IT'S A NEWEL YEAR!

Happy New Year! Over the Christmas break I had the opportunity to refinish the stair banister in my house. I tried to hire a professional to do it, but no one would accept the job, because it was too hard. I watched a couple YouTube videos and thought, “it can’t be that hard.” Well, I was wrong. It was harder than I thought. How does my stair banister relate to the work of salvation? The newel (aka a post) is the wood pole that connects the floor to the banister.

When the newel was connected to the banister 20 years ago, it was placed right next to all the spindles. When you walk into my house, the very first thing you see is the newel. My hands couldn’t fit between the spindles to stain the newel. I needed different hands. My fifteen-year-old daughter had the perfect hands to stain the newel. The newel has been stained and it looks great.

I couldn’t have stained the newel without my daughter’s hands. She took on the most important piece, the piece that everyone sees when you walk in the house. I believe the Lord needs our youth’s hands to complete his work. Just like I needed my daughter’s hands to do the newel.

I believe that is why our youth’s theme this year is “A GREAT WORK”, referring to D&C 64:33-34. Our quorum and class presidencies have been set apart and are ready to lead the great work of salvation which includes:

· Living the gospel of Jesus Christ

· Caring for those in need.

· Inviting all to receive the gospel

· Uniting Families for eternity.

“Would you like to be a big part of the greatest challenge, the greatest cause, and the greatest work on the earth today?” President Nelson asked the youth. “Would you like to gather Israel during these precious latter days? Would you, who are the elect, be willing to help find the elect who have not heard the message of the restored gospel?”

As we start the new year, here are a couple ideas to help the youth actively use their hands to participate in the “GREAT WORK” :

· Encourage the youth to have a current limited use temple recommend. This includes youth turning 12 this year. Encourage the youth to participate in temple work, when possible and family history work.(1)

· As new quorum and class presidencies are called, train and orient them in their new responsibilities. Help them catch the vision that their hands are needed in the work of salvation. (1)

· Encourage young men to advance to the appropriate office of the Aaronic priesthood at the correct age. (1)

· Ensure that a priest assistant and a young woman counselor from the oldest YW class presidency attend the weekly Temple and Family history coordination meeting as well as the Ward mission coordination meeting.

· Use the emblems of the new youth program. Pass them out to the youth. They are great reminders of the work of salvation.

(If you haven't read the letter from the General YM and YW Presidency that was sent out yesterday (1/14/21), I would encourage you to read it. Here is a link. )

As I read D&C 64:33-34, I think of you, the ones that are on the frontline mentoring the youth day and day out. You have smiles on your face. You are making a difference. You are laying the foundation of a great work. Thank you for all the work you do.

“Wherefore, be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great. 34. Behold, the lord requireth the heart and a willing mind; and the willing and obedient shall eat the good of the land of Zion in these last days.

I am confident that the youth want to be involved in the great work of salvation. They want to use their hands for good. Thanks for helping them be part of a “Great Work”.

(1) Letter from General YM and YW Presidencies, dated January 14, 2021