General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session 4-4-09

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Funeral Services for Elder Jospeh B. Wirthlin 12-5-08

Joseph B Wirthlin Jr. - Son of Elder Wirthlin
He talked about how they are sad because they miss him, but they rejoice that he is reunited with their mother and others that he has missed.

His dad never saw himself as anyone special.

He didn't pay attention to what others thought. He just did what he was called to do no matter how difficult.

"In living our lives let us never forget that the deeds of our fathers and mothers are theirs, not ours; that their works cannot be counted to our glory; that we can claim no excellence and no place, because of what they did, that we must rise by our own labor, and that labor failing we shall fail. We may claim no honor, no reward, no respect, nor special position or recognition, no credit because of what our fathers were or what they wrought. We stand upon our own feet in our own shoes. There is no aristocracy of birth in this Church; it belongs equally to the highest and the lowliest; for as Peter said to Cornelius, the Roman centurion, seeking him:" ("To Them of the last Wagon" J. Ruben Clark Jr. First Counselor in the First Presidency July 1975)

Alma 40: 23
23 The ^asoul shall be ^brestored to the ^cbody, and the body to the soul; yea, and every limb and joint shall be restored to its body; yea, even a ^dhair of the head shall not be lost; but all things shall be restored to their proper and ^eperfect frame.

The gloom of the Friday that Jesus was buried and the joy of the Sunday when he was resurrected. We will all have our Fridays, but Sunday will come. Elder Wirthlin talked more about this in his October 2006 general conference talk Sunday Will Come.

Elder Russell M. Nelson - Apostle
Elder Nelson served on a stake high council with Elder Wirthlin and then Elder Wirthlin was one of his councilors in the stake presidency.

He talked of Elder Wirthlin's spirit of service.

Elder Boyd K. Packer - President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
He shared the testimony that Elder Wirthlin bore recently.

He related stories of Elder Wirthlin erving his mission and being in WWII. He talked about being in the church where Silent Night was composed.

Alma 7: 23-24

23 And now I would that ye should be ^ahumble, and be ^bsubmissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.

24 And see that ye have ^afaith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

President Thomas S. Monson - Prophet
He compared Elder Wirthlin to the man described in 1 Samuel 9:6
6 And he said unto him, Behold now, there is in this city a man of God, and he is an honourable man; all that he saith cometh surely to pass: now let us go thither; peradventure he can shew us our way that we should go.

He talked of Elder Wirthlin's football career, his career in the family business, and his work in the twelve.

President Monson stated, "At last his spirit is freed from a body worn by work and impaired by age."

President Monson challeged Elder Wirthlin's posterity that they may live worthy to live wih him again one day as he and his wife are together now.

Church Services This Week at Sullivan Hollow Second Ward Weber Heights Stake Ogden Utah 8-10-08

This Week at Church Priesthood Opening
Exodus 15:26
26 And said, If thou wilt ^adiligently ^bhearken to the voice of the Lord thy God, and wilt do that which is right in his sight, and wilt give ear to his commandments, and ^ckeep all his statutes, I will put none of these ^ddiseases upon thee, which I have brought upon the Egyptians: for I am the Lord that ^ehealeth thee.

The bishop gave us a few words of encouragements. "Pick your priorities. If your first priority is not the kingdom of God then whatever else you choose doesn't matter. Remember who you are, where you you want to go, and how you are going to get there. If you don't pick your priorities someone will pick them for you."

Elders' Quorum
Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith Chapter 14: Words of Hope and Consolation at the Time of Death p.141–81
Just like any other trial in our lives, is there a purpose in our lives when a loved one or even a child of ours dies? Is there anything positive we learn from it?

This life is not the end and we can see our loved ones again if we are obedient.

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Manual Lesson 30: “The Great Plan of Happiness” p.133
Alma 40-42
We talked about Alma teaching his son, Corianton, after Corianton was disobedient on his mission.

Elder Boyd K. Packer said, "I have long believed that the study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior will improve behavior."

We also talked about the teachings of Nehor that were prevalent at the time that may have influenced Corianton.

• No need to repent.


• All mankind will be saved - No atonement.


• Not possible to know of things to come.

Teaching Methods Used by Alma as a Righteous Father

• Held PPIs - The PPIs are held individually and privately. That way failures don't make children feel embarrassed or successes don't make the others jealous.
  


• Had gift of discernment. -Elder David A. Bednar quoted Steven L. Richards on the gift of discernment in the talk Quick to Observe at BYU on May 10, 2005 - "
  
  

  First, I mention the gift of discernment, embodying the power to discriminate . . . between right and wrong. I believe that this gift when highly developed arises largely out of an acute sensitivity to impressions—spiritual impressions, if you will—to read under the surface as it were, to detect hidden evil, and more importantly to find the good that may be concealed. The highest type of discernment is that which perceives in others and uncovers for them their better natures, the good inherent within them. . . .

  
  

  . . . Every member in the restored Church of Christ could have this gift if he willed to do so. He could not be deceived with the sophistries of the world. He could not be led astray by pseudo-prophets and subversive cults. Even the inexperienced would recognize false teachings, in a measure at least. . . . We ought to be grateful every day of our lives for this sense which keeps alive a conscience which constantly alerts us to the dangers inherent in wrongdoers and sin. [CR, April 1950, 162–63; emphasis added]"
  
  Elder James E. Faust in the address at BYU on November 15, 1995 Trying to Serve the Lord Without Offending the Devil - "Satan has had great success with this gullible generation. As a consequence, literally hosts of people have been victimized by him and his angels. There is, however, an ample shield against the power of Lucifer and his hosts. This protection lies in the spirit of discernment through the gift of the Holy Ghost. This gift comes undeviatingly by personal revelation to those who strive to obey the commandments of the Lord and to follow the counsel of the living prophets."



• Reproved with sharpness and teaches doctrine and shows an increase of love. (D&C 121: 43) - One of the definitions that the American Heritage Dictionary has for the word sharp is "Having clear form and detail" another they gave is "Clearly and distinctly set forth".
  
  Elder H. Burke Peterson of the First Quorum of the Seventy stated in his talk Unrighteous Dominion, "Perhaps we should consider what it means to reprove with sharpness. Reproving with sharpness means reproving with clarity, with loving firmness, with serious intent. It does not mean reproving with sarcasm, or with bitterness, or with clenched teeth and raised voice. One who reproves as the Lord has directed deals in principles, not personalities. He does not attack character or demean an individual."

Alma testifies counter to the teachings of Nehor

• Clarifies that there is a need for a savior. Alma 39:15 - 15 And now, my son, I would say somewhat unto you concerning the ^acoming of Christ. Behold, I say unto you, that it is he that surely shall come to take away the sins of the world; yea, he cometh to declare glad tidings of salvation unto his people.


• Testifies that there is a savior coming. Alma 39:16 - 16 And now, my son, this was the ministry unto which ye were called, to declare these glad tidings unto this people, to prepare their minds; or rather that salvation might come unto them, that they may prepare the minds of their ^achildren to hear the word at the time of his coming.

Resurrection does not happen until after Christ comes. Alma 40:2 - 2 Behold, I say unto you, that there is no resurrection—or, I would say, in other words, that this mortal does not put on ^aimmortality, this corruption does not ^bput on incorruption—^cuntil after the coming of Christ.

Someone pointed out that there were things that Alma was learning as he taught or prepared to teach his son. Class members stated that those who teach often learn more about what they teach.

The body and the spirit separate and you are brought to God's (Christ's) realm for a mini judgment to determine where you will wait until you are resurrected. These spirits are in transit between their origin (life) and destination (post judgment). Alma 40:11-13 -

11 Now, concerning the ^astate of the soul between ^bdeath and the resurrection—Behold, it has been made known unto me by an angel, that the spirits of all men, as soon as they are departed from this mortal body, yea, the spirits of all men, whether they be good or evil, are ^ctaken ^dhome to that God who gave them life.

12 And then shall it come to pass, that the spirits of those who are righteous are received into a state of ^ahappiness, which is called ^bparadise, a state of rest, a state of ^cpeace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow.

13 And then shall it come to pass, that the ^aspirits of the wicked, yea, who are evil—for behold, they have no part nor portion of the Spirit of the Lord; for behold, they chose evil works rather than good; therefore the spirit of the ^bdevil did enter into them, and take possession of their house—and these shall be cast out into outer ^cdarkness; there shall be ^dweeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth, and this because of their own iniquity, being led captive by the will of the devil.

Corianton ends up understanding and is called again to the mission.

Sacrament Meeting

Mosiah 2: 17

17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn ^awisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the ^bservice of your ^cfellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.

Moses 1: 39

39 For behold, this is my ^awork and my ^bglory—to bring to pass the ^cimmortality and ^deternal ^elife of man.

One of the speakers quoted Marion G. Romney. I think it was this talk and this quote. The Responsibilities of Home Teachers, "

Among the specific responsibilities of home teachers, the following may be listed:

First and foremost, to so live that they always enjoy the companionship of the Holy Ghost and act under his inspiration in the discharge of their home teaching responsibilities.

Second, to encourage and inspire every member to do his or her part to make and keep the home a truly Latter-day Saint home.

This would mean, among other things, that parents are sealed in the temple; that children not born under the covenant are sealed to parents; that future marriages are performed in the temple; that family prayers are regularly said night and morning; that secret prayers are said by every member with like consistency; that other gospel standards and practices are understood and complied with; that home evenings are regularly observed and the recommended lessons considered; that children are blessed and baptized in harmony with the revelations; that ordinations in the priesthood are merited and obtained in proper season; that priesthood bearers attend their priesthood meetings; that sacrament meeting attendance is regular; and that every member participate in the organizations and activities sponsored by the Church for his or her temporal and spiritual development."

If you want people to come visit you then you should reach out and visit others yourself. -Matt. 7: 12 - 12 Therefore all things ^awhatsoever ye would that ^bmen should ^cdo to you, ^ddo ye even so to them: for this is the ^elaw and the prophets.

One speaker referenced a talk given by a member of the Seventy - One among the Crowd By Dennis B. Neuenschwander.

It was expressed that service is another word for love.

He quoted from a talk by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin from the October 2007 general conference - The Great Commandment - "What quality defines us best as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints? I would answer: we are a people who love the Lord with all our hearts, souls, and minds, and we love our neighbors as ourselves."

John 13: 35

35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have ^alove one to another.

Many show a fish or a cross to show they are followers of God. The way that we should show it is with our lives and by serving and loving each other.

1 Cor. 13: 8
8 Charity never afaileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Moro. 7: 46
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

From a talk at last conference by Elder Carlos H. Amado - Service, a Divine Quality - "To teach His doctrine and to serve our fellowmen are two responsibilities that we accepted when we were baptized. This converts us into true servants of Christ."

Elder Amado also quoted, “Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you” (John 6:26–27).

From the bulletin:

"As we serve we grow. President George Albert Smith taught, 'It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give.'" (In Conference Report, April 1935, 46.)

"Selfless service is a wonderful antidote to the ills that flow from the worldwide epidemic of self-indulgence. Some grow bitter or anxious when it seems that not enough attention is being paid to them, when their lives would be so enriched if only they paid more attention to the needs of others.

The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing us by." (Elder David S. Baxter, "Faith, Service, Constancy", Ensign, November 2006, 14.)

Sunday February 17, 2008 - Sunday Services Cumberland Ward

Sacrament Meeting
7th Article of Faith -
"We believe in the ^agift of ^btongues, ^cprophecy, ^drevelation, ^evisions, ^fhealing, ^ginterpretation of tongues, and so forth."

Youth Speaker
Healing
Acts 19:11 - "And God wrought special ^amiracles by the hands of Paul:"

DnC 42:48 - "And again, it shall come to pass that he that hath ^afaith in me to be ^bhealed, and is not ^cappointed unto death, shall be ^dhealed."

He shared an experience about receiving blessing and healing his finger. He jammed it while swimming and the doctor said it would take weeks for the pain to go away and a year for the swelling to go down. When he went to practice it was very painful. He and his mom called upon some brothers in the ward to come give him a blessing. He said that when he went to practice the next time he forgot that it was injured because it didn't hurt.

2nd Speaker
Many times we are given gifts in order to share them with others. Many times we are given what we need and not what we want.

1 Cor. 12: 17 - "If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?"
People have different spiritual gifts and people different callings. All callings and gifts are necessary.

Gifts are not always obvious. Speaking in tongues and healing may be obvious, but others are more subtle.

Satan can imitate the gifts of God. How do we know?
Moroni 7:12-13 -

12 Wherefore, all things which are ^agood cometh of God; and that which is ^bevil cometh of the devil; for the devil is an enemy unto God, and fighteth against him continually, and inviteth and enticeth to ^csin, and to do that which is evil continually.

13 But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do ^agood continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and ^benticeth to do ^cgood, and to love God, and to serve him, is ^dinspired of God.

Third Speaker
2 Nephi 26:22 -

One does not gain a testimony all at once. there will be things that we don't entirely understand. Eventually we will understand them.

1 Corinthians 12:1
1 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.

What things are we doing that keep us from having the gifts of God?

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Lesson 6: “Free to Choose Liberty and Eternal Life”
2 Nephi 1-2

Past nations have been smitten and destroyed. What things are happening to us because of this nation's disobedience. Someone pointed out that there are places in the city you can not go for fear of violence. Because of the choices of those that perform the violence, but also because of the choices we as a city or as a nation have made.

Symptoms of separation from the spirit (Anger, loneliness, pity (why me?))

Lehi councils his sons (2 Nephi 1:21) "arise from the dust and be men." What does it mean to be a man? What does the world think it means to be a man?

One sister brought up that it can be easier for a man to be a man if their woman expects that of them and supports them in their responsibilities. It is also about the fathers and mothers showing examples and being available to them and making it okay for them to come to them and talk about what is going on with them as they learn about life and about things there are thinking about.

One brother noted that he heard a speaker speak at an LDS scout camp. The leader said that we are always one generation from extinction as a church. If we do not teach our youth then we are done for.

Priesthood
Joseph Smith Manual Chapter 3: Jesus Christ, the Divine Redeemer of the World 45–56
Joseph was translating John 5:29 in the Bible.
29 And shall ^acome forth; they that have done good, unto the ^bresurrection of life; and they that have done ^cevil, unto the resurrection of ^ddamnation.
A vision of the Savior was opened up to him and Sidney Rigdon. They saw and conversed with the Savior. Again witnessing that the Savior was resurrected and clarifying for the world what it means to be resurrected. The Savior has a body of flesh and bone and not just of spirit. It is a resurrected and perfected body, but it is tangible, nonetheless.

We are all children of God. We are created in his image and can grow up to be like him.

When our family members die we may see them again if we obey Heavenly Father.

Sunday January 27, 2008 - Sunday Services Cumberland Ward

Sacrament Meeting
Youth Speaker He quoted from 1 Corinthians. 15:58 - "58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye astedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." He said that this is the Mutual theme. They recite part of this at mutual (youth group) meetings.
He listed some ways to stay stedfast and I was able to capture a couple of them.
-Good morals
-Be fed (attend church, read, and pray).

2nd Speaker
She quoted from The Family: A Proclamation to the World. “Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. ‘Children are an heritage of the Lord’ (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations."

She spoke of the necessity to be engaged with our children and to be actively teaching them the gospel in our homes.

She quoted a letter that Elder Claudio R. M. Costa of the Presidency of the Seventy quoted in his October 2007 General Conference talk Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today. Permission was given to print in with his talk, so I will refer you to his talk to read it, but here is the introduction he gave to it: "I recently read a text which expresses the urgency of not leaving for tomorrow what you can do today. In July of this year Brazil witnessed the most devastating aircraft accident in its history. There were 199 people killed, including passengers, airline workers, crew members, and others who were at the site when the accident happened. The text I mentioned was said to have been posted on the airline communication board by the husband of one of the flight attendants who died in the accident. It is entitled "Tomorrow Never Comes" and is based upon a poem by Norma Cornett Marek."

3rd Speaker
The speaker gave me a copy of their talk and I have included it here below. Everything to Sunday school is their talk.

The need of personal revelation in our daily lives is overwhelming. The thought of going through one day without petitioning the Lord for guidance and direction scares me. Who am I to think I can raise my family, be in harmony with my wife, fulfill my duties in the church, be a good example at work, and keep the commandments of God without talking to Him and receiving revelation on how to do this?

This topic is one I have studied about for several years. You can easily apply the saying, “The more you learn the less you know.” So I will rely heavily on the scriptures and the words of the prophets, seers and revelators. We will be using the scriptures a great deal so instead of having you look up the scriptures to follow along I am going to try something I feel will be more beneficial to us all. If you have a writing instrument and a piece of paper you will be able to jot down the scriptures that will be used for this subject, for your own personal study further into the important subject of personal revelation.

After we experienced our spiritual birth, Heavenly Father counseled and corrected us, and we were instructed, enlightened and edified in his holy presence. Now that we have experienced our physical birth in mortality, He desires to continue to communicate with us and to give us counsel and direction. He does this through personal revelation, which involves PREPARARION, PRAYER, and PROMPTINGS. This is one of the greatest gifts and blessings we can receive.

To receive personal revelation we must prepare ourselves. President Spencer W Kimball told us that, “God reveals himself to people who are prepared for such manifestations.” A. The Savior taught us what we need to do to prepare in D&C 93:1

We must repent, ask though prayer, be obedient, search the scriptures, fast, think pure thoughts, and develop a spirit of reverence. B. Let’s start with, “We must repent.”

In Moroni 8:26 Mormon explains the fruits of repentance in receiving revelation, “And the remission of sins bringeth meekness, and lowliness of heart, and because of meekness and lowliness of heart cometh the visitation of the Holy Ghost”

Second we must ask through prayer.

In D&C 50:29 the Savior promised, “And if ye are purified and cleansed form all sin, ye shall ask whatsoever you will in the name of Jesus and it shall be done”

Third is to be obedient.

Again we receive council from the Savior in D&C 130:21, “When we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” So we have to obey in order to be blessed.

He also promised in D&C 63:23, “But unto him that keepeth my commandments I will give the mysteries of my kingdom” E. Forth is to search the scriptures.

We must study our scriptures daily. That does not mean we read our scriptures daily. Nephi gave a great promise to all those who searched the scriptures in 2 NE 32:3, “Wherefore I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ, for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.”

What a great promise! In need of direction? Search the scriptures for you answer.

Fifth we must fast.

Alma 5:46 tells us that Alma had great desire to know of the truthfulness of the doctrines so he prepared himself through fasting and prayer.

Alma 17:3 the sons of Mosiah had given themselves too much prayer and fasting and as a result they had received the spirit of revelation. So how many times is “much prayer and fasting?” Once a month?

Sixth we must have pure thoughts.

If we desire our Heavenly Father to communicate to us we must remove our impure and worldly thoughts. Turn our minds to spiritual matters and fill it with uplifting thoughts. The Savior councils us again on the matter in D&C 121:45, “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.”

Seventh we must develop a spirit of reverence.

Elder Boyd K Packer counseled, “Inspiration comes more easily in peaceful setting.” He added, “Irreverence suits the purposes of the adversary by obstructing the delicate channels of revelation in both mind and spirit and reverence invites revelation.”

Irreverence makes it hard for the Spirit to teach us and it also shows disrespect to Deity. Receiving revelation is sacred. It is a divine discussion with Deity and must be reverenced if it is to work. The savior councils us on this in D&C 84:54 and D&C 6:12.

Now that we have discussed Preparation let’s talk about Prayer.

To pray is to have a conversation with Deity. This crucial communication should be conducted with great care and in compliance with sacred counsel.

First we must pray often.

We must commune with our Heavenly Father on a regular bases and this communication must not be come casual and repetitive. To do this is to ignore the council of the Savior found in D&C 6:12 “Trifle not with sacred things.”

It is not the amount of time we spend praying but the depth of our desire that results in revelation.

Second we must ponder before we pray.

The Savior counseled in D&C 9:8, “Study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right.”

We cannot expect the Lord to just give us all of the answers all the time. Part of our learning process is to figure out the correct answer on our own by pondering and meditation then to confirm that answer with the Lord.

Third we must ask for the right things.

We must be careful that we ask for that which is right. The Savior counsels in D&C 8:10 that we should, “Not ask for that which you ought not” and he then warns us in D&C 88:65, “And if ye ask anything that is not expedient for you, it shall turn unto your condemnation.”

Forth we must ask in faith.

Faith is the bottom line in the Gospel. One cannot do anything without faith. The Savior gave us a powerful promise concerning faith in our prayers. This is found in 3 NE 18:20, “And whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you.”

Fifth we must ask in humility.

Praying with great humility is essential if our prayers are to be heard and answered. In D&C 112:10 the Savior said, “Be thou humble and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.”

The Savior also warns those who forget the importance of the principal of humility. D&C 3:4

Sixth we must ask in sincerity and with intensity.

If you really want to learn how to pray study the example of Enos. This is my all time favorite book in the book of Mormon. Every one of us can in some way relate to Enos. I will not dive into this book in this talk but I will leave it for you to study and feel the spirit yourselves.

Now that we have discussed preparation and prayer let us dive into the third topic Promptings.

The Father speaks to us through the promptings of the Spirit. If we have properly prepared we will become sensitive to these promptings. There are specific ways in which the mind and the heart are touched as we receive personal revelation.

First we can have promptings to the mind.

This can happen in a variety of ways. They come as enlightenment, in the form of instant recall, and audible voice, counsel from leaders, dreams. Visions and visitations.

Enlightenment comes as an increase in light, knowledge, and understanding. The Savior instructed Oliver Cowdery in D&C 6:15, “I did enlighten thy mind and now I tell thee these things that thou mayest know that thou hast been enlightened by the Spirit of truth”

The prophet Joseph Smith describes this process, “When you feel pure intelligence flowing into you it may give you sudden strokes of ideas, so that by noticing it you may find if fulfilled the same day or soon those things that were presented unto your minds by the Spirit of God, will come to pass and thus by learning the Spirit of God and understanding it you may grow into the principle of revelation until you become perfect in Christ Jesus.”

The scriptures play a big roll. There are times while searching, studying, and pondering the scriptures that we receive personal revelation as did Joseph Smith did when he read James 1:5

Personal Revelation may come in the form of an instant recall of things the Spirit once taught us that may apply to our present situation. In John 14:26 the Savior taught, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name he shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”

One can hear and audible voice as did Nephi and Lehi did when they were imprisoned.

The Lord speaks through His chosen leaders. The Savior taught this principal in D&C 1:38 when he said, “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken…whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants it is the same.”

Several Prophets throughout the scriptures have received Personal Revelation through dreams, visions or visitations.

The Spirit also reveals the will of the Lord though our Heart. These feelings may be characterized as peaceful, warm. Compelling, or dark or confusing in nature.

The most frequent confirmation of the Spirit comes through peaceful feelings. Joseph Smith stated, “They can tell the Spirit of the Lord from all other spirits—it will whisper peace and joy to their souls.”

Second there are the warm and spiritual feelings. In D&C 9:8 we are giving instruction that if you ask if something is right and it is right He will cause that your bosom shall bun within you; therefore you shall feel that it is right.”

Third there is the compelling feeling. It is characterized by a sense of urgency, a sense of restlessness, and a sense of surety. It was the feeling Nephi experienced when he was commanded to slay Laban. The prophet Joseph Smith described this feeling as he spoke about the principle of baptism for the dead in D&C 128:1, “That subject seems to occupy my mind, and press itself upon my feelings the strongest.”

Fourth we have the dark and confused feeling. This is explained in D&C 9:9 when we are given a stupor of thought with will cause us to forget that thing which was wrong.

CONCLUSION
The Lord has given us powerful promises concerning personal revelation. These promises are given based upon certain conditions: “If thou shalt ask, thou shalt receive revelation upon revelation, knowledge upon knowledge, that thou mayest know the mysteries and peaceable things.”It is a tender experience to petition our Heavenly Father in sincere heartfelt prayer and know that He will respond with personal revelation. His promises are sure but we must properly prepare to be receptive to the promptings of the Spirit in receiving this guidance.

I have a strong testimony of the power of personal revelation. As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints we need this power in our everyday lives. The Lord will always keep his promises so it is up to us to keep ours.

Sunday School
Book of Mormon Lesson 4
1 Nephi 12-14
1. Nephi sees the future of his descendants and his brothers’ descendants.
2. Nephi sees the formation of the great and abominable church, the colonization of the Americas, the Apostasy, and the Restoration of the gospel.
3. Nephi sees the blessings promised to the faithful; he also sees the destruction of the great and abominable church.

Priesthood
Conference talk - Boyd K Packer - Nov 2007 - The Weak and the Simple of the Church
"We have sustained the general officers of the Church in a solemn, sacred procedure. This common procedure occurs whenever leaders or teachers are called or released from office or whenever there is reorganization in a stake or a ward or a quorum or in the auxiliaries (see D&C 124:123, 144; see also D&C 20:65–67; 26:2). It is unique to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints." One must have the authority to serve in the Church by another in authority. DnC 42:11 - 11 Again I say unto you, that it shall not be given to any one to go forth to preach my gospel, or to build up my church, except he be ordained by some one who has authority, and it is known to the church that he has authority and has been regularly ordained by the heads of the church.

J Ruben Clark - It is not where you serve, but how.

