Katharine Lyon

Apostles and Church Leaders Share How They Prepare Their Conference Talks + What It's Like Speaking at Conference

By Danielle B. Wagner

March 27, 2018 12:40 PM MDT

When the prophets, apostles, and leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints congregate every six months to speak to the world, members and nonmembers are invited to tune in and hear their inspired counsel. With so many ears to hear, hearts to listen, and minds to enlighten, Church leaders turn to the Spirit.

2 Min Read

Fun

Why Cedar City and 2 Other LDS Temples Have Stained Glass Windows Rescued from a Presbyterian Church

By Alexandra Mortenson

October 23, 2017 03:24 PM MDT

If you've visited the Provo City Center Temple, you may have seen the stunning stained glass depiction of the Savior holding a lamb as you enter the main, street-level entrance. Illuminated from behind with light, the large stained glass panel is one of the most stunning pieces of art in the temple.

3 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

After Losing 10 Children, One Woman Finds Hope in the LDS Church and Walks 9 Hours to Get There

By Katharine Lyon

September 25, 2017 08:08 AM MDT

As the mission president of the Zambia Lusaka Mission from 2013–2016, Leif Erickson and his wife, Linda, had the incredible opportunity to observe the faith and optimism of the Zambian Saints up close. “Just like anywhere else in the world, there are setbacks and struggles,” Erickson says, “but the goodness of these Saints and the strength of their faith and reliance on the Lord inspires us.”

2 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

What Happened After a Zambian Woman Read the Book of Mormon to Prove the Missionaries Wrong

By Katharine Lyon

September 20, 2017 08:00 AM MDT

Often gathering in meetinghouses converted from local houses or buildings, Church members and investigators in Zambia fill the sacrament rooms with enthusiastic hymns and heartfelt testimonies each Sunday, unlike any other place on earth.

2 Min Read

Fun

10 Temples and the Amazing Treasures in Their Cornerstones

By Katharine Lyon

January 04, 2017 10:00 PM MST

On the day before each temple dedication, a time capsule is placed in the cornerstone of the temple. The next day, the prophet or apostle dedicating the temple seals the cornerstone with mortar as part of the dedication ceremony.

8 Min Read

From the Church

14 Major Church Announcements and News from 2016

By Katharine Lyon

December 28, 2016 10:00 PM MST

With 2016 coming to a close, it's time to look back on some of the big changes, announcements, and news from the Church throughout the year and reflect on the progress, miracles, and changes that continue to bless the lives of members worldwide.

7 Min Read

Fun

Surprising Things We Don't Have to Do for Personal Progress Anymore + More Changes Over the Years

By Katharine Lyon

December 16, 2016 10:00 PM MST

With the year 2016 coming to a close, Young Women programs around the world will focus on the new 2017 theme, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed" (James 1:5–6; emphasis added).

4 Min Read

Fun

8 Amazing Christmas Light Displays Put on by the Church You Probably Didn't Know About

By Katharine Lyon

December 12, 2016 03:00 PM MST

If you're a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, chances are you've at least heard about the lights on Temple Square each Christmas season. Surrounding the glowing temple, trees light up in red, green, and orange, and Christmas cheer fills the cold winter air.

3 Min Read

From the Church

Hilarious Graduation Photo of Bonnie Oscarson Revealed at BYU Devotional

By Katharine Lyon

December 07, 2016 07:00 PM MST

Calling it a "surreal experience" to stand in the Marriott Center and give a devotional address on December 6, Young Women general president, Sister Bonnie L. Oscarson, shared a brief, hilarious look into her years at Brigham Young University.

2 Min Read

Fun

Why "Silent Night" Is the Most Iconic Christmas Song in the World

By Katharine Lyon

December 06, 2016 01:29 PM MST

My favorite Christmas tradition growing up was celebrating Christmas Eve with my German grandma, who we called Oma. Every year, we would eat lots of good food that she lovingly cooked for us, unwrap her presents for her, and play music on a variety of instruments.

3 Min Read

From the Church

Elder Christofferson to Hold First Face to Face in Language Other Than English

By Katharine Lyon

December 02, 2016 04:30 PM MST

The Church will hold the first Face to Face event in Spanish from Guatemala City on Saturday, December 10, 2016, featuring Elder D. Todd Christofferson and his wife, Kathy.

