My Personal Prayer Test Drive

Every night for many weeks, I would kneel by my bed and pray for a pack of gum. I then opened my eyes and waited for that pack of gum to materialize on the bed. Obviously, that’s not what happened, so I figured God was there to answer more important prayers than giving me gum. I stopped asking. Ten years later, my dad invented a new kind of gum, and I had every prayer I ever offered up for gum answered many times over.

Last week, my dad was in the hospital with his 12th intestinal blockage. We were so worried about him. That worry became prayers for his recovery and that he wouldn’t need to have more of his intestines surgically removed. My young son offered the sweetest prayers asking God to “make Grandpa all better.”

Then, two days after he entered the hospital, he got to go home. His blockage cleared and he didn’t need surgery! I am so grateful for a direct line to heaven. Too often when those we love are desperately ill, we feel powerless. But we have been given by birthright a tool more powerful than we often realize.

Prayer Heals

I mentioned in “Finding Comfort Through the Savior” that my son has a friend in his preschool whose mother has cancer. Her name is Lacey. This young mom was diagnosed about a year ago with stage 4 small cell uterine cancer. With two little girls, then ages 4 and 18-months, I couldn’t imagine a greater nightmare for a single mom to face. We were all devastated to hear her diagnosis. The survival rate for her kind of cancer was only 15%.

We held a special fast for her. We prayed for her, and she was often in my thoughts. I worried about her family, their emotional health, and what would happen if she did pass away. She was in the hospital frequently, had several surgeries, and received many priesthood blessings. The last year has been rough.

Prayer Makes Miracles Happen

I remember when I first met Lacey thinking that she was gorgeous. Her being model-thin so soon after having her second baby made me jealous. I’ve been blessed with a body that still looks four months pregnant five years after my baby was born, so you may understand where I’m coming from. But last week we received the most amazing news!

As Lacey shared her personal miracle of healing, she has never looked so beautiful. We are all overjoyed because the doctors haven’t been able to find any more cancer. (I hear you must be cancer free for five years to be considered in remission.)

But the fact that she is still here, and currently cancer-free, is a miracle larger and better than I ever expected. We can’t always expect that the Lord’s plan is in line with our pleas for healing, but this time it was — and we are all so grateful.

Before I go on, I want to say that Latter-day Saints haven’t cornered the market on faith, nor do we rely solely on faith for healing. I believe that God gave us modern medicine as a gift to make this earthly experience easier. We pursue good health through good nutrition, exercise, and visits to the doctor’s office as needed — but faith and priesthood blessings are also an important gift from the Lord. And I know they have real power.

It’s a Life-Changer

President Dallin H. Oaks told a story about a very sick girl who was healed by the power of the faith of those who loved her. He said:

“Many Latter-day Saints have experienced the power of faith in healing the sick. We also hear examples of this among people of faith in other churches. A Texas newspaperman described such a miracle. When a five-year-old girl breathed with difficulty and became feverish, her parents rushed her to the hospital. By the time she arrived there, her kidneys and lungs had shut down, her fever was 107 degrees, and her body was bright red and covered with purple lesions.

 

To read more of Patty’s articles, click here.

The doctors said she was dying of toxic shock syndrome, cause unknown. As word spread to family and friends, God-fearing people began praying for her, and a special prayer service was held in their Protestant congregation in Waco, Texas.

 

Miraculously, she suddenly returned from the brink of death and was released from the hospital in a little over a week. Her grandfather wrote, ‘She is living proof that God does answer prayers and work miracles'” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Healing the Sick,” April 2010).

I am so grateful for a loving Father in Heaven who hears and answers our prayers — and I am especially grateful for the recent gifts of healing in my circle of family and friends.

Patty Sampson

Patty thrives on all things creative. You’ll often find her in the garden pretending she is a suburban farmer. She loves meeting new people, and is devoted to her friends and family. In her heart she is a Midwesterner even though life has moved her all over the country. She believes in “blooming where you’re planted” and has found purpose in every place she has been. She has a deep and abiding love for the Savior and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And she loves editing LDS Blogs because it is a constant spiritual uplift. Not many people can say their job builds their witness of the Savior.

Many of these supporters don’t even realize they function in this role, but their indispensable influence for good will long be remembered. Just like our veterans. Who can put a price on the cost of freedom or measure the value of liberty?

I have always had great cheerleaders throughout my life. My family primarily, but there are many others: teachers, friends, acquaintances, members of our local congregation, and many others.

Jeffrey R. Holland and his wife, Patricia Holland

Among these mentors for me was Elder Jeffrey Holland. At the time, it was President Holland, as he was presiding over BYU. I affectionately remember him and his wife, Patricia, regularly encouraging us students. And he is still mentoring, building, and inspiring students today, just as he did often so many years ago. He recently spoke to graduates of BYU and shared many important truths.

