Legacy... By Alicia Collette

Many of the pioneers had constant faith and dedication to the Lord in whatever they were asked to do. For many of the Pioneers it took enormous amount of faith to leave everything they knew behind to journey west with the Prophet Brigham Young, especially when they had no clue what to expect on the trail nor upon arriving at their destination. How the saints must have felt, leaving so much behind- their farms, houses, the temple they had just finished. Personally Temples are marvelous to me. Whenever my sister and I would drive down to utah for something, we would always end up stopping at one of the Temples just to enjoy being in its presence. I have lived within 20 minutes of a Temple my entire life and I can’t imagine taking so much time and effort to build a house of the Lord just to leave it behind. That would have been the hardest part for me.

The pioneers were also the first ones to journey west and to try and settle here. That meant there were few trails to follow and to know where to go. In 1868 Brigham Young commented on their coming here. “We made and broke the road from Nauvoo to this place…Some of the time we followed Indian trails; some of the time we ran by the compass. When we left the Missouri River we followed the Platte. And we killed rattlesnakes by the cord in some places; and made roads and built bridges till our backs ached. Where we could not build bridges across rivers we ferried our people across, until we arrived here, where we found a few naked Indians, a few wolves and rabbits, and any amount of crickets; but as for any green tree or a fruit tree, or any green fields, we found nothing of the kind, with the exception of a few cottonwoods and willows on the edge of City Creek. For some 1,200 or 1,300 miles we carried every particle of provisions we had when we arrived here.”

The pioneer journey west was more than just a long walk. They faced horrible weather conditions, wild animals and Indians, and lack of supplies. Many died from starvation and cold. Many had worn out shoes, and the sharp rocks caused their feet to bleed, leaving a trail of blood in the snow. Others buried their children or parents. The excruciating experiences that occurred during their lives caused many of them to develop unshakeable faith in God, which sometimes can only be achieved through hard trials such as these. Those that did not develop the faith were tested even more along the way.

During their trek west, some companies ran into some apostates from the church who were returning from the west, and going back to the East. These apostates tried to persuade some in the companies to turn back. Can you imagine how hard that would have been? Not only had the pioneers been suffering on the trail for so long, but then seeing other members that they probably knew and loved that are saying there is no Zion and that they shouldn’t continue on…Sometime It’s easy to see how they would have given up and returned and a few did but the majority continued onward.

I, myself, have been on two pioneer treks, one in Northern Utah where we hiked up and down a mountain with handcarts and the other just last summer at Martin’s Cove. Both were incredible faith building experiences where I was able to have just a taste of what the pioneers really went through. One of the things I remember the most happened during my first trek after we had climbed up the face of the mountain. It was taking forever to pull up the handcarts over logs and rocks in our way to the top but we knew once we arrived at our destination we’d get lunch. That’s what our leaders promised The whole time I was thinking of all the possibilities of what they might serve us for lunch, kind of encouraging myself to keep going: yummy sandwiches, maybe some juice, crackers or fruit snacks just all my favorites. I’m pretty sure my mouth was watering haha Anyway once we made it to the top of the mountain we were all exhausted and ready for our feast when the bishops hand out our “food boxes”. Basically it was bread, apples, some nasty trail mix. Some of them contained extra things like jam or jerky but not very many. I was distraught! Here I was expecting a meal fit for kings, cause well I just climbed a mountain! And I got what appeared to be your average pioneer snacks. Our leaders wanted us to experience what it was like to LIVE as a pioneer not just walk the trial. Never before had I felt so much respect and love for those who sacrificed so much for the gospel. When you go on treks like this and hear stories about the pioneers and experience things they did, you come to know them as real people. They’re no longer just names in books or people from years before. They become individuals that had families, had trials, difficulties, adventures, likes and dislikes. People like you and me.

