So what happens when a person has doubts? Questioning is not the problem, according to authors Terryl and Fiona Givens. After all, they write, the Restoration unfolded because a young man asked questions. The difficulty arises when questions are based on flawed assumptions or incorrect perceptions, which can point us in the wrong direction, misdirect our attention, or constrain the answers we are capable of hearing. This insightful book offers a careful, intelligent look at doubt at some of its common sources, the challenges it presents, and the opportunities it may open up in a person's quest for faith. Whether you struggle with your own doubts or mostly want to understand loved ones who question, you will appreciate this candid discussion. You'll come away feeling more certain than ever of the Lord's love for all of His children.

    I want to help you if I can." With those words, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland invites every reader of his latest book to become a friend, to receive instruction and encouragement, counsel and comfort.Elder Holland addresses these powerful messages "to my friends who love the Lord," "to my friends who want to change," "to my friends who face opposition," and more. Each chapter begins with a beautifully designed quotation to help convey the message in an artistic way, making the book a lovely gift for friends to share. Throughout, Elder Holland's powerful witness of the Savior shines through, for, as he writes, "I am grateful for the greatest friend any of us could ever have, in time or eternity, the Lord Jesus Christ."

    As the Church adds volumes to this series, you will build a collection of gospel reference books for your home. The volumes in this series are designed to be used for personal study and for Sunday instruction. They can also help you prepare other lessons or talks and answer questions about Church doctrine. This book features the teachings of President Ezra Taft Benson, who served as President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from November 10, 1985, to May 30, 1994.

    The letters are meant for a young Mormon who is familiar with Mormon life but green in their faith....Here, my work is personal. I mean only to address the real beauty and real costs of trying to live a Mormon life. And I hope only to Show something of what it means to live in a way that refuses to abandon either life or Mormonism."

    In fact, we have been commanded to do so. But how?In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly."As we increase in learning about the Savior and His gospel," Elder Bednar writes, "as we strive with ever greater consistency to act in His doctrine, ordinances, and covenants, then we are blessed with power through His Atonement to increasingly become like Him." Power to Become introduces vital tools we all can use to invite these eternally significant blessings into our lives.

    Like gradually turning up a dimmer switch, understanding all the ways we F.E.E.L. our testimony will help it grow brighter.As you read, you may discover that your testimony is stronger than you thought, and you'll also become more excited and motivated to let your light shine!

    Using serene nautical photographs, compelling excerpts from scripture, new text and inspiring quotes from notable leaders and profound thinkers, the book takes us through Peter's journey, the invitations that were extended to him to have faith and how he responded, and relates that to contemporary life, challenging us not to be held back by struggles and inspiring us to see invitations for greater faith and, like Peter, to see our own extraordinary potential in everyday life.

    Givens offers a sweeping account of Mormon belief from its founding to the present day. Situating the relatively new movement in the context of the Christian tradition, he reveals that Mormonism continues to change and grow. Givens shows that despite Mormonism's origins in a biblical culture strongly influenced by nineteenth-century Restorationist thought, which advocated a return to the Christianity of the early Church, the new movement diverges radically from the Christianity of the creeds. Mormonism proposes its own cosmology and metaphysics, in which human identity is rooted in a premortal world as eternal as God. Mormons view mortal life as an enlightening ascent rather than a catastrophic fall, and reject traditional Christian concepts of human depravity and destiny. Popular fascination with Mormonism's social innovations, such as polygamy and communalism, and its supernatural and esoteric elements-angels, gold plates, seer stones, a New World Garden of Eden, and sacred undergarments-have long overshadowed the fact that it is the most enduring and even thriving product of the nineteenth century's religious upheavals and innovations. Wrestling the Angel traces the essential contours of Mormon thought from the time of Joseph Smith and Brigham Young to the contemporary LDS church, illuminating both the seminal influence of the founding generation of Mormon thinkers and the significant developments in the church over almost 200 years. The most comprehensive account of the development of Mormon thought ever written, Wrestling the Angel will be essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the Mormon faith.

    Uchtdorf reflects on the power of heavenly light in her own life and recalls the joy it brought to her family during a dark and difficult time. "It was like a miracle," she explains as she describes how hope came back into their lives.Discover how the light we share can make a life-changing difference to those whose lives we touch-as family members, leaders, missionaries, teachers, friends, and brothers and sisters in the gospel.

    Looking at current administrative and cultural practices, the author explains why some women struggle with the gendered divisions of labor. She then examines ample real-life examples that are currently happening in local settings around the country that expand and reimagine gendered practices. Readers will understand how to evaluate possible pain points in current practices and propose solutions that continue to uphold all mandated church policies. Readers will be equipped with the tools they need to have respectful, empathetic and productive conversations about gendered practices in Church administration and culture.

    Author Timothy Ballard explores the crucial role that President Lincoln played to bring this nation closer to heaven. Readers will see Lincoln as a man inspired of God who invoked a covenant relationship between America and its maker—not unlike the national covenants invoked by righteous leaders in the Book of Mormon. In addition, The Lincoln Hypothesis reveals documented evidence that Abraham Lincoln did, in fact, check out the Book of Mormon as he struggled with making some of the most critical decisions of his presidency. Did he read it? Did it influence him? Was the Book of Mormon a key factor in Lincoln's success and the healing of a nation?The author states, "As you read, you will, like a prosecutor reviewing a case, or like a jury determining a verdict, identify valuable pieces of evidence that can be fully substantiated. You will also identify pieces of evidence that cannot. I ask you to consider all the evidence and weight it accordingly. Through this study, many questions regarding the interplay between the restored gospel and the Civil War will be answered. New questions may emerge that will not be so easily answered. Either way, in the end you will find yourself on a most exhilarating investigative journey."

    and the seed should spring and grow up, he knoweth not how. "(Mark 4:26-27)We believe many things but don't always know how to implement them. We believe that human beings can grow into Gods; we accept the importance of coming to Christ and also of awakening our divine attributes and powers -- but how to do that seems obscure. Likely a list of spiritual to-do's ceases to serve. So we may find ourselves seeking a more fulfilling path -- but where to set our foot?In recent years, studies in adult developmental psychology have cast unexpected light on the path to Godhood. They illustrate that human beings already possess the potent seeds for unfolding into more highly developed beings. We learn that spiritual practices can shape the mind into and instrument for facilitating spiritual growth and experience, that is, for continuing from "grace to grace." Along the way, venturing into the unknown, we shed false concepts about ourselves, about our reality, and about God Himself.The purpose of this book is to explore the path of spiritual development.

    In this collection, more than fifty inspiring true stories told in general conference talks have been gathered into a single volume.Similar in style and format to President Thomas S. Monson's book Consider the Blessings: True Accounts of God's Hand in Our Lives, the book features beautiful full-color photography to illustrate each story. A perfect resource for individuals and families, the collection includes such classics as Lift Where You Stand, by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf; Run to Higher Ground,by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin; You Stupid Cow! by Elder Mervyn B. Arnold; and A Heave Load,by Elder David A. Bednar. Draw from more than three decades of general conference talks, these true accounts of life-changing experiences will touch hearts and strengthen testimonies with examples of gospel principles in action.Contributors to this volume include past and present members of the First Presidency, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Quorum of the Seventy, presiding bishopric, general Relief Society presidency, general Young Women Presidency, and general Primary presidency.

    But when a celebrated scholar arrives by ship from another part of the world with a beauty training program of his own, things change dramatically in Jane's little town. Follow Jane's journey to overcome the scholar's deceits and stay true to the King's training program

    In the first of three volumes spanning the entire Hebrew Bible, David Bokovoy dives into the Penateuch, showing how and why textual criticism has led biblical scholars today to understand the first five books of the Bible as an amalgamation of multiple texts into a single, though often complicated narrative; and he discusses what implications those have for Latter-day Saint understandings of the Bible and modern scripture.

    A fresh focus on our relationships with God and other people can transform our understanding and experience of the Latter-day Saint gospel basics of faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. In this book, Samuel M. Brown highlights continuity between the gospel’s first principles and ordinances and the highest ordinances of LDS temple worship. After encountering his tapestry woven of personal stories, scripture, LDS history, and perspectives of other religious traditions, you’ll never read the Fourth Article of Faith the same way again.

    Many young Latter-day Saints are probably unsure about the true meaning of the sacrament and why we attend. With this in mind, bestselling author John Bytheway has composed a delightful poem (inspired by a short poem by Walter H. Horne) to help Latter-day Saints young and old appreciate the ordinance of the sacrament. In particular, children will learn what they should be thinking about (and not be thinking about) during this sacred time as well as what the sacrament can do for all of us.Beautifully illustrated by Nathan Pinnock, this thought-provoking story about a young boy and his grandpa is a gentle reminder about the importance of remembering the Lord Jesus Christ, especially during this special meeting meant for Him.

    We live in a very dangerous world that threatens those things that are most spiritual, writes President Boyd K. Packer. The adversary is about. His objective is to cause injury.But there is a place of strength and peace, a true refuge from the storm. In this powerful book, President Packer discusses the priesthood, the family, and the Church, three important forces that, working together, create a haven from the world. The gospel of Jesus Christ enables individuals to become exalted by being part of eternal families, he writes. The gospel contains the purpose, the doctrine, and the plan. The priesthood is the power and the authority. The Church has the means and organization. The exalted, eternal family is the end of the gospel plan.This apostolic counsel will help you build an unshakable foundation for eternity by strengthening your understanding of core doctrine regarding the priesthood, the family, and the Church.

    It doesn't matter what question, trial, or success we experienceeach traces back to a choice. At any given moment, we can choose to doubt, fear, worry; to be prideful, angry, depressed, or miserableor we can choose to move forward. We can choose to be a light. We can choose to be happy. The choice is always ours, and each choice can be a step forward on the path of life we want for ourselves.The life lessons learned by Olympic athlete Noelle Pikus Pace can equip each of us to turn daily choices and challenges into opportunities for growth. In her warm and relatable style, Noelle shares touching personal stories and teaches how these experiences can help us keep a healthy perspective on the things that matter most. She helps us to see that though all of our goals and trials are different, we each can choose to become the best versions of ourselves one day at a time.Covering topics from letting go of expectations and pressures to finding a healthy life balance, from standing up for ourselves to standing for righteousness, world champion Noelle Pikus Pace infuses readers with the enthusiasm and confidence to get a little closer to their goals each and every day.

    Female disciples were frequently described as devout believers who eagerly served and sacrificed as they followed Christ. Amid repressive traditions that so often marginalized or restricted women to lesser roles, Jesus saw them as individuals with agency to choose how they would use their unique gifts.In this well-researched and richly-illustrated companion volume to Women of the Old Testament, author Camille Fronk Olson focuses on many of these remarkable women and explores how they were influenced by Jesus Christ and His gospel. From His beloved mother, to a quiet woman in a crowd, to two sisters both desiring to serve the Lord in their own way, each bore a powerful witness of the Savior before and during His earthly ministry. Others, like Lydia, Phebe, and Prisca, helped to proclaim truth and spread the gospel after His Resurrection. With a "Points to Ponder" section at the end of each chapter and exquisite paintings created especially for this volume, Women of the New Testament provides a unique look at women whose examples of faith and devotion still inspire us today.

    . . Dad . . . Dad . . . DAAAD . . .HANK! Finally he heard her and turned to see what she wanted. She looked at me with a little attitude, hands on her hips, and said "Dad, wake up from your phone!" Then she turned around and left.In this enlightening talk, Hank Smith tackles a problem that can affect all of us in one form or another if were not careful. Whether our challenge is an obsession with phones, video games, social media, the Internet, or other kinds of technology, the results can be equally devastating. Hank quotes Elder David A. Bednar, who says, "Sadly, some in the Church today ignore things as they really are and neglect eternal relationships for digital distractions, diversions, and detours that have no lasting value."Using stories, scriptures, and quotes from Church leaders, Hank shares a timely message that will bless both teenagers and their parents.

    The beautifully illustrated book is designed for anyone wanting to understand more clearly the history of the Church and its ties to the Doctrine and Covenants. The format--with word helps, illustrations, photos, maps, explanations, and brief commentaries--will be familiar to all who have loved the perennial bestseller "The Book of Mormon for Latter-day Saint Families, which was created by the same team of writers. Bring to life for your family the priceless stories, events, people, and scriptures of the Restoration

    

    Ridges brings the books of Exodus through Ruth to life with his well-known teaching skills. In addition, he provides some direction and helps for understanding 1 Samuel through Proverbs. In-the-verse notes provide a highly effective, unique teaching tool. Notes between the verses provide additional insights and teach principles and doctrines. Join the tens of thousands of readers who have experienced spiritual growth from reading and pondering the books in this series. A Powerful Study Guide • Quickly gain a basic understanding of this portion of the Old Testament with the help of brief notes within and between the verses, accompanied by bolding for teaching emphasis. Example: Ruth 2:8 8  Then said Boaz unto Ruth, Hearest thou not, my daughter? [In other words, are you listening?] Go not to glean in another field, neither go from hence [don’t go anywhere else], but abide [stay] here fast by [close by] my maidens [my servant girls]: • Transfer these brief notes into your own scriptures to increase your understanding now as well as in the future. A Quick Reference • Quickly get help for specific verses or chapters. • Review for a lesson, talk, or family night discussion."

    You can be smarter. This entertaining book shows how knowing the enemy can help you be a righteous warrior in your own life. Any discussion of bad guys has to begin with “in the beginning.” From Genesis to Revelation, you’ll get the dirt on the dastardly deeds perpetrated by Bible characters ranging from the truly villainous to the temporarily wayward. Weaving together gospel truth and humor, Dennis Gaunt shows that you can’t have a great story without a great bad guy—and that by studying and knowing the mistakes that biblical bad guys made, we can avoid falling into similar perilous traps. This entertaining and inspiring book also wraps up each chapter with thoughtful questions that invite readers to ponder and apply in their own lives the spiritual lessons from these fascinating stories.

    Declaring that answers to our questions always are found in the doctrines and principles of the restored gospel, he provides a framework in this book for learning those doctrines and understanding with our hearts. Act in Doctrine - In Act in Doctrine, Elder David A. Bednar shares key insights to help close the gap between what we know and how we act. “The essential first step in reducing the disparity between gospel knowledge and righteous behavior is learning about and emulating the character of Christ,” he writes.Power to Become - In Power to Become, Elder David A. Bednar explores how the Savior makes possible His divine commission, "Therefore I would that ye should be perfect even as I, or your Father who is in heaven is perfect" (3 Nephi 12:48).Chapters in this thought-provoking book highlight the importance of the Atonement, the spiritual gift of personal peace, the importance of priesthood ordinances, and the responsibility we have to obey willingly and endure valiantly.

    When we enter His holy house, the Lord teaches us through symbols so we can understand and retain more of the sacred instruction provided there. In this book, David J. Ridges not only helps us find these symbols within temple walls, but he brings to light profound symbolism as found in ancient Israel’s tabernacle worship and elsewhere in scripture. As you understand the symbols explained in this book, your experience will be redefined with deeper meaning.

    Matthew Christensen compiles Joseph’s accounts with those from his contemporaries into one narrative. Gain fresh insight into this most important of events with this beautifully designed and illustrated keepsake.

    At the very least, most Christians know what it is like to end up on the "wrong" side of a"politically correct" conversation. More than ever before, we needbelieving and behaving disciples- men and women who are ready tostand up, stand together, and change the world one righteous choiceat a time.Filled with personal experiences and heartwarming stories, this bookemphasizes the importance of living in accordance with Christianvalues seven days a week and offers practical suggestions for how toactually pull it off. In addition to finding personal peace and havinga positive impact on others, choosing to live as a daily disciple opensthe door for tremendous personal development.

    It contains writing assignments for each of the 32 units. It also contains insights, images, and doctrines and principles to help students with their individual study.

    New ways of thinking, practical strategies, and real life examples make this book a must read life changer.