"Years ago when I first received an appointment that resulted in my picture being in the newspapers, one of my high school teachers, evidently quite astonished, was heard to say, 'That just proves that you can’t tell by looking at a frog how high he is going to jump!'"

Service is an action word.

Sunday October 7, 2007 - Afternoon Session of General Conference

Sunday Morning Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Robert D. Hales - Apostle
Personal Revelation: The Teachings and Examples of the Prophets (Text, Audio, Video)

My thought: Do we understand what it means to get revelation? For one to be a prophet do they have to have grand visions to have had a revelation? Perhaps they do at times, but I think most times it is by the still small voice just like for the rest of us.

Elder Hales related how a reporter aggressively questioned President Harold B. Lee about when he had last received revelation. he responded that it was the previous day at 3pm when they received an answer as to who the new stake president should be. My thought:The only difference is the stewardship. The general membership will not receive promptings on who should be called as stake president other than a confirmation when the decision has been made by those that have stewardship.

Elder Richard G. Scott - Apostle
Truth: The Foundation of Correct Decisions (Text, Audio, Video)

"A knowledge of truth is of little value unless we apply it in making correct decisions."

Two ways to find truth.

1. Scientific - Two limitations
1. Can never know if we have found absolute truth.
2. Sometimes we can get the wrong answer.
2. Revelation - Goes to the source of truth.
   
1. Need faith.
2. Need a willingness to keep God's commandments.

Daniel K. Judd - First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency Nourished by the Good Word of God (Text, Audio, Video)

It is possible to feed a horse without nourishing him.

What do we learn in our classes that is not being said?

Elder Octavio Tenorio - Seventy

The Power of Godliness Is Manifested in the Temples of God (Text, Audio, Video)

He spoke of making and keeping covenants. He also talked of the trial to get his father active and finally being sealed to his parents. He also talked about the comfort he received having the Gospel when his child died at birth.

Elder Claudio D. Zivic- Seventy

After All We Can Do (Text, Audio, Video)

His talk can be summed up by this quote from him, "We, as members of the Church of Jesus Christ, have chosen not to be ordinary men and women." and these two quotes from Nephi, "For we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do" (2 Nephi 25:23) " "Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself" (2 Nephi 2:27).

Elder Douglas L. Callister - Seventy

Knowing That We Know (Text, Audio, Video)

His talk was about finding our own way and finding answers for ourselves. In the end we can not borrow from others. We must have a testimony of Christ and His work ourselves.

Elder Steven E. Snow - In the Presidency of the Seventy

Service (Text, Audio, Video)

He quoted the Savior, "And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.”

He quoted President Hickley, “No man can be a true Latter-day Saint who is unneighborly, who does not reach out to assist and help others. It is inherent in the very nature of the gospel that we do so. My brothers and sisters, we cannot live unto ourselves.”

Service is to be given unselfishly and ungrudgingly.

We are to accept callings to keep our congregations and so forth going. our congregations need Sunday school teachers, librarians, scout leaders, and so forth to keep them going as well as bishops, elders quorum presidents, and relief society presidents.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks - Apostle

Good, Better, Best (Text, Audio, Video)

I always enjoy talks by Elder Oaks. This one was really good. It was on time management.

He talked of there being good things, but those good things can drain our time from better and best things.

He gave the example of Mary and Martha from the New Testament. Martha was taking care of the home and the guest, which were good things, but was missing out on time with the Savior and his teachings, which were better things (Luke 10:40).

He also sites Alma 32:14–15 where some people are being counseled that it was good for them to repent because they were compelled, but it is better for one to humble himself rather than compelled to be humble.

President Gordon B. Hinckley
Closing Remarks (Text, Audio, Video)
He just closed the meeting and told everyone to be safe.

Saturday October 6, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference

Saturday Morning Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
President Hinckley presented the names of General Church officers for sustaining (Text, Audio, Video). Included in that was calling a new councilor to the prophet, who would replace President James E. Faust who died recently.

Elder Henry B. Eyring was sustained as second councilor in the First Presidency.

Elder Quentin L. Cook was called to fill the vacancy in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles left by Elder Eyring being called into the First Presidency.

Boyd K Packer - Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
The Weak and the Simple of the Church (Text, Audio, Video)
He talked about the practice of sustaining leaders. "We always know who is to called to lead or teach..." "In this way, the Church is protected from any impostor..."

He also spoke of our responsibility to accept callings. "Each member is responsible to accept the call to serve. " We all need to do our part. "The Church has no professional clergy. The call to leadership positions worldwide is drawn from the congregation. We have no seminaries for the training of professional leaders. "

He talked of how we do not have the problem of struggling to find clergymen. We can go into an area where there are members and set up a congregation with leadership being called from those local members.

He talked of how every calling in the Church is important. Every down to the level of nursey leaders and Sunday school teachers. Those teachers are giving those children a love for attending church and reenforcing the teachings they are receiving at home. For some they may be the only exposure gospel living that they get throughout the week.

He quoted a couple of scriptures service and humility. “And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:27). “The same is appointed to be the greatest, notwithstanding he is the least and the servant of all” (D&C 50:26). He talked about the relationship between children in a family. Is one of more worth than another?

