Behold, this is your work, to keep my commandments, yea with all your might, mind and strength.
Seek not to declare my word, but first seek to obtain my word, and then shall your tongue be loosed; then, if you desire, you shall have my Spirit and my word, yea, the power of God unto the convincing of men.
— Doctrine & Covenants 11:20-21.
I was born and raised in Salt Lake City. After I was married, my husband and I lived in 22 different houses and my three sons were each born in a different state. When I moved from Salt Lake City, I had a very hard time sharing my religion with my neighbors. I tended to just associate with people from the Church. On one occasion a neighbor asked me if I knew of a good church. I didn't even have the courage to tell her about my church. I have been sorry ever since.
In Anchorage, Alaska, my husband and I were called into the bishop's office. He said that the Lord wanted Dennis and me to be stake missionaries. Dennis had never been on a mission and I couldn't even talk about the Church. I was devastated. We accepted the calling after being assured that it was not made in desperation. I was in shock. I didn't see how I could do this. I went home and knelt in prayer, begging my Heavenly Father to show me the way. The answer was in reading this scripture.
I worked harder on keeping the commandments and studying the Book of Mormon. I feel that my experience as a missionary was a success because I found this scripture. I know that my prayer was answered and my life was changed as a result. — Alice Sue McCabe, Taylorsville, Utah
"Living by the Scriptures" is another in a series of Church News reader response articles. Was there a time when a particular scripture touched you, when it offered comfort, guidance and much-needed support? If so, please describe your experience in 250-300 words, giving the scripture reference and telling how it affected you.
Send your submission to Church News, P.O. Box 1257, Salt Lake City, Utah 84110. Fax No. (801) 237-2524. Internet E-mail: