This excerpt is from Be Your Best Self by President Thomas S. Monson, which was published in 1979. This excerpt originally ran on LDS Living in July 2017.

Some years ago, I was taught by Elder David A. Bednar in a stake conference. It was one of the spiritual highlights of my life. Among other counsel, he invited us to study the war chapters in the book of Alma. But his invitation was not to study these events as past history, but as a prelude to coming events. From such chapters, many are familiar with the account of Helaman and his stripling warriors. We take courage from their remarkable success and miraculous protection during battles. But as we look closer at their story, their situation was not always so blessed. After the momentous, initial battle where all of their lives were spared, they faced a new task to capture the Lamanite city of Manti. Helaman knew his armies were insufficient to take the city by force. He requested help from other Nephite armies as fortification. Yet the troops did not come quickly. Months passed as Helaman waited for support, while his soldiers were weakened by periodic skirmishes with the Lamanites. On top of all that, their supplies were running short, so not only were they being constantly threatened by their enemies, they were also slowly starving to death.

When you feel pressure to make perfect choices, remember that our missteps can teach us about ourselves and strengthen our faith in Christ.

I’ve come to see an interpretation of the Primary song “I’ll Walk with You” that would bless not just the voices in Primary.

Once again, general conference has come and gone, and members of the Church are left with the words of prophets and apostles of the Lord who expressed key fundamentals for sharing the gospel. These fundamentals included: gaining a larger view of the plan of salvation, possessing a sound understanding of the scriptures, and sharing without a contentious spirit. In addition, authorities counseled against trying to prove the gospel’s truth; however, they urged members to work diligently to spread the message of the Restoration so it can be heard above those who misrepresent LDS beliefs.

A few weeks ago, renowned LDS author Gerald Lund announced his new historical fiction page-turner, Fire and Steel, would release one month from today, on Black Friday, in Deseret Book stores. But we simply couldn't wait that long.

INTRODUCTION: We all have ancestors lost in history. They languish in the spirit world, waiting and hoping for someone to find them and reunite them with their families. Our longing to locate the dead who are lost should be as compelling as our anxiety to find the living who are lost.

March of 1945, nearing the end of WWII, the Americans were preparing to cross the Rhine River into Germany’s heartland, the most direct route to Berlin. It was expected to be one of the bloodiest battles of the war. The Nazis said the river would run red with blood, and after the causalities of D-day, the Allies believed them.

A boat filled with tired missionaries and a storm: the beginnings of one of the grandest faith-promoting scripture stories of all time.

We recently talked with Sister Wendy Watson Nelson, beloved wife of President Russell M. Nelson. She shared with us her thoughts on being an apostle’s wife and an author, as well as her passion for temple work and sharing the gospel.