Sunday, April 26, 2009

Church Services This Week at Elkart Second Ward South Bend Indiana Stake 4-26-09

Testimony Meeting
Do we have more money than brains? Some people spend large amounts of money on frivolous things and do ignorant things. Do we, no matter how much money we have, use our money in brainless ways?

Referenced Elder Uchdorf's conference talk. Do we focus on a burnt out light bulb rather than urgent things?

The gospel changes our lives.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 4-19-09

Priesthood Opening
Alma 37:34
34 Teach them to never be weary of good works, but to be meek and lowly in heart; for such shall find arest to their souls.

Elders' Quorum
Chapter 30: Valiant in the Cause of Christ 349–57
From the manual:
During one of the cold, tedious nights, the men lay on the floor until past midnight, unable to sleep because the guards were boasting of their recent attacks on the Saints, including acts of robbery, rape, and murder. Elder Parley P. Pratt recounted: “I had listened till I became so disgusted, shocked, horrified, and so filled with the spirit of indignant justice that I could scarcely refrain from rising upon my feet and rebuking the guards; but had said nothing to Joseph, or any one else, although I lay next to him and knew he was awake. On a sudden he arose to his feet, and spoke in a voice of thunder, or as the roaring lion, uttering, as near as I can recollect, the following words:

‘SILENCE. … In the name of Jesus Christ I rebuke you, and command you to be still; I will not live another minute and hear such language. Cease such talk, or you or I die THIS INSTANT!’

“He ceased to speak. He stood erect in terrible majesty. Chained, and without a weapon; calm, unruffled and dignified as an angel, he looked upon the quailing guards, whose weapons were lowered or dropped to the ground; whose knees smote together, and who, shrinking into a corner, or crouching at his feet, begged his pardon, and remained quiet till a change of guards."

What types of conversations do we have that the Holy Ghost has to overhear that offends him. Hopefully we have nothing so vile as this story betrays, but are we still offensive, nonetheless, with our words or thoughts.

When we have trials don't drop our responsibilities because we are in a trial. Set priorities, but don't give up on everything else to focus on your trial.

We receive strength in our trials when we reach out to others who are having trials-Elder Eyring's conference talk where he shared about the two widows.

Sunday School
Chapter 13: Obedience: “When the Lord Commands, Do It” 158–70
Law of consecration helps us to avoid pride.

"The Lord says that the efficacy of our prayers depends upon our liberality to the poor." (President Marion G. Romney, "Fundamental Welfare Services", Ensign May 1979)

“Our pioneer forebears lived by the adage, ‘Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without’ ” (“I Believe,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 6).

Sacrament Service
A missionary that returned from Japan a few weeks ago spoke.

Faith without works is dead. Work without purposes dead.

Standing in a big city in Japan he thought "all of these are God's children and not all of them know it."

Articles of Faith
1 We abelieve in bGod, the Eternal Father, and in His cSon, Jesus Christ, and in the dHoly Ghost.

From The Bulletin:
Worship??

To worship God is to give Him your love, reverence, service and devotion. The Lord commanded Moses, "Worship God, for him only shalt thou serve" (Moses 1:15), In this dispensation He has command, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind and strength and int he name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him" (D&C 59:5). If you place any person or thing above the love of God, you are practicing false worship, or idolity (see Exodus 20:3-6). --source: http://lds.org

Sunday, April 05, 2009

General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session 4-5-09

Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Unselfish Service
Matthew 16:24–25
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him adeny himself, and take up his bcross, and cfollow dme.
25 aFor whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will blose his life for my sake shall cfind it.

Elder John A. Widtsoe declared, 'We cannot walk as other men, or talk as other men, or do as other men, for we have a different destiny, obligation, and responsibility placed upon us, and we must fit ourselves [to it].' (John A. Widtsoe, in Conference Report, Apr. 1940, 36. ) That reality has current application to every trendy action, including immodest dress."

"The worldly aspiration of our day is to get something for nothing. The ancient evil of greed shows its face in the assertion of entitlement: I am entitled to this or that because of who I am—a son or a daughter, a citizen, a victim, or a member of some other group. Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much, and it gives little or nothing. Its very concept causes us to seek to elevate ourselves above those around us. This separates us from the divine, evenhanded standard of reward that when anyone obtains any blessing from God, it is by obedience to the law on which that blessing is predicated (see D&C 130:21).

The effects of greed and entitlement are evident in the multimillion-dollar bonuses of some corporate executives. But the examples are more widespread than that. Greed and ideas of entitlement have also fueled the careless and widespread borrowing and excessive consumerism behind the financial crises that threaten to engulf the world.

Gambling is another example of greed and selfishness. The gambler ventures a minimum amount in the hope of a huge return that comes by taking it away from others. No matter how it is disguised, getting something for nothing is contrary to the gospel law of the harvest: “Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7; see also 2 Corinthians 9:6).

The values of the world wrongly teach that “it’s all about me.” That corrupting attitude produces no change and no growth. It is contrary to eternal progress toward the destiny God has identified in His great plan for His children. The plan of the gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above our selfish desires and teaches us that this life is all about what we can become."

Elder David A. Bednar - Honorably Hold a Name and Standing
"'Behold, the field was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the sickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your sheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted' (Alma 26:5).

The sheaves in this analogy represent newly baptized members of the Church. The garners are the holy temples. Elder Neal A. Maxwell explained: 'Clearly, when we baptize, our eyes should gaze beyond the baptismal font to the holy temple. The great garner into which the sheaves should be gathered is the holy temple' (in John L. Hart, 'Make Calling Focus of Your Mission,' Church News, Sept. 17, 1994, 4). This instruction clarifies and emphasizes the importance of sacred temple ordinances and covenants—that the sheaves may not be wasted."

Elder Gary E. Stevenson - Sacred Homes, Sacred Temples
"The First Presidency has invited 'adult members to have a current temple recommend and visit the temple more often' where time and circumstance permit and encouraged members 'to replace some leisure activities with temple service.' They also encouraged 'newer members and youth of the Church who are 12 years of age and older to live worthy to assist in this great work by serving as proxies for baptisms and confirmations.'(First Presidency letter, Mar. 11, 2003.)"

“Only the home can compare with the temple in sacredness.” (Bible Dictionary, “Temple,” 781)

Elder José A. Teixeira - Gifts to Help Us Navigate Our Life
"Choices have consequences attached, which may or may not be manifested immediately after our decisions. Using the spiritual gifts we have been given is paramount in order to remain on the right course."

Elder F. Michael Watson - His Servants, the Prophets
“You may not like what comes from the authority of the Church. It may contradict your political views . . . [or] your social views. It may interfere with some of your social life. But if [we] listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord himself, with patience and faith, the promise is that . . . ‘the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you, and cause the heavens to shake for your good, and his name’s glory’.” (Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct.1970, 152; or Improvement Era, Dec. 1970, 126)

“Are you too close to the Brethren [so that you] think of them not as prophets but as men just guessing [such counsel] might be a good thing?” (Harold B. Lee, Christmas devotional for employees of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Dec. 13, 1973; in The Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. Williams (1996), 298)

Elder L. Tom Perry - "Bring Souls unto Me"
"There is . . . no substitute for a member-oriented proselyting program. Tracting will not substitute for it. Golden questions will not substitute for it. A member-oriented program is the key to success, and it works wherever we try it" (President Thomas S. Monson, "Motivating Missionaries," June 22, 2008, 8)

"The Church has over 50,000 full-time missionaries serving around the world. Preach My Gospel has helped make them the best teachers of the gospel of Jesus Christ we have ever had in the history of the Church. Unfortunately most of our full-time missionaries spend more of their time trying to find people rather than teaching them. I view our full-time missionaries as an underutilized teaching resource. If you and I did more of the finding for the full-time missionaries and freed them up to spend more time teaching the people we find, great things would begin to happen. We're missing a golden opportunity to grow the Church when we wait for our full-time missionaries to warn our neighbors instead of doing it ourselves."

