How long is three days? After watching the latest Book of Mormon video on Alma the Younger, I think it’s a lot longer than I used to imagine.

As I completed the writing for my book about the last days, Living in the Eleventh Hour, it occurred to me that there might be some value in continuing the trek, completing the story, if you will. I honestly had not anticipated a sequel. And so the next weekend I began what might be called a review of the literature. I turned first to the standard works and was absolutely blown away by how much the prophets have spoken about the millennial period. While I was certain that much of my data would come from the Doctrine and Covenants, I was stunned by the doctrinal detail in the Old Testament. I knew that the book of Revelation would be tremendously fertile ground, but I had not realized that the four Gospels, the epistles of Paul and Peter, and the teachings of modern prophets and apostles like Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, and Orson Pratt would be so fruitful as well.

Since the early days of the Church, Latter-day Saints have celebrated America for its divinely inspired and Constitutionally protected right to religious freedom. The Church was founded and is headquartered in the United States, so this freedom was and remains instrumental in the creation, organization, and continuation of God’s kingdom on the earth. Consequently, Church leaders commonly echo what we learn in Nephi’s vision: God had a hand in the creation of America.

"We are a religion based on a book. . . . Do we have a moral responsibility to make sure people can read?" Richard Culatta asks. But the LDS Church has launched incredible new programs to do just that.

Toni Ragsdale was born in Chicago, Illinois. Most of her childhood was unpleasant, and she grew up in poverty. She has three biological children and also raised her sister's children when she became ill and passed away. She works full-time as Manager of the Customer Service Dept for Insure-Rite, State of Utah Insurance Verification Department. Toni is married to one of God's most fabulous creations, Rev. Jay Ragsdale. She and her husband are the founders of the Fill the Pot Ministry. The organization started in Pioneer Park 15 years ago with a captivated audience of 4 people; today, they feed an average of 421 people a week within our community. Toni has served on several community boards and projects. She Loves serving in the kingdom of God. She served many years at Calvary Baptist Church, where she grew, worshipped, and implemented and co-directed the Mentorship program for young women called G.R.A.C.E. She was the Director of the Women Ministry and Children's Church for nine years. Toni enjoys Partnering with other community organizations of all faiths, encouraging sisterhood, and mentoring women. In April 2019, she received the Humans Rights award by the Church Women United Organization. She has spoken at several women's events and events for The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints. She has started a Women's Ministry called TINT, which welcomes all faiths and builds a stronger relationship with Christ. She considers herself a sister-soldier, with a reputation of love and integrity, understanding, servant, and excellent leadership. She values growth, self-reflecting, and honesty. Her passion for God is non-negotiable; her love for her family is without measure; her love for her friends and community is without question. She thrives from waking up and, another day, a new opportunity to be used by God.

For their second date, Daniel asked Ashlyn if she would rather go for a ride on a Razor ATV or fly in an airplane. Ashlyn, not wanting to hurt Daniel's feelings by leading him on and going on a more elaborate date like this, suggested he take someone else. He shared that he liked her honesty and suggested they just go as friends. She accepted. Soon thereafter, Daniel's witty persistence got him through the friend zone and she began to like him. Here is their beautiful story from how Daniel was friend zoned to how they became engaged:

The year 2012 marks the 100th year of the LDS Seminary program for youth. With the 100th year of students starting up this fall, LDS Living wants to celebrate by featuring your stories from over the years. Did you have an exceptional seminary teacher? How about a lesson that changed your teenage life? Do you have a special photo from back during your seminary days? Send them in to be featured in a September online article and mentioned in our Sept/Oct 2012 magazine.

As the seasons of Thanksgiving and Christmas approach, we all remind ourselves to focus a little more on the things that we are blessed with in our lives.

From Billboard-charting artists and New York Times best-selling authors to sports legends and political and business giants, there's no doubt Mormons are making an impact on the world.

Dear Dave,