Tricia was bored. It seemed like her father and mother had been visiting with Sister Clark forever. Tricia looked around at her brothers and sisters, and they looked just as bored as she felt. She wondered again why they needed to have family home evening with Sister Clark.
โDonโt you think Sister Clark gets tired of us going to her house?โ Tricia asked her parents after they left Sister Clarkโs home.
โNot at all,โ her mother replied.
โI feel that our visits are the highlight of her whole week,โ her father added. โShe has been lonely since Brother Clark died last year.โ
โBut donโt you think she would like to have her privacy?โ Tricia asked.
โWhy donโt you try something,โ her mother suggested. โTry imagining everything you can think of that Sister Clark does in a day. List them all on a piece of paper and weโll see how much time that takes.โ
โOK,โ Tricia agreed. As soon as they got home, Tricia ran into the kitchen and got a piece of paper and a pen. She sat at the table and thought carefully. She decided to list everything Sister Clark might do in a day. First, she would wake up and get dressed. Next, she would fix breakfast, eat, and brush her teeth. Tricia smiled. She already had five things listed on her paper. She would show her parents how busy Sister Clark really was. After that, Sister Clark would read the newspaper or write letters to her children.
โOh, no she wouldnโt,โ Tricia thought suddenly. โShe only had one daughter who died in an accident when she was 13. Sister Clark wouldnโt write letters to her children or grandchildren because she doesnโt have any.โ
Tricia tried to swallow a lump that had formed in her throat, but it stuck uncomfortably. She tried to think of what family Sister Clark had to whom she could write a letter.
โMrs. Benton!โ Tricia cried happily. She remembered Sister Clarkโs sister, Mrs. Benton, who had visited her last summer. But as Tricia began to write Mrs. Bentonโs name on her paper, she remembered that Sister Clark and her sister didnโt get along very well. Sister Clark probably wouldnโt write a letter to her only sister either.
Tricia drew in the corner of her paper as she tried to think of what else Sister Clark would do to occupy her day. When she couldnโt think of anything, she drew some more. Finally, Tricia decided that Sister Clark would probably watch a morning news program and wash the dishes. Then there was that afghan she was working on. She liked to make caramels and give them to people in the ward. Of course, she might do some cleaning, but her house was always so spotless.
โNo wonder she always seems so happy to see us,โ Tricia said out loud. โWe really are the highlight of her whole week.โ
โYouโre absolutely right,โ her father said. Tricia looked up and realized that her father had been standing behind her for a while. โIs it really so bad to visit Sister Clark every week?โ he asked quietly.
The lump returned to Triciaโs throat, and she could not answer. She shook her head and looked down at her paper. It had more doodles on it than items in her list. She wadded up the paper and threw it away. Her father held out his arms to her and she rushed into his waiting hug.
โItโs not bad visiting Sister Clark, Daddy,โ she whispered. โActually, Iโm really glad that we share our family home evenings with a friend.โ
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Family Home Evening with a Friend
Summary: Tricia is bored visiting Sister Clark during family home evening and wonders if the visits are intrusive. Her mother challenges her to imagine Sister Clark's daily activities, leading Tricia to realize how lonely Sister Clark is since her husband died and with no children or close family ties. This changes Tricia's heart, and she becomes grateful for their weekly visits.
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๐ค Youth
๐ค Parents
๐ค Church Members (General)
Children
Family
Family Home Evening
Grief
Judging Others
Kindness
Ministering
Service
A Heritage of Faith in Russia
Summary: Professor Nina Bazarskaya reopened her spiritual life during newfound religious freedom and met BYUโs Dr. Robert W. Blair at a conference. After an unfulfilling Easter service and exposure to Latter-day Saint studentsโ worship, she wrestled with loyalty to her tradition until a distinct spiritual voice reassured her. She was baptized in December 1992; her life changed, and her husband later joined and their family served in the Church.
Nina Bazarskaya lives in Voronezh (about 400 kilometers south of Moscow). She works as a professor of English there. At a young age, she learned about God, but she never went to church and didnโt read the Bible until age 40.
Her husband, Oleg, a physicist, โwas a thorough atheist,โ she recalls, โand at the beginning was amused by my faith and prayers. โฆ
โThe year 1985 brought great changes into my spiritual life. I was able to go to church openly, fearing neither the KGB nor any unpleasantness at work. โฆ Then came September 1991 and my first-ever international linguistics conference in Zvenigorod, near Moscow.โ
During a conference session, Nina felt compelled to answer an American professorโs question about the current religious climate in Russia. Her sincere expression of gratitude for her ability to speak openly of religion touched many people in the room, including Dr. Robert W. Blair from Brigham Young University, who had posed the question. They soon became acquainted, and Nina invited him to Voronezh.
In the spring of 1992 Brother Blair visited Nina and Oleg and attended Orthodox Easter services with them. โI had been eagerly awaiting this event,โ Nina writes. But โthe service did not move me at all. โฆ I returned home discouraged, convinced that my personal sins had not allowed me to experience any feelings of redemption.โ
Then, in the summer of 1992, students from Brigham Young University arrived to teach English. Nina attended one of their Sunday meetings and was struck by the love and warmth she found there.
โI wanted to become like them, and I wanted my son, Aleksandr, to be with them. These were โฆ people unlike any others I knew.โ
At first she thought it would be possible to remain a member of the Orthodox Church while living the principles exemplified by her new LDS friends. But it soon became clear that she could not. She was torn between remaining with her traditional faith and joining the people she wanted to be like.
โThis choice would not allow me a momentโs peace. All the while it seemed to me that by choosing the Mormons I would betray the faith of my fathers and that God would not forgive me for this apostasy. I prayed and asked God for an answer, and it came.
โOne day โฆ while I was sitting on the bank of a river gazing into the water and persistently thinking about the choice I had to make, I perceived a distinct voice that said I would not betray anyone, that I would simply progress further and believe more deeply.
โItโs difficult to describe the feelings I experienced upon hearing this voice: surprise, relief, happiness. โฆ I was baptized on 15 December 1992, on the eve of the studentsโ flight back to America.
โMy life changed. I became more tranquil, tolerant, and patient. Problems in our family life gradually diminished. For the first time in my life I understood the meaning of the words โquiet happiness,โ that is to say, harmony with oneself and peace of mind. During that year I became convinced that faith can grow, and much that I had doubted a year ago now seemed true and right.
โI donโt know what first influenced my husband, whether it was the example of my son and me or his interaction with the students, the mission president, or the missionaries, but in September 1993 he began to attend church regularly. โฆ On January 15, 1994, he was baptized.โ
Sister Bazarskaya has served in many callings since her baptism, including Relief Society president. Her husband became president of the Voronezh Branch. Their son, Aleksandr, served in the Latvia Riga Mission.
Her husband, Oleg, a physicist, โwas a thorough atheist,โ she recalls, โand at the beginning was amused by my faith and prayers. โฆ
โThe year 1985 brought great changes into my spiritual life. I was able to go to church openly, fearing neither the KGB nor any unpleasantness at work. โฆ Then came September 1991 and my first-ever international linguistics conference in Zvenigorod, near Moscow.โ
During a conference session, Nina felt compelled to answer an American professorโs question about the current religious climate in Russia. Her sincere expression of gratitude for her ability to speak openly of religion touched many people in the room, including Dr. Robert W. Blair from Brigham Young University, who had posed the question. They soon became acquainted, and Nina invited him to Voronezh.
In the spring of 1992 Brother Blair visited Nina and Oleg and attended Orthodox Easter services with them. โI had been eagerly awaiting this event,โ Nina writes. But โthe service did not move me at all. โฆ I returned home discouraged, convinced that my personal sins had not allowed me to experience any feelings of redemption.โ
Then, in the summer of 1992, students from Brigham Young University arrived to teach English. Nina attended one of their Sunday meetings and was struck by the love and warmth she found there.
โI wanted to become like them, and I wanted my son, Aleksandr, to be with them. These were โฆ people unlike any others I knew.โ
At first she thought it would be possible to remain a member of the Orthodox Church while living the principles exemplified by her new LDS friends. But it soon became clear that she could not. She was torn between remaining with her traditional faith and joining the people she wanted to be like.
โThis choice would not allow me a momentโs peace. All the while it seemed to me that by choosing the Mormons I would betray the faith of my fathers and that God would not forgive me for this apostasy. I prayed and asked God for an answer, and it came.
โOne day โฆ while I was sitting on the bank of a river gazing into the water and persistently thinking about the choice I had to make, I perceived a distinct voice that said I would not betray anyone, that I would simply progress further and believe more deeply.
โItโs difficult to describe the feelings I experienced upon hearing this voice: surprise, relief, happiness. โฆ I was baptized on 15 December 1992, on the eve of the studentsโ flight back to America.
โMy life changed. I became more tranquil, tolerant, and patient. Problems in our family life gradually diminished. For the first time in my life I understood the meaning of the words โquiet happiness,โ that is to say, harmony with oneself and peace of mind. During that year I became convinced that faith can grow, and much that I had doubted a year ago now seemed true and right.
โI donโt know what first influenced my husband, whether it was the example of my son and me or his interaction with the students, the mission president, or the missionaries, but in September 1993 he began to attend church regularly. โฆ On January 15, 1994, he was baptized.โ
Sister Bazarskaya has served in many callings since her baptism, including Relief Society president. Her husband became president of the Voronezh Branch. Their son, Aleksandr, served in the Latvia Riga Mission.
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๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Friends
๐ค Missionaries
Baptism
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Faith
Family
Friendship
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Peace
Prayer
Relief Society
Religious Freedom
Revelation
Testimony
Summary: Arlette Azi was fasting and troubled when she opened the July 2007 Liahona and read a children's section story about resisting evil influences. The message helped her avoid bad influences that day and strengthened her. She recommends reading all sections of the magazine and uses it to share the gospel.
One day I was fasting because I was troubled by many difficulties, and I opened the July 2007 issue of the Liahona. I decided to read From the Life of President Spencer W. Kimball, the episode called โResist Evil Influences,โ which I donโt usually read because it is in the childrenโs section. This story helped me flee from the bad influences that surrounded me that day, and I was fortified by the message. I encourage everyone to read all the sections of the Liahona.
The Liahona is a light and a protection for me. It is the first tool I use to proclaim the gospel to my friends.
Arlette Azi, Ivory Coast
The Liahona is a light and a protection for me. It is the first tool I use to proclaim the gospel to my friends.
Arlette Azi, Ivory Coast
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๐ค Church Members (General)
Adversity
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Missionary Work
Temptation
Testimony
Fulfilling Their Duties to God
Summary: When Richard obtained a skateboard, Stephen wanted to ride too despite his challenges. He kept trying until he learned to balance and roll slowly down the street. Their father praised their determination and refusal to give up.
When their friends or family members play sports, Stephenโs and Richardโs participation is limited. But the two boys donโt see themselves as handicapped. They always give everything their best shot.
For example, when Richard (whose reflexes are better than Stephenโs) got a skateboard, Stephen wanted to ride it too. He didnโt give up until he had learned to balance and roll slowly down the street.
โHeโs got real stick-to-itiveness,โ Brother Frustaci says. โNeither of them gives up.โ
For example, when Richard (whose reflexes are better than Stephenโs) got a skateboard, Stephen wanted to ride it too. He didnโt give up until he had learned to balance and roll slowly down the street.
โHeโs got real stick-to-itiveness,โ Brother Frustaci says. โNeither of them gives up.โ
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๐ค Youth
๐ค Parents
Adversity
Children
Courage
Disabilities
Everyone Needs the Gospel
Summary: As a child, the author accompanied her mother to find a less-active sister's home. They nearly got lost, but her mother persisted and eventually found the sister, rejoicing like the woman in the parable of the lost coin. This experience showed the author the importance of serving the Lord in small, diligent ways.
My mother showed me how important the gathering of Israel is by helping full-time missionaries teach and share the gospel. One time I joined her to find the home of a sister in the ward who hadnโt attended church for some time. We almost got lost because we didnโt know exactly where she lived. Instead of being irritated, my mother diligently looked for that sisterโs home. Like the woman in the parable of the lost coin (see Luke 15:8โ10), she found the sister and rejoiced.
The way my mother gave her best for the Lordโs work, not only in sharing the gospel but also in other Church callings, helped me realize that everyone must serve the Lord, even in small ways.
The way my mother gave her best for the Lordโs work, not only in sharing the gospel but also in other Church callings, helped me realize that everyone must serve the Lord, even in small ways.
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๐ค Parents
๐ค Youth
๐ค Church Members (General)
Bible
Family
Kindness
Ministering
Missionary Work
Parenting
Service
Teaching the Gospel
โBehold Thy Motherโ
Summary: After their widowed mother passed away, her children gathered around a dining table and opened her small metal box of treasures. They found her temple wedding certificate, the deed to their humble home, and finally a homemade valentine reading, 'I love you, Mother.' The discovery prompted a solemn family pledge to remember and honor their mother.
Some years ago I listened intently as a man well beyond middle age told me of an experience in his family history. The widowed mother who had given birth to him and his brothers and sisters had gone to her eternal and well-earned reward. The family assembled at the home and surrounded the large dining room table. The small metal box in which Mother had kept her earthly treasures was opened reverently. One by one each keepsake was brought forth. There was the wedding certificate from the Salt Lake Temple. โOh, now Mother could be with Dad.โ Then there was the deed to the humble home where each child had in turn entered upon the stage of life. The appraised value of the house had little resemblance to the worth Mother had attached to it.
Then there was discovered a yellowed envelope which bore the marks of time. Carefully the flap was opened and from inside was taken a homemade valentine. Its simple message, in the handwriting of a child, read, โI love you, Mother.โ Though she was gone, by what she held sacred, Mother taught yet another lesson. A silence permeated the room, and every member of the family made a pledge not only to remember, but also to honor mother.
Then there was discovered a yellowed envelope which bore the marks of time. Carefully the flap was opened and from inside was taken a homemade valentine. Its simple message, in the handwriting of a child, read, โI love you, Mother.โ Though she was gone, by what she held sacred, Mother taught yet another lesson. A silence permeated the room, and every member of the family made a pledge not only to remember, but also to honor mother.
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๐ค Parents
๐ค Other
Death
Family
Grief
Love
Reverence
Sealing
Temples
Comment
Summary: A member in Nigeria regularly reads President Hinckleyโs First Presidency message from the May 1999 Liahona. At a restaurant, a client asked to read the message and then requested a copy. The client said the message was inspired and applicable to modern life, reinforcing the memberโs testimony.
How blessed we are to have a living prophet in these last days. What a life-stirring compass is the First Presidency Message by President Gordon B. Hinckley in the May 1999 Liahona (English). This message, โLifeโs Obligations,โ is so rich and touching. It has strengthened my testimony of the living prophet of God. I spend time every day reading portions of this message.
On one occasion, I went to a restaurant and took this message with me. One of my clients asked to read it. After reading it, he asked for a copy of it. This man confessed that the message is โinspired and really applies to present-day life.โ
Attah Frederick,Bauchi Branch, Jos Nigeria District
On one occasion, I went to a restaurant and took this message with me. One of my clients asked to read it. After reading it, he asked for a copy of it. This man confessed that the message is โinspired and really applies to present-day life.โ
Attah Frederick,Bauchi Branch, Jos Nigeria District
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Apostle
Faith
Missionary Work
Revelation
Testimony
Big Brother
Summary: Andrew resents his sister Amanda marrying in the temple and feels left out while waiting outside the sealing. In the quiet of the temple foyer, his cousin Ernie explains that the Holy Ghost brings peace there. After the sealing, Amanda and Brad greet Andrew warmly, and Andrew realizes their family love continues and even grows. He accepts Brad as a new big brother and feels happy.
Andrew stood in front of the mirror and scowled at himself. He decided he looked stupid. Who wanted to wear a tie anyway? โI feel like Iโm choking,โ he said to his dad.
โLoosen your tie,โ said Dad. โMaybe you have it on too tight.โ
Andrew slid his finger between his collar and the knot of the tie and pulled. He still felt like he was choking. โHow come Amanda has to get married, anyway?โ
โBecause thatโs what little girls do when they grow up,โ Dad said. โCome on, Sport, itโs time to go. We donโt want to be late for your sisterโs wedding. You look fine.โ
In the car, Andrew slumped down in the seat until his chin was nearly resting on his chest, and stared straight ahead. This morning Amanda had been in the bathroom for what seemed like nine hours. He had heard her singing โFamilies Can Be Together Forever,โ and when she got to the part that goes โI want to marry in Godโs temple for all eternity,โ she sang really loud.
Andrew tugged at his tie again, and a mean, mad feeling settled in his chest. If families are supposed to be together forever, why did Amanda want to leave them and marry Brad? She wasnโt even riding to the temple with the family. Brad had come earlier to get her, and she had gone with him. She hadnโt even waved good-bye.
โHere we are,โ Dad said, stopping the car. Andrew got out slowly. He could see a carpet of grass a little way up the hill, then flowers, and at the top, the Jordan River Temple. The statue of the Angel Moroni on the spire shone golden in the sunlight.
โAndrew,โ Mom said, โletโs go. Do you have your Friend to read?โ
โYes,โ he said. They walked together up the sidewalk, and the temple seemed to get taller and whiter with every step. He wished that Amanda was with them. She wouldโve been holding his hand or fixing his collar or pointing to the ducks that were waddling across the lawn.
The temple doors opened silently, and they stepped inside. A woman in a long white dress was standing there smiling. โWelcome,โ she said quietly.
โGood morning, Sister,โ said Dad. โWeโre here for the SmithtonโPeters wedding. Is it all right if my son sits in the waiting room? His cousin will be here soon to sit with him.โ
โYes,โ said the woman. โIโll get him settled while you go on in.โ She put her hand on Andrewโs shoulder and led him to a glassed-in room full of chairs and sofas. โHere we are,โ she said. โWe have lots of chairs, so choose any one you want. Change chairs every five minutes if you like. Iโve sat in all of them myself, and theyโre all comfortable.โ She told him that if he needed anything, to let her know, then went back to the door to greet people.
โGreat,โ Andrew grumbled quietly. โHere I am by myself. Iโm just the little brother, and no one cares, anyway.โ He plopped himself on a soft chair. He didnโt even want to read. He just felt left out and sorry for himself. He closed his eyes.
The door to the waiting room opened, and he heard someone come in and sit down on the chair next to him. โHey, Andy,โ his cousin Ernie whispered.
Andrew opened his eyes. โYou look funny in a suit.โ
โThanks.โ Ernie looked at Andrew for a minute. โWhatโs the matter, man?โ
โHow come we donโt get to go in?โ Andrew scowled, looking through the glass wall at men in white suits, sitting at a desk and checking peopleโs recommends.
โWeโre not old enough yet.โ
โHow come we have to be old enough?โ
โFor the same reason you have to be eight to be baptized and twelve to get the priesthood and nineteen to go on a mission. You have to be old enough to understand things.โ
That made sense. Andrew didnโt understand lots of thingsโlike why Amanda wanted to leave their family. He still felt mad. โI donโt know why Amanda wants to get married at all,โ he said. โShe never even talks to me anymore.โ
Ernie grinned. โJealous, huh? Think she wonโt love you anymore?โ
Andrew shrugged, but he did think that a little bit. She hadnโt had time to take him to the library or out for ice cream or anything lately because she was always with Brad or doing something for the wedding.
Ernie picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon that was on a table and started to read. Andrew knew that he was trying to get ready for his mission, so he didnโt bother him. Instead, he watched the second hand sweep around and around the face of a wall clock. When he watched the seconds, the minutes seemed to go faster.
He wondered what his sister was doing. He wondered if she would even think about him at all.
Next he watched people coming into the temple, all of them dressed in Church clothes and most of them carrying little suitcases. His dad had told him that the suitcases had white clothes in them because everyone wears white in the temple, like the lady by the door. She was still smiling at everyone who came in.
Andrew had never been in such a quiet place. It was even quieter than church because there were no babies crying or loud talking. People even seemed to walk more quietly. The longer he listened to the stillness, the quieter he felt. His tie didnโt choke him anymore, and he let his shoulders relax against the back of the chair. It was nice to not feel mad for a while. The second hand on the clock kept sweeping around.
โErnie,โ he whispered, โwhy is it so quiet? Why do I feel good in here?โ
Ernie looked up from the scriptures and smiled. โRemember how you felt after you got baptized and confirmed?โ Andrew nodded. โHow you felt warm and good and quiet because the Holy Ghost was there?โ Andrew nodded again. โWell, since this is Heavenly Fatherโs house, His Spirit is here all the time. Thatโs why it feels good.โ
โI like it,โ whispered Andrew.
โSo do I.โ Ernie bent his head over his book again.
Andrew closed his eyes. He wondered if the feeling was even stronger inside the temple than it was by the front door.
โHey, Andy,โ Ernie said, bumping his shoulder against Andrewโs, โtheyโre coming out.โ
Andrew opened his eyes. The foyer was filled with people he knewโaunts and uncles, his grandparents, his mom and dad. Bradโs mom and dadโbut he couldnโt see Amanda.
โLetโs go outside and wait for them, OK?โ said Ernie.
In the bright sunshine, Andrew looked at the water fountain in front of the temple. He stood on one foot, then the other and wondered if Amanda would ever come out. Maybe sheโd forgotten all about him.
He looked up and saw her coming. Brad was holding her hand, and in her other hand, she had a bunch of pink flowers. She was still dressed in white, and they both looked so happy that they almost glowed.
โAndrew,โ Amanda called. Pulling Brad over to where Andrew stood, she bent down and hugged him. Andrew just stood there for a moment. Then he put his arms around her and hugged back. Her hair tickled his nose.
โI love you,โ Amanda said.
โYou do? I thought you loved Brad more than me.โ
Amanda looked surprised. โI do love Brad,โ she said. โBut youโre still the only little brother I have.โ
Brad reached out and messed up Andrewโs hair. โGuess youโre my brother now too.โ
Andrew squinted up at Brad. โYouโre part of my family now?โ He hadnโt thought about it that way.
โSure,โ laughed Brad, โand since families are forever, I hope you like me. Think Iโll make a good big brother?โ
Andrew had never had a big brother before. It might be fun. โSure!โ He wanted to laugh and sing and dance. Instead, he stepped back, looked up to where the statue of Moroni was, and smiled.
โLoosen your tie,โ said Dad. โMaybe you have it on too tight.โ
Andrew slid his finger between his collar and the knot of the tie and pulled. He still felt like he was choking. โHow come Amanda has to get married, anyway?โ
โBecause thatโs what little girls do when they grow up,โ Dad said. โCome on, Sport, itโs time to go. We donโt want to be late for your sisterโs wedding. You look fine.โ
In the car, Andrew slumped down in the seat until his chin was nearly resting on his chest, and stared straight ahead. This morning Amanda had been in the bathroom for what seemed like nine hours. He had heard her singing โFamilies Can Be Together Forever,โ and when she got to the part that goes โI want to marry in Godโs temple for all eternity,โ she sang really loud.
Andrew tugged at his tie again, and a mean, mad feeling settled in his chest. If families are supposed to be together forever, why did Amanda want to leave them and marry Brad? She wasnโt even riding to the temple with the family. Brad had come earlier to get her, and she had gone with him. She hadnโt even waved good-bye.
โHere we are,โ Dad said, stopping the car. Andrew got out slowly. He could see a carpet of grass a little way up the hill, then flowers, and at the top, the Jordan River Temple. The statue of the Angel Moroni on the spire shone golden in the sunlight.
โAndrew,โ Mom said, โletโs go. Do you have your Friend to read?โ
โYes,โ he said. They walked together up the sidewalk, and the temple seemed to get taller and whiter with every step. He wished that Amanda was with them. She wouldโve been holding his hand or fixing his collar or pointing to the ducks that were waddling across the lawn.
The temple doors opened silently, and they stepped inside. A woman in a long white dress was standing there smiling. โWelcome,โ she said quietly.
โGood morning, Sister,โ said Dad. โWeโre here for the SmithtonโPeters wedding. Is it all right if my son sits in the waiting room? His cousin will be here soon to sit with him.โ
โYes,โ said the woman. โIโll get him settled while you go on in.โ She put her hand on Andrewโs shoulder and led him to a glassed-in room full of chairs and sofas. โHere we are,โ she said. โWe have lots of chairs, so choose any one you want. Change chairs every five minutes if you like. Iโve sat in all of them myself, and theyโre all comfortable.โ She told him that if he needed anything, to let her know, then went back to the door to greet people.
โGreat,โ Andrew grumbled quietly. โHere I am by myself. Iโm just the little brother, and no one cares, anyway.โ He plopped himself on a soft chair. He didnโt even want to read. He just felt left out and sorry for himself. He closed his eyes.
The door to the waiting room opened, and he heard someone come in and sit down on the chair next to him. โHey, Andy,โ his cousin Ernie whispered.
Andrew opened his eyes. โYou look funny in a suit.โ
โThanks.โ Ernie looked at Andrew for a minute. โWhatโs the matter, man?โ
โHow come we donโt get to go in?โ Andrew scowled, looking through the glass wall at men in white suits, sitting at a desk and checking peopleโs recommends.
โWeโre not old enough yet.โ
โHow come we have to be old enough?โ
โFor the same reason you have to be eight to be baptized and twelve to get the priesthood and nineteen to go on a mission. You have to be old enough to understand things.โ
That made sense. Andrew didnโt understand lots of thingsโlike why Amanda wanted to leave their family. He still felt mad. โI donโt know why Amanda wants to get married at all,โ he said. โShe never even talks to me anymore.โ
Ernie grinned. โJealous, huh? Think she wonโt love you anymore?โ
Andrew shrugged, but he did think that a little bit. She hadnโt had time to take him to the library or out for ice cream or anything lately because she was always with Brad or doing something for the wedding.
Ernie picked up a copy of the Book of Mormon that was on a table and started to read. Andrew knew that he was trying to get ready for his mission, so he didnโt bother him. Instead, he watched the second hand sweep around and around the face of a wall clock. When he watched the seconds, the minutes seemed to go faster.
He wondered what his sister was doing. He wondered if she would even think about him at all.
Next he watched people coming into the temple, all of them dressed in Church clothes and most of them carrying little suitcases. His dad had told him that the suitcases had white clothes in them because everyone wears white in the temple, like the lady by the door. She was still smiling at everyone who came in.
Andrew had never been in such a quiet place. It was even quieter than church because there were no babies crying or loud talking. People even seemed to walk more quietly. The longer he listened to the stillness, the quieter he felt. His tie didnโt choke him anymore, and he let his shoulders relax against the back of the chair. It was nice to not feel mad for a while. The second hand on the clock kept sweeping around.
โErnie,โ he whispered, โwhy is it so quiet? Why do I feel good in here?โ
Ernie looked up from the scriptures and smiled. โRemember how you felt after you got baptized and confirmed?โ Andrew nodded. โHow you felt warm and good and quiet because the Holy Ghost was there?โ Andrew nodded again. โWell, since this is Heavenly Fatherโs house, His Spirit is here all the time. Thatโs why it feels good.โ
โI like it,โ whispered Andrew.
โSo do I.โ Ernie bent his head over his book again.
Andrew closed his eyes. He wondered if the feeling was even stronger inside the temple than it was by the front door.
โHey, Andy,โ Ernie said, bumping his shoulder against Andrewโs, โtheyโre coming out.โ
Andrew opened his eyes. The foyer was filled with people he knewโaunts and uncles, his grandparents, his mom and dad. Bradโs mom and dadโbut he couldnโt see Amanda.
โLetโs go outside and wait for them, OK?โ said Ernie.
In the bright sunshine, Andrew looked at the water fountain in front of the temple. He stood on one foot, then the other and wondered if Amanda would ever come out. Maybe sheโd forgotten all about him.
He looked up and saw her coming. Brad was holding her hand, and in her other hand, she had a bunch of pink flowers. She was still dressed in white, and they both looked so happy that they almost glowed.
โAndrew,โ Amanda called. Pulling Brad over to where Andrew stood, she bent down and hugged him. Andrew just stood there for a moment. Then he put his arms around her and hugged back. Her hair tickled his nose.
โI love you,โ Amanda said.
โYou do? I thought you loved Brad more than me.โ
Amanda looked surprised. โI do love Brad,โ she said. โBut youโre still the only little brother I have.โ
Brad reached out and messed up Andrewโs hair. โGuess youโre my brother now too.โ
Andrew squinted up at Brad. โYouโre part of my family now?โ He hadnโt thought about it that way.
โSure,โ laughed Brad, โand since families are forever, I hope you like me. Think Iโll make a good big brother?โ
Andrew had never had a big brother before. It might be fun. โSure!โ He wanted to laugh and sing and dance. Instead, he stepped back, looked up to where the statue of Moroni was, and smiled.
Read more โ
๐ค Children
๐ค Parents
๐ค Young Adults
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Book of Mormon
Children
Family
Holy Ghost
Love
Marriage
Reverence
Sealing
Temples
Roberto Remembers
Summary: Roberto rushes to dinner, forgets to wash his hands and to pray, and serves himself too much food. At bedtime, Papรก tells a Bible story about gratitude, prompting Roberto to run downstairs to thank Mamรก. He then thanks Carlos and Papรก and prays again, sincerely thanking Heavenly Father. Roberto feels happy as he remembers to be grateful.
โRoberto,โ Mamรก called. โTime for dinner!โ
Roberto forgot all about the cars he was playing with and ran to the table. Papรก and Carlos were already sitting in their places. Roberto could smell his favorite food, a steaming bowl of fideos. He climbed into his seat and reached for the slippery noodles.
โRoberto, did you forget something?โ Papรก asked.
Roberto slid down and raced to the bathroom. He washed his hands and dried them quickly. Mamรก was just sitting down at the table when Roberto got back. He climbed up on the chair beside her and reached for the noodles again.
This time Mamรก stopped him. โRoberto, have you forgotten something?โ Roberto looked around. Everyoneโs arms were folded, and Carlos was bowing his head. Roberto folded his arms and bowed his head too. Papรก asked Carlos to pray.
Roberto heard Carlos thank Heavenly Father for the food, but then Roberto began to think about Mamรกโs yummy fideos and he didnโt listen to the rest of the prayer. As soon as Carlos said โAmen,โ Roberto grabbed the serving spoon. He piled the noodles on his plate until Mamรก took the spoon away.
โEat that much,โ she said. โThen if youโre still hungry, you can have more.โ
When he finished all the noodles on his plate, Roberto wasnโt hungry at all. He couldnโt eat one more bite, not even when Mamรก brought out the flan she had made for dessert. He watched Carlos smile as he spooned the custard into his bowl. Roberto wished everyone would hurry and finish so that he could go back to his cars.
At last Papรก leaned back and smiled at Mamรก. โThat was wonderful,โ he said. โThank you.โ
โYes, thank you, Mamรก,โ said Carlos.
โMay I be excused?โ Roberto asked.
Roberto played until bedtime. Carlos helped him make buildings and houses out of blocks. They made tunnels to drive their cars under. They were almost done making a city when Mamรก announced, โBedtime.โ
After their prayers, Papรก told Roberto and Carlos a story. It was a story from the Bible about when Jesus Christ helped ten men who were lepers. โDo you know what a leper is, Roberto?โ Papรก asked.
โA big cat!โ
Papรก laughed. โNo, thatโs a leopard. Lepers are people who are very sickโso sick that sometimes they have to go away and live by themselves. The Savior made the lepers well again so they could go home and live with their families. But only one of the men remembered to say thank you.โ
โOh,โ Roberto said. โWhy?โ
โI donโt know why they didnโt thank Jesus. What do you think, Carlos?โ
Carlos thought for a moment. โI think they were so happy to go home that they forgot all about it.โ
Papรก nodded. โAnd what do you think, Roberto?โ
Roberto suddenly jumped out of his bed. โJust a minute,โ he said. โI remembered something.โ He ran downstairs.
