Sunday, April 26, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 26 April 2015

Sacrament Service
The Bible says to not to add or take away from God's word. The Bible does not say that the Bible is all of God's word. As a matter of fact it states just the opposite. The Bible states that the stick of Judah and the stick of Joseph will come separately and then with come together and be one. The Bible also references many books of scripture that are not in the Bible.


Joseph Smith did not just accidentally turn to James 1:5 before he chose to go pray for guidance. He spent much time in reading the Bible and pondering its words.  One of our foundational principles is that our founder read the Bible and received inspiration.


Our freedom to choose was bought by the blood of a god.


Before you go on your mission you should think about the challenges you will have on your mission, so they are not a surprise to you and derail you.


Before you get married you should think about the challenges you will have in your marriage, so they are not a surprise to you and derail you.


Before you have children you should think about the challenges you will have with children, so they are not a surprise to you and derail you.


Obviously you can’t anticipate every challenge, but the point is, don’t just go into life events without a great deal of thought and preparation.


Lucifer's plan in the premortal world was to remove or agency. That plan was rejected by God and Lucifer was cast out and became Satan. Satan continues to establish ways to remove or agency. "The devil made me do it" is false. We can choose to turn over our agency to Satan, but he can not take it from us against our will.


Sunday School
My teaching partner’s lesson on apostles and prophets.
Amos 3:7
7 Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.


Hebrews 5:4
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.


Elders Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Ezra Taft Benson chapter 8
There is great power in reading the scriptures, more than just checking it off or daily checklist.


"My dear brethren, what a thrilling sight it is to look out over this body of priesthood leadership and to know how many thousands of Saints you serve and how much dedication and faithfulness you collectively represent! There is no other body anywhere in the world today that meets for the same righteous purpose as does this group, nor is there any other group—political, religious or military—that holds the power that you do here tonight.


We live in a day of great challenge. We live in that time of which the Lord spoke when he said, “Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.” (D&C 1:35.) We live in that day which John the Revelator foresaw when “the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17.) The dragon is Satan; the woman represents the Church of Jesus Christ. Satan is waging war against the members of the Church who have testimonies and are trying to keep the commandments. And while many of our members are remaining faithful and strong, some are wavering. Some are falling. Some are fulfilling John’s prophecy that in the war with Satan, some Saints would be overcome. (See Rev. 13:7.)" (President Ezra Taft Benson, “The Power of the Word,” Ensign, May 1986, 79–80.)


If we get caught up in what we have to get done during the day we can get apathetic to scripture study and prayer.

"I am convinced that each of us, at least some time in our lives, must discover the scriptures for ourselves—and not just discover them once, but rediscover them again and again. …" (President Spencer W Kimball, Ensign, Sept. 1976, pp. 4–5.)

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 19 April 2015

Sacrament Service
Alma 12:10-11
10 And therefore, he that will harden his heart, the same receiveth the lesser portion of the word; and he that will not harden his heart, to him is given the greater portion of the word, until it is given unto him to know the mysteries of God until he know them in full.
11 And they that will harden their hearts, to them is given the lesser portion of the word until they know nothing concerning his mysteries; and then they are taken captive by the devil, and led by his will down to destruction. Now this is what is meant by the chains of hell.

Live within your means.

"If you are without bread, how much wisdom can you boast, and of what real utility are your talents, if you cannot procure for yourselves and save against a day of scarcity those substances designed to sustain your natural lives?” (President Brigham Young, In Journal of Discourses, 8")

“All of us are responsible to provide for ourselves and our families in both temporal and spiritual ways. To provide providently, we must practice the principles of provident living: joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have, avoiding excessive debt, and diligently saving and preparing for rainy-day emergencies. When we live providently, we can provide for ourselves and our families and also follow the Savior’s example to serve and bless others.” (Elder Robert D Hales, Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually, April 2009 General Conference)

Exodus 20:17
17 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s.

Our world is fraught with feelings of entitlement. Some of us feel embarrassed, ashamed, less worthwhile if our family does not have everything the neighbors have. As a result, we go into debt to buy things we can’t afford—and things we do not really need. Whenever we do this, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away some of our precious, priceless agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude.” (Elder Robert D Hales, Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually, April 2009 General Conference)

Pay an honest tithe to be financially stable.

Spend less than you earn.

Teach your children by example.

Have good communication with your spouse about money.

Make decisions not based on now, but about how it will impact the future.

"By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." (Ben Franklin)

“Think what you do when you run in debt, you give to another power over your liberty.” (Ben Franklin)

Sunday School
My lesson on Joseph Smith's example to teach me the gospel.
{
Is there anything we have talked about in past weeks that I didn’t explain well that you have questions about?

What have you learned in personal gospel study this week?

Have you had any interesting gospel conversations with friends or family this week?

What do prophet’s example teach me about learning the gospel?

We look to the examples of prophets and apostles to teach us things. Prophets in the scriptures like Adam, Moses Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Peter, Paul, Nephi, and Moroni. Also modern day prophets like Joseph Smith and Thomas S Monson.

Even though we look to these examples, we must know for ourselves.

Who were the 2000 stripling warriors?  How did they know for themselves that God would protect them?  “We do not doubt our mothers knew it.”(Alma 56:48)

How did Alma find out for himself that God was real?
45 And this is not all. Do ye not suppose that I know of these things myself? Behold, I testify unto you that I do know that these things whereof I have spoken are true. And how do ye suppose that I know of their surety?
46 Behold, I say unto you they are made known unto me by the Holy Spirit of God. Behold, I have fasted and prayed many days that I might know these things of myself. And now I do know of myself that they are true; for the Lord God hath made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit; and this is the spirit of revelation which is in me.

What were the desires of Nephi?
16 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, being exceedingly young, nevertheless being large in stature, and also having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers.

17 And it came to pass after I, Nephi, having heard all the words of my father, concerning the things which he saw in a vision, and also the things which he spake by the power of the Holy Ghost, which power he received by faith on the Son of God—and the Son of God was the Messiah who should come—I, Nephi, was desirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the Holy Ghost, which is the gift of God unto all those who diligently seek him, as well in times of old as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

How does James tell us to find out for ourselves?

This was how Joseph Smith learned for himself what the truth was.  He pondered the scriptures...and he likened them to himself.

Hymn 26 - Joseph Smith’s First Prayer

What Is a Testimony
We often hear members of the Church say that their testimony of the gospel is their most prized possession. It is a sacred gift from God that comes to us by the power of the Holy Ghost. It is the calm, unwavering certainty we receive as we study, pray, and live the gospel. It is the feeling of the Holy Ghost bearing witness to our souls that what we are learning and doing is right.
Some people speak of a testimony as if it were a light switch—it’s either on or off; you either have a testimony, or you do not. In reality, a testimony is more like a tree that passes through various stages of growth and development. Some of the tallest trees on earth are found in Redwood National Park in the western United States. When you stand at the base of these massive trees, it is amazing to think that each one grew from a tiny seed. So it is with our testimonies. Although they may begin with a single spiritual experience, they grow and develop over time through constant nourishment and frequent spiritual encounters.
It’s not surprising, then, that when the prophet Alma explained how we develop a testimony, he spoke of a seed growing into a tree. “If ye give place,” he said, “that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, … it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.”12
This is often how a testimony begins: with sacred, enlightening, assuring feelings that demonstrate to us that the word of God is true. However, as wonderful as these feelings are, they are only the beginning. Your work to grow your testimony is not done—any more than the work of growing a redwood tree is done when the first tiny sprout pokes out of the ground. If we ignore or neglect these early spiritual promptings, if we do not nurture them by continuing to study the scriptures and pray and by seeking more experiences with the Spirit, our feelings will fade and our testimonies will diminish.
As Alma put it: “If ye neglect the tree, and take no thought for its nourishment, behold it will not get any root; and when the heat of the sun cometh and scorcheth it, because it hath no root it withers away, and ye pluck it up and cast it out.”13
In most cases, our testimonies will grow the same way a tree grows: gradually, almost imperceptibly, as a result of our constant care and diligent efforts. “But if ye will nourish the word,” Alma promised, “yea, nourish the tree as it beginneth to grow, by your faith with great diligence, and with patience, looking forward to the fruit thereof, it shall take root; and behold it shall be a tree springing up unto everlasting life.”14
}

