In his October 2025 General Conference address, Proved and Strengthened in Christ, President Henry B. Eyring taught that times of trial and discouragement are not signs of God’s abandonment but evidence of His love. The Lord “proves” His children, not by granting ease or worldly success, but by refining them into disciples who can bear the weight of eternal life. [Read more…] about When the Gospel “Doesn’t Work”
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by Autumn Dickson
We are in an interesting section of church history here. This portion of history is often very difficult for some people because it calls Joseph’s prophetic calling into question…again. While the Saints were living in Kirtland, Ohio, Joseph encouraged the Saints to invest in the Kirtland Safety Society. The Kirtland Safety Society was meant to be a bank, but the state of Ohio rejected the Saints charter to form one. Instead, they utilized a loophole and made it a joint-stock company. You don’t really have to understand economics or legalities to understand that it failed. Many people lost a lot, and when we consider the fact that there are many people who don’t have a lot already, it can be easy to wonder how Joseph got it so wrong. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 115–120 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson
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by Autumn Dickson
The Saints began to flee Kirtland in January 1838 because of religious persecution and mounting debts. A majority of them went to Far West, Missouri. When July came around, Newel K. Whitney and William Marks were still in Kirtland. They had originally been left behind to settle affairs, but they had remained there longer than necessary because they were attached to their property and didn’t want to liquidate it too quickly. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 115–120 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson
President Dallin H. Oaks reminded the Church in October 2025 that the gospel of Jesus Christ is, at its heart, a family plan. Beginning in the premortal council, this plan unfolds in our mortal homes, and is fulfilled in eternal families through temple covenants. He taught that the family is not just a cultural value but the very structure of God’s eternal design for His children.
This vision stands in sharp contrast to the world we live in, where marriage rates decline and childbearing is often delayed or dismissed. Some scoff that the Church’s emphasis on family is restrictive or outdated. President Oaks countered with a clear witness: the family is not peripheral to the plan of salvation—it is the plan. [Read more…] about The Family-Centered Gospel of Jesus Christ
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by Autumn Dickson
The church is running into some issues. They have incurred heavy debts, and leaders are growing increasingly worried. There was a member, Brother Burgess, who spoke of a widow who had left behind a lot of money hiding in her cellar. Joseph Smith, Hyrum Smith, Sidney Rigdon, and Oliver Cowdery travelled to Salem, Massachusetts to attempt to find this treasure. It was never found. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson
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by Mike Parker
(Mike Parker is a long-time FAIR member who has graciously allowed us to use materials he originally prepared for the Hurricane Utah Adult Religion Class. The scripture passages covered in his lessons don’t conform exactly to the Come, Follow Me reading schedule, so they will be shared here where they fit best.)
Class Notes [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–112, 114–115, 117–120 – Mike Parker
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by Autumn Dickson
Thomas B. Marsh was frustrated with Joseph Smith for calling two of the apostles on missions without consulting him. He received a revelation that helped him repent and gave him spiritual counsel. Within the counsel he receives, there are two phrases that are found next to each other which take on profound meaning when you observe them together. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 111–114 – Part 1 – Autumn Dickson
As prophet from 2018–2025, President Russell M. Nelson spoke again and again of the great work of gathering Israel on both sides of the veil. He taught that revelation, temples, repentance, and discipleship all converge in one grand purpose: binding God’s children to Jesus Christ through sacred covenants.
In truth, President Nelson testified that gathering Israel is the most important work on earth today, because it is how we prepare individuals and families to meet the Savior with joy. The increased number of temples built, the changes in how youth serve in the temple and the church and the focus on ‘gathering’ all lead to this end. [Read more…] about President Nelson’s Legacy: Gathering Israel through Christ
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by Autumn Dickson
The Saints have built the Kirtland temple. This week we read about the dedication event, including the revealed prayer from the Lord, and we read about the Lord restoring priesthood keys within the temple. Here is one of the verses from the prayer that was revealed to Joseph Smith. [Read more…] about Come, Follow Me with FAIR – Doctrine and Covenants 109-110 – Part 2 – Autumn Dickson
This book review was originally published here on December 12, 2021. It is being reposted now to help people get to know President Oaks better. It also contains information about the origin of the Proclamation on the Family, which is currently having its 30th anniversary celebrated.
This biography of Dallin H. Oaks was written by Richard E. Turley, Jr., who has been associated with Oaks throughout most of his (Turley’s) professional life. Turley has served as the Director of the Church History Department (originally selected to work for the department by Oaks), Assistant Church Historian, and Director of Public Affairs. He has previously written or co-written several other books, including Victims: The LDS Church and the Mark Hoffman Case and Massacre at Mountain Meadows: An American Tragedy.
Dallin Harris Oaks was born August 12, 1932 in Provo, Utah. “Harris” comes from his mom’s side of the family, who was descended from a brother of Martin Harris. He grew up in Provo; Twin Falls, Idaho; Payson (where he stayed with his grandparents at times due to the death of his father when he was 7); and Vernal. As a child, he came close to dying several, beginning with his birth, with miraculous preservation of his life occurring each time. [Read more…] about Book Review: “In the Hands of the Lord: The Life of Dallin H. Oaks”