Mamรก was putting away the dinner dishes. She was surprised to see Roberto. โArenโt you supposed to be in bed?โ
โI have to tell you something first. You made my favorite food for me, but I forgot to say gracias (thank you).โ
Mamรก smiled. โYouโre welcome. I like to do things for you, especially when you remember to say thank you.โ
Roberto ran back upstairs to his bedroom. Carlos was listening to Papรก finish the story. โThank you for playing with me today,โ Roberto told Carlos. โAnd thank you, Papรก, for telling me stories about Jesus.โ
โYouโre welcome,โ Papรก said and turned off the light. โGood night, Roberto. Good night, Carlos.โ
But Roberto didnโt go right to sleep. He lay still and thought of the many things he was thankful for. He felt happy, and he wished he could give Heavenly Father a hug. At last he slipped out of bed and said another prayer. This time he really meant it when he thanked Heavenly Father for fideos, and for Mamรก, Papรก, and Carlos. โAnd gracias,โ he added, โfor helping me remember to say gracias.โ
Roberto forgot all about the cars he was playing with and ran to the table. Papรก and Carlos were already sitting in their places. Roberto could smell his favorite food, a steaming bowl of fideos. He climbed into his seat and reached for the slippery noodles.
โRoberto, did you forget something?โ Papรก asked.
Roberto slid down and raced to the bathroom. He washed his hands and dried them quickly. Mamรก was just sitting down at the table when Roberto got back. He climbed up on the chair beside her and reached for the noodles again.
This time Mamรก stopped him. โRoberto, have you forgotten something?โ Roberto looked around. Everyoneโs arms were folded, and Carlos was bowing his head. Roberto folded his arms and bowed his head too. Papรก asked Carlos to pray.
Roberto heard Carlos thank Heavenly Father for the food, but then Roberto began to think about Mamรกโs yummy fideos and he didnโt listen to the rest of the prayer. As soon as Carlos said โAmen,โ Roberto grabbed the serving spoon. He piled the noodles on his plate until Mamรก took the spoon away.
โEat that much,โ she said. โThen if youโre still hungry, you can have more.โ
When he finished all the noodles on his plate, Roberto wasnโt hungry at all. He couldnโt eat one more bite, not even when Mamรก brought out the flan she had made for dessert. He watched Carlos smile as he spooned the custard into his bowl. Roberto wished everyone would hurry and finish so that he could go back to his cars.
At last Papรก leaned back and smiled at Mamรก. โThat was wonderful,โ he said. โThank you.โ
โYes, thank you, Mamรก,โ said Carlos.
โMay I be excused?โ Roberto asked.
Roberto played until bedtime. Carlos helped him make buildings and houses out of blocks. They made tunnels to drive their cars under. They were almost done making a city when Mamรก announced, โBedtime.โ
After their prayers, Papรก told Roberto and Carlos a story. It was a story from the Bible about when Jesus Christ helped ten men who were lepers. โDo you know what a leper is, Roberto?โ Papรก asked.
โA big cat!โ
Papรก laughed. โNo, thatโs a leopard. Lepers are people who are very sickโso sick that sometimes they have to go away and live by themselves. The Savior made the lepers well again so they could go home and live with their families. But only one of the men remembered to say thank you.โ
โOh,โ Roberto said. โWhy?โ
โI donโt know why they didnโt thank Jesus. What do you think, Carlos?โ
Carlos thought for a moment. โI think they were so happy to go home that they forgot all about it.โ
Papรก nodded. โAnd what do you think, Roberto?โ
Roberto suddenly jumped out of his bed. โJust a minute,โ he said. โI remembered something.โ He ran downstairs.
Mamรก was putting away the dinner dishes. She was surprised to see Roberto. โArenโt you supposed to be in bed?โ
โI have to tell you something first. You made my favorite food for me, but I forgot to say gracias (thank you).โ
Mamรก smiled. โYouโre welcome. I like to do things for you, especially when you remember to say thank you.โ
Roberto ran back upstairs to his bedroom. Carlos was listening to Papรก finish the story. โThank you for playing with me today,โ Roberto told Carlos. โAnd thank you, Papรก, for telling me stories about Jesus.โ
โYouโre welcome,โ Papรก said and turned off the light. โGood night, Roberto. Good night, Carlos.โ
But Roberto didnโt go right to sleep. He lay still and thought of the many things he was thankful for. He felt happy, and he wished he could give Heavenly Father a hug. At last he slipped out of bed and said another prayer. This time he really meant it when he thanked Heavenly Father for fideos, and for Mamรก, Papรก, and Carlos. โAnd gracias,โ he added, โfor helping me remember to say gracias.โ
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
Bible
Children
Family
Gratitude
Jesus Christ
Prayer
Teaching the Gospel
The Importance of Bearing Testimony
Summary: While stationed in Pennsylvania during World War II, the speaker knew William G. โPappyโ Stoops, a beloved stake patriarch. A nonmember coworker, unfamiliar with Church doctrine, testified of the Churchโs goodness based on Pappyโs character. The story highlights the power of a righteous life as a form of testimony.
I noted that we also bear our testimonies by our lives. In World War II I was stationed at an army camp in Pennsylvania. We lived in a little ward in which our stake patriarch also lived. His name was William G. Stoops. Brother Stoops worked at a machine shop in the little town of Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. Everyone called him โPappy.โ He was a kindly, gentle, wonderful, exemplary member of the Church. All who met him honored and admired him. One time a nonmember with whom he worked said something like this: โI donโt know much about the Mormon church. I have never met with the missionaries, and I have never studied the doctrine. I have never been to one of their services, but I know Pappy Stoops; and if the Church produces men like Pappy Stoops, it has to have much good in it.โ We never know the power of our own example for either good or bad.
Read more โ
๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Employment
Kindness
Missionary Work
Testimony
War
โWalk with Meโ
Summary: While serving as a bishop, the speaker received a call from a woman facing a life-changing decision after a serious mistake. Though he felt he knew the answer, he felt prompted not to give it and instead encouraged her to ask God. She later reported that she prayed and received the answer herself.
It happened again while I was serving as a bishop. I received a phone call from a woman who had made a serious mistake and now faced a difficult, life-changing decision. As I visited with her, I felt I knew the answer to her problem, but I also felt strongly that I should not give her that answerโshe needed to obtain it for herself. My words to her were โI believe God will tell you what to do if you would ask Him.โ She later reported that she did ask Him and He did tell her.
Read more โ
๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
๐ค Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability
Bishop
Ministering
Prayer
Revelation
A Priceless Heritage
Summary: As the rescued pioneers neared Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young directed the Saints to receive them as their own children and provide for their needs. Captain Willie recorded that bishops placed the homeless into comfortable quarters and citizens welcomed them warmly. The Saints did all they could to alleviate the sufferersโ distress.
When the rescued sufferers got close to the Salt Lake Valley, Brigham Young convened a meeting on this block. He directed the Saints in the valley to receive the sufferers into their homes, make them comfortable, and administer food and clothing to them. Said President Young: โSome you will find with their feet frozen to their ankles; some are frozen to their knees and some have their hands frosted. โฆ We want you to receive them as your own children, and to have the same feeling for themโ (Hafen, Handcarts to Zion, p. 139).
When the rescuers brought the Willie handcart pioneers into this valley, it is recorded by Captain Willie: โOn our arrival there the Bishops of the different Wards took every person, who was not provided with a home, to comfortable quarters. Some had their hands and feet badly frozen; but everything which could be done to alleviate their sufferings, was done. โฆ Hundreds of the Citizens flocked round the wagons on our way through the City, cordially welcoming their Brethren and Sisters to their mountain homeโ (James G. Willie, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9 Nov. 1856, p. 15).
When the rescuers brought the Willie handcart pioneers into this valley, it is recorded by Captain Willie: โOn our arrival there the Bishops of the different Wards took every person, who was not provided with a home, to comfortable quarters. Some had their hands and feet badly frozen; but everything which could be done to alleviate their sufferings, was done. โฆ Hundreds of the Citizens flocked round the wagons on our way through the City, cordially welcoming their Brethren and Sisters to their mountain homeโ (James G. Willie, in Journal History of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9 Nov. 1856, p. 15).
Read more โ
๐ค Pioneers
๐ค Church Leaders (Local)
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Adversity
Bishop
Charity
Emergency Response
Kindness
Love
Ministering
Service
Unity
Becoming a Bible Scholar
Summary: Wilfordโs father arranged for him to continue his schooling, but Wilford became homesick and wanted to go home. He chose to stay busy by focusing on his studies, developed a love for history, and began reading the Bible. Though he started it for history, he gained a testimony that the Bible is Godโs word and resolved to seek and follow the Lord.
When Wilford was 17 years old, his father arranged for him to continue going to school.
Wilford: But Father, I canโt afford to attend school in West Hartford!
Father: If you do chores for my friend, he will pay your room and board.
Wilford went to school but became terribly homesick.
Wilford: I miss my family, and I want to return home!
In order to avoid feeling homesick, Wilford decided that he needed to stay busy by focusing more on his studies. He grew to love history and started reading every history book he could get his hands on.
One day Wilford picked up the Bible and started to read it. Although he began reading it to learn about Christian history, he gained a testimony that the Bible was the word of God.
Wilford: I resolve to diligently seek the Lord, follow the Holy Spirit, and do the will of God as far as I can learn it!
Wilford: But Father, I canโt afford to attend school in West Hartford!
Father: If you do chores for my friend, he will pay your room and board.
Wilford went to school but became terribly homesick.
Wilford: I miss my family, and I want to return home!
In order to avoid feeling homesick, Wilford decided that he needed to stay busy by focusing more on his studies. He grew to love history and started reading every history book he could get his hands on.
One day Wilford picked up the Bible and started to read it. Although he began reading it to learn about Christian history, he gained a testimony that the Bible was the word of God.
Wilford: I resolve to diligently seek the Lord, follow the Holy Spirit, and do the will of God as far as I can learn it!
Read more โ
๐ค Early Saints
๐ค Parents
๐ค Youth
Adversity
Bible
Conversion
Education
Faith
Holy Ghost
Testimony
Young Men
Summary: A girl thanks her classmate for helping her study, and the classmate explains that she was taught to be kind during family home evening. When the girl says her family doesnโt do anything like that, she is invited to attend their family home evening. The story ends with the girl asking her mom if she can help host and make brownies.
Thanks for helping me study for that science test. I passed, thanks to you.
No problem!
Umm โฆ how come youโve been so nice to me after some of us were so mean when you first got here?
Well, after you failed that first science test you looked like you needed some help.
And we had a lesson in our family home evening about being kind to others.
Whatโs family home evening?
Family home evening is where we get together and have lessons, and games, and treats.
My family doesnโt do anything like that.
Hey! Does your family want to come to our home evening next Monday night?
Sounds fun. Iโll ask my mom.
Mom, can I be in charge of family home evening on Monday? I invited Audrey. I hope thatโs OK.
โฆ Iโll make brownies and โฆ
To be continued โฆ
No problem!
Umm โฆ how come youโve been so nice to me after some of us were so mean when you first got here?
Well, after you failed that first science test you looked like you needed some help.
And we had a lesson in our family home evening about being kind to others.
Whatโs family home evening?
Family home evening is where we get together and have lessons, and games, and treats.
My family doesnโt do anything like that.
Hey! Does your family want to come to our home evening next Monday night?
Sounds fun. Iโll ask my mom.
Mom, can I be in charge of family home evening on Monday? I invited Audrey. I hope thatโs OK.
โฆ Iโll make brownies and โฆ
To be continued โฆ
Read more โ
๐ค Youth
๐ค Parents
๐ค Friends
๐ค Church Members (General)
Children
Education
Family
Family Home Evening
Friendship
Kindness
Service
Teaching the Gospel
Philippine Saints:
Summary: Despite poverty and illness, the Monares family saved to attend the Manila Temple. After their food money was pickpocketed, fast-offering funds helped them complete the journey. They felt peace in the temple, and their daughter Vicenta heard a babyโs voice during a sealing for their deceased infant brother.
To get to the Monares familyโs one-room home in the city of Cebu, you have to walk through a maze of narrow, crowded alleys. When you enter the tiny room, the first thing you see is a New Era poster. Itโs a photo of one yellow balloon floating above a group of blue ones, with a caption: โRise above the blues.โ
One shelf of a small bookcase is filled with new copies of the Book of Mormon to give away. โOur son is on a mission,โ Santos Monares explains.
Brother Monares buys and sells merchandise on the street, hoping to transact enough business to feed his family. When he and his wife, Julieta, first started talking about going to the temple, Julieta didnโt want to build up her hopes. She felt it was useless to even try to save enough money for the boat trip. And then Brother Monares was sick for a long time. But somehow, they got enough money together for themselves and four of their children to make the trip.
When Sister Monares went to the market to buy food for the journey, someone pickpocketed all her food money. Again she was tempted to give up. But fast-offering funds helped pay for food, and they finally made it to the Manila Temple in April 1990.
โIn the temple, we forgot all the problems of the outside world,โ says Brother Monares.
Twenty-year-old Vicenta agrees. โWhen we were being sealed to my brother who died soon after he was born, I heard the voice of a baby!โ For her, it was a witness that he was accepting the ordinance.
One shelf of a small bookcase is filled with new copies of the Book of Mormon to give away. โOur son is on a mission,โ Santos Monares explains.
Brother Monares buys and sells merchandise on the street, hoping to transact enough business to feed his family. When he and his wife, Julieta, first started talking about going to the temple, Julieta didnโt want to build up her hopes. She felt it was useless to even try to save enough money for the boat trip. And then Brother Monares was sick for a long time. But somehow, they got enough money together for themselves and four of their children to make the trip.
When Sister Monares went to the market to buy food for the journey, someone pickpocketed all her food money. Again she was tempted to give up. But fast-offering funds helped pay for food, and they finally made it to the Manila Temple in April 1990.
โIn the temple, we forgot all the problems of the outside world,โ says Brother Monares.
Twenty-year-old Vicenta agrees. โWhen we were being sealed to my brother who died soon after he was born, I heard the voice of a baby!โ For her, it was a witness that he was accepting the ordinance.
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
๐ค Church Members (General)
Adversity
Book of Mormon
Faith
Family
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Missionary Work
Sacrifice
Sealing
Temples
Testimony
President Harold B. Leeโs General Priesthood Address
Summary: A talented mother of seven visited the speaker, considering divorce despite her husbandโs kindness and provision. After a conference session, she met him in tears, saying she had received answers and new understanding. She resolved to return home, love her husband, care for her family, and correct her own mistakes.
I had come to my office the other night a beautiful mother and seven children. I think I am far enough away, and probably no one would guess of whom I am speaking. She is a very talented young woman, but she said, โI have come to a time where I believe that I must think of divorcing my husband.โ So I began to ask about her husband. In answer to my questions, she said he was kind to her. He was a good provider, but somehow the luster of the romance of marriage, now that their children were pretty well grown, had now brought her to a point where she had begun to think that maybe if she were footloose she could do better than she was able to do with the husband who was the father of her children. We had quite a talk about it; but the other morning, after the first session of the conference, this lovely young woman met me and she said, with tears rolling down her cheeks, โI have had the answer to every problem. This session has changed my life. I am a woman different now, because I have understanding that I never had before. I am going back. I am going to take care of my family. I am going to love my husband, and I am going to correct the mistakes that are in me, where I think most of the problem lies.โ
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
Divorce
Family
Marriage
Parenting
Repentance
Brigham Young As a Missionary
Summary: Brigham Young and companions met Joseph Smith while he was chopping wood behind Newel K. Whitneyโs store. That evening Brigham spoke in tonguesโthe first time Joseph had heard the giftโand later Brigham baptized Gibson Smith, who had come seeking revealed truths.
They first met the Prophet as he was chopping wood with his brothers-in-law in the forest behind Newell K. Whitneyโs store, where Joseph and Emma were then living. To find a prophet thus employed assured much more than it surprised a hardworking man like Brigham. The visitors were invited to stay for supper and for a gathering of some of the brethren that evening. Heber much later remembered that they โhad a glorious time; during which brother Brigham spoke in tongues before brother Joseph, it being the first time he had heard any one speak in tongues. We had a precious season and returned with a blessing in our souls.โ4 Brigham himself recalled, โWe tarried about one week in Kirtland, held meetings nearly every night, and the blessings of the Lord were extensively upon us. I baptized one man while in Kirtland, by the name of Gibson Smith, the father of Newell K. Whitneyโs wife, who had just come from Connecticut to learn the things that were being revealed. Being convinced of the truth of the work, he requested me to go into the waters with him.โ5
Read more โ
๐ค Joseph Smith
๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Church Members (General)
Apostle
Baptism
Conversion
Joseph Smith
Spiritual Gifts
I Listened the Second Time
Summary: The narrator felt prompted to buy a rim and tire for a minivan that lacked a spare but forgot to act. During the trip, a tire blew, requiring a tow and an expensive replacement, along with a long delay. The experience taught the narrator to better follow spiritual promptings.
I was drifting off to sleep the night before a trip when I received an impression to buy a rim and a tire for our 15-year-old minivan, which came without a spare. The next day I was busy and forgot about the impression. We loaded the vehicle with our three children and gear and headed to my dadโs house four hours away.
On the way, a tire on the van blew. We had the van towed to the nearest town to replace the tire. It cost three times what it would have to buy a rim and tire at home, and we lost 90 minutes waiting. I gained an appreciation for the promptings of the Spirit and decided to better follow them in the future.
On the way, a tire on the van blew. We had the van towed to the nearest town to replace the tire. It cost three times what it would have to buy a rim and tire at home, and we lost 90 minutes waiting. I gained an appreciation for the promptings of the Spirit and decided to better follow them in the future.
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
Agency and Accountability
Emergency Preparedness
Holy Ghost
Obedience
Revelation
Spiritual Confidence
Summary: A sister was assigned to help young women prepare a sacrament meeting program. Despite a confusing final practice, she reflected on past blessings and trusted God. They felt the Spirit during the actual program.
Our Heavenly Father is infinitely kind. When we keep his commandments, he โdoth immediately blessโ us (Mosiah 2:24). As we remember his kindnesses, we are again blessed, and our confidence in him grows stronger. Another sister, assigned to help the young women in her ward prepare for a sacrament meeting program, felt a spirit of peace, even though their final practice had concluded in confusion. She reflected, โWe had practiced diligently. We had been called by God through his servants to this assignment. I had seen his blessings in similar situations in the past, and I knew that we could trust in him. We felt his Spirit during the program.โ
Read more โ
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Youth
Commandments
Faith
Gratitude
Holy Ghost
Kindness
Sacrament Meeting
Service
Young Women
โThese Things Are Manifested unto Us Plainlyโ
Summary: A woman who loves motherhood taught a Relief Society lesson on family scripture study. Another sister praised her patience but noted her own musical talents; the mother had sometimes envied such abilities. Afterward, the mother realized motherhood is her God-given gift and felt grateful for it.
Another of you wrote, โI love being a mother. I love teaching my children the gospel. I substituted in Relief Society one week and got to give the lesson on family scripture study. This is something close to my heart, something I canโt imagine family life without. After the lesson, a sister came up to me and said, โI canโt believe all you do. I donโt have the patience.โ But she sings and takes music lessons. At times Iโve envied people who could sing well or play an instrument, because I love music.
โAfter my conversation with her I felt that although I had not been blessed with great musical ability, Heavenly Father had blessed me with a love of motherhood and that this indeed was a gift and a talent for which I am grateful.โ
โAfter my conversation with her I felt that although I had not been blessed with great musical ability, Heavenly Father had blessed me with a love of motherhood and that this indeed was a gift and a talent for which I am grateful.โ
Read more โ
๐ค Parents
๐ค Church Members (General)
Children
Family
Gratitude
Music
Parenting
Relief Society
Teaching the Gospel
Women in the Church