Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We seek to build Zion one idea, one conversation at a time.
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How Do You Make the Most of General Conference?
General Conference can be joyful and overwhelming at the same time. With so many messages and invitations, it can sometimes feel like we are being asked to change everything at once.
But that’s not its purpose.
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General Conference is meant to give us instruction to help us become who God knows we can become, not to shame us for our shortcomings.
So instead of trying to do everything at once, focus on what stands out and give yourself time to study and apply it.
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Conference doesn’t have to end when the weekend does.
The messages can continue to teach us over the coming months, and some may speak to our circumstances only later.
What helps you make the most of General Conference?
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Public Square Magazine retweeted
I felt the light of Christ in the young single adults who participated in the recent Cities of Light YSA Conference in New York City.
As I spoke with them, I reminded them that the Lord needs their light wherever He leads them. He needs their faith, goodness, education, skills, moral courage, and willingness to stand as His witnesses.
As we remain anchored in Christ, He can use us as steady lights in places only we can reach. This was an important message I shared during my remarks, and it is true for each of us.
We may not always recognize the good we do, but as we choose the Savior, honor our covenants, and love His children, His light will shine through us. It can offer direction, safety, and hope to those seeking a place of security in a changing world.
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Public Square Magazine retweeted
Kathy and I recently attended the funeral of Sister Iris Larson—a long-time family friend of ours and the childhood best friend of Kathy’s mother. I rejoiced in bearing witness of the Savior and the Resurrection to many who are not yet members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
For most of her life, Iris was not a member of Jesus Christ's restored Church. It wasn’t until she turned 95 years old that she decided to be baptized.
Even toward the end of her life, Iris realized she wasn’t too old to change. President Dallin H. Oaks taught, “In the long run it is the growth, knowledge, and wisdom we achieve that enlarges our souls and prepares us for eternity” (“Learning and Latter-day Saints,” Liahona, April 2009).
Repentance and change are available to each of us, no matter our age or where we are in life, because of our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
ALT Iris Larson with my wife Kathy’s mother, Martha Aman—both students and both not yet members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at Florida State University.
ALT Iris on her baptism date.
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Before you choose a therapist, what should you look for?
A therapist’s license does not necessarily mean they are the right fit for your concerns or values. The therapeutic approach and training matter.
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Respect does not mean agreement.
A good therapist can challenge your assumptions or perspectives when it serves your goals, but should not pressure you to adopt their personal values or worldview.
It is worth asking questions before you begin.
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Rebecca Taylor, a therapist with more than 15 years of experience, offers a guide to choosing the right therapist for you.
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Public Square Magazine retweeted
The Name of Christ: Meetinghouses across the world boldly and clearly declare the name of Jesus Christ on the entrance of our buildings.
Earlier this month, a faithful young adult shared an insight with us during a stake conference in Denmark about the importance of recognizing and remembering Jesus Christ even before entering the chapel to worship Him. That reminder rests with His name on the entrance of our Church buildings. Later that day we were able to see some of the inspiring images of the Savior by Danish painter Carl Bloch which seemed to crystalize this message of the Savior.
Modern scripture teaches us, “For thus shall my church be called in the last days, even The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” (Doctrine and Covenants 115:4).
This is the Church of Jesus Christ. Christ’s name and image are not just a formality but signal our central focus to come unto Him. I’m grateful for this visual reminder from a young adult in Denmark.
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What Does a Decline in Latter-day Saint Retention Mean?
Pew Research Center reports that 54% of U.S. adults raised Latter-day Saint still identify with the Church, down from 70% in 2007.
But that is not the only thing worth examining.
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While U.S. retention has declined, participation is reaching historic highs in other areas.
More than 90,000 missionaries are now serving worldwide, and +1.09 million youth and young adults are enrolled in seminary and institute, the highest enrollment in the programs’ history.
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So what should we make of these seemingly different trends?
We look beyond numerical growth and decline to consider what scripture teaches about seasons of pruning, winnowing, faith, and spiritual strength.
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Who should protect children from online pornography?
Parents have always had an important role in protecting their children. But when harmful content can be just a few taps away, that responsibility cannot fall on parents alone.
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Utah’s App Store Accountability Act represents a shift toward shared responsibility for children’s online safety.
Age verification and parental consent can give parents greater involvement, while the companies that build and profit from digital products also have a role to play.
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The risks children face online extend beyond pornography.
Unmoderated communication, harmful content, and other digital features can create serious risks that parents cannot monitor alone.
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Public Square Magazine retweeted
Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and friends of our faith knew President Jeffrey R. Holland as a gifted teacher, an amazing leader, and an exceptional orator.
To me, he was also a cherished friend and a wonderful example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
This weekend, Harriet and I visited President Holland's grave site for the first time since his funeral earlier this year. It was a tender moment for us as we reflected again on the life of a truly remarkable man.
President Holland and his beloved wife, Pat, have left behind a legacy of faith that will continue to inspire followers of the Savior for years to come. Through their unwavering testimonies and devoted service, they touched hearts across the world. Their example reminds us that a life centered on Jesus Christ endures long after we have departed this mortal journey.
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What does defending the Constitution require from ordinary citizens?
President Dallin H. Oaks’ recent address at Washington National Cathedral connects the Constitution with a responsibility that can be easy to overlook: becoming peacemakers.
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The Constitution was forged in compromise. But compromise raises a hard question: how do we work toward common ground without compromising core values?
The answer requires us to listen to people we disagree with and recognize that we need each other.
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A citizens’ oath to defend the Constitution might look different from what we expect.
It could mean knowing, listening to, and loving our neighbors; supporting fairness for all; and taking constitutional principles seriously.
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“Don’t fall in love with this one.”
A case manager warned a foster family not to become attached to a two-day-old baby.
The husband’s response? “Too late.”
But loving her would mean accepting the possibility of losing her.
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The months that followed were filled with uncertainty.
Would she stay? Who would she go to if she left? There was potentially an interested grandmother. Shouldn't she be with her family?
After a year, though, wasn’t the foster family essentially her family?
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Foster parenting taught Vickie Lee that love can involve “beautiful, raw suffering.”
The experience deepened her understanding of the Savior’s love and the lengths to which He will go to help us heal.
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