“I believe you to be the very best, and I am counting on you to be consumed with conviction. …. as all of us surely will on another kind of graduation day yet ahead.”

“This is the church of happy endings.”

“All occasions invite divine mercy. And in heaven, it’s always harvest time.”

“Be secure and safe today and always in the victory of the kingdom of God over the troubles and ills of mortality.”

“I am more certain of that victory than I am of any other thing I have ever learned in college or out,” declared Elder Holland, just as he did for us when he was President Holland so many years ago.

The last two minutes of this address transport me back to my college days when my confidence wasn’t so sure and my perspective of the future did not have the benefit of hindsight.

As I listen to his comments over and over again, I feel like standing and applauding.

These are his words but my sentiments.

You can heed his message as well when you need an advocate and someone cheering you on in life.

We can all use this kind of support. None of us is exempt from the efforts of the adversary. His influence extends far and wide in our world today, but we needn’t be subject to the wiles of this realm.

Jesus said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). That sounds great, but what does ‘overcome the world’ even mean?

When I was young, about once a year, we were able to attend the temple or go to a youth conference where we could hear inspiring speakers share gospel messages that motivated and lifted us. Sometimes their talks were funny and entertaining. They were always interesting, and we were better, stronger people because they taught important truths. Many of these people became evangelists of the message of Jesus Christ. Their role as advocates of the gospel was an indispensable influence for good in our lives. We continue to remember and are strengthened by them.

With today’s technology, we can regularly have great cheerleaders throughout our lives. With music, song, and sermon, we can be edified not just once a year, but daily by their shared messages, testimonies, and faith.

My circle of influence has grown considerably because of these media. My family and friends now include dozens of advocates who testify of the truths of the restored gospel and witness of Jesus Christ. Living oracles of God are concerned for my welfare and yours. Teachers are evermore prophets and apostles, in addition to members of multiple congregations, and now include many others.

Mentors for us today consist of leaders, speakers, websites, videos, programs, performances, and curricula never before available in this quantity, quality, or magnitude. President Russell M. Nelson and Sister Wendy W. Nelson recently spoke to the youth worldwide, giving us all the “singular” opportunity to receive counsel directly from a prophet of God in a worldwide devotional for youth.

He encouraged us to enlist in the Lord’s Youth Battalion to help gather Israel and enumerated the following guidelines:

1. Seven-day social media fast
2. Weekly sacrifice of time to the Lord
3. Keep on the covenant path
4. Pray daily for all to receive blessings of the gospel
5. Stand out. Be different. Be a light.

Many face-to-face presentations with world famous musicians, speakers, and advocates mentor, build, and inspire us today, just as was prophesied in scripture so many years ago. Those heroes today, young people, are you — but you are not left to your own devices. He prepared the way and offers many helps.

According to Elder Ronald A. Rasband, by divine assignment, the Holy Ghost inspires, testifies, teaches, and prompts us to walk in the light of the Lord. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if you will listen to the first promptings, you will get it right nine times out of ten.

“We must be confident in our first promptings. Sometimes we rationalize; we wonder if we are feeling a spiritual impression or if it is just our own thoughts. When we begin to second-guess, even third-guess, our feelings—and we all have—we are dismissing the Spirit; we are questioning divine counsel. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that if you will listen to the first promptings, you will get it right nine times out of ten.” – Ronald A. Rasband, “Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” April 2017

I love that, and I’ve put his challenge to the test. His claim is working. Rather than question, we can listen and follow. Try it for yourself. As the Lord said, “Prove me herewith.”

39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. – Moses 1:39

The Lord Jesus Christ wields the title of Advocate. He is our advocate with the Father, and He pleads our case with the Supreme Creator of heaven and earth.

To read more articles by Walter Penning, click here.

Remember, nobody just breezes through the tests of life, and that is intentional. But with Jesus Christ, we can and will be victorious. In Him, our success is assured.

I read of a wonderful promise today. I thought you would also enjoy reading and remembering it. We can have confidence and security even in the midst of challenges.

41 Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath driven me;

 

42 And none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost.

 

43 And the Father and I are one. I am in the Father and the Father in me; and inasmuch as ye have received me, ye are in me and I in you.

– Doctrine and Covenants 50:41-43

The great plan of happiness will be fulfilled completely and fully.

