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How Apartheid Still Affects South African Saints +Other Cultural Barriers They're Overcoming

Paying a “bride price” or lobola is an expected tradition for many couples hoping to marry in Africa. It is the custom for the groom’s family to pay the bride’s family a certain amount of money for her hand in marriage. In African history, the lobola was paid in cows, but cash is more common now. And the expected price has most definitely gone up in modern times. This causes many young African couples to continue their relationships and have families without first getting married.

12 Days of Christmas to Christ

By Erin Jones

Four calling birds? A partridge in a pear tree? No one is sure exactly what the twelve gifts in the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” represent, but there have been several theories. One interesting claim is that the song was written to help young Catholics learn their faith. In this interpretation, each Christmas gift represents something connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Looking at the song this way helps families focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We've taken this tradition and added a little bit of an LDS spin to it.

Latter-day Saint Life

Groundbreaking Study Seeks to Support Mormons Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction

By LDS Living Staff

Same-sex attraction is a sensitive and complex topic, especially within the Church. While many Church members know a loved one or are personally experiencing same-sex attraction, understanding how to reconcile our beliefs with loving others and our day-to-day experience can be difficult. How can we better understand others? How can we love and support others in the healthiest way possible? How can we help others find true happiness?

Latter-day Saint Life

How Images in the Temple Deepened My Understanding of Mary and Joseph's Sacrifice

By Anne Maxson

The following has been republished with permission fromannemaxson.com.

Latter-day Saint Life

“So This Is What It Was Like for Jesus?” One Mormon's Beautiful Conversion Story

By Gerald N. Lund

In a new convert meeting, I noticed an older man who came into the room accompanied by two missionaries. He caught my attention because he didn’t look like someone you would normally expect to see in a Church meeting. He was a short man in his mid-60s with a leathery face and tattoos up and down both arms. He wore casual clothes, gym shoes without stockings, and his hair was tied in a long ponytail that reached halfway down his back.

Latter-day Saint Life

Women in the Scriptures Who Have Seen God

By Taylor Halverson

The following has been republished with permission fromtaylorhalverson.com.

Latter-day Saint Life

5 Conference Talks by Women All Latter-day Saints Should Read

By LDS Living

Over the decades, an increasing number of women have spoken in general conference. From 1986 to now, here's a look back at some powerful talks given by the sister leaders of the Church.

This Week from the Pulpit: How to Strengthen Our Foundations to Weather the Storms of Life

By Greyson Gurley

Editor's note: "This Week from the Pulpit" highlights recent messages by General Authorities and General Officers of the Church.

Lesson Helps

Young Men Lesson 20: Tithing—A Spiritual Test

Manual 3; Supplement from "Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly" by President Gordon B. Hinckley

SPONSORED: Choosing the Right - James Christensen’s 'Hold to the Rod'

In 2007, renowned LDS artist James Christensen created a painting titled Hold to the Rod, the Iron Rod. The painting features one of Christensen’s unique characters, in a predicament. The man has become so burdened with the belongings and items he has amassed that, while he longingly eyes the Iron Rod, he cannot reach up to hold it for fear of losing some of his possessions. Only 550 prints were originally created and sold out at the publisher for $295. Soon, however, the prints were being sold on the secondary market for as high as $4,000.