President James E Faust said, “In the heroic effort of the pioneers, we learn a great truth. All must pass through a refiner’s fire and the insignificant and unimportant things in our lives can melt away and make our faith bright, intact and strong. There seems to be a full measure of anguish, sorrow, and often heartbreak for everyone, including those who earnestly seek to do right and be faithful. Yet this is part of the purging to become acquainted with God.” The story of the pioneers that crossed the plains is truly one of faith. Faith in every footstep.
Coming to know the pioneers like this also makes me curious about my own ancestors, to know the trials they faced as they prepared the way for my family now. From different sides of family I have relatives that crossed the plains. One of them was only a young child when his family began the journey west and upon arriving in Salt Lake he was the only one still alive. Another one of my ancestors was greatly persecuted in the east before heading west. His farm was burned by mob and he was run from his home. On another side of my family, they weren’t pioneers that crossed the plains but were still pioneers to me. In Europe, before immigrating my great grandfather, Alois Cziep was converted to the gospel and upon doing so, he received a letter from his father. He told him how wrong it was to join the church, how it was all a lie and that he would burn for doing so. It reads; if you decide not to head my words, I shall not speak to you again in this life. Although it took a lot of faith to accept the church and to be disowned by his family, If it wasn’t for his sacrifice I, along with countless other relatives, wouldn’t have been born into this gospel and enjoy the blessings that I do now. He was converted around the time of the Second World War and during the war people in Europe really didn’t have contact with the church leaders, which would have made it even more difficult. My grandma said that for seven years they were praying for the leaders of the church without any contact or news from anyone, only to find out that the prophet they had been praying for had passed away and a new one had been called! Just for comparison, after President Hinckley passed away, thanks to texting, my friends and I knew after three hours. Can you imagine not knowing there was a new prophet for that long? That would have made it even more challenging to stay active, just being so far away from everyone else. I’ve grown up in a bubble of church members and I know it’s just easier.

Other relatives such as my Collette grandparents are both great examples of pioneers because of all they did in their lives to further the gospel. Both served missions of their own and then later served two more missions as a couple. They both have served faithfully in their church callings. My 80 year old grandma has played the organ in her ward and for sessions in the temple for over 50 years. Now she’s one of the ladies in charge of primary. She told me she actually thought the bishop was joking with her when he asked her to accept the calling of a primary teacher. She was all bishop you do know I’m turning 80 right? She truly is an example to me.

When I hear stories about some of the trials that the pioneers had to endure, coming to think of them as individuals, and learn about all that my ancestors endured to be a part of this gospel and to further its growth, It’s humbling to know how much easier my life has been in comparison. It brings a question to mind; what am I doing that is leaving a legacy for those who come after me? I haven’t given up family or friends to be a part of this gospel. I haven’t been persecuted or driven from my home. I haven’t given my life or lost love ones close to me. There are so many things that I and you can still do further this gospel and to leave our legacy. For starters, I’d like to serve a mission. That is one way I can give of my life or at least 18 months of it to this gospel. For the many of you who have already served, there is still so much that can be done. This church is one of service. My patriarchal blessing states that exactly. I’m going to leave you with the words of a song written by Katherine Nelson.

when all is said and done
as the season slips away
when i've taken steps beyond my sight
will i find my strength in greater light
will my courage grow with every passing day
and will my faith be constant as the setting sun
when all is said and done

when all is said and done
and the years have turned to gold
will my life become a legacy
of the things that matter most to me
will the fire of faith grow bright inside me
and will i want to be the person i've become
when all is said and done

when all is said and done
when my eyes can finally see
will i glory in the sweet release
and will mercy fill my soul with peace
will i kneel and wonder at the savior's feet
will i hear him say, "well done"
when he sees who i've become
will i live with him
when all is said and done

My prayer is that we may all be able to living our lives so that others will know of the Legacy we are leaving. The Lord has called us to a great and marvelous work to establish Zion the land of the promise and I hope that this priceless legacy of faith left by the pioneers will inspire all of us to more fully participate in the Lord’s work of bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of His children. I know this church to be true deep in my heart and I am so grateful to those who came before me and prepared the way, for the legacy of faith they leave. I know Christ is our savior and redeemer and that heavenly father loves each and every one of us and knows us personally. I know the book of Mormon to be the word of God and Joseph Smith to be a true prophet of God. I’m so grateful for President Monson the leaders of our church and the examples that they are to me, for leading and guiding us all towards eternal salvation. I know these things to be to true and I leave them with you in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

"Joy to the World" (1) by Ariane Williamson

With the Christmas season fast approaching, one word that echoes in plays, carols, and general wishes of good cheer is joy. Joy fills the hearts of people everywhere with the peace and happiness the holidays bring. In the scriptures, the most beautiful verses of joy are those that speak of Jesus Christ. In Alma 13, Alma and Amulek preach to the people of Ammonihah, and Alma says to the people, “Yea, and the voice of the Lord, by the mouth of angels, doth declare it, that they may have glad tidings of great joy; yea, and he doth sound these glad tidings among all his people…”(2). Here he is prophesying of Christ’s birth, and the joy that will be sounded by angels to the people.

Alma continues: “And now we only wait to hear the joyful news declared unto us by the mouth of angels, of his coming…”(3). Later, the people ask him when Jesus will come to them, the people in America. They are told, “he would appear unto them after his resurrection; and this the people did hear with great joy and gladness”(4). Imagine the joy the people felt knowing that the Savior would come among them, that they would be able to see, hear, and touch him.

Joy has so many wonderful meanings. For instance, in Hebrew, joy can mean “gladness,” “rejoicing,” “make merry,” and “cheer”—all words used to describe Christmas! In English we wish each other “Merry Christmas,” but in French the phrase used is Joyeux Noël, which literally means “they joy,” and Noël comes from the Latin root natalis, which means “birth.” So Joyeux Noël, roughly translated, means “they joy in the birth,” and therefore, when French speakers wish each other “Merry Christmas,” what they are really expressing, though they may not know it, is joy for the birth of Christ.

To me, some of the greatest joy can be felt through the gift of the Holy Ghost. Not only does it give hope that we can one day experience all this, but, as Parley P. Pratt wrote, the Spirit is, “as it were… joy to the heart and light to the eyes”(5). King Lamoni’s father asks to receive this joy when he says to Aaron, “Yea, what shall I do that I may be born of God… and receive his Spirit, that I may be filled with joy… I will give up all that I possess, yea, I will forsake my kingdom, that I may receive this great joy”(6). How many of us would be willing to give up all that we possess to receive the Spirit?

A few weeks ago, as a member of the Women’s Chorus, I was able to participate in the BYU choirs’ “Celebration of Christmas” concert. We sang many moving songs celebrating the birth of Christ, including “Il est né” (“He was born”), the “Hallelujah” chorus from Handel’s Messiah, and “O Holy Night.” By far my favorite moment came when all the choirs sang the song “Carol of Joy.” During our final performance, as I sang, the words to this beautiful carol came to me and touched my heart: “Earth wrapped in sorrow, lift up your eyes! Thrill to the chorus filling the skies. Look up, sad-hearted! Witness God’s love; join in the coral swelling above! O friendless world, to you is the song! All heaven’s joy to you may belong! You who are lonely, laden, forlorn… a Savior is born!” (7). While we sang those words, I was touched by the Spirit very profoundly because I realized in that moment that the reason we celebrate Christmas is not wholly because Christ was born, but because of what he came to Earth to do. This song was a wonderful testimony of Christ’s mission and the sacrifice he made for us. I truly relate to Alma when he says, “Therefore, let us glory, yea, we will rejoice, for our joy is full; yea, we will praise our God forever”(8). I pray that everyone, wherever you are, can feel the joy this season brings to the hearts of people everywhere and share the love of our Savior as we commemorate the wondrous occasion of his birth.

