What’s Up?

What We Really Think of Youth

“What do you think of when you hear the word arise? Personally, I think of you—the noble youth of the Church. I picture you diligently arising from your beds each morning for early-morning seminary. I see you faithfully arising from your knees after finishing your daily prayers. I think of you courageously arising to share your testimony and defend your standards. I am inspired by your commitment to the gospel and your good examples.”

Ann M. Dibb, second counselor in the Young Women general presidency, “Arise and Shine Forth,” Ensign, May 2012, 117.

Shining Service

Photographs courtesy of Melanie Garcia

On a cold but beautifully sunny day last March, youth from one Texas ward volunteered in their community’s benefit run to help raise awareness for colon cancer. The young men and women were put in charge of providing directions and handing out bottled water and bananas to the runners and walkers. The young men and women also released hundreds of balloons to start the race and to mark the run’s halfway point. “I loved seeing how happy the runners and walkers were when they saw us cheering them on and seeing 300 balloons fill the sky as we let them go,” says Thomas G., a deacon who helped out.

The Latter-day Saint youth were easy to spot since they all wore special volunteer shirts that read, “Arise & Shine Forth Volunteer 2012.” The event’s coordinator spoke highly of the youth and their willingness to serve, saying, “I couldn’t have done this event without the ‘Arise & Shine Forth’ volunteers.”

Rachael D., one of the Laurels at the event, summed up the experience saying, “It felt like we were standing out and making a difference in our own lives and other people’s lives. A lot of people had a blue event shirt, but ours had our Mutual theme on it. I felt like I was wearing a banner that said, ‘I stand up and help where I can and whenever I can.’”

This Month in History

September 22, 1827 The Prophet Joseph Smith received the gold plates from the angel Moroni at the Hill Cumorah.

Quote from Conference

“Nothing about the priesthood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people.”

Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Powers of Heaven,” Ensign, May 2012, 48.

My Favorite Scripture

D&C 64:10 “I, the Lord, will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you it is required to forgive all men.”

This is my favorite scripture because we all make mistakes. No one is perfect except Jesus Christ, so we should learn to forgive each other when we make mistakes.

Cedric G., 16, Luzon, Philippines

Tell us about your favorite scripture in a paragraph or two. Send it to us, along with a photo, by going to newera.lds.org and clicking “Submit Material.”

Photograph by Paul VanDenBerghe

Scripture Sudoku: Alma 32:21

The objective of a regular Sudoku is to fill the 9×9 grid so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 boxes (also called blocks or regions) contains the digits from 1 to 9 only one time. For this puzzle, instead of using numbers, use the scripture reference and the eight words in bold to complete the puzzle.

Alma 32:21

And now as I said concerning faith—faith is not to have a perfect knowledge of things; therefore if ye have faith ye hope for things which are not seen, which are true.

	perfect	hope				true		things
concerning	true			hope	perfect	seen
faith		seen	things	concerning	true	hope	perfect
things	hope	faith	concerning			perfect		seen
seen	concerning	perfect	hope					Alma 32:21
Alma 32:21		true			faith		things	hope
hope		concerning			things	knowledge		true
perfect				faith	hope			concerning
true	faith	Alma 32:21		knowledge	concerning	things		perfect

5 Habits to Develop in Your Teens

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Studying scripture daily.
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Doing hard things.
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Developing a love of learning.
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Praying daily.
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Finding ways to serve others.

Poll Results: Scripture Study

At youth.lds.org we asked, “How are you studying the scriptures?” Here are the results:

Sequentially	35%
I read assignments from seminary, Sunday School, or family study	21%
I look for answers to questions	16%
By topic	10%
Other	19%

We’ve Got Mail

Prayer Helps

I read the New Era on Sundays before church. I read “Dad’s Keys and a Dangerous Snake” from the October 2011 issue. It was a great story about how saying prayers helps. I also enjoy the Mormonads with their funny but good advice.

Carter S., 14, Texas, USA

Shine Forth

People are always watching, whether you think they are or not. Your light is shining in that dark place, whether it’s school, work, or even in your own home. If you’re going to set a trend, start a good one. You never know—you could change the world. Arise and shine forth.

Alexandria H., 17, Missouri, USA

Give Thanks

I liked how the article “Three Great Reasons to Give Thanks” (Dec. 2011) talks about how we are always happier when we are thankful. My mom and I decided we are going to do the 100-list gratitude challenge as a family home evening lesson.

Davin C., 14, Utah, USA

I Love Conference (from youth.lds.org)

I used this article in a lesson for family home evening [see “Getting the Most out of General Conference” at lds.org/go/92F.]. It was awesome to read this, and it will help me get more out of conference. I love conference and the feeling it brings to my home.

Robyn Elizabeth D., 13, Utah, USA

We love hearing from you, whether it’s sending us a message or leaving a comment online. Write to us by going online to newera.lds.org and clicking “Submit Material.” Or leave a comment on any article at youth.lds.org.

You can also e-mail us at newera@ldschurch.org or write to New Era, 50 E. North Temple St., Rm. 2420, Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0024.