"Wow, you wear a lot of layers," is probably a strange thing for a doctor to say, but when you're an active, endowed member of the Church, it's true.

If you expect your patriarchal blessing to make wild or unusual promises and predictions, you may be misunderstanding what a patriarchal blessing is. Your patriarchal blessing isn’t a fortune cookie, and the patriarch isn’t a fortuneteller.[1] The patriarch is a prophet, called to convey God’s words and will to you. He is only authorized to pronounce the promises he is prompted by the Holy Ghost to give. Patriarchs are counseled by their leaders to avoid making sensational or extravagant promises in the blessings they pronounce, even if the Spirit shows them rather remarkable things about the blessing’s recipient. President Joseph Fielding Smith (1876–1972), tenth President of the Church, explained, “I know of one or two cases … where a brother has been blessed by the patriarch and told that he would become a member of the Council of the Twelve [Apostles]. Usually [the patriarchs] don’t say that … even if the patriarch felt that the chances are [very good] that a man will be called to the leading councils of the Church.” President Smith added, “Patriarchs should be very careful in giving their blessings not to make extravagant expressions and to be conservative in what they say.”[2] Thus, you should not expect extravagant things to be mentioned in your blessing. Patriarchs generally avoid, for example, talking about things like the timing of the Second Coming when they give a blessing. While the young man or young woman being blessed may live to see the second coming of Christ, most patriarchs simply wouldn’t mention that in the blessing. President Smith further explained:

If you’re itching to get outside and enjoy the delightful evening summer air, Concerts in the Park is just the thing for you.

The Association for Mormon Letters (AML) Awards were presented online on Saturday, May 2. The AML is a nonprofit that promotes fellowship among scholars and writers of Latter-day Saint literature. Check out a few of the winners and finalists of this year's awards that are available at Deseret Book!

On Sunday, December 23, as Christmas celebrations and family parties were in full swing, Marie Osmond posted a Sabbath message to remind her fans and followers that the magic of Christmas is not in the flawless food, activities, and presentations. The magic of Christmas instead lies in loving one another, despite flaws, and embracing those simple moments that bring us together and bring us nearer our Savior.

In every aspect of Christ's ministry on earth and in heaven, women have held a prominent role as witnesses and receivers of His divinity and grace. Eve knew, worshipped, and offered sacrifices for the premortal Christ. Mary brought the Son of God into this world. The Samaritan woman witnessed Christ's first recorded declaration that He was the Messiah of the world. Mary and other women witnessed our Savior at the tomb after His resurrection. The angel Moroni showed Mary Whitmer the gold plates, allowing her to be a witness of their truth. Clearly, women hold a significant and sacred role in the eyes of our Savior and in His ministry. Camille Fronk Olson speaks of this role in her book Women of the New Testament.

Christmas in the Valley Concert


From Noah's Ark to Jonah and the whale, many stories and verses found in the Old Testament fly in the face of modern scientific discovery.

It was not only an improbable love story, it was an impossible love story. She was Mormon; he was Catholic. She was engaged; he was preparing to become a priest.

One hot afternoon, I was on a hill overlooking the border between Syria and Israel. As we walked down the hill, we talked about how some Latter-day Saints de-emphasize the importance of Christ’s Crucifixion.