Bishop Richard C. Edgley -First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
Enduring Together (Text, Audio, Video)
He started out talking about a newspaper article that talked about how Utah Mormons know everything about every other Mormon in town. The reporter said that it "...can be intrusive", but "It also happens to be one of our greatest strengths.” The reporter related a story about a car accident. Before the police and ambulance showed up the entire ward knew. “In 48 hours, the Quigley yard was mowed, home cleaned, laundry done, refrigerator stocked, relatives fed and a trust fund set up at a local bank. We would have given their dog a bath if they had one.”

Bishop Edgley quoted, “As ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort,” (Mosiah 18:8–9)

He sited a few examples of tragedies that happened in his own ward. He said that his ward has learned five things through it all.

1. The Lord’s organization is fully adequate to know and care for those with even the most dire emotional and spiritual needs.


2. Adversity can bring us closer to God, with a renewed and enlightened appreciation for prayer and the Atonement, which covers pain and suffering in all their manifestations.


3. Members who suffer tragedy firsthand often experience an increased capacity for love, compassion, and understanding. They become the first, last, and often the most effective responders in giving comfort and showing compassion to others.


4. A ward, as well as a family, draws closer together as it endures together—what happens to one happens to all.


5. And perhaps most important, we can each be more compassionate and caring because we have each had our own personal trials and experiences to draw from. We can endure together.

I think I missed this when I listened to it the first time and when I read it. As I was listening to it again on the way into work this morning I noticed that he said, "what happens to one happens to all" at least three times. I have often noticed the opposite of what he expressed in his talk. Some of ideas that seem to get in the way of ward unity are:

1. They are capable of doing that themselves.
2. They brought this on themselves.
3. Nobody did x for me when y happened to me.
4. If they need help all they have to do is call me.
   

Mary N. Cook - Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency
Strengthen Home and Family (Text, Audio, Video)
She quoted from the For the Strength on Youth pamphlet, “being part of a family is a great blessing. . . . Not all families are the same, but each is important in Heavenly Father’s plan”

She quoted President Hinckley from the talk he gave at the General Young Women meeting last spring. “(1) pray, (2) study, (3) pay your tithing, and (4) attend your meetings” (“Let Virtue Garnish Thy Thoughts Unceasingly,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2007, 115).

Sister Cook said to ask ourselves, “Who in my family could benefit from my personal prayers?”

She talked of how President Hinckley in the same talk mentioned above counciled to “get all of the education you can”

She quoted 1 Timothy 4:12, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” and also referenced the Family section in the For the Strength of Youth pamphlet.

She closed by quoting from the talk by Elder Robert D. Hales, “How Will Our Children Remember Us?” and “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Elder Hales said, “If the example we have received from our parents was not good, it is our responsibility to break the cycle. . . "

Elder Enrique R. Falabella - Seventy
Why Are We Members of the Only True Church? (Text, Audio, Video)
He spoke of growing up poor and how his father taught him "that happiness does not depend on money."

After receiving the gospel his father set a goal to get his family to the temple. The temple was a 15-day trip with highways in poor condition, uncomfortable buses, not even knowing the route..."

His mother had passed away when he was very young and after they were all sealed to her in the temple they were glad to be an eternal family and not just till death do they part.

He stated that "The Church of Jesus Christ is a church of priests, 'a royal priesthood, an holy nation' (1 Peter 2:9)."

He related a story about him and his son. "When my son Daniel was six years old, he saw that I was worried because I had to attend a stake conference. I was unsure about what to teach the Saints. He came up to me and said, “Daddy, that’s really easy.” That’s how children see everything.

“Let’s see, Son,” I told him. “Since it’s easy, tell me what I can talk to them about.”

“Talk to them about prayer,” he told me.

“That’s a good subject,” I told him, “but they’ve heard a lot of talk about prayer; what could I tell them that’s new?”

“That’s easy too, Daddy. First tell them, ‘Before you start to talk to Heavenly Father, think about the things you want to tell Him.’ “

“That sounds like a magnificent idea,” I replied. “And then?”

“Well, once you’ve thought of it, tell it to Him! When you finish, wait and see if He has something to tell you.”"

Elder Spencer J. Condie - Seventy
Claim the Exceeding Great and Precious Promises (Text, Audio, Video)
"The first principle of the gospel is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ." (Article of Faith 4)

He touched on that this is faith that he atoned for our sins (Isaiah 1:18) and that by His
Resurrection we too will be resurrected (1 Corinthians 15:21–23).

"In these latter days, the Lord revealed that “when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:21). The Lord makes generous promises, and He certifies that He will not vary from these promises, for, said He, “I, the Lord, am bound when ye do what I say; but when ye do not what I say, ye have no promise” (D&C 82:10)." He gave some examples of this principle.

