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The Power Is Real

As a newly ordained priest, the narrator was taught by his Young Men’s president about giving blessings. Soon after, he was asked to be the voice in a young convert’s ordination and felt scared, but the Spirit reassured him. Guided through the ordinance, he then offered the blessing by listening to the Spirit. The experience deepened his testimony of the reality and power of the priesthood.
When I became a priest in the Windsor Ward, London Ontario Stake, our Young Men’s president, Brother Sandor, encouraged us to pass the sacrament and perform baptisms as a way to exercise our priesthood. In one Sunday lesson, he also taught us about giving blessings. He said, β€œYou must be bold enough to say what the Spirit prompts you to say, but be humble enough not to make up your own words!”
Not long after that lesson, a young convert in our ward was sustained as a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood, and Brother Sandor asked me to be the β€œvoice” in the ordination. I was scared. I had never laid my hands on anybody’s head before, and I felt so inadequate. But then the Spirit reassured me that it would be fine for me to do it, and I was reminded of what my Young Men’s president had taught us.
The young man to be ordained sat down in the chair, and I stood directly behind him. When we were all ready Brother Sandor guided me through the ordinance prayer and I repeated every word he said. After we had finished the ordination and said, β€œβ€¦ and we wish to pronounce a blessing on your head at this time …” Brother Sandor looked at me and indicated that I was on my own.
At that point, the priesthood entirely changed its meaning for me. It was no longer just a title, but the actual authority to act in God’s name, and I was giving that authority to someone else. I paused and waited for the Spirit to whisper to me what I was to say. It is difficult for me to describe the feelings I had that day during the blessing, but I can say that I now have a stronger testimony that the power of the priesthood is real.
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πŸ‘€ Church Leaders (Local) πŸ‘€ Youth
Holy Ghost Ordinances Priesthood Priesthood Blessing Revelation Testimony Young Men

Vanessa was recommended by her mother to the Relief Society president to design a banner for a stake sports festival. She accepted, created sketches, and, with help from her mother and sister, produced a beautiful banner reflecting the event’s theme. She reflects that serving with talents blesses others and develops personal abilities.
With the help of my mother and sister, I painted this banner for the Relief Society sports festival held in our stake. My mother recommended me to the Relief Society president, who asked me to make their banner for them. I accepted their request and started to make rough sketches. Through the combined efforts of my family and me, we were able to create a beautiful work of art that represents the theme, β€œFind Nobility in Motherhood and Joy in Womanhood.”
I know that if we use our talents to serve other people, we not only bring them happiness but we also develop our own abilities. The Lord blesses those who use their gifts from Him to build up His kingdom. As the parable of the talents teaches, if we do not share our gifts with others, we lose those gifts (see Matthew 25:24–29). But if we use our talents for good, we can make the world a better place.
Vanessa Pamittan, Philippines
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ Church Leaders (Local)
Bible Family Relief Society Service Spiritual Gifts Stewardship Women in the Church

Choosing the Right Barkada

During a discussion about activities, some youth suggested alternatives to a scheduled meetinghouse cleanup. Alvin urged them to do what they had been asked first. On Saturday, he arrived early in work clothes and brought his nonmember cousin, exemplifying obedience and leadership.
And his dedication is exemplary. One Sunday, he was in a lively conversation with other young men.
β€œWe’ve been asked to clean up the meetinghouse grounds this Saturday.”
β€œBut we have a better activity than that,” another replied.
β€œBut let’s do what we’ve been told to do first,” Alvin said.
Well, Saturday came, and while the other young men were yet to arrive, Alvin was already in his work clothes. And he brought his nonmember cousin, too.
Seeing all this, you can’t help but make the connection between him and his favorite scripture: β€œI will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded” (1 Ne. 3:7).
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Other
Book of Mormon Commandments Obedience Service Young Men

Dreams and Dolphins

The child served a former Primary teacher who is paralyzed by putting kind messages on hearts on her door and giving her a treat. This service reflects the child's desire to help others because of personal experiences with hardship.
How I Help Others
A lady who used to be my Primary teacher is paralyzed, so I wrote nice things on hearts to put on her door and gave her a treat. I also wrote a poem about my dream of walking again. Because I’ve been through a lot, I try to help others who are going through hard things.
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πŸ‘€ Children πŸ‘€ Church Leaders (Local)
Adversity Children Disabilities Kindness Service

Fighting to Find the Truth

After gaining a testimony, Artur returned home joyful, but his family did not share his enthusiasm. His father was antagonistic and he had little support from friends, though his branch supported him. Despite strong religious traditions around him, he remained grateful for his parents’ earlier teachings and stayed faithful.
β€œWhen I found out it was true, I went home full of joy,” he recalls. But no one wanted to share the joy. His mother and two younger brothers were not interested. His father was antagonistic. After Artur’s baptism in 2002, he had almost no support from friends and acquaintances either, except within his branch.
Religious tradition is very strong in Poland. No one could understand why he wanted to leave the dominant faith. Still, he says, his parents’ teaching and example were very valuable in preparing him to find the truth. β€œI’m grateful they did what they knew how to do in teaching me.”
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πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ Young Adults πŸ‘€ Friends πŸ‘€ Church Members (General)
Adversity Baptism Conversion Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Family Testimony

What’s Up?

In 1869, John Macfarlane of St. George, Utah, wanted a new Christmas carol for his choir. After struggling to write one, he awoke from a dream and composed the lyrics and melody to β€œFar, Far Away on Judea’s Plains.” The carol became a beloved addition to Christmas music within and beyond the Church.
This is the only Christmas song in the hymnbook written by a Latter-day Saint author. In 1869, John Macfarlane of St. George, Utah, wanted his choir to sing a new carol for their Christmas program. After struggling to write one with no success, John awoke from a dream one night and wrote the lyrics and melody to β€œFar, Far Away on Judea’s Plains.” Even though most shepherds in Judea herded their sheep on rocky hills, not plains, the song is still a beautiful addition to our Christmas carols and is popular both in and out of the Church. (See Hymns, no. 212.)
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πŸ‘€ Other
Christmas Music Revelation

Christopher Sexton of Chino Valley, Arizona

When Chris was four, his friend's father died, and Chris worried about how his friend would participate in fathers-and-sons activities. He began inviting his friend to join him and his dad for these events. He has continued this invitation every year since.
He helps his classmates with more than just their schoolwork. β€œHe’s very tenderhearted and compassionate,” Mom says. When he was four years old, his friend’s father died, and Chris worried about his friend and asked, β€œWhat is he going to do for fathers-and-sons things?” Every year since then, he’s invited his friend to come along with him and Dad to fathers-and-sons activities.
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πŸ‘€ Children πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ Friends
Charity Children Family Friendship Kindness Parenting Service

Snow on Fire

After hearing missionaries, Erastus and his mother believed but his father hesitated. Erastus prayed for his parents’ hearts to soften, and through his mother’s intercession, his father allowed him to visit his brother William, who baptized him through ice in Lake Derby. Following his baptism, he desired to preach and study the scriptures.
Elders Pratt and Johnson taught the gospel to Erastus, barely a teenager, during their brief stay at the Snow home. He and his mother both believed, but father Levi was less enthusiastic. β€œI began to mend my ways,” Erastus noted, β€œand prayed to God to soften the hearts of my parents that I might have the privilege of obeying the Gospel.”

His prayers were answered. Through his mother’s intercession with his father. Erastus was allowed to visit his LDS brother, William, at nearby Charleston, Vermont. William baptized his teenage brother on February 2, 1833, through ice in cold Lake Derby. His baptism was ice-cold, but his eagerness to spread the gospel grew red-hot. β€œI then desired to preach the Gospel and began to search the scriptures that I might be able to instruct others.”
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πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ Early Saints πŸ‘€ Youth
Baptism Conversion Family Missionary Work Prayer

Show and Tell

A family wrote on a light bulb each day what they did for the #LightTheWorld project. The activity helped them think more about the true meaning of Christmas.
For the #LightTheWorld project, each member of our family wrote down on a light bulb what we did each day. It helped us to think more about the true meaning of Christmas.
Stuart, Rebecca, and Thomas E., ages 3, 4, and 6, Oregon, USA
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πŸ‘€ Children πŸ‘€ Parents
Children Christmas Family Kindness Service

Pioneer Perseverance

About 25 years ago, the speaker shared a proposed talk with a senior Church leader. It was returned with the concise feedback, "Therefore, what?", pointing out the absence of actionable direction. The speaker realized the talk lacked an invitation to act, recalling King Benjamin’s charge to do what is taught.
About 25 years ago, I showed one of my senior brethren a talk I proposed for future delivery. He returned it with a stimulating two-word comment: β€œTherefore, what?” The talk was incomplete because it omitted what a listener should do. I had failed to follow the example of King Benjamin, who concluded his great address to his people by saying, β€œAnd now, if you believe all these things see that ye do them” (Mosiah 4:10).
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πŸ‘€ General Authorities (Modern)
Book of Mormon Faith Obedience Teaching the Gospel

β€œIt’s OK”

Josh worries when his friend Dawson is hospitalized with a brain bleed. He feels a spiritual impression that 'It's OK,' but Dawson later passes away despite a stake fast. Through prayer, Josh finds comfort and peace and trusts that God has a purpose for Dawson. He expresses hope in seeing Dawson again through Jesus Christ.
One Friday at school, my best friend Dawson wasn’t there. A couple kids said they had seen ambulances at his house, and I started to worry. Later that day, our principal told us that Dawson had been taken to the hospital with a brain bleed.
Dawson and I had become friends when my family first moved from South Carolina, USA. He had been one of the first people to say hi to me. He would find any new kid and make them feel loved.
The night after Dawson was taken to the hospital, as our family prayed for him to get better, I heard a still, small voice say two words: β€œIt’s OK.” As soon as I heard that, I knew Dawson would be OK and that he would live.
But then I started thinking, β€œWhat if God meant that it would be OK whether Dawson was here on earth or in heaven?”
My stake held a 24-hour fast for Dawson and his family. Then we got the news that Dawson had passed away.
I had never really had a tough experience before where I felt I needed to pray. But when Dawson died, praying was the only way I could feel any comfort. God helped me feel peace, and I felt that He must have something for Dawson to do.
I know that anytime I’m going through something hard, I can talk to God. It helps me to know that God will always be there for me and people around me. I miss Dawson every day, but I know I will see him again because of Jesus Christ.
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ Church Members (General) πŸ‘€ Friends
Death Faith Fasting and Fast Offerings Friendship Grief Holy Ghost Jesus Christ Peace Prayer Revelation Testimony

Open Your Book of Mormon

A stake high councilor in Austria lost his wallet after traveling by train to a ward. After anxious efforts and prayer, he felt impressed to open the Book of Mormon and read a verse that comforted him. Shortly after, the train station police called to say the wallet had been turned in. He received it back with nothing missing, strengthening his love for the Book of Mormon.
Years ago, as a member of the Vienna Austria Stake high council, I attended a ward in Vienna once a month. Because I live 120 miles (190 km) from Vienna, I often rode the train to get there.
One Sunday, after I had returned home from visiting the ward, I discovered to my dismay that I did not have my wallet. I was worried because I didn’t know if I had lost my wallet or if it had been stolen. In my wallet I had a small amount of money, my temple recommend, a credit card, and other important cards.
The next day I had a hard time concentrating at work. Over and over again I asked myself, β€œWhen was the last time I used that wallet? Did I leave it anywhere?” I called the police, the train station, and the bishop of the ward I had attended. Nobody had found it. I prayed as well, and my prayers intensified as the day progressed. I slept poorly that night.
During my morning prayers the next day, I felt a strong spiritual impression to open my Book of Mormon in order to find the answer to my problem. I ignored the feeling instantly because no Book of Mormon scriptures had anything to do with my lost wallet.
The feeling pressed me: β€œWhy do you doubt? Faith precedes the miracle! Just open the book. The first scripture you read will give you the answer to your problem.”
I discarded this feeling as wishful thinking. But the feeling in my heart fought a hard battle and won. I got up, went to my desk, and picked up my Book of Mormon. My heart beat rapidly in anticipation. I did not turn a page forward or backward. I simply opened the book and read Jacob 3:1: β€œLook unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause.” I was overcome and couldn’t read any further.
The Lord will plead my cause! I went to work relaxed and comforted. At 11:00 a.m. I received a call from the train station police informing me that my wallet had been turned in. One day later I received my wallet. Nothing had been taken.
The Lord had consoled me in my afflictions. He had pleaded my cause. Through the Book of Mormon my Heavenly Father had answered my prayers in a direct, personal way. I have always loved the Book of Mormon, and following this experience, it has become even more precious to me.
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πŸ‘€ Church Leaders (Local) πŸ‘€ Other
Book of Mormon Faith Holy Ghost Miracles Peace Prayer Revelation Scriptures Testimony

Good by Association

Jerry, the health spa manager, often joined the narrator's workouts and pushed him to do more. Though the effort was hard, Jerry’s encouragement helped the narrator achieve his best lifts. His presence motivated consistent improvement.
Jerry was another guy who helped me shape up properly. He managed the health spa where my brothers and I used to do our weight lifting, and he often joined our workouts.
Jerry was no scrawny high school kid. He was a mountain of muscle. Any weight I could lift barely once, Jerry could easily lift ten times. I hated it and loved it when Jerry worked out with us. I hated it because he wouldn’t let us rest or loaf.
β€œOne more! C’mon, you can do one more rep,” he’d yell when I was ready to rack the weights. β€œDon’t give up now. You can do it.” Then he’d stand over me as I grunted and strained to produce one more repetition. β€œAtta boy. I knew you could do it.”
I hated the hard work, but I loved the encouragement and motivation he added to our workouts. Jerry squeezed out the best in me, and I always made my best lifts when he was around.
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πŸ‘€ Other πŸ‘€ Youth
Friendship Health

I Never Looked Back

As he learned about baptism for the dead and eternal families, he felt the Holy Ghost witness to him of their truth. When taught the Word of Wisdom, he experienced a powerful spiritual transformation and recognized why he had always lived those standards. Reading Doctrine and Covenants 89 further confirmed his conviction.
Later, when we got to the principle about baptism for the dead, I thought it was so amazing that one could go to a sacred place and do these things for people who had passed away. I just thought that was incredible, and I thought about my two grandfathers and my grandmother who had passed away. That’s when I started to feel the Holy Ghost. The teachings sounded right to me.
We got to the next principle, which is about families, and I just always knew that was true. When I heard about eternal families, I told the missionaries, β€œI knew this existed.”
Then the missionaries taught me about the Word of Wisdom, and it was then that I had a discovery. I don’t want to call it a paradigm shift, but it felt like my soul unfolded, and I just shed this shell and a new person came out. I felt like I was three feet off the ground. I had always lived the Word of Wisdom, and I wanted to know why I was the way that I was. No one ever had the answer to that for me, but the Lord did through the missionaries and the discussions. I knew that everything they had taught me previously was true, and everything that they would teach me would be true. I never felt the Spirit so strongly reading scriptures before, and when I read Doctrine and Covenants 89:18–21, I knew it was true. I always knew that my body was important, and I knew that it was never to be defiled.
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πŸ‘€ Missionaries πŸ‘€ Other
Baptisms for the Dead Conversion Family Holy Ghost Missionary Work Ordinances Scriptures Temples Testimony Word of Wisdom

Strawberries and Octaves

During a weekly piano lesson, the student freezes mid-piece and cannot find the next note. Prompted by the teacher to name the notes, she focuses, identifies the correct note, and gains confidence in the power of self-discipline.
Included in this program of self-discipline is a weekly half hour of torture. I walk into my piano teacher’s home. The piano teacher motions me to the piano, and I begin playing. In the middle of a stirring rendition of β€œMary Had a Little Lamb” I suddenly stop, staring wildly at the black-and-white page before me. Where is the next note? Where? Where? Vaguely, through the haze of pressure, I hear a faraway voice: β€œYou are on the wrong note. Name the notes.”
β€œOh … I don’t know … A, B, C, D, E, F, G.”
β€œThat’s right. Which one is this note?”
Suddenly self-discipline emerges.
β€œA!” I cry.
The sun breaks; the piano teacher smiles; and I realize that with the discipline gained through piano lessons, I can now do anything. Well … almost.
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Other
Education Music Patience Self-Reliance

Conference Show and Tell

A child attends church with family during conference to watch the prophet on a big screen. He feels the Spirit in his heart while doing so.
I love going to church at conference time with my family to see the prophet on the big screen. I feel the Spirit in my heart.
Levi B., age 6, Victoria, Australia
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πŸ‘€ Children πŸ‘€ Parents πŸ‘€ General Authorities (Modern)
Apostle Children Family Holy Ghost Testimony

β€œHow do I develop my talents without showing off?”

After moving to a new branch, an 18-year-old who was the only member able to play piano was called as the sacrament meeting pianist. She had previously only played classical and popular music and struggled to learn the hymns quickly. Now, instead of hearing applause, she hears the congregation singing hymns in praise of Heavenly Father.
My family recently moved to a branch in a neighboring stake. Being the only branch member who can play the piano, I was called as pianist for sacrament meetings. Up to this time, I’ve only played classical and popular tunes. The challenge to learn hymns quickly has been a struggle. Now, rather than hearing applause for my playing, I hear the beautiful voices of the branch members as they sing the hymns in praise of our Heavenly Father.
Robyn P., 18, Tennessee, USA
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Church Members (General)
Music Reverence Sacrament Meeting Service Stewardship

New Temple Announcement Answers Members’ Prayers

Sister Kleah Nelson described a group of over 60 youth from a remote area without electricity or plumbing who sacrificed to travel to the Manila temple. With help from missionaries, they arrived appropriately dressed and performed over 2,000 baptisms and confirmations. A local priesthood leader, Elder Michael John U. Teh, observed a marked positive change in their attitudes and commitment.
Sister Kleah Nelson, matron of the Manila temple, told Church magazines that a group of more than 60 youth from a remote, rural area with no electricity or plumbing in the Visayans recently sacrificed to come to the temple in Manila.
β€œBecause of the service project organized by very dedicated missionaries, all the youth were able to come dressed appropriately in white shirts and ties and girls in lovely Sunday dresses,” Sister Nelson stated.
This youth group performed more than 2,000 baptisms and confirmations.
A local priesthood leader said that there had been a β€œmarked difference” in the attitudes of the youth who went to the temple to perform ordinances for the dead.
β€œThis has helped them remember their commitments to the Lord as they face the challenges and pressures they experience as teenagers,” said Elder Michael John U. Teh, an Area Seventy in the Philippines.
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Missionaries πŸ‘€ Church Leaders (Local) πŸ‘€ General Authorities (Modern)
Baptisms for the Dead Covenant Missionary Work Ordinances Priesthood Sacrifice Service Temples Young Men Young Women

A Christmas Play

Seeing sad faces around them, a child decides to write notes of kindness wherever needed. The kind messages brighten people's days and bring smiles. The child knows the small effort did good.
Reader 2: Christmas makes me happy, but I see a few sad faces.
People need some cheering up in many different places.
I write notes of kindness every time I think I should.
Seeing happy smiles lets me know I’ve done some good.
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πŸ‘€ Children
Christmas Happiness Kindness Ministering Service

Meek the Choice

Someone discovers their good friend has spread a nasty rumor about them. The worldly reaction is to retaliate by starting a rumor in return. The meek response is to talk calmly, seek understanding, and work together to solve the problem.
You find out your good friend spread a nasty rumor about you behind your back.
The world’s way: Start a rumor about your friend so she knows how it feels.
The meek way: Calmly talk to your friend, try to understand why she spread the rumor, and work together to solve the problem.
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πŸ‘€ Youth πŸ‘€ Friends
Forgiveness Friendship Kindness Patience