Who were the men who wrote the Constitution? What personal characteristics qualified them for the task of creating a document which the Lord says he “established”? (D&C 101:80.)

Washington, fearing the worst, asked for a list of casualties. To his amazement, not one American soldier had been killed. He quickly took his prisoners and marched back across the river before British reinforcements could arrive. Washington had his first victory, and in the cold bitter reality of defeat and death, a nation was born.

Martin Van Ginkel and Carl Brouwer were both sixteen years old.  With a lot of apprehension, they arrived at our flat at 9:30 am.  Both were in white shirts and ties, and other than their hair being a tad long, looked every bit a missionary.  Both were fine young men with budding testimonies of the gospel.

As a small child being raised in the 1960\’s, I have some distinct memories of that time and place in history. There was the cold war, with its walls and curtains, and the Vietnam War, with its protests and images. The rebellion and lack of respect for authority expressing itself in the music, drugs, and riots. There was the civil rights, women\’s rights, worker\’s rights, sexual revolution, political revolution, and communist revolution around the world. All the earth seemed in turmoil during those times, especially to a young child.

May we obtain the \”peace and the love of God\” that comes with faith as we search the scriptures, pray, and listen to the words of our living prophets. \”O then, my beloved brethren, repent ye, and enter in at the strait gate, and continue in the way which is narrow, until ye shall obtain eternal life. O be wise; what can I say more?\” (Jacob 6:11-12).

Jesse Knight lived during the early days of the Church in Utah. During his early years he wasn\’t as active in the Church as he should have been, but once he became active, he played a pivotal role in the finances of the Church.

In the October 1999 General Conference, Elder Neal A. Maxwell spoke about lessons we can learn from Laman and Lemuel. \”Laman and Lemuel\’s own lack of character kept them from understanding the perfect character of God! No wonder the Prophet Joseph Smith said, \’If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves\’ (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, p. 343).

When the Saints left Nauvoo in 1846, new settlers moved from Germany and France arrived to take their place. The group from France were known as Icarians under the leadership of Etienne Cabet.

Nephi loved the scriptures because he knew them. He learned from them, and they guided his life. At times, even his writing took on the form of the scriptures he loved. One of the most beautiful sections of the Book of Mormon was written by Nephi in a Psalm format. It is evidence of the strong influence the writings of David had on this prophet of the new world.

I recently spent a weekend in Nauvoo, Illinois, to take part in a 40-year class reunion renewing friendships made so many years ago. I walked into the Hotel Nauvoo and realized everyone was old!