President Eyring shared the following anecdote:

“Once I was worried that my family might not be together forever because of the choices of other people. The prophet told me, ‘You are worrying about the wrong problem. You just live worthy of the celestial kingdom, and the family arrangements will be more wonderful than you can imagine.’ That counsel gives me peace.”  – “Hope for My Family,” Ensign, June 2017

Life is hard. Difficult obstacles, challenges, and diversions or tests beset even the best of us. Nobody just breezes through all this, and that is intentional. Life can be just plain tough. For me, it really helps having advocates cheering us on in the background.

Thank heaven for that.

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

David S Baxter of the Seventy

The whole conference was wonderful, but I’d like to concentrate on one speaker in particular, Elder David S. Baxter, Of the Seventy. I found Elder Baxter to be a ray of sunshine and his remarks uplifting.

Elder Baxter did not stick to any one topic, but spoke from his heart about a number of things that are important to remember in today’s world. I’m going to summarize and paraphrase his words; these are not direct quotes.

What Is A Testimony?

Elder Baxter asked that a few people come to the podium and bear their testimonies, but there was an important time restriction of two minutes. He said the shorter the testimony, the more powerful it becomes. A testimony is your feelings and beliefs about Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and gospel principles.

It is not a travel log, a list of things for which you are grateful, and not the time or place to express love to your spouse—that should be done at home. I can’t tell you how hard I’ve been praying that people were listening. I’ve often wondered how many investigators have been soured at their first fast and testimony meeting. The gospel is simple and beautiful, and our testimonies should reflect that simplicity and beauty. Bearing testimony should be a joyful and spiritual experience.

Children Are To Be Loved

Elder Baxter told us to enjoy children in our meetings.

Elder Baxter told us to enjoy children in our meetings. If your sacrament meeting is irreverent, it is because of adults; not the children. Take your thoughts to where they need to be—on the sacrament and on Jesus Christ. When I heard Elder Baxter say this, I wanted to stand up and cheer.

Many years ago when I was raising my children, I remember coming into the chapel and sitting down. An elderly sister in front of us (who was a retired school teacher), immediately stood up, waved her cane back and forth, and loudly stated that she would not sit among noisy, disruptive children. I was aghast.

First, my children were pretty well-behaved, and they knew they would be disciplined if they weren’t. My children were about 4, 11, 15, and 17, so it wasn’t like I had crying babies. Second, even if they had been crying babies, these are Heavenly Father’s children. Jesus Christ was our perfect example of how to treat children. My favorite scripture verses are found in 3 Nephi 17, which describe Jesus directing that the children be brought to Him, and He blessed them. Jesus Christ was joyful to be among children and so should we.

Evil Will Not Win

Elder Baxter said that the toxic trash of the world will eventually be overcome. The youth of the Church are the hope of the world. He told them to save the nation, and said, “You can.” He said the gospel of Jesus Christ is simple, beautiful, and straightforward. He paraphrased the words of a Holocaust survivor that the dark threads of a woven pattern are as important as the threads of gold and silver.

Elder Baxter is from Scotland. He said, the youth of the Church will “save this country, save Scotland, and save the world.” I found these comments to be very comforting. It should make us joyful to know that light and truth will prevail over evil.

Marriage and Identity

He said to love, respect, but also protect marriage, religious freedom, and children.

He spoke about marriage being God’s way for us to return to His presence. He said to love, respect, but also protect marriage, religious freedom, and children. He said to let the identity of a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints overwhelm everything else he/she identifies with (gay, lesbian, etc.).

He admonished those who identify as such to keep their lives pure and clean, and to never do anything to jeopardize their ability to qualify for a temple recommend. I enjoyed the loving way he spoke about this highly charged topic. We are all Heavenly Father’s children, and He loves us all—which does not obviate our obligation to keep the commandments. There is no more joyful thing than eternal families.

Our Lives Are a Symbol

Elder Baxter reminded us that the symbol of our faith is not a cross, but how we live our lives. We don’t worship a graven image; we worship Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. In The Book of Mormon, we can find truth, light, and insight.

It was good to be reminded by Elder Baxter that we should never stop reading and studying the scriptures—particularly The Book of Mormon. Constant study of the scriptures will help us to live our lives in a manner that will be an example to others. If we do that, we will be full of joy.

The Church and the World

At a time in Ireland when there was a good amount of discussion about our Church’s practice of vicarious baptism for the dead in the temple, a Belfast newspaper said, “Doesn’t it make more sense to baptize dead adults than live babies?” The world often questions our beliefs and practices, but Elder Baxter seemed to want us to understand that if we live our lives as an example of our faith, others will see the good and even defend us.

He stressed that we are not just some charitable organization; we are the Church of Jesus Christ.

He also talked about the good the Church is doing in the way of humanitarian aid. Among the many things humanitarian aid has done, it provided 70,000 copies of the Quran in a Muslim nation—because we are the Church of Jesus Christ. We train local people to construct homes, give them certificates of completion, and provide them with tool belts—because we are the Church of Jesus Christ.

