Most pre-teens and teens like to pretend their families are a burden, even though they secretly love them. He didn’t seem to see any need to pretend. He talked about how his family worked hard to be a great family and how they planned to be a family forever—even after death. He had my attention with that one. I loved the idea of being a forever family.

Mormon Boys Were Trustworthy

In high school our drama teacher made a rule that only the Mormon kids could drive when we had club parties or field trips. He’d noticed they were the ones who never got drunk and that they tried to be responsible in our activities. They also tended to be the leaders. I noticed all that, too.

Then I moved to a new high school. It was a little school and my first day everyone just stood back and watched and waited, trying to decide which niche I belonged to before anyone spoke.

Only one person didn’t bother to wait around. He greeted me the moment I entered Spanish class and, learning I was new, invited me to join his friends during break and lunch so I wouldn’t have to be alone my first day. He didn’t know what niche I should belong to, but it appeared he didn’t care. I wasn’t surprised to learn he was Mormon. I’d noticed the Mormon boys were like that.

Soon he invited me to visit his church’s youth group and to go on a campout the church group was having. He said it would help me meet other students, who, as I quickly learned, also didn’t care what niche I should belong to.

It was at the campout that I really began to see how the Mormon boys were different from other boys I knew. They had beautiful manners and treated the girls with so much respect. When we exited the van, they took our hands to help us down. They carried things for us and waited on us hand and foot—not because they thought we were helpless but because they wanted us to feel special and cared for. They didn’t just reserve that for their girlfriends. All the girls got the same royal treatment.

Mormon Boys Treat Girls with Respect

I noticed how nicely the boys with girlfriends treated them. The girls never had to worry about the boys pressuring them. The girls told me they shared the same moral standards and the boys never tried to go beyond those appropriate limits. In my experience, Mormon boys and girls helped each other maintain their standards by setting and keeping rules for their relationship.

After a while, I understood that this was because they had bigger goals than enjoying high school. While they were definitely enjoying their teen years, they didn’t bother to spend them getting into trouble. The boys were all preparing to go on missions when they were older. (At the time, they could go when they were nineteen. Today, they can go at eighteen.) This meant they needed to keep their moral standards high and to spend time learning how to serve and respect others. They had spent a lifetime learning to treat people with respect.

Not all of them did, of course. There were some who hadn’t caught the vision yet and, even when they had, they made a few mistakes—who doesn’t? Overall, though, I found the Mormon boys I knew to be more mature, more responsible, more trustworthy—and more fun. It was a pleasure to be with a boy who treated you with respect, who paid attention to your needs instead of just his own, and who knew how to have the kind of fun that wouldn’t get you in trouble if your parents saw you doing it.

I liked them so much I ended up marrying one! It was this focus on eternal things that made the difference then and that continues to make the difference now.

Young single Mormon adults devoted June 15, 2013 to doing service projects across the Southeast as part of their regional conference. They went out into their own communities to serve, and a group from Macon, Georgia chose this project as a way to serve their town. A married couple, Faye and Keith Whigham serve as their advisors and they were the ones who first learned that a house was being built that weekend. They suggested it to the young adults, who enthusiastically agreed to assist. The young people spent a warm Saturday framing and painting the home alongside people from many other faiths and organizations.

Mormons Serve Because Jesus Served

They explained to reporters that they do this type of service regularly because Jesus taught His followers to serve others. They believe a true Christian will try to emulate Jesus Christ and so they look for regular opportunities to perform service projects. Their advisors said attendance is higher at their service projects than it is at any of their “just for fun” meetings.

Our willingness to sacrifice and our skills in cooperative efforts come from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, from the inspired teachings of our leaders, and from the commitments and covenants we knowingly make (Dallin H. Oaks, Unselfish Service, April 2009 General Conference address).

The Day of Service activities had been done informally by congregations for generations, but in the 1980s, The Church of Jesus Christ asked several South American countries to participate in a formal day of service. They asked local government leaders what needed to be done in their community and then sent congregations to carry out those projects, inviting those who were not Mormon to assist. The program was so well-received that other areas began to imitate it and it is now done world-wide as an annual event for most areas, often with several states joining together in order to accomplish more. Volunteers wear yellow vests with “Mormon Helping Hands” on them so leaders can quickly identify their own people when necessary. Programs include cleaning parks, repainting schools, collecting food for food banks, gathering clothing for homeless shelters, and anything else a community needs. They often partner with other organizations, such as this project with Habitat for Humanity.

Some young adults might be spending the majority of their time on themselves, but programs like Day of Service demonstrate that many young people are living lives of service to others and it is to those young people we can look to for our futures.

What Is My Potential?

You may be wondering what your potential is, or even what it’s for. Mormons believe that all of us have the potential to not only live with our Heavenly Father again, but also to become like Him. Now that’s potential for greatness! You came to this earth at a crucial time in its history; right now Satan is working harder than he’s ever worked before to destroy the work of God. We have the potential to fight him and successfully stand for good.

We also have the potential to create and raise families centered on Jesus Christ. Families are a critical component in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and we have the power to make families a force for good in a world that is continually devaluing them.

But I Don’t Feel Like I Have Potential

The key to unlocking your potential lies in discovering who you really are: a child of a divine Father, of God. Once you come to understand this fundamental truth, you will feel your potential open up and enfold you. You will begin to see yourself as God sees you—and that’s a big deal.

Saying that you’re a child of God and really feeling it are two different things. If you are seeking for that knowledge and confirmation, you can do a few things to help along the process.

• Pray. And pray and pray and pray. Prayer is direct communication with God. Through prayer we can confess our doubts, insecurities, worries, and sins. We can ask Him questions about who we are and why we are here, and He will answer us. Our prayers are always answered.
• Read the word of God. God has given us scriptures to help bring us closer to Him. Through diligently reading scripture we come to know better the nature of Jesus Christ and better understand how He teaches. Often answers to prayers are found through scripture. Become familiar with the word of God, and work hard to understand and apply it. Mormons not only believe that the Bible is scripture, but they also believe that the Book of Mormon testifies of Christ. Mormons also have other books of more modern scripture (like the Doctrine and Covenants) and even have a semiannual conference where prophets and apostles speak to us. All of those resources count as scripture and can help us better understand who we are.
• Talk to others. Find someone who is confident in who they are and who has a strong relationship with Heavenly Father. This could be a parent or close friend, or even the Mormon missionaries. Not everyone has people in their lives who can help them understand their potential, and if you need someone to talk to, find the missionaries. They will not only help you in your quest to understand who you are, but they will pray for you and teach you the doctrine of Jesus Christ.

Know Your Enemy: Satan

As you come to understand your worth as a child of God and your potential as His heir, Satan will work tirelessly against your efforts. He is the most miserable of any being and wants everyone to be like him. He doesn’t want anyone to feel loved or valued, and when he sees someone like you working to understand your divine nature and individual worth, he will try to derail your efforts.

Combating Satan’s attacks, though, is easier once you understand your potential. Elder Richard G. Scott, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, says, “When you really understand who you are, it is not difficult to resist Satan’s temptations. Then he can’t thwart the development of your true potential” (“Realize Your Full Potential”). Fighting against Satan takes hard work, but it’s made so much easier when you have Jesus Christ on your side. The good news is that Christ will always win in the end.

Continually Look Forward

Even after you’ve found that spiritual confirmation of your divine heritage, sometimes you slip up and make a mistake. Sometimes it’s a small mistake, and sometimes it’s a bigger one. Don’t let these derail your progression and potential. The beauty of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that our potential isn’t diminished by our mistakes; when we take advantage of the Savior’s grace, we can always start over and move forward. Jesus Christ is always and forever cheering us on and picking us up. He sees our potential better than we ever will in this life. We need to trust Him and allow Him to make us glorious.

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2012-07-12-going-the-extra-mile?category=news-and-events/inspirational&lang=eng

Mormons— a nickname for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saintss—do not believe in smoking, drinking, or partaking of any substance that is harmful to the body. There is a small book available especially for youth called For the Strength of Youth. It has guidelines on topics that all youth sometimes wonder about; for example, Agency and Accountability, Dating, Education, Entertainment and the Media, Friends, Language, and Sexual Purity. In the section entitled Physical and Emotional Health, it states: “Your body is a temple, a gift from God. You will be blessed as you care for your body. Choose to obey the Word of Wisdom.” A temple is a sacred house of the Lord, and we see our bodies as “sacred houses” for our spirit during our life here on Earth.

When The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was established around the early 1800s, Joseph Smith, Jr., the leader of the “restored church” (meaning it is the restoration of the ancient Church of Jesus Christ, with the same power and authority as the early church), received many revelations from God pertaining to the organization and well-being of the Saints (active members). These revelations are known as the Doctrine & Covenants and are known as one of the standard works of the Church. In 1833, Joseph Smith received a revelation known as Doctrine & Covenants 89, or the “Word of Wisdom.”

The Word of Wisdom explains food, drink and substances we should or should not partake of.

“And, again, strong drinks are not for the belly, but for the washing of your bodies. And again, tobacco is not for the body, neither for the belly, and is not good for man, but is an herb for bruises and all sick cattle, to be used with judgment and skill” (D&C 89:7-8).

An example of a strong drink is alcohol.

As members of the Church of Jesus Christ, we believe in following these guidelines. We don’t see the Word of Wisdom in the way of holding us back or a list of Do-Not’s, but see it as protecting us and helping our lives for good. “When you are obedient to this law, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life” (“Physical and Emotional Health” in For the Strength of Youth). When someone becomes addicted, to anything, it allows that substance to take control of him/her. Depending on how bad the addiction is, it can hurt oneself, one’s friends, and one’s family. It can ruin marriages and tear apart families.

We have all seen the commercials of someone who is drunk and his/her friends are messing around, allowing for that person to be acted upon instead of act for him or herself. We have also seen the studies and dangerous effects of alcohol on our driving, judgment, and well-being as well as the health problems that can arise from smoking and drinking. By following and obeying the Word of Wisdom, we protect ourselves from these harmful situations and can live a long, healthy life free from addiction and health problems due to smoking and drinking.

For those who are struggling with addiction, there are four words of comfort to hear: You can overcome it. With faith, prayer, and even the help of a trusted adult, you can overcome the addiction and feel the blessings of a healthy lifestyle, even if you are not a member of the Church right now. It may not be easy, but won’t the thought of living a long, healthy life be worth it?

My grandfather is a great example to me about obeying the Word of Wisdom. About ten years ago, my grandfather survived a massive heart attack. The doctor said that it is a good thing he didn’t smoke or drink, otherwise his heart wouldn’t have been strong enough to survive. He is grateful for a promise he made to himself as a teenager to never even take that first drink, and because he held true to that promise, he continues a longer life and I’m grateful that he’s alive and that I can be around him and hear his stories.

It really helps members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to know that they are free from addictions and promised health and wisdom by simply choosing to say “No” to drugs and alcohol and lives are blessed, improved and even saved by following the Word of Wisdom. We are promised by God that “all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones… And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint” (D&C 89:18,20).

This article was written by Erik Gray, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Erik Gray is 19 years old and lives in Utah. He is a college student and three-time cancer fighter. He loves running, graphic design, and being with friends and family. His favorite sports are football, basketball, and of course, running. In his spare time he likes to watch movies, be with family, and spend time with friends. For his future career he wants to be a graphic designer or a motivational speaker, or maybe both. He acknowledges that knowing that Jesus Christ is his Savior, being a member of His Church, and living righteously, he can return to live with Him someday. It is his hope to use his testimony and experiences to help others with what they’re going through and share the glorious message of the Gospel.

Additional Resources:

Basic Mormon Beliefs and Real Mormons

A Mormon Encyclopedia

In December 2008, when I was a freshman in high school, I noticed a lump on my neck under my right jaw. I didn’t really think anything of it at first, but I had a feeling it needed to be checked out. My doctor prescribed some antibiotic, and it changed a little bit but mostly stayed the same size, and the doctor dismissed it. A year later, in December 2009, I went back to the doctor after noticing a few miniscule lumps along with the lump already there. My doctor set up for a biopsy and removed the lump. On December 22, 2009, I was officially diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma —or in simpler terms, cancer of the salivary glands.

I underwent a major surgery in January 2010 followed by three months of radiation to the affected area in my neck. In July of that year, I officially achieved remission. But only a year and a half later, in January 2012, I noticed a few lumps in my neck, this time close to my Adam’s apple. My fear had been realized; I was again diagnosed with Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma. I underwent a surgery followed by scans every few months.

I thought that my trial with cancer was over, but in November 2012, I was found to have a recurrence of the cancer. This time, it was a little more severe. A month later, I went through a 13 1/2 hour surgery. Because the cancer was found in my jaw bone, the bone was replaced by the fibula taken out from my left leg. I am currently in the middle of reconstructive surgeries, and I look forward to the day when I will again achieve remission.

This trial has strengthened my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ immensely. I have faith that trial was allowed to happen for a reason. I have faith that the Lord has a plan for me. Although I do know what it entails and that it may not be exactly what I want, I am willing to go and do whatever the Lord has planned for me. Yes, at times I am scared, especially with my diagnosis, but I have faith. Faith guides me through the hard times, and I know that everything I’m facing has a reason, and either I or someone around me will be blessed because of me keeping my faith in the Lord.
It has also shown me that our Heavenly Father, and His son, Jesus Christ, are mindful of our situations and are watching out for us. It seems almost unheard of that Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ would allow such trials as mine to happen, and although it must be hard to watch me suffer, it happens because this trial allows me to grow. I know this because I look to the example of Joseph Smith, Jr., the first prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. With the help of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, he restored the true church of Jesus Christ back on the Earth. The true message had been lost  from the Earth for a long time, because it had been changed so much from the truth. Joseph Smith was persecuted by many, called foolish and visionary. He received instruction, guidance, and scripture from the Lord, called revelations, which were recorded and are today called the Doctrine & Covenants.My trials have shown me the importance of family. As Mormons, we believe that families can be together forever, even after death. I know that despite what happens to me or any other family members, if we obey God’s commandments and live righteously, we can live together again after this life on Earth.

One revelation was received by Joseph Smith during the winter of 1839, while he and others were imprisoned in Liberty Jail, and his followers were being driven out of the state of Missouri.  He was pleading with God because of his own suffering and the suffering of the Latter-day Saints.  In the 122nd section, verse 7, it lists a numerous amount of bad “what if” situations, such as “be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers… and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee,” but then the Lord says, “all these things shall give thee experience, and be for thy good.” The Lord allowed bad events to happen to Joseph Smith because he grew from those experiences. This scripture gives me good comfort. Instead of thinking, Why me? I realize that the Lord wants me to grow, and once my trial is over, I will be a better person because of it.

My testimony has grown substantially. I can testify that we are literal children of our Heavenly Father and that He loves us, no matter what we do and no matter the mistakes we make. He is mindful of our situations. We are put on this earth to grow physically and spiritually, and I am grateful that the Lord loves me enough to allow hard challenges to come my way, knowing that I have the ability to overcome them. I know for myself that I am a member of His true church and that my life is important. I am not just another kid, another cancer patient, another boy. I am Erik Gray, and I am a son of God.

This article was written by Erik Gray, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

My name is Erik Gray. I’m 19 years old live in Utah. I’m a college student and three-time cancer fighter. I love running, graphic design, and being with friends and family. My favorite sports are football, basketball, and of course, running. In my spare time I like to watch movies, be with family, and spend time with friends. For my future career, I want to be a graphic designer or a motivational speaker, or maybe both. I know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that by being a member of His church and living righteously, I can return to live with Him someday. I hope to use my testimony and experiences to help others with what they’re going through and share the glorious message of the Gospel.

On Christmas Eve in 2006, while the family was driving home from a cast party for Hale Center Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” Ceran’s life was drastically changed in an instant when his mother, brother, and sister were killed in a tragic car accident.

Ceran recalls certain events just before the accident that he would later recognize as blessings.

“It was really interesting because my older brother, who passed away in the accident, was able to go and see some of his very best friends just before he died,” Ceran said. “He saw one of his best friends in a store, and he got to talk to him, and then he saw one of his other best friends in a ballet performance.” [1]

Ceran also recalls how he was able to spend time with his 7-year-old sister Julianna shortly before she was killed. “Before the accident, it seemed like everybody was kind of coming together, like people were able to say goodbye without even knowing it,” Ceran said. [1] He doesn’t remember a lot of the details of the accident, but he clearly remembers when his father came to tell him about the passing of his family members. “My dad told me we’d been in a really bad accident, and instantly my thoughts turned to my mom, Ian and Julianna,” Ceran said. [1]

As his dad gave him the news that three members of the family had been killed in the accident, Ceran said that he felt what he describes as an “overwhelming peace.” With a single tear wetting his cheek, he turned to his father and said, “It’s OK, Dad, we’re still a family.”

This was not the first time that Ceran had dealt with the loss of a loved one. He had in fact experienced the loss of five other siblings: three all under the age of 2 from a malignant brain tumor and twins who died at birth. Because of his strong LDS background, he was taught and grew up believing that families are eternal – that is, families can be together forever. The moment that he received the news that he had lost two more siblings and his mother, his testimony of forever families was reaffirmed with an “overwhelming peace” that has never left him. Instead of feeling anger and remorse, he was grateful for a merciful Father in Heaven who would reunite his mother with the five children who had passed away years earlier.

“I knew at that moment that God loved every one of us,” Ceran said. “There is no way my mom could have handled losing two more of her children. I can’t think of a better Christmas present for her than to see her children again.” [1]

Being able to forgive the drunk driver that caused the accident has also been a major blessing in Ceran’s life that has enabled him to move forward.

“I’ve never even thought to be angry at him, which sometimes makes me feel like I’m not a normal person,” Ceran said. “I hope that one day he’ll be able to find that hope and joy and find forgiveness through the Savior, so he can live a meaningful life.” [1]

Ceran strives to stay close to his mom, Ian and Julianna by trying to follow Jesus Christ and live His teachings, often thinking about what his mom would think of his life or if she would be proud of him. “I feel like those people beyond the veil are guiding me,” Ceran said.

He looks to his father as an example when it comes to being grateful rather than

questioning God. Instead of asking, “Why are you doing this to me?” or “Why are you not blessing me when I’m doing what’s right?”, Gary Ceran asks this question:

“Why are you trying to make me more like you?” [1] It is this perspective on life that has helped the Cerans to understand why they go through the trials and adversities in life that they do.

Ceran also cherishes the relationship he maintains with his 25-year-old sister, Clarissa, and his dad (the two other survivors of the accident), as well as new family members. In March of 2008, his father remarried, and a stepmother, Corrine Peterson, and four step-siblings joined the Ceran family. “I can’t even express how blessed I am that I have two amazing moms,” Ceran said.

In October of 2010, the family hosted four orphans from Ukraine for two weeks. After spending days attempting to communicate using a few words from each of the two tongues, the Ceran’s decided they wanted to adopt three of the children who were siblings. They were able to raise the $51,000 they needed by having garage sales and selling items door-to-door in different neighborhoods. Caleb was even able to sell the portrait he drew of President Thomas S. Monson for just more than $2,000.

During the adoption process, changes in Ukrainian laws attempted to ban Americans from adopting in that country, but after two trips to Ukraine, the Cerans returned with their three newest children: 14-year-old Christina, 11-year-old Alex and 9-year-old Jacob. “They are honestly some of my best friends,” Ceran said, speaking of his three new siblings. “I feel like I’m in a movie or something. It’s just too good to be true that we have them.” [1]

During his senior year of high school, Ceran began to struggle with resurfacing emotions of loss and to feel pain he’d never experienced before. Although he felt like a truly happy person, he realized he hadn’t completely been able to heal from his recent loss.

“Those pains and sufferings that I felt really helped me feel close to the Savior, and now I have so much more compassion for others,” Ceran said. “One of the greatest blessings of my trials has been to speak with other people who have dealt with trials.” [1]

It is through his times of trouble that Ceran has relied on prayer, scripture study, and playing the piano to bring him peace and comfort. He recently recorded a CD which will be released in the coming weeks. The proceeds from the sale of the CD will be used to help fund his LDS mission. One of the songs from the CD titled Part of Me has already been released on YouTube. The song was dedicated to the memory of his mother and his best friend who moved to Germany after high school graduation. Ceran says that the song is in essence his way of saying thank you to these two important people in his life, how grateful he is for the way that they inspired him, and that he will never forget them.

Additional Resources:

www.mormonchurch.com

Mormon Families

The Meaning of Life

Worship with Mormons

All of this aside, I can also understand why, if you are single and don’t wish to be, Valentine’s Day can just feel like someone shoving in your face that you’re not good enough. This is a dangerous road to go down, but is also an understandable one. I would like to share a few thoughts about why you should not let yourself get discouraged.

