Patti Howard hails from Spokane, WA and is a disciple of Christ. She is a descendant of faithful Māori chiefs and LDS pioneers. Patti was born in Hamilton, New Zealand and grew up in Orem, UT. She has three brothers, three sons, three grandsons, and one terrific husband. Patti is grateful that the gospel of Jesus Christ has been a guide throughout her life. She served in the Georgia Atlanta mission in the 80's with many opportunities to serve since then and now is spending time on the road with her husband in a motorhome seeing the many beautiful places in the world (mainly the faces of grandsons) and playing pickleball when they can.

Toni Ragsdale was born in Chicago, Illinois. Most of her childhood was unpleasant, and she grew up in poverty. She has three biological children and also raised her sister's children when she became ill and passed away. She works full-time as Manager of the Customer Service Dept for Insure-Rite, State of Utah Insurance Verification Department. Toni is married to one of God's most fabulous creations, Rev. Jay Ragsdale. She and her husband are the founders of the Fill the Pot Ministry. The organization started in Pioneer Park 15 years ago with a captivated audience of 4 people; today, they feed an average of 421 people a week within our community. Toni has served on several community boards and projects. She Loves serving in the kingdom of God. She served many years at Calvary Baptist Church, where she grew, worshipped, and implemented and co-directed the Mentorship program for young women called G.R.A.C.E. She was the Director of the Women Ministry and Children's Church for nine years. Toni enjoys Partnering with other community organizations of all faiths, encouraging sisterhood, and mentoring women. In April 2019, she received the Humans Rights award by the Church Women United Organization. She has spoken at several women's events and events for The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. She has started a Women's Ministry called TINT, which welcomes all faiths and builds a stronger relationship with Christ. She considers herself a sister-soldier, with a reputation of love and integrity, understanding, servant, and excellent leadership. She values growth, self-reflecting, and honesty. Her passion for God is non-negotiable; her love for her family is without measure; her love for her friends and community is without question. She thrives from waking up and, another day, a new opportunity to be used by God.

Nephi knows what it’s like to feel deeply discouraged and alone. He even wrote that he “watered [his] pillow by night” because of his fears for his people (see 2 Nephi 33:3). But as he trusted in the Lord, he found true joy, peace, and belonging. In this week’s readings from 2 Nephi 31–33, we’ll study this faithful prophet’s final words about how we can partake of God’s goodness.

A person can review the awful circumstances through which God’s children pass and then question why He allows any of His children to suffer pain, anguish, physical hardship, and deprivation.

Mormon Moviegoers is a collective of LDS film reviewers helping you to make informed decisions about Hollywood films. It was founded by family counselor Jonathan Decker (of Ask a Mormon Therapist).

Editor’s note: The following excerpt comes from a book about special witnesses of Jesus Christ. You can read this chapter in its entirety at truthwillprevail.xyz as well as other chapters as they are posted. This excerpt is republished here with permission.

After 20 years of Latter-day Saint cinema (and 19 years of the festival itself), the annual LDS Film Festival is going stronger than ever, offering a wholly unique and wholesome spin that Sundance, Cannes, and other festivals can’t match. By showcasing the talents of Latter-day Saints and other Christian filmmakers, this weeklong event offers much by way of worry-free entertainment, learning about filmmaking, and rubbing elbows with the artists themselves. It all starts tonight and runs all week at the SCERA theater in Orem, Utah.