughout the past 12 months, Latter-day Saints continued to see the importance of a living prophet as well as continuing revelation. Here is a look at just 28 of the changes and announcements made by the Church in 2020 unrelated to the pandemic. Note:...

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3 challenges from ‘Sunday on Monday’ to carry over into the new year

LDS Living Staff - In many ways, 2020 has been full of challenges. But while many of these challenges have been heartbreaking and full of sorrow, some have helped us to become better. Whether it was the outpouring of gratitude on social media after President Nelson's challenge in November or the millions of acts of services that have taken place during this year's Light the World campaign , good things have come out of 2020.  And to continue that trend as we head into 2021, here are three challenges from the Come, Follow Me podcast Sunday on Monday that will help keep our focus on...

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President Nelson taught us remarkable lessons in each month of 2020. Here’s a look at what he said

Morgan Jones - If there were any perks to 2020, one was that we all spent a little bit more time (virtually) with President Russell M. Nelson than usual. Outside of general conference, the Church released special video messages throughout the year from our prophet. Additionally, President Nelson co-authored a piece with NAACP leaders calling for racial harmony. He reminded us of the need for gratitude to find healing, he invited us to fast with him, he prayed for us, and he reminded us that “we are all children of a loving God.” His invaluable advice and counsel has brought us closer to Heavenly...

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10 inspiring LDS Living stories from this past year to help us see the good in 2020

LDS Living - This past year has been full of the unexpected. Between the coronavirus, natural disasters, and societal issues, 2020 may not have been what we all expected when it brought in the new decade. But there have been beautiful moments too. Despite feelings of division, many people have come together to express gratitude for the blessings God has given them. Others have come to the rescue for those in need, whether physically or spiritually. And society as a whole has adjusted to new circumstances and situations despite moments of fear and uncertainty. Latter-day Saints have also had their own set of challenges...

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These are a few of our favorite things from Deseret Book's Christmas clearance sale

LDS Living - Now is the perfect time to stock up on great gifts, decor, and entertainment for next year's holiday season at rock-bottom prices! Here are 15 of our favorite things on sale now as part of Deseret Book's annual Christmas clearance sale! Family Christmas Socks — 50% off Shop now Christmas Jars DVD —  50% off Shop now Nativity Metal Luminaries —  50% off Shop now Names of Christ Advent Calendar —  50% off Shop now Angels Among Us CD from the Tabernacle Choir featuring Kristin Chenoweth —  50% off Shop now Framed Luke 2 —  50% off Shop now Keep Christmas...

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In case you missed it: Top LDS Living articles from this week

LDS Living - Here’s a snapshot of what you may have missed on LDS Living this week. You can also subscribe to the LDS Living  newsletter for daily inspiration right to your inbox. Featured Stories See pictures of temple progress in 2020 and reflect on other temple announcements from this year In the year 2020, 21 temples started construction. Perhaps when we look back years from now, we won’t remember 2020 so much as the year so many temple doors closed, but maybe it will be the year that enabled more temple doors to open around the world. Take a look at progress on...

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20 quotes from the 20 most-downloaded ‘All In’ podcast episodes of 2020

LDS Living - Despite a pandemic that forced the majority of interviews this year to be done remotely, the All In podcast never missed a beat, producing and releasing 55 interviews that were downloaded over 4 million times over the course of the year. The show’s conversations covered a wide range of both timely and timeless topics such as parenting, dealing with a faith crisis, racism, anxiety, and meditation. Here is a brief look at the 20 most-downloaded episodes of 2020 as of December 7, 2020, through one powerful quote from each of those episodes. 1. “Gerald N. Lund: Signs of the Second Coming”...

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Sister Nelson's 4 ways to focus on the Savior every day

Sister Wendy W. Nelson, excerpted from "The Heavens Are Open" - This excerpt originally ran on  LDS Living  in December 2019. For decades I’ve loved the counsel recorded in Hebrews 12:1–2 . It begins: “Let us lay aside every weight . . .” I remember the first day that scripture spoke to me. I was on vacation with friends but was sitting by myself on a picnic table near a beach. There were many things weighing me down that day. What is weighing you down? The author continues, “ . . . and the sin which doth so easily beset us . . .” What sin—of omission or commission—keeps wrecking your life? What sin—of omission or...

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See pictures of temple progress in 2020 and reflect on other temple announcements from this year

Lindsey Williams - What word would you use in relation to temples in the year 2020? There are a few possible words that might come to mind.  For you, would that word be closed ? Earlier this year, all temple doors closed . The First Presidency has since announced a phased reopening , and some temples will enter Phase 3 before the year ends. But, as Elder Dale G. Renlund recently said , “We should not anticipate that these phases of temple worship will be short-lived,” so temple worship will likely continue to be affected for several months. ► You may also like:  A...

