During last April’s general conference, President Russell M. Nelson, the prophet of God, invited those members willing to join with him in a day of fasting and prayer for those afflicted with, and health care workers and families affected in one way or another, by this COVID-19 pandemic.1
Confined for several weeks in our home following the lockdown decreed by the South African government, we spent many hours in fervent prayer for people all around the world affected in one way or another by the pandemic. So great was our sense of fulfilment as individuals and as a family to know that we were responding to the prophet’s invitation. Our testimony of the divine calling of President Nelson as a prophet, seer and revelator has seriously increased. Our love and our desire to continue to serve individually and as a family have been strengthened despite the difficulties and conditions we were going through.
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Selfless Service
Following President Russell M. Nelson’s invitation for a worldwide fast and prayer during the COVID-19 pandemic, the author’s family participated while under lockdown. They spent many hours in prayer for those affected. As a result, they felt fulfillment and their testimony of the prophet’s divine calling increased, along with their desire to serve.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Parents
👤 Church Members (General)
Adversity
Apostle
Family
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Health
Prayer
Revelation
Testimony
What I Want My Son to Know before He Leaves on His Mission
The speaker recalls struggling to wake early and bathe in cold water as a missionary. His senior companion, Elder William Grant Bangerter, cheerfully set the alarm and showered first, setting an example he felt compelled to follow. Though he was less cheerful, he followed his companion’s lead.
Second, your mission president is the Lord’s representative. Do not criticize or demean him, privately or publicly. If you will respect his authority, be obedient, humble, teachable, and follow the mission rules, you will be a successful missionary. For instance, one of the hardest rules to follow is to get up in the morning when your mission president directs. Many young men think the best time to sleep is in the morning. I’m grateful to my obedient senior companion, Elder William Grant Bangerter, who would set the alarm clock to get up early. When the alarm went off, it would jangle my nerves. In the winter it was dark, damp, and cold, and we never had any hot water for bathing or showering. He would cheerfully shower in that cold water; I would start to shiver as soon as he got out of the shower. I could not do anything but follow his example, but I have to confess that I was not quite as cheerful because my teeth were chattering.
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👤 Missionaries
Adversity
Humility
Missionary Work
Obedience
Young Men
An Unexpected Interview Question
After returning from a mission, the narrator nervously interviews for a job in Manila, fearing complex questions. The manager notices 'full-time missionary' on the résumé and asks about mission teachings, leading to a long, positive discussion. Instead of continuing the formal interview, the manager offers the job on the spot, crediting the conversation sparked by missionary service.
After my mission I struggled to find work. Eventually I received an interview. I knew the position would be a great opportunity, but I worried that I was not as skilled as some of the other applicants. My turn for the interview came, and I sat nervously in front of the manager. As I glanced at his table, I saw a paper with the questions he was asking applicants. My heart pounded. The questions appeared to use difficult terminology I didn’t know. If those questions were the basis of passing the interview, I would lose the job even before the interview started.
The manager grabbed the paper to ask me some “starting” questions. Suddenly he said, “Maybe I should first look at your CV [résumé].” He found my résumé and started asking about my previous work experience. When he read “full-time missionary,” he asked if I could tell him what I taught on my mission. I hadn’t expected that question at all.
I talked with him about prophets, the plan of salvation, and eternal families. His face brightened and he said, “One of these days I want you to come and meet my family.” Our discussion lasted almost an hour.
He apologized that my interview was taking so long and again grabbed the paper with the interview questions. My nervous feelings returned. He paused and then asked, “Do you have a place to stay here in Manila?” He didn’t wait for my response and said, “Well, you need to look for one. You’ll start tomorrow.”
It’s still a miracle to me that during an important job interview the focus wasn’t on my qualifications but instead on my missionary service. I’ll never forget how my serving a full-time mission helped me in my interview.
The manager grabbed the paper to ask me some “starting” questions. Suddenly he said, “Maybe I should first look at your CV [résumé].” He found my résumé and started asking about my previous work experience. When he read “full-time missionary,” he asked if I could tell him what I taught on my mission. I hadn’t expected that question at all.
I talked with him about prophets, the plan of salvation, and eternal families. His face brightened and he said, “One of these days I want you to come and meet my family.” Our discussion lasted almost an hour.
He apologized that my interview was taking so long and again grabbed the paper with the interview questions. My nervous feelings returned. He paused and then asked, “Do you have a place to stay here in Manila?” He didn’t wait for my response and said, “Well, you need to look for one. You’ll start tomorrow.”
It’s still a miracle to me that during an important job interview the focus wasn’t on my qualifications but instead on my missionary service. I’ll never forget how my serving a full-time mission helped me in my interview.
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Other
Adversity
Employment
Family
Miracles
Missionary Work
Plan of Salvation
The Whole Armor of God
Nearly 50 young women and 20 adults floated the Green River as part of a high adventure activity themed around the armor of God. Safety lessons were tied to Ephesians 6, likening gear to spiritual protections. On the final run, cold temperatures and mist mirrored Lehi’s 'mist of darkness,' reinforcing the need to hold fast to gospel truths. Participants reported both difficulty and strong spiritual impressions.
“Putting on the Whole Armor of God, Raft-Style” was the theme of a high adventure activity in which nearly 50 young women and 20 adults were divided into “raft families” and floated the Green River in southern Utah.
In preparation for the rafting experience, safety lessons were presented as metaphors taken from Ephesians 6:10–18. Life vests represented the “breastplate of righteousness,” sunscreen represented the “shield of faith,” and the oars of the rafts represented the “sword of the Spirit” and reminded the youth of the direction we’re given by the scriptures and counsel from prophets.
During the second and final river run, the temperatures dropped and the river became shrouded in mist, much like the “mist of darkness” spoken of in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 8:23–24). The youth were reminded that protection comes as we hold fast to gospel truths and we are able to safely get to our destination. One Laurel said of that final run, “I have never been so cold and tired in my life, but I have never had so much fun.” One of the bishop’s counselors said, “Not only was this a great activity, but it was also so spiritual, even while we floated the river. This is an experience that the participants will never forget.”
In preparation for the rafting experience, safety lessons were presented as metaphors taken from Ephesians 6:10–18. Life vests represented the “breastplate of righteousness,” sunscreen represented the “shield of faith,” and the oars of the rafts represented the “sword of the Spirit” and reminded the youth of the direction we’re given by the scriptures and counsel from prophets.
During the second and final river run, the temperatures dropped and the river became shrouded in mist, much like the “mist of darkness” spoken of in Lehi’s dream (see 1 Nephi 8:23–24). The youth were reminded that protection comes as we hold fast to gospel truths and we are able to safely get to our destination. One Laurel said of that final run, “I have never been so cold and tired in my life, but I have never had so much fun.” One of the bishop’s counselors said, “Not only was this a great activity, but it was also so spiritual, even while we floated the river. This is an experience that the participants will never forget.”
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👤 Youth
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
Bible
Bishop
Book of Mormon
Endure to the End
Faith
Scriptures
Teaching the Gospel
Young Women
Why are medical doctors so important if the priesthood has the power to cure diseases?
A man with a serious heart condition worsened in the early morning despite medical efforts. A General Authority entered and administered to him, after which his heart function improved and his life was saved. His health has remained excellent since.
Another case pertains to a man who had a serious heart condition. At two o’clock in the morning it appeared as though efforts to control the disease preying upon his body were ineffective. At this time a General Authority came into the room and administered to him; his heart action immediately improved, and his life was saved. His health has continued excellent to the present time.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Other
Health
Miracles
Priesthood
Priesthood Blessing
We Are Not Alone
The speaker attended a meeting where a presenter emphasized how hard it is to live the gospel. She left feeling depressed, concluding instead that it is life that is hard, while the gospel is the good news that helps us cope with life's trials. She contrasts discouraging rhetoric with the privileges and guidance available in the Church.
I was thinking about this recently as I sat through a meeting where the speaker seemed preoccupied with how hard it is to live the gospel. By the end of the meeting, I was depressed. He had made living the gospel seem like a sentence to life on the rock pile. It’s not living the gospel that’s hard. It’s life that’s hard. It’s picking up the pieces when covenants have been compromised or values violated that’s hard. The gospel is the Good News that provides us the tools to cope with the mistakes, the heartaches, the disappointments we can expect to experience here. Membership in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has its privileges. Here are just a few: We are led by those holding the priesthood of God, the most powerful and holy force on earth. We are members of the Relief Society, the only organization for women founded by a prophet of God. And tonight we will be taught by a living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, who is the Lord’s anointed in this day. I testify that he is a prophet in every dimension of that word and that he receives revelation to bless the lives of all who have ears to hear.
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Adversity
Covenant
Priesthood
Relief Society
Revelation
Testimony
Revelation
Wilford Woodruff felt impressed at night to move his carriage and mules away from a large tree. Thirty minutes later, a tornado felled the tree, and the moved animals and family were spared.
Students of Church history will recall Wilford Woodruff’s account of an impression that came to him in the night telling him to move his carriage and mules away from a large tree. He did so, and his family and livestock were saved when the tree crashed to the ground in a tornado that struck 30 minutes later. (See Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford Woodruff, History of His Life and Labors, pp. 331–32.)
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
Faith
Holy Ghost
Miracles
Obedience
Revelation
Smiling Back
Because her mother worked in rest homes on holidays, Cathy was brought along to understand the situation. While there, she would go talk to the residents and was never afraid to befriend them. These experiences helped shape her compassion for the elderly and disabled.
Cathy’s mother worked in rest homes when Cathy was little and sometimes had to work on holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas. “I wanted her to understand why I couldn’t be at home, so I’d bring her to the rest homes with me on those holidays,” said Sister Gurley.
“She’d leave me and go talk to the people. Cathy has never been afraid of a retarded or elderly or handicapped person, maybe because she was brought up around them.”
“She’d leave me and go talk to the people. Cathy has never been afraid of a retarded or elderly or handicapped person, maybe because she was brought up around them.”
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👤 Parents
👤 Youth
👤 Other
Children
Disabilities
Judging Others
Kindness
Parenting
Service
What the Aaronic Priesthood Means to You
The speaker invites listeners to imagine picking up an ordinary stick and carving it into a fine walking stick. He then compares this to looking past a boy’s rough edges to see his potential, as Heavenly Father does. The Aaronic Priesthood is presented as the tool for the needed carving and molding to help boys become righteous men.
To answer that question, let me ask you to think about a piece of wood, a stick you might pick up while walking along in the mountains. Maybe it’s a branch from a Russian olive tree—not anything special or unusual—just a common stick. Or is it? Maybe it’s a baseball bat or a sword? It’s probably too short for a pole vault!
One of life’s greatest wonders is to take something like this old stick, and visualize—to see in your mind’s eye—what it may become. For example, imagine your stick now as carefully carved and molded into a useful and handsome walking stick.
Now, let me ask you to think of a boy you know. Now think of another one—and another—a fourth—a fifth—not anything unusual or special, just a common boy—like one you might find while walking in the mountains.
The man who carved the walking stick looked past the bark, past the gnarled shape, and, looking into the heart of the wood, saw what it could become. So it is with a boy. Heavenly Father looks past the freckles, the tousled hair, and the legs too short to dunk—he sees what a boy may become.
But there is carving and molding to be done. And so the Aaronic Priesthood has been restored, the priesthood of God whose purpose is to begin the carving and molding to prepare a boy to become a special kind of man. When we look at you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, we see missionaries, we see husbands, fathers, we see the Melchizedek Priesthood working to build our Heavenly Father’s kingdom.
One of life’s greatest wonders is to take something like this old stick, and visualize—to see in your mind’s eye—what it may become. For example, imagine your stick now as carefully carved and molded into a useful and handsome walking stick.
Now, let me ask you to think of a boy you know. Now think of another one—and another—a fourth—a fifth—not anything unusual or special, just a common boy—like one you might find while walking in the mountains.
The man who carved the walking stick looked past the bark, past the gnarled shape, and, looking into the heart of the wood, saw what it could become. So it is with a boy. Heavenly Father looks past the freckles, the tousled hair, and the legs too short to dunk—he sees what a boy may become.
But there is carving and molding to be done. And so the Aaronic Priesthood has been restored, the priesthood of God whose purpose is to begin the carving and molding to prepare a boy to become a special kind of man. When we look at you young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, we see missionaries, we see husbands, fathers, we see the Melchizedek Priesthood working to build our Heavenly Father’s kingdom.
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👤 Youth
👤 Other
Family
Missionary Work
Priesthood
The Restoration
Young Men
Comment
After reading an article about prayer in the Liahona, a woman realized her prayers centered too much on her problems. She changed her focus to seek God’s will. As she acknowledged her need for God’s wisdom, she felt peace and comfort in facing her difficulties.
In the article “The Journey to Healing” in the April 1998 Liahona (English), I read a section entitled “Prayer—‘Nothing to Lose.’” Those words penetrated my heart. I realized that my problems had become the central theme of my prayers. I have since changed my focus and have made seeking God’s will the center of my prayers. I have felt peace and comfort as I have acknowledged my need for God’s wisdom in tackling my difficulties.
Sister Josephine Valles,Philippines Naga Mission
Sister Josephine Valles,Philippines Naga Mission
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👤 Church Members (General)
Adversity
Faith
Humility
Peace
Prayer
From Friends to Sisters to Companions
Valeria lives her standards openly, which impresses her friend Paula and Paula’s uncle, Moises. Moises begins meeting with the missionaries and decides to be baptized. Paula hesitates to attend but goes with her family and feels the Spirit strongly during the baptism, awakening a desire to commit to God.
Valeria Pontelli of Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina, didn’t set out to convert her friend. She simply lived her standards with conviction. Because she is a member of the Church, there were certain things she did and certain things she didn’t do, and all her friends knew it. One of those friends was Paula Alvarez, who always watched Valeria closely and was impressed with how faithfully and consistently she lived her beliefs.
Paula had a wonderful family, but they didn’t have the gospel—at least not until Valeria came on the scene. Paula remembers, “Valeria was not ashamed of the testimony she had. She knew who she was. She knew she was a daughter of a royal and eternal King, a daughter of God.”
That knowledge and confidence impressed Paula’s uncle, Moises. He began investigating the Church and meeting with the missionaries. The day he announced he was getting baptized, Paula was a little shocked. She hadn’t expected her uncle to be willing to make such big changes in his life.
The whole family was invited to the baptism, but Paula was hesitant to attend. She didn’t know what to expect. Finally, her family convinced her to accompany them to her uncle’s baptism. Paula remembers, “As we witnessed my uncle entering the waters of baptism, the Spirit touched my heart. The impact was deep, even undeniable. In that moment I also wanted to commit myself to God and do whatever He might ask of me.”
Paula had a wonderful family, but they didn’t have the gospel—at least not until Valeria came on the scene. Paula remembers, “Valeria was not ashamed of the testimony she had. She knew who she was. She knew she was a daughter of a royal and eternal King, a daughter of God.”
That knowledge and confidence impressed Paula’s uncle, Moises. He began investigating the Church and meeting with the missionaries. The day he announced he was getting baptized, Paula was a little shocked. She hadn’t expected her uncle to be willing to make such big changes in his life.
The whole family was invited to the baptism, but Paula was hesitant to attend. She didn’t know what to expect. Finally, her family convinced her to accompany them to her uncle’s baptism. Paula remembers, “As we witnessed my uncle entering the waters of baptism, the Spirit touched my heart. The impact was deep, even undeniable. In that moment I also wanted to commit myself to God and do whatever He might ask of me.”
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👤 Friends
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Missionaries
👤 Other
Baptism
Conversion
Family
Friendship
Holy Ghost
Missionary Work
Testimony
What Happens When You Read Church Magazines
Parents of a child with cerebral palsy carefully considered his accountability as he approached baptism and planned how to perform the ordinance. An inspired bishop interviewed the boy and confirmed his faith and accountability, and the baptism proceeded as planned. The service was unexpectedly crowded with people who were all friends of the child. Years later, reading Church magazine articles about disabilities brought these 1992 events to mind and highlighted how such resources could have helped their family.
Our third child, Charlie Ben, was born with one of the varieties of cerebral palsy. He was never able to sit up or stand; while he said words from time to time, sustained speech was beyond him. As his age of baptism approached, we carefully considered whether he was accountable.
We knew from many behavioral clues that he did understand how to be kind, how to give and receive love, and how to make his wishes known. We also worked out how to baptize him—my wife’s brother would hold him in the font as I said the baptismal prayer, and then together we would put him under the water.
We were blessed with an inspired bishop who interviewed Charlie Ben and emerged with a firm belief in his faith and accountability. The baptism went forward as planned.
We were surprised when the baptismal service was packed with people, many of whom we didn’t know all that well. But Charlie Ben knew them all; they were his friends.
When I read the June 2020 issue of the Ensign, with several excellent articles about dealing with disabilities, those events of 1992 came to mind, especially as I read an essay titled, “Is My Child with a Disability Ready to Be Baptized?”
My wife and I realized it would have been a great help and comfort to us during Charlie Ben’s lifetime to have the advice and encouragement provided by these Church magazine articles, and that they could be a resource for the many Church members who face similar quandaries.
We knew from many behavioral clues that he did understand how to be kind, how to give and receive love, and how to make his wishes known. We also worked out how to baptize him—my wife’s brother would hold him in the font as I said the baptismal prayer, and then together we would put him under the water.
We were blessed with an inspired bishop who interviewed Charlie Ben and emerged with a firm belief in his faith and accountability. The baptism went forward as planned.
We were surprised when the baptismal service was packed with people, many of whom we didn’t know all that well. But Charlie Ben knew them all; they were his friends.
When I read the June 2020 issue of the Ensign, with several excellent articles about dealing with disabilities, those events of 1992 came to mind, especially as I read an essay titled, “Is My Child with a Disability Ready to Be Baptized?”
My wife and I realized it would have been a great help and comfort to us during Charlie Ben’s lifetime to have the advice and encouragement provided by these Church magazine articles, and that they could be a resource for the many Church members who face similar quandaries.
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👤 Parents
👤 Children
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Other
Adversity
Agency and Accountability
Baptism
Bishop
Children
Disabilities
Faith
Family
Friendship
Kindness
Love
A 15-year-old learning English struggles to understand scriptures not in her native language. She prays and feels that Heavenly Father answers and helps her understand what she reads. She testifies that with God, things become more peaceful and comfortable.
I am learning to speak English, and since the scriptures are not in my native language, I often do not understand the scriptures. I have a hard time with it, but I pray and my Heavenly Father answers me and helps me to understand what I am reading. Bring yourself closer to Heavenly Father by praying and fasting. Call on Him in the name of Jesus Christ and ask for help. Without Him, nothing will work out, but with Him, everything will be OK, more peaceful, and more comfortable.
Feven J., 15, Colorado, USA
Feven J., 15, Colorado, USA
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👤 Youth
👤 Other
Education
Faith
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Prayer
Revelation
Scriptures
Testimony
Young Women
“Them That Honour Me I Will Honour”
A missionary in the British Isles believed his mission was a failure because he baptized only one boy. Years later in Montana, a visitor introduced himself as Charles A. Callis of the Quorum of the Twelve and revealed he was that boy. Elder Callis went on to bless thousands through his service, illustrating the profound impact of a single conversion.
Many years ago an elder who served a mission in the British Isles said at the end of his labors, “I think my mission has been a failure. I have labored all my days as a missionary here and I have only baptized one dirty little Irish kid. That is all I baptized.”
Years later, after his return to his home in Montana, he had a visitor come to his home who asked, “Are you the elder who served a mission in the British Isles in 1873?”
“Yes.”
Then the man went on, “And do you remember having said that you thought your mission was a failure because you had only baptized one dirty little Irish kid?”
He said, “Yes.”
The visitor put out his hand and said, “I would like to shake hands with you. My name is Charles A. Callis, of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am that dirty little Irish kid that you baptized on your mission.”
That little Irish boy came to a knowledge of his potential as a son of God. Elder Callis left a lasting legacy for his large family. Serving as a mission president for 25 years and in his apostolic ministry for 13 years, he blessed the lives of literally thousands. I feel privileged to have known this great Apostle of the Lord when I was a young man.
Years later, after his return to his home in Montana, he had a visitor come to his home who asked, “Are you the elder who served a mission in the British Isles in 1873?”
“Yes.”
Then the man went on, “And do you remember having said that you thought your mission was a failure because you had only baptized one dirty little Irish kid?”
He said, “Yes.”
The visitor put out his hand and said, “I would like to shake hands with you. My name is Charles A. Callis, of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am that dirty little Irish kid that you baptized on your mission.”
That little Irish boy came to a knowledge of his potential as a son of God. Elder Callis left a lasting legacy for his large family. Serving as a mission president for 25 years and in his apostolic ministry for 13 years, he blessed the lives of literally thousands. I feel privileged to have known this great Apostle of the Lord when I was a young man.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Missionaries
Apostle
Baptism
Conversion
Family
Judging Others
Missionary Work
Racial and Cultural Prejudice
Service
Emmeline Was a Voice for Women
Emmeline’s infant son died, and her husband left for work and never returned. She supported herself by teaching the Whitney children, learned gospel principles from the Whitneys, was sealed to Newel K. Whitney, and joined their family on the trek west.
Emmeline gave birth to a son, Eugene, on September 1, 1844. But after six weeks, he died of fever. Her husband James went down the river to the city of St. Louis, Missouri, for work. There he began working as a merchant seaman and sailed for the East Indies. She never heard from him again.
To earn money, Emmeline started teaching again. She instructed the younger children of Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney. Sister Whitney, who had been a counselor to Emma Smith in the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, taught her much about the gospel. Newel explained the promises of the priesthood and of temple ordinances. Emmeline was sealed to Newel as a plural wife. She joined the large Whitney family for the trek west with the Saints.
To earn money, Emmeline started teaching again. She instructed the younger children of Newel K. and Elizabeth Ann Whitney. Sister Whitney, who had been a counselor to Emma Smith in the Female Relief Society of Nauvoo, taught her much about the gospel. Newel explained the promises of the priesthood and of temple ordinances. Emmeline was sealed to Newel as a plural wife. She joined the large Whitney family for the trek west with the Saints.
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👤 Church Members (General)
👤 Pioneers
👤 Parents
Adversity
Death
Education
Employment
Family
Marriage
Priesthood
Relief Society
Sealing
Teaching the Gospel
Temples
Women in the Church
The Blessings of the Savior’s Mercy and Grace in My Life
Asked by his mission president to prepare a four-minute talk, the missionary felt confused and sought help in prayer. Guided by the Spirit, he studied the scriptures and noticed the phrase 'IN MY LIFE,' which reframed his approach. He then considered three questions about past, present, and future blessings of Christ’s mercy and grace.
A few weeks ago, my mission president asked all the missionaries to prepare a four-minute talk on the blessings of the Savior’s mercy and grace in their life. It took a while for me just to understand what the topic really meant. I was little confused, and I needed help. Knowing exactly what to do when I need help, I knelt down, prayed, and asked our Father in Heaven to help me to understand this topic and prepare the talk for the zone conference.
The Spirit of the Lord began to guide me. With the help of the Spirit, I searched the scriptures diligently to learn more about what the mercy and grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ does for me and all those who have faith in him. After studying several scriptures, I paused and read the topic again. The last three words of the topic struck out to me: IN MY LIFE.
When I started to think about the blessings of mercy and grace because of the Atonement in my life, the following three questions came to my mind. First, what are the blessings you have received in the past? Second, what are the blessings which you are receiving now? Third, what are the blessings which you’re going to receive in the future because of his mercy and grace?
The Spirit of the Lord began to guide me. With the help of the Spirit, I searched the scriptures diligently to learn more about what the mercy and grace of the Atonement of Jesus Christ does for me and all those who have faith in him. After studying several scriptures, I paused and read the topic again. The last three words of the topic struck out to me: IN MY LIFE.
When I started to think about the blessings of mercy and grace because of the Atonement in my life, the following three questions came to my mind. First, what are the blessings you have received in the past? Second, what are the blessings which you are receiving now? Third, what are the blessings which you’re going to receive in the future because of his mercy and grace?
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👤 Missionaries
👤 Church Leaders (Local)
👤 Other
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Faith
Grace
Holy Ghost
Mercy
Missionary Work
Prayer
Scriptures
Supporting Each Other
Because of his surgeries and health problems, Steve missed many of Aryn's activities but tried to attend as many marching band games as he could and enjoyed watching her. The family also worked around his limitations by recording events he could not attend.
Her mother, Sonja, says, “Her father had to miss a lot of Aryn’s activities while she was growing up because of his surgeries and health problems. She played the flute in her high school’s marching band, so he tried his best to go to as many games as he could and enjoyed watching Aryn march in the band.”
Aryn understands that there are some things her father can’t do. “We find ways to work around the disability, such as video recording programs and events that he can’t go to.”
Aryn understands that there are some things her father can’t do. “We find ways to work around the disability, such as video recording programs and events that he can’t go to.”
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👤 Parents
👤 Youth
Adversity
Disabilities
Family
Health
Parenting
You Sing—You Love
During a concert, conductor Dr. Woodward weakened and was eventually taken to the hospital, leaving the choir without its leader just before entering Jerusalem. The assistant conductor stepped in as the choir prayed during intermission and finished the concert. They resolved to continue their mission with humility.
The Lord directs our lives so that we can achieve our fullest potential. In the midst of these great experiences and spiritual growth, we received a very good lesson in humility.
That night we had another concert, and Dr. Woodward looked a little tired. As we began the first number, perspiration began to bead on his brow, then roll down the sides of his face. He kept directing but his hands soon started to waver and the lines in his face grew taut. The entire choir was straining, ready at any moment to leap forward and catch him if he fell.
Finally, Sister Woodward got him to sit down and drink some water and Gordon Johnston, our assistant conductor, directed the next number. Then Dr. Woodward got up again and directed two more numbers before intermission when they carried him out. (Dr. Woodward later joked, “It was a funny feeling. I couldn’t really hear, but all I could think of was, the show must go on!”)
Many prayers were offered during that intermission, and then we returned to finish the concert. After the reception, as we were going to our rooms, we saw an ambulance take Dr. Woodward to the hospital, where he would remain for the next two days. Here, at the end of our tour, as we were on the eve of entering Jerusalem, our conductor and spiritual guide was gone from us. The challenge was now to go forward and apply all the principles we had been taught, to continue our mission to sing to the Jewish people and help them feel the spirit of the gospel.
That night we had another concert, and Dr. Woodward looked a little tired. As we began the first number, perspiration began to bead on his brow, then roll down the sides of his face. He kept directing but his hands soon started to waver and the lines in his face grew taut. The entire choir was straining, ready at any moment to leap forward and catch him if he fell.
Finally, Sister Woodward got him to sit down and drink some water and Gordon Johnston, our assistant conductor, directed the next number. Then Dr. Woodward got up again and directed two more numbers before intermission when they carried him out. (Dr. Woodward later joked, “It was a funny feeling. I couldn’t really hear, but all I could think of was, the show must go on!”)
Many prayers were offered during that intermission, and then we returned to finish the concert. After the reception, as we were going to our rooms, we saw an ambulance take Dr. Woodward to the hospital, where he would remain for the next two days. Here, at the end of our tour, as we were on the eve of entering Jerusalem, our conductor and spiritual guide was gone from us. The challenge was now to go forward and apply all the principles we had been taught, to continue our mission to sing to the Jewish people and help them feel the spirit of the gospel.
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👤 Young Adults
👤 Other
Adversity
Faith
Health
Humility
Missionary Work
Music
Prayer
Precious Children, a Gift from God
At a Church magazine awards banquet, the speaker and family sat with President and Sister Harold B. Lee. President Lee counseled their teenage daughter Ann to keep her inner self as beautiful as her outward appearance. The counsel became an inspired guide for her life.
Many years ago, at a Church magazine awards banquet, we sat with President and Sister Harold B. Lee. President Lee said to our teenage daughter, Ann: “The Lord has blessed you with a beautiful face and body. Keep the inside just as beautiful as the outside, and you will be blessed with true happiness.” This master teacher left with Ann an inspired guide to the celestial kingdom of our Heavenly Father.
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👤 General Authorities (Modern)
👤 Youth
👤 Parents
Apostle
Happiness
Plan of Salvation
Virtue
Young Women
The Spirit of Elijah
An author named Kepa De Derteano y Basterra explained that his dying granduncle, a Catholic abbot, asked him to gather the family's genealogical records. Though skeptical, he promised and spent years researching, often tempted to quit until a dream of his uncle reminded him of the vow. For thirty years he gathered records worldwide without knowing the reason, hoping someday it would make sense.
He said that a granduncle of his, who was an abbot in the Catholic Church, had asked on his deathbed that Derteano gather the family’s genealogical records. Derteano promised to do so, although he thought that the request was only the irrational talk of a dying man. But he had made a promise, and so, after some time had passed, he began to research the Derteano records. He had to spend considerable time, effort, and money to gather the information. Many times he felt like abandoning the project. On one occasion, when he decided to stop the work, he dreamed his uncle came to him and reminded him of the promise.
He carried on the research for thirty years, locating Derteanos in many parts of the world. Apart from fulfilling a promise to a dying man, Derteano never knew why he was gathering the information. He said he was working blindly, hoping that some day he would understand the reason for it all.
He carried on the research for thirty years, locating Derteanos in many parts of the world. Apart from fulfilling a promise to a dying man, Derteano never knew why he was gathering the information. He said he was working blindly, hoping that some day he would understand the reason for it all.
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👤 Other
Death
Endure to the End
Family
Family History
Obedience