Third Hour

A recent painting by Utah artist Katie Garner has gone viral on social media with its breathtaking portrayal of an infant's journey from the spirit world, crossing through the veil into mortality. The painting, entitled "Mother to Mother," has received a great deal of attention, striking a chord with mothers in a variety of ways. Utah-based artist, Katie Garner (Courtesy Katie Garner) In a YouTube video about the message behind the painting, Garner admits that even she did not realize the full significance of the piece at first. However, after a period of time, she came to the conclusion that it could easily be interpreted two ways. She says the image can be seen "like the baby is being passed to earth, or like the baby is being passed to heaven." As a result, the painting has been a source of comfort for mothers who have lost children during infancy. Other women have indicated that the artwork also reminds them of the adoption process, with the birth mother placing the... View the full article

Basically since General Conference, the chant "Two hour church! Two hour church!" has been playing a continuous loop in my head, accompanied by disco lights and jazz hands. Yet I've come to realize that focusing only on the shortened block rather than on why the block is being shortened is completely missing the mark — and it all comes down to the Church's new Come, Follow Me resource. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7FGu9thjY6o After the shortened block and inclusion of Come, Follow Me were announced at the beginning of conference, the Church sent out an email to members entitled "Changes Support Balance Between Home and Church." It explained, ". . . we encourage individuals and families to hold home evening and to study the gospel at home on Sunday—or at other times as individuals and families choose. A new resource, Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families, provides ideas for personal scripture study, family scripture study, and home evening." In layman's terms, (not to be confused with Laman's terms... *cackles at own dad joke*) this means that family home evening (FHE) is now... View the full article

I don't know about you, but I feel it's hard to find country songs nowadays that share uplifting messages. It seems like there is a neverending supply of songs that just talk about breakups, drinking, and cowboy boots. I don't know, maybe that's your thing. BUT. If you are in the mood for some classy country songs with inspiring messages, here are just a couple ideas: Life Changes by Thomas Rhett President Thomas S. Monson once stated that "nothing is as constant as change." Despite the changes that time will bring, we must learn to distinguish between "what is important and what is not" (Finding Joy in the Journey). Ain't it funny how life changes / You wake up, ain't nothing the same and life changes / You can't stop it, just hop on the train and / You never know what's gonna happen / You make your plans and you hear God laughing / Life changes, and I wouldn't change it for the world. Angels Among Us by Alabama "From the beginning down through... View the full article

Thanksgiving is the best—you get to eat delicious food, spend time relaxing with family, and did I mention the food?! These gifs basically sum up your average Thanksgiving experience, can you relate? 1. Skipping or eating a small breakfast so you have more room for the real meal. https://giphy.com/gifs/pooh-bear-UEq559dWaFIqI 2. Getting dressed in your stretchiest pants. https://giphy.com/gifs/thanksgiving-food-yay-E2ROlpFTNliik 3. When you are waiting for the food to be ready. https://giphy.com/gifs/hangry-1wJkLCqaClqvu 4. When your parents ask you to help prepare the food. https://giphy.com/gifs/the-office-hiding-B37cYPCruqwwg 5. Trying to deal with all the little cousins that want to play. https://giphy.com/gifs/reaction-2xEzi32w6cLCgmAa6p 6. When someone says they don't like turkey. https://giphy.com/gifs/colbertlateshow-no-stephen-colbert-l2JhLaxhWba6OivE4 7. Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. https://giphy.com/gifs/spongebob-l4pM35VGqeuL4pfvG 8. Waiting for the prayer to end so you can just eat already. https://giphy.com/gifs/booty-PPcJlSeCL6iWI 9. When you are finally allowed to eat. https://giphy.com/gifs/food-glenn-close-face-stuffing-contest-CW4GWW4pJOACs 10. When they bring out the pie. https://giphy.com/gifs/chris-pratt-jimmy-kimmel-rVbAzUUSUC6dO 11. When it's time to clean up. https://giphy.com/gifs/mondays-eBCnpuRGBhQGY 12. When you're going around the table saying what you are thankful for and your sibling steals your answer. https://giphy.com/gifs/UjIgLbgQIRgzK 13. Making sure there is enough food for leftovers. https://giphy.com/gifs/bigbrotherafterdark-5ts13azft7pNTftLwu Bonus video clip: Just remember not to let your kids become friends with the turkey... View the full article

