Five Pounders

Eliza Dana Gibbs was a strong pioneer woman in faith and character. After some distressing events, however, she wrote to Wilford Woodruff (then President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) for guidance. His comforting text Eliza Gibbs as well as anyone who might need an extra reminder that God is there.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full article here.

Thomas A. Wayment reviews Lincoln H. Blumell's Lady Eclecte. Wayment appreciates the well-informed interpretation of 2 John. He compliments Blumell's style and thorough approach on a topic so little talked about: the mysterious Lady Eclecte.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full review here.

Wilford Woodruff is one of the most important names in LDS history. He has been a strong believer in Christ's restored gospel since his knowledge of it in 1833. This article outlines his history with the church as well as his legacy.

A poem by Susan Elizabeth Howe. Babies' journeys from the NICU to self-sustaining life.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full poem here.

A brief history of the Japan Mission from 1937-1950 tells of the LDS proselyting in Japan and Hawai'i during some of the most tumultuous times in recent history. Though the mission had many hills to overcome, it not only helped LDS members then, but its legacy is still felt in those islands today.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full article here.

Before Spring is a poem by Roger Terry. This poem was a finalist in the 2025 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. Terry takes on the night and translates his experience for others to see.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full poem here.

This article is based on an address given on August 25, 2025, at the annual Brigham Young University Conference, general faculty session. To celebrate the sesquicentennial year of BYU, Justin Collings takes the life of Joseph Smith through the lens of various school lessons.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full article here.

Eve, Learning of Pregnancy is a poem by Susan Elizabeth Howe. Howe takes in her new knowledge of pregnancy into the world around her.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full poem here.

It is hard to escape the beauty standards of today, but what do they mean in the eyes of God? This article gathers the religious ideology on bodies and translates the findings into a helpful guide for members living in a highly aesthetic world.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full article here.

The Week of the Cancer Diagnosis is a poem written by Marilyn Bushman-Carlto. This poem was a finalist in the 2025 BYU Studies Poetry Contest. Bushman-Carlto tries to come to terms with being diagnosed with breast cancer and begins to see the world with new eyes.Published in BYU Studies 65 no. 1 in 2026.Read the full poem here.