- Jacob 7: Standing Strong When Others Challenge My Faith
by Marianna Richardson
In Jacob Chapter 7, we meet the first of three anti-Christs in the Book of Mormon. The other two are Nehor (Alma 1) and Korihor (Alma 30). Sherem is typical of many who oppose the Church today. He is well educated as far as the world is concerned, full of pride, and very skilled in speaking. He speaks with much flattery, saying what the people want to hear. He speaks intentionally and diligently to try to destroy their faith in Christ.
- Jacob 5-7: The Lord Labors with Us
by Marianna Richardson
Jacob’s allegory of the olive tree comes from the writings of Zenos, a prophet not found in the Bible. As modern readers, we may not understand the background of olive trees. For centuries, the olive tree has been a symbol of peace. For example, a dove returned to Noah’s ark with an olive leaf in its mouth, signifying that God is at peace with the earth. Greece and Rome used an olive branch as a symbol of peace and victory. Today, the seal of the United States depicts an American Eagle grasping an olive branch in its talons. Jesus Christ, the one true source of peace, is the Prince of Peace. His peace comes through obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel.
- The Power of Records to Bless Others
by Marianna Richardson
Reading the books of Jarom and Omni has given me a greater understanding that the Book of Mormon is a record of a family and their spiritual journey throughout the centuries. Writing down our spiritual journeys may have the same effect on future generations that Alma’s conversion or Enos’s experience with prayer had on us when we read them in the Book of Mormon for the first time.
- Prayers Change Us and Our Families
by Marianna Richardson
When my family sees me pray, I know they are influenced for good. Although the effects may not be immediately apparent, I have faith that my example impacts them. I pray for my children morning and night, even though they are grown and most live far away. I think of Jacob, Enos's father, who likely set an example of prayer for his son. I imagine Jacob might have been praying for Enos even as Enos prayed for his own soul. Through Enos’s example, we learn that our prayers profoundly affect our lives and the lives of others.
- 2 Nephi 31-33 – “This is the Way”
by Marianna Richardson
Nephi teaches, “this is the way, and there is no other way nor name given under heaven whereby man can be saved in the kingdom of God” (2 Nephi 31:21). The way is clear; following Jesus Christ’s doctrine is the only way to eternal life.
- A Nephi Heart
by Christine Thackeray
"And it came to pass that Laman and Lemuel and the sons of Ishmael did begin to murmur exceedingly, because of their sufferings...; and also my father began to murmur against the Lord his God. And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did make out of wood a bow, and out of a straight stick, an arrow; ... And I said unto my father: Whither shall I go to obtain food?"
- 2 Nephi 1-2: Freedom to Choose
by Marianna Richardson
If you knew your life was coming to an end, what final messages would you want to share with the people you love most?
- 1 Nephi 16-22: Facing Life’s Challenges
by Marianna Richardson
If you've ever wondered why bad things happen to good people, you may find insights in these chapters of the Book of Mormon. The scriptures teach us that trials come when we keep the commandments, but the Lord will prepare the way before us. Nephi and his family faced multiple challenges, and through them all, Nephi was strengthened as he trusted in the Lord.
- 1 Nephi 11-15: Armed with Righteousness and the Power of God
by Marianna Richardson
Nephi's transformative vision, though similar to Lehi's, came through his active quest for understanding. He observed details like the filthiness of the water in Lehi's dream, illustrating how spiritual insights can vary among the righteous based on their perspectives. This quest for greater knowledge is a hallmark of true discipleship.
- 1 Nephi 6-10: Come and Partake of the Fruit
by Marianna Richardson
He addresses those seeking God over worldly things (1 Nephi 6:4-5). This understanding reminds us that comprehending Nephi’s message requires becoming people drawn to God. The key to influencing others' belief lies in inviting them to Christ, which is why we encourage reading the Book of Mormon, to experience Nephi’s powerful words.