Today MormonNewsroom published the announcement that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will change the recommendation process for new missionaries and offer a variety of ways to serve in order to accommodate missionaries who might not be able to serve full-time away from home. A letter was sent to Church leaders on November 16 to share these changes. "Beginning January 2, 2019, all young men and women in the United States and Canada — including those who may not be able to serve a proselyting mission due to health reasons — will use the same online recommendation process. They will complete recommendation forms, participate in interviews with their local Church leaders and undergo evaluations by medical professionals. Candidates will then receive a call from the president of the Church to serve either a proselyting or service mission." According to Latter-day Saint Apostle Dale G. Renlund, most young people will serve in one of the Church's 407 global missions in order to find, teach and baptize converts. "Those called as service missionaries live at... View the full article

Starting on December 1, 2018, and going until December 25, 2018, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will again be challenging all to participate in the #LightTheWorld initiative. This initiative emphasizes the importance of service and uplifting those around us. Basically, this challenge will help us to live as Christ would live for just 25 short days. Last year, millions of people around the world came together to participate in the challenge, and the original "Light the World" video that the Church put out had around 41 million views. These opportunities to serve helped people across the world recognize their desire to continue to serve throughout the year. In 2017, the Church emphasized doing 25 different acts of service over the course of 25 days. However, unlike last year, instead of doing 25 different kinds of service each day, this year's initiative will focus on four groups in four weeks: Light The World, Light Your Community, Light Your Family, and Light Your Faith. Resources The Church will release social media content... View the full article

The concept of "entitlement" has been a buzzword in the parenting world over the past decade. Experts and parents alike agree that more and more children are expecting to get what they want, when they want—no questions asked. The negative consequences of entitlement range from impatience to narcissism to ingratitude. As parents we recognize that the Lord has asked us to "train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6). If we start early helping children to have a grateful heart, they will become an adult with the same attribute and avoid the entitlement mentality that plagues so many people today. Here are five ways we can help our children become more grateful: 1. Change of Perspective via Pixabay Some children don't understand what they do have until they see what others don't have. Taking some time to chat with your child about the circumstances of people around the world compared to their own will give them perspective on what... View the full article

Two bishops in Paradise, California, are actively ministering to those in their area as Camp Fire continues to cause damage. Although Paradise 1st Ward Bishop Robert Harrison and Paradise 2nd Ward Bishop Troy Mattson have both lost their homes to the fire, they have been busy ensuring their members are okay and directing relief efforts. Bishop Harrison says ninety-five percent of members in his ward have lost their homes. Photo via James Dimmitt Camp Fire continues to wipe out most of Paradise, a town comprised of around 27,000 people. Recently, the death toll has risen from 29 to 48 and around 230 people are "unaccounted for" according to public safety officers. With these numbers and the widespread damage, Camp Fire has now been labeled as California's deadliest wildfire. In the midst of these difficult days, Paradise's Latter-day Saints have been rallying together. They are opening their homes and resources to those who have lost theirs, offering comfort, and working under the direction of Bishop Harrison and Bishop Mattson. Both bishops have been attempting... View the full article

One of the most awe-inspiring things about Church history is that it is so replete with miracles — many of which were performed by the prophet Joseph himself. This particular story, however, chronicles a miraculous healing that was delegated by Joseph Smith to Wilford Woodruff. By using a handkerchief as prompted by the Lord's prophet, Wilford Woodruff was able to heal two babies in need. Truly, by "small and simple things are great things brought to pass" (Alma 37:6). In his journal, Wilford Woodruff recorded about the event: "A man of the world, knowing of the miracles which had been performed, came to [the Prophet Joseph] and asked him if he would not go and heal two twin children of his, about five months old, who were both lying sick nigh unto death. They were some two miles from Montrose. The Prophet said he could not go; but, after pausing some time, he said he would send some one to heal them; and he turned to me and said: “You go with the... View the full article

To be completely honest, I don't really need a lot of help getting pumped for Thanksgiving — just the words "stuffing" and "pumpkin pie" send little shivers of excitement up my spine. My dreams are filled with visions of buttery rolls, candied sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce. Stretchy pants, here I come! Okay, but the actual thanksgiving part of Thanksgiving? Clearly, I could use a little help in that department. So in order to get myself in the Thanksgiving mindset, I've compiled a list of ten talks that help me (and hopefully you, too! And U2, if they're reading this...) to focus on what I'm thankful for this Thanksgiving season — and to recognize the blessings that I have all year round. 1. "Gratitude: A Path to Happiness" by Bonnie D. Parkin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W2vgpnCn-Ag Talk snippet: "Gratitude requires awareness and effort, not only to feel it but to express it. Frequently we are oblivious to the Lord’s hand. We murmur, complain, resist, criticize; so often we are not grateful. In the Book of Mormon,... View the full article

Recently I was reading one of George Handley's novels, titled American Fork, when I came across a character who felt estranged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The character, Zacharias Harker, explains one of his dilemmas with the Church in the following way: I told him of the miracles I heard about growing up and not a one of them ever witnessed by me. Far from it. Little tender mercies that seemed to happen to everyone but me. At the beginning of the novel, Zacharias seems to be unable to see God's hand in his life. I fear that there may be many members of the Church who feel similarly to Zacharias—that everyone else but they seem to witness God's miracles, that their God is quiet. People like this may ask: can you really see God's hand in your life? Knowing God exists and that you are His child will improve your life. So, here are some ways we can learn to see the daily impact God is having... View the full article

George Eliot once said, "Animals make such agreeable friends — they ask no questions; they pass no criticisms." I LOVE that quote, although the look my dachshund gives me when I don't give him a bite of my dinner makes me question the accuracy of the quote's second half. Truly, dogs are man's best friend. (Or maybe you're into cats, which are man's... Most apathetic friend? But we love them anyway.) I can't imagine life without my sweet puppers, and the idea that I'd never see them again after this life makes me want to cry my eyes out. Thankfully, though, my eyes will remain intact because according to various LDS sources, we WILL see our precious pets again — hopefully, judging by the state of my couch/carpet/entire house, without all the shedding. Animals and the Resurrection "Without Any Ire" by Nancy Glazier All animals have spirits and thus, will be resurrected. In October 1928's general conference, Joseph Fielding Smith said: "So we see that the Lord intends to save, not only the earth... View the full article

In the October 2018 General Conference, President Russell M. Nelson encouraged members of the Church to transform their homes in to sanctuaries of faith. He acknowledged that the new meeting schedule will bless families with the ability to create these sanctuaries, particularly on the Sabbath Day. "I promise that as you diligently work to remodel your home into a center of gospel learning...Changes in your family will be dramatic and sustaining." President Russell M. Nelson Here are seven tips to help you create a gospel-centered home: 1. Paint the Picture via Pixabay If your family has no idea what their home would look like as a sanctuary of faith, it will be very difficult to attain. So sit down together and make a list of all the ways you can make your home a holy place. From the way you talk to each other, to the music you listen to, all the details matter. Once you have all agreed on the specific kind of environment you want to achieve, the goal should be much... View the full article

Truth be told, this is more a Public Service Announcement than an article. Ya'll just really need to know that David Archuleta has a new Christmas album out AND MY HOLIDAYS ARE OFFICIALLY JOLLIED. https://giphy.com/gifs/excited-pointing-shouting-11EjiLDatd0syA His first Christmas album, titled Christmas From the Heart came out in 2009. It was an incredible album. Now we've been blessed with Christmas in the Air. You've heard several of these songs before (Christmas classics) but there are also a few new ones, including Christmas Every Day, He is Born, and Winter in the Air. David's Christmas tour is scheduled to begin towards the end of November. Check his tour website for tour dates and to purchase tickets. Here's a little taste of each song on the new album: Christmas Every Day: David already has a music video for this track, so I'll link to that as well as the Spotify sampler. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G0QuvuTEGiU https://open.spotify.com/track/6yOzaZiBk4k4jSOYZcp4pm?si=PMvlOtHkTiezsTw__yoPaQ God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen https://open.spotify.com/track/4bO8n41XGi0xxFvpU2vqiX?si=nB3ZvuozQzeEyDW9bilTfA Mary's Boy Child https://open.spotify.com/track/2nwlqZcCw0gFCbLXxWFRAQ?si=9ofgY8QDSoav8nfcT_WWiA Some Children See Him https://open.spotify.com/track/5H6kVLvpmeyqqPTZGF8Hm7?si=eFIX0_S4Re2Cen5EdKmUTw Holly Jolly Christmas https://open.spotify.com/track/2cLGDZmz410j6EoO1hUBwx?si=1wbf3CC4S8Kr8S9QcX57Pg O Come, O Come, Emmanuel https://open.spotify.com/track/3MUwQtel3Bfy4at0sqilue?si=Ko1-vxroS96RMNOmKF_lFA He is Born https://open.spotify.com/track/27QqscO71LKFN8ZVIZt0Eh?si=Dq4_y50-QVmMHV0nUuGFsQ White Christmas https://open.spotify.com/track/6EFsakZntPdCcqyWKpVXgG?si=DSE1Yd6pRA-NOsTHeBUGTw Mary, Did You Know? https://open.spotify.com/track/02FvfGEUaZAlWBndRmrITp?si=0-iUKrybT72UcHC5DRybgw Winter in the Air He's also already got a music video for... View the full article

As a young woman, I remember being a bit unimpressed with some of the conversation topics at youth dances. A particularly popular question I was constantly asked was, "What's the color of your toothbrush?" https://giphy.com/gifs/converse-xTkcExqBx71OapB4jK I know, I know, what an absolutely stimulating topic of conversation. After I responded quickly with, "blue," the conversation would settle into a nice awkward silence. https://giphy.com/gifs/car-stop-nobody-nUeKhMQJvdi3m Most dances are short, they last only about two to four minutes. So you gotta be quick if you want to make a lasting, good impression. Here are some conversation ideas to ensure those awkward silences never make an appearance again! Likes/Dislikes https://giphy.com/gifs/someone-mtv-get-b09vdd59kWHOE This is a fairly general category that you can take in any direction. You can ask about hobbies, sports, food, books, etc. Here are a few examples: What do you like to do in your free time? What kind of movies do you like to watch? What is your least favorite genre of music? What is the dessert that you like the most? What is the dessert that you like... View the full article

Most people have the misconception that just because something is called folklore it must not be true. But folklore can be either true or fabricated. Folklore is the passing down of things—such as stories, songs, works of art, or customs—from person to person. Every social group has their share of folklore, and just because something is folklore doesn't mean it's not true. In fact, there are several examples of folklore stories that are not only true but have also happened many times. The folklore that a group produces generally tells us a lot about the group. Most groups produce folklore that is extremely meaningful: it often taps into the group's deepest beliefs. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (sometimes mistakenly nicknamed Mormons) have produced a range of fascinating folklore. Here are just a few examples: The Three Nephite Stories One of the most iconic sources of Latter-day Saint urban legends is the Three Nephites. When Christ visited the Americas in The Book of Mormon, He ordained twelve apostles.... View the full article

I can't even tell you how many variations I heard of the same line when I was preparing to go through the temple to receive my endowment: "The first time you go through the temple is SO WEIRD." Okay, vague much?! Thanks for the helpful tip, except it's not a tip and it's not helpful at all. So actually, NO THANKS. Thankfully (for real this time) when I was preparing for my endowment, I was going to school at BYU—Idaho, and my stake required everyone to go through a short class about the endowment before receiving their first (non-limited use) temple recommend. Without going into any sacred details, the class briefly covered what to expect of your first initiatory and endowment session. The class was helpful and informative, but there's one thing I remember more vividly than anything else: the member of the stake presidency who was teaching the class said firmly, "These are God's ordinances and commandments — don't you think it probably hurts Him when we say that they're... View the full article

Sometimes we think (even subconsciously) that our bad decisions are taking God off-guard. We're wrong. God has a long history of preparing well in advance for his children's sins. And that's important. Why that's important Before we get into why this is so important, let's first explore a couple of illustrative examples. Example 1: Adam and Eve You know the story. God said, "Don't do that thing," and they did the thing anyway. Afterward, they "heard the voice of the Lord," and dove for the bushes, trying to hide. Of course, God knew where they were. And Adam and Eve knew they were in big trouble. Indeed, they faced rough consequences because of their actions, but their actions also set in motion a divine plan that allowed for the correction of their mistakes—the Atonement and gospel of Jesus Christ. God had foreseen Adam and Eve's decision well before they had gone through with it, and He'd prepared a way back for them. Example 2: Joseph and Martin You know the story. God said, "Don't give... View the full article

This article originally appeared at FamousMormons.net. On Sunday, 4 November 2018, American military officials announced that North Ogden Mayor, 39-year-old Brent Taylor, had been killed in an apparent “insider attack” in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan. The attack took place at the Kabul Military Training Center, on Saturday, 3 November 2018, where a member of the Afghan security forces opened fire. Taylor, a member of the Utah National Guard, deployed to Afghanistan in January in what was expected to be a 12-month tour of duty. He held the rank of Major and had served two tours in Iraq and one tour in Afghanistan. He was an intelligence officer and served on an advisory team training the staff of an Afghan commando battalion as part of his work with the Special Operations Joint Task Force in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel. At the time of his deployment in January, he told local media, “Right now, there is a need for my experience and skills to serve in our nation’s long-lasting war in Afghanistan.... View the full article

We live in a fallen world. Millions of people are hungry. Depression is real. Cancer kills. Tragedy strikes. Life throws curve balls. That's the way things are. More often than not, our goal is to overcome the adversity that challenges us. We want to triumph over pain and suffering. We don't like it, and we're not meant to. But while Christ's atonement one day promises us the final victory in this war, our entire lives will still be spent doing the fighting. But hey, keep reading for the good news. Adversity isn't going anywhere Each of us falls somewhere on the spectrum of adversity. Some face more than others, but none are exempt. We face adversity a million times a day in a million different ways. Despite our efforts, nowhere in the Plan of Salvation is it written that we can wholly defeat adversity in this life. It's not going to happen. When we overcome one obstacle, there will always be another one down the road. Those that hope to earn an... View the full article

For 13 years, Ximena was an incredibly bright, athletic, motivated second child and second daughter. She lived in an intact, supportive family under normal stresses and strains. The extended family was cohesive and supportive with several involved aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents. The extended circle of friends was also supportive with few exceptions. The future looked bright. Her father spoke to me about getting her ready for Ivy League schools and scholarships, both athletic and academic. At 13 she was a 4.0 student, a voracious reader, and a gifted writer. Then something happened. The family does not talk about it in any detail, but there was some form of sexual abuse by someone close to her age whom she knew. She learned a brutal lesson at a vulnerable time—that her body had become an object of exploitation, even for people who should be trusted. Her chosen response was to wear baggy clothing like sweatpants and hoodies, I suppose to make herself less attractive as an object. Her unchosen response... View the full article

Fasting is hard. I mean, no French fries?! Is that even the kind of world I want to live in? (Yeah, I know. I'm really dramatic. Especially when it comes to fries, pizza, milkshakes, and literally all foods.... Except for you, peas. We will never be friends.) Okay, so fasting is hard no matter who you are, but the blessings make it completely worth it. Yet for some people, fasting isn't just hard — it's unsafe. So what do you do when you want to follow the Lord's commandment to fast, but for medical reasons, you can't go without food for 24 hours? Don't become discouraged, because there are plenty of things you can do to have a special and spiritual fast — even with food. Know What Has (Actually) Been Said “The Lord has instituted the fast on a reasonable and intelligent basis, and none of his works are vain or unwise. His law is perfect in this as in other things. Hence, those who can are required to comply thereto; …... View the full article

The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square's YouTube channel has songs with millions of hits. They have countless performances with songs that are both fun and awe-inspiring. President J. Reuben Clark Jr. once stated: “We get nearer to the Lord through music than perhaps through any other thing except prayer.” Here are five performances by the choir that blow me away every time I listen to them: You Raise Me Up It's basically impossible to top Josh Groban's original performance, but the Tabernacle Choir comes in at a close second. https://youtu.be/v6ojnuHuTa8 2. Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing This arrangement by Mack Wilberg has the MOST views on the choir's YouTube channel! https://youtu.be/gPKpkrqBwNs 3. Amazing Grace Who doesn't love bagpipes?! https://youtu.be/C2arm5ydeJc 4. Carol of the Bells Let's be real, it's never too early for Christmas music. https://youtu.be/k-W2Bkz_Rno 5. "Hallelujah" Chorus from Handel's Messiah Wow, the buildup to 1:33 is so impressive! https://youtu.be/VI6dsMeABpU Technically, this is a video from The Piano Guys' channel, so I did not include it in the official list, but as a fun bonus, the choir was able to participate in this amazing... View the full article

I can't remember a time when I haven't been at least a little scared of the Second Coming. As a kid, I remember learning that there would be, prior to the Savior's Second Coming, an abundance of crime, natural disasters, famines, and wars. I remember just thinking, "Uh, no thanks. That sounds like the worst." Like, excuse me, but where can I opt out of that? I sometimes think, "Oh, I don't want to be around for that; hopefully I'll be dead," and then I get freaked out because I don't want to die and I'd actually like to see the Savior when He comes again. Ugh. Vicious cycle. But lately, I'm not quite so terrified. I mean, I'm not going to lie to you and say I'm not nervous about the signs of the Second Coming at all. I'm not suddenly like, "Oh, earthquakes? Famine? No biggie. Only wimps are scared of that stuff!" But I've come to realize that the reality is this: any scary thing that happens won't... View the full article

It's no secret that the current president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Russel M. Nelson, is expert at keeping Latter-day Saints on their toes. He hasn't been president of the Church for even one year yet, and the worldwide membership is already reeling from the changes rolling in. It makes you wonder, what is going on inside that man's head? Well, his dear wife, Wendy, recently helped us answer that question. Via Mormon Newsroom What Wendy Nelson had to say about her husband President and Sister Nelson were in Chile on Sunday, dedicating the Concepcion Chile Temple. During their stay, Morm— erm ... the Church's Newsroom managed to snag an interview with Sister Nelson. Check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=297&v=rv48nEaU44Y Some favorite quotes I have seen him changing in the last 10 months. It is as though he's been unleashed. He's free to finally do what he came to earth to do ... And also he's free to follow through with things he's been concerned about, but could never do. Now that he's... View the full article