Commandment	Promise	Scripture
Confess and forsake sins	Forgiveness	D&C 58:43
Pay tithing	Opening the windows of Heaven	Malachi 3:10
Word of Wisdom	Great treasures of knowledge	D&C 89:19
Keep the Sabbath holy	Become unspotted from the world	D&C 59:9; Exodus 31:13
Feast upon the words of Christ	Divine guidance and inspiration	2 Nephi 32:3
liken all scriptures unto ourselves	Divine guidance and inspiration	1 Nephi 19:23
Pray	whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is right, believing that ye shall receive, behold it shall be given unto you	3 Nephi 18:20
Let virtue garnish your thoughts unceasingly	Holy Ghost will be our constant companion.	1 Nephi 19:23
Fast	“loose the bands of wickedness,” undo our “heavy burdens,” and “break every yoke”	Isaiah 58:6
Be sealed in the temple and keep your covenants.	“shall be a fulness and a continuation of the seeds forever and ever”	D&C 132:19

Elder Dieter F. Ukdorf - Apostle
Have We Not Reason to Rejoice(Text, Audio, Video)
He quoted from one of the hymns we sang this morning:
Now let us rejoice in the day of salvation.
No longer as strangers on earth need we roam.
Good tidings are sounding to us and each nation.
(“Now Let Us Rejoice,” Hymns, no. 3)

His family joined the Church while living in war torn Germany. He related a story about the war front moving toward their town and his mother and his siblings evacuating. During that time his family learned about the Church. Even in our times of trial, “My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

He expounded on the fourth article of faith. "We believe that the first principles and ^aordinances of the Gospel are: first, ^bFaith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second, ^cRepentance; third, ^dBaptism by ^eimmersion for the ^fremission of sins; fourth, Laying on of ^ghands for the ^hgift of the Holy Ghost."(Articles of Faith 1:4)

Once we have received truth we are to endure to the end. Enduring is not hanging in there. It is an active process.

He closed saying Jesus wants us to succeed. He has given us a lot of requirements, but he has made a plan that is entirely within our ability to attain for us if we follow him.

President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counseler in the The First Presidency
Mrs. Patton—the Story Continues (Text, Audio, Video)
He talked about death and how sad it can be for people and the hope that we have for what is after we die.

Saturday March 31, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference

General Conference
News Story from Deseret News
Morning Session
F. Michael Watson (Audio, Text ) gave the statistical report. A hundred thousand or so short of 13 million. Just under 300,000 convert baptisms this year.

Elder Richard G. Scott - Apostle (Audio, Text)
Prayer
The most powerful being in the universe encourages us to have audience with him on a daily basis. This is extended to everyone no matter of worldly status. The audience can be for as long as we want.

Prayers could be improved by:
1. Trying to ask for what he wants for us and not what we want for ourselves.
2. When we don't feel like praying or don't feel worthy of prayer is when we need to pray the most.
3. Don't wait until we encounter a totally over powering problem to go to God in prayer.
4. Do your part to study the problem and work on a solution yourself while waiting on the Lord.

Answers don't necessarily come while you are praying. They come as we exercise faith through our obedience.

Elder Jay E. Jensen - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Music in our meetings should not be a performance. Music becomes a performance when it draws attention to itself.

Music has great power. We can prepare ourselves to receive the messages of church meetings by coming early and listening to the prelude music.

Sing hymns as lullabies for our children.

Inappropriate music drives the Spirit from us.

Elder John B. Dickson - Seventy(Audio, Text)
Directed to the youth of the church.
Word of Wisdom
He said that we are less tempted by things we haven't partaken of. That is a different that what some say about trying something to find out you won't like it or the teaching that one should take time to "sow their wild oats" before they settle down.

Choose before you have to choose. Choose now that vulgar words and jokes will never fall from your lips. Choose now that you will never lie or cheat.

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - Apostle(Audio, Text)
He talked of James counseling us that he that bridals his tongue control the entire body is a perfect man. A horse can be controlled with a bit in his mouth. A boat is controlled with a comparably small rudder. The savior said, "Not that which goeth into the mouth ^adefileth a man; but that which cometh out of the ^bmouth, this defileth a man." (Matt. 15: 11)

He condemned abuse (verbal, physical, emotional, sexual, or any kind) and also gossip and backbiting. He said to speak positively about everyone including ourselves. "The stroke of the whip maketh marks in the flesh, but the stroke of the tongue breaketh the bones."—Apocrypha., Ecclesiasticus 28:17 He noted that verbal abuse knows no gender.

One should never call their children names. We should also be careful when comparing children. When we say that one child is smart and one is pretty. All the children here is that one of not smart and one is not pretty.

He said that we should be cheerful. No misfortune is so bad that whining can't make it worse. There was undoubtedly someone in the golden age of society who complained that everything was too yellow.

Elder David A. Bednar - Apostle (Audio, Text)
He talked of how a pickle is created by a specific process. If you alter that process it does not become a pickle. You must prepare the cucumber by cleaning it properly and submerse it in salt brine for a certain time. If you just sprinkle it with salt or just occasionally dunk it in the brine you will not get a pickle.

We must be prepared and follow the process to become born again. Just occasionally reading our scripture, praying, going to church, giving service, performing any of the other parts of the gospel of Jesus Christ does not make us born again. We must be totally immersed in the gospel. Also, the process takes time. It does not happen immediately. One must keep immersed and keep at it.

President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor to the Prophet (Audio, Text)
He shared some thoughts on the hope we have after death. Death is not like some imagine. It is much like going into another room.

He quoted from Acts 7 to talk about the resurrection. "55 But he, being full of the ^aHoly Ghost, looked up stedfastly into heaven, and saw the ^bglory of ^cGod, and ^dJesus ^estanding on the ^fright hand of God," We see here the distinct beings, God the Father and His son Jesus Christ.