Elders Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church :Ezra Taft Benson Chapter 7
"A few short verses from the 12th chapter of Ether in the Book of Mormon. Before closing the book, Hyrum turned down the corner of the page from which he had read, marking it as part of the everlasting testimony for which these two brothers were about to die. I hold in my hand that book, the very copy from which Hyrum read, the same corner of the page turned down, still visible. Later, when actually incarcerated in the jail, Joseph the Prophet turned to the guards who held him captive and bore a powerful testimony of the divine authenticity of the Book of Mormon.8 Shortly thereafter pistol and ball would take the lives of these two testators.
As one of a thousand elements of my own testimony of the divinity of the Book of Mormon, I submit this as yet one more evidence of its truthfulness. In this their greatest—and last—hour of need, I ask you: would these men blaspheme before God by continuing to fix their lives, their honor, and their own search for eternal salvation on a book (and by implication a church and a ministry) they had fictitiously created out of whole cloth?" (Elder Jeffrey R Holland, Safety for the Soul, October 2009 General Conference)

Sunday, April 12, 2015

Church Services This Week at Ridge Crest Ward Northridge Stake Layton Utah 12 April 2015

Stake Priesthood Meeting
Home teaching companionships should not be one sided.

Make sure your home teaching families know that you love them.

Mark 4 - whereunto shall we compare the kingdom of God.

"My dear friends and fellow priesthood holders, if Jesus Christ were to sit down with us and ask for an accounting of our stewardship, I am not sure He would focus much on programs and statistics. What the Savior would want to know is the condition of our heart. He would want to know how we love and minister to those in our care, how we show our love to our spouse and family, and how we lighten their daily load. And the Savior would want to know how you and I grow closer to Him and to our Heavenly Father."- President Dieter F Uchtdorf, On Being Genuine, April 2015 General Conference)


Sacrament Service
Stake Theme April - Studying and learning the importance of holding family councils, then begin holding them.  Reference Scripture: D&C 50:10 and Matt 13:3-8 and discuss its relevance  Reference Talk: Counseling with our Councils - M. Russell Ballard – April 1994  Link to lds.org: Home & Family Education, Family Councils, A Heavenly Pattern via lds.org


Sunday School
My teaching partner’s lesson on apostasy.


Priesthood
First presidency message April 2015
“We will all face fear, experience ridicule, and meet opposition. Let us—all of us—have the courage to defy the consensus, the courage to stand for principle. Courage, not compromise, brings the smile of God’s approval. Courage becomes a living and an attractive virtue when it is regarded not only as a willingness to die manfully but also as the determination to live decently. As we move forward, striving to live as we should, we will surely receive help from the Lord and can find comfort in His words.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Be Strong and of a Good Courage,” Ensign, May 2014, 69
)

Bear testimony. Use words when necessary.

Have courage not just to change the world, but to change ourselves.

Sunday, April 05, 2015

This Week at Church April 2015 General Conference

General Women's Session
“The Everlasting and Almighty God … will speak to those who approach Him with a sincere heart and real intent.
“He will speak to them in dreams, visions, thoughts, and feelings.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 21)

“The thought came to me as plain … as if someone had said to me, … ‘Do not bury your testimony in the ground.’” (See Elizabeth Staheli Walker, “My Testimony, Written for My Children and Their Children after I Am Gone,” 1939, 22–26, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Special Collections; punctuation, capitalization, and spelling standardized.)

“Like Elizabeth, we live in a world of many doubters and critics who ridicule and oppose the truths we hold dear. We may hear confusing stories and conflicting messages. Also like Elizabeth, we will have to do our best to hold on to whatever light and truth we currently have, especially in difficult circumstances. The answers to our prayers may not come dramatically, but we must find quiet moments to seek greater light and truth. And when we receive it, it is our responsibility to live it, to share it, and to defend it.”

Carole M. Stephens, The Family Is of God
“I’ve never had to live through divorce, the pain and insecurity that comes from abandonment, or the responsibility associated with being a single mother. I haven’t experienced the death of a child, infertility, or same-gender attraction. I haven’t had to endure abuse, chronic illness, or addiction. These have not been my stretching opportunities.
“So right now some of you are thinking, ‘Well then, Sister Stephens, you just don’t understand!’ And I answer that you may be right. I don’t completely understand your challenges. But through my personal tests and trials—the ones that have brought me to my knees—I have become well acquainted with the One who does understand, He who was ‘acquainted with grief,’6 who experienced all and understands all. And in addition, I have experienced all of the mortal tests that I just mentioned through the lens of a daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend.”
“When we [unite in empathy and compassion], we also come to understand and trust that the Savior knows the difficulties of the way and can guide us through whatever sorrows and disappointments may come. He is true charity, and His love ‘endureth forever’7—in part through us as we follow Him.”

“Sister Yazzie doesn’t limit her love and influence to her biological family. She understands what it means to expand her sphere of influence as she goes about doing good, blessing, nurturing, and defending the family of God.”

“Sisters, we belong. We are loved. We are needed. We have a divine purpose, work, place, and role in the Church and kingdom of God and in His eternal family.

Bonnie L. Oscarson ,Defenders of the Family Proclamation
"We should remember that a loving Heavenly Father is aware of our righteous desires and will honor His promises that nothing will be withheld from those who faithfully keep their covenants."

"This is the Lord’s plan for His children, and no amount of public discourse or criticism will change what the Lord has declared."

"Do we also teach our sons and daughters there is no greater honor, no more elevated title, and no more important role in this life than that of mother or father? I would hope that as we encourage our children to reach for the very best in this life that we also teach them to honor and exalt the roles that mothers and fathers play in Heavenly Father’s plan."

"...as a mother she needed to be somewhat of an expert in medicine, psychology, religion, teaching, music, literature, art, finance, decorating, hair styling, chauffeuring, sports, culinary arts, and so much more."
“May each of us treasure this truth; one cannot forget mother and remember God. One cannot remember mother and forget God. Why? Because these two sacred persons, God and [our earthly] mother, partners in creation, in love, in sacrifice, in service, are as one.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Behold Thy Mother,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 32)

"What a difference it would make in the world if all people would see themselves as makers of righteous homes. Let us defend the home as a place which is second only to the temple in holiness."

President Henry B. Eyring, The Comforter
“My message to you tonight is that you can and must be an important part of His giving comfort to those who need comfort. You can play your part best if you know more of how He answers those prayers for help.”

“His love never fails, and we never will cease to feel in our hearts the urge ‘to mourn with those that mourn … and comfort those that stand in need of comfort.’11 Nor will the peace He promises ever leave us as we serve others for Him.”

14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
Saturday Morning Session
“[The law of the fast] is a commandment so simple that a child can understand it. It is a commandment with a wonderful promise for those in need and for us.”

“Rich promises are made by the Lord to those who fast and assist the needy. … Inspiration and spiritual guidance will come with righteousness and closeness to our Heavenly Father. To omit to do this righteous act of fasting would deprive us of these blessings.”(Spencer W. Kimball, The Miracle of Forgiveness (1969), 98.)


"Just as the receipt of the blessing of your fast offering and mine can change hearts, so does fasting for the good of another."
“That which is not needed to help people in your local Church unit will become available to bless other Church members across the world who are in need.”

“My small offering may not be needed near where my family and I live, but the local surplus could reach even as far as Vanuatu.”

Isaiah 58:10-11
10 And if thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday:
11 And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.

My Thoughts
{
When I heard “like a spring of water” I thought does this mean that if we help those in need are we then increased that we may give more and be like a spring of water that constantly has more to give.

The thought also came to me that this must be balanced with the principle that we should not run faster than we have strength.

A spring of water may give water continually, but it gives it at a certain rate.  Even though the Lord increases our capacity we should not exceed that capacity.  We should give continually and he will give us more, but we have to be prudent and realize we cannot fix everything and give everyone everything they need, but we can be continually helping someone in small ways depending on how much capacity the Lord has given us with health and finances.

It may appear that I am speaking to limit helping the poor, but what I am saying is to always be helping and the Lord will help us in our human state to do more.  We should not feel bad that we have not helped everyone and we should not sacrifice our family to try to help everyone, but we should let God set our pace and gradually increase our pace as He sees we are able.

I think we often work in sprints and then get discouraged that things are falling behind in our lives or that we couldn’t do more, so we don’t help for a while.  When we sprint no one gets our best and then we have to rest and then no one gets anything.

If we keep a steady pace of service where we give our best to a few, then we will constantly be helping and not get overwhelmed.
}

“Many children, and some adults, may for personal reasons find a 24-hour fast difficult. It can be, in the words of Isaiah, felt that the fast has ‘afflicted [their] soul.’ Wise parents recognize that possibility and so are careful to follow the counsel of President Joseph F. Smith: ‘Better to teach them the principle, and let them observe it when they are old enough to choose intelligently.’12

President Boyd K Packer, The Plan of Happiness
“And if you suppose that the full-blown rapture of young romantic love is the sum total of the possibilities which spring from the fountains of life, you have not yet lived to see the devotion and the comfort of longtime married love. Married couples are tried by temptation, misunderstandings, financial problems, family crises, and illness, and all the while love grows stronger. Mature love has a bliss not even imagined by newlyweds.”

“When entered into worthily, this process [of chastity and marriage] combines the most exquisite and exalted physical, emotional, and spiritual feelings associated with the word love.”

“Alma told his son Corianton, ‘Know ye not, my son, that these things are an abomination in the sight of the Lord; yea, most abominable above all sins save it be the shedding of innocent blood or denying the Holy Ghost?’ (Alma 39:5). We cannot escape the consequences when we transgress.”

"The desire to mate in humankind is constant and very strong. Our happiness in mortal life, our joy and exaltation are dependent upon how we respond to these persistent, compelling physical desires. As the procreative power matures in early manhood and womanhood, very personal feelings occur, in a natural way, unlike any other physical experience."


“Married couples are tried by temptation, misunderstandings, financial problems, family crises, and illness, and all the while love grows stronger. Mature love has a bliss not even imagined by newlyweds.

“True love requires reserving until after marriage the sharing of that affection which unlocks those sacred powers in that fountain of life. It means avoiding situations where physical desire might take control. Pure love presupposes that only after a pledge of eternal fidelity, a legal and lawful ceremony, and ideally after the sealing ordinance in the temple are those procreative powers released in God’s eye for the full expression of love. It is to be shared solely and only with that one who is your companion forever.”

“...romantic love is incomplete; it is a prelude.”

“Nowhere is the generosity and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance.”

“This sacred temple ordinance is much more than a wedding, for this marriage can be sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise...”

“I bear witness that God lives, that Jesus is the Christ, that the Atonement is not a general thing that is for the whole Church. The Atonement is individual, and if you have something that is bothering you—sometimes so long ago you can hardly remember it—put the Atonement to work.”


Linda K Burton - RS Gen president, We’ll Ascend Together
"Many are hurting because of neglect, abuse, addictions, and incorrect traditions and culture."

“You have the power of the priesthood directly from the Lord to protect your home. There will be times when all that stands as a shield between your family and the adversary’s mischief will be that power.” (President Boyd K Packer, “The Power of the Priesthood,” General Conference April 2010)

"I’m sad to admit, however, I was not always cheerful when Craig seemed to bounce through the door after a hard day of work. He always greeted each of us with a hug and kiss and turned many difficult and sometimes disastrous days into delightful daddy times. I wish I had been a little less preoccupied with the endless list of to-dos still to be done and had more wisely focused, like he did, on things that mattered most. I would have stopped more often and enjoyed sacred family time and would have thanked him more often for blessing our lives!"

"1. When was the last time I sincerely praised my companion, either alone or in the presence of our children?
2. When was the last time I thanked, expressed love for, or earnestly pleaded in faith for him or her in prayer?
3. When was the last time I stopped myself from saying something I knew could be hurtful?
4. When was the last time I apologized and humbly asked for forgiveness—without adding the words ‘but if only you had’ or ‘but if only you hadn’t’?
5. When was the last time I chose to be happy rather than demanding to be ‘right’?"

“Brothers and sisters, in this long eternal quest to be more like our Savior, may we try to be ‘perfect’ men and women in at least this one way now—by offending not in word, or more positively put, by speaking with a new tongue, the tongue of angels.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “The Tongue of Angels,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 18)

“As I have prepared for this opportunity today, the Spirit has taught me, and I have committed to speak words of kindness more often to my cherished companion and about him, to lift the men in my family and express gratitude for the ways they fulfill their divine and complementary roles. And I have committed to follow the proverb ‘Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together.’”

My Thoughts
{
"Complementary Roles" - not same roles, but complementary. ice cream complements a meal, but is not the meal.  Nor is the meal the dessert.  Vegetables and water are both necessary for life, but they are not the same, are not used the same, and provide our bodies with very different and necessary things.  The same is true for men and women.
}

Elder Dallin H Oaks, The Parable of the Sower
"The parable of the sower is one of a small number of parables reported in all three of the synoptic Gospels. It is also one of an even smaller group of parables Jesus explained to His disciples."

"My message concerns those of us who have committed to be followers of Christ. What do we do with the Savior’s teachings as we live our lives?"

“Jesus explained that this describes those ‘who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness,’ but because they ‘have no root in themselves, … when affliction or persecution ariseth for the word’s sake, immediately they are offended’ (Mark 4:16–17).

“What causes hearers to “have no root in themselves”? This is the circumstance of new members who are merely converted to the missionaries or to the many attractive characteristics of the Church or to the many great fruits of Church membership. Not being rooted in the word, they can be scorched and wither away when opposition arises. But even those raised in the Church—long-term members—can slip into a condition where they have no root in themselves. I have known some of these—members without firm and lasting conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. If we are not rooted in the teachings of the gospel and regular in its practices, any one of us can develop a stony heart, which is stony ground for spiritual seeds.”

“If the emblems of the sacrament are being passed and you are texting or whispering or playing video games or doing anything else to deny yourself essential spiritual food, you are severing your spiritual roots and moving yourself toward stony ground. You are making yourself vulnerable to withering away when you encounter tribulation like isolation, intimidation, or ridicule. And that applies to adults also.”

