If you expect your patriarchal blessing to make wild or unusual promises and predictions, you may be misunderstanding what a patriarchal blessing is. Your patriarchal blessing isn’t a fortune cookie, and the patriarch isn’t a fortuneteller.[1] The patriarch is a prophet, called to convey God’s words and will to you. He is only authorized to pronounce the promises he is prompted by the Holy Ghost to give. Patriarchs are counseled by their leaders to avoid making sensational or extravagant promises in the blessings they pronounce, even if the Spirit shows them rather remarkable things about the blessing’s recipient. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), tenth President of the Church, explained, “I know of one or two cases … where a brother has been blessed by the patriarch and told that he would become a member of the Council of the Twelve [Apostles]. Usually [the patriarchs] don’t say that … even if the patriarch felt that the chances are [very good] that a man will be called to the leading councils of the Church.” President Smith added, “Patriarchs should be very careful in giving their blessings not to make extravagant expressions and to be conservative in what they say.”[2] Thus, you should not expect extravagant things to be mentioned in your blessing. Patriarchs generally avoid, for example, talking about things like the timing of the Second Coming when they give a blessing. While the young man or young woman being blessed may live to see the second coming of Christ, most patriarchs simply wouldn’t mention that in the blessing. President Smith further explained:

This is the first article a two-part series about Ron Leishman: his conversion, his faith, and his career. For more about Ron's mission, his role in creating a superhero legend, and the miracles that fill his life, check back for part two.

From Academy Award-winning actors to those with stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, learn more about the famous actors and actresses who converted to the Church.

There’s a word within the Church that we use frequently—one I think too often goes misunderstood: virtue.

One of our hymns teaches us that “angels above us are silent notes taking” of each one of our actions. I’m sure that is true. And when we keep our covenants, they are doing so much more.

Going back to school is the perfect time to get back into good spiritual habits and reenergize your family's Come, Follow Me study. Whether your goal is to improve your family study or better engage your children in the gospel, these items are sure to help you stay on track all year.

Editor's note: This press release was first published on March 12, 2021, and updated on March 24, 2021, with the following information about the Manti Utah Temple:

It was only fitting that Sister Sharon Eubank based her remarks at the Center for Latter-day Saint Arts Dallas event, “The Better Part: Women, Art, Faith,” on a quote by a little-known California watercolorist named Larry Brullo. He said, “First, one seeks to become an artist by training the hand. Then one finds it is the eye that needs improving. Later one learns it is the mind that wants developing, only to find that the ultimate quest of the artist is in the spirit.”

See how many problems you can spot in this personal story:

With church gatherings being suspended until further notice due to the spread of COVID-19, members around the world worshipped from home on Sunday, March 15.