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Gold Heart (Part 2)

Summary: Janet, a rude new girl and member of the Church, rejects an effort by the Merrie Miss class to befriend her, leaving the girls discouraged. Sister Card then challenges them to ask what Jesus would do, and Estherโ€™s mother teaches her to pray for the ability to like Janet and to show kindness even when it is not returned. The class resolves to keep trying, and Esther begins by inviting Janet to play kickball despite her insults.
New in school, Janet is an obnoxious, outspoken bully. When Sister Card asks her Merrie Miss class to help fellowship Janet, theyโ€™re surprised to learn that she is a member of the Church but reluctantly agree to help. They decide to secretly leave surprises for Janet on her front porch for a week. On Saturday, the class personally delivers a beautifully wrapped gold heart necklace to her. Questioning their motives, she accuses them of trying to bribe her, thanks them for the unopened gift, then shuts the door in their faces.
I felt like someone had just slapped me across the face. โ€œBoy,โ€ I said. โ€œSheโ€™s a real creep. We were only trying to do something nice.โ€
โ€œShe didnโ€™t even open our present,โ€ Amy said.
โ€œI knew this wasnโ€™t going to work,โ€ Jill said.
โ€œNow, just a minute,โ€ said Sister Card, as we all got into her van. โ€œMaybe Janet was right. Maybe we were just trying to bribe her.โ€
We were quiet for a minute. Then Mandi said, โ€œHow can we like someone who acts like that?โ€
โ€œIโ€™m not sure I want her to come if sheโ€™s going to treat us that way,โ€ Christina said.
โ€œGirls, I can see that this isnโ€™t going to be as easy as we thought,โ€ Sister Card said. โ€œPerhaps we need to ask ourselves what the Savior would do if Janet were in His Primary class.โ€
Well, she had us stumped. None of us could think of something that Jesus Christ might do in a situation like this one. We looked at Sister Card expectantly, waiting to hear the answer. Instead, she smiled at us and said, โ€œI challenge each of you to find out, then do it.โ€
The next day at lunch recess, I saw Janet across the playground. She saw me and yelled, โ€œHey, thereโ€™s Redhead-Wet-the-Bed!โ€
All the kids around me laughed, and I could feel my cheeks burn with embarrassment. Why does she have to say things like that? I wondered, walking away to find Jill. How can anyone be nice to a girl who acts that way?
I was still thinking about Janet when I found Jill. โ€œI donโ€™t know what Sister Card expects us to do about Janet. She hates me. I donโ€™t like her very much, either,โ€ I said.
โ€œI know what you mean,โ€ Jill answered. โ€œCan you imagine what our Primary class would be like if she did come?โ€
I hadnโ€™t thought about that, and the visions that ran through my mind as I thought about it were not pleasant. โ€œSheโ€™d ruin everything!โ€
Later that evening, I was still thinking about Janet. I couldnโ€™t get her off my mind. โ€œMom,โ€ I said, โ€œSister Card wants us to come up with an idea to get Janet Willard to come to Primary. You know we already tried being pixies to her for a week, and I told you how that didnโ€™t work. Sheโ€™s so mean to everybody that Iโ€™m not sure I really want her to come.โ€
Mom thought for a few minutes, then said, โ€œMaybe the first thing you should do is pray for the ability to like Janet.โ€
I was mystified. โ€œBut how will that help Janet want to come to Primary?โ€
โ€œWell, itโ€™s pretty hard to help someone you donโ€™t like. Your efforts wonโ€™t be very enthusiastic, and sheโ€™ll know that you arenโ€™t sincere. You need to pray for Heavenly Fatherโ€™s help, then try being nice to Janet even if she isnโ€™t nice to you.โ€
โ€œThatโ€™s going to be hard,โ€ I said.
โ€œI know,โ€ said Mom. โ€œThatโ€™s why itโ€™s so important to ask for Heavenly Fatherโ€™s help.โ€
On Sunday when Sister Card asked us if we had decided what Jesus would do about Janet, I told everyone what Mom had said to me. Sister Card smiled and said, โ€œYou have a very wise mother, Esther. If youโ€™ll all open the New Testament to Matthew 5:44, youโ€™ll see that the Savior said the same thing: โ€˜But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.โ€™โ€
We were all very quiet as we thought about what this really meant in our relationship with Janet.
โ€œThis isnโ€™t going to be easy,โ€ Christina said, breaking the silence.
โ€œYouโ€™re right. It isnโ€™t going to be easy,โ€ Sister Card said. โ€œBut then not many things that are really worthwhile are.โ€
We decided we were going to be so nice to Janet that she wouldnโ€™t know what to think. Sister Card cautioned that we should be very patient and not get discouraged if she didnโ€™t respond positively right away. โ€œJanet has had ten years to learn and practice the behavior she has now, so donโ€™t expect her to change overnight.โ€
The next day when I went into our classroom, I heard Janetโ€™s familiar greeting before I even saw her. โ€œHey, thereโ€™s Redhead-Wet-the-Bed!โ€
Instead of ignoring her and walking away, I went over to her and said, โ€œHi, Janet. Do you want to play kickball with us at lunchtime?โ€
She was so surprised that she didnโ€™t answer at first. Then she said, โ€œNot me! Thatโ€™s a sissy game,โ€ and walked off.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local) ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents
Bible Charity Children Friendship Jesus Christ Judging Others Kindness Love Ministering Patience Prayer Service Teaching the Gospel

Of All Things

Summary: After their bishop challenged them to read the Book of Mormon in a year, youth in the Spring Creek Ward built a model temple to track progress. Each five chapters read earned a craft stick with a name attached to the foam-board temple. Different groups completed different parts, and they celebrated finishing both the book and the model together.
When their bishop challenged them to read the Book of Mormon in a year, the youth of the Spring Creek Ward in Mendon, Utah, got right to workโ€”building a temple. For each five chapters they read, each young man or woman would write his or her name on a craft stick to be attached to a model temple built of foam board. The Young Men and their leaders completed two of the walls, the Young Women and their leaders completed the other two, and the bishopric covered the roof. They all got together to celebrate finishing the Book of Mormon and the temple at the end of the year.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local)
Bishop Book of Mormon Scriptures Temples Unity Young Men Young Women

The Returned Serviceman โ€ฆ a Stepchild?

Summary: Vietnam veteran Warren Mallen felt inferior and suspicious after military service compared to returned missionaries. He recognized his conditioning, decided to trust people's sincerity, and began to change and reconnect.
โ€œA soldier is often in a poor environment. It is unfortunate, but the worst of mankind seems to reveal itself during war. And maybe this is the reason returned servicemen donโ€™t feel equal to returned missionaries. Missionaries are in a situation to see the most beautiful and uplifting parts of mankind; military people see the opposite. This naturally created a state of inequity in my mind; I didnโ€™t feel as good as if I had been serving on a mission. And, of course, I wasnโ€™t treated the same as a returned missionary. But the most important difference to me was that difference inside of me.
โ€œFor the first while it was natural for me to be hostile and suspect that people were not sincere because this is what I had been conditioned to expect. But finally I had to get hold of myself and say, โ€˜Look, these people are trying to help you, and they want to be your friends.โ€™ It took me a while to realize this, but when I did, the change started happening to me, and I began to come around,โ€ said Warren Mallen, a Vietnam veteran.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults
Adversity Friendship Judging Others Kindness War

Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives

Summary: Facing the daunting task of selecting two counselors from among twelve Apostles, he met individually with each of them for information and insight. He then sought the Lordโ€™s will in the temple and received instruction to call Dallin H. Oaks and Henry B. Eyring as his counselors.
When I recently faced the daunting task of choosing two counselors, I wondered how I could possibly choose just two from twelve men whom I love and respect.

Because I know that good inspiration is based upon good information, I prayerfully met one-on-one with each Apostle.6 I then sequestered myself in a private room in the temple and sought the Lordโ€™s will. I testify that the Lord instructed me to select President Dallin H. Oaks and President Henry B. Eyring to serve as my counselors in the First Presidency.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern)
Apostle Prayer Revelation Temples Testimony

Walking in the Light of the Lord

Summary: At Winter Quarters, Mary Fielding Smithโ€™s best oxen were stolen during a supply trip. After her son and brother searched in vain, Mary prayed and then calmly searched along the river despite misleading directions. She located the tied oxen and saved their journey, leaving a lasting impression of faith on her son.
While living in Winter Quarters, she and her brother went down the Missouri River to purchase provisions and clothing. They had two wagons, each having two yoke of oxen. Camping for the night, they discovered in the morning that their two best oxen were gone. Young Joseph and his uncle spent the entire morning looking for the lost animals. They found nothing. Disheartened, he returned to tell his mother. Their situation was desperate, terribly so. As he approached, he saw her on her knees praying fervently, speaking with the Lord about their problem. When she arose to her feet, there was a smile on her face. She told her son and her brother to get their breakfast and she would look around. Following a little stream of water, and disregarding the words of a man who was in the area, she went directly along the bank of the river.
Pausing, she called to her son and brother. She pointed to their oxen, which had been tied to a clump of willows growing in the bottom of a deep gulch. The thief, who had tried to misdirect her, lost his prize and they were saved.

Maryโ€™s faith imprinted itself in her sonโ€™s boyish heart. He never forgot it. He never doubted her closeness to the Lord.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Pioneers ๐Ÿ‘ค Early Saints ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Adversity Children Faith Family Miracles Parenting Prayer Testimony

The Tabernacle Choir:

Summary: The Mormon Tabernacle Choirโ€™s 1985 trip to Japan is described as both a musical and missionary effort, with members distributing copies of the Book of Mormon and other materials. Brother Ottley says the trip led to several baptisms and recounts meeting a woman who committed to baptism after a concert. The passage emphasizes that the choir sees its music as a way to touch hearts and bring people to the gospel.
The choirโ€™s effectiveness as missionaries for the Church can be attested to by their August 1985 trip to Japan. Choir members made a commitment to do more personalized missionary work, and distributed more than a thousand Japanese copies of the Book of Mormon. In addition, they distributed more than 3,000 brochures about the choir, and approximately 3,200 Articles of Faith cards.
Within two months of the choirโ€™s visit, Elder William H. Bradford, Area Administrator in Japan, โ€œtold us that several baptisms had been traced directly to the copies of the Book of Mormon that had been distributed by choir members,โ€ related Brother Ottley. โ€œWe may never know the total number of people we influence through our music or through the personal contacts we make.
โ€œWhile in Japan, I met and talked with one lady who had been studying the gospel for months but committed to baptism that very night at the concert. Thatโ€™s the most gratifying part of our work. While we like to do things that are musically viable and important, if we can touch someoneโ€™s heart and spirit through our music and cause them to feel about the gospel of Jesus Christ the way we do, then we are doing what we are supposed to be doing.โ€
As an example, on the 1985 trip, Marilyn Smith was introduced to a Japanese woman who attributed her membership in the Church and the mission she just completed to the spirit she felt when Marilyn sang a solo during the choirโ€™s previous trip to Japan.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Baptism Conversion Missionary Work Music

Stay, Annie

Summary: Jacob works to keep his smart dog Annie safely in the backyard, but she repeatedly escapes despite his efforts. After an animal-control officer issues a warning and the family fortifies the fence, Annie still finds ways out. When Jacob later wants to bike beyond approved boundaries, his mom says no, and he realizes the parallel to Annie needing rules for safety. He chooses to trust his momโ€™s guidance, stays home, and enjoys pizza and brownies with his friend instead.
Jacob latched the gate on the new fence. โ€œStay, Annie,โ€ he said. โ€œYou get this whole big yard. Have fun!โ€
Jacob had only been in the house long enough to take three bites out of his sandwich when he heard Annie scratching at the door and barking to get into the house. โ€œHow did she get out?โ€ he wondered.
He grabbed Annie by her collar and led her back through the open gate. Maybe he hadnโ€™t latched it right before. He pulled the gate shut and carefully pulled the latch into place. โ€œStay, Annie,โ€ he said again.
โ€œWoof,โ€ Annie said, watching him. Jacob turned to go back into the house, but he looked over his shoulder just in time to see Annie pushing the latch up with her nose and marching through the gate.
โ€œAnnie!โ€ Jacob was partly impressed and partly annoyed. โ€œYou have to stay in the back.โ€ He took Annie back through the gate. Maybe the dog didnโ€™t remember all the things Jacobโ€™s family had done to make her happy out here. โ€œSee, here is your doghouse,โ€ he said. โ€œAnd here are some of your favorite toys.โ€ Annie picked up her bone and lay down to chew it. โ€œYour water dish and everything you need are right here. Iโ€™ll come play with you after I finish my lunch.โ€ But he hadnโ€™t even gotten to the kitchen before he heard Annie barking at the door again.
That night at dinner, Jacob told the story to his family. โ€œSo after I put a big bolt through the hole to keep the latch from lifting, I thought for sure that Annie would stay. But she figured out how to pull the bolt out with her teeth. Then she opened the latch and out she came.โ€
โ€œThat dog is too smart for her own good,โ€ Dad remarked.
โ€œSo what did you do?โ€ Jacobโ€™s brother Tim asked.
โ€œI put a nut on the bolt,โ€ Jacob said smugly. โ€œNow she canโ€™t pull it out. Sheโ€™s smart but not as smart as I am.โ€
The doorbell rang. Jacob jumped up to answer it. He was expecting his friend Ryan to come over, but it wasnโ€™t Ryan at the door. It was a man in uniform with Annie.
โ€œIs this your dog?โ€ the animal-control officer asked. Annie wriggled past Jacob into the house.
Jacob nodded.
Jacobโ€™s mom came up behind him. โ€œUh-oh,โ€ she said. โ€œWe thought Annie was locked in the backyard.โ€
โ€œShe was at large,โ€ the officer said.
โ€œAt large?โ€ Jacob asked, puzzled.
โ€œThat means loose and uncontrolled,โ€ the officer explained. โ€œWeโ€™ve talked to your parents about this before. Your dog has to be secured. Thatโ€™s the law.โ€
Jacob remembered that his parents had built the fence because Annie had been in trouble before. She had dashed out of the house when the door had opened and run off down the street.
โ€œShe doesnโ€™t mean to be bad,โ€ Jacob said.
โ€œNo, but she depends on us who know the rules,โ€ the officer said. โ€œSheโ€™s not safe when sheโ€™s loose, and neither are the children in the neighborhood. Youโ€™ll have to pay the fine.โ€ He handed a ticket to Mom. She wasnโ€™t smiling.
โ€œWeโ€™ll figure out how she got out and fix it,โ€ Mom said.
As the officer was leaving, Ryan rode up on his bike. โ€œWhatโ€™s up?โ€ he asked. โ€œWho got arrested?โ€
โ€œHa, ha,โ€ Jacob said. โ€œActually, Annie did.โ€
The boys went around to the backyard. Mom and Dad were already there. Dad pointed to an Annie-sized hole under the fence. A pile of dirt on the other side told the story.
Everybody pitched in. Dad and Tim buried big rocks in the most obvious digging spots. Then Jacob and Ryan took logs from the woodpile and laid them along the bottom of the fence where Annie might try to dig. By the time they were finished, it was getting dark.
For two days Annie stayed in the backyard. Jacob was sure the problem was solved. But on Friday, their neighbor Mr. Kopiak called to say that Annie had climbed the woodpile and leaped into his yard over the fence. โ€œSheโ€™s OK,โ€ he said, โ€œbut Iโ€™m surprised she didnโ€™t break a leg.โ€
โ€œYou need to trust me on this,โ€ Jacob said to Annie as he walked her home. โ€œYou just donโ€™t realize whatโ€™s out there. You could get hurt! You have to stay, Annie.โ€
That afternoon, Ryan called to invite Jacob to go swimming. โ€œWe can bike over to Pizza Village on the way back,โ€ Ryan said.
It was a fun idea, but Jacob knew it would be hard to get permission. The pool was out of his biking territory. Still, Ryan had never invited him to go for pizza before. Jacob felt it was important to their friendship that he say yes. Surely Mom would understand.
โ€œIโ€™m sorry to disappoint you, Son,โ€ Mom said when he asked her.
โ€œItโ€™s not that far!โ€ Jacob said. He felt angry and frustrated. โ€œRyan rides his bike all over the place and heโ€™s OK. What could happen?โ€ Jacob was trying not to lose his cool, but he heard his voice getting louder with every syllable. โ€œThese rules are stupid!โ€
Mom looked him right in the eye. โ€œJacob, youโ€™ll have to trust me. You donโ€™t know whatโ€™s out there.โ€
Jacob felt tingles across the back of his neck. That was the same thing he had said to Annie that very day!
Jacob went to his room to think. He thought about what the animal-control officer had said. He remembered what his dad had said about Annie being so smart. He thought about how much he loved Annie and all the work the family had done to make her safe. He thought about rules, and how much his parents loved him and wanted him to be safe. He thought about the Holy Ghost helping Mom know what to sayโ€”the same words heโ€™d told Annie.
After a while, Jacob called Ryan. โ€œI canโ€™t go,โ€ he said. โ€œBut if you come over, we can make brownies. Mom says sheโ€™ll order pizza to be delivered.โ€
Ryan happily agreed.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Agency and Accountability Family Holy Ghost Obedience Parenting Stewardship

Making Friends: Caring and Sharingโ€”Melissa Isabel Gallardo Truman of Springvale, Victoria, Australia

Summary: Melissa often invites a friend to her family's home evening. One friend enjoyed it so much that she asked her own parents to start having a family night. Melissaโ€™s simple efforts influenced her friendโ€™s family to adopt the practice.
Each week Melissa looks at the family home evening chart to see what her assignment will be. When itโ€™s her turn to give the lesson, she likes to use the Friend magazine. โ€œIf I use the Friend, I donโ€™t need any help from my mom or dad,โ€ Melissa explains. She often invites a friend to share family home evening with her family. One of her friends enjoyed coming so much that she asked her parents if they could have their own family night.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents
Children Family Family Home Evening Friendship Teaching the Gospel

