Firm Foundations

It’s Worth It

Illustrations by Michela Buttignol

I have seminary at 6 a.m., before school. I wake up really early to have time to eat breakfast, have family prayer, and walk to the church. But the more I go to seminary, the more I see that waking up early is worth it!

The teachers are really great and always teach with the Spirit. They are wise and know so much about the gospel, which made me excited to go and learn more.

Going to seminary each morning helped me be brave enough to share the gospel with two classmates and helped me explain the scriptures. Seminary also helped me be brave enough to stand up for my beliefs. I was listening to the radio one morning, and a man was saying Joseph Smith was a liar. I was really frustrated by this because I had gained a strong testimony of Joseph Smith in seminary and knew that what the man was saying wasn’t true.

I told my seminary teacher about it, and he suggested I write a letter to the man and share my testimony of Joseph Smith. I wrote the letter and bore my testimony about Joseph Smith and the Church. It helped me calm down and not be so frustrated. He never responded, but I felt a confirmation of my testimony while I was writing. It made me really grateful that I had gained such a strong testimony of the Prophet and the gospel in seminary.

Raquel B., Argentina

Sunday School Service

I’m a deacon. My parents have taught me that I should be an example for my friends because I hold the priesthood and because I represent Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. It really helps me to choose the right and look for chances to serve others. I know that if I do good things, my friends will see what I do and maybe want to do good things too.

After Sunday School a while ago, I was in the hall when I saw a teacher who needed help with some chairs. She was going to set them up outside the building for an activity. She didn’t ask me to help her, but I saw that she needed help. There were a lot of chairs, and she was all alone. So I took most of the chairs outside and set them up for her.

Afterward, the teacher said, “Thank you for helping.” It wasn’t a big deal for me since it didn’t take very long, but she was really grateful, which made me feel good. Later, the teacher told my mom about what I had done. My mom said I did a good thing and that I should keep looking for opportunities to serve others, because it’s something that Christ would do.

I was happy and grateful that I had served. It made me feel good, and it made me want to serve more often.

Emiliano H., Texas, USA

The Gratitude Flashlight

When I entered high school, it seemed like everything became a lot harder for me. I was jealous of other people’s talents, of people who seemed more cool than I was, of opportunities that came to others but not to me. I was always wishing for or wanting something I didn’t have.

I talked to my parents about it. They reminded me that Heavenly Father has already given me everything I need but that He may not give me every single thing I want. My parents helped me realize that when you understand that nothing you truly need is lacking, you can find peace.

I recently read a book that compares gratitude to a flashlight. If you go outside at night where there aren’t any lights, all you will see is darkness. But if you go outside with a flashlight and shine it on what’s around you, you can see everything that is there.

Gratitude is like that light. When it shines, it lights up what is already there. But because you can now see it, you appreciate it more.

The great thing about the gratitude flashlight is that you can use it day or night, no matter where you are or what circumstances you’re in. All you need to do is turn it on.

Ethan B., Utah, USA