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.

Sunday October 7, 2007 - Morning Session of General Conference

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

President Eyring - First Counselor in the First Presidency

O Remember, Remember (Text, Audio, Video)

He started off hos talk saying a few words about President Faust. He said, "I always felt that when I grew up, I wanted to be like President Faust. There may still be time."

He talked of how he had started, when his children were young, to stop at the end of each day and ponder on where he had seen the hand of God blessing his family. He would then jot down a few lines. He ended up giving a copy of that journal to his children. "...find ways to recognize and remember God’s kindness."

He quoted a line from the hymn Count Your Blessing “Count your many blessings; name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.”

He also quoted Helaman 12:1-2,5 -

1 And thus we can behold how false, and also the unsteadiness of the hearts of the children of men; yea, we can see that the Lord in his great infinite goodness doth bless and ^aprosper those who put their ^btrust in him.

2 Yea, and we may see at the very ^atime when he doth ^bprosper his people, yea, in the increase of their fields, their flocks and their herds, and in gold, and in silver, and in all manner of ^cprecious things of every kind and art; sparing their lives, and delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; softening the hearts of their enemies that they should not declare wars against them; yea, and in fine, doing all things for the welfare and happiness of his people; yea, then is the time that they do ^dharden their hearts, and do ^eforget the Lord their God, and do ^ftrample under their feet the Holy One—yea, and this because of their ease, and their exceedingly great prosperity.
5 Yea, how quick to be lifted up in ^apride; yea, how quick to ^bboast, and do all manner of that which is iniquity; and how slow are they to remember the Lord their God, and to give ear unto his counsels, yea, how slow to ^cwalk in wisdom’s paths!

Elder Quentin L. Cook - Apostle

Live by Faith and Not by Fear (Text, Audio, Video)
He shared some thoughts about being called as an apostle and how inadequate he felt. He said that when he had been called as a general authority in 1996. Elder Neal A. Maxwell told him "the most important qualification for all of us serving in the kingdom is to be comfortable in bearing witness of the divinity of the Savior."

Claudio R.M. Costa - Member of the Presidency of the Seventy
Don't Leave for Tomorrow What You Can Do Today(Text, Audio, Video)

He 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." He gave a list of 3 things we can do to protect and strengthen our families that President Faust listed in a talk he gave at a Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting in January of 2004.

1. Family prayer. Parents must teach their children that they are God's children and therefore need to pray to Him daily.
2. Family home evening. As President Faust taught us, family home evening is for all of us no matter what stage of life we are in. We must have Monday nights free of all other activities that might keep us from gathering as a family.
3. Personal and family scripture study. We need to help our children strengthen their faith and testimony through this basic habit

The Proclamation states that fathers "are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children."

Julie B. Beck - Relief Society General President
Mothers Who Know (Text, Audio, Video)
She spoke about mothers who know who they are.
Here are the topic points of her talk:
There is eternal influence and power in motherhood.
Mothers Who Know Bear Children.
Mothers Who Know Honor Sacred Ordinances and Covenants.
Mothers Who Know Are Nurturers.
Mothers Who Know Are Leaders.
Mothers Who Know Are Teachers.
Mothers Who Know Do Less.
Mothers Who Know Stand Strong and Immovable.

Elder Christoffel Golden Jr. - Seventy
Small and Simple Things (Text, Audio, Video)

His talk focused on the power we can receive from obedience to the things the Lord has asked us to like prayer, scripture study, and attending church. As we obey these things our strength and obedience increases and so on and so on as we progress.

David A. Bednar - Apostle
Clean Hand and a Pure Heart(Text, Audio, Video)

"Our spiritual purpose is to overcome both sin and the desire to sin, both the taint and the tyranny of sin."

He talked of the Savior's visit to America after he was resurrected. There the Savior taught the same basic principles that he taught the people at Jerusalem.

Elder Bednar talked of baptism and of striving to live that the Holy Ghost can always be with us. "

Prophets throughout the ages have emphasized the dual requirements of (1) avoiding and overcoming bad and (2) doing good and becoming better. Consider the penetrating questions posed by the Psalmist:

“Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place?

“He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully” (Psalm 24:3–4)."

He talked of how some feel that the goal of obeying all of God's commandments is not possible in this life. He testified "that the Savior will strengthen and assist us to make sustained, paced progress."

President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet
The Stone Cut Out of the Mountain(Text, Audio, Video)
He spoke of the remarkable growth of the Church.

He was the second person to talk about the Nicean Creed and subsequent creeds and the errors that they have lead to in Christianity. Many of the doctrines contained within are not supported by the Bible.

Saturday October 6, 2007 - Afternoon Session of General Conference

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

M. Russell Ballard - Apostle
Faith, Family, Facts, and Fruits (Text, Audio, Video)

He spoke of the increased attention the Church has been receiving due to its "rapid growth, by events like the Winter Olympics here in Salt Lake City, and by the prominence in their chosen professions of many of our individual members."

We as members are so proud of what we have and want everyone we know to have it. "Even questions on one specific aspect can be difficult to answer because every question seems to be connected to other questions." When someone says, "Tell me a little about your church." They mean little not, “Tell me everything you know and then send others to tell me everything else.”

He gave several simple statements that could be shared on the topics of Facts, Faith, Family, and Fruits.

An example of a fact is:

Mormon is a nickname. Saint means member.

An example of faith is:
"And we believe in the Book of Mormon and other books of scripture which support and authenticate the Bible and testify of the ministry and divinity of Christ and of God’s ongoing revelation to man. Indeed, the Book of Mormon is “Another Testament of Jesus Christ.” "

An example of family is:
"Latter-day Saint families are encouraged to hold family home evenings weekly, usually on Monday nights. This provides a regular and predictable time for parents to teach values to their children and to have fun together. We invite those not of our faith to adopt this practice with their own families. "

An example of fruits is:
"...those who are married in and attend the temple regularly have a divorce rate far below the national and world average."

Joseph B. Wirthlin - Apostle The Great Commandment (Text, Audio, Video)

Elder Wirthlin began to shack a bit during his talk. The shaking increased as he spoke, but he finished his remarks. Elder Nelson got up and stood with him for most of the talk to make sure he was ok.

He spoke of the discord that was happening in the Church in the first century. He quoted Paul, "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not ^acharity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. " (1 Corinthians 13:1)

"The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of transformation. It takes us as men and women of the earth and refines us into men and women for the eternities.

"The means of this refinement is our Christlike love. There is no pain it cannot soften, no bitterness it cannot remove, no hatred it cannot alter."

"Brethren and sisters, as you prayerfully consider what you can do to increase harmony, spirituality, and build up the kingdom of God, consider your sacred duty to teach others to love the Lord and their fellowman."

Bruce D. Porter - Seventy A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit (Text, Audio, Video)

Broken heart and a contrite spirit is what is necessary as an offering to God.

What does a broken heart mean? It means to do the will of God and not your own. That your heart is dedicated to God. In that state our heart is totally open to hear and listen to God. A broken heart can be molded by God.

What does a contrite spirit mean? It means that we are humble and teachable.

Eric W. Kopischke - Seventy Preach My Gospel—the Unifying Tool between Members and Missionaries (Text, Audio, Video)

He talked of the manual "Preach My Gospel" that the missionaries use to teach the Gospel. He said that if we wanted to be able to help the missionaries we should be familiar with how they teach. He also stated that we could use it to learn how to teach our own families the principles that the missionaries teach people new to the Church.

Michael J. Teh - Seventy Out of Small Things (Text, Audio, Video)

Am I my brother's keeper. Alma said, “And now, . . . 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)

Service should be regardless of race, standing, and relationships.

He quoted one of the Hymns,

Has anyone’s burden been lighter today
Because I was willing to share?
Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?
When they needed my help was I there?
Then wake up and do something more
Than dream of your mansion above.
Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,
A blessing of duty and love. (“Have I Done Any Good?” Hymns, no. 223)

Keith K. Hilbig - Seventy
Quench Not the Spirit Which Quickens the Inner Man (Text, Audio, Video)

He quoted 1 Thes 5:19 - "Quench not the Spirit." He spoke of living in such a way that the spirit can always be there to guide us. He said, "...we too must be careful not to hinder, disregard, or quench the Spirit in our lives."

As I looked up verse 19 I noticed verse 20 that says "Despise not prophesyings." It seems as though these days people are immediately skeptical of anything you say came from a prophet.

To say that the Holy Ghost quickens us means "enlightens and enlivens" what is inside of us.

He list a few things we can measure how much effort we are putting into keeping the spirit with us or how much effort we are putting into quenching it.

1. Do I spend more time with sports than Church attendance or callings?
2. If I have a free day, do I choose to attend the temple or to visit the mall?
3. Do I resort to computer games or surfing the Internet rather than offering meaningful service to others in my home and community?
4. Do I read the newspaper religiously but find it difficult to read the scriptures daily?

Elder Jeffery R. Holland - Apostle The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom He Hath Sent (Text, Audio, Video)
He opened by stating how we are often concerned that others see us as Christians. I still sometimes wonder if Christian really mean follower of Christ today or if it is just a title meaning protestantism with the foundation of creeds and such that Elder Holland touches on in his talk.

He discusses two main things that generally have people calling us non-Christian. "...our view of the Godhead and our belief in the principle of continuing revelation leading to an open scriptural canon."

He quoted the first Article of Faith, “We believe in God, the Eternal Father, and in His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost.” (Articles of Faith 1:1)

He had some good things to say about God The Father, Jesus, and the Holy Ghost being one in "every significant and eternal aspect imaginable except believing Them to be three persons combined in one substance,". He sighted lots of scriptures that show them as separeate beings.

Elder Russle M. Nelson - Apostle
Scriptural Witness (Text, Audio, Video)

He talked on people disregarding scripture. People do this with modern day scripture, but I have also seen people doing it to the Old Testament as well. Some read it, but mostly ignore what is in it for more than just inspirational stories, since they feel that it is mostly irrelevant to us because Christ did away with it all.

He sited verses 6-8 of 2 Nephi 29, but I think the entire chapter is so powerful that I quote it all here.

THE SECOND BOOK OF NEPHI

CHAPTER 29

Many gentiles shall reject the Book of Mormon—They shall say: We need no more Bible—The Lord speaks to many nations—He will judge the world out of the books thus written. Between 559 and 545 B.C.

1 But behold, there shall be many—at that day when I shall proceed to do a ^amarvelous work among them, that I may remember my ^bcovenants which I have made unto the children of men, that I may set my hand again the ^csecond time to recover my people, which are of the house of Israel;

2 And also, that I may remember the promises which I have made unto thee, Nephi, and also unto thy father, that I would remember your seed; and that the ^awords of your seed should proceed forth out of my mouth unto your seed; and my words shall ^bhiss forth unto the ^cends of the earth, for a ^dstandard unto my people, which are of the house of Israel;

3 And because my words shall hiss forth—many of the Gentiles shall say: A ^aBible! A Bible! We have got a Bible, and there cannot be any more Bible.

4 But thus saith the Lord God: O fools, they shall have a ^aBible; and it shall proceed forth from the ^bJews, mine ancient covenant people. And what ^cthank they the ^dJews for the Bible which they receive from them? Yea, what do the Gentiles mean? Do they remember the travails, and the labors, and the pains of the Jews, and their diligence unto me, in bringing forth salvation unto the Gentiles?

5 O ye Gentiles, have ye remembered the Jews, mine ancient covenant people? Nay; but ye have ^acursed them, and have ^bhated them, and have not sought to recover them. But behold, I will return all these things upon your own heads; for I the Lord have not forgotten my people.

6 Thou fool, that shall say: A ^aBible, we have got a Bible, and we need no more Bible. Have ye obtained a Bible save it were by the Jews?

7 Know ye not that there are more ^anations than one? Know ye not that I, the Lord your God, have created all men, and that I remember those who are upon the ^bisles of the sea; and that I rule in the heavens above and in the ^cearth beneath; and I bring forth my ^dword unto the children of men, yea, even upon all the nations of the earth?

8 Wherefore murmur ye, because that ye shall receive more of my word? Know ye not that the ^atestimony of ^btwo nations is a ^cwitness unto you that I am God, that I remember one ^dnation like unto another? Wherefore, I speak the same words unto one nation like unto another. And when the two ^enations shall run together the testimony of the two nations shall run together also.

9 And I do this that I may prove unto many that I am the ^asame yesterday, today, and forever; and that I speak forth my ^bwords according to mine own pleasure. And because that I have spoken one ^cword ye need not suppose that I cannot speak another; for my ^dwork is not yet finished; neither shall it be until the end of man, neither from that time henceforth and forever.

10 Wherefore, because that ye have a Bible ye need not suppose that it contains all my ^awords; neither ^bneed ye suppose that I have not caused more to be written.

11 For I command ^aall men, both in the east and in the west, and in the north, and in the south, and in the islands of the sea, that they shall ^bwrite the words which I speak unto them; for out of the ^cbooks which shall be written I will ^djudge the world, every man according to their works, according to that which is written.

12 For behold, I shall speak unto the ^aJews and they shall ^bwrite it; and I shall also speak unto the Nephites and they shall ^cwrite it; and I shall also speak unto the other tribes of the house of Israel, which I have led away, and they shall write it; and I shall also speak unto ^dall nations of the earth and they shall write it.

13 And it shall come to pass that the ^aJews shall have the words of the Nephites, and the Nephites shall have the words of the Jews; and the Nephites and the Jews shall have the words of the ^blost tribes of Israel; and the lost tribes of Israel shall have the words of the Nephites and the Jews.

14 And it shall come to pass that my people, which are of the ^ahouse of Israel, shall be gathered home unto the ^blands of their possessions; and my word also shall be gathered in ^cone. And I will show unto them that fight against my word and against my ^dpeople, who are of the ^ehouse of Israel, that I am God, and that I ^fcovenanted with ^gAbraham that I would remember his ^hseed ⁱforever.

