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Kenneth Hartvigsen: Experiencing Art in an Intimate Way

Kenneth Hartvigsen has thought a lot about the power art possesses. He is a believer that it has the ability to help us unite, understand one another, and feel a greater connection to the Creator. On this week’s episode, Kenneth, an art curator at Brigham Young University, takes us inside his thought process surrounding art so we can “experience” one of Carl Bloch’s most famous paintings, “Christ Healing the Sick at the Pool of Bethesda.”

31: "Thou Art Come … for Such a Time as This" (Esther)

Here’s a fun fact: did you know that the name Esther means star in Persian? And when you consider Esther’s story in the Old Testament, there’s obviously no coincidence that one of the greatest biblical heroines was given that name. In fact, as we study this incredible book of scripture this week, we’re going to see how brightly Esther shined in the midst of terrible adversity. Not only was she incredibly brave even when faced with death, but she also had an enduring faith in Jesus Christ that ultimately led to the salvation of an entire nation.

No Coincidence

Stories in this episode: Adam's mission is more overwhelming than he expected, leading him to doubt whether he’s in the right place when suddenly a companion's photo puts everything into focus; LeAnn finds a perfectly placed dad joke in her scriptures at just the right moment; Becky’s hopes to adopt are finally fulfilled, but she faces heartache in her relationship with her child until an unexpected dinner guest gives her just the answer she needs.

Come to Zion

Stories in this episode: While Rachel’s diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder helps her better understand herself, it doesn’t ease the lifelong fears she’s had of being unable to truly connect with other people. That is, until two sisters in her ward reach out and show Rachel just how much she truly belongs; Medlir grew up seeing Rembrandt Christian paintings during his childhood in communist Albania, and that artwork planted seeds of faith that eventually led him to the restored gospel. When he is later called as president of the first Albanian stake, he strives to understand how to define and create a Zion community.

24: "My Heart Rejoiceth in the Lord" (Ruth; 1 Samuel 1–3)

Here’s a fun fact—the word for “Ruth” in Hebrew means "compassionate friend." And when you think of how friendship was all Ruth and Naomi had during a time of uncertainty, that name has an extra special meaning. As we study the book of Ruth and 1 Samuel 1–3 this week, we’ll see how this compassionate friendship exists between Ruth and Naomi and between all of us and Christ as we face challenges and uncertainties in our lives.

10: "This Is the Way" (March 2–March 8)

Hey Friends! Here's a little public service announcement for the week. If you're looking for a way to celebrate the bicentennial of the First Vision with your whole family and you're in the Salt Lake or Ogden area, you should totally check out Deseret Book's First Light concert event on March 14 in Ogden, Utah. It's one night only and it's full of beautiful songs sung by some of our favorite artists to celebrate this significant event in our church's history. Find more information and reserve tickets at blog.deseretbook.com.

14: “He Shall Rise … with Healing in His Wings” (March 30–April 12)

What do you know about the Marys? That’s right, Marys. There are actually several Marys mentioned throughout the New Testament, and many had a personal connection to the Savior. In this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we’re going to learn more about four of these Marys: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the wife of Cleopas and their powerful testimonies of the Savior.

Katie Kortman: Embracing the Color in Life

This season there will be a Relief Society president on Project Runway. Yes, you read that correctly. Katie Kortman is as shocked as you are. She knows she is not the fashion designer people are used to seeing after 19 seasons of the show, but she also knows that, as her mom taught her, “different is good.” On this week’s episode, we talk with Katie about her love for color, both literally and figuratively, and why she believes it is best to be yourself.

52: The Matchless Gift of God’s Divine Son (Christmas)

Merry Christmas! What better way to celebrate the birth of our Savior than by studying “The Living Christ?” In this document, apostles and prophets testify that Jesus is the Christ and that He lives. By studying their words, can find our own witness of the matchless love and infinite grace the Savior has for us. So grab your markers and a copy of “The Living Christ,” and let’s dig into this week’s lesson.(Find the new "Let's Dig In" journal here.)

25: "The Battle Is the Lord’s" (1 Samuel 8–10; 13; 15–18)

Have you ever heard that part of “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing” where the lyrics read, “Here I raise my Ebenezer” and wondered what it was talking about? It turns out "Eben-ezer" was the name Samuel gave a stone as a token of gratitude for deliverance. In Hebrew, the word also means "stone of help." So when we think about David and Goliath, we see how crucial a stone of help is—and not just in slaying giants. As we study 1 Samuel chapters 8–10, 13, and 15–18 we'll discover how the Savior is our personal Ebenezer, and how He helps us face our own Goliaths.