He stressed that we are not just some charitable organization; we are the Church of Jesus Christ. Elder Baxter’s remarks reminded me that I can be joyful not only for my own personal actions, but for the actions of the Church as a whole. I can be joyful just by virtue of my membership in the Church.

Be Happy

Elder Baxter spoke twice during stake conference, and both times he stressed that we need to be happy. He reminded us of President Gordon B. Hinckley’s (1995-2008) optimism and attitude. He said we should be happy even if we don’t feel happy. He asked, if we are not smiling, how can we show the light of Christ?

Smile like you love the plan of happiness. Appreciate the goodness of others and the goodness in the world. He reminded us that evil is cyclical, and that we need to have hope. My thought about this is that when we have hope, we are joyful.

My Closing Thoughts

To read more of Tudie’s articles, click here.

Lately, all we have to do to depress ourselves is to open our social media accounts. The negativity is astounding. Yet, we are encouraged to be on social media and use it to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. The optimism of Elder Baxter was contagious—a happy reminder of President Hinckley.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is most assuredly a reason to be joyful. Don’t let the negativity suck you into its vacuum. Stay positive, happy, and even joyful. We have nothing to fear. God knows the end from the beginning. “Men are, that they might have joy.” (2 Nephi 2:25)

Tudie Rose

Tudie Rose is a mother of four and grandmother of ten in Sacramento, California. You can find her on Twitter as @TudieRose. She blogs as Tudie Rose at http://potrackrose.wordpress.com. She has written articles for Familius. You will find a Tudie Rose essay in Lessons from My Parents, Michele Robbins, Familius 2013, at http://www.familius.com/lessons-from-my-parents.

One Christmas our finances were very tight, and I was struggling. I love Christmas, and having so little money to spend on the holiday was putting me into a bad mood. I gave myself the usual lectures about how Christmas isn’t about money or shopping, but it didn’t help. I enjoyed shopping for gifts, decorating the house, and making special treats. It’s my one domestic time of year. One Sunday morning, when I was supposed to be praying, I found myself complaining instead. “The budget is so tight I can’t even buy candy canes for the tree,” I whined. Now certainly, candy canes were the least of my problems that year, but they were inexpensive and to me, they just seemed to represent how bad things were. I felt guilty about using my prayer as a gripe-session, but I didn’t seem capable of more reverent prayer at that moment.

That afternoon, we went to church. As I walked down the hallway toward my class, a man I barely knew smiled and handed me several candy canes. At the end of church, someone else did the same thing. My children came home with candy canes. A few days later, a visitor to our home left behind a batch of candy canes. For the next week, it seemed I couldn’t go anywhere or see anyone without being presented with candy canes, and my family was having the same experience.

As I looked around my living room one day, and saw the tree overflowing with the candy cane gifts, and even vases filled with the extras, I started to laugh. I remembered my frustrated prayer of the previous Sunday and knew why everyone, even complete strangers, seemed determined to give us candy canes. I felt the message of the candy canes enter my heart. It was His way of showing me that He was paying attention to my needs, and loved me. If He would take care of so small a longing as the desire for candy canes on a Christmas tree, how could I believe He would neglect the more important needs I had at that time? Candy canes remind most people of the shepherd’s crook, but to this day, they always remind me of sparrows:

To read more articles by Terrie Bittner, please click here.

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.

—Luke 12:6-7

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

At General Conference this weekend, a new General Young Women’s president was called. (This means she oversees the program for teen girls internationally.) She may be the first General Young Women’s president who is into social media. Bonnie Oscarson has a very active Pinterest page as well as a Facebook page. (I haven’t checked out the other social media sites yet.)

Now, here’s your homework: Wander around your social media sites and imagine you’ve just been called as the president of one of the Church auxiliaries. Before you’re called, the prophet is going to do a social media review on you. (I don’t really know if they do that, but just imagine.) You realize the prophet will know what is on all your sites. In a few weeks, the whole world will be rushing in to see as well.

Do you find yourself wanting to erase a few things?

Who will people decide you are if all they know is what is on your social media page and that short little bio that gets released?

The summary on her Pinterest page says: “’If there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report, or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.’ And may I add just downright cute to the list?”

When I looked at Sister Oscarson’s Pinterest page, I decided that she:

Loves to read—there is an author’s board. (She has a bachelor’s degree with an emphasis on British and American literature.) She likes crafts and decorating and giving parties—the usual feminine things. She likes to travel because she has a board of dream destinations. She has kid stuff on her board, suggesting she works hard at family life. She is very computer literate, with a computer board that contains information on using Photoshop and Word. Her humor board is clean and not mean. Her board about famous women includes Jane Austen, Mother Teresa, and a woman who smuggled out Jewish babies during World War II. She likes the color red.

In other words, her board isn’t an embarrassment to her. I feel like I know her better, but I don’t have any less respect for her.

Every now and then, I picture myself at my judgment after death. Jesus says, “Okay, next is your social media review. Let’s log in to your Facebook account.” I go through my wall with an eye towards how it might look to Jesus. Is anything mean spirited? Inappropriate? What does it tell the world my priorities are? (Do I talk more about cats than the gospel, for instance?) I do a little housecleaning and then try harder to not need to do any housecleaning in the future.

Sister Oscarson’s call is a reminder to us all: We don’t know when our account might become famous without warning. We need to keep it ready for the world to see at all times.

Deseret News quoted this article!

I had to rebuild the database and lost the comments. Here is a comment that was posted to this article.

Comment from Sarah Oscarson Giles: 2013/04/09 at 12:32 am

Bonnie Oscarson is my mother. I was impressed that the day we found out about the calling (Saturday, just like everyone else) my daughter (14) posted this on her Facebook status:

I just wanted to say that my grandmother is an amazing example. She didn’t know she would get this huge calling, and the press has absolutely nothing bad to say about her. It made me think…..if I suddenly gained thousands of followers from around the world, what would it say about my church? Would I be embarrassed about anything I’ve posted? I’ll definitely think twice now online.

So thanks for being a remarkable example to all of us, Mo:) & GOOD LUCK as the new General President of YW’s!  I think your point is an excellent one. I have been trying to teach my daughter for years that whatever she puts out on the internet is a permanent reflection of her character. This experience has really driven the point home.

To read more articles by Terrie Bittner, please click here.

Terrie’s Note: This article was mentioned in the BYU Devotional given by Elder Bednar on August 19, 2014–my official two seconds of fame in life. My part is at 29:17.  The video is at the end of the article.

Find out what I learned from being quoted by an apostle tomorrow. 🙂

Terrie Lynn Bittner

The late Terrie Lynn Bittner—beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—was the author of two homeschooling books and numerous articles, including several that appeared in Latter-day Saint magazines. She became a member of the Church at the age of 17 and began sharing her faith online in 1992.

Why couldn’t we apply the hybrid car philosophy to every aspect of our lives? We can.

When I walk in the mornings I occasionally come to an intersection at the same time as an automobile. I’ve learned that if I cross the street on the opposing side of the intersection, it allows the automobile to turn without having to wait while I cross. So altering what I do slightly benefits the driver of the vehicle without either of us expending any extra effort. Similarly tactfully adjusting our procedures now can win big dividends in our ability to do family history work in the future.

More than one-hundred-and-fifty years ago the Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom, which came out long before scientific knowledge caught wind of the harmful effects of coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. Medicine today is finally catching up. It was nearly 20 years ago the proclamation on the family was manifest. Today it is easy to see the importance of that document in guiding the lives of church members and the world at large. What is the next big emphasis today acknowledged by the church leaders which portends of things to come? I venture to say it is family history and temple work. What didn’t we have 50 or 100 years ago to enable this emphasis? Technology. Prior to today, the technology had not advanced to the point that it could support the mammoth effort needed, but it has and will. Temples are available and now dot the earth on every continent. The work is accelerating.

Man should not run faster than he is able.

Elder Bednar asked us to flood the earth with the Gospel. Why is that so important now? In his Campus Education Week address at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, August 19, 2014, he emphasized the following points:

1. Unique season in the history of the world dispensation of the fullness of times
2. Inspired technological and communication innovations have come forth
3. We can appropriately use these powerful tools to advance the work of salvation

At another venue, he stated the following:

The Lord is hastening His work, and it is no coincidence that these powerful communication innovations and inventions are occurring in the dispensation of the fullness of times. Social media channels are global tools that can personally and positively impact large numbers of individuals and families. And I believe the time has come for us as disciples of Christ to use these inspired tools appropriately and more effectively to testify of God the Eternal Father, His plan of happiness for His children, and His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Savior of the world; to proclaim the reality of the Restoration of the gospel in the latter days; and to accomplish the Lord’s work.

I would like to illustrate the answer to this important point with a story from my childhood:

I grew up during my teenage years in a farming community in southern Utah called Castle Valley. We learned to flood the fields on our land by diverting the water from the ditch to cover the acreage, which brought life, hope, and beauty to the otherwise dry land. To make this possible, someone had diverted the creek miles up the valley to create this canal of sorts which flowed into the lower valley and became irrigation water for many properties there. We then were able to flood our fields, garden, orchard, and berry patches to give life to our trees, plants, fruits and vegetables.

