When I was a university student, the honors program in which I was enrolled required students to write a thesis. Each studentβs thesis had to be supervised and approved by two professors.
For my thesis I chose to research and analyze warfare in the Book of Mormon. I consulted with one professor about my idea, and he agreed to be one of my supervisors. He also suggested another professor as a potential second supervisor.
I met with the second professor to explain my thesis topic to him. As soon as I mentioned the Book of Mormon, his demeanor changed and he began to criticize the Church. I listened quietly until he had finished and then briefly explained that I felt he misunderstood our beliefs. He didnβt seem convinced, but to my surprise he agreed to supervise my thesis.
After almost a year of research and writing, I submitted my thesis for faculty approval. During that year I had been accepted to law school, and I needed to finish this project to graduate and move forward.
Within a week I received an e-mail from the professor who had criticized the Church. He asked me to meet him at his office.
When I arrived, he asked me to close the door and sit down. Almost immediately, he launched into an attackβnot on my thesis but on the Book of Mormon. As calmly as I could, I bore my testimony of the Book of Mormon.
I hesitantly asked the professor if he would still approve my thesis. He said he would not.
I went home feeling depressed and unsure what to do. Without this manβs approval, I could lose my chances to graduate from the honors program and to begin law school. I prayed that everything would work out somehow.
When I explained my situation to the other professor who was supervising my thesis, he advised me to visit the professor the next day and give him one more chance to approve my thesis.
The next morning I found myself waiting outside the professorβs office. I was nervous, unsure of how he would react to seeing me again. When he arrived, he silently opened his office door, gesturing for me to come in. Without saying a word he took out a pen and signed my thesis, officially giving me his approval. He offered no explanation of what had caused him to change his mind but smiled at me as I said good-bye.
I am grateful that I had the opportunity to bear my testimony to this man. I know that as we stand for what we believe, Heavenly Father will strengthen and bless us.
Defending My Thesisβand the Book of Mormon
A university student writing an honors thesis on the Book of Mormon faced opposition from a supervising professor who criticized the Church and refused to approve the thesis. After the student bore testimony and sought guidance, he returned the next day at his other supervisor's counsel. The critical professor silently signed the thesis, allowing the student to graduate and move forward to law school.
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π€ Young Adults
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Book of Mormon
Courage
Education
Judging Others
Prayer
Testimony
Illiam Jones of the Isle of Man
Illiam describes his baptism as the best day of his life. He and his mother prepared handmade booklets for attending school teachers, friends, and their parents to explain the Church. He felt the Holy Ghost strongly, especially when immersed, and felt close to Heavenly Father and that Jesus was proud of him.
His own baptism was an occasion to remember. βIt was the best day of my whole life!β he says exuberantly.
School teachers, friends, and friendsβ parents all came, and each received a small handmade paper book from Illiam and his mother, with poems, pictures, photos, and Illiamβs written testimony.
βIt helped them to be better informed about our church and its teachings,β Illiam says.
When he was baptized, he says, βI felt like the Holy Ghost was with me all the time, especially when I went under the water.β He had a special feeling that he was very close to Heavenly Father and that Jesus was proud of him.
School teachers, friends, and friendsβ parents all came, and each received a small handmade paper book from Illiam and his mother, with poems, pictures, photos, and Illiamβs written testimony.
βIt helped them to be better informed about our church and its teachings,β Illiam says.
When he was baptized, he says, βI felt like the Holy Ghost was with me all the time, especially when I went under the water.β He had a special feeling that he was very close to Heavenly Father and that Jesus was proud of him.
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π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Friends
π€ Jesus Christ
Baptism
Children
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Teaching the Gospel
Testimony
The Good List
As a youth, Elder Neal A. Maxwell excelled at basketball and taught a friend to play, but his friend grew tall and made the team while he was cut. This disappointment became a formative experience. The account teaches that not all prayers are answered the way we want, but trusting Heavenly Father is never misplaced.
When Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve was growing up, more than anything he wanted to be a basketball star. When he was young, he was the best basketball player among his friends. In fact, he taught one of his friends how to play. But as time went on, his friend grew very tall and he did not. One of the hardest experiences of his life was being cut from the school basketball team while his friend made it.
Let his life be an example to you. Not all of your prayers will be answered the way youβd like. But if you trust Heavenly Father, he will not betray that trust.
Let his life be an example to you. Not all of your prayers will be answered the way youβd like. But if you trust Heavenly Father, he will not betray that trust.
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Friends
π€ Youth
Adversity
Apostle
Faith
Prayer
βNo Other Gods before Meβ
As a missionary, the author awaited Elder Boyd K. Packerβs arrival at a meetinghouse. He sensed Elder Packer enter even before seeing him and felt a powerful spiritual presence, realizing what consecrated living can make of a person.
As a missionary I was privileged to meet a living Apostle, Elder Boyd K. Packer. All the missionaries were waiting for him at the meetinghouse. We were talking and excited. My back was to the door when Elder Packer arrived, but even without seeing him, I knew he had entered the room. He filled it with the same power and purity I felt at my motherβs side. It was as though he had stepped out of one of the scripture stories. I thought, This is what a lifetime of obedience and communion with God makes a man.
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π€ Missionaries
π€ General Authorities (Modern)
Apostle
Missionary Work
Obedience
Reverence
Question: How can a father truly give top priority to his family and still magnify his callings in the church?
While serving as a bishop and juggling school and full-time work, he felt overwhelmed and worried he was failing as a father. Late one Sunday, he prayed in the chapel and felt the Spirit speak three guiding phrases: "Go forward. Do your best. Love your family." He rose renewed and strengthened.
Some years ago I was serving as a bishop. At the same time I was working on a doctorβs degree at a university and working a full-time job. I was under some strain, fearing that because of my desire to succeed in so many areas I was really failing as a father.
One Sunday evening I stayed late at church to complete some work. As I walked into the chapel to turn off the lights before going home, I suddenly felt lonely. I felt that my back would not bear for another day the heavy burdens I was carrying.
I fell to my knees near the pulpit and cried to the Lord. I poured out the feelings of my soul to him and described in detail my seemingly insurmountable tasks. When I finished I remained kneeling. And then I heard the Spirit speak to me in my heart. The answer it gave me was all I needed. It said just three things: Go forward. Do your best. Love your family.
I arose a new man.
One Sunday evening I stayed late at church to complete some work. As I walked into the chapel to turn off the lights before going home, I suddenly felt lonely. I felt that my back would not bear for another day the heavy burdens I was carrying.
I fell to my knees near the pulpit and cried to the Lord. I poured out the feelings of my soul to him and described in detail my seemingly insurmountable tasks. When I finished I remained kneeling. And then I heard the Spirit speak to me in my heart. The answer it gave me was all I needed. It said just three things: Go forward. Do your best. Love your family.
I arose a new man.
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Parents
Adversity
Bishop
Education
Employment
Family
Holy Ghost
Parenting
Prayer
Revelation
Faith in Christ amid the Fire of Affliction
The author and his wife agreed that his mother was the happiest person they knew, despite her trials as a single mother raising five children. Her joy was rooted in her faith, her identity as a daughter of God, and her focus on covenants and family.
I once asked my wife, βWho is the happiest person you know?β We agreed it was my mother. Yet Mother faced many trials. As a single mom, she raised five young children. She worked hard and was alone for many years. Why would she come to our minds as the happiest person? Because her happiness was grounded in her faith. She knew she was a beloved daughter of God and that He had a plan for her. She knew she had a bright future. She trusted that all would work out if she just lived the gospel. She focused on keeping her covenants and caring for her family. She believed as President Russell M. Nelson said, βThe joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.β1
Some of the happiest people I know: my mother, Ramona (top), my cousin Dave and Penny Barnes (center), and my Aunt Dorothy (above).
Photographs courtesy of the author
The Keetch family, my mother, Dave, Penny, and Aunt Dorothy are examples of being joyful during trials. They simply live the gospel and look to better days ahead. In doing so they show joy that exceeds the temporary, though painful, trials they face. With faith in God, they follow His plan for them and rely on Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement. This brings joy and peace.
Some of the happiest people I know: my mother, Ramona (top), my cousin Dave and Penny Barnes (center), and my Aunt Dorothy (above).
Photographs courtesy of the author
The Keetch family, my mother, Dave, Penny, and Aunt Dorothy are examples of being joyful during trials. They simply live the gospel and look to better days ahead. In doing so they show joy that exceeds the temporary, though painful, trials they face. With faith in God, they follow His plan for them and rely on Jesus Christ and the blessings of His Atonement. This brings joy and peace.
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π€ Parents
π€ General Authorities (Modern)
Adversity
Atonement of Jesus Christ
Covenant
Faith
Family
Happiness
Hope
Parenting
Peace
Single-Parent Families
Bicycle Lesson
Bryce rides Dustyβs expensive bike from a ballpark, crashes at a construction site, and badly damages it. Feeling guilty, he refrains from taking the sacrament and decides to confess. He goes to Dustyβs house, admits what he did, offers his own bike and to pay for repairs, and Dusty responds with unexpected kindness. Bryce feels relieved and looks forward to worthily taking the sacrament the next Sunday.
βYou want a ride home, Bryce?β Kendall asked as we left the Little League field. βI have my bike here. You can ride with me.β
βSure. Iβll pedal partway, if you want.β
The field and bleachers were clearing fast because ours had been the last game. Kendallβs bike was chained to the back of the bleachers. A few feet away was another one, lying in the dirt. It was one of the nicest bikes Iβd seen.
βI wonder whose bike that is,β I muttered.
βThatβs Dustyβs,β Kendall grumbled, shaking his head disgustedly. βHis dad bought it for him last month. Dusty just dumped it there before the game. I saw him leave with TJ. If I had a bike like that, I sure wouldnβt leave it lying around in the dirt like a pile of junk.β
I looked at the bike again. Its bright yellow-and-black paint was beautiful. Grabbing the handlebars, I hefted it to an upright position. For a moment I just admired it; then I swung my leg over and settled down on the seat.
I looked around. We were the only ones still there. I gripped the handlebars and hunched over, pretending to be flying down the road. I straightened up and told Kendall, βIβm going to ride it home.β
βHuh?β
βDusty lives just a block from me. Iβll drop it by his place on my way home. Heβll thank me. Letβs go.β
Kendall and I had planned to go right home, but on the way, we passed the construction site of the new shopping center. Heavy equipment had been brought in for digging the footings. There were huge piles of dirt and sand everywhere. It was an awesome place to do dirt biking. The construction crew wasnβt around. β¦
We had meant to stay only five minutes or so, but once I got started, I couldnβt quit. βIβm going to try that big hill in the middle, where theyβve started digging the foundation,β I called to Kendall.
βYouβll kill yourself, itβs too steep.β
βIβll make it easy on this bike!β
But from the top, it looked higher and steeper than it had from below. When I looked at Kendall, who stood at the bottom, gazing up anxiously, I almost chickened out. But Iβd worked hard to get up there, and Kendall was watching, so I decided to give it a try.
βWatch out for that stack of rebar over to the side,β Kendall shouted.
Sucking in a deep breath, I pushed off. Immediately I wished I had left good enough alone. Dustyβs bike went down the hill as if shot from a gun. It was all I could do to stay on as the bike bounced and swerved down the rocky dirt.
A little past halfway down the hill, I lost my balance and took a tumble. I went in one direction; the bike went in another. Everything was a spinning, twisting blur. My flailing sprawl ended when I crashed against a rock at the bottom of the hill.
βAre you all right, Bryce?β Kendall was kneeling beside me, his face white.
I groaned and tried to sit up. A banging pain throbbed in my right knee. As I grimaced, my teeth ground on dirt and sand. I spit to clean out my mouth. βMy legβs killing me,β I moaned.
After I got up and walked around a bit, I felt better, even though my knee was still throbbing. I pulled up my pant leg and discovered a two-inch scrape. It was bleeding some, but it wasnβt too bad. βI think Iβll be OK,β I finally muttered. βWhereβs Dustyβs bike?β
The bike was twisted on its side, next to the pile of iron rebar. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was badly damaged. I pulled it up. The handlebars were bent at an angle.
Kendall and I were able to straighten the handlebars, but as we were doing it, we saw that two spokes were broken on the front wheel and its rim was crumpled. The tire had a small rip in the side. I had a sick feeling in my stomach.
βWhat are you going to do?β Kendall asked me.
I shook my head slowly, wishing that I had never seen Dustyβs bike. βMaybe we can fix it,β I said hopefully.
Kendall studied the front wheel more closely, then shook his head. βThat thingβs totally wasted, Bryce.β
βWell, he shouldnβt have just left it lying there in the dirt,β I snapped, trying to blame Dusty for the accident instead of me. βHeβs lucky somebody didnβt just steal it. Iβm going to take it back to the ballpark. He can pick it up thereβif he still wants it. Heyβhe might even forget that he left it there.β
I didnβt tell anybody at home about my accident. I did my best not to limp. But every time I took a step and felt the pain, I remembered what Iβd done to Dustyβs bike. I tried to rationalize that it was his own fault for leaving it there, but that didnβt get rid of the guilty feeling.
Before Primary the next day, I heard Dusty talking to some guys. βThey trashed my bike,β he growled, hitting his clenched fist into the palm of his other hand.
βWell, whyβd you leave it at the park in the first place?β Tyson asked.
βI forgot itβdonβt you ever forget things?β
βIβd never forget my new bike. If I did, that would be the last time my dad ever got me anything.β
βWell, if I ever find out who did it,β Dusty muttered angrily, βIβm going to bust him in the nose.β
I looked at Kendall. He looked away and started down the hall for class. Ducking my head, I followed him.
I had a hard time thinking about the Primary lesson, and when sacrament meeting started, I tried to crowd thoughts of Dusty and his bike out of my mind. But as the priests were preparing the sacrament, I thought of a home evening lesson Mom had given. Sheβd talked about the sacrament and pointed out that we should always take it worthily. Taking it unworthily was mocking Jesus.
Until that Sunday, the sacrament was just something we did Sundays. It was just bread and water that the deacons brought around. But that morning I couldnβt help thinking of the broken bike, and I knew that I wasnβt worthy to take the sacrament. Not until I made things right with Dusty.
I swallowed hard and bowed my head, feeling horribly ashamed. Heavenly Father knew about the bike, and I knew that I couldnβt take the bread and water and renew my covenants with Him while pretending that I hadnβt taken and damaged Dustyβs bike.
When Mom handed me the bread tray, I started to reach for a piece. Then that sick feeling inside me welled up bigger than ever. I pulled my hand back. Without looking at Mom, I slowly shook my head and stared down at my hands. When the water came a few minutes later, I shook my head again.
It was funny that as soon as the sacrament was over and the deacons and the priests had gone to sit with their families, I felt better. I didnβt feel good about what I had done to Dustyβs bike, but I was glad that Iβd had the courage not to mock Jesus by taking the sacrament just so that people wouldnβt look at me funny. I also realized that I was going to have to tell Dusty what had happened.
I walked home after the meeting, reaching the house before the rest of my family did. I didnβt wait to change my clothesβI headed straight for the garage, grabbed my bike, and pushed it over to Dustyβs.
My hand shook a little as I rang the doorbell. Sister Baker answered it. βIs Dusty around?β I rasped nervously.
βSure, Bryce,β she said pleasantly. βWhy donβt you come on in?β
βI need to talk to him out here.β
A moment later Dusty came bounding out. βWhatβs happening, man?β
βHi, Dusty.β I turned and nodded toward my bike. βI brought you my bike.β
βOh, you heard mine got trashed. I couldnβt believe that anybody would do that to somebody elseβs bike.β
βYeah,β I gulped, stuffing my hands in my pockets. βI thought you could use mine until yours gets fixed.β
For a moment he stared at me and then at my bike and then back at me. βYou donβt have to do that, Bryce.β He sounded surprised and really sincere. βShoot, thatβs nice of you, though. Thanks a lot!β
I shook my head and looked at the ground. βNo, Dusty, Iβm not all that nice. I wish I was. You see, IββI swallowed hard and wet my lipsββIβm the one that smashed up your new bike.β
I looked up. Dusty was staring at me. He wasnβt angry, just shocked. βI was going to bring it home to you. I saw it at the park and figured Iβd ride it hereβyou know, as kind of a favor.β I was speaking fast and furiously, wanting to explain before he decided to bust me in the nose. βThen I came to where theyβre building that new shopping center, and I started riding the dirt hills. I wasnβt trying to mess up your bike or anything.β
I told him everything. I even showed him the scrape on my knee to prove that I wasnβt lying. Dusty didnβt say much. He just listened. βThatβs why I brought you my bike,β I said sadly. βIβll pay for what it costs to fix up yours, but itβll take me a little while to earn the money. Thatβs why I figured you needed another bike until then. Itβs not as good as yours, but itβll get you around. Iβm sorry, Dusty. I hadnβt meant for things to end up this way.β
Dusty stepped over to my bike and walked around it, looking it over.
βI wouldnβt blame you if you still wanted to bust me in the nose,β I muttered.
He shrugged. βIβve thought better about that.β He cuffed my arm. βI still think this is pretty nice of you. Most guys wouldnβt even have told me.β
βWell, I am sorry. And Iβll make up for it.β
I turned and started down his driveway, leaving my bike behind. βHey, Bryce,β he called after me. I stopped and turned. βDo you want to play a little catch tomorrow after school?β
I hesitated and then smiled. βSure. Iβd like that.β
As I returned home, I was smiling, both inside and out. That deep down sick feeling was gone, and I knew that next Sunday Iβd be able to take the sacramentβand Iβd appreciate it.
