LDS Living Magazine

When we open our homes, sharing food and uplifting conversation, we give people a taste of the Savior’s love. Swapping stories at the dinner table and chitchatting in the kitchen may seem like simple exchanges, but they can be lifelines that reassure us that we belong and that we matter. Here’s how five members of the Church use their favorite recipes to build community.

As Carol Tingey, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflects on the beginning of the Hip Hop Homies dance club, she never expected to learn as much as she did. About 10 years ago, Tingey prayed for a meaningful way to spend her time. The answer came clearly: organize a hip-hop dance group for her friends.

In one way or another, we are all leaders—and we likely want to be better ones. A story from the life of President Dallin H. Oaks can show us a simple way how. In a Brigham Young University devotional, Elder Steven D. Shumway recently spoke about a tender experience his family had with President Oaks. When Elder Shumway and his wife, Heidi, were called to be mission leaders, they met with President Oaks.

In 1898, Inez Knight and Jennie Brimhall went to England and became the first full-time single sister missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in this dispensation. Now a new mural depicting their service covers a wall at the Provo Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah, where sister missionaries who are making history today walk by and receive inspiration from Knight’s and Brimhall’s examples.

If it’s been too long since you’ve feasted on the word of God, let a story from this week’s Come, Follow Me readings inspire you to jump back in. President Spencer W. Kimball even called this account “one of the finest stories in all of the scriptures.” In 2 Kings 22–23, we read about King Josiah, who “did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” Josiah was eight years old when he became the king, and the Kingdom of Judah was entrenched in many sinful and idolatrous practices.

Inside the new Temple Square Visitors’ Center in Salt Lake City, a large quilt hangs on the wall with 91 blocks or squares representing stories of eternal families and the temple. It is called “The Family Quilt.” Accompanying information about it explains, “In quilting, sturdy stitching joins pieces of fabric to create a larger design.

During our most challenging trials, it can be easy to feel alone. But because of Jesus Christ, we are never left completely on our own. President Susan H. Porter recently testified of this truth in a new Church video. In the clip, President Porter reflected on the days after her husband, Bruce, passed away. She says that, on top of wading through her grief, she faced an unexpected setback that triggered a deeper sense of uncertainty and loneliness.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints now has more full-time missionaries serving than at any other time in its history. Approximately 88,500 full-time missionaries are serving worldwide, surpassing the previous high of just over 88,000 in 2014. This historic missionary force comprises young teaching and service missionaries and senior missionaries. The increase is due to the first wave of 18-year-old sister missionaries beginning their service. Elder Ronald A.

The temple is the House of the Lord and He’s thrilled to have you there. The first time you go, all you need to do is focus on the peace and love you feel in His house, since temple workers are there to help you every step of the way. This guide is intended to help you feel prepared to enter the temple with a calm mind and an open heart, ready to feel God’s abundant love for you. Let’s get started! ... Meet with your bishop and your stake president to get a “living ordinance” temple recommend.

When the call came to serve as the next Primary general president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Rosemary K. Chibota had a lot of emotions. “Sometimes just feeling overwhelmed, sometimes feelings of inadequacy, but also feelings of great joy and peace at the same time,” she said.