Third Hour

Here's to all the amazing mothers out there—if you are having a day when one of these GIFs seems way too applicable, just remember that Russell M. Nelson stated, "the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother." Enjoy! When your child starts screaming in sacrament meeting. Getting a call from one of your kids on date night when they just want to tattle on a sibling. And you know the other sibling is wrestling them to get the phone back. When you clean a room and walk away, but five minutes later you come back and it looks like a tornado has hit. When your child forgot to mention that they were giving a talk in Primary Sunday morning, and it's Saturday night. That moment when the timer on the oven didn't actually get started. When you don't drink alcohol, but you know a juice box isn't going to cut it. Speeding to the church so your kids make it to activity days/scouts/mutual on time. When you get your kid to actually eat... View the full article

As you already know, former President George H. W. Bush passed away a few days ago. During his funeral service on Wednesday in the Washington National Cathedral, the congregation recited the Apostles' Creed. Some people call it a prayer. To others, it's simply a statement of belief. To Episcopalians and some others, it's as normal and common as reciting the pledge of allegiance was back in elementary school for most of us. Former presidents Carter, Clinton, and Obama were present. They recited the prayer along with most everyone else. President Trump and his wife, Melania, were amongst the few who remained silent. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GggdLB0pxw The silence caused quite a controversy within the Twittersphere. Some backed up the president and many criticized his behavior (as is apparent from the title of the video above). https://twitter.com/keithboykin/status/1070376816131694593 https://twitter.com/LPensley/status/1070926226947158017 https://twitter.com/ktlatx/status/1070792715359711232 https://twitter.com/ml42273/status/1070794760997298176 This article isn't about the rightness or wrongness of what President Trump did. In the arena of important world issues, this one is far down the list. However, the scenario does prompt an interesting hypothetical question. If you, as a member... View the full article

It's crazy how much heartbreak can feel like physical, tangible pain. At least, that was my experience when I went through my first breakup. I was the one who was broken up with, and I wondered if I'd ever find anyone better, if I'd ever be more attracted to someone, if I would ever truly be happy with anyone else. The short answer? Yes. Looking back now, I can see that the breakup was for the best and that there was someone much better for me out there — but at the time, it just felt like there was a hole in my chest that would never be filled. Although no breakup is enjoyable, I truly believe that the absolute worst and most painful breakups are the ones that are unexpected, leaving you blindsided because you felt like God told you that you should marry your now-ex. What if They're My One and Only? In a BYU devotional, Dr. Thomas B. Holman said: "Let me make two things clear about what is meant by “the right person.” First,... View the full article

As this article deals with the highly beloved Lord of the Rings trilogy, I figured it'd only be right that I write the remainder of it in one of the two Elvish languages created by J.R.R. Tolkien. I'm so devoted to my work, I amaze even myself. So here goes — my first thought is this: "Ni pole-'t believe tar na- a translator an sina," which translates roughly to, "I can't believe there's a translator for this." Okay, forget it; this Quenya language is way too hard. (Although, to be fair, I'm just barely getting the hang of this "English" thing.) But really, how amazing is it that Tolkien was able to create an entire world and language all on his own? It's a fact that many critics of the Book of Mormon have used to denounce that scripture's historical authenticity. If Tolkien could create a fictional world filled with different and complex people, geographies, wars, and cultures, Joseph Smith could've done the same... Right? Wrong — at least if a recent BYU... View the full article

This article was originally published on maisfe.org by Inaê Leandro on December 4, 2018. It was then translated into Spanish. This is a translation of the Spanish iteration. The entire world knows her face. Many know her name, but few know that she's a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Did you know? https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq3IZWfhJz1/?utm_source=ig_embed Last Sunday, December 1, Chloe was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ. She lives in the United States, but her meme is famous throughout the world. It was a special and important day for Chloe, and you can see pictures of it on the joint Instagram account she shares with her sister. Their Instagram account has more than 600 thousand followers. Chloe and her older sister, Lily, have had plenty of internet success. It all started thanks to one video that was published online of their mother surprising them with a trip to Disneyland. If you haven't seen it, here it is: https://youtu.be/NGhuLkjl4iI Congratulations to Chloe for making such an important life decision! From Latter-day Saints and fans from... View the full article

