Saturday Morning Session
Elder Jeffrey R Holland, The Message, the Meaning, and the Multitude
“...in spite of everything else this conference tradition may offer us, it will mean little or nothing unless we find Jesus at the center of it all.”
“If Jesus—His name, His doctrine, His example, His divinity—can be at the center of our worship, we will be reinforcing the great truth Alma once taught: ‘There be many things to come; [but] behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all— … the Redeemer [who] liveth and cometh among his people.’”
“One concluding thought: Joseph Smith’s 19th-century frontier environment was aflame with competing crowds of Christian witnesses. But in the tumult they created, these exuberant revivalists were, ironically, obscuring the very Savior young Joseph so earnestly sought.”
“In case you may be striving to see more clearly and to find meaning in the midst of a multitude of opinions, I point you toward that same Jesus and bear apostolic witness of Joseph Smith’s experience...”
“Sisters and brothers, through the incessant din and drumbeat of our day, may we strive to see Christ at the center of our lives, of our faith, and of our service. That is where true meaning lies.”
“I promise with apostolic fervor and prophetic conviction that He will hear you and will say, soon or late...”
Terence M Vinson, True Disciples of the Savior
4 Is it time for you, O ye, to dwell in your ceiled houses, and this house lie waste?
5 Now therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts; Consider your ways.
6 Ye have sown much, and bring in little; ye eat, but ye have not enough; ye drink, but ye are not filled with drink; ye clothe you, but there is none warm; and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.
“What we need here is less Wi-Fi and more Nephi!”
“There is no treasure, nor any hobby, nor any status, nor any social media, nor any video games, nor any sport, nor any association with a celebrity, nor anything on earth that is more precious than eternal life.”
“Please, please don’t put your total commitment off until you get around to it at some nonexistent, future time.”
Stephen W Owen, Be Faithful, Not Faithless
“Not long ago I woke up and prepared to study the scriptures. I picked up my smartphone and sat in a chair next to my bed with the intention of opening the Gospel Library app. I unlocked my phone and was just about to begin studying when I saw a half dozen notifications for text messages and emails that had come during the night. I thought, ‘I’ll quickly check those messages, and then I’ll get right to the scriptures.’ Well, two hours later I was still reading text messages, emails, news briefs, and social media posts. When I realized what time it was, I frantically rushed to get ready for the day. That morning I missed my scripture study, and consequently I didn’t get the spiritual nourishment I was hoping for.”
“If we are to have any hope of sifting through the myriad of voices and the philosophies of men that attack truth, we must learn to receive revelation.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96)
“Where do we find true spiritual nourishment?...we must deliberately take time each day to disconnect from the world and connect with heaven.”
“It is possible for young people to be raised in a Latter-day Saint home, attend all the right Church meetings and classes, even participate in ordinances in the temple, and then walk away ‘into forbidden paths and [become] lost.’(1 Nephi 8:28) Why does this happen? In many cases it is because, while they may have been going through the motions of spirituality, they were not truly converted. They were fed but not nourished.”
“Our experiences at church can reinforce the spiritual nourishment that happens at home.”
“Whether you are a leader, a neighbor, a quorum member, or simply a fellow Saint, if you have the opportunity to touch the life of a young person, help him or her connect with heaven. Your influence might be exactly the ‘Church support’ that young person needs.”
Elder D Todd Christofferson, The Joy of the Saints
“Saints are those who have entered into the gospel covenant through baptism and are striving to follow Christ as His disciples.”
“The joy we feel has little to do with the circumstances of our lives and everything to do with the focus of our lives.
“When the focus of our lives is on God’s plan of salvation … and Jesus Christ and His gospel, we can feel joy regardless of what is happening—or not happening—in our lives. Joy comes from and because of Him. … For Latter-day Saints, Jesus Christ is joy!”3(Russell M. Nelson, “Joy and Spiritual Survival,” 82.)
“I haven’t met anyone who found the gospel later in life who didn’t wish it could have been earlier.”
“It is in turning to Him, obeying Him, binding ourselves to Him that trial and sorrow are turned to joy.”
“the joy of ‘having received a remission of … sins, and having peace of conscience’(Mosiah 4:3)”
Michelle Craig, Spiritual Capacity
“I plead with you to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation. … Choose to do the spiritual work required to enjoy the gift of the Holy Ghost and hear the voice of the Spirit more frequently and more clearly.”(Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 96; emphasis added.)
“...four ways to increase your spiritual capacity to receive revelation.”
“1. Be Intentional about Creating Time and Space to Hear God’s Voice”
“Satan wants to separate us from God’s voice by keeping us out of those quiet places.”
“Just imagine what would happen if we were as intent on staying connected with heaven as we are on staying connected to Wi-Fi! Pick a time and place, and listen for God’s voice every day. And keep this sacred appointment with exactness, for so very much depends on it!”
“2. Act without Delay”
“3. Get Your Errand from the Lord”
“4. Believe and Trust”
“You have unique missions and roles to perform in life and will be given unique guidance to fulfill them.”
Elder Dale G Renlund, Unwavering Commitment to Jesus Christ
“These converts threw their previously idolized objects into the waterfalls as a symbol to God and others that they had discarded their old traditions and accepted Jesus Christ. They intentionally did not throw their objects into calm, shallow waters; they threw them into the churning waters of a massive waterfall, where the items became unrecoverable. These actions were a token of a new but unwavering commitment to Jesus Christ.”
“This change is more than an intellectual acceptance of gospel teachings. It shapes our identity, transforms our understanding of life’s meaning, and leads to unchanging fidelity to God.”
“God invites us to cast our old ways completely out of reach and begin a new life in Christ. This happens as we develop faith in the Savior, which begins by hearing the testimony of those who have faith.9 Thereafter, faith deepens as we act in ways that anchor us more firmly to Him.10”
“As we choose to be baptized, we begin to take upon ourselves the name of Jesus Christ11 and choose to identify ourselves with Him. We pledge to become like Him and to develop His attributes.”
“We may be tempted to equivocate, throw our old ways in calm water, or bury our weapons of rebellion with the handles sticking out. But an ambivalent commitment to our covenants will not open the door to the sanctifying power of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.”
“If God is a spirit, like the wind, how could we be created in His likeness? How could He sit on a throne?”
President Dallin H Oaks, Trust in the Lord
“After the death of his beloved wife and the mother of his children, a father remarried. Some grown children strongly objected to the remarriage and sought the counsel of a close relative who was a respected Church leader. After hearing the reasons for their objections, which focused on conditions and relationships in the spirit world or in the kingdoms of glory that follow the Final Judgment, this leader said: ‘You are worried about the wrong things. You should be worried about whether you will get to those places. Concentrate on that. If you get there, all of it will be more wonderful than you can imagine.’”
“What do we really know about conditions in the spirit world? I believe a BYU religion professor’s article on this subject had it right: ‘When we ask ourselves what we know about the spirit world from the standard works, the answer is ‘not as much as we often think.’1”
“The work of salvation in the spirit world consists of freeing spirits from what the scriptures frequently describe as ‘bondage.’ All in the spirit world are under some form of bondage.”
“The gospel is preached to the ignorant, the unrepentant, and the rebellious so they can be freed from their bondage and go forward to the blessings a loving Heavenly Father has in store for them.”
“The spirit-world bondage that applies to righteous converted souls is their need to await—and perhaps even be allowed to prompt—the performance of their proxy ordinances on earth so they can be baptized and enjoy the blessings of the Holy Ghost (see Doctrine and Covenants 138:30–37, 57–58).2 These mortal proxy ordinances also empower them to go forward under priesthood authority to enlarge the hosts of the righteous who can preach the gospel to the spirits in prison.”
“Many members of the Church have had visions or other inspirations to inform them about how things operate or are organized in the spirit world, but these personal spiritual experiences are not to be understood or taught as the official doctrine of the Church.”
“It should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.”(D. Todd Christofferson, “The Doctrine of Christ,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2012, 88; see also Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 42. )
“The doctrine is taught by all 15 members of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. It is not hidden in an obscure paragraph of one talk.” (Neil L. Andersen, “Trial of Your Faith,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2012, 41.)
“...family members who were righteous will be together in the world of spirits.”
“The spirits of the just are exalted to a greater and more glorious work … [in] the world of spirits. … They are not far from us, and know and understand our thoughts, feelings, and motions, and are often pained therewith.” (History of the Church, 6:52; included in Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 326; often quoted, as in Henry B. Eyring, To Draw Closer to God (1997), 122; see also Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young (1997), chapter 38, “The Spirit World.”)
“...remember that God loves His children and will surely do what is best for each of us.”
“We can all wonder privately about circumstances in the spirit world or even discuss these or other unanswered questions in family or other intimate settings. But let us not teach or use as official doctrine what does not meet the standards of official doctrine.”
“Excessive reliance on personal teachings or speculations may even draw us aside from concentrating on learning and efforts that will further our understanding and help us go forward on the covenant path.”
My Thoughts
{
Even if those personal teachings and speculations are true, they can be a distraction.
}
“[Trust in the Lord] is still the best principle we can use when our efforts to learn or our attempts to find comfort encounter obstacles in matters not yet revealed or not adopted as the official doctrine of the Church.”
58 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God,
59 And after they have paid the penalty of their transgressions, and are washed clean, shall receive a reward according to their works, for they are heirs of salvation.
“The duty of each of us is to teach the doctrine of the restored gospel, keep the commandments, love and help one another, and do the work of salvation in the holy temples.”
Saturday Afternoon Session
Elder David A Bednar, Watchful unto Prayer Continually (Alma 34:39; Moroni 6:4; Luke 21:36)
“That night Susan and I had a memorable conversation about what we had observed and learned. We also discussed this experience with our children and grandchildren and identified many valuable lessons. I now will describe three of those lessons.”
My Thoughts
{
If we pay attention to things around us, we can have more meaningful conversations with our spouse and family.
}
“Lesson #1—Beware of Evil’s Beguiling Disguises”
57 For they that are wise and have received the truth, and have taken the Holy Spirit for their guide, and have not been deceived—verily I say unto you, they shall not be hewn down and cast into the fire, but shall abide the day.
“Lesson #2—Stay Awake and Be Alert”
“Constant vigilance is required to counteract complacency and casualness. To be vigilant is the state or action of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. And keeping watch denotes the act of staying awake to guard and protect. Spiritually speaking, we need to stay awake and be alert to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and the signals that come from the Lord’s watchmen on the towers.”
39 Yea, and I also exhort you, my brethren, that ye be watchful unto prayer continually, that ye may not be led away by the temptations of the devil, that he may not overpower you, that ye may not become his subjects at the last day; for behold, he rewardeth you no good thing.
“All day, every day, a cheetah is a predator.”
“Satan ‘is the enemy of righteousness and of those who seek to do the will of God.’8 All day, every day, his only intent and sole purpose are to make the sons and daughters of God miserable like unto himself.”
My thoughts
{
We should not think that doing something wrong for just a moment does not have negative consequences. Everything Satan tempts us to do that is wrong, no matter how small, is designed to make us miserable, not to give us pleasure. The pleasure is the bait.
}
“The devil labors to make the sons and daughters of God confused and unhappy...”
“Satan does not have a body, and his eternal progress has been halted.”
“‘never taking the first enticing step toward going where you should not go and doing what you should not do.”
“Lesson #3—Understand the Intent of the Enemy”
“Please remember always that your home is the true center of gospel learning and living.”
“I promise that the blessings of effective preparation and spiritual protection will flow into your life as you are watchful unto prayer vigilantly and continually.” - More than one speaker talked of being watchful and prayerful.
“As we are blessed with eyes to see and ears to hear,6 the Holy Ghost can increase our capacity to look and listen when we may not typically think we need to look or listen or when we may not think anything can be seen or heard.”
Rueben C Allieud, Found through the Power of the Book of Mormon
“My invitation this afternoon to each of us, regardless of how long we’ve been a member of the Church, is to allow the power of the truths of the Book of Mormon to find us and embrace us once again and day after day as we diligently seek for personal revelation. It will do so if we allow it.”
President Russell M Nelson, Witnesses, Aaronic Priesthood Quorums, and Young Women Classes
“The adjustments we will now announce are intended to help young men and young women develop their sacred personal potential.”
A proxy baptism for a deceased person may be witnessed by anyone holding a current temple recommend, including a limited-use recommend.
Any endowed member with a current temple recommend may serve as a witness to sealing ordinances, living and proxy.
Any baptized member of the Church may serve as a witness of the baptism of a living person. This change pertains to all baptisms outside the temple.
“These policy adjustments are procedural. The underlying doctrine and covenants are unchanged. They are equally efficacious in all ordinances. These changes should greatly enhance family participation in these ordinances.”
Elder Quentin L Cook, Adjustment to Strengthen Youth
“Our youth live in an exciting but also challenging time. The choices available have never been more dramatic. One example: the modern smartphone provides access to incredibly important and uplifting information, including family history and the holy scriptures. On the other hand, it contains foolishness, immorality, and evil not readily available in the past.”
“Our youth live in an exciting but also challenging time. The choices available have never been more dramatic. One example: the modern smartphone provides access to incredibly important and uplifting information, including family history and the holy scriptures. On the other hand, it contains foolishness, immorality, and evil not readily available in the past.”
“One part of the pattern relates to the rising generation. Our youth are being asked to take more individual responsibility at younger ages—without parents and leaders taking over what youth can do for themselves.5”
15 The bishopric is the presidency of this priesthood, and holds the keys or authority of the same.
“The bishop remains, of course, the presiding high priest of the ward. This new alignment [of elders quorums and Relief Societies] should let him preside over the work of the Melchizedek Priesthood and the Relief Society without requiring him to do the work of either of those bodies.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, general conference leadership meeting, Apr. 2018; see also “Effective Ministering,” ministering.ChurchofJesusChrist.org. Elder Holland taught that responsibilities the bishop cannot delegate are presiding over the Aaronic Priesthood quorums and the young women, being a common judge, watching over the finances and temporal affairs of the Church, and caring for the poor and needy. The elders quorum and Relief Society presidencies and others can take primary responsibility for missionary work, temple and family history work, the quality of teaching in the ward, and watching over and ministering to members of the Church.)
“The bishopric youth committee meeting will be replaced by a ward youth council.”
“The word ‘Mutual’ will be retired and become ‘Young Women activities,’ ‘Aaronic Priesthood quorum activities,’ or ‘youth activities,’ which will be held weekly where possible.”
“Our youth will develop greater faith in the Savior, be protected from the temptations of the adversary, and stand prepared to meet life’s challenges.”
Mark L Pace, Come, Follow Me - the Lord’s Counterstrategy and Proactive Plan
“His infinite atoning sacrifice in our behalf brings the blessings of immortality and eternal life. Indeed,”
He talked about the Winnipeg temple that is being built. Winnipeg is the capital city of the province of Manitoba, Canada.
12 And now, my sons, 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.
“The long-standing objective of the Church is to assist all members to increase their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ and in His Atonement, to assist them in making and keeping their covenants with God, and to strengthen and seal their families. In this complex world today, this is not easy. The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans” (Russell M Nelson, “Opening Remarks,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2018, 7; emphasis added).
“The goal is not to make church one hour shorter; it is to make church six days longer!”
“The adversary is increasing his attacks on faith and upon us and our families at an exponential rate. To survive spiritually, we need counterstrategies and proactive plans” (Russell M Nelson, Opening Remarks,” 7).
L Todd Budge, Consistent and Resilient Trust
“Our son Dan got very sick on his mission in Africa and was taken to a medical facility with limited resources. As we read his first letter to us after his illness, we expected that he would be discouraged, but instead he wrote, ‘Even as I lay in the emergency room, I felt peace. I have never been so consistently and resiliently happy in my life.’”
23 And they would have had no children; wherefore they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; doing no good, for they knew no sin.
24 But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
25 Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.
“Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.” (The Mathnawi of Jalalu’ddin Rumi (1925–40), trans. Reynold A. Nicholson, vol. 5, 132.)
4 And I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; therefore touch these stones, O Lord, with thy finger, and prepare them that they may shine forth in darkness; and they shall shine forth unto us in the vessels which we have prepared, that we may have light while we shall cross the sea.
5 Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.
“While being tossed about in the barges, the Jaredites ‘did sing praises unto the Lord; … and [they] did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.’20 They felt joy and thanksgiving even in the midst of their afflictions. They had not yet arrived in the promised land, yet they were rejoicing in the promised blessing because of their consistent and resilient trust in Him.21”
“The Jaredites were driven forth upon the water 344 days.22 Can you imagine that? Trusting in the Lord includes trusting in His timing and requires patience and endurance that outlast the storms of life.”
Jorge M Alvarado, After the Trial of Our Faith
“No matter the obstacles we face in life, we can trust that Jesus Christ will prepare a way forward as we walk with faith. God has promised that all who live according to the covenants they have made with Him will, in His time, receive all His promised blessings.”
“Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.” (Jeffrey R. Holland, “An High Priest of Good Things to Come,” Ensign, Nov. 1999, 38; Liahona, Jan. 2000, 45.)
6 And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
“As we follow God’s voice and His covenant path, He will strengthen us in our trials.”
“We were sealed as a family, and my sister recovered. This happened only after the trial of my parents’ faith and in following the Lord’s promptings.”
“Young men and young women, hear the prophet today talking to you. Seek to learn divine truths and seek to understand the gospel for yourselves.”
