2000
Of All Things
August 2000

“Of All Things,” New Era, Aug. 2000, 38

Of All Things

The Gathering

Watching the Sugar City Idaho Stake youth conference must have been like seeing prophecy fulfilled right before your eyes. After the youth found out which of the 12 tribes they belonged to (via a rubber stamp on their hands), they learned about the journeys of the ancient Israelites and the eventual gathering of Israel. Congregating in their assigned tribes on a football field, the more than 600 youth acted out fulfilling the prophecy of Israel’s gathering and then assembled to play games.

YW Reminder

As part of this year’s worldwide celebration of the life of Jesus Christ, the Young Women general presidency has asked all young women to memorize the hymn “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136). “When [young women] memorize the words to this hymn and sing it over and over, it will become part of them,” says Sister Margaret D. Nadauld. “The words in those verses are a testimony of the Savior, and they will stay with the girls, in their hearts and minds, we hope, their whole lives.”

Write Away! Scripture Power

Is there a particular scripture that really hits home with you? Share it with other New Era readers! Send your experience (written in approximately 100 words) and a snapshot of yourself to Scripture Power, New Era, 50 East North Temple, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150. Here’s an example of what we’re looking for:

“Feeling the Spirit is what I strive for on a day-to-day basis. One scripture I always feel comforted by is Philippians 4:8, also known as the admonition of Paul. When I feel lost, I know I can always turn to this scripture for guidance. It never leaves me wondering what the right decision is. If there is anything that is true, honest, just, pure, lovely, or of good report, this scripture tells us to ‘think on these things.’ The path to righteousness is clear; the only decision we have to make is whether or not we choose to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ.”—Abigail Felt, 16, Salt Lake City, Utah

See calls for entries for “My Favorite Hymn” and “My Scripture Hero” in this year’s July and October issues.

Leadership: Top 10 Tips for Giving a Great Talk

  1. Accept the assignment cheerfully, and pray for guidance, especially if you aren’t comfortable with the assigned topic.

  2. Start outlining your talk at least a week before your assignment.

  3. Use scriptures. Try to memorize the verses for your talk.

  4. Include your own spiritual experiences and testimony.

  5. Make sure your notes are easily readable. If you’re really ambitious, try memorizing your talk so you don’t need notes.

  6. Rehearse in front of a mirror. Practice standing straight on both feet without shifting or making nervous gestures. Avoid “ums” and “ahs.”

  7. On the day of your talk, dress neatly and modestly.

  8. Lose the chewing gum.

  9. Show enthusiasm and speak so everyone can hear you.

  10. When you conclude, don’t say “In-the-name-of-Jesus-Christ-Amen” all in one breath as you run from the podium. Say it clearly and completely before you walk away. Also, remember that “thy Son” means “your Son,” so this should only be used in prayers, never to end a talk.—Robert Felts

Here Today, Here Tomorrow

“I’m looking forward to the opening. I hope I’ll be here,” joked President Hinckley, referring to the unsealing in 2049 of a Sunday School Sesquicentennial time capsule, which was sealed last December 8th.

While most of today’s adults won’t be around in 2049, your generation will be leading the Church. Here’s what you can look forward to commemorating when the globe-shaped titanium capsule is opened in your adulthood:

  • Nearly 200 pounds of mementos from around the world, each symbolizing the growth of the Church in the past 50 years. One artifact is a laptop computer (sealed in argon gas) that contains images, documents, and present construction plans.

  • A Portuguese triple combination, inserted by President James E. Faust. Amazed at the growth of the Church in Brazil in recent decades, President Faust said, “As a missionary in Brazil 60 years ago, we didn’t have these published scriptures. It was very difficult to move the work forward.”

  • A piece of the Berlin Wall and a December 8 copy of the Deseret News (a Utah newspaper), placed by President Thomas S. Monson. President Monson received East German approval for missionaries to enter the country just months before the wall came down in 1989 and was affiliated with the Deseret News throughout his professional career in printing.

  • Blueprint plans for the Nauvoo Illinois Temple, a granite chip from the facade of the new Conference Center, and a letter about the Sunday School, placed by President Hinckley. His letter concludes, “May this great organization continue as a force for good and may it touch the lives of uncounted millions who will come into the Church prior to the opening of this time capsule.”