Fifteen-year-old Renata Araujoβs footsteps echoed forlornly as she walked down the cold tile floor. Renata knew that when she reached the end of the hallway and entered her Young Women class, she would be the only one there. The formation of her new ward had made her the only active girl in the Young Women program. βI felt very lonely,β she remembers.
Renata isnβt lonely anymore. The once quiet and almost empty classroom now reverberates with the enthusiastic voices of 10 active young women of the Botafogo Ward, Rio de Janeiro Brazil Andarai Stake. This change took place over only one year. The story of these young women illustrates what can happen when Church members follow President Gordon B. Hinckleyβs counsel (included throughout this article) to reach outβespecially to new converts, less-active members, and nonmembers.
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Reaching Out in Rio
Fifteen-year-old Renata Araujo was the only active girl in her Young Women class and felt very lonely. Within a year, her once-empty classroom was filled with 10 active young women. The change came as ward members reached out to new converts, less-active members, and nonmembers.
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π€ Youth
π€ Church Members (General)
Conversion
Ministering
Missionary Work
Young Women
True and Faithful
In 1910, Joseph Fielding Smith entered the Salt Lake Tabernacle and joked with an usher that neither of them would be the new apostle. During the sustaining of the Twelve, he felt an impression his name would be calledβand it was. Returning home, he told his wife they must sell the cow because he would not have time to care for it, revealing his humility and humor as he began decades of apostolic service.
When 33-year-old Joseph Fielding Smith entered the Salt Lake Tabernacle on April 6, 1910, to attend general conference, an usher said to him, βWell Joseph, who is the new apostle to be?β
βI donβt know,β replied Joseph. βBut it wonβt be you and it wonβt be me!β1
As the names of the Twelve Apostles were being read for a sustaining vote, Joseph suddenly received an impression that his name might be the next one mentioned. It was, and he was then sustained as the 12th man in that esteemed quorum.
Josephβs humility and sense of humor were demonstrated when he returned home from the conference to inform his family of his new calling. He greeted his wife with a puzzling statement: βI guess weβll have to sell the cow,β he said. Undoubtedly, she was surprised as she waited for further explanation. His simple response was, βI havenβt time to take care of it any more!β2 Thus commenced an apostolic ministry that lasted over six decades.
βI donβt know,β replied Joseph. βBut it wonβt be you and it wonβt be me!β1
As the names of the Twelve Apostles were being read for a sustaining vote, Joseph suddenly received an impression that his name might be the next one mentioned. It was, and he was then sustained as the 12th man in that esteemed quorum.
Josephβs humility and sense of humor were demonstrated when he returned home from the conference to inform his family of his new calling. He greeted his wife with a puzzling statement: βI guess weβll have to sell the cow,β he said. Undoubtedly, she was surprised as she waited for further explanation. His simple response was, βI havenβt time to take care of it any more!β2 Thus commenced an apostolic ministry that lasted over six decades.
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Church Members (General)
Apostle
Holy Ghost
Humility
Revelation
βCharity Never Failethβ
Gary, a single man feeling out of place and without a car, receives steady support from his home teacher, Mike. Mike gives him rides, includes him on assignments, and spends time talking and serving together. Their relationship deepens into an enduring friendship that continues even after Mike moves.
Gary*βa young, single manβwas feeling out of place in his ward, which consisted mostly of families. He was unemployed and without a car when Mike* became his home teacher. βLooking back, I donβt remember Mike ever giving me a formal lesson,β Gary says. βInstead, he would pick me up each Sunday, and since Mike was on the high council, he would take me along on his speaking assignments. With six children, Mike didnβt have much time, but he always had time for me. Often our visits in the car would extend long after each meeting as we exchanged the highs and the lows of the past week.
βWhen I did get a car, Mike still gave me rides because we enjoyed our long talks,β continues Gary. βOne weekend he took me with his family to a college football game. Another weekend we worked together putting in his mailbox. Although Mike has since moved, we still keep in touch. We are truly eternal friends.β
βWhen I did get a car, Mike still gave me rides because we enjoyed our long talks,β continues Gary. βOne weekend he took me with his family to a college football game. Another weekend we worked together putting in his mailbox. Although Mike has since moved, we still keep in touch. We are truly eternal friends.β
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Friends
Adversity
Friendship
Kindness
Ministering
Service
Brigham Young:
After Joseph Smith's death, Brigham Young prioritized completing the Nauvoo Temple and receiving the endowment before moving west. Enemies threatened violence, prompting Brigham to ask the Lord if they should proceed; the answer was yes. He pressed forward, began endowments as planned, refused to deploy the militia when violence erupted, and instead led the Saints in intensive prayer.
Following Joseph Smithβs death, Brigham Young was absolutely clear about priorities: first, the Saints must finish the Nauvoo Temple and receive the endowment there. Then they must seek a new home, the prophesied place of refuge in the West. For President Young, these goals required resolute attention. Indeed, so contagious was his enthusiasm that the pace of construction on the Nauvoo Temple increased dramatically under the leadership of the Twelve.
Ironically, such rapid progress inflamed enemies who, fearing that it might be impossible to drive the Mormons from Nauvoo after they finished their temple, vowed to drive them out first. 7 Faced with the probability of violence, in January 1845 Brigham Young momentarily hesitated; should they finish the temple even if it meant bloodshed? His diary records the answer: βI inquired of the Lord whether we should stay here and finish the temple. The answer was we should.β 8
Confirmed in his course, President Young pressed forward with iron resolve. In May, the capstone was laid and the Twelve announced that endowments would begin in December, a timetable they kept. Brigham talked tough throughout this period, partly to intimidate enemies and prevent bloodshed. βWe would rather suffer wrong than do wrong,β was his motto, 9 and his faith that the Lord had dictated the direction and would oversee the outcome allowed him to act boldly.
Despite commanding the largest military force in Illinois, President Young declined to unleash the Nauvoo militia when violence finally broke out in September 1845. Instead, he and his fellow Apostles turned to intensive, special prayer, launching what historian B. H. Roberts called βpar excellence the period of prayer in the church.β 10
Ironically, such rapid progress inflamed enemies who, fearing that it might be impossible to drive the Mormons from Nauvoo after they finished their temple, vowed to drive them out first. 7 Faced with the probability of violence, in January 1845 Brigham Young momentarily hesitated; should they finish the temple even if it meant bloodshed? His diary records the answer: βI inquired of the Lord whether we should stay here and finish the temple. The answer was we should.β 8
Confirmed in his course, President Young pressed forward with iron resolve. In May, the capstone was laid and the Twelve announced that endowments would begin in December, a timetable they kept. Brigham talked tough throughout this period, partly to intimidate enemies and prevent bloodshed. βWe would rather suffer wrong than do wrong,β was his motto, 9 and his faith that the Lord had dictated the direction and would oversee the outcome allowed him to act boldly.
Despite commanding the largest military force in Illinois, President Young declined to unleash the Nauvoo militia when violence finally broke out in September 1845. Instead, he and his fellow Apostles turned to intensive, special prayer, launching what historian B. H. Roberts called βpar excellence the period of prayer in the church.β 10
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Early Saints
π€ Other
Adversity
Apostle
Faith
Joseph Smith
Ordinances
Prayer
Revelation
Temples
Did You Know?
Edward Partridge, baptized by Joseph Smith in 1830, became the first bishop of the restored Church shortly thereafter. He and his family faced severe persecution, including being dragged from his home and tarred and feathered. After a serious illness, he died in Nauvoo at age 46, and the Lord commended his purity and integrity.
Edward Partridge was the first bishop of the restored Church. Since 1850 he has also been regarded as the Churchβs first Presiding Bishop. Born in 1793, he became dissatisfied with the religions of his day while in his 20s. After investigating the Church, he was baptized in 1830 by the Prophet Joseph Smith. The Prophet said of Bishop Partridge, βHe was a pattern of piety, and one of the Lordβs great men, known by his steadfastness, and patient endurance to the endβ (βHistory of Joseph Smith,β Times and Seasons, 15 September 1843, 320).
Edward became bishop less than two months after his baptism (see D&C 41:9), and he certainly needed the βpatient enduranceβ mentioned by the Prophet Joseph. He and his family were harshly persecuted. On one occasion he was dragged from his home and tarred and feathered by a mob.
After a serious illness, Bishop Partridge died in Nauvoo in May 1840. He was only 46 years old. Of Edward Partridge, the Lord said, βHis heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guileβ (D&C 41:11). In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn that the Lord received Bishop Edward Partridge unto Himself (see D&C 124:19).
Edward became bishop less than two months after his baptism (see D&C 41:9), and he certainly needed the βpatient enduranceβ mentioned by the Prophet Joseph. He and his family were harshly persecuted. On one occasion he was dragged from his home and tarred and feathered by a mob.
After a serious illness, Bishop Partridge died in Nauvoo in May 1840. He was only 46 years old. Of Edward Partridge, the Lord said, βHis heart is pure before me, for he is like unto Nathanael of old, in whom there is no guileβ (D&C 41:11). In the Doctrine and Covenants we learn that the Lord received Bishop Edward Partridge unto Himself (see D&C 124:19).
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π€ Joseph Smith
π€ Early Saints
π€ Church Leaders (Local)
Adversity
Baptism
Bishop
Conversion
Death
Endure to the End
Joseph Smith
Patience
Priesthood
Scriptures
The Restoration
A Mighty Change of Heart
A family is guided to place a raw egg in vinegar and let it sit for 24 hours. They reconvene, pour off the vinegar, and observe the shell has dissolved, leaving a soft, smooth egg. Passing the egg around, they connect the softened egg to how the Lord can soften hearts over time as we listen and obey.
With this home evening object lesson, you can teach your family why Heavenly Father wants our hearts to change, and youβll teach the principle by dissolving an eggshell in vinegar.
Materials:
A jar with a lid
One raw egg
Vinegar
Paper and pencils
The egg, just like our hearts, will need time to change. You might ask your family what changes they think will occur when the egg is left in the vinegar. Place the egg in the jar. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the egg, loosely place the lid on the jar, and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Even though the egg needs to soak for a while, you can check on it and watch the shell disappear.
After waiting 24 hours, gather your family back together to check out the changes with the egg. Remove the lid and slowly pour out the vinegar making sure to not drop the egg. Set the jar aside and read Mosiah 5:1β2 together.
Now rinse the egg under water and remove any of the left-over shell. Notice how smooth and soft the egg has become! Pass it around and let each family member feel the change.
Materials:
A jar with a lid
One raw egg
Vinegar
Paper and pencils
The egg, just like our hearts, will need time to change. You might ask your family what changes they think will occur when the egg is left in the vinegar. Place the egg in the jar. Pour in enough vinegar to cover the egg, loosely place the lid on the jar, and let it sit for at least 24 hours. Even though the egg needs to soak for a while, you can check on it and watch the shell disappear.
After waiting 24 hours, gather your family back together to check out the changes with the egg. Remove the lid and slowly pour out the vinegar making sure to not drop the egg. Set the jar aside and read Mosiah 5:1β2 together.
Now rinse the egg under water and remove any of the left-over shell. Notice how smooth and soft the egg has become! Pass it around and let each family member feel the change.
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π€ Parents
π€ Children
Book of Mormon
Children
Conversion
Family
Family Home Evening
Repentance
Scriptures
Teaching the Gospel
Honouring the Past: George Hubert Robinson
Though his family expected all children to take scholarship exams and continue education, George wanted a different route. The family believed he deliberately failed so he could attend Technical School, where he loved Stevensonβs novels and narrated them to his siblings at bedtime.
The Robinson children were all expected to take the scholarship examination and continue their education, but that wasnβt the route George wanted to take. In fact, the family contended that George deliberately failed the exams so that he could attend the Technical School where he wanted to go. While there, his favourite reading included novels by Robert Louis Stevenson such as Kidnapped and Black Beauty, which he would then narrate to his siblings at night before bedtime.
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π€ Youth
π€ Children
π€ Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability
Children
Education
Family
Song for a Prophet
Historically, Lettice Rushton, a blind British convert and recent widow, joined family and neighbors to sing under Joseph Smithβs window at 1 a.m. on December 25, 1843. Joseph recorded that their music thrilled his soul. He thanked Heavenly Father for their visit and blessed them. This event reflects the faith and devotion of early British Saints who gathered in Nauvoo.
Although Olivia is a fictional character, Lettice Rushton was a real person. Mother of ten children, and blind from cataracts five years before she was baptized, she was one of thousands of British converts who listened eagerly to the missionaries and immigrated with their families to join the Saints in Nauvoo from 1840β1843.
The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded that on December 25, 1843, Lettice Rushton, a recent widow, along with her family and neighbors, appeared under his window at one oβclock on Christmas morning and began singing, βwhich caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul.β The music so moved him that he thanked Heavenly Father for their visit and blessed them in the name of the Lord.
(See History of the Church, volume VI, page 134.)
The Prophet Joseph Smith recorded that on December 25, 1843, Lettice Rushton, a recent widow, along with her family and neighbors, appeared under his window at one oβclock on Christmas morning and began singing, βwhich caused a thrill of pleasure to run through my soul.β The music so moved him that he thanked Heavenly Father for their visit and blessed them in the name of the Lord.
(See History of the Church, volume VI, page 134.)
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π€ Joseph Smith
π€ Early Saints
π€ Church Members (General)
Baptism
Christmas
Conversion
Disabilities
Family
Gratitude
Joseph Smith
Missionary Work
Music
Priesthood Blessing
With Open Arms
A narrator describes wandering and hearing a call home, symbolized by a welcoming light left on. Jesus Christ takes them by the hand and gently leads them back to Heavenly Father, who waits with open arms. The narrator admits they often forget this loving guidance and care.
Sometimes it begins with the shout of my name.
As I wander, calling me homeβ¦
Then itβs the light left on, welcoming me home.
Someone who cares that I am loved and safe. Even
When I do not feel it. Jesus Christ is the elder brother
That takes you by the hand and leads you back to
Heavenly Father, gently telling you not to go astray.
And Heavenly Father waits with open arms. But so
often, I forgetβ¦.
As I wander, calling me homeβ¦
Then itβs the light left on, welcoming me home.
Someone who cares that I am loved and safe. Even
When I do not feel it. Jesus Christ is the elder brother
That takes you by the hand and leads you back to
Heavenly Father, gently telling you not to go astray.
And Heavenly Father waits with open arms. But so
often, I forgetβ¦.
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π€ Jesus Christ
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Forgiveness
Jesus Christ
Love
Repentance
Spreading the Gospel
Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young were called to serve in England with very little money. Miraculously, each time Brigham Young opened his trunk, there was enough money for their travel needs. This provision enabled them to continue their journey and fulfill their mission call.
After the gospel was restored, 12 Apostles were called to be special witnesses of Jesus Christ to the world. Two Apostles, Heber C. Kimball and Brigham Young, were called to England. They had very little money, but every time Elder Young opened his trunk, he always found enough for their journey. After they got to England, a local minister sent a constable to arrest Elder Woodruff for preaching. Elder Woodruff explained that he had a license to preach and invited the constable to stay. The constable ended up getting baptized! The minister sent two clerks to spy on Elder Woodruff. They got baptized too!
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Missionaries
π€ Early Saints
Apostle
Baptism
Conversion
Miracles
Missionary Work
The Restoration
Elders in My English Class
She found an opportunity when her English class lacked a native speaker and suggested inviting the missionaries. After consulting classmates, the missionaries, and her professor, she gathered questions and arranged the visit. Elders Allen and Jones presented to the class, which sparked even more questions afterward.
This opportunity finally presented itself. We did not have a native speaker in our English class one year. I asked my classmates if it was a good idea to invite the missionaries. Then I asked the missionaries if they were allowed to come to schools. And finally I asked my English professor if they could come. I passed out a list on which everyone wrote what she would like the missionaries to talk about. I was amazed to see that the majority wanted to know why they had decided to go on missions, what kind of work they were doing, and how our Church differed from other churches.
Elder Allen and Elder Jones came to class and took most of the class period talking about the Church. It was awesome! After they left, I was bombarded with even more questions.
Elder Allen and Elder Jones came to class and took most of the class period talking about the Church. It was awesome! After they left, I was bombarded with even more questions.
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π€ Missionaries
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Youth
π€ Other
Education
Missionary Work
Teaching the Gospel
Cloud Watching with Grandpa
A child and their grandpa lie on the grass and watch clouds, imagining animals and creatures in the shapes they see. The figures shift from a dog to a tiger or deer, and Grandpa jokes he sees Bigfoot. They both then spot a hawk fluffing its wings in the sky. The child reflects that it is nice to cloud watch together.
Side by side,
While we lay on the grass,
Grandpa and I
Watched the animals pass.
First came a dog
With a lop-sided ear,
Being chased by a tiger,
Or maybe a deer.
They then got all jumbled,
Twisted cloud-shapes galore;
Grandpa said he saw Bigfoot.
I wasnβt quite sure.
We both saw a hawk
Fluff his wings in the sky.
Itβs nice when we cloud watch,
Just Grandpa and I.
While we lay on the grass,
Grandpa and I
Watched the animals pass.
First came a dog
With a lop-sided ear,
Being chased by a tiger,
Or maybe a deer.
They then got all jumbled,
Twisted cloud-shapes galore;
Grandpa said he saw Bigfoot.
I wasnβt quite sure.
We both saw a hawk
Fluff his wings in the sky.
