Third Hour

It was a unique day to be a missionary in Northern Mexico—there were clouds in the sky. They were something to look at, and something to invest hope in, but they did little to mask the merciless sun that pounded us day by day. Oh well. On the bright side (no pun intended) I'd have the opportunity to work on the tan developing under my white missionary shirt. In just a few months the shape of a tie would start to highlight itself on my bare chest. But the clouds were still a welcome sight, and it looked like more were already rolling in from the South. Who knows, maybe we'd get lucky. The concrete box we called home. Image via Google Earth (edited). My Peruvian companion and I stepped out of the concrete box we called home, just as we'd done every day for months. It was only 9:30 AM or so. The sun had already begun its workday, so we followed suit. We whisked open our daily planners: Benito,... View the full article

You’re flaky. You just want attention. It’s all in your head. You just need to tough it out. I’ve heard every single one of these things…. But I think if anyone could see the countless hours I’ve spent crying, praying, and lying in bed because even walking around is too painful — well, I think they’d change their tune. It’s a grim picture, but for people with a chronic illness, it’s more than a picture — it’s life. I don’t think anyone would argue that being sick is horrible. It’s exhausting, discouraging, and sometimes makes you wonder if you’ll ever feel normal again. Imagine feeling that way 24/7. Chronic illness is debilitating in so many ways, but sometimes even worse than the physical pain is the emotional pain. Having someone tell you that you’re flaky or that you’re weak when you’re in tremendous pain is like having someone kick you over and over when you’re trying to get up. On the other hand, having someone encourage you and show compassion when you’re struggling... View the full article

OK, so this article is for our readers in the U.S., Philippines, anywhere but the U.K., because those British Commonwealth-ish people know all about this. We didn't when we were lucky enough to get to live an entire year in Dublin. Now we know. So, happy Boxing Day! See if these traditions are adaptable to the ones you have for the day after Christmas (eating leftovers, putting together toys, visiting, recreating). Boxing day is always December 26th and is celebrated mostly in the U.K. and Commonwealth nations such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and also in South Africa. Some European countries have also added the tradition. In Germany, Boxing Day is called "Zweite Feiertag” (which means 'second celebration'). In some other European countries, such as Hungary, Poland, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia, 26 December is celebrated as a Second Christmas Day. The holiday originated in the Middle Ages. People dropped money in "alms boxes" in churches and this is the day those boxes were opened and the contents distributed to the poor.... View the full article

Christmas is finally here and you know what that means — I'm finally allowed to stay in my PJs all day without anyone judging me! It's truly a Christmas miracle, especially because my favorite pair of sweats literally leaves me feeling all warm and fuzzy. But you know what else will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy? These ten stories centered around Christmastime. From a story about a little girl who desperately wants a dress despite her family's less-than-comfortable circumstances to a tale about the cutest ever group of mice that help a distressed tailor (see what I did there?!) make ends meet during the holiday season, these Christmas stories will leave you gooier than a chocolate chip cookie. "A Christmas Dress for Ellen" by Thomas S. Monson Google Book Summary: "What would you do if Christmas was approaching and you had no money? What if your children were dreaming of Christmas stockings filled with treats and gifts, but you had noting to offer them? And then, how would you... View the full article

Mark Rober has sort of become everybody's hero. The BYU grad used to be a NASA engineer (which is cool enough), but he's now using his skills to send a message to local criminals—a very stinky and glittery message. Here's the deal: Nowadays, a lot of people are shopping from home. It's simple, it's easy, it's convenient. What you buy shows up right at your door. BUT we also live in a world where some people seem to think it's OK to just steal packages right off of your doorstep. That's not cool. So, Mark Rober did something about it. Using his engineering genius, he rigged up a fake package. If you open this package, you'll be greeted by a deluge of super-fine glitter flying in every direction. A few moments later, expect a mysterious smell emanating from the package. It's coming from the hidden "fart spray" rigged up inside the contraption. Rober posted the video on his YouTube channel about a week ago. It's since been viewed over 48... View the full article

Church is a spiritual hospital. People are in serious pain. Sometimes, injuries prove to be fatal. Sometimes the Spirit, through the ward, manages to stop the bleeding before faith dies. Those who have the misfortune to frequently visit real hospitals for physical ailments understand that there's nothing more frustrating than being sick, being afraid, being alone, and not getting the treatment you need. That's why so many Latter-day Saints simply can't stand going to church anymore. They're dying, and sometimes we're not acknowledging their wounds. The problem I'm not blaming anyone in particular for the way things are, and I'm not trying to absolve the patient of personal responsibility for their spirituality. What I am saying is that, all too often, people who are suffering spiritually feel severely underrepresented (and therefore, alienated) at church. For example, maybe you're sitting in Sunday School and the teacher leads a discussion about temple worship. Someone comments, "I love the temple. I feel the Spirit so strongly there. Every single time I attend the temple, I receive revelation.... View the full article

As we finish our Sunday School study of the Old Testament, we look at Malachi (tithing, the coming of Elijah), and then suddenly we are at the birth of Christ. We do know that 400 years have elapsed between Malachi and Christ and that it seems there were no prophets in the Holy Land or in Babylon during that time, but we don't picture any changes in the culture during that big empty space. I don't know where you are right now. Whether you are in Salt Lake City or Manilla or Lima, picture the place where you are standing as it existed 400 years ago. Now picture what it might be like 400 years from now. Pretty jarring, right? Well, Christ's world didn't develop technologically at the pace we are now experiencing, but His culture was far different from Malachi's. Right now, I'm going to try to give you a bit about the lay of the land. It's really important for you in understanding the life of Christ. Just... View the full article

There had been heavy losses on both sides of the battlefield. Many Nephites lay dead in the blood-soaked valley near Manti, their helmets split in half by the ferocious Lamanites. But it wasn't just Lamanites who raged against the Nephite battalions. Amalekites and Zoramites had joined the Lamanite cause. In fact, it was they, the apostate Nephites, who had incited the Lamanite attack against their former brethren. But the Nephites had come out on top. Despite fighting "like dragons," the Lamanites were cornered. The Nephite captain, Lehi, stood with his armies on the East bank of the river Sidon. Another Nephite captain, 25-year-old Moroni stood with his armored ranks on the West side of the river, hedging the remainder of the Lamanites between the two armies. Via lds.org. The enemy was surrounded. Among the surviving Lamanites was Zerahemnah, the enemy's dangerously bold leader. Captain Moroni gave the order to stop fighting. The Nephite soldiers pulled back a few paces. The battle was won. Justice had been served. It was mercy's turn.... View the full article

Ether 12:27 is perhaps one of the most misquoted scriptures in the Book of Mormon. This means that many church members are probably misunderstanding the true meaning of weakness, or they are even believing false doctrine. So, what does the word "weakness" actually mean in this verse? And what is God saying? Painting by Arnold Friberg We must first understand the context. Moroni was commanded to continue the record of the Book of Mormon, but he feared the Gentiles would mock the great things of God because of his inability to record them properly. The Lord's response to Moroni was the following: "And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble, and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" (Ether 12:27). "Weakness" Under a Microscope The failure to correctly pronounce this single... View the full article

Just thought I'd post this little Public Service Announcement here in case any of my fellow Latter-day Saints needed a happy reminder (Heaven knows I need it)... https://giphy.com/gifs/mrw-kids-things-uELDhoOZdSnUk 1. There are no conditions on Christ's commandment to love thy neighbor https://giphy.com/gifs/chordoverstreet-chord-overstreet-26FLgGTPUDH6UGAbm It's the second great commandment: "Love thy neighbor." Boy, how we complicate things. We tend to put all sorts of conditions on that admonition. Pretty soon it becomes, "Love thy neighbor, unless they don't look like you, talk like you, or believe as you do." In case there was any confusion, Christ took things one step further: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; It doesn't matter if they're gay, straight, black, white, educated or not, wealthy or not, it doesn't matter how they look, smell, dress, or talk—we're commanded to love them. That troll in the Facebook comments, that bishop who made a huge mistake, the family member who let you... View the full article

