Gospel Story Finder

Then there was that night in early autumn. I was lying in my bed thinking when I heard a dull thud from the direction of the bathroom. As I slid off the top bunk bed and headed toward the bathroom, I heard a quiet moan. Straining my eyes to see in the late night hours, I turned on the bathroom light. My grandma was lying on the floor.
“Grandma!” I said startled. “What happened?”
“Shh,” she answered quietly. “Turn off the light. I don’t want to wake up the whole household! I’m all right. Just give me a hand.”
As I put my arm around her thin weak body, I could feel her trembling. I guided her back into the bedroom and tried to help her back onto the bed.
As I pulled the quilts up around her face, she said, “I’m sorry I woke you up. Now you go on back to bed.”
“You didn’t wake me up, grandma,” I answered. “I couldn’t sleep anyway.”
The dim moonlight shining in through a crack in the bedroom curtains illuminated my grandma’s face. Her fine gray hair was straight and limp from her having to stay in bed. I suddenly noticed how thin she’d become. I remembered hugging her in her big black fur coat when I was small. She was much heavier then, almost plump.
“Promise me you won’t tell anyone about this,” grandma said.
“Next time you might really hurt yourself. Mom would be so mad if I didn’t tell her.”
“Never mind your mom. I’m her mom, so that makes me the boss. As long as I’m alive, I’m going to go to the bathroom by myself. She’ll torment me about using the bedpan if you tell her.”
“All right, grandma,” I answered.
“What are you doing awake at this time of night anyway?” grandma interrupted, trying to change the subject.
“Oh, just thinking, I guess,” I answered.
“What do you have to think about that can’t wait till morning?”
I sat down on the bed next to her.
“It’s nothing important really. Just that old dance I went to tonight. I didn’t really want to go anyway.”
“Your older sisters sure had you dolled up,” grandma said as she took my hand.
“Oh, they thought I looked good, but I just looked like them. I felt awful. Nylons make my legs itch. The music was too loud, and it was too hot, and I can’t stand my hair fixed up with sticky hair spray. The whole time I was wishing I was someplace else.”
“Where else would you want to be?”
“Oh, it’s a place not far from here,” I answered. “But don’t tell my older sisters. They already think I’m a lost cause because I won’t sit out in the sun cooking in baby oil for hours to get a suntan and listen to the radio and try their makeup and perfume. They’re always trying to fix my hair for me too. But I like it this way. I’m sorry,” I said starting to stand up. “I better let you go to sleep.”
Grandma smiled. “I don’t sleep much at night anymore anyway.”
“Well, up in the field at the end of our street, there’s an old irrigation ditch with a big old knotty tree hugging the banks. I go up there and climb just as high as the tree will let me before it dips its top. I sit there for hours sometimes and when the wind starts up, the branches will sway and bow almost like a cradle rocking me to sleep. I love it there, grandma. I feel like I’m part of it; the trees and sweet-smelling weed grass and soaring birds, even the insects chirping in the grass seem my friends.”
I stopped. Grandma’s warm palm felt good around my hand.
“I’ve never told anybody about it before,” I said, looking into her eyes. “Sometimes I think something’s wrong with me. I’m supposed to like parties and dances and boys now. My sisters think I’m hopeless. I don’t know if I’m scared or what. I feel funny inside sometimes. I’m just not ready yet, I guess. I don’t know if I ever will be or want to be.”
“You know, I’m a tree climber from way back,” grandma said.
“Really, grandma?”
“You’re not the only one who feels scared sometimes,” grandma answered. “I’m not sure I ever told anybody this either, but, I’m not sure if it’s the worry of keeping on living or dying that scares me the most,” she answered. “I want you to do something for me. I want you to tell your mom and all your aunts and uncles to quit praying for me to die. They don’t think I know that they’re praying that way, but I do. Tell them I’m not ready to die yet.”
“Why are they praying for you to die, grandma?”
“They don’t want me to suffer anymore.”
“Are you suffering, grandma?”
“I’ve suffered worse pain than a sick body,” grandma said. “I just don’t want to die before I’m good and ready. I like living too much. Seems like life’s always pushing at a person before he’s ready to jump. So don’t you give up your tree climbing till you’re good and ready. I’m not about to die yet, so don’t you worry.”
Next thing I knew, it was morning. Grandma was sleeping next to me, breathing heavily. I tiptoed out of the room and hurried to get ready for school.

“I’m glad I’m not a pioneer,” Amelia said. “Aren’t you, Nanny?”

Nanny thought for a moment. “I know I wasn’t born in the olden days, and I wasn’t born in another country. Nor did I go on a long walk like some other pioneers. But I’m still a pioneer.”

Amelia was amazed. “A pioneer? Why are you a pioneer?”

“Because when the missionaries taught me the gospel, I decided to join the Church, just like the early Church pioneers did,” Nanny explained. “Some of my family and friends were angry that I chose to obey Heavenly Father. Like other pioneers, I had to leave my home and go somewhere else to live.”

“Were you sad?” Amelia asked.

“Yes, I felt very sad,” Nanny said. “But I’m glad I was a pioneer, because Poppy and our children—including your mum—are all members of Jesus Christ’s true Church. And I’m also happy, Amelia, because you too are learning about Heavenly Father and Jesus and the right way to live.”

I am grateful for the opportunity I had to portray the Atonement of Jesus Christ by arranging the room for the visitors to feel the Spirit of Easter during an open house. I got this assignment a month before the event, which enabled me to ponder and pray for the guidance of the Spirit. I prepared myself by fasting, which allowed me to see a picture of my display in my dream.
I chose to use real objects since it could bring the exact picture of the Atonement of our Lord Jesus Christ. With the help of missionaries, young adults and other members, the work got started. We gathered the dry leaves, twigs, branches of the tree and other props. We were determined to give the right spirit to the room with good lighting.
It was the Spirit which guided everyone to feel such reverence. The visitors and members who visited on the day of open house were uplifted and filled with the light of Christ by seeing the room with more of gratitude and love for the Savior who died for us.
This experience makes me feel more closer to my Savior and helps me to understand the Atonement more clearly.

“We had a General Authority, Joseph Anderson, who lived longer than any other General Authority in the Church. He lived to be 102 years of age. He served as private secretary to President Heber J. Grant for many years. President Grant had a stroke and became very seriously ill, and Joseph Anderson went up to see him at night, and the President said to Joseph, ‘Joseph, have I ever been unkind to you?’ And Joseph said, ‘No, President Grant, you have never been unkind to me.’ And the President, with tears rolling down his face, said, ‘Joseph, I am grateful if I have never been unkind to you.’ He died the next day. But what a marvelous thing that a man who had worked with him for so very many years could say that the man who directed his efforts had never been unkind to him.”9

Most of the youth in Abby’s ward in Oklahoma have known her since Primary, and one of her fellow Laurels in the ward, Shelby, is especially close to her because she has been working with Abby in her special education class at school. You see, Abby is autistic, and she has been changing the lives of the youth in her ward for the better in a big way.
The young women of the ward had a great time as they banded together to help Abby earn her Young Womanhood Recognition. And the spirit of helping became contagious as many of the young men joined with the young women to help with Abby’s Special Olympics basketball team. From practicing to cheering the team on, the experience was a blessing and a missionary experience for the youth of the ward. Several nonmember parents of these special-needs youth expressed their appreciation and admiration for the help given to the basketball team.
Abby’s friend Shelby says, “By helping Abby and her team, I learned more about myself than anything. Abby’s teammates are all very unselfish and kind to one another, and that makes me want to be more like them.”
“I have grown up with Abby, and she is so sweet,” adds Jourdon, a priest in the ward. “She is always happy and brings a smile to my face every time I see her. As I was working with Abby and her team, I learned that while we are all different, in Heavenly Father’s eyes we are the same. We’re all His children.”

The first Christmas I experienced on my mission in France was very enjoyable. We were invited to celebrate with a wonderful member family, and I felt comfortable and at home. But the second Christmas stands out in my memory and will always be precious to me.
The thrill of the holiday season was in the air in the small French town where I was serving: Christmas music in the stores, advertisements everywhere, and Christmas cards in the mail.
A few days before Christmas the missionaries in our zone went caroling in the buses, metro stations, and shopping malls. We tried to share the joy of Christmas with our French brothers and sisters by singing carols, handing out brochures, and presenting copies of the Book of Mormon wrapped in Christmas paper. We wished the people a very merry Christmas. Just like the previous year, we were planning to spend Christmas Eve at a member family’s home. My companion and I had received an invitation and were looking forward to a wonderful homemade Christmas dinner.
On 24 December we worked hard the entire morning. When we returned home for lunch, we received a call from the family who had invited us for dinner that evening. They had to cancel the appointment because of a death in the family. We couldn’t go to their home because of their family commitments, so we tried to comfort them as best we could over the telephone. After we hung up, I realized this was going to be a very lonely Christmas Eve. The other elders in our apartment had been invited elsewhere. We ate our lunch and left again to work.
The evening fell, and a cold wind blew. As I looked at the Christmas trees lit up in warm homes—homes filled with happy faces—my thoughts wandered home to my own family in the Netherlands. They would be sitting together, singing Christmas carols, and reading the story of the Nativity. Then they would listen to Christmas music while my dad lit the candles on our Christmas tree. All of a sudden I felt very homesick.
We returned to our apartment, and I sat down at my desk, feeling very sorry for myself. I turned on a Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas tape and started to write in my journal.
One of the many things I learned on my mission was that those I served with were always my companion for a reason. Such was the case with Elder Wagner. After a while he got up from his desk and said he had a plan. “Why don’t we take some of our wrapped copies of the Book of Mormon, go down to the metro station, and talk to those who also feel lonely on Christmas Eve?” he suggested. I said I would join him, although I was pretty reluctant about the whole idea. I just wanted to sit in my chair and feel sorry for myself.
We left our apartment and started walking toward the metro. The closer we got to the station, the more I felt this wasn’t such a bad idea and might possibly turn out to be a good experience. When we boarded the metro, it was nearly empty. A few people were scattered about. I approached a man who was sitting alone by a window. Introducing myself, I asked if we could join him. He agreed. We started talking about families—his family, my family—and Christmas. He told me he was a refugee and had had to leave his country and his family. He told me about his wife and child and how much he missed them. Though our situations weren’t the same, I could sympathize because my family was also far away. Then I started talking about Jesus Christ, how much He meant to me, and how much Christmas meant to me. “The Savior came to earth,” I testified.
Instantly there was a fire burning in my soul. I felt the same burning sensation later that evening while I talked and testified of Jesus Christ to other people on the metro. When my companion and I finally left to return to our apartment, I was filled with a wonderful sense of appreciation. As we discussed the events of that evening I learned that my companion was feeling the same thing. We had truly felt the spirit of Christmas, and I felt as if my heart would burst with joy. The Savior was born in Bethlehem for me and for the entire world! How blessed I felt to have the gospel in my life and to have felt His love for me that night.
It was a Christmas I will always cherish, for it was on that Christmas Eve I finally learned what Christmas is all about. It is about Christ and sharing my precious testimony of the living Son of God.

“There, it’s all done!” Jeff said as he knotted the bridle line to his kite. Jeff felt proud as he held up the kite to check the glued tissue paper edges. He was sure he would win the Highest Flyer Award in the kite tournament to be held the next afternoon.
As Jeff picked up scraps of paper and sticks from the porch floor, he heard the creak of rusty hinges. “Oh, no,” he groaned. “Robin Hood has escaped again!”
With a sick feeling, Jeff remembered his father’s words, “If that dog steals something just once more, Jeff, he’ll have to go!”
Hurdling the porch steps in one leap, Jeff raced to the alley and whistled. He hoped that maybe this time Robin Hood hadn’t picked up anything belonging to someone else, but his hope faded as Robin Hood came around the corner dragging a big paper fish. With his tail wagging, the dog dropped his gift at Jeff’s feet.
“Bad dog!” Jeff scolded. Robin Hood retreated to the farthest corner of the yard. Jeff remembered to close the gate this time, but he felt guilty that he had let his dog get loose.
The paper fish was ripped, but Jeff could see that it had been skillfully painted with loops to look like fish scales. Turning it over, he saw the broken basswood and knew it had been a kite. Someone had probably made this strange-looking kite to enter in the tournament, and Robin Hood had stolen it.
Jeff knew what he had to do. He started walking toward Mr. Peterson’s fruit market, taking the broken fish kite with him. Mr. Peterson knew just about everybody, and many times before he had helped Jeff find the owner of Robin Hood’s other gifts.
“Has Robin Hood been at it again?” Mr. Peterson asked Jeff as he polished an apple. “That carp kite’s in pretty bad shape.”
“Do you know who it belongs to?” Jeff asked.
“Wouldn’t take much to figure out,” answered Mr. Peterson. “A new boy about your age has been coming into the store a lot lately. His name is Jimu, and he’s talked to me about carp kites. The carp stands for courage, you know.”
“No, I didn’t know,” said Jeff.
“Japanese boys fly carp kites every year on Boys’ Festival Day,” said Mr. Peterson. “It’s supposed to remind them to be courageous.”
“Do you know where Jimu lives?” Jeff asked.
“No,” said Mr. Peterson, “but he usually goes toward Miller Street.”
Jeff thanked Mr. Peterson and went back home. His shoulders drooped as he climbed the steps. Robin Hood, stretched out by the lilac bush, opened his eyes and watched.
“Come on,” Jeff called as he picked up both kites. “We have a job to do.”
Jeff and Robin Hood walked up and down Miller Street, but they couldn’t find anyone who knew of a boy named Jimu.
“Sorry I can’t help you,” said a lady who was watering her lawn. “Why don’t you ask your dog?” she joked.
“Why didn’t I think of that!” said Jeff. He gave the carp kite to Robin Hood to carry in his mouth.
“Take it back!” Jeff commanded.
Robin Hood seemed to understand. He held the kite tightly between his teeth and led Jeff to the corner, turned right, and then disappeared down an alley. Jeff followed the dog down the alley and through an opening in a high wooden fence, where Robin Hood stopped.
This must be the house, Jeff thought as he walked into a strange garden. There were dwarf trees in low vases sitting in raked white sand.
“Ohayo (good morning),” said a voice, and a short black-haired boy came around the corner of the house.
“You must be Jimu,” Jeff said. “I’m Jeff.”
The Japanese boy bowed. His dark eyes looked from Robin Hood to the carp kite and back to Jeff.
Jeff didn’t know what to say at first, but once he got started, the story came tumbling out.
“Sumimasen (very sorry),” Jimu said after Jeff finished. “Perhaps you should try a cardboard collar.”
“I don’t understand,” said Jeff.
“I have a friend who had a dog with a sore ear,” Jimu explained. “He cut a big wheel-shaped piece of cardboard and then cut a hole in the middle. He put it around the dog’s neck so the dog couldn’t scratch its ear. His dog also had difficulty picking up objects with his mouth.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Jeff said. “I’ll try it. But that won’t help you fix your kite, so I want you to have mine instead.”
Jeff held his kite out to Jimu, who took it and looked at it carefully.
“Very nice,” Jimu said at last. “But please come with me.”
He led Jeff to a sliding door at the back of the house. They both removed their shoes and went inside.
“Please sit on the tatami,” Jimu told Jeff as he pointed to the straw mat on the porch floor. He put Jeff’s kite on a low table covered with jars of paint and a brush.
Jimu picked up the brush and asked, “May I?”
Jeff nodded. He watched Jimu swiftly paint an outline of a fish on the kite Jeff had given him. Soon a carp filled the kite as Jimu painted half-hoop scales all over.
“Now you’ll have a kite to fly today,” said Jeff.
Jimu smiled mysteriously as he excused himself and disappeared behind a screen.
When Jimu returned, he said, “I already have a kite.” He held up a paper fish. “The first one I made broke, and Robin Hood must have found it in the trash.”
“But why did you paint this beautiful fish on my kite?” Jeff asked.
“Because it took much courage for you to come to me,” Jimu answered. “And the carp stands for courage. You would honor me to fly your kite with me today,” he added.
“That would be great,” Jeff answered. And the two boys, with Robin Hood tagging along behind, picked up their kites and ran out into the field together.

You are not too young to gain a testimony and bear it. In a stake conference we called on a young lady to speak. She had just returned from the Hill Cumorah pageant. She bore a fervent testimony. After she finished we called on 17-year-old Gary. He looked surprised when his name was called. He unwound his full six feet and came to the pulpit. His first words were, “I don’t know why the president called on me; I don’t even have a testimony” (referring, evidently, to the testimony borne by the young lady). For several minutes he spoke about seminary, he expressed gratitude for his family, then said: “I know the gospel is true, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.”

“The rector’s not too pleased,” Mr. Crofton added and smiled. “It seems this preacher is baptizing just about everybody in these parts.”
“You don’t say.”
“Rector sent a constable to arrest the preacher right there at the Benbows’. When Mr. Woodruff stood up to preach, the constable stopped him. Told him he was under arrest for preaching.”
Mr. Weston leaned forward to hear the rest.
“Woodruff looked him calmly in the eye and said that he had a license to preach, same as the rector. But he promised to talk to the constable about it after he’d finished his sermon.”
“That sounds reasonable,” Father said and nodded.
“The constable sat down beside him. Then Mr. Woodruff began to preach a sermon like I’ve never heard before. He taught about Jesus Christ like he really knew him. He taught faith, repentance, and baptism. He taught about the Holy Ghost and laying on of hands to receive that gift. It was powerful!”
Father shifted in his chair and studied his friend. “You sound like you believed this preacher.”
“Let me finish my story,” Mr. Crofton replied, “and you’ll see. Well, at the end of the meeting, he invited anyone who desired it to come and be baptized, and four United Brethren preachers walked up and asked to be baptized. Then the constable stood up and everyone quieted down.
“‘Mr. Woodruff,’ he said, ‘I would like to be baptized.’ Well, you could have heard a pin drop! Now, Mr. Woodruff wasted no time. He took the constable down to a pond right then and there at the Benbows’ and baptized him with the others. He baptized seven people that night.”
Charity counted up in her head. If there were four preachers and the constable, then who else had joined this new religion?
Her father stood up and poked the fire. Then he turned to his friend and softly asked, “You were one of those seven, weren’t you?”
Mr. Weston nodded. “I surely was. I want you to come hear him, Benjamin. He preaches a good sermon, and I could just feel the spirit of truth testifying to what he said.”

“In 1976 an area general conference was held in Copenhagen, Denmark. Following the closing session, President Spencer W. Kimball [1895–1985] desired to visit the Vor Frue Church, where the Thorvaldsen statues of the Christus and of the Twelve Apostles stand. …
“To the front of the church, behind the altar, stands the familiar statue of the Christus with His arms turned forward and somewhat outstretched, the hands showing the imprint of the nails, and the wound in His side very clearly visible. Along each side stand the statues of the Apostles, Peter at the front to the right and the other Apostles in order.
“Most of our group was near the rear of the chapel with the custodian. I stood up front with President Kimball before the statue of Peter with Elder Rex D. Pinegar and Johan Helge Benthin, president of the Copenhagen stake.
“In Peter’s hand, depicted in marble, is a set of heavy keys. President Kimball pointed to those keys and explained what they symbolized. Then, in an act I shall never forget, he turned to President Benthin and with unaccustomed firmness pointed his finger at him and said, ‘I want you to tell everyone in Denmark that I hold the keys! We hold the real keys, and we use them every day.’
“I will never forget that declaration, that testimony from the prophet. The influence was spiritually powerful; the impression was physical in its impact.
“We walked to the back of the chapel where the rest of the group was standing. Pointing to the statues, President Kimball said to the kind custodian, ‘These are the dead Apostles.’ Pointing to me, he said, ‘Here we have the living Apostles. Elder Packer is an Apostle. Elder Thomas S. Monson and Elder L. Tom Perry are Apostles, and I am an Apostle. We are the living Apostles.
“‘You read about the Seventies in the New Testament, and here are two of the living Seventies, Elder Rex D. Pinegar and Elder Robert D. Hales.’
“The custodian, who up to that time had shown no emotion, suddenly was in tears.
“I felt I had had an experience of a lifetime.”2

Enter Mary Mormon and Norman Nonmormon.

1. It’s a Wednesday evening. For three days it has been raining. I am getting tired of the gray, overcast skies. The telephone rings. “Hi! This is Norman Nonmormon. Would you be interested in a movie with me Friday night?” I say:
A. “I’m sorry, Norman. I’d like to, but I think I’d better stick to dating fellows who are members of the same church that I am. It’s really the best way to have no hurt feelings later on. Thanks, anyway. It’s sweet of you to ask.” (go to 20)
B. “Hey, that sounds fun. What time will we go?” (go to 5)
C. “I’m sorry, Norman, but I promised to tend my little brothers and sisters that night.” (go to 4)

3. from 5, 10, 18
The water skiing is great. The water is warm and calm. Norman is fun. I think he sort of likes me. He puts his arms around me and gives me a little squeeze. I react:
A. “No, Norman. Let’s just have a nice time.” (go to 11)
B. I move away from him and say nothing. (go to 8)
C. I like it and show him by cooperating and smiling. He has such nice eyes. (go to 6)

4. from 1, 5
Norman is an honest fellow and trusts that I am honest too, being a Mormon and all. Why do I think I have to lie? He thought my excuse was genuine, so he asked for another date. If I don’t want to go out, I can just politely say no. My choice now is:
A. “Okay. What shall I wear?” (go to 5)
B. Oh, oh, he’s trying again. I’d better get to the point this time. “No, I have made it a policy not to date fellows who are not of my religion. It’s really the best way to have no hurt feelings later on. I do think you are a fine person though, Norman. Say, maybe you’d like to meet some of us—we’re really a neat group.” (go to 19)
C. It will hurt his feelings if I tell him the real reason for not dating him. Better think of an excuse: “No, I’m sorry, Norman, but I have to milk the cows that night.” (go to 7)

5. from 1, 4, 7, 10, 18, 19, 20
Norman is fun. He has a good sense of humor, is outgoing, and I feel at ease with him. We both like music, water skiing, and the same foods. I think he enjoyed the date too, because he wants to take me water skiing next weekend. I say:
A. “No, thank you. We have had a good time, but I think it would be better if we didn’t go out anymore.” (go to 10)
B. “Yes. That would be great fun.” (go to 3)
C. “Sorry, Norman, but I have to go shopping with my mother.” (go to 4)

6. from 3, 8, 11
After we finish skiing, we dock and lock the boat. Norman opens the car door for me and I slide in. He is polite, and I’d like him to know that I appreciate his courtesy, so I:
A. Slide over near him. (go to 13)
B. Stay on my side and smile back at him. (go to 12)

7. from 4
I can’t fool Norman. He knows that I am just making up an excuse. Everyone knows that my mother milks the family cows. He doesn’t take the hint, so he asks me again, “How about next weekend?”
A. I guess it won’t hurt to go with him. “Okay. What will I need to wear?” (go to 5)
B. I might as well be honest with him. “No. I have always felt I would be better off not to date out of my church—nothing personal. Say, maybe you’d like to meet some of us—we’re really a neat group.” (go to 19)
C. What would be a good excuse that would be an obvious hint to him that I don’t want to go? “No, I’m sorry, Norman, but I have to trap flies that night.” (go to 19)

8. from 3
I hope actions speak louder than words. But did I move away because I didn’t like him or because I didn’t want to get involved in that kind of relationship? At any rate, I hope I have let him know that there are certain limits to our friendship. I wonder what would have happened if I had encouraged him. (go to 6)

10. from 5, 20
Norman was hurt when I said I would not accept. He asks me if the real reason is because he is not a Mormon.
A. I’d better get to the point. “Yes. You’re really a nice person, Norman, but I have just felt that if I date only fellows who are members of the same church as I am, I’ll have fewer regrets later on.”
(It is easy to see that if you choose this response, Norman probably will not continue to ask you out. You will have avoided having to make any possible difficult decisions later on, if it turns out that Norman isn’t interested in the Church. To learn what could have happened if you had dated Norman, go to 5—or 3, if you’ve already dated him once.)
B. I can see he is easily hurt; I’d better not be too blunt. “No. Not really I just have to babysit a lot and don’t have a chance to go out much.” (go to 18)

11. from 3
Well, I’m letting him know how I feel about advances at this point. Anyway, we are still on the date. (go to 6)

12. from 6
That was a safe move, I think. I haven’t encouraged him. I hope he realizes that I know what I am doing. I hope he respects me for my standards.
Suppose I were to slide over next to him. (go to 13)

13. from 6, 12
Norman takes me to the door. We are holding hands. He tells me what a nice time he had. Then he asks me if I would like to do something next weekend. He’ll call later and let me know what we will do. If I accept, it will mean the third date with Norman Nonmormon. My response is:
A. I think two dates are enough, but three are too many, so—“Thanks, but let me pass this one by.” (go to 14)
B. “Sure, I would be happy to go somewhere. But let me know what we are going to do a little ahead of time.” (go to 16)

14. from 13
Well, now I’ve done it! I know, of course, that I never have to give reasons for refusing a date. I realize that I have to break off the relationship with Norman Nonmormon early if I am going to break it off at all. Should I have tried to explain to him that I do not want to develop a relationship with a non-Mormon fellow? How could I do it without hurting his feelings? But if I were going to follow this approach, I wonder if it would have been better to have told him this on the first date. Haven’t I been a little dishonest? I’ve accepted his dates and am breaking off now because he is not a Mormon. Yet I don’t even know what he thinks about the Church. I haven’t tried to introduce him to it or to other young Mormons.
Suppose I had encouraged him to call again. It might be interesting to see what would have developed. (go to 21)

16. from 13
I really do enjoy him and we get along so well together. I guess he must feel the same way. Am I prepared for what might be developing? (go to 21)

18. from 10
Boy, that situation was uncomfortable, but I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. But why do I have to lie? If I don’t want to face the issue or be honest with Norman, I don’t have to explain my feelings. I can just politely say no.
Anyway, this is two no’s for him, and I’ll be relieved if he doesn’t call again. (It is easy to see that if you choose not to explain, Norman probably will not continue to ask you out. You will have avoided having to make any possible difficult decisions later on, if it turns out that Norman isn’t interested in the Church. to learn what could have happened if you had dated Norman, go to 5—or to 3, if you’ve already dated him once.)

19. from 4, 7
The course I have chosen may or may not be a difficult one, depending upon where I live. If I have few opportunities to meet other Mormons, it certainly will affect the number of dates I have. Of course, many good people would join the Church if someone were to introduce them to it. Maybe the important thing here is that I remember that at some point in my life, dating can lead to marriage—and for me, there is only one kind of marriage. But what if I didn’t want to break off at this point? What would have happened had I accepted Norman’s date? (go to 5)

20. from 1
The next day I tell my best friend about my chance to go with Norman. She thinks I was crazy for not accepting the date. She says, “After all, he’s nice, well-liked, and a lot more active in his church than a lot of Mormon boys are in ours. And anyway, how do you know he wouldn’t be interested in the Church?”
The next day I see Norman in a biology class. He smiles and in a half-kidding, half-earnest way asks me for another date. I decide:
A. I’ve got to be firm. And I realize, of course, that I never have to give reasons for refusing a date. Some things are best left unsaid. “I’m sorry, Norman. But it really is nice of you to ask.” (go to 10)
B. He really does seem to be a fine person. And if I don’t let him meet a Mormon, maybe he’ll never know what we’re like. “I’d be glad to go if you’d still like to.” (go to 5)

21. from 14, 16
Everyday Norman waits for me and we go to class together. Sometimes it is a little hard to concentrate in class.
Wednesday he asks me if I would like to go over to his house Saturday night to watch television.
A. I’ve really got to stop this. “No, thanks, Norman. I don’t think we should see one another anymore.” (go to 23)
B. “Sure! Should I bring some popcorn?” (go to 25)
C. “I’ve got a better idea. Why don’t you come to my place?” (go to 22)

22. from 21
I’m right in inviting him to my house. Who knows what it would have been like at his house? Would his parents be home? It could have been uncomfortable. (go to 29)

23. from 21
Was I saying no to that type of date, or did I say no because I did not want the relationship to develop further?
At any rate, I have given him a stop signal. (go to 24)

24. from 23
I can’t help but wonder what that date might have been like. I wonder where such a decision could possibly lead? (go to 25)

25. from 21, 24
Norman picks me up at my house, and we drive to his house. His parents seem very nice and welcome me warmly to their home. Then they excuse themselves. They are going out and don’t expect to be back until late. I didn’t count on this.
After Norman and I pop some corn, we watch a movie on television. He tries to kiss me. A little surprised,
A. I say, “Please don’t, Norman!” (go to 31)
B. I turn my head away. (go to 32)
C. I kiss him. (go to 30)

29. from 22
Norman and I are sitting on the couch watching the late movie. My parents have retired for the night, and it is getting late. They rap on the adjoining wall. Norman gets the picture, but before leaving he tries to kiss me. I was expecting this, so:
A. I say, “Please don’t, Norman!” (go to 31)
B. I turn my head away. (go to 32)
C. I kiss him. (go to 30)

30. from 25, 29, 31, 32
I realize that Norman is getting serious, and I am a little anxious. He asks me to the big school dance. I have heard that an LDS boy is thinking of asking me, so I think about it a minute, then say:
A. “No, thanks, Norman, I have plans for that night.” (go to 33)
B. “That sounds great! It’s a formal dance, isn’t it?” (go to 35)

31. from 25, 29
He gets the message, and nothing happens. But at the doorstep when he holds my hand, and looks so nice, and has such deep blue eyes … I’m going to assume that before I know it, he has kissed me good night. I’m even surprised myself because I hadn’t planned on it and really didn’t do anything to discourage him. (go to 30)

32. from 25, 29
Later, Norman tries again. I guess he likes me, and I guess I’m not really discouraging him.
I wonder what would happen if he didn’t get the message and I gave in. (go to 30)

33. from 30
It was wrong to lie. But then, I do have plans for the night—I plan to not date Norman. Of course, since I kissed him, Norman’s probably doing what he expects should normally follow the present pattern of our relationship. (go to 36)

35. from 30, 36
So now I have accepted another date with Norman Nonmormon. Norman puts his arm around me and leans forward to kiss me. My response is:
A. A “no” and a smile. (go to 37)
B. A kiss that means I really like Norman Nonmormon. (go to 38)

36. from 33
My turning down the date to the big school dance may have said “Stop!” to Norman. He wanted to know why I wouldn’t go to the dance, and I said I thought he was a swell person but that we were moving too fast in our relationship. He probably won’t ask me out again, and this is what I want—to get off the “marry-go-round” romance between Mary Mormon and Norman Nonmormon. But suppose I had accepted the dance date? Or another date later? Now that a relationship would be beginning, when would I start to introduce for consideration the Church and other factors upon which decisions could be based that would be mutually understandable and honest to both him and me?
Let’s see what would happen if I were to choose all of the answers that would encourage Norman. (go to 35)

37. from 35
Some boys are funny. They think that just because girls accept dates with them, they will eventually give them good night kisses. This is what Norman thinks, and I guess I have him going around in circles wondering why I continue to accept dates with him. As a matter of fact, I wonder myself. Isn’t it time for me to really get this whole thing on a more intelligent basis?
I’ll see what kind of encouragement a kiss might have given. (go to 38)

38. from 35, 37
The big school dance is very special. And Norman is so very thoughtful. Several people told us they thought we were a fine-looking couple. After the dance, Norman asks me to go steady. I say:
A. “No, Norman. I don’t think going steady would be wise.” (go to 39)
B. “Let me talk it over with my parents before I give you an answer.” (go to 42)
C. “Oh, Norman, I’d like to, very much.” (go to 45)

39. from 38
Norman is hurt. He says that the difference between regular dating and steady dating is not clear to him. Of course, to me it is—going steady is really like saying to others, “We’ve found in each other all that we want. We’re now off-limits to everyone else.” Maybe I should have broken off the relationship earlier.
But let’s assume that I accepted. (go to 45)

41. from 42
My parents said, “Just because a fellow is baptized, it doesn’t mean that he will be a model of perfection. If a Latter-day Saint doesn’t follow the Church’s high standards, don’t date him, either.” Should I accept my parents’ advice or not?
A. Well, whom can I date? (go to 44)
B. No. I’m telling Norman I’ll go steady with him. (go to 45)

42. from 38
After a long discussion with my parents, I am nearly exhausted. They keep bringing up the fact that because Norman is not a Latter-day Saint, he couldn’t take me to the temple if we decided to marry after school is finished. My argument stresses how much I like him and how nice a person he is. I finally say:
A. “Okay. I’ll accept your advice and not go steady.” (go to 43)
B. “But he is so much more a gentleman than any Church member I have ever dated.” (go to 41)
C. “I don’t want to follow you advice. I’ll tell Norman I’ll go steady.” (go to 45)

43. from 42
After the talk, my married sister came by. She said I am to be congratulated for agreeing not to date Norman steadily. She said, “You may think that Mom and Dad are ruining your social life; but if you will have a little faith in their wisdom, things will work out for you. Then, too, we don’t always consider the difficulty of being a parent. Have you ever tried to explain to Johnny why it is not good to put paper clips into an electrical outlet? Parents sometimes feel that same frustration in trying to explain some things.”
Had I not made this decision, where would steady dating with Norman Nonmormon have led? (go to 45)

44. from 41, 51, 52, 65, 66
My folks, Church leaders, and friends have always said that I should use the programs of the Church to get acquainted with other young Latter-day Saints. I know that my chances of finding happiness with a good Latter-day Saint man are much greater when one considers the importance of temple marriage, family customs, children, and our basic gospel values.
Going to Church socials and going to meetings are ways to get acquainted with members of the Church who believe as I do. And I should turn any future dates with any non-Mormon Norman into group affairs and introduce him to the Church and other Mormons. A non-Mormon needs to know a lot more about me and I need to know his response to the gospel before any decision on a close relationship can be made. Right from the start, Church socials and meetings should be my strength—to receive dates from these sources or introduce non-Mormons into them quickly.
(If you arrived here from 41, go to 45 and see what might have happened if you had gone steady. If you arrived here from 51 or 52, go to 54 and see what would have happened if you had accepted the ring.)

45. from 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44
I am now going steady with Norman Nonmormon. Since we are going steady, we decide to spend Sunday afternoons together. Norman wants me to go to his church, but I would rather he go to mine. Finally we decide to:
A. Go to mine, and he agrees to accompany me. (go to 47)
B. Go to his church. This pleases Norman. (go to 46)
C. Compromise, rather than quarrel, and go to neither. We decide that watching television is a good way to avoid quarrels like this. (go to 48)

46. from 45
On Sunday Norman directs me to what would be similar to an investigator class in our church. I am invited to begin studying Norman’s faith. My reaction is:
A. “Not now; maybe later. I would like to know more about your church sometime in the future.” (go to 48)
B. “No, thank you.” (go to 49)

47. from 45
I thought getting Norman to go to my church might be a good way for him to meet the Mormons and for me to introduce him to the missionaries. After meeting Norman, the missionaries offer to explain more about the Church to him. If Norman refuses to listen to them:
A. I will quit dating him. (go to 50)
B. I will say nothing but will try to convert him later. (go to 48)

48. from 45, 46, 47, 49, 50, 65
Time passes, and a holiday arrives. I expect a small gift from Norman, because he has hinted that he has something for me. But I am taken completely by surprise when he shows me a diamond ring and asks me to marry him. I say:
A. “Norman, I couldn’t possibly marry a non-Latter-day Saint.” (go to 51)
B. “Oh, Norman, you’re wonderful! You know I’ll marry you!” (go to 54)
C. “Norman, if you’d join the Church, I’d consider it.” (go to 53)

49. from 46
I realize now that Norman’s faith is very important to him. He seriously wants me to come his way regarding religious issues. So:
A. I decide not to date him any longer. (go to 65)
B. I decide it does make a difference that he feels strongly about his religion, but I’m sure our love can solve these problems. Everything will work out. (go to 48)

50. from 47
This is the right decision! But haven’t I been unfair to Norman? Bam! All of a sudden, the Church! I should have been discussing this with him all along; then this decision would be understandable to him. He’d know why I couldn’t continue a serious relationship with a non-Mormon.
I should have learned from him a long time back whether he was interested in the Church; and if he didn’t wish to hear or know more about us, the signal to break off our dating would have been clear.
What would happen had I kept dating Norman after he knew how I felt about the Church? (go to 48)

51. from 48
Well, I got out of that! But my friend Peggy wants to know how I justify that refusal in light of all the steady dating during school and in light of my not seriously trying to let Norman know about me and what I want out of my marriage. But I’ve never been honest enough with Norman to tell him of our differences. Peggy says Norman would not have asked me if I hadn’t encouraged him all along. Norman is probably hurt and bitter. What should I do now?
A. Meet some good Latter-day Saints. (go to 44)
B. See what would have happened if I had accepted the ring. (go to 54)
C. Turn down the ring but continue to date Norman. After all, he takes me out to fun places, and even though I could never marry him, I enjoy going places with him and he has nice friends. (go to 52)

52. from 51
My older sister thinks I’m self-centered and dishonest. She says, “Don’t you think Norman has feelings? Don’t lead him along when you don’t have any serious intentions. You’re not being honest. Come on, sister, get with it! Let him know that you could never marry him. Then go out and find yourself some nice Church member who is eligible.” (If this interests you, go to 44)

53. from 48
I guess I underestimated Norman. I thought he would become discouraged when I refused to become engaged until he joined the Church. Consequently, he has studied with the missionaries and has agreed to be baptized. I’m so happy I can hardly stand it. Earlier this evening we attended his baptism, and I saw him become a member of the Church. Afterwards he again asked me to marry him. I accepted his proposal. Now he wants to know when we can get married. My answer is:
A. “Let’s wait a year until you can hold the Melchizedek Priesthood so that we can go to the temple.” (go to 58)
B. “Okay. It will have to be a civil marriage, but we can go to the temple in a year or so when you can get a recommend.” (go to 57)
C. “Let’s have a civil marriage.” (go to 59)

54. from 44, 48, 51, 63, 66
I agree to marry Norman Nonmormon. We will be married in two months. That gives us plenty of time to plan the wedding and to work out some problems such as where we will live, what church we will be married in, and so forth. I wonder which church we will be married in:
A. My chapel? (go to 68)
B. His church? (go to 55)
C. A compromise. We’ll marry civilly. Then no one in his family can say that our marriage was overly influenced by my religion. (go to 68)

55. from 54
My sister Lucy is at it again. She says, “What in the world ever prompted you to make that decision? To be married in his church is the same as saying that in all future decisions, your marriage will follow his faith. The blessing (or baptizing) of your children, their confirmation, and the general attitudes and values to be found in your home will follow his faith. You have said—almost—that the Church is not a part of your life. You would have been smarter to marry civilly. At least that would be neutral ground. Better still, it would have been much smarter of you to have gotten off this ‘marry-go-round’ much earlier.”
Well, it’s too late now. The invitations have already been sent out. (Or can you change your mind even after invitations have been sent? You most certainly can! Better to suffer a little embarrassment than get things off on the wrong foot. Let’s assume you realize that marrying in his church could never work, and that you’ve convinced Norman to marry civilly.) (go to 68)

56. from 57
I wonder how I can be sure. A converted person is a changed person. Has Norman really changed? Does he attend all of his meetings, carry his priesthood assignments, and pay his tithing and offerings? Do we hold family prayer and home evening, and does Norman seem to enjoy these and understand why we do what we do? The choice now is Norman’s. I can’t go without him, and I can’t go alone. I’ve certainly put myself in a risky position. The thing I want more than anything else—a temple marriage—is now out of my control. I’ll just have to wait and see what happens. (go to 59)

57. from 53, 63, 64
We have been married for over a year now. I have been looking forward to our going to the temple to be married for eternity. But whenever I bring up the issue, he avoids it. I am becoming worried. I’m beginning to wonder whether we will make it. I’ll ask him again. He says:
A. “Yes.” (go to 56)
B. “No.” (go to 59)

58. from 53
Congratulations to myself! I have let my head rule my heart. The year has passed. It’s been a busy year for both of us, and now we love each other even more. We are waiting and working for a temple recommend. Of course, this matter is up to the two of us and our bishop. We know that moral and religious laws of the Church. As a result of the interview with the bishop:
A. Norman is worthy to obtain a recommend. (go to 63)
B. Norman is not worthy to obtain a recommend. (go to 64)

59. from 53, 56, 57
As time passes, Norman gradually expressed disinterest in attending Church with me. First he has one excuse, then another. Now he doesn’t even bother to give an excuse—he just doesn’t go to church. For a while he didn’t say anything about my going alone, but now he seems to resent the time I spend working in the Church. My position as MIA teacher doesn’t take as much time as he says it does. He seems to think that one hour on Sunday is all the time anyone should spend in church. That’s all he ever did. How will I solve this problem?
A. To help get better feelings in my marriage, maybe I will quit my job as MIA teacher and go to church just once in a while. (go to 61)
B. I will continue going to church and teaching MIA in spite of Norman’s nagging. He’s been baptized. He knows how important Church service is in keeping ourselves spiritually in tune—doesn’t he? (go to 60)

60. from 59
In spite of Norman’s resentment, I continue to be active in the Church. I try to help him feel good about it, but he has started bowling and playing cards with his friends three or four nights a week. It seems to me he does this just to get even with me for spending my time in church. I’m afraid we are starting to drift far apart even though we still live together. What am I going to do now?
A. To help get better feelings in my marriage, maybe I will quit my church job and attend meetings only once in a while. (go to 61)
B. I will continue my Church activities, in spite of Norman’s feelings. I’m sure he will come to see that he’s wrong. (go to 62)

61. from 59, 60
Quitting my church job and going to church once in a while may stop Norman from nagging me about spending so much time in church, but it won’t solve my problem. It will lead to more and more inactivity on my part. What about my children? If Norman resents my spending so much time in church, he will feel the same way about them. Will they be able to attend church regularly and participate in its activities? Even if he permits them, will he cooperate with me as I attempt to teach them to fast and pray, pay tithing, keep the Word of Wisdom, and hold family home evening regularly? I’m afraid I have placed myself in a very risky and potentially very unhappy situation, and all because I didn’t know enough to make the right decisions at the right time. Anyone can see what my future holds. It will be a miracle if my dreams about my family can ever come to pass.
I’m glad this has been just an imaginary experience and that I didn’t really have to live it. (end of this route)

62. from 60
As time goes on, it is becoming clear that persisting in my church activities causes more and more conflict. Even though I am active in the Church, I am miserable. Choosing the other alternative and participating in church activities only once in a while will not make me happy either. Neither of these choices is bringing me happiness at home, but what other alternatives are there for me?
I chose this risky possibility when I chose to get married civilly and not wait until Norman held the Melchizedek Priesthood. During that year, if Norman were not converted or had joined the Church just for me, it would have become obvious to both of us. Of course, this present situation of Norman’s inactivity in the Church could have happened even if we had waited and gone to the temple, but the possibility of its occurring would have been greatly reduced.
I am glad this is not a real experience. By making the right decisions at earlier stages of this sad situation. (end of this route)

63. from 58
I’m very happy. Norman is a member of the Church and we are soon going to be married in the temple. Some say I am lucky. They say that my case represents the small percentage that gets this end result—a truly converted fiancé. But when they say I am lucky, they are wrong. This wasn’t a matter of luck. It was based on intelligent decision-making. I made two wise decisions that set me on the right path. First, I discussed marriage and my church with Norman and chose not to marry him because I would marry only a member of the Church. Next, I chose to wait a year until he could hold the Melchizedek Priesthood so we could be married in the temple. These are the two major decisions that have greatly influenced my future life and happiness.
Suppose I had not made these decisions?
A. What if I had said, “Let’s get married now,” instead of “Let’s wait until you join the Church,” when Norman first proposed to me? (go to 54)
B. What if I had waited until Norman was baptized and then said, “Let’s get married now and go to the temple later”? (go to 57)

64. from 58
What am I going to do now? If the bishop has told me that I’m worthy, morally and in every other way, then it only means that Norman has failed to keep the commandments, isn’t fully converted, or has some other problem. I decided to:
A. Marry him anyway. (go to 57)
B. Break off our relationship and not see him anymore. This is too risky for marriage. (go to 66)

65. from 49
Well, I have finally realized that it is necessary to get off the romance boat when the oars don’t work. I wonder what took me so long. This relationship could never work. We’d both be very unhappy, quarrel over which church our children should join, and I’d always hope he’d come my way. Our basic philosophies would disagree at so many points that only such a superficial relationship as dating could have hidden them this long. I want to get off the “marry-go-round” with Norman Nonmormon. I now want to:
A. Meet some boys who are Church members. (go to 44)
B. See what would have happened if I had continued to date Norman. (go to 48)

66. from 64
Congratulations! When a bishop cannot give a temple recommend to a person, it means that there are some problems that need serious attention. I’ll ask the bishop to see that Norman’s bishop and ward members work hard to keep Norman in the Church. But this is too risky right now. I must have been pretty foolish or must have been going around with my eyes half closed not to notice Norman’s growth—or lack of it—during this past year. Anyway, there is no question but that this is the right decision. If I want to know how to meet some other LDS fellows, I can go to 44.
Had I not made this decision, however, and decided to marry Norman, what might have happened? (go to 54)

67. from 70
Well, I’ve really blown it! Don’t I realize that my children, their children, and their children’s children will likely all be raised outside the gospel? If my children were not members of another church, at least there might be a chance that Norman would let them be baptized into the restored Church in time, but it is extremely unlikely that this will happen if my children are in another church. Didn’t I remember Lucy’s talk to me? Don’t I understand what the Church is—or what it can mean to me throughout all time? I am denying my son the fulness of joy reserved for those who accept the Lord’s Church. With this pattern of behavior, what will our future hold? (go to 72)

68. from 54, 55
We have been married for one year. The honeymoon is over. Our first conflict was when the bishop asked me to teach a Primary class. I really wanted the job, but Norman didn’t like the idea of my being away from home. He likes his meals prepared and waiting when he gets home from work. I say:
A. “I will not accept the job.” (go to 69)
B. I tell Norman that Church activity would mean a great deal to me and I’m asking him to fix his own meals the nights I have to teach Primary. (go to 70)

69. from 68
I have come to miss the spiritual growth and opportunity for service that I had when I was active in the Church. My spiritual life will continue to decay and nothing in my future suggests that it will get better. Did I consider this reality when I first started dating Norman Nonmormon? (go to 70)

70. from 68, 69
It is some months later, and Norman and I are blessed with our first child. He weighs seven pounds, eight ounces, and is twenty-one inches long. I can’t wait to get out of the hospital and take him home. When I get home, Norman is anxious to have him baptized. I say:
A. “Are you kidding? Little children don’t need baptism. Let’s wait until he is eight years old. That’s when we baptize children in my church.” (go to 71)
B. “Okay, you’re the father of our household. I guess it’s okay for the firstborn son to be baptized into his father’s church.” (go to 67)

71. from 70
Those are nice words, but how am I going to persuade Norman? He is convinced that his church is best for the children. Before we were married, I never thought how deeply we could feel about these kinds of problems. (go to 72)

72. from 67, 71
Years pass, and several children have come into our home. Life has had its happy and sad days. We have had joy together, but I know that we have missed so much. Our main conflicts have been religion-oriented, because our philosophies about life are so different. I didn’t know that the gospel is such a total part of my life. Each time one of our children is faced with a religious decision, I say:
A. “Your father is the head of the family. We’d better do as he says.” (go to 74)
B. “Norman, my church is really the true church. Can’t you see that? This time, do as I say, please.” (go to 73)
C. “Let’s not baptize them in either church and then our kids can decided what they want to do.” (go to 75)

73. from 72
I wonder why I think Norman will agree to this idea. Our dating relationship certainly couldn’t have shown him how I felt. Norman might—or might not—compromise his thoughts. But did I ever consider that it is impossible to compromise with the truth? Either something is true or it isn’t. Even if Norman agreed for half of our children to be baptized in my church, I can see the conflict and hard feelings that would arise in our family. Misunderstanding, no common bond, arguing all the time—what have I gotten myself into? (go to 76)

74. from 72
But when Norman answers life’s important questions, our children get a distorted view of the purpose of life and the eternal values that are most important. Norman’s answers aren’t bad answers. They just won’t help our children get into the celestial kingdom. My narrow-minded sister Lucy says I don’t think enough of my children to provide them with the very best kind of family. Well, she can just go to church. We’re as good as she is any day. (go to 76)

75. from 72
At first I thought this was a sensible solution, but as the years go by, I see that not baptizing our children into the Church means that they grow up without the gospel. I’m heartsick. Maybe if Norman and I really communicate and if he’ll let someone whom he trusts in my church talk to him, we can solve this problem. But it will be hard, and maybe I’ll never be able to solve this problem. (go to 76)

76. from 73, 74, 75
I finally realize that it is impossible to ignore the truth of the gospel and still find happiness. The minute I compromise, like getting romantically involved with a person who does not believe as I do, I immediately set myself on a course that will lead to unhappiness. The amount of unhappiness I experience will depend on how far I go along that romantic path. I can see now that when one chooses a path he also chooses the place where the path leads.
I’m relieved that this is only an imaginary romance. I’m glad that the conflicts and problems encountered here can be avoided if I make proper decisions early in my dating career. The steps that can lead me to eternal happiness or to sorrow are obvious. Anyone can see how important it is for one to recognize the steps that lead to increased involvement with a person and then, most of all, to make up one’s mind ahead of time about how far he’ll go on the Norman Nonmormon “marry-go-round.”

I was six years old the day I discovered I was alive. It was a clear morning in late spring, and I was on my way to catch the school bus. I was about halfway through a small field when I heard an unseen voice call out. “I’m a pretty little bird,” the voice sang—at least that’s what my mother told me meadowlarks sing.
At the sound, I suddenly felt a strange emotion pass through me. I stood still and for the first time really noticed the world around me. I looked up. The sky was a sea of changing color in which clouds floated like feathered ships. The air itself smelled clean and young, and the grassy field where I stood was filled to translucence with sunshine—wild flowers of gold and yellow.
Somehow the meadowlark had awakened me to the beauty of the earth and to the fact that I was part of it. I still can’t put into words all that I felt, but I think that day I came about as close as I’ve ever come to feeling God’s presence.

Province of Quebec—
You’ll see it on every license plate in the province. You’ll see it on coats of arms “Je me souviens.” It means “I remember.”
And this is a place where there is much to remember. The Province of Quebec is where France and Britain once battled for control of North America. It is the home of vast wildernesses and nomadic Native American tribes, where wise use of plentiful resources is still a challenge. It is the home of some of the oldest settlements on the continent, of walled fortresses and cobblestone streets now surrounded by business districts and skyscrapers.
And it is a place where young Latter-day Saints are acutely aware of many things they must remember, not just to maintain their sense of history or identity, but to live more fully the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Léa Dussault, for example, has a checklist she follows. “I work on it every day,” says the 15-year-old from St. Polycarpe, a tiny town on the Quebec-Ontario border near Hawkesbury. “I read the scriptures for 30 minutes, do at least half an hour of seminary, work with Personal Progress, and read my patriarchal blessing. I pray a lot, too. It gives me more confidence. At bedtime, I make sure all my spiritual goals for the day have been met. Otherwise, I won’t feel good when I go to sleep.”
Léa has a personal motto: “I choose to be one with Christ today.” She’s doing her best to live up to that statement.
“You must remember the blessings you can have by being faithful,” says Marc-André Côté, 15, of Chicoutimi. “You should always keep that goal in mind. When Joseph Smith was discouraged once, the Lord reminded him to remember what he had been promised if he would remain faithful. [See D&C 6:13.] By thinking of the celestial kingdom and exaltation, you can find strength to overcome the struggles in your life.”
Marc should know. For four years he was away from the Church, but about two years ago he kept “asking myself what I was doing with my life. I was searching for something, and I remembered what I had felt in the Church. I felt the Spirit saying to me, ‘Go!’ and so I decided to try it just one time. I had imagined it would be difficult to come back, but it was easy. It was even better than I remembered. I read a lot and studied a lot and really gained a testimony that this is the true church, organized the way the Savior wants it to be.”
Julia Awashish, a 17-year-old Native American from Quebec City, agrees with Marc. “We need to always remember the covenants we made at baptism,” she says. “The promises we have made to our Heavenly Father are the things that make us strong as members of the Church. It’s been six years since I joined the Church. I’m glad my mother and I joined, because it helps me so much when I have a problem to deal with, and it helps me to remember to be happy, because the gospel is a message of joy.”
Julia says that when she and her mother returned to visit relatives in their village of Obedjiwan, which is far to the north of Quebec, at first “there was a lot of gossip about us being Latter-day Saints. But now everyone has seen by our example that we are friendly, normal people, so they accept us just fine.”
Vetséra Lapierre, 14, also from Quebec City, says she will always remember her first trip to the Toronto Temple to do baptisms for the dead. “I was so happy just to be with so many young members of the Church, the joy of it filled my eyes with tears of gratitude,” she explains. “It was something I had dreamed of for years, and now my dream was coming true. When we walked in the doors of the house of the Lord, I immediately felt a perfect peace, a spiritual strength that grew and grew as we did the baptisms. That feeling has stayed with me ever since. Now when I face a temptation, I remember how I felt in the temple. I always want to feel that peace, and I want to return to the temple again and again.”
Alexandra Gilbert felt a similar reassurance when she met President Gordon B. Hinckley at the dedication of the temple. The 14-year-old from the city of Alma says, “He wasn’t the President of the Church at the time, but now he is. He was going up the steps to go into the temple, and he paused and shook my hand and we chatted for just a moment. He’s very likable. I didn’t understand a lot, because he only spoke English to me. But I had a wonderful feeling about him. I’ll always remember meeting him, and I’ll remember that we have a living prophet.”
Robert-Emmanuel Duchesne, 13, lives in the little town of St. Monique, about 45 minutes from Alma on Lac St.-Jean. “Even though we go to a small branch, we do the same things others do in the Church. We have youth activities. We go to our meetings every Sunday. Sometimes when there’s something they want to do together, my friends will say something, but they know my Sundays are taken for church.” He made a promise to keep the Sabbath holy, and he remembers the promise.
He also remembers a commitment that he would magnify his calling. “There are only two Aaronic Priesthood holders in the branch of Alma, and that’s not a lot. But we do our best to serve, and I remind myself all the time that there are many young children in our branch, who will grow up in the Church and who will make the branch grow. The younger kids need us to prepare the way, to work hard and be good examples.”
There’s a similar commitment to the Aaronic Priesthood in Rimouski, a town in the eastern part of the province nearing the mouth of the St. Lawrence.
“We’ve started gathering fast offerings from door to door at all the members’ homes,” explains Hugo Lêvesque, 16. “We have to do some of them by car, because about 50 per cent of the branch members live in other small towns in the area. But our branch president said that during the time of Joseph Smith the Aaronic Priesthood went door-to-door gathering fast offerings, so why shouldn’t we? It helps us to remember our responsibilities.”

In my office I have a little plaque that reads, “Above all else, brethren, let us think straight”—the last known words spoken by my grandfather Elder Melvin J. Ballard in mortality. As I understand the circumstances, Grandfather, after a very grueling experience of preaching the gospel all through the eastern part of the United States, drove his own car from New York to Salt Lake City. When he came into the driveway at his home, he collapsed and was rushed to the LDS Hospital and was found to have an acute case of leukemia. He never came out of the hospital. He went in and out of coma, but as I have had it told to me by my father, who was there, Grandfather pushed himself up on his elbows and looked into his hospital room as though he were addressing a congregation or a group and said with clarity, “And above all else, brethren, let us think straight.” I don’t go into my office any day of the week that I don’t see that, and I find that it helps me a little bit.

Before our calling as Stake Interfaith Specialists, we served in the bishopric and Relief Society of our ward, where we had many opportunities to build bridges in our local community. During that time, we were blessed to open our meetinghouse to various local organisations and faith groups in need of a space to gather. These included an International Women’s Day celebration, pop-up clothing shops for asylum seekers, English Connect lessons, warm space initiatives in winter and even small social gatherings for refugee families.
One of the most cherished relationships we developed was with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association. Without a building of their own, they have used our meetinghouse for several events and have become close friends of our members. A highlight was a youth evening where their young people met with ours to talk about our respective beliefs, share experiences and enjoy sports and games together. The unity and joy felt that evening were so powerful that we plan to make it a regular event.
Since being set apart in our new callings, our desire to reach out has only grown. We’ve come to know and love many people of different faiths, churches and service backgrounds and we’ve felt strengthened by their examples of quiet, consistent goodness. Their desire to serve, often without recognition, has been truly humbling.
Early on, we felt prompted to look into the Stevenage Interfaith Forum, which had been inactive for some time. With the Lord’s help and the support of others, we were able to re-establish it. Today, eight different faith groups and churches meet regularly, with strong backing from civic leaders—including the previous Lady Mayor and the current Mayor of Stevenage.
This led to our invitation to the Stevenage Mayor’s Multi-Faith Gathering 2025, held on the Covid Day of Reflection. Brother Head was asked to speak in his dual role as Chair of the Interfaith Forum and a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shared how our faith inspires us to reach out, to build community and to serve. The response was very positive and several groups have since asked to be involved in our future meetings.
The event’s theme was ‘Coming Together’ and it truly lived up to its name. Prayers and reflections were offered for youth, for those with special needs and for the care of our planet. The words shared by friends from the Sikh, Ahmadiyya Muslim, Methodist, Jewish, Roman Catholic, Church of England and Latter-day Saint communities were moving and unifying.
As Latter-day Saints, we believe in “standing as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places”. Participating in interfaith work allows us to do just that—to represent Christ in our communities, to serve shoulder to shoulder with people of goodwill and to show that our Church truly desires to bless the lives of all of God’s children.
We are grateful for these opportunities to build relationships, foster mutual respect and help others come to know who we are by the way we live and serve.

I couldn’t focus on my homework today. Mom asked what was wrong. I guess I’m still wondering about the priesthood. She said when she has a question that doesn’t have a clear answer, she puts it on the “back burner” of her mind. She doesn’t ignore the question, but she doesn’t let it crowd out all the things she DOES understand. She has the faith to wait for answers, and she trusts that Heavenly Father knows what’s best. That’s OK, I guess, but I hate waiting.

Anastasia, a young mother in Ukraine, was in the hospital having just given birth to a baby boy as the bombings began in Kyiv this past February. A nurse opened the hospital room door and said with an urgent voice, “Take your baby, wrap him in a blanket, and go into the hall—now!”

Later, Anastasia commented:
“I never imagined my first days of motherhood would be so difficult, … but … I am focusing on … the blessings and miracles I have seen. …
“Right now, … it might seem impossible to ever forgive those who have caused so much destruction and harm … , but as a disciple of Christ, I have faith that I will be able to [forgive]. …
“I don’t know all that will happen in the future … but I know that keeping our covenants will allow the Spirit to be with us continually, … allowing us to feel joy and hope, … even during difficult times.”

“Come over after school,” Caroline said. “I have the new CD by Alisha.” (Artist’s name has been changed.)
I gasped. “OK!” Even though Grandma was taking me shopping for my birthday on Saturday, I couldn’t wait that long. I was desperate to hear the new CD right away.
Alisha was my hero. Caroline and I pretended to be her, holding hairbrushes like microphones and singing along with her music. Sometimes Mom asked us to keep it down, but she didn’t mind our noise that much because Alisha’s lyrics were so good. Alisha was religious—I had read it in a magazine.
After school I hurried to my room and finished my homework. Alisha’s smile beamed down at me from the poster tacked above my desk.
When I finally bounded across the street to Caroline’s house, she handed me the CD cover and bubbled, “Isn’t she so pretty?”
I nodded, but my stomach felt funny. Alisha wasn’t smiling this time; her expression was more like a sneer. And I had never seen a photo of her dressed like that.
“Don’t you think her outfit is a little immodest?” I asked.
Caroline frowned. “Yeah, but maybe her church doesn’t care about stuff like that. She probably doesn’t know any better. Now listen—this is my favorite song.” She pushed the play button as I skimmed the lyrics printed in the CD jacket. I felt relieved that there weren’t any swear words.
“See? This CD is fine,” I told myself. But a dull feeling followed me home that night.* * * *
On Saturday morning I watched cartoons, waiting for Grandma to pick me up for our shopping trip. During a commercial, an announcer said that Alisha’s new music video would be shown at the end of the program!
Mom came into the family room just as the music started. “What are you watching?” She smiled and sat down.
“It’s the new Alisha video.” I tried to sound casual.
Mom’s smile disappeared as she watched Alisha dance across the screen. She looked at me and raised her eyebrows.
I squirmed. “Just because she’s wearing that outfit doesn’t mean the song is bad.”
“Are you sure?”
I wished the video would hurry and end, but it kept going. Finally I switched the TV off. Mom was silent, watching me.
“I read the lyrics,” I mumbled. “There weren’t any swear words.”
She pointed at the darkened TV screen. “But Alisha is still sending a message. You don’t have to say bad words to drive away the Spirit.”
A feeling inside told me that Mom was right. Maybe I didn’t understand what Alisha was suggesting, but the Holy Ghost knew—and His influence had left.
I trudged to my room and looked at my poster of grinning Alisha. I didn’t grin back. Why had my hero changed?
A car honked in the driveway, so I swallowed the lump rising in my throat and ran outside.
“Hi, birthday girl,” Grandma greeted me as I climbed into her van. “Where to?”
All week my decision had been made, but now I wasn’t sure. “Let me think for a second.”
Caroline’s words about Alisha popped into my head: “She probably doesn’t know any better.” It had sounded like a good excuse, but now I knew why it wasn’t—because I knew better!
The dark feeling melted away as I realized something important. I was a daughter of God, and I didn’t need another hero. Why should I admire someone who didn’t even know who she was? “I should be Alisha’s hero,” I thought with a giggle. Grandma gave me a questioning look.
“Can we go to a clothes store?” I asked. “I’ve almost outgrown my favorite blue church dress.”
“Good idea. You look really pretty in blue.”
I smiled. I looked pretty with the Spirit glowing inside too—prettier than a famous pop star could ever be.

Over four years ago, Esther Ofosu of Aburi, Ghana, decided to attend meetings at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Accra, Ghana. After attending church on Sunday, Esther invited the missionaries to her home to meet her family and to teach them the gospel.
Elder Collins and Elder Morgan began to teach them about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. The family began to come to church. Over time, they received testimonies. Even though it was not necessarily always easy to attend church or to do what their friends told them to do, they continued to come because they knew it was true. They felt something different when they came.
The elders invited the Ofosus to do something that would require great faith and might seem impossible at first. Elders Sanders and Morgan told them they must marry to follow the law of chastity in order to receive the blessing of baptism and confirmation. Marriage is no easy task in Ghana. The bride price involves serious money and at the time, the Ofosus had barely enough to provide for themselves and their two young boys. The missionaries told them to save one cedi in a jar every week, planting a seed of faith for the Ofosus to nourish and grow.
After four years of faithful church attendance and saving one cedi each week, the Ofosu family had finally saved up enough to have their traditional marriage. New elders were now serving in the area and met the Ofosu family. “You guys have picked up where they left off,” Samuel Ofosu exclaimed to Elder Olsen and Elder Linger.
As the wedding day approached, every cedi and every pesewa had been spent for the ceremony. The Ofosu family had spent all their money to have the Ghanaian traditional marriage.
On the morning of the marriage, Samuel Ofosu did not have a car or money to get to the place the wedding was being held. His phone was broken, it was 3 a.m. and he had no idea what to do to get to his own marriage ceremony. With a prayer in his heart, he found someone and asked them if he could use their phone to make a phone call. Samuel had a thought to call a random friend. Thankfully, his friend picked the phone and Samuel told him about the situation. His friend told him not to worry, just wait for a short time. In less than 20 minutes there was a car there to take Brother Ofosu to the wedding free of charge, a pure miracle by God’s hand.
“We truly thank you for your prayers,” Brother and Sister Ofosu told Elder Olsen and Elder Linger. “It is only by your prayers that everything worked out fine. Everyone was safe. The marriage was wonderful. We don’t owe anyone anything, but our pockets are empty.”
Elder Olsen shared that the “Ofosus are the some of the humblest, Christlike people I have ever met. They submit to God like a child does to his father. And because of this, they have pure joy in their lives. They are seriously always happy and so fun to be around, and their positive joyful energy radiates to all around them.”
On the Sunday following their baptism, Brother and Sister Ofosu shared, “Sometimes it would make me sad and discouraged when I would wake up Sunday morning and know that I wasn’t a member of the Church. But we are now free! We are now members of the Church!”
Elder Olsen shared, “This family is truly wonderful and brings so much joy into my heart. I feel so blessed to serve a mission and that I get to be a small part of their journey toward eternal salvation.”
On March 27, 2022, the Ofosus were confirmed members of the Church. One month after the Ofosus were baptized, Brother Ofosu was given the priesthood and had the opportunity to baptize their oldest son, Kofie.

I was in Arizona a few years ago, and the president of a stake told me about one of his boys having been called to go on a mission. The boy went to the patriarch before he left, and the patriarch gave him a blessing. He told the boy that he should be satisfied with the assignment he would receive. And he said, “You shall see floods to the right of you and floods to the left of you, and your life will be protected and preserved.” He was assigned to the East Central States Mission, and while he was serving there, there was a major flood. This missionary was marooned in Louisville, Kentucky, in a house from which he had to be rescued in a boat, and he lived to see floods to the right of him and floods to the left of him. I ask you, how could the patriarch have known that when he gave that blessing, except by the inspiration of the Almighty?