Search - LDS Living

10: “Surely the Lord Is in This Place” (Genesis 28–33)

Who remembers this gem of a Janice Kapp Perry song from the 80s? "Integrity, a word so seldom understood / Integrity is doing all that is right and good." That song was ringing through our ears while reading about the Old Testament prophet Jacob this week. From being tricked by his father-in-law to struggling with his brother Esau, Jacob faced a lot of challenges in his life. But he always kept his word, and the blessings he received for doing so still make an impact on us today. So grab your scriptures and let's dig into Genesis 28–33 to learn more about how this prophet was blessed for keeping his integrity.

Give and Take

Stories in this episode: Frances struggles in her role as a mom of three kids but is offered a helping hand right when she both needs it most and it's the most difficult to accept; Phyllis has always been eager to accept callings, but in her grief and loneliness after her husband passes away she feels like letting someone else step up to the plate—that is until she’s reminded of how service can deeply affect the lives of those who give.

Far From Home

Stories in this episode: Even though she's up against a language barrier, Bonnie takes matters into her own hands after noticing the refugee women she lives among on a military base don't have what they need; All of Ben's resources are expended when he's put in charge of providing meals for thousands of refugees, and he hits a breaking point. So he makes one phone call that teaches him just what—and who—it takes to be Christ’s hands while serving His children.

It's Personal

Stories in this episode: Sarah and her brother decide to turn their father in to the police hoping he will find the help he needs to make necessary changes in his life; Chrislyn is deep in grief after learning about decisions her mother made and watching her be sentenced to life in prison. The Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of forgiveness take on new meaning for both our storytellers, even if their lives haven’t yet reached a happy ending.

Thomas B. Griffith: Politics, Religion, and the Laboratory of Christian Living

In his April 2021 general conference talk, President Dallin H. Oaks made a simple yet profound statement: "On contested issues, we should seek to moderate and unify." In a world that often feels so divided, coming together can feel close to impossible. But Judge Thomas B. Griffith, who was appointed to the United States Court of Appeals in 2005, is a believer that it is possible and the "how" is found within the gospel of Jesus Christ. In this week's episode, Judge Griffith discusses how to bring that gospel perspective as we engage in our communities.

Dave and Julie Grygla: Accepting What God Is Willing To Give

Dave and Julie had six kids in three years: triplets, twins, and a baby boy. As parents, this couple's journey has been filled with joys and triumphs—many of which they struggle to remember in the blur of it all—as well as tears and feelings of inadequacy. But as their triplets turn eight and are baptized, the couple reflects on one of their greatest learning moments: that of true submission to what God is willing to give.

Ed and Wanda Willis: From Black Panthers to Latter-day Saints

Ed Willis’s life began in a place literally called “The Lower Bottom.” Drugs, Alcohol, Prostitution—you name it, and it could be found in the lower bottom. Ed was always searching for something. It was this searching that led him to become a Black Panther. Ultimately, Ed can now see that the dignity he was seeking all along could be found in understanding that he is a child of God. On this week’s episode, Ed and his wife, Wanda, share how their membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints changed their lives.

Kacey McCallister: Without Any Reservation

When Kacey McCallister lost his legs as a little boy, his parents wanted to be there for him in every way. But the doctors had some advice for the McCallisters that at first might seem unfair—to let Kacey do everything on his own. But this advice, and his parents’ diligence in following it, changed Kacey’s life and now there's very little he can't do. On this week’s episode, we talk with Kacey about overcoming seemingly impossible obstacles and how he's learned to rely on the Savior through them.

18: “My Presence Shall Go with Thee” (Exodus 24; 31–34)

After reading this week’s lesson in Exodus, you may be wondering, Why did the Israelites make a golden calf? Didn’t they just see all these miracles that proved there was only one God they should worship? But in this week’s discussion of Exodus 24 and 31–34, we’ll see how the Israelites' experience relates to us and how we can remember to put God first in our lives.

Cathy Burningham: Giving All To Give Birth

Cathy Burningham and her husband, Kirk, just celebrated their 10-year wedding anniversary. Upon getting married, the couple knew they wanted to have children as soon as possible. Now, a decade later, the couple has gone through four rounds of intrauterine insemination (IUI) and four rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF). On this week’s episode, Cathy shares how she and her husband have sought to find joy amid infertility, and why she has come to find that motherhood is not limited to those who have given birth.