Random Sampler

Leading Our Youth with Love

Kersten Campbell, "Leading Our Youth with Love," Ensign, Feb. 2005, 71
Unfamiliar with the youth program because I joined the Church as an adult, I understandably felt nervous when I was called to be a Young Women adviser. Though some aspects of the program would take time to learn, I knew that I could immediately share my love with the girls. After much praying and pondering, I discovered several ways to earn their trust and friendship. Following is a sampling of those ideas, which leaders can easily adapt to show their love for the young women and young men in their wards.

Learn their names. Whether at church or elsewhere, greet the youth by their names. They become more than a name when we keep them in our personal thoughts and prayers, seeking inspiration to help them. Classroom prayers, with specific names mentioned as appropriate, can also touch each young person's heart as we pray for individual needs.

Be there. Instead of just touting the importance of attending a fireside or activity, attend with your youth group. If you sense someone needs individual attention, follow any spiritual promptings to extend a personal visit or arrange some casual time together.

Show you care. Letter writing can be an effective way to personally tell your youth that their Father in Heaven loves them and has a purpose for them here on earth.

Prepare your lessons well. The youth will not only feel your love for them but will more likely participate when they see your enthusiasm for the gospel and feel the Spirit testify of its truths.

Though my calling has changed, I still feel close to the young women I taught. I try to continue to be a good example to them, and I hope they know I will always love and respect them.

Kersten Campbell, Pullman First Ward, Pullman Washington Stake

Gospel topics: leadership, youth

Especially for Sunday

Deborah Whitehead Holm, "Especially for Sunday," Ensign, Feb. 2005, 72
Sometimes we focus on the "thou shalt nots" regarding Sabbath observance. Fortunately, when I was a teen, my parents helped me see all the things I could do on this special day of the week. Emphasizing the numerous appropriate Sunday activities can help your family members learn to love the Sabbath day.

I remember watching Church videos together, listening to good music, and playing trivia games with Church history and scripture clues. Our family also decided upon a list of books that we would read only on Sundays, so all week we looked forward to reading them—individually or together. Visits to grandparents and other loved ones were also Sunday highlights. We often met in family councils or enjoyed an undisturbed half-hour interview with our father. Sometimes when the weather was nice, we enjoyed sitting as a family outside on the lawn, swapping stories until it grew dark.

I have fond memories of Sunday family togetherness, and I look forward to this sacred day each week. In the words of a beloved hymn, I truly "welcome [each] Sabbath morning," for I know it is a "rest from every care" ("Welcome, Welcome, Sabbath Morning," Hymns, no. 280).

Deborah Whitehead Holm, Green Park Ward, Lehi Utah Stake

Gospel topic: Sabbath

Upgrading Job Skills

Sharon Worlton, "Upgrading Job Skills," Ensign, Feb. 2005, 72
Competition in many fields of employment, particularly technical ones, is fierce in today's economy. Keeping current in any field may require additional study and learning. In my professional role as an employment specialist for the Church, I have helped others successfully use the following self-reliance plan to better secure their employment future.

1. What do I want to do in my career? If you feel anxiety, depression, and damaging competitiveness in your current employment, you may need to examine whether you're in the right job. If you are happy and enthusiastic about your work, you can consider what your next step should be to enhance your career in that field.

2. What resources do I have? List your abilities, talents, skills, and education. Be sure to include your experience on this list, because training and education can't replace good common sense, decision-making skills, people skills, and stability gained through experience.

3. What steps do I need to take to obtain the career goals I have set? After writing down and prioritizing each step, share your goals with your family and ask for their support. Be especially careful to plan how you are going to provide for your family during any career transitions.

4. What tools, information, and resources do I need to reach employment self-reliance? This is the kind of question that a Church welfare specialist over employment can help you answer. Here are a few suggestions: