Today, we're sharing an experience that Sister Laurie Whitton sent us for the Miracle Monday music theme way back in April 2013. If you've got a talent that you want God to magnify or a desire that you hope He'll bless, then we pray this testimony inspires you.

When I was in high school, I played clarinet in the band. After graduating, there were no opportunities for me to play, so there my clarinet sat for 30 years.

About five years ago, I was encouraged to start playing again. At first, I said, "No, it's impossible after all these years. I do not remember how to play." The instrument had sat so long it probably wouldn't function.

There have been times in my life when I wonder what people think about my testimonies of God's goodness and blessings on my family and me. Do they think that I am a good storyteller or that I made these things up for attention? Perhaps, they think that I am bragging?

None of these are true. Each testimony is told in thanks for God's tender mercies. When telling an experience, I often feel just as blessed as I did when it first happened — sometimes even greater. A blessing from God is a gift that keeps on giving!

For the month of August, we're sharing Miracle Mondays that we received in the past but weren't able to publish. Today, we've got a testimony from Brother Larry Champine that he submitted for the October 2014 theme, which was "death."

The youngest of seven children, I was raised by loving parents in another faith. My father was one of the youngest of 14 children, and his father was one of 13 children. Needless to say, in my growing up years, I attended many, many family funerals. (I even grew to dread the smell of funeral flowers.)

Looking back, I recognize that although there was a devotion to our faith and we were reminded of God's promise of Heaven, it did not seem to bring much comfort. These occasions were always very sad.

Today's Blogger's Choice spotlight is from Brother Andrew DiNardo. He chose his article "Gideon Moment," originally published on September 12, 2013.

He says, "Now almost two years later, I'm 1,300 miles from family and where I lived my whole life but thriving where God has placed me. Being so far away from family and my perfect little nephew isn't easy BUT knowing that God has placed me here and watching Him move in my life makes it easier. These experiences still ring true in my life."

When I read scripture, I'm amazed by the miracles and wonder why I can't have the same things. Well, we can all have those things!

Many years ago when our sons were young, my husband was offered a job promotion that would take us out of state and away from our families, friends, and the small Atlanta Mission. It was a tremendous decision that had many pros and cons, but I especially didn't want to leave our small mission.

One afternoon as I was taking my sheets off the clothesline, I was asking God what should we do. Gideon immediately came into my mind and gave me an idea. If God could show Gideon what to do through simple fleece and dew, then why couldn't He do something similar for me?

I used to make up excuses for why I shouldn't get anointed when prayer time rolled around each Sunday meeting.

My problem isn't that important.

I'm shy and don't like being the center of attention.

I don't like everyone knowing what's wrong with me.

It'll take too much time.

It'll be a downer.

Here's the worst one of all: I've been anointed before, and nothing has happened, so why ask again?

As Easter 2001 approached, I began asking God what I should write for our Sunday school Easter program. One day, my mind was illuminated and my pen couldn't keep up with the words coming into my mind. I felt the blessing of God so greatly that tears streamed down my face as I wrote.

On Easter morning, I was so excited to share this program and the blessings that I received with the congregation, but that was not to be.

As I was getting ready for church, I received a phone call from Shawn, our older son. It was a phone call no parent ever wants to receive. "Mom, I've been in an accident, but I'm OK. Please come and get me because my truck has been totaled."

Today's baptism-related Miracle Monday was submitted by Sister Joyce Smith. Enjoy!

Raised in a Catholic family, I came to The Church of Jesus Christ at the age of 17 after I met and was dating one of the minister's sons from the San Fernando Valley Branch in Southern California. The first time I visited The Church I felt something I had never felt before. For the very first time I felt God.

Today we're kicking off a month of baptism miracles. Today's story is from Brother George Katsaras.

In March 1976, we were at a church camp deep in the heart of the Florida Everglades. There were powerful airboats roaring all around us while Brother Mike Radd was preaching. I was having horrific kidney pains and felt extremely uncomfortable as I sat in a stiff metal chair.

Sister Carmella Mazzeo, the compassionate camp nurse, realized I was in pain and offered me medication, which I refused because I wanted to be in my right mind and alert for the meeting. I was squirming in pain sitting in that hard chair, so Sister Carmella positioned a pillow comfortably behind my back. As I listened to Brother Mike and saw the other elders up front, I felt so much love from everyone.

Editor's Note: The New Year is a time for reflection, looking back on what we've learned through our experiences. Sister Alena does just that as she ponders what she gained from her recent trip to visit The Church in Guatemala.

Before I left for Guatemala, I had a friend from high school tell me that I would teach the people there so much. She said that because of my education and background that I would be able to share so much with these people.

And I'm here to tell you that she was very wrong.

Philippians 4:6 "But in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."

When I was a junior in college, I decided I wanted to buy a sports car when I went home over fall break. I figured I was 20, and now was the time to have some fun when driving. I'd upgrade to something more practical in five years when I had a kid — obviously I didn't consult with God on that thought.

Today's death-related Miracle Monday is the testimony of Sister Betty Alessio, who is no stranger to coping with the loss of loved ones. Today she's sharing some things that brought her comfort and peace.

As I grew up, I faced death of siblings. Some were very tragic and it was hard to accept. When my younger brother was murdered, I was having a terrible time until the Lord started showing me the faces of people who needed an uplift of some kind, and that is when I started helping others. God was helping me along the way to recover from the loss.

The recent death of my husband of 59 years was different. He came down with dementia/Alzheimer's, and I was his caregiver for a few years. One day, he ended up in the hospital, and the doctor told me he needed to be in a facility.

Today's marriage-related Miracle Monday is the story of Sister Donna Repcheck. It shows how God writes the perfect love story.

Many years ago, I said a small prayer asking the Lord that if there was someone out there for me, that He would put him in my path. I used to be quite shy in larger groups and uncomfortable starting conversation, so i knew it wouldn't be easy finding a mate.

Today's marriage-related Miracle Monday is from Sister Gelsa Staley. Many times, when we think of getting married, we think of young people, but this testimony shows how God can provide a mate at any stage in life.

In my late 40s, I found myself a single woman living alone and very lonely. My consistent prayer to God was "If you want me to remarry, then place a man of God in my life, or give me the strength to be alone."

Today, we're sharing two military experiences that share a common theme. They show how God answered the diligent prayers of the saints by preventing disasters on the battlefield. Many times we focus on what God does, but we often overlook the calamity that He prevents.