[photopress:family_praying_1108.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Krista Ralston Oakes

Our Heavenly Father designed a great plan to bring to pass our immortality and eternal lives (Moses 1:39). The Book of Mormon describes this plan as the “plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8, 16) and teaches us that “men are that they might have joy” (2 Nephi 2:25).

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[photopress:High_five_1108.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Melva L. Gifford

The symbol of the high five, the slapping the palms of a team member, friend or family member is a good representation of appreciation. We high five when we gain a victory. We high five when we meet friends in the hall or may high five when our family has accomplished a common goal. It is a symbol of unity, appreciation, gratitude.

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[photopress:Pioneer_708.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Dave Jackson

As a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints there were a few things missing from my Mormon résumé when I joined the Church. Among the missing were my family history and a heritage of pioneers crossing the plains. Obviously I couldn’t do much about the pioneer thing, except stew over it. Which I did. I’ll explain.

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[photopress:Firecracker___Man_708.jpg,thumb,pp_style]by Dave Ellis

The 4th of July is special in my family. Not only is it my brother Jason’s birthday but it is also my daughter Hattie’s birthday. We spend that day being thankful to live in a country where we can show our patriotism by setting off fireworks and waving flags that were both made in another country. But the most funnest (it will be a word if we all start using it) part of the day is lighting off fireworks!
Who here loves fireworks? Raise your charred limbs high!

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[photopress:Soldier_Sunset_708.jpg,thumb,pp_style]By An Anonymous Serviceman

The following recent letter is reprinted with the permission of the soldier and his wife.

Dear Family and Friends,

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