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Newsweek: Elizabeth Smart saved by her faith

Late last month Elizabeth Smart stared defiantly into the face of her kidnapper for the first time in nearly a decade. In 2002 Brian David Mitchell, a self-styled Mormon prophet, claimed divine sanction in kidnapping Smart (then 14 ) at knifepoint, dragging her up a dark Utah mountain, and forcing her into a polygamous marriage during which she was tied to a tree for weeks at a time and raped almost daily for nine months.

New Testament Lesson 35: "Be Ye Reconciled to God"

By Ted L. Gibbons

2 Corinthians

Latter-day Saint Life

What Happens to Loved Ones Who Die and What Is the Purpose of Death: 5 Comforting Insights from President Nelson

By Russell M. Nelson

In his book The Gateway We Call Death, President Russell M. Nelson shares profound insights about understanding and coping with that inevitable event of passing from this life to the next. The following excerpts from his book tell precious truths and inspiring stories that may help us “no longer feel that death is always that foe to be feared” but instead a “potential friend to be understood.” [1]

Lesson Helps

Doctrine and Covenants and Church History Lesson 8: "The Restoration of the Priesthood"

By Ted L. Gibbons

It would be a mistake to over-simplify the restoration and purposes of the priesthood, but perhaps an analogy will help us understand what is happening.

Latter-day Saint Life

5 Things to Know About the LDS Church in Spain

By Jenny Spencer Hunt

The cities of Spain have vivid histories filled with battling cultures, religious artwork, and impressive ruins covered in vines and sand. And while countless visitors come to experience Spain’s rich treasures and heritage, Church members in Spain know that their real treasures are the blessings of the gospel and that their true heritage comes from a divine source. Here are five things to know about the Church in this country.

Latter-day Saint Life

The Surprising Meanings of "Abish" and 5 Other Book of Mormon Names

By Dr. Taylor Halverson, Brad Wilcox, and Matt Bowen

In ancient Israelite storytelling, the meaning of personal names was used to enhance the memorability of a story. Consider the name of Noah in Genesis 6–9. His name in Hebrew, nōaḥ, means “rest,” which represents a major theme in Noah’s story: The dove sought rest as it searched for land. The ark finally rested on a mountaintop. In addition, Noah’s name written backward, ḥn, means “grace,” pointing to a sub-theme of the Noah story, highlighted in Genesis 6:8, where we read that “Noah [nḥ] found grace [ḥn] in the sight of God.” By learning the meanings within Noah’s name, ancient listeners could remember that they, like Noah, could find rest through the grace of God.

Latter-day Saint Life

Why "Free Agency" Doesn't Exist and Why It's Important for Parents to Realize That as They Teach Their Children

By Stephen D. Nadauld

The great misconception of "free" agency is that one can have the privilege of choice and somehow avoid the responsibility of consequences. Someone has said that a Statue of Responsibility should be erected on the west coast to balance the Statue of Liberty that stands on the east coast. Young people, especially, have an asymmetric view of agency; they tend to focus on the positive outcomes they associate with making their own choices and ignore the potential negative outcomes.

Church on Friday + Other Unconventional Ways Members Are Living the Gospel Internationally

By Morgan Pearson

Expensive, 8-hour bus rides to the temple. Making do with different resources. Attending church meetings on Fridays. While the doctrine of the gospel does not change around the globe, the way Saints in different parts of the world experience and live the gospel can change dramatically. Take a peek inside the lives of four member families who have learned that there are many ways to live the gospel around the world.

Lesson Helps

New Testament Lesson 35: "Be Ye Reconciled to God"

By Ted L. Gibbons

INTRODUCTION: I am going to do something a little different with this lesson and suggest a couple of ways to look at 2 Corinthians that are different from the outline given in the manual. I will not make a habit of this, because I think the manual is fantastic. If you are teaching Gospel Doctrine, that is where you need to go for your direction. But this book has been intriguing for me for some time because it offers special insights into service and happiness. But first some background.

Latter-day Saint Life

How Deciding Not to Serve a Mission Impacted My Testimony

By Lindsey Miller

I was sitting on my couch, most likely half asleep, when I heard President Monson’s voice say, “I am pleased to announce that effective immediately all worthy and able young men who have graduated from high school or its equivalent, regardless of where they live, will have the option of being recommended for missionary service at the age of 18, instead of age 19.”