COURAGE – by Jamie Johnson

One of my favorite things to do is to swim. I was a swim teacher for many years, and I learned a lot about courage when I was teaching so many kids. The first thing I taught my students was to never say, “I CAN’T”. Only say, “I WILL TRY”. If they said can’t then they would always panic, sink, and swallow water. But if they were brave, courageous, and listened to exactly what I said, then they would float.
It is okay to have “butterflies in your stomach”, that is what we say when we are nervous about something. Sometimes we have the butterflies when we are in a performance, or starting school, sometimes it is hard to talk to a new person, or try something new, or just going out of your comfort zone. Every time we are courageous and do something even if we have the butterflies then we feel great after. And even better is that it will be easier to do it the next time.
I remember a time I had the butterflies. Juliet our cousin was getting married and we went to her reception. She was marrying Larry Cook, his dad is one of the 12 apostle, so President
Hinkley was at the reception. I really wanted to say hi to President Hinkley and shake his hand, but I was really nervous. Thoughts were going through my head like, “he is too busy, I should leave him alone, or what will I say to him.” Finally I got up enough courage to go and say hi to the Prophet. He shook my hand and asked me my name. I was shocked that he asked about me. I was so grateful that I overcame my nervousness so I could take advantage of the opportunity before me to be in the Prophet’s presence. I would have felt terrible if I went home without meeting him.
Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyways.
I know that Heavenly Father has given the opportunity to come to earth to learn and to strive to become like our Brother Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the Gift of the Holy Ghost that can help us at times when we are nervous and give us the courage to progress and better ourselves.

Following Jesus by Andrea Johnson

For Spring Break last year my family went to the “BIG CITY” Salt Lake. I call it the “BIG CITY” because in my Kindermusik class we learned all about cities. I loved the City. I saw lots of cars, taxis, big buildings, a lost dog, and my favorite - statues, and the temple.

When we were in the Temple Visitor’s Center I walked up a long ramp that looked like I was going up in the sky. When I got to the top I saw a really big statue of Jesus. It was so big. I walked right up to Jesus and just stood there and stared at him. I saw the holes in his hands and feet. I felt really good in my heart. My mom said it was time to go, but I didn’t want to go I wanted to stay there with Jesus. So we sat down on the chairs and looked at Jesus and talked about him.

I know that Jesus loves me and if I follow his example and do what is right then I will be with him again for real. I am really glad that I can feel him in my heart.

True Color - By Zac Johnson

As I was thinking about what to talk about, I came across a talk by Jeff S. Mcintosh written in last year’s December Ensign. Brother Mcintosh tells a story of selling suits in a department store. He said that as you entered the store there were a few suits displayed at the front that sat under a really bright light which gave the suits a clean cut color. There were always a few customers that would want to try the suits on. Once the customers came out of the dressing room and looked at the suit, it did not have the same look that it did under the bright light at the display. It looked more dim and dull. He would then have to take them out in the sunlight which displayed the suits “true” color.

I have a pair of pants that always confuse me… When I put them on inside they look a dark green so than I pick my shirt and everything else out based on that color; however, I than get outside in the light where the pants show their “true” color which is brown. I than have to go back inside and change because nothing I picked out matches the pants!

This of course ties directly to our Savior Jesus Christ being our spiritual light which gives us the “true” guidance and helps us show our “true” color.

John 8: 12: Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.

Brother Mcintosh said “striving to choose with true light will help us make proper choices for our families and ourselves. And by looking to God through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, we will not be deceived but will know good from evil.”

There is no doubt in my mind that Jesus Christ brings out the “True” color in everyone. The transformation that Christ brings to someone is such an amazing experience to be a part of. I have had numerous experiences where I have been able to see Christ change the life of others and show their “True” color.