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Anne Bednar: What the Old Testament Taught a Young Mom With Cancer in 2022

They are stories that took place thousands of years ago—stories that, at times, feel so removed from our present day that we feel we just can’t relate. But as she studied the Old Testament in 2022, the same year her world got rocked by a cancer diagnosis, Anne Bednar found that those stories came alive. And the people in them? They weren’t all that different from her. On this week’s episode, Anne helps us see just how applicable the scriptures can be to our unique life circumstances if we take the time to study their pages.

The Impacts of Colorism (with Dr. David-James Gonzales)

What does sunshine have to do with family history? Well, besides helping our plants and vegetables grow, sunshine has a profound effect on our bodies. One of those effects is melanin production. Melanin is a dark pigment in our hair, skin, and iris of the eye that protects us from the sun’s radiation. Tragically, throughout history some have used melanin to create caste systems that determine social status, ultimately affecting our family history. In this episode, Dr. David-James Gonzales discusses how these caste systems and resulting colorism began and the impact they still have on us as we seek to learn more about ourselves and our ancestors.

The Gospel of Trying with Katie Hughes

Do you do a "one-word" type of challenge for the new year? Perhaps you should consider making "try" your word of 2023 as we focus in on what we can do to better grow closer to the Savior. Elder Holland, in a talk titled, "Tomorrow the Lord Will Do Wonders among You," said that, "the great thing about the gospel is we get credit for trying, even if we don't always succeed."

5: “Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord” (Matthew 3, Mark 1, Luke 3)

Think back to your baptism—who helped you prepare for that special day and who stood with you in the water? And even more importantly, why were you baptized and what covenants did you make? In this week’s lesson, we have the opportunity to remember this sacred ordinance by reflecting about the Savior's baptism. As we study Matthew 3, Mark 1, and Luke 3, we'll meet John the Baptist, who helped prepare the way for Christ's coming. We'll learn about how the Savior was baptized in the Jordan River. And we'll discover anew the beauty of Christ’s example of obedience and remember why we all follow Him into the water.

6: “The Spirit of the Lord Is upon Me” (Matthew 4, Luke 4-5)

OK, here’s an idea: Wants and needs are two very different things. And let’s be honest—temptations are not something we would generally put in the “want” category. But that doesn’t mean we don’t need them. In fact, even Christ needed to be tempted. Before beginning His ministry and calling His disciples, Jesus went to the wilderness to fast and be closer with God. While He was there, He was tempted by the adversary. But why did Jesus need this experience and what can we learn from His example? Let’s study Matthew 4 and Luke 4–5 together to find out.

Liz Wixom Johnsen: A Place to Call Home

For years, Liz Wixom Johnsen helped families decorate their homes as a talented interior designer. And for years, Liz dreamed of a home that was like theirs—not because of the decor, but because of the families within those walls. As a single woman, she often longed for a home life that looked different than the one she had. But she also learned that true homes come in many different shapes and sizes. And when she married a man with eight children and her home was instantly dramatically different, that knowledge became invaluable. On this week’s episode, Liz shares what she’s learned about embracing the homes—and the lives—God has prepared for each one of us.

Becoming the Light with Emily Orton

We are taught that we all have a personal light from God, so how do we best shine that light so it grows brighter and brighter? Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount, “Ye are the light of the world,” and as we come to know our divine selves, our light grows brighter and brighter.

God is Our Guide in Parenting with Shawni Pothier and Saren Loosli

The call to parent in this life is one that Elder Uchtdorf said, “reflects the pattern of heaven.” The opportunity to help raise the rising generation—both as parents and leaders—can be a privilege and a responsibility. As a mother, I believe what Elder Uchtdorf taught, which is that Jesus Christ can be our strength and our guide as we try to parent and teach like Him.

20: “What Lack I Yet?” (Matthew 19–20; Mark 10; Luke 18)

What if you had the chance to ask Jesus anything? Not in the next life, or someday in the future, but today? What would your question be? Would His answer resolve a concern or confirm a truth—or both? Matthew 19–20, Mark 10, and Luke 18 contain stories of people who had the opportunity to ask Jesus questions. In this week's study, we'll examine those questions, and apply Jesus's answers, to our own lives.

Gaye Strathearn: Finding the Sacred in the Sabbath

Growing up in Australia, Gaye Strathearn faced a dilemma familiar to many faithful families: how to balance Sabbath day observance with the demands of the world. As a young girl, she worried that her non-member father might feel left out as the family spent hours at church. But as she grew older, Gaye began to see the Sabbath not as a burden but as a sacred opportunity to connect with God and with loved ones. Now, as a respected gospel scholar, Gaye has compiled a collection of essays exploring the commandment of the Sabbath from its origins on Sinai to its relevance in the 21st century.