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Elder Neal A. Maxwell: A Devoted Life
Summary: As a teenager, Neal A. Maxwell worked hard practicing to make the Granite High School basketball team. He stopped growing at a critical time and did not make the team, which he later called his first real disappointment in life.
Born on 6 July 1926 in Salt Lake City, Utah, Neal Ash Maxwell was the oldest of six children. He grew up in a loving family with five uncles determined to make their first nephew into an all-state basketball player. Hoping to play on the famous Granite High School team, Neal worked very hard practicing his basketball skills. Unfortunately, he stopped growing at a critical time and would not reach his adult height until after high school. As he described later, not making the team was his “first real disappointment in life.”1
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Youth
Adversity
Family
Young Men
Testimony Zeal in New Zealand
Summary: Bella Aniterea shares her testimony of prayer in sacrament meeting and says that reading about Enos taught her she should even pray for her enemies. Nicolas Purcell, meanwhile, explains that a severe head injury and a priesthood blessing helped him gain a testimony of the priesthood. The passage concludes with Nicolas’s desire to honor that priesthood by serving a mission.
In Auckland is the Panmure stake. And in that stake’s boundaries is Bucklands Beach, where Bella Aniterea and Nicolas Purcell live. This morning Bella, a Mia Maid, is giving a talk on prayer in sacrament meeting. There’s a good reason her dad, a member of the Howick Ward bishopric, asked her to give that talk. She says she has a testimony of prayer because she prays.
In preparing for her talk, Bella reread the story of Enos in the Book of Mormon. “He prayed for one whole day, and he prayed for his enemies,” Bella recounts. Although she had read the story before, she had never noticed that Enos prayed for his enemies. “I haven’t done that yet,” Bella says, “but I think I’m going to start today.”
And, if you look to the left of the pulpit where Bella bore her testimony of prayer, you’ll see Nicolas, a teacher, putting away the sacrament trays after the meeting.
It might sound strange, but Nicolas’s testimony of the priesthood began with a head injury. “I was Rollerblading down a hill with a mate, and I hit something and cracked the back of my head open.” At 10 inches, the “crack” was more like a canyon, and the doctors said Nicolas would not pull through or he would have severe brain damage. A priesthood blessing from his dad and others in the ward proved the doctors wrong. “That experience gave me quite a shining testimony of the priesthood,” Nicolas says. The Lord preserved his life through the power of the priesthood, and Nicolas plans to honor his priesthood by serving a mission.
In preparing for her talk, Bella reread the story of Enos in the Book of Mormon. “He prayed for one whole day, and he prayed for his enemies,” Bella recounts. Although she had read the story before, she had never noticed that Enos prayed for his enemies. “I haven’t done that yet,” Bella says, “but I think I’m going to start today.”
And, if you look to the left of the pulpit where Bella bore her testimony of prayer, you’ll see Nicolas, a teacher, putting away the sacrament trays after the meeting.
It might sound strange, but Nicolas’s testimony of the priesthood began with a head injury. “I was Rollerblading down a hill with a mate, and I hit something and cracked the back of my head open.” At 10 inches, the “crack” was more like a canyon, and the doctors said Nicolas would not pull through or he would have severe brain damage. A priesthood blessing from his dad and others in the ward proved the doctors wrong. “That experience gave me quite a shining testimony of the priesthood,” Nicolas says. The Lord preserved his life through the power of the priesthood, and Nicolas plans to honor his priesthood by serving a mission.
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👤 Youth
👤 Parents
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
Bishop
Book of Mormon
Forgiveness
Prayer
Sacrament Meeting
Scriptures
Testimony
Young Women
Freedom From Fear
Summary: In his first year of graduate school, the speaker was terrified to give a presentation at a major scientific conference. He prayed, carefully prepared every slide and script, practiced repeatedly with others and with Monica, and when the moment came, he was still nervous but no longer scared; the talk went very well.
What about giving a talk in sacrament meeting or presenting at an academic conference in your area of study? The first time I gave a talk at a major Alzheimer’s disease conference, I was in the first year of graduate school. It was the American Society of Human Genetics meetings, attended by over 10,000 scientists. My talk didn't have that many attendees. But I was terrified. I managed my fear with preparation. I prayed for guidance on how to prepare, and for the ability to do my very best work. I carefully made slides, wrote a word-for-word script for each slide, shared it with my Ph.D. advisor, and made edits. Then, I practiced it over and over. In the mirror. To the people in my research lab. And to Monica. Poor, kind Monica. I vividly remember plugging the computer into the TV in our little apartment in Saint Louis and giving my talk…over and over. Monica must have listen to it at least 10 times, and maybe even 20 times. When the moment to speak came, I was still nervous but not scared. I knew I had prepared and trusted the preparation. It went soooo well!
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👤 Young Adults
👤 Parents
👤 Other
Food Storage
Summary: President Ezra Taft Benson recounts a year spent in war-torn Europe after World War II distributing relief to needy Saints. He describes severe hunger, malnourished children, and the deep gratitude of those who received wheat and beans from Zion. His experience testifies of the inspired nature of Church welfare and the blessings of preparation.
“Brethren and sisters, I know that this welfare program is inspired of God. I have witnessed with my own eyes the ravages of hunger and destitution as, under the direction of the president of the Church, I spent a year in war-torn Europe at the close of World War II, without my family, distributing food, clothing, and bedding to our needy members. I have looked into the sunken eyes of Saints, in almost the last stages of starvation. I have seen faithful mothers carrying their children, three and four years of age, who were unable to walk because of malnutrition. I have seen a hungry woman turn down food for a spool of thread. I have seen grown men weep as they ran their hands through the wheat and beans sent to them from Zion—America.”
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Parents
👤 Children
Adversity
Charity
Emergency Response
Service
War
Receiving Revelation for Life Decisions
Summary: While in graduate school, the speaker chose between two similar job offers but felt uneasy after leaving a voicemail declining one of them. He called his wife, prayed with her, and they both felt they should reverse the decision; though awkward, the recruiter graciously allowed him to change his mind.
While I was in graduate school, I received two offers from firms that I felt provided similar opportunities. After studying, counseling, and prayer, my wife and I could not discern which offer would be better for our family. The time came when I had to give an answer to the firms, so I picked one and planned to move forward. During the earlier recruiting process, the recruiter from the other firm coaxed me into promising that I would call her first regardless of what I decided. I wanted to keep my word, so I did call her first. Fortunately, she did not answer, and I was relieved that I could fulfill my promise with a voicemail. In the voicemail, I explained that I had chosen the other firm and then told her all the things that I liked about her firm. The more I talked, the more I felt sick to my stomach about the decision. By the time I hung up, I knew I needed to revisit the decision. I called my wife and asked her to come to campus and pray with me. We prayed and it was clear to both of us that we needed to change our decision. I felt good about it . . . except I had already left her a voicemail declining their offer. I called back, hoping she had not listened to the voicemail yet. She had, but graciously allowed me to change my mind.
One may ask, “How could that happen?” It could have been that I was still learning the language of the Spirit. Even now, I am still learning. Additionally, in some instances, we may find that the original answer is one of several steppingstones to a final destination.
One may ask, “How could that happen?” It could have been that I was still learning the language of the Spirit. Even now, I am still learning. Additionally, in some instances, we may find that the original answer is one of several steppingstones to a final destination.
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👤 Young Adults
👤 Parents
👤 Other
Agency and Accountability
Education
Employment
Faith
Family
Holy Ghost
Honesty
Prayer
Revelation
A Positive Attitude
Summary: A four-year-old girl named Jani suddenly could not walk and was diagnosed with Legg Calves Perthes by a specialist. She wore a cast for a year and then a brace for another year, which limited her mobility and drew teasing. Despite these challenges, she adapted creatively with roller skates, learned to climb stairs, and even rode a bike with her brace. Her cheerful resilience taught her parents the power of a positive attitude during trials.
Our daughter Jani was an active four-year-old. Every morning she would jump out of bed and get ready for preschool. One Friday my wife and I noticed that she seemed to be limping, but she assured us that she was OK.
But by Monday morning, Jani couldn’t get out of bed. Something was wrong with her legs. We took her to the hospital and were blessed to meet a doctor who recognized right away that Jani had Legg Calves Perthes, a disease that affected her hip bones. Because of his unique and specialized training, the doctor immediately knew how to help Jani.
For one year, Jani would have to wear a cast that would keep her legs widely separated so her hip bones could recover. She would not be able to walk or bathe. Then, for one more year, she would have to wear a brace that would continue to keep her legs widely separated but connected by a flexible bar so she could move her legs a little bit. We were very worried. How would she play? Would she be teased? She would have to be carried everywhere.
To our surprise, Jani never complained. She couldn’t walk or run, but she put roller skates on her feet and hands and learned to get around that way. She also scooted herself up and down stairs without our help. Her brace made a clicking noise, and sometimes other children would tease her. But she didn’t worry about what anyone else said. In fact, she learned how to ride a bike with her brace! She always woke up with a smile. How could we be sad for her when she was so happy? Jani taught me that a positive attitude can help us rise above our trials.
But by Monday morning, Jani couldn’t get out of bed. Something was wrong with her legs. We took her to the hospital and were blessed to meet a doctor who recognized right away that Jani had Legg Calves Perthes, a disease that affected her hip bones. Because of his unique and specialized training, the doctor immediately knew how to help Jani.
For one year, Jani would have to wear a cast that would keep her legs widely separated so her hip bones could recover. She would not be able to walk or bathe. Then, for one more year, she would have to wear a brace that would continue to keep her legs widely separated but connected by a flexible bar so she could move her legs a little bit. We were very worried. How would she play? Would she be teased? She would have to be carried everywhere.
To our surprise, Jani never complained. She couldn’t walk or run, but she put roller skates on her feet and hands and learned to get around that way. She also scooted herself up and down stairs without our help. Her brace made a clicking noise, and sometimes other children would tease her. But she didn’t worry about what anyone else said. In fact, she learned how to ride a bike with her brace! She always woke up with a smile. How could we be sad for her when she was so happy? Jani taught me that a positive attitude can help us rise above our trials.
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👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Other
Adversity
Children
Disabilities
Happiness
Parenting
A Constructive Life
Summary: A California bishop asked a young medical student to spend the summer doing missionary work. The student approached his former high school classmates asking to 'practice' teaching them and, through this approach, four of them joined the Church.
Some years ago down in California, where I presided as a stake president, a bishop asked a young man in his ward if he would be willing to spend his summer months in doing missionary work. He was studying medicine, but he agreed that he would. Do you know what he did? He went around to the boys and girls he had attended high school with and said to them, “My Church has asked me to do some missionary work for it, and I am not very well prepared. How would you like to give me a few nights of your spare time and let me practice on you so that I will become prepared to do my missionary work?” With just that one little thought, he brought four of those high school friends into the Church during those summer months. Isn’t that better than sitting around twiddling your thumbs, wasting your time? There is opportunity all around us on every hand.
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👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Young Adults
👤 Church Members (General)
Bishop
Conversion
Missionary Work
Teaching the Gospel
Young Men
George Albert Smith:On Reaching Out to Others
Summary: While traveling after a convention, George Albert Smith noticed a young mother encumbered with children and luggage. He reviewed her ticket, saw the poor connections, and decided to get off in Ogden to change it. He successfully arranged better connections to reduce her long waits.
For example, on one occasion he was traveling back from a convention. In his company was the daughter of President Heber J. Grant. She tells of his looking across the aisle and seeing a young mother and her children, surrounded by luggage. He felt a need to talk with her and to inquire after her welfare.
“In a few minutes President Smith was over talking to the young mother. He came back to our seat and said, ‘Yes it is just as I thought. The little mother is going on a long journey; I have looked at her ticket. I can’t understand why the man who sold it to her didn’t know a better route for her to travel. As it is she will have a long wait in Ogden and again in Chicago. I have her ticket and am going to get off in Ogden and see if I can’t get it changed so she can make other connections and not have the long wait in Ogden and Chicago.’”
President Smith was off the train the moment it stopped and set the affairs of the young mother in order, having her ticket changed to afford her greater convenience. Such was the sensitivity for others of this man.
“In a few minutes President Smith was over talking to the young mother. He came back to our seat and said, ‘Yes it is just as I thought. The little mother is going on a long journey; I have looked at her ticket. I can’t understand why the man who sold it to her didn’t know a better route for her to travel. As it is she will have a long wait in Ogden and again in Chicago. I have her ticket and am going to get off in Ogden and see if I can’t get it changed so she can make other connections and not have the long wait in Ogden and Chicago.’”
President Smith was off the train the moment it stopped and set the affairs of the young mother in order, having her ticket changed to afford her greater convenience. Such was the sensitivity for others of this man.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Other
Charity
Kindness
Ministering
Service
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. “Fire! Fire! I’ve set the church on fire!” 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 don’t mix.
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👤 Other
👤 Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability
Education
Emergency Response
Stewardship
FYI:For Your Information
Summary: Priest quorum leaders and Laurel presidents met in Waterton Lakes National Park for training centered on stewardship and serving the one. After films, talks, and seminars, they ended with a testimony meeting and returned home motivated to serve.
Priest group leaders and Laurel class presidents zeroed in on stewardship and the principle of “serving the one” when they met in a leadership conference at Waterton Lakes National Park, Canada.
The priests and Laurels met for films, special talks, and seminars conducted by local youth leaders in the Waterton chapel.
The leaders picked up pointers on organizing service and recreational activities and shared ideas about activating nonattending friends. The leadership weekend came to a close with a testimony meeting, and participants returned to their individual wards eager to go to work.
The priests and Laurels met for films, special talks, and seminars conducted by local youth leaders in the Waterton chapel.
The leaders picked up pointers on organizing service and recreational activities and shared ideas about activating nonattending friends. The leadership weekend came to a close with a testimony meeting, and participants returned to their individual wards eager to go to work.
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👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
Friendship
Missionary Work
Priesthood
Service
Stewardship
Testimony
Young Men
Young Women
“Behold Thy Mother”
Summary: A nursing home proprietress points out three elderly women and contrasts how their families treat them: one is visited weekly, another receives weekly letters, and a third is completely neglected. The neglected mother excuses her family's absence by saying they are busy, highlighting the pain of being forgotten.
I recall talking to the proprietress of a nursing home. From the hallway where we stood, she pointed to several elderly women assembled in a peaceful living room. She observed, “There’s Mrs. Hansen. Her daughter visits her every week, right at 3:00 P.M. on Sunday. To her right is Mrs. Peek. Each Wednesday there is a letter in her hands from her son in New York. It is read, then reread, then saved as a precious piece of treasure. But see Mrs. Carroll: her family never telephones, never writes, never visits. Patiently she justifies this neglect with words that are heard but do not convince or excuse: ‘They are all so busy.’”
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👤 Parents
👤 Other
Charity
Family
Kindness
Ministering
With All Our Hearts
Summary: As a young seminary teacher, the speaker watched coworkers struggle with fatigue and frustration in their assignments. Some sought transfers or new environments, but when such requests were denied, a wise supervisor urged them to 'take a journey of the heart.' Over time, the speaker came to understand that changing the heart can transform one’s experience even when outward conditions remain the same.
During my early years as a seminary teacher, I occasionally witnessed coworkers strive earnestly to cope with professional fatigue or with frustration in a particular assignment. For some, a natural response to such conditions was to request an environmental change, new surroundings, or a fresh assignment. Sometimes such requests were granted but sometimes not. In the case of the latter, I recall a wise supervisor often saying to a fatigued or frustrated employee, "Take a journey of the heart." To such counsel, a person could say "But this won't take me anywhere. Nothing will change; I'll still be in the same surroundings facing the same conditions." Over the years, as I have reflected on this simple but profound advice, I have come to realize that a journey of the heart is perhaps one of the most important journeys we can take. It is true that such a journey may not change the world around us, but it most definitely affects how we experience the world and how the world affects us.
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👤 Other
Living According to the Covenants
Summary: After the 1968 Olympic marathon in Mexico City was effectively over, Tanzanian runner John Stephen Akhwari entered the stadium injured and far behind the winner. Though hobbling with a bloodstained leg and no hope of victory, he crossed the finish line to the cheers of the few remaining spectators. Asked why he had not quit, he explained that his country had sent him to finish, not merely to start.
One such account written after the 1968 Olympic Games held in Mexico titled, "The Greatest Last Place Finish",
is worthy of reflection:
"Out of the cold darkness he came.
John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg covered by a blood stained bandage.
The winner of the marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on.
As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterwards, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally he answered:
'My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish.'"
What a remarkable example of human endeavor and dedication to a cause.
is worthy of reflection:
"Out of the cold darkness he came.
John Stephen Akhwari of Tanzania entered at the far end of the stadium, pain hobbling his every step, his leg covered by a blood stained bandage.
The winner of the marathon had been declared over an hour earlier. Only a few spectators remained. But the lone runner pressed on.
As he crossed the finish line, the small crowd roared out its appreciation. Afterwards, a reporter asked the runner why he had not retired from the race, since he had no chance of winning. He seemed confused by the question. Finally he answered:
'My country did not send me to Mexico City to start the race. They sent me to finish.'"
What a remarkable example of human endeavor and dedication to a cause.
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👤 Other
Adversity
Courage
Endure to the End
Sacrifice
Friend to Friend
Summary: At Adam-ondi-Ahman, the Kikuchis met nine missionary couples who asked him to speak at a fireside. He shared how the gospel changed his perceptions, expressed gratitude that his life’s path led to conversion, and thanked those who raise and support missionaries whose efforts blessed him and many others.
When they visited Adam-ondi-Ahman in Missouri, the Kikuchis visited with the nine missionary couples who were working there. They asked Elder Kikuchi to hold a fireside that night. In the meeting, after telling them of his boyhood hatred for Americans, he said, “But because I found my beautiful Savior through the work of humble missionaries who taught me about pre-earth life, I discovered that I am truly one of Heavenly Father’s sons. My perception totally changed. My values and my understanding of the meaning of life have changed because of the gospel. There is a purpose in life, and we have the light of the gospel, the spirit of the Lord, the power of God to obtain necessary ordinances, the love of God, and the great hope to live again and to meet God.
“I’m grateful, in a way, that my father didn’t survive the bombing, because if he had, I probably wouldn’t have been able to join the Church. My life would have taken a much different course. Where I was born and raised, there was no LDS church, and even now there is no chapel. I would have become a regular student in high school and college. And I may not have been humble enough to accept the gospel if I heard it.”
Elder Kikuchi then told the missionary couples that “I am so grateful, so thankful that you raised sons and daughters to serve as missionaries. Your sons came to my door. You may say, ‘My son didn’t go to Japan.’ But he came to my door because you prayed for all the missionaries, and some missionaries came and brought joy to my heart. Because you raised your sons and daughters and sent them on missions, many hearts were touched by them in Japan, in the Philippines, in Switzerland, in Germany, in Hawaii, and elsewhere. It did actually happen that a missionary from Idaho and a missionary from Salt Lake City knocked at my door. I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this Church is true.”
“I’m grateful, in a way, that my father didn’t survive the bombing, because if he had, I probably wouldn’t have been able to join the Church. My life would have taken a much different course. Where I was born and raised, there was no LDS church, and even now there is no chapel. I would have become a regular student in high school and college. And I may not have been humble enough to accept the gospel if I heard it.”
Elder Kikuchi then told the missionary couples that “I am so grateful, so thankful that you raised sons and daughters to serve as missionaries. Your sons came to my door. You may say, ‘My son didn’t go to Japan.’ But he came to my door because you prayed for all the missionaries, and some missionaries came and brought joy to my heart. Because you raised your sons and daughters and sent them on missions, many hearts were touched by them in Japan, in the Philippines, in Switzerland, in Germany, in Hawaii, and elsewhere. It did actually happen that a missionary from Idaho and a missionary from Salt Lake City knocked at my door. I know that God lives and that Jesus is the Christ and that this Church is true.”
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Parents
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Faith
Gratitude
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Missionary Work
Ordinances
Plan of Salvation
Racial and Cultural Prejudice
Testimony
Building a Forever Family: Holding on to Christ Through Unimaginable Trials
Summary: In 2024, Eliza was diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable cancer. Despite extensive treatments, the disease progressed, yet she showed unwavering faith by worshipping, attending the temple, participating in FSY, bearing testimony, and even recording a message for her bishop near the end. She faced her final weeks courageously and passed away in June 2025, when her parents felt the Spirit confirm her earthly mission was complete.
In October 2024, Eliza was diagnosed with Stage 3 Parapharyngeal Synovial Sarcoma—an extremely rare and aggressive cancer. Her diagnosis was a miracle in itself, confirmed only after two nearly impossible biopsy operations. Surgery wasn’t an option due to the tumor’s location, leaving chemotherapy and radiation as her only treatments. Despite completing seven cycles of high- dose chemotherapy and 36 radiation sessions, the cancer progressed to her bones and eventually her brain. She underwent 10 more rounds of radiation under palliative care. Through it all, Eliza showed remarkable courage and unwavering faith, facing even her final days with peace and trust in the Savior.
Eliza’s faith was nurtured in many ways. She loved Strive to Be music, which helped her feel close to the Savior. She looked forward to temple visits and attended church meetings whenever possible. Her time at FSY 2025 strengthened her testimony and deepened her love for the Savior. She bore her testimony from the pulpit—not from a wheelchair—during Testimony Sundays. Even when hospitalized and unable to see or move, she sent a voice recording to her bishop. Her patriarchal blessing reminded her of her divine identity and gave her peace, even in moments of great pain. In her final weeks, she stayed awake to be fully present with us, showing love and courage without relying on heavy medication.
On June 18, 2025, Eliza returned to our Heavenly Father. That day shattered our hearts, but amid the grief, the Spirit whispered that her earthly mission was complete—and that our story with her was far from over.
Eliza’s faith was nurtured in many ways. She loved Strive to Be music, which helped her feel close to the Savior. She looked forward to temple visits and attended church meetings whenever possible. Her time at FSY 2025 strengthened her testimony and deepened her love for the Savior. She bore her testimony from the pulpit—not from a wheelchair—during Testimony Sundays. Even when hospitalized and unable to see or move, she sent a voice recording to her bishop. Her patriarchal blessing reminded her of her divine identity and gave her peace, even in moments of great pain. In her final weeks, she stayed awake to be fully present with us, showing love and courage without relying on heavy medication.
On June 18, 2025, Eliza returned to our Heavenly Father. That day shattered our hearts, but amid the grief, the Spirit whispered that her earthly mission was complete—and that our story with her was far from over.
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👤 Children
👤 Parents
👤 Jesus Christ
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Other
Adversity
Bishop
Courage
Death
Endure to the End
Faith
Family
Grief
Health
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Love
Music
Patriarchal Blessings
Peace
Plan of Salvation
Revelation
Temples
Testimony
Eyes Fixed Firmly on the Light of the Temple
Summary: In 2022, Sister Basilisa Nadreke Lotawa was called as a temple and family history specialist despite feeling unprepared. She sought help from an experienced genealogist, learned the work, and began assisting branch members. With her children in tow, she invited adults and youth to find five ancestors each, resulting in two hundred names. She testified of the joy and miracles she experienced and resolved to continue this work.
In February 2022, Sister Basilisa Nadreke Lotawa was asked by the Sigatoka Branch president to serve as a temple and family history specialist. Basilisa’s job was to urge her congregation to lift their spiritual eyes to the light of the temple and to prepare themselves for temple worship. She also had to learn how to do genealogical research and then teach her fellow Saints how to identify their deceased ancestors and perform proxy temple ordinances on their behalf.
Basilisa, a young mother of three, shook her head and laughed. “I knew nothing about doing family history—nothing . . . and I’m too young to do it.” Still, wanting to serve the Lord, she sought the help of an experienced genealogist and was soon able to assist her branch members. With a new conviction and passion for family history, Basilisa expressed: “I am so blessed and honoured to participate in this glorious work. It has been marvelous, tremendous! I have seen miracles and wonders. The Lord provided a way for me to do the work and to help my branch.”
With young children in tow, Basilisa spent many hours at the computer in her chapel helping others to extend the branches of their family trees. She invited them—adults and youth—to find five deceased family members who needed proxy baptisms. Branch members caught her enthusiasm and found two hundred ancestors!
As for Basilisa, there is no doubt that her love for the temple and family history work—even at this busy stage of her life—will continue to bless her. She said: “I feel the same joy doing this [work] that I felt when I served my mission.” She and her branch now keep their eyes fixed firmly on the holy temple.
Basilisa, a young mother of three, shook her head and laughed. “I knew nothing about doing family history—nothing . . . and I’m too young to do it.” Still, wanting to serve the Lord, she sought the help of an experienced genealogist and was soon able to assist her branch members. With a new conviction and passion for family history, Basilisa expressed: “I am so blessed and honoured to participate in this glorious work. It has been marvelous, tremendous! I have seen miracles and wonders. The Lord provided a way for me to do the work and to help my branch.”
With young children in tow, Basilisa spent many hours at the computer in her chapel helping others to extend the branches of their family trees. She invited them—adults and youth—to find five deceased family members who needed proxy baptisms. Branch members caught her enthusiasm and found two hundred ancestors!
As for Basilisa, there is no doubt that her love for the temple and family history work—even at this busy stage of her life—will continue to bless her. She said: “I feel the same joy doing this [work] that I felt when I served my mission.” She and her branch now keep their eyes fixed firmly on the holy temple.
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👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Parents
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Youth
Baptisms for the Dead
Family
Family History
Service
Temples
Have I Done Any Good?
Summary: Tyler Williams organized a massive quilting bee at the Byrd Springs Ward, where 200 youth tied more than two dozen quilts for children with absent or incarcerated parents. Coordinating with the stake Young Women presidency, gathering donations, and delegating tasks, he completed the project in about a month and learned key leadership skills.
It isn’t your typical activity at the Byrd Springs Ward cultural hall. Two hundred young men and women from all over the Huntsville Alabama Stake have gathered here on a Saturday afternoon, but they’re not attending a dance or a youth conference, not playing sports or putting on road shows. They’re tying quilts, more than two dozen of them. The quilts will be donated to a center for children whose parents are in jail or otherwise absent. The massive quilting bee is Tyler Williams’ Eagle Scout project.
Tyler got his idea of holding a massive quilting bee by talking with the stake Young Women presidency. “They came to me, actually,” he explains. “Of course, my mother is in the presidency, and she knew I was looking for a project!” But he quickly realized that providing the quilts could do what he hoped to do—he could organize a lot of people (including some non-LDS friends he had helped with their projects), he could help the community, and he could let some lonely children know they were loved.
He learned quickly that other things were required, too. “You can’t just crash it through,” he says. “You’ve got to have a plan. You have to be organized. You have to delegate; you’ve got to have it mapped out mentally and be assertive, so people know what to do.” With donated yarn and fabric, fliers and announcements throughout the stake, and half a dozen borrowed quilting frames, the project, from start to finish, was completed in about one month. “And that,” he says, “was rushing it.” His advice to others: “Get it done before you’re about to turn 18.”
Tyler got his idea of holding a massive quilting bee by talking with the stake Young Women presidency. “They came to me, actually,” he explains. “Of course, my mother is in the presidency, and she knew I was looking for a project!” But he quickly realized that providing the quilts could do what he hoped to do—he could organize a lot of people (including some non-LDS friends he had helped with their projects), he could help the community, and he could let some lonely children know they were loved.
He learned quickly that other things were required, too. “You can’t just crash it through,” he says. “You’ve got to have a plan. You have to be organized. You have to delegate; you’ve got to have it mapped out mentally and be assertive, so people know what to do.” With donated yarn and fabric, fliers and announcements throughout the stake, and half a dozen borrowed quilting frames, the project, from start to finish, was completed in about one month. “And that,” he says, “was rushing it.” His advice to others: “Get it done before you’re about to turn 18.”
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👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Parents
👤 Church Members (General)
Charity
Children
Ministering
Service
Young Men
Young Women
Harmer Accidents
Summary: As a young child with the last name Harmer, the author misheard "harm or accidents" in prayers as "Harmer accidents" and felt personally protected and noticed by Heaven and the congregation. Hearing the phrase frequently, even at general conference, strengthened her childlike faith in prayer. Around age eight, she realized the true wording and felt disappointed, and her attentiveness to prayer faded. The memory later serves as a backdrop for re-learning the value of sincere, faith-filled prayer.
Harm or accidents. I laughed again, remembering what I used to call them.
I was probably about three years old when I first became aware of all the people in my ward who prayed for “no harm or accidents to befall us as we go home.” To my three-year-old ears, however, it always sounded like “Harmer accidents.” Since my last name was Harmer, this was great! Public prayers immediately took on a new aspect of interest and importance for me.
In our own family prayers, of course, Dad had always asked that we be protected from Harmer accidents, which we children categorized as car crashes, fires, spankings, or other bad things. Amazing to me was that everyone prayed about Harmer accidents! In Sunday School, Primary, and sacrament meetings, someone always prayed that no Harmer accidents would happen on the way home. I always felt so important after these prayers. Because no one wanted my family to get hurt (I was sure it was because everyone liked us so much), they had a special part of the blessing just for us.
Even people I didn’t know prayed for me! I remember attending a session of general conference once and hearing a General Authority promise protection from Harmer accidents as we traveled home. Well, I just about floated right out of the Tabernacle.
As I look back, I can see that I had a lot of faith in prayers when I was a child. When I heard so many people using my name in the prayer, I was sure Heavenly Father must hear, too. When I prayed, I really talked to my Father in Heaven and asked him for personal care. A prayer was more to me than a religious norm that opened and closed a meeting. Asking for protection from Harmer accidents was more than an expected and often overused closing to a prayer. It came to stand for my faith in prayer and my belief that every prayer was original and sincere.
I was about eight when I saw “harm or accident” written out and for the first time realized my mistake. I can remember having a feeling of great disappointment. People weren’t really praying for me after all. Heavenly Father wasn’t looking out for me in particular. Asking for protection from harm or accidents was just something that sounded appropriate at the end of a prayer. The feeling of disappointment soon faded, however, along with my keen interest in prayer. In fact, the only time I even wondered about prayer anymore was when my mind wandered during one, or when I laughed about Harmer accidents as I had done tonight.
I was probably about three years old when I first became aware of all the people in my ward who prayed for “no harm or accidents to befall us as we go home.” To my three-year-old ears, however, it always sounded like “Harmer accidents.” Since my last name was Harmer, this was great! Public prayers immediately took on a new aspect of interest and importance for me.
In our own family prayers, of course, Dad had always asked that we be protected from Harmer accidents, which we children categorized as car crashes, fires, spankings, or other bad things. Amazing to me was that everyone prayed about Harmer accidents! In Sunday School, Primary, and sacrament meetings, someone always prayed that no Harmer accidents would happen on the way home. I always felt so important after these prayers. Because no one wanted my family to get hurt (I was sure it was because everyone liked us so much), they had a special part of the blessing just for us.
Even people I didn’t know prayed for me! I remember attending a session of general conference once and hearing a General Authority promise protection from Harmer accidents as we traveled home. Well, I just about floated right out of the Tabernacle.
As I look back, I can see that I had a lot of faith in prayers when I was a child. When I heard so many people using my name in the prayer, I was sure Heavenly Father must hear, too. When I prayed, I really talked to my Father in Heaven and asked him for personal care. A prayer was more to me than a religious norm that opened and closed a meeting. Asking for protection from Harmer accidents was more than an expected and often overused closing to a prayer. It came to stand for my faith in prayer and my belief that every prayer was original and sincere.
I was about eight when I saw “harm or accident” written out and for the first time realized my mistake. I can remember having a feeling of great disappointment. People weren’t really praying for me after all. Heavenly Father wasn’t looking out for me in particular. Asking for protection from harm or accidents was just something that sounded appropriate at the end of a prayer. The feeling of disappointment soon faded, however, along with my keen interest in prayer. In fact, the only time I even wondered about prayer anymore was when my mind wandered during one, or when I laughed about Harmer accidents as I had done tonight.
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👤 Children
👤 Parents
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Church Members (General)
Children
Faith
Family
Prayer
Reverence
Sacrament Meeting
Keeping Scripture Study Alive
Summary: Erica realized her most meaningful scripture study happened when she kept a study journal. Though journaling initially felt like a chore, she persisted and found the scriptures came alive, yielding insights and solutions to parenting challenges. Rereading past notes also provided answers to current concerns.
As I reflected on the times in my life when I was immersed in the scriptures, unvaryingly I was keeping a study journal in which I wrote impressions and scripture passages that inspired me. So I found a notebook and a pen and put them with my scriptures. At first, writing about what I read was a chore; it took too much time and effort. Really, I just wanted to have a spiritual snack and then move on with my daily work. But I persisted, and the scriptures came alive. I found myself thinking, dissecting passages, and applying them to my life. Simple phrases provided solutions to perplexing parenting problems. I soon found I could take notes, and it didn’t really take any longer than reading alone. I have also found that as I reread past reflections, I find answers to current questions and concerns. It is as if the Lord gives me insight a couple of weeks before I need it.
Erica Miller, Utah, USA
Erica Miller, Utah, USA
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👤 Parents
👤 Church Members (General)
Holy Ghost
Parenting
Revelation
Scriptures
Unto the Least of These
Summary: The speaker recalls staying with his semi-invalid mother in Provo and looking forward to praying with her. One night he overheard her long, specific prayer for children, grandchildren, and many others, showing him the reach and power of righteous prayer.
My own mother was semi-invalid for many years before she died, a shut-in who was absolutely delighted when anyone came by to visit or just to say hello. Coming up to meetings in Provo, I would stay with her, looking forward to our prayers together. But then in the middle of the night, I would often hear her from the bedroom next to ours. It was a conversation between her and someone. One time I stood at the door and eavesdropped on my sweet mother’s prayers that went on for 30 or 40 minutes. I was amazed at how far and wide her prayer ranged. The specificity. Each child, each grandchild, and even beyond her posterity.
I believe that righteous prayers will deploy angels to the spot where we cannot go ourselves. I believe that it is in our prayers that our own souls are shaped and tutored, again when they are linked to personal action where we are able.
I believe that righteous prayers will deploy angels to the spot where we cannot go ourselves. I believe that it is in our prayers that our own souls are shaped and tutored, again when they are linked to personal action where we are able.
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👤 Parents
👤 Other