"When I think of the virtue of meekness, I think of two people: the Savior Jesus Christ and my father. Truly, I was blessed to be reared in a home with a father who was meek."

In 1981, a Gallup poll reported, “Nearly one-third of all Americans—or about 47 million people—have had what they call a religious or mystical experience. Of this group, about 15 million report an otherworldly feeling of union with a divine being. They describe such things as special communications from deceased people or divine beings, visions of unusual lights, and out-of-body experiences.”1

Our youngest son recently graduated from high school with plans to attend college in the fall. Because of a number of vacations and other summer plans, it hasn’t worked out for him to get steady employment during the time between graduation and college departure. As such, he’s kind of broke most of the time, but he has things he wants to do, some of which cost money. I will periodically get a text message saying, “Dad, could you loan me some money for [insert item here]?” When I get such texts, I usually have two competing thoughts. The first is I love my son and want to do everything I can for him. I want him to be comfortable and enjoy life. Just give him the money! The second thought is Hold on! He needs to learn to be responsible and that money doesn’t grow on trees. Make him work for it. Those thoughts duke it out in my brain for a moment, and then after consultation with my amazing wife, we usually arrive at a compromise that enables generosity combined with responsibility.

One of author Dean Hughes' favorite pioneer stories starts out with his angry, somewhat intoxicated ancestor trying to punch out an early Latter-day Saint apostle.

With so many inspiring stories, profound insights, and spiritual promptings concentrated into conference weekend, it can be difficult to remember all we have learned and felt. Here is one powerful quote from each talk given during the April 2019 general conference to help you remember the inspired words from our Church leaders and the wonderful experiences we had together as members of the Church this spring even as we prepare for more meaningful messages and memories this conference weekend.

When asked to return to Jerusalem and retrieve the plates of brass, Nephi responded in faith that he would “go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1 Nephi 3:7). He later learned from experience that the Lord was true to His word, providing divine assistance to help him accomplish the task. As I talk with Latter-day Saints who struggle with anxiety or other mental health issues, they often look to the example of Nephi. If the Lord wants me to overcome anxiety, He will provide a way, they reason. But what is the way? How much am I supposed to do and how much will He help? It is a very legitimate question. We know the Lord will bless us with divine assistance, but He also insists we do our part. So, what is our part? Coincidentally, Nephi’s own life experience also answers that question.

As long as you’re talking with someone else speaking a common language, it’s easy to assume that the words you’re both using mean the same thing. But in the polarized atmosphere of America today, that has become less and less true about more and more words.

During Holy Week, Christians around the world reflect on the sacred events of the Savior’s life—and this year I feel as though members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been invited to experience those important events firsthand.

Not long ago, I was at Walt Disney World with family. We were in line for one of the more intense attractions at the resort—the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. This attraction is housed in a very creepy-looking hotel, full of ghostly sights and sounds. Following an elaborate preshow, you enter a modified elevator where you are strapped into your seat. At some point, in the pitch black and without warning, the elevator car plunges more than 10 stories to the ground, then accelerates up and down the shaft in a frantic motion. The experience is incredible, potentially terrifying, and one of my favorites.

Jake Tesch kept having the thought that a song should be written for his niece Sarah Frei. A few months prior, Sarah had been hit by a drunk driver in a car accident on July 30, 2020, where she was paralyzed from the waist down.