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Sacrifice Brings Forth the Blessings of Heaven

As Nauvoo Temple construction remained incomplete, Joseph anticipated his impending death yet remained calm and submitted to another arrest. His trust was betrayed, and on June 27, 1844, Joseph and Hyrum were murdered in Carthage Jail. The account underscores Josephโ€™s willingness to sacrifice his life.
Five years later, looking back on the incomplete construction of the Nauvoo Temple, Joseph knew his journeyโ€™s end was near and that he was going โ€œlike a lamb to the slaughter,โ€ yet he was โ€œcalm as a summerโ€™s morning.โ€ With assurances for his protection, he submitted to one more arrest. However, his trust was dishonored. On June 27, 1844, he and his brother Hyrum were savagely murdered in Carthage Jail.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Joseph Smith ๐Ÿ‘ค Early Saints ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Courage Death Endure to the End Faith Joseph Smith Sacrifice Temples The Restoration

Quiet!

A youth tries to read scriptures but keeps getting interrupted and grows frustrated. They offer a silent prayer asking for understanding, and the interruptions suddenly stop. Reflecting on Lehiโ€™s dream in 1 Nephi 8, they choose not to be distracted and feel deep peace and gratitude.
A few days ago I was trying to read my scriptures, but I kept getting interrupted. First it was somebody coming to tell me I hadnโ€™t done a job right. Then it was my little sisters fighting. I was about ready to explode. All I wanted was some peace and quiet. Was it asking too much just to be able to concentrate?
Finally, I lowered my head and said a silent prayer. I asked Heavenly Father to bless me that I could understand what he wanted me to learn from the scriptures. I finished my prayer and put the book down. All of a sudden, it was like all of the interruptions shut off.
I had been reading 1 Nephi 8, where it talks about Lehiโ€™s dream about the tree of life and the iron rod. I thought about the people who get distracted and end up wandering in darkness. It occurred to me that I should not let myself get distracted by worries or noise.
Then I thought about the tree of life, and I re-read 1 Ne. 8:11โ€“12: โ€œAnd it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. โ€ฆ
โ€œAnd as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy.โ€ [1 Ne. 8:11โ€“12]
The Lord had granted me peace, the peace of understanding. I sat thinking, grateful for the quiet in the room, but even more grateful for the newfound inner calm.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Book of Mormon Children Peace Prayer Revelation Scriptures

Examples of Righteousness

Thomas Michael Wilson, after surviving cancer as a teen and joining the Church with his family, accepted a mission call at age 23 to the Utah Salt Lake City Mission. When cancer returned, necessitating amputation, he continued serving; his example helped lead his father to baptism and he even confirmed a convert in the hospital. Near the end of his life, he and his family received temple ordinances, and he expressed firm faith in teaching the gospel on either side of the veil. He passed away in Alabama and was buried with his missionary tag.
Many years ago I spoke of one who took his example from the Savior, one who stood firm and true, strong and worthy through the storms of life. He courageously magnified his priesthood callings. He provides an example to each of us. His name was Thomas Michael Wilson, the son of Willie and Julia Wilson of Lafayette, Alabama.
When he was but a teenager and he and his family were not yet members of the Church, he was stricken with cancer, followed by painful radiation therapy, and then blessed remission. This illness caused his family to realize that not only is life precious but that it can also be short. They began to look to religion to help them through this time of tribulation. Subsequently, they were introduced to the Church, and eventually all but the father were baptized. After accepting the gospel, young Brother Wilson yearned for the opportunity of being a missionary, even though he was older than most young men when they begin their missionary service. At the age of 23, he received a mission call to serve in the Utah Salt Lake City Mission.
Elder Wilsonโ€™s missionary companions described his faith as unquestioning, undeviating, and unyielding. He was an example to all. However, after 11 months of missionary service, illness returned. Bone cancer now required the amputation of his arm and shoulder. Yet he persisted in his missionary labors.
Elder Wilsonโ€™s courage and consuming desire to remain on his mission so touched his nonmember father that he investigated the teachings of the Church and also became a member.
I learned that an investigator whom Elder Wilson had taught was baptized but then wanted to be confirmed by Elder Wilson, whom she respected so much. She, with a few others, journeyed to Elder Wilsonโ€™s bedside in the hospital. There, with his remaining hand resting upon her head, Elder Wilson confirmed her a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Wilson continued month after month his precious but painful service as a missionary. Blessings were given; prayers were offered. Because of his example of dedication, his fellow missionaries lived closer to God.
Elder Wilsonโ€™s physical condition deteriorated. The end drew near, and he was to return home. He asked to serve but one additional month, and his request was granted. He put his faith in God, and He whom Thomas Michael Wilson silently trusted opened the windows of heaven and abundantly blessed him. His parents, Willie and Julia Wilson, and his brother Tony came to Salt Lake City to help their son and brother home to Alabama. However, there was yet a prayed-for, a yearned-for blessing to be bestowed. The family invited me to come with them to the Jordan River temple, where those sacred ordinances which bind families for eternity, as well as for time, were performed.
I said good-bye to the Wilson family. I can see Elder Wilson yet as he thanked me for being with him and his loved ones. He said, โ€œIt doesnโ€™t matter what happens to us in this life as long as we have the gospel of Jesus Christ and live it. It doesnโ€™t matter whether I teach the gospel on this or the other side of the veil, so long as I can teach it.โ€ What courage. What confidence. What love. The Wilson family made the long trek home to Lafayette, where Elder Thomas Michael Wilson slipped from here to eternity. He was buried there with his missionary tag in place.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern)
Adversity Baptism Conversion Courage Death Disabilities Endure to the End Faith Family Missionary Work Priesthood Sacrifice Sealing Temples

Feedback

April read the article โ€œAnother Witnessโ€ and found answers to her questions about the Hill Cumorah Pageant. After attending the pageant, she gained additional insights about the Book of Mormon and its connections to the gospel.
While reading โ€œAnother Witnessโ€ in the July 1985 issue, I received many answers to my questions about the Hill Cumorah Pageant. By seeing the pageant I also received many more answers about the Book of Mormon and its relationship to other aspects of the gospel. Thanks a bunch!
April SmithThomasville, Georgia
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Book of Mormon Faith Testimony

Snowshoe Thompson

In January 1876, Thompson made his last run to help a young boy injured on skis he had made. That spring he turned 49 and died shortly after, having spent twenty winters freely serving others.
Finally, in January of 1876, this mountain man made his last run to the bedside of a young boy injured on skis Snowshoe had made for him. Spring came, Snowshoe passed his forty-ninth birthday on April 30th, and on May 15th he died. The big Norseman had spent twenty winters in freely given service to others, and in doing something no one else could or would do.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Charity Death Kindness Sacrifice Service

All Things Missions

A missionary reports that adjusting to missionary life took only a few weeks. They attribute this to letting go of personal desires, choosing early to surrender their will to the Lord.
A: โ€œFor me it only took a few weeks because I let go of my own personal desires as soon as I put on the tag. I made the decision early to surrender my will to the Lord and allow Him to turn me into the person He wants me to become.โ€
Elder Nathan Meyers
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Jesus Christ
Agency and Accountability Consecration Conversion Humility Obedience Sacrifice

