We need something else to do.
Yeah.
I know! We could start a club and β¦
β¦ and we could invite β¦
Lily, Ciara, Esperanza, β¦
Whatβs wrong?
Do we invite some kids, but leave others out?
Good point.
What if everyone was in the club? Weβd just invite different people to play with us every day.
So theyβd be part of our club without knowing it? I like it!
Those two girls are new at school.
Yeah. I donβt know their names. β¦ But theyβre part of the club!
Letβs invite them to play soccer with us.
Do we have to let them win?
We just have to let them try.
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Matt & Mandy
Summary: Two children want to start a club, but they worry about leaving some kids out. They decide that everyone can be part of the club by inviting different people to play each day. When two new girls are identified, they invite them to play soccer and remind each other to let them try.
Read more β
π€ Children
π€ Friends
Charity
Children
Friendship
Judging Others
Kindness
Service
Friend to Friend
Summary: As a teenager in Salt Lake City, the narrator helped unload a railcar of coal at Welfare Square and found the work exhausting and unpleasant. Weeks later, his family delivered Thanksgiving gifts to widows and visited an elderly sister. She shared that she had received coal from Welfare Square that afternoon, allowing them to enjoy a warm fire. Realizing he had helped make that possible changed how he viewed service for the rest of his life.
One of my most insightful spiritual experiences occurred when I was thirteen or fourteen years old.
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Church was a large part of my life. One day the Aaronic Priesthood boys in our ward went to Welfare Square for a service project.
We were assigned to unload a large railcar full of lump coal. We were to climb up on the load and throw lumps of coal off to either side of the track.
At first, it was fun, a new adventure. It was fairly easy to toss the coal off. However, as we worked our way down into the railcar, it became necessary to pick up the lumps, raise them over our heads, and throw them over the side. By then we were getting tired and very dirty. The lumps of coal seemed heavier and heavier. It became a difficult task.
I remember going home that night and taking a bath. I had coal dust all over me. It was in my throat and nose. I could taste it and smell it. I felt terrible and decided that I would avoid doing anything like that again.
A few weeks later my family celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Under my parentsβ guidance, we had prepared little boxes of food for the widows in our neighborhood. My sister and I made popcorn balls and wrapped them in waxed paper. My mother made cookies. We also added fruit and some candies to the boxes. We took these gifts to the homes of five or six widows.
No lights were burning in the last home. We knocked and waited, but no one came to the door. Just as we were about to leave, we saw a light appear at the end of the long hall. Then we heard the footsteps of this elderly sister, who lived alone. She opened the door, greeted us, and invited us in.
As we walked down that long hallway. I felt the cold. There was no heat at all in the house except in the small room at the end of the hall, where she invited us to sit down. A fire was burning in the small fireplace there.
We presented the elderly sister with our gift, sang some Thanksgiving songs, then began to talk about the things for which we were grateful. When it was our hostessβs turn, she said, βOne of the things I am grateful for is that you came tonight instead of last night. This afternoon I received a delivery of lump coal from Welfare Square, and so we are able to all sit here and enjoy this fire.β I realized that I had helped make the coal available to her.
That was an impressive experience for me. I sensed as never before the importance of the gospel principle of caring for others. I saw the earlier experience of unloading that coal in an entirely different light and with an entirely different spirit. That Thanksgiving experience has affected me the rest of my life.
I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and the Church was a large part of my life. One day the Aaronic Priesthood boys in our ward went to Welfare Square for a service project.
We were assigned to unload a large railcar full of lump coal. We were to climb up on the load and throw lumps of coal off to either side of the track.
At first, it was fun, a new adventure. It was fairly easy to toss the coal off. However, as we worked our way down into the railcar, it became necessary to pick up the lumps, raise them over our heads, and throw them over the side. By then we were getting tired and very dirty. The lumps of coal seemed heavier and heavier. It became a difficult task.
I remember going home that night and taking a bath. I had coal dust all over me. It was in my throat and nose. I could taste it and smell it. I felt terrible and decided that I would avoid doing anything like that again.
A few weeks later my family celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. Under my parentsβ guidance, we had prepared little boxes of food for the widows in our neighborhood. My sister and I made popcorn balls and wrapped them in waxed paper. My mother made cookies. We also added fruit and some candies to the boxes. We took these gifts to the homes of five or six widows.
No lights were burning in the last home. We knocked and waited, but no one came to the door. Just as we were about to leave, we saw a light appear at the end of the long hall. Then we heard the footsteps of this elderly sister, who lived alone. She opened the door, greeted us, and invited us in.
As we walked down that long hallway. I felt the cold. There was no heat at all in the house except in the small room at the end of the hall, where she invited us to sit down. A fire was burning in the small fireplace there.
We presented the elderly sister with our gift, sang some Thanksgiving songs, then began to talk about the things for which we were grateful. When it was our hostessβs turn, she said, βOne of the things I am grateful for is that you came tonight instead of last night. This afternoon I received a delivery of lump coal from Welfare Square, and so we are able to all sit here and enjoy this fire.β I realized that I had helped make the coal available to her.
That was an impressive experience for me. I sensed as never before the importance of the gospel principle of caring for others. I saw the earlier experience of unloading that coal in an entirely different light and with an entirely different spirit. That Thanksgiving experience has affected me the rest of my life.
Read more β
π€ Youth
π€ Parents
π€ Church Members (General)
Charity
Gratitude
Ministering
Priesthood
Service
Young Men
Adventures of the Spirit
Summary: Joe and Zella Wendel served a mission though her knees hurt and worsened. Unable to tract, they prayed to find people in their apartment building. Within three months, three new move-ins from their building were baptized; the storyteller notes these missionaries were his parents.
Joe and Zella Wendel went on a mission. Her legs were bothering her, and they got worse in the mission field instead of better. She wrote home, βI thought we were just to work in the office, but now we find we are to proselyte also. But my knees are so bad we just canβt go out looking for people, so we are praying very hard to find someone right here in our apartment building.β In three months they had three baptismsβnew move-ins from their apartment building! Those missionaries were my parents.
Read more β
π€ Missionaries
π€ Parents
Baptism
Conversion
Disabilities
Faith
Missionary Work
Prayer
Dating:Give Me a Brake
Summary: Nicole, a respected seminary officer, dismissed standards and guidelines as unnecessary for her. After spending late nights alone with a boyfriend, she lost her virtue and later her self-respect, boyfriend, and anticipated future. She realized too late that the cautions were meant to protect her.
βToday, Nicole (not her real name) is an unwed mother.
But it wasnβt too long ago that she was a newly selected seminary officer, sitting with others who had been chosen, listening to their adviser tell them they were some of the best examples of righteous LDS youth in the entire school. He talked about challenges they all would face in the next few years. βKeeping your virtue will be one of them,β he said.
Nicole thought he was talking to somebody else, not her. βI thought I was invulnerable,β she said. βI didnβt need strict guidelines. Rules were for the rowdy kids, not for me.β
She laughed when her seminary teacher reminded couples about βBook of Mormon distanceβ at dances. She thought her dad was βout of itβ when he talked about βearly hours, lots of light, lots of people around.β
βI thought those were all convenient cliches,β she says. Then she met a young man she really liked, and they started spending more and more time together. One night, after spending many late evenings alone together, they lost control.
βI didnβt want it to happen. Iβm not even sure how it happened. But once it did happen, it was hard not to let it happen again,β Nicole says. βI lost my virtue, I lost my self-respect, and I eventually lost my boyfriend. Whatβs more, I lost my future. Or at least I lost the future that I thought I once had. Everythingβs different now.β
But it wasnβt too long ago that she was a newly selected seminary officer, sitting with others who had been chosen, listening to their adviser tell them they were some of the best examples of righteous LDS youth in the entire school. He talked about challenges they all would face in the next few years. βKeeping your virtue will be one of them,β he said.
