Joseph Smith’s first plural marriage, from the historical sources we now have, seems to have been a young woman by the name of Fanny Alger. While there are missing gaps in the record, from the collected sources we do have some information. From Saints,[1]Saints, Volume 1: The Standard of Truth,Continue Reading

D&C 129 – Instructions by Joseph Smith, Nauvoo, Feb. 9, 1843 Historical Background When the Prophet first learned these principles contained in D&C 129 is not known. We can be confident, however, that it was some time before this section was recorded. Given that all priesthood and keys restored inContinue Reading

I recently read the book The Pioneers by David McCullough, and this story struck me. As much as we complicate marriage and relationships in our modern era, it is refreshing sometimes to see how simple things could be in an age without internet dating apps and instant gratification in theContinue Reading

A Saint, who is one in deed and in truth, does not look for an immaterial heaven but he expects a heaven with lands, houses, cities, vegetation, rivers, and animals; with thrones, temples, palaces, kings, princes, priests, and angels; with food, raiment, musical instruments, etc; all of which are material. Continue Reading

Matthew 5.32 and 3 Nephi 12.31-32 A Historical Context In the Old World, carnal and fallen men had begun to take advantage of the divorce laws in their culture. Though marriage had been established in the beginning as a religions institution, a rite intended to bind the participants forever, yetContinue Reading

Some have worried about God telling Abraham to lie about his wife. Certainly, it seems deceptive. Certainly, in conveys a falsehood. How can we come to terms with this? Well, one justification is that the life of this great prophet must be weighed in the balance. As Joseph Smith taught,Continue Reading

Our Clinical Material Your lives, your friendships, your marriages, your families, your neighbors and coworkers currently constitute the sample of humanity which God has given you. We are each other’s clinical material, and we make a mistake when we disregard that sober fact. No wonder, therefore, we feel stress atContinue Reading

Ty Mansfield shared something that is worth consideration. He wrote an article in which he deals with some of the controversial attitudes about sexuality in the modern world. The idea that mankind may have natural feelings that need to be expressed without limit or hesitation is something that is risingContinue Reading

The following story comes to us from Ezra Taft Benson, in his book entitled, “Come Unto Christ”. My wife shared this story with me today and I thought it was inspiring on so many levels! Whether you are talking about faith, listening to the Spirit, death, or angels, this storyContinue Reading