Mormon Life - Work tag

Dave Says: Daring to Dream Again

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I want to work a little after I retire, but I'm burned out by my job. How do I find the fire again?

Dear Dave,

I’m 53 and in a position financially to retire in a couple of years. I want to keep working some after retirement, but I’m so burned out by my job that I’m not sure what I would do. How can I find something that would light my fire again?

Nancy

Dear Nancy,

If you haven’t dreamed in a while, dreaming becomes an exercise. I think it would be a good idea to set aside some time, turn off the television, and just think about the things you like doing. Maybe you could schedule a long weekend, just for Nancy, and get away somewhere to just relax, unwind, and think about the things that make you happy.

It’s easy to get out of the habit of dreaming, but try to find some time that will allow you to get back the feelings you had when you were 18 and felt like you could conquer the world. Visit that place in your mind and your spirit, and think about what you’d aim at if you could do it all over again.

Dreaming is a great thing, but you have to formulate an idea. Once you have that in place, you can begin to develop a strategy for getting there. Make a list of the things you need to do ahead of time to make the transition possible. Would you need to take some classes or save up and buy some equipment between now and then? These are all important issues to address. And check out the book Quitter by Jon Acuff. It’s a fantastic read for folks in your situation. Good luck, Nancy!

—Dave

Dave Ramsey is America’s most trusted voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at daveramsey.com.

Dave Says: Don't Stay Down

Tue, 01 May 2012 00:04:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Should I accept state assistance for children's insurance while I get back on my feet?

Dear Dave,

I just lost my job due to company-wide layoffs. I have an emergency fund, but I’m losing my health insurance. Our state has a program that covers children’s healthcare in these kinds of situations. Would it be okay to accept this for my kids until I find another job and things get better?

Paul

Dear Paul,

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with accepting help when you’re down or struggling. On the other hand, to define yourself as being down or struggling is a really bad thing. By this, I mean you should never just sit there, consider yourself helpless, and expect someone else to take care of you. Remember this: everyone falls down. Losers stay down, but successful people get back up!

If I woke up one morning and realized I had no insurance or couldn’t feed my family because I’d lost my job, I’d be out looking for work all day long, every single day. If that didn’t work, I’d pack everyone up and go find another place to work and live. At the very least I’d map out a plan to work and make money somewhere else during the week, then come home weekends.

You sound like a good dad, and I love the fact that you’re thinking about your kids. Do what’s necessary to take care of them right now, even if it means getting help from the state. Make sure you’re out there busting it, and trying to make something happen in the job market, too. You shouldn’t still be living this way six months from now!

—Dave

For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

{LDS How-to} Use LDS Employment Services

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by Alexa Justesen
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Unemployment can be stressful and scary, but the Church has provided some great resources to find work quickly.

Whether you’ve just graduated from college and are looking for a job, or the economic downturn got the best of you, most of us will have to worry about unemployment at some point in time. Below is a quick guide for using LDS Employment Resource Services to help you get back on your feet by making a great impression in the job market.

The first step is to go to the LDS Employment Resource Services website at ldsjobs.org and create a free online account. This will allow you to upload a resume and find job listings based on your location. Employers will also be able to find your information.

Next, browse the website for job advice (which it is chock-full of), such as how to build a resume, dress for an interview, or network successfully. The website covers lots of information and is easy to use. You can even sign up to receive regular e-mails full of tips and success stories.

But what if you want some face-to-face counseling or resume-building help? Luckily, you can also set up a one-on-one advisement meeting at your local Employment Center with a career adviser. Employment Centers are located all over the world, generally in LDS meetinghouses. Full-time senior couple missionaries or part-time service missionaries are called specifically to help the unemployed find work. These meetings are especially successful because the career advisers can tailor the job search to you and your skills. They will also keep you updated on any career fairs, workshops, or meetings going on in your area.

With all of this information available, LDS Employment Resource Services maintains that there are a few things anyone can and should do when it comes to searching for a new job, whether you use their help or not:

• Build a network. Start with one person who knows and understands your career interests. Ask them to introduce you to others in your field of interest, and build a network from there. Success stories usually start from beginning a network.

• Create a power statement. In an interview, the employer wants to know why they should choose you over the other guy sitting in the lobby with his resume in hand. So tell them! A lot of people fear that they will sound like they are bragging if they talk about themselves too much in an interview, but that’s exactly what the prospective employer wants to hear. Create a strong statement about yourself, your accomplishments, and why you think you would be a great fit for the position. Don’t hold back during your interview.

• Find someone to look over your resume and cover letter. Make sure your materials are grammatically correct, and that you have included necessary information. Some employers base their judgments on resumes more than interviews, so you want yours to look as professional and informative as possible.

• Invest in an interview outfit. It’s called a “power suit” for a reason. If you saw two men or two women walking down the street, one dressed casually, the other in a sharp suit and shined shoes, who would get your positive attention first? We know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but in the case of a job interview, that book cover is the first thing the employer sees. Wear your new duds with confidence.

• Take a career test. LDS Employment encourages everyone without a job, regardless of whether you quit, were let go, or are a recent graduate to take a career test before starting the application process. The test helps you scope out your talents and abilities,and might even help you discover that your interests have changed, prompting you to look for completely different employment. You can take a career test by meeting with an LDS Employment Specialist.

No matter where you are on the job hunt, utilizing resources that are available to you will only increase your chances of finding long-term employment. With a little patience, a lot of effort, and with the help of LDS Employment Resource Services, finding a job will be that much easier.

Dave Says: Pension? Invest Anyway!

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: If I'm getting a pension, should I still save 15 percent for retirement?

Dear Dave,

My wife and I are both active duty Marines. She’s planning to get out in a few months, but I’m staying in for the long haul. You recommend saving 15 percent for retirement, but how does that apply in my case when I’ll be getting a good pension after 20 years?

James

Dear James,

I’d like to see you do both. Just imagine the money you guys would have for retirement with your military pension and a big pile of cash from having saved 15 percent of your income over the years.

Having options is a great thing. Think about all the things you could do down the road if you save for retirement and have your pension in place. You could pay cash for a home, or even open a business when you retire from the military. And these are things you probably wouldn’t be able to do working with just your service pension.

You’ve got a great future if you’ll just keep plugging along and saving, James. Let the military do its thing, and you guys keep pumping 15 percent of your income into Roth IRAs and other pre-tax retirement plans. It’s going to be pretty cool!

— Dave

For more financial help please visit daveramsey.com.

Dave Says: How Do You Know It's Your Calling?

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: How do you know you've found your true calling when it comes to a career?

Dear Dave,

How do you know when you’ve found your true calling when it comes to your job or your career?

Matt

Dear Matt,

I’ve met a few people who’ve had a spiritual experience in this area. Something has happened, almost like they were struck by lightning, and they knew what they were supposed to do with their lives. This isn’t the normal way people come to realization about their futures, but it does happen from time to time.

Usually, I believe this kind of revelation starts out as a simple idea that gradually grows into a job and then into a career. Then, it evolves over time into a calling. That’s how I stepped into what I’m doing today. I can’t honestly tell you that when I started on radio, or began writing and teaching, that I knew it was God’s purpose for my life. But I felt the weight and the drawing of it, almost like a magnetic pull.

