PERSONAL PRAYERS

Due to health problems, I have been unable to attend sacrament and other Church meetings. I have found the following to be helpful:

• Read the scriptures daily. You can also listen to scripture tapes and conference tapes.

• Say personal prayers at least two times daily.

• Read the Ensign and Church News from cover to cover.

• Study the Sunday School and Relief Society lessons.

In addition, through my home teacher and those who have brought me the sacrament and by contacting other members of the ward, I can keep up with current events in the ward. — Yvonne Jones, Bensalem, Pa.

LOVE IN HIS HEART

For more than 20 years, we have watched our son with a progressive degenerative neurological disease slowly become almost totally bedridden, unable to care for himself, feed himself and now hardly speak. He has always been a spiritual giant, preferring to watch Church videos, attending meetings until about a year ago, even serving an abbreviated mission in his wheelchair at age 21. He has always loved the scriptures and they were among the last things he could still read. Throughout all this time, he has handled the whole situation with love in his heart for the Lord and knows he will one day be made whole.

Now in his final weeks, he prefers to listen to the Ensign on tape, other Church tapes, hymns sung by the Tabernacle Choir, Primary songs and those of contemporary LDS singers. When he is uncomfortable or upset, the above brings him great peace and calmness. — Linda and Gary Rogers, Vienna, Va.

EVERYONE HAS TRIALS

First, everyone has trials. Trials are no excuse to limit spiritual growth. Second, to grow spiritually one must be committed to the same basics — prayer, scripture study and service.

Because of chronic pain, I generally do not leave home except to attend Sunday meetings. I have always done all I could do, not using my pains to excuse activity until I am forced to. I try to live my testimony at all times and have a positive outlook. I daily ask Heavenly Father to direct me to see what I can do, and He shows me. I follow His direction and serve others by giving love and hope in various ways. Specifically, I prepare a monthly Book of Mormon study sheet for more than 30 people that provides a daily study focus. — Jan Dickson, Hawthorne, Calif.

NEW WAYS

When I was 23, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic illness that left me with little energy and a lot of pain. Ten years later, I have learned new ways to find happiness and deeper spirituality, including the following:

• I let my Church leaders know my limitations and then asked them for ways to serve in the ward.

• I serve in the temple because of wonderful people there who help me work around my disability.

• I read the scriptures and Church publications to keep my spiritual reserves full.

• I serve as a visiting teacher by mail.

• I am able to feel love by letting people serve me. They are uplifted also.

• I don't run faster than I have strength.

— Tamara Mulder, Mapleton, Utah

'WIDOW'S MITE'

It doesn't take health, strength and mobility to seek for the Savior in prayer or through the words of the prophets, or by looking for good in all people and circumstances around you, or in giving service. Even if all you have to give is a smile, that "widow's mite" of strength is worth just as much as any other service in the Church. Thus, I have found that my limited reach will still allow the stretching of my soul. — Melissa J. Coffin, Burien, Wash.

MAINTAIN REVERENCE

For several years, I have suffered from asthma and severe allergies, especially to perfumes, colognes and many chemicals used in cleaning products. I try to do things that will build my testimony and alleviate the depression that can result from missing out on meeting after meeting. I study the scriptures that apply to the Sunday School lesson and the materials covered in the Relief Society lesson. I watch or listen to past general conference talks, tapes by General Authorities or read books written by them. Staying in the clothes I would wear to my meetings also helps me maintain a feeling of reverence. — Dawnetta Wannop, Coaldale, Alberta