Singing Christmas songs and hymns is one of the best parts of the season. Nothing else gets you in the spirit quite like "Jingle Bells" or "Winter Wonderland" (except for maybe a mug of hot chocolate). But sometimes it's hard to hear exactly what the right lyrics are and, as a result, our imaginations fill in the blank. Here are nine common mistakes people make while singing their favorite Christmas songs: 1. "Angels We Have Heard on High" Correct Lyrics: "Gloria... in excelsis Deo..." (This translates to "Glory be to God on high.") 2. "The 12 Days of Christmas" Correct Lyrics: "On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love sent to me, four colly birds..." (Both calling and colly are now common, but colly was the original word.) 3. "Winter Wonderland" Correct Lyrics: "Later on, we’ll conspire, as we dream by the fire..." 4. "Jingle Bells" Correct Lyrics: "Bells on bobtails ring, making spirits bright..." (A "bobtail" is a horse's tail cut short or tied up. Although, "Bob's tail" would still make sense if the horse's name is... View the full article

"Stand ye in holy places, and be not moved." We've read the scripture, we've heard the talks, and we've filed it away somewhere in the "pithy religious one-liners to remember" section of our brains. That's all well and good, but when we revisit the phrase through the lens of sociology, something eye-opening happens. You and I both know you read this GIF in Dexter's voice. The experiment I first read about this experiment in a social psychology class during my first semester as an undergrad at Brigham Young University, and I've never forgotten it. Let's paint a quick picture of what happened in the experiment: Scenario A: It's a nice day outside, and you decide to take a little bike ride down to the local park. You arrive. The sun is shining, the grass is green, and you lock your bike up on a public rack near the park. Behind the rack now full of bikes is a blank concrete wall decorated only with a "No Graffiti" sign. You skip off happily to... View the full article

The average age of exposure to pornography is about eleven-years-old. With the explosion of internet use, phone technology, and apps, people have access to pornographic material like never before. Some may even come across pornography accidentally by misspelling website names because some pornographic sites use common or generic website domains. Access to pornography is literally a click away. Needless to say, access to the internet in today's digital world can be a scary thing, especially for parents. While there should be no substitute for talking to your kids early and often about sex, pornography, and smart internet activity, there are many apps out there that can give you peace of mind. Whether you're trying to overcome a pornography addiction or a parent trying to protect your family from the degrading online material, here are seven apps that can help you safeguard your family from pornography and other harmful internet activity. Net Nanny Website: www.netnanny.com Pricing: $39.99 for one device; $59.99 for five devices; and $89.99 for ten devices. Net Nanny is considered by many to be... View the full article

The story was not a new one. I happened upon a conversation about religion in a Facebook comments section. One user, who we'll call Tony, launched an attack on one of the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Latter-day Saint woman, who we'll call Mary, raised her shield and responded to the accusations. But the conversation gave me pause because both the critic and the Latter-day Saint were missing the mark. Tony believed that because "Church leader" did "X," he must be a false prophet. Mary believed that "Church leader" would never do "X," because he was a prophet. The truth was that both parties failed to understand what "X" really was and what a prophet really is. So what is it that both the critic and the Latter-day Saint had in common? Because of their biases, they took things a little too far, and both had strayed from the actual truth. What does that mean? We believe The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's... View the full article

You probably already celebrate Christmas with many of the typical traditions like baking sugar cookies, putting up a nativity, decorating a tree, and placing out stockings for Santa to fill on Christmas Eve. Have you ever thought about changing things up a little? Here are a few ideas to get you started if you are looking to add new Christmas traditions into your family's holiday routine: 1. Filling Shoes Instead of Stockings—from Germany via Pixabay In America, tradition has Santa filling stockings on Christmas Eve. However, in several European countries, including Germany, St. Nicholas Eve (Dec. 5) is when Santa comes to fill not stockings, but shoes, with candy and treats for the children. 2. Colonel Sanders(?!)—from Japan via flickr Too overwhelmed to think about preparing a Christmas dinner? Adopt this Japanese tradition—eat at Kentucky Fried Chicken! Due to a creative marketing campaign launched several years ago, people in Japan now flock to KFC during the holidays. 3. Letter Cakes—from Holland via www.blessedbeyondcrazy.com Dutch families celebrate St. Nicholas Eve like many of us celebrate the holidays, by... View the full article

