I was 11 years old when I learned about the Church. From the moment I first entered the meetinghouse, I felt a beautiful spirit. I continued to attend for several months, during which time I turned 12 and started the Personal Progress program in Young Women. Two months later, on August 14, 1994, I was baptized.
It was surprising to the ward members to see a girl of 12 baptized by herself, without her parents. How did this happen? I asked my father if I could be baptized. He replied, โYouโre an intelligent young woman, and you will know what decision to make.โ I had already made the decision in my heart that I would never again be without the beautiful feeling I had when I heard the true gospel.
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True to My Decision
As a girl, she felt the Spirit when first attending church, continued attending, and began Personal Progress. Despite her parents not joining, she asked her father's permission and was baptized at age 12, acting on her conviction.
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A Pilot in the Lordโs Army
Before his first real flight, Lamar felt nervous about remembering everything. He offered a quick, silent prayer and felt fine. Now he continues offering small prayers in the air and feels his Heavenly Father with him.
On Lamarโs first flight in a real aircraft, he was feeling nervous about remembering everything. โI said a quick, silent prayer before I went up, and I was fine,โ he says. Now when he struggles to remember something in the air, those small, silent prayers help him do what he needs to do. Even when his dad isnโt in the back seat, Lamar knows he always has his Father in Heaven with him.
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๐ค Youth
๐ค Other
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Have I Done Any Good in the World Today?
Henry Burkhardt, a faithful East German Church leader, recalled the most meaningful moment of President Monsonโs ministry as December 2, 1979. On his only free weekend, President Monson flew from the United States to East Germany to bless Henryโs wife, Inge, who had been hospitalized for nine weeks with complications. He recorded that their faith and prayers were united in the blessing, traveling thousands of miles to rescue.
One of the great East German leaders was Henry Burkhardt, who worked closely and was with President Monson for two decades at the scene of all the pivotal events in that country. Brother Burkhardt was a man who served so faithfully and at such great risk all those years behind the Iron Curtain as the Churchโs representative to the government. He served, among other positions, as a Church leader and as president of the Freiberg Temple.
I asked him what stood out in his mind as the singular moment in President Monsonโs ministry. I expected him to mention the meeting in Gรถrlitz, the dedication of the country in 1975, the organization of the first stake, the dedication of the Freiberg Temple, or the meeting with Herr Honecker, East Germanyโs highest Communist official, when President Monson asked permission for missionaries to enter the country and other missionaries to leave the country to serve in other lands. Given the death squads that patrolled the wall, the query sounded almost ludicrous, but Herr Honecker responded, โWe have watched you all these years, and we trust you. Permission granted.โ Which one of these events would Brother Burkhardt choose?
Tears began to flow down his cheeks as he responded: โIt was December 2, 1979.โ I couldnโt register in my mind a major event attached to that date. โTell me about it,โ I said.
โIt was the day President Monson came to East Germany to give my wife, Inge, a blessing.โ President Monson had a weekend without an assignment, and he flew from the United States to Germany for just that purpose. Sister Burkhardt had been in the hospital for nine weeks with complications from surgery, and her condition was deteriorating. President Monson had recorded in his journal, โWe joined our faith and our prayers in providing her a blessing.โ8 He had gone thousands of miles with his only free time in monthsโto the rescue.
I asked him what stood out in his mind as the singular moment in President Monsonโs ministry. I expected him to mention the meeting in Gรถrlitz, the dedication of the country in 1975, the organization of the first stake, the dedication of the Freiberg Temple, or the meeting with Herr Honecker, East Germanyโs highest Communist official, when President Monson asked permission for missionaries to enter the country and other missionaries to leave the country to serve in other lands. Given the death squads that patrolled the wall, the query sounded almost ludicrous, but Herr Honecker responded, โWe have watched you all these years, and we trust you. Permission granted.โ Which one of these events would Brother Burkhardt choose?
Tears began to flow down his cheeks as he responded: โIt was December 2, 1979.โ I couldnโt register in my mind a major event attached to that date. โTell me about it,โ I said.
โIt was the day President Monson came to East Germany to give my wife, Inge, a blessing.โ President Monson had a weekend without an assignment, and he flew from the United States to Germany for just that purpose. Sister Burkhardt had been in the hospital for nine weeks with complications from surgery, and her condition was deteriorating. President Monson had recorded in his journal, โWe joined our faith and our prayers in providing her a blessing.โ8 He had gone thousands of miles with his only free time in monthsโto the rescue.
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Batbayar and the Book with Pictures
In Mongolia, nine-year-old Batbayar struggles with reading but enjoys visits from sister missionaries. They bring him a picture book of Book of Mormon stories, and he begins reading and praying nightly, feeling peace and truth in his heart. He tells his grandparents he wants to be baptized and continues to improve in reading while studying the Book of Mormon every night.
It was a windy day in Mongolia. Nine-year-old Batbayar was walking home from the bus stop after school. He hugged his coat tighter in the wind. Luckily, it wasnโt far to his grandparentsโ house, where he lived.
โHi!โ Batbayar said as he came inside.
โWelcome home,โ Grandma said. โI made some khuushuur for a snack.โ
โThank you!โ Batbayar reached for one of the warm, spicy meat pies.
โWait! Donโt eat any until the missionaries get here,โ Grandpa said. โTheyโll be coming any minute.โ
Batbayar loved it when the missionaries from Grandma and Grandpaโs church came to visit. He always learned a lot from them. But there was just one problem.
โWill they ask me to read from the Book of Mormon again?โ Batbayar asked. โReading is hard for me.โ
โThatโs why theyโre bringing another book today,โ Grandma said.
โWhat book?โ Batbayar said.
โYouโll see,โ Grandpa said.
Soon the missionaries arrived. They ate Grandmaโs delicious meat pies together. Then Batbayar said, โGrandma says you brought me a book.โ
โI think youโll like this book,โ Sister Heitz said. โIt has lots of pictures.โ
Batbayar looked at the cover. Book of Mormon Stories, it said. A picture on the cover showed people building a boat.
โI remember that story,โ Batbayar said. โThe man didnโt know how to build a boat. So he prayed. And God helped him.โ
โThatโs right,โ Sister Enkhtuya said. โWill you try reading this book? Then you can pray to know that what it teaches is true.โ
โI will,โ Batbayar promised.
That night he read from the book with pictures. He read the story about the boat. Then he prayed. He fell asleep thinking about the man who built the boat and how God helped him.
From then on, each night Batbayar read a story. Then he prayed. And each night, he fell asleep thinking about what he read.
When the sister missionaries came again, they taught Batbayar more about Jesus Christ. Batbayar learned about prophets. He learned about Godโs commandments. He kept going to church with Grandma and Grandpa. And he kept reading and praying.
One day Batbayar had something important to tell his grandparents. โWhen I read the stories in the book with pictures, my heart feels good,โ he said. โWhen I pray, I feel they are true. I think I should be baptized.โ
Today, Batbayar is a member of the Church. He has gotten better and better at reading. And he still reads the Book of Mormon every night!
โHi!โ Batbayar said as he came inside.
โWelcome home,โ Grandma said. โI made some khuushuur for a snack.โ
โThank you!โ Batbayar reached for one of the warm, spicy meat pies.
โWait! Donโt eat any until the missionaries get here,โ Grandpa said. โTheyโll be coming any minute.โ
Batbayar loved it when the missionaries from Grandma and Grandpaโs church came to visit. He always learned a lot from them. But there was just one problem.
โWill they ask me to read from the Book of Mormon again?โ Batbayar asked. โReading is hard for me.โ
โThatโs why theyโre bringing another book today,โ Grandma said.
โWhat book?โ Batbayar said.
โYouโll see,โ Grandpa said.
Soon the missionaries arrived. They ate Grandmaโs delicious meat pies together. Then Batbayar said, โGrandma says you brought me a book.โ
โI think youโll like this book,โ Sister Heitz said. โIt has lots of pictures.โ
Batbayar looked at the cover. Book of Mormon Stories, it said. A picture on the cover showed people building a boat.
โI remember that story,โ Batbayar said. โThe man didnโt know how to build a boat. So he prayed. And God helped him.โ
โThatโs right,โ Sister Enkhtuya said. โWill you try reading this book? Then you can pray to know that what it teaches is true.โ
โI will,โ Batbayar promised.
That night he read from the book with pictures. He read the story about the boat. Then he prayed. He fell asleep thinking about the man who built the boat and how God helped him.
From then on, each night Batbayar read a story. Then he prayed. And each night, he fell asleep thinking about what he read.
