The Urim and Thummim consists of two seer stones or interpreters used by selected prophets throughout the ages. In ancient Israel the stones were part of the breastplate worn by the high priest of the Aaronic Priesthood. According to lds.org, the Urim and Thummim is “an instrument prepared of God to assist man in obtaining revelation from the Lord and in translating languages.” The website also states that the name Urim and Thummim is Hebrew for “lights and perfections” and that “there is more than one Urim and Thummim, but we are informed that Joseph Smith had the one used by the brother of Jared” (See D&C 17:1).

It may seem to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that discussion surrounding women and the priesthood has increased in recent years. While that could be true across Church membership, Barbara Morgan Gardner, an associate professor of Church History and Doctrine at Brigham Young University, says that the doctrine of the priesthood and women’s access to it has not changed. Additionally, she says that in studying the words of previous Church leaders, she has found that talk of women’s access to priesthood power is “blaringly there.”

We asked LDS Living readers to submit their best recipes for our recent fudge contest. And though we saw a variety of unique and tasty submissions, it came down to these delicious concoctions. Runners-up were Denise Isaac's Two-Ingredient Fudge and Chantel Despain with Tillie's Peanut Butter Cup Fudge. To find these yummy recipes, check out the November/December 2015 issue of LDS Living Magazine.

Southern Virginia’s 2013 Summer Camps appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. From football to figure drawing, we’ll help you develop your skills and talents in a supportive LDS environment. Come play, study, and explore with us!

Editor’s note: This All In excerpt from the episode that was released October 28th shares the decision one mother faced of whether or not to abort her pregnancy due to her own health concerns. We feel it important to note that the Church’s official statement on abortion is as follows:

From the Philippines to Provo and Brazil to New Zealand, the Church has called five new MTC presidents and their wives to serve around the world.

Marcus H. Martins holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, masters in Organizational Behavior, and a Ph.D. in Sociology of Religion, Race and Ethnic Relations. A native of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, he worked as a systems analyst and project manager for the Brazilian government and as a freelance consultant before moving to the United States in 1990. He served as Chair of the Department of Religious Education at Brigham Young University–Hawaii, and teaches Church Organization and Leadership, Marriage, and occasionally Managerial Leadership. Previously he taught at BYU and Ricks College, and has lectured on a variety of topics throughout the U.S., Brazil, Hong Kong, Japan, and Malaysia. Among his topics of interest are: strategic management in a global environment, computer technology, languages, law, politics, and world cultures. His current research focuses on temple symbolism, the implications of the doctrines of the restoration on daily religiosity, and the impact of globalization forces, technology, and immigration on the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter‑day Saints. He wrote the book Setting the Record Straight: Blacks and the Mormon Priesthood published by Millennial Press. Brother Martins joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1972, and in 1978 became the first Latter-day Saint with Black African ancestry to serve as a full‑time missionary in the twentieth century. Since then he has served as a mission president, twice as bishop, six times as stake high councilor, and also as temple officiator, and translator of the Book of Mormon. He married Mirian Abelin Barbosa and they have four children and seven grandchildren. Brother Martin's YouTube Channel: DrMHMartins Brother Martin's Website: DrMHMartins.com

Quorums and Relief Societies are meant to be a safety and a refuge in these difficult days and to support and strengthen the identity, roles and responsibilities of Heavenly Father's sons and daughters, said Sister Julie B. Beck on Jan. 17. "What the Lord envisioned regarding quorums and Relief Society has not yet been fully utilized," said the Church's Relief Society general president. "Many quorums and Relief Societies are at present much like sleeping giants waiting for you to breathe new life into them."

From Missouri to Honduras, from New Zealand to New Jersey, the First Presidency has called eight new mission presidents and their wives to serve in missions around the world.

From Alaska to the Philippines and Mexico to Japan, the First Presidency has called seven new mission presidents to serve around the world.