At the most recent General Conference (a semi-annual meeting of the Mormons that is broadcast world-wide), the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) announced plans for five new temples. Temples are a special type of church building. They aren’t used for regular, weekly worship or congregational activities. While regular church buildings are open to all, temples are open only to those who have developed a high level of worthiness as members of the church. You can think of them as being like a college class. If you decide you want to study physics, you don’t begin with the advanced course. You start with the beginning physics class and then, when you have sufficient background and understanding, you sign up for the advanced class. People who are ... Read More

As the economic situation worsens, many people are beginning to panic. It’s important to remember that fear cannot improve any situation, and in fact, will make it far more difficult to manage the difficult times. Even if you haven’t prepared in the past, it’s not too late to begin to make small preparations for the future. Even a little preparation will build your confidence and peace of mind, and ease the harder times. Start small. Don’t go out and put a year’s supply of food on your credit card. That defeats the point of preparedness. Instead, purchase a little at a time, taking advantage of small amounts of found money. It’s unlikely your budget will notice a few extra cans of food each week. If you buy something on sale, drop the ... Read More

It is reported that Brigham Young (1801-1877), the second president and prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known as the Mormons, once said, "we should pray as if everything depended on the Lord, then work as if it all depended on us." (... Read More

“To hear this loved song rendered by an assembly of devoted Latter-day Saints is a spiritual baptism” (Stories of Our Mormon Hymns, Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1968, p. 108). ~ J. Spencer Cornwall Hymns are said to be a prayer offered to the Lord: “For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads” (Doctrine & Covenants 25:12). Certainly this is true. As we read through the words of hymns, no matter wh... Read More

Mormons practice fidelity before and during marriage. What, then, does "Gay Mormon" mean? Within every faithful group of practicing Saints, there are those who struggle with feelings and inclinations towards those of the same gender. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons) recognize that these temptations are real, and that those so challenged by them are sons and daughters of God, like everyone else. There are Mormons--just as there are Catholics, Evangelicals, Jews, and... Read More

In the recent General Women's Conference for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church), there seemed to be a specific theme that ran throughout most of the talks. At first I thought it came to my attention simply because this particular subject is something that's not only been on my mind a lot lately, but in my heart. It wasn't until I began to talk with many other women that I began to realize it was a subject truly needed at this time, as it seems to have struck the hearts of them as well. For me this particular theme was best illustrated in President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk, wherein he told of one particular difference between men and women through the example of making ... Read More

There is a children’s song that has lines in the chorus: "Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live with Him someday." (I Am a Child of God) Finding ways to lead and guide children is the goal of parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (known as the Mormons). When kids aren’t behaving in the wa... Read More

It was a defining moment in our recent Sunday School class. We had been talking about the need and value of repentance, of the happiness it can bring to those who come back to the light and love of Christ, of the need to let go of the things of this world, when a woman raised her hand. "I have a sister who turned away from the gospel years ago," she began. "She lives her life in a way she was not taught growing up, and makes choices that go against many of Christ's teachings." I began to wonder precisely where this conversation was going, and could feel the intensity of this woman's need to be given a firm answer. "She has more money than I could ever dream of. She's traveled all over, she has had opportunities opened up for her left and right. I can't see that s... Read More

“But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Nephi 1:20). I’ve been thinking about tender mercies a lot lately. They’ve been thrust up in my face lately. In a good way, that is. We all have trials. It’s simply a way of life, and one of the most effective ways for us to learn and grow spiritually. Sometimes we bring these trials on ourselves through our own choices. Other times the harsh lessons of life are learned through the choices of others, and the effects of those choices on us. Closely connecte... Read More

Our family is in the planning stages of building a home. Since we remodeled our current home a few years ago, we have half an idea of what to expect. We are sure it will be exciting, but equally overwhelming. Every day a contractor will come to the job with the tools needed to perform his work. With the right tool and the skill to use it, they can create something lasting and beautiful. The actual building work is horribly messy and loud. We know that we’ll step through danger zones, climb over piles of material and walk through dust-covered rooms to see bits of progress here and there. The buzz of the saw or pounding of the hammer is usually constant. There will be mistakes that will have to be corrected, pulled out and re-built. Delays are inevitable and most projects ... Read More

“It can’t hurt.” “Try it just this once.” “It’s not like taking one drink/puff/shot/etc. will make you addicted.” Heard these phrases before? Odds are you have, or will, at some time of your life. Yet caving into any of the phrases, these pressure-filled persuaders, can cause us to become vastly off course. My husband, a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Ch... Read More

Back when Joseph Smith, the man who restored Christ's Church, first started translating the Book of Mormon, his good friend, Martin Harris, began bugging him to take the first 116 pages to show his wife and a few close friends. Joseph went to the Lord in prayer and asked this favor. The Lord told him no. Martin wasn't satisfied, and begged Joseph to ask once again. The answer came back the same. Martin still wasn't satisfied. Joseph wanted to make his friend happy, after all, Martin had freely given much money and time to Joseph because of his faith in the work. And so Joseph went back to the Lord. Finally the answer was yes, but it came at a price. For three weeks Joseph waited for his friend to bring back the manuscript. As time stretched on and on his ... Read More

Today, I'm delighted to sit down with author, Liz Adair and discuss her thoughts on writing and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Liz was born in the Southwest sixty-six years ago but has lived in the Pacific Northwest for the last thirty-four years. She has seven children (four biological, three adopted) and seventeen grandchildren. Liz has been married for forty-five years to a wonderful man. She taught school for several years and was a stay-at-home mom for a decade and a half, during which time she and her children ran a specialty bakery. Now, Liz works with her husband in healthcare construction management, and will probably continue to do so for several more years. Liz has been writing seriously for about twenty years and ha... Read More

It is every parent’s dream to have a child that self-governs – one who makes good and correct decisions when choices are put in front of them. Is it just a dream or can it become a reality? Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (known as the Mormons) believe it can. Parents in the Church are counseled to teach their children “correct principles and let them govern themselves.” (Joseph Smith, as quoted by John Taylor in Millennial Star, 13:339.) Self-governance? This free-sounding approach may give some parents a panic attack. (What? I just watched my child walk into the mi... Read More

A friend of another faith attended a Sunday service for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (known as the Mormons). She was surprised to see (and hear) so many children of all ages in attendance. At her church services, small children were tended in a separate room until the services were over. We know our children are “an heritage of the LORD…. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them…” (Psalms 127:3-5) Our quiver and our pew are full, which sometim... Read More

The Book of Enos, found in the Book of Mormon, is very brief—only 27 verses contained in one chapter. I was once challenged to read it every day for a full month. It seemed an odd challenge to me. How much could I learn from a mere 27 verses, so short it’s often covered in lessons with several other books? I went to work though, and after a few days, my mind and heart were suddenly opened. While the first few days, I saw nothing new, after a few days, I found myself noticing things that had escaped me before. Enos became real to me and I began to think about him as an actual person. He was real, but after a full month, ... Read More

As we traveled in the car one day my 7 year old son asked me, “Mom, are there any guys who used to be bad guys, but then wanted to be good guys, and then became prophets?” Not exactly your average, everyday question. I frantically searched my brain and came up with one name: Alma. The Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ, relates the story of a man named Alma the Younger (his father was a... Read More

Have you ever asked why? Of course you have. All of us ask why from time to time. We wonder why someone we love must suffer, why calamities effect so many, taking their living, their health, even at times, their lives. I’ve heard many people say that if God truly loved us, He wouldn’t allow bad things to happen to us. Sometimes, in my darkest hours, I’ve thought the same thing. But God does love us and He has proven it by giving us life and best of all, by granting us freedom—the freedom to choose for ourselves what we will do with our lives. This time on earth, our mortality, is our opportunity to fulfill our creation, to learn about ... Read More

Is there anything that you want more than to be happy? You might list several things that you feel you need to make your life complete, but probably the overarching desire, the thing you want most of all, is just to be happy. This has been mans’ goal since the beginning of recorded history. Mans’ search for happiness is the root behind any great advancement in society—as hopes rose that around the next corner things would get easier, better, and we could finally be happy. It’s not a surprise that we are so consumed with the desire to be happy. In the Book of Mormon the Lord said, “Men are, that they might have joy” (2 Ne. 2:25.) We were created to desire and search for happinessR... Read More

I heard someone say the other day that the internet and other types of technology were bad. I was startled by that sentiment. Yes, Satan and his followers have hijacked television, movies, music, the internet and all forms of media. But first and foremost, inspiration for great things only comes from one source, our Father in Heaven. With the internet, for instances, the Gospel of Jesus Christ can spread to every corner of the world that all withing reach of a computer and internet connection can learn about God and His purposes. And conversely, there are many who use the internet to fight against Jesus Christ, denoun... Read More

I ran across a beautiful article the other day by a modern day apostle, Boyd K. Packer entitled The Spirit of Revelation. Though directed to the youth of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his words offer encouragement for each of us about the importance of mastering our own thoughts. What we... Read More

Since truth is the only meaningful foundation upon which we can make wise decisions, how then can one establish what is really true? Increasingly more people are finding that making wise decisions is becoming more and more difficult because of the ultra-interconnected world in which we live. Constantly forced into our consciousness is an incessant barrage of counsel, advice, and promotions. It is done by a bewildering array of media, Internet, and other means. On a given subject we can receive multiple strongly delivered, carefully crafted messages with solutions. But often two of the solutions can be diametrically opposed. No wonder some are confused and are not sure how to make the right decisions. (Richard G. Scott, “... Read More

All of us at different points in our lives have made mistakes. Some are small and some are huge. Depending on the magnitude of that sin, you may be saying to yourself: "I'm useless. There is no hope for me. I am not loved. God is ashamed of me. My family is ashamed of me. I can't believe I made that mistake, there is no way back for me now." My friends, those are complete and utter lies. Satan is the master deceiver and you must not believe him. His only goal is to destroy and bind you completely so that you will never think to turn back from the darkness. Your Heavenly Father pleads with you to turn back to Him and let Him help you on that path to repentance. Our ... Read More

One of the best ways to forget about your own problems is to focus on the problems of others. When you serve other people, you soon feel the weight of your own burdens lifted and you realize, almost despite yourself, that you are happy. But for many of us, it’s hard to know who or how to help. At least, that’s often how it is for me. I feel like I can be a good helper, but I need someone else to tell me what to do because left on my own I probably won’t see it. I think that’s either because I’m still too absorbed in my own problems to truly see the need of another, or it’s because the ability to serve is a talent. Perhaps, it is both. Regardless, starting at home is a wonderful opportunity for all of us to practice the art of service.... Read More

I’ve been thinking today, of a favorite hymn. I like it partly because of its upbeat melody, and partly because of its message. This song provides an interesting way to look at a disciple’s role in service and helping our fellow man. I appreciate its straightforward reminders of the things that matter most, reminders of how to obtain these goals, and the cheerful manner in which the message is delivered. Service doesn’t seem like such drudgery, but a privilege and a joy. ... Read More

If you’ve been reading the Book of Mormon along with me, you’ve reached the end of the Book of Jacob. You may have been startled by the last word in the chapter. And I, Jacob, saw that I must soon go down to my grave; wherefore, I said unto my son Enos: Take these plates. And I told him the things which my brother Nephi had commanded me, and he promised obedience unto the commands. And I make an end of my writing upon these plates, which writing has been small; and to the reader I bid farewell, hoping that many of my brethren may read my words. Brethren, adieu.(Jacob 7:27) Readers who pounce on the unexpected discovery of a French word that didn’t exist at the time the Book of M... Read More

The Nephites were a group of people who left Jerusalem in 600 BC. Most were members of the family of Lehi, and the family of a friend whose children married into Lehi’s family. After Lehi died, the people, now settled in the Americas, split into two opposing groups, those who wished to follow God and were known as Nephites, after Lehi’s fourth son, and those who did not. This latter group was known as the Lamanites, followers of Lehi’s oldest son. By the time Nephi had died and his younger brother Jacob had taken on leadership of t... Read More

Children's author, Lori Conger, agreed to share with us her thoughts and testimony on Jesus Christ and His gospel: I am an author, a teacher, and most importantly, a mother of four. I have been blessed in my life to be able to do many things I love, like writing (my children's picture book My Squishy Pants just came out, and I am working on many other writing projects as well), substitute teaching at the local elementary schools, reading great books, playing (and even coaching some) volleyball, and being a full-time mother. I also had the opportunity of serving a full-time mission in Utica, New York, which was a wonderful experience. I now live in Kaysville, Utah with my husband, Daniel, and our children. I have ... Read More

This was the lesson I gave in my Young Women's class recently. I didn't make it to Sunday School, where most of my spiritual epiphanies originate, so I'm taking my inspiration from the messages I delivered in class. Perspective is a funny thing. It has to be based on truth, not our interpretation of truth. Our own personal perspectives can be skewed by our experiences and the experiences others bring into our lives. These are not based on truth. I've been thinking a lot about how others perceive the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (nicknamed the Mormon Church). For th... Read More

