Annabelle’s last semester seminary assessment was a meaningful milestone in her gospel learning journey. She gathered with her gospel friends at Brother and Sister Paradiso’s house for the assessment, sharing this special experience with others who had been learning and studying the gospel alongside her.
Learning the Gospel Together
I think there is something special about learning the gospel together with friends. Seminary is not just about reading scriptures, completing lessons, or preparing for assessments.
It is also about learning to recognise Jesus Christ's teachings, understand His words, and find ways to apply them in our everyday lives. Having friends who share the same faith can make the journey more enjoyable and encourage one another to keep learning.
One of the things that touched me was seeing the young people gathered around the room, taking part in the assessment activities. They moved around the walls, matching scripture references with gospel teachings, reading the statements, and discussing their answers with one another.
It was encouraging to see them engaging with the scriptures in such an interactive way. Gospel learning is not always about sitting quietly and listening. Sometimes, it means asking questions, searching for answers, working through a challenge, and learning from the thoughts and experiences of others.
The Gift of Gospel Friends
Another thing I loved seeing was the way the young people interacted with one another. Some were sharing their thoughts while others listened. There were moments of concentration, smiles, and laughter. They were gathered on the sofa; in others, they were standing together, participating in activities or enjoying a meal.
These may look like ordinary moments, but I believe they are part of what makes a gospel community meaningful. Having friends who share our beliefs can be a wonderful blessing, especially during the teenage years, when young people are discovering who they are and what they believe.
Friends can encourage one another to attend seminary, study the scriptures, participate in church activities, and remain connected to the gospel even when life becomes busy or challenging.
Of course, each young person must eventually develop a personal testimony. Friends cannot believe for us, but they can remind us that we are not alone in our efforts to follow Jesus Christ.
More Than an Assessment—A Memory to Treasure
And then, of course, there was food! Seeing the young people preparing their wraps and enjoying their meal together added such a lovely, relaxed touch to the day. After the assessment activities, they had time to talk, eat, laugh, and enjoy one another’s company.
I love how these simple moments can become part of our most treasured memories. Sometimes, it is not the formal activity that we remember most clearly, but the conversations in between, the laughter around the table, or the feeling of being welcomed into someone’s home.
I am grateful to Brother and Sister Paradiso for providing their home as a place for the young people to gather. A welcoming home can create a comfortable environment for learning, fellowship, and building friendships. These moments may seem ordinary, but they can become precious memories for the young people as they grow older.
Watching Annabelle Grow
As I think about Annabelle completing her last semester assessment, I feel happy that she has had these opportunities to learn the gospel with her friends. Every lesson, scripture, discussion, and assessment is another step in helping her develop her own understanding and testimony of Jesus Christ.
My hope is that the things Annabelle has learned through seminary will stay with her beyond the classroom and the assessments. As she continues through life, I hope she will remember the truths she has studied, turn to the scriptures when she needs guidance, and continue building her relationship with Heavenly Father.
It is lovely to see her reaching this milestone alongside her gospel friends. More than completing an assessment, I hope this experience has helped strengthen her faith and reminded her that she does not have to walk her spiritual journey alone. ❤️
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