I’ve been doing it for 20 years, so it definitely evolved over time into what it is today. Still, I’m positive it’s the reason I’m on this planet!

—Dave

For more financial help, visit daveramsey.com.

Dave Says: Lost Job, Might Move

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 00:03:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I have two job offers with varying pros and cons, including one with a move. What do you think? Dear Dave,

The job I have currently is about to be phased out, and I’m looking at two other offers. The pay for both is the same. One is short-term, nine months to a year, and it has a per diem so I wouldn’t have to move. The other job would last much longer, but I’d have to move and that would throw me about $3,500 further into debt. This company acts like it doesn’t want to help with the moving expenses, but I think I’d like the job better. What do you think I should do?

Michael

Dear Michael,

I’d move. And I’d also try to negotiate the heck out of this company and get them to foot some of the bill for the move.

If you’re valuable enough, and they like you enough to want you on their team, then I’d use that as a negotiating point before accepting the position. Tell them that you really want the job and you’re excited about it, but the only thing holding you back is $3,500 in moving costs.

You never know until you ask. And at that point they may see the wisdom of kicking in some cash to make it easier for you to decide!

—Dave

For more financial advice please visit daveramsey.com.

Mormons Believe in Work and Self-Reliance

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 08:09:00 -0700

source: mormonwoman.org

There are a lot of different ways we could capture a bit about how work is an important part of Mormon life and beliefs.

For example, we could quote prophetic teachings about the importance of work, such as this one from D. Todd Christofferson, a prophet and apostle in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:

{Single Saints} Is Success the Kiss of Death for a Single Woman?

Thu, 08 Mar 2012 00:04:00 -0700

by Vera Taylor
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I've been confronted with some surprising reactions from others to my professional success, and it has me wondering if the career I didn't choose overshadows the life I would choose in a heartbeat.

I have a good job and recently got a promotion at work. Shortly after the promotion was public I ran into an old friend--a guy who I was in a singles ward with several years ago. He is around my age (mid-30’s), single, educated, has a decent job, and is an overall nice and quality guy. We caught up on each other’s lives and I mentioned my promotion. Instead of saying “congratulations” or “that’s awesome” the first words out if his mouth were: “Be careful.”

What?!!?

He followed that up with “Don’t get too successful; we want you married sooner rather than later.” (Yeah, I don’t know who “we” is either.)

I wish I had a super smart comeback to say to him but instead I froze up and then laughed it off. However, his comment nagged at me all night, and I have thought about it many times since.

Let me be clear: I know he was well meaning, and I don’t want to unfairly criticize and single him out since I have heard similar comments from other sources. I do, however, want to comment on the inference that being a successful woman in the workplace diminishes opportunities to get married.

I have heard the statistics that the more educated a woman is the less likely she is to marry. I have heard the same sentiment expressed about successful working women. What I don’t really know is . . . is it true?

I'm guessing these statistics/assumptions stem from women who have pushed off marriage and children in order to climb the corporate ladder. And I know there are women who consciously choose career over family. But honestly, I don’t know too many single Mormon women that fall into those categories. I do know plenty of single women that are working, doing well in their careers, getting promoted, and enjoying what they do, but most are still actively hoping for and seeking a relationship that will end in marriage and motherhood. And before that future is realized (if it is ever realized), what are we supposed to do?

I realize my friend’s problem isn’t with me having a job. So, is it that I’m doing well at it? I would think a guy would be thrilled to date a woman who is doing well in her career. Right? I mean, think of the 401K she has started! The down-payment their combined incomes could procure!

Is it an ego thing? I know some men worry they can’t provide a woman what her dad provided for her family, so is worrying that he can’t provide the same way she can an extension of that insecurity?

Is it because a man needs to feel needed, so he is more attracted to the kind of women who, well, need him more? It is true that I don’t “need” a man to financially provide for me. But that doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to have one to rely on. And to take my car in to be serviced. And do anything that requires advanced power tools. (See, I’m needy!)

It is easy for me to excuse his comments as ridiculous and to exclaim that any guy who has a problem with or is intimidated by my success isn’t the right guy––but perhaps that oversimplifies the issue. Is it possible for the career you didn’t choose to prevent you from having the life you’d choose in an instant, if the right opportunity presented itself?

Deep down I just don’t believe this to be true. I can’t believe it. I do suspect, however, that all the presumptions and prejudices we develop around jobs, circumstances, appearance, etc., just make it that much harder to find the right person. To be fair, I am not innocent of making unfair judgments about, for example, never married guys in their late 30′s/early 40′s. I automatically assume they are either commitment-phobic or socially challenged. Not fair; true sometimes––but not fair.

I suspect no matter what our circumstance, it would behoove us to be a little more careful with our judgments and assumptions. I’ll try if you do.

{How-to} Start a Successful Home-Based Business + FREE E-BOOK

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 10:27:00 -0700

by Richie Norton
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Home businesses can be a lot of fun - if you start small and know what you're doing. These are seven critical elements to help you.

For a limited time only, download Richie Norton’s new E-book, Resumes are Dead, by clicking here and entering your email address to receive the download.

Everyone has different reasons for wanting to start a business at home. My wife, Natalie, and I opted to start a home-based business because we wanted 100% access to our children, and we wanted our children to have 100% access to us.

I know that a home-based business isn't for everyone; however, I believe everyone should have the know-how required to start their own business in case the “secure” job suddenly becomes unsecure.

Here are seven critical elements required to start/manage a successful home based business without going insane.

1) KNOW YOUR WHY
You simply must take the time to understand your personal “why” for starting your home based business. This why will be your guiding star as you inevitably find yourself in the thick of things.

To help you get to your why, ask yourself this question:

    •    What do I want my day-to-day life to look like?

Your day-to-day life is your life. You may want to start a home-based business to help make ends meet, pay off debt, or live a dream. However, if your day-to-day life becomes a living nightmare, you’ll quit and won’t reach your goals.

To avoid failure in your day-to-day lifestyle when starting a home-based business, try this:
    •    Narrow the specifics of your ideal day-to-day lifestyle in bullet-point form and email it to yourself as it relates to the various aspects of your life (personal, family, social, spiritual, etc). Get detailed.
    •    Print the email off and put it up on your bathroom mirror or kitchen refrigerator as a reminder so you keep your priorities straight.

With specific effort and a vision of what you're trying to accomplish, you'll be able to continually realign the way you run your home-based business based on that vision to keep you on course.

2) IDENTIFY WHAT YOU’RE GOING TO SELL
A trick online marketers use to find out what’s selling is to look for the "key words" that people are searching for online and create products and services for those people. Here's how you can do some of that research yourself to identify popular products/services and markets:

    •    Go to Google Trends and Google Insights to test out key words related to your product/service. Look for ideas of things you could sell, what people want and how others are selling them successfully.

    •    Look at top-selling items on Pinterest, Etsy, Amazon, Ebay, etc. to get ideas for products that you could sell.

    •    Go to Alltop to see what's "hot" in your industry or your subject of interest.

By studying what's out there and how other people are selling it, you'll be able to use your creative juices and identify what you want to sell and/or learn how others are successfully selling similar products/services.

3) HANG OUT WHERE YOUR MARKET HANGS OUT
Once you have your idea and you've identified the market, you want to hang out where your market hangs out. In other words, if someone is looking for your product/service, they should be able to find you easily (both online and offline).

Likewise, if you’re looking for people to buy your product/service, you should be able to find them easily. Check out this video in which I interview Chris Bennett, a professional online marketer about how to market your business on the Internet.

4) SELL SOMETHING IN EXCHANGE FOR MONEY!
Yup, to make money, you're going to have to bill people for something of value that you sell. Building an audience by giving things away for free is a good idea, however, at some point, if your objective is to make money, you're going to have to make people pay up. I say this because charging people for your work can be challenging at first, but it’s a necessity. Do you remember that one nice old lady who taught you how to play piano when you were a kid? She charged your mom.

5) START SMALL
When you're first starting your business, consider it a project. Projects can help you overcome the learning curve. Don't spend your life savings or go into debt to start an idea you haven't tested in the market. Start with a small, specific project that has a beginning and ending date. For example, let's say you want to sell a craft you’ve made. Instead of starting a full-blown business, see if you can sell one in 30 days! Then see if you can sell ten, then 100, then 1000, etc. If you can't sell a few, you can't sell a million.

6) HAVE STRUCTURED TIME
If you're working from home, you need structured time. Structured time is uninterrupted alone time to get stuff done. Structured time to do the work you need to do will help you avoid being mentally disconnected. You don't want to be thinking about work when you're with your spouse and kids, and you don’t want to be thinking about your spouse and kids while you’re trying to get work done.

So how do you find "structured time?" Everyone's situation is different. It may be getting up earlier, staying up later, getting off the Internet, turning off the TV, or working around your kid's nap time or school schedule. Be creative. Be committed. You can make it work, no matter your circumstances.

7) GO BACK TO YOUR WHY
If you're already going crazy trying to maintain your home-based business, simply go back to your why. If your home-based business is succeeding at the expense of your family, it’s time to modify the process or quit. The ultimate goal of any business endeavor should be to enhance your lifestyle and your family, be it emotionally, monetarily, or otherwise. That said, look at your personal goals (they should be hanging up on your fridge or on your bathroom mirror, remember). Look for ways to "cut out the fat" and do only the things that are essential to make your business work.

SUMMING IT UP
Home-based businesses can be a lot of fun. They have the potential to be more lucrative than your "real job," but they can also be a complete disaster. Don't jump the gun and quit your day job to start a home-based business. Start small. Test the market. Be smart and intentional in order to ensure that your business grows in a sustainable way that lends itself to the overarching lifestyle you intended when you first began. When you've met success, and the income is meeting your family's needs, you can carefully determine whether or not you’re ready to transition into having your home based business become your full time job.

By identifying why you're doing what you do, performing adequate market testing, and organizing your time in a way that meets your lifestyle goals, you'll be on a wonderful path that can provide the amazing combination of money, meaningful work and freedom of time.

Have fun!

For a limited time only, download Richie Norton’s new E-book, Resumes are Dead, by clicking here and entering your email address to receive the download.

- -
Richie was named one of Hawaii’s Top Forty Under 40 “best and brightest young businesspersons” by Pacific Business News at age 29. He is the CEO of Global Consulting Circle and the author of the upcoming book, The Power of Starting Something Stupid (Shadow Mountain Publishing). You can follow his blog at richienorton.com/blog.

Dave Says: Company Needs to Step Up!

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:03:00 -0700

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: My company reimburses for travel, but sometimes they send it late. Does this affect my credit score?

Dear Dave,

My company makes me use my personal credit card for overseas travel. They take care of my expenses, but sometimes they don’t send the money until after the payment is due. Does this affect my credit score?

Marshall

Dear Marshall,

Unless you pay on time instead of waiting for their money, you bet it affects your credit score. It’s your card! You signed for it, and it’s in your name. Every late payment affects your credit bureau score.

I don’t know who you work for, but this is a very dangerous and bad practice – both by you and your company. Your company is using your credit and abusing you in the process. Talk to them about furnishing you with a corporate card. Better yet, a corporate debit card! If your employer is going to send you overseas, or anywhere on the road, it shouldn’t cost you money or cause you problems.

—Dave

For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

Young Women Lesson 45: Choosing a Vocation

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 00:04:00 -0700

source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Gaps can be reminders of ways in which we can improve or, if ignored, can be stumbling blocks in our lives." -Barbara Thompson

Discussion Questions

    • Why have prophets counseled us to “get all the education we can”?
    • What are some jobs that are related to your goals, interests, and talents?
    • What do you need to do now to start planning for a potential future job?
    • In what ways will getting an education help you in your role of nurturing children?

Excerpt from "Mind the Gap," by Sister Barbara Thompson, November 2009 General Conference:

Several years ago I visited some dear friends in London, England. During this visit I traveled on the tube—a subway system of underground trains that people use frequently to get from place to place. In each of these busy subway stations, there are warning signs about dangers that people may encounter. Lights flash on and off to notify people that a train is approaching and they need to stand back. There is also a sign to remind people that there is danger—a gap between the train and the station platform. The sign says, “Mind the Gap.” This reminds people not to let their foot get caught in the gap and not to drop anything in the gap because it will go under the train and be lost. The caution sign is needed and warns people of a very real danger. In order to be safe, people must “mind the gap.”

Many of us have gaps in our own lives. Sometimes it is the difference between what we know and what we actually do or the gap between our goals and what we actually accomplish. These gaps can be reminders of ways in which we can improve or, if ignored, can be stumbling blocks in our lives.

I want to mention a few gaps I see either in my own life or in the lives of others. The ones I will address tonight are the following:

First, the gap between believing you are a daughter of God and knowing in your heart and soul that you are a precious, beloved daughter of God.

Second, the gap between completion of the Young Women program and becoming a fully participating member of Relief Society—“the Lord’s organization for women.” 1

Third, the gap between believing in Jesus Christ and being valiant in the testimony of Jesus Christ.

To read the rest of this talk, click here.

Dave Says: Too Much Going On

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:02:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: I've got a lot of responsibilities, and I'm not sure how to sort them out so I can spend more time ministering to people.

Dear Dave,

I’ve got some rental houses, and I run a mail route six days a week. Plus, I grew up on a farm, I still farm, and I’m the minister of a small church. I’m trying to sort these things out, and decide how to free up more time to work in the ministry. I’m not sure what to do.

Damon

Dear Damon,

I would spend some serious time thinking about your situation and praying. Ask God directly what he’s calling you to do for this season of your life. Once you’re called into the ministry, then you’re in the ministry. But one of the questions we’re looking at here is this: should this be the season in which you continue to do this kind of church work? Lots of ministry work is done outside the church, or at least it should be.

Plus, you’ve got to be having fun. You’ll be having fun when you’re doing what you were designed to do. Let me ask you a question. If you had a clean slate, no obligations and unlimited money, what would you do? Now, I’m not talking about sitting on the beach and forgetting the family. That’s not an option once you have the responsibility in place. I’m talking about a kind of work that you’re going to fall in love with and completely pour yourself into. If it’s being involved in rental properties and real estate, fine. If it’s dumping the rental properties, mail route, and farming so you can concentrate on the ministry, that’s great, too.

Think it over from that perspective, but I’d say one or two of these things needs to disappear within the next few months. If not, it’s going to start eating you up inside.

—Dave

* For more financial help please visit daveramsey.com.

FHE: Working Together

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:05:00 -0600

by Shauna Gibby
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: "Alone, we are weak and easily broken, but together, we are strong." -Aesop Conference Talk:
For more information on this topic read “LDS Women are Incredible!” by Quentin L. Cook, Ensign, May 2011, 18.

Thought:
All members of the Church of Jesus Christ are “to labor in his vineyard for the salvation of the souls of men.” (Doctrine and Covenants 138:56.) “[The] work of salvation includes member missionary work, convert retention, activation of less-active members, temple and family history work, ... teaching the gospel,” (Handbook 2: Administering the Church (2010), page 22.) and caring for the poor and needy (See Handbook 2, 6.1.).

(Quentin L. Cook, “LDS Women Are Incredible!,” Ensign, May 2011, 18.)

Song:
“When We’re Helping,” Children’s Songbook, p. 198.

Scripture:
Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.
(Doctrine and Covenants 81:5)

Object Lesson:
Materials Needed: One large box filled with several heavy objects.

Procedure: Have a class member try to lift the box. (Be sure he does not hurt himself.) Ask how it feels. Instruct two other class members to help the first lift the box. This will be easier.

Explain that the box is like the burdens we might carry in day-to-day life. Discuss what some of these burdens could be. When we help other we can ease their day-to-day burdens. (Beth Lefgren and Jennifer Jackson, More Power Tools for Teaching, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1991], p. 99.)

Story:
United We Stand

You can learn a lot from a horse. For example, I heard about a Canadian competition during which huge Clydesdale work horses are hitched to a special sled that allows weights to be added to measure the horse’s strength. During the most recent competition the winning horse pulled about 8,000 pounds, while the second- place finisher pulled 7,000 pounds.

Hey, there’s a reason we use the phrase “strong as a horse.”
The competition also includes a team pulling event, and it turned out that during this year’s competition one of the teams consisted of the first- and second- place finishers from the individual pulling event. So it stands to reason that if you put them together, they should be able to pull about . . . wait a second . . . these are big numbers . . . using ALL my fingers and toes here . . . about 15,000 pounds, give or take a kilogram. Right?

Wrong.

Actually, when the two horses were hitched together they managed to pull a sled weighing 33,000 pounds— more than four times the amount each could pull individually!

I’m sure there’s some scientific principle of physics that comes into play here— equine synergism, perhaps?—or some complex mathematical equation that would explain how such a thing happens. But that would doubtless require brilliant insight, thoughtful consideration, and at least two teenagers’ worth of computer know- how, and you know perfectly well you’re not going to get any of that here.

I prefer the explanation of an ancient teacher named Aesop (and no, he wasn’t MY teacher— he was a little before my time, and I’m pretty sure he went to a different high school). This wise philosopher would use sticks to illustrate the point. He would hold up one stick and ask one of his listeners to break it— which could easily be done. Then he would hold up two sticks, and repeat the process. Then three, and so on until the little bundle of sticks couldn’t be broken, no matter how hard his student tried.

“Alone, we are weak and easily broken,” Aesop would explain, “but together, we are strong.”

Abraham Lincoln tried to teach the same concept to a nation coming apart at the seams. “United we stand,” said he, “divided we fall.”

Or was it the 5th Dimension that said that? I always get them confused.

In any case, it’s a significant concept for families, communities, church congregations, businesses, and nations. No matter how strong we may be individually, our strength is multiplied exponentially when we stand shoulder- to- shoulder, arm- in- arm, together with others.

But don’t take my word for it. Go right to the source.

Ask a horse.

(Joseph Walker, Look What Love Has Done, [Salt Lake City: Shadow Mountain, 2007], p. 112.)

Activity:
Divide the family into pairs. Mark a starting line on one end of the room and a goal line on the other end. Each pair of players put a balloon between their foreheads and run to the goal line and back without using their hands. The first team finished is the winner.

We must work with our brothers and sisters to reach our gospel goals. We cannot do it alone.

(adapted from Alma Heaton, The LDS Game Book, [Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1968], p. 302.)

Refreshment
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1⁄2 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)
1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
3⁄4 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3⁄4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3⁄4 cup finely chopped pecans
Graham crackers or Honey Maid® Chocolate Sticks

In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars. Beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least 1 hour longer. Roll cheese ball in pecans. Serve with graham crackers or Honey Maid Chocolate Sticks.

(Julie Badger Jensen, Essential Mormon Celebrations, [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 2005], p. 115.)

To access the PDF version of this lesson, click here.

Young Men Lesson 24: The Blessings of Work

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by L. Tom Perry
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. Those of us who have been around a while - and Elder Wirthlin and I have been around for a long time - have recognized certain patterns in life's test. There are cycles of good and bad times, ups and downs, periods of joy and sadness, and times of plenty as well as scarcity. When our lives turn in an unanticipated and undesirable direction, sometimes we experience stress and anxiety. One of the challenges of this mortal experience is to not allow the stresses and strains of life to get the better of us - to endure the varied seasons of life while remaining positive, even optimistic. Perhaps when difficulties and challenges strike, we should have these hopeful words of Robert Browning etched in our minds: "The best is yet to be" ("Rabbi Ben Ezra," in Charles W. Eliot, ed., The Harvard Classics, 50 vols. [1909-10], 42:1103). We can't predict all the struggles and storms in life, not even the ones just around the next corner, but as persons of faith and hope, we know beyond the shadow of any doubt that the gospel of Jesus Christ is true and the best is yet to come.

I remember a particular period of my life when I was under unusual stress. There were troubles with my employment, and at the same time, my wife was diagnosed with a life-threatening illness. This was one of those times when it felt like the adversary had mounted a frontal assault against me and my family. On days when the stresses and anxieties of our tumultuous life were about to get the best of us, my wife and I found a way to relieve them.

We drove to a place just a few miles from our home to get away for a few moments of relief from our troubles, talk, and give emotional comfort to each other. Our place was Walden Pond. It was a beautiful little pond surrounded by forests of trees. When my wife was feeling strong enough, we'd go for a walk around the pond. Other days, when she did not feel up to the exertion of walking, we'd just sit in the car and talk. Walden Pond was our special place to pause, reflect, and heal. Perhaps it was partly due to its history - its connection to the efforts of Henry David Thoreau to separate himself from worldliness for a period of years - that Walden Pond offered us so much hope for simplicity and provided such a renewing escape from our overly complex lives.

It was in March of 1845 that Thoreau decided to move out on the banks of Walden Pond and spend two years trying to figure out what life was all about. He settled on a piece of property owned by his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson. He purchased an old shanty from a railroad worker, and tore it down. From the lumber from the shanty and the lumber from the woods, he constructed his own cabin. He kept meticulous financial records, and he concluded that for a home and freedom he spent a mere $28.12. He planted a garden, where he sowed peas, potatoes, corn, beans, and turnips to help sustain his simple life. He planted two and a half acres of beans with the intent of using the small profit to cover his needs. Small profit indeed: $8.71.

