“If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30).

The Young Women years are the best years to prepare for your future roles as wives, mothers, and leaders in the Church and community. I found out how valuable my Young Women years of preparation were when my husband and I were called on a mission to Mongolia. When we arrived, Mongolia had a struggling economy, and it was difficult to find food and ready-made household items. Most everything had to be “homemade.”

A letter I wrote to our children and grandchildren read:

“The one ‘pearl of wisdom’ that I might impart to you is how valuable every experience in life is. We have been amazed at how many times, since we have been here, that we have grasped onto some idea or skill we learned in our youth. Mom’s ‘basic’ cooking lessons have helped me to creatively use what we have here—carrots, cabbage, onion, potatoes, eggs, rice, and mutton. Because of this preparation I have been able to prepare nourishing meals out of very little. I was able to sew some curtains on a small sewing machine for our apartment. I’m thankful for the sewing skills I learned as a teenager. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and remember; you will learn the most from those who love you and teach you the best—your family.”

Look around for new opportunities to learn, and don’t be afraid to try the hard things. The greater your preparation, the greater your confidence to deal with challenging circumstances, which surely will come your way. You never know when and how the Lord may need to use you!

Related Articles . . . 

• Gordon B. Hinckley, "Stay on the High Road," Ensign, May 2004, 112–15
• Henry B. Eyring, "The Family," Ensign, Feb. 1998, 10–18
• Boyd K. Packer, "For Time and All Eternity," Ensign, Nov. 1993, 21–24
• Dallin H. Oaks, " 'The Great Plan of Happiness,' " Ensign, Nov. 1993, 72–75
• Susan W. Tanner, "Strengthen Home and Family," President's Message, Mar. 2004
• Julie B. Beck, "My Soul Delighteth in the Scriptures," Ensign, May 2004, 107–9