βSure. Iβll pedal partway, if you want.β
The field and bleachers were clearing fast because ours had been the last game. Kendallβs bike was chained to the back of the bleachers. A few feet away was another one, lying in the dirt. It was one of the nicest bikes Iβd seen.
βI wonder whose bike that is,β I muttered.
βThatβs Dustyβs,β Kendall grumbled, shaking his head disgustedly. βHis dad bought it for him last month. Dusty just dumped it there before the game. I saw him leave with TJ. If I had a bike like that, I sure wouldnβt leave it lying around in the dirt like a pile of junk.β
I looked at the bike again. Its bright yellow-and-black paint was beautiful. Grabbing the handlebars, I hefted it to an upright position. For a moment I just admired it; then I swung my leg over and settled down on the seat.
I looked around. We were the only ones still there. I gripped the handlebars and hunched over, pretending to be flying down the road. I straightened up and told Kendall, βIβm going to ride it home.β
βHuh?β
βDusty lives just a block from me. Iβll drop it by his place on my way home. Heβll thank me. Letβs go.β
Kendall and I had planned to go right home, but on the way, we passed the construction site of the new shopping center. Heavy equipment had been brought in for digging the footings. There were huge piles of dirt and sand everywhere. It was an awesome place to do dirt biking. The construction crew wasnβt around. β¦
We had meant to stay only five minutes or so, but once I got started, I couldnβt quit. βIβm going to try that big hill in the middle, where theyβve started digging the foundation,β I called to Kendall.
βYouβll kill yourself, itβs too steep.β
βIβll make it easy on this bike!β
But from the top, it looked higher and steeper than it had from below. When I looked at Kendall, who stood at the bottom, gazing up anxiously, I almost chickened out. But Iβd worked hard to get up there, and Kendall was watching, so I decided to give it a try.
βWatch out for that stack of rebar over to the side,β Kendall shouted.
Sucking in a deep breath, I pushed off. Immediately I wished I had left good enough alone. Dustyβs bike went down the hill as if shot from a gun. It was all I could do to stay on as the bike bounced and swerved down the rocky dirt.
A little past halfway down the hill, I lost my balance and took a tumble. I went in one direction; the bike went in another. Everything was a spinning, twisting blur. My flailing sprawl ended when I crashed against a rock at the bottom of the hill.
βAre you all right, Bryce?β Kendall was kneeling beside me, his face white.
I groaned and tried to sit up. A banging pain throbbed in my right knee. As I grimaced, my teeth ground on dirt and sand. I spit to clean out my mouth. βMy legβs killing me,β I moaned.
After I got up and walked around a bit, I felt better, even though my knee was still throbbing. I pulled up my pant leg and discovered a two-inch scrape. It was bleeding some, but it wasnβt too bad. βI think Iβll be OK,β I finally muttered. βWhereβs Dustyβs bike?β
The bike was twisted on its side, next to the pile of iron rebar. As soon as I saw it, I knew that it was badly damaged. I pulled it up. The handlebars were bent at an angle.
Kendall and I were able to straighten the handlebars, but as we were doing it, we saw that two spokes were broken on the front wheel and its rim was crumpled. The tire had a small rip in the side. I had a sick feeling in my stomach.
βWhat are you going to do?β Kendall asked me.
I shook my head slowly, wishing that I had never seen Dustyβs bike. βMaybe we can fix it,β I said hopefully.
Kendall studied the front wheel more closely, then shook his head. βThat thingβs totally wasted, Bryce.β
βWell, he shouldnβt have just left it lying there in the dirt,β I snapped, trying to blame Dusty for the accident instead of me. βHeβs lucky somebody didnβt just steal it. Iβm going to take it back to the ballpark. He can pick it up thereβif he still wants it. Heyβhe might even forget that he left it there.β
I didnβt tell anybody at home about my accident. I did my best not to limp. But every time I took a step and felt the pain, I remembered what Iβd done to Dustyβs bike. I tried to rationalize that it was his own fault for leaving it there, but that didnβt get rid of the guilty feeling.
Before Primary the next day, I heard Dusty talking to some guys. βThey trashed my bike,β he growled, hitting his clenched fist into the palm of his other hand.
βWell, whyβd you leave it at the park in the first place?β Tyson asked.
βI forgot itβdonβt you ever forget things?β
βIβd never forget my new bike. If I did, that would be the last time my dad ever got me anything.β
βWell, if I ever find out who did it,β Dusty muttered angrily, βIβm going to bust him in the nose.β
I looked at Kendall. He looked away and started down the hall for class. Ducking my head, I followed him.
I had a hard time thinking about the Primary lesson, and when sacrament meeting started, I tried to crowd thoughts of Dusty and his bike out of my mind. But as the priests were preparing the sacrament, I thought of a home evening lesson Mom had given. Sheβd talked about the sacrament and pointed out that we should always take it worthily. Taking it unworthily was mocking Jesus.
Until that Sunday, the sacrament was just something we did Sundays. It was just bread and water that the deacons brought around. But that morning I couldnβt help thinking of the broken bike, and I knew that I wasnβt worthy to take the sacrament. Not until I made things right with Dusty.
I swallowed hard and bowed my head, feeling horribly ashamed. Heavenly Father knew about the bike, and I knew that I couldnβt take the bread and water and renew my covenants with Him while pretending that I hadnβt taken and damaged Dustyβs bike.
When Mom handed me the bread tray, I started to reach for a piece. Then that sick feeling inside me welled up bigger than ever. I pulled my hand back. Without looking at Mom, I slowly shook my head and stared down at my hands. When the water came a few minutes later, I shook my head again.
It was funny that as soon as the sacrament was over and the deacons and the priests had gone to sit with their families, I felt better. I didnβt feel good about what I had done to Dustyβs bike, but I was glad that Iβd had the courage not to mock Jesus by taking the sacrament just so that people wouldnβt look at me funny. I also realized that I was going to have to tell Dusty what had happened.
I walked home after the meeting, reaching the house before the rest of my family did. I didnβt wait to change my clothesβI headed straight for the garage, grabbed my bike, and pushed it over to Dustyβs.
My hand shook a little as I rang the doorbell. Sister Baker answered it. βIs Dusty around?β I rasped nervously.
βSure, Bryce,β she said pleasantly. βWhy donβt you come on in?β
βI need to talk to him out here.β
A moment later Dusty came bounding out. βWhatβs happening, man?β
βHi, Dusty.β I turned and nodded toward my bike. βI brought you my bike.β
βOh, you heard mine got trashed. I couldnβt believe that anybody would do that to somebody elseβs bike.β
βYeah,β I gulped, stuffing my hands in my pockets. βI thought you could use mine until yours gets fixed.β
For a moment he stared at me and then at my bike and then back at me. βYou donβt have to do that, Bryce.β He sounded surprised and really sincere. βShoot, thatβs nice of you, though. Thanks a lot!β
I shook my head and looked at the ground. βNo, Dusty, Iβm not all that nice. I wish I was. You see, IββI swallowed hard and wet my lipsββIβm the one that smashed up your new bike.β
I looked up. Dusty was staring at me. He wasnβt angry, just shocked. βI was going to bring it home to you. I saw it at the park and figured Iβd ride it hereβyou know, as kind of a favor.β I was speaking fast and furiously, wanting to explain before he decided to bust me in the nose. βThen I came to where theyβre building that new shopping center, and I started riding the dirt hills. I wasnβt trying to mess up your bike or anything.β
I told him everything. I even showed him the scrape on my knee to prove that I wasnβt lying. Dusty didnβt say much. He just listened. βThatβs why I brought you my bike,β I said sadly. βIβll pay for what it costs to fix up yours, but itβll take me a little while to earn the money. Thatβs why I figured you needed another bike until then. Itβs not as good as yours, but itβll get you around. Iβm sorry, Dusty. I hadnβt meant for things to end up this way.β
Dusty stepped over to my bike and walked around it, looking it over.
βI wouldnβt blame you if you still wanted to bust me in the nose,β I muttered.
He shrugged. βIβve thought better about that.β He cuffed my arm. βI still think this is pretty nice of you. Most guys wouldnβt even have told me.β
βWell, I am sorry. And Iβll make up for it.β
I turned and started down his driveway, leaving my bike behind. βHey, Bryce,β he called after me. I stopped and turned. βDo you want to play a little catch tomorrow after school?β
I hesitated and then smiled. βSure. Iβd like that.β
As I returned home, I was smiling, both inside and out. That deep down sick feeling was gone, and I knew that next Sunday Iβd be able to take the sacramentβand Iβd appreciate it.
Read more β
π€ Children
π€ Parents
π€ Friends
π€ Church Members (General)
Children
Courage
Forgiveness
Honesty
Peace
Repentance
Reverence
Sacrament
Sacrament Meeting
Sin
Christmas Message from the First Presidency:Tidings of Great Joy!
A young boy and his mother faced a frightening storm, and the power went out, leaving them in darkness. The boy, growing increasingly afraid, asked if there was something they could do about themselves. They knelt and prayed for courage, comfort, and safety. Though the storm continued, they felt a sweet peace until help arrived.
We are reminded of a young boy whose home was threatened by a severe storm. All day there had been reports of it on the radio and when evening came, he and his mother heard frightening warnings. The boy grew more and more upset. Suddenly, with a loud crash, the power failed. The radio became silent and the house was plunged into darkness. Then the mother heard muffled sobs from her young son.
βTry not to be upset,β she told him. βWeβve prepared as well as we could. After all, we are together, and thereβs nothing more we can do about it.β
βI know,β he answered. βI know thereβs nothing we can do about it. But isnβt there something more we can do about us?β
So in the darkness the mother and the boy knelt together and prayed for courage and comfort and safety. The storm did not cease, but a sweet peace came to them and stayed in their hearts until help arrived.
βTry not to be upset,β she told him. βWeβve prepared as well as we could. After all, we are together, and thereβs nothing more we can do about it.β
βI know,β he answered. βI know thereβs nothing we can do about it. But isnβt there something more we can do about us?β
So in the darkness the mother and the boy knelt together and prayed for courage and comfort and safety. The storm did not cease, but a sweet peace came to them and stayed in their hearts until help arrived.
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π€ Parents
π€ Children
Adversity
Children
Courage
Emergency Preparedness
Faith
Family
Peace
Prayer
Chiasmus in the Book of Mormon
John published an academic article announcing that a specialized Hebrew literary form appears throughout the Book of Mormon. A prominent non-Latter-day Saint scholar praised the finding as the most stunning information he had learned about the book. John is an Oxford doctoral student with ties to California and BYU.
Some months ago, John announced in an academic journal the remarkable discovery that an ancient and highly specialized Hebrew literary style could be found throughout the Book of Mormon. A world-famous, non-Mormon scholar called it the βmost stunning information Iβve learned concerning the Book of Mormon.β John, presently a doctoral student at Englandβs Oxford University, is a transplanted Californian via BYU.
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π€ Other
Book of Mormon
Education
Religion and Science
Ann and Newel Whitney and the Covenant Path
The Saints labored heroically to build the Kirtland Temple, supported in part by Newel Whitneyβs enterprises. In 1836, the Savior appeared in the temple and accepted their efforts, promising great blessings. Moses, Elias, and Elijah then conferred essential priesthood keys for the latter days.
For the early members of the Church, on a collective and an individual level, receiving the promised endowment of power was the center of their temporal and spiritual striving (see Doctrine and Covenants 38:32).
The Lord repeatedly commanded the building of temples in Kirtland and Missouri. In Kirtland, the Saints succeeded with heroic effort to raise a remarkable building. It was their best effort to build something worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ. The temple still stands today. Newelβs store, along with his nearby ashery, were essential parts of the economy in Kirtland that supported the temple project.
In 1836, the Savior appeared in the temple and accepted their efforts. He promised that His people βshall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this houseβ (Doctrine and Covenants 110:9). Then Moses, Elias, and Elijah came and conferred keys critical to the last dispensation (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:11β16).
The Lord repeatedly commanded the building of temples in Kirtland and Missouri. In Kirtland, the Saints succeeded with heroic effort to raise a remarkable building. It was their best effort to build something worthy of the Lord Jesus Christ. The temple still stands today. Newelβs store, along with his nearby ashery, were essential parts of the economy in Kirtland that supported the temple project.
In 1836, the Savior appeared in the temple and accepted their efforts. He promised that His people βshall greatly rejoice in consequence of the blessings which shall be poured out, and the endowment with which my servants have been endowed in this houseβ (Doctrine and Covenants 110:9). Then Moses, Elias, and Elijah came and conferred keys critical to the last dispensation (see Doctrine and Covenants 110:11β16).
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π€ Jesus Christ
π€ Joseph Smith
π€ Prophets/Apostles (Scriptural)
π€ Early Saints
Covenant
Jesus Christ
Ordinances
Priesthood
Revelation
Temples
The Restoration
The Impact General Conference Made in My Conversion
After years in evangelical churches and growing disillusionment, the narrator accepted her brotherβs invitation to attend Latter-day Saint services and felt at home but still hesitated to be baptized. While watching the October 2012 general conference, she felt the Spirit tell her, βBe baptized,β and Elder Bednarβs message eased her concerns. The next morning she asked her brother to baptize her, feeling that God had answered her prayers through His prophets.
Forty years ago, I gave my heart to Jesus Christ and began attending an evangelical church. I had a wonderful pastor and made many friends who helped me grow spiritually. But after many years of attending, I became troubled by some of the churchβs new practices. I tried so hard to stay, but I just couldnβt abide by the changes.
When I began searching for a new church, my brother and his wife, who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invited me to come to their church. But I couldnβt wrap my heart and mind around Joseph Smith as a prophet. I respectfully told them, βThanks, but no thanks.β
I started going to another evangelical church, but the same thing happened there too. After a while, I felt that my spiritual needs werenβt being fulfilled there either. Once again, my brother and his wife invited me to come to their church, and again I politely refused.
I decided I couldnβt trust any church. I made a plan to practice my faith alone. But without church or the opportunity to share my faith with others, I felt myself slipping away from my commitment to Jesus Christ. I started doubting what I had believed in for 30 years! That was the turning point for me.
I looked to the only option I seemed to have left and finally told my brother and his wife that I wanted to go to church with them.
I was skeptical at first, but I will never forget that first Sunday I attended with them. My heart swelled throughout sacrament meeting, as we discussed the New Testament in Sunday School, and again when we sang beautiful music together in Relief Society. And I loved the way people interacted with such love and compassion.
I felt at home.
I continued going to church, but after praying and searching for almost two years, I still had many questions for the Lord and wasnβt ready to be baptized. Then, in October 2012, I decided to watch general conference to find my answers.
Both Saturday sessions greatly touched my heart, and I decided to watch the Sunday morning session in the church building. Even though there was hardly anyone there, I felt distinct peace about my decision to be in the chapel. I could feel my heart softening. I was so hungry for truth.
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, shared a beautiful message that I will never forget. He spoke of Joseph Smithβs prayer in Liberty Jail, when he cried out: βO God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?β (Doctrine and Covenants 121:1). President Eyring compared Josephβs feeling to what I had felt:
βMany of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us. β¦ God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. β¦
βOur feelings of separation from God will diminish as we become more childlike before Him. β¦ It will help us recognize this truth: God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children.β1
As President Eyring shared this message about receiving Godβs love and His will, I heard a message from the Spirit in my mind. It was two simple words: βBe baptized.β
When Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about conversion that same day,2 I felt my concerns about being baptized disappear. I realized I wasnβt giving up my core beliefs from my evangelical days by joining a new faith. I was building on the faith and truths that I already had. I was being further converted unto the Lord. And His prophets were helping me along the way.
The morning after conference, I called my brother and asked him if he would baptize me. It was a joyful moment that brought us both to tears.
As I reflect on my life journey, Iβm grateful for the opportunities afforded me through Jesus Christ. And Iβm grateful for general conference. During general conference, I felt that God had heard me. He answered my questions, addressed my fears, and loved me through the words of His prophets.
I know that each general conference has a message straight from the Lord that is personally tailored to you and what youβre going through. As we listen to the prophets with a willingness to accept Godβs message for us, we will hear Him. We will receive answers to our prayers and answers to our questions. We will find that the Lord speaks, and we will become more and more converted unto Him.
When I began searching for a new church, my brother and his wife, who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invited me to come to their church. But I couldnβt wrap my heart and mind around Joseph Smith as a prophet. I respectfully told them, βThanks, but no thanks.β
I started going to another evangelical church, but the same thing happened there too. After a while, I felt that my spiritual needs werenβt being fulfilled there either. Once again, my brother and his wife invited me to come to their church, and again I politely refused.
I decided I couldnβt trust any church. I made a plan to practice my faith alone. But without church or the opportunity to share my faith with others, I felt myself slipping away from my commitment to Jesus Christ. I started doubting what I had believed in for 30 years! That was the turning point for me.
I looked to the only option I seemed to have left and finally told my brother and his wife that I wanted to go to church with them.
I was skeptical at first, but I will never forget that first Sunday I attended with them. My heart swelled throughout sacrament meeting, as we discussed the New Testament in Sunday School, and again when we sang beautiful music together in Relief Society. And I loved the way people interacted with such love and compassion.
I felt at home.
I continued going to church, but after praying and searching for almost two years, I still had many questions for the Lord and wasnβt ready to be baptized. Then, in October 2012, I decided to watch general conference to find my answers.
Both Saturday sessions greatly touched my heart, and I decided to watch the Sunday morning session in the church building. Even though there was hardly anyone there, I felt distinct peace about my decision to be in the chapel. I could feel my heart softening. I was so hungry for truth.
President Henry B. Eyring, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, shared a beautiful message that I will never forget. He spoke of Joseph Smithβs prayer in Liberty Jail, when he cried out: βO God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?β (Doctrine and Covenants 121:1). President Eyring compared Josephβs feeling to what I had felt:
βMany of us, in moments of personal anguish, feel that God is far from us. β¦ God is never hidden, yet sometimes we are, covered by a pavilion of motivations that draw us away from God and make Him seem distant and inaccessible. β¦
βOur feelings of separation from God will diminish as we become more childlike before Him. β¦ It will help us recognize this truth: God is close to us and aware of us and never hides from His faithful children.β1
As President Eyring shared this message about receiving Godβs love and His will, I heard a message from the Spirit in my mind. It was two simple words: βBe baptized.β
When Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles spoke about conversion that same day,2 I felt my concerns about being baptized disappear. I realized I wasnβt giving up my core beliefs from my evangelical days by joining a new faith. I was building on the faith and truths that I already had. I was being further converted unto the Lord. And His prophets were helping me along the way.
The morning after conference, I called my brother and asked him if he would baptize me. It was a joyful moment that brought us both to tears.
As I reflect on my life journey, Iβm grateful for the opportunities afforded me through Jesus Christ. And Iβm grateful for general conference. During general conference, I felt that God had heard me. He answered my questions, addressed my fears, and loved me through the words of His prophets.
I know that each general conference has a message straight from the Lord that is personally tailored to you and what youβre going through. As we listen to the prophets with a willingness to accept Godβs message for us, we will hear Him. We will receive answers to our prayers and answers to our questions. We will find that the Lord speaks, and we will become more and more converted unto Him.
Read more β
π€ Jesus Christ
π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Church Members (General)
π€ Other
Apostle
Baptism
Conversion
Doubt
Faith
Family
Gratitude
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Missionary Work
Peace
Prayer
Relief Society
Revelation
Sacrament Meeting
Testimony
What Every Bishop Wants His Ward Members to Know
A former ward member asked the author for help after moving and hesitating to meet her new bishop. He counseled her to see the bishop because he held priesthood keys. Two weeks later, she reported that her bishop seemed to already understand her issues and knew how to help.
I recently had a former ward member ask me for help in dealing with some personal issues. She had moved to a new ward and was not sure if she wanted to go to her new bishop for guidance. I shared with her what I have shared many times since being released, which was that while I was happy to assist, I no longer held the keys that a bishop holds and that those keys could be crucial to providing the support she needed. I suggested that she speak with her bishop. I visited with her two weeks later, and she said that she had met with her bishop and it was as if he already knew what her issues were and how to best help her. While the bishop is certainly fallible, the Lord inspires him, guides him, and blesses lives through his words.
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π€ Church Leaders (Local)
π€ Church Members (General)
Bishop
Holy Ghost
Ministering
Priesthood
Revelation
My Friend Elmer
Despite being crippled, Elmer worked in his garden every morning with the help of a walking stick. Though the work and weeding were difficult, he persisted and took pride in the beautiful produce he grew, while the boy helped and learned from him.
There was a determination about Elmer that I came to admire. He had an appreciation for nature and beauty and loved to see things grow. Every morning you could see him heading out to work in his garden. With the aid of an old walking stick, Elmer would drag his crippled leg behind him. The walk itself was difficult, and keeping the weeds out of his large garden seemed to me to be a monumental task. It wasnβt easy, but he took pride in the beautiful produce that grew there. I would help him when I could. I enjoyed our conversations. He was full of interesting facts that he was willing to share with a listening boy.
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π€ Children
π€ Friends
π€ Other
Adversity
Creation
Disabilities
Friendship
Service
A Timely Phone Call
The narrator grew up not believing in God and became so depressed that they wanted to end their life. Missionaries knocked on their door at that low point, and they felt drawn to the gospel and joined the Church. Though trials continued, they were better able to resist the adversary and experienced true happiness for the first time.
Growing up, I didnβt believe there was a God. My life was full of turmoil, and in my darkest days I was depressed enough that I wanted to end my life. That was when the missionaries came knocking on my door. The gospel was exactly what I needed; I was drawn to it like a magnet.
My trials didnβt end after I joined the Church, but I was in a better position to resist the influence of the adversary. For the first time, I knew what happiness felt like.
My trials didnβt end after I joined the Church, but I was in a better position to resist the influence of the adversary. For the first time, I knew what happiness felt like.
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π€ Missionaries
π€ Church Members (General)
Adversity
Conversion
Happiness
Mental Health
Missionary Work
Suicide
Temptation
Testimony
Missionary Menus That Arenβt Quite Like Momβs
Elder Alden Breinholt learned how to make Catfish Stew from a family in the back hills of North Carolina. The brief account highlights local culture influencing a missionary's experience. The recipe follows the anecdote.
Catfish Stew
Hush puppies, black-eyed peas, and catfish are as much a part of the South as a southern accent. Elder Alden Breinholt from Bountiful, Utah, learned to make Catfish Stew from a family living in the back hills of North Carolina.
Hush puppies, black-eyed peas, and catfish are as much a part of the South as a southern accent. Elder Alden Breinholt from Bountiful, Utah, learned to make Catfish Stew from a family living in the back hills of North Carolina.
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π€ Missionaries
π€ Other
Family
The Power of a Personal Testimony
As a boy in postβWorld War II Germany, the speaker struggled to learn English after moving from East to West Germany. He became fascinated with airplanes and dreamed of becoming a pilot. Learning that pilots needed English transformed his motivation, and with hard work he succeeded in learning the language. He attributes the change to having a righteous and strong motive.
Let me share with you a personal experience from my own youth about the power of righteous motives.
After the turmoil of the Second World War, my family ended up in Russian-occupied East Germany. When I attended fourth grade I had to learn Russian as my first foreign language in school. I found this quite difficult because of the Cyrillic alphabet, but as time went on I seemed to do all right.
When I turned 11 we had to leave East Germany overnight because of the political orientation of my father. Now I was going to school in West Germany, which was American-occupied at that time. There in school all children were required to learn English and not Russian. To learn Russian had been difficult, but English was impossible for me. I thought my mouth was not made for speaking English. My teachers struggled. My parents suffered. And I knew English was definitely not my language.
But then something changed in my young life. Almost daily I rode my bicycle to the airport and watched airplanes take off and land. I read, studied, and learned everything I could find about aviation. It was my greatest desire to become a pilot. I could already picture myself in the cockpit of an airliner or in a military fighter plane. I felt deep in my heart this was my thing!
Then I learned that to become a pilot I needed to speak English. Overnight, to the total surprise of everybody, it appeared as if my mouth had changed. I was able to learn English. It still took a lot of work, persistence, and patience, but I was able to learn English!
Why? Because of a righteous and strong motive!
After the turmoil of the Second World War, my family ended up in Russian-occupied East Germany. When I attended fourth grade I had to learn Russian as my first foreign language in school. I found this quite difficult because of the Cyrillic alphabet, but as time went on I seemed to do all right.
When I turned 11 we had to leave East Germany overnight because of the political orientation of my father. Now I was going to school in West Germany, which was American-occupied at that time. There in school all children were required to learn English and not Russian. To learn Russian had been difficult, but English was impossible for me. I thought my mouth was not made for speaking English. My teachers struggled. My parents suffered. And I knew English was definitely not my language.
But then something changed in my young life. Almost daily I rode my bicycle to the airport and watched airplanes take off and land. I read, studied, and learned everything I could find about aviation. It was my greatest desire to become a pilot. I could already picture myself in the cockpit of an airliner or in a military fighter plane. I felt deep in my heart this was my thing!
Then I learned that to become a pilot I needed to speak English. Overnight, to the total surprise of everybody, it appeared as if my mouth had changed. I was able to learn English. It still took a lot of work, persistence, and patience, but I was able to learn English!
Why? Because of a righteous and strong motive!
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Youth
π€ Parents
Adversity
Education
Family
Patience
War
Not the Voice of Man
During the reception of Doctrine and Covenants section 76, Philo Dibble observed Joseph Smith's appearance change. He wrote that Joseph seemed dressed in glorious white and that his face shone as if transparent.
For example, as section 76 of the Doctrine and Covenants was given, Philo Dibble wrote that Joseph βseemed to be dressed in an element of glorious white, and his face shone as if it were transparent.β1 Orson Pratt was present when section 51 was received, and he testified that βJosephβs face was exceedingly white, and seemed to shine.β 2 Brigham Young testified, βThose who were acquainted with him knew when the Spirit of revelation was upon him, for his countenance wore an expression peculiar to himself while under that influence. He preached by the Spirit of revelation, and taught in his council by it, and those who were acquainted with him could discover it at once, for at such times there was a peculiar clearness and transparency in his face.β3
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π€ Joseph Smith
π€ Early Saints
Holy Ghost
Joseph Smith
Revelation
Scriptures
Testimony
The Restoration
Healing the Sick
President Spencer W. Kimball noted that too-frequent administrations might show a lack of personal faith. He shared of a faithful sister who, after receiving a priesthood blessing, declined another the next day. She affirmed the ordinance had been performed and that it was now up to her to exercise faith and claim the blessing.
President Kimball even suggested that βtoo frequent administrations may be an indication of lack of faith or of the ill one trying to pass the responsibility for faith development to the elders rather than self.β He told about a faithful sister who received a priesthood blessing. When asked the next day if she wished to be administered to again, she replied: βNo, I have been anointed and administered to. The ordinance has been performed. It is up to me now to claim my blessing through my faith.β
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π€ General Authorities (Modern)
π€ Church Members (General)
Agency and Accountability
Apostle
Faith
Ordinances
Priesthood
Priesthood Blessing
Learn, Act, Share
Although Helaman had heard the plan of salvation many times, studying it himself brought a spiritual witness. He felt the Holy Ghost and came to feel Heavenly Father's love and the truth of the doctrine.
He uses the plan of salvation as an example. Itβs a doctrine he has heard many times. βBut studying it for myself, I saw the love Heavenly Father has for us. The Holy Ghost touched my heart, and I felt inside that it is true. I came to feel the love He has for me that He would send His Son.β
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π€ Youth
Conversion
Faith
Holy Ghost
Jesus Christ
Love
Plan of Salvation
Revelation
Testimony
βGreat Shall Be the Peace of Thy Childrenβ
A police officer told of two young men arrested after seeking excitement late at night. They began innocently, but a fight broke out and police detained them. One boy remembered his mother's warning about being out after 11 p.m. and felt ashamed to face her.
My officer friend told me recently of two young men in the backseat of a police car, handcuffs about their wrists. They had started out innocently enough that evening. Four of them in a car went about looking for excitement. They found it. Soon there was a fight. Then the police cars converged. The boys were detained and handcuffed.
These were good young men. They were not of the kind that go to the jailhouse periodically. The mother of one of them had said to him before he left home, βBad things happen after 11 oβclock.β
He had quickly learned the meaning of that statement. He was embarrassed. He was ashamed to face his mother.
These were good young men. They were not of the kind that go to the jailhouse periodically. The mother of one of them had said to him before he left home, βBad things happen after 11 oβclock.β
He had quickly learned the meaning of that statement. He was embarrassed. He was ashamed to face his mother.
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π€ Youth
π€ Parents
π€ Other
Agency and Accountability
Parenting
Sin
Temptation
Young Men