“We’ve Got Mail,” New Era, May 2011, 48
We’ve Got Mail
I Have a Better Understanding
The April 2011 conference had a big impact on me about how I thought about the Church. Before, I felt like I was the only one who had values and followed For the Strength of Youth. Now I understand I’m not the only one who is willing to obey the comandments. I have a better understanding of why I’m here and what my mission is here on earth.
Charlene D., 13, Colorado
More Than Just Money
Elder Carl B. Pratt’s counsel to pay tithing as soon as possible helped me, because I try to pay my tithing, but it’s not always as soon as I possibly could. I am going to try to do better. I also learned from his message that the Lord’s richest blessings are not money.
Rylee J., 13, California
To Be Is Never Done
I enjoyed Elder Lynn G. Robbins’s talk when he opened with one of the most famous lines from Hamlet by William Shakespeare: “To be, or not to be, that is the question.” I loved his comparison of that quote to the members of the Church. We must learn what we must learn, do what we must do, become what we are to become. To be is never done. It is never checked off. Becoming our greatest self is a lifelong process that will stretch into the eternities.
Katie H., 18, Nevada
I’ll Treasure the Memory
The Spirit in the priesthood session was amazing! I was on the BYU–Idaho campus among hundreds of college students, and the feeling of the Spirit and the strength of the priesthood was amazing. I’ll treasure that moment in my memory forever.
Samuel S., 14, Idaho
Desires and Priorities
Elder Dallin H. Oaks’s talk on desire was truly inspirational, because I know that I am not the only teen who struggles with desire. I like the analogy of the snowball effect: desire makes your priorities, priorities make your choices, and your choices determine your actions.
Haley H., 14, Georgia
Like Sunshine
Conference, or the word of the Lord in general, is like sunshine. It’s always available—always constant. We have to be willing to open the curtain and let it in. I know that my Redeemer lives. Imperfect as I am, He loves me perfectly and will never forsake me. I do not have a perfect knowledge, but I will “try a little harder to be a little better” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “We Have a Work to Do,” Ensign, May 1995, 88).
Catherine C., 17, New Hampshire
Enlightened by Their Messages
I am excited by the realization that men with the same power and authority as Moses and Abraham are speaking to me. I feel blessed to listen to their words and to be enlightened by their messages. I liked it when Elder Russell M. Nelson reminded us that the future is as bright as our faith.
Ashlie S., 15, Utah
Pay Attention to God’s Words
The Lord knows what we need, and through general conference we receive the help we need. Sometimes we think that we are already strong and know enough about the gospel, but as we humble ourselves, listen, and pay attention to the words of God, we find new thoughts and lessons that can improve our lives.
Andina B., 17, Arizona
Illustration by James Steinberg