God helped my 12-year-old find his iPod

By A. W.

One day my 12-year-old son was walking through the house looking for something. Opening and closing cabinets, picking up sofa cushions. Going in and out of the garage.

“What are you looking for?” I asked.

“My iPod,” he said.

“Did you pray about it?”

“Yeah, right,” he grumped and moved into the other room.

A while later he returned and repeated the seeking maneuvers: cushions up and down, rug lifted and replaced, drawers opened and shut.

“Still haven’t found it? Why don’t you pray about it?”

“No and no. Heavenly Father does not care if I find my iPod.”

I answered: “You’re right. Heavenly Father does not care if you find your iPod. But He does very much care about whether or not you’re happy. And He also appreciates chances to show you that He answers prayers.”

“Well, I’m not going to.”

“Okay, it’s your choice.”

Over the next few hours the door slamming and drawer shutting continued. The school backpack was emptied and repacked. The trash can was emptied and re-filled. The coat closet was turned inside out and reloaded. The iPod was not to be found. The seeker’s grumpiness increased.

“Do me a favor,” I asked. “Please, just go pray about it. You have already spent hours looking. Why not spend five minutes asking for help?”

“Fine,” he agreed at last and trudged up the stairs to his room. Six minutes later, he returned, iPod in hand.

“You found it!” I exclaimed. “Did you even have a chance to say your prayer?”

He sat down sheepishly. “I knelt down at my bed and bowed my head and from there I could see it jammed behind the bed. That is the only place I could have seen it.”

“So you didn’t pray after all?” I asked.

“Yes,” he answered, “I did. I wanted to tell Him thank you for His help.”

Image from lds.org.

Ask and it shall be given unto you; Seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be 

opened.

- Matthew 7: 7-8

It's crazy what a little faith can do.

By Elder Brian

My grandma used to tell us grandkids stories about our ancestors that crossed the plains with the pioneers all the time when I was little. She would tell us about all the trials they went through as well as
all the amazing miracles they witnessed. One of these stories I would have my grandma tell me over and over again. It was my absolute favorite and it's the one I would like to share. It's about my Great
Great Grandma Mellor.

Great Grandma Mellor was going through a hard time before they even left England. She had just given birth to conjoined twins who had died just moments after birth and Grandma Mellor's health wasn't to great either. She was told by the captain of the ship that if she got on the boat to America that she would die and just become shark bait. Night came around and she was given a blessing that her and all of her family would make it to the Salt Lake Valley. She was then smuggled onto the ship and off they went.

Later in their trek to Zion the extremities were beyond comprehension. It was so cold at night that her children's braids froze to the ground and needed to be cut off in order to free the child. They were starving and freezing to death and yet they pressed on with faith.

from lds.org

Grandma Mellor couldn't make it any farther. She sat down on a rock kissed her husband and children good bye and cried. Her daughter Elizabeth Mellor could not stand the thought of leaving her mother behind for the wolves to devour. She turned around and ran back towards her mother. On her way she stopped and offered a prayer of thanks as well as asking for a miracle. She told God the situation and acknowledged that she could not do it herself. After she said amen, she got up and continued towards Grandma Mellor with faith that God would bless her and her mother with strength. On her way she found a fresh hot pie on the frozen snow. This was truly a miracle and a gift from God. She took the pie to her mother and it gave them the strength to press forward and the did so with faith. She and her entire family made it to the Salt Lake Valley.

It is clear that our Father in Heaven loves us and will take care of us as long as we have faith in Him. It's crazy what a little faith can do.

What my child's allergies taught me about God's love for His children.

By Corbin C.

My daughter, Colette, is 18 months old. About 6 months ago we discovered that she has quite a few food allergies. She’s allergic to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, soy, dairy, and some beans and legumes. Our son, Daxton, who is 3 ½ will eat anything you put in front of him, and lots of things we don’t put in front of him, too. But one of his favorite snacks, like many kids, is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. It’s hard for his sister to see him eating a delicious sandwich that she can’t have.

We tell Colette, “You can’t eat that. It will make you sick.” But of course she doesn’t understand; she’s only 18 months old. Our son has picked up on this exchange and he’s taken it upon himself to be the self-appointed enforcer of his sister’s dietary restrictions. He is pretty vigilant and I’ve been corrected more than once: “Dad, Colette can’t eat that. It has beans in it.”

However, as long as the list of foods Colette can’t eat already is, I noticed that according to our son, the list kept growing ever so slightly. First it was, “Colette can’t eat chocolate. It will give her a belly ache.” Then it was cupcakes that would make her sick. Finally our son declared that his sister was allergic to all desserts and if she ate them she might die. Smart kid. I’m only jealous that I didn’t think to tell my son HE was allergic to desserts first.

But there is an important lesson to learn from this experience. My daughter sees something that she thinks will taste good and she wants it. I as a parent know that if she eats that peanut butter, she will feel very sick. She could even have an anaphylactic reaction and without treatment she really might die. But she doesn’t know that; all she knows is that her brother is eating a delicious snack that she can’t have. I love both of my children equally, but in that moment, I can imagine my daughter is wondering why I would give her brother a delicious snack and deny her the same pleasure. How often do we forget that our Heavenly Father loves each of us equally as his children and he knows what is good for us better than we know ourselves?

We might consider the situation of a neighbor or friend and wonder why our Heavenly Father loves them more than us. But the truth is that he loves each of us more than we can comprehend and he knows exactly what we need in order to give us the best chance at growing and developing and one day becoming like Him.



In the spring of 1820, a young boy of 14 was curious to know which church he should be attending. He studied the scriptures regularly and found a passage in the New Testament that told him to pray and ask God. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” (James 1:5) That young boy, Joseph Smith, knelt in solemn prayer in a grove of trees to ask our Heavenly Father which church he should attend. In one profound moment, the heavens opened and the boy prophet saw God the Father, and Jesus Christ. In that moment, more light and knowledge regarding the existence and nature of God was poured out upon the earth than in all the many centuries since Christ walked the earth combined.

Elder Tad R. Callister taught:

When Joseph Smith emerged from the grove of trees, he eventually learned four fundamental truths not then taught by the majority of the contemporary Christian world. 

First, he learned that God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are two separate, distinct beings. The Bible confirms Joseph Smith’s discovery. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son” (John 3:16). A father offering up his only son is the supreme demonstration of love that the human mind and heart can conceive and feel. It is symbolized by the touching story of Abraham and Isaac (see Genesis 22). But if the Father is the same being as the Son, then this sacrifice of all sacrifices is lost, and Abraham is no longer offering up Isaac—Abraham is now offering up Abraham.

The second great truth Joseph Smith discovered was that the Father and the Son have glorified bodies of flesh and bones. Following the Savior’s resurrection, He appeared to His disciples and said, “Handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have” (Luke 24:39). Some have suggested this was a temporary physical manifestation and that when He ascended to heaven He shed His body and returned to His spirit form. But the scriptures tell us this was not possible. Paul taught, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him” (Romans 6:9). In other words, once Christ was resurrected, His body could never again be separated from His spirit; otherwise He would suffer death, the very consequence Paul said was no longer possible after His Resurrection. 

The third truth that Joseph Smith learned was that God still speaks to man today—that the heavens are not closed. 

If God loves every one of his children equally, we can be sure that he will give us every aid and help that he gave to his children in centuries past. In days of old, the Lord called prophets to teach the people his gospel. Prophets like Isaiah, Moses, Abraham. The Lord gave them a special charge to teach the people his plan for them.

We know that the Lord still calls prophets in our day to preach his gospel and teach us his plan. In the Lord’s church today, just as anciently, establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations is a matter of divine revelation. In the Bible we find the prophet Amos giving a profound truth: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)

The fourth truth that Joseph Smith learned was that the full and complete Church of Jesus Christ was not then upon the earth. Of course there were good people and some components of the truth, but the Apostle Paul had anciently prophesied that the Second Coming of Christ would not come “except there come a falling away first” (2 Thessalonians 2:3).

The Lord called Joseph to restore upon the earth the same church that Christ had established when he walked with his apostles. The 6th Article of Faith states, “We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth. Through Joseph Smith, the Lord restored all the powers, keys, teachings, and ordinances necessary for salvation and exaltation.

Just as in 1820 when Joseph Smith was confused about which church was God’s true church, so today there exist a multitude of different religions and beliefs. There are those today that would say that all religions are equally right, that all paths lead to God. It is true that there are so many good people in all the wonderful religions of the world. And they do so much good in this world. They are serving the Lord according to their light and knowledge. All churches have some truth, and some of them have very much truth. We do not say they are wrong, only that they are incomplete. Our Heavenly Father would give them more. He hopes that they would seek further light and knowledge in whatever place they may find it. Through Joseph Smith and the restored gospel of Jesus Christ all the necessary principles and ordinances that are required for us to return to live with God after this life have been revealed.

Then there is, of course, the opposite view of those that would say all religions are right. They would say all religions are wrong together. I would urge anyone who might have that opinion to first, keep an open mind and an open heart, and second, ask in sincere prayer to God if he exists and if this is his true church. Once you have felt the comfort and peace that comes from the influence of the Holy Ghost, any doubt of the existence of God melts away in a profound experience that may not be easy to explain to others, but is no less real because of that. “…for the spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10)

Another profound truth that was revealed in this dispensation through the prophet Joseph Smith is that of the gospel being preached to the dead in the spirit world to those who did not have a fair chance to hear it in this life. (D&C 128:5–22; see also D&C 138:30–34). This was not a new revelation; it was the restoration of a biblical truth. The apostle Peter had taught “For this cause was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to men in the flesh, but live according to God in the spirit” (1 Peter 4:6). Those who accept the gospel of Jesus Christ in the spirit world will have every blessing given to those who accepted and lived faithful lives here in mortality.

Again in Elder Callister’s words:

On occasion, some are willing to set aside the precious gospel truths restored by Joseph Smith because they get diverted on some historical issue or some scientific hypothesis not central to their exaltation, and in so doing they trade their spiritual birthright for a mess of pottage. They exchange the absolute certainty of the Restoration for a doubt, and in that process they fall into the trap of losing faith in the many things they do know because of a few things they do not know. There will always be some seemingly intellectual crisis looming on the horizon as long as faith is required and our minds are finite, but likewise there will always be the sure and solid doctrines of the Restoration to cling to, which will provide the rock foundation upon which our testimonies may be built. 

When many of Christ’s followers turned from Him, He asked His Apostles, “Will ye also go away?” 

Peter then responded with an answer that should be engraved on every heart: “To whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life” (John 6:66–68).

 Indeed, the words of Jesus Christ are the words of eternal life. His words can be found in the Holy Scriptures. Through the prophet Joseph Smith, the Book of Mormon, another testament of Jesus Christ was translated.

Along with the Bible, the Book of Mormon is an indispensable witness of the doctrines of Christ and his divinity. As the Bible relates the events of Christ’s mortal ministry in Jerusalem, we know that the Book of Mormon relates the events of the ancient people on the American continent.

The Book of Mormon was written by ancient American prophets who testified of Christ’s coming just as the prophets of the Old Testament did. The Book of Mormon also highlights the coming of the Savior after his resurrection to the Nephite people. This second witness serves to confirm the truths taught in the Bible and establish the doctrines of Jesus Christ in a clear and complete manner.

Someday, my daughter Colette will understand English. At least that’s my hope. Then I will be able to explain to her that certain foods aren’t good for her. I’ll be able to reason with her. But for now, she has to go on faith that I will take care of her and do what’s best for her.

If any of you find yourself questioning your testimony or doubting that there is a loving Savior who has restored his true and living church again on the earth, then have faith for the moment. Search the scriptures diligently and learn of Him. Your spiritual vocabulary will slowly expand and you will begin to see the Lord’s hand in your life. You will begin to understand his wonderful plan for you and for all of His children. Pray sincerely and ask for that understanding. I know that the Lord lives and that through Joseph Smith He restored his church again on the earth. I know that a living prophet receives revelation and guides His church on the earth today. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Everything is going to be ok. And if it is NOT ok, THAT is ok, too.

By Emily W. 

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.”  Proverbs 3: 5-6

I don't know if anyone else does this, but I pray a lot in the car, while I'm driving. I guess because it is some of the only 'quiet time' I get. And around this time I was praying a lot because I was worried. I was pregnant with my third child and I just didn't 'feel pregnant' anymore. I didn't think I was as big as I had been. I remember trying to figure out if I should call my doctor and try to get in to see him sooner, but then thinking about how that was going to mess up the weekend with my in-laws who were visiting from out of town. I decided I was going to just wait until my appointment the next week, and I was going to 'not worry until they tell me there is something to worry about.'

And I had a clear answer. The thought came to my mind very clearly that "Everything is going to be ok. And if it is NOT ok, THAT is ok, too." 

The fact was, things were ‘not ok.’ At my doctor’s appointment that next week we found out our baby had died in utero. I was admitted to the hospital and induced, and, three days later I delivered our stillborn son, Gabriel. 

Looking back, I see so many blessings a loving Heavenly Father provided for me to get through this horrible time of my life. The blessing that I had been worried so I made my husband attend the doctor’s  appointment with me. The blessing that my in-laws were in town to support my husband and take care of things at home while I was in the hospital. The blessing that I had three days in the hospital waiting for Gabriel to be born so I could get a little bit of time to prepare.

I found a list that I had made around that time of things I wanted to accomplish and goals I had. Everything from "find a way to quit my job and stay home with the kids", "better relationship with my husband", "attend church more regularly", and "lose weight". There were maybe 10 things on that list. After Gabriel died I realized that every single thing on that list was brought about by Gabriel's short life and then his death.

Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it. 

This is a conversation I will have someday with my Heavenly Father.

Me: "Really? Was that the only way to get my attention and accomplish those things?" 

I can be thankful for the growth, if not for the way it came about. And I can see that having this particular baby (Gabriel, stillborn 5/10/02 at 21 weeks) and being married to this particular man (a graphic artist/illustrator) has allowed me to do some small good in the world. I have a website to sell mementos and scrapbooking materials for families who have lost a child. I have met people I would never have met. I have a perspective of what things are important and what things are not. Gabriel has made me a more patient, sympathetic, and understanding person. 

The biggest blessing is my knowledge that families can be forever. Eternity is a small time, and our time on earth is just one quick blip of that. I think of it in this way. You know when you’re at the park and all the kids are out there running around? I’m sitting on the side and Gabriel popped in for a quick, “Hi, Mom!” and he is off again. Someday I will get to know my boy, and it is a blessing to know that.

Trust me: look up!

By Allie D.

My little boy's hair was starting to look a little shaggy, so I gave him a haircut at the kitchen table. Without the benefit of one of those smocks they have you wear at professional hair cutter places, his hair ended up all over the floor, all over the chair, all over the table, and all over him.

It was time for a bath.

Normally this little boy loves baths. He's two and a half--what's not to love about a bath? He doesn't even mind if the water is cold. Because--it's WATER!!!

But this time he was covered in hair, and that hair had to come off. Sometimes I let him go without shampooing, but this was not going to be one of those times. We needed to seriously scrub this kid's hair. If we didn't, it would be itchy and disgusting for him.

Of course, being only two and a half, he didn't understand. He glared at me while I shampooed him, but the worst was yet to come.

Rinsing is the worst.

"Look up!" I told him, but he didn't trust me. To him, it seemed that if he dared to look up, he'd get shampooey water in his eyes--when in reality, if he looked up, I could shield his eyes and protect his face as I rinsed his hair out.

After several attempts at persuasion, I finally just gave up and rinsed his hair with his face pointing downward. Yes, he got suds in his eyes. I know it couldn't have hurt that bad because it was pH-balanced baby wash that is practically meant to get in your baby's eyes. But this child raged anyway. I'm sure he felt betrayed: his darling momma intentionally got sudsy water in his eyes!

Even worse: that darling momma had told him to look into the water as she poured!

He just didn't understand.

As I dried him off, I had to wonder: how often does God tell us to look up so he can clean us, protect us, and bless us? How often do we look down instead, out of fear that instead of protecting our eyes, God will fail us and allow us to get hurt?

I know that God wants us to look up. He will always shield us and protect us if we follow His instructions. It's only when we disobey that we end up with the proverbial shampoo in our eyes. We might rage against Him while our eyes sting, but all the while He just shakes His head at us, wishing that we'd had the faith to look up the first time He asked, so He could have washed us and kept us safe.

I know that as we put out faith in God and trust Him no matter what, even the commandments we don't understand will lead to blessings in our lives.

3 Nephi 10:5-6: And again, ^ahow oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, who have fallen; yea, O ye people of the house of Israel, ye that dwell at Jerusalem, as ye that have fallen; yea, how oft would I have gathered you as a hen gathereth her chickens, and ye would not. 

 6 O ye house of Israel whom I have ^aspared, how oft will I gather you as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, if ye will repent and ^breturn unto me with full purpose of ^cheart. 

How has God told you to look up? What blessings have you experienced by trusting God the first time He asks?