    Understanding its origin and development through the experiences of Wilford Woodruff will answer questions posed by individuals inside and outside of the Church. What is the relationship of temple ordinances and Old Testament rituals? Why have some ordinances been discontinued? Why did married women choose to be sealed to Joseph Smith? What is priesthood adoption? When were proxy ordinances introduced?Many books and articles address a specific temple ordinance or a period of time in Mormon history, but the development of all temple ordinances has never been included in a single volume - until now.Jennifer Mackley's meticulously researched biographical narrative chronicles the development of temple doctrine through the examination of Wilford Woodruff's personal life. The account unfolds in Woodruff's own words, drawn from primary sources including journals, discourses, and letters. Mackley elucidates the doctrine's sixty-year progression from Old Testament practices of washings and anointings in the 1830s, to the endowment, sealings, and priesthood adoptions in the 1840s, through all of the vicarious ordinances for the dead in the 1870s, to the sealing of multigenerational families in the 1890s. Her narrative is enhanced by 120 archival images (some previously unpublished), as well as extensive footnotes and citations for the reader's further study. More information can be found at www.wilfordwoodruff.info.

    Whether offering cleansing forgiveness through repentance, providing the enabling power of strength in times of need, or building a stronger foundation of faith, the Atonement touches every part of our lives.Filled with Mercy is an invitation to spend a little time every day pondering the transcendent doctrine of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its role in our individual lives. Each page contains bite-sized insights of daily wisdom from dozens of trusted authors and Church leaders, including Joseph Smith, Eliza R. Snow, Brigham Young, James E. Talmage, Truman G. Madsen, Neal A. Maxwell, and others.As Elder Richard G. Scott explained, "There is an imperative need for each of us to strengthen our understanding of Christ's Atonement so that it will become an unshakable foundation upon which to build our lives." Filled with Mercy offers guidance, hope, and prophetic insight for those seeing to draw closer to the Lord and to deepen their understanding of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

    Adapted from her talk given in April 2014 at the General Women's Session of Conference "Sisterhood: Oh, how we need each other".

    Trust Him. Rely on Him, and you will find that all you suffer will turn to your good. In the early hours of Christmas Eve, 2006, Gary Ceran’s life took a tragic turn when the car carrying his family of six was struck by a drunk driver, killing his wife and two of his children. Following this shattering loss, the story of the Ceran family grabbed the hearts of the public—and Gary’s frank forgiveness of the driver served as an incredible example of Christlike charity. In this inspirational personal account of the path from heartbreak to hope, Gary Ceran shares his realization that the Lord not only prepared him for the trials he would face but also healed him from his sorrow and blessed him abundantly. With incredible grace, He Can Heal reminds readers that it is through the gospel of Jesus Christ that tragedy can be overcome and hope can prevail.

    For example, Ammon loves to do chores around the house (just like he loved helping King Lamoni with his horses), and Nephi doesn't complain when it's time to go to bed (just like he didn't complain when his father Lehi asked him to do hard things). Family home evening ideas and activities are also featured. Who's Your Hero? is ideal for starting children early on to love the Book of Mormon.This first volume has nine heroes, spanning from 1 Nephi through mid Alma. NEPHI Never Complains LEHI'S FAMILY Holds Fast to the Word of GodENOS Prays SincerelyKING BENJAMIN & His People Commit to Christ (NEW)ABINADI Shows CourageALMA ApologizesAMULEK & ALMA CooperateAMMON Loves to ShareABISH Acts on Inspiration (NEW)

    Manual for student for the study of the New Testament

    His vigilante actions quickly elevate him to hero status once his mug shot and the mall security video hit the news, but even worse, his dormant PTSD has been awakened, affecting his marriage and the lives of everyone around him. His ultimate solution is a spiritual journey that leads him to some extraordinary people who will change everything.

    Now, our understanding is deepened and enlivened by this beautifully illustrated depiction of God's eternal plan for His children. In her unique, richly textured style, fine artist Annie Henrie offers a visual interpretation of the plan of salvation, including pre-earth life, the Creation, the Fall of Adam and Eve, life on earth, the spirit world, the Atonement and the Resurrection, and the kingdoms of glory. Accompanied by text from the scriptures, each exquisite image testifies of God's love for us and of His plan of happiness.

    Do you underestimate the power of prayer? This daily guide, with insights from General Authorities, scriptures, personal experiences, and commentary, will enrich and empower your prayers.

    The collection of eighty-eight documents found in this third volume of the Documents series of The Joseph Smith Papers sheds light on the formative events of this period, as well as the challenges Joseph Smith faced as he sought to gather church members and establish a city of Zion in Missouri. Included in the volume are minutes, revelations, letters, architectural and city plans, priesthood licenses, legal documents, and an effort to classify the scriptures by topic. Accompanied by extensive historical annotation, the documents in this volume have been transcribed to the highest standards of documentary editing. Together, they illustrate the challenges Joseph Smith faced in leading a church that stretched across the country, as well as his unfolding vision of expanding the church and establishing Zion. Covering topics ranging from heavenly visitations to violent opposition, these documents provide a deeper understanding of Joseph Smith’s life and the religious movement he started.

    The collection of eighty-eight documents found in this third volume of the Documents series of The Joseph Smith Papers sheds light on the formative events of this period, as well as the challenges Joseph Smith faced as he sought to gather church members and establish a city of Zion in Missouri. Included in the volume are minutes, revelations, letters, architectural and city plans, priesthood licenses, legal documents, and an effort to classify the scriptures by topic. Accompanied by extensive historical annotation, the documents in this volume have been transcribed to the highest standards of documentary editing. Together, they illustrate the challenges Joseph Smith faced in leading a church that stretched across the country, as well as his unfolding vision of expanding the church and establishing Zion. Covering topics ranging from heavenly visitations to violent opposition, these documents provide a deeper understanding of Joseph Smith’s life and the religious movement he started.

    But Randal Wright demonstrates how you can use experiences from your life to make better decisions, feel increased gratitude, recognize your strengths and weaknesses, more easily prepare talks and lessons, create a personal history for your posterity, and find God in your daily life. Make the world around you—every minute of every day—your classroom.

    Arranged thematically, it covers the highlights of Nibley's best thinking and writing on everything from the Creation, through ancient people, times, and documents, to modern-day prophets and righteous living today. Two features give great insight into the man and his life's work: a very personal life sketch about Hugh Nibley written by his grandson, and an introduction about Nibley's contribution to LDS literature and scholarship, his unique dynamic within the Church, and his abiding testimony. With highlights drawn from nearly 10,000 pages of the Collected Works of Hugh Nibley, The Essential Nibley shows how Nibley continues to give thinkers something to believe in and believers something to think about, even today.

    

    As Ally tries to move forward in her life, her past keeps pulling her back, and she wonders if she will ever find true love again. Only holding onto hope can help Ally find the peace she’s seeking.

    Understand the scriptures like never before and glean even more insights with these brand-new features: -Colored text to easily distinguish between scripture and commentary -Full-color illustrations -Plenty of room for taking notes -Two volumes in a protected display box This beautiful gift edition is perfect for teachers, instructors, and personal and family scripture study. If you loved The New Testament Made Easier before, you will treasure this timeless edition of David Ridges's award-winning series.

    "Body Image Breakthrough" breaks down body image issues so you can live each day as Heavenly Father intended.

    History is filled with accounts of women who have overcome incredible odds and accomplished great deeds. We can read about some of them in ancient scriptural texts—prophetesses, priestesses, queens, wives of prophets, and daughters of kings. Most women will not obtain any such title, and they may easily conclude that they’ll never have these types of responsibilities while on earth. But even if they’re not numbered among the higher profile women of past or present, women must understand that they have a calling that supersedes any who’s who list and tops every worldly accolade or prestigious title: They are divine women. They are noble daughters of God.As we study the divine women who have gone before us and how they handled their various callings and duties, both small and lofty, women will soon recognize the divinity within themselves. The choices that may seem insignificant today have eternal importance, in which a woman’s daily tasks and decisions create the warp and weft of their own souls, and the souls of those they influence. As the nature of divinity slowly weaves itself together through faith and endurance, women will come to understand just how noble and precious their heritage is and how they might serve best in the divine roles with which each has been entrusted.