Kristen M. Oaks

More than 20 years ago, President Dallin H. Oaks was given an “unusual” assignment that would become his “period of greatest growth” as an Apostle.

There will be music, a visit from Louie the Toucan, and a fun craft! This 20-minute episode is made just for kids and can be used at home or in Primary.

Young adults ages 18-30, married or single, are invited to watch the worldwide devotional.

Many of us know the First Presidency best by their messages and the service that they give. But what do we know of their life history and the women who have been by their sides?

After they first met, President Oaks wrote in his journal, “Sharmon and I met and walked with Kristen McMain, who proved to be attractive, intelligent, faithful, and fun.”

When Sister Kristen Oaks married Elder Dallin H. Oaks in June 2000, she wasn’t just marrying an Apostle—she was stepping into a brand-new family.

The greatest hero of women is the Savior Jesus Christ, said Sister Wendy Nelson during an interview with an Italian newspaper correspondent on March 11.

“My original question had been, ‘Am I doing something wrong?’" Sister Oaks said about her experience as a single adult. "I learned that is the wrong question. I should be asking, ‘What more can I do that is right?’ You have that capacity.”

I remember feeling many times that I was just marking time, waiting for my life to happen.

As a friend of Sister Oaks noted: "Nursery children do not look to see if you have a ring on your finger as you wipe away their tears. It doesn’t take a wedding license to feed hungry Scouts or missionaries or shut-ins. Nowhere on the tithing slip do you indicate marital status as you contribute to the Church’s humanitarian service or Perpetual Education Fund. And they don’t have two doors at the temple — one for couples and one for singles. We are a Church that needs faithful workers. I’ve been blessed because I had priesthood leaders who knew this."

We know the First Presidency and apostles sacrifice much to serve the Lord and members around the world, but sometimes we fail to recognize the women who travel with them, stand beside them, and sacrifice just as much for our Church. Learn a little more about the wives of the apostles.

I never had the goal to marry an Apostle. My goal was to draw close to Heavenly Father and make my life as meaningful and happy as I could. Because I value and believe in the plan of salvation, I wanted all the blessings associated with it. That included someday, in this life or the next, finding a companion that I loved and respected, a man I could trust and depend on, who would be loyal to me and active in the Church. I wanted to marry a man who loved the Lord more than he loved me, whose allegiance was to His eternal covenants. It would simply follow that such a man would be true to me and our future family.

The following is an excerpt from "If Ye Are Not One Ye Are Not Mine," a chapter in the book, One in Charity: Talks From the 2016 BYU Women's Conference. In the excerpt, we learn just how we can grow closer to our Savior and become one with Him, ourselves, our families, and our fellowmen.

Tackling many topics singles within the Church struggle with, Elder Oaks was clear when he stated, “Singles are such an important part of the Church. They are an important part of the country, too.”

In the most recent Ensign, Elder Oaks told an analogy that perfectly relates how many single Saints feel as members of the Church. It's a good reminder to all of us that every Saint is important to the work, right now, exactly where they are at. They are members and deserve the same instruction, recognition, and respect as any other.