“Another potential destroyer of spiritual roots—accelerated by current technology but not unique to it—is the keyhole view of the gospel or the Church. This limited view focuses on a particular doctrine or practice or perceived deficiency in a leader and ignores the grand panorama of the gospel plan and the personal and communal fruits of its harvest. President Gordon B. Hinckley gave a vivid description of one aspect of this keyhole view. He told a BYU audience about political commentators ‘aflame with indignation’ at a then-recent news event. ‘With studied art they poured out the sour vinegar of invective and anger. … Surely,’ he concluded, ‘this is the age and place of the gifted pickle sucker.’1

“Jesus taught that ‘some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit’(Mark 4:7). He explained that these are ‘such as hear the word, and the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becometh unfruitful’(Mark 4:18–19). This is surely a warning to be heeded by all of us.”

“When Jesus told a faithful follower that he could inherit eternal life if he would only give all that he had to the poor (see Mark 10:17–24), He was not identifying an evil in the possession of riches but an evil in that follower’s attitude toward them. As we are allaware, Jesus praised the good Samaritan, who used the same coinage to serve his fellow man that Judas used to betray his Savior. The root of all evil is not money but the love of money (see 1 Timothy 6:10).”

“Whoever has an abundance of material things is in jeopardy of being spiritually ‘sedated’ by riches and other things of the world.”

“Savoring the things of men means putting the cares of this world ahead of the things of God in our actions, our priorities, and our thinking.”

“...when we are addicted, which impairs God’s precious gift of agency;”

“Twenty-five years ago my esteemed BYU teacher Hugh W. Nibley spoke of the dangers of surrendering to the cares of the world.”

“Our commitment is supposed to be a test,it’s supposed to be hard, it’s supposed to be impractical in the terms of this world.”(Hugh Nibley, in “Hugh Nibley, in Black and White,” 37–38)

“Learn from the Catholic experience. We Catholics believe that our vocation is to be leaven in society. But there’s a fine line between being leaven in society, and being digested by society.”(Charles J. Chaput, “The Great Charter at 800: Why It Still Matters,” First Things, Jan. 23, 2015, firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2015/01/the-great-charter-at-800; see also Tad Walch, “At BYU, Catholic Archbishop Seeks Friends, Says U.S. Liberty Depends on Moral People,” Deseret News, Jan. 23, 2015, deseretnews.com/article/865620233/At-BYU-Catholic-archbishop-seeks-friends-says-US-liberty-depends-on-moral-people.html. Archbishop Chaput also said that “some of our best Catholic institutions have either lost or greatly softened their religious identity. … Brigham Young is an extraordinary university … because it’s a center of learning enriched by its religious identity. Never lose that” (“The Great Charter at 800”))

“We have the seed of the gospel word. It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make our soil good and our harvest plentiful.”

“I testify of the truth of these things, and I testify of our Savior, Jesus Christ, whose teachings point the way and whose Atonement makes it all possible, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.”


Elder L. Whitney Clayton, Choose to Believe
He told a story of a seven year old girl named Sailor that was the sole survivor of a plane crash and was lost.

“Sailor survived because she saw a light in the distance and fought her way to it…” - We too must fight to keeping going to light where safety and rescue is.

“yea, even if ye can no more than desire to believe, let this desire work in you,even until ye believe in a manner that ye can give place for a portion of [the Savior’s] words.” (Alma 32:27)

"We ask before it is given unto us; we seek before we find; we knock before it is opened unto us."

"Whenever she could see the light, Sailor had evidence that she was on the right path."

“Belief and testimony and faith are not passive principles. They do not just happen to us. Belief is something we choose—we hope for it, we work for it,and we sacrifice for it. We will not accidentally come to believe in the Savior and His gospel any more than we will accidentally pray or pay tithing. We actively choose to believe, just like we choose to keep other commandments.”

“Our actions are the evidence of our belief and become the substance of our faith.”


“Last November, I had the privilege of being invited—along with President Henry B. Eyring and Bishop Gérald Caussé—to attend a colloquium on marriage and family at the Vatican in Rome, Italy. In attendance were religious representatives from 14 different faiths and from six of the seven continents, all of whom had been invited to express their beliefs on what is happening to the family in today’s world.”

“If the majority felt that similarity of family priority and beliefs, if all of those faiths and religions essentially agreed on what marriage should be, and if they all agreed on the value that should be placed on homes and family relationships, then how are we any different?”

“We take the commitment and the sanctity of marriage to a greater level because of our belief and understanding that families go back to before this earth was and that they can go forward into eternity.”

“We also believe that strong traditional families are not only the basic units of a stable society, a stable economy, and a stable culture of values—but that they are also the basic units of eternity and of the kingdom and government of God.
“We believe that the organization and government of heaven will be built around families and extended families.”
“People are not better off when they are given maximum personal freedom to do what they want. They’re better off when they are enshrouded in commitments that transcend personal choice—commitments to family, God, craft and country.” (David Brooks, “The Age of Possibility,” New York Times, Nov. 16, 2012, A35, nytimes.com/2012/11/16/opinion/brooks-the-age-of-possibility.html)

“It has never been more of a challenge to find a practical balance between employment, families, and personal needs than it is in our day.”

Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder David A Bednar, Therefore They Hushed Their Fears
"..the distressing emotion of fear arises because of impending danger, uncertainty, or pain and through experiences that are unexpected, sometimes sudden, and likely to produce a negative outcome."

Doctrine and Covenants 45:26
26 And in that day shall be heard of wars and rumors of wars, and the whole earth shall be in commotion, and men’s hearts shall fail them, and they shall say that Christ delayeth his coming until the end of the earth.

“...one of the first effects of the Fall was for Adam and Eve to experience fear. This potent emotion is an important element of our mortal existence.”

“...we can be blessed to hush our fears because His doctrine provides purpose and direction in all aspects of our lives.”

“Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not” (D&C 6:36)

“Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall” (Helaman 5:12)

“We are connected securely to and with the Savior as we worthily receive ordinances and enter into covenants, faithfully remember and honor those sacred commitments, and do our best to live in accordance with the obligations we have accepted.”

“Different from but related to the fears we often experience is what the scriptures describe as ‘godly fear’ (Hebrews 12:28) or ‘the fear of the Lord’ (Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6; Isaiah 11:2–3). Unlike worldly fear that creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear is a source of peace, assurance, and confidence.”

“...godly fear grows out of a correct understanding of the divine nature and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a willingness to submit our will to His will, and a knowledge that every man and woman will be accountable for his or her own sins in the Day of Judgment (see D&C 101:78; Articles of Faith 1:2)

“As the scriptures certify, godly fear “is the beginning of knowledge” (Proverbs 1:7), “the instruction of wisdom” (Proverbs 15:33), a “strong confidence” (Proverbs 14:26), and “a fountain of life” (Proverbs 14:27)”

“...godly fear dispels mortal fears. It even subdues the haunting concern that we never can be good enough spiritually and never will measure up to the Lord’s requirements and expectations.”

“Godly fear is loving and trusting in Him. As we fear God more completely, we love Him more perfectly. And “perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16).”


Elder D Todd Christofferson, Why Marriage, Why Family
“If, while with God in the premortal spirit world, we would agree to participate in His plan—or in other words “keep [our] first estate”—we would “be added upon” with a physical body as we came to dwell on the earth that He created for us.
If, then in the course of our mortal experience, we chose to “do all things whatsoever the Lord [our] God [should] command [us],” we would have kept our “second estate.” This means that by our choices we would demonstrate to God (and to ourselves) our commitment and capacity to live His celestial law while outside His presence and in a physical body with all its powers, appetites, and passions. Could we bridle the flesh so that it became the instrument rather than the master of the spirit? Could we be trusted both in time and eternity with godly powers, including power to create life?”

"Whatever the details of the creation process, we know that it was not accidental but that it was directed by God the Father and implemented by Jesus Christ..."

“Adam and Eve acted for all who had chosen to participate in the Father’s great plan of happiness.12 Their Fall created the conditions needed for our physical birth and for mortal experience and learning outside the presence of God. With the Fall came an awareness of good and evil and the God-given power to choose.13 Finally, the Fall brought about physical death needed to make our time in mortality temporary so that we would not live forever in our sins.14"

“A family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies the best setting for God’s plan to thrive—the setting for the birth of children, who come in purity and innocence from God, and the environment for the learning and preparation they will need for a successful mortal life and eternal life in the world to come. A critical mass of families built on such marriages is vital for societies to survive and flourish. That is why communities and nations generally have encouraged and protected marriage and the family as privileged institutions. It has never been just about the love and happiness of adults.”

“[Lucifer] fights to discourage marriage and the formation of families, and where marriages and families are formed, he does what he can to disrupt them. He attacks everything that is sacred about human sexuality, tearing it from the context of marriage with a seemingly infinite array of immoral thoughts and acts.  He seeks to convince men and women that marriage and family priorities can be ignored or abandoned, or at least made subservient to careers, other achievements, and the quest for self-fulfillment and individual autonomy.”

“...many things are good, many are important, but only a few are essential.”



Willford W Anderson, The Music of the Gospel
"There are those who ridicule members of the Church for the things we do. That is understandable. Those who dance often appear strange or awkward or, to use a scriptural term, ‘peculiar’ (1 Peter 2:9) to those who cannot hear the music."

"The challenge for all of us who seek to teach the gospel is to expand the curriculum beyond just the dance steps. Our children’s happiness depends on their ability to hear and love the beautiful music of the gospel."

“Parents, if our lives are out of tune with the music of the gospel, we need to tune them up.”

“...when we can hear the music ourselves, we must try our best to perform it in our homes. It is not something that can be forced or compelled. ‘No power or influence can or ought to be maintained by virtue of the priesthood’—or by virtue of being the dad or the mom or the biggest or the loudest—’only by persuasion, by long-suffering, by gentleness and meekness, … by love unfeigned; [and] by kindness’ (D&C 121:41–42).”

“if the basses in your family choir are too loud and overbearing, or if the string section in your family orchestra is a little too shrill or a little bit sharp, or if those impetuous piccolos are out of tune or out of control, be patient. If you’re not hearing the music of the gospel in your home, please remember these two words: keep practicing. With God’s help, the day will come when the music of the gospel will fill your home with unspeakable joy.”

Elder Dale G. Renlund, Latter-day Saints Keep on Trying
“Although we are referred to as “Latter-day Saints,” we sometimes flinch at this reference. The term Saints is commonly used to designate those who have achieved an elevated state of holiness or even perfection. And we know perfectly well that we are not perfect.
“Our theology does teach us, though, that we may be perfected by repeatedly and iteratively ‘relying wholly upon’ the doctrine of Christ: exercising faith in Him, repenting, partaking of the sacrament to renew the covenants and blessings of baptism, and receiving the Holy Ghost as a constant companion to a greater degree. As we do so, we become more like Christ and are able to endure to the end, with all that that entails.”
“In His mercy, God promises forgiveness when we repent and turn from wickedness—so much so that our sins will not even be mentioned to us. For us, because of the Atonement of Christ and our repentance, we can look at our past deeds and say, ‘’Twas I; but ’tis not I.’ No matter how wicked, we can say, ‘That’s who I was. But that past wicked self is no longer who I am.’”
“Even if we’ve been a conscious, deliberate sinner or have repeatedly faced failure and disappointment, the moment we decide to try again, the Atonement of Christ can help us. And we need to remember that it is not the Holy Ghost that tells us we’re so far gone that we might as well give up.”

“Whether we suffer because of troubled relationships, economic challenges, or illnesses or as a consequence of someone else’s sins, the Savior’s infinite Atonement can heal even—and perhaps especially—those who have innocently suffered. He understands perfectly what it is like to suffer innocently as a consequence of another’s transgression.”

“‘...the Church is like a big hospital, and we are all sick in our own way. We come to church to be helped.’”...”We must not only be tolerant while others work on their individual illnesses; we must also be kind, patient, supportive, and understanding. As God encourages us to keep on trying, He expects us to also allow others the space to do the same, at their own pace.”

“My invitation to all of us is to evaluate our lives, repent, and keep on trying. If we don’t try, we’re just latter-day sinners; if we don’t persevere, we’re latter-day quitters; and if we don’t allow others to try, we’re just latter-day hypocrites.”

Elder Michael T. Ringwood, Truly Good and without Guile
“Over the course of my life, I have had the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the most competent and intelligent men and women this world has to offer. When I was younger, I was impressed by those who were educated, accomplished, successful, and applauded by the world. But over the years, I have come to the realization that I am far more impressed by those wonderful and blessed souls who are truly good and without guile.”(Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Lord, Is It I?” Ensign or Liahona,Nov. 2014, 58; emphasis added.)

“Great women and men are always more anxious to serve than to have dominion.” (Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 104.)

“I honor the Sunday School teacher who doesn’t teach his students just during class on Sunday but also teaches and influences these same students by inviting them to join his family for breakfast. I honor youth leaders who attend the sporting and cultural activities of the young men and young women in their wards.”

“These things are not done for praise or accolades. These men and women are not motivated by the possibility of receiving titles or authority. They are disciples of Christ, going about doing good continually, and like Shiblon, they are trying to please their Father in Heaven.”

“Each time we renew the covenant of baptism by partaking of the sacrament, we are one step closer to that ultimate goal.5 As we endure in that covenant, we access the strength to mourn with those who mourn and to comfort those who need comfort (see Mosiah 18:9). In that covenant, we find the grace that enables us to serve God and keep His commandments,”

Elder Quentin L. Cook, The Lord Is My Light
“Our ability to stand firm and true and follow the Savior despite the vicissitudes of life is greatly strengthened by righteous families and Christ-centered unity in our wards and branches.”

“The beautiful traditions of religious observance in the home need to be embedded in the hearts of our children.”

“Brothers and sisters, if we faithfully have family prayer, scripture study, family home evening, priesthood blessings, and Sabbath day observance, our children will know what time it is at home. They will be prepared for an eternal home in heaven, regardless of what befalls them in a difficult world.“

“Husbands and wives are equal partners.13 They have different but complementary responsibilities.”

“In the world there is rampant contention and iniquity and a major emphasis on divergent cultures and inequality. In the Church, except for language units, our wards and branches are geographical. We don’t divide by class or rank.”

“The number of members removing their names from the records of the Church has always been very small and is significantly less in recent years than in the past.”

“Our protections in this life and for eternity will be in individual and family righteousness, Church ordinances, and following the Savior...stand resolutely in righteousness knowing that the Atonement will protect and bless you beyond your ability to fully understand.”

Priesthood Session
Elder M. Russell Ballard, The Greatest Generation of Young Adults
“Our young men and young women have many more distractions to sidetrack them in their preparations for both a mission and a future happy life.”

"...a member of the Quorum of the Twelve assigns every missionary to his or her mission."

"Your photograph comes up on a computer screen, together with key information provided by your bishop and stake president. When your picture appears, we look into your eyes and review your answers to the missionary recommendation questions."

"As we look at your photograph, we trust that you have cleared in every way the 'raised bar' required today to be a faithful, successful missionary. Then, by the power of the Spirit of the Lord and under the direction of President Thomas S. Monson, we assign you to one of the Church’s 406 worldwide missions."