Thoreau lived quite independent of time. He had neither a clock nor a calendar in his little cabin. He spent his time writing and studying the beauties and wonder of nature that surrounded him, including local plants, birds, and animals. He did not live the life of a hermit - he visited the town of Concord most days, and he invited others to come into his cabin for enlightening conversations. When the two years ended, he left his cabin behind without regret. He considered the time he had spent there a proper amount of time to accomplish his purpose - to experience the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle. He also felt he had other life experiences ahead of him. It was time to move on and explore other opportunities.

From his experiences at Walden Pond, Thoreau determined that there were only four things that a man really needed: food, clothing, shelter, and fuel. I would like to expand on each of these four basic needs of life, as well as the spiritual benefits of a simplified lifestyle.

The first requirement is food. As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we possess sacred knowledge from revealed truth about the relationship between the body and the spirit. Doctrine and Covenants 88:15 states, "The spirit and the body are the soul of man." To bless us both physically and spiritually, the Lord also revealed to us a law of health, telling us which foods and substances are good for the body and which are not. With these instructions comes the promise found in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

"And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

"And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

"And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them" (vv. 18-21).

There is no better counsel concerning the Word of Wisdom than that found in the booklet For the Strength of Youth. It states:

"The Lord has commanded you to take good care of your body. To do this, observe the Word of Wisdom, found in Doctrine and Covenants 89. Eat nutritious food, exercise regularly, and get enough sleep. When you do all these things, you remain free from harmful addictions and have control over your life. You gain the blessings of a healthy body, an alert mind, and the guidance of the Holy Ghost. . . .

"Any drug, chemical, or dangerous practice that is used to produce a sensation or 'high' can destroy your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. These include hard drugs, prescription or over-the-counter medications that are abused, and household chemicals" ([2001], 36-37).

We do not want to harm our mortal bodies, for they are a gift from God, and part of our Heavenly Father's great plan of happiness is the reuniting of our immortal bodies with our spirits.

Another basic necessity is our clothing. A simplified life that brings spiritual blessings requires the wearing of simple and modest clothing. Our dress and grooming send a message to others about who we are, and they also affect the way we act around others. When we are modestly dressed, we also invite the Spirit of the Lord to be a shield and a protection to us.

Worldly trends in women's fashion are always inviting extremes. With their latest styles many fashion designers appear to be trying to make two or three dresses out of the amount of fabric necessary for one. Mostly, they are taking too much off the top and too much off the bottom of women's clothing, and occasionally they scrimp in the middle too. Men's fashions are also adopting extreme styles. In my day they would be called sloppy and inappropriate. I believe very casual dress is almost always followed by very casual manners.

Many of you are trying too hard to be unique in your dress and grooming to attract what the Lord would consider the wrong kind of attention. In the Book of Mormon story of the tree of life, it was the people whose "manner of dress was exceedingly fine" who mocked those who partook of the fruit of the tree. It is sobering to realize that the fashion-conscious mockers in the great and spacious building were responsible for embarrassing many, and those who were ashamed "fell away into forbidden paths and were lost" (1 Nephi 8:27-28).

President N. Eldon Tanner once cautioned us with these words: "Modesty in dress is a quality of mind and heart, born of respect for oneself, one's fellowmen, and the Creator of us all. Modesty reflects an attitude of humility, decency, and propriety. Consistent with these principles and guided by the Holy Spirit, let parents, teachers, and youth discuss the particulars of dress, grooming, and personal appearance, and with free agency accept responsibility and choose the right" ("Friend to Friend," Friend, June 1971, 3).

Now let us turn to Thoreau's third requirement, that of shelter. Newspapers are filled with reports of the current housing crisis. We have been encouraged at almost every general conference of the Church I can remember not to live beyond our means. Our income should determine the kind of housing we can afford, not the neighbor's big home across the street.

President Heber J. Grant once said: "From my earliest recollections, from the days of Brigham Young until now, I have listened to men standing in the pulpit . . . urging the people not to run into debt; and I believe that the great majority of all our troubles today is caused through the failure to carry out that counsel" (in Conference Report, Oct. 1921, 3).

One of the better ways to simplify our lives is to follow the counsel we have so often received to live within our income, stay out of debt, and save for a rainy day. We should practice and increase our habits of thrift, industry, economy, and frugality. Members of a well-managed family do not pay interest; they earn it.

Thoreau's final necessity was fuel. We have been hearing a lot about fuel and energy - about their high cost and limited supply, our unsafe and unpredictable dependence on their suppliers, and the need for new and sustainable sources of energy. I leave the discussion of these complicated issues to leaders of government and industry. The fuel I want to discuss is spiritual fuel.

The Lord has given us a beautiful plan about how we can return to Him, but the completion of our mortal journey requires spiritual fuel. We want to emulate the five wise virgins, who had stored sufficient fuel to accompany the bridegroom when he came (see Matthew 25:6-10). What is required to maintain a sufficient store of spiritual fuel? We must acquire knowledge of God's eternal plan and our role in it, and then by living righteously, surrendering our will to the will of the Lord, we receive the promised blessings.

As Elder William R. Bradford taught at this pulpit: "In righteousness there is great simplicity. In every case that confronts us in life there is either a right way or a wrong way to proceed. If we choose the right way, we are sustained in our actions by the principles of righteousness, in the which there is power from the heavens. If we choose the wrong way and act on that choice, there is no such heavenly promise or power, and we are alone and are destined to fail" ("Righteousness," Liahona, Jan. 2000, 103; Ensign, Nov. 1999, 85).

Just before Thoreau died, he was asked if he had made peace with God. He replied, "I was not aware we had ever quarreled" (in Mardy Grothe, comp., Viva la Repartee [2005], 181).

In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives. May we comply with the inspired counsel and direction the Lord has given us in the great plan of happiness. May we be worthy to have the companionship of the Holy Ghost and follow the guidance of the Spirit as we navigate this mortal journey. May we prepare ourselves to accomplish the ultimate purpose of this mortal test - to return and live with our Heavenly Father - is my prayer in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Self-employment for the Summer

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:00 -0600

by Dave Ramsey
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: There's a lot of competition for summer jobs where I go to college. What should I do? Dear Dave,

I'm a college student in Utah, and I compete with lots of other students for summer jobs. Do you have any suggestions for debt-killing work?

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

My best suggestion for debt-killing work in that kind of situation has always been self-employment. You'll make a lot more money cutting grass, walking dogs, or detailing cars. You can control your time, too. Plus, you'll make a lot more per hour than you will at any mall job. By the time they take taxes and everything out of that, you'll almost wish you hadn't bothered!

A few years ago, I knew a couple of college guys who pooled their money and bought a pressure washer and some other equipment to start a business. They came to the house, washed and re-sealed our driveway, and I paid them a few hundred dollars apiece for the job. It took all day, but they walked away with their pockets full of money. You'd have to flip a lot of burgers to match that!

You can make some serious summer cash if you'll look at yourself as a small-business owner and not someone's employee. I'm not going to lie to you. If you take this route, you're probably going to be involved in some pretty hard work. But the truth is, you'll never make really good money without doing some pretty hard work!

-Dave

* For more financial help, please visit daveramsey.com.

Young Women Lesson 6: Sharing Work in the Home

Tue, 02 Feb 2010 17:00:00 -0700

by Kenneth Johnson
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: Stable families provide the fabric that holds society together, benefiting all mankind. With knowledge of the "great plan of happiness,"1 we have the opportunity and also the responsibility to help restore faith in the family.