Itβs nice when we cloud watch,
Just Grandpa and I.
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π€ Children
π€ Other
Children
Creation
Family
Happiness
Itβs Your Decision
George takes several cookies and shares with his dog. When his mother sees crumbs by the dog, she scolds the dog for the missing cookies. George must decide whether to admit he took them without asking.
7. Thereβs a plate of cookies sitting on the table and they really look tasty. George takes several and gives a piece of one to his dog. When Mother goes to take the cookies to her friend she notices that some are missing. She also notices crumbs on the floor by the dog. Mother gets angry and scolds the dog. Should George admit that he was the one who took the cookies without asking?
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Agency and Accountability
Children
Honesty
Judging Others
Parenting
In Her Eyes
As kneeling on stone became difficult, Mabel sewed herself a cushion for church. The congregation admired it, and over several winters she hand-stitched cushions for every family, each one unique and beautiful.
βThis is the Jonesβs pew,β he said. βMabelβs daughter Enid and her family still use this bench. A few years ago Mabel decided that her knees were getting too old to kneel on the stone floor, so she made herself a small cushion to kneel on.β He handed Lisa a rectangular pillow that was tucked under the pew. βItβs needlepoint, I believe.β
Lisa touched the delicate work. βItβs lovely,β she said quietly. She felt overwhelmed to be holding something her grandmother had made.
βYes, thatβs exactly what everyone in the congregation thought too. So during the next few winters, Mabel made one or two for every family at church. Each one is a little different, but all most beautiful.β Reverend Lloyd bent down and lifted another pillow from beneath the next bench and handed it to Lisa.
Lisa looked at the two works of art in her hands and wondered that aging hands could create such masterpieces. Reluctantly, she handed them back to the rector. He then guided Lisa towards a small door at the back of the chapel.
Lisa touched the delicate work. βItβs lovely,β she said quietly. She felt overwhelmed to be holding something her grandmother had made.
βYes, thatβs exactly what everyone in the congregation thought too. So during the next few winters, Mabel made one or two for every family at church. Each one is a little different, but all most beautiful.β Reverend Lloyd bent down and lifted another pillow from beneath the next bench and handed it to Lisa.
Lisa looked at the two works of art in her hands and wondered that aging hands could create such masterpieces. Reluctantly, she handed them back to the rector. He then guided Lisa towards a small door at the back of the chapel.
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π€ Other
Family
Kindness
Ministering
Reverence
Service
Call, Donβt Fall
While hospitalized and unable to sleep, the speaker noticed a reflective sign reading 'Call, donβt fall' and saw the same message around the room the next day. Curious, he asked a nurse, who explained it was to prevent further injury. The experience became a reminder to 'call' on God through prayer to avoid spiritual falls.
I remember an occasion when I was hospitalized for an illness, and it was difficult for me to sleep. When I turned off the lights and the room became dark, I saw a reflective sign on the ceiling in front of me that said, βCall, donβt fall.β To my surprise, the next day I observed the same message repeated in several parts of the room.
Why was that message so important? When I asked the nurse about it, she said, βIt is to prevent a blow that might increase the pain you already have.β
Why was that message so important? When I asked the nurse about it, she said, βIt is to prevent a blow that might increase the pain you already have.β
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π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Health
Kindness
Ministering
Service
FYI:For Your Information
Despite a physical disability, Becky aimed to complete a challenging five-mile hike at girlsβ camp. She fell in a marshy area and couldnβt get up, but her friends returned and stayed with her. With their help, she finished the hike.
Becky Roller had cerebral palsy as an infant, and it left one leg twisted. At camp, that was all but forgotten. βItβs one place where everyone treats me as an equal,β she said.
This year Beckyβs goal was to complete the fourth-level certificate. βThe five-mile hike through the mountains was the biggest challenge,β she admits. βIn a marshy spot I fell and couldnβt get up, but my friends came back. They wouldnβt leave me.
With the help of her friends, she made it. It was one more magic moment, and the magic of the moment was love.
This year Beckyβs goal was to complete the fourth-level certificate. βThe five-mile hike through the mountains was the biggest challenge,β she admits. βIn a marshy spot I fell and couldnβt get up, but my friends came back. They wouldnβt leave me.
With the help of her friends, she made it. It was one more magic moment, and the magic of the moment was love.
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π€ Youth
π€ Friends
Adversity
Disabilities
Friendship
Love
Service
No More a Stranger
At age 14, the authorβs father was diagnosed with lymphoma and began chemotherapy. After six months, the Bountiful ward held a special fast for him, and subsequent tests showed no sign of cancer. While the author later served a mission, his father continued to improve and even ran a marathon.
When I was 14, my father was diagnosed with cancer of the lymph nodes. Chemotherapy treatment was possible, which doctors estimated would help give my father a 50 percent chance of living eight years or longer. The decision was made to go through with the treatment, and during the next six months my father went in weekly for chemotherapy.
At the end of the chemotherapy, my ward in Bountiful held a special fast for my father. It was a marvelous experience to join in faith for a common cause. When the diagnosis came back, the doctors could find no sign of cancer. After I left for my mission, I would receive letters from my father telling me of his continued improvements and how he even ran a marathon. Things seemed to be going well.
At the end of the chemotherapy, my ward in Bountiful held a special fast for my father. It was a marvelous experience to join in faith for a common cause. When the diagnosis came back, the doctors could find no sign of cancer. After I left for my mission, I would receive letters from my father telling me of his continued improvements and how he even ran a marathon. Things seemed to be going well.
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π€ Parents
π€ Youth
π€ Church Members (General)
Adversity
Faith
Family
Fasting and Fast Offerings
Health
Miracles
Conference Story Index
While taking the missionary discussions, Joaquin E. Costa humbles himself. He recognizes repentance as the path to growth and happiness.
(112) While taking the missionary discussions, Joaquin E. Costa humbles himself and sees repentance as the path to growth and happiness.
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Missionaries
Happiness
Humility
Missionary Work
Repentance
Comment
A youth reports that reading the Liahona brightens her mood. As the only Church member at her school, she shares gospel messages from the magazine with her classmates and friends.
The Liahona (English) has helped me to feel happy. Whenever I read a Liahona, my mood brightens. As the only member of the Church in my school, I share gospel messages from the magazine with my classmates and friends.
Mariden Aranas,Naga Branch, Talisay Philippines Stake
Mariden Aranas,Naga Branch, Talisay Philippines Stake
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π€ Youth
π€ Friends
Happiness
Missionary Work
Teaching the Gospel
Love Note
As a child, the narrator and siblings kept their toys organized in a cabinet their parents bought. One day they found the toys dumped and damaged by their younger sister Kyla, prompting anger and a sign banning her from the room. Kyla pretended to read the sign as a loving note, which shamed the narrator and taught a lasting lesson about responding with Christlike love rather than anger.
I am the oldest of four children. When I was 10 years old, my sisters Kathleen and Kyla, my brother David, and I often scattered our toys around the house. To help us be more responsible, our parents bought us a cabinet. We liked to arrange our toys in the cabinet. Every morning before leaving for school, we checked to see if our toys were in their proper places. Kyla, who was three years old then, didnβt attend school yet.
One afternoon when we returned from school, we were horrified to find the toy cabinet empty. We called Kyla and demanded to know where our toys were. She pointed behind the bedroom door. There we saw our toys in a careless heap, some of them damaged.
I was so angry that I ordered Kyla out of the room. After we put our toys back in the cabinet, I took a pen and paper and wrote in bold letters βKyla is not allowed to enter this room!β I stuck it on our bedroom door, and we called Kyla to read it. She didnβt know how to read yet, but she pretended she could, reading loudly, βJ. J., I love you, from Kyla.β
I felt my cheeks turn red with shame. Kyla had shown me love despite my being angry with her. I will never forget that experience. Whenever I am tempted to be angry, it humbles me. Kyla taught me that we donβt have to be grown-ups to try to be like Jesus. We can start now.
One afternoon when we returned from school, we were horrified to find the toy cabinet empty. We called Kyla and demanded to know where our toys were. She pointed behind the bedroom door. There we saw our toys in a careless heap, some of them damaged.
I was so angry that I ordered Kyla out of the room. After we put our toys back in the cabinet, I took a pen and paper and wrote in bold letters βKyla is not allowed to enter this room!β I stuck it on our bedroom door, and we called Kyla to read it. She didnβt know how to read yet, but she pretended she could, reading loudly, βJ. J., I love you, from Kyla.β
I felt my cheeks turn red with shame. Kyla had shown me love despite my being angry with her. I will never forget that experience. Whenever I am tempted to be angry, it humbles me. Kyla taught me that we donβt have to be grown-ups to try to be like Jesus. We can start now.
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
Children
Family
Humility
Jesus Christ
Kindness
Love