Similarly, the efforts and ingenious technologies implemented in our world today give us the ability to capture, find, and save the stories of our ancestors and perpetuate their legacy. Further, we can share these stories and the gospel with others to lift and edify them.

Last chapter of Malachi, 5th and 6th verses, we read: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.

Joseph Smith addressed the importance of this mission when he said the following:

I might have rendered a plainer translation to this, but it is sufficiently plain to suit my purpose as it stands. It is sufficient to know, in this case, that the earth will be smitten with a curse unless there is a welding link of some kind or other between the fathers and the children, upon some subject or other—and behold what is that subject? It is the baptism for the dead. For we without them cannot be made perfect; neither can they without us be made perfect. Neither can they nor we be made perfect without those who have died in the gospel also; for it is necessary in the ushering in of the dispensation of the fullness of times, which dispensation is now beginning to usher in, that a whole and complete and perfect union, and welding together of dispensations, and keys, and powers, and glories should take place, and be revealed from the days of Adam even to the present time. And not only this, but those things which never have been revealed from the foundation of the world, but have been kept hid from the wise and prudent, shall be revealed unto babes and sucklings in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. Doctrine and Covenants 128.18,17

To read more articles by Walter Penning, please click here.

It was said that the greatest gift a man can give a boy is his willingness to share a part of his life with him. That we might capture the essence of that appeal and share our lives for the benefit of others.

We can help others become more familiar with the promptings of the Spirit when we share our testimony of the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.

Flooding the world feels that way

Excerpts of Joy

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

Life Lesson from My Youth

When I went to my dad as a young man for advice as I was about to buy my first car, he reminded me about my most important objectives and warned me that I needed to honestly assess my financial ability to achieve my goals if I put money into a car.

I was 16-years-old at the time and knew a lot more than I do now–at least I thought I did–so I responded that I had considered this concern and figured I could benefit from the extra cash when I sell the car. Dad raised his hand to his chin and rubbed it thoughtfully. “Well you could wreck your car, and then you wouldn’t have anything left.” I had the perfect comeback. “But I will have insurance!” I clamored, probably a little more desperate than confident. “Well. You may not…” I didn’t even let him finish the sentence. “Of course, I will have insurance. It’s the law, and I would never drive without it.” I was incredulous but respectful. Of course, my dad consented. I knew he would. A couple years later, I was having some serious engine trouble, and while my car was in the shop I pulled the expensive insurance off the vehicle until it was repaired. Needless to say, I started driving before I put the insurance back on my car and had an accident in the mean time. Everything dad said could happen did. The point is we can benefit from the wisdom of our elders. That’s the whole premise behind AskGramps. Following good advice has an immediate impact for the better.

A Golden Nugget to Share

So now for the nugget…we are encouraged to read the Book of Mormon daily. The benefit is in the reading, not just finishing. Every day we can be inspired, lifted, and guided by diligently reading from the pages of the Book of Mormon. We can apply the lessons we learn there into our lives immediately. Another example, getting my home teaching done is great, but doing it is even better. That’s where I witness the change and experience the impact of the gospel in other people’s lives. Similarly, the blessings of family history work come in completing it, not just having it all done. Obedience is the first law of heaven, because it’s fundamental to all others.

“For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (  Moses 1:39.)

So we had an interesting activity in family night recently. We selected two family members and handed them a bag that contained a few everyday items. The participants were told that they were going to play a game, but no instructions or explanation of the object of the game was given. The participants opened the bag and began playing. They expected the contents of the bag to explain the game so they could begin playing. However, the contents did not provide this information, and the participants wondered what they were supposed to do.

We decided that to understand a game, we must understand its object or purpose. Similarly, to understand our lives on earth we must understand the object or purpose of our lives. Moses 1 helps us understand this by answering three important questions:

• Who are we?
• How can we overcome the influence of the adversary?
• What is God’s work and glory?

Knowing the answers to these questions enables us to become engaged in the work of God and participate in the completion of his mission. What then is the importance of reaching our potential? Indeed, becoming the best we can be is the very work and glory of God. The expanse of the universe, the earth that revolves around the sun in a perfect pattern, the establishment of the kingdom of God on earth has in their very purpose the most important work in time or all eternity—YOU.

For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:38,39.)

Our Heavenly Father Has a Plan for Us

The eternal love of Jesus Christ for each one of us supersedes all else. He willingly wrought the Atonement and became our Savior to redeem all mankind from physical death and the repentant from sin. Like a parent lifts a child and supports, loves, and leads with the end purpose of helping the child reach its potential and experience the joy that is possible in life, our Heavenly Father has a plan for us to be successful.

This means that you are the reason all this exists in the first place. You are the miracle at work here, and the purpose is to help you reach your eternal potential and get better every day.

That’s the plan.

Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world, and you are of them that my Father hath given me; and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost (Doctrine and Covenants 50:41-42.)

Additional Resources:

Reflecting God’s Love—What Scriptures Mean to Me

An Eye Single to the Glory of God

The Glory of God Is Intelligence

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

Let me express how wonderful it is to me that there was a talk directed to the single adults and youth of the church, especially during a conference that was themed marriage and family. Don’t worry, the theme continued, but I felt it was quite specific on the things that we could do to receive these blessings in our lives.

Watching the leaders of the Church this weekend, an impression came to me that many of these brethren have dedicated their entire lives to serving the Lord. Thomas S. Monson — our beloved prophet, for example, has been serving continually since the age of 36.  Nearing the age of 90, he still has not dubbed himself a “retired Mormon.” He gives and serves even with a frail body and declining health. It struck me that sooner than I may like to believe, our leaders may be called home. One day we will need another set of Elder Holland’s podium punches, and Dieter airplane stories. These men didn’t become who they are now when they suddenly hit 50. It took a lifetime of correct choices and decisions to put them in a place that the Lord could work through them to help lead all of us.

While I would never ever aspire to lead, or recommend anyone else to do so either, I feel it is important for all of us to be prepared to serve in whatever capacity the Lord may need us. Specifically, I feel that Elder Ballard is asking us to be create families that are happy at home. Families that serve each other and the Lord. Families that lead out as defenders of God’s plan, and ultimately, families that prepare the world for the second coming of Jesus Christ. So how do we raise the bar in our lives?

First we marry. We don’t just go find another single adult and sign a membership to a club. I believe in order to marry as Elder Ballard directs, we have to put forth a great deal of effort. We need be in places where we can find people who will share our standards, beliefs, and goals. We need to get to know people face to face and enjoy one-on-one conversations. We need to inquire well and ask the right types of questions. We need to develop faith in commitment and faith in other people. As Sister Linda K. Burton said in conference, we need to search for a help meet. She said, “our two hands are similar to each other, but not exactly the same. In fact, they are exact opposites, but they compliment each other and are suited to each other. Working  together they are strong.” We need our right hand man (or woman) who help us be as strong as possible.

Second, we serve. Often we wait to serve until there is a big project, or what we consider to be a huge and desperate need. As I have contemplated what service has been the most meaningful in my life I have come to see that the smallest acts of kindness have made the biggest difference. It is the moments when I receive a call, a visit, or note from a friend. It is the smiles from strangers on days when work is not going so well. It is the times when people remember my name. It is when someone follows a small prompting, or lets me know they are praying in my behalf. Service that matters is rarely seen by anyone other than God. I believe as we learn to serve meaningfully and quietly we will be serving as the Savior. As The Living Christ reminds us,  “He went about doing good”. We too can go about doing good in the world today.

Third, we lead. The greatest sources of leadership in my life have come through example. The most impactful leaders I have met don’t lead with their titles, but with their lives. My parents lead as I watch them kneel and pray in difficult times. My friends lead when they choose to point out the positive in other people or suggests things we could do to help someone having a bad day. My brothers lead by showing me how to treat their spouses and children. My sister leads in quiet decisions to always choose the right. My roommates lead by being loyal friends. Each of us has a chance to lead as we defend the home and the family. With unique talents and abilities we can each lead in at least one way.

It is exciting to envision the future of this world where all of us strive for the ideal and work to have families that work together in harmonious marriages, serve each other and those around them, and lead in our own specific ways. What stood out to you in conference? How will you apply it to your life?

Ashley Dewey

Ashley Dewey is extremely talented at being single. Hobbies include awkward conversations with members of the opposite sex, repelling third dates, talking to boys about their girl problems and to girls about their boy problems. In her spare time she also has a very fulfilling school life, work life, and social life.

Besides being a professional single, Ashley is also a BYU graduate with a degree in linguistics (Aka word nerd). She enjoys studying other languages, particularly American Sign Language, and finds most all of them fascinating. She is currently pursuing a masters degree in Teaching English as a Second Language.

Ashley works most of the time and has often been accused of being a workaholic. Currently she works full time as a merchandiser and supervisor in a retail store, and part time doing social media work. On her day off she works (really it doesn’t feel like work) in the Provo LDS temple. The only kind of work she finds difficulty focusing on is house work.

Her favorite activities in her free time are reading, writing, creating social experiments, and spending time with great friends and family. Specific activities with those family and friends include: going to concerts, plays, dance recitals, BYU basketball and football games, and watching sports on television.

Missionary Letter Excerpts

There are so many great things that come from being a missionary. In fact, my companion and I were talking one day about all the things you will only be able to experience as a missionary:

Only as a missionary do you have random people wanting to buy your groceries for you at Target or your meal at Chipotle. Only as a missionary do random people come up to you in a hospital and ask you to visit with their mother who just had surgery. Only as a missionary can you study the scriptures for several hours a day or eat at a different person’s house every night. Only as a missionary do you get to experience the joy when an investigator accepts baptism (or keeps any commitment for that matter!). Only as a missionary do you get to devote your whole time and effort to bringing people to Christ.

Missionaries are Representatives of Jesus Christ

As our Missionary Commission says, “How great is my calling?!” I often look at my name tag and think to myself what it means to be a missionary. I wonder to myself why people we have never met (are) so willing to do us favors like buying our food or asking us to visit their mothers? And then I realize how much that little name tag says about us. It is very humbling to me when I realize the trust and confidence people have in us because we are missionaries. They see our name tag and identify us as representatives of Jesus Christ. But even more importantly I am reminded of the trust and confidence our Savior has in us to represent him. I am incredibly humbled to know that the Savior has enough confidence and trust in me to call me to represent Him. I feel so unqualified, but I know if He can trust me, then I can trust myself. One of my most favorite scriptures is Alma 37:6 which says, “…that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass…” Whenever I feel unqualified or too small and insignificant, I just think of this scripture and am reminded of the great things God can do with little means. (See Alma 26:12).

That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: for in him we live, and move, and have our being (Alma 17:27,28.)

Never lose hope! Never stop fighting!

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.

His way of teaching connected with my needs and his efforts literally helped shape my life. In our class, we studied the regular principles of grammar that had somehow escaped me. Slowly, metaphors, adverbs, and dangling participles all became understandable and clear.

Similarly, we learn line-upon-line in life and continue to have moments of particular clarity. The old adage, “a picture is worth a thousand words,” refers to the notion that images reveal insights and communicate information where otherwise lengthy prose would be required.

Pictures Often Clarify More Than Words

Even complex ideas are understood quickly and easily with pictures. And the Lord Jesus Christ Himself used experiences that were pertinent and telling for the people at that time in order to drive home true principles and points of doctrine. The pictures and experiences he drew in people’s minds were memorable. He both clarified and veiled his teachings with parables. So simple a child can understand yet profound enough for the wise, the parables of Jesus are a priceless source of gospel truths.

Teaching in parables allowed Jesus to reveal great truths to those who were spiritually in tune, and at the same time, conceal or hide those truths from those who were not ready for them. His life was spent ministering to the people of the (old world) on numerous occasions by healing the sick, giving sight to the blind, unstopping the ears of the deaf, and even raising the dead. Those miracles were wonderful for the people of that time, but they have not ceased in our day.

Miracles continue to follow those that believe. God’s works are never frustrated. Some may say “I am not blind or lame or halt or maimed and today we have fine doctors, immaculate hospitals, and medical knowledge that were not available at that time.” True. Many of us are alive and well today, because of the revealed truths and wonderful advancements in the medical field. And though we do not have remedies for all our physical ailments, the Lord has revealed veracities that have helped minimize that pain and suffering to an extent. But let’s not miss the greater metaphor applicable to all of us. While Jesus Christ can and does heal physical ailments of those in need according to his works, wisdom, and good pleasure, he also allows us to learn valuable lessons. Just as a kind parent does not attempt to remove every obstacle from his child’s way, the Lord allows us to experience hardship for our benefit. It’s part of the Great Plan of Happiness. Through his Atonement, he also heals all men from the afflictions of sin and death and separation from God from which we alone cannot extricate ourselves. (2 Ne 9:19-24)

And that is the wonderful message of the great plan of happiness through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. With a broken heart and contrite spirit we give our best to the Lord and live abundantly with hope. And that is a metaphor worth both remembering and repeating.

I love President Gordon B. Hinckley’s recollection following the renovation of the Mesa Arizona Temple some years ago. In response to the question “What is the symbol of your religion?” he stated, “I replied that the lives of our people must become the most meaningful expression of our faith and, in fact, therefore, the symbol of our worship.”

Our current prophet, President Thomas S. Monson recently reminded us “We are the Lord’s hands.”

Walter Penning

In 1989, Walter Penning formed a consultancy based in Salt Lake City and empowered his clients by streamlining processes and building a loyal, lifetime customer base with great customer service. His true passion is found in his family. He says the best decision he ever made was to marry his sweetheart and have children. The wonderful family she has given him and her constant love, support, and patience amid life’s challenges is his panacea.