Lorlee Evans and I belong to the same writers group, and as such, I have the privilege of being able to listen to testimonies being born on a number of gospel principles. I am a single mom with four children, and am a high school English teacher. I have written two books based on events in The Book of Mormon. One is called The King's Heir, the other is called The Birthright. I am working on a third book, and have tentatively entitled it, The Shores of Bountiful. (Loralee Evans, 28 July 2008) Today, I invited Loralee to sit down with me and discuss the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Candace: Loralee, as an author of Book of Mormon... Read More

It is far too early to be thinking about school starting. I am savoring the summer, enjoying the fact that we still have more to come. I enjoy the longer and slower days and the easing of schedules and responsibilities. Family vacation gives us distance from our normal life. We take time to talk about what is working well and what needs changing. I am following advice to: “Find a retreat of peace and quiet where periodically you can ponder and let the Lord establish the direction of your life. Each of us needs to periodically check our bearings and confirm that we are on course…In a quiet moment write down your responses. Analyze them. Make any necessary adjustments. Put first things first. Do the best you can while on earth to have an ideal fami... Read More

Men of Valor: The Powerful Impact of a Righteous Man by Robert L. Millett, speaks strongly of the advantage of having a righteous man in the home. He sounds the clarion call to men around the world to live up to their divine heritage and priesthood responsibilities. In the book, he quotes Bruce R. McConkie who speaks to every priesthood holder in the world: We can stand in the place and stead of the Lord Jesus Christ in administering salvation to the children of men. He preached the gosp... Read More

In a previous article I summarized the allegory of the Olive Tree, which the Book of Mormon prophet Jacob retold. It was first told by a prophet named Zenos, whose writings we no longer have. In another article, I explained the meaning of the tree. Today, I’d like to help you understand who the Lord and Servant are in the story. There are two possible interpretations for this. One is that the Lord of the Vineyard is the Savior, and the servant is his ... Read More

From the land down under, Wendy Cohen agreed to give us her thoughts on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Wendy is a stay-at-home-mom of four living in Australia. Her oldest child just started university away from home, this year and is greatly missed. She is a second generation Latter Day Saint, Mormon with her parents being baptized when they only had two children. She is the fifth child of twelve and has been married for twenty years. Wendy loves to laugh and can pretty much find humor in anything...even when she fell down cement steps leading to the beach and cracked several ribs. She says: I cannot sing to save my life...although I love to sing. I cannot play a musical instrument. I can't garden. Every Mother's Day plant I've ev... Read More

In the previous article, I summarized for you the allegory of the Olive Tree, found in Jacob 5. Since the entire story revolves around this tree, it’s important to understand what it represents. In allegories, many things represent something else, and we must learn the meaning of the symbolism before we can learn the meaning of the story. There are actually a number of olive trees in the story. The representations are taken from the Institute of Religion Manual for the Book of Mormon. The tame tree represents Israel, the cho... Read More

I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, or the Mormon Church, as many people call it. I am what is called a ‘convert’ to the Church, which means that I was taught the gospel by missionaries and I joined as a young woman, of my own free will and choice. My family, who are not Mormons, strongly disagreed with my choice. Though it’s been eighteen years since I made it—and they no longer question whether or not I am happy—still they regularly ask, “How can belong to a church that restricts your freedoms so much?” Because The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has a strong code of ethics, the Word of Wisdom which guides our physical habits, and a strict code of... Read More

Jacob, the third prophet of the Book of Mormon, related an allegory first told by an ancient prophet named Zenos. We no longer have his writings and we know only that he was a great prophet much loved by the Nephites, who quoted him frequently, and that he was killed for his powerful teachings. We know the Bible was not written as a single unit, that it was written as separate pieces later gathered, and that there were many writings lost or not canonized. The Book of Mormon gives us a glimpse into some of these lost writings, including the work of Zenos. This allegory was considered by Joseph Fielding Smith, an early church prophet, one of the greatest parables of the Book of Mormon, one that could only have come through prophecy, and not through the imagination of any mortal ma... Read More

Jacob was the third prophet of the Book of Mormon. He called his people together in the temple to chastise them for their wickedness, and their failure to live the gospel that had once defined them. To help them see the risks they faced, he also prophesied of the future challenges faced by the Jews in Jerusalem, which is where his people had come from themselves. He warned them some of the Jewish people would reject the Savior when He came because they were looking for someone different from the person they saw and for a gospel more complex than what He was offering. Instead, the ... Read More