Insideโ€™s What Counts

Summary: Urged by friends to attend a stake dance, Peter faced hurtful reactions, including a girl shrieking and fleeing when he asked her to dance. A quiet inner voice urged him not to run, and he bravely kept asking, with only two girls dancing with him the entire night. Bitter and overwhelmed, he prayed for help not to be tried beyond his capacity; the next morning he received a sustaining peace that made him feel normal despite othersโ€™ reactions.
The bishop called Peter to teach Sunday School, and after several trying times, Peter had some good experiences in teaching the Gospel Doctrine class. He was working several jobs to help pay his hospital bills. He had several more operations scheduled, and he was beginning to think seriously about his future. Some friends stopped by one day to ask him to go to a stake dance that evening with them. Although he wanted to go, he refused. It took them six hours of talking to convince him to give it a try.
As I entered the foyer, I noticed that all the kids started looking at me, and I noticed some girls over by the coatrack. A couple of girls whispered (they didnโ€™t know I could hear them), โ€œGosh, look at that guy. I sure hope he doesnโ€™t ask me to dance.โ€ Once again an ugly feeling shrouded my whole being.
I found a place behind the guys up near the band. I claimed a two-feet-square piece of the gym floor as my territory. I was going to own it for those hours at the dance.
At intermission his friends tried to encourage him to dance. They started pulling him out onto the floor. During the intermission, he resolved that as soon as the band began playing again, he would ask a girl to dance.
As soon as the music started, I remembered my commitment, and putting on mental blinders, I went right out there to dance. I knew if I didnโ€™t do it then, I would be a coward for the rest of the night.
He reached the section of the floor where the girls had congregated. He approached one girl from behind. When he touched her on the shoulder to ask for a dance, she turned, saw Peter, and let out a shriek. Embarrassed, she ran out of the hall, pushing her way through the crowd. It was just like the incident at the grocery store. The band stopped playing; everyone turned to see what was the matter. He returned to his place. His friends tried to comfort him, and the dance started again.
I wanted to shout; I wanted to get out of there. And this small voice deep down inside me said, โ€œPeter, you canโ€™t run now; youโ€™ll be running for the rest of your life.โ€ Another strange thing started to happen. My legs started to move across the floor. I watched myself go out there to ask another girl to dance. I had strength beyond my own power. It was like my spirit was up above me saying, โ€œWhat are you doing? Youโ€™ve got to get back. Are you a glutton for punishment?โ€ As I was walking across the floor, I was having this argument saying yes and no and yes and no. This small voice inside me kept reassuring me. It said, โ€œPeter, you must keep asking them to dance. Donโ€™t turn and run because youโ€™ll be running forever.โ€
Every dance for the rest of the evening, he asked girls to dance. During the entire evening, only two girls would dance with him. That night as he knelt in prayer, Peter was one bitter young man.
Everything seemed to come togetherโ€”all the pressure of the people, the way they treated me and gawked at me and pointed at me, and all the operations that were left to be done. I still did not really know if they could correct my eyes and give me some eyelids, a normal mouth, and a nose. This feeling of ugliness came upon me, and in my anger, I said to my Father in Heaven, โ€œThere is a scripture that promises that we will not be tempted beyond our capacity to resist. I need that now.โ€ I went to bed. The next morning I was blessed with a peace and a calmness that has stayed with me ever since. And regardless of how the world treated me from that point on, I was normal. My Father in Heaven just gave it to me as he promised. If we live the commandments, he will give us what we need. He gave me a peace and a calmness, so I was normal from that day on. Yes, people would react the same toward me, but I had changed.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Other ๐Ÿ‘ค Friends ๐Ÿ‘ค Youth ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Adversity Bishop Commandments Courage Disabilities Employment Holy Ghost Judging Others Peace Prayer Teaching the Gospel

Ryan Hughes of Watkinsville, GA

Summary: Ryan has a quick-moving lizard in his front yard that he hasn't caught yet. After moving from Texasโ€”where he first loved watching lizardsโ€”to Georgia, he continued finding them. Seeing a TV news segment about a boy who trained a lizard to jump through hoops inspired Ryan to make big plans for his own yard reptile.
Ryan Hughes (10) has a friend who lives in his front yard. Heโ€™s not an ordinary friend, of course. He has four legs, a long tail, and he moves so fast that Ryan hasnโ€™t been able to catch him โ€ฆ yet.
He and his familyโ€”Dad, Robert; Mom, Leah; Tanya (16); Joshua (14); and Kayla (8)โ€”used to live in Texas, and thatโ€™s where Ryan came to know lizards. His favorite spot there was a field where there were scores of them. When the family moved, Ryan was glad to find out that Georgia has a fair amount of lizards also. On a recent TV news program, Ryan learned of a boy who has trained a lizard to jump through hoops. Ryan has big plans for the reptile in his front yard!
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Children Family Friendship Movies and Television

A Happy Gathering of Sisters

Summary: In Benidorm, Spain, sisters from many countries meet for enrichment and learn to make greeting cards from Swiss sisters. Language barriers fade as they work together, and sister missionaries bring investigators who mingle happily. When the investigators attend Sunday services, they already feel a sense of belonging.
Home, family, and personal enrichment meeting is a wonderful place to socialize and establish the sisterhood necessary to create a sense of belonging among members of Relief Society and visitors. This is exemplified in an enrichment meeting held in Benidorm, Spainโ€”a resort town where travelers are constantly coming and going. One evening sisters from Ecuador, Peru, Colombia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, England, Scotland, and Spain meet together for an enrichment meeting. On this particular night the sisters from Switzerland teach the others how to make greeting cards that can be used for various occasions. It is a simple design, easily mastered while the sisters visit and strengthen friendships.
As the sisters work together, their friendliness and sincerity soon overcome language barriers. The sister missionaries have brought some investigators who are chatting happily with the others. When these investigators visit the little branch again on Sunday, they already feel they belong to the group.
It is a simple activity, but this enrichment meeting accomplishes the goals of learning, serving, and socializing. Some of the sisters might have thought, โ€œI donโ€™t need to go. I have plenty of greeting cards.โ€ But the greeting cards are only a small part of the benefit of attending enrichment meeting this night. Sometimes we attend to get something out of it. Other times weโ€™re there to give to others, if only a listening ear, a word of encouragement, or a welcoming hand of friendship.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Friendship Kindness Ministering Missionary Work Relief Society Service Unity Women in the Church

Nurturing a Love That Lasts

Summary: Former BYU president Rex E. Lee was hospitalized for five months with cancer. His wife, Janet, stayed by his side daily, reading Supreme Court cases aloud and tenderly caring for him. Through these consistent, selfless acts, their love deepened in a way they would not otherwise have known.
In contrast, selflessness builds strong, loving relationships. Several years before his death, former Brigham Young University president Rex E. Lee was hospitalized for five months with cancer. His wife, Janet, was at his side virtually every day. When he โ€œwas so sick that he couldnโ€™t even read his favorite literatureโ€”[U.S.] Supreme Court casesโ€”Janet read the cases aloud to him while tenderly rubbing his bare feet. In a multitude of such moments, the roots of their love, including their affection, stretched ever deeper. President Lee said he knew Janet loved him before, but now their love has a depth they could not otherwise knowโ€ (Bruce C. and Marie K. Hafen, โ€œโ€˜Bridle All Your Passions,โ€™โ€ Ensign, February 1994, 17).
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Adversity Charity Family Health Love Marriage Sacrifice Service

A Discussion on Scripture Study

Summary: As a child, Elder Eyring was given a small Bible and felt deeply drawn to 1 Corinthians 13 about charity, sensing it related to his future family. Years later, before marriage, his patriarchal blessing described the same feeling for his future home, confirming what he had felt in his youth.
Elder Eyring: Throughout my life, the scriptures have been a way for God to reveal things to me that are personal and helpful. When I was a little boy, I was given a small Bible. If I remember correctly, it was only the New Testament. For some reason, I was drawn to 1 Corinthians 13, which is about charity. Somehow, even in my childhood, I knew that for me that chapter was about the family I would have someday. Years later, before I was married, I received a patriarchal blessing. In that blessing, the patriarch described the feeling that would be in the home I would someday have. He described exactly what I had felt years before when I read 1 Corinthians 13.
The scriptures were one of the ways God spoke to meโ€”even when I was a childโ€”about my needs, my situation, and my life. They still are. Since our needs change over a lifetime, God has different things to tell us at different times.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local) ๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Bible Charity Family Patriarchal Blessings Revelation Scriptures

Becoming a Member-Missionary

Summary: The author felt uncomfortable during a member-missionary Sunday School class despite believing the teachings. After examining her fears, studying scriptures and prophetic counsel, and praying, her fear turned into confidence. By the end of a six-week class, she had given away multiple copies of the Book of Mormon, shared her testimony, and invited neighbors to meet the missionaries.
I became more and more uncomfortable during our first member-missionary Sunday School class while the teacher talked about the importance of the work.
โ€œEvery member a missionary,โ€ he reminded us, and then he continued: โ€œEighty percent of the convert baptisms in our mission come from member referrals. One part of the threefold mission of the Church is to proclaim the gospel to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. Brothers and sisters, we need to learn to open our mouths and share the gospel!โ€
His words werenโ€™t new to me; I had heard them many times and believed them to be true. So why was I feeling uncomfortable? Why was I too nervous to give a nonmember a copy of the Book of Mormon, share my testimony with someone, or invite someone to meet the missionaries? Feeling discouraged after that first class, I tried to understand why I felt afraid to give a copy of the Book of Mormon to a nonmember, to share my testimony of the gospel, and to the invite nonmember friends and neighbors to meet with the missionaries. In examining my fears I took the first step toward a remarkable change in my life. As I studied the scriptures and words of living prophets and prayed to the Lord, my fear turned to confidence. By the end of that six-week class, I had given away seven copies of the Book of Mormon, shared my testimony with two nonmembers, and invited neighbors into our home to meet the missionaries. Hereโ€™s how I faced my fears and dealt with them.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local)
Book of Mormon Courage Missionary Work Prayer Scriptures Teaching the Gospel Testimony

Family Ties

Summary: Missionaries taught Charles Shumway in Wisconsin, and after he shared the message at work, a coworker beat him. Once healed, he traveled to Nauvoo to learn if Joseph Smith was truly a prophet, found him, and then brought his family by raft to Nauvoo. He followed prophetic direction thereafter, helping lead the first company across the Mississippi, entering the Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young, and later settling in Arizona at President Young's request, establishing a faithful family legacy.
My father was the great-grandson of Charles Shumway, the first convert to the Church in our family. The missionaries found him living in the state of Wisconsin and shared the gospel with him. He was so happy that the next day, when he went to the sawmill where he worked, he told his coworkers what the missionaries had told him. One big man did not agree with his message and beat him up. He crawled back home, wounded.
When he had healed, he told his family, โ€œI have to go find out if Joseph Smith really exists and if there really is such a thing as a prophet, like those missionaries told me.โ€ He traveled to Nauvoo, and when he got there, yes sir, there was a prophet.
He returned home for his wife and family, headed toward the Mississippi River, built a raft, and floated back down to Nauvoo. For the rest of his life, he followed the prophet and tried to do exactly as he was directed. Under the direction of Brigham Young, he led the first company of Saints across the Mississippi after they were driven out of Nauvoo. He came into the Salt Lake Valley with Brigham Young on July 24, 1847. Later, President Young asked him to settle in Arizona. He did, and thatโ€™s where my family has stayed ever since. Thanks to my great-great-grandfather who accepted the gospel, my great-grandfather, my grandfather, my father, and I have all been active members of the Church.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Joseph Smith ๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Pioneers ๐Ÿ‘ค Early Saints ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General)
Adversity Apostle Conversion Family Family History Joseph Smith Missionary Work Obedience The Restoration

Volunteers Are Just What the Doctor Ordered for American Samoans

Summary: Audrey Tarr, an OB/GYN and urology specialist in Oregon, and her husband, David, a recently retired engineer, were considering their next step. She had thought of serving later as an area medical advisor, but they received a call from Church headquarters inviting her to serve immediately as a practicing physician in American Samoa. She is focusing on womenโ€™s health concerns, while David serves on the hospitalโ€™s engineering team and shares his faith with others.
Dr. Audrey Tarr and her husband, David, had been living in Oregon, where she practiced obstetrics and gynecology with an additional specialty in urology. She and David, a recently retired engineer, were trying to figure out what was next for them.

โ€œI had thought about sometime in the future serving as an area medical advisor for one of the many missions in the Church,โ€ said Dr. Tarr. โ€œBut we got a call from Church headquarters with this opportunity to serve now as a practicing physician.โ€

She felt it was especially important for her to come, as she is a female physician who has worked to build awareness of health issues unique to women. Dr. Tarr is concerned about the high cancer rates among women in American Samoa and plans to help the Department of Health improve health prospects for local women.

While they are in American Samoa, Elder David Tarrโ€”a seasoned aerospace engineerโ€”is serving with the engineering and maintenance team at the hospital. He says life as a missionary has been interesting. โ€œSince I wear my missionary badge, everyone knows I am a member of the Church. Itโ€™s been a great chance to answer questions from others and share spiritual experiences I have had.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries
Diversity and Unity in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Health Missionary Work Service Women in the Church

These Are Your Days

Summary: When Dawnโ€™s parents received a mission call to Japan, she had to choose whether to go with them or stay for her senior year. After fasting, praying, and studying the scriptures, she likened her situation to Lehiโ€™s family and chose to obey Godโ€™s will by going. At her farewell, she testified of Jesus Christ as her greatest friend.
Young women, let your days begin and end with prayer. Read from your scriptures every day. When you pray and talk with your Heavenly Father, when you let him communicate with you through the scriptures and through his Spirit, you will find answers to your prayersโ€”just as Dawn did.
When Dawnโ€™s parents received a mission call to Japan, she was given the choice of going with them or staying behind. Going meant leaving her friends, missing her senior year in high school, and, in general, changing many of her future plans. The decision seemed too hard to make. She said, โ€œI spent a lot of time crying and wondering why this should be happening to me.โ€
She fasted and prayed about the decision. It seemed coincidental that they were studying the Book of Mormon in seminary and were talking about Lehiโ€™s family. In the past she had wondered why Laman and Lemuel had such a hard time choosing the right. It bothered her that they were the older brothers and didnโ€™t set a good example. She began to liken herself to the scriptures. She was the oldest child in the family, and going to Japan was like going into the wilderness for her. She would have to leave a lot of important things behind. She said, โ€œI didnโ€™t want to be a Laman or Lemuel. I wanted to obey my Father in Heaven and do his will.โ€ She knew her decision was right when she told her parents she would love to go to Japan with them and it felt so good.
At the farewell, Dawn told her friends how much she loved them and would miss them, then said, โ€œI realize that the greatest friend I have is Jesus Christ. I feel of his love every day.โ€
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๐Ÿ‘ค Jesus Christ ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Youth
Book of Mormon Family Fasting and Fast Offerings Holy Ghost Missionary Work Obedience Prayer Revelation Scriptures Testimony Young Women

In Godโ€™s Plan, Men and Women are Valued and Needed

Summary: A bishop shared that his 19-year-old son refused to serve a mission despite many discussions. After the parents called a family council, the younger sister prayed for guidance, felt prompted to show more love, and asked her brother inspired questions about the kind of man she should marry. Her questions led him to recognize the importance of missionary service. Months later, he served a mission and returned honorably.
While presiding at a stake conference, a bishop testified to me of the importance of family councils and the role each of us has in Heavenly Fatherโ€™s plan. His 19-year-old son refused to serve a full-time mission because of peer pressure. The father, who was a bishop, had many discussions with his son but still the boy insisted on not going on a mission. Father and mother decided it was best to call a family council. In the family council, the boyโ€™s younger sister convinced her parents that she could help the situation. Both parents wondered what the little girl was planning on doing that she believed would make a difference. He later found out that the little girl went to the Lord in prayer and got the inspiration to show more love and care to the brother. One day, she got an impression and asked her brother, โ€œWhat kind of man would you want me to marry someday?โ€
The brother answered, โ€œMy lovely sister, I want you to be happy, and for you to be happy, I would love for you to marry a good member of the Church.โ€
She then asked, โ€œGood member? What makes a good member?โ€
He replied and said, โ€œA man that loves the Savior and will serve Him and obey His commandments, and more especially, a return missionary.โ€
The girl looked at her brother and said, โ€œThis is why you need to serve the Lord through a full-time mission.โ€
Months after, the young man went on mission and returned honorably. Ponder on the little girlโ€™s contribution to the plan.
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๐Ÿ‘ค Church Leaders (Local) ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Young Adults ๐Ÿ‘ค Children
Agency and Accountability Bishop Children Family Holy Ghost Missionary Work Parenting Prayer Revelation Young Men

Praying for Ginger

Summary: A family's chickens escaped while they were at church, and one named Ginger went missing during a storm. The family prayed for her safety. The next morning, a delivery man arrived, and Ginger walked into the house when the door was opened. The child learned that Heavenly Father answers prayers, even about a pet.
On a windy Sunday morning the doors of our chicken shed blew open while we were at church. All nine of our chickens escaped. When we got home, we found three chickens in the garden and five in our yard. But we couldnโ€™t find Ginger though we looked and looked. That night there was a terrible storm with wind, rain, and lightning. We were all worried that Ginger would not survive. All of us prayed that she would be safe.
The next morning a delivery man came to the front door with a package. When Mom opened the door, Ginger walked right into the house. I learned that if you need help, you can pray. Heavenly Father will answer your prayer, even if it is a small prayer for a pet chicken.Dallin P., age 9, Utah
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๐Ÿ‘ค Children ๐Ÿ‘ค Parents ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Children Faith Family Miracles Prayer Testimony

War and Peace

Summary: The speaker tells of learning that Staff Sergeant James W. Cawley, a former missionary and Marine, had been killed in Iraq, leaving behind his wife and two young children. He reflects on how Cawleyโ€™s life and death seem to embody the tension between the gospel of peace and the realities of war, and uses that contrast as the opening for a discussion of war and the gospel.
My brethren and sisters, last Sunday as I sat in my study thinking of what I might say on this occasion, I received a phone call telling me that Staff Sergeant James W. Cawley of the U.S. Marines had been killed somewhere in Iraq. He was 41 years of age, leaving behind a wife and two small children.
Twenty years ago Elder Cawley was a missionary of the Church in Japan. Like so many others, he had grown up in the Church, had played as a schoolboy, had passed the sacrament as a deacon, and had been found worthy to serve a mission, to teach the gospel of peace to the people of Japan. He returned home, served in the Marines, married, became a policeman, and was then recalled to active military duty, to which he responded without hesitation.
His life, his mission, his military service, his death seem to represent the contradictions of the peace of the gospel and the tides of war.
And so I venture to say something about the war and the gospel we teach.
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๐Ÿ‘ค General Authorities (Modern) ๐Ÿ‘ค Missionaries ๐Ÿ‘ค Church Members (General) ๐Ÿ‘ค Other
Courage Death Family Missionary Work Peace Sacrifice War