Holly Richardson is the editor of Utah Policy and a columnist for the Deseret News. A former Utah legislator, she holds a master’s degree in professional communication and a Ph.D. in political science. In addition to politics, Dr. Richardson has written on peace building, conflict resolution, refugees, faith, family and more. She and her husband, Greg, are the parents of a large and unique family.

This week, we delve into the final seven trials of Abraham and Sarah. These chapters illustrate ancient patterns of testing, and how trials are meant to refine our character. We learn how God’s promises are fulfilled not in spite of our trials, but through our faithful endurance of them.

The temple has often been called the Lord’s university. Clearly, the Lord intends the temple to be a house of learning—one we should attend often (see D&C 109:8). In the temple and throughout our lives, we are commanded to seek learning by study and also by faith (see D&C 109:7). Learning by faith involves receiving revelation and having the Lord teach us. Our faith, prayers, fasting, pondering, and asking are all important tools to helping us understand the temple.

There are more similarities than you’d think between Abraham Lincoln and the Prophet Joseph. We stumbled upon these gems in Tim Ballard’s book The Lincoln Hypothesis. Here are five of our favorites:

It's been nearly 50 days since the First Presidency temporarily suspended meetings worldwide, and while some people may have adapted to the new socially-distant normal, others may still be longing for comfort during troubled times.

Have you ever felt imperfect in your practice of living the gospel of Jesus Christ? If so, you’re in good company and the This is the Gospel podcast is on a mission to prove it to you. Like host KaRyn Lay says at the beginning of every episode, the podcast “features real stories from real people practicing and living their faith every day.” These people are facing real triumphs, successes, challenges, and hardships in the best way they can. Sound familiar? Whether it’s heartache, loss of a loved one, fatherhood, motherhood, or true conversion, the 23 episodes we shared this year include powerful stories of practicing faith that we’re sure will remind you that you’re not alone in your journey of living the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are grateful to everyone who has shared their stories with us this year and to you, our listeners, for spending time with us.

While touring the Switzerland Geneva Mission in December 2003, my wife and I had an interesting experience. It is another example of how we learn by faith and how the witness comes after the trial of our faith.

Joseph Smith taught that “a welding link … between the fathers and the children …” must be “whole and complete and perfect” (Doctrine and Covenants 128:18). The words welding link suggest a chain. Chains are strong things. They hold under great stress and pressure.

Church members can experience a crisis of faith for a variety of reasons. Whether stemming from a discovery of an unflattering but true account of Church history, a negative interaction with a Church leader, or a recent change in the Church Handbook, each person’s reason is valid and should be treated as such. Here are ways those experiencing a faith crisis can cope, as well as ways loving members can support them.