In many ways our commission is comparable to those who work in the field of medicine and scientific research. Using established laws, they determine how suffering can be alleviated and the quality of life improved.

In the realm of religious belief, men and women of faith, using proven principles,2 can help to heal a grieving heart, restoring hope and assurance to the troubled mind.

The scientist's success has been achieved by complying with what are often referred to as natural laws. The great scientists of the past and present did not create the laws associated with these naturally occurring processes; they discovered them.

In a letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul poses a thought-provoking question concerning the source of man's intellectual capacity: "For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him?"3

Through logic and learning, knowledge is increased and understanding enhanced. Using this process, theories and laws are identified and accepted as authentic.

One thing that becomes clear to the enlightened mind is that there are laws that keep life and living things in balance. Discovering the laws of physics and complying with them brings progress, enabling man to rise to higher levels of attainment than would otherwise be possible.

I believe that this premise also applies to ethical standards and moral values. It is, therefore, our responsibility to safeguard the home as a center of learning where these virtues can be instilled in an atmosphere of love and through the power of example.4

President Thomas S. Monson has taught, "Youth need fewer critics and more models."5

Reflecting on my own life, I realize how I gained an appreciation for the core values that are necessary for the development of a sound character. Where did I learn loyalty, integrity, and dependability? I learned these qualities in the home from the example of my parents. How did I gain an appreciation for the value of selfless service? I did so by observing and enjoying my mother's devotion to her family. Where did I learn honor and respect for daughters of God? I learned from the example of my father.

It was in the home that I learned principles of provident living and the dignity of work. I can still visualize my mother spending numerous nights at home, using a foot treadle sewing machine to stitch shoes for a local shoe factory. This was not to enable her to purchase anything for herself but to help to provide financial support so that my brother and I could attend college. She later expressed how this act of service was a source of satisfaction for her.

My father was a wise, industrious man. He taught me how to cut timber using a handsaw, how to replace or attach a plug to a power cord of a domestic appliance, and many other practical skills.

All of these lessons carried a common theme: never be satisfied with anything less than your best efforts.

I developed the ability to make important decisions by talking with my parents and learning from their counsel. Add to the aforementioned accountability, consideration for others, and encouragement to pursue educational opportunities, and the list would still be incomplete.

I was introduced to the restored gospel of Jesus Christ in my teenage years by Pamela, who later became my wife. She has helped make of my life a soaring symphony from a simple melody.6

I have enjoyed 67 years of happiness in marriage and family life -- 21 as a son in the home of my parents and 46 as a husband, culminating in the joy of being a father and grandfather. What more could one hope for? Simply stated, that these same opportunities would be enjoyed by everyone.

Returning to the teachings of Paul recorded in Corinthians, we find these words:

"Even so the things of God knoweth no man [except he has] the Spirit of God. . . .

"But the natural man receiveth not the things of . . . God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."7

Scientists gain their knowledge mainly through research, conducting experiments, and the application of intellect.

Disciples of Christ receive their witness by studying His words, observing His works, putting gospel principles into practice, and receiving the spirit of inspiration.8

"There is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding."9

Although spiritual truths may appear less tangible, to the humble heart their impact is undeniable. It is important to understand that natural laws were not determined on the basis of popularity. They were established and rest on the rock of reality.

There are also moral verities that did not originate with man.10 They are central to a divine plan which, when discovered and applied, brings great happiness and hope on our mortal journey.11

For example, I believe, as stated in "The Family: A Proclamation to the World"12 and defined in divine revelation, that marriage and family are ordained of God. The scriptures declare, "Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh."13

Wise men have provided a legacy of learning from the past. We must hand down to future generations a foundation of faith in the family, as defined by Deity.14

We should never forget that freedom and happiness in all aspects of life come by understanding and living in harmony with eternal gospel principles. They provide a sure foundation upon which to build a productive and happy life.15

Following the pattern prescribed through the plan of the Father has enabled me to experience what it means to live "after the manner of happiness"16 and "with joy . . . draw water out of the wells of salvation."17

The Savior taught, "I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."18

Our outlook or attitude can sometimes restrict our ability to enjoy life's greatest opportunities.

The question could be asked, "What of those who have not experienced a positive family environment?"

Stable families provide the fabric that holds society together, benefiting all mankind, even those who may feel they live in less-favorable circumstances.

For those who faithfully live19 and patiently pray for such sociality,20 I share the simple, soothing words of Helen Steiner Rice:

When God makes a promise, It remains forever true, For everything God promises He unalterably will do. When you're disillusioned And every hope is blighted Recall the promises of God And your faith will be relighted.21

It is my prayer that we can stand together, with courage and conviction, as guardians of the God-given gift of family. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Notes 1. Alma 42:8; see also Alma 24:14.

2. See Guide to the Scriptures, "Principle," 200.

3. 1 Corinthians 2:11.

4. See Proverbs 22:6.

5. "Anxiously Engaged," Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 57.

6. See D&C 128:19.

7. 1 Corinthians 2:11, 14.

8. See John 7:16-17; Jacob 4:8.

9. Job 32:8.

10. See D&C 130:20-21.

11. Like a compass, principles provide points of reference on life's journey.

12. See Liahona, Oct. 2004, 49; Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102.

13. Genesis 2:24.

14. See D&C 49:15-17.

15. See D&C 68:25-28.

16. 2 Nephi 5:27.

17. 2 Nephi 22:3.

18. John 10:10.

19. See D&C 82:10.

20. See D&C 130:2.

21. From Expressions of Comfort (Uhrichsville, Ohio: Barbour Publishing, 2007), 187–88. Used by permission.

Young Women Lesson 45: The Value of Work

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:00:00 -0700

by M. Russell Ballard
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: The growing prominence of the Church and the increasing inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends, and pass on accurate information. Brothers and sisters, since the sesquicentennial anniversary in 1997, there has been a dramatic increase worldwide in inquiries about the Church. This growing interest is fueled by our rapid growth, by events like the Winter Olympics here in Salt Lake City, and by the prominence in their chosen professions of many of our individual members.

I am sure that these questions come not only to the Church but to you as individual members. It is not easy to explain something as vast as the Church or as wonderful as the restored gospel to people who know little or nothing about us. Even questions on one specific aspect can be difficult to answer because every question seems to be connected to other questions. The most common request we hear is a fairly simple one that goes something like this: "Tell me a little about your Church." The key word here is "little." They are not saying, "Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me everything else."

We, of course, welcome people's interest, and many will want to be taught more about our doctrines and beliefs. This is why we have over 53,000 full-time missionaries serving at their own expense throughout the world.

But we need to remember that there is a difference between interest and mere curiosity. Sometimes people just want to know what the Church is. Those who are curious in this general way deserve clear and accurate information that comes directly from those of us who are members so that they do not have to rely on the incomplete answers, half-truths, or false statements that may come from the media or other outside voices. The many misunderstandings and false information about the Church are somewhat our own fault for not clearly explaining who we are and what we believe.

The Public Affairs Committee, on which I serve, has learned that there is a great need for clear, simple statements that present those who are curious with the basics about the Church as it is today. Let me share with you some of the things we have found to be helpful. You may want to prepare your own list of talking points that will assist you in explaining what we believe to your friends and acquaintances of other faiths. It may be helpful for you, as it is for me, to have on one page a few facts about the Church as it is today to give to them along with a copy of the Articles of Faith.

