The 2021 BYU Education Week theme from Mosiah 18:21—Looking forward with faith, having our hearts knit together in unity—seems especially welcome in today’s world.

Several months after the deaths of her sons Joseph, Hyrum, and Samuel Smith, Lucy Mack Smith (1775–1856) began writing her history. At age 69, she was in poor health and felt “it a privilege as well as my duty . . . to give (as my last testimony to a world from whence I must soon take my departure) an account.” . . .

A careful consideration of the scriptural record will provide several accounts of members of the covenant people serving in positions of civil significance. Daniel and his three friends were political figures in Babylon (Daniel 2:48,49). Mordecai and his niece Esther were a part of the king’s court in Persia (see Esther 2; Esther 8:2). Joseph became prime minister of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in all the land (Genesis 41:39-41). Ezra Taft Benson served in the cabinet of President Eisenhower. Joseph Smith served as a city Mayor of Nauvoo, and he campaigned for President of the United States. There are other examples. They all clearly demonstrate the interest of the Lord and his servants in the way his children are governed.

Latter-day Saints are promised blessings such as peace, strength, and increased spirituality when we attend church regularly and go to the temple often. But for those who live with some form of mental illness, such as anxiety or depression, it is not always easy or comfortable to attend church and go to the temple and feel the effects of those promised blessings.

New convert Laura Clark Phelps gave birth to her third child in a borrowed tent outside Independence, Missouri. But that was just the beginning of Laura’s incredible courage and resolve.

This year's youth theme is "If ye love me, keep my commandments” from John 14:15. As you read this month's article, think about ways that you can become better friends with Jesus by keeping the commandments.

When momentary discouragement arises or overwhelming trials are staring us in the face, it can make a world of difference to feel like someone is in your corner cheering you on. And these 20 quotes from Elder Jeffrey R. Holland do just that.

As someone who has been observing the development of the curriculum for the Children and Youth program, I have been impressed with its focus on transitioning children into responsible adults. I believe all parents want to see their children evolve into responsible adults, though there are as many varied opinions as there are parents on how best to accomplish that goal. Achieving the goal of transitioning youth into adults appears further complicated by the fact that children with different personalities may actually require a parenting approach tailored to their unique strengths and weaknesses. Sister Joy D. Jones, Primary general president shares, “Leaders and parents, keep in mind that you help children and youth best when you support their efforts instead of tracking them.” It’s my hope that all parents will be able to see how the new program encourages children to take personal responsibility for their development and can be easily adapted to the specific needs of each individual child.

As we celebrate the 145th anniversary of the Primary organization, here are some purposes of the original Primary program that are still relevant today.

Alma 53-63