Works Cited:

1. “Joy to the World” by George Frideric Handel

2. Alma 13:22

3. Alma 13:15

4. Alma 16:20

5. Parley P. Pratt, Key to the Science of Theology: A Voice of Warning

6. Alma 22:15

7. Eileen Berry, “Carol of Joy”

8. Alma 26:16

Image from http://www.yougotjesus.com/baby_jesus.htm

Finding Strength by Lindsey Beus

Scientists have spent many years on trying to make the human race stronger. There is an idea programmed into your minds that we must be strong in order to survive. This is the idea of the “survival of the fittest.” The only question is, how do we receive strength. Alma prayed to the Lord and said, “O Lord, give us strength according to our faith which is in Christ, even unto deliverance” (1). Alma and Amulek, were in a tough situation where they were being held as prisoners. They needed the strength to break free. We don’t need to keep searching the fields of science for how to receive strength. The Lord grants us strength based on our faith, when we ask and require it. Alma and Amulek were able to break free “for the Lord had granted unto them power, according to their faith which was in Christ” (2). The answer is as simple as that.

Everyone needs strength in his or her lives for various things. This strength can be emotional, mental, physical, or spiritual. My sister suffers with depression and has the struggle of having no control over her emotions. She was on medications, but they did little to help her be happy, but rather, made her lose focus in life and become more miserable. I have watched her grow stronger every day as she preys for help to Heavenly Father. I am convinced that it is because of her prayers that she was able to get off of the medication and onto weaker natural herbs but find happiness, even when she has less help from human knowledge. She is one of the strongest people I know and I know that she is strong because of her faith. “Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: even to him shall men come; and all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed” (3). I know that like Isaiah says, my sister can overcome the horrors of the world, and if she can when her mind tells her that the world is against her, then anyone can.

We may also need physical and spiritual strength to fight back against the adversary and his fiery darts. “And in the strength of the Lord they did contend against their enemies… until they had driven them out of all the lands of their inheritance” (4). We also need to find our strength in the Lord and drive the daemons of our lives out of our lands and away from our salvation. We cannot let our personal weaknesses win.

We do also need to remember, that we have been blessed with strength already, but we do not need to mock those who have less of that blessing, or attempt to overuse ours. “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength” (5). We must remember not to push ourselves too far, but to do all that we can, nothing more and nothing less. However, the Lord will grant us the strength we need to do what has to be done, and we have been promised in the word of wisdom that we shall walk and not faint.

It is my testimony that everyone can find the strength they need in the Lord. Life is hard, and we all need someone to hold us up every now and then. Even if life is a struggle, we can look forward to the eternal rest and happiness that awaits us if we work hard and give all the strength we have to do what is right.


1. Alma 14:26
2. Alma 14:28
3. Isaiah 45:24
4. Words of Mormon 1:14
5. Mosiah 4:27
6. Image by Madison Holler

A Mind of Gratitude By Alicia Collette

“In the church of Jesus Christ, we teach not to teach people thing they didn’t know but to teach them to do things they aren’t doing.” (1) It seems as though we are taught gratitude multiple times over. It’s apparent that we still not grateful for everything we have in this life and therefore we must be humbles and learn to be grateful again. The problem is that we grow to expect certain pleasures we enjoy; parents doing the laundry, mother making dinner every night, and parents helping to pay for necessities. The key is to take the time to remember how much others help us and to be grateful.

“He who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious” (2). Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation and thankfulness for blessings or benefits we have received. It is an uplifting exalting attitude. The Lord wants you to have a spirit of gratitude in all you do and say. As we live with a spirit of thanksgiving and cultivate a grateful attitude, we will have greater happiness and satisfaction in life and be stronger spiritually. We cannot be mean spirited when we are grateful.

We also are advised to find gratitude while in our trials. The fact is, it’s hard to be grateful when you facing a trial but the trial continues to be hard until you realize how grateful you are for things and once you have a grateful attitude the trial becomes easier to bear. Being grateful for past mistake and trials in my life is something I try to do because they make me who I am. Even if I wasn’t grateful for them at the time it all works out in the end. We resonate with the Prophet Joseph’s petition after he had been falsely accused and imprisoned in Liberty Jail for months: “O God, where art thou? And where is the pavilion that covereth thy hiding place?”The Lord’s answer is reassuring:“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high.” (3) One of the essential doctrines illuminated by the Restoration is that there must be opposition in all things for righteousness to be brought to pass. This life is not always easy, nor was it meant to be; it is a time of testing and proving. Elder Harold B. Lee taught, “Sometimes the things that are best for us and the things that bring eternal rewards seem at the moment to be the most bitter” (4)

Of course our ultimate gratitude should be towards Christ and his atonement. Without Christ, we would all have to suffer outer darkness. “There is no grief, no pain, no sickness so great that the Atonement of Christ and the love of Christ cannot heal.” (5) We should thank our Heavenly Father for His goodness to us by acknowledging His hand in all things through thoughtful prayer. We should especially thank Him for His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, for the Savior's great example, for His teachings, for His outreaching hand to lift and help, for His infinite Atonement.

Showing our gratitude is an essential part of being grateful. Express gratitude to the Lord by the way you live, by doing so you show that you love Him and are grateful to Him. Keep his commandments, pray, serve others and express appreciation to everyone who helps you in any way in the name of Christ. The story of the ten lepers is the classic example of giving thanks to those who bless your life. And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole. (6)

It is essential that we take the time to have a grateful mind and attitude towards life. Not only will our lives improve, but we can help others on their way to salvation. Christ is the ultimate example of perfect gratitude and we should follow in his example. I know that through a humble attitude and a grateful look on life we can strive to be more like our older brother. This gospel is the only way back to our father in Heaven and I know that if we do our best, one day we will be reunited with those we love. Amen.


Works Cited
1. Missionary Fireside –President Bradford Brazil Sao Paulo Interlagos mission
2. D&C 78:19
3. D&C 121:7
4. Harold B. Lee quotes
5. Teaching of the Prophet Joseph Smith
6. Luke 17 11-19

"New in Christ" Jake Chappell

There are many people in the church who abide by the “sticks and stones” concept. Someone may say an offensive comment about another and the choice is presented to ignore it or dwell on it in the heart. Obviously, there may have been a misunderstanding where communication failed or gossip stirred, however, a recurrent demeaning insult proves that there is a problem. Yet, no matter how far one strays, they can still come back to the fold through Christ.

In May of 2001, my family and I moved from Arizona to Idaho. The move was hard on my siblings and me, as we left the comfort of old friends to begin new relationships in Idaho. My older brother, Joseph, was especially taken aback because he was starting high school and knew no one. But it turns out that school was not the problem. On our first day of church, everyone was inviting and happy to greet us. All of us kids had found new friends and were doing well. But Joseph was choosing not so stellar friends and some members at church obvously did not approve of his new conduct.

Joseph found a new hobby, snowboarding, which he enjoyed with his friends. They all had grown their hair out to a little less than shoulder length and it was the cool thing with his friends. When Sunday rolled around, we sat in the middle row of the pews, as usual. One of the regular attending members came around shake hands and called Joseph “Skater Boy”. Big deal, right? It’s just a funny, stereotypical joke. Eventually, this member’s sons would come to mutual and repeat the name over and over, never calling Joseph by his name. And Sundays were no different with this entire family, in fact, many of the members thought that Joseph was a rebel and unworthy to perform priesthood ordinances. This all started with his long hair. I myself grew my hair out the same length as Joseph, and I would always get little comments from people telling me to cut it, telling me that I looked like a punk. Since when did a hairstyle that is not extreme at all become punk? Eventually I cut my hair so that people would stop bugging me about something so minuscule. THEREFORE thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things (Rom 2:1).

One Wednesday, I heard Joseph say, “Why should I go to mutual if I will only be taunted?” Of course, my parents encouraged him to attend and he went, unwillingly. Eventually, Joseph and another young man decided to do other things during mutual. They would attend sparingly, only participating in church ball or other activities that they were interested in. Joseph began his descent into worldly things as he made friends with low standards. By junior year in high school, he brought home failing grades along with addictive substances that he hid from my parents. He was a completely different person, I would go in his room to hang out, the room would be smoky, smelling of incense and he would look half asleep, laughing about everything.

At length, he dropped out of high school, my parents found out about his problems, he had completely stopped all church activity, and who knows what else. With the many prayers of my parents, he has turned around dramatically. This sounds bad but is actually pretty good; he only smokes cigarettes and drinks occasionally now. He found a job and has started trying to get to church on Sundays. He told me that he wants to stop smoking because he knows it is bad for both his physical and spiritual health. I am glad that he has found a glimmer of hope for the future, and I pray that he can know of God’s love for him and that he can repent. There fore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new (2 Cor. 5:17).

Now, I am not implying that just because of a member’s sense of self-righteousness, Joseph chose wrong things. What I am saying is that when a ward is united, they know each other’s wants and needs and do everything necessary to find and keep the “lost sheep”. I feel that our ward only wanted the stereotypical image of a righteous young man, and Joseph did not meet their criteria. In Jacob 2, Nephi has just died and the people have already well on their way through the pride cycle. Jacob denounces their practices and preaches repentance. And it supposeth me that they have come up hither to hear the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul (Jacob 2:8). I know that the prayers of my family and others are helping put experiences in my brother's life to soften his heart, and I know that Christ can heal his, and all other's wounded souls. I am so greatful for the opportunity of the Gospel in my life and the blessings I recieve for obeying Gods commandments. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Works Cited

The Book of Mormon. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1981.
The Scriptures: CD-ROM Edition 1.1. Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2005.
http://www.lds.org

The Holy Bible: King James Version

I Believe in Christ- by Lindsay Chandler

For the last few years that my grandpa was alive, he would occasionally take me aside and say, “Lindsay, at my funeral, you’re going to play ‘I Believe in Christ’ on the flute, with your cousin playing the violin.” I would always remind him that we had many years to think about that, and to not worry about his funeral yet. So when he passed away a year ago, it was a huge shock to me. Suddenly, I had to recommit to my testimony of death and resurrection, to once again believe that I could be with him again. I struggled with this for a long time, until one day I knelt beside my bed to pray for peace and comfort. Then the words “I Believe in Christ” became fixed in my mind. I sat there, stunned, and completely at peace. I realized that my grandpa didn’t ask me to play that song just because he liked it. He asked me to play it because he wanted me to know that he had a testimony of Christ. Now, whenever I sing or hear that song, tears come to my eyes as I realize that he is bearing his testimony to me all over again. I will never forget that message.

I can proudly say that I, too, believe in Christ. Believe is a strong word, much stronger than the world says it is. There are many Hebrew words similar to the word for believe (ye’aminu). Some of them are ye’eman (faithful), ne’emanim (of long continuance), ya’amin (put trust in), ye’amen (let it be established), and ye’amnu (let it be verified) [1]. So to combine these various translations, to believe is to be steadfast and confident in a truth. When you believe something, you defend your belief and support others that share your belief. It is a commitment. Neal A. Maxwell said that “True believers are settled in their views of Christ…gladly perform their duties in the kingdom…are humble…are willing to do what Christ wants…have a balanced contentment…truly pray…have both right conduct and right reasons for that conduct…rejoice in the success of others…remember that forgetting is part of forgiving…are innocent as to sin, but not naïve…are happy” [2]. Those who truly believe are willing to do God’s work and live a life that conforms to his word. To believe is more than a statement; it is a lifestyle, a change of heart.

When we believe in Christ, we are also uplifted by him. We are granted that Spirit “which giveth knowledge, and also power according to [our] faith and desires which are in God” [3]. We can then use this incredibly powerful spirit to strengthen our testimony, and to help other people believe in Christ as well. True disciples of Christ will never be satisfied until the gospel is brought to the whole earth. It amazes me that the Spirit can testify to someone of Christ’s divinity through another. When Ammon is teaching King Lamoni about God, he asks the queen if she believes in his words. Her reply is, “I have had no witness save thy word and the word of our servants; nevertheless I believe that it shall be according as thou hast said” [4]. Her faith was strong after only a few witnesses, because she had the Spirit. When we have the courage to share our testimony with others, the Spirit can touch their hearts so that they know that what we say is true. It is not only a blessing, but it is our responsibility as well.

Of course, no one receives a testimony without any effort. As Alma says, “if thou wilt call on his name in faith, believing that ye shall receive, then shalt thou receive the hope which thou desirest” [5]. God will not deny answers to those who diligently seek for them. If we ask in faith, and believe what we have been given, then we can strengthen our testimony with his help. I think that the reason why I received an answer to my prayer was that I turned to Heavenly Father. I really knew that he could give me the strength and comfort that I needed, and I was not disappointed. He cares about us so much, and he wants us to believe.

I believe that Christ is the son of God. I believe that he came to this earth to teach us God’s will and to be an example to us, but most importantly, he came to die for us. As the scriptures prophesied, “he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and sicknesses of his people” [6]. And “he shall take upon him the transgressions of those who believe on his name” [7]. I believe that he really made this sacrifice for all of us because of his deep love for all of God’s children. I believe that he is a beloved friend and brother to anyone who follows him, and that he looks after us with love. I love him with all of my heart; he is my best friend.

[1] LDS Scripture Concordance Program
[2] Neal A. Maxwell, “True Believers”, New Era, April 1994, 20
[3] Alma 18:35
[4] Alma 19:9
[5] Alma 22:16
[6] Alma 7:11
[7] Alma 11:40
Photo: taken by Bill Chandler

"Christmas Needs Love to be Christmas" by Adam Yankee

During this time of the year I feel it customary to write on the subject of love. For the past couple of days, I have been feeling fit to burst because I am so full of the Christmas spirit. Love is the true meaning of Christmas, after all that is why our Savior came to the Earth, “that they might rejoice and be filled with love towards God and all men.”1 Love is the most powerful force known to mankind, it is the whole reason we exist and the reason that we will one day be reunited together with our heavenly family.

It is a wonderful thing to imagine just how much the Savior loves each one of us, it knows no boundaries. We should be the same way in our love towards our fellow men. During the Christmas season we all have many opportunities to show others how much we care, whether it’s a food drive, a dollar for the Salvation Army, or giving a toy to child that has none, we can make a difference. When we focus on giving rather than getting, that is when you will feel what Christmas is all about. “Every man should love his neighbor as himself,”2 if we follow this simple instruction, we will not only be serving our fellow man, but the Savior as well.

A few Christmas seasons ago, I had an experience with my family that I will never forget. It was Christmas Eve, and my family and I were driving about town bringing plates of homemade goodies to friends and various others when we finally finished and had one plate left. Driving home that night, we drove past a homeless man on the side of the road pushing what was probably all of his belongings in a grocery cart and wearing what looked like a seventy year old coat. A couple minutes later, I told my mother that I was prompted that we should go back and give that man the remaining plate and she said that she was already thinking the same thing. So we drove back around and found him tottering along in the cold and black of night on his way to wherever he would call home that night. We stopped the car and got out to see him, as we approached him trying to get his attention he seemed confused that we were actually talking to him until we got up to him. We handed him the plate of cookies and told him we loved him and to have a Merry Christmas. After a few moments, tears began to trickle down his face and he told us that he had no teeth. With a smile on his face he asked us if we would give them to a child that would enjoy them in his place. He said not to feel bad that he couldn’t eat them, because the greatest gift to him was that he knew someone that Christmas cared about him. The greatest gift we can possibly give is our love. Love breaks all barriers and unites all the inhabitants of the Earth. “Having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.”3

It is important to remember why we celebrate Christmas. We celebrate because of the birth of our Savior and the Love that he has for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”4 Christ is the ultimate example of Love; He died for us so that we could live together again. It is hard to express in words how powerful his love his; it is something that once you come unto Him yourself that you will come to understand.

As I near the end of this blog, I would like to express how much I love everyone right now, how much I love my Savior and how much I want to help those in need. I would like to close by saying that I know for a surety that if we will focus on spreading love and kindness to everyone around us this season, that we will find true happiness. “Feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.”5 With all my love, I wish you all a Merry Christmas.


1. Book of Mormon, Mosiah 2:4
2. Book of Mormon, Mosiah 23:15
3. Book of Mormon, Mosiah 18:21
4. Bible:New Testament, John 3:16
5. Book of Mormon, Jacob 3:2

Take a Ride on the "Soul" Train

Take a Ride on the "Soul" Train
Bethany Cox




During my very first semester at BYU (summer of '07) I took a class called Intro to Philosophy. Near the end of the semester we started talking about 'the soul'. What is a 'soul'? Is it the spirit of somebody? Is it an all-encompassing personality? Well of course we never came to any one conclusion. There is no such thing as any one conclusion in philosophy. I came up with my own idea and wrote my final paper on it. I got a B+, I think. The following paragraph is MY understanding of souls and the way they work and interact with each other.

Our souls are living. They have substance that we can't See or feel because that substance is in some other dimension, i.e. behind the veil. Our souls envelop us and radiate outside of our physical bodies. This is what some people refer to as "aura". Now, what exactly shapes our souls and makes them what they are today? Our souls start out pure and clear and innocent. When we come into close proximity with any other person's soul or aura, they mix and mingle and share themselves with each other. We, in a sense, become a part of whoever we interact with through our "soul sharing". This explains the feeling of empathy. We are a part of everyone and every person is a part of us, so we can feel each other. But that is a topic for some other blog!

Like I said, that is all my interpretation of souls and what they are and how they grow and become "us". Now what do the scriptures say? Jacob 2:8 mentions "the pleasing word of God, yea, the word which healeth the wounded soul." This leads me to believe that, yes indeed, the soul is living and can feel and be wounded and healed. Enos 1:4 says "my soul hungered". Another indication that the soul is living and needs care. Omni 1:26- "offer your whole souls as an offering unto Him" we can give of our souls and share with Christ and others. We need to be consciously offering our souls to God, sharing all of our experiences with Him. If we pour out our souls to God he will, in turn, fill us with HIS soul, or the light of Christ. King Benjamin "labor[ed] with faculty of his whole soul" (Words of Mormon 1:18) to establish peace in the land. He shared of his love and wisdom and peace and helped shape the souls of all who were in the land.

The Old Testament word for soul is "nephesh". This is translated in 31 ways in the Bible, with "life" being the most occuring translation. Other translations include myself, pleasure, appetite, ghost, dead body, creature, one, and person. It is very interesting that one word can be translated to 'life' and 'dead body'. This is explained by the root of the word 'nephesh' which is 'to breathe'. A dead body once breathed. Our souls live and breathe. (w.c. 5.)

I believe that the word "soul" is very much misused in our language today. It is more than our eternal spirit or personality or body or memory. It is all of that combined that lives forever, perhaps reincarnating to grow from more experiences in different circumstances. I know that our souls are exactly 'us' and we can be who we want to be if we associate with other souls who have already reached whatever plane we would like to be on. We, in turn, must help others reach their 'soul goals' by sharing our souls with them and accepting theirs.

Works Cited
1. Jacob 2:5 (Book of Mormon)
2. Enos 1:4 (Book of Mormon)
3. Omni 1:26 (Book of Mormon)
4. Words of Mormon 1:18 (Book of Mormon)
5. http://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/soul-and-spirit.htm
6. picture from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/26/science/26soul.html