Let me tell you a story that I heard recently in Mexico.
Thirty years ago, David Castañeda; his wife, Tomasa; and their children lived on a dry, little, run-down ranch near Torreón. They owned thirty chickens, two pigs, and one thin horse. They walked in poverty. Then the missionaries called on them. Sister Castañeda said, “The elders took the blinders from our eyes and brought light into our lives. We knew nothing of Jesus Christ. We knew nothing of God until they came.”
The elders taught them, and they were eventually baptized. They moved into the little town of Bermejillo. They started in the junk business, buying wrecked automobiles. They gradually built a prosperous business. With simple faith they paid their tithing. They put their trust in the Lord. They lived the gospel. They served wherever they were called to serve. Four of their sons and three of their daughters filled missions. They have been made fun of for their obedience to gospel principles. Their answer is a testimony of the power of the Lord in their lives.
Some two hundred of their family and friends have joined the Church due to their influence. The children, now grown, and the parents take turns going to Mexico City each month to work in the temple. They stand as a living testimony of the great power of this work of the Lord to lift and change people.
Testimony
David and Tomasa Castañeda and their children lived in poverty on a small ranch near Torreón until missionaries taught them the gospel. After baptism, they moved to Bermejillo, started a junk business, paid tithing, and served faithfully, leading to prosperity and spiritual growth. Several of their children served missions, many associates joined the Church through their influence, and the family regularly serves in the Mexico City temple.
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Church Members (General)
Baptism
Conversion
Employment
Faith
Family
Missionary Work
Obedience
Self-Reliance
Service
Temples
Testimony
Tithing
Friends in Denmark
After years without official recognition, Denmark recognized the Church as a Christian religion in 1974. That June, the first Scandinavian stake was organized in Copenhagen. In August, thousands of Saints gathered in Stockholm to hear the prophet at a regional conference.
But in spite of the harsh treatment baptisms continued. A number of converts to the Church went to America to be with the Saints there. It was not until 1974 that the Church of Jesus Christ was recognized as a Christian religion by the Danish government.
Scandinavia’s first stake was organized in Copenhagen in June, 1974. In August of the same year a Scandinavian area general conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, where 4,500 Saints—many of them Danes—met to hear the prophet of the Lord speak. It was a highlight of the Church’s 125 years in the area.
Scandinavia’s first stake was organized in Copenhagen in June, 1974. In August of the same year a Scandinavian area general conference was held in Stockholm, Sweden, where 4,500 Saints—many of them Danes—met to hear the prophet of the Lord speak. It was a highlight of the Church’s 125 years in the area.
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Other
Adversity
Baptism
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Missionary Work
Religious Freedom
Pioneer Trek
Approaching another Platte River crossing, men were sent ahead to prepare. The crossing proved difficult, with damaged wagons, strong winds, and a drowned horse. The Saints built a boat, finished crossing, and then spent the night ferrying Missouri companies. Nine men were chosen to remain and operate a ferry for other emigrants.
9
Some men sent ahead to build raft and prepare for next crossing of Platte River (19 miles)
12
Ferried Missourian company across Platte River in trade for food (11 miles)
13
Sabbath; after meetings camp prepared to cross Platte River (no miles)
14
Crossing river more difficult than expected; some wagons damaged (no miles)
15
Ferrying of wagons slow because of strong winds; one horse drowned (no miles)
16
Started building boat to ferry future companies of wagons across river (no miles)
17
Finished crossing; spent night ferrying two Missouri companies across river (no miles)
18
Nine men chosen to stay behind and operate ferry for other emigrants (no miles)
Some men sent ahead to build raft and prepare for next crossing of Platte River (19 miles)
12
Ferried Missourian company across Platte River in trade for food (11 miles)
13
Sabbath; after meetings camp prepared to cross Platte River (no miles)
14
Crossing river more difficult than expected; some wagons damaged (no miles)
15
Ferrying of wagons slow because of strong winds; one horse drowned (no miles)
16
Started building boat to ferry future companies of wagons across river (no miles)
17
Finished crossing; spent night ferrying two Missouri companies across river (no miles)
18
Nine men chosen to stay behind and operate ferry for other emigrants (no miles)
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👤 Pioneers
👤 Early Saints
👤 Other
Adversity
Sabbath Day
Sacrifice
Self-Reliance
Service
Six O’Clock Missionary
Sister Allred proposes visiting Mrs. Tillman early in the morning to share breakfast rolls and a Book of Mormon, despite the children believing she is mean. She drops most of the class to milk while she and Brian visit; Mrs. Tillman proves kind, serves biscuits, and agrees to attend church. They learn she had already read the Book of Mormon long ago, having received it from Todd when he was nine.
“Mrs. Tillman lives right down the road. Maybe we could visit her for a minute before we go milk Betsy,” suggested Sister Allred.
“At six o’clock in the morning?” burst out Tony.
“Mrs. Tillman used to go to work at four in the morning,” replied Sister Allred. “She still likes getting up early. Besides, I want to drop her off some homemade breakfast rolls. And … well … I’d like to give her a Book of Mormon, too, and maybe share my testimony of it with her.”
“A Book of Mormon?” screeched Tony.
“She’s the last person I’d give a Book of Mormon to,” I said.
“She’s the meanest lady in town!” exclaimed Jimmy.
Sister Allred smiled. “Is that so? Well, I’m sure she would love to meet you.”
All five of us boys gave each other worried looks. Even “Sweet” Emily Clawson looked troubled.
“I’ll tell you what,” said Sister Allred. “This time I’ll drop you off to milk Betsy. You’ve milked her enough now that you don’t need my help. Today’s kind of a special day for me, and I really do want to give Mrs. Tillman this Book of Mormon.”
“So that’s why you wanted to be a good missionary to that mean old lady?” asked Tony.
Brian burst out, “Mrs. Tillman isn’t mean. She sat and talked to us and gave me hot biscuits and honey.”
My stomach growled.
“Best of all,” he added, “she’s going to church with us this Sunday.”
“She is?” we chorused.
Sister Allred chuckled. “I tried to give her the Book of Mormon, but I was too late. She read it a long time ago. She’s thought about going to church but has never wanted to go by herself.”
“So how did she get a Book of Mormon?” I said.
Sister Allred got a strange misty look in her eyes. “All these years, I didn’t know—Todd gave her one when he was only nine years old.”
“At six o’clock in the morning?” burst out Tony.
“Mrs. Tillman used to go to work at four in the morning,” replied Sister Allred. “She still likes getting up early. Besides, I want to drop her off some homemade breakfast rolls. And … well … I’d like to give her a Book of Mormon, too, and maybe share my testimony of it with her.”
“A Book of Mormon?” screeched Tony.
“She’s the last person I’d give a Book of Mormon to,” I said.
“She’s the meanest lady in town!” exclaimed Jimmy.
Sister Allred smiled. “Is that so? Well, I’m sure she would love to meet you.”
All five of us boys gave each other worried looks. Even “Sweet” Emily Clawson looked troubled.
“I’ll tell you what,” said Sister Allred. “This time I’ll drop you off to milk Betsy. You’ve milked her enough now that you don’t need my help. Today’s kind of a special day for me, and I really do want to give Mrs. Tillman this Book of Mormon.”
“So that’s why you wanted to be a good missionary to that mean old lady?” asked Tony.
Brian burst out, “Mrs. Tillman isn’t mean. She sat and talked to us and gave me hot biscuits and honey.”
My stomach growled.
“Best of all,” he added, “she’s going to church with us this Sunday.”
“She is?” we chorused.
Sister Allred chuckled. “I tried to give her the Book of Mormon, but I was too late. She read it a long time ago. She’s thought about going to church but has never wanted to go by herself.”
“So how did she get a Book of Mormon?” I said.
Sister Allred got a strange misty look in her eyes. “All these years, I didn’t know—Todd gave her one when he was only nine years old.”
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👤 Children
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Book of Mormon
Children
Conversion
Kindness
Missionary Work
Service
Testimony
What’s So Great about the Great and Spacious Building?
While hanging out with friends, Nate is offered beer. He initially refuses by saying, “I can’t,” is mocked by his friends, and considers taking a few sips to stop the teasing.
Nate is hanging out with his friends one evening when one of his buddies brings out some cans of beer and passes them around. When Nate refuses at first, saying, “I can’t,” his friends begin to laugh and tease him. Nate doesn’t want his friends to think he’s not cool, so he considers taking a few sips of beer just to get his friends to stop laughing.
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👤 Youth
👤 Friends
Agency and Accountability
Courage
Friendship
Obedience
Temptation
Word of Wisdom
Lumps and Bumps and Jewels:Nedra Redd
As a child in Canada, Nedra Redd loved her kittens, Nicodemus and Rufus. Remembering their bites and scratches alongside their softness, she teaches that life includes both happy times and painful moments. She counsels planning for good times while accepting that real hurts will come and will pass.
To illustrate her point, she spoke of the kittens that she loved so much as a child growing up in Canada. “I named two of them Nicodemus and Rufus,” she said with a chuckle. “Cats bite and scratch, you know. But they are also soft and loving. I think if we look to life and make our plans expecting some good times but also some bites and scratches—real hurting experiences—and learn to think of the bad times as something that will pass, then life can be sweet and we won’t be disappointed or become bitter.”
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👤 Children
👤 Other
Adversity
Happiness
Hope
Patience
Temples and Work Therein
President Ezra Taft Benson and his wife, Flora, set aside time every Friday to attend the temple. Their example underscores that those who can attend but choose not to are denying themselves blessings. The speaker urges members to follow this pattern.
We would do well to follow the example of our beloved prophet, President Ezra Taft Benson. He and his sweet companion, Flora, have set aside time each Friday to regularly attend the house of the Lord, and they would join with me here this morning in declaring that members of the Church who absent themselves from temple attendance, where it is possible for them to attend, are denying themselves rich blessings.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
Apostle
Temples
One Step at a Time
Davide’s brother and parents were baptized first, but Davide sought his own testimony. As he studied the Book of Mormon, he felt the Spirit and chose to join the Church. Years later, he continues to rely on consistent scripture study and prayer for spiritual guidance.
Davide and his family are converts to the Church. Before he was even baptized, Davide learned how important scripture study is. His brother was the first to be baptized, and his parents soon followed. Davide knew that he needed his own testimony. As he studied the Book of Mormon, he felt the Spirit. The good feelings he felt helped him make the decision to join the Church.
Four years later, Davide still relies on guidance from the Spirit. “We have to be constant. We can’t slack off in our scripture study and prayer,” he says.
Four years later, Davide still relies on guidance from the Spirit. “We have to be constant. We can’t slack off in our scripture study and prayer,” he says.
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👤 Youth
👤 Parents
Baptism
Book of Mormon
Conversion
Family
Holy Ghost
Prayer
Scriptures
Testimony
Rising Hopes
Andrea Smith recalled the moment of the balloon release at Coit Tower in San Francisco. As the balloons were let go, everyone gasped at the beautiful sight. She felt overwhelmed by the collective testimonies and messages represented.
Andrea Smith from the California Saratoga Stake remembers that moment at Coit Tower in San Francisco. “As we let go of the balloons, I think everyone gasped. It was a beautiful sight, and I was overwhelmed with the thought of the wonderful testimonies and messages of the girls.”
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👤 Youth
Testimony
Young Women
The Coming Forth of the Book of Mormon
Facing opposition, Joseph arranged for Egbert B. Grandin to print the Book of Mormon after Martin Harris mortgaged his farm as collateral. Harris later sold 151 acres to cover the costs, following the Lord’s counsel revealed through Joseph. The first 5,000 copies were published in March 1830.
Joseph Smith faced much opposition in printing the Book of Mormon as its translation came to an end. He was able to convince a printer named Egbert B. Grandin in Palmyra, New York, to print it only after Martin Harris, in an act of great faith and sacrifice, mortgaged his farm as collateral for the printing costs. Due in part to the continuing opposition after the publication of the Book of Mormon, Martin Harris faithfully sold 151 acres (0.6 km2) of his farm to pay off the publication costs. Through a revelation given to Joseph Smith, the Lord instructed Martin Harris to not covet his property and pay the printing cost for the book that “contains the truth and the word of God.” In March 1830 the first 5,000 copies of the Book of Mormon were published, and today more than 180 million copies have been printed in over a hundred languages.
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👤 Joseph Smith
👤 Early Saints
👤 Other
Book of Mormon
Consecration
Debt
Faith
Joseph Smith
Obedience
Revelation
Sacrifice
Friend to Friend
Elder Paramore describes his mother's unwavering faith and prayers. She prayed for her husband's return to Church activity and for the blessing of more children, and both prayers were answered. Her example shaped their family.
“My mother is a unique person,” began Elder Paramore in tribute to his mother. “She has implicit, absolute faith in our Father in heaven. Through prayer and undeviating faith, she has been able to accomplish many things in her life. She prayed that my father would become active in the Church, and it happened; he became a very strong, faithful, and capable leader. She prayed to have more children, a thing that was especially difficult for her. Yet she was able to have six children, who mean so much to her. She set as fine example for all of us to follow.
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👤 Parents
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Church Members (General)
Faith
Family
Parenting
Prayer
“In … Counsellors There Is Safety”
President J. Reuben Clark told the speaker that it is difficult to carry responsibility without possessing full authority. He shared this in the context of carrying Church operations while President Heber J. Grant was ill, illustrating the tension counselors can feel.
It may not be easy to be a counselor. President J. Reuben Clark, Jr., who, as a counselor, had responsibility for the operation of the Church while President Heber J. Grant was ill, said to me on one occasion, “It is difficult to have responsibility without authority.”
He was saying, in effect, that he had to move forward in handling those duties which ordinarily devolve upon the President, but while doing so, he did not have the authority of the President.
He was saying, in effect, that he had to move forward in handling those duties which ordinarily devolve upon the President, but while doing so, he did not have the authority of the President.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
Adversity
Agency and Accountability
Apostle
Priesthood
Stewardship
To Hear or Not to Hear
Samuel Smith rode toward Carthage pursued by a mob in an effort to help his brothers. He arrived too late, accompanied their bodies back to Nauvoo, and died a month after their martyrdom. He is remembered as the third martyr of Carthage.
The Prophet’s younger brother Samuel, mentioned in eight sections of the Doctrine and Covenants, became the third martyr of Carthage, dying a month after the martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum. His death was in part a result of complications rising from his courageous ride to Carthage, before a pursuing mob, to rescue his brothers. Arriving too late to help his brothers, he accompanied their bodies back to Nauvoo and joined them in death soon after.12
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👤 Joseph Smith
👤 Early Saints
Courage
Death
Family
Joseph Smith
Sacrifice
Giving Up My Graven Image
A man in Puerto Rico idolized his Harley-Davidson and spent Sundays riding with friends, neglecting God and family. A former classmate introduced him to the Church, and he and his wife were baptized in March 1996. He sold his motorcycle, focused on family and Church life, and soon visited the Washington D.C. Temple to perform ordinances and later receive endowments. He testifies that God blessed him and his home with happiness as he changed his life.
I used to have a 1978 Harley-Davidson motorcycle. I had invested a huge sum of money in it and was indescribably proud of it. It was everything to me. Every Sunday I joined a group of friends in Patillas, Puerto Rico, and we rode our motorbikes around the island. We forgot all our problems, our families, God—everything—for a brief period of pleasure on those bikes. In essence, my motorcycle was my idol.
That all changed when a former classmate, Jaime Rivera Gómez, introduced me to the Church. I will be eternally grateful to Jaime and to the missionaries for their teachings, patience, and genuine love. My wife and I were baptized on 31 March 1996.
Finding the gospel of Jesus Christ changed our lives completely. I immediately sold my motorcycle, for much less money than I had invested in it. But the sacrifice was worth it. As I changed my life, Heavenly Father—the only true God—poured out blessings on me. Now I am happy. My home is happy. I love my wife and my children. We hold family home evening, and we pray and serve the Lord as a family.
Three months after becoming members of the Church, we traveled to the Washington D.C. Temple and were baptized for some of our ancestors. Our second visit to the temple was in July 1997. There we received our endowments and performed sacred ordinances for our loved ones.
I know God loves me, and I am striving each day to become more like Him.
That all changed when a former classmate, Jaime Rivera Gómez, introduced me to the Church. I will be eternally grateful to Jaime and to the missionaries for their teachings, patience, and genuine love. My wife and I were baptized on 31 March 1996.
Finding the gospel of Jesus Christ changed our lives completely. I immediately sold my motorcycle, for much less money than I had invested in it. But the sacrifice was worth it. As I changed my life, Heavenly Father—the only true God—poured out blessings on me. Now I am happy. My home is happy. I love my wife and my children. We hold family home evening, and we pray and serve the Lord as a family.
Three months after becoming members of the Church, we traveled to the Washington D.C. Temple and were baptized for some of our ancestors. Our second visit to the temple was in July 1997. There we received our endowments and performed sacred ordinances for our loved ones.
I know God loves me, and I am striving each day to become more like Him.
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Friends
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Baptism
Baptisms for the Dead
Conversion
Family
Family History
Family Home Evening
Gratitude
Happiness
Love
Missionary Work
Ordinances
Prayer
Sacrifice
Service
Temples
Testimony
Go For It!
At a large regional conference in Guatemala, Monson reflects on John Forres O’Donnal, who in 1946 was the only Church member in the country. He personally petitioned President George Albert Smith to allow missionaries into Guatemala, and his wife, Carmen, became the first convert in 1948.
Just a few weeks ago, in Guatemala City, Guatemala, I witnessed a modern miracle—even the result of God’s guidance given to His servants and the blessing of His people.
At a regional conference, almost twelve thousand members filled the Estadio del Ejercito, the local soccer stadium. The sun bathed with its rays the large gathering, while the Spirit of the Lord filled every heart. This was a day of thanksgiving, marking the forty-second anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries to that land. John Forres O’Donnal spoke to the vast throng. He it was who, in 1946, stood alone as the only member of the Church in that nation. Personally importuning then President George Albert Smith, Brother O’Donnal facilitated the entry of the first missionaries. His wife, Carmen Galvez de O’Donnal, became the first convert and was baptized on November 13, 1948. This day of conference, as throughout the years of their marriage, she sat by her husband’s side.
At a regional conference, almost twelve thousand members filled the Estadio del Ejercito, the local soccer stadium. The sun bathed with its rays the large gathering, while the Spirit of the Lord filled every heart. This was a day of thanksgiving, marking the forty-second anniversary of the arrival of the first missionaries to that land. John Forres O’Donnal spoke to the vast throng. He it was who, in 1946, stood alone as the only member of the Church in that nation. Personally importuning then President George Albert Smith, Brother O’Donnal facilitated the entry of the first missionaries. His wife, Carmen Galvez de O’Donnal, became the first convert and was baptized on November 13, 1948. This day of conference, as throughout the years of their marriage, she sat by her husband’s side.
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Missionaries
👤 General Authorities (Modern)
Baptism
Conversion
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Gratitude
Holy Ghost
Miracles
Missionary Work
My Inspired Mission Call
A Brazilian missionary called to Texas visits an ailing older member, Brother Noel Stevenson, who unexpectedly speaks Portuguese and reveals he served in Brazil in the 1950s. The missionary discovers Stevenson baptized his grandfather, leading to an emotional connection and subsequent email correspondence between Stevenson and the grandfather. After Stevenson passes away, the missionary reflects with gratitude on the inspired nature of his mission call and the blessings to his family.
As a Brazilian, I was surprised when I received my mission call to serve not in Brazil or even in South America but in the Texas Houston South Mission in the United States. My surprise soon turned to deep gratitude.
Four days after I arrived in my first area, the bishop of the local ward invited my companion and me to go with him to the hospital to visit Brother Noel Stevenson, an older member who was ill with leukemia. When I met Brother Stevenson, I was amazed that he started speaking Portuguese. He told me he had served a mission to Brazil in the 1950s. He mentioned several cities where he had served, including Ponta Grossa in the state of Paraná.
“When you were in Ponta Grossa did you know Raul Pimentel?” I asked hesitantly.
With an expression of joy, he replied, “Yes, I knew Raul. I baptized him.”
I told Brother Stevenson that Raul Pimentel was my grandfather, the first member of the Church in our family. We embraced, and tears rolled down our faces.
Then I told him that my grandfather was 84 and still active in the Church. His 8 children were also active, all who are married having married in the temple and 5 having served full-time missions. And his 30 grandchildren were active in the Church as well. As we talked, the Spirit of the Lord filled my heart with joy and gratitude.
My grandfather was baptized in 1958 by two American missionaries. He had heard that the other elder had now passed away, but he had never had any news about Elder Stevenson. When my grandfather learned that I had met the missionary who baptized him, he was overwhelmed with joy.
He and Brother Stevenson began exchanging e-mail messages almost every week. Then the e-mails stopped abruptly. I received a telephone call telling me that Brother Noel Stevenson had passed away.
Although I felt sad, I felt even more grateful that the Lord had allowed me to meet the man who brought the blessings of the gospel to my family. This experience helped me be a better missionary and strengthened my testimony that mission calls are inspired.
Four days after I arrived in my first area, the bishop of the local ward invited my companion and me to go with him to the hospital to visit Brother Noel Stevenson, an older member who was ill with leukemia. When I met Brother Stevenson, I was amazed that he started speaking Portuguese. He told me he had served a mission to Brazil in the 1950s. He mentioned several cities where he had served, including Ponta Grossa in the state of Paraná.
“When you were in Ponta Grossa did you know Raul Pimentel?” I asked hesitantly.
With an expression of joy, he replied, “Yes, I knew Raul. I baptized him.”
I told Brother Stevenson that Raul Pimentel was my grandfather, the first member of the Church in our family. We embraced, and tears rolled down our faces.
Then I told him that my grandfather was 84 and still active in the Church. His 8 children were also active, all who are married having married in the temple and 5 having served full-time missions. And his 30 grandchildren were active in the Church as well. As we talked, the Spirit of the Lord filled my heart with joy and gratitude.
My grandfather was baptized in 1958 by two American missionaries. He had heard that the other elder had now passed away, but he had never had any news about Elder Stevenson. When my grandfather learned that I had met the missionary who baptized him, he was overwhelmed with joy.
He and Brother Stevenson began exchanging e-mail messages almost every week. Then the e-mails stopped abruptly. I received a telephone call telling me that Brother Noel Stevenson had passed away.
Although I felt sad, I felt even more grateful that the Lord had allowed me to meet the man who brought the blessings of the gospel to my family. This experience helped me be a better missionary and strengthened my testimony that mission calls are inspired.
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Baptism
Bishop
Conversion
Death
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Family
Family History
Gratitude
Grief
Holy Ghost
Ministering
Missionary Work
Revelation
Testimony
Cleaning Companions
A girl and her friend went to the school bathroom to wash off paste after an art project and found the sink area very messy. They chose to clean it up before washing their hands. Afterward, she felt a warm, good feeling, which she recognized as the Holy Ghost following her recent baptism. She is striving to be more Christlike each day.
A little while back, my friend and I were going to the girls’ washroom at school to wash our hands. We had just been doing an art project and had paste on our fingers. But when we got to the bathroom the sink was a complete disaster! There was soapy water everywhere. My friend and I quickly decided that we should clean it up before washing our hands. When we finished I felt good inside. I have just been baptized and I knew it was the Holy Ghost giving me that warm feeling. I am trying to act more Christlike every day.
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👤 Children
👤 Friends
Baptism
Children
Holy Ghost
Kindness
Service
Where in History Is Josh Taylor?
Josh’s parents observed maturity from his work at the family history center. With a rule to complete homework before going, his spelling and academics improved, and he was honored by his school and showed better social skills.
His parents say they have seen signs of maturity because of their son’s work.
“It’s made him a better student,” Sister Taylor says. And it’s dramatically helped his spelling. Before he’s allowed to go off to the center, he’s told his schoolwork must be done. “So it gets done pretty quickly,” Josh’s mom adds.
Josh was recently honored by his school as Student of the Month in English, a subject in which he had struggled previously. His father, David Taylor, adds, “We’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in his social skills.”
“It’s made him a better student,” Sister Taylor says. And it’s dramatically helped his spelling. Before he’s allowed to go off to the center, he’s told his schoolwork must be done. “So it gets done pretty quickly,” Josh’s mom adds.
Josh was recently honored by his school as Student of the Month in English, a subject in which he had struggled previously. His father, David Taylor, adds, “We’ve noticed a dramatic improvement in his social skills.”
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👤 Youth
👤 Parents
Children
Education
Family
Parenting
While hiking with his dad and older brother, Joseph became sick and wanted to quit. His dad gave him a blessing, and friendly hikers helped. He made it safely down the mountain and felt his prayer was answered.
Joseph C., 7, Utah, got sick while hiking with his dad and older brother. He wanted to quit, but thanks to a blessing from his dad and help from some friendly hikers, he made it down the mountain safely. He knows that Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.
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👤 Children
👤 Parents
👤 Other
Children
Faith
Health
Kindness
Prayer
Priesthood Blessing
Talking to Dad
A youth struggled to keep the Sabbath day holy when spending Sundays with their nonmember father and initially avoided the issue to spare his feelings. As they grew older, they courageously explained their beliefs to him. The father was understanding and supportive, helping resolve the conflict. The youth concludes that openly sharing beliefs can be less scary than expected and lead to good outcomes.
My dad is not a member of the Church. I love spending time with him, but it was hard to keep the Sabbath day holy when I was with him. I never wanted to hurt his feelings by not going to a movie or shopping with him on Sundays, so for a while I ignored the matter.
When I got a little older, I realized that what I was doing wasn’t right. I finally sat down and told my dad how I felt. Surprisingly, he didn’t mind. He was understanding enough to help me with the problem.
Talking to someone about your beliefs isn’t always easy, but it isn’t as scary as it seems. Let people know how you feel. For me, it worked out in the end.
When I got a little older, I realized that what I was doing wasn’t right. I finally sat down and told my dad how I felt. Surprisingly, he didn’t mind. He was understanding enough to help me with the problem.
Talking to someone about your beliefs isn’t always easy, but it isn’t as scary as it seems. Let people know how you feel. For me, it worked out in the end.
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👤 Parents
👤 Youth
Courage
Family
Honesty
Sabbath Day