Here are four subjects that will help someone today to gain a basic understanding of the Church. Under each of the four headings, there are some simple statements I have found helpful. Try to imagine them being heard or read by a person who knows virtually nothing about us. The four main subjects deal with facts, faith, families, and fruits of the restored gospel.

Facts Some facts might include:

First, "Mormon" is a nickname for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Members are often referred to as "Mormons," "Latter-day Saints," or "LDS." The term "Saint" means "member."
Second, the Church was restored in 1830 in upstate New York with Joseph Smith as its first prophet and president. Today it is headquartered in Salt Lake City, with President Gordon B. Hinckley as the present prophet.
Third, there are now over 13 million members in 176 countries and territories. About 6 million of these are in the United States, making us the fourth largest Christian denomination in America. As one of the fastest growing Christian faiths in the world, we complete a new chapel every working day. Members pay a tithe, which is 10 percent of their income, making this and other programs possible.
Fourth, local congregations are led by volunteer, unpaid members. Both men and women serve in assigned leadership positions.
And fifth, Mormons are well represented in politics and government. (In the United States, for example, there are 16 members in Congress, from both political parties.) Members also serve in high and trusted positions throughout the world in business, medicine, law, education, media, sports, and entertainment.

Faith Next, people need to know something of our faith as committed Christians with strong traditional values. Along with the Articles of Faith we need to emphasize that:

We believe in the eternity of the soul, that God is the Father of our spirits, and that we can return to Him after death.
We believe that Jesus Christ is our personal Savior, and we try to model our lives after Him and His teachings. We commemorate Christ's atoning sacrifice in our Sunday worship services, similar to taking communion in other churches. We accept as fellow Christians all who believe Jesus Christ to be the Son of God and the Savior of all mankind. Many Christians do not understand that we have much common ground with them. Joseph Smith taught that Jesus Christ is the core of our belief, and everything else is an appendage to it (see Elders' Journal, July 1838, 44). The name of the Church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We believe the original church that Jesus established was lost and has been restored again in our day. The priesthood, the authority given to man to act in the name of God, with apostles and a prophet to lead us, has been restored as have all necessary ordinances of salvation.
We believe in and we use the Holy Bible, both the Old and New Testaments.
And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God's ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is "Another Testament of Jesus Christ."

Family The next thing it is good for people to know is how family-centered our theology and our lifestyles are. Once again, simple statements are helpful to someone who is uninformed but curious about the importance we place on families.

Mormons place particularly strong emphasis on family as the basic unit of the Church and of society. We have a deep commitment to marriage (defined as a union between one man and one woman). Polygamy, a limited practice in the early pioneer days of the Church, was discontinued in 1890, some 117 years ago.
Families and individuals, whether members of our faith or not, can attend Sunday services in our chapels. Here we worship together, instructing one another from the scriptures.
Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families.
The Church has auxiliary programs for women, youth, and children as a support to the family. These programs provide such things as religious instruction, opportunities for Christian service, sports, drama, music, and Scouting.
And there is also much focus on extended family, genealogy, and personal family history, providing young and old with a stronger sense of roots, identity, and belonging. The highest and most sacred ordinances of our faith relate to our families, both living and dead, and some of these ordinances take place in our temples.

Fruits Now, even as someone begins to understand a few facts about us and comes to know us more accurately by our faith and the importance of family, it was the Savior who said "by their fruits ye shall know them" (Matthew 7:20; emphasis added). A church, or any way of life, should be judged by the fruits or the results that it generates. Here are a few examples based on United States statistics. But these would be similar throughout the world among practicing Mormons (by which we mean those who attend church and the temple regularly):

One of the fruits is a longer life. Studies show that practicing Mormons are healthier and therefore live longer than the national average. In 1833 the Lord revealed to Joseph Smith the Word of Wisdom, which is the way to live in order to enjoy a long and healthy life.
Second, those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average.
Third, we achieve an educational level that is higher than the national average.
Fourth, over 70,000 members volunteer at their own expense to serve for 18 to 24 months in humanitarian efforts, Church service assignments, and full-time missionary service throughout the world.
And fifth, we place strong emphasis on self-reliance and a solid work ethic. We encourage active involvement in our communities and in providing service to others. The Church continues to donate substantial money, goods, and services to humanitarian causes around the globe, including untold hours of labor donated by members to assist in disaster cleanup and relief.

Brothers and sisters, in today's busy world, I have found that most people will not read or focus on more than just a few important facts at one time. Whatever you choose to use to inform your friends and acquaintances about the Church, write it down, check it for accuracy, and keep it simple and short.

The growing prominence of the Church and the increasing inquiries from others present us with great opportunities to build bridges, make friends, and pass on accurate information. But it can also present a greater possibility of misunderstanding and sometimes even prejudice if we allow others to define who we are and what we believe rather than presenting it ourselves.

Generally, there is no problem with those who are personally acquainted with our members. But there are millions upon millions who are not acquainted with any members of our faith. I would hope that those who know very little about the Church would seek to learn more about us. I would hope they would get to know our members rather than judging us by the misinformation given by those who do not know and in some cases by those who would deliberately mislead or defame.

You as members can help this to happen by reaching out and sharing with others the basic information found in the Articles of Faith, along with such things as the facts, faith, families, and fruits of the gospel.

We should also remember that sometimes the best way to answer people's interest can be by how we live, how we radiate the joy of the gospel in our lives, how we treat others, and how sincerely we follow the teachings of Christ.

For those who want to learn more than just the few basics I have discussed, the missionaries can be called upon to teach them the doctrine from chapter 3 in Preach My Gospel. The missionaries know how to answer more of their questions and lead them to conversion and baptism.

Now is the time for all of us to reach out and tell others who we are. Prepare some simple facts such as those I have shared with you today and help those who are curious to know a little about the Church and then to want to know more about the Restoration of the gospel.

Brothers and sisters, never hesitate to bear your testimony with sincerity and love. The power of personal testimony cannot be denied and often ignites in others the interest to know more. I know this to be true and leave you my absolute witness that I know The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, and I bear that testimony to you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

The Privilege and Blessing of Work

Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Joseph Walker
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: It has always struck me as more than just a little bit ironic that every year about this time America pays tribute to her working men and women by not working. I appreciate a day off as much as the next worker bee. It's just the logic of Labor Day that throws me. I mean, on Thanksgiving we actually give thanks. On Christmas we celebrate a gift from God by giving gifts ourselves. On Easter we observe another divine gift by eating multi-colored eggs that were supposedly delivered by a rabbit.

Okay, so the logic of Easter eludes me, too.

Still, it stands to reason that if we are going to celebrate America's workers, there ought to be something . . . you know . . . laborious about it.

Mom and Dad understood the concept. Around our house, Labor Day was just that: a day to labor. I don't remember any Labor Day picnics or parties or barbecues. We'd just had a full summer for that. Labor Day meant that school was back in session and it was time to work.

And so we did. We prepared the garden bed for winter. We pruned fruit trees. We bottled peaches and tomatoes until the inside of our house was thick with steam and aroma. Sometimes there were special projects that we didn’t finish during the summer: painting the trim around the house; taking out an old, dead stump; planting new grass in that patch of dirt in the middle of the lawn that we used as home plate during spirited games of whiffle ball.