When the sister missionaries came again, they taught Batbayar more about Jesus Christ. Batbayar learned about prophets. He learned about Godโs commandments. He kept going to church with Grandma and Grandpa. And he kept reading and praying.
One day Batbayar had something important to tell his grandparents. โWhen I read the stories in the book with pictures, my heart feels good,โ he said. โWhen I pray, I feel they are true. I think I should be baptized.โ
Today, Batbayar is a member of the Church. He has gotten better and better at reading. And he still reads the Book of Mormon every night!
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Testimony
โโฆ And the Truth Shall Make You Freeโ
Ali Hafid, a contented and wealthy Persian, is told by a priest he can find diamonds in rivers over white sands between high mountains. He sells his farm and searches many lands but finds none. The new owner later discovers diamonds in the farm's stream, leading to the famed Golconda mines, showing that Ali Hafid's riches were under his feet all along.
There is a much repeated story by Russell Conwell about acres of diamonds:
Ali Hafid, an ancient Persian, owned much land, many productive fields, with orchards, gardens, and money out at interest. He had a lovely family and was content because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he was content.
An old priest came to Ali Hafid and told him that if he had a diamond the size of his thumb, he could purchase a dozen farms like his, and Ali Hafid said, โWill you tell me where I can find diamonds?โ
The priest told him, โIf you will find a river that runs over white sands, between high mountains, in those white sands, you will always find diamonds.โ
โWell,โ said Ali Hafid, โI will go.โ
So he sold his farm, collected his money that was at interest, left his family in charge of a neighbor, and away he went in search of diamonds, and he traveled through many lands.
The man who purchased Ali Hafidโs farm led his camel out into the garden to drink, and as the animal put his nose into the shallow waters, Ali Hafidโs successor noticed a curious flash of light in the white sands of the stream. Reaching in, he pulled out a black stone, containing a strange eye of light. Not long after, the same old priest came to visit Ali Hafidโs successor and found that in the black stone, containing a strange eye of light, was a diamond. As they rushed out into the garden and stirred up the white sands with their fingers, they came up with many more beautiful, valuable gems. Thus were discovered the diamond mines of Golconda, which were the most valuable diamond mines in the history of the ancient world. So, had Ali Hafid remained at home and dug in his own cellar or anywhere in his own fields rather than traveling in strange lands, he would have had acres of diamonds.
Ali Hafid, an ancient Persian, owned much land, many productive fields, with orchards, gardens, and money out at interest. He had a lovely family and was content because he was wealthy, and wealthy because he was content.
An old priest came to Ali Hafid and told him that if he had a diamond the size of his thumb, he could purchase a dozen farms like his, and Ali Hafid said, โWill you tell me where I can find diamonds?โ
The priest told him, โIf you will find a river that runs over white sands, between high mountains, in those white sands, you will always find diamonds.โ
โWell,โ said Ali Hafid, โI will go.โ
So he sold his farm, collected his money that was at interest, left his family in charge of a neighbor, and away he went in search of diamonds, and he traveled through many lands.
The man who purchased Ali Hafidโs farm led his camel out into the garden to drink, and as the animal put his nose into the shallow waters, Ali Hafidโs successor noticed a curious flash of light in the white sands of the stream. Reaching in, he pulled out a black stone, containing a strange eye of light. Not long after, the same old priest came to visit Ali Hafidโs successor and found that in the black stone, containing a strange eye of light, was a diamond. As they rushed out into the garden and stirred up the white sands with their fingers, they came up with many more beautiful, valuable gems. Thus were discovered the diamond mines of Golconda, which were the most valuable diamond mines in the history of the ancient world. So, had Ali Hafid remained at home and dug in his own cellar or anywhere in his own fields rather than traveling in strange lands, he would have had acres of diamonds.
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๐ค Other
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Making Friends: Cรฉsar David Arzate Mendoza* of Oaxaca, Mexico
Because his father's Air Force transfers moved the family frequently, Cรฉsar often started school in new cities without friends. He prays to Heavenly Father for help making friends and doing well in school. He now keeps friendships across Mexico, as shown by the letters and phone calls he receives.
Cรฉsar likes Oaxaca, but it is not his lifelong home. As an officer in the Mexican Air Force, Brother Arzate has been transferred all around the country, and Cรฉsar has attended eight different schools in four cities. โItโs a little hard at first, because no one knows me and so I donโt have any friends,โ he admits. But then he quickly adds, โI pray to Heavenly Father and ask Him to help me make new friends and get good grades.โ Cรฉsar loves his country and is proud of his father for helping to defend it.
