So you’ve survived the Isaiah chapters and maybe even feel a little bit more confident about this prophet's teachings, but now you’ve hit Jacob 5—the longest chapter in the Book of Mormon. And if you feel a little overwhelmed about this chapter and what the allegory of the olive tree represents, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this week’s Sunday on Monday study group, we’re going to dig into Jacob 5–7 to learn more about the symbolism of the allegory of the olive tree and Jacob’s final message to us.

Have you ever wondered what happens to people who die without a knowledge of the gospel? Or what about those who didn’t get a chance to accept it because of mental illness, physical disability, or other life circumstances? If these questions and others about the spirit world have weighed on your mind, Doctrine and Covenants 137–138 can help. These verses are filled with hope and information about what happens to our loved ones after they die and how everyone will have the opportunity to receive the gospel. So grab your scriptures and let’s dig into these last two sections of the Doctrine and Covenants.

The last Friday of the Savior’s life was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that will gnaw at the souls of those who love and honor the Son of God. Of all the days since the beginning of this world’s history, this Friday is the darkest. But as Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin once beautifully reminded us, “the doom of that day did not endure. The despair did not linger.” As we study the final hours of Jesus’s life in Matthew 27, Mark 15, Luke 23, and John 19, hold in your heart that both in scripture, and in our own lives, the glory and relief of Sunday will come.

Lisa West has had what she calls a “very non-traditional journey” as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but this journey has led her to unique opportunities to connect to the community and build relationships with those of other faiths. As a convert, single mom, and active volunteer in her community, West now serves as a chaplain for the law enforcement of Sacramento County—the first LDS chaplain their unit has ever had.

On a dreary or chaotic day, a splash of color can lift spirits and instill optimism in a way that goes beyond words. Though evanescent, chalk art transforms dull sidewalks into works of art, creates lasting impressions, and reaches thousands in a way more conventional styles of art cannot. No wonder many Mormon artists have found chalk to be a powerful way to share their beliefs.

Deseret Book's free app,Deseret Bookshelf, carries thousands of ebooks and audiobooks that make it easy to listen to inspiring, clean content anytime, anywhere. In addition, the app provides inspiring quotes, Church lesson helps, and many other exciting features.

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:

COVID-19 has introduced major disruptions into our society, including into the Lord’s restored church. We can’t gather as we used to. Ministering efforts are now critical, but many still struggle to reach out to others. Local Church leaders have become overwhelmed with the unique trials faced by their members, for which there is no preexisting list of remedies. While burnout isn't a new phenomenon among Church members, it has certainly been on the rise as a result of the pandemic.

The word “anxiety” is mentioned only eight times in the Book of Mormon. Four of these times it is used by the prophet Jacob. Looking at his life, it makes sense that he probably experienced anxiety.

If you're feeling “post-conference paralysis,” we've got just what you need to start acting on President Nelson’s 10 invitations from this conference.