The core of my self-worth comes from the sure knowledge that I am a child of God. I know that as His child, I have inherent value. This doesn’t mean that my life is always cheery and that I am always on cloud nine, but it does give me a great deal of comfort when things aren’t coming up roses, as it were. Knowing that I have value as a child of God is a constant reminder that, no matter how hard things may be, I still have something to offer the world.

There are people close to me who are struggling in this situation right now. They feel frustrated because they want to be married, and their best efforts are seemingly having no effect. This can produce thoughts of, “What’s wrong with me? Why can other people find love and I can’t? I must not have anything to offer, because no one wants me.” These thoughts have only one source: the adversary. There is no quicker way to attack someone than by hitting their self-esteem. Fortunately, the holy scriptures tell us that we are never alone and that we all have value.

“For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward” (Isaiah 52:12). God loves you and He is surrounding you. Rely on Him and He will not only protect you, but He will bear you up and ease your burdens.

God has told us that we exist with the purpose of having joy (2 Nephi 2:25). He wants us to be genuinely happy. If having a fulness of joy later means that you have to suffer a little loneliness now, isn’t it ultimately worth it? Things happen on the Lord’s timeline, not on ours. It is easy for us to get discouraged and to wish that we had things now that we just know would make us happy. Sometimes, though, the Lord knows that having what we think would make us happy now will actually not bring us as much joy as what He has planned for us later. It is never easy to say, “Thy will be done,” and to put our faith in the Lord that what He has planned for us will be even better than what we want now. However, I promise you that if you can truly humble yourself and say to Him, “This is what I want now, but if you have something better planned, I will do my best to be happy anyway and wait for your blessings,” that He will bless you more than you can even imagine.

If you carry on with your life trying to be a good person, reaching out to others in selflessness and love, then God will bless you. It is not easy to hear, “Be patient. All good things come to those who wait.” But have faith that God is there for you. Turn to Him and feel His love. Share that love with others. You have value. You have worth. You have a lot to offer the world.

This article was written by Doris White,  a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

LDS Weddings

The Meaning of Life

Worship with Mormons

As a Mormon, or more properly known as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have a firm testimony that every person walking this earth is a child of God. Since God is literally the Heavenly King, we are literally princes and princesses that are awaiting all of the blessings that come from being heirs of this Divinely royal line (if we are faithful to His commandments). For some reason, the world teaches us that we can have fame, glory, and riches if we become self-centered, entirely concerned about “how am I going to succeed?” But these are blatant lies. The way to true happiness, glory, and eternal riches only comes from losing ourselves in the work of God–having the attitude of “how am I going to help others succeed?” To serve God doesn’t mean we have to go serve in some isolated mountain, reading scriptures all day, everyday. But we do have to be “anxiously engaged in a good cause” (Doctrine and Covenants 58:27), by serving and lifting others towards the light of Christ.

If you feel like you aren’t in a position to help others because you are not as Christ-like as you would like to be, remember that you can change. You can become all that you were created to be–heirs to the throne of God, through the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ. He suffered the Atonement (feeling the pains, sicknesses, temptations, and effects of sin) so that we can be made pure and clean.

I invite you to learn more about your divine mission–how you are meant to build the Kingdom of God. You can do so by meeting with Mormon missionaries. They can also teach you about how to use the power of the Atonement to become completely clean from the effects of sin. These missionaries are called and set apart, by the power of God, to be representatives of Jesus Christ to teach His holy word.

If you have felt inspired to do something about what you have read, don’t only think about doing it, but recall with me the words of a Mormon apostle, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, who has said, “somewhere between the hearing, the writing of a reminder on our smartphone, and the actual doing, our “do it” switch gets rotated to the “later” position… let’s make sure to set our “do it” switch always to the “now” position!” (“Your Potential, Your Privilege,” Ensign, May 2011). And always remember the words in Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

This article was written by Ashley Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

How can I feel God’s love in my life?

Am I special?

Read the full message by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf  titled “You Matter to Him”

Read the full message by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland titled “Sanctify Yourselves”

For can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee, O house of Israel.  Behold, I have graven thee upon the palms of my hands; thy walls are continually before me.

When I read this I thought, “ahah” they could have forgotten me!  But more importantly I learned that Jesus Christ could not forget me, nor can He forget you.  The holes on His hands that rose with Him when He was resurrected are eternal reminders of His love for us.

When my brother and his wife had a little girl, I went to the hospital to meet my new niece! My sister-in-law was exhausted and needed to sleep; I had the great opportunity to hold a new child who had just barely come into this world from the presence of our Father. As I held her in my arms, I looked at her face and felt the power that she held. I held her for nearly an hour before my sister woke up, but it seemed like only a few minutes. The whole time Heavenly Father allowed me to learn something about the rising generation, they are really special. The truth I learned from this experience was only magnified when I held my own precious child for the first time. Words will never be able to describe how close heaven felt that sacred night. President James E. Faust said, “My dear young sisters [and brothers], your future is bright. It can exceed your fondest dreams and expectations” (“Womanhood: The Highest Place of Honor,” Ensign, May 2000). And guess what?  That applies to you!

Not only did you inherit qualities from your earthly parents, but also you inherited qualities from a loving Heavenly Father. He wants you to have eternal life. The only way that we can have that great gift is if we accept it by living God’s commandments, and it is only made possible because of our Savior Jesus Christ—through His great gift of the Atonement. Our Father in Heaven sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to earth to live a perfect life and then to suffer for mankind. What our Savior felt wasn’t just a collective amount of pain; He felt the pains for each of us individually. He took upon Himself  pains, sicknesses, temptations, and even death (see Alma 7:11).

So what does the Atonement mean to you? I hope it means that you understand that our elder Brother, Jesus Christ, knows you personally. He knows you better than your friends, your family, and even better than you know yourself. He knows your potential and the power that you have to change the world. And because He knows you, He knows what you need in order to return to live with our Father. Heavenly Father placed you on this earth at this specific time because you are needed. He really has saved the best for last. It is no coincidence that you are in the family you are in, it is no coincidence that you live where you live, and it is no coincidence that you are reading this article right now. In fact, I don’t believe there are such things as coincidences. Amongst all of the experiences that we have each and every day lay countless tender mercies from God. Elder David A. Bednar, speaks of tender mercies:

Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe I have come to better understand that the Lord’s tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ (“The Tender Mercies of the Lord,” Ensign, May 2005).

I invite you to learn more about what your role is as a child of God by prayerfully reading the  Mormon scriptures, Abraham 3 and Doctrine and Covenants 138, and asking God what He has in store for you to do—follow His promptings—now. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is indeed Christ’s church. I know, because I have prayed, fasted, studied, and lived its teachings. You can do the same—and I promise doing so will bring you joy and peace beyond anything you can even comprehend. This is truth.

This article was written by Ashley Bell, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Additional Resources:

Meet with Mormon missionaries

How did The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints begin?

The Lord Jesus Christ in Mormonism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoen3eab868&feature=youtu.be

The world-wide Mormon Young Women organization is led by Elaine S. Dalton, president, Mary N. Cook, first counselor, and Ann M. Dibb, second counselor. Although they are headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, they visit local Church leaders and members everywhere, encouraging the young women of the Church of Jesus Christ to stand as “witnesses of God in all time and in all places.”

Elaine S. Dalton, General Young Women president

Elaine Schwartz Dalton was born (November 1, 1946) to Melvin L. and Emma Martin Schwartz in Ogden, Utah. She married Stephen E. Dalton Sept. 13, 1968, in the Salt Lake Mormon Temple. They are the parents of five sons and one daughter and the grandparents of 16 grandchildren.

She graduated from Brigham Young University with a bachelor’s degree in English education with a secondary teaching certificate in1969, and was the executive secretary to Lambda Delta Sigma (LDS sorority).

Prior to her calling as the Young Women general president in 2008, Sister Dalton served as both first and second counselor to Susan W. Tanner from 2002 to 2008 in the Mormon Young Women General presidency. Previously, she served on the Young Women General Board for five years and has served in all the auxiliaries of the Church on both ward (local congregation) and stake (group of congregations) levels.

Sister Dalton’s counselors are Mary N. Cook and Ann M. Dibb.