President Thomas S. Monson - Until We Meet Again
"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads." (D&C 25:12)

"pray always lest [we] enter into temptation." (3 Nephi 18:18)

"On the other hand, however—and extremely alarming—are the reports of the number of individuals who are utilizing the Internet for evil and degrading purposes, the viewing of pornography being the most prevalent of these purposes. My brothers and sisters, involvement in such will literally destroy the spirit. Be strong. Be clean. Avoid such degrading and destructive types of content at all costs—wherever they may be! I sound this warning to everyone, everywhere. I add—particularly to the young people—that this includes pornographic images transmitted via cell phones."

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." (Joshua 24:15)

General Conference Sunday Morning Session 4-5-09

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - The Way of the Disciple
"It is fitting that during the week from Palm Sunday to Easter morning we turn our thoughts to Jesus Christ, the source of light, life, and love."

"We live in a time when many worry about their livelihood. They are concerned about the future and doubt their ability to resolve the challenges that confront them. Many have experienced personal misfortune and sadness. They hunger for meaning and purpose in life.

Because there is such great interest in these issues, the world is not bashful in offering numerous new answers to every problem we face. People run from one new idea to the next, hoping to find something that will answer the burning questions of their souls. They attend seminars and buy books, CDs, and other products. They get caught up in the excitement of looking for something new. But inevitably, the flame of each new theory fades, only to be replaced by another “new and improved” solution that promises to do what the others before could not.

It’s not that these worldly options don’t contain elements of truth—many of them do. Nevertheless, they all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives. After the excitement wears off, the hollowness remains as we look for the next new idea to unlock the secrets of happiness.

In contrast, the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to all of our problems. The gospel is not a secret. It is not complicated or hidden. It can unlock the door to true happiness. It is not someone’s theory or proposition. It does not come from man at all. It springs from the pure and everlasting waters of the Creator of the universe, who knows truths we cannot even begin to comprehend. And with that knowledge, He has given us the gospel—a divine gift, the ultimate formula for happiness and success."

"Too often we approach the gospel like a farmer who places a seed in the ground in the morning and expects corn on the cob by the afternoon"

"It is not enough merely to speak of Jesus Christ or proclaim that we are His disciples. It is not enough to surround ourselves with symbols of our religion. Discipleship is not a spectator sport. We cannot expect to experience the blessings of faith by standing inactive on the sidelines any more than we can experience the benefits of health by sitting on a sofa watching sporting events on television and giving advice to the athletes."

Elder Neil L. Anderson - Come unto Him
"Our knowledge of the divine mission of the Church should not bring feelings of superiority or arrogance but should take us to our knees, pleading for the Lord’s help that we might be what we should be."

Elder Steven E. Snow - Get On with Our Lives
"Too often we are reluctant to enter the next stage, begin the next challenge. Maybe we are too comfortable, fearful, or lacking in faith. Grandmother’s lap is often more comfortable than the trials of kindergarten. Our parents’ basement, with unlimited video games, may be more appealing than college, marriage, or a career."

“faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time, for one will dispel the other” (President Thomas S. Monson, “Come unto Him in Prayer and Faith,Liahona and Ensign, Mar. 2009, 6)

“The next time you’re tempted to groan, you might try to laugh instead. It will extend your life and make the lives of all those around you more enjoyable” (Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Come What May, and Love It,Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 27).

Sister Barbara Thompson - His Arm Is Sufficient
"Last September in the general Relief Society meeting, Sister Beck outlined three things to help us in our goal to obtain eternal life. They are:
  1. 'Increase in faith and personal righteousness.'
  2. 'Strengthen families and homes.'
  3. 'Serve the Lord and His children.'3 This also means to seek out and care for the poor and needy."
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - None Were with Him
"As we approach this holy week—Passover Thursday with its Paschal Lamb, atoning Friday with its cross, Resurrection Sunday with its empty tomb—may we declare ourselves to be more fully disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, not in word only and not only in the flush of comfortable times but in deed and in courage and in faith, including when the path is lonely and when our cross is difficult to bear."

President Thomas S. Monson - Be of Good Cheer
"The future is as bright as your faith."

2 Timothy 1:7.
7 For God hath not given us the spirit of afear; but of bpower, and of clove, and of a sound mind.

Saturday, April 04, 2009

General Conference Priesthood Session 4-4-09

President Boyd K. Packer -Counsel to Young Men
"Young men speak of the future because they have no past, and old men speak of the past because they have no future."

"There are many accounts in the scriptures of young men serving. Samuel served in the tabernacle with Eli.3 David was a young man when he faced Goliath.4 Mormon’s service began when he was 10.5 Joseph Smith was 14 when he received the First Vision.6 And Christ was 12 when He was found in the temple teaching the wise men.7

Paul told young Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth.”8"Doctrine and Covenants 89
“All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

“And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.”

“And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them.”

"You may see others who seem to have been given a more perfect body than yours. Do not fall into the trap of feeling poorly about your height or weight or your features or your skin color or race.

You are a son of God. You lived in a premortal existence as an individual spirit child of heavenly parents. At the time of your birth, you received a mortal body of flesh and blood and bone in which to experience earth life. You will be tested as you prepare yourself to return to our Heavenly Father."

"Your gender was determined in the premortal existence. You were born a male. You must treasure and protect the masculine part of your nature. You must have respectful, protective regard for all women and girls."

"Avoid the deadly poisons of pornography and narcotics."

"Do not decorate your body with tattoos or by piercing it to add jewels."

"It may seem that the world is in commotion; and it is! It may seem that there are wars and rumors of wars; and there are! It may seem that the future will hold trials and difficulties for you; and it will! However, fear is the opposite of faith. Do not be afraid!"

Bishop Richard C. Edgley - This Is Your Phone Call
"Brethren, there is no organization better able to respond to the challenges of humanity than the priesthood of the Most High God. We have the organization. Stake presidents, bishops, elders quorum presidents, and high priests group leaders—we now call upon you to mobilize our priesthood quorums in response to the employment and financial challenges facing our members. Consider this your personal phone call. Now is the time to rally around, lift up, and help the families in our quorums who may be in distress.

Opportunities abound, and yours is the opportunity and responsibility of marshaling the Lord’s resources. Among our quorum members, you will likely find those who know of job openings and others who are skilled at writing résumés or assisting in interview preparation. Regardless of titles or skills, you will find a brotherhood committed to bear one another’s burdens."

Elder Claudio R. M. Costa - Priesthood Responsibilities
“Each of us has a fourfold responsibility. First, we have a responsibility to our families. Second, we have a responsibility to our employers. Third, we have a responsibility to the Lord’s work. Fourth, we have a responsibility to ourselves.”2 (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 21, 2003, 22. )

“It is imperative that you not neglect your families. Nothing you have is more precious.”3 (Gordon B. Hinckley, “Rejoicing in the Privilege to Serve,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, June 21, 2003, 22. )

"It is our responsibility as fathers to lead our families in daily family prayer, daily study of the scriptures, and in family home evening. We must prioritize and preserve these opportunities to build and strengthen the spiritual underpinnings of our families."

“How fortunate and blessed we are to be holders of the priesthood of God. . . Always remember that people are looking to you for leadership and you are influencing the lives of individuals either for good or for bad, which influence will be felt for generations to come.’" (Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of Righteousness,Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 65–66; see also N. Eldon Tanner, “For They Loved the Praise of Men More Than the Praise of God,Ensign, Nov. 1975, 74. )

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf - We Are Doing a Great Work and Cannot Come Down
"The tendency to focus on the insignificant at the expense of the profound happens not only to pilots but to everyone. We are all at risk. The driver who focuses on the road has a far greater chance of arriving at his destination accident free than the driver who focuses on sending text messages on his phone.

We know what matters most in life—the Light of Christ teaches this to everyone. We as faithful Latter-day Saints have the Holy Ghost as a "constant companion" to teach us the things of eternal value. I imagine that any priesthood holder listening to my voice today, if asked to prepare a talk on the subject "what matters most," could and would do an excellent job. Our weakness is in failing to align our actions with our conscience.

Pause for a moment and check where your own heart and thoughts are. Are you focused on the things that matter most? How you spend your quiet time may provide a valuable clue. Where do your thoughts go when the pressure of deadlines is gone? Are your thoughts and heart focused on those short-lived fleeting things that matter only in the moment, or on things that matter most?"

