Life as a Latter-day Saint

The Lost Purse

When I was recently assigned to a conference in the Mission Viejo California Stake, I was touched by an account of their four-stake New Year’s Eve youth dance. Following the dance, a purse was found with no outside identification. I share with you part of what Sister Monica Sedgwick, the Young Women president in the Laguna Niguel stake, recorded: “We didn’t want to pry; this was someone’s personal stuff! So we gingerly opened it and grabbed the first thing that was on top—hopefully, it would identify her. It did, but in another way—it was a For the Strength of Youth pamphlet. Wow! This told us something about her. Then we reached in for the next item, a little notebook. Surely this would give us answers, but not the kind we were expecting. The first page was a list of favorite scriptures. There were five more pages of carefully written scriptures and personal notes.”

The sisters immediately wanted to meet this stalwart young woman. They returned to that purse to identify its owner. They pulled out some breath mints, soap, lotion, and a brush. I loved their comments: “Oh, good things come out of her mouth; she has clean and soft hands; and she takes care of herself.”

They eagerly awaited the next treasure. Out came a clever little homemade coin purse made from a cardboard juice carton, and there was some money in a zippered pocket. They exclaimed, “Ahh, she’s creative and prepared!” They felt like little children on Christmas morning. What they pulled out next surprised them even more: a recipe for Black Forest chocolate cake and a note to make the cake for a friend’s birthday. They almost screamed, “She’s a HOMEMAKER! Thoughtful and service minded.” Then, yes, finally some identification. The youth leaders said they felt greatly blessed “to observe the quiet example of a young lady living the gospel.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

NEmore

For short video clips of conference messages for youth, go to lds.org/go/514.

To Be Lists

Many of us create to do lists to remind us of things we want to accomplish. But people rarely have to be lists. Why? To do’s are activities or events and can be checked off the list when done. To be, however, is never done. You can’t earn checkmarks with to be’s.

Elder Lynn G. Robbins of the Seventy

Face the Future with Faith

Difficult days are ahead. Rarely in the future will it be easy or popular to be a faithful Latter-day Saint. Each of us will be tested. The Apostle Paul warned that in the latter days, those who diligently follow the Lord “shall suffer persecution.” That very persecution can either crush you into silent weakness or motivate you to be more exemplary and courageous in your daily lives.

Elder Russell M. Nelson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Actions and Desires

Let us remember that desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices, and choices determine our actions. In addition, it is our actions and our desires that cause us to become something, whether a true friend, a gifted teacher, or one who has qualified for eternal life.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Vital Pillars of the Plan of Happiness

Two of the vital pillars that sustain Father in Heaven’s plan of happiness are marriage and the family. Their lofty significance is underscored by Satan’s relentless efforts to splinter the family and to undermine the significance of temple ordinances, which bind the family together for eternity. The temple sealing has greater meaning as life unfolds. It will help you draw ever closer together and find greater joy and fulfillment in mortality.

Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Exercise Hope

We should never let hope be displaced by despair. The Apostle Paul wrote that we “should plow in hope” (1 Corinthians 9:10). The exercise of hope enriches our lives and helps us look forward to the future. Whether we are plowing fields to plant or plowing through life, it is imperative we, as Latter-day Saints, have hope.

In the gospel of Jesus Christ, hope is the desire of His followers to gain eternal salvation through the Atonement of the Savior.

Elder Steven E. Snow of the Seventy

I loved Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s talk on becoming and not just doing. When he began speaking, I had just started a to-do list from the talks of what I could do better. I quickly opened to a new page in my notebook and wrote “To be:” at the top and then listed the qualities that the General Authorities had spoken on. I know that it takes becoming more Christlike to truly follow in His way.

Mckenna B., 16, Idaho, USA

I loved general conference. For a while I have been struggling with my testimony. The speakers really encouraged me and reminded me of the importance of a strong testimony, especially in these last days. I loved all of the talks, and one of the talks that really had an impact on me was Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk on desire. Something as seemingly small as desire makes a tremendous impact on our lives.

Jean G., 17, California, USA

I really enjoyed hearing the prophet and apostles. I know they’re called of God. I really enjoyed Elder Scott’s talk. I could tell he and his wife really loved each other and their home was so beautiful. I want my home to be like that when I grow up. He had such a strong testimony of the importance of marriage and families; it was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I have a strong testimony of the importance of conference.

Madison T., 14, Utah, USA