She is a runner and enjoys hiking and spending time with her family. Reading is a favorite pastime—especially the scriptures, and she loves the Lord. Her life’s motto has been, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3: 5-6).
Sister Dalton spoke of her love and respect for the young women of the Church of Jesus Christ during the general Young Women’s meeting in March 2012.

There is no more influential group standing for truth and righteousness in all the world than the young women and the women of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I see your nobility and know of your divine identity and destiny.

She explained that the prophet, Joseph F. Smith taught the women of his time that “It is not for you to be led by the [young] women of the world; it is for you to lead the [young] women of the world, in everything that is purifying to the children of men.”

These words ring true today,” Sister Dalton said. “As daughters of God, you were born to lead. In the world in which we live, your ability to lead will require guidance and constant companionship of the Holy Ghost who will tell you all things what ye should do as you recognize and rely on His guidance and promptings. And since the Holy Ghost does not dwell in unclean temples, each of us will need to take inventory of our habits and our hearts. All of us will need to change something to repent.

Don’t lose sight of your goals. Don’t let the thick fog of moral pollution and the detracting voices of the world keep you from reaching your goals, living the standards, enjoying the companionship of the Holy Ghost, and being worthy to enter holy temples. Retain the vision of the temple the Savior’s holy house ever in your hearts and minds.

Mary N. Cook, First Counselor, Young Women Presidency

Sister Mary Nielson Cook was born June 8, 1951, in Midvale, Utah, to Kenneth N. and Fern S. Nielsen. Prior to her call as first counselor in the Young Women general presidency, she served as second counselor in the presidency and as a member of the Young Women general board.

Professionally, Sister Cook was a special education teacher and administrator and an elementary school principal. She received bachelors and masters degrees in speech pathology and audiology and an EdS degree from Brigham Young University.

On July 16, 1988, she married Richard E. Cook, whose first wife had died in 1984. The couple served as full-time missionaries in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where Sister Cook utilized her background in education to help the community. During that time, Elder Cook was called to preside over the first mission in the country.

Elder Cook was sustained to the Second Quorum of the Seventy in 1997 and assigned to serve in the Asia Area presidency in Hong Kong. Through their travels, the couple met and grew to love Church members in Mongolia, Taiwan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and numerous other countries. Elder Cook currently serves as the finance director of the LDS Church’s Perpetual Education Fund.

Sister Cook is the stepmother to four children and 17 step-grandchildren.

During the April 2012 general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she asked adults to set a clear example for young women to follow.

If we have one hand on the rod and one hand in the world, we put our children and youth in danger of losing their way on the path. If our example is confusing, then in Jacob’s words, we lose “the confidence of [our] children, because of [our] bad examples” (Jacob 2:35). Parents, grandparents and leaders, your message must be clear. Clarity can only result from having both hands on the rod and from living by the truths found in the scriptures and the words of latter-day prophets. You may not be raising a prophet as Lucy was, but you are certainly raising tomorrow’s leaders, and your actions are just as tangibly linked to their faith.

Ann M. Dibb, Second Counselor, Young Women Presidency

Ann Monson Dibb, the second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, was born to Thomas S. Monson and Frances Johnson Monson, June 30, 1954, and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah. She earned her bachelor’s degree at BYU in elementary education. She is married to Roger Dibb, and they are the parents of one daughter and three sons.

Sister Dibb, a full-time homemaker, has served in each of the LDS Church auxiliaries. She enjoys reading, music, and walking. She was called to be the second counselor to Elaine S. Dalton in the general presidency of the Young Women organization in April 2008.

During her address at the Young Women’s general meeting in March 2012, she asked the young sisters what they thought of when they heard the word arise.

Personally, I think of you—the noble youth of the Church,” she said. “I picture you diligently arising from your beds each morning for early morning seminary. I see you faithfully arising from your knees after finishing your daily prayers. I think of you courageously arising to share your testimony and defend your standards. I am inspired by your commitment to the gospel and your good examples. Many of you have already accepted this invitation to arise and shine forth, and your light encourages others to do the same.

You are beloved daughters of Heavenly Father. He knows you and He loves you. He invites you to arise, and shine forth, and He promises that as you do, He will sustain and bless you.

Additional Resources:

For the Strength of Youth

Celebrating 100 Years of Young Women Camp

The Book of Mormon (Another Testament of Jesus Christ)