Search - LDS Living

Jennifer Reeder: Emma Smith—Giving All That Is Required

A thread of complexity is woven throughout the life of Emma Smith. Her love for her husband, the Prophet Joseph Smith, was enduring despite her struggles to understand his participation in polygamy. Her family was the most important thing to her, yet she suffered familial losses over and over again. She gave her all for the gospel of Jesus Christ but chose not to go west with the Saints. Many have asked, “Did Emma fall short?" This week, we talk with Jennifer Reeder, the author of the new biography, “First: The Life and Faith of Emma Smith," about why the answer to that question is no—Emma gave all that was asked of her.

Casey Elliott: Changed through Characters

Sometimes, it can be difficult to put ourselves in the shoes of the people we read about in Church history or in the scriptures. We live in such a different world today that their experiences can be hard for us to grasp. But stepping into others’ shoes is what Casey Elliott often does on stage, and the experience has changed him. From playing Joseph Smith in the upcoming film “Green Flake” to Peter in the concert film of the oratorio “Lamb of God,” Elliott captures the humanity of these people and brings them to life. In this week’s episode, we explore what this humanity means to Elliott and how his perception of history has deepened through acting.

35: "Receive of His Fulness" (Doctrine and Covenants 93)

What do you think of when you hear the word, “light”? Do you think of stars, a candle, a lightbulb, or something completely different? Maybe after this week, you’ll think of Doctrine and Covenants 93 because this section is all about light. In fact, doctrinally, this section is one of the most important sections in the Doctrine and Covenants because it has as much light and truth for us today as it did for the Saints back then. So make sure to grab a pencil or two and let’s dig into Doctrine and Covenants 93.

Reaching Joseph, Reaching Christ

From the maple trees of the Sacred Grove to busy London streets, from the quiet Susquehanna Valley to bustling Taiwan, this journey to know Joseph Smith has brought us many places. But has it taken us to Christ? In this final episode of the Joseph podcast, we saved the best for last as guests share their stories of how, through heartbreak and rock bottom, they were able to find Christ through the prophet Joseph Smith.

John Beck: Centered in Christ

For four years, John Beck lined up under center at BYU as quarterback of the football team. He is likely best remembered for a winning play in a rivalry game against Utah that is often referred to as “The Answered Prayer,” but in the years since his collegiate career, Beck has learned a lot about seemingly unanswered prayers and perceived failure. On this week’s episode, Beck discusses the refiner’s fire as well as the delicate balance between putting in the work to achieve success while allowing space for recovery and rehabilitation—both mentally and physically. He believes this begins with being centered in Jesus Christ.

8: "Stand as a Witness" (Doctrine and Covenants 14–17)

Do you remember a time when your home was so full of family or guests it was basically “at capacity”? The Whitmers knew this feeling all too well in their small home with eight children. Then things became a little more exciting than usual when they took in Emma, Joseph, and Oliver to help with the translation of the Book of Mormon. As the work of restoring the gospel progressed, some of the Whitmers began to wonder how they could help. In this week’s lesson, we’ll study Doctrine and Covenants sections 14–17 to see what the Lord had to say to three of the Whitmer sons and learn how these revelations relate to us today.

42: “I Would That I Could Persuade All … to Repent” (Mormon 1–6)

War, wickedness, destruction, sorrowing of the damned—there’s no shortage of grief in Mormon 1–6. And the saddest part is that all this heartache follows hundreds of the most peaceful, righteous years the people of Nephi ever had. But these chapters, no matter how tragic, hold vital lessons for our spiritual survival during the latter days. So grab your tissues and let’s dig into this week’s lesson.

50: Christmas (December 21–27)

We did it! We made it through the entire Book of Mormon for this year’s Come, Follow Me study. To celebrate, we asked some of our study group guests and listeners to share their ultimate takeaways. So grab your headphones and let’s spend this Christmas reflecting on what we learned this year from the Book of Mormon.

6: “We Lived after the Manner of Happiness” (Feb. 3–Feb. 9)

Let’s see if you can finish this scripture: “Men are that they might have . . . ?” If you said "joy," you're absolutely right. But has it ever felt like the opposition in your life makes it difficult to feel that joy? In this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we’ll be digging into 2 Nephi 1–5 and learning more about the law of opposition and why it’s essential for experiencing joy.

Find full episodes of the Sunday on Monday study group here. Start your free trial of Deseret Bookshelf PLUS+ here.

7: "O How Great the Plan of Our God!" (Feb. 10–Feb. 16)

When you were a kid, were you ever afraid of monsters? Maybe you still peak under the bed or in your closets just to be sure nothing is lurking there? In this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we're digging into 2 Nephi 6–10 to talk about THE monster—death and hell—and it's pretty scary. But don’t worry, we’re also going to share how to defeat this monster through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.

Find full episodes of the Sunday on Monday study group here. Start your free trial of Deseret Bookshelf PLUS+ here.