It can feel like the air has been completely squeezed out of you; like your world has turned upside down and fallen apart all at the same time. When the shock of it subsides, the pain of it still resonates long after. It can be hard to cope when someone we love decides to leave The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After seeing some of my friends and family leave the Church, I have learned a few things about what we should do. Don't Let Anger Get the Best of You After the shock is gone, many who experience a loved one leaving the Church begin to feel angry. You may feel angry towards God, towards the loved one, or even towards yourself. You might feel justified in your anger, but being angry can create rifts and schisms in your relationships. Anger is a secondary emotion. That means that when you're angry, your anger is really a mask for another deeper, primary emotion you're feeling. healthypsych.com says: Typically, one of the... View the full article

We have patiently waited and at long last the time has come! Thanksgiving is over, and it is now socially acceptable to start playing Christmas music! Huzzah! (I'm gonna be honest though, I have already been playing Christmas music since the end of October...) Buckle your seatbelts ladies and gents because we have picked out just a few of the BEST Christmas covers by artists who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Enjoy! 1. Carol of the Bells by Lindsey Stirling https://youtu.be/EKkzbbLYPuI Not only does Lindsey Stirling kill this performance, but the music video also blows me away every time I watch it—absolutely beautiful! 2. What Child is This?/I Wonder As I Wander by GENTRI https://youtu.be/Da0QDakkYO0 Two unique songs are molded perfectly into one with this performance by The Gentlemen Trio. 3. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year by BYU Vocal Point https://youtu.be/GrSdrhsWjrM Looking for something more upbeat that you can dance to? This is the song for you! 4. Oh Come All Ye Faithful by the Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square and... View the full article

One of the best things we inherited from our Heavenly Father is the desire and ability to be creative. It is a way for us to grow spiritually and develop our talents. Our own President Henry B. Eyring is a great example of how rewarding it is to embrace creativity. He has decades of journals that document his memories and impressions of God's influence in his life. And though he has had little formal training, President Eyring has painted multiple beautiful watercolors that demonstrate his gratitude and love for family and friends. "My motivation in all of my varied creative work seems to have been a feeling of love. . . . I felt the love of a Creator who expects His children to become like Him—to create and to build." - President Eyring Kathy and Elizabeth, a watercolor by Henry B. Eyring (via history.lds.org) Some of President Eyring's journals and watercolors are available to view at a Church History Museum exhibition titled "A Visual Journal: The Artwork of Henry B. Eyring" that's running... View the full article

A man armed with knives injured four Latter-day Saint church members in Goiânia, Brazil. The 28-year-old entered a chapel in the Aparecida de Goiânia area during a Sunday morning service around 10:30 a.m. on December 2nd, 2018. The man stabbed at least two worshipers and apparently hit two others... Eyewitnesses reported the man stuck his foot in the door, entered the chapel, and told the congregation, "Everybody's going to die," and began stabbing those at the front of the crowd" (Newsweek). One of the injured members tried to subdue the attacker. Deseret News states, "The man stabbed at least two worshipers and apparently hit two others" Photo: Bill Guerra Mochilink via Fox13News Afterwards, footage was released showing the suspect being taken into custody by local police. Those injured, a 31-year-old, 33-year-old, 40-year-old, and 42-year-old are receiving medical attention. The hospital released the 31-year-old and transferred he 33-year-old to another hospital to receive vascular surgery from a wrist injury. Information on the other two victims is unavailable. According to Sergeant Willian Moraes, the man watched a... View the full article

I truly believe that all of us, at some point or another, will struggle with our faith. Whether it stems from Church history, a Church policy you don't understand or agree with, or simply feeling like you never received that lightbulb moment you've longed for, each of us is going to be faced with questions and concerns. Having questions or concerns or even doubts doesn't make you unfaithful. It doesn't mean that you're doing something wrong, and it certainly doesn't mean you should abandon everything you've loved and lived for because your testimony is struggling. What it does mean is that you've reached the point in your life when your faith is really going to count. After all, what's the purpose of faith if not to carry us through something we don't understand? One of my favorite quotes from Jane Eyre come's from the novel's heroine, Jane. When the man she loves tempts her to do something she feels is wrong, she replies: "Laws and principles are not for the times when there is... View the full article

