The Power of “Ponderizing”

Even in the midst of our busy lives, we can be spiritually enlightened by “ponderizing” the scriptures daily. When our lives get hectic, it’s tempting to put scripture study on the back burner. We might skim over a few verses before bed or just skip our scripture study altogether. Either way, we… Continue reading

The Joseph Smith Papers: Preserving Precious History

writing on old page

The Joseph Smith Papers project is one of the most significant ongoing projects the Church has ever taken on to preserve its history. Find out how historians are making it happen.  Have you ever tried reading old family records? These records can be nearly impossible to read. The ink is… Continue reading

Reveling in Paradox

bee on flower

When it comes to your faith, don’t shy away from paradox—embrace it.  A honeybee is a dangerous creature. It can effectively poison its predators by stinging them, but not without losing its own life. Why does such a creature exist? Why did the process of natural selection not continue to… Continue reading

Before the Doctrine and Covenants

glasses on scriptures

The “Revelation Books” preceded what we now know as the Doctrine and Covenants. Thanks to these books, the path for publishing modern revelation was open.   As the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joseph Smith was given power by God to translate the golden plates… Continue reading

Contest Winner: Of Ducks and Destinies

an orange duck standing on grass

Although we might prefer our lives be as neat and cozy as a duck pond in a manicured garden, we must navigate the wilderness of uncertainty guided by the Spirit if we are to discover our personal promised lands. While hurrying home one October day, I was struck by the… Continue reading

Understanding the Book of Mormon’s Translation

Though translating with a seer stone may seem odd, what matters most is that the Book of Mormon was translated by the power of God. Never-before-seen pictures of Joseph Smith’s first seer stone are found in “Joseph the Seer” in the October 2015 Ensign and Liahona. Assistant Church Historian Richard… Continue reading

What’s the Secret to Scripture Study?

We often feel like there’s no time for meaningful scripture study. Even when there is time, we may be lost as to how to make the most of it. Joseph Fielding McConkie—son of Bruce R. McConkie, grandson of Joseph Fielding Smith, and longtime professor of ancient scripture at BYU—tells of… Continue reading

What Does It Mean to Be the “Seed of Abraham”?

dandelion seed

Often we are reminded that we are connected to the prophets of old, but how? And why does that matter? If you’ve ever tuned out at the words “seed of Abraham,” this article is for you. With modern-day advances in technology, transportation, and daily living, and the centuries that separate… Continue reading

Discover Your Own Path: Steps from Jesus Christ’s Young-Adult Years

group on top of mountain

Jesus doesn’t just understand young-adult life, he has lived it—perfectly. When we imagine the Savior, we typically visualize him as an adult––full beard, broad shoulders, and traces of wrinkles showing the joys and sorrows of 33 years. Kent F. Richards instead paints us a portrait of Jesus during his young-adult… Continue reading

A New Look at an Old Text: Viewing the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants Online

three young men on a tablet, smiling and looking at things

Flip through an original copy of an 1835 version of the Doctrine and Covenants online and find amazing history in its pages. Looking for a new way to study the Doctrine and Covenants? The Joseph Smith Papers Project has made available a free online version of the 1835 Doctrine and… Continue reading