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YW Lesson 19: Personal Records

Boyd K. Packer, "Your Family History: Getting Started," Ensign, Aug. 2003, 12 - Several years ago Sister Packer and I determined that we should get our records in order. However, under the pressure of Church responsibilities with my travels about the world, and the obligations with our large family and a home to keep up both indoors and outdoors, there just was not enough time. But we were restless about this family history responsibility, and finally we determined that somehow we would have to make more time in the day. During the Christmas holidays when we had a little extra time, we started. Then as we moved back to a regular schedule after the...

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YM Lesson 19: Overcoming Temptation

Richard G. Scott, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign, May 2004, 100 - Excellent suggestions to combat the deteriorating world environment have been given in this conference. As a prophet of God, President Gordon B. Hinckley put world conditions and our opportunities into crystal clear perspective. Two of his recent comments to priesthood and auxiliary leaders illustrate that prophetic vision. First, regarding the challenge we face: "The traditional family is under heavy attack. I do not know that things were worse in the times of Sodom and Gomorrah. ... We see similar conditions today. They prevail all across the world. I think our Father must weep as He looks down upon His wayward sons...

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Lesson 19: The Reign of the Judges

Kristin E. Litchman, "Deborah and the Book of Judges," Ensign, Jan. 1990, 32 - "In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes." (Judg. 21:25.) The seventh book of the Old Testament ends with stories illustrative of the evil of the times, but earlier chapters provide a marked contrast to this dismal conclusion. They describe a righteous and God-fearing Israel settling in Canaan under Joshua's leadership: "The people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Joshua." (Judg. 2:7.) What happened in the interim? The book of Judges chronicles Israel's historical and spiritual life in...

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Last Day of the Month Again?

LDS Living - Before you drop the phone and bury your head in the bag of chips, consider the importance of home teaching in the Church today. We all have days like that and figured you might need a little hop in your step as you meander through your neighborhood, visiting families. So, we’ve put together a little guide for great guys like you, to give you a little perspective on home teaching: How to be a better companion, how to be a better home teacher, how to have better visits, and how to help less-active families. How to Be a Better Home Teaching...

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YW Lesson 18: Temple Marriage--Requirement for Eternal Family Life

LDS Living - As an introduction may I tell of two experiences. The first happened many years ago when I was at the new Washington D.C. Temple. A number of reporters were present on that occasion. They were curious concerning this beautiful building, different from other church buildings--different in concept, different in purpose, different concerning those who will be permitted within its sacred precincts. I explained that, after the building is dedicated as the house of the Lord, only members of the Church in good standing will be authorized to enter, but that prior to its dedication, for a period of from a month...

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YM Lesson 18: The Word of Wisdom

Masayuki Nakano, "Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: Blessed by the Word of Wisdom," Ensign, June 2005, 62 - When I was investigating the gospel before my baptism at age 15, I learned about the Word of Wisdom, as revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1833 (see D&C 89). I took it upon myself to obey this commandment as a sign of my obedience to God, despite any social pressure I might face. In the Japanese business world, it is customary for sales representatives to entertain prospective customers at nightclubs and bars. Accordingly, alcohol is an integral part of professional life for many people. But I have seen the consumption of alcohol become a stumbling block. In some cases...

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Lesson 18: "Be Strong and of a Good Courage"

Howard W. Hunter, "Commitment to God," Ensign, Nov. 1982, 57 - Reading and studying the scriptures make us conscious of the many conditional promises made by the Lord to encourage obedience and righteous living. Israelite history is filled with examples of covenants, which constitute one of the central themes of the Old Testament--the promises of God made in exchange for the commitments of the prophets and the people. The Lord made a covenant with Noah, and the rainbow became the token of that eternal covenant with all mankind. (See Gen. 9:13.) The covenant made with Abraham and his seed was sealed by the ceremony of circumcision as a sacrament. (See Gen. 17:10-11.)...

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6 Tips for New Converts

Kimbery Jo Smith - I found that becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was one of the most rewarding and remarkable periods of my life; however, at times it was still overwhelming. As the only member of the Church in my family, it was hard for me to fit into my role as a convert the way I would have liked to. There were many things that I did not understand and I was afraid to ask for help. I quickly learned that there are members who are happy and willing to help—sometimes I just needed to ask. Here...

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Salad Spectacular

LDS Living - The kids are almost out of school, the afternoons are warmer and sunnier, and appetites are rising all around!  Do yourself (and your kids) a favor and prepare something crisp and nutritional to eat. Teach your kids that vegetables aren’t really bad guys after all, and impress your friends with your exquisite cuisine. These salads are perfect to accompany or serve as a meal.  Break out those salad bowls and get ready for summer! Broccoli Salad 10 slices bacon 1 head fresh broccoli, cut into bite size pieces 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 1/2 cup raisins 3 tbsp white wine vinegar...

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Saturday Is a Special Day...

Kirsty Sayer - Keeping young kids dressed in all their finery, quiet, in one spot, for seventy minutes? And then for the overachievers, is it possible to make sure the kids come away with happy feelings about that period of silent inactivity, and for extra credit, have everyone come away spiritually uplifted? “Yeah, right,” you’re thinking. “This woman hasn’t been using her cleaning products in well-ventilated areas.” While that may be true, what if I told you that it is possible to come out of sacrament still wanting to be with your kids through the eternities. It will take some planning, some practice, and...