"It is possible to take even good things to excess. One example can be seen in a father or grandfather who spends hours upon hours searching for his ancestors or creating a blog while neglecting or avoiding quality or meaningful time with his own children and grandchildren. Another example could be a gardener who spends his days pulling weeds from the soil while ignoring the spiritual weeds that threaten to choke his soul."

1 Corinthians 13:11
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

"This gospel does not come from man. The doctrine of the Church is not someone's best guess as to the meaning of ancient scripture. It is the truth of heaven revealed by God Himself."

President Henry B. Eyring - “Man Down!”
"Almost all of us have seen a battlefield portrayed in a film or read the description in a story. Over the din of explosions and the shouts of soldiers, there comes a cry, “Man down!” When that cry sounds, faithful fellow soldiers will move toward the sound. Another soldier or a medic will ignore danger and move to the injured comrade. And the man down will know that help will come. Whatever the risk, someone will run low or crawl to get there in time to protect and give aid."

"I would never put off such an impression because I had learned that the wounds of sin are often not felt at first by the one being hurt. Satan seems sometimes to inject something to deaden the spiritual pain while inflicting the wound. Unless something happens soon to begin repentance, the wound can worsen and widen."

"Consequently, as a priesthood holder responsible for the spiritual survival of some of Heavenly Father’s children, you will then move to help without waiting for a cry, “Man down!” Even a best friend or other leaders or parents may not see what you have seen.

You may have been the only one to sense by inspiration the warning cry. The others may feel, as you will be tempted to think, 'Maybe the trouble I thought I saw is just my imagination. What right do I have to judge another? It’s not my responsibility. I’ll leave it alone until he asks for help.'

Only an authorized judge in Israel is given the power and the responsibility to verify that there is a serious wound, to explore it, and then, under inspiration from God, to prescribe the necessary treatment for healing to begin. Yet you are under covenant to go to a spiritually wounded child of God. You are responsible to be brave enough and bold enough not to turn away."

President Thomas S. Monson - Be Your Best Self-
“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.”5 (1 Peter 3:15.)

"Brethren, are we prepared for our journey through life? The pathway can at times be difficult. Chart your course, be cautious, and determine to study diligently, pray fervently, and live righteously."

Isaiah 52:11
"11 ¶ Depart ye, depart ye, go ye aout from thence, btouch no cunclean thing; go ye dout of the midst of her; be ye eclean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. "

General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session 4-4-09

Brook P Hales - Statistical Report, 2008
13.5 million members of the Church.

Elder M. Russell Ballard - Learning the Lessons of the Past
"It is my message and testimony to you today, my young friends, that for the most important questions of your eternal lives, there are answers in the scriptures and in the words and testimonies of apostles and prophets. The fact that these words come largely from older men, past and present, doesn’t make them any less relevant. In fact, it makes their words even more valuable to you because they come from those who have learned much through years of devout living."

"Now, I need to be very clear about these historically reoccurring periods of apostasy and spiritual darkness. Our Heavenly Father loves all of His children, and He wants them all to have the blessings of the gospel in their lives. Spiritual light is not lost because God turns His back on His children. Rather, spiritual darkness results when His children turn their collective backs on Him. It is a natural consequence of bad choices made by individuals, communities, countries, and entire civilizations. This has been proven again and again throughout the course of time"

"In every dispensation, God’s loving desire to bless His children is manifest in the miraculous restoration of the gospel truth to the earth through living prophets. The Restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith in the early 1800s is only the most recent example. Similar restorations were accomplished in earlier times through such prophets as Noah, Abraham, Moses, and, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ Himself."

"We live in an era when the boundaries of good taste and public decency are being pushed to the point where there are no boundaries at all."

"And how do you get such a testimony? Well, there’s no new technology for that, nor will there ever be. You cannot do a Google search to gain a testimony."

Elder Quentin L. Cook - Our Father’s Plan—Big Enough for All His Children
"Because of the uplifting doctrine of the Restoration, members rejoice in the gospel and find joy and satisfaction in the Church. We are viewed favorably when we live the teachings of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. When members don’t live the teachings, it can be a stumbling block to those who do not belong to the Church."

Alma 4:10
10 And thus ended the eighth year of the reign of the judges; and the wickedness of the church was a great astumbling-block to those who did not belong to the church; and thus the church began to fail in its progress.