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10 famous guests who performed with the Tabernacle Choir at Christmas

Jannalee Sandau - T his story originally ran on  LDS Living  in 2017 and has been updated to include more recent guests. In its over 170 years of performing, the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square has toured the world, sung at presidential inaugurations, and inspired millions through their weekly broadcast, Music and the Spoken Word —the world’s longest continuously running weekly network broadcast. On top of that, the choir has also hosted dozens of famous people at its annual Christmas concert over the years, from actors and singers to journalists and even the Muppets® from Sesame Street®.  ► You may also like:  How you...

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President Nelson draws our eyes to the heavens as a star reminds us of the ‘Light of the World’

LDS Living - Editor’s note: “ This week from the pulpit ” highlights recent messages from General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church. As we conclude the highly anticipated week of Christmas, we celebrate the Light of the World. This year December 21st marked not only the winter solstice but the appearance of a star that hadn’t appeared in nearly 400 years. And both President Russell M. Nelson, Sister Michelle Craig, and Elder Dale G. Renlund drew attention to the symbolism surrounding the holiday season and the physical light that exists in our world at this time of the year.  On Monday, ...

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The simple tradition that changed this Latter-day Saint family's Christmas forever

LDS Living - In this week's episode of   This Is the Gospel ,   Matt finds himself in the thick of Christmas shopping and the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But after realizing neither he nor his children really remember the presents of Christmas past, Matt determines to create a simple tradition that changes his family's Christmastime practices forever.  An adapted excerpt from the story is below. Listen to the full episode here  or read the  full transcript here. Note: This excerpt has been edited for clarity. I don't remember exactly what year it was or how it started. It was a...

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Have you been asking, ‘Heavenly Father, are you really there?’ This counsel from Elder Rasband could help

Elder Ronald A. Rasband, adapted from “Be Not Troubled” - Not long ago, I met with a dear friend that I have known and loved for many years. When we met, my friend confided that he had been struggling. He felt he was experiencing, to use his words, a “crisis of faith” and sought my counsel. I felt grateful that he would share his feelings and concerns with me. He expressed a great longing for what he had once felt spiritually and what he now thought he was losing. As he spoke, I listened carefully and prayed earnestly to know what the Lord would have me say. My friend asked the...

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State of New York recognizes 200th anniversary of the First Vision with official citation

Newsroom of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - More than 200 deliveries of food to local pantries across the state of New York were made by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 2020 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. “We’ve been blessed by the Lord. We’ve been blessed by the generosity of the members of the Church and been able to, in this way, help in a great humanitarian cause in a crucial year and situation that none of us anticipated fully, and yet we were ready,” said Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve...

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Watch: A glimpse into President Nelson’s virtual Christmas celebration with his family

Lindsey Williams - Though the holiday season looks different during the pandemic, traditions live on. And a new video from Church News   shows how President Russell M. Nelson’s family continued their annual Christmas pageant using technology. The 45-minute video conference call included Christmas songs, family photos, and a Nativity reenactment. An abbreviated video published by Church News  gives viewers a glimpse of the virtual celebration, which included counsel from President Nelson. “Christmas music carries joyful messages,” President Nelson said. “Joy comes in family love. As God’s children, we know that joy comes in knowing that our Heavenly Father loves us. He created us...

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See photos of progress made on the Salt Lake Temple renovation in December

LDS Living Staff - This story will be updated throughout the Salt Lake Temple renovation. Click the links below for individual updates. Find more information at  templesquare.org .  Salt Lake Temple Renovation Updates December 2020 • Temple Square publishes December construction updates November 2020 • Temple Square publishes November construction updates October 2020 • Temple Square publishes October construction updates September 2020 • Temple Square publishes September construction updates • Newsroom publishes a look at the first nine months of renovation August 2020 • Temple Square publishes August construction updates and a time-lapse video showing recent progress July 2020 • Temple Square publishes July construction...

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Joseph Smith's last dreams and other prophetic dreams from his life

Mary Jane Woodger, Ken Alford, and Craig Manscill, excerpted from "Dreams as Revelation" - This excerpt originally ran on  LDS Living in December 2019 and is being shared again in honor of Joseph Smith's birthday. Dreams given to members of Joseph Smith’s family helped prepare them for the challenges and trials that they would face in coming years. An anticipation of the gospel was planted in their hearts by inspired dreams which made the Restoration that much more precious to them. When young Joseph shared his visions and revelations, his family members were ready to believe and sustain him. . . . ► You'll also like:   4 Prophetic and Beautiful Dreams from Joseph Smith's...

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19 photos of Elder Gong that will make you love him even more

Lindsey Miller - This story was originally published by  LDS Living in December 2018 and has been updated in honor of his birthday. Elder Gerrit W. Gong was born on December 23, 1953, in California. In order to celebrate Elder Gong's birthday, here are some photos showing his life and ministry to Latter-day Saints around the world. Elder Gong as a baby with his parents, photo from ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Elder Gong as a missionary in Taiwan, photo from   ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Elder Gong with the grandson of a family he baptized on his mission, photo from ChurchofJesusChrist.org. President Hinckley at Elder Gong's wedding, photo from ChurchofJesusChrist.org....