Nicole thought he was talking to somebody else, not her. βI thought I was invulnerable,β she said. βI didnβt need strict guidelines. Rules were for the rowdy kids, not for me.β
She laughed when her seminary teacher reminded couples about βBook of Mormon distanceβ at dances. She thought her dad was βout of itβ when he talked about βearly hours, lots of light, lots of people around.β
βI thought those were all convenient cliches,β she says. Then she met a young man she really liked, and they started spending more and more time together. One night, after spending many late evenings alone together, they lost control.
βI didnβt want it to happen. Iβm not even sure how it happened. But once it did happen, it was hard not to let it happen again,β Nicole says. βI lost my virtue, I lost my self-respect, and I eventually lost my boyfriend. Whatβs more, I lost my future. Or at least I lost the future that I thought I once had. Everythingβs different now.β
Read more β
π€ Youth
π€ Parents
π€ Church Leaders (Local)
Agency and Accountability
Chastity
Dating and Courtship
Sin
Single-Parent Families
Temptation
Virtue
Young Women
I Think Mom and Dad Are Going Crazy, Jerry
Summary: Anne asks to take the car to see a movie again, but her mother requires she first settle her car leasing bill. Shocked at the amount, Anne pays nearly all her money and decides not to go, debating with her mother about walking instead. The exchange highlights learning to live within means.
They didnβt forget about it in a week. They didnβt forget about it in a month.
βMom, can I take the car tonight?β Anne asked. βDebbie and I want to see Superman.β
βAgain?β Mother asked. βHow many times have you seen it?β
βOnly three,β Anne said. βStar Wars still holds the record.β
βI hardly dare ask how often.β
βSix times.β
βYou may take the car,β said Mother.
βThanks!β Anne said.
βAs soon,β Mother added, βas you settle up your car leasing bill.β
Anne looked horrified. βYou didnβt say anything about it.β
βWhy should I have? Itβs your bill, not mine.β
βBut Iβve spent almost all my money.β
βIβm sorry. Maybe Debbie can drive.β
They went over the accounts. βYour total bill is now $38.56,β Mother said.
Anne gulped. βBut, Mom, thatβs more than a new top.β
βAnd just think,β Mother said with a smile, βweβre only charging you half what it costs us!β
Anne went to her bedroom and got the money and paid Mother. βTake it,β Anne said. βTake it all. I donβt like money anyway. I hate money. I never want to see money again. Money is filthy and disgusting. Take all of it.β
βArenβt you going to the movie?β Mother asked.
βI have 42Β’ left. That wouldnβt pay for the gas to get the car out of the driveway. Let alone the movie.β
βIβm sorry, dear,β said Mother. βPerhaps if you walked to Debbieβs house more oftenβit isnβt even a mile.β
βWhat am I supposed to be, a pioneer?β
βBut havenβt you heard, dear?β asked Mother. βThe sidewalks are paved all the way there.β
βWould you really thrust your own youngest daughter out in the snow and the sleetββ
βThis is California, dear. If it starts snowing, Iβll let you take the car for half price.β
βMom, can I take the car tonight?β Anne asked. βDebbie and I want to see Superman.β
βAgain?β Mother asked. βHow many times have you seen it?β
βOnly three,β Anne said. βStar Wars still holds the record.β
βI hardly dare ask how often.β
βSix times.β
βYou may take the car,β said Mother.
βThanks!β Anne said.
βAs soon,β Mother added, βas you settle up your car leasing bill.β
Anne looked horrified. βYou didnβt say anything about it.β
βWhy should I have? Itβs your bill, not mine.β
βBut Iβve spent almost all my money.β
βIβm sorry. Maybe Debbie can drive.β
They went over the accounts. βYour total bill is now $38.56,β Mother said.
Anne gulped. βBut, Mom, thatβs more than a new top.β
βAnd just think,β Mother said with a smile, βweβre only charging you half what it costs us!β
Anne went to her bedroom and got the money and paid Mother. βTake it,β Anne said. βTake it all. I donβt like money anyway. I hate money. I never want to see money again. Money is filthy and disgusting. Take all of it.β
βArenβt you going to the movie?β Mother asked.
βI have 42Β’ left. That wouldnβt pay for the gas to get the car out of the driveway. Let alone the movie.β
βIβm sorry, dear,β said Mother. βPerhaps if you walked to Debbieβs house more oftenβit isnβt even a mile.β
βWhat am I supposed to be, a pioneer?β
βBut havenβt you heard, dear?β asked Mother. βThe sidewalks are paved all the way there.β
βWould you really thrust your own youngest daughter out in the snow and the sleetββ
βThis is California, dear. If it starts snowing, Iβll let you take the car for half price.β
Read more β
π€ Parents
π€ Youth
Agency and Accountability
Debt
Family
Movies and Television
Parenting
Self-Reliance
Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?
Summary: Henry Burkhardt was asked which moment in President Monsonβs East German ministry stood out most to him. Instead of choosing major historical events, he chose the day President Monson flew from the United States to Germany to give Burkhardtβs ailing wife, Inge, a blessing. The story concludes by showing President Monsonβs devotion to individuals and his willingness to travel great distances to help one person in need.
I asked him what stood out in his mind as the singular moment in President Monsonβs ministry. I expected him to mention the meeting in GΓΆrlitz, the dedication of the country in 1975, the organization of the first stake, the dedication of the Freiberg Temple, or the meeting with Herr Honecker, East Germanyβs highest Communist official, when President Monson asked permission for missionaries to enter the country and other missionaries to leave the country to serve in other lands. Given the death squads that patrolled the wall, the query sounded almost ludicrous, but Herr Honecker responded, βWe have watched you all these years, and we trust you. Permission granted.β Which one of these events would Brother Burkhardt choose?
Tears began to flow down his cheeks as he responded: βIt was December 2, 1979.β I couldnβt register in my mind a major event attached to that date. βTell me about it,β I said.
βIt was the day President Monson came to East Germany to give my wife, Inge, a blessing.β President Monson had a weekend without an assignment, and he flew from the United States to Germany for just that purpose. Sister Burkhardt had been in the hospital for nine weeks with complications from surgery, and her condition was deteriorating. President Monson had recorded in his journal, βWe joined our faith and our prayers in providing her a blessing.β8 He had gone thousands of miles with his only free time in monthsβto the rescue.
Tears began to flow down his cheeks as he responded: βIt was December 2, 1979.β I couldnβt register in my mind a major event attached to that date. βTell me about it,β I said.
βIt was the day President Monson came to East Germany to give my wife, Inge, a blessing.β President Monson had a weekend without an assignment, and he flew from the United States to Germany for just that purpose. Sister Burkhardt had been in the hospital for nine weeks with complications from surgery, and her condition was deteriorating. President Monson had recorded in his journal, βWe joined our faith and our prayers in providing her a blessing.β8 He had gone thousands of miles with his only free time in monthsβto the rescue.
Read more β
π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Other
Adversity
Apostle
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Missionary Work
Religious Freedom
Temples
The Lord Jesus Christ Teaches Us to Minister
Summary: While serving in Guatemala City, the speaker met Julia, who shared about her faithful father, a former local leader who became inactive after a divorce. Feeling urgency, the speaker made many calls, finally met him, and apologized for not being there for him. Touched, the man returned to church and spoke with his bishop. He remained active until he passed away a few months later.
My wife, Maria Isabel, and I served in Central America, being stationed in Guatemala City. There I had the opportunity to meet Julia, a faithful member of the Church. I had the impression to ask her about her family. Her mother died of cancer in 2011. Her father had been a faithful leader in his stake, serving as a bishop and as a counselor to his stake president for several years. He was a true undershepherd of the Lord. Julia told me of his tireless efforts to visit, to minister, and to serve. He indeed rejoiced in feeding and tending the precious sheep of the Lord. He remarried and stayed active in the Church.
A few years later, he went through a divorce, and now he had to attend church alone once again. He felt out of place and also felt that some people were critical of him because of his divorce. He stopped attending church as a negative spirit filled his heart.
Julia spoke highly of this wonderful undershepherd, who was a hardworking, loving, and compassionate man. I vividly remember that a feeling of urgency came to me as she was describing him. I just wanted to do something for that man, a man who had done so much for so many throughout those years.