"...what we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. We need vibrant, thinking, passionate young adults who know how to listen and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you make your way through the daily trials and temptations of being a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint."

"...it’s time to raise the bar not only for missionaries but also for returned missionaries and for your entire generation."

Elder Ballard then asks a series of questions that illustrate where our personal bar needs to be raised to.

"Please use the skills you learned on your mission to bless the lives of people around you every day. "

"...balance your life with spiritual experiences that remind and prepare you for continued, daily ministering to others."

"During your missions you learned the importance of visiting people in their homes. I would hope that all of our young adults, whether or not you served full-time missions, understand the importance of visiting with people who are lonely, sick, or discouraged—not only as an assignment but also because of the genuine love you have for Heavenly Father and His children."

"You single adults need to date and marry. Please stop delaying! I know some of you fear family formation. However, if you marry the right person at the right time and in the right place, you need not fear."

Elder Ulisses Soares, Yes, We Can and Will Win!
“The world can at times be a frightening place in which to live. The moral fabric of society seems to be unraveling at an alarming speed. None—whether young or old or in-between—is exempt from exposure to those things which have the potential to drag us down and destroy us. …
“… But we need not despair. … We are waging a war with sin. … It is a war we can and will win. Our Father in Heaven has given us the tools we need in order to do so.” (Thomas S. Monson, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2008, 90.)

“The enemy and his angels are trying to distract us. Their purpose is to encourage us to deviate from the covenants that we have made with the Lord, causing us to lose sight of our eternal inheritance. They know well our Heavenly Father’s plan for His children, for they were present with us in that great Council in Heaven when it was all presented. They try to take advantage of our weaknesses and frailties, deceiving us with ‘mists of darkness … , which blindeth the eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the children of men, and leadeth them away into broad roads, that they perish and are lost.’(1 Nephi 12:17) ”

“As we encounter these worldly messages, great courage and a solid knowledge of the plan of our Heavenly Father will be required to choose the right.”

“I invite all to find safety in the teachings contained in the scriptures. Captain Moroni aligned his faith in God and his testimony of the truth with the knowledge and wisdom found in the scriptures. In this way, he trusted that he would receive the blessings of the Lord and would obtain many victories, which is what, in fact, happened.”

““We who have been ordained to the priesthood of God can make a difference. When we maintain our personal purity and honor our priesthood, we become righteous examples for others to follow … [and we] help to illuminate an increasingly dark world.”(Thomas S. Monson, “Guided Safely Home,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 68.)

“Preach the gospel at all times, and when necessary use words”

“Do your sons see you striving to do what Heavenly Father would have them do?”

“Assist your father in his duties as patriarch. Support your mother with priesthood strength when a father is not present (see verses 52, 56)."

“Father in Heaven has brought you here at this particular time for a special work and eternal purpose. He wants you to see clearly and understand what that purpose is. He is your Father, and you can always turn to Him for guidance.”


President Uchtdorf, On Being Genuine
“In our day, the Lord has similarly strong words for priesthood holders who try to “cover [their] sins, or to gratify [their] pride, [or their] vain ambition.” When they do this, He said, ‘the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.’ (Doctrine and Covenants 121:37)”

“In some cases, we may simply have lost our focus on the essence of the gospel, mistaking the ‘form of godliness’ for the ‘power thereof.’5
...
“it is high time to examine our hearts to make immediate course corrections.”

“many of the things you can count, do not count. Many of the things you cannot count, really do count.”(Attributed to Albert Einstein)

“The Church is not an automobile showroom—a place to put ourselves on display so that others can admire our spirituality, capacity, or prosperity. It is more like a service center, where vehicles in need of repair come for maintenance and rehabilitation.
“And are we not, all of us, in need of repair, maintenance, and rehabilitation?”
“God resist[s] the proud, but give[s] grace unto the humble.”(James 4:6)



President Henry B Eyring, Priesthood and Personal Prayer
“With your acceptance of the priesthood, you have received the right to speak and to act in the name of God.

“That right will become a reality only as you receive inspiration from God. Only then will you be able to speak in His name. And only then can you act in His name.”

“It is easier to get the proper feeling of reverence when you are kneeling or bowing your head, but it is possible to feel that you are approaching your Heavenly Father in less formal and even in silent prayer, as you will often need to do in your priesthood service. There will be noise and people around you most of your waking day. God hears your silent prayers, but you may have to learn to shut out the distractions because the moment you need the connection with God may not come in quiet times.”

“Now, even for the experienced home teacher and his junior companion, that is clearly impossible without the help of the Holy Ghost. Think of the families or even individuals you have been called to serve. Human judgment and good intentions will not be enough.
“So you will pray for the way to know their hearts, to know what things are amiss in the lives and the hearts of people whom you don’t know well and who are not anxious to have you know them. You will need to know what God would have you do to help them and to do it all, as nearly as you can, feeling God’s love for them.”
“He warns us in many ways. Warnings are part of the plan of salvation. Prophets, apostles, stake presidents, bishops, and missionaries all raise the warning voice to escape calamity through faith in Jesus Christ, repentance, and making and keeping sacred covenants.”

“With a prayer of faith, God can grant us power in the priesthood for whatever circumstance we may be in. It simply requires that we ask in humility for the Spirit to show us what God would have us say and do, do it, and continue to live worthy of that gift.”


President Thomas S Monson, The Priesthood—a Sacred Gift
2 Now these sons of Mosiah were with Alma at the time the angel first appeared unto him; therefore Alma did rejoice exceedingly to see his brethren; and what added more to his joy, they were still his brethren in the Lord; yea, and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth; for they were men of a sound understanding and they had searched the scriptures diligently, that they might know the word of God.
3 But this is not all; they had given themselves to much prayer, and fasting; therefore they had the spirit of prophecy, and the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with power and authority of God.
“...never forget that as a holder of the Aaronic Priesthood you are entitled to the ministering of angels.”

Sunday Morning Session
President Thomas S Monson, Blessings of the Temple
“This year we anticipate rededicating 2 temples and dedicating 5 new temples which are scheduled for completion.

“For the past two years, as we have concentrated our efforts on completing previously announced temples, we have held in abeyance plans for any additional temples. This morning, however, I am very pleased to announce three new temples which will be built in the following locations: Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Port-au-Prince, Haiti; and Bangkok, Thailand.“


“As we enter through the doors of the temple, we leave behind us the distractions and confusion of the world. Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find beauty and order. There is rest for our souls and a respite from the cares of our lives.

“As we attend the temple, there can come to us a dimension of spirituality and a feeling of peace which will transcend any other feeling which could come into the human heart. We will grasp the true meaning of the words of the Savior when He said: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. … Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”1


“My brothers and sisters, in our lives we will have temptations; we will have trials and challenges. As we go to the temple, as we remember the covenants we make there, we will be better able to overcome those temptations and to bear our trials. In the temple we can find peace.”

Rosemary M. Wixom, Returning to Faith
“The Lord can only teach an inquiring mind.”(Elder Russell M. Nelson, in M. Russell Ballard, “What Came from Kirtland” (Brigham Young University fireside, Nov. 6, 1994); speeches.byu.edu)

“Humility, faith, and the influence of the Holy Spirit [will] always be elements of every quest for truth.”(Jeffrey R. Holland, “Be Not Afraid, Only Believe” (evening with Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Feb. 6, 2015);lds.org/broadcasts.)

“Though she had questions about how the Book of Mormon came to be, she could not deny the truths she knew in the Book of Mormon.”

“During her lesson, I came to know more fervently that answers to our sincere questions come when we earnestly seek and when we live the commandments. I was reminded that our faith can reach beyond the limits of current reason.”

