You must understand that these lessons are not designed to replace the experience you should have in your ward or branch Gospel Doctrine class. I am hopeful that they will expand your understanding of the scriptures and, if you are teaching, your ability to open the scriptures to the minds and hearts of your students. But if would be awful if anyone were to neglect that classroom experience in favor of these lessons.

For some time I have gone by the moniker “Mormon Movie Guy” to provide Hollywood reviews from a Latter-day Saint perspective, assessing films for quality, content, and gospel parallels. In my experience, movies provide an opportunity to share eternal truths and testimony.

The following is an excerpt from Missionary Possible: Preparation Tips from New Testament Heroes by Eric Rigby.

There’s never been a better time to freshen up your home decor or stock up on great gifts for your entire family! Whether it’s adding some new pillows on your bed or finding an inspiring new book to read, you’ll find something you’re sure to love during the Deseret Book sale and the Latter-day Home sale.

For years Gerald Lund has captured audiences with his brilliant talent for mixing history and fiction in a way that is both enjoyable and engaging. He has covered a wide variety of events, including the beginning of the Church in The Work and the Glory, the pioneer trek west in Fire of the Covenant and Undaunted, and the life of the Savior and His apostles in The Kingdom and the Crown.

Lovesac was the fastest-growing furniture company in America in 2019 according to Furniture Today. Shawn Nelson can’t be certain if the company he founded would still be in existence if he hadn't served a Latter-day Saint mission, but he doesn’t think it would be. After all, it was his ability to speak Mandarin that made fulfilling the company’s first big order possible. But Nelson says his mission also taught independence, mental toughness, and how to build relationships of trust—all skills he has since used to build his business.

Parley P. Pratt seems to have been endowed with a healthy portion of spunk, humor, and hopefulnes—even downright ingenuity. He tells of one occasion when he was interrupted in his preaching, arrested on trumped-up charges, and taken before a corrupt judge.

What is the meaning of the tree of life? The symbolism involved may furnish clues. Trees have several standard symbolic meanings. Green trees often represent the righteous, whereas dry trees can symbolize the wicked. 76 M. Catherine Thomas noted that "most often in scripture . . . the tree is an anthropomorphic symbol. A tree serves well as such a symbol because it has, after all, limbs, a circulatory system, the bearing of fruit, and so forth. Specifically, scriptural trees stand . . . for Christ and his attributes."77 Elsewhere we read, "In ancient times, sacred trees . . . were [representative of the] attributes of the gods." 78 Susan Easton Black wrote: "The tree of life is connected with the cross, the two having somewhat the same significance. Both relate to the resurrection, eternal life, the Lord, and the 'Love of God.' . . . Before the crucifixion of Christ, the tree of life symbol was used extensively. After the crucifixion the cross seems to have replaced it to a degree." 79 When Nephi wished to know the meaning of the tree that his father saw in his dream (1 Nephi 11:9–24), the angel showed him a vision of the birth of Christ. The angel then said to Nephi, "Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the tree which thy father saw?" (1 Nephi 11:21). To this Nephi responded, "It is the love of God" (1 Nephi 11:22). Jesus is the "love of God" (John 3:16) and the "tree of life."

Whether it's a long drive to a family reunion or just a momentary reprieve in the day-to-day chaos, summer is the perfect time to grab a book and immerse yourself in good, uplifting literature. And Deseret Bookshelf PLUS has the perfect books to do just that.