Cรฉsar used to be rather shy, but Church activities have helped him to become more outgoing. Although friendly with everyone, he chooses close friends carefully. And these friendships last. He receives letters and telephone calls from all over Mexico. His best friends are his brother, Daniel (5), and his sister, Diana Gisela (2). His parents can leave them in his care with total confidence that he will keep them safe and happy. Even when the family goes on an outing, Cรฉsar pays attention to what the younger children are doing. He does this in a caring, not-at-all bossy way, and his little brother and sister love him dearly.
Cรฉsar used to be rather shy, but Church activities have helped him to become more outgoing. Although friendly with everyone, he chooses close friends carefully. And these friendships last. He receives letters and telephone calls from all over Mexico. His best friends are his brother, Daniel (5), and his sister, Diana Gisela (2). His parents can leave them in his care with total confidence that he will keep them safe and happy. Even when the family goes on an outing, Cรฉsar pays attention to what the younger children are doing. He does this in a caring, not-at-all bossy way, and his little brother and sister love him dearly.
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I Will Strengthen Thee; I Will Help Thee
Several months before the talk, Sister Beck asked the speaker to share about families. As a single woman without children, she humorously notes she has never made a mistake with her own children, highlighting her unique perspective. This sets the stage for her counsel on families.
Several months ago Sister Beck asked if I would consider speaking about families and tell a little about my experiences with families. I am a single woman and do not have any children of my own. I think Sister Beck thought that I was qualified to talk about families because I have never made a mistake with any of my own children. Many women canโt claim that.
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๐ค Other
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Bridge the Gap
After a slow mule-barge ride to Sister Beverly Gillisโs home, the youth began their dance. Instead of pairing up, they formed inclusive circles so no one sat out. The approach eliminated wallflowers and united teens from multiple stakes into one inclusive group.
By the time they arrived at the home of Sister Beverly Gillis, a Reading Pennsylvania Stake youth leader, they were ready for movement. They were ready for sounds louder than lapping water. They were ready to dance!
Sister Gillisโs yard had been lit by white lights strung through the trees. A few chairs had been set up around the edges of the deck that would serve as the dance floor. Then the music started. In many ways it was a typical youth conference dance. The music was too loud for the leaders, and not loud enough for the youth.
But then something unusual started happening. The chairs around the edges of the dance area were empty. There were no wallflowers. Instead of pairing up, the teens were dancing in circles with five or ten other friends. Everyone was drawn in. The gap that must be crossed when asking someone to dance was nonexistent. No one was allowed to sit out unless they absolutely insisted that they needed a break. At this dance, youth from eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland were united. There was only one โinโ group, and everyone belonged.
Sister Gillisโs yard had been lit by white lights strung through the trees. A few chairs had been set up around the edges of the deck that would serve as the dance floor. Then the music started. In many ways it was a typical youth conference dance. The music was too loud for the leaders, and not loud enough for the youth.
But then something unusual started happening. The chairs around the edges of the dance area were empty. There were no wallflowers. Instead of pairing up, the teens were dancing in circles with five or ten other friends. Everyone was drawn in. The gap that must be crossed when asking someone to dance was nonexistent. No one was allowed to sit out unless they absolutely insisted that they needed a break. At this dance, youth from eastern Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland were united. There was only one โinโ group, and everyone belonged.
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๐ค Youth
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The Price for Good Things
Soon after his mission, he was asked by his stake president to interpret for Elder Hartman Rector Jr. at a stake conference, beginning years of interpreting opportunities. He later interpreted for President Thomas S. Monson and other General Authorities during the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple dedication, including reading the dedicatory prayer in Spanish. He also interpreted for President Gordon B. Hinckley at the Montevideo Uruguay and Asunciรณn Paraguay Temple dedications and felt deep sacredness in those moments.
Shortly after I returned from my mission, my stake president asked me to interpret for Elder Hartman Rector Jr., then of the Seventy, who had come to Mendoza, Argentina, to preside over a stake conference. These marvelous opportunities have continued over the years. I interpreted for President Thomas S. Monson and other General Authorities during the 11 dedicatory sessions of the Buenos Aires Argentina Temple.
During four of those sessions, I read the dedicatory prayer in Spanish from the pulpit in the celestial room. My voice broke up several times because of my emotions; tears filled my eyes and flowed down my face. I was reading the inspired prayers and promises for my country from Heavenly Father, who lives and reveals His will, just as He did 12 years earlier through my mission president when I accepted the challenge to learn English.
I also interpreted for the prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, during the four dedicatory sessions of the Montevideo Uruguay Temple and the four dedicatory sessions of the Asunciรณn Paraguay Temple.
Itโs difficult for me to explain how sacred those moments were for me when I stood alongside prophets, seers, and revelators in the Lordโs house. I felt somewhat like Peter, James, and John when they had the amazing experience of seeing Jesus transfigured. Peter expressed my feelings when he told Jesus, โLord, it is good for us to be hereโ (Matt. 17:4).
During four of those sessions, I read the dedicatory prayer in Spanish from the pulpit in the celestial room. My voice broke up several times because of my emotions; tears filled my eyes and flowed down my face. I was reading the inspired prayers and promises for my country from Heavenly Father, who lives and reveals His will, just as He did 12 years earlier through my mission president when I accepted the challenge to learn English.
I also interpreted for the prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, during the four dedicatory sessions of the Montevideo Uruguay Temple and the four dedicatory sessions of the Asunciรณn Paraguay Temple.
Itโs difficult for me to explain how sacred those moments were for me when I stood alongside prophets, seers, and revelators in the Lordโs house. I felt somewhat like Peter, James, and John when they had the amazing experience of seeing Jesus transfigured. Peter expressed my feelings when he told Jesus, โLord, it is good for us to be hereโ (Matt. 17:4).
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Mom and the Stars
Jared first enjoyed the stars during a planetarium visit when his mother was a Scout leader. Later, during summer evenings, he and his mother lay on the lawn watching constellations and discussing eternal topics. Under the stars they shared feelings, hopes, and how to face their future.
When Sister Anderson was a Scout leader, Jaredโs class went to the planetarium at Idaho State University. They loved watching the constellations, and he still enjoys identifying many of them. Last summer Jared and his mother often put blankets on the grass and watched the stars from their front lawn.
โThat is where we have had some of our best talks,โ Sister Anderson says. โThey are more than astronomy talks. We talk about the premortal existence and the hereafter, all under the stars. We talk about problems and how we can best face the life we have ahead of us.โ
โThat is where we have had some of our best talks,โ Sister Anderson says. โThey are more than astronomy talks. We talk about the premortal existence and the hereafter, all under the stars. We talk about problems and how we can best face the life we have ahead of us.โ
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๐ค Children
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True to the Faith
The speaker recalls Cardinal Wolsey, whose ambition and pursuit of prominence led to his tragic fall. Shakespeareโs portrayal includes Wolseyโs lament to Cromwell, regretting that he served his king with more zeal than God. The account illustrates how pursuing power and wealth can ruin oneโs spiritual safety.
Yet there are those who do not hear, who will not obey, who listen to the enticings of the evil one, who grasp those maka-fekes until they cannot let go, until all is lost. I think of that person of power, that cardinal of the cloth, even Cardinal Wolsey. The prolific pen of William Shakespeare described the majestic heights, the pinnacle of power to which Cardinal Wolsey ascended. That same pen told how principle was eroded by vain ambition, by expediency, by a clamor for prominence and prestige. Then came the tragic descent, the painful lament of one who had gained everything, then lost it all.
To Cromwell, his faithful servant, Cardinal Wolsey speaks:
O Cromwell, Cromwell!
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.
That inspired mandate which would have led Cardinal Wolsey to safety was ruined by the pursuit of power and prominence, the quest for wealth and position. Like others before him and many more yet to follow, Cardinal Wolsey fell.
To Cromwell, his faithful servant, Cardinal Wolsey speaks:
O Cromwell, Cromwell!
Had I but served my God with half the zeal
I served my king, He would not in mine age
Have left me naked to mine enemies.
That inspired mandate which would have led Cardinal Wolsey to safety was ruined by the pursuit of power and prominence, the quest for wealth and position. Like others before him and many more yet to follow, Cardinal Wolsey fell.
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Musicians on Music
Lexi greets others with warmth and performs in venues from YouTube to Radio City Music Hall, Asia, and the U.S. Inaugural Ball. Through her music she connects to the Spirit and shares her testimony.
The first thing you get when you meet Lexi Walker is a hug. At the recording studio, she hugs orchestra members, the sound technician, her mother, her friends. โฆ You get the idea.
You get the same feeling when you listen to her music. It surrounds you like a hug and makes you feel welcome, happy, and alive. Based on her breathtaking performances on YouTube, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA, in Asia, and at the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., USA, itโs no wonder the 15-year-old is really connecting with people. But whatโs really important is that music helps Lexi connect to the Spirit and allows her to share her testimony.
โMusic has always been one of my primary forms of self-expression. Some feelings can be shared only through powerful lyrics and a lovely melody.โ
You get the same feeling when you listen to her music. It surrounds you like a hug and makes you feel welcome, happy, and alive. Based on her breathtaking performances on YouTube, at Radio City Music Hall in New York, USA, in Asia, and at the 2017 Presidential Inaugural Ball in Washington, D.C., USA, itโs no wonder the 15-year-old is really connecting with people. But whatโs really important is that music helps Lexi connect to the Spirit and allows her to share her testimony.
โMusic has always been one of my primary forms of self-expression. Some feelings can be shared only through powerful lyrics and a lovely melody.โ
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๐ค Youth
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Deadly Maka-Fekes
President Monson visited Liahona High School in Tonga and observed a teacher showing students a traditional octopus lure called a maka-feke. The teacher explained how fishermen use it to entice an octopus, which grabs on so firmly it can be flipped into the canoe. He then likened the lure to Satanโs enticing traps designed to ensnare people. The experience taught the studentsโand the observerโabout avoiding spiritual lures.
Many years ago, on an assignment to the beautiful islands of Tonga, I was privileged to visit our Church school, the Liahona High School. Entering one classroom, I noticed the rapt attention the children gave their instructor. In his hand he held a strange-appearing fishing lure made with a round stone and large seashells. I learned the Tongan word for this lure is maka-feke. It means โoctopus lure.โ
The teacher explained that Tongan fishermen glide over a reef, paddling their outrigger canoes with one hand and dangling the maka-feke over the side with the other. An octopus dashes out from its rocky lair and seizes the lure, mistaking it for a much-desired meal. So determined is the grasp of the octopus and so firm is its instinct not to give up the precious prize that the fisherman can flip it right into the canoe.
It was easy for the teacher to point out to the wide-eyed youth that the evil oneโeven Satanโhas fashioned maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons.
The teacher explained that Tongan fishermen glide over a reef, paddling their outrigger canoes with one hand and dangling the maka-feke over the side with the other. An octopus dashes out from its rocky lair and seizes the lure, mistaking it for a much-desired meal. So determined is the grasp of the octopus and so firm is its instinct not to give up the precious prize that the fisherman can flip it right into the canoe.
It was easy for the teacher to point out to the wide-eyed youth that the evil oneโeven Satanโhas fashioned maka-fekes with which to ensnare unsuspecting persons.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
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Temptation
Called to Serve
A man who initially refused to listen heard Sister Jennie Brimhall speak as a missionary. He could not forget her sincerity and expression. Twenty years later, he investigated the gospel and joined the Church.
The young women were effective in teaching the restored gospel. One man later wrote that when he heard Sister Jennie Brimhall speak as a missionary, he was an unbeliever and didnโt want to listen. But he couldnโt forget her sincere words and lovely expression. Finally, twenty years later, he investigated the gospel and became a member of the Church.
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๐ค Missionaries
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Women in the Church
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Conference Story Index
As Steven E. Snowโs son recovered from a serious head injury, his familyโs prayers changed. They became more humble, heartfelt, and sincere.
The prayers of Steven E. Snow and his family become more humble, heartfelt, and sincere as his son recovers from a serious head injury.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
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Prayer
FYI:For Your Information
In Oregon, 120 youth completed a 25-mile bike ride to raise funds for the Grisham family, who care for 13 developmentally disabled children. The project, coordinated by youth leaders from multiple wards, financed converting the familyโs garage into a playroom. The ride ended with meeting the family, and the effort followed set criteria to include local nonmembers and direct service.
The final miles of a 25-mile bicycle ride can be grueling. But for 120 young people from the Beaverton Oregon Stake the miles were pleasant for two different reasons: (1) their course had been planned so that the last five miles meandered along the scenic banks of the Willamette River in Champoeg State Park near Portland, and (2) they knew that each mile was furthering their goal of helping a family with 13 developmentally disabled adopted or foster children.
The service project was coordinated by youth chairmen Lee Oakley and Julie Haddon of the sponsoring Tigard First and Second wards. Enough money was raised (through pledges from sponsors) to help Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Grisham and their daughter, Jacqueline, to convert their garage into a playroom for the 13 disabled children who share their home with them.
Youths from the Gabriel Park, Mountain View, Tualatin Valley and West Hills wards, as well as from the Tigard wards, cycled through level farmland for 20 miles before reaching the park. Beautiful weather; a lunch of tacos, soft drinks and ice cream; and a chance to meet the Grisham family and talk with them at the end of the ride helped ease any muscles strained during the ride.
The young Latter-day Saints patterned this service project after a walk-a-thon held the year before and based it on the following criteria: the service should help someone residing within stake boundaries; it should include direct contact with those they were helping; and it should include people who were not members of the Church. The choice of the bike-a-thon for the Grisham family met all the requirements, since the Grishams are not members of the Church. Each participant received a certificate for his service.
The service project was coordinated by youth chairmen Lee Oakley and Julie Haddon of the sponsoring Tigard First and Second wards. Enough money was raised (through pledges from sponsors) to help Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Grisham and their daughter, Jacqueline, to convert their garage into a playroom for the 13 disabled children who share their home with them.
Youths from the Gabriel Park, Mountain View, Tualatin Valley and West Hills wards, as well as from the Tigard wards, cycled through level farmland for 20 miles before reaching the park. Beautiful weather; a lunch of tacos, soft drinks and ice cream; and a chance to meet the Grisham family and talk with them at the end of the ride helped ease any muscles strained during the ride.
The young Latter-day Saints patterned this service project after a walk-a-thon held the year before and based it on the following criteria: the service should help someone residing within stake boundaries; it should include direct contact with those they were helping; and it should include people who were not members of the Church. The choice of the bike-a-thon for the Grisham family met all the requirements, since the Grishams are not members of the Church. Each participant received a certificate for his service.
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๐ค Youth
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Other
Adoption
Charity
Children
Disabilities
Family
Service
Young Men
Young Women
Spiritual Crocodiles
Many years earlier, the speaker decided to give his agency to the Lord, choosing to do things His way. Though it felt like a great personal sacrifice, he learned that his agency was actually strengthened and that truth brings freedom. Since then he has received warnings about spiritual dangers, sometimes needing minor 'first aid' but being preserved overall.
Now, my young friends, I would like to make reference to another experience, one I think of often but one I seldom talk about. I shall not mention it in detail; I only want to refer to it. It happened many years ago when I was perhaps not quite as young as you are now, and it had to do with my decision to follow that guide.
I knew what agency was and knew how important it was to be individual and to be independent, to be free. I somehow knew there was one thing the Lord would never take from me, and that was my free agency. I would not surrender my agency to any being but to Him! I determined that I would give Him the one thing that He would never takeโmy agency. I decided, by myself, that from that time on I would do things His way.
That was a great trial for me, for I thought I was giving away the most precious thing I possessed. I was not wise enough in my youth to know that because I exercised my agency and decided myself, I was not losing it. It was strengthened!
I learned from that experience the meaning of the scripture: โIf ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
โAnd ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.โ (John 8:31โ32.)
I have not been quite as frightened of spiritual crocodiles since then, because I have been alerted on many occasions as to where they were lurking.
I have been nipped a time or two and on occasion have needed some spiritual first aid, but have been otherwise saved because I have been warned.
I knew what agency was and knew how important it was to be individual and to be independent, to be free. I somehow knew there was one thing the Lord would never take from me, and that was my free agency. I would not surrender my agency to any being but to Him! I determined that I would give Him the one thing that He would never takeโmy agency. I decided, by myself, that from that time on I would do things His way.
That was a great trial for me, for I thought I was giving away the most precious thing I possessed. I was not wise enough in my youth to know that because I exercised my agency and decided myself, I was not losing it. It was strengthened!
I learned from that experience the meaning of the scripture: โIf ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
โAnd ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.โ (John 8:31โ32.)
I have not been quite as frightened of spiritual crocodiles since then, because I have been alerted on many occasions as to where they were lurking.
I have been nipped a time or two and on occasion have needed some spiritual first aid, but have been otherwise saved because I have been warned.
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Jesus Christ
Agency and Accountability
Commandments
Holy Ghost
Obedience
Revelation
Truth
The Red Knit Scarf
In the year following baptism, she received church assignments, continued volunteering, found hospital work, and continued her education. Her mother attended meetings and was baptized five months later, and she felt assured of Heavenly Father's love.
The following year was full of blessings. In addition to responsibilities in my branch and much volunteer work, I found work in a private hospital and was able to continue my education. My mother came to Church meetings several times after my baptism, and she joined the Church five months later. But most important, I had my Heavenly Fatherโs love as part of my life, and I had the assurance that I was finally on my way home.
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๐ค Parents
๐ค Church Members (General)
๐ค Young Adults
Baptism
Conversion
Education
Employment
Family
Service
Testimony
How to Strengthen Your Family
As World War II began, Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf's family lost everything and became refugees. His father took multiple difficult jobs, his mother started a laundry, and Elder Uchtdorf and his sister helped with deliveries, which made him feel good to contribute.
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles grew up in a home with a comfortable livingโuntil World War II broke out. Then his family lost everything and became refugees.
But they pulled together! Speaking of this time, Elder Uchtdorf (then President Uchtdorf of the First Presidency), said, โTo this day, I am deeply impressed by the way my family worked after having lost everything following World War II! I remember my father โฆ taking on several difficult jobs. โฆ My mother started a laundry and worked countless hours doing menial labor. She enlisted my sister and me in her business. With my bike I became the pickup and delivery service. It felt good to be able to help the family in a small way.โ4
But they pulled together! Speaking of this time, Elder Uchtdorf (then President Uchtdorf of the First Presidency), said, โTo this day, I am deeply impressed by the way my family worked after having lost everything following World War II! I remember my father โฆ taking on several difficult jobs. โฆ My mother started a laundry and worked countless hours doing menial labor. She enlisted my sister and me in her business. With my bike I became the pickup and delivery service. It felt good to be able to help the family in a small way.โ4
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๐ค General Authorities (Modern)
๐ค Parents
๐ค Children
Adversity
Apostle
Employment
Family
Self-Reliance
War
โI Have a Work to Doโ:
Wanting to serve a mission, she faced her mother's opposition, who urged further schooling. In prayer she learned she must first show love to a young man in their home she had resented for years. She greeted him kindly for the first time in seven years, which moved her mother to tears. This change of heart helped her receive her mother's support to serve a mission.
Her mother expected her to continue with her university education and earn a masterโs degree. โBut I told her I wanted to go on a mission. She said that I couldnโt, that I mustnโt sacrifice the years I should be in school. I prayed very hard that my mom would let me go. And then I learned something very important.
โYou see, we had a young man living in our home. He was about twenty-five years old and was like an adopted son to my mother. His health was poor, and my mother took care of him and supported him when he served for a time as a Buddhist monk. I was very jealous of him and of the attention my mother paid him. I wouldnโt even sit at the same table with him.
โWhen I prayed to Heavenly Father for my mom to let me go on a mission, I received the answer that first I would have to show her that I loved everyone, even the young man I was so jealous of. It was a very hard thing for me to accept. But the next morning when I saw the young man, I waved at him and said โHi!โ It was the first word I had said to him in seven years. When I turned to face my mother, she had tears in her eyes. I knew then that everything would be all right. I told her that I really wanted to go on a mission and that her support was most important. I really appreciate all that my mother has done for me.โ
โYou see, we had a young man living in our home. He was about twenty-five years old and was like an adopted son to my mother. His health was poor, and my mother took care of him and supported him when he served for a time as a Buddhist monk. I was very jealous of him and of the attention my mother paid him. I wouldnโt even sit at the same table with him.
โWhen I prayed to Heavenly Father for my mom to let me go on a mission, I received the answer that first I would have to show her that I loved everyone, even the young man I was so jealous of. It was a very hard thing for me to accept. But the next morning when I saw the young man, I waved at him and said โHi!โ It was the first word I had said to him in seven years. When I turned to face my mother, she had tears in her eyes. I knew then that everything would be all right. I told her that I really wanted to go on a mission and that her support was most important. I really appreciate all that my mother has done for me.โ
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๐ค Young Adults
๐ค Parents
๐ค Other
Family
Love
Missionary Work
Prayer
Revelation