“We are all pilgrims seeking God’s light as we journey on the path of discipleship. We do not condemn others for the amount of light they may or may not have; rather, we nourish and encourage all light until it grows clear, bright, and true.” (Dieter F. Uchtdorf, “Receiving a Testimony of Light and Truth,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 22.)

Elder José A. Teixeira, Seeking the Lord
“A deeper understanding of Jesus Christ will give us greater hope for the future and, despite our imperfections, more confidence in achieving our righteous goals.”

“Brothers and sisters, today more than in any other time, we have at our disposal exceptional opportunities and resources to deepen our understanding of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of His Atonement. Using these resources appropriately will help us live a fruitful life filled with joy.”

“The more we understand the extraordinary role of Christ in our lives, the more conscious we become of our purpose here in mortality, which is to have joy. That joy, however, does not preclude us from experiencing trials and difficulties, even some so great and complex that they may lead us to think that happiness is not possible in such circumstances.”

“Let us not leave for tomorrow what we can do today.”

“Every day we should consider including frequent interactions with the teachings of Christ.”


Bishop Gérald Caussé, Is It Still Wonderful to You?
“There are so many wonders in this world. However, sometimes when we have them constantly before our eyes, we take them for granted. We look, but we don’t really see; we hear, but we don’t really listen.”

23 ¶And he turned him unto his disciples, and said privately, Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see:
24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them.

“In no previous dispensation have so many missionaries been called, so many nations been opened for the gospel message”

“But let us beware. Our ability to marvel is fragile. Over the long term, such things as casual commandment keeping, apathy, or even weariness may set in and make us insensitive to even the most remarkable signs and miracles of the gospel.”

“First, never tire of discovering or rediscovering the truths of the gospel.”

“But the gospel is a fountain of knowledge that never runs dry. There is always something new to learn and feel each Sunday, in every meeting, and in every verse of scripture.”

“If I got up one Sunday morning...and found that my car wasn’t working, would I walk to my church only a few blocks away from home? Or would I just stay home because it was too far or because it was raining?”

Elder Brent H. Nielson, Waiting for the Prodigal
“The Savior Jesus Christ spent His earthly ministry teaching of His healing and redemptive power. On one occasion in Luke chapter 15 in the New Testament, He was actually criticized for eating and spending time with sinners (see Luke 15:2). The Savior used this criticism as an opportunity to teach us all how to respond to those who have lost their way.”

“Through the parable[s (the prodigal son, the 100 sheep, and the 10 pieces of silver)], what does the Savior teach us about how to respond when a family member loses his or her way?”

“When the lost one is your son or your daughter, your brother or your sister, and he or she has chosen to leave, we learned in our family that, after all we can do, we love that person with all of our hearts and we watch, we pray, and we wait for the Lord’s hand to be revealed.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Where Justice, Love, and Mercy Meet
“[Easter] is the most sacred day of the year for special remembrance of brotherly hands and determined arms that reached into the abyss of death to save us from our fallings and our failings, from our sorrows and our sins.”

“In our increasingly secular society, it is as uncommon as it is unfashionable to speak of Adam and Eve or the Garden of Eden or of a “fortunate fall” into mortality. Nevertheless, the simple truth is that we cannot fully comprehend the Atonement and Resurrection of Christ and we will not adequately appreciate the unique purpose of His birth or His death—in other words, there is no way to truly celebrate Christmas or Easter—without understanding that there was an actual Adam and Eve who fell from an actual Eden, with all the consequences that fall carried with it.

“I do not know the details of what happened on this planet before that, but I do know these two were created under the divine hand of God, that for a time they lived alone in a paradisiacal setting where there was neither human death nor future family, and that through a sequence of choices they transgressed a commandment of God which required that they leave their garden setting but which allowed them to have children before facing physical death.3

“...from the moment those first parents stepped out of the Garden of Eden, the God and Father of us all, anticipating Adam and Eve’s decision, dispatched the very angels of heaven to declare to them—and down through time to us—that this entire sequence was designed for our eternal happiness.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, The Gift of Grace
“On Easter Sunday we celebrate the most long-awaited and glorious event in the history of the world.

“It is the day that changed everything.”

“On that blessed day, the Savior of mankind, who had taken upon Himself the chains of sin and death that held us captive, burst those chains and set us free.”

“The Savior’s Atonement cannot become commonplace in our teaching, in our conversation, or in our hearts. It is sacred and holy,”

“God loves us deeply, perfectly, and everlastingly.”

“A powerful expression of that love is what the scriptures often call the grace of God—the divine assistance and endowment of strength by which we grow…”

“It is a most wondrous thing, this grace of God. Yet it is often misunderstood.”

“Grace Unlocks the Gates of Heaven”

“...the grace of God does not merely restore us to our previous innocent state. If salvation means only erasing our mistakes and sins, then salvation—as wonderful as it is—does not fulfill the Father’s aspirations for us. His aim is much higher: He wants His sons and daughters to become like Him.”

“Second: Grace Opens the Windows of Heaven”

“Today and forevermore God’s grace is available to all whose hearts are broken and whose spirits are contrite.”

Sunday Afternoon Session
“As those around us make choices about how to respond to our beliefs, we must not forget that moral agency is an essential part of God’s plan for all His children.”

“Similarly, our exercise of agency to keep the commandments enables us to fully understand who we are and receive all of the blessings our Heavenly Father has—including the opportunity to have a body, to progress, to experience joy, to have a family, and to inherit eternal life.”

“Through our faith in Jesus Christ, believing in His Atonement, repenting of our sins, and being baptized, we may then receive the supernal gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift provides knowledge and understanding, guidance and strength to learn and gain a testimony, power, cleansing to overcome sin, and comfort and encouragement to be faithful in tribulation.”

“[Satan] attempted to destroy moral agency in heaven, and now on earth he is fiercely undermining, opposing, and spreading confusion about religious freedom—what it is and why it is essential to our spiritual life and our very salvation.”


Doctrine and Covenants 134:2,4
2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.
4 We believe that religion is instituted of God; and that men are amenable to him, and to him only, for the exercise of it, unless their religious opinions prompt them to infringe upon the rights and liberties of others; but we do not believe that human law has a right to interfere in prescribing rules of worship to bind the consciences of men, nor dictate forms for public or private devotion; that the civil magistrate should restrain crime, but never control conscience; should punish guilt, but never suppress the freedom of the soul.

Article of Faith 11
11 We claim the privilege of worshiping Almighty God according to the dictates of our own conscience, and allow all men the same privilege, let them worship how, where, or what they may.

“Some are offended when we bring our religion into the public square, yet the same people who insist that their viewpoints and actions be tolerated in society are often very slow to give that same tolerance to religious believers who also wish their viewpoints and actions to be tolerated.”

“The general lack of respect for religious viewpoints is quickly devolving into social and political intolerance for religious people and institutions.”

“As disciples of Jesus Christ we have a responsibility to work together with like-minded believers, to raise our voices for what is right.”

“...we can become informed. Be aware of issues in your community that could have an impact on religious liberty.”

“...join with others who share our commitment to religious freedom. Work side by side to protect religious freedom.”

“...live your life to be a good example of what you believe—in word and deed. How we live our religion is far more important than what we may say about our religion.”

12 And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it—In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children—and he fastened it upon the end of a pole.
13 And he fastened on his head-plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the title of liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should a band of Christians remain to possess the land—
Elder Kevin W Pearson, Stay by the Tree
“Two of Satan’s most powerful tools are distraction and deception.”

