Learn Wisdom in Thy Youth: Part 2 of Our Interview with Taysom and Emily Hill

Last fall, we sat down with Taysom and Emily Hill for an interview in their home in Provo, Utah. Among the topics we discussed were the lessons Taysom’s football injuries had taught them both about the importance of trusting in the Lord. Since that time, Taysom’s plans for his final season of college football have materialized, much to the delight of BYU football fans around the country.

In this post, we asked Taysom and Emily about their experiences growing up as Youth in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In their responses, you’ll read about what they learned from their parents; when they first felt they had a personal testimony of the restored gospel; what lessons Taysom learned on his full-time mission; and what advice they would give to LDS Youth around the world. Through this post, we hope you’ll see a glimpse of the blessings and strength that have come into the Hills’ lives through their choices to take to heart Alma’s counsel to “learn wisdom in thy youth; yea, learn in thy youth to keep the commandments of God” (Alma 37:35).

Q: What was it like growing up in a place where there weren't very many Mormons?

6 LDS Temples That Are Special to Me

At one point in our 10 years of marriage, my husband and I decided to make the temple a focal point in our family. As I reflect back on six temples that have made a deep impact on my life, I am reminded of the blessings the temple brings and hope that I can plant a seed in the heart of my young son.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Dedicated April 6, 1893. Iconic to me growing up in the Salt Lake valley, it was my first temple experience as a youth going to do baptisms for the dead. I felt special to be able to enter into this House of the Lord, and it was one of my first experiences of feeling the Spirit. Of course, I also have fond memories of walking Temple Square, attending the Tabernacle and Conference Center, and seeing the brilliant display of lights at Christmas time. These are special experiences that I’ve delighted in sharing with my husband and son.

5 LDS Talks to Read With Your Valentine

When we were engaged and newly married we received a lot of advice on how to be successful in marriage. Some of it was good, some was not so good. We did some research and reading ourselves too. Each read offered helpful and inspiring insights into the new world of marriage. The 5 Love Languages gave us secular knowledge and understand of one another, and Between Husband & Wife: Gospel Perspectives on Marital Intimacy respectfully taught us about the wonderful unknown of marriage. 

In the end, some of the most helpful lessons have come from reading the inspired messages in the Ensign and words of prophets and apostles. Together, we decided to share five LDS talks and articles that have taught us lessons about marriage and love. We hope that you can gain something from them too. Enjoy.

A Bishop's Testimony

A bishop in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has many responsibilities, including working with full-time missionaries, less-active members of the church, and Young Men and Young Women. The greatest challenges is not to bring converts into the church, reactivate members, or help Young Women and Young Men through their challenging years; the greatest challenge is to bring individuals and families to a greater understanding of Jesus Christ and teach them of the love He has for each of them. My testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel is built on the following truths.

1.    In the beginning, God created the heaven and the earth. Genesis 1:1

In the October 2015 General Conference, Elder Devin Durrant invited us to ponderize on one verse of scripture each week. In the Book of Mormon, Jesus commanded us that when we are in doubt, we should ponder: “Therefore, go ye unto your homes, and ponder upon the things which I have said, and ask of the Father, in my name, that ye may understand, and prepare your minds for the morrow, and I come unto you again.”[1] The word ponder is also found in Proverbs 4:26, Proverbs 5:21, Proverbs 24:12, Luke 2:19, 1 Nephi 11:1, 2 Nephi 4:15, 2 Nephi 32:1, Helaman 10:2, 3 Nephi 17:3, Moroni 10:3, D&C 30:3, D&C 138:1 and in Joseph Smith history 1:47.