1 Min Read

Famous Latter-day Saints

10 Famous Mormons' Wedding Photos

By Katharine Lyon

November 21, 2016 10:00 PM MST

Everyone loves a good wedding photo, especially when it's backdropped by a beautiful temple. Check out these 10 wedding photos from famous Mormons:

5 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

Counsel from Elder Holland Every Returned Missionary Needs to Hear

By Katharine Lyon

November 14, 2016 08:18 PM MST

For many returned missionaries, coming home can be one of the hardest parts of serving a mission. After 18 months or 2 years of finding, teaching, and serving others full-time, it can be disorienting to return to a life filled with school, work, and dating.

2 Min Read

Fun

Man Indexes Nearly 1 Million Names Before Passing Away & Teaches His Family a Lesson They Will Never Forget

By Katharine Lyon

November 12, 2016 05:05 PM MST

Even when various health struggles prevented Jerry Williamson from serving in Church callings, he found another way to dedicate himself to the work. Since he enjoyed family history and indexing, he set a goal to index one million names. And he came incredibly close.

2 Min Read

Lesson Helps

FHE Lesson: Baptism, Jesus, and Me

By Katharine Lyon

November 10, 2016 10:00 PM MST

This FHE lesson is adapted from Baptism, Jesus, and Me.

3 Min Read

Fun

Missionary Recreates Dad’s Mission Pictures from 28 Years Ago

By Katharine Lyon

November 07, 2016 09:00 PM MST

These days, it seems that everyone loves recreating photos. Whether you’re recreating a picture from your childhood with your grown siblings or a hilarious pose from your favorite picture, it’s fun to compare time passing and the stories behind each photo.

1 Min Read

Fun

8 "Gilmore Girls" GIFs That Mormons Can Totally Relate To

By Katharine Lyon

November 05, 2016 03:00 PM MDT

With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, there are so many great things to look forward to: more time spent with family and good friends, elections will be over, and Gilmore Girls returns on Netflix with four new episodes.

2 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

How a Girl at a Lemonade Stand Answered an Addict's Prayer in the Most Unexpected of Ways

By Katharine Lyon

November 03, 2016 01:00 PM MDT

By age 22, Todd Sylvester felt like he hit rock bottom. In the grasp of an eight-year drug addiction, he lost his college basketball scholarship and everything else he had ever earned. He decided to take his own life. However, this was only the beginning of Todd's incredible story, as shown in the viral Mormon Message, "The Hope of God's Light."

7 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

New Study Show How Much Religion Really Does Contribute to the U.S. Economy

By Katharine Lyon

September 16, 2016 12:08 PM MDT

How would you answer if someone were to ask you, "Who contributes more to the U.S. economy—corporations like Google and Apple or religious institutions?" With Google and Apple being two of the most successful companies in the world, the real answer may surprise you.

1 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

Public Nominates The Book of Mormon as One of the Top "Books That Shaped America"

By Katharine Lyon

September 13, 2016 02:50 PM MDT

Every year, millions of tourists visit Washington, D.C., with its breathtaking monuments, vast array of American history, and the grand Smithsonian Museum. And among these wonders at the east end of the National Mall is one of the finest and largest libraries in the entire world.

2 Min Read

Famous Latter-day Saints

LDS Paralympian Lives Fearlessly, Sacrifices to Compete in Rio

By Katharine Lyon

September 13, 2016 02:00 PM MDT

With the 2016 Paralympics underway, LDS Paralympian Ann Yoshida shares her excitement heading into the Games, her motivation for continuing despite setbacks, and the balance she finds in work and faith.

3 Min Read

From the Church

2 Things Elder Cook Said Will Bring "Much Joy" Into the Lives of Young Adults

By Katharine Lyon

September 12, 2016 01:08 PM MDT

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles encouraging young adults to set goals, use social media wisely, and face the future fearlessly in a worldwide devotional on Sunday.

3 Min Read

From the Church

Why a Former Tongan Senior Missionary Still Swims with Sharks at Night

By Katharine Lyon

September 12, 2016 11:00 AM MDT

Although he wore a white shirt and missionary name tag by day, 64-year-old senior missionary Loueni Huni from Tonga wore fins and a snorkel by night. Donning his swimming gear, which included an underwater flashlight and spear, Huni swam beyond the reef to gather fish for the poor.

4 Min Read

Latter-day Saint Life

Louisiana Author Donates a Portion of Newest Novel's Proceeds to Flood Victims

By Katharine Lyon

September 10, 2016 04:22 PM MDT

When Melanie Jacobson started writing her eighth fiction novel, she decided to set the cheery love story in her hometown of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. However, after finishing the novel, massive flooding caused widespread devastation in Baton Rouge and many other parts of southern Louisiana.

5 Min Read