What’s Up?

August 2012

Contents
President Monson on Duty
Thomas S. Monson
In a Word: Duty
A Sacrifice but a Joy
Edward M. Akosah
Beauty All Around
Driven to Choose
Danny Spencer
His Grace Is Sufficient
Brad Wilcox
Questions and Answers
For the Strength of Youth: An Anchor for Today
David L. Beck and Elaine S. Dalton
My Mother’s Example
Erin Barker
Mormonad: Picture Yourself
LOL: Love Out Loud
Kimberly Richter
How Do I Know When I Am Forgiven?
Tad R. Callister
Picturing Myself in the Temple
Adriane Franca Leao
Walking with Our Ancestors
Margaret Snider
Liken It
David A. Edwards
What’s Up?
Every Day in Many Ways
Brittany Beattie
Instant Messages
Thank You for Your Example
Angela Farmer
The Extra Smile
How to Be a Disciple of Christ
Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Dew
Hannah Winward

What’s Up?

August 2012

“What’s Up?” New Era, Aug. 2012, 38–39

What’s Up?

What We Really Think of Youth

“You face your challenges with extraordinary strength and courage. I express my love to you and the confidence I have in you.

“You inspire the people around you more than you can imagine.”

David L. Beck, Young Men general president, “The Magnificent Aaronic Priesthood,” Ensign, May 2010, 54.

Quote from Conference

“Make every decision you contemplate pass this test: ‘What does it do to me? What does it do for me?’ And let your code of conduct emphasize not ‘What will others think?’ but rather ‘What will I think of myself?’ Be influenced by that still, small voice.”

President Thomas S. Monson, “Believe, Obey, and Endure,” Ensign, May 2012, 129.

Finding a Personal Testimony

I was born into the Church, and I didn’t have much of a testimony until I started to read the scriptures with pure intent. Instead of just reading the words on the paper, I searched deep for their meaning. I read 3 Nephi 11:3, and I put myself in the people’s shoes. That scripture and the ones following it shook me. From then on I kept reading the scriptures and praying with sincerity, and my testimony grew.

Ryan R., Washington, USA

Duty to God

I’ve been working to complete my Duty to God goals, both when I lived in Venezuela and when I moved with my family to China.

Duty to God truly is inspired. A young man can learn marvelous things that will be applied throughout the rest of his life by completing his goals. He will learn spiritual things, temporal things, physical things, and much more.

It’s well worth the effort of dedicating yourself to complete these goals. I have learned to be a better man, I’ve grown in my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I have better prepared myself to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood and to serve a mission. It’s gratifying to know that I will be able to be a good example to my future children one day.

Jonathan A., China

Personal Progress

On February 27, 2011, I received my Young Women Recognition. I am happy that I completed the Personal Progress program, that I kept myself pure and clean, and that I can wear my medallion with pride. I know that the Young Women organization helps us progress and prepare ourselves for marriage in the holy temple. I am grateful to my Heavenly Father for this organization. By earning my medallion, I have completed one of my goals, and I know that I can continue to do much good in the work of the Lord.

Katherine M., Venezuela

Survey Results

Here are the results of a recent survey we posted on the New Era Facebook page. The survey asked, “Which of the following would you like to see the New Era use as a special theme for an upcoming issue?”

Gaining a testimony	28%
Seminary	18%
Education	16%
Standards	12%
Waiting for a relationship	8%
Temples	7%
Missionary work	7%
Service	4%

You Voted: Watch for a special section on gaining a testimony in the February 2013 issue of the New Era.

The Whole Armor of God
My Favorite Scripture

Kaila T.
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