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2: “I Saw a Pillar of Light” (Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26)

What do you think of when you picture the First Vision? If you picture Joseph Smith kneeing in a lush grove with his hand raised as two figures surrounded by heavenly light stand above him, you wouldn't be the only one. While this image inspired by the Del Parson painting is an important depiction of the First Vision, it's only one depiction of this historic moment. And so in this week's study group, we invited BYU professor and artist Anthony Sweat to share important details of the First Vision found in Joseph Smith—History 1:1–26 that will help you re-picture this vital event in Church history.

28: "Plant This Word in Your Hearts" (July 13–19)

It's easy to think of "faith" as a super basic topic, but it can be much harder to figure out what it actually looks like IRL (in real life). In this week's study group, we're digging into some pretty well-known chapters on faith in Alma 32-35, and even if you think you know all the Sunday School answers, you might be surprised at all the different ways we can nourish and live our faith, especially during some of our darkest moments.

47: “Seek the Lord, and Ye Shall Live" (Amos, Obadiah)

The prophet Amos’s name has a Hebrew translation that we find fascinating; Amos means being burdened or troubled. At first that seems like an odd name for a prophet, but when you consider the weighty responsibilities God’s chosen servants carry, the name makes sense. In this week’s study of Amos and Obadiah, we’ll learn about the vital role of prophets and why they are asked to carry such a heavy burden. We will also find the comforting reassurance that the Lord “will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

Heidi Swinton: Profiling a Prophet

As a young journalism student at the University of Utah, Heidi Swinton had big dreams of one day working for Newsweek, but a prompting encouraging her to focus on the work of the Lord led her to a different path in life instead. This path still involved Swinton using her talents through writing, but in ways she never could’ve imagined—including writing the biography of President Thomas S. Monson.

Nate and Vanessa Quigley: Finding Enduring Joy in Parenting

Like many young couples, Nate and Vanessa Quigley had big dreams and a firm vision for their little family after getting married. They had read the Book of Mormon scripture that promises if you keep the commandments, you will prosper in the land (2 Nephi 4:4). Over a quarter of a century later, they believe the Lord has blessed them in their efforts to raise their children in the gospel of Jesus Christ—those blessings just look a little different than they imagined. On today’s episode, the Quigleys share the challenges they've encountered as parents and why they are convinced their family is perfect for them.

Emily Belle Freeman: Grace For All Seasons

We all find ourselves in circumstances where we are in desperate need of help, moments where we find ourselves incapable of doing what is asked of us. For each of these moments, there is an answer: Grace. But do we only receive grace after doing everything within our power? And how do we know if we’ve done everything within our power? On today’s episode of “All In,” Emily Belle Freeman shares what she has learned about grace and what she believes “after all we can do” really means.

Kenneth Hartvigsen: Experiencing Art in an Intimate Way

Kenneth Hartvigsen has thought a lot about the power art possesses. He is a believer that it has the ability to help us unite, understand one another, and feel a greater connection to the Creator. On this week’s episode, Kenneth, an art curator at Brigham Young University, takes us inside his thought process surrounding art so we can “experience” one of Carl Bloch’s most famous paintings, “Christ Healing the Sick at the Pool of Bethesda.”

From the Church

Unique New Videos About the Life of Joseph Fielding Smith

The Church History Department has created a series of short videos on the life of President Joseph Fielding Smith available online at history.lds.org/article/joseph-fielding-smith-building-the-kingdom-a-call-to-the-apostleship. “These videos give members insight into the life of a prophet few of us have ever met,” said Kevin Nielson, product manager for History.lds.org.

Hundreds Pray, Fast for LDS Boy Burned Over 40 Percent of His Body

On July 2, Max Goddard, 15, was involved in an explosion in his garage that left him with third-degree burns on 30 percent of his body. Now the community has rallied around the young man from Alpine.

Taufa family shows faith in wake of LDS missionary's death

President Elini Kinikini of the Tongan North Stake and Bishop Siosaia Tu’itupou of the Riverside 2nd Ward were invited to the living room where they somberly and directly shared the tragic news that their second child and second missionary son, Elder Siosiua Andrew Taufa, had lost his life in Guatemala earlier that evening. Sulieti let out a cry that brought their daughters running into the room, but Ivan remained stoic and steadied himself by bracing the armrest of the couch. With the help of their priesthood leaders, he calmed his family’s tears and their anguish.