The idea that we should “keep” the commandments may be much more than just following directions or obeying God.

The brothers submitted their papers at different times across four months, but then ended up at the MTC together.

John 5,6; Mark 6:30-44; Matthew 14:22,23

From the Title Page of the Book of Mormon, the Prophet learned that one of the two purposes of the book was the convincing of the Jew and Gentile that Jesus is the Christ.

2 Nephi 31-33

One of our family’s favorite legends is the explanation of how “The Twelve Days of Christmas” may have been composed. The legend says that in 16th-century England, wicked leaders prevented many Christians from practicing their religion. During that period, a royal decree forced those who did not embrace a particular religious ideology to take their worship into hiding. Violation of the laws of the time could result in severe punishment, even death.

We begin where almost everyone begins—with the name. As all know, the name means “olive press” and derives from Hebrew. The place lay on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, on the east side of the Kidron Valley, opposite the city of Jerusalem, which sat on the west side of that valley (Matthew 26:36; Mark 14:32; Luke 22:39). It likely had a wall around it for it was called “a garden” (John 18:1). The name “olive press” points to the place’s essential character, a parcel of ground that grew olive trees and therefore must have had a working press. Archaeology does not disappoint. Though we do not know the exact location of this garden, very near this area was a cave that shows evidence of having been used for olive oil extraction and for the storage of tools.1 Occasionally, the cave may also have served as a sleeping place for Jesus and His disciples (Luke 21:37; John 8:1).

In the priesthood session of the April 2014 general conference, then-President Dieter F. Uchtdorf posed a question to listeners that I haven’t forgotten.

INTRODUCTION:

What if instead of simply reading about the tree of life, you could walk the strait and narrow path? Look toward the great and spacious building from the perspective of those holding to the Rod of Iron? Stand with Lehi and modern-day youth at the tree of life?