As Christmas nears, most people are now in the middle of their gift shopping. This season also brings a greater emphasis on acts of service—both big and small. What if I told you that you could get your Christmas shopping done and do a little good for others at the same time? It's easier than you may think! How? Consider shopping with some companies that donate their proceeds, time, or resources to those who need it. Without further ado, here are nine great places to find gifts that give back to our communities: 1. Out of Print Only the best advice from Hermione Granger. If you have a friend whose nose is constantly behind a book, Out of Print is the place to go for them. With each purchase of bookish clothing and accessories, they donate books and support literacy programs around the world. And the best part? They have an entire section dedicated to Harry Potter. 2. Pure Vida Bracelets Colorful bracelets that support various causes make for the best gifts! Every bracelet... View the full article

I am a really impatient person. When I was younger and I didn't want to be late for an activity, I would go wait out in the car. (Mind you, I was unable to drive at this point in my life.) If I didn't think a family member was moving fast enough, I would usually end up honking the horn or yelling from the garage for them to get a move on. I know, I know, not my finest moments. While I am still not a perfectly patient person, I have considerably improved since then. Patience is a process that I will continue to be improving upon throughout my life. If you, like me, struggle at times with patience—whether it be with yourself, family members, or your circumstances—here are a few quotes to help you remember the importance of developing patience. Neil A. Maxwell "Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the 'process... View the full article

Opening a mission call is one of the most exciting things Latter-day Saint young adults will do. After finding out where they're going, preparing missionaries want to find out all they can about the area. Now, learning about your particular mission has been made easier through an app called Lifey. Lifey allows returned missionaries to give advice and inspiration to preparing missionaries through short videos posted to the app. It's a great way to learn what to expect and get excited. How did Lifey begin? The concept began when Alex Balinski felt inspired to look into BYU's Broadcast Journalism program in 2006. He felt like Heavenly Father wanted him to do something related to videos. Alex started the Prepare to Serve YouTube Channel in 2012 after serving a mission. During that time, he interviewed hundreds of returned missionaries about their experiences. Since then, the idea has expanded to include video resources about other aspects of life in addition to missions. People can now view and contribute to videos about health, religion, cities,... View the full article

On Thursday, November 15, I attended a fascinating presentation given by Steven Densley at the Jordan Event Center. Densley had recently returned from a trip to Egypt and presented on the symbolism of the Egyptian temples and tombs. As I listened to Densley’s presentation, one line he said particularly resonated with me: “It all seems very familiar." Steven Densley Now, there’s no way for me to relate everything Densley said about Ancient Egyptian temples—all I can give is a watered-down synopsis. I won't be focusing on the temple worship of Latter-day Saints (sometimes erroneously called Mormons), but, as you read, you should keep your own temple worship in mind. I hope also that you can learn something new about your own temple worship by learning about the temple worship of those who lived so long ago. Do Our Rituals and Ordinances Ever Change? Jesus institutes the sacrament during the Passover. We might think they don't, for how could something so central to the gospel as a religious ritual ever change? But the reality is... View the full article

I don't know about you, but sometimes coming up with fun FHE ideas is a struggle, especially in the wintertime when it is freezing outside! So instead of doing the same activity over and over again, here are a just a few random ideas to inspire you. And if you are someone who thinks that FHE is not for you, President Monson once stated, "We cannot afford to neglect this heaven-inspired program [family home evening]. It can bring spiritual growth to each member of the family, helping him or her to withstand the temptations which are everywhere." This is applicable not only to parents and their children, but also to young single adults around the world. Outdoor Activities If your FHE group is feeling particularly bold and willing to brave the freezing winter weather, here are a few fun ideas. Ice skating Snowman building competition/sledding (if you have snow) Go to different places that have Christmas lights and then rank which place has the best lights. Indexing Night Now before you completely disregard... View the full article

This article originally appeared in the Daily Herald. The walls of the James E. Talmage Math Sciences/Computer Building is a who’s who of the last two decades in animation. Posters hang for everything from “Up,” to “Coco” and “Frozen,” each poster containing a cluster of signatures. A towering statue of Po, the eponymous panda from the Kung Fu Panda franchise, poses in a lobby, ready to fight any evil kung fu masters. What the Brigham Young University Center for Animation is known for depends on which studio you ask. DreamWorks Animation has dubbed BYU “texture university.” Sony Pictures Animation knows them for their riggers. Blue Sky Studios, the company behind the Ice Age franchise, knows them for their storytelling. BYU’s animation program touts 40 alumni at Dreamworks and 15 at Pixar. And of Pixar’s nine internship spots every summer, out of 1,200 applicants, BYU almost always has at least one student in a slot. In its 18 years, BYU has created a training ground for studios. “There is a direct pipeline, it is... View the full article

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has decided to once again implement giving machines in five different locations. These giving machines present a unique opportunity to serve people around the world, and the amazing part is that 100% of the proceeds are given to charities. Instead of putting money in a vending machine to buy yourself a candy bar or a bag of chips, you can use these giving machines to help donate to those in need. The Church website states: "Using credit cards, people can purchase representations of items like a goat or a chicken, socks, a new pair of school shoes, an eye exam, clean water, baby supplies, first aid kits, medication, and food. After the purchase is complete, the machine vends the item into a bin at the bottom. These donations, and the money used to purchase them, are then distributed to charity partners like CARE, UNICEF, WaterAid, and Water for People." See how these giving machines work in the video below: https://youtu.be/g6KYDthr1iU These giving machines are at... View the full article

Over the years, the leaders of the church have given wise and inspired council bi-annually at General Conference. Although society does change over time, and the messages may seem focused on different themes, it is surprising to see how many older conference talks are very much applicable today. Here are a few that hit home, even decades later: Division in Society "Besides loving God, we are commanded to do what to many is a more difficult commandment—to love all, even enemies, and to go beyond the barriers of race or class or family relationships." David B. Haight, Love All, October 1982 Science vs Religion via Pixabay "I have a positive conviction that God is a reality--that he lives. He is our Heavenly Father, and we are his spiritual children. He created the heaven and the earth and all things upon the earth and is the author of the eternal laws by which the universe is governed." Howard W. Hunter, To Know God, October 1984 Substance Abuse Among Youth via Pixabay "If there are love and unity at home,... View the full article

Unlike last year's #LightTheWorld, which provided daily service ideas, this year's campaign features weekly themes, videos, and corresponding service ideas for the week. Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, spent much of His ministry caring for individuals, one by one. Join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints this Christmas as we follow His example and find ways to share our time, love, and resources with those in need. https://youtu.be/0rI5HHMI-uE https://youtu.be/CAj-z6Sj-RM https://youtu.be/cKJiaqtKno0 https://youtu.be/Szz_tBZ-z-g The Church has also provided FHE ideas for families and has asked members to help start the holiday season with a day of service on December 1st. And now grab your tissues for the first tear-jerker of the season from The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square: https://youtu.be/Krj_9gOdy8k View the full article

1. When They All "Mates Before Dates" But Then... 2. Come Back Game STRONG 3. When She Trynna Ghost You But You See Your Couple Potential 4. Every Family Holiday Ever 5. But At Least You Didn't Announce the Wrong Miss Universe #shade 6. When You Gotta Avoid Eye Contact At All Costs 7. "It's Not Easy Being Green" and/or Single 8. Imma Just Shove That Hand Back Down 9. Because Stanley is Your Spirit Animal10. When You Know They Really Met on Tinder Anyway11. The Real Months of the Year TBH 12. Kevin + Pizza = the Only Bae You Need 13. **What I think I Look Like at 9 a.m. Church 14. The One Who Keeps "Accidentally" Slipping Into His Mission Language... 15. The Struggle is REAL 16. Dang It, Karen! 17. Two Thumbs WAY DOWN 18. When Elder Gong Be Speakin' Right At You 19. Results May Vary 20. When Keanu the Only One Makin' Sense 21. Isn't He Just a Crime-Fighting Beaver? 22. Wisdom Level: Gimli 23. And Why Do They Keep Asking If I Know Someone Else They Can Talk to?? 24. When You Say "Hi"... View the full article