- I Will Go and Do
by Marianna Richardson
This is a record of a family who experiences real challenges. Just like us, they were living in a world of wickedness. They would experience the good and bad, difficulties and heartaches, blessings, and miracles. And by reading their journey as they tried to live the gospel, we can find ways to help our own children who may be struggling with their faith. We can learn to seek the Lord more faithfully, find comfort in prayer, and learn to trust in Him.
- Becoming a Witness of the Book of Mormon
by Marianna Richardson
Just as the Old Testament and New Testament testify of Jesus, the Book of Mormon teaches the fullness of the doctrine of Christ. This year as we read, study, and talk about the Book of Mormon, we know it will help each of us feel closer to the Lord. The goals of all gospel learning are to deepen our conversion and to become more like Jesus Christ.
- We are Known by the Father and the Son
by Marianna Richardson
August: Romans 6-17
Sometimes it is hard to feel known and loved
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- The Law Written in Our Hearts
by Marianna Richardson
August: Romans 1-6
Paul wrote the Epistle to the Romans before he had been to Rome
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- Understanding the Historical Background of the Roman Empire
by Marianna Richardson
August: Romans 1-6
The Roman Empire was a ubiquitous part of the New Testament
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- Ministering to Each Other as Saints of God
by Marianna Richardson
August: Romans 1-6
Last Sunday, a member of my Relief Society presidency called me to find out how my ministering assignment was going.
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- Understanding the Things of God
by Marianna Richardson
August: 1 Corinthians
Corinth is the chief town of the Roman province of Achaia. It was situated on a significant position on the isthmus connecting the Peloponnesus with the mainland of Greece
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- The Boundless Power of the Doctrine of Christ
by Marianna Richardson
August: Acts 22-28
The Acts of the Apostles is full of amazing stories
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- Becoming, rather than Excusing
by Marianna Richardson
June: Matthew 27; Mark 15; Luke 23; John 19
I enjoy seeing something old become new again
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- That I Might Know Thee
by Christine Thackeray
June: John 14-17
The great intercessory prayer in John 17 shows us the heart of Christ
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- Becoming a friend of Christ
by Christine Thackeray
June: John 14-17
After teaching about the blessings of filling hearts with Christ’s love, Jesus encourages the apostles to “continue in my love.”
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- The Ultimate Emphatic Triplet
by Christine Thackeray
June: John 14-17
In the Hebrew language there is no way to express good, better and best by adding a suffix to a word like -er or -est
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- A New Commandment I Give Unto You
by Christine Thackeray
June: Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13
When the ten commandments were given to the children of Israel, the Leviticus version includes this counsel when speaking of not bearing false witness
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- Washing His Feet: Women’s Humble Acts of Service
by Marianna Richardson
May: Matthew 26; Mark 14; John 13
Washing children’s hands after eating sticky peanut and jam sandwiches and washing their dusty feet after playing outside is usually a mother’s job
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- Finding Hope in the End of the World
by Marianna Richardson
May: Joseph Smith—Matthew 1; Matthew 24–25; Mark 12–13; Luke 21
There are so many movies about the world ending in a catastrophe but a superhero saving the day just before all is destroyed
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- Substituting Caesars for Christ
by Marianna Richardson
May: Matthew 21-23; Mark 11; Luke 19-20; John 12
We balance our lives daily between our worldly pursuits and spiritual devotions.
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- What Lack I Yet in My Relationship with God and Man?
by Marianna Richardson
May: Matthew 19-20; Mark 10; Luke 18
After the April 2023 General Conference, the way we treat other people was on everyone’s mind
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- Lost Parables
by Christine Thackeray
May: Luke 12-17; John 11
In Luke 15 Jesus tells us of three lost items, a lost sheep, a lost coin and a lost son. Each is lost in a unique way, and each is found in a different way.
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- Finding What is Lost
by Marianna Richardson
May: Luke 12–17; John 11
My young son, Eric, loved to take my keys. I think he thought it was a game
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- The Blind Receive their Sight
by Marianna Richardson
April: John 7–10
I have had to wear glasses since I was seven years old. I only saw the “E” at the top of the chart
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Women Read Scripture 