On social media this week Church leaders shared messages about the temple, missionary service and gratitude.

“In recent years, we have become increasingly blessed to live in close proximity to these holy houses of the Lord, where we may gather, reflect, and commit ourselves to follow God’s plan and live Christlike lives,” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted on Tuesday.

President Camille N. Johnson, Relief Society general president, brought up an experience she had while ministering in Maui, Hawaii. “On a charred and desolate bush, I saw this resilient new growth forming, defying all odds. This image perfectly symbolizes the unwavering faith of the Saints in Lahaina. Just as new life is taking shape on that burned bush, the prayers of the faithful in Maui are being answered.”

“I was thrilled this week to take a group of political leaders and dignitaries in Mexico on a tour of the Mexico Missionary Training Center to meet some of our exceptional missionaries,” Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared on Sunday. “Our guests were fascinated by our missionaries’ desire to prepare themselves to serve — including learning new languages and living in new places.”

Sister J. Anette Dennis, first counselor in the Relief Society presidency, shared quotes and scriptures while giving her own thoughts on gratitude.

“Let us recognize the source from which all our blessings flow. Let’s cultivate an ‘attitude of gratitude,’ as President Thomas S. Monson would say. It really is life-changing! Happy Thanksgiving!”

After the Worldwide Devotional for Young Adults broadcast, Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles said in a response to a question about receiving personal revelation, “I assure you that revelatory guidance can be received by each of us as we labor in the Lord’s vineyard. Most of our guidance comes from the Holy Ghost. Sometimes and for some purposes it comes directly from the Lord. I personally testify that this is true. Guidance for the Church, as a whole, comes only to the President and prophet of the Church.”

After ministering to Latter-day Saints in South Africa and Mozambique, Sister Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency, shared an experience she had with young mothers.

“While attending a full sacrament meeting in a small building, I saw many young mothers trying their best to manage their wiggly little ones and tiny babies. As I looked at them, my heart felt compassion. I thought of the Savior and how He deliberately loved and blessed the little ones. He lovingly proclaimed, ‘Behold your little ones’ (3 Nephi 17:23). I felt impressed to share messages in these meetings other than what I had prepared. And some of what was shared, I’d like to share with you.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted his response to people he talks with who believe religion gets in the way with their life goals.

“Ultimately, centering our lives in Jesus Christ leads to excellence. With your life centered in Christ, you will be living evidence of what His influence and grace can achieve in a disciple.”

On the Young Women Worldwide social media accounts this week, Sister Andrea Muñoz Spannaus, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, extended a challenge of gratitude.

Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted about his recent experience of speaking at the Provo Missionary Training Center. “We are so thankful for the thousands of missionaries around the world who serve so willingly. Thank you for your efforts to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Sister Amy A. Wright, first counselor in the Primary general presidency, offered the invitation to share in the comments of her post “a time when you were asked to do something out of your comfort zone and how you overcame it.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles shared a video that talked about the impact senior missionary couples have and the impact missions have on senior missionaries.

“I testify that senior missionaries can do what no one else can. Your dedicated service inspires and blesses us all,” said Elder Rasband.

Sister Tracy Y. Browning, second counselor in the Primary general presidency, shared her experience of walking through the unknowns of life. She asked the question, “how have you trusted God with your ‘unknowns’?”

After the dedicating the Okinawa Japan Temple, Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles posted about the uniting power of the house of the Lord.

“One of the remarkable aspects of this temple is the fact that it will serve the Japanese-speaking Okinawa Japan Stake as well as the English-speaking Okinawa Japan Military District. To consider the history that is part of both of these groups and see them come together to serve the Lord in the temple is simply remarkable.”

“The passing of President M. Russell Ballard on Sunday evening, November 12, 2023, has left a hole in my heart,” said Elder Dale G. Renlund, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.

“He was not just my acting quorum president for more than 5 ½ years, he was a fixture in Church leadership for a major part of my life. I know that all is well with him and that a glorious reward awaits him, but I and many, many others will miss him dearly... What a dear, dear man he was. I thank God that Ruth and I had the opportunity to know him and love him.”

Elder Ulisses Soares of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles explained how like the Iguazo Falls in Brazil, God’s family is a combination of different parts that make up a beautiful whole.

“May we enjoy more the spiritual kinship that exists between us and value the different attributes and varied gifts we all have. If we do so, I promise you that we will flow in our own way, as does the water of the Iguazu Falls, without losing the divine connection that identifies us as a peculiar people, the children of Christ and heirs to the kingdom of God.”

Brother Bradley R. Wilcox, first counselor in the Young Men general presidency, posted a video of him talking about the gratitude challenge President Russell M. Nelson shared three years ago. He captioned the video with the question, “What are you grateful for today?”

President Mark L. Pace, Sunday School general president, shared his thoughts of the beauty of the earth and how beautiful the celestial world will be. “Brothers and sisters, what we do in this life matters. Our relationship with Jesus Christ matters! Let us remember to #ThinkCelestial!”

Brother Milton Camargo, first counselor in the Sunday School general presidency, talked about the importance of prayer in a post on Sunday. In the post he quoted President Jeffrey R. Holland, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and concluded the post with this thought. “I can confirm that praying earlier, when I am still alert and attentive, has made a difference in my communication with God. What has been your experience?”