We begin where almost everyone begins—with the name. As all know, the name means “olive press” and derives from Hebrew. The place lay on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, on the east side of the Kidron Valley, opposite the city of Jerusalem, which sat on the west side of that valley (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:39). It likely had a wall around it for it was called “a garden” (John 18:1). The name “olive press” points to the place’s essential character, a parcel of ground that grew olive trees and therefore must have had a working press. Archaeology does not disappoint. Though we do not know the exact location of this garden, very near this area was a cave that shows evidence of having been used for olive oil extraction and for the storage of tools.1 Occasionally, the cave may also have served as a sleeping place for Jesus and His disciples (Luke 21:37; John 8:1).

READING: MATTHEW 6,7

Documents, Volume 11 of The Joseph Smith Papers covers a dynamic period in Joseph Smith’s life. At the outset of the volume, in September 1842, Joseph Smith was a hunted man and had to spend months in hiding avoiding arrest and extradition to Missouri. By February 1843, at the close of the volume, Joseph had experienced one of his greatest legal victories and was optimistically planning for additional growth and settlement in Nauvoo and the surrounding area. Throughout it all he remained energetically engaged in teaching the Saints and supporting the Church. Here are five surprising things we learn about Joseph Smith and Nauvoo in this volume of The Joseph Smith Papers.

The Church’s history with race is complex and controversial. Here is a look at the priesthood and temple bans, the “curses” associated with dark skin, and the evolution of LDS beliefs and doctrine.

Today’s #LightTheWorld prompt, “Pray for someone for whom you have had negative feelings lately,” may seem simple, but forgiveness can feel very difficult, and praying for those people who have hurt us is even more difficult. In Matthew 5, Jesus didn’t only teach His disciples to forgive but to “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:44).

"Every accountable person on earth there is no exception; this principle has universal application; no living soul is exempt every such person who will read the Book of Mormon, ponder its truths in his heart, and ask God the Eternal Father in the name of Christ, in sincerity and with real intent, "having faith in Christ," shall come to know, "by the power of the Holy Ghost," that the book is true. (Moro. 10:3 5.) All such persons can then, by the same power, testify to the truth of all things pertaining to the glorious restoration now in process. They can say:

Some time ago a friend, not a member of the Church because of recent discipline, asked, "What can I do while I am waiting? Over the past period of time, it has been made very evident what I cannot do. Tell me and others in my situation what we can do."

“You, my sisters, if you are faithful will become Queens of Queens, and Priestesses unto the Most High God. These are your callings.” —Eliza R. Snow

INTRODUCTION: The phrase “every member a missionary” became common during the administration of President David O. McKay. Of that requirement, he said,

Thought: