Item Detail
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13630
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0
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0
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English
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Lessons Learned in the Journey of Life
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Brigham Young University Speeches
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1999-2000
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79-87
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Elder Wirthlin shared some ways of being happy that he has learned over the years. He played football in college, and was reluctant to accept a mission call because he feared it would mean the end of his football career. He chose to serve a mission which was difficult because he was called to the German/Austrian Mission during the outbreak of World War II. It was there that he received direction for his life and made some goals of eternal implication. He met a man who researched his Wirthlin line, and presented him with a large book full of information just before he was released from his mission. He shipped the book home in a trunk. It was several months before the trunk arrived, and then it had been ransacked and soaked with sea water; however, the book had been protected against any thievery or water damage. Many years later, he and his wife returned to Salzburg, Austria, to organize a stake. When he had been there as a missionary, there were barely enough members to form a small ward. He now considers those trials of the past as a means to strengthen his character. He encouraged all to magnify their opportunities and enjoy the journey.