For me, however, the job was always the same: mowing, edging, and raking the lawn. As the youngest of eight children, I always got the easiest - and most boring - duty.

"It's not fair!" I protested one Labor Day. "I do the lawn all summer. Why can't somebody else do it today?"

"Because everyone else already has a job," Mom said.

So much for labor negotiations.

A late summer trip had interrupted regularly scheduled lawn care that year, and our yard looked it. The grass was tall and thick - especially the edges. I shuddered. Dad didn't believe in power mowers or edgers, so this would require hours of back-breaking, wrist-snapping, energy-sapping labor.

What a way to spend Labor Day, huh?

Don't ask me how, but I survived the ordeal. My fingers ached from squeezing Dad's rusty grass clippers. And I was itchy from the grass that seemed to cover me. But for some reason, as I sat out on the front porch looking out over the aesthetic results of my labors, none of that mattered. I was weary, but content. And I wasn't sure why until Mom came out with the lemonade.

"That's why we have you mow the lawn," she said as she handed me a tall, cool glass. "You do such a good job."

In retrospect, I'm sure other lawns in our neighborhood looked as good as ours. Maybe better. But that night I was King Lawnboy, and all was right in my carefully clipped kingdom.

I've never forgotten the feeling of satisfaction that came from a job well done. That's the feeling we ought to celebrate on Labor Day, for much of what we are as a nation we owe to the efforts of workers who are willing to work, and who take pride in the results of their labors. So do something laborious this Labor Day, and savor the privilege and blessing of work.

'Tis the season, you know.

Seasonal Jobs for Kids

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:00:00 -0600

by Heidi Beutler
source: MormonLife.com

Mormon Life says: One of the best ways to teach your children the value of a dollar is to let them earn one. A lawn-care service is great, but what do they do after summer is over? Read over these suggestions with your kids to give them ideas for earning extra income all year round. Summer

1. Clean Barbecues

Use a grill brush to scrape off debris and grimy build-up. There are many different grill brushes, so be sure to select one that is suited to the surface you will be cleaning. When you are finished cleaning the inside of the barbecue, polish the outside and replace any briquettes that have cracked or are collecting grease.

2. Wash Cars Inside and Out

Go beyond a regular street corner car wash. Advertise that you can give the cars a fine, detailed cleaning. Pay close attention to windows. Wash and dry the inside and outside of each one carefully, leaving them sparkling and streak free. Dust the dashboard and control panel. Use disinfecting wipes to clean the door handles, armrests, and the steering wheel. Vacuum the floors and seats thoroughly.

3. Start a Lawn Care Business

A lot of kids want to mow lawns for money in the summer, so you need to make your services stand out. Include edging and trimming services in addition to mowing the lawn. Start at one corner of the yard and pay attention to keeping your lines parallel and straight to create a professional, diagonal stripe in the lawn.

4. Host a Story Hour

Organize a neighborhood story hour once or twice a week. For a reasonable fee, parents could send their children to your home to listen as you read a new book aloud. You might also consider putting on puppet shows or short plays.

Fall

1. Tutor

Tutoring takes a lot of dedication, patience, and planning. You need to be able to listen to your students and encourage them to ask questions, making sure that they understand everything before you move ahead. Be kind, follow up with them on previous sessions, and give generous praise. The most important thing you can do is make your students feel comfortable. Parents will be impressed and spread the word.

2. Help with the Harvest

Try picking produce on farms or in orchards, or simply help your neighbors harvest their gardens. To go the extra mile (and get extra money), help get the food ready for storage by washing, canning, or drying it. You can also prepare the garden for winter by removing old plants and picking up rotten fruit or vegetables.

3. Organize a Bake Sale

Aim for variety. Provide some non-baked goods, such as hot chocolate, wassail, candy, or cookie mix. Try decorating baskets or plates of treats with gift tags. This will allow you to sell more at a time and give customers a chance to buy great homemade gifts for their friends.

To maximize profit, gather a good-sized team of your friends. Divide the work and expenses into equal portions, and then split the profits evenly.

4. Rake Leaves

Ask your customers if they would like you to bag the leaves and remove them, or if they would prefer you to leave them in piles for their children to play in. Offer to spread the leaves in your customers' gardens or make a home composting station. Decomposing leaves can make a good fertilizer.

Winter

1. Make Holiday Cards

Create distinctive homemade cards to sell as the holidays draw near. Remember that people who want perfect cards can just waltz over to the nearest store and buy some, so your cards will sell better if they are original and have a simple, homespun feel to them.

Use different types of paper in as many textures and colors as you can find. Keep all of your scrap paper and use it to embellish your cards. You can also try using clipart, pictures, stickers, glitter, and other trinkets to make your cards unique and beautiful.

2. Master the Art of Gift-wrapping

Offer to wrap presents for your neighbors. You'll be amazed at how many people take you up on it.

Make sure you suit the wrapping to the occasion. Pay attention to color, sheen, and formality. Your finished product needs to look crisp and professional. Buy an assortment of large and small gift boxes. Use tissue paper, ribbons, and bows in different colors and textures to add pizzazz. Try creating special gift tags to personalize gifts.

3. Shovel Snow

Being efficient will allow you to shovel more snow in less time. Find a shovel with blade and handle sizes that are right for you. Using the wrong type of shovel puts more strain on your body, making the job more difficult. Before starting, spray the shovel with cooking spray so the snow doesn't stick. Also, try not to lift the snow - think of pushing it. When you finish shoveling, spread salt on all the walkways.

4. Polish Silver

Rinse each piece in hot water to remove dust and debris. Spread polish over the silver while it is still warm. After the surface of the silver is completely covered, concentrate on the tarnished areas. Rinse each item, carefully rubbing all the polish off. To prevent streaking and water spots, dry each piece thoroughly with a soft, lint-free rag. Your customers will want to use their silver at holiday parties, so buff each item to an impressively sparkly shine.

Spring

1. Clean Windows

After the basic wipe down, polish windows with a soft cotton cloth or a clean chalkboard eraser to give them an extra shine. To help prevent streaking, try wiping one side of the window horizontally and the other vertically. Washing windows on cloudy days also cuts down on streaks. You can repair small scratches in the glass by rubbing them with toothpaste.

2. Babysit Outside the Box

Successful babysitting is all about being creative. Pay attention to the likes and dislikes of the children you babysit, and plan fun, unique activities that spark their interests. Do something new each time you babysit - throw a tea party, draw a treasure map, or build a fort. Do things that will help the children remember you and request you the next time their parents go out.

3. Garden

Start your gardening business early in the year. You can help set up gardens, prepare ground, plan watering systems, and plant seeds. Later in the year, you can weed and tend the garden or offer your services doing other kinds of yard work.

Try to do your gardening work in the mornings. The soil will usually be damp, making it easier to weed.

4. Create a Dog Care Center

To draw customers in, advertise all the things you can do to make pooch care easier for them. Try creating a salon for dogs: offer to wash, brush, and groom them. You could also organize a dog-walking service or try your hand at cleaning out cages and kennels. If you are an animal lover, expand this business to fit the needs of any type of pet.