The Testimony of #450661

Bill recounts a life of escalating crime beginning in childhood, leading to military service, going AWOL, armed robbery, and imprisonment. While awaiting trial, he found Joseph Fielding Smith Jr.โ€™s book in the jail library, which led him to believe in the restored gospel. He powerfully felt the Holy Ghost and began reformingโ€”quitting vices, pursuing education, and engaging with the Church. He received missionary discussions and looked forward to baptism and full participation in the gospel.
Recently a young ex-convict joined the Church after years of trouble and searching. His story is best told in his own words. Only the names have been changed. The following is taken from an address he taped while in prison. We publish it with his permission.
Brothers and sisters: Iโ€™m honored on this occasion to be able to speak to you about my life and to give some suggestions in regard to the gospel of Jesus Christ. The gospel has truly been restored in our time through Joseph Smith and all the other great souls who have been instruments in the hands of God and his Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
For those of you who donโ€™t know who I am, it might be best for me to start by telling you a little bit about myself. My name is Bill, and I am twenty-one years old. Up until a few years ago, I was very unfortunate spiritually. Indeed, my present situation somewhat reflects this fact. I guess by now you know that I am housed in the prison system of this state.
I was born in a Baltimore suburb to a fine family consisting of my mother, father, two brothers, and two sisters. I was raised in the Roman Catholic Church and even attended a parochial grade school. I started out as a relatively good child and continued so up until around the fourth grade. Yes, as early as the fourth grade I was on my way to a long road of filth of every kind. I started by getting involved with others who had the habit of stealing anything and everything. By age eleven I found it quite amusing to obtain entry into private premises in order to steal and vandalize. Of course, eventually I was caught and brought before a judge. I was fortunate this time not to receive any punishment for my crimes.
Time passed, and soon I was involved in every kind of unlawful act a person my age could get into. Time and time again I was caught and punished accordingly.
Of course, this kind of behavior caused my parents and loved ones much sorrow. Even with all their efforts to help me, I just seemed to get worse. As time passed, I was introduced to many of the radical, subversive factions of our society and the things that went along with them. It seems I went from one extreme to another trying to find a purpose in life. I was, of course, eventually introduced to one of the strongest underminers of all that is goodโ€”drugs. I experimented and tried to find myself using all the inventions of man. However, as time passed, I sensed my degenerated position. I soon realized I must pull myself from this hell on earth; so with all the courage I could muster, I managed to get accepted in the United States Army.
Once in the army and away from my old surroundings, I was able to muster some faith in God, of which I always had a little portion. I remember reading in the Bible and pondering the true meaning of the many prophecies. I even tried to get reactivated in the Roman Catholic Church. That, however, soon subsided, and I was on my way seeking and looking. I remember pouring out my soul in prayer much more frequently during this period, but I would always manage to find myself reunited with one of my various vices. Eventually I was transferred to another area. There I found a small group of seekers after the truth who interpreted God in their own way. I remember it was there that I thanked God for my restoration of faith, but I still was not satisfied.
Finally I became discontented and discouraged with the army. I was due to be transferred to Vietnam, so I decided to go absent without leave. Leaving the army behind, I traveled from the west coast to the east. Eventually I ended up back at my home. My parents were disappointed in me, of course, but they sympathized with me and consented to let me stay at home.
Well, before too long I was back in trouble, and I was getting worse. One night I happened to come across a gun. This led to other things, and I soon talked myself into using it for gaining money. Leaving details aside, I did use it and was caught. I was detained in the county jail to await trial. While awaiting my trial, I had occasion to visit a library they had there. There were a number of books dealing with religion that I asked to see. One of these was entitled Religious Truths Defined, by Joseph Fielding Smith, Jr. To this day I donโ€™t know how that book got there. But praise be to God for allowing a sinner like me to even read it.
I commenced reading the book, which compares the doctrine of many contemporary religious establishments to those of the church called The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. To me it seemed that even a blind person could see the obvious truths the book professed. After all this I had found the true church. That night I prayed to God, and I told him I believed. I didnโ€™t ask if it were true; I told him I knew it was true.
Brothers and sisters, there are no words I know that can describe the tremendous joy and will to do good continuously that I received from an enormously gigantic outpouring of the Holy Ghost the next morning. I was dazed. I couldnโ€™t believe what was happening. Why God led me to that book and what he has planned for me, I donโ€™t know. But I do know that I have found the true church and the true God. I know that God is real, that Jesus Christ is his Only Begotten. I know the Holy Ghost does exist and that he works on the hearts of men.
Well, I was eventually punished for my wrongs and crimes. I thought that God had let me down at first. However, I stayed in contact with his church continuously and was strengthened more and more. Eventually I quit smoking and drinking, and all my vices and bad habits have almost completely vanished. I have managed to get my high school equivalent and now Iโ€™m close to graduation from junior college with a degree in business administration. I have almost two years in seminary work completed and have managed to read the standard works a number of times. I have read many of the other books related to the Church and have followed the Church as closely as possible. To my regret, however, I did receive an undesirable discharge from the army, for which I am really sorry. I surely will try to make it up.
I recently started receiving the missionary discussions and anxiously await the opportunity to be baptized, to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost, and to get my patriarchal blessing. I believe in everything the Church says and does and canโ€™t wait to be active in Godโ€™s work.
That is an extra-short version of my lifeโ€™s story. Indeed, I could probably fill a couple of volumes with the complete version. But all in all, I have no doubts whatsoever concerning Godโ€™s church and work. How I look forward to the day I can be in it.
As for advice and suggestions, brothers and sisters, what can I tell you that hasnโ€™t been told you by the prophets and authorities? I will say, Beware of the ways of the world. Be not concerned with societal standards or resulting sub-societies. โ€œFear God and keep his commandments, for that is the whole duty of man,โ€ the Psalmist said. Please, trust God. Be pure. Donโ€™t go through what I did, or even a minute portion of what I did. Thereโ€™s no pleasure in it, only grief. So with that I will end my speaking. I give thanks to God above for bringing me this far, and for the change in my heart and the chance to tell someone my story so that maybe they can avoid what I went through. I also give thanks for all the great people Iโ€™ve met since my affiliation, for truly you are saints. May the Lord God of Israel be with you always and forever. Amen.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Addiction Adversity Baptism Bible Commandments Conversion Education Faith Holy Ghost Joseph Smith Missionary Work Prayer Prison Ministry Repentance Scriptures Testimony The Restoration Word of Wisdom

My Best Birthday Present

A new Latter-day Saint delivery driver befriends an absent customer, "Ducky," through daily notes and later discloses her faith and upcoming mission. After receiving brochures, Ducky contacts the mission home, meets with missionaries, and her testimony grows through months of correspondence. Ducky and her eight-year-old son choose to be baptized on the narratorโ€™s birthday.
I had been preparing to be a Buddhist nun. But everything changed in December 1985, when I was converted to the gospel of Jesus Christ and was baptized a member of the Church.
I began working as a delivery driver for a catering company. Such a routine job may sound boring, but I enjoyed the opportunity it gave me to share the gospel and make new friends.
Strangely, it seemed that almost every customer had something to say about religion at one time or another. But I never told them I was a Latter-day Saint unless they asked about my church. Once in a while I made arrangements to visit with customers after work to tell them more about the Church.
Most of my customers were at home when I made my deliveries. But if no one was there, I left a note with the deliveries. One customer who was never home when I called was Mrs. Ueki. She began to respond to my notes, and I looked forward to receiving her heartwarming message every day. Although I had never seen her, I gave her the nickname of โ€œDucky.โ€ She responded by nicknaming me โ€œRooster.โ€
About this time, I was preparing for my mission call to Hokkaido, Japan. In the middle of March, I wrote Ducky to tell her I was going out of town, but I didnโ€™t tell her why. I didnโ€™t want her to feel I had become her friend just to baptize her. I sincerely wished to continue our friendship.
But after many humble prayers, I finally decided to write Ducky and tell her I was a Latter-day Saint. I wanted her to know why I had joined the Church and why I was going to Hokkaido for eighteen months. The next day, I left her the letter along with two missionary brochures, The Purpose of Life and The Testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.
Two weeks after I arrived at Asahikawa, Hokkaido, I received a letter from Ducky. As soon as I opened it, I recognized the beautiful, familiar handwriting: โ€œDear Rooster, How have you been? How is life treating you? Are the people there nice to you? I hope you are not having any trouble. Do you eat well? I am concerned about your well being.โ€
My eyes filled with tears.
Following her opening greetings there was a space of a few lines, and then she began a new letter. This time she addressed me, surprisingly, as โ€œSister Iwasaki.โ€
โ€œYou left me the brochures on your last delivery. I had always told my friends that I was looking for the true church. After I finished your letter, I browsed through the brochures, and my heart became full. I asked myself, โ€˜Is this what I have been searching for?โ€™
โ€œI also wanted to know why you chose this church, so on the same day, I called the Osaka Mission Home in Hirakata. We set a date for my first appointment with the missionaries on April 9, which was followed by more visits on April 12 and 16 and on May 2.โ€
I was elated!
We corresponded with each other for six months, and I could sense her testimony growing over that time. On November 13, when I walked into the chapel, a member told me that there was a package for me. On the package was written โ€œFor Your Birthday.โ€ It was from Ducky. Inside was a letter in which she wrote:
โ€œDear Rooster, Iโ€™m sorry I havenโ€™t written to you earlier. Last Friday, my oldest son, Junya, who is eight years old, finished the last missionary discussion. Yesterday he was interviewed for baptism. Guess when the date of our baptismal service is? We could have set it earlier, but we planned it for November 27. Do you know why? Because itโ€™s your birthday!โ€
That was the best birthday everโ€”knowing that Ducky and Junya were being baptized. My friends back home attended the baptismal service in my behalf.
I thank God for using me as his tool to help lead Sister Ueki and her family to the gospel.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Baptism Conversion Employment Friendship Gratitude Missionary Work Prayer Service Teaching the Gospel Testimony

Jesus Christ Is Our Savior

As a child, Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. and his sister played in a small boat that drifted toward dangerous waters. They called for help, and their father raced to rescue them. He saved them from a situation they could not escape on their own, motivated by love.
Once when Elder LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. of the Seventy was a child, he and his sister were playing in a small boat on a river. At first their adventure was fun, but as the boat drifted farther from the shore, they realized they were floating toward dangerous waters downstream.
The children began calling for help. Their father heard them and raced to the boat to rescue them. He saved them, which was something they could not do for themselves. He did this because he loved them.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents
Children Family Love Parenting

David O. McKay:

After saddles were stolen from his farm, President McKayโ€™s sisters closed a window on the saddle house to prevent another theft. He gently explained he had left it open for birds feeding their young, hurried to reopen it, and found the parent birds blocked. He restored their access, exemplifying care for living things.
The worth of a soul! President McKay felt that every living thing deserves our respect and thoughtful care. He felt this way even about animals and birds, and he liked to return often to his Huntsville farm to ride his horses and to visit. Once, someone broke into the farm and stole the Presidentโ€™s saddles. When the saddles were replaced with new ones, they were kept in the saddle house under lock and key. One day President McKayโ€™s sisters stopped to check on things at the farm, and seeing one of the windows on the saddle house open, they closed it to avert a second theft. Hearing from his sisters what they had done, the President gently said, โ€œI left that window open purposely because there is a birdโ€™s nest inside, and that is the only entrance the parent birds have to carry food to their babies. I think I shall just have time to run over.โ€ He went and opened the window and, returning, said in a gracious way, โ€œIt was just as I expectedโ€”one little bird was outside trying to get in, and the mother bird was inside attempting to get out.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Apostle Creation Kindness Stewardship

Q&A:Questions and Answers

Friedrich enjoyed lifelong ease: success in school, wealth through marriage and inheritance, business prosperity, and good health until age 94. Despite his outward success, he lost his testimony and died a bitter miser, with his posterity outside the gospel. His story warns that prosperity can lead to spiritual failure.
Finally, consider the case of Friedrich, who never seemed to have any problems. Schooling came easy. He married well and inherited well. His business prospered. Friedrich lived in the biggest house and drove the biggest car and had the prettiest wife and enjoyed good health until he died at age 94.
Friedrich appeared to have the easiest life imaginable. But Friedrich failed his testโ€”his โ€œeasy test.โ€ For with all his success and all his prosperity, he lost his testimony and his perspective and died a bitter, disillusioned old miser. All his children and grandchildren grew up outside the gospel.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability Apostasy Death Endure to the End Family Happiness Testimony

Challenges of the โ€™80s

The speaker recounts an anecdote about Dr. Seuss giving a very short graduation speech. He recites a poem about his Uncle Terwilliger ordering popovers and advising to swallow whatโ€™s solid and spit out the air. Dr. Seuss concludes that in life we should spit out hot air and be careful what we swallow.
How many of you have read Dr. Seuss? It seems that one day this interesting man was asked to give a graduation speech. It was a bright, sunny day, and he strolled across the platform and turned to face the audience to deliver the following speech, exactly six lines long:
โ€œThis is my speech. Would you like to hear it? Itโ€™s called โ€˜My Uncle Terwilliger on the Art of Eating Popovers.โ€™
โ€œMy uncle ordered popovers from the restaurant bill of fare,
And when they were served, he regarded them with a penetrating stare.
Then he spoke great words of wisdom as he sat down on that chair.
โ€˜To eat these things,โ€™ said my uncle, โ€˜you must exercise great care.
You must swallow down whatโ€™s solid, and you must spit out the air.โ€™
โ€œAnd my concluding comment,โ€ said Dr. Seuss, โ€œis, if you partake of the worldโ€™s bill of fare, thatโ€™s darn good advice to follow. Do a lot of spitting out of hot air, and be careful of what you swallow.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Education Honesty Truth

A Bridge to Hope and Healing

The author compares untreated trauma to a childhood broken leg left unset, which causes chronic pain. Years later, proper medical treatment requires resetting and rehabilitating the leg, illustrating that emotional healing also demands recognizing pain and working through a structured process.
Letโ€™s compare the emotional healing process with that of caring for and treating a physical injury. Suppose that when you were young, you broke your leg. Rather than going to the doctor to get it set, you hobbled along until the deep pain was gone, but there is always a slight pain with each step you take. Years later you want the pain to go away, so you go to a doctor. The doctor must reset the bone, clean away any buildup that has grown, cast it, and send you to physical therapy to strengthen your leg.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Health Mental Health

A Calendar with No Sundays

After starting a summer lifeguard job, the author learned he was scheduled to work every Sunday. He prayed and felt impressed to keep the job and find swaps, arranging each week to cover othersโ€™ shifts so he could have Sundays off. He attended church all summer, and coworkers later gifted him a custom calendar without Sundays, expressing respect for his commitment.
Upon graduation from high school and before I left on my mission, I obtained a summer job as a lifeguard at a swimming pool. As I arrived for my first day, I learned that because I was the newest employee I had been scheduled to work every Sunday the entire summer. I tried to work out a different arrangement with my employers, but they wouldnโ€™t change my schedule.
I had committed to keep the Sabbath day holy as an Aaronic Priesthood holder. And as I prepared to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, I knew I needed to keep that commitment. Because of the nature of my job, my options were to quit or make other arrangements with my schedule so that I could keep the Sabbath day holy. As I prayed, I felt impressed to stay at the job and that the Lord would help me accomplish the thing He had commanded.
As the summer progressed, I met individually each week with other lifeguards who did not share my standards and offered to work for them on Friday nights or Saturdays if they would switch with me so I could have Sundays off. I was able to find a different person who would switch with me for all 12 weeks of the summer. The Lord prepared the way, and I was able to attend Church and keep the Sabbath day holy all summer.
Not only did this experience strengthen my understanding that the Lord would prepare a way for me to keep His commandments, but soon my co-workers noticed I was always searching for someone to work for me on Sunday. They learned that keeping the Sabbath day holy was a commandment and that I was determined to keep the commandment. At the end of the summer when the pool closed, there was a party with all of the lifeguards. At the party I received a parting gift from the other lifeguards. It was a work calendar they had made for me without any Sundays. They acknowledged that I had been scheduled to work every Sunday but had not worked one. They expressed respect for my commitment to keep the Sabbath day holy.
My commitment to keep the Sabbath day holy as a young man and through my life as an adult has brought me the blessings the Lord has promised. This lesson was learned many years ago when I received a calendar with no Sundays.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Commandments Employment Faith Holy Ghost Obedience Prayer Priesthood Revelation Sabbath Day Young Men

Finding Happiness in Christ

A high-achieving teenage girl sought happiness through accomplishments but remained unhappy and isolated. Upon entering college, she consciously shifted her focus to scripture study and heartfelt prayer, centering her life on Christ. She found lasting happiness and assurance of God's love, despite occasional lows.
From the outside looking in, people saw a girl who was successful and accomplished. I started on a competitive basketball team, played the violin in the state championship orchestra, graduated as the salutatorian of my class, was involved in student government, and participated in numerous other extracurricular activities. I strove to excel, to be perfect.
On the inside, however, I was a completely different person. Like many teenage girls, I unsuccessfully fought to win the battle of insecurity. I struggled with my self-image. I felt alone, as it was hard for me to develop close friendships when so few people maintained similar beliefs and morals. I was simply unhappy.
Without my even being aware of what I was doing, I tried to find not just solace, but also happiness, in being the best in anything and everything. My motto in life became โ€œMediocrity is not an option!โ€
Through my efforts, the awards began to pile up. However, I became more discouraged because I was not finding happiness. Sure I found a sense of pleasure in receiving such recognition, but it was not true happiness. I continually felt that I needed just one more award and then I would feel happy, only to be disappointed when that feeling did not come. Without my realizing it, this drive for perfection had taken over and had become the center of my life.
I decided that I wanted to become a different person when I entered college. Again, without being fully conscious of what I was doing, I developed a new center in my life, returning to basics I had learned at home, church, and seminary. I began having meaningful scripture study and started pouring my soul out to my Father in Heaven. I became a spiritual sponge. I never would have thought such simple adjustments could make such a huge impact on my life. I truly have never been happier.
Sure, there have been times when I have felt sad and low. The difference is that I now know whole-heartedly that God loves me and hears and answers my prayers. I also know that my Savior understands and has felt all my pains. He not only suffered for mankindโ€™s sins, but also for our sorrows and burdens (see Alma 7:11โ€“13).
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults ๐Ÿ‘ค Jesus Christ
Atonement of Jesus Christ Conversion Faith Friendship Happiness Mental Health Prayer Scriptures Testimony Young Women

Service Fridays

A family decides to be more like Jesus by dedicating Fridays to service. On one Friday, they call their neighbors to ask if they can wash their car. The narrator shares that serving others helps them learn to be like Jesus and brings them joy.
As a family we decided we wanted to be like Jesus. We decided that Fridays would be our service day. Every Friday we think of a service to do. One Friday we called our neighbors and asked them if we could wash their car. I am learning to be like Jesus by serving others, and I love it!
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๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Charity Family Jesus Christ Kindness Service

Find and Follow the Right Voices

At 17, the author listened to people sharing sensational stories about early Church history and felt uncomfortable. He learned that many voices try to distort truth and realized the importance of spending time where the Spirit can speak.
When I was 17, I became familiar with some people who were caught up in some sensational stories about what they thought was historical information on the early days of the Church. As I listened to what they had to say, I felt uncomfortable.
That day I learned that there are many different voices out in the world, and some will try to lead us astray and make things seem different from what they really are. Some will seek to twist and distort the truth. Itโ€™s important that we spend as much time as we can in places where the Spirit can speak to us.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Holy Ghost Revelation Truth

Dance, Dance, Dance

In Chattanooga, youth are scattered across schools with challenging dance environments. Stake leaders created an annual surprise-themed event for priests and Laurels with no dates, covered costs, and modest dress expectations. Stephen Mitchell praised the cleaner atmosphere, and Lisa Mitchell noted it relieved prom-related stress. The result is a fun, no-stress, budget-friendly alternative that strengthens friendships.
Chattanooga, Tennessee, is a great place to be a member of the Church. That doesnโ€™t mean there arenโ€™t challenges, though. Members are few and far between, so the youth are spread out among different high schools. That means at school activities, dances included, Church members are scattered.
โ€œThe atmosphere at a Church dance is so much better than at a school dance,โ€ says Stephen Mitchell, a priest. โ€œIโ€™m better friends with the people here. At school dances thereโ€™s music with dirty lyrics and people dressed immodestly. Here, we just have a good time.โ€
The leaders of the Chattanooga stake decided that, in addition to the regular stake dances, they would hold a special stake event once a year for the priests and Laurels. And unlike dances the rest of the year, the youth donโ€™t get involved in the planning. Instead, the danceโ€™s theme, menu, decorations, and music are a complete surprise to everyone attendingโ€”a gift from the leaders to the youth.
But the greatest thing about the dance is that itโ€™s a no-stress event. Dates arenโ€™t allowed, so everyone just comes and has a good time dancing with everyone else. The stake budget covers all the costs, so everyone can afford it. And the dress code is nice but not necessarily formal, so everyone dresses up, but no one has to spend money on something theyโ€™ll seldom wear again.
โ€œThis is the first year I have been able to come,โ€ says Lisa Mitchell. โ€œIโ€™m so excited! Thereโ€™s a prom coming up at my school, and all my friends are stressed out about it. But here, weโ€™re all more natural. We can just be ourselves.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local)
Chastity Dating and Courtship Friendship Music Priesthood Young Men Young Women

I Didnโ€™t Want to Serve a Mission

A lifelong Church member drifted from the gospel and decided not to serve a mission. Encouraged by parents, friends, and a home teaching companion, he began praying and felt his testimony grow. In a Gospel Doctrine class, he prayed for forgiveness and asked if he should serve; the immediate answer was yes, accompanied by strong emotion. He learned that the Lord never gives up on us.
Iโ€™ve always been a member of the Church. I was baptized, received the priesthood, and attended meetings regularly. But I started making choices that set me on a path away from the gospel.
When I neared the age for missionary service, I said I wasnโ€™t going to go. I thought nothing could change my mind.
Except that I had so many positive influences in my life. My parents encouraged testimony-building activities. My Church friends loved me and never judged me. And my home teaching companion would often tell me he thought I would make a great missionary. Gradually, I started to believe him.
As time went on and positive influences in my life pushed out the negative, I began praying personally. I didnโ€™t kneel at first, but the more I practiced, kneeling at my bedside became a special time for me. I began to feel nearer to the Lord than I ever had before. I felt a seed of testimony start to take root.
One Sunday in Gospel Doctrine class, I felt impressed to pray and ask for forgiveness for my past mistakes. I bowed my head right where I was and I prayed to Heavenly Father.
Then, I asked the question that I had been dreading: โ€œShould I go on a mission?โ€ The answer immediately came to my heart and mind: Yes.
It was so powerful that I was unable to hold back tears. I am so grateful for that experience. I learned that even when we push the Lord away, He will never give up on us.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability Conversion Family Forgiveness Friendship Missionary Work Prayer Repentance Revelation Testimony

Why Marriage Is Awesome!

Rachel seriously considered serving a full-time mission, but after meeting Ben she felt Heavenly Father had a different plan. When they got engaged, relatives asked about her choice, and she replied that she chose her own missionary companion for eternity. Together, they now serve and build a Christ-centered home.
Before I met Ben, I was nearing the age of missionary service and had seriously considered serving a full-time mission. But then Ben entered my life, and I knew that Heavenly Father had a different plan for me.
When Ben and I got engaged, relatives who knew about my thoughts to serve a mission asked me about my choice, and I would tell them, โ€œI decided that I wanted to pick my own missionary companionโ€”and stay with him for eternity.โ€
When youโ€™re married, you and your spouse have the chance to participate in the work of salvation together. Ben and I have found great joy in building a Christ-centered home, studying and living the gospel together, serving in the Church, and inviting others to come unto Christ. As we work together to build the kingdom of God, we grow closer, our love deepens, and life is more fulfilling.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults
Dating and Courtship Family Love Marriage Missionary Work Sealing Service