When I served in Young Women, one of my responsibilities was to have a chat with primary aged girls that would soon come into the Young Women class. Our chat was to help prepare them for the next 6 years they would spend on their covenant path. What did I share with them? We looked in the Book of Mormon and found the word ‘remember.’ That, I told them, was the purpose of the Young Women organization. To help them remember the teaching of their parents and build upon it.

We have been told many times to keep a journal. I used to think it was for posterity but since I don’t have any children that is unlikely. No, the main purpose of a journal is to remind me when I forget. Just as the perfect illustration in Elder Andersen’s talk. Remembering is key.

So what do you remember? How you choose to document your memories is up to you. If you are a writer, write. If you are an artist, draw. If you are a musician, compose. It doesn’t matter how you do it. What matters is you are able to translate it later.

Here are some questions to help get you started.

• When do you remember first hearing the gospel?
• What were your first impressions of church?
• How did your testimony begin?
• How often have you read the Book of Mormon?
• What theme did you hear from last conference?
• What do you do when you have a bad day?
• What is your most profound prayer?
• Why do you attend the temple?

And the list can go on. No answer will be the same but they will be yours and it is quite possible your future self will thank you for documenting your answers.

Spiritually Defining Memories by Elder Neil L. Andersen