In 1995 the first flat screen TVs appeared, eBay had just begun, the Sony PlayStation debuted in the United States, and the World Wide Web was stretching to schools and businesses. The President of the Church at the time was President Howard W. Hunter. In a March 1995 article in the Ensign titled “We Have a Work to Do,” President Hunter wrote prophetically about technology, saying: “In recent years we have begun using information technology to hasten the sacred work of providing ordinances for the deceased. The role of technology in this work has been accelerated by the Lord himself, who has had a guiding hand in its development and will continue to do so. However, we stand only on the threshold of what we can do with these tools. I feel that our most enthusiastic projections can capture only a tiny glimpse of how these tools can help us—and of the eternal consequences of these efforts.”

After last year's performance, which was full of technical difficulties and other blunders, Adele wanted to get this year's performance at the Grammys right, especially since it was in honor of the late George Michael, who died Christmas day 2016.

Being a young, single member of the Church is both exciting and terrifying. On one hand, I have more freedom than I will have at any other time of my life. It's a time that I am completely focused on me—what I want to do. What I want to learn. Where I want to go. How I want to spend my money. But on the other hand, the limitless possibilities of the future is incredibly daunting.

We were somewhere in between Barstow, California, and Las Vegas, Nevada, heading back from a long weekend in California. To me this was one of the least appealing parts of the drive, with only a sprawling, desolate brown desert and some random Alien Jerky billboards to look at. We had piled in a car for one of our many road trip adventures and had spent the weekend discussing everything from English literature to politics, fashion to humanitarian aid, and teaching to running biomechanics (I had to throw that topic in!).

Four calling birds? A partridge in a pear tree? No one is sure exactly what the twelve gifts in the “The Twelve Days of Christmas” represent, but there have been several theories. One interesting claim is that the song was written to help young Catholics learn their faith. In this interpretation, each Christmas gift represents something connected to the gospel of Jesus Christ. Looking at the song this way helps families focus on the true meaning of Christmas. We've taken this tradition and added a little bit of an LDS spin to it.

In an industry known for partying hard, "Mormon rock star" might seem like an oxymoron--but not for these Church members who are rocking the music scene! Check out these rock 'n' roll celebrities who are also LDS.

If you love audiobooks, then you'll love Deseret Book's brand-new service: Bookshelf Plus. Starting at just $6.99 per month, Bookshelf Plus offers unlimited access to more than 500 audiobooks and talks and over 1,500 eBooks with hundreds more to come. Start your free 30-day trial today!

A recent Church News documentary highlights the past two years of President Russell M. Nelson’s ministry since his call as prophet.

Amy Whitmore, born of goodly parents, grew up in Marin County, just north of San Francisco. She fell in love with island life, the Book of Mormon, Spanish, and the people of Puerto Rico while serving in the San Juan mission. Amy’s love of the Spanish language came in handy as she opened restaurants and family entertainment centers throughout the country (and when visiting cities like Juarez, Mexico, where a certain karaoke contest practically made her famous with the locals!). Amy took a break from her career after meeting and marrying her “dream man,” becoming an instant mom to three children, and settling in the Pacific North West. Amy and “Dream Man” welcomed two more children together and are now happy to call Denver, Colorado, home. When she’s not building forts with her girls, installing a new toilet, dabbling in real estate, FaceTiming her precious granddaughter, cheering on the Young Women in her ward, or hosting a kitchen dance party, Amy loves to travel with her husband (and sometimes even with the children) to beautiful, island destinations!

Editor's note: "This week from the pulpit" highlights recent messages by General Authorities, General Officers, and leaders of the Church.