She gave me his cell phone number, and I began calling him, hoping to have the chance to meet with him personally. After several weeks and many, many phone calls without success, one day he finally answered the phone.
I told him that I had met Julia, his daughter, and that I was captivated by the way he had served, ministered, and loved the precious sheep of the Lord for so many years. He was not expecting a comment like that. I told him that I really wanted to visit with him eye to eye, face to face. He asked me my purpose in proposing such a meeting. I replied, βI really want to meet the father of such a wonderful lady.β Then for a few seconds there was silence over the phoneβa few seconds that seemed to me like an eternity. He simply said, βWhen and where?β
The day I met him, I invited him to share with me some of his experiences visiting, ministering, and serving the precious sheep of the Lord. As he was recounting some touching stories, I noticed that the tone of his voice changed and the same spirit he had felt so many times as an undershepherd came back. Now his eyes were filled with tears. I knew this was the right moment for me, but I found that I did not know what to say. I prayed in my mind, βFather, help me.β
Suddenly, I heard myself saying, βBrother Florian, as a servant of the Lord, I apologize for our not being there for you. Please, forgive us. Give us another chance to show you that we do love you. That we need you. That you are important to us.β
The following Sunday he was back. He had a long conversation with his bishop and remained active. A few months later he passed awayβbut he had come back. He had come back. I testify that with our Saviorβs help, we can love His precious sheep and minister to them as He would. And so, there in Guatemala City the Lord Jesus Christ brought back one more precious sheep into His fold. And He taught me a lesson on ministering that I cannot forget. In the name of the Good Shepherd, the Beautiful Shepherd, the Magnificent Shepherd, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
A few years later, he went through a divorce, and now he had to attend church alone once again. He felt out of place and also felt that some people were critical of him because of his divorce. He stopped attending church as a negative spirit filled his heart.
Julia spoke highly of this wonderful undershepherd, who was a hardworking, loving, and compassionate man. I vividly remember that a feeling of urgency came to me as she was describing him. I just wanted to do something for that man, a man who had done so much for so many throughout those years.
She gave me his cell phone number, and I began calling him, hoping to have the chance to meet with him personally. After several weeks and many, many phone calls without success, one day he finally answered the phone.
I told him that I had met Julia, his daughter, and that I was captivated by the way he had served, ministered, and loved the precious sheep of the Lord for so many years. He was not expecting a comment like that. I told him that I really wanted to visit with him eye to eye, face to face. He asked me my purpose in proposing such a meeting. I replied, βI really want to meet the father of such a wonderful lady.β Then for a few seconds there was silence over the phoneβa few seconds that seemed to me like an eternity. He simply said, βWhen and where?β
The day I met him, I invited him to share with me some of his experiences visiting, ministering, and serving the precious sheep of the Lord. As he was recounting some touching stories, I noticed that the tone of his voice changed and the same spirit he had felt so many times as an undershepherd came back. Now his eyes were filled with tears. I knew this was the right moment for me, but I found that I did not know what to say. I prayed in my mind, βFather, help me.β
Suddenly, I heard myself saying, βBrother Florian, as a servant of the Lord, I apologize for our not being there for you. Please, forgive us. Give us another chance to show you that we do love you. That we need you. That you are important to us.β
The following Sunday he was back. He had a long conversation with his bishop and remained active. A few months later he passed awayβbut he had come back. He had come back. I testify that with our Saviorβs help, we can love His precious sheep and minister to them as He would. And so, there in Guatemala City the Lord Jesus Christ brought back one more precious sheep into His fold. And He taught me a lesson on ministering that I cannot forget. In the name of the Good Shepherd, the Beautiful Shepherd, the Magnificent Shepherd, even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.
Read more β
π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Apostasy
Bishop
Charity
Death
Divorce
Forgiveness
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Ministering
Missionary Work
Prayer
Revelation
Plight of a Church Custodian
Summary: A salesman sells them a chemical cleaner, which the narrator uses on brass light switch plates. Applying it in the boys' restroom triggers sparks and flames that shoot to the ceiling, burning out the switch box. The incident teaches a vivid lesson about mixing chemicals and electricity.
One beautiful morning a salesman sold us a can of chemical cleaner to be used on stainless steel sinks, drinking fountains, and other types of metal. I decided to try it out on the brass light switch plates, which were covered with film and grime. After polishing a half dozen with good results, I went into the boys rest room where there was a larger plate with three switches on it. I wiped it off with the chemical, and was reaching for my damp sponge, when I heard a crackling sound. I turned to see flames shooting out of the plate clear to the ceiling! I raced down the hall shrieking. βFire! Fire! Iβve set the church on fire!β Ace came bounding down the hall into the rest room. The fire was out and it was pitch dark. The switch box had completely burned out. I learned that chemicals and electricity donβt mix.
Read more β
π€ Other
π€ Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability
Education
Emergency Response
Stewardship
Teresaβs Dream
Summary: Teresa Perez had a repeated dream about white clothing, which she later recognized in a church room full of baptismal clothes. The missionaries explained that the clothes were for baptism and taught her family about priesthood authority, which helped Teresaβs parents understand the gospel message.
Feeling the truth of their testimonies, Teresa and her parents expressed joy at the good news and asked when they could be baptized. Elder Nichols told them that Saturday would work, giving the story a hopeful conclusion of their decision to accept the gospel.
Teresa Perez had had the same dream for three nights in a row. In her dream, she saw a small room filled with white clothing hanging from a line.
Could the dream have something to do with the lessons she and her family had been taking from the Mormon missionaries?
Elder Nichols and Elder Benjamin had started teaching her family three weeks ago and challenging them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray.
She and her parents had started reading the Book of Mormon and praying together. Teresa knew that her parents were struggling with the decision to accept the gospel that the American missionaries taught and to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In their small town outside of Madrid, Spain, nearly everyone belonged to the same church. Some family members and friends had made unkind remarks about the βMormonsβ and ridiculed Teresaβs family for even listening to the missionaries.
Teresa didnβt understand everything that the missionaries taught, but she liked the warm feeling she had as she listened to them. They spoke of Jesus Christ and of His love for all children. Teresa liked that. In her old church, she rarely heard about Jesusβ love.
She saw love for the Savior and His gospel in the eldersβ eyes. She heard it in their voices when they spoke of Him.
When the missionaries arrived that day, Teresa told them of her dream.
βCan you describe the clothes?β Elder Nichols asked.
βThere were lots of white clothes hanging from a line. Pants. Shirts. Dresses. Some were little and some bigger.β
Elder Nichols looked at Teresaβs papa. βCan you meet us at the church tomorrow evening?β
Papa nodded. βWe will be there.β
The lesson continued, but Teresa barely heard what the young elders said. Her dream and Elder Nicholsβs request filled her mind.
That night, the dream came once more. The beautiful white clothes were so white that they shined.
Teresa and her parents made the hour-long trip by bus to the chapel. Elders Nichols and Benjamin met them at the door and led them down a hallway to a small room.
βIs this what you saw in your dream?β Elder Nichols asked.
Teresa looked at the white clothes of all different sizes hanging from a large rack. There were dresses, pants, shirts, just as in her dream! βYes. It is just as I saw in my dream.β
βThese are baptismal clothes.β Elder Nichols explained, βWhen a person gets baptized, he or she wears all white. Itβs a symbol of purity.β
A frown crossed her papaβs face. βWe have been baptized. When we were babies. For Teresa, that was only ten years ago.β
βWe understand,β Elder Benjamin said. He pointed to the scriptures he always carried. βWe learn from the prophets that those who take upon themselves the name of Christ must be baptized by the proper authority.β
Teresa remembered that from the discussions. βThe priesthood.β
Elder Benjamin nodded. Then he bore his testimony. Elder Nichols followed. Tears filled his eyes as he spoke of his love for Jesus Christ and of his gratitude for the priesthood which he held and which included the proper authority to baptize people.
Teresa heard the truth in the testimonies. Even more, she felt it. She turned to her father and mother. βIt is good, what we hear. I feel it.β She placed a hand on her heart. βI feel it here.β
Elder Nichols smiled. βThe word gospel means the good news.β
Teresaβs papa wiped tears from his eyes. βGood news. You have brought us very good news.β
βAlways we search for something,β her mama said. βNow we have found it.β
βWhen can we be baptized?β Teresa asked.
Elder Nicholsβ smile widened. βHow does Saturday sound?β
Could the dream have something to do with the lessons she and her family had been taking from the Mormon missionaries?
Elder Nichols and Elder Benjamin had started teaching her family three weeks ago and challenging them to read the Book of Mormon and to pray.
She and her parents had started reading the Book of Mormon and praying together. Teresa knew that her parents were struggling with the decision to accept the gospel that the American missionaries taught and to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
In their small town outside of Madrid, Spain, nearly everyone belonged to the same church. Some family members and friends had made unkind remarks about the βMormonsβ and ridiculed Teresaβs family for even listening to the missionaries.
Teresa didnβt understand everything that the missionaries taught, but she liked the warm feeling she had as she listened to them. They spoke of Jesus Christ and of His love for all children. Teresa liked that. In her old church, she rarely heard about Jesusβ love.
She saw love for the Savior and His gospel in the eldersβ eyes. She heard it in their voices when they spoke of Him.
When the missionaries arrived that day, Teresa told them of her dream.
βCan you describe the clothes?β Elder Nichols asked.
βThere were lots of white clothes hanging from a line. Pants. Shirts. Dresses. Some were little and some bigger.β
Elder Nichols looked at Teresaβs papa. βCan you meet us at the church tomorrow evening?β
Papa nodded. βWe will be there.β
The lesson continued, but Teresa barely heard what the young elders said. Her dream and Elder Nicholsβs request filled her mind.
That night, the dream came once more. The beautiful white clothes were so white that they shined.
Teresa and her parents made the hour-long trip by bus to the chapel. Elders Nichols and Benjamin met them at the door and led them down a hallway to a small room.
βIs this what you saw in your dream?β Elder Nichols asked.
Teresa looked at the white clothes of all different sizes hanging from a large rack. There were dresses, pants, shirts, just as in her dream! βYes. It is just as I saw in my dream.β
βThese are baptismal clothes.β Elder Nichols explained, βWhen a person gets baptized, he or she wears all white. Itβs a symbol of purity.β
A frown crossed her papaβs face. βWe have been baptized. When we were babies. For Teresa, that was only ten years ago.β
βWe understand,β Elder Benjamin said. He pointed to the scriptures he always carried. βWe learn from the prophets that those who take upon themselves the name of Christ must be baptized by the proper authority.β
Teresa remembered that from the discussions. βThe priesthood.β
Elder Benjamin nodded. Then he bore his testimony. Elder Nichols followed. Tears filled his eyes as he spoke of his love for Jesus Christ and of his gratitude for the priesthood which he held and which included the proper authority to baptize people.
Teresa heard the truth in the testimonies. Even more, she felt it. She turned to her father and mother. βIt is good, what we hear. I feel it.β She placed a hand on her heart. βI feel it here.β
Elder Nichols smiled. βThe word gospel means the good news.β
Teresaβs papa wiped tears from his eyes. βGood news. You have brought us very good news.β
βAlways we search for something,β her mama said. βNow we have found it.β
βWhen can we be baptized?β Teresa asked.
Elder Nicholsβ smile widened. βHow does Saturday sound?β
Read more β
π€ Missionaries
π€ Parents
π€ Youth
Baptism
Book of Mormon
Children
Conversion
Family
Jesus Christ
Missionary Work
Prayer
Priesthood
Testimony
The Tongue Can Be a Sharp Sword
Summary: A young woman in a stake Relief Society presidency lost her temper in a meeting due to outside pressures and later apologized. That evening, her fellow presidency members brought dinner, showing love and support rather than criticism.
One young woman, serving in a stake Relief Society presidency and at the time also laboring under the pressure of an especially challenging project, lost her temper one morning during a presidency meeting. The cause of her unhappiness had little to do with the question at hand and was related more to the fact that at the time she was laboring under intense home pressure on a major task and was feeling frustrated and frazzled. Afterward, she was embarrassed at her behavior and immediately called to apologize for her outburst. Her friends in the presidency were generous and told her not to think another thing about it. Still she wondered if they might think less of her, now that theyβd seen her at less than her best. But that evening the doorbell rang around dinnertime, and there stood the other members of the presidency with dinner in hand. βWe knew when you lost your cool this morning that you must just be worn out. We thought a little supper might help. We want you to know we love you.β The young woman was amazed. In spite of her outburst that morning, her friends were there to offer support rather than criticism. Rather than seize the opportunity to bash her, they were filled with the spirit of charity.
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Friends
Charity
Forgiveness
Friendship
Judging Others
Kindness
Love
Ministering
Relief Society
Service
Women in the Church
Basic Concepts of Honesty
Summary: A young man in the speaker's stake engaged in minor violations, including repeated speeding, and was detained for a traffic offense. Concerned that his behavior might prevent him from serving, he corrected his conduct, served a mission, and returned with a changed view. He testified that even exceeding the speed limit by one mile felt morally wrong, reflecting his newfound commitment to strict honesty.
I recall a young man who was in our stake when I served as a stake president. He traveled around with a crowd that thought it was smart to do things that were not right. On a few occasions he was caught in some minor violations. One day I got a call from the police station and was told he was being held because of a traffic violation. He had been caught speeding, as he had on a few other occasions prior to this time. Knowing the things he was doing might prevent him from going on a mission, he straightened up, and when he was 19 years of age, he received his call.
I shall never forget the talk we had when he returned. He told me that while he was in the mission field he had often thought of the trouble he had caused by the mistaken belief that the violation of little things was not important. But a great change had come into his life. He had come to the realization that there is no happiness or pleasure in violation of the law, whether it be Godβs law or the laws that society imposes upon us. He said to me, βWhen I drive a car now and the speed limit is 55 miles an hour, I feel it is morally wrong to drive a single mile faster.β
I was impressed by the great change that had come over this young man while he served on his mission and studied moral principles. How unfortunate it is that he had to learn his lesson the hard way, but what a great blessing comes when there is the realization that one cannot be in violation and feel good about that conduct.
I shall never forget the talk we had when he returned. He told me that while he was in the mission field he had often thought of the trouble he had caused by the mistaken belief that the violation of little things was not important. But a great change had come into his life. He had come to the realization that there is no happiness or pleasure in violation of the law, whether it be Godβs law or the laws that society imposes upon us. He said to me, βWhen I drive a car now and the speed limit is 55 miles an hour, I feel it is morally wrong to drive a single mile faster.β
I was impressed by the great change that had come over this young man while he served on his mission and studied moral principles. How unfortunate it is that he had to learn his lesson the hard way, but what a great blessing comes when there is the realization that one cannot be in violation and feel good about that conduct.
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Youth
π€ Missionaries
Agency and Accountability
Conversion
Missionary Work
Obedience
Repentance
Pockets Full of Rocks
Summary: A man named Malcolm Tent begins carrying rocks to remember every grievance, eventually filling his home and life with them. A geology professor's visit highlights the emptiness of his collection and prompts Malcolm to reflect on his isolation. He decides to remove the rocks, becomes more pleasant, improves his yard, and plants a seed after receiving kindness from a neighbor.
Malcolm Tent was still a young man when he began putting rocks in his pockets. It started one day when his boss, Mr. Gump, got angry at him for something that wasnβt his fault. He couldnβt yell back at his boss, because he might get fired. In fact, there wasnβt anything he could do except be angry inside. βBut,β he thought, βIβm not going to forget this. no way.β
On the way home from the bus stop that night, he thought to himself, βIβve got to remember how angry I am. I donβt want to forget in the morning.β Suddenly he had an idea. There was a small rock on the sidewalk in front of him. He picked it up and said softly to himself, βIβll keep this rock in my pocket to remind me of how unfair Mr. Gump was.β
And thatβs what he did. That night he put the rock on his dresser with his keys and comb. The next morning, when he got dressed to go to work, into his pocket went the ugly gray rock.
All that day and the next, the heavy bulge in his pocket reminded him that he should be angry at Mr. Gump. Strangely, Mr. Gump seemed to have forgotten about the whole thing. But not Malcolm Tent. Oh no. In fact, during the next two weeks, Mr. Gump made Malcolm angry several more times, and Malcolm decided heβd better get a rock for each time so he could keep better track of these things.
And so it was that Malcolm Tentβs trousers began to look baggy and strange. But at least he remembered not to forgive Mr. Gump or be friendly or anything like that.
Maybe if Malcolm had only collected rocks when he got angry at old Gump, this thing might have died out and been forgotten. But there was the taxi driver who drove right by and left Malcolm standing in the rain. Into his pocket went a shiny, rain-slick pebble from the gutter. (Of course, Malcolm had no idea of the taxi driverβs name, but it didnβt matter.) Then there was the grocery clerk who short-changed him. And the newspaper delivery boy who threw his paper into the lawn sprinkler. And the neighbor whose dog barked late at night. And β¦ well, Malcolm discovered that there were all kinds of people and things in the world that can bother you.
Speaking of discoveries, Malcolm also discovered that when all of your pockets are full of rocks, a plain old belt wonβt hold up your pants. (He discovered that fact while his arms were full of grocery sacks.) So he made himself a sturdy pair of leather suspenders to help hold up his pants.
But soon the time came when he didnβt have enough pockets in his pants, so he had to wear a jacket everywhere he wentβthe kind of jacket with lots of pockets. And it wasnβt long before the jacket looked as funny as his trousers. And smelled just as dusty. And got even heavier because it had more pockets.
Anyone else might have given up at this point, but not Malcolm. He bought one of those big sturdy briefcases like salesmen use. After all, when you start to look for them, there are all kinds of things in life that can bother you. And when you are always tired from lugging so many rocks around, you get angry even easier.
Years went by, and Malcolmβs collection of reminder rocks spilled out of his pockets and briefcase and all over his house. He had rocks on the kitchen sink, and in his closets, and all over the floors. A few times he even put a rock in his bed so he could remember to be angry during the night. Letβs face it. Malcolm had become a strange, unpleasant man. And most people avoided him when they could, which made him even touchier. Rocks are not very good company. They are hard and dusty, and in the winter they are very cold.
Now, Malcolm might have gone on to become a mean old man completely buried in rocks. But one day he received a phone call from a geology professor at the university. Dr. Igneous had heard of Malcolmβs large rock collection (who hadnβt?), and he wanted to bring his geology class on a field trip to see it.
βWell,β thought Malcolm, βat last here is someone who appreciates my rocks. Wait until they see all of these reminders of how often people have wronged me.β An appointment was made for the next Saturday, and Malcolm spent the next few evenings dusting and arranging.
At last Saturday came, and at two oβclock in the afternoon the doorbell rang. There, on the porch, stood Professor Igneous and seven of his best students, all dressed in their best field-trip, outdoor clothing. Several had rock hammers dangling from their belts, and one or two carried cameras. And everyone carried a notebook and pencil.
Professor Igneous himself looked rather ordinary. But he had a ready smile. And his face was deeply tanned from spending years out of doors. As a matter of fact, there was something about his eyes, too. They looked deep and dark, but they had a sparkle that said he enjoyed life. And when he looked at you, it was the same look he gave mountains and rock formationsβas though he were trying to peer inside. This was a scientist who liked people at least as much as he liked rocks.
As the professor and students stepped into the rock-filled living room, Malcolm expected to hear oohs and aahs. You know, like you hear at a fireworks show. Instead, there was an uncomfortable silence. The group just stood there looking around, nudging a few of the rocks with their toes. Then the students looked at their professor, waiting for him to say something. After all, this was not the collection of beautiful gems and minerals they had expected. These were ordinary hunks of limestone and sandstone and quartzite. Why, there were even chunks of broken asphalt and concrete!
Finally, Professor Igneous spoke: βAhem,β he cleared his throat. βPerhaps you would be so good as to explain your collection to us, Mr. Tent. I can honestly say weβve never seen another collection quite like it.β In the background, his students nodded in agreement.
βWell,β Malcolm began nervously, βI, uh, well β¦ that is. β¦β It had been a long time since he had said much of anything to anyone.
Professor Igneous could see how nervous Malcolm was. The poor man kept swallowing so hard his Adamβs apple was bobbing up and down. (Some of the students thought he was trying to swallow one of his rocks.)
Trying to help, the professor said, βWhy not begin by telling us why you chose these rocks.β He picked up an ordinary gray rock that looked like most of the others. βWhy did you choose this particular piece of limestone for your collection?β
βOh, is that what it is? Well, I think thatβs the one I picked up when the laundry didnβt have my shirts ready on time. Wait! No, I think thatβs for the time my favorite TV show got canceled. Or was it the time I ran inside to answer the phone, and the caller had the wrong number? Or β¦β Here he paused to search his memory. There were so many rocks! And they were so much alikeβgray, hard, cold, dusty. Suddenly, Malcolm realized that that was all Professor Igneous and his students could see. To everyone else these were just plain old everyday rocks. Malcolm had to explain, to make them see.
βThereβs more to these rocks than you might think. Every one of these rocks represents a time somebody made me mad or hurt my feelings. I picked up these rocks as reminders.β
Now the professor and his students were really amazed. They all began to speak at once: βI never heard of such a thing.β βHow long have you been doing this?β βCan I take a picture of you with your rocks?β βSome field trip!β
Professor Igneous spoke again, and everyone became quiet. βWell, Mr. Tent,β he began slowly, βI must admit youβre the first person I ever met who collected rocks for that reason.β He paused and looked around. βYouβve been very kind to invite us into your home. And we donβt want to take up too much of your time. But do you suppose that while we are here we might see your other collection?β
A blank look came over Malcolmβs face. βI donβt have any other collection.β
βOh, I see. I just thought you might have collected something to remind you of the nice things people have done and said. But, well, never mind. Perhaps we ought to be going now. Thank you so much for allowing us to come into your home. I think my students have learned something important.β
He gathered his students around him, and they moved toward the door. Then, turning to Malcolm once more, the professor said, βWe still have some time left this afternoon. Could you perhaps direct us to some of the other people with similar collections?β
Once more Malcolm was caught off balance. βI donβt know of any other collections like mine.β
βOh. I just thought that perhaps some of the people you know would have collected something when you β¦ I mean β¦ if you ever β¦ uh β¦ annoyed them.β Then, quickly, he added, βYes, well, good-bye, and thanks again.β
Without waiting, the professor and his students turned and marched off down the sidewalk.
Long after they were gone, Malcolm stood there, looking just like one of his rocksβcold and gray and very still. Within him, the professorβs words echoed. Around him, the house was silent. Too silent. He suddenly realized how pleasant the studentsβ friendly chatter had been. How long since he had had a friendly talk with anyone? Come to think of it, did he even have any friends anymore?
Then, before he could stop it, the thought came into his mind: βIβm becoming just like my rocks.β As Malcolm sat alone in the dark, he finally realized what unpleasant companions rocks are. And how unpleasant he β¦ Well, some thoughts are hard enough to think without actually saying them.
For several days, for hours at a time, Malcolm sat still as a rock, thinking rock-hard thoughts. You might have thought he had finally become petrified. But deep inside him, something was waking up and beginning to grow, like a seed in the spring soil.
If you think itβs hard to find a home for kittens or gerbils or such, you should try finding someone who wants a bunch of very ordinary, dusty, gray rocks. In fact, just try gathering them up when they are scattered all over. Malcolm tried to hire cleaning ladies. They all told him the same thing: βI donβt do windows, and I donβt pick up rocks!β A βFree Rocksβ sign in his window brought no results. Finally he realized that this was something he would have to do himself.
The neighbors still talk about the time Malcolm backed a rented trailer up to his front porch, and about the tremendous cloud of dust that rose as the rocks flew out into the trailer. They also talk about how much better Malcolm looks, how his clothes fit so much better (has he lost weight?), and how he actually smiles now.
Malcolmβs neighbors also point with pride to his attractive yard, with trees and flowers and bushes planted everywhere. They donβt have any explanation for his sudden interest in gardening. But one neighbor, Mrs. Kratz, did notice that after she had taken a piece of cake to him, Malcolm went out to the flower bed and planted a single seed.
On the way home from the bus stop that night, he thought to himself, βIβve got to remember how angry I am. I donβt want to forget in the morning.β Suddenly he had an idea. There was a small rock on the sidewalk in front of him. He picked it up and said softly to himself, βIβll keep this rock in my pocket to remind me of how unfair Mr. Gump was.β
And thatβs what he did. That night he put the rock on his dresser with his keys and comb. The next morning, when he got dressed to go to work, into his pocket went the ugly gray rock.
All that day and the next, the heavy bulge in his pocket reminded him that he should be angry at Mr. Gump. Strangely, Mr. Gump seemed to have forgotten about the whole thing. But not Malcolm Tent. Oh no. In fact, during the next two weeks, Mr. Gump made Malcolm angry several more times, and Malcolm decided heβd better get a rock for each time so he could keep better track of these things.
And so it was that Malcolm Tentβs trousers began to look baggy and strange. But at least he remembered not to forgive Mr. Gump or be friendly or anything like that.
Maybe if Malcolm had only collected rocks when he got angry at old Gump, this thing might have died out and been forgotten. But there was the taxi driver who drove right by and left Malcolm standing in the rain. Into his pocket went a shiny, rain-slick pebble from the gutter. (Of course, Malcolm had no idea of the taxi driverβs name, but it didnβt matter.) Then there was the grocery clerk who short-changed him. And the newspaper delivery boy who threw his paper into the lawn sprinkler. And the neighbor whose dog barked late at night. And β¦ well, Malcolm discovered that there were all kinds of people and things in the world that can bother you.
Speaking of discoveries, Malcolm also discovered that when all of your pockets are full of rocks, a plain old belt wonβt hold up your pants. (He discovered that fact while his arms were full of grocery sacks.) So he made himself a sturdy pair of leather suspenders to help hold up his pants.
But soon the time came when he didnβt have enough pockets in his pants, so he had to wear a jacket everywhere he wentβthe kind of jacket with lots of pockets. And it wasnβt long before the jacket looked as funny as his trousers. And smelled just as dusty. And got even heavier because it had more pockets.
Anyone else might have given up at this point, but not Malcolm. He bought one of those big sturdy briefcases like salesmen use. After all, when you start to look for them, there are all kinds of things in life that can bother you. And when you are always tired from lugging so many rocks around, you get angry even easier.
Years went by, and Malcolmβs collection of reminder rocks spilled out of his pockets and briefcase and all over his house. He had rocks on the kitchen sink, and in his closets, and all over the floors. A few times he even put a rock in his bed so he could remember to be angry during the night. Letβs face it. Malcolm had become a strange, unpleasant man. And most people avoided him when they could, which made him even touchier. Rocks are not very good company. They are hard and dusty, and in the winter they are very cold.
Now, Malcolm might have gone on to become a mean old man completely buried in rocks. But one day he received a phone call from a geology professor at the university. Dr. Igneous had heard of Malcolmβs large rock collection (who hadnβt?), and he wanted to bring his geology class on a field trip to see it.
βWell,β thought Malcolm, βat last here is someone who appreciates my rocks. Wait until they see all of these reminders of how often people have wronged me.β An appointment was made for the next Saturday, and Malcolm spent the next few evenings dusting and arranging.
At last Saturday came, and at two oβclock in the afternoon the doorbell rang. There, on the porch, stood Professor Igneous and seven of his best students, all dressed in their best field-trip, outdoor clothing. Several had rock hammers dangling from their belts, and one or two carried cameras. And everyone carried a notebook and pencil.
Professor Igneous himself looked rather ordinary. But he had a ready smile. And his face was deeply tanned from spending years out of doors. As a matter of fact, there was something about his eyes, too. They looked deep and dark, but they had a sparkle that said he enjoyed life. And when he looked at you, it was the same look he gave mountains and rock formationsβas though he were trying to peer inside. This was a scientist who liked people at least as much as he liked rocks.
As the professor and students stepped into the rock-filled living room, Malcolm expected to hear oohs and aahs. You know, like you hear at a fireworks show. Instead, there was an uncomfortable silence. The group just stood there looking around, nudging a few of the rocks with their toes. Then the students looked at their professor, waiting for him to say something. After all, this was not the collection of beautiful gems and minerals they had expected. These were ordinary hunks of limestone and sandstone and quartzite. Why, there were even chunks of broken asphalt and concrete!
Finally, Professor Igneous spoke: βAhem,β he cleared his throat. βPerhaps you would be so good as to explain your collection to us, Mr. Tent. I can honestly say weβve never seen another collection quite like it.β In the background, his students nodded in agreement.
βWell,β Malcolm began nervously, βI, uh, well β¦ that is. β¦β It had been a long time since he had said much of anything to anyone.
Professor Igneous could see how nervous Malcolm was. The poor man kept swallowing so hard his Adamβs apple was bobbing up and down. (Some of the students thought he was trying to swallow one of his rocks.)
Trying to help, the professor said, βWhy not begin by telling us why you chose these rocks.β He picked up an ordinary gray rock that looked like most of the others. βWhy did you choose this particular piece of limestone for your collection?β
βOh, is that what it is? Well, I think thatβs the one I picked up when the laundry didnβt have my shirts ready on time. Wait! No, I think thatβs for the time my favorite TV show got canceled. Or was it the time I ran inside to answer the phone, and the caller had the wrong number? Or β¦β Here he paused to search his memory. There were so many rocks! And they were so much alikeβgray, hard, cold, dusty. Suddenly, Malcolm realized that that was all Professor Igneous and his students could see. To everyone else these were just plain old everyday rocks. Malcolm had to explain, to make them see.
βThereβs more to these rocks than you might think. Every one of these rocks represents a time somebody made me mad or hurt my feelings. I picked up these rocks as reminders.β
Now the professor and his students were really amazed. They all began to speak at once: βI never heard of such a thing.β βHow long have you been doing this?β βCan I take a picture of you with your rocks?β βSome field trip!β
Professor Igneous spoke again, and everyone became quiet. βWell, Mr. Tent,β he began slowly, βI must admit youβre the first person I ever met who collected rocks for that reason.β He paused and looked around. βYouβve been very kind to invite us into your home. And we donβt want to take up too much of your time. But do you suppose that while we are here we might see your other collection?β
A blank look came over Malcolmβs face. βI donβt have any other collection.β
βOh, I see. I just thought you might have collected something to remind you of the nice things people have done and said. But, well, never mind. Perhaps we ought to be going now. Thank you so much for allowing us to come into your home. I think my students have learned something important.β
He gathered his students around him, and they moved toward the door. Then, turning to Malcolm once more, the professor said, βWe still have some time left this afternoon. Could you perhaps direct us to some of the other people with similar collections?β
Once more Malcolm was caught off balance. βI donβt know of any other collections like mine.β
βOh. I just thought that perhaps some of the people you know would have collected something when you β¦ I mean β¦ if you ever β¦ uh β¦ annoyed them.β Then, quickly, he added, βYes, well, good-bye, and thanks again.β
Without waiting, the professor and his students turned and marched off down the sidewalk.
Long after they were gone, Malcolm stood there, looking just like one of his rocksβcold and gray and very still. Within him, the professorβs words echoed. Around him, the house was silent. Too silent. He suddenly realized how pleasant the studentsβ friendly chatter had been. How long since he had had a friendly talk with anyone? Come to think of it, did he even have any friends anymore?
Then, before he could stop it, the thought came into his mind: βIβm becoming just like my rocks.β As Malcolm sat alone in the dark, he finally realized what unpleasant companions rocks are. And how unpleasant he β¦ Well, some thoughts are hard enough to think without actually saying them.
For several days, for hours at a time, Malcolm sat still as a rock, thinking rock-hard thoughts. You might have thought he had finally become petrified. But deep inside him, something was waking up and beginning to grow, like a seed in the spring soil.
If you think itβs hard to find a home for kittens or gerbils or such, you should try finding someone who wants a bunch of very ordinary, dusty, gray rocks. In fact, just try gathering them up when they are scattered all over. Malcolm tried to hire cleaning ladies. They all told him the same thing: βI donβt do windows, and I donβt pick up rocks!β A βFree Rocksβ sign in his window brought no results. Finally he realized that this was something he would have to do himself.
The neighbors still talk about the time Malcolm backed a rented trailer up to his front porch, and about the tremendous cloud of dust that rose as the rocks flew out into the trailer. They also talk about how much better Malcolm looks, how his clothes fit so much better (has he lost weight?), and how he actually smiles now.
Malcolmβs neighbors also point with pride to his attractive yard, with trees and flowers and bushes planted everywhere. They donβt have any explanation for his sudden interest in gardening. But one neighbor, Mrs. Kratz, did notice that after she had taken a piece of cake to him, Malcolm went out to the flower bed and planted a single seed.
Read more β
π€ Other
Conversion
Forgiveness
Friendship
Judging Others
Kindness
Repentance
Spencer W. Kimball:
Summary: In 1972, the ailing Spencer W. Kimball faced life-threatening health problems and considered whether to keep fighting. In a meeting with his doctors and President Harold B. Lee, President Lee firmly told him he was called to live and continue his work. Kimball proceeded with risky heart surgery, recovered, and later became President of the Church, leading a vigorous, miracle-filled administration.
In the spring of 1972, President Spencer W. Kimball, who was serving as the Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, was very ill. Throat cancer had returned, and his heart was threatening to fail due to a clogged artery and a malfunctioning valve. He was seventy-seven years old. The cancer was stopped with cobalt treatments, and his physicians recommended a complex surgical procedure on his heart, with only some chance of success.
In a meeting with his doctors and President Harold B. Lee of the First Presidency, President Kimball said wearily, βI am an old man and ready to die.β He wondered whether, at his age, it made sense to fight so hard to extend his life when, perhaps, his time had come. President Lee arose and said with power, βSpencer, you have been called! You are not to die! You are to do everything you need to do to care for yourself and continue to live.β
Spencer did not give up and die. He was not a man who gave up, no matter how difficult the task.
The surgery was performed and was successful. While he was recovering, President Joseph Fielding Smith passed away. Eighteen months later, President Harold B. Lee also passed away, and Spencer W. Kimball became the twelfth President of the Church. Considering his age and health history, most people expected his administration to be a brief βcaretakerβ period. But instead, it was a vigorous time of miracles. For the next twelve years, in the words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, βone often got the feeling that [President Kimball] was always on the next ridge waiting for the Church to catch up. Though he smiled at us and beckoned us, he would like to have seen us move more than just a bit faster.β
In a meeting with his doctors and President Harold B. Lee of the First Presidency, President Kimball said wearily, βI am an old man and ready to die.β He wondered whether, at his age, it made sense to fight so hard to extend his life when, perhaps, his time had come. President Lee arose and said with power, βSpencer, you have been called! You are not to die! You are to do everything you need to do to care for yourself and continue to live.β
Spencer did not give up and die. He was not a man who gave up, no matter how difficult the task.
The surgery was performed and was successful. While he was recovering, President Joseph Fielding Smith passed away. Eighteen months later, President Harold B. Lee also passed away, and Spencer W. Kimball became the twelfth President of the Church. Considering his age and health history, most people expected his administration to be a brief βcaretakerβ period. But instead, it was a vigorous time of miracles. For the next twelve years, in the words of Elder Neal A. Maxwell, βone often got the feeling that [President Kimball] was always on the next ridge waiting for the Church to catch up. Though he smiled at us and beckoned us, he would like to have seen us move more than just a bit faster.β
Read more β
π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Other
Adversity
Apostle
Courage
Death
Faith
Health
Miracles
Revelation
Exams
Summary: After a painful refusal from her father, she resolved to treat religion as a lifelong pursuit and began seminary. Unable to buy the home study manuals due to parental priorities on schoolwork, she received the manuals as a gift from classmates. She repaid their kindness by studying diligently, finishing the manuals, and turning them in to her teacher.
That had been a painful experience. But I got a grasp on myself, thought over what my father had said, and decided that one thing he had said was right. Religion should not be just a two-day spree, but a life-long adventure! I began attending seminary and studying the Old Testament in earnest. Fun lessons helped me gain insight into a subject new to me, and my knowledge of the gospel became fuller. However, I could not buy the home study manuals because that year was also the year for high school entrance exams, and my parents wanted me to spend time on school work, not religious homework.
I was overjoyed when the students in the class gave the manuals to me as a present! What could I give them in return? The best thing was to study those manuals hard. Even though my progress was slower than others, I was able to finish the manuals and turn them in to the teacher.
I was overjoyed when the students in the class gave the manuals to me as a present! What could I give them in return? The best thing was to study those manuals hard. Even though my progress was slower than others, I was able to finish the manuals and turn them in to the teacher.
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π€ Youth
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Church Leaders (Local)
Bible
Education
Faith
Kindness
Scriptures
Teaching the Gospel
Telling Topie Good-bye
Summary: Tracy recounts how she bought Topie as a foal and trained him with voice commands. She cared for him through illness and injuries while shouldering his expenses and faithfully paying tithing. To honor her promise not to burden her family, she decides to sell him before the move.
As we cleaned I told Sister Wong about Topie. I told her about how I had sold him because we couldnβt afford to take him to California. I also told her about how I had earned the money to buy him two years ago when he was just a foal. I explained the voice commands I had taught him before he was old enough to be broken. I told her of the endless hours walking with him when he was sick with colic, and how he trembled when I put salve on his wounds after he tore himself on barbed wire.
I explained how hard it had been to pay my tithing when I was responsible for my horse financially. Yet somehow it had always worked out. The baby-sitting jobs had come, and I was able to keep the promise I had made to Mom and Dad that my horse wouldnβt burden the family financially. Now I had decided to sell my horse. I had decided to sell my beautiful friend rather than beg and cry to my parents and break my promise.
I explained how hard it had been to pay my tithing when I was responsible for my horse financially. Yet somehow it had always worked out. The baby-sitting jobs had come, and I was able to keep the promise I had made to Mom and Dad that my horse wouldnβt burden the family financially. Now I had decided to sell my horse. I had decided to sell my beautiful friend rather than beg and cry to my parents and break my promise.
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π€ Youth
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Family
Sacrifice
Self-Reliance
Stewardship
Tithing
Childviews
Summary: A boy rode his bike on Sunday without a helmet, crashed, and felt terrible about his choice. After his parents learned what happened, they prayed together and he soon felt better. He learned to keep the Sabbath day holy, obey his parents, and recognize the Spiritβs feelings and answers to prayer.
My friends and I rode our bikes down the dirt hill in my backyard every day but Sunday. But one Sunday, I rode my bike down the dirt hill. I didnβt have my helmet on. I hit a rock, causing me to wreck and almost knocking me out. I felt awful inside and out for what I had done.
When my parents found out what had happened, we all prayed together. Soon I felt better. I learned a great lesson in keeping the Sabbath Day holy, obeying my parents, and realizing that Heavenly Father is watching over me. He gives me a warm, soft feeling when I do something right. But when I do something wrong, He gives me a prickly, cold feeling. He can help with any problem and always answers prayers.
Jake Barker, age 7Sparks, Nevada
When my parents found out what had happened, we all prayed together. Soon I felt better. I learned a great lesson in keeping the Sabbath Day holy, obeying my parents, and realizing that Heavenly Father is watching over me. He gives me a warm, soft feeling when I do something right. But when I do something wrong, He gives me a prickly, cold feeling. He can help with any problem and always answers prayers.
Jake Barker, age 7Sparks, Nevada
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Friends
Children
Holy Ghost
Obedience
Prayer
Sabbath Day
Our Personal Ministries
Summary: While presiding at a priesthood leadership conference in Puerto Rico in 2005, President Thomas S. Monson noticed a man standing apart from the crowd. He approached JosΓ© R. Zayas, who shared that he and his wife had prayed for help for their ill daughter and had written a letter. President Monson read the letter and promised to take care of their request, bringing comfort to the family.
President Thomas S. Monson is a great example of this principle. In January of 2005, he was presiding over a priesthood leadership conference in Puerto Rico when he demonstrated how the Savior and His servants render service through personal ministry. At the conclusion of that wonderful meeting, President Monson began to greet all the priesthood leaders in attendance. Suddenly, he noticed that one of them was watching everything from afar, off by himself.
President Monson walked away from the group, toward that brother, and spoke to him. With emotion, JosΓ© R. Zayas told him it was a miracle that he had approached him and an answer to the prayers that he and his wife, Yolanda, had offered before the meeting. He told President Monson that his daughter was in very poor health and that he had with him a letter from his wife that she wanted delivered to President Monson. Brother Zayas had told his wife that it would be impossible since President Monson would be too busy. President Monson listened to the story and asked for the letter, which he read silently. Then he put it in his suit pocket and told Brother Zayas that he would take care of their request.
In this way, that family was touched by our Lord, Jesus Christ, through His servant. I believe the words of the Savior in the parable of the good Samaritan apply to us: βGo, and do thou likewise.β
President Monson walked away from the group, toward that brother, and spoke to him. With emotion, JosΓ© R. Zayas told him it was a miracle that he had approached him and an answer to the prayers that he and his wife, Yolanda, had offered before the meeting. He told President Monson that his daughter was in very poor health and that he had with him a letter from his wife that she wanted delivered to President Monson. Brother Zayas had told his wife that it would be impossible since President Monson would be too busy. President Monson listened to the story and asked for the letter, which he read silently. Then he put it in his suit pocket and told Brother Zayas that he would take care of their request.
In this way, that family was touched by our Lord, Jesus Christ, through His servant. I believe the words of the Savior in the parable of the good Samaritan apply to us: βGo, and do thou likewise.β
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Parents
Apostle
Charity
Family
Jesus Christ
Kindness
Ministering
Miracles
Prayer
Priesthood
Service
Walking by Faith in the Philippines
Summary: Bobby and Abigail Morenoβs son, Kinjiro, was born with a cyst that prevented the left side of his brain from developing, and doctors offered little hope. Despite reproach from nonmember relatives, Abigail relied on priesthood blessings and temple prayers and refused to lose hope. Kinjiro survived and, over time, his brain developed, leading to an optimistic prognosis. Abigail testifies that he has a purpose in serving Heavenly Father.
Bobby and Abigail Moreno of Baguio, Philippines, know something about faith. They also know something about Moroniβs declaration that βGod has not ceased to be a God of miraclesβ (Morm. 9:15). Their son, Kinjiro, was born with a cyst that prevented the left side of his brain from developing. He was near death, and the doctors didnβt give his parents much hope.
Abigail comes from a strong Latter-day Saint homeβher father is Elder Edison M. Cabrito, an Area Authority Seventyβbut her nonmember relatives were reproachful rather than reassuring in this time of trial. βItβs because you belong to another church,β they chided her. βYouβd better come back to us. He will get well.β
But she stayed strong in her faith. She told them her son had been blessed by the priesthood and that members had prayed for him in the temple. βI wonβt lose hope,β she said. βHeβs going to live.β
And he did live. Kinjiro is now three years old, and even though the road to recovery has not been easy, he is a happy, loving little boy. When his parents first brought him home, the doctors didnβt think he would live long. But his latest examination showed that his brain has developed, and the prognosis is now much more optimistic.
βHe has lived for three years,β his mother says, βand I know he will live longer, for I know he has a duty to serve our Heavenly Father.β
Abigail comes from a strong Latter-day Saint homeβher father is Elder Edison M. Cabrito, an Area Authority Seventyβbut her nonmember relatives were reproachful rather than reassuring in this time of trial. βItβs because you belong to another church,β they chided her. βYouβd better come back to us. He will get well.β
But she stayed strong in her faith. She told them her son had been blessed by the priesthood and that members had prayed for him in the temple. βI wonβt lose hope,β she said. βHeβs going to live.β
And he did live. Kinjiro is now three years old, and even though the road to recovery has not been easy, he is a happy, loving little boy. When his parents first brought him home, the doctors didnβt think he would live long. But his latest examination showed that his brain has developed, and the prognosis is now much more optimistic.
βHe has lived for three years,β his mother says, βand I know he will live longer, for I know he has a duty to serve our Heavenly Father.β
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π€ Parents
π€ Children
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Adversity
Children
Disabilities
Faith
Family
Health
Hope
Miracles
Prayer
Priesthood
Priesthood Blessing
Temples
Testimony
Talk of the Month:Standards of Dress and Grooming
Summary: Bishop E. Wayne Nelson received a jail call about two Latter-day Saint boys arrested for drug possession. He visited them, learned they had adopted unkempt, long-haired appearances, and had been approached by a drug peddler soon after arriving to look for work. When asked why they were targeted, one replied it was because they looked like users. The account illustrates how appearance can invite unwanted attention and consequences.
A young bishop of my acquaintance can testify to the impact of unkempt appearance on those around us and its relationship to the drug culture. One evening last June, Bishop E. Wayne Nelson of the South Shore Ward in Griffith, Indiana, received a telephone call from a jailer in an Indiana city, fifty miles from his home. The jailer was holding two Mormon boys who were charged with possession of narcotics. Bishop Nelson made several visits as these young men waited in jail for their cases to be heard. He learned that both were from Utah, the sons of active Latter-day Saint parents. Both had tampered with drugs in this state. Both had adopted an unkempt appearance, including shoulder-length hair. Soon after they arrived in Gary, Indiana, to look for work, and while they were walking down a street, a peddler of narcotics approached them and invited them to make a purchase. Faced with that temptation at that time in that place, the boys chose not to resist. Soon after this transaction they were arrested and charged with possession of the drugs they had purchased. After the bishop heard their story in jail, he asked them, βWhy do you think the peddler approached you?β One boy responded, βI guess it was our appearance; we just looked like users.β These young men had taken upon themselves the badges of the drug culture, and they were easily identified and approached by those who sought to profit from their weakness.
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Youth
π€ Church Members (General)
Addiction
Agency and Accountability
Bishop
Judging Others
Ministering
Prison Ministry
Temptation
Matt and Mandy
Summary: Matt is upset about returning to school and snaps at his sister, Mandy. Their mom intervenes, prompts an apology, and then offers to share how she learned to enjoy school. The family prepares to discuss ways to help Matt feel better.
Illustrated by Shauna Mooney Kawasaki
Matt: I donβt want to go back to school!
Mandy: I like school.
Matt: Be quiet!
Mandy: Mom, Matt told me to be quiet!
Matt: Tattletale!
Mandy: Mom!
Mom: Matt, did you say something unkind to your sister?
Matt: I donβt like school.
Mom: I guess at your age I didnβt like school much either.
Mandy: You didnβt? How come?
Mom: First, I think Matt has something to say to his sister.
Matt: Iβm sorry I got mad at you, Mandy. Iβm just grumpy because schoolβs starting.
Mom: Now come here, both of you. Iβll tell you about how I learned to enjoy school. Then weβll see what we can do to help Matt feel better.
Matt: Thanks, Mom.
Matt: I donβt want to go back to school!
Mandy: I like school.
Matt: Be quiet!
Mandy: Mom, Matt told me to be quiet!
Matt: Tattletale!
Mandy: Mom!
Mom: Matt, did you say something unkind to your sister?
Matt: I donβt like school.
Mom: I guess at your age I didnβt like school much either.
Mandy: You didnβt? How come?
Mom: First, I think Matt has something to say to his sister.
Matt: Iβm sorry I got mad at you, Mandy. Iβm just grumpy because schoolβs starting.
Mom: Now come here, both of you. Iβll tell you about how I learned to enjoy school. Then weβll see what we can do to help Matt feel better.
Matt: Thanks, Mom.
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π€ Parents
π€ Children
Children
Education
Family
Forgiveness
Kindness
Parenting