The constant social activities and dances. The awkwardness of people like Mr. Collins (you know at least one of them). The emphasis on dating and marriage. Sometimes life in a singles ward can feel like you're smack in the middle of a Jane Austen novel—for better or for worse. Here are 15 times Pride and Prejudice was just too spot on with what it's like being in a singles ward. 1. Attending sacrament meeting for the first time, feeling excited and nervous Wow, it's so quiet! Why is everyone scratching somebody else's back? 2. Trying to introduce yourself and make friends Same, Darcy. Same. 3. Being asked if you want to take home the leftover food from FHE Extra cookies and brownies for daysss! 4. When RMs bring up the good ol' mission "When I was an AP..." 5. Partying it up with your friends at an Institute dance Cha Cha Slide or Cupid Shuffle, anyone? 6. When that one dude mistakes your polite "no, thanks" for "try harder" Don't be a Mr. Collins... just don't. 7. When your friend finally gets their... View the full article

Today, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a change to youth programs based on age-groups. Youth will now progress through Primary, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood Quorums in age-groups, instead of on their birthdays. Youth will progress through Primary, Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood Quorums in age-groups, instead of on their birthdays. Young Women and ordained Young Men are also eligible for limited-use recommends in January of the year they turn 12. Young Men will be eligible for ordination to priesthood offices in January of the year they turn 12,14, and 16. A letter from the First Presidency is available to share in sacrament meetings, and an additional FAQs is also available. Concerning this change, President Russell M. Nelson tweets that this "will help our young people to continue to realize their potential as disciples of Christ." This change will take effect in January of 2019. A couple frequently asked questions are found below: Frequently Asked Questions 1. What is the schedule for age-group progression? Children will typically complete Primary and begin attending Sunday School and the Beehive class... View the full article

Do you want a way to help your children understand what Christmas is truly about? These narratives teach important principles of love, sacrifice, service, and selflessness through easy-to-understand stories. Picture Books A Christmas Dress for Ellen by Thomas S. Monson, illustrated by Ben Sowards I may or may not cry every time I read the ending of this book...but I'm not admitting to anything. Based on a true story, this beautifully illustrated book tells of the struggles of Mary Jeppson, a mother who wants to provide Christmas for her children. Christmas Oranges by Linda Bethers, illustrated by Ben Sowards Be sure to accompany the reading of this story with an orange for your kids! Rose has recently moved to a new orphanage run by a cruel headmaster. Yet the children don't let the headmaster's cruelty ruin their willingness to selflessly sacrifice for the happiness of others. The Little Match Girl retold by David Warner, illustrated by Greg Newbold A retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's classic tale. This version not only includes beautiful illustrations, but also invites readers to take a... View the full article

The science of opening Christmas presents probably isn't something you thought much about growing up, instead turning your thoughts to more "important" matters such as did you get that sweater you asked for? And what did that note that Billy passed to you in history class right before winter break mean, anyway? Could he like you?! And do you like him?? Okay, sorry, went a little too deep into that 10th-grade flashback, but the point is that as a parent, you're suddenly the official enactor of family traditions... And that means that you and your spouse suddenly have to decide how presents are opened on Christmas day: when, where, and how. Obviously there's no hard-and-fast rule about how your family should open Christmas presents, but if you're anything like me, you want to make the Christmas experience more about the Savior and His gift (and how we likewise give to others) than about finally getting that video game console you've been wanting. Luckily, these real-life examples of how families open... View the full article

At the beginning of my mission, I think my least favorite part of missionary service was during the weekly planning session I would hold with my companion, specifically step number 13—companionship inventory. Preach My Gospel tells missionaries to "discuss any challenges that may be keeping your companionship from working in unity or from being obedient. Resolve conflicts." I struggled to communicate the things I wanted them to improve upon. Instead of seeing this as an opportunity for both of us to improve and become more unified, I would become incredibly guilty because I saw it as the time where I had to critique my companions. No matter how I worded it, I felt like I was telling them, "You know what, you stink at *this*, so could you please step it up and change yourself so I don't have to deal with this problem anymore?" So why do we need to learn to communicate? In a world where we become increasingly more attached to life in the digital realm, we may tend... View the full article

As a mother of a large family, I know a thing or two about holiday burnout. Let's be honest, between the Christmas music recitals and cookie exchanges, the handmade gifts and ward Christmas activities, most moms feel the pressure of the upcoming holiday season on or about the day after Thanksgiving (if not sooner). Here are few tips to ward off the holiday stress and increase the Christmas joy: Less is More via Pixabay I always find that kids get overwhelmed with lots of gifts or lots of activities and the items or events lose their significance. In our family, things have always gone much more smoothly when we limit both the presents under the tree and the Christmas get-togethers we choose to attend during the holiday season. In fact, several years ago a friend shared with me the tradition of giving each person three gifts to represent the three gifts the Savior received. In our family, everyone receives "something they want," "something they need," and "something to read." While this... View the full article

Our greatest blessing in this life is Jesus Christ, and we join Christian faiths all over the world to praise Him during the Christmas season. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we seek after anything "virtuous, lovely, of good report, or praiseworthy." (Article of Faith 13) We've already shared with you a list of the Top 11 Christmas Songs by LDS Artists That You NEED to Hear!, but today I want to share some of my top favorite Christmas songs by Christian artists that help me remember Christ not only during Christmas, but all year 'round! 1. "Noel" by Chris Tomlin ft. Lauren Daigle Chris Tomlin and Lauren Daigle sit at the top of my favorite Christian artists and I HIGHLY recommend checking out each of them. You'll understand why this song is at the top once you hear it. It is a GREAT addition to any holiday playlist and will surely give you CHILLS. https://youtu.be/5Vwu-t7QRaE 2. "Here With us" by Joy Williams Another favorite is "Here With Us."... View the full article

Several Latter-day Saint artists recently showcased art at the Inspirational Art Association's annual Christmas Season Art Showcase in Salt Lake City, UT. As stated on their website, the association's mission is to "foster the creation and promotion of inspirational art, to showcase wholesome content, and to extend its influence to individuals, homes and communities throughout the world. We seek to honor the Master Creator by setting a standard of excellence and by uplifting each other and those we serve through our art." We have highlighted a few of the artists whose work was showcased at the exhibition to find out how and why they create inspirational art. Tom Holdman Tom Holdman is the owner of Holdman Studios in Lehi, Utah. Through creating his own stained-glass windows as a young man, Holdman earned enough money to travel to Europe and study the art there. Holdman's work is featured in several temples around the world, and that list continues to grow longer each year. Tom Holdman displays a book featuring his artwork at the Christmas... View the full article

If I'm being honest, I don't particularly enjoy passing the sacrament. Of course, it's a privilege to do it, but I like to spend that time sitting next to my wife. There's something powerful about taking the sacrament together every week. Nonetheless, my rebellious post-BYU facial hair doesn't always discourage a desperate deacon from asking for extra hands. I'm happy to help. And sometimes, passing the sacrament offers me a truly unique and humbling experience: It allows me to see when certain individuals don't take the sacrament. And frankly, I love it when that happens. Don't get me wrong Don't get me wrong, taking the sacrament every week is important. It's a commandment. It's an ordinance. It's a blessing. But when someone doesn't take it, I pause. You've probably experience this as well. You pass the tray of broken bread to someone, and they just keep on passing it down the row. The inevitable question pops into your head, "Yikes! What'd they do to not be worthy of the sacrament?!" That's really a... View the full article

Christmas is a time to remember the birth of our Savior. Christmas is a time to serve others as Christ would have. Christmas is a time to enjoy gathering with family and friends and partaking lots of SUGARY TREATS! Okay, so none of the following recipes is low in the calorie department. But they are SO DELICIOUS! Give one a try and let us know how it wowed your crowd this season! Cranberry Crumble Bars from Mindee's Cooking Obsession Take a typical jam-filled bar cookie and convert it into a delicious holiday treat with the addition of...cranberries! This treat is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. via Mindee's Cooking Obsession Gingerbread Cookie Dip from Oh, Sweet Basil Okay, so the dip may not look as appetizing as a more festive red and green dish, but the taste is. to. die. for. All the pumpkin-spicy, creamy flavor you could ask for. This dip will be gobbled up long before the gingerbread man is! via Oh, Sweet Basil Maraschino Cherry Bars from Creations... View the full article