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Loren D. Marks

Dr. Marks' interests cover religion and families, racial minority families, family finance, and qualitative research. He is co-director, with Dr. David Dollahite, of the American Families of Faith project through which they have interviewed 200 American couples and families of various Abrahamic faiths (including 80 adolescents). Information about the project can be found at http://AmericanFamiliesofFaith.byu.edu

CHAPTERS: The Rock of Our Redeemer

In this episode, we're sharing audio from chapter two of Elder David A. Bednar’s book The Rock of Our Redeemer: Facing the Future with Faith, Hope, and Power.

Bonus: Temple Symbols and Their Meanings with Donald Parry

Right about now, we're probably all missing the temple. Never before has the need for the instant peace that comes from stepping into these sacred spaces been more keenly felt by so many members. But we can do more during this time than eagerly await the day when we can finally return to full temple worship. In this week’s bonus episode, we invite religious scholar Donald W. Parry to help us dig into the meaning behind temple symbols so that we can be ready to enter the Lord’s house with new perspective and greater understanding.

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

Feature Stories

Latter-day Saint composer Rob Gardner reflects on inspiration behind Easter oratorio ‘Lamb of God’

By Morgan Pearson

Rob Gardner knew he wanted to compose an oratorio about the last week of the Savior’s life, and he knew that if he could involve the London Symphony Orchestra—one of the best in the world—he could create the work he envisioned.

Podcasts

The true story behind this painting based on the Book of Mormon’s ‘Flaxen Cords’ scripture

Kate Lee spent nine months working on a painting at the invitation of her stake president, and this particular piece took longer than most of Kate’s paintings. Here’s why:

Latter-day Saint Life

11 years ago I watched general conference for the first time. Here’s why it was life-changing

By Valerie Russell

I searched every corner of the internet to find what religion I identified with. But I had completely missed the gold mine that is general conference.

Group of multiracial teenage college students ready to go back to school standing against blue background wall.

Latter-day Saint Life

5 scriptures to ease back-to-school anxiety

By Haley Lundberg

A new school year can bring some big feelings with it, and sometimes, that includes some back-to-school anxieties.

42: “Before I Formed Thee in the Belly I Knew Thee” (Jeremiah 1–20)

Have you ever had that sinking feeling when you find out someone snooped in your diary? Or maybe you've done the snooping yourself? In someone's journal you can learn all about that person's most personal experiences—their pains, joys, hopes, and dreams. Well, the books of Jeremiah and Lamentations are no exception. In these writings, we learn about the deepest and most personal thoughts of a great prophet. But in Jeremiah 1–20, we also learn that despite Jeremiah's sorrows, God had a plan for him—and it serves as a powerful reminder that He has a plan for us too.

35: “Glad Tidings of Great Joy” (August 31–September 6)

Do any of the signs of Christ's Second Coming scare you? All the thunder and lightning, earthquakes and tempests, war and famine—it’s enough to make anyone nervous. But that’s just the thing: We don’t have to be afraid! In this week’s study group, we’ll dig into Helaman 13–16 to study how the signs of Christ’s birth and death are mirrored in the Second Coming and why these signs are “glad tidings” and not sad warnings.

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

17: “In the Strength of the Lord” (Mosiah 7-10)

Have you ever had an experience where you’ve been called to repentance and it was pretty hard to swallow? In this week’s study group, Tammy guides us through this sometimes confusing section of the Book of Mormon that covers a lot of different people, places, and timelines. We will dig into Mosiah 7-10 to learn from examples (both good, and bad) of people who receive course corrections from the Lord, through prophets, seers, and revelators.