In her freshman year as a vocal performance major, Emma Nissen received devastating news. Just nine weeks into her studies, she learned that her vocal cords were damaged and required surgery. She very easily could’ve felt, in that moment, that everything she’d worked for was falling apart. But she remembered a prompting she had earlier that week—a prompting to serve a mission—and how she’d told the Lord if he’d create a window of time for her to serve, she’d go. So she went and the rest, as they say, is history. On this week’s episode, we talk with Emma Nissen about how God’s window opened a door for her to share her music in a way she never could’ve dreamed possible.

Tara Hall was born in California, and even though she currently lives in Utah, she considers herself a Texan. In 2010, she graduated from BYU-Idaho with a Bachelor of Science in English, with an emphasis on Editing. After graduation, she somehow ended up in the insurance world. In 2017, she decided to go back to school to get a degree in one of her favorite things: genealogy! She balanced working full time and going to school, and eventually graduated with an Associate of Applied Science in Family History Research, thanks to popcorn and Coke Zero. After taking a leap of faith, she left her job for a part time, temporary position at the Granite Mountain Record Vaults. She then was able to land her dream job at a large genealogy company and is loving every minute of it! In her “free time”, you will find her singing with Millennial Choirs and Orchestras, taking horseback riding lessons, spending time with her best friends (her family!), and cross stitching with her cat in her lap. She is currently accepting applications for travel companions so she can go to all the countries on her list! She loves England and Wales (Cymru am byth!) and is currently learning the Welsh language. She loves Jesus Christ and is so grateful for the gospel, especially temples and eternal families!

Morgan Scalley is recognized as one of the top defensive coordinators in college football, known for preparing his players to be ready for whatever comes their way on the field. But for Coach Scalley, the most meaningful preparation happens off the field. In this week’s episode, he shares how living the gospel of Jesus Christ has taught him to face life with faith and why the joy found in the Savior’s Atonement far surpasses any victory on the scoreboard.

Sixty-eight youth and 16 leaders gathered in Ethiopia’s capital city of Addis Ababa.

Two-time Paralympic swimmer Alejandra Aybar is a native of the Dominican Republic.

As we look forward to a new year and a fresh start, there's still time to reminisce about some of the stories and memories that have touched our lives and helped us become better people this past year. Here are some of our favorite Mormon moments from 2016 that we hope will touch your heart once again and inspire you to remember the things that matter most and are worth remembering as you make your New Year's resolutions for 2017.

For daily faith-friendly movie reviews, follow us on Facebook and Twitter! For sure-fire picks that meet your standards, pick up 250 Great Movies for Latter-day Families.

Understanding the multifaceted meaning of the cross can help us honor those who find deep meaning in the symbol—and increase our own appreciation for the Savior.