"A reporter for the Washington Post visited one of our Church meetings in Nigeria. The reporter interviewed one new member and told of his conversion. The reporter states:

“[He] said . . . he jumped off a city bus and walked into the [LDS Church building]. . . . He immediately liked what he heard inside [the chapel], especially that no one preached that people of other faiths were going to hell.”28 This echoes the feeling of numerous converts to the Church since its organization.

Our leaders have consistently counseled us “to live with respect and appreciation for those not of our faith. There is so great a need for civility and mutual respect among those of differing beliefs and philosophies.”29

It is equally important that we be loving and kind to members of our own faith, regardless of their level of commitment or activity. "

Elder Kevin W. Pearson - Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ
"Doubt is not a principle of the gospel. It does not come from the Light of Christ or the influence of the Holy Ghost. Doubt is a negative emotion related to fear. It comes from a lack of confidence in one’s self or abilities. It is inconsistent with our divine identity as children of God.

Doubt leads to discouragement. Discouragement comes from missed expectations. Chronic discouragement leads to lower expectations, decreased effort, weakened desire, and greater difficulty feeling and following the Spirit (see Preach My Gospel [2004], 10). Discouragement and despair are the very antithesis of faith."

Rafael Pino - Faith in Adversity
"the important thing is not how a man died but how he lived."

"Therefore, whoso heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock—

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not, for it was founded upon a rock.

"And every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man, who built his house upon the sand—

"And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell, and great was the fall of it" (3 Nephi 14: 24–27).

"It is interesting to notice that the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew against both houses! Living the gospel does not mean that we will everlastingly escape adversity. Rather, it means that we will be prepared to face and endure adversity more confidently."

Elder Richard G. Scott - Temple Worship: The Source of Strength and Power in Times of Need
"I have seen that many times individuals have made great sacrifices to go to a distant temple. But when a temple is built close by, within a short time, many do not visit it regularly. I have a suggestion: When a temple is conveniently nearby, small things may interrupt your plans to go to the temple."

"Understand the doctrine related to temple ordinances, especially the significance of the Atonement of Jesus Christ"

"Remove your watch when you enter a house of the Lord."

Elder Russel M. Nelson - Lessons from the Lord’s Prayers
The Lord prefaced His prayer by first asking His followers to avoid 'vain repetitions'16 and to pray 'after this manner.'17 Thus, the Lord’s Prayer serves as a pattern to follow and not as a piece to memorize and recite repetitively."

Matthew 6:7
7 But when ye pray, use not vain arepetitions, as the bheathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking.

"The concept of 'too much and unnecessary' could also apply to the length of our prayers. A closing prayer in a Church meeting need not include a summary of each message and should not become an unscheduled sermon. Private prayers can be as long as we want, but public prayers ought to be short supplications for the Spirit of the Lord to be with us or brief declarations of gratitude for what has transpired."

General Conference Saturday Morning Session 4-4-09

President Thomas S. Monson - Welcome to Conference
"Because of the passing of Elder Wirthlin, there exists a vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. After much fasting and prayer, we have called Elder Neil Linden Andersen to fill this vacancy."

"We now have approximately 53,000 missionaries serving in 348 missions throughout the world."

"The Perpetual Education Fund, established in 2001, continues to move forward. Since its inception, 35,600 young men and young women have been enrolled in the program and have trained to improve their skills and their employment opportunities. Thus far, 18,900 have finished that training. On average, with the 2.7 years of education they are now receiving, they are increasing their income by three to four times."

Elder Robert D. Hales - Becoming Provident Providers: Temporally and Spiritually
"Today I speak to all whose freedom to choose has been diminished by the effects of ill-advised choices of the past. I speak specifically of choices that have led to excessive debt and addictions to food, drugs, pornography, and other patterns of thought and action that diminish one’s sense of self-worth. All of these excesses affect us individually and undermine our family relationships."

"..additional debt is incurred when we cannot control our wants and addictive impulses."

"Being provident providers, we must keep that most basic commandment, 'Thou shalt not covet'(Exodus 20:17). Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement."

"...we go into debt to buy...things we do not really need." "We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude."

"When our boys were young, we had a family council and set a goal to take a 'dream vacation' down the Colorado River. When any of us wanted to buy something during the next year, we would ask each other, 'Do we really want to buy that thing now, or do we want to take our dream trip later?' This was a wonderful teaching experience in choosing provident living. By not satisfying our every immediate want, we obtained the more desirable reward of family togetherness and fond memories for years to come."

"...addiction is the craving of the natural man, and it can never be satisfied."

“Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted” (2 Nephi 9:51).

Sister Margaret S. Lifferth - Respect and Reverence
"...reverence for God is strengthened as we show respect for each other."

"Ask yourself these questions: Am I an example of respect in my home by the way I treat those I love the most? What is my demeanor during a sports event? If my child has a disagreement with a teacher, coach, or peer, do I listen to both sides of the issue? Do I show respect for the property of others as well as take care of my own? How do I respond to others with whom I disagree in matters of religion, lifestyle, or politics?"

"Reverence is profound respect mingled with love."(David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1967, 86.)

"Reverence Invites Revelation." (Boyd K. Packer, "Reverence Invites Revelation," Ensign, Nov. 1991, 21–23.)

"...reverence will increase if our socializing is done in the foyer and if sacrament meeting begins with the prelude music, not the opening prayer."

"Texting or reading e-mails in a Church meeting is not only irreverent, it is distracting and signals a lack of respect for those around us. So we exemplify reverence by participating in the meeting, listening to the speakers, and singing the hymns of Zion together."

Michael A. Neider - Revealed Quorum Principles
"As bearers of the holy priesthood, we should see that the sisters are not the only examples of virtue. "

"And let every man aesteem his brother as himself, and practise bvirtue and holiness before me." (Doctrine and Covenants 38:24)

"Brethren, we should be earnest students of revealed priesthood and quorum principles."

"Teaching of fundamentals is urgent. That we might better understand our task and our opportunity" (Thomas S. Monson, "Back to Basics," regional representative's seminar, Apr. 3, 1981, 2. )

"Bishops, do not overlook the strength and skill of your Aaronic Priesthood quorum and Young Women class presidencies."

Allen F. Packer - Finding Strength in Challenging Times!
"We must know—and know that we know."

"As we tugged back and forth, amid all the noise I heard a voice yelling, 'Packer, tackle him!' That was enough to bring me to my senses, so I dropped him on the spot.

I have wondered how I heard that voice above all the other noise. I had become acquainted with the voice of the coach during the practices, and I had learned to trust it. I knew that what he taught worked.

We need to be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost, and we need to practice and apply gospel teachings until they become natural and automatic."

“A testimony of the gospel is a personal witness borne to our souls by the Holy Ghost that certain facts of eternal significance are true and that we know them to be true." (Dallin H. Oaks, “Testimony,Liahona and Ensign, May 2008, 26.)

"Testimony is to know and to feel, conversion is to do and to become.” (Dallin H. Oaks, quoted in Kenneth Johnson, “Coming to Know for Ourselves,Ensign, July 2008, 29)

"This witness is not limited to the leaders but is available to all men, women, youth, and even little children. Having the capacity to receive personal inspiration will be necessary in the coming days."

Elder D. Todd Christofferson - The Power of Covenants
3 Nephi 27:20
20 Now this is the commandment: aRepent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be bbaptized in my name, that ye may be csanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand dspotless before me at the last day.

"Our access to [moral and spiritual] power is through our covenants with [God]. A covenant is an agreement between God and man, an accord whose terms are set by God"

"Divine covenants make strong Christians."

Elder Henry B. Eyring - Adversity
"Particularly when the comfortable times have gone on for a while, the arrival of suffering or the loss of material security can bring fear and sometimes even anger."

"The very opportunity for us to face adversity and affliction is part of the evidence of Their infinite love. God gave us the gift of living in mortality so that we could be prepared to receive the greatest of all the gifts of God, which is eternal life."

Doctrine and Covenants 121:7-8,10
“My son, peace be unto thy soul; thine adversity and thine afflictions shall be but a small moment;
“And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy foes.
“Thou art not yet as Job;”