“Enduring to the end is a hallmark of true discipleship and is essential to eternal life. But when trials and challenges come our way, we are often told to simply “hang in there.” Let me be clear: to “hang in there” is not a principle of the gospel. Enduring to the end means constantly coming unto Christ and being perfected in Him.”

“Casual obedience and lukewarm commitment weaken faith.”

“When life gets dark and dreary, don’t forget to pray.” (“Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, no. 140.)

“The tree of life is the central focus in Lehi’s dream. Everything points to the tree of life. The tree represents Christ, who is the clear manifestation of the love of God. The fruit is His infinite Atonement and is great evidence of God’s love.”

“...if we do not enter into sacred covenants to follow Christ and faithfully keep them, we will have utterly and completely missed the mark.”

“God’s commandments are strict but not restrictive. They protect us from spiritual and physical danger and prevent us from getting lost.”

“Consistently following the Savior’s example produces spiritual power and capacity. “

“When adversity comes, don’t let something you don’t fully understand unravel everything you do know. Be patient, cling to truth; understanding will come. Trials are like great mists of darkness that can blind our eyes and harden our hearts.”

“Only the Savior has ‘the words of eternal life.’8 Everything else is just words. “

“...they mock the Savior and those who follow Him. They are “ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”10 They may be politically correct, but they are spiritually lost.”

“If you lose the Spirit, you are lost. Don’t be distracted and deceived.”

“There is no room for average or complacent disciples. Average is the enemy of excellence, and average commitment will prevent you from enduring to the end.”



“In a revelation given to Moses, we are told of our Heavenly Father’s declared intention: ‘For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.’(Moses 1:39) According to that statement, the Father’s desire is to give everyone the opportunity to receive a fulness of joy.”

Alma 12:32
32 Therefore God gave unto them commandments, after having made known unto them the plan of redemption, that they should not do evil, the penalty thereof being a second death, which was an everlasting death as to things pertaining unto righteousness; for on such the plan of redemption could have no power, for the works of justice could not be destroyed, according to the supreme goodness of God.

“It is interesting to note the sequence in the teaching process. Our Heavenly Father first taught Adam and Eve the plan of redemption, and then He gave them commandments.”

“Perspective is the way we see things when we look at them from a certain distance, and it allows us to appreciate their true value.
It is like being in a forest and having a tree in front of us. Unless we step back a little, we will not be able to appreciate what a forest really is. I once visited the Amazon jungle in Leticia, Colombia, near the borders of Brazil and Peru. I was not able to appreciate its magnitude until I flew over it and gained perspective.”

“It is extremely important that we do not make decisions of eternal value from the perspective of mortality. For decisions that affect eternity, having a gospel perspective is essential.”

“If we looked at mortality as the whole of existence, then pain, sorrow, failure, and short life would be calamity. But if we look upon life as an eternal thing stretching far into the premortal past and on into the eternal post-death future, then all happenings may be put in proper perspective.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 15.)

Elder Neil L. Andersen, Thy Kingdom Come
“Elder Neal A. Maxwell once said to me, ‘If everything is going perfectly for you right now, just wait.’”

“As we are spiritually awake and alert, we see His hand across the world and we see His hand in our own personal lives.”

“The location of a temple is not a convenient geographical decision. It comes by revelation from the Lord to His prophet, signifying a great work to be done and acknowledging the righteousness of the Saints who will treasure and care for His house through generations.”

37 Now my brethren, we see that God is mindful of every people, whatsoever land they may be in; yea, he numbereth his people, and his bowels of mercy are over all the earth. Now this is my joy, and my great thanksgiving; yea, and I will give thanks unto my God forever. Amen.


“The scriptures teach that we are to ‘[stand] steadfastly in the faith of that which is to come.’21

“[At the second coming] there will be unforgettable reunions with the angels of heaven and the Saints upon the earth.”


Elder Jorge F. Zeballos, If You Will Be Responsible
“men cannot really long rest content with mediocrity once they see excellence is within their reach.” (Thomas S. Monson, “To the Rescue,” Ensign, May 2001, 49; Liahona, July 2001, 58.)

“I am impressed by and admire the attitude of the leper who came to the Lord, ‘beseeching him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.’14 The leper did not demand anything, even though his desires might have been righteous; he was simply willing to accept the will of the Lord.”

“We have these two great responsibilities. … First, to seek our own salvation; and, second, our duty to our fellow men.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Fielding Smith (2013), 294.)

“Allow me to share four key principles that will help us fulfill our desire to be responsible to our Father in Heaven as well as respond to His expectation that we become as He is.”

“1. Learning Our Duty”
“2. Making the Decision”
“3. Acting Accordingly”
“4. Willingly Accepting the Father’s Will”

“My prayer is that we might all more fully recognize and fulfill our sacred responsibility—our Father’s charge—to develop our divine nature so that we may navigate our journey more successfully and obtain our divine destiny.”

“Our physical bodies are a blessing from God. We received them for the purposes of fulfilling Heavenly Father’s work “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.”8 The body is the means by which we can attain our divine potential.”

“Living prophets and apostles have counseled all who have the opportunity to enter into the covenant of eternal marriage to proceed in wisdom and faith. We should not put off the time of that sacred day because of worldly pursuits or hold our expectations of a suitable companion at a level that disqualifies every possible candidate.”

“Developing the ability to subdue the things of the earth begins with humility to recognize our human weakness and the power available to us through Christ and His Atonement.”

13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.


Elder Russell M Nelson, The Sabbath Is a Delight
“The question for each of us is: because of what I have heard and felt during this conference, how will I change? Whatever your answer might be, may I invite you also to examine your feelings about, and your behavior on, the Sabbath day.”

“How can you ensure that your behavior on the Sabbath will lead to joy and rejoicing? In addition to your going to church, partaking of the sacrament, and being diligent in your specific call to serve, what other activities would help to make the Sabbath a delight for you? What sign will you give to the Lord to show your love for Him?”

“What did the Savior mean when He said that ‘the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath’?2 I believe He wanted us to understand that the Sabbath was His gift to us, granting real respite from the rigors of daily life and an opportunity for spiritual and physical renewal. God gave us this special day, not for amusement or daily labor but for a rest from duty, with physical and spiritual relief.”

“Perhaps most important, the Sabbath was given as a perpetual covenant, a constant reminder that the Lord may sanctify His people.”

“How do we hallow the Sabbath day? In my much younger years, I studied the work of others who had compiled lists of things to do and things not to do on the Sabbath. It wasn’t until later that I learned from the scriptures that my conduct and my attitude on the Sabbath constituted a sign between me and my Heavenly Father.”

“The fulness of the earth is promised to those who keep the Sabbath day holy.”

“We make the Sabbath a delight when we teach the gospel to our children. Our responsibility as parents is abundantly clear. The Lord said, ‘Inasmuch as parents have children in Zion … that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.’16

“The home is the basis of a righteous life...”

“No other work transcends that of righteous, intentional parenting!”

Isaiah 58:13-14
13 ¶If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
14 Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
“Not pursuing your ‘own pleasure’ on the Sabbath requires self-discipline. You may have to deny yourself of something you might like. If you choose to delight yourself in the Lord, you will not permit yourself to treat it as any other day. Routine and recreational activities can be done some other time.”

“Think of this: In paying tithing, we return one-tenth of our increase to the Lord. In keeping the Sabbath holy, we reserve one day in seven as His. So it is our privilege to consecrate both money and time to Him who lends us life each day.”

Moroni 10:32-33
32 Yea, come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ; and if by the grace of God ye are perfect in Christ, ye can in nowise deny the power of God.

33 And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot