Search - LDS Living

Morgan Jones: Receiving the gift of loneliness

It’s painful to feel loneliness at Christmas, but we can cherish the opportunity to spend time with Jesus alone.

35: "Receive of His Fulness" (Doctrine and Covenants 93)

What do you think of when you hear the word, “light”? Do you think of stars, a candle, a lightbulb, or something completely different? Maybe after this week, you’ll think of Doctrine and Covenants 93 because this section is all about light. In fact, doctrinally, this section is one of the most important sections in the Doctrine and Covenants because it has as much light and truth for us today as it did for the Saints back then. So make sure to grab a pencil or two and let’s dig into Doctrine and Covenants 93.

11: Be Reconciled unto God through the Atonement of Christ (March 9–March 15)

Have you ever had to have an uncomfortable conservation with a loved one? That’s exactly what happened to the prophet Jacob when he had a tough conversation with his family and friends about pride, chastity, and “a grosser crime." But his words about these topics weren’t all bleak. In fact, in this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we’re digging into Jacob 1–4 to learn how Jacob’s words apply to us today and how they can lead to hope and healing for us all.

20: “They Were Called the People of God”

Have you ever felt “harrowed” by your sins? Or maybe “harrowed” at the thought of confessing your sins? In this week’s study group, we turn to Mosiah 18-24 to dig into the ins and outs of repentance. We learn from Alma the younger’s experience to see what role confession plays, how we can embrace those who have sinned, and most importantly, how those harrowing feelings don't need to last.

45: "A Voice of Gladness for the Living and the Dead" (Doctrine and Covenants 125–128)

Okay, let’s be real. As fun as emptying trash cans and vacuuming never ending hallways may be, not all of us are jumping at an assignment to clean the church building. All joking aside though, the less glamorous aspects of church service can sometimes be a little harder to gather participants for. Have you ever noticed or felt like the same five people in your ward are always the same ones showing up and doing the work? Turns out you might not be alone in feeling that way. This week’s study of Doctrine and Covenants 125-128 gives us a chance to dig into this conversation and how it applies to doing temple work for our ancestors.

28: "There Is a Prophet in Israel" (2 Kings 2–7)

This week's lesson contains six unnamed women in the Old Testament. Six! That's as many as we'll be covering in detail during this year's special Unnamed Women of the Old Testament series. But in this episode about 2 Kings 2–7, we learn about the adversity some of these women faced and how they performed heroic acts through their faith. Others show us the dire consequences of shutting Christ out of our lives. But all show us the importance of staying on the covenant path and helping others do the same. So grab your scriptures and let’s dig into these powerful stories.

12: “God Meant It unto Good” (Genesis 42–50)

Have you ever had a dream in the middle of the night that actually came true later? Or have you had dreams you're grateful never materialized because they were so strange or embarrassing? Well, whether they were his own or came to others, dreams played an important role in the life of Joseph of Egypt. In this week's lesson, we'll study Genesis 42–50 and read about how some of this prophet's dreams actually came true and discover how they changed the house of Israel forever.

38: “A Marvellous Work and a Wonder” (Isaiah 13–14; 24–30; 35)

If you've listened to past episodes of this podcast, you've probably heard the phrase "Jesus is coming." That's because we love to talk about the Second Coming and look forward to it with anticipation. Let's be honest, though—the events of the Second Coming, specifically those mentioned in Isaiah 13–35, can be a little frightening. But after today's discussion, you might not find them as scary as you thought. In fact, you might even be excited about that great and important day.

19: “Holiness to the Lord” (Exodus 35–40; Leviticus 1; 16; 19)

What do you say when someone asks you to do something difficult? Do you sometimes give a noncommittal maybe? Or do you sometimes say yes, but secretly mean no? In this week’s lesson of Exodus 35–40 and Leviticus 1, 16, and 19, we’ll see how the Israelites responded when the Lord asked them to do something difficult, and what we can learn from their response.

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.