Let's face it, our lives can get pretty challenging at times. Some seem to have it worse than others, going through things I can't even fathom. But you can't live without going through at least a few bitter experiences. That said, people generally approach their challenges differently. Some people, for instance, ask "why me?" when facing adversity. Others ask themselves "what now?" I will examine how these approaches differ, why the latter approach is healthier, and how we can become Saints who ask the latter question. The Problem With the "Why Me?" Approach I know, it can be awfully easy to ask "why me?". But when you ask "why is this happening to me?" you are really comparing yourself to others. In essence, you are asking why this thing you're dealing with couldn't have happened to someone else. You blame God and others for your bad fortune. Envy and jealousy seep in, and you wish ill on others. But something else happens too when you ask "why me." Your already tough experience... View the full article

When I was younger, swear words in novels were absolutely abhorrent. I would take a black pen and scribble over swear words until they were no longer visible. However, I found that when I returned again to read those books, my eyes would be drawn to those blacked-out words, and my mind would instantly recall the word that I originally had intended to hide. So what was the point? Ultimately, the very words I had set out to conceal had become words that I was unable to remove from my mind. Swear Words Are Everywhere When I chose to major in English at Brigham Young University-Idaho, I took certain classes that required us to read novels or other works of literature that contained swear words. I remember one novel in particular that contained at least one swear word, if not multiple, on. Every. Single. Page. Yet, I found that I was able to focus more on the profound lessons I learned from the novel than the specific swear words that were used. Does that... View the full article

Let's be real, who doesn't love looking at baby pictures?! The blessing of babies is really emphasized in Church culture. It is a special day where the baby is given both a name and a blessing. Whether you are someone who meticulously plans for baby blessings or just views them like any other day, here are some of the cutest pictures of babies on their blessing day. 1. What a cute bow tie! https://www.instagram.com/p/BnRGEHvHM9C/ 2. Gotta love the formal attire (complete with a boutonnière). https://www.instagram.com/p/Bnhx7XAh8x-/ 3. As a continuation of the formal attire—look at all her adorable accessories! https://www.instagram.com/p/BpN08uNneBk/ 4. He doesn't look as excited as he should be on his blessing day... https://www.instagram.com/p/BoxW3XJDZlS/ 5. What a sweet smile! https://www.instagram.com/p/BK37E2_gfNd/ 6. Wow, look at those beautiful, big eyes! https://www.instagram.com/p/BEGysDanV44/ 7. Just pray she sleeps through the actual blessing too. https://www.instagram.com/p/Bls9Vi1BTD6/ 8. I wear this same look of confusion every day of my life. https://www.instagram.com/p/BbK9OcWHoLF/ I dare you to find cuter baby photos. *All images used with permission. View the full article

This last week at the elementary school where I teach a lady came in to talk about Thanksgiving with the students. She asked the students if they knew which holiday was coming up. Of course, one student replied “Thanksgiving!” But then I heard another student shout out, “wait, there’s one more—Black Friday!” I silently chuckled at my student’s silly reply: Black Friday—a holiday?! But the bleak reality is that, in a way, Black Friday has become a holiday in our consumptive culture. Black Friday Advertisements monopolize the television and radio, and some people today even look forward to Black Friday more than Thanksgiving! The Irony of it All The irony of Black Friday in the past has been that we supposedly gave thanks on Thursday but the sales of Black Friday crept up on us the next day, and we became obsessed with buying what we didn't have before. But today, Black Friday has become an entirely different beast: today, many stores with sales actually open on Thanksgiving, drawing individuals from their... View the full article

Other than the traditional turkey, we know you probably have some tried and true side dish recipes that show up at your Thanksgiving table each November. You know, the typical: mashed potatoes and gravy, baked yams, canned cranberry sauce, Jello salad, and green bean casserole. Sometimes, though, it's okay to live life on the wild side. Throw caution to the wind. And if you are in the mood to do that this year, here are some incredible and unusual Thanksgiving side dish recipes that will be sure to add pizzazz to your table on turkey day: Loaded Baked Sweet Potatoes by Six Sisters' Stuff via Six Sisters' Stuff Maybe sweet potatoes aren't usually a big favorite at your house. But a non-casserole style dish, baked with a gooey marshmallow topping, might get those non-sweet potato fans to give this one a try. Creamy Corn Casserole by Natalie at Life Made Simple via Life Made Simple Fresh corn, butter, half & half, and Ritz crackers...how can you go wrong? If your kids don't usually eat their veggies,... View the full article