“What wisdom do you lack? … Follow the example of the Prophet Joseph. Find a quiet place. … Humble yourself before God. Pour out your heart to your Heavenly Father. Turn to Him for answers.”(Russell M. Nelson, “Revelation for the Church, Revelation for Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2018, 95.)
“The influence we have on our children is more powerful as they see us walking faithfully on the covenant path.”
Ronald A Rasband, Standing by Our Promises and Covenants
“[Jesus] has honored every one of His promises.
“Can the same be said of each of us? What are the dangers if we cheat a little, slip a little, or do not quite follow through with our commitments?”
1 Verily, thus saith the Lord: It shall come to pass that every soul who forsaketh his sins and cometh unto me, and calleth on my name, and obeyeth my voice, and keepeth my commandments, shall see my face and know that I am;
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
“When we say to someone, ‘I will pray for you,’ do we? When we commit, ‘I will be there to help,’ will we? When we obligate ourselves to pay a debt, do we? When we raise our hands to sustain a fellow member in a new calling, which means to give support, do we?”
“We … increase the Savior’s power in our lives when we make sacred covenants and keep those covenants with precision. Our covenants bind us to Him and give us godly power.” (“Drawing the Power of Jesus Christ into Our Lives,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2017, 41.)
“When we keep promises to one another, we are more likely to keep promises to the Lord.”
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
“As an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, I conclude with an invitation and promise. First, the invitation: I invite you to consider the promises and covenants you make with the Lord, and with others, with great integrity, knowing that your word is your bond. Second, I promise you, as you do this, the Lord will establish your words and sanction your deeds as you strive with unwearied diligence to build up your lives, your families, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Motherhood Session
Reyna I Aburto, Thru Cloud and Sunshine, Lord, Abide with Me!
“As disciples of Jesus Christ, we have made a covenant with God that we ‘are willing to bear one another’s burdens’ and ‘to mourn with those that mourn.’”
“It has taken me years to work through my grief, and it was only recently that I learned talking about suicide in appropriate ways actually helps to prevent it rather than encourage it.”
“Let us follow the Savior’s path and increase our compassion, diminish our tendency to judge, and stop being the inspectors of the spirituality of others.”
12 And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities.
Lisa L Hardness, Honoring His Name
35 Now have we not reason to rejoice? Yea, I say unto you, there never were men that had so great reason to rejoice as we, since the world began; yea, and my joy is carried away, even unto boasting in my God; for he has all power, all wisdom, and all understanding; he comprehendeth all things, and he is a merciful Being, even unto salvation, to those who will repent and believe on his name.
“”can it be said and written of us that we are true disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ? Do we honor the name of Jesus Christ that we have willingly taken upon ourselves? Are we both “a minister and a witness”18 of His loving-kindness and His redeeming power?
Bonnie R Cordon
New Young Women Theme:
I am a beloved daughter of heavenly parents,4 with a divine nature and eternal destiny.5
As a disciple of Jesus Christ,6 I strive to become like Him.7 I seek and act upon personal revelation8 and minister to others in His holy name.9
I will stand as a witness of God at all times and in all things and in all places.10
As I strive to qualify for exaltation,11 I cherish the gift of repentance12 and seek to improve each day.13 With faith,14 I will strengthen my home and family,15 make and keep sacred covenants,16 and receive the ordinances17 and blessings of the holy temple.
“Notice the shift from ‘we’ to ‘I.’ These truths apply to you individually. You are a beloved daughter of Heavenly Parents.”
“So often what people need so much is to be sheltered from the storms of life in the sanctuary of belonging.” (Neal A. Maxwell, All These Things Shall Give Thee Experience (1979), 55.)
“Our classes must be sanctuaries from the storms, secure places of love and belonging. In an effort to build greater unity, strengthen friendships, and increase that feeling of belonging within Young Women, we are making some adjustments to class structure.”
“For over 100 years, young women have been divided into three classes. Beginning immediately, we invite Young Women leaders and bishops to prayerfully consider the needs of each young woman and organize them according to the ward’s specific circumstances.”
“Third, with this new class organization, all classes will be referred to by the unifying name of ‘Young Women.’20 We will retire the names ‘Beehive,’ ‘Mia Maid,’ and ‘Laurel.’”
President Henry B Eyring, Covenant Women in Partnership with God
“To help another human being reach one’s celestial potential is part of the divine mission of woman. As mother, teacher, or nurturing Saint, she molds living clay to the shape of her hopes. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation. It is ennobling, edifying, and exalting.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Woman—Of Infinite Worth,” Ensign, Nov. 1989, 22.)
“You cannot know when, or for what length of time, your personal mission will be focused on service in calls such as mother, leader, or ministering sister. The Lord, out of love, does not leave us the choice of the timing, duration, or sequence of our assignments. Yet you know from scripture and living prophets that all of these assignments will come, either in this life or in the next, to every daughter of God.”
“As mother, teacher, or nurturing Saint, she molds living clay to the shape of her hopes. In partnership with God, her divine mission is to help spirits live and souls be lifted. This is the measure of her creation.” (Russell M. Nelson, “Woman—Of Infinite Worth,” 22.)
President Dallin H Oaks, Two Great Commandments
“God requires us to obey His commandments because only through that obedience, including repentance, can we return to live in His presence and become perfect as He is.”
“The laws that apply most significantly to the issues relating to those identifying as LGBT are God’s law of marriage and its companion law of chastity. Both are essential in our Father in Heaven’s plan of salvation for His children.”
“Many countries … have legalized same-sex marriage. As members of the Church, we respect the laws of the land … , including civil marriage. The truth is, however, that in the beginning … marriage was ordained by God! And to this day it is defined by Him as being between a man and a woman. God has not changed His definition of marriage.”
…
“God has also not changed His law of chastity. Requirements to enter the temple have not changed.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Love and Laws of God.”)
“our commission as Apostles is to teach nothing but truth. That commission does not give [Apostles] the authority to modify divine law.” (Russell M. Nelson, “The Love and Laws of God.”)
“Eternal life includes the creative powers inherent in the combination of male and female12—what modern revelation describes as the ‘continuation of the seeds forever and ever.’13”
“...we cannot let our love supersede the commandments and the plan and work of God, which we know will bring those we love their greatest happiness.”
“We must all strive to be kinder and more civil.”
“Our walk must be considerate of children who are uncertain about their sexual orientation, but it discourages premature labeling because, in most children, such uncertainty decreases significantly over time.”
“Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world … will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives and to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different … from the women of the world. … Thus it will be that female exemplars of the Church will be a significant force in both the numerical and the spiritual growth of the Church in the last days.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 222–23.)
“Little did we who heard that prophecy 40 years ago realize that among those the women of this Church may save will be their own dear friends and family who are currently influenced by worldly priorities and devilish distortions.”
President Russell M Nelson, Spiritual Treasures
“It was near Harmony that John the Baptist appeared to Joseph Smith and restored the Aaronic Priesthood.”
7 And thou shalt be ordained under his hand to expound scriptures, and to exhort the church, according as it shall be given thee by my Spirit.
8 For he shall lay his hands upon thee, and thou shalt receive the Holy Ghost, and thy time shall be given to writing, and to learning much.
9 And thou needest not fear, for thy husband shall support thee in the church; for unto them is his calling, that all things might be revealed unto them, whatsoever I will, according to their faith.
10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.
11 And it shall be given thee, also, to make a selection of sacred hymns, as it shall be given thee, which is pleasing unto me, to be had in my church.
12 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.
13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.
14 Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride. Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon him.
15 Keep my commandments continually, and a crown of righteousness thou shalt receive. And except thou do this, where I am you cannot come.
16 And verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my voice unto all. Amen.
“...the restoration of the priesthood is just as relevant to you as a woman as it is to any man.”
“Because the Melchizedek Priesthood has been restored, both covenant-keeping women and men have access to ‘all the spiritual blessings of the church’2 or, we might say, to all the spiritual treasures the Lord has for His children.”
“The heavens are just as open to women who are endowed with God’s power flowing from their priesthood covenants as they are to men who bear the priesthood.”
“The Holy Ghost will be your personal tutor as you seek to understand what the Lord would have you know and do.”
“Part of this endeavor will require you to put aside many things of this world. Sometimes we speak almost casually about walking away from the world with its contention, pervasive temptations, and false philosophies. But truly doing so requires you to examine your life meticulously and regularly. As you do so, the Holy Ghost will prompt you about what is no longer needful, what is no longer worthy of your time and energy.”
“As you embark upon and continue this lifelong process of consecrating your life to the Lord, the changes in your perspective, feelings, and spiritual strength will amaze you!”
“I am inspired by each husband who demonstrates that his most important priesthood responsibility is to care for his wife.4 I praise that man who deeply respects his wife’s ability to receive revelation and treasures her as an equal partner in their marriage.”
“When a man understands the majesty and power of a righteous, seeking, endowed Latter-day Saint woman, is it any wonder that he feels like standing when she enters the room?”
“When you are set apart to serve in a calling under the direction of one who holds priesthood keys—such as your bishop or stake president—you are given priesthood authority to function in that calling.
“Similarly, in the holy temple you are authorized to perform and officiate in priesthood ordinances every time you attend.”
“I entreat you to study prayerfully all the truths you can find about priesthood power. You might begin with Doctrine and Covenants sections 84 and 107. Those sections will lead you to other passages.”
“We now have 166 temples throughout the world, and more are coming.”
“...the temple is where you will receive your highest spiritual treasures.”
“We are pleased to announce plans to construct temples in the following locations: Freetown, Sierra Leone; Orem, Utah; Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea; Bentonville, Arkansas; Bacolod, Philippines; McAllen, Texas; Cobán, Guatemala; and Taylorsville, Utah.”
Sunday Morning Session
Elder Garrett W Gong, Covenant Belonging
“In losing our worldly self through covenant belonging, we find and become our best eternal self2—free, alive, real—and define our most important relationships. Covenant belonging is to make and keep solemn promises to God and each other through sacred ordinances that invite the power of godliness to be manifest in our lives.3 When we covenant all we are, we can become more than we are. Covenant belonging gives us place, narrative, capacity to become. It produces faith unto life and salvation.4”
“God’s ordinances provide guideposts on His path of covenants.”
“Along life’s path, we may lose faith in God, but He never loses faith in us. As it were, His porch light is always on. He invites us to come or return to the covenants that mark His path.”
Sister Cristina B Franco, FInding Joy in Sharing the Gospel
“I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
I know who I am.
I know God’s plan.
I’ll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.” (“The Church of Jesus Christ,” Children’s Songbook, 77.)
15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
16 And now, if your joy will be great with one soul that you have brought unto me into the kingdom of my Father, how great will be your joy if you should bring many souls unto me!
Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf, Your Great Adventure
“...mortal life has a way of distracting us, doesn’t it? We tend to lose sight of our great quest, preferring comfort and ease over growth and progress.”
“...the gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to the most complex questions in life and has such profound depth and complexity that even with a lifetime of study and pondering, we can scarcely comprehend even the smallest part.”
“...remember that discipleship is not about doing things perfectly; it’s about doing things intentionally. It is your choices that show what you truly are, far more than your abilities.”
“Through your efforts to help the poor and the needy, to reach out to those in distress, your own character is purified and forged, your spirit is enlarged, and you walk a little taller.
But this love cannot come with expectations of repayment. It cannot be the kind of service that expects recognition, adulation, or favor.”
“True disciples of Jesus Christ love God and His children without expectation of something in return. We love those who disappoint us, who don’t like us. Even those who ridicule, abuse, and seek to hurt us.”
“When you fill your hearts with the pure love of Christ, you leave no room for rancor, judgment, and shaming. You keep God’s commandments because you love Him. In the process, you slowly become more Christlike in your thoughts and deeds.7 And what adventure could be greater than this?”
Elder Walker F Gonzalez, The Savior’s Touch
“It is very hard to imagine the physical and emotional suffering that weighed on the leper who came unto the Savior. Leprosy affects the nerves and skin, causing disfigurement and disability. Additionally, it led to great social stigma. Someone stricken with leprosy had to leave their loved ones and live isolated from society. Lepers were considered unclean, both physically and spiritually. For this reason, the law of Moses required that lepers wear torn clothing and call out, “Unclean!” as they walked.4 Sick and despised, lepers ended up living in abandoned houses or in the tombs.5 It is not hard to imagine that the leper who approached the Savior was broken.”
28 ¶ Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
4 Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows; yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Elder Gary E Stevens, Deceive Me Not
“...there are forces at play today designed to deliberately lead us away from absolute truth. These deceptions and lies go far beyond innocent mistaken identity and often have dire, not minor, consequences.”
“Satan, the father of lies and the great deceiver, would have us question things as they really are and either ignore eternal truths or replace them with something that appears more pleasing.”
“[Satan] has made a reputation for himself convincing mortals that skunks are just kittens”
12 And it came to pass that when Moses had said these words, behold, Satan came tempting him, saying: Moses, son of man, worship me.
“However, in the same way that the adversary tried to deceive Moses, he seeks to trick you. He has always pretended to be something that he is not. He always attempts to hide who he truly is. He claims that obedience will make your life miserable and that it will rob you of happiness.”
President Russell M Nelson, The Second Great Commandment
“You know and love to obey His two great commandments, to love God and to love your neighbors.”
“I asked the stake president how he cared for members who had so little. He replied that their bishops knew their people well. If members could afford two meals a day, no help was needed. But if they could afford only one meal or less—even with family help—bishops provided food, financed from fast offerings. Then he added this remarkable fact: their fast-offering contributions usually exceeded their expenses. Surplus fast offerings were then sent to people elsewhere whose needs exceeded theirs. Those stalwart African Saints taught me a great lesson about the power of the law and the spirit of the fast.”
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
“To help relieve hunger, the Church operates 124 bishops’ storehouses throughout the world. Through them, approximately 400,000 food orders are given each year to individuals in need. In locations where no storehouse exists, bishops and branch presidents draw from fast-offering funds of the Church to provide food and supplies for their needy members.”
“I have also marveled as world leaders have visited the First Presidency expressing their hope for the Church to be established in their lands. Why? Because they know that Latter-day Saints will help to build strong families and communities, making life better for others wherever they live.”
“Giving help to others—making a conscientious effort to care about others as much as or more than we care about ourselves—is our joy. Especially, I might add, when it is not convenient and when it takes us out of our comfort zone. Living that second great commandment is the key to becoming a true disciple of Jesus Christ.”
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Henry B Eyring
“by...faithful service, been made more holy.”
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
“More purity give me,
More strength to o’ercome,
More freedom from earth-stains,
More longing for home.
More fit for the kingdom,
More used would I be,
More blessed and holy—
More, Savior, like thee.”
Elder Hans T Boom, Knowing, Loving, and Growing
“For instance, there is no need to constantly tell our spouse or children how they can improve; they know that already. It is in creating this environment of love that they will be empowered to make the necessary changes in their lives and become better people.”
“It is that love, that light that needs to shine and brighten our surroundings as we go about our daily lives. People will notice the light and will be drawn to it. That is the kind of missionary work that will draw others to ‘come and see, come and help, and come and stay.’9”
President M Russell Ballard, Giving Our Spirits Control over Our Bodies
“That thought brings me comfort and the assurance that I will be with Barbara again. Although she physically suffered toward the end of her life, her spirit was strong, noble, and pure. She had prepared herself in all things so that when the day comes, she can stand before ‘the pleasing bar of God,’3 full of confidence and peaceful assurance. But here I am, in two days 91 years old, and I’m still wondering, ‘Am I ready? Am I doing everything I need to do to be able to hold her hand once again?’”
5 For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
“It seems clear to me that one of the most important things we can learn in this life is how to emphasize our eternal spiritual nature and control our evil desires.”
Peter M Johnson, Power to Overcome the Adversary
“You are elect sons and daughters of God. You have the power to overcome the adversary. The adversary, however, is aware of who you are. He knows of your divine heritage and seeks to limit your earthly and heavenly potential by using the three Ds:
Deception
Distraction
Discouragement”
“If we do not understand who we are, then it is difficult to recognize who we can become.”
“My dear friends, please do not let anyone steal your happiness. Do not compare yourself to others.”
Elder Ulisses Sores, Take Up Our Cross
“We cannot repent for other people, but we can forgive them—by refusing to be held hostages by those who have harmed us.”
“All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.”
29 All thrones and dominions, principalities and powers, shall be revealed and set forth upon all who have endured valiantly for the gospel of Jesus Christ.
“I want to testify to you that taking upon us our cross and following the Savior requires us to follow His example and strive to become like Him,26 patiently facing the circumstances of life, denying and despising the appetites of the natural man, and waiting on the Lord.”
Elder Neil L Anderson, Fruit
“As has been said many times in this conference, we continue to face distractions and deceptions, confusion and commotion, enticements and temptations that attempt to pull our hearts away from the Savior and the joys and beauties we have experienced in following Him.”
President Russell M Nelson, Closing Remarks
“All requirements to enter the temple relate to personal holiness.”
“Do you strive for moral cleanliness in your thoughts and behavior?”
“In addition to their answering those questions honestly, it is understood that each adult temple patron will wear the sacred garment of the priesthood under their regular clothing. This is symbolic of an inner commitment to strive each day to become more like the Lord. It also reminds us to remain faithful each day to covenants made and to walk on the covenant path each day in a higher and holier way.”
“In some respects, it is easier to build a temple than it is to build a people prepared for a temple.”
“...the year 2020 will be designated as a bicentennial year. General conference next April will be different from any previous conference. In the next six months, I hope that every member and every family will prepare for a unique conference that will commemorate the very foundations of the restored gospel.”
