THE CHURCH JESUS OF CHRISTLATTER-DAY OF SAINTS Primary, p. 58 p. Primary, Moving from On p. 54 Helped Us, That Scriptures Four for Chastity, p. 42 Young Adults Up Speak 22 16,4, 20, pp. Family, and Home Strengthening

• OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER

Liahona Christ in America, by Jeffrey Hein

When the resurrected Christ visited the Nephites in the Americas, “he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them. “And when he had done this he wept again; “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones” (3 Nephi 17:21–23). 28

Liahona, October 2012

MESSAGES 34 How to Survive in Enemy 14 Small and Simple Things Territory 4 First Presidency Message: By President Boyd K. Packer 16 Our Homes, Our Families: One Key to a Happy Family Discover within yourself how Teaching Chastity and Virtue By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf the Holy Ghost can be a guiding By Matthew O. Richardson and protective influence. 8 Visiting Teaching Message: 20 Gospel Classics: Teaching Honoring Our Covenants Righteousness at Home DEPARTMENTS By Elder Delbert L. Stapley FEATURE ARTICLES 9 For the Strength of Youth: 38 Latter-day Saint Voices Dress and Appearance 22 Helping Youth Have Spiritual News of the Church Experiences 74 10 October Conference By Melissa Merrill Notebook: Clearing Our 79 Family Home Evening Ideas Five ways to foster experiences Calendar for Conference that lead to conversion. By Cheryl Burr 80 Until We Meet Again: Good Things Keep On Coming 28 The Book of Alma: 11 Serving in the Church: By Caitlin A. Rush Lessons for Today Sunday School Answers By Elder Paul B. Pieper By Emma Addams Three lessons from the Nephites ON THE COVER can help us successfully meet the 12 What We Believe: Provident Photo illustrations by Cody Bell. challenges of our day. Living Prepares Us for the Future

October 2012 1 YOUNG ADULTS YOUTH CHILDREN

46 Questions and Answers 58 Moving On from Primary What does it mean to honor the Here are some experiences you priesthood of God? can look forward to in Young Men or Young Women. 48 Be Wise and Be a Friend By Elder Robert D. Hales 60 Dear Amiga Good friends make it easy to live By Maribel the commandments. A letter to a friend nervous about leaving Primary. 51 Dressing for a Dance By Crystal Martin 61 Welcoming a New Season I was tempted to wear a dress of Life 42 that didn’t cover my shoulders, By Marissa Widdison but then I remembered my Noah, Dylan, Patrick, and Ben Chastity in an Unchaste 42 are getting ready to receive the World patriarchal blessing. priesthood. Eight young adults discuss how 52 For the Strength of Youth: to remain chaste in a world that Dress and Appearance—“Let 62 Music: Come, Lord Jesus doesn’t value chastity. the Holy Spirit Guide” By Mary N. Cook 63 Special Witness: Why Is It Important That I Follow 54 Strengthened by the Word Jesus Christ Faithfully, No Four teens tell of times when Matter Where I Am? a scripture came to mind and By Elder Dallin H. Oaks helped them. 64 Bringing Primary Home: 57 Poster: Straight and Narrow Blessings of the Priesthood Is the Way Are Available to All 66 Twice the Blessings See if you By Richard M. Romney can find the Meet Sophie and Elodie, 10-year- Liahona hidden old twins from Madagascar. in this issue. Hint: Did 68 Can’t I Be Baptized Too? Noah use a By Hilary Watkins Lemon Liahona? Six-year-old Paulo is excited to become a member of the Church.

70 For Young Children 51 81 Book of Mormon Scripture Figures

2 Liahona OCTOBER 2012 VOL. 36 NO. 10 LIAHONA 10490 International magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Liahona.lds.org The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, More Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf Online The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: FOR ADULTS Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, After reading about forgiveness in the Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen First Presidency Message (page 4), you Editor: Craig A. Cardon may also wish to read President James E. Advisers: Shayne M. Bowen, Bradley D. Foster, Christoffel Golden Jr., Anthony D. Perkins Faust’s last general conference talk, Managing Director: David T. Warner “The Healing Power of Forgiveness” Director of Family and Member Support: (April 2007), at conference.lds​ .org.​ Vincent A. Vaughn Director of Church Magazines: Allan R. Loyborg Business Manager: Garff Cannon Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson Assistant Managing Editor: LaRene Porter Gaunt Publications Assistant: Melissa Zenteno FOR YOUTH Writing and Editing: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr, David Dickson, David A. Edwards, Matthew D. Flitton, On page 52, Mary N. Cook explains how Mindy Raye Friedman, Hikari Loftus, Lia McClanahan, the reverence we feel for temples can Michael R. Morris, Richard M. Romney, Paul VanDenBerghe, Julia Woodbury guide how we dress. At youth.lds​ .org,​ Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen you can find out more about “Dress and Art Director: Tadd R. Peterson Design: Jeanette Andrews, Fay P. Andrus, C. Kimball Appearance” and any of the other stan- Bott, Thomas Child, Kerry Lynn C. Herrin, Colleen dards from For the Strength of Youth. Hinckley, Eric P. Johnsen, Scott M. Mooy, Brad Teare Intellectual Property Coordinator: Collette Nebeker Aune Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters Production: Connie Bowthorpe Bridge, Howard G. Brown, Julie Burdett, Bryan W. Gygi, Kathleen Howard, FOR CHILDREN Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Ty Pilcher, Gayle Tate Rafferty Prepress: Jeff L. Martin You can read about twins Elodie and Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Sophie from Madagascar in “Twice the Distribution Director: Evan Larsen Blessings” (page 66) and see some fun For subscriptions and prices outside the United States and Canada, go to store.lds​ .org​ or contact your local photos of them at liahona.lds​ .org.​ Church distribution center or ward or branch leader. Submit manuscripts and queries online at liahona .lds.org; by e-mail to [email protected]; or by mail to Liahona, Rm. 2420, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024, USA. IN YOUR LANGUAGE The Liahona (a Book of Mormon term meaning “compass” or “director”) is published in Albanian, Armenian, The Liahona and other Church materials Bislama, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, are available in many languages at Chinese (simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, Fijian, Finnish, French, German, Greek, languages.lds​ .org.​ Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kiribati, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malagasy, Marshallese, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Slovenian, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Tahitian, Thai, Tongan, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. (Frequency varies by language.) © 2012 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Text and visual material in the Liahona may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated TOPICS IN THIS ISSUE in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. Numbers represent the first page of the article. North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA; e-mail: cor-intellectualproperty@​ldschurch​.org. Adversity, 28 Forgiveness, 4 Prophets, 28 For Readers in the United States and Canada: Baptism, 68 Friends, 48 Sabbath, 40 October 2012 Vol. 36 No. 10. LIAHONA (USPS 311-480) English (ISSN 1080-9554) is published monthly by The Book of Mormon, 28, 81 General conference, 10 Scripture study, 11, 54 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Chastity, 16, 42 Jesus Christ, 62, 63 Self-reliance, 12 Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150. USA subscription price is $10.00 per year; Canada, $12.00 plus applicable Church history, 14 Kindness, 28 Service, 22, 39 taxes. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah. Conversion, 39 Leadership, 22 Teaching, 16, 22 Sixty days’ notice required for change of address. Include address label from a recent issue; old and new address Covenants, 8 Obedience, 40, 57 Temples, 8, 52 must be included. Send USA and Canadian subscriptions Dress, 9, 51, 52 Parenthood, 16, 20, 22 Wisdom, 48 to Salt Lake Distribution Center at address below. Subscription help line: 1-800-537-5971. Credit card Example, 40 Prayer, 38 Work, 12 orders (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) Faith, 39, 80 Preparation, 12 Young Men, 58, 61 may be taken by phone or at store.lds​ .org.​ (Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431) Family, 4, 16, 20, 22, 38, 66 Priesthood, 46, 64 Young Women, 58, 60 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Salt Lake Distribution Center, Church Magazines, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368. October 2012 3 4 Liahona FIRST PRESIDENCY MESSAGE

By President ONE KEY Dieter F. Uchtdorf Second Counselor in TO A the First Presidency Happy Family

he great Russian author Leo Tolstoy began his dripping down its face. The man rushed inside and, to his novel Anna Karenina with these words: “Happy horror, saw that his baby boy was missing and his cradle families are all alike; every unhappy family is overturned. In anger the prince pulled out his sword and T 1 unhappy in its own way.” While I do not have Tolstoy’s killed his dog. Shortly thereafter, he heard the cry of his certainty that happy families are all alike, I have discov- son—the babe was alive! By the infant’s side lay a dead ered one thing that most have in common: they have a wolf. The dog had, in reality, defended the prince’s baby way of forgiving and forgetting the imperfections of others from a murderous wolf. and of looking for the good. Though this story is dramatic, it demonstrates a point. Those in unhappy families, on the other hand, often find It opens the possibility that the story we tell ourselves fault, hold grudges, and can’t seem to let go of past offenses. about why others behave a certain way does not always “Yes, but . . .” begin those who are unhappy. “Yes, but agree with the facts—sometimes we don’t even want you don’t know how badly she hurt me,” says one. “Yes, to know the facts. We would rather feel self-justified in but you don’t know how terrible he is,” says another. our anger by holding onto our bitterness and resent- Perhaps both are right; perhaps neither. ment. Sometimes these grudges can last months or years. There are many degrees of offense. There are many Sometimes they can last a lifetime. degrees of hurt. But what I have noticed is that often we justify our anger and satisfy our consciences by telling A Family Divided ourselves stories about the motives of others that condemn One father could not forgive his son for departing their actions as unforgivable and egoistic while, at the from the path he had been taught. The boy had friends same time, lifting our own motives as pure and innocent. the father did not approve of, and he did many things contrary to what his father thought he should do. This The Prince’s Dog caused a rift between father and son, and as soon as the There is an old Welsh story from the 13th century about boy could, he left home and never returned. They rarely

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID STOKER BY DAVID PHOTO ILLUSTRATION a prince who returned home to find his dog with blood spoke again.

October 2012 5 TEACHING FROM Did the father feel justified? Perhaps. We can feel God’s love for us every day. THIS MESSAGE Did the son feel justified? Perhaps. Shouldn’t we be able to give a little more of “As you prepare each All I know is that this family was divided ourselves to our fellowmen as taught in the lesson, ask yourself and unhappy because neither father nor son beloved hymn “Because I Have Been Given how the principle is could forgive each other. They could not Much”? 2 The Lord has opened the door for us like something family look past the bitter memories they had about to be forgiven. Wouldn’t it be only right to put members have expe- each other. They filled their hearts with anger aside our own egotism and pride and begin to rienced in their own instead of love and forgiveness. Each robbed open that blessed door of forgiveness to those lives” (Teaching, No himself of the opportunity to influence the with whom we struggle—especially to all of Greater Call [1999], other’s life for good. The divide between them our own family? 171). Consider inviting appeared so deep and so wide that each In the end, happiness does not spring from family members to became a spiritual prisoner on his own perfection but from applying divine princi- share positive experi- emotional island. ples, even in small steps. The First Presidency ences they have had Fortunately, our loving and wise Eternal and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have or observed with for- Father in Heaven has provided the means to declared: “Happiness in family life is most giveness. Discuss these overcome this prideful gap. The great and likely to be achieved when founded upon the experiences, empha- infinite Atonement is the supreme act of teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful sizing the blessings of forgiveness and reconciliation. Its magnitude marriages and families are established and forgiveness. Conclude is beyond my understanding, but I testify maintained on principles of faith, prayer, by bearing testimony with all my heart and soul of its reality and repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, com- of the importance of ultimate power. The Savior offered Himself passion, work, and wholesome recreational forgiving one another. as ransom for our sins. Through Him we activities.” 3 gain forgiveness. Forgiveness is positioned right in the middle of these simple truths, founded on No Family Is Perfect our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness. None of us is without sin. Every one of us Because forgiveness connects principles, makes mistakes, including you and me. We have it connects people. It is a key, it opens all been wounded. We all have wounded others. locked doors, it is the beginning of an hon- It is through our Savior’s sacrifice that we est path, and it is one of our best hopes for can gain exaltation and eternal life. As we a happy family. accept His ways and overcome our pride by May God help us to be a little more for- softening our hearts, we can bring reconcilia- giving in our families, more forgiving of each tion and forgiveness into our families and our other, and perhaps more forgiving even with personal lives. God will help us to be more ourselves. I pray that we may experience for- forgiving, to be more willing to walk the sec- giveness as one wonderful way in which most ond mile, to be first to apologize even if some- happy families are alike. ◼ thing wasn’t our fault, to lay aside old grudges NOTES 1. Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina, trans. Constance Garnett and nurture them no more. Thanks be to God, (2008), 2. who gave His Only Begotten Son, and to the 2. “Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns, no. 219. 3. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona Son, who gave His life for us. and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129; emphasis added.

6 Liahona YOUTH CHILDREN

Prayer and Peace Forgiveness Brings Happiness By Lauren W. resident Uchtdorf teaches that we should forgive our family members. See how Joseph’s and Anna’s choices affect their family. ne evening I argued with P Omy mom and felt pretty bad. So I decided I would pray. Although I was in a bad mood and didn’t want to be “spiritual,” I knew praying would help me feel happier and less argumen- tative. After my mom left the room, I started my prayer. “Dear Heavenly Father, I’ve come to Joseph and his little sister, Anna, are playing together. Thee tonight because . . .” No. I Anna snatches Joseph’s toy away from him. What should Joseph do? opened my eyes and unfolded my arms; that sounded awkward. Joseph gets angry at Anna. Anna Joseph forgives Anna and finds I tried again. “Heavenly Father, cries. Joseph’s mother disciplines him another toy to play with. They I need . . .” That also sounded for fighting with his sister. Joseph is play together happily. Their mother strange. I felt Satan urging me sorry that he made a poor choice. is glad that Joseph was kind to his to give up my prayer of asking Heavenly Father for help. sister and kept peace in the family. Suddenly I had a prompting Joseph feels happy for choosing to say thank you! So I did, and to forgive. thoughts started spilling from my mind of all the many things I could thank my Father in Heaven for. When I was done thanking Him, I discussed the problem at hand. Afterward I felt a wonder- ful peace inside me, the warm spiritual feeling that I know our Heavenly Father and my parents Later, Joseph and Anna need to help their mother prepare dinner. love me and that I am a child Joseph doesn’t help. What should Anna do? of God. I was able to apologize to my mother and accept her Anna complains to her mother. Anna forgives Joseph and helps apology. Anna argues about having to do the with dinner. Their mother is work alone. At dinner everyone is grateful for Anna’s help. The family unhappy because of the arguing. enjoys being together at dinner. Anna feels good that she chose to forgive.

How do your choices to forgive affect your family’s happiness? ILLUSTRATIONS BY CASEY NELSON ILLUSTRATIONS

October 2012 7 VISITING TEACHING MESSAGE

Prayerfully study this material and, as appropriate, discuss it with the sisters you visit. Use the questions Faith, Family, Relief to help you strengthen your sisters and to make Relief Society an active part of your own life.

Honoring Our From Our History The temple is “a place of Covenants thanksgiving for all saints,” the isiting teaching is an expression Lord revealed to the Prophet Vof our discipleship and a way to Joseph Smith in 1833. It is “a honor our covenants as we serve and place of instruction for all those strengthen one another. A covenant is a who are called to the work of sacred and enduring promise between the ministry in all their several God and His children. “When we realize callings and offices; that they that we are children of the covenant, we may be perfected in the under- know who we are and what God expects standing of their ministry, in of us,” said Elder Russell M. Nelson of the theory, in principle, and in doc- Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “His law trine, in all things pertaining is written in our hearts. He is our God to the kingdom of God on the and we are His people.” 1 earth” (D&C 97:13–14). As visiting teachers we can strengthen Relief Society sisters in those we visit in their efforts to keep Nauvoo, Illinois, in the early their sacred covenants. By doing so, we 1840s helped each other help them prepare for the blessings of prepare for temple ordi- eternal life. “Every sister in this Church nances. In the ordinances of who has made covenants with the Lord From the Scriptures the higher priesthood that has a divine mandate to help save souls, 1 Nephi 14:14; Mosiah 5:5–7; 18:8–13; Latter-day Saints received to lead the women of the world, to Doctrine and Covenants 42:78; 84:106 in the Nauvoo Temple, “the strengthen the homes of Zion, and to power of godliness [was] 2 NOTES manifest” (D&C 84:20). “As build the kingdom of God,” said Elder 1. Russell M. Nelson, “Covenants,” Liahona and M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Ensign, Nov. 2011, 88. the Saints kept their cov- 2. M. Russell Ballard, “Women of Righteousness,” Twelve Apostles. Liahona, Dec. 2002, 39; Ensign, Apr. 2002, 70. enants, this power strength- 3. Daughters in My Kingdom: The History and ened and sustained them As we make and keep sacred cov- Work of Relief Society (2011), 133. enants, we become instruments in the through their trials in the hands of God. We will be able to artic- days and years ahead.” 3 ulate our beliefs and strengthen each In the Church today, faith- other’s faith in Heavenly Father and ful women and men all over Jesus Christ. What Can I Do? the world serve in the temple and continue to find strength 1. How do my covenants strengthen me? in the blessings that can be 2. How am I helping the sisters received only through temple

I watch over to keep their covenants? covenants. BY SCOTT GOODWIN

For more information, go to reliefsociety​.lds​.org. NAUVOO ILLINOIS TEMPLE 8 Liahona FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH

DRESS AND APPEARANCE

n today’s world, many do not understand Suggestions for Teaching Youth SCRIPTURES or respect the sacred nature of our bodies. • Read with your teen the section on ON DRESS AND APPEARANCE ILatter-day Saints stand out by dressing in dress and appearance in For the a way that shows we know how precious Strength of Youth. Doing so will give Genesis 1:27 our bodies are (see For the Strength of Youth you an opportunity to discuss the doc- 1 Corinthians 6:19 [booklet, 2011], 6–8). On page 52 of this trines, blessings, and warnings of this Alma 1:27 issue, Mary N. Cook, first counselor in the standard and to answer any questions Young Women general presidency, discusses your son or daughter may have. this standard: • Consider holding a family home eve- “As a temple is built, great care is taken ning on the importance of dress and to ensure it is protected and beautifully appearance. You could ask your family: adorned, inside and out. A key to planning If the Lord were at church with you, how temples is the understanding that a temple would you want to be dressed? How represents the Lord—it is His house. We would you want to present yourself to respect temples as sacred structures where Him? How do you feel when you are only those who are worthy may enter. We dressed modestly? You could also dis- reverence temples because the sacred ordi- cuss how to dress appropriately for nances and covenants in which we partici- other occasions, such as school, work, pate make it possible for us to return to our or social events. Heavenly Father. “Your body is more precious than the Suggestions for Teaching Children most exquisite temple on earth. You are • Our dress represents what is important God’s beloved son or daughter! These same to us. To illustrate this principle, con- principles—representation, respect, and sider holding a family home evening in reverence—apply even more so to the care which everyone dresses like a mission- and protection you give your body.” ary or wears Sunday-best clothing. The following suggestions can help you • Even at a young age, children can start teach your children correct principles about dressing modestly. Review with your dress and appearance. Also remember that children the guidelines on page 7 of For your example in modest dress will teach your the Strength of Youth and provide cloth-

ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT GREER ILLUSTRATION children how important appropriate dress is. ing that adheres to those guidelines. ◼

October 2012 9 October Conference Notebook “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken; . . . whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

Clearing Our Calendar for Conference By Cheryl Burr Since our time was not cluttered with extra activities, we could feel the Spirit more as we listened to general conference. MAKE CONFERENCE A PRIORITY ears ago, when our six children were conference completely changed our “Decide now to make young, we decided we wanted to make family’s experience. Our hearts and general conference general conference more meaningful to us. minds were prepared for conference. a priority in your Y life. Decide to listen We talked about how important it is to watch confer- Our time was not cluttered with extra ence with clear minds and rested bodies. Conference activities, so we could feel the Spirit carefully and follow is an important time to receive instruction from as we sat and listened to the words of the teachings that are our current prophets. So we set a goal not to plan counsel from our leaders. given.” anything extra for a few days before conference or We have stuck to our goal confer- Elder Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy, “The Blessings of during conference weekend. We blocked out those ence after conference because it fills General Conference,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2005, 52. days on our calendar, and each of us committed not our home with peace. Though several to schedule extra activities on those days. of our children no longer live at home, If you choose to take a similar approach, it we encourage them to still clear their will be unique to your family and your situation, calendar the few days before and dur- but our family defined “extra activities” as attend- ing conference, as we do at home. We ing school activities, having neighborhood chil- also try to schedule a time to watch a dren come over, doing things with friends away session of conference together as an from the house, having parties or dinners with entire family. I am hoping that as our friends or relatives, doing projects or yard work children marry and have children of in between or during conference sessions, saving their own, they will continue to place school projects until the last minute, and accepting a high importance on protecting their extra assignments at work. conference experience by clearing When the week before general conference their calendars. ◼ arrived, it was sometimes hard to say no to these activities, but most of the time our family members cheerfully made the right choices to meet our goal. We found that our younger children wanted to be part of general conference. I think it was because we talked about the importance of conference over and over throughout the week before. I am happy to report that keeping our sched- ule simple the days before and during general PHOTOGRAPH BY SARAH JENSON 10 Liahona SERVING IN THE CHURCH NURTURING OUR FAITH “Serving, studying, praying, and worshiping are four fundamentals in perfect- ing ‘that which is lacking in [our] faith.’ (1 Thes. 3:10.) If we cease nurturing our faith in SUNDAY SCHOOL any of these four specific ways, we are vulnerable. . . . “In a hardening world, the Lord can ANSWERS pierce our consciousness by using ‘the By Emma Addams sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.’ (Eph. 6:17; see also Jarom 1:12.) However, hearing must be ‘mixed with faith’ (Heb. 4:2) and with Christian service, have a tendency to look for grand answers to my challenges— as we have heard again and again.” to ask the Lord to help me find that one thing that will fix Elder Neal A. Maxwell (1926–2004) of the Quorum of the everything. I’ve learned that such an approach can over­ Twelve Apostles, “Lest Ye Be Wearied and Faint in Your I Minds,” Ensign, May 1991, 88. complicate things. As I was teaching the Gospel Doctrine class in my ward, I was determined to ask profound questions that would require contem- plation and big, new, insightful answers. In other words, I wanted to avoid a recitation of the same old “Sunday School answers” that ward members seemed to offer each week. As I pored over the New Testament in preparation, I was struck by the use of the word abide, which appears over and over. For exam- ple, John 15:10 says, “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (emphasis added). In His great Intercessory Prayer, the Savior prays that His disciples “may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us” and “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one” ( John 17:21, 23). USING CHURCH-APPROVED MATERIALS Much of what I searched for was how I could be one with the Lord, how I could abide in His love, and how, as a result, I could “Teachers and leaders use the scriptures, the teachings of latter-day prophets, and develop extra patience—patience I so desperately needed to turn my approved curriculum materials to teach experiences from ones that exhausted me to ones that invigorated and testify of the doctrines of the gospel. and sanctified me. Approved curriculum materials for each Ironically, as I searched for both an understanding of the word class or quorum are listed in the current abide and answers to the difficult challenges I faced on a daily basis, Instructions for Curriculum. As needed, I was ultimately led back to the precise Sunday School answers I had teachers and leaders supplement curric- ulum materials with Church magazines, been trying to avoid. I found the answers to my challenges by read- particularly the general conference issues ing the scriptures, praying daily, serving my family and others, and of the Ensign and Liahona.” attending the temple and my Sunday meetings. I learned that those Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010), 5.5.4. simple things make the difference between enduring and enduring well and with patience. The Sunday School answers really are the best answers. ◼

October 2012 11 WHAT WE BELIEVE

Provident Living PREPARES US FOR THE FUTURE

atter-day Saints believe in being can we build others’ faith if we our- prepared and self-reliant. We selves lack faith? L believe in preparing educa- Principles of provident living tionally for employment, in prepar- include the following: ing financially for a rainy day, and • Preparation. “Prepare ye for that in preparing temporally for natural which is to come, for the Lord is disasters or other challenges. Most nigh” (D&C 1:12). important, we believe in preparing • Industry. “Thou shalt not be spiritually for the Second Coming idle” (D&C 42:42). of Jesus Christ and for living with • “Learning, even by our Father in Heaven again. This study and also by approach to preparedness is called faith” (D&C 88:118). provident living. Living providently reflects our When Church members do all they true eternal nature: we are “to act for can to provide for themselves but still [ourselves] and not to be acted upon” cannot meet their basic needs, they (2 Nephi 2:26). The Lord wants us to turn first to their families for help. If be responsible and independent (see this is insufficient, the Church can D&C 78:14). He wants us to live prov- help. Bishops and branch presidents idently because of who we become can use resources from “the Lord’s in the process: responsible, generous, storehouse” to help members (see mature, kind. For the more self-reliant D&C 82:18–19). Any assistance from we are, the better we can help our the Church aims to help members families and others. How can we feed help themselves and to encourage the hungry if we ourselves are hun- work in their lives. ◼ gry? How can we impart knowledge For more information, see if we ourselves lack knowledge? How Genesis 41; D&C 38:30.

“All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy- day emergencies.”

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 8.

12 Liahona Education: Become literate; obtain job skills; study “the best books” (D&C 88:118). We can work to become self-reliant in the follow- ing areas:

Spiritual strength: Trust Physical health: Obey in the Lord; obey the the Word of Wisdom; commandments; pray and exercise; get adequate sleep; study the scriptures daily; practice good sanitation and serve others. hygiene.

ANSWERING QUESTIONS Some may wonder if Latter- day Saints hoard food. In truth, we store food and water to prepare for times when food and clean water may be scarce or inaccessi- ble or when family finances Employment: Work to Home storage: Store Finances: Pay tithes provide for your own and clean drinking water and and offerings; avoid are tight. In emergencies, your family’s needs. gradually build a supply of unnecessary debt; those who have stored food foods you eat on a regular gradually build a will feel more secure and basis and a longer-lasting financial reserve. will be better able to help supply of foods, such as grains and beans. their families and neighbors through the crisis. BY GRANT ROMNEY CLAWSON © IRI; PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY CRAIG DIMOND, © IRI; PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS THE SECOND COMING, BY GRANT ROMNEY CLAWSON FROM LEFT: STOKER © 2008 CASEY © IRI; PHOTOGRAPH OF CHERRIES BY DAVID CHRISTINA SMITH, JOHN LUKE, AND ROBERT

October 2012 13 Small & Simple Things “By small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6).

GREAT LIVES REMEMBERED Newel K. Whitney (1795–1850)

Below, left inset: An ewel Kimball Whitney was born how [they] could obtain the gift of by name, Newel couldn’t say he engraved portrait of in Vermont, USA, on February 5, the Holy Ghost.” Ann described the knew the Prophet’s name, so Newel K. Whitney. N Below, right inset: 1795. He was a talented business- vision they received in answer to Joseph responded, “I am Joseph The upstairs of man and started up a friendship and their prayer: “The Spirit rested upon the Prophet; you have prayed me the Newel K. business partnership with Sidney us and a cloud overshadowed the here, now what do you want of Whitney store in Gilbert. In their early business days, house. . . . Then we heard a voice me?” 2 The Whitneys then housed Kirtland, Ohio, where the School of they traveled frequently. On one out of the cloud, saying: ‘Prepare to the Smiths for several weeks and the Prophets and of these business trips, Newel met receive the word of the Lord, for it provided a home for them in Church meetings Elizabeth Ann Smith in Kirtland, is coming.’” 1 September 1832. were held. Bottom: The Whitney store. Ohio. Newel and Ann courted for Shortly after this answer to In addition to providing the three years and married in 1823. prayer, in October 1830, Latter- Smiths a place to stay, Newel also Together Newel and Ann sought day Saint missionaries came to gave the Church full use of the for truth and, for a time, took part in Kirtland. In November, Newel and upstairs space in his store. At the the Campbellite movement, which Ann were baptized. Only months Whitney store, Church leaders professed to have restored ancient later, Joseph and Emma Smith held meetings and the School of Christianity. One night Newel and came knocking on the Whitneys’ the Prophets. Ann prayed “to know from the Lord door. When Joseph greeted Newel In December 1831, Newel was called as the second bishop of the Church and later served as the man- ager of financial operations of the Church, helping the Church man- age its funds and get out of debt. In the fall of 1838, the Whitneys moved to Far West, Missouri, where Newel was again called as bishop, and 10 years later, he and his family crossed the plains to Salt Lake City, where he served as Presiding Bishop of the Church. Newel died on September 24, 1850, in Salt Lake City from a respi- ratory condition. NOTES 1. Elizabeth Ann Whitney, quoted in Edward Tullidge, The Women of Mormondom (1877), 41–42. 2. Joseph Smith, quoted in Elizabeth Ann Whitney, “A Leaf from an Autobiography,” Woman’s Exponent, Aug. 15, 1878, 51.

14 Liahona Dan Jones (1810–62)

ore than one million mission- would have many terrors.” Then called on a second mission to Wales Maries have been called since Joseph prophesied, “You will yet in 1852, and despite growing per- the organization of the Church, but see Wales, and fulfill the mission secution of the Church, some 2,000 Dan Jones was more than just one appointed you before you die.” 2 people were baptized in four years. in a million. Of the Welsh mission- The Prophet’s promise was Upon his return to Utah, Dan ary, President Gordon B. Hinckley fulfilled in 1845, when Dan and helped bring many Welsh converts (1910–2008) said, “In terms of the his wife, Jane, were called to serve to Utah. When he died at age 51, he

number of converts, Dan Jones in Wales. Dan used his talent for had helped bring an estimated 5,000 must certainly be included in the speaking to teach the gospel with people to the western United States. half dozen or so most productive great conviction. He was fluent in NOTES missionaries in the history of the Welsh and English, and witnesses 1. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Thing of Most Worth,” Tambuli, Mar. 1994, 8; 1 Church.” recorded that he spoke so captivat- Ensign, Sept. 1993, 7. Before he was a missionary, ingly that he could hold his audi- 2. Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, 6:601. Dan emigrated from Wales to the ence’s attention in either language United States and worked on the for hours. Mississippi River as captain of a While in Wales, Dan published steamboat called the Maid of Iowa, Latter-day Saint periodicals, tracts, which brought many Latter-day and books in Welsh. Under Dan Saints to Nauvoo, Illinois. He joined Jones’s direction, missionaries in the Church in 1843 and became Wales established 29 branches and close friends with the Prophet baptized nearly 1,000 people each Joseph Smith. year of his first mission. He was Dan’s missions fulfilled Joseph Smith’s last recorded prophecy. The night before the Prophet Joseph Smith was killed, he heard gunfire outside the window of Carthage Jail, so he chose to sleep on the floor. Near him was Dan Jones. The Prophet asked Dan if he was afraid to die. He replied, “Has that time come, think you? Engaged in such a cause I do not think that death

From left: Portrait of the Welsh missionary Dan Jones. A steamboat, like the one Dan Jones captained, approaches the landing at Nauvoo, Illinois. Dan Jones helps Welsh

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH OF WHITNEY STORE BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; INSET PHOTOGRAPH BY LOWELL D. HARRIS; RIGHT: PORTRAIT OF DAN JONES COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY LIBRARY; LIBRARY; OF CHURCH HISTORY OF DAN JONES COURTESY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF WHITNEY STORE BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN; INSET LOWELL D. HARRIS; RIGHT: LEFT: MANN END LANDING, NAUVOO, BY GREG SIEVERS; DAN JONES ASSISTING WELSH EMIGRANTS, PAUL NORTH emigrants.

October 2012 15 OUR HOMES, OUR FAMILIES

Of course, it’s not an easy subject to teach. But I believe parents are the best teachers to convey such sacred principles. The following strategies will help you develop simple, effec- Teaching tive, and lasting principles and practices that promote effective learning and teaching— CHASTITY especially in teaching your children how to live virtuous and chaste lives. AND VIRTUE Teaching and learning should begin early. Parents who effectively teach their children about sexual topics understand that have been privileged to meet with youth most children encounter such topics at far and young adults from every walk of life younger ages than they or their parents expect Iand from all over the world. On one occa- or desire. Many children become exposed sion I spoke with a group of particularly impres- to sexual content on the Internet as young sive teenagers about virtue, chastity, and moral as 11 years old and some even younger. living. After telling them how impressed I was Entertainment venues, sporting events, adver- with their comments, confidence, appearance, tising, and even social media are increasingly and demeanor, I asked, “How did you become saturated with sexual images and innuendo. By Matthew O. so articulate, assured in your responses, and Some parents rightly ask, “When should Richardson so comfortable with a sensitive topic like this?” I begin talking about sexually related issues?” Second Counselor in the One young woman said without any hesitation, It depends on the age and maturity of the Sunday School General Presidency “I have parents who teach.” The others nod- child and the specific situation. Spiritual guid- ded their heads in agreement. This simple yet ance will come as parents prayerfully and Parents can profound experience emphasizes the influence carefully observe their children’s behavior, parents have in the lives of their children— intentionally listen to their children, and take use these six especially in their role of teaching virtue, chas- time to consider and discern when and what strategies to tity, sexual intimacy, and proper relationships. to teach. For example, I recall my son ask- teach their Unfortunately, many parents may not be ing me questions about anatomy when he children teaching their children about sexual issues as was barely five years old. While it was a little about sexual well as they could. For example, in surveying unnerving, it was obvious that it was the right over 200 active young single Latter-day Saints, time to talk. However, as I thought about how intimacy. I found that only 15 percent considered their to respond, it seemed clear that this was not parents to be the primary source of informa- the right time to talk with my son about every tion regarding sexual issues. These young sexually related topic. members said they learned about this impor- Teaching and learning should occur tant topic primarily from friends or peers, the often. Learning is a process rather than a sin- Internet, media, entertainment, textbooks, gle event. When it comes to teaching children extended family, or their Church leaders. about sexual intimacy or other related matters,

16 Liahona people often refer to it as “the talk.” Whether way parents approach teaching their children Parents who influence intended or not, this term implies that parents may be more important than what they might their children most teach this topic in a single conversation. That is actually say. Research supports the conclusion when dealing with not the most effective way for a child to learn. that parents who influence their children most sexual issues are those The Savior taught that we learn “line upon line, when dealing with sexual issues are those who who communicate precept upon precept” (2 Nephi 28:30). We communicate openly, express love and con- openly, express love will have more success teaching as we revisit cern, and are actively engaged in the lives of and concern, and the topic with our children as they age and their children.1 are actively engaged mature. Parents who understand this principle Comments from my informal survey of in the lives of their prepare themselves mentally, emotionally, and young Latter-day Saints repeatedly centered children. spiritually to teach their children about sexually on wishing their parents were more open or related topics during their children’s childhood willing to talk about sexually related topics. and adolescence. These young adults expressed that they not Effective learning and teaching hinges only wanted their parents to be involved in on the relationship between the teacher the process, but they also wished their par- and learner. When it comes to teaching ents would “talk with them rather than talk children about sexually related topics, most at them.” They longed for conversations that parents worry almost exclusively about what were “natural,” “normal,” “comfortable,” and far they should say. While this is important, effec- less “awkward.” This should motivate par- tive teaching and learning goes well beyond ents to work harder in being approachable,

PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVID STOKER © IRI BY DAVID PHOTO ILLUSTRATIONS talking and telling about content. In fact, the available, natural, and unruffled by a topic,

October 2012 17 situation, or even timing. If there is a price to As we pay set [our children] an example that we wish be paid for parents to effectively teach their attention to, them to imitate. Do we realize this? How often children about things that matter most, it is for listen to, and we see parents demand obedience, good parents to act in ways that help their children behavior, kind words, pleasant looks, a sweet observe our feel comfortable and safe in talking about all voice and a bright eye from a child or children subjects—especially the more personal ones. children, we when they themselves are full of bitterness Teaching and learning are most effec- will discern and scolding! How inconsistent and unrea- tive when the subject is relevant and real. what we need sonable this is!’ Our children will notice such Depending on our approach, teaching about to teach. inconsistencies in us and perhaps find justifi- sexual intimacy can feel awkward, unrealistic, cation for acting in similar ways.” 2 impractical, or even preachy. A key to success Learners learn best when they under- is to realize that most questions and concerns stand what teachers are teaching. Too many children have are reactions to real-life situa- youth and young adults express frustration that tions and observations. As we pay attention their parents and even Church leaders tend to to, listen to, and observe our children, we will use “code words” and implicit messages that discern what we need to teach. actually render more questions than answers For example, movies, styles, fads, television and more tension than relief. This is especially programs, advertisements, or music lyrics pro- true when it comes to sexual topics. vide ample opportunity to talk about moral While serving as a bishop of a young single standards. Other opportunities will come as adult ward, I was often asked what “petting” we observe our children’s relationships and meant. My faithful ward members had been interactions with others, the way they and taught that they shouldn’t be involved in pet- their peers dress, the language they use, how ting, but they were never taught what petting dependent they feel on the opposite sex, as actually means. It was difficult for them to keep well as varying interpretations of chastity and instruction they didn’t understand. moral standards in the community. There are President Marion G. Romney (1897–1988), plenty of real-life opportunities to talk with First Counselor in the First Presidency, children about morality and virtue. explained that it is not enough to teach in a Perhaps the most important aspect of real- way so others will understand, but we must life teaching is done as parents model chas- also teach in such a way that no one will mis- tity, modesty, and virtue in their own lives. understand.3 Rather than speaking in code or Children will more readily listen to and follow even slang, we will have more success if we use the counsel of their parents when such coun- correct and appropriate terms. This promotes sel is based on their parents’ good examples. understanding and cultivates respect. The opposite is also true. As Elder Consider how Elder Richard G. Scott of Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles effec- Apostles said: “In many ways, our actions tively taught moral principles and standards. speak louder than our words. President He said: “Any sexual intimacy outside of the Brigham Young (1801–77) taught: ‘We should bonds of marriage—I mean any intentional

18 Liahona contact with the sacred, private parts of is still hope for future generations. This hope Perhaps the most another’s body, with or without clothing—is a centers on parents devoting their best efforts important aspect of sin and is forbidden by God. It is also a trans- to teaching the rising generation to be vir- real-life teaching is gression to intentionally stimulate these emo- tuous and chaste. Parents who teach their done as parents model tions within your own body.” 4 children to live virtuous and chaste lives strive chastity, modesty, and To teach effectively, we have to ensure that to increase their understanding and improve virtue in their own those we teach understand the message. Simple their teaching skills. In doing this, they come lives. questions like “Does this answer your question?” to know that “the Lord will magnify [them] as or “Did I explain that very well?” or “Do you [they] teach in the way He has commanded.” have any other questions?” are very helpful. After all, this “is a labor of love—an oppor- Learners are converted when teachers tunity to help others exercise their agency connect the message with everlasting righteously, come unto Christ, and receive principles and standards. Rather than the blessings of eternal life.” 5 ◼ focusing only on the relevant “facts of life,” NOTES effective gospel instruction occurs when we 1. See Bonita F. Stanton and James Burns, “Sustaining and Broadening Intervention Effect: Social Norms, connect those facts with the “facts of eter- Core Values, and Parents,” in Reducing Adolescent Risk: Toward an Integrated Approach, ed. Daniel nal life.” When talking about our bodies, for Romer (2003), 193–200. example, we can talk about how a loving 2. Robert D. Hales, “Our Parental Duty to God and to the Rising Generation,” Liahona, Aug. 2010, 74; Ensign, Heavenly Father created our bodies and Aug. 2010, 32. 3. See Jacob de Jager, “Let There Be No Misunderstanding,” how we should approach His creations with Ensign, Nov. 1978, 67. respect and according to His expectations. 4. Richard G. Scott, “Serious Questions, Serious Answers,” Liahona, Sept. 1997, 31; New Era, Oct. 1995, 6. As the world drowns in immorality, there 5. Teaching, No Greater Call (1999), 4.

October 2012 19 GOSPEL CLASSICS

Hopefully, parents will have kept their own lives sweet and clean and can therefore prof- itably use the example of their lives in the teaching and training of their own children. Teaching [President David O. McKay (1873–1970) RIGHTEOUSNESS taught:] “If you would teach faith in God, show faith in Him yourself; if you would teach AT HOME prayer, pray yourself; . . . would you have It is a responsibility and blessing them temperate, then you yourself refrain from intemperance; if you would have your parents have to teach and train child live a life of virtue, of self-control, of their children to live righteously. good report, then set him a worthy example in all these things.” 1 To do so will make these Delbert L. Stapley was born on December 11, teachings more impressive to your children; 1896, in Arizona, USA. He was set apart as a and they, receiving such guidance from par- member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ents, can fortify themselves against the temp- on October 5, 1950, and served in that quo- tations of Satan, whose goal is to destroy their rum until his death on August 19, 1978. This lives when they do reach the age of account- devotional address was given at Brigham ability. Parents have the duty to be what they Young University on February 1, 1977. The would have their children become in regard to full text of this address in English can be courtesy, sincerity, temperance, and courage By Elder found at speeches​.byu​.edu. to do right at all times. Example is far more Delbert L. Stapley potent than precept. (1896–1978) arents have an opportunity to teach Daily home life should conform to our Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and mold the characters of their little Church principles and standards. Our busi- Pchildren before Satan has the power ness dealings should agree with our religion. to tempt them and before they reach the age Children are quick to detect insincerity. John of eight, becoming then responsible before Milton said that hypocrisy is the only sin God. . . . The Lord has granted parents these that walks undetected save by God alone. precious years, the first years of a child’s life, Children, however, are sensitive to things when the children are not accountable for the that are wrong, and they resent insincerity things they say and do. It is a responsibility and false pretensions. We know that children and blessing parents have to teach and train are influenced far more by the sermons we their children to live righteously. live than by the sermons we preach. Parents The most effective way to teach righteous- should always be honest with their children, ness and religion in a home is by example. keeping promises made to them and ever

20 Liahona speaking the truth. It is the consistent parent world. Family unity and integrity are necessary A child has the who gains the trust of his child. When a child to supply this need. There is no place other right to feel that in feels that you honor his trust and reciprocate than the home where true and lasting happi- his home he has a it, he will not violate it, nor will he bring your ness can be found in this life. It is possible to place of refuge, a name into dishonor. . . . make home a bit of heaven; indeed, I picture place of protection Parents should never quarrel in the pres- heaven to be a continuation of the ideal home from the dangers 3 ence of their children. Sometimes quarrels life here on earth. . . . and evils of the arise out of an attempt to correct or disci- The gospel as we teach it is true. Christ outside world. pline a child. One parent criticizes; the other lives, God lives, and glorious mansions are Family unity objects. And the unified influence of the being prepared above for all His faithful and and integrity are home, so far as the child is concerned, is nul- devoted children. Plan now the kind of home lified. Parents need to be united in knowing and family you desire and how you will meet necessary to which way they want a child to go; otherwise, the needs of your children to keep them on supply this need. he may walk in wrong paths out of confu- a righteous path that will lead the family to sion. Richard L. Evans said: “Division between eternal life in a celestial home. God bless all of parents is unfair and confusing and weakens you, my brothers and sisters. I think you can the foundations of the family. Those to whom understand that much of what has been said a child should look for guidance must be pertains to you. And to organize and carry united in the guidance they give.” 2 We know forward your home in a sacred manner is very that children are sensitive to family moods important to the young people who come to and feelings; they can feel tensions and dif- bless your life. ◼ ferences that they can’t always understand or Capitalization and punctuation standardized. define. . . . NOTES A child has the right to feel that in his home 1. David O. McKay, Secrets of a Happy Life, comp. he has a place of refuge, a place of protec- Llewelyn R. McKay (1967), 11. 2. Richard Evans’ Quote Book (1975), 23.

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION tion from the dangers and evils of the outside 3. See David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals (1953), 490.

October 2012 21 

22 Liahona 

By Melissa Merrill Church Magazines

HELPING YOUTH HAVE SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES

No one can force youth to have a week after her parents’ baptism, she agreed spiritual experiences, but as these to meet with the missionaries. She began read- parents and leaders discovered, ing the Book of Mormon. A few weeks later, Sister Gulko noticed a piece of paper hang- there are lots of ways to foster ing above Kira’s desk; written on it were the experiences that lead to conversion. words of 2 Nephi 2:25. Two and a half months after their own baptism, the Gulkos attended hen Vyacheslav and Zoya Gulko their daughter’s baptism. Now, 20 years later, of Ukraine began investigating Kira is married. She and her husband, Dave, Wthe Church, their 13-year-old have been sealed in the temple and are raising daughter, Kira, wasn’t thrilled. She refused to their two sons in the gospel. She has served participate in missionary lessons, and when faithfully in a number of callings and has she knew the elders were coming to their remained active in the Church. home, she “demonstratively shut the door Through that experience, Zoya says she of her room,” her mother remembers. learned a crucial lesson that is as applicable Brother and Sister Gulko, who decided to to parents who are lifelong members of the join the Church, suspected that if they could Church as it was for her and her husband as

IRI; BACKGROUND: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JOHN LUKE © IRI IRI; BACKGROUND: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION just provide an opportunity for Kira to feel the new members: parents and leaders cannot Spirit, her heart might be touched. Because force their children into the gospel, but they Sister Gulko’s own testimony had begun when can invite them to places and create experi- she attended another person’s baptism, she ences where youth can have spiritual expe- asked Kira to come to her baptism—just to riences of their own. Those experiences can, help her change into dry clothes afterward. in turn, lead to conversion. To Sister Gulko’s surprise, Kira agreed. But just what is the best way to go about “It happened!” Sister Gulko remembers. creating these kinds of experiences? Parents “Heavenly Father was working in a very and leaders from around the world share what

FOREGROUND: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT CASEY © BY ROBERT FOREGROUND: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION miraculous way.” Kira did feel the Spirit, and has worked for them.

October 2012 23 

Relate modern-day examples to the word of God and to the lives of the youth.

“We were amazed when on a particular fast Sunday, all of our young men bore their testimonies,” he says. “As they did so, many of them recalled in tears the good spirit they had felt on those occasions. One young man shared the experience of administering the sacrament to an older member of our ward who has been bedridden for three years. His wife, a faithful sister, received our young men with joy and hope. After the ordinance, she shared with them the happiness she feels in her life because of the gospel despite the huge problems and challenges she faces. They felt the Spirit and realized the differ- ence the gospel makes in people’s lives. This experience was so powerful that they will recall it for years to come—perhaps for their entire lives.” He notes that he had never seen that kind Give Youth Opportunities of response from any “football game or funny to Serve Mutual night.” Rather, he says, the experience The Granja Viana Ward in the São taught him the importance of promoting the Paulo Brazil Cotia Stake had a high activity kinds of experiences in which youth can feel rate among its young men. But their leaders the Spirit. noticed that some of them were facing per- “Social activities are important,” he contin- sonal challenges and having difficulty fulfill- ues. “But spiritual experiences are critical in ing their priesthood duties. helping youth build their own testimonies.” After the bishopric and Young Men leaders Each Sunday in the Rennes Ward, Angers counseled together, they decided to focus France Stake, Sister Delphine Letort, as Young more of their activities on service and not as Women president, provided a card to each many on entertainment or amusement. This young woman in attendance and asked her to included visiting less-active quorum members, select a peer who wasn’t at church and write participating in proselyting with the full-time to her. The young women wrote about the missionaries, and administering the sacrament lesson that week—what they learned or what to homebound ward members. These activi- inspired them—as well as a friendly, personal ties gave the young men an opportunity to act note. Then Sister Letort or one of her coun- on the principles they were learning in semi- selors sent the cards in the mail to those who nary and on Sundays (see 2 Nephi 2:26). weren’t at church. Over time, “these spiritual activities made all The activity was simple but effective, she

the difference,” reports one priesthood leader. says, not only as a way for those who weren’t © 1998 IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION ROWLAND © IRI; RIGHT: BACKGROUND: PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN PHOTOGRAPH OF BALL © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/RTIMAGES; LEFT:

24 Liahona 

Teach using the words of living as well as ancient prophets.

attending to know that they were remembered but also for those who were writing the notes to be more mindful of each other. “By small things great miracles come about,” she says (see Alma 37:6). “We have seen it manifested. The young women have been encouraged, and this experience has contributed to increasing their testimonies.”

Connect Youth with the Word of God Alma taught that the preaching of the word of God has a powerful effect (see Alma 31:5). David Elmer, a Young Men leader in Texas, USA, knew this and wanted to pro- vide the young men he led on a high-adventure Scouting trip with a meaningful experience that would help prepare them for the future. Brother Elmer prayerfully considered what he might share and felt directed to a talk by Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. On the trip, Brother Elmer taught from that message, including the story Elder Andersen shared of Sidney Going, a New Be Consistent Zealand rugby star who put a sports career on hold to Brother Elmer says he wants the young men to remem- serve a mission. “Your mission will be a sacred oppor- ber something else about the trip: their gospel study was tunity to bring others to Christ and help prepare for the consistent. Second Coming of the Savior,” Elder Andersen said.1 “I felt that part of my responsibility was to give them The experience was powerful, Brother Elmer says, experiences to feel the Spirit, and if I wanted that to hap- because he taught from the words of a living prophet. At pen, I had to do my part to plan for it,” he says. “Elder the end of the devotional, all of the young men and lead- David A. Bednar has taught about creating spiritual pat- ers signed their names on rugby balls as a pledge to serve terns in our lives, patterns like scripture study and prayer missions and as a tangible reminder of what they had and family home evening.2 And as we were gone that learned and felt. Many of the fathers and leaders stayed week, we maintained our spiritual patterns. We had prayer up that night talking with the young men about how their as a group. We assigned young men to share a 10-minute missions affected their lives. devotional in the morning, and their leaders and fathers “Ours is a personal God; He knows His youth,” Brother prepared devotionals for the evening. Elmer says. “He is aware of their lives and challenges and “The point was that even though we were away from of what is going on with these kids. You never know how home and our activities were different than they normally He’s been working in their lives. So we as leaders prepare are, our spiritual patterns didn’t get interrupted. The young and provide the atmosphere for them to feel the Spirit. men may or may not remember specific lessons, but I You can do that through the scriptures and through the hope they’ll remember the pattern we maintained of words of the prophets, but it’s the Lord, not us, who is having devotionals and prayer and scripture study.”

LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH OF BALL © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/RTIMAGES; BACKGROUND: PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN ROWLAND © IRI; RIGHT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION © 1998 IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION ROWLAND © IRI; RIGHT: BACKGROUND: PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN PHOTOGRAPH OF BALL © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/RTIMAGES; LEFT: working in their hearts.” Myra Bocobo Garcia of the Philippines also knows the

October 2012 25 

Find natural teaching moments in everyday activities.

direct teaching but also with “creating an environment where children can learn truths for themselves.” “Don’t be quick to make all their choices or answer all their questions,” she says. Instead, she recommends directing children “to the scriptures or counsel from our prophet for guidance and answers.” She adds, “And be ready to discuss their findings.” In addition, when she gets questions from her children, she sometimes answers by asking a question of her own: “What do you think you should do?” “Have confidence that they will make right choices,” she says. “When we help our chil- dren learn to recognize the Spirit in their lives during the many teaching moments we have every day with them and when they know what the Spirit feels like, it will be a catalyst for them to seek for more spiritual experi- value of consistency, and she knows teaching ences, thereby strengthening their testimonies it begins at home. Sister Garcia and her hus- of the reality of our Heavenly Father and His band, Edwin, have three sons and six daugh- Son, Jesus Christ. It causes a ripple effect: the ters ranging in age from 8 to 22, each involved more they feel the light and comfort the Spirit in various good activities. While that can mean brings, the more they will desire it and strive lots of people going in a lot of different direc- to do the things that will make the Spirit more tions, the family works hard to consistently eat abundant in their lives.” dinner together. She is quick to point out that the principles “Cooking and happily preparing food and that have been effective in family life for her eating together is one of the best ways we are the ones that Church leaders have repeat- gather our children,” Sister Garcia says. She edly taught. For instance, she says what while notes that mealtime is a time to refresh, con- some teaching can occur during formal dis- nect with each other, and acknowledge the cussions like the ones that happen in family Lord’s blessings. home evening, family scripture study, and family prayer, parents can be guided by the Tap into Existing Opportunities Spirit to watch for teaching moments.3 to Teach and Listen “Going for a walk, driving to activities, Jocelyn Fielden of Nova Scotia, Canada, shooting some hoops [playing basketball], says that the most crucial lessons she learned having family mealtimes, working together, from raising six children, who now range in singing, and serving others are just a few of

age from 20 to 30, have to do not only with the activities where gospel teaching has taken © IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

26 Liahona  YOUTH maintain my standards and faith. Leaders encouraged me to How I Stayed Strong in the Gospel attend the temple, which helped By Tua Rogers me envision eternal life. • Surround yourself with good was baptized when I was 12, and Here are some things that helped friends who share your stan- for many years I was the only mem- me stay strong: I dards. I was blessed with good ber of the Church in my family. That • Stay close to Heavenly Father friends who made it easy to wasn’t always easy, but fortunately through activities like prayer make good decisions and keep I was blessed with good leaders who and scripture study. He is aware my faith. helped me in my journey of learning of the situations we face. Staying • Stay close to your family. I loved the doctrines of the gospel and using close to Him helped me remem- my family and wanted to build those doctrines to strengthen and ber who I am. strong relationships with them. improve my life. Because of my deci- • Follow the counsel of Church • Live the life. Follow the stan- sion to stay true to what I believed, leaders. I have seen in my own dards and participate in Church I have seen great blessings come into life the truth of counsel from the programs. They will help you my life and, much later, into the lives prophets and apostles. exhibit faith and make good of family members as well. • Know that living the gospel choices. Good choices often creates a better life now and make life easier, and they eternally. This has helped me always make life happier.

place in our family,” she says. “Talking about gospel topics young woman have set up a “buddy system” on Facebook often happens naturally when we are engaged in other and via text messages to remind each other of the reading activities.” and to share with each other what they are learning. Sister Mok says she saw evidence of remarkable Work Together toward a Common Goal change in this young woman’s life stemming from Soon after graduating from Brigham Young University– her scripture study. And as Sister Mok read the scrip- Hawaii, KaYan Danise Mok returned home to Hong Kong tures on her daily commute on the train, she too found and received a calling as Young Women president. While blessings for herself. “I also felt the Spirit and received she adjusted to being home, starting a career, and contin- answers to my prayers as I continued to move forward uing with graduate studies, she prayed earnestly for inspi- in life,” she says. ration to help the young women she worked with develop “In my experience, some youth worry and feel unsure testimonies to prepare them for the future. about whether they can receive a testimony and have One Sunday while she was teaching about eternal spiritual experiences as others have,” she continues. “By perspective, Sister Mok recognized a prompting to read working together, we assure them with our action that this the Book of Mormon with a particular young woman, works and that we’re there to support them every step of who happened to be the only one at church that day. the way.” ◼ “My counselor and I responded quickly by setting NOTES goals to complete the Book of Mormon as a team with 1. Neil L. Andersen, “Preparing the World for the Second Coming,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2011, 50. the young woman,” Sister Mok says. “She accepted the 2. See David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 17–20. challenge without hesitation since we would be complet- 3. See, for example, Robert D. Hales, “Our Duty to God: The Mission of ing the goal together.” Parents and Leaders to the Rising Generation,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2010, 95–98; David A. Bednar, “More Diligent and Concerned at

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION © IRI PHOTO ILLUSTRATION Since that time, Sister Mok, her counselor, and this Home,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 17–20.

October 2012 27 

By Elder Paul B. Pieper Of the Seventy

THE BOOK OF ALMA: LESSONS FOR

TheTODAY Nephites faithfully endured the trials of their day and are a witness that the Lord will provide the blessings and protection we need to successfully meet the challenges of our day.

t the conclusion of his reign, King Mosiah a willingness to answer for his own sins” proposed that the monarchy be replaced (Mosiah 29:38). A with a system of judges chosen by the The book of Alma contains the history people. The proposed system was to be based of the people during the 40-year period on God-given laws administered by judges after the proposed system was adopted who were to be selected by the people. by the people. The last chapters of Alma’s The principle of agency was the foundation record, chapters 43 to 62, recount a period of the proposed system—individuals, rather of intense challenges and testing. During this than a king, would accept responsibility and short 19-year period, the people faced inter- accountability to act in accordance with the nal political challenges, external threats, and law. Because “it is not common that the voice almost constant armed conflict. of the people desireth anything contrary to Twice the governmental system was that which is right” (Mosiah 29:26), this sys- threatened internally by men who sought to tem would provide greater protection for the establish themselves as kings and deprive rights of individuals and the collective righ- the people of the right to select their leaders teousness of the society. and to worship freely. Simultaneously, the In response to Mosiah’s proposal, the peo- people had to defend themselves from mul- ple “became exceedingly anxious that every tiple external attacks by Lamanites who were man should have an equal chance throughout determined to destroy the Nephite govern-

all the land; yea, and every man expressed ment and subject the Nephites to bondage. MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY RANE, COURTESY BY WALTER COME FORTH,

28 Liahona 

Through all of their challenges, righteous Nephites were able to take strength from the fact that they were acting with proper motives. Their sole intent was “to defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, their country, and their rights, and their religion.” BY WALTER RANE, COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY RANE, COURTESY BY WALTER COME FORTH,

October 2012 29 

The economic disruption of these multiple challenges, conduct—rather than have a king prescribe their conduct. though not specifically mentioned, was likely a significant Their motive was to preserve equality under the law, spe- challenge for the people. Mormon, in compiling the sacred cifically their liberty to worship God and maintain their record, felt impressed to provide a detailed account of church (see Alma 43:9, 45). this period. In fact, had he provided similar detail for the There are and always will be in societies forces seeking rest of the 1,000-year history of the Nephites, the Book of to manipulate public opinion to obtain power for personal Mormon would contain more than 2,500 pages! gain. There is a temptation to adopt their motives and President Ezra Taft Benson (1899–1994) taught: turn the conflict into a power struggle. The Lord’s way “The Book of Mormon . . . was written for our day. The is to always act based only on pure desires and motives, Nephites never had the book; neither did the Lamanites of as did the Nephites. Doing so allowed them to draw ancient times. It was meant for us. . . . Under the inspiration upon the powers of heaven to overcome their challenges of God, who sees all things from the beginning, [Mormon] “in the strength of the Lord” (Alma 46:20; see also Alma abridged centuries of records, choosing the stories, 60:16; 61:18). speeches, and events that would be most helpful to us. . . . Similarly, in our responses to the challenges we face “We should constantly ask ourselves, ‘Why did the Lord today, we must constantly check our hearts to be sure that inspire Mormon (or Moroni or Alma) to include that in his our desires and motives are pure and based on the princi- record? What lesson can I learn from that to help me live ples of the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we act (or manipulate in this day and age?’” 1 others to act) out of selfishness, for personal gain, or to Today Latter-day Saints throughout the world find them- demean others, we will not have the needed heavenly selves facing many of the same challenges the Nephites help to withstand our challenges. faced during this period of their history, including efforts to deprive members of the right to worship and speak out 2. Be kind and generous to the less fortunate. on issues important to the societies in which we live. Some When their former enemies, the people of Anti-Nephi- Latter-day Saints have felt the threat of external attack and Lehi, were threatened with destruction, the Nephites voted conflict with forces committed to the destruction of their to give them a place to live and build new lives and pro- nations and freedoms. vided them with protection (see Alma 27:21–22; 43:11–12). Fortunately, the Nephites were able to overcome their Because the Anti-Nephi-Lehies had taken an oath never to challenges by supreme effort, sacrifice, and help from take up their weapons of war again, they provided instead the Lord. A few lessons about how they successfully “a large portion of their substance to support” (Alma responded to their challenges may give us guidance 43:13) the Nephite armies during these critical times. and courage to face our challenges today. Nevertheless, there is no record that the Nephites treated these immigrants with anything other than respect and 1. Maintain proper desires and motives. love, even though they must have been an easy political Through all of their challenges, righteous Nephites target for those who wanted to stir up dissension. were able to take strength from the fact that they were The kind treatment the Nephites gave to the people acting with proper motives. Their sole intent was “to of Ammon, as they came to be called, was recipro- defend themselves, and their families, and their lands, cated and eventually contributed to the formation of their country, and their rights, and their religion” (Alma one of the most inspiring military brigades in recorded 43:47). Their desire was to preserve their agency—the history—the 2,000 stripling warriors. Ironically, the

right to act in righteousness and to answer for their own service of these young men may have been the key to MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY RANE, COURTESY THEY PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD, BY WALTER

30 Liahona 

A willingness to be kind and gener- ous to the needy was an important factor in the preservation of the Nephite nation and entitled the Nephites to the blessings of heaven in their time of extremity. The kind treat- ment the Nephites gave to the people of Ammon was reciprocated and eventually contributed to the formation of the 2,000 stripling warriors. BY WALTER RANE, COURTESY OF CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM OF CHURCH HISTORY RANE, COURTESY BY WALTER THEY PUT THEIR TRUST IN GOD,

October 2012 31 

preserving Nephite society from an early destruction. people refused to heed inspired warnings did setbacks In times of internal dissension, external attack, and and suffering result. economic challenges, there is a tendency to become We are blessed to live in a day when the Lord has called negative toward those who are “not like us.” It becomes living prophets, seers, and revelators to warn us and guide easy to become critical of them and make judgments. One us to prepare for today’s challenges. In 1998, President might question their loyalty to and value in society and Gordon B. Hinckley (1910–2008) gave inspired instruction their impact on our economic well-being. These negative and warning to Church members: responses are inconsistent with the Savior’s charge to love “The time has come to get our houses in order. our neighbors as ourselves, and they create polarization, “So many of our people are living on the very edge of contention, and isolation. Had the people of Ammon not their incomes. In fact, some are living on borrowings. . . . been welcomed into Nephite society, it could have per- “The economy is a fragile thing. . . . There is a portent of haps created resentment rather than gratitude in the rising stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed.” 2 generation. Instead of producing 2,000 faithful warriors, Recently I spoke with a man who heard the words of the new generation could have become alienated and President Hinckley and the promptings of the Spirit. He and rejoined the Lamanites. his wife decided to liquidate their investments, pay off their A willingness to be kind and generous to the needy home, and get out of debt. was an important factor in the preservation of the Nephite Today that man is self-reliant. The economic downturn nation and entitled the Nephites to the blessings of that followed had minimum impact on his family. In fact, heaven in their time of extremity. God’s people need his self-reliance made it possible for him and his wife to such blessings today. serve a mission. President Thomas S. Monson has been raised up for 3. Listen to and follow inspired leaders. our time. His life and teachings are the message God has The Lord knew the challenges the Nephites would sent to protect and bless us today. At a time when many face, and He raised up inspired leaders to help them worry about what they don’t have, President Monson meet those challenges. Captain Moroni was a warrior teaches us to be grateful for the many blessings the Lord but was inspired to prepare breastplates, arm shields, has given us. And at a time when many focus on their head plates, and thick clothing to protect his people (see own problems, President Monson urges us to reach Alma 43:19). As a result, the Nephites fared much better out and rescue, forgetting ourselves in blessing others. in battle than did the Lamanites (see Alma 43:37–38). Heeding the direction of President Monson will provide Later, Moroni directed the people to dig up heaps of our families with the spiritual protection and blessings dirt around their cities and to top those heaps of dirt needed in our day. with works of timbers and frames of pickets (see Alma I am grateful to live in a day when the gospel has been 50:1–3). These inspired preparations helped preserve the restored. I am grateful the Lord prepared the Book of Nephites from destruction. Mormon for our day. The Nephites faithfully endured the While Moroni was preparing for war, Helaman and trials of their day and are a witness that the Lord will pro- his brethren were preaching the word of God and urging vide the blessings and protection we need to successfully the people to righteousness so that the Lord’s Spirit could meet the challenges of our day. ◼

guide and preserve them. By listening to the temporal and NOTES spiritual direction of inspired leaders, the Nephites were 1. Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6.

preserved. Only when internal dissensions arose and the 2. Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys and to the Men,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 53. BY CLARK KELLEY PRICE MORONI AND THE TITLE OF LIBERTY, CAPTAIN

32 Liahona 

By listening to the temporal and spiritual direction of inspired leaders like Moroni, the Nephites were preserved. Only when internal dissensions arose and the people refused to heed inspired warnings did setbacks and suffering result.

October 2012 33 HOW TO

SURVIVEIN ENEMY TERRITORY

By President Boyd K. Packer President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

e celebrate 100 years of seminary in the Church. I hold on to a thread that W goes back to the early days when the resources for this program were very scarce. From those humble beginnings, we now have 375,008 students in seminary classes in 143 countries with over 38,000 volunteer and full-time teachers worldwide. We invest much in our youth. We know of your worth and your potential.

Wisdom Will Help You Combat the Enemy I speak as one who has seen the past and would prepare you for the future. You are growing up in enemy territory. When you become mature spiritually, you will understand how the adversary has infiltrated the world around you. He is in homes, entertainment, the media, language—everything around you. In most cases, his presence is undetected. I want to tell you that which will be of most worth and have said afterward, “I knew I should not have done that. most desirable. The scriptures say, “Wisdom is the princi- It did not feel right,” or perhaps, “I knew I should have pal thing; therefore get wisdom,” and I would add, “with done that. I just did not have the courage to act!” Those all [your] getting get [going!]” (Proverbs 4:7). I do not have impressions are the Holy Ghost attempting to direct you time to waste and neither do you. So listen up! toward good or warning you away from harm. The moment I decided to be a teacher is very clear in There are certain things that you must not do if the lines my mind. During World War II, I was in my early 20s and a of communication are to remain open. You cannot lie or pilot in the Air Force. I was stationed on the little island of cheat or steal or act immorally and have those channels Ie Shima. This island, a small, lonely one about as big as a remain free from disruption. Do not go where the environ- postage stamp, is just off the northern tip of Okinawa. ment resists spiritual communication. One lonely summer evening, I sat on a cliff to watch You must learn to seek the power and direction that is the sun go down. I was pondering what I would do with available to you, and then follow that course no matter what. my life after the war, if I was fortunate enough to survive. First on your “to do” list, put the word prayer. Most of the What did I want to be? It was on that night that I decided I time, your prayers will be silent. You can think a prayer. wanted to be a teacher. I reasoned that teachers are always You can always have a direct line of communication learning. Learning is a basic purpose of life. with your Father in Heaven. Do not allow the adversary to I first taught seminary in 1949 in Brigham City. I had convince you that no one is listening on the other end. Your been a student in that seminary in my high school days. prayers are always heard. You are never alone! There were three courses originally taught in seminary: Take care of your body. Be clean. “Know ye not that ye Old Testament, New Testament, and Church History. It was are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth my privilege to add an early-morning class on the Book in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16). of Mormon. I had returned from the war with a testimony Read carefully the promises found in section 89 of the of the Book of Mormon and an understanding of how the Doctrine and Covenants. The Word of Wisdom does not gift of the Holy Ghost operates. promise perfect health but that the spiritual receptors within you might be strengthened. The Gift of the Holy Ghost Stay away from tattoos and similar things which deface Will Protect You in Enemy Territory your body. Your body was created in God’s image. You have been taught all of your lives about the gift of the Holy Ghost, but teaching can only go so far. You can Prophetic Counsel Teaches What Is True and, in fact, you must go the rest of the way alone to dis- I want to speak now in the pattern of straight talk about cover within yourself how the Holy Ghost can be a guiding another matter. and protective influence. We know that gender was set in the premortal world.1 For young men and young women, the process is the “The spirit and the body are the soul of man” (D&C 88:15). same. Discovering how the Holy Ghost operates in your life This matter of gender is of great concern to the Brethren, is the quest of a lifetime. Once you have made that discovery as are all matters of morality. for yourself, you can live in enemy territory and will not be A few of you may have felt or been told that you were deceived or destroyed. No member of this Church—and that born with troubling feelings and that you are not guilty if means each of you—will ever make a serious mistake with- you act on those temptations. Doctrinally we know that if out first being warned by the promptings of the Holy Ghost. that were true, your agency would have been erased, and

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CARY HENRIE BY CARY ILLUSTRATIONS Sometimes when you have made a mistake, you may that cannot happen. You always have a choice to follow

October 2012 35 the promptings of the Holy Ghost and live a morally pure One or two of you may be thinking, “I am already guilty and chaste life, one filled with virtue. of this or that serious mistake. It is too late for me.” It is President Gordon B. Hinckley announced the following never too late. in general conference: “People inquire about our position You have been taught at home and in seminary about on those who consider themselves . . . gays and lesbians. My the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The Atonement is like an response is that we love them as sons and daughters of God. eraser. It can wipe away guilt and the effect of whatever it They may have certain inclinations which are powerful and is that is causing you to feel guilty. which may be difficult to control. Most people have [tempta- Guilt is spiritual pain. Do not suffer from chronic pain. tions] of one kind or another at various times. If they do not Get rid of it. Be done with it. Repent and, if necessary, act upon these inclinations, then they can go forward as do repent again and again and again and again until you— all other members of the Church. If they violate the law of not the enemy—are in charge of you. chastity and the moral standards of the Church, then they are subject to the discipline of the Church, just as others are. Lasting Peace Comes by Repenting Often “We want to help . . . strengthen them, to assist them Life turns out to be a succession of trials and errors. Add with their problems and to help them with their difficul- “repent often” to your list of things to do. This will bring ties. But we cannot stand idle if they indulge in immoral you lasting peace that cannot be purchased at any earthly activity, if they try to uphold and defend and live in a so- price. Understanding the Atonement may be the one most called same-sex marriage situation. To permit such would important truth that you can learn in your youth. be to make light of the very serious and sacred foundation If you are associating with others who drag you down of God-sanctioned marriage and its very purpose, the instead of building you up, stop and change company. rearing of families.”2 You may be alone and lonely at times. The important President Hinckley was speaking for the Church. question may be asked then, “When you are alone, are you in good company?” Use Your Agency to Keep or Regain Safe Ground Unwinding a habit that you have allowed to entan- The first gift that Adam and Eve received was agency: gle you can be difficult. But the power is in you. Do not “Thou mayest choose for thyself, for it is given unto thee” despair. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that “all beings (Moses 3:17). who have bodies have power over those who have not.” 3 You have that same agency. Use it wisely to deny act- You can resist temptation! ing on any impure impulse or unholy temptation that may It is not likely that you will ever have a personal encoun- come into your mind. Just do not go there, and if you are ter with the adversary; he does not show himself that way. already there, come back out of it. “Deny yourselves of all But even if he came personally to you to test and tempt ungodliness” (Moroni 10:32). you, you have an advantage. You can assert your agency, Do not tamper with the life-giving powers in your body and he will have to leave you alone. alone or with members of either gender. That is the stan- dard of the Church, and it will not change. As you mature, Take Advantage of the Blessings of Seminary there is a temptation to experiment or explore immoral You are not ordinary. You are very special. You are activities. Do not do that! exceptional. How do I know that? I know that because The key word is discipline —self-discipline. The word you were born at a time and in a place where the gospel discipline comes from the word disciple or follower. Be a of Jesus Christ can come into your life through the teach- disciple-follower of the Savior, and you will be safe. ings and activities of your home and of The Church of

36 Liahona Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is, as the Lord Himself has said, “the only true and living church upon the face of Do not squander these years of seminary instruction. the whole earth” (D&C 1:30). Take advantage of the great blessing you have to learn There are other things we could add to the list, but you the doctrines of the Church and the teachings of the know what you should and should not be doing in your prophets. Learn that which is of most worth. life. You know right and wrong and do not need to be commanded in all things. Do not squander these years of seminary instruction. Take advantage of the great blessing you have to learn the doctrines of the Church and the teachings of the prophets. Learn that which is of most worth. It will bless you and your posterity for many generations to come. Not many years will pass until you are married and have children, a marriage that should be sealed in the temple. Our prayer is that you will find yourself, in due time, safely settled in a family ward or branch.

Go Forward with Hope and Faith Do not fear the future. Go forward with hope and faith. Remember that supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. Learn to be taught by it. Learn to seek it. Learn to live by it. Learn to pray always in the name of Jesus Christ (see 3 Nephi 18:19–20). The Spirit of the Lord will attend you, and you will be blessed. We have deep and profound faith in you. I bear my testimony to you—a witness that came to me in my youth. And you are no different from anyone else than I am. You have as much right to that testimony and witness as anyone. It will come to you if you earn it. I invoke the blessings of the Lord upon you—the blessings of that witness to be in your life, to guide you as you make a happy future. ◼ From a seminary centennial broadcast address given on January 22, 2012. NOTES 1. See “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129; see also Moses 3:5; Abraham 3:22–23. 2. Gordon B. Hinckley, “What Are People Asking about Us?” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 71. 3. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 211.

See the Full Address Watch or listen to all of President Packer’s address at

ICON BY SCOTT GREER seminary​.lds​.org/​history/​centennial. LATTER-DAY SAINT VOICES

I PRAYED FOR COURAGE

y parents are members of the As soon as I finished my prayer, life. It confirmed to me the truth of MChurch, but they’re not very I could feel the Holy Ghost. I could the scripture that says, “By the power active. This sometimes leads to con- feel the Spirit encourage me to tell of the Holy Ghost [we] may know the flicts because they believe family time my mother how important it was for truth of all things” (Moroni 10:5). should come before everything else— me to go and listen to the prophet. I I know that if we base our actions before going to church, magnifying felt that I should tell her that I would on the principles of the gospel and my Church callings, and doing other receive wise counsel not only for my listen to the Spirit, we can always be activities. life today but also for my future. happy with our choices. This experi- Because I am a leader in the God can do miraculous things, and ence strengthened my testimony that Primary and a member of the ward He softened my parents’ hearts so God is there for us and that the Holy choir, my Church meetings sometimes that they let me go to general confer- Ghost helps us in our lives. ◼

interfere with family duties. One day ence without being punished. This Fy Tianarivelo, Madagascar BY BRIAN CALL ILLUSTRATIONS when I was preparing to attend a was a remarkable experience in my general conference broadcast at our meetinghouse in Antananarivo, my As soon as I parents reminded me that we had finished my guests in our home. prayer, I could “You’ll have to choose between feel the Holy Ghost encourage me to your family and the Church,” my tell my mother mother told me. “Either you stay how important it here with us and miss conference, was for me to go or you go to conference and face and listen to the punishment.” prophet. I decided not to get into an argu- ment with my mother. Instead, I took a moment to ask Heavenly Father to give me courage and strength. I also asked Him to help me know what to do. Should I stay home with my fam- ily or go to church and hear the voice of the prophet? WHERE I BELONG

efore I joined the Church, my life so I went home, got online, and happiness, I wouldn’t believe it is Bwas full of unhappiness. Following searched. I arrived at Mormon.org possible. Today I love my calling in my parents’ divorce when I was seven and ordered a free copy of the Book Primary and am grateful to have had years old, my father went to prison. of Mormon. Missionaries delivered it the opportunity to help organize a My mother was an alcoholic and lost a few days later. service project at a young single adult everything that was important to her. I I wasn’t sure I could start to believe conference in Poland. To be able to was sent to live with a foster family. in God, but the missionaries helped me regularly help others through Church Because of these things, I grew up discover that I could not only believe in service has added to the happiness a lot faster than many of my peers. Him but also know Him. As I began to I have found in the gospel of Jesus I never quite felt that I could find pray and study the Book of Mormon, Christ. Everything I do now, I do with my place, and consequently I was I found myself on a beautiful journey pure love because of Jesus Christ. I constantly in a state of rebellion. of finding happiness. I quit smoking. believe that life is beautiful and that When I was still very young, I began I stopped blaming God and started even when we have challenges, if we smoking and doing other things that thanking Him for the good things in follow the Savior, we won’t be lost. I now understand are contrary to the my life. I came to know that His Son The woman I met was right: hav- Word of Wisdom. I was certain I was had suffered for my sins and for all the ing faith in God is crucial. We cannot doomed to fail in life. pain I had ever felt. On October 28, find our place in this world if we don’t The one thing I did find happiness 2007, I was baptized into His Church. know Him. I am grateful to finally have in was helping people—whether If I hadn’t personally experienced a place where I know I belong. ◼ it was cleaning alongside them or the change from disillusionment to Dorota Musiał, Poland listening to their life stories. I desper- She said something that was particularly interesting: “The Mormons follow ately wanted people to know they God’s commandments.” could depend on me. One year I went on vacation and met an elderly woman I decided to serve by listening to her. She was a Christian and started to talk to me about religion. I had never really believed in God. At times, when I had thought that maybe He existed, I blamed Him for the troubling things I had experi- enced. But as this woman described the importance of faith in God, I found myself intrigued. Before I left, she said something that was particu- larly interesting: “The Mormons fol- low God’s commandments.” I had never heard of the Mormons,

October 2012 39 Latter-day Saint Voices

TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHURCH

n a trip to visit my brother, I Then I said the first words that came “We live in a strange time when Owas seated in the back of the to my mind: “You simply don’t know some women want women to act and plane where the flight attendants sit. about Relief Society.” The looks on think and be like men. But we believe The two rows of seats in that area their faces indicated that they didn’t. God divides tasks. We expect women face each other. “The priesthood functions in to be leaders among the women and I introduced myself to the people conjunction with the women, all joint leaders in their homes. The men sitting around me and then men- of whom are members of Relief lean heavily on us for counsel in these tioned that I would be attending Society,” I explained. “We have a areas. It is a righteous balance. It makes Brigham Young University. A man sit- woman Relief Society president who our Church organizations and our ting across from me said his daughter guides the activities of the women in homes successful. And we truly believe had a good friend who had just left the Church all over the world. The that the man is not without the woman, on a full-time mission. His daughter responsibility of the women is to nor is the woman without the man knew a little about the Church, but bring tenderness and charity into the in the Lord (see 1 Corinthians 11:11). he knew almost nothing. The flight lives of the members and especially We believe we are not whole without attendant immediately proclaimed into the lives of their families.” each other. We do not believe we were that she wouldn’t want to belong to The people around me listened created to compete with one another “that church” because it opposed attentively. but to complement one another.” women. The man said he had heard something similar—that Latter-day I said the first thing that came to my Saint women were considered less mind: “You simply don’t know about than men, that they couldn’t hold Relief Society.” the priesthood or preside in meet- ings, and that the Church was male dominated. Then, turning to me, he asked, “How do you feel about that?” All seven people turned to me and waited. My heart began pounding. As a child I had memorized the Articles of Faith for just such an encounter, and as a teenager and young adult I had practiced bearing testimony of Joseph Smith’s vision and of the Book of Mormon. But I didn’t have the faintest idea how to answer the man’s ques- tion. I prayed silently for Heavenly Father to guide me.

40 Liahona I felt blessed when I had finished. company and was asked to come in I knew the words I had spoken were for an interview. At the end of the from the Spirit. Every person seemed interview, the interviewer said, “You satisfied with my explanation. Then wrote in your résumé that you had the man said, “Tell us more about been involved in volunteer work as your church.” a missionary for The Church of Jesus Then, for the next two hours, I Christ of Latter-day Saints. So that had the joyous opportunity of talk- means you go to church on Sundays, ing about the Restoration, answering don’t you? If you had to decide questions, and bearing testimony of whether to go to church or to work on the gospel I love. ◼ Sundays, which would you choose?” Shauna Moore, Virginia, USA It was a difficult question because I needed a better job. But after ponder- ing, I replied, “I would go to church.” The interviewer asked me, “If you SHOULD I had to decide whether to go to church With a vague smile, the interviewer CHOOSE WORK or to work on Sundays, which would said, “Oh, I see.” Then he dismissed you choose?” OR CHURCH? me with the promise that the com- pany would make a decision by that “He believed that you, belonging y wife and I were married evening and that I should call to find to the same church, would work for Min 1981 in the Tokyo Japan out the results. As I left the room, I us just as hard as the missionaries Temple. Our life after marriage was thought I had failed. worked for their church,” she said. not easy at first. I was grateful to have Later that evening when it came “Lucky you!” a job, but we had trouble meeting our time to call, I dialed the company’s Since then our family has always expenses. We asked Heavenly Father number with great fear. had what we needed. for His help and did all we could to “What about the results of the Whenever I think of this choice make ends meet and interview?” I asked the secretary. “I experience, I am encouraged and pay our tithing. We failed, didn’t I?” comforted. I know that God often uses knew that if we I was stunned but happy with her other people to bless His children. I trusted in the Lord, answer. cannot adequately express how grate- He would provide “We’d like to ask you to work for ful I feel for my wife and my friend for us. us,” she said. for their inspiration in bringing that One week both About a month later I learned why newspaper ad to me, for those hard- my wife and my friend I got the job. The secretary explained working missionaries and their great brought me the same that the interviewer lived next door to example, and for our merciful, loving, small clipping out of the full-time Latter-day Saint missionaries. and caring Heavenly Father, who has newspaper. It was an ad for He had often watched the missionar- miraculous power to consecrate our a full-time English teacher. ies briskly riding their bicycles to their experiences for our good. ◼ I sent my résumé to the work in the morning. Kenya Ishii, Japan

October 2012 41

ChastityIN AN UNCHASTE WORLD

Church magazines met with a group of young adults of chastity. Another thing is realizing from various parts of the world to discuss the challenges that when we break commandments, and blessings of remaining chaste in a world that does there are negative consequences I not value—and even mocks—chastity. We found their don’t want to experience. open, honest, and heartfelt discussion uplifting and Falande (Fae) Thomas, Haiti: I inspiring and hope that you might also discover in their have really thought about how peo- comments something to help you value the sacredness ple say, “Why wait when you could of marriage and physical intimacy. have everything now?” But I’ve won- dered about how long that kind of happiness would last. I’d rather live With so many people justifying commandments so that we will not the law of chastity and, at the end of immoral behavior, what gospel truths help you remain sexually only be safe but so that we will be the day, have peace. pure? happy. As I live these principles and Hippolyte (Hip) Kouadio, Ivory Martin Isaksen, Norway: It says share them with my friends, saying, Coast: One of the things that helps in the scriptures to be chaste. That’s “I’m not going to drink” or “I’m not me a lot is the family proclamation: good enough for me. going to go to this party” or “I’m not “We . . . declare that God has com- Lizzie Jenkins, California, USA: going to do this,” they respect me. manded that the sacred powers of Chastity is a commitment. You live it. Eventually they actually stick up for procreation are to be employed only It’s a way of life. me. Understanding that I have worth between man and woman, lawfully Liz West, England: Understanding as a child of God and that Heavenly wedded as husband and wife.” 1 who I am, understanding that there Father knows who I am and actually The other thing that helps is how is more to life than right now and cares about me is a great strength. the Brethren explain chastity to just this one night helps me a lot. Anna (Anya) Vlasova, Russia: us. They warn us how immorality The plan of salvation—even though It helps me a lot when I think about starts and teach that when we abuse when I was a teenager I couldn’t have being part of a heavenly family. I love the body, we abuse the soul. Elder explained it specifically—is very help- and respect God and don’t want Him Jeffrey R. Holland taught that the ful. The concept of eternal marriage to feel ashamed of the choices I make. Savior paid a price for us to one day is wonderful! When people under- Kaylie Whittemore, Florida, have a resurrected body. The way we stand this commitment, they realize USA: I definitely think understand- can be grateful for the price He paid how incredible it is that God has put ing the sanctity of families has given is to keep our bodies clean.2

us here in families and has given us me a strong resolve to live the law Liz: I remember a very specific PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND

42 Liahona A You n g d

conversation I had with someone covenants, I think about how I can u when I was about 15. We talked repent, become better, and keep l ts about how I don’t believe in intimacy moving forward. before marriage, and I remember Anya: Especially at the temple her saying, “Yeah, but what if it just you see an eternal perspective. The happens? What if one night, you temple helps you think about your just . . . ?” But I knew that I had a eternity and not just about today, so choice. Nothing just “happens.” you make wiser choices. It’s incredible to me that Heavenly Lizzie: A lot of times we believe Father has given us agency and that intimacy is bad, but it’s not. It commandments to liberate us and that just has to be sanctioned by the right Satan does everything he can to bind authority, at the right time, and with or restrict us. The times my friend was the right person. That’s what covenants talking about when something could are about. You’re making commit- “happen” were at parties where people ments. You’re saying, “I’m really ready had been drinking and were paired off. for this step in my life.” Covenants help So I don’t put myself in those situa- me because I know I’m doing things tions. The choice shouldn’t be made in the order that I’m supposed to. And at the end when you say yes or no. I know if I do what Heavenly Father Choice is made before, when you ask wants, I’ll be happier. yourself, “Do I go to the party?” Jonathan Tomasini, France: Lots of people, if they don’t think I wouldn’t be true to myself and I things through ahead of time and wouldn’t be true to God if I broke “The Savior paid a don’t think of consequences, will do my covenants. Marriage covenants whatever they want in the moment. help me see that I want to be able to price for us to one day But if you say, “I want this as my end offer to my wife someone who has have a resurrected result; therefore I’m going to make self-control, has prepared himself to body. The way we can these choices,” then you’ll avoid a lot be a good husband, and has kept of trouble. himself pure. be grateful for the price He paid is to keep You mentioned agency and com- There are a lot of arguments in mandments. But do covenants— the world—many of them seem our bodies clean.” baptismal covenants or temple persuasive and complex—about covenants—help you live your why the law of chastity is out- standards? dated. What arguments have you heard, and how have you Fae: I think about my life before responded to those who chal- I was baptized and how much lenge your standards? more sense life makes now that I’ve Lizzie: My senior year of high made covenants. It’s amazing how school, I remember a teacher giving we can be forgiven because of the us some “advice.” She had married Atonement. When I remember my right out of high school, and it ended

October 2012 43 THE badly, so she basically told us that support each other, and understand STANDARD “there are a lot of fish in the sea.” She that there’s a time for intimacy. And, to AND meant that there are a lot of things me, intimacy before marriage shows THE KEY for us to try, a lot of candidates to try that you’re not really going to support “The standard remains abstinence before marriage out. I remember being shocked that each other as much as you think you and total fidelity in marriage. my teacher would say that. Since that will. Because if you’re not able to help However out of step we may time I have thought that, yes, there each other in living your standards seem, however much the stan- are a lot of people, but I don’t want a now, then how are you going to sup- dards are belittled, however lot of people! port each other later? much others yield, we will not Jonathan: Someone I know said Kaylie: Some people who don’t yield, we cannot yield. . . . that when she is in a relationship, she believe in God feel that the Bible and “You had conferred upon you the gift of the Holy Ghost. wants to see if she is sexually com- the law of chastity are out of date. I There will be whisperings of patible with that person. She gave the had some friends in high school who approval or warning when example of dating a guy she liked, and were basically atheist or agnostic— you have decisions to make. after they were intimate, she didn’t feel and I had one friend who didn’t The Holy Ghost can guide you they were compatible and the rela- really believe in the teachings of her away from evil and bring you tionship didn’t work out. She used that religion. She just lived according to back if you have wandered and lost your path. Never experience to make her argument, and what she wanted, what she felt was forget that you are sons and it seemed pretty persuasive. Ultimately, right for her. Physical intimacy, from daughters of God. Satan can- I explained to her that I believe you her point of view, is self-gratifying, not forever imprison you. You can get to know each other really well and anything that would restrict that always hold the key of repen- in other ways, and if you do so and gratification is undesirable. tance to unlock the prison build trust while living the law of chas- I think my friend was surprised door.” tity, there will be greater compatibility that I believed in the Bible and God’s President Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, when you get married. commandments, but I tried to help “The Standard of Truth Has Been Anya: The most common argu- her understand that I don’t view Erected,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2003, 26. ment I always hear is that when two the commandments as restrictions; people love each other, it’s OK; inti- I live them because they make me macy is just an expression of love. happier. Although we disagreed, Martin: Something that comes she respected me, and we remained to my mind when I hear the excuse great friends. “We love each other” is a quote from Liz: All of these arguments have President Spencer W. Kimball. He says responses in basic gospel principles. that too often lust sneaks in the door When you believe that there is a when people think they’re in love.3 God, when you believe that there That’s the case for many people when is a greater plan, when you believe they are intimate before marriage: it’s that there is accountability, when lust even though they think they love you believe that there is someone each other. If they really did love each who loves you and cares about you, other, they’d respect each other more, and when you believe that you have

44 Liahona A You n g d intrinsic worth because you are a we would not feel comfortable doing Lizzie: One of my biggest influ- u child of God—then you’re much more in front of the bishop or our parents.” ences was gaining a testimony for l ts likely to consider yourself worthwhile That still has an influence on me. myself. If you are not rooted strongly and respect your body. When people Jonathan: Now that I’m a young in the gospel, it’s really easy to take don’t know or believe these princi- adult, it’s easier to listen to the proph- a different path. But if you start with ples, they look to other people and ets and ponder about the things making sure you have a strong gospel places to see what they’re worth. Church leaders say. Before that foundation, everything else will follow. though, I think a lot of responsibility Hip: When you want to be What influences or examples have rests with our parents and families. physically strong, you work out, and helped you commit to live the law of chastity? The Church can provide informa- when you work out, you get results. tion and a lot of great things, but the If we apply that in a spiritual way, we Hip: I had a roommate who was examples of my family really helped have to work out spiritually. There engaged. One day we were talking me realize that the gospel is a good are many things we have to do for a about his upcoming marriage, and thing and that it makes us happy. spiritual workout, such as reading the someone asked, “What are the com- Liz: When I was growing up, the scriptures and doing everything we mitments you two think will help closest Church member my age lived can to have the Spirit. We also have you stay strong?” His answer was, an hour and a half away, so there to set righteous goals and work “Not keeping the law of chastity were no other members at school. toward those goals. But to reach could destroy our relationship. So we But something I really appreciated those goals, we cannot go it alone. decided that we wouldn’t do anything was that even though there was We have to have the Lord with us. just me, my leaders always came to From Him we get the strength and Mutual; they always came to sem- the Spirit to overcome our chal- inary; they always came to teach lenges. Then we can follow President “I don’t view the my lesson—every single time. They Thomas S. Monson’s plea: never said, “Well, we’ve got just one “Do not let your passions destroy commandments as student so we’re not going to have your dreams. Withstand temptation. restrictions; I live class today.” I’m sure I learned a lot, “Remember the words from the them because they but what I really remember is that my Book of Mormon: ‘Wickedness never 4 make me happier.” leaders were consistent. And because was happiness.’” ◼ of them, I had opportunities to feel NOTES 1. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” the Spirit. Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129. 2. See Jeffrey R. Holland, “Of Souls, Symbols, I think we can never fully appre- and Sacraments,” in Brigham Young ciate the gift of the Holy Ghost. Even University 1987–88 Devotional and Fireside Speeches (1988), 77–79. though I had my parents and my 3. “At the hour of sin, pure love is pushed out of one door while lust sneaks in the family and my leaders, when I was at other. Affection has then been replaced with school I was by myself. But the Spirit desire of the flesh and uncontrolled passion. Accepted has been the doctrine which the was with me. So whatever keeps the devil is so eager to establish, that illicit sex relations are justified” (Teachings of Spirit in someone’s life will be a great Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball influence in helping that person keep [1982], 279). 4. Thomas S. Monson, “Be Thou an Example,” the law of chastity. Liahona and Ensign, May 2005, 113.

October 2012 45

46 Responses are intended for help and perspective, not as official pronouncements of Church doctrine. Church of pronouncements official as not perspective, and help for intended are Responses Liahona

and priesthood the respect who Priesthood Mason R., age 19, Colorado, USA USA Colorado, 19, age R., Mason

trust He has placed in you. you. in placed has He trust When you have members of the Aaronic Aaronic the of members have you When

doing your best to act in a way that shows respect for the the for respect shows that way a in act to best your doing respect and confidence in using the priesthood. priesthood. the using in confidence and respect

is—it’s realizing that you are a representative of God and and God of representative a are you that realizing is—it’s I think that honoring the priesthood is having having is priesthood the honoring that think I

Show Respect for the Priesthood the for Respect Show more or less of Him? That’s what honoring the priesthood priesthood the honoring what That’s Him? of less or more

around me knew that I held God’s power, would they think think they would power, God’s held I that knew me around

were entrusted. Ask yourself, If everyone everyone If yourself, Ask entrusted. were

Dominican Republic Republic Dominican

gratitude and respect toward the power you you power the toward respect and gratitude Domingo, Santo 18, age B., Bismarck

God are on earth. on are God ing the priesthood becomes simple: act with with act simple: becomes priesthood the ing

others know that many authorized servants of of servants authorized many that know others - honor then gift, this us granted God that is it

standard for the nations” (D&C 115:5). We help help We 115:5). (D&C nations” the for standard If we can start to understand how wonderful wonderful how understand to start can we If

Act Like a Representative of God of Representative a Like Act “arise and shine forth, that [our] light may be a a be may light [our] that forth, shine and “arise

His priesthood, we follow His command to to command His follow we priesthood, His

the ordinances and covenants it helps us receive. receive. us helps it covenants and ordinances the were ordained to the priesthood. By honoring honoring By priesthood. the to ordained were

by respecting the work it accomplishes, and by respecting respecting by and accomplishes, it work the respecting by

and promises that we made to God when we we when God to made we that promises and

our callings, by respecting those who hold the priesthood, priesthood, the hold who those respecting by callings, our means we fulfill all the commitments, duties, duties, commitments, the all fulfill we means

We all can honor the priesthood by serving faithfully in in faithfully serving by priesthood the honor can all We earth, because we represent Jesus Christ. It It Christ. Jesus represent we because earth,

and living worthy to perform their priesthood duties. priesthood their perform to worthy living and Himself would do if He were here on the the on here were He if do would Himself

other priesthood holders in keeping the commandments commandments the keeping in holders priesthood other in my opinion, to do the things that the Lord Lord the that things the do to opinion, my in

temple work. They can support their fathers, brothers, and and brothers, fathers, their support can They work. temple is, priesthood the honor to way main The

Do Your Duty to God to Duty Your Do pating in priesthood ordinances such as the sacrament or or sacrament the as such ordinances priesthood in pating

- partici reverently by and covenants baptismal their ing

- keep by priesthood the honor also can women Young Marisa B., age 14, Arizona, USA USA Arizona, 14, age B., Marisa

words, service, and even thoughts. thoughts. even and service, words, honoring the priesthood. the honoring

of it. They honor the priesthood by their dress, actions, actions, dress, their by priesthood the honor They it. of men to honor the priesthood, so we are also also are we so priesthood, the honor to men

were here. They honor the priesthood by living worthy worthy living by priesthood the honor They here. were clean language. By doing this, we help young young help we this, doing By language. clean

the priesthood by doing what the Savior would do if He He if do would Savior the what doing by priesthood the with speak and modestly dress We thoughts.

Priesthood holders represent the Savior, so they honor honor they so Savior, the represent holders Priesthood priesthood by helping the young men have clean clean have men young the helping by priesthood

plished, the gospel is preached, and miracles are performed. performed. are miracles and preached, is gospel the plished, T by being virtuous. We honor the the honor We virtuous. being by

- accom is work temple given, are blessings need to. We honor the priesthood priesthood the honor We to. need

By the priesthood, ordinances are performed, performed, are ordinances priesthood, the By hood. But all young women do do women young all But hood.

Their work. It is the greatest power on earth. earth. on power greatest the is It work. Their - priest the honor to need don’t I

Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ perform perform Christ Jesus and Father Heavenly As a young woman I could say that that say could I woman young a As

Be Virtuous Be he priesthood is the power by which which by power the is priesthood he

to honor the priesthood of God?” of priesthood the honor to

mean it does  What “

Questions Questions Answers & Youth

​.org or to: IT IS SACRED men and young “Young should women . . . honor [the priesthood] and recognize it as something that is for it is by . . . sacred, ​ldschurch Questions & Answers 11/12 Answers Liahona, Questions & 2420 Rm. St., Temple North 50 E. USA UT 84150-0024, City, Salt Lake virtue of this authority that the ordinances of the gospel are performed throughout and the world and in every sacred place, without it they cannot be performed. also who hold this authority should Those should live They honor it in themselves. so as to be worthy of the authority vested in them.” President Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918), Smith (1838–1918), Joseph F. President of Presidents of the Church: Teachings Smith (1998), 144. Joseph F. Send your answer by November 15 to liahona@ Responses may be edited for length or clarity. following information and permission The must be included in your e-mail or letter: or (3) ward (2) birth date, name, (1) full written (5) your or district, (4) stake branch, if you are under age 18, and, permission, permission (e-mail is written your parent’s acceptable) to publish your response and photograph. us honor the priesthood is to follow is to follow us honor the priesthood standards Strength Youth of the For and dress modestly. Joseph B., age 16, Texas, USA B., age 16, Texas, Joseph

What do I say to nonmembers who ask why some members of the Church aren’t living our standards?” living our standards?” NEXT QUESTION NEXT One way for young women to help women young for One way “ Melinda B., age 16, Washington, USA Melinda B., age 16, Washington, Compromise Don’t Standards Your Honoring the priesthood means not in situations where putting yourself might compromise you know you studied the When we standards. your found we in seminary, Testament Old of Josephin Genesis 39 the example of Egypt honoring his priesthood by of from the advances running away wife. Potiphar’s given them. When I see a young I see a young When them. given I feel man respect the priesthood, and I have so much more at peace that young more respect toward entrusted Father has Heavenly man. I feel so him with the priesthood, duty not only man’s that it is a young but also to to hold the priesthood uphold it.

Honoring the priesthood means men respect and to me that young uphold the gift that the Lord has Uphold the Priesthood Sunday School class: Kylie E., Jaiten B., E., Jaiten class: Kylie School Sunday F., Alisha V., Kaylie E., Alexandra R., Joseph USA (not pictured); Idaho, W. and Haylee The priesthood is the only true Hansen B., age 15, Texas, USA Hansen B., age 15, Texas, Remember the Savior the sacrament as much as we do in the sacrament as much as we some have can you then our ward, in passing and great experiences all wear We preparing the sacrament. that know We white shirts with ties. in the ward, a great effect it makes I effect on me. and it has made an that holding the priesthood know hap- is the best thing that has ever pened to me. power of God on earth and showspower When us the path to return to Him. honoring the priesthood, think of we the teachings following think of we Monson Thomas S. from President The best way and the other Apostles. to honor the priesthood is to do the which allows are taught, things we When we us to remember the Savior. His Spirit will be with remember Him, us to stay the Spirit allows Having us. of gos- and be an example on target pel standards. BE WISE AND BE A FRIEND

48 Liahona Yout  h

By Elder Robert D. Hales Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Learn and gain knowledge commitments, and to priesthood and natural man—we tend to push up to and wisdom in your youth. temple covenants, we will always the barbed wire and stick our head And lift and strengthen have the gift of the Holy Ghost to through it. Why do we do that? teach and direct us. The Spirit leads We can have so much joy in those around you. us to act and to do. We all have spiri- life without pushing the limits. tual gifts and talents (see D&C 46). Remember, “wisdom is the principal f you really want to be able to have Wisdom plus spiritual gifts lead thing,” and with that wisdom, “enter a good life, you’ll want to follow to an understanding in the heart. not into the path of the wicked, and Ithe counsel found in the scriptures: “Wisdom is the principal thing; there- go not in the way of evil men. Avoid “Learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, fore get wisdom: and with all thy it, pass not by it, turn from it, and learn in thy youth to keep the com- getting get understanding” (Proverbs pass away” (Proverbs 4:14–15). Don’t mandments of God” (Alma 37:35). 4:7). It is important to cultivate come close. Don’t put your head The learning process can be summa- wisdom and understanding in through the barbed-wire fence. rized in the following way: your youth. We all start with basic intelligence. An experience from my youth Do You Have Good Friends? We add knowledge to that with the taught me something about wisdom. You will notice that, along with learning that comes through the I was a city boy, so my father sent me these teachings on wisdom, the classroom and reading. We add life’s to work on my uncle’s ranch in west- book of Proverbs also teaches about experiences. And then we get to the ern Utah. While I was there, I never choosing good friends: “Enter not fourth step: wisdom. That’s where could understand why the cattle, with into the path of the wicked, and go the world stops. But we have some- thousands of acres to choose from, not in the way of evil men” (Proverbs thing the world does not have. Upon would put their heads through the 4:14). “My son, walk not thou in the baptism and confirmation, we were barbed wire to eat the grass on the way with them; refrain thy foot from given the gift of the Holy Ghost. other side of the fence. Have you their path: for their feet run to evil” Based on our faithfulness to the laws, ever thought about how much we’re (Proverbs 1:15–16). ordinances, and covenants we take like that? We will always push to see How do you know if you have upon ourselves at baptism, to regu- what the outer limits are, especially good friends? I will give you two

ILLUSTRATIONS BY KEITH LARSON ILLUSTRATIONS lar and frequent sacrament meeting in our youth. As human beings—the tests. If you apply these tests, you

October 2012 49 

will never go into strange paths and electricity. He feels totally helpless wander off the “strait and narrow when he is in a single-seated fighter path which leads to eternal life” 40,000 feet (12,200 m) in the air being (2 Nephi 31:18). buffeted around by clouds and such. 1. Good friends make it easy He doesn’t have any direction. I came to live the commandments through an experience like that, and when you are with them. I’m glad I’m here. It’s an experience A true friend strengthens you that I will never forget. You too may and helps you live the gospel someday find yourself in such a posi- principles that will assist you to tion. There is nothing as dangerous as endure to the end. a fallen lighthouse, especially when 2. A true friend will not make you’re depending on the light. you choose between his or Is someone depending on your her ways and the ways of light to guide him or her? Be a good the Lord, thus taking you off example. Be a light to the world the strait and narrow path. The and lead and guide those around adversary roams this earth and you in paths of righteousness. They wants so much to have each are depending on you as a faithful one of us fall. If your friends are Be a light to the world and lead and lighthouse. Be there when someone taking you on paths of wick- guide those around you in paths of needs you. edness, depart from them now. righteousness. They are depending The Spirit is the guiding light that Choose your friends wisely. on you as a faithful lighthouse. brings joy and happiness. May we never be denied the Spirit to be with What Kind of Friend Are You? us because of our conduct. Oh, how I Now I ask a difficult question: pray that we will never be alone and what kind of friend are you? sad in this “dark and dreary” world There is more to life than saving and more unto the perfect day. (1 Nephi 8:4). ourselves. We are commissioned to “The way of the wicked is as May the Lord’s blessings be with lift and to strengthen all those around darkness: they know not at what they you as you strive to learn and gain us. The Lord wants us all back to Him stumble” (verses 18–19). knowledge and wisdom in your together. They really don’t know why youth. May you also gain wisdom You are a lighthouse, and there is they’re stumbling. They have no light, and understanding in your hearts of nothing more dangerous than a fallen no direction. the gospel truths by obedience and lighthouse. Remember who you are: Do you know what it is like to also by the light of the Spirit, the Holy you are a light to the world, to your depend on a lighthouse when the Ghost. Be a good friend. Lift and friends, to your brothers and sisters. light is not there? Darkness results, strengthen those around you. Make You are who they look to. and we are lost. the world a better place because you Proverbs 4 continues: When a pilot loses electrical were here. Help your friends stay on “But the path of the just is as power, he has no indicators except the strait and narrow path, endure to the shining light, that shineth more those things that work without the end, and return with honor. ◼

50 Liahona Yout  h DRESSING for a Dance

By Crystal Martin I was tempted to follow the crowd, but then I realized I needed to be an example instead.

hen I was a teen, it was told me I should just take off the told me they respected me for follow- sometimes hard to live the jacket and that I would look better ing my standards. They apologized Wgospel. The area I lived anyway. for giving me such a hard time for not in didn’t have many Church mem- Just as I was about to justify tak- doing the things everybody else was bers, and my friends who were not ing off the jacket, I remembered my doing in high school. members of the Church sometimes patriarchal blessing. My blessing told Because I followed the standards made it harder for me to stay on me I would have many temptations of the Church and tried to be an the right track. and if I fell, many individuals would example, I was able to have mission- “You should wear this; it would follow me. That was when I realized I ary experiences and teach the gospel bring out the color in your eyes,” one needed to stay on the right track—not to others. I would not have been able of my friends said to me before a only for myself but for others who to influence others if I hadn’t stayed dance. She held up a dress she was looked up to me. I decided to keep on the right track. ◼ going to let me borrow, but it didn’t the jacket on. have sleeves. I decided to wear the Sometimes I was made fun of for dress with a jacket. not doing the things everybody else When I got to the dance, nobody was doing, but I stayed strong and else was wearing a dress with sleeves, was blessed because of it. I later and I felt like I stood out. When I learned that many people had looked

ILLUSTRATION BY SCOTT GREER ILLUSTRATION started getting too warm, my friends up to me. Some of my friends even

STANDARDS OF DRESS “Never lower your standards of dress. Do not use a special occasion as an excuse to be immodest. . . . Young women should avoid . . . clothing that does not cover the shoulders.” For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 6, 7.

October 2012 51 FOR THE STRENGTH OF YOUTH Dress and Appearance “Let the Holy Spirit Guide”

As Christ’s representatives, we ensure it is protected and beautifully adorned, show respect for our bodies “at inside and out. A key to planning temples is all times and in all things, and the understanding that a temple represents the Lord—it is His house. We respect temples in all places” by abiding by as sacred structures where only those who certain standards. are worthy may enter. We reverence temples im has consistently worn modest because the sacred ordinances and covenants clothing. The other day I asked for her in which we participate make it possible for us By Mary N. Cook Kopinion on what she considers to be a to return to our Heavenly Father. First Counselor in modest skirt, a modest blouse, and a modest Your body is more precious than the most the Young Women General Presidency swimsuit. Instead of coming up with exact exquisite temple on earth. You are God’s be­ measurements for hemlines and necklines, loved son or daughter! These same principles we discussed the principles surrounding —representation, respect, and reverence— modesty and the challenge of finding mod- apply even more so to the care and protection est clothing that looks attractive. We had fun you give your body. brainstorming ways to creatively lengthen a skirt. Finally Kim said, “If I’m not comfort- Representation able when I first put something on, it usually Each week as we partake of the sacrament, means it’s immodest and I won’t be comfort- we take upon us the Savior’s name. We are His able wearing it. I’ve learned to never buy it. I representatives on earth. One of the guidelines just put it back on the rack.” in For the Strength of Youth states: “Through As Kim strives to live worthily, the Holy your dress and appearance, you can show [the Ghost can guide her in her clothing choices. Lord] that you know how precious your body She lives the standard of modesty generously is. You can show that you are a disciple of and doesn’t try to alter the rules of dress and Jesus Christ and that you love Him.” 1 appearance. She understands that her body When one young woman read this is a temple (see 1 Corinthians 3:16) and that statement, she decided she didn’t want to she has a responsibility to care for, protect, walk even close to the line of immodesty. and properly clothe it. Immediately she removed anything in her As a temple is built, great care is taken to wardrobe that wasn’t consistent with being

52 Liahona Youth

Liahona Aug. Aug. Ensign, May Ensign, “Mothers and Daughters,” and 20. 2010, Reverence “Modesty: the Lord,” for 2008, Aug. , Liahona 20; 36. 2008, 8. Youth, (booklet, (booklet, of Youth 6. 2011), 8. Youth, For the Strength of the For For the Strength the For Strength of the For 2. M. Russell Ballard, Russell Ballard, M. 2. Hales, Robert D. 3. 5. 1. 4.

NOTES - 5 3 Young women, dress modestly. women, Young 4 Arise! Be the example of modest dress atArise! Be the example If you live these three principles— live If you Show your reverence for our Savior’s aton- our Savior’s for reverence your Show for what takes place inside the temple, our place inside the temple, takes what for clothing portrays the beauty and purity of our dress portrays whether we How inner selves. ordinances and . . . respect proper for have we are prepar and whether we eternal covenants them.” to receive ing ourselves home, at school, on the beach, at dances, or dances, at on the beach, at school, home, example Kim’s Follow sports. when playing letting the clothing, when choosing your “Ask decisions. in your Holy Spirit guide you comfortable with my I feel ‘Would yourself, presence?’” in the Lord’s appearanceI were if representation, respect, and reverence— respect, representation, will you attire, are choosing your when you (D&C 115:5) as the Savior’s “shine forth” ◼ representatives. beloved ing sacrifice by wearing your “Sunday best” to best” “Sunday your wearing by ing sacrifice participate in the ordinance of the sacrament. dignity when men should dress with “Young officiating in the ordinance of the sacra- ment.” - righteous living 2 value. Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of theElder Robert D. Young women, respect your body and respect your women, Young We should also show respect for others’ respectshow for should also We As Christ’s representatives, we show we representatives, As Christ’s

Reverence Respect a representative of the Savior. She said, “I She said, of the Savior. a representative try be smart on any- if I didn’t even would wear. I shouldn’t I knew thing in stores that The principle of represen- Why be tempted?” that firm resolve. tation helped her make Twelve Apostles taught us: “Just as the temple us: Apostles taught Twelve grounds portray the sacredness and reverence help others, particularly young men, maintain particularly men, young help others, your Respect virtuous thoughts and actions. that daily knowing body, eternal you gives bodies and help them live virtuous lives. virtuous lives. bodies and help them live of the Quorum Russell Ballard of theElder M. need to women] “[Young Apostles said: Twelve clothing that wear understand that when they not they cut, too low or too short, is too tight, only can send the wrong message to young also but they associate, men with whom they minds the fallacy thatperpetuate in their own is dependent solely upon her value a woman’s has been nor will This never sensual appeal. be within the righteous definition of a it ever faithful daughter of God.” tuous is evidence of your respect for the Lord respect for of your tuous is evidence physical body. and your respect for our body “at all times and in all our body respect for (Mosiah 18:9) by in all places” and things, The certainagreeing to abide by standards. cleanLord requires that only those who are choice to be vir Your the temple. enter may LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY; RIGHT: PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY CODY BELL CODY BY ILLUSTRATION PHOTO RIGHT: PHOTOGRAPHY; BUSATH © PHOTOGRAPH LEFT:  STRENGTHENED BY THE WORD Teens testify of times when scriptures taught them, comforted them, and guided them.

e asked youth to tell us about a time when a Wscripture they have memorized has been helpful to them, as Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles talked about in October 2011 general SCRIPTURES HELP conference (see sidebar). Here are IN TIME OF NEED a few of their responses. “Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high. . . . Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discover- ing a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.” Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Power of Scripture,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 6.

54 Liahona Yout  STRENGTHENED h Peace unto My Soul “My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity sports together, went on trips together, and hung out every and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment” weekend. But she began hanging out with an older group BY THE WORD (D&C 121:7). of friends who I didn’t want to be around. In the end she The scripture that has given me the most comfort over made me choose between having her as a friend or sticking the years is Doctrine and Covenants 121:7, when the to my beliefs regarding the Word of Wisdom and the law of Prophet Joseph Smith was in Liberty Jail crying out to chastity. I was devastated. I never knew that standing up for Heavenly Father for help. I memorized this verse in semi- what I believed could be so hard. But I chose to make new

PHOTOGRAPHS BY JOSUÉ A. PENA AND GLORIA HIATT nary and recall it when I need comfort. It reminds me that friends, always keeping in mind Heavenly Father’s promise my Father in Heaven loves me and is aware of my trials. to Joseph Smith that everything would work out all right. I have used this verse to bring me peace in times of frus- Nothing is worth compromising my tration and weakness. beliefs, and I experience true and This verse helped me when I was at a party that turned lasting joy when I choose the right. into an environment I knew I shouldn’t be in. I politely This scripture has strengthened told my friends no when they asked me to drink or smoke. my testimony and provided This verse gave me the strength I needed to stand up for help when I needed it. my beliefs. This verse also helped me make a difficult decision. My Lauren J. friend and I had been inseparable for five years. We played age 16, Arkansas, USA

Weak Things Become Strong Months before the entrance exam for high school, I did not feel prepared. I was sure that it would be impossible to do well. So I turned to my Heavenly Father in prayer. While I was praying, these words came to my mind: “If men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them” (Ether 12:27). I realized that when I pray to Heavenly Father for strength to face challenges and tests, He blesses me and helps me overcome my weaknesses. Presenting my concern to the Lord was the best decision I could make. He is the best teacher, and I know He helped me.

Irvin O. age 16, El Salvador

October 2012 55 

Pray Always SET A GOAL “Pray always, that you may come off conqueror; yea, that you may onsider setting a conquer Satan, and that you may escape the hands of the servants of Cgoal to memorize Satan that do uphold his work” (D&C 10:5). some scriptures. You This verse helps me face temptations. When I’m about to do some- could memorize scripture thing I know is wrong, this verse and its message pop into my mind. mastery verses in seminary Every single time I pray after I have that prompting, I get the help that or as part of Duty to God I need to overcome the temptations I’m faced with. or Personal Progress.

Jesse F. age 17, Utah, USA

I Am with Thee “Be patient in afflictions, for thou shalt have many; but endure them, for, lo, I am with thee, even unto the end of thy days” (D&C 24:8). Memorizing this scripture has been a blessing, especially when I have felt scared or alone. Whenever I remember it, I gain courage

and feel better. As young men and young PHOTOGRAPHS BY WELDEN C. ANDERSEN AND CHRISTIAN IBANEZ women, we need guidance and support, especially when confronting difficult trials and challenges. Even though sometimes the future seems uncer- tain or discouraging, I know that I can trust in the Lord and receive His warm embrace. When I was little, I was taught at home and in Primary that the Lord would always be by my side if I did my part. Because of those teachings and also this scripture, I know that I can count on Him always.

Sofia I. age 15, Uruguay STRAIGHT AND NARROW IS ILLUSTRATION BY IAN NAYLOR ILLUSTRATION

T HThere E are many pathsWAY to choose, but only one leads to eternal life. (See 2 Nephi 9:41; 31:17–21; Alma 7:9.)

Moving On from Primary When it’s time to move on to Young Men or Young Women, here are some of the experiences you have to look forward to! WHAT’S YOUNG MEN ALL ABOUT?

The Aaronic Priesthood—Serving Others for the Savior Passing the sacrament Collecting fast offerings Strengthening your family

Duty to God Learning and doing new things Sharing with others Developing a closer relationship with Heavenly Father Going to the Temple Being baptized for those who have died For the Strength of Youth Preparing to make covenants Standards to make you strong Feeling the Holy Ghost

Activities Preparing Yourself Serving with your quorum For a mission Mutual fun! For marriage and fatherhood

Dear Primary young men, When you turn 12, you will be old enough to receive the Aaronic Priesthood. This is very important. When God gives you His priesthood, He will be telling you He trusts you. It will be your sacred duty to serve others as the Savior would. Now is the time to start preparing. Watch and listen to the priesthood holders around you as they bless and pass the sacrament, baptize, give blessings, serve missions, and lead families. Always do your best to live the gospel standards. Then you will be prepared for that great day when you will receive the Aaronic Priesthood. Sincerely, David L. Beck Young Men general president

58 Liahona

Moving On from Primary CHILDREN

WHAT’S YOUNG MEN ALL ABOUT? WHAT’S YOUNG WOMEN ALL ABOUT?

New Friends Activities Learning and having fun together Serving together Supporting one another Mutual fun!

Increasing Your Faith in Jesus Christ Preparing Yourself as a Daughter of God Standing for truth and righteousness To be a leader and a good Sharing your testimony example Personal Progress To become a faithful wife and mother Learning new things Setting goals and growing in virtue

For the Strength of Youth Standards to make you strong

Going to the Temple Being baptized for those who have died Feeling the Holy Ghost Preparing to make covenants

Dear Primary young women, We are so excited for the day when you will join Young Women! You are a precious daughter of Heavenly Father. In Young Women you will learn to stand as His witness at all times and in all things and in all places. You will receive a necklace to remind you to stand for truth and righteousness and let the Savior’s light shine to all the world. Your Personal Progress book will help you study the scriptures, set personal goals, and progress on the path to the temple. All these things will help you prepare to be a wife and mother and a great leader in the world. Sincerely, Elaine S. Dalton Young Women general president PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH PHOTOGRAPHY PHOTOGRAPH © BUSATH

October 2012 59 Based on a true story

Dear Amiga

ello from Mexico! I was excited to get your letter and hear about your birthday coming up. It sounds like you’re a little nervous about leaving Primary. Can I tell you about when I went into Young Women? - HI was nervous about leaving Primary too. I was worried that I might not make any friends. I was scared of being one of the youngest girls instead of one of the oldest. But it all worked out just fine. The bishop interviewed me before my birth day and told me the change would be a good thing. On Sunday, I still felt shy and stayed in the Primary room. Luckily, one of the Young Women leaders found me there. She said, “I thought I would find you here! Come on, it’s time to go to class.” Sister Diaz welcomed me in opening exercises, and she gave me three books that I’ve come to love: For the Strength of Youth, Young Women Personal Progress, and a journal. As I looked around the room, I realized that I knew some of the girls there from Primary. Some of the girls I didn’t know BY BRAD CLARK ILLUSTRATION said hi to me. Soon I felt peace instead of fear. Things just kept getting better after that. Mutual activities have been special to me because they’ve taught me how to live the gospel and how to help my family and friends. And going to camp each year is so much fun! Now that I’m a Laurel, I hope to finish Personal Progress soon. I can’t wait to wear the Young Women medallion so it can remind me of how much I have grown nearer to my Heavenly Father over the years. So don’t be fearful, my friend. Spread your wings and fly to Young Women. I promise you won’t be sorry. Love, Maribel

60 Liahona C  Welcoming a hildren New Season of Life By Marissa Widdison Men. “I was worried about being touches my heart. I don’t think I’ll Church Magazines accepted and getting to know the ever get used to it,” he said. o you live in an area others,” Noah said about starting Ben said that passing the sac- where the trees change Young Men. “Going to the activi- rament reminds him of the Last Dcolor to get ready for ties really helped.” Noah’s favorite Supper: “Jesus was standing there. the winter? These four friends do. Primary song is about the army of We’re standing where Jesus was, Noah B., Dylan L., Patrick M., and Helaman, and that’s how he sees and He wants us to be there.” Ben M. all live on Prince Edward the priesthood quorum—as being Island off the east coast of Canada. together, united. Look to the Temple Like the trees, these boys are get- His advice? “Be yourself.” Ben is working on earning his ting ready for a new season of life. Faith in God Award and is looking They are all turning 12 within a Respect the Priesthood forward to doing baptisms for the year of each other, and that means For Patrick, getting the priesthood dead for the first time. “I haven’t saying good-bye to Primary and is not about turning a certain age. been inside the temple yet, but hello to Young Men. Here’s what It’s about being worthy and pre- other people always give testimo- they had to say about growing up pared. “You don’t get the priesthood nies about how warm and good and moving on. just because you’re 12,” Patrick said. they feel after they go,” Ben said. “You have to be prepared.” Noah went on his first visit to the Be Yourself Dylan understands how impor- temple recently. He said that the When Noah moved here, his tant preparation is. He tries to get to young men in his quorum treated new friends helped him adjust church 15 minutes early to spiritu- him like family. “You might feel ner- to life on the island. Now, as the ally prepare to pass the sacrament. vous, but there will be people there oldest in the group, he’s helping “I’ve passed the sacrament three or to help you,” he said. “You will feel

PHOTOGRAPH BY MARISSA WIDDISON them get used to life in Young four times, and each time the Spirit welcome.” ◼

Dylan Patrick

Noah Ben

October 2012 61 Come,Come, Lord Lord Jesus Jesus From the Church production of Simply = 72–84 Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection q # 3 & # 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ 1. Come,œ Lordœ Je - sus, to the manœ - ger; Mayœ weœ see Thy ten - derœ face? . 2. Come, Lord Je - sus, to the wound-ed, Bro-ken heart and bend-ed knee. 3. Come, Lord Je - sus, great Re --deem er, Light of morn-ing from the East. ## 3 œ & 4 œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ . œ ? ## 3 œ œ œ œ œj œ œ œ. j 4 œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œ # & # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Greatœ Creœ --a tor, here a strang - er, In - fantœ inœ this humœ -bleœ place. . Worth-y Lamb,Thy love un --bound ed, Bid our souls to rest in Thee. We will be Thy chil--dren ev er; Dry our tears, all weep-ing cease! # # œ œ œ œ œœ œ œ & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œœ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? # œ œ œ # œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ # & # œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Dark--ness scat ter,J morn-ing swell; Come,œ dear Lord Im ---manœ u el. Come in glo - ry to the earth; Come to us to rule and reign. Come in glo - ry to the earth; Come to us to rule and reign. # j # œ œ œ. œ œ œ œ œn & œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ ? ## . œ œ œ œ œ œ œœ # & # œ œ œ. œ œ j Come, Lord Je - sus,J to theœ manœ - ger,œ Come,œ. Lordœ Jeœ - sus,œ come! . Rea - dy us to kneel and greet Thee; Come, Lord Je - sus, come! Rea - dy us to kneel and greet Thee; Come, Lord Je - sus, come! # j # œ œ œ. œ œ j & œ œ œ œ œ œ. œ œœ œ . œ œ œ œ .

œ œ . œ œ ANDERSON © IRI THE SECOND COMING, BY HARRY ? ## œ œ œ. j œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ œ Savior of the World: His Birth and Resurrection was written and composed under the direction of the

First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. BACKGROUND:

© 2003 IRI. All rights reserved. This song may be copied for incidental, noncommercial home and church use. This notice must be included on each copy. C

SPECIAL WITNESS hildren Why is it IMPORTANT that I follow Elder Dallin H. JESUS CHRIST Oaks of the Quorum of the faithfully, no Twelve Apostles matter where shares some thoughts about I am? this subject.

Jesus Christ is the Only Begotten and Beloved Son of God.

He is our Creator. He is the Light of the World. He is our Savior from sin and death.

This is the most important knowledge on earth, and you can know this for yourself.

We are followers of Jesus Christ. There is no middle ground. ILLUSTRATIONS BY STEVE KROPP ILLUSTRATIONS

From “Teachings of Jesus,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 93. October 2012 63 BRINGING PRIMARY HOME You can use this lesson and activity to learn more about this month’s Primary theme. Blessings of the Priesthood Are Available to All

hen Joseph Smith was descended in a cloud of light.” This translating the Book messenger was John the Baptist. Wof Mormon, he and He laid his hands on Joseph’s his scribe Oliver Cowdery had a and Oliver’s heads and gave them question. They went into the woods the Aaronic Priesthood. John the to pray about it. While they were Baptist then commanded Joseph Such blessings include those given to praying, “a messenger from heaven and Oliver to baptize each other. A newborn babies, to the sick, and to short time later, the Apostles Peter, children by their fathers or other wor- James, and John came to earth and thy priesthood holders. We must also ordained Joseph and Oliver to the receive certain priesthood ordinances Melchizedek Priesthood. God’s to return to Heavenly Father. Some of priesthood was on the earth these ordinances include baptism by again. (See Joseph Smith— immersion, receiving the gift of the History 1:68–72.) Holy Ghost, and sacred temple ordi-

Through the priesthood nances that can seal families together BY ILLUSTRATION BY KENNETH RILEY © 1965 IRI; INSET:

we can receive wonderful forever. Also in the temple, ordi- BY REBECCA MILLER ILLUSTRATIONS RANE © IRI; RIGHT: BY WALTER blessings and ordinances. nances can be performed for people who have passed away without the blessings of the gospel. Blessings of

the priesthood are available to all! ◼ BLESS THEM IN HIS NAME, THE RESTORATION OF THE MELCHIZEDEK PRIESTHOOD, THE RESTORATION LEFT: LEFT: PHYLLIS LUCH © 1988 IRI;

Song and Scripture • Choose a song about the priesthood from the Children’s Songbook • Doctrine and Covenants 84:35

64 Liahona Children

CTR ACTIVITY The Priesthood Helps People The priesthood is God’s power to serve and bless people through ordinances and blessings. In these pictures, draw yourself into the scene.

Priesthood holders bless and pass the sacra- Priesthood blessings can be administered Just You ment. Draw yourself on the bench, ready to to the sick. Draw yourself in bed, not In the Pearl of Great Price, turn to Joseph take the sacrament. feeling well. Smith—History 1:68–73. Use those verses to help you fill in the blanks below. On another piece of paper, write down other things you learn from read- ing these verses.

1. “The Priesthood of Aaron . . . holds the keys of the ministering of , and of the gospel of .” 2. was the first to be baptized. 3. Oliver Cowdery baptized . 4. John the Baptist acted under the direction of , , and . 5. Peter, James, and John later conferred the Priesthood upon Joseph and Oliver. Families can be sealed together through Baptism and receiving the gift of the Holy temple ordinances. Draw your family in front Ghost are priesthood ordinances. Draw yourself

of the temple. standing in front of the font.

4. Peter, James, John; 5. Melchizedek. 5. John; James, Peter, 4.

Smith; Joseph 3. Cowdery; Oliver 2.

Answers: 1. angels, repentance; repentance; angels, 1. Answers: October 2012 65

Twice the Blessings Meet Sophie and Elodie A. of Antananarivo, Madagascar.

By Richard M. Romney Church Magazines en-year-old twin sisters Sophie and Elodie live in TMadagascar. That’s a large island off the coast of Africa. Their family has a favorite true story. “The first time my father met with the missionaries, he knew the Church was true,” Elodie says. “He was an instant convert.” Their mother was baptized a few months later. Before the girls were born, their parents fasted and prayed that they could have a girl. “And instead of one girl, Mama had two,” Sophie says. It has been twice the blessings ever since! ◼

Sophie and Elodie’s family saved money for three years to travel to the Johannesburg South Africa Temple to be sealed together. They had to travel more than 1,300 miles (2,100 km) and cross the Indian Ocean to get there.

66 Liahona

C hildren

The girls’ mother has a medical clinic next to their home. They help by sweeping and help- ing keep it clean.

In the Madagascar flag, white represents purity, red stands for independence, and green repre- sents hope.

Sophie and Elodie have two cats, and they love to cuddle with them.

The twins enjoy family home evening with their two brothers, their Lemurs and chameleons are two niece, and their father animals found in Madagascar. and mother. PHOTOGRAPHS OF FAMILY BY RICHARD M. ROMNEY; OTHER PHOTOGRAPHS BY CRAIG DIMOND © IRI; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/GLOBALP; ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/LIPOWSKI BY RICHARD M. ROMNEY; PHOTOGRAPHS OF FAMILY October 2012 67 By Hilary Watkins Lemon Based on a true story Can’t I Be BAPTIZED Too? “Children shall be baptized for the missionaries had been teaching Paulo eagerly, holding his illustrated remission of their sins when eight and his siblings at Grandmother’s Book of Mormon closer to him. years old” (D&C 68:27). house on the green, breezy island Sister Silva smiled but shook her of São Miguel—1,000 miles (1,600 head. “I’m sorry, Paulo. The Lord uno and Miriam, will you km) away from mainland Portugal. has told us that we all need to be follow the example of Jesus Paulo loved to open the top half of baptized but only after we turn NChrist and be baptized next Grandmother’s front door and feel eight years old. Because you are Saturday?” Sister Silva asked. the sea breeze as he watched Sister only six, you aren’t accountable Paulo couldn’t believe his ears. Lopes and Sister Silva walk up the for your choices yet.” The sister missionaries had just street to teach him about the gospel. “But, sisters,” Paulo objected, “I invited his 10-year-old brother and The sister missionaries said today have been praying and reading the sister to be baptized! would be a special lesson. Now Book of Mormon with my family, “Yes! Yes!” the twins said happily. Paulo knew why. Nuno and Miriam like you taught me. I go to Primary Miriam couldn’t stop smiling. were going to be baptized, just like every week with Grandmother and Nuno gave Sister Lopes a high-five. Jesus taught! Paulo also wanted to Uncle Mário. I know the Church is Grandmother beamed from her big follow the Savior’s example. true! Can’t I be baptized with Nuno red armchair in the corner. “Sisters, can I be baptized and Miriam?” For a few weeks the sister next Saturday too?” he asked “You have done such a good job living the commandments and learning about the gospel,” Sister Lopes said. “But you still need to wait two years before you can be baptized.” Paulo’s throat started to burn, and hot tears filled his eyes. He jumped up and ran to his room in the attic,

where he slept with his siblings. BY JARED BECKSTRAND ILLUSTRATIONS C hildren

After crying into his pillow for a “Well, you know that the Primary “I’m going to practice bear- few minutes, Paulo heard someone is preparing a sacrament meeting ing my testimony to the mis- climbing the attic stairs. Uncle Mário program,” Uncle Mário said. “Your sionaries!” Paulo called back sat down on Paulo’s bed. Primary teacher told me she is look- happily. “I’m going to share it “What happened, Paulo?” Uncle ing for volunteers to bear their testi- while I wait to be baptized!” ◼ Mário asked. monies in the program. That is one “Sister Silva and Sister Lopes said way you can participate in church,” I can’t get baptized, but Nuno and Uncle Mário explained. Miriam can,” Paulo said. “I want to “Really?” Paulo sat up and faced be a member of the Church! I love his uncle. He thought for a minute. singing the hymns in sacrament “Maybe I could bear my testimony meeting and learning about the at Nuno and Miriam’s baptism too!” scriptures in Primary. I don’t want “That’s a great idea!” Uncle Mário to be left behind.” said. “Even though you are too “Patience means active waiting and enduring. It means staying “Paulo, you can still be a part of young to be baptized, you can still with something and doing all the Church, even though you are have a testimony.” that we can—working, hoping, not old enough to be baptized,” Paulo hopped off his bed and and exercising faith.” Uncle Mário said gently. hurried down the stairs. President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “How?” Paulo sniffed into his “Where are you going, Paulo?” Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “Continue in Patience,” pillow. Uncle Mário called. Liahona and Ensign, May 2010, 57.

October 2012 69 FOR YOUNG CHILDREN Dressing Like a Deacon By Hilary M. Hendricks Based on a true story

1. Today is Eli’s birthday. In four more He is four years old. years, you will be baptized.

And four years after that, you will be a deacon and you will be able to pass the sacrament. 2. Later, Mom helped Eli change from his pajamas into his church clothes.

3. 4. No. Deacons wear Do deacons white shirts and ties. wear super- hero shirts to Do deacons wear church? superhero pants to church?

No. Deacons wear nice pants. ILLUSTRATIONS BY SIMINI BLOCKER ILLUSTRATIONS

70 Liahona C

5. hildren

I want to wear a white shirt and nice pants. I want to dress like a deacon.

Mom helped Eli put on his nice pants, a white shirt, and a tie.

6. At church, Eli folded his arms as he watched the deacons pass the sacrament.

8. Mom smiled at Eli. He was happy to help. He felt just like a deacon.

7. When a deacon brought Eli the sacrament, Eli took a piece of bread and then handed the tray to Mom.

October 2012 71 For Young Children HIDDEN PICTURES

Eli wants to dress like a deacon. Help him find the things in his room that will help him dress like a deacon. ILLUSTRATION BY SIMINI BLOCKER ILLUSTRATION

72 Liahona C hildren COLORING PAGE

We receive the ordinances of salvation through the priesthood. “All they who receive this priesthood receive me, saith the Lord” (D&C 84:35). ILLUSTRATION BY JARED BECKSTRAND ILLUSTRATION

October 2012 73 News of the Church Visit news​.lds​.org for more Church news and events. PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSÉ A. MOSCÃO

Brazilian Youth Connect Family History, Temple Work By Melissa Merrill Church News and Events

osé A. Moscão was noticing a trend: the youth youth in the temple district are coming to learn. who were coming to the Campinas Brazil “Prior to the emphasis on getting them JTemple had a lot of “down time.” involved in family history and indexing, their Brother Moscão, the director of the family his- trip to the temple was mainly for the purpose tory center located adjacent to the temple, knew of being baptized for the dead. Now indexing that because of the distance many youth had to experiences are becoming part of their work,” travel to get to the temple, most came in caravans he said. and stayed for several days. The time between their sessions in the baptistery and meals and An Introduction waiting for their parents and leaders who were When youth come into the center, Brother participating in other temple ordinances couldn’t Moscão and the missionaries volunteering at the be avoided. center cover the following principles in a brief, But maybe, he thought, he could offer the informal orientation: youth an alternative to wandering the temple grounds whenever they had some free time. • They are becoming saviors on mount Zion So he did. (see Obadiah 1:21). • They are heeding the call of a prophet (see An Invitation “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn”). He began inviting youth into the center and • They are rescuing people from darkness— offering to teach them how to do FamilySearch the darkness of long-forgotten films and the indexing. dusty books of registry offices and churches. At first some were shy or reluctant. But Brother Indexing brings those names to light and Moscão said that when he spoke to them of res- makes them searchable so that their families cuing people from darkness and bringing to light can find them. their names in obedience to the words of a living • In joining this work, they will be participating prophet, the youth were touched (see David A. in another aspect of “the most glorious of Bednar, “The Hearts of the Children Shall Turn,” all subjects belonging to the everlasting Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 24–27). gospel, namely, the baptism for the dead” That the temple and the family history center (D&C 128:17). are located within the same facility is significant; • They will be using their time in the great work it underscores in a physical way that temple and of redeeming the dead, which blesses families. family history work are two parts of one great • All of us are part of the family of God, so in effort. That, said George A. Oakes, Campinas indexing the names of people they do not Brazil Temple president, is something that the know, they are still helping their family.

74 Liahona PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSÉ A. MOSCÃO

During trips to the temple, youth in the Campinas Brazil Temple district par- ticipate in FamilySearch indexing between sessions in the baptistery.

• Once they understand how to participate in active indexers that the Church has today.” Many indexing, they have an opportunity to teach are meeting goals for Duty to God and Personal their family members and other young people Progress with their indexing work. in their wards and branches to participate too. An Influence for Good Brother Moscão and the missionaries then use Earlier this year, Isabela A., age 16, of Vila the center’s computers to show teens how to start Velha, Espírito Santo, Brazil, traveled with her indexing and how to install and use the software mother and sister to the temple; the last day when they get home. Once they understand, of the trip was the one-year anniversary of her Brother Moscão said, they “begin to index with grandmother’s death. Isabela was baptized for a force like no other.” her grandmother, and her mother did the other temple ordinances for her. An Enthusiasm for the Work “I felt during this trip that I needed to do some- The numbers reflect that enthusiasm. In the thing good,” explained Isabela. “I wanted to learn first two months of 2012, visitors indexed 6,370 to index, and I received help from Brother José names; 3,305 of those were indexed by youth Moscão. ages 12 to 18. In fact, to accommodate the grow- “Then, when I was being baptized for my ing interest in indexing, the Campinas family grandmother, the Spirit touched me deeply. I history center often extends its regular hours of realized there were many people beyond the veil 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and stays open as late as waiting endlessly, and they needed my help. I 10:00 p.m. realized I could give a bit of my time to serve and But the youth aren’t leaving indexing behind that I could do a lot for these people. Indexing is when they leave the temple. When they get a labor of love.” ◼ home, they continue their role in what Brother Moscão calls “the army of more than 170,000 For more on this story, visit news.lds.org.

October 2012 75 the country, on May 27, 2012. is the former district president, First Stake in Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Prasad Rao Gudey. India Organized Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Addressing the largest-ever presided and was accompanied gathering of Saints in India, By Elder E. Jack and Sister Pamela Kellerstrass by Elder Donald L. Hallstrom of Randy D. Funk, president of India Bangalore Mission the Presidency of the Seventy the India Bangalore Mission, and Elder Anthony D. Perkins here was a palpa- of the Seventy, who serves as The stake presidency of the newly established ble sense of excite- the Asia Area President. Each Hyderabad India Stake (left to right): Suresh Tment and gratitude as leader was joined by his wife Natarajan, first counselor; John Gutty, president; more than 1,500 members at the conference. Rajaratnam Bushi, second counselor. and friends gathered at the John Gutty was sustained Novotel Convention Center as stake president with Suresh in Hyderabad, India, for the Natarajan as first counselor and creation of the Hyderabad Rajaratnam Bushi as second India Stake, the first stake in counselor. India’s first patriarch

Nearly 600 young single adults from India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka gathered for a conference prior to the creation of India’s first stake. PHOTOGRAPHS BY JAMES DALRYMPLE

76 Liahona said, “This is a glorious sight Church “to meet and speak “A patriarchal blessing declares on this historic day, a day we the principles of our faith.” your lineage in the tribes of Israel will always remember. We will Elder Oaks testified of having through which great blessings always remember an Apostle of had a witness of the Spirit that are received,” said Elder Oaks. “A the Lord was here.” the Lord had prepared and cho- patriarchal blessing also declares Elder Perkins expressed love sen the leaders who were called. blessings and promises we can from the Asia Area Presidency Elder Oaks also spoke of the claim if we are faithful.” to members in India and said, new responsibilities of a stake. “As the Church in India “We are seeing the beginnings In the Old Testament the grows, the time will come that of a wonderful work in this land. prophet Isaiah likened Israel to the prophet will be inspired Church growth and stake forma- tion is being done in accordance While visiting with eternal gospel principles Hyderabad, and established priesthood India, Elder patterns.” Oaks and other Noting he was a second Church leaders witness to the calling of the met with new stake presidency, Elder hundreds of Hallstrom explained the reve- members from latory process of selecting new India, Nepal, stake leadership. As a member and Sri Lanka. of the Seventy, he is assigned and arrives without bias or prej- a tent that sheltered the chil- to build a temple in India,” he udice, he said. He came in the dren of Israel, he said. “The continued. “Every stake created Lord’s way, dependent on His Church today is the tent. We all improves the probability that Spirit to receive revelation. “The know that a tent must be sup- there will be a temple. As peo- will of the Lord is for President ported with stakes. Now that ple show worthiness and com- Gutty to be the stake president,” Hyderabad is a stake of Zion, mitment, a temple follows.” Elder Hallstrom said. you will be expected to step In closing Elder Oaks invoked Kristen Oaks, who accom- forward and provide greater a blessing: “In this first stake in panied her husband, spoke of support in the way of tithing the great country of India, I bless teaching children so that they and missionaries.” you to remember the teachings of believe “because their mothers As a result of a stake being this hour. I bless you to remem- knew it” (see Alma 56:48). formed, members in Hyderabad ber the covenants that you’ve As the final speaker at the will be able to receive patriarchal made as you have been baptized. meeting, Elder Oaks expressed blessings. Elder Oaks explained I bless you with a memory and gratitude to the nation of India, what is contained in a patriarchal determination to keep the com- a country with religious freedom blessing, referring to blessings as mandments of God that you may that permits members of the “private scriptures.” enjoy His blessings.” ◼

October 2012 77 AROUND THE CHURCH

Apostle Dedicates people will be blessed with “freedom and Manaus Mission when it opened in 1990. New MTC in Philippines accountability to grow in righteousness, “I have a trust that the Manaus Temple The Philippines Missionary Training both temporally and spiritually.” will be very busy, every single day, because Center, which Elder Russell M. Nelson these people love the temple,” Elder Costa of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Manaus Brazil Temple Is said. “They teach their children to love dedicated on May 20, 2012, can house up Church’s 138th Worldwide the temple. The temple is very precious to 144 missionaries from Cambodia, Hong and Sixth in Brazil to them.” Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Counselor in the First Presidency, dedicated Samoan Church Members Thailand. These missionaries are trained the Manaus Brazil Temple—the Church’s Celebrate 50th Anniversary in the languages of their home countries. 138th worldwide and sixth in Brazil—on of Independence, First Stake The new center’s two buildings contain June 10, 2012. On Friday, June 1, 2012, some 350 an auditorium, translation booths, a The faith and commitment of Latter-day Latter-day Saints in Samoa joined with other computer lab, a laundry area, teaching Saints living in Brazil, where there are more Samoans to march in an independence cel- rooms with built-in audiovisual equipment, than one million members, can be likened ebration parade through the streets of Apia. sleeping quarters for the missionaries, to the Amazon River, President Uchtdorf Fifty years ago, in 1962, the country gained classrooms, and offices. said—both flow deep and strong. its independence from New Zealand. In offering the prayer to dedicate the For almost 20 years, Church members Organizations, schools, local churches, new facility, Elder Nelson expressed grat- from Manaus, a city isolated by major rivers and international organizations took part. itude for the Atonement of Jesus Christ and rainforests, have been traveling by Latter-day Saint students entertained the and for faithful missionaries and Church caravan to attend the temple in São Paulo, tens of thousands of onlookers with their members worldwide who love and serve Brazil—a 15-day round-trip journey by boat marching band. the Lord. He asked for a blessing upon the and bus—and later the temple in Caracas, But the weekend included another point Republic of the Philippines to “maintain Venezuela—an 8-day journey by bus. of celebration for Latter-day Saint Samoans; open doors of welcome” to all the Lord’s Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the it was also 50 years ago that the first stake servants and prayed that the nation’s Seventy served as the president of the Brazil was organized in the country, in Apia. On Sunday, June 3, Elder James J. At the new Philippines Missionary Training Center, up to 144 missionaries from Hamula and Elder Kevin W. Pearson of Cambodia, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Seventy, both members of the Pacific Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand are trained in the languages of their home countries. Area Presidency, spoke to Latter-day Saints and guests in a special meeting that was broadcast to LDS meetinghouses across the nation. Looking ahead, Latter-day Saints in Samoa aim to continue to serve and strengthen their families, villages, and nation, said Elder Hamula, who serves as Area President. “We are growing wonder- fully as a Church here, and we are growing in our families and personal lives as we seek to follow the teachings and example

PHOTOGRAPH BY NOEL MAGLAQUE of Jesus Christ,” he said. ◼

78 Liahona COMMENT FAMILY HOME EVENING IDEAS

It Builds My Testimony This issue contains articles and activities that could be used for family I have diligently read and studied home evening. The following are some examples. the Liahona since 1967, and it has helped me grow spiritually. Each “Provident Living Prepares Us for “Be Wise and Be a Friend,” page 48: the Future,” page 12: Read the six areas Begin by reading Elder Hales’s test for month I wait for the magazine so I mentioned in the article in which we can determining good friends. Consider discuss- can be edified, feel the whisperings become self-reliant. What are some emer- ing the importance of being a good friend. of the Spirit of the Lord, and build gencies or problems that can be avoided Invite each family member to think of three my testimony of the gospel. I espe- by developing self-reliance in these areas? ways he or she could be a better friend. cially liked “Emulating and Honoring Invite family members to prayerfully “Dear Amiga,” page 60, and Our Heavenly Parentage” (Liahona, consider which of the areas they need to “Welcoming a New Season of Life,” Feb. 2012, 80). I was able to identify improve in and to set goals to increase page 61: Read about these Primary with what the author said because I their self-reliance in those areas. children and how they are preparing to too am a graphic designer. “Chastity in an Unchaste World,” enter Young Women and Young Men. Fabio Fajardo, Colombia page 42: Discuss with family members the As a family, consider discussing what questions asked in the article. Consider these children did to prepare. Invite family A Teacher and Friend sharing principles and experiences that members to read the Personal Progress I love the Liahona—it teaches have strengthened your testimony of or Duty to God booklets and find some me, supports me, and corrects my chastity. Discuss ways to apply the counsel activities they are interested in completing from the article. in the future. life. When I read good things in the morning, I try to be better all day. My love and faith are stronger when I read the magazine. I also give the One Family Home Evening, Two Lessons Liahona to my friends as gifts. Thank One night my parents and maternal grandparents came to visit for family home eve- you so much for such a good teacher ning. Each of my three children loves to participate, and on this night it was my seven- and friend! year-old son’s turn to give the lesson. We had prepared a small display, put up pictures Anastasia Naprasnikova, Ukraine about the Creation, and studied and reviewed what he would teach. My son was ready and excited. Please send your feedback or sug- During the lesson, we all listened attentively to what my son was explaining. When he gestions to liahona@​ldschurch​.org. finished, Samuel, who was about three, decided that he too wanted to give a lesson. So Submissions may be edited for length he took the pictures and the display and set them up again on the table. or clarity. In his soft voice and with his sometimes poorly pronounced words, Samuel gave us a family home evening lesson. And even though he hadn’t prepared, he had listened. He explained to us how the earth was created and told us of the love that Jesus Christ has for each of us. We were astonished to see how easily he taught the lesson—doing so just like his brother had. My parents and grandparents were surprised and happy. We could all see the love these little children have for the gospel—and the love Jesus Christ has for them. Lizbeth Sánchez Fajardo, Mexico

October 2012 79 UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN

and determinedly live. I know when I have a GOOD THINGS good thing, and I want to hold on and never KEEP ON COMING let go; this lazy and happy Friday night was one of those good moments. Usually when I realize how good things are, I instantly begin thinking of how everything is fleeting, that it will eventually be lost to time or circumstance. But this night the internal regret didn’t come. Sitting quietly, surrounded by people I loved, I knew that even though some good things must naturally come to an end and that By Caitlin A. Rush there would undoubtedly be many hard things t was a Friday night much like any other. As someone in the future, the good things would keep on My closest friends and I were sitting in who regrets coming. And they always would—as long as I Imy apartment after watching a movie, the present let them. Even as those I love moved on, voids periodically chatting quietly and then laughing would be filled with new and amazing people turning so loudly. A sense of genuine contentment filled and experiences I had never even imagined. the air, and I couldn’t help smiling as stories quickly into Sometimes it is hard to move on, but we and ideas swirled through the room. Some of the past, I was must. And moving on doesn’t mean forget- the people I had met only a month before; grateful for the ting friendships, forcing memories to fade. some I had known all my 25 years. reminder to It means opening our hearts to even more At one point one of these longtime friends happiness and more experiences. simply enjoy and I got to sharing memories about some A few weeks after that Friday, the presi- of our college friends from a few years ear- the moment dency of my young adult branch was released. lier. As we talked, I thought of how I missed and look to As anyone from a small branch can probably these friends, of how much fun we had had, the future. attest, it was hard to think of what would and how close we had been. Now we had happen without our branch being able to rely graduated and moved to places all over the on these men and their wives, whom we had world, finding ourselves in situations we never grown to love and trust. But I closed my eyes could have predicted. I sighed with momen- and repeated to myself the words that had tary feelings of loss, then glanced around the struck me that Friday: good things keep on com- room at the laughing faces surrounding me at ing. I was comforted and ready for the change. that moment and was struck by the sudden Change is the Lord’s way. He wants us to thought: good things keep on coming. be happy and growing, to be excited to move That simple thought was actually quite pro- on with our lives. Life is a journey, and while found for me, especially since I have always still enjoying the present and preparing for had a hard time facing change and am hesi- inevitable challenges, we must move for- tant to let go of good things. I miss the past ward, remaining optimistic, our hearts open even while it is still the present, desperate to to the experiences and good things that are

enjoy fully moments in which I consciously undoubtedly on their way. ◼ REIER BY MATTHEW PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

80 Liahona CHILDREN Jesus Christ Barges Ether 1–3; 6 Ether 1–3; The Jaredites Are Led to the Promised Land Led to the Promised Are The Jaredites Stones

BOOK OFMORMON SCRIPTURE FIGURES

have a set of Book of Mormon scripture figures. of Book of Mormon a set scripture figures. have of the Liahona many issues his year them to heavy out and glue or tape cut them and easy to use, them sturdy make To along or bag, in an envelope Store each set or craft sticks. small paper sacks, paper, Brother of Jared

with the label that tells where to find the scripture story to find the scripture that tells where with the label figures. that goes with the T ILLUSTRATIONS BY BETH M. WHITTAKER M. BETH BY ILLUSTRATIONS The First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have taught that “successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World”). For ideas on applying these principles in your life and family, see pages 4, 16, 20, and 22.