Acts 15:36-18:22; 1 and 2 Thessalonians

Pioneer treks are a common summer activity for Church members around the world, allowing them to experience, if even partially, the challenges the earliest pioneers faced in searching for religious freedom in the 1800s. Opportunities abound to learn how suffering and sacrifice brings one close to the Savior. Walking in the pioneers’ footsteps, participants can feel empathy for those who heeded the call to gather to Zion.

As The Joseph Smith Papers, Documents, Volume 5: October 1835–January 1838 editor Christian Heimburger says, it was not uncommon in the days of the early Church for men to resolve their conflicts with physical blows. But on December 16, 1835, a particular physical confrontation resulted in the members of the Twelve Apostles to hold a special council for one of the men involved, while the other was left unable to "sit down or rise up without help," according to the new Joseph Smith Papers volume.

The temple and its ordinances were the pinnacles of Joseph Smith’s revelatory teachings and prophetic career, desiring each member to be “endowed with power from on high” (D&C 38:38). Your endowment is to receive the power and capacity to one day enter the presence of God and receive a fullness of his blessings. The presentation of the endowment ceremony replicates a metaphorical journey. It takes a fallen person and cleanses them, blesses them, teaches them, and brings them to a celestial redemption in the presence of God. Whether you are going for the first time or hundredth, how can you get the most out of this wondrous and unique temple experience? How do you make the endowment ceremony personally meaningful and spiritually impactful? How do you let it teach you how to come unto God’s exalting presence through his divine Son? One approach that can help is based on a divine pattern of spiritual learning summarized as KNOW, FEEL, and DO.

Cirque du Soleil aims to surprise its audiences by pushing the boundaries of entertainment and creating productions that are unique and that blend various forms of art. With CRYSTAL, Cirque du Soleil explores the world of ice by combining its renowned acrobatics with skating in a unique way.

To read how President Nelson's visit to Ecuador impacted a girl whose mother was diagnosed with cancer and other touching stories and quotes from the prophet's ministry tour, visit the Church News.

The Bonner Family is known for their soulful gospel music and heartfelt testimonies. Read about their history here.

Becky Holliday, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will be competing in the women's pole vault final on Monday as the Olympic competitions continue in London. The 32-year-old competing for the United States cleared the 4.55 meter (or almost 5 feet) bar to qualify for the final. She is 10th going into the finals.

Missionary work over the Internet and, in particular, through social media, deserves some attention.

Ruth