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Latter-day Saint Authors Share the Christmas They'll Never Forget

Between the garland and holly, the cinnamon and turkey, there's something about Christmas that makes it more magical and memorable than any other time of the year. With family and friends gathered around, we share recollections of the past and create new stories to recount for years to come.

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.”

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.

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.

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

First Presidency Letter: Testimonies in Fast and Testimony Meeting

The following is a message from the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The letter—dated February 14, 2013, and signed by the First Presidency—was also read in sacrament meeting: “In the past the First Presidency has expressed concern that in some instances, members who desire to bear their testimonies in fast and testimony meeting do not have the opportunity to do so. Bishoprics are again encouraged to help all people learn to express a brief, heartfelt testimony of our Father in Heaven and His Son, Jesus Christ, and the truths of the restored gospel so that more members may have the opportunity to participate.

Best of: LDS Living Stories of the Week, June 29 - July 5

By LDS Living