Recently, I was reminded of the struggles we all face when trying to complete tasks that seem too great for our abilities. In the musical Dear Evan Hansen, a wonderful song entitled “So Big, So Small” tells the story of a single mother and her feelings of inadequacy about having to raise her son alone. As she reflects on her efforts, she sings, “I knew there would be moments that I’d miss, and I knew there would be space I couldn’t fill, and I knew I’d come up short a billion different ways; and I did, and I do, and I will.”

1. The “preface” to the Doctrine and Covenants (section 1) was given only after William E. McLellin, Oliver Cowdery, and Sidney Rigdon attempted to write a preface themselves. Section 1 of the Doctrine and Covenants was revealed in November 1831 at a conference where Joseph Smith and other Church leaders decided to publish Joseph’s revelations as the Book of Commandments. According to William E. McLellin, he, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery were appointed by the conference to write a preface for the publication. When they presented the draft to the conference, the conference participants “picked it all to pieces” and asked Joseph to request a preface from the Lord. Joseph and those at the conference then prayed, after which Joseph dictated the preface “by the Spirit” while “sitting by a window.” According to McLellin, “Joseph would deliver a few sentences and Sydney [Rigdon] would write them down then read them aloud, and if correct, then Joseph would proceed and deliver more.” In this way, McLellin declared, “the preface was given.” Section 1 served as the preface for both the Book of Commandments, whose printing was interrupted in July 1833 by mobs in Jackson County, Missouri, and the Doctrine and Covenants when it was first published in 1835.

When preparing for an earthquake, plan on having enough food, water, clothing, medical supplies, and other necessary equipment for you and your family for at least 72 hours. Assistance from local fire and police departments may not be available immediately following an earthquake.

Whether or not you’ve heard of Mitch Davis, you’ve probably heard of his film—the only missionary film you’ll see with Disney’s logo, The Other Side of Heaven. What most people may not realize, however, is that there are many miracles and events that fueled the creation of that beloved retelling of Elder John H. Groberg’s mission experience. Miracles that the family hopes will inspire others through their new film, The Stray, now available on DVD at Deseret Book stores and on deseretbook.com.

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.

Latter-day Saints around the world have been anticipating April 2020 general conference ever since President Russell M. Nelson promised a bicentennial celebration of the First Vision and a general conference that would be “not only memorable but also unforgettable” for those who prepared for the event.

Born in South Dakota, Brian Cummings grew up under the dual care of his parents and his grandmother, starting his career in radio as a teenager. Little did he know what the Lord had in store for him, as he went on to find the gospel, raise a family, and bring to life the voices of animated characters such as Chef Bouche (the stove) in Beauty and the Beast, Doofus in the original Duck Tales, and Papa Q. Bear in The Berenstain Bears.

With the Book of Mormon musical, prominent Church figures in the spotlight, and frequent mentions on TV shows and in pop culture, Latter-day Saints are used to their religion being the butt-end of a joke or the subject of heated public debates.

Moroni 7, 8, 10

My grandmother, Verla Butler Roundy, was an amazing woman. She was a mother to many of her grandchildren, and others who took refuge in her home. I was one of the lucky recipients of that mothering, privileged to be in her care. Following my parents’ divorce, I took on some of the responsibility for my five younger siblings, which was a lot for a 13-year old to bear. She willingly took us into her heart and home and bandaged our broken hearts. It’s been almost a year since she passed from this life. As difficult as it is to let her go, any of us who were lucky enough to know her can remember the love she gave to us, and carry that love in our hearts.