He also quoted from Ezekiel 37:16–17 which talks about the record of Judah (the Bible) and the record of Joseph (The Book of Mormon).

16 Moreover, thou son of man, take thee one ^astick, and ^bwrite upon it, For ^cJudah, and for the children of Israel his companions: then take another stick, and ^dwrite upon it, For ^eJoseph, the ^fstick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel his companions:

17 And join them one to another into one stick; and they shall become ^aone in thine hand.

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 October 6, 2007 - Priesthood Session of General Conference

General Priesthood Session of the 177th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
L. Tom Perry - Apostle
Raising the Bar (Text, Video)
He talked about how when his son was in high school he was a high jumper. He said that his son was practicing high jumping against the minimum height to qualify. He suggested to his son that he raise it higher. His son said that he might miss. He told his son that if he just did the minimum he would never know what he was capable of.

He talked about potential missionaries should extend themselves above the minimum standards required to serve a mission. He counseled to study before going on a mission and to have a clean appearance even before you go on your mission.

Donald L. Hallstrom - Seventy
Do It Now (Text, Video)
He talked of the mentallity that many of us slip into with zoning out when we read or when lessons are giving because it feels like we have heard it all before. This can block the spirit's access to our minds.

He also talked about being slothful and procrastinating those things that are important.

“For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors.

“And now, . . . as ye have had so many witnesses, therefore, I beseech of you that ye do not procrastinate the day of your repentance until the end” (Alma 34:32–33).

Quoted President Spencer W. Kimball on procrastination. "President Kimball also taught the profound principle that procrastination leads to the loss of exaltation. He said: “One of the most serious human defects in all ages is procrastination, an unwillingness to accept personal responsibilities now. . . . Many have allowed themselves to be diverted and have become . . . addicts to mental and spiritual indolence and to the pursuit of worldly pleasure” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2006], 4–5)."

L. Whitney Clayton - Seventy
Blessed Are the Pure in Heart (Text, Video)
He described fishing traps where fish can squeeze in, but was much more difficult to get out. He then talked about King David and how David got caught in a trap that was easy to get into, but impossible to get out of. He saw the bait and did not turn away from it.

He talked about how pornography is like this. Like David those that view pornography gradually get into more and trouble. Soon more explicit pictures are desired and the problem grows and becomes more addictive.

Walter F. Gonzalez - Member of the Presidency of the Seventy
Today is the Time (Text, Video)
"What are we doing today to engraven in our souls the gospel principles that will uphold us in times of adversity?"

President Henry B. Eyring - 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency
God Helps the Faithful Priesthood Holder (Text, Video)
He talked about how he now feels like he did when he was a young man and moved from a small ward to a large ward. The large ward had a complicated pattern for passing the sacrament efficiently to a large congregation. Even though he had passed the sacrament many times before he was scared that he would make a mistake in the new pattern.

He talked about giving a talk at a convention of churches where people were to decide which church to go to or at least which talk to go to on subsequent days. He said that preachers and people came up to him related how they had known members that had served not just their church, but the community. He said that he had been concerned about people not liking his message, but each day more and more people came. They came not because the talk was good, but because they had seen the impact of the message on lives of members of the Church.

President Thomas S. Monson - 1st Counselor in the First Presidency
A Royal Priesthood (Text, Video)
He spoke about the characteristics of a true priesthood holder.
Vision, effort, faith, prayer, and virtue.

President Gordon B. Hinckley - Prophet
Slow to Anger (Text, Video)
"A proverb in the Old Testament states: “He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city” (Proverbs 16:32)."

He said that many of the inmates in prison are probably there because they did something in anger.

"Divorce too often is the bitter fruit of anger."

Sunday September 30, 2007

Today we visited Yellow Creek Mennonite Church in Wakarusa, IN, because my wife's sister's boyfriend was giving a sermon there. It was the first time he had ever given one. I think they said that he was helping out the head pastor.

They started the service with having everyone stand and sing a few praise songs.


After the praise songs concluded a guy got up and talked about how they had been looking for a youth pastor. I'm not sure if he was giving a testimony or just a status report on how the search is going. He talked a little bit about how the committee that he was on had some great ideas and big plans and they are not working out. He talked of how Noah waited on the Lord and He came through.

They called up some new elders in the church. Elders in their church, as I understand it, are like a board of directors. There were a couple of guys called and one woman.

They asked the new elders some questions kind of like making promises. A little like when you see wedding vows being exchanged. One person, who I think is the new overseer or something like that asked similar questions to the congregation and the congregation stood and answered.

They gave introductions of the new elders and then the new elders gave a few words of acceptance. One of the elders in his acceptance talked about his thoughts as he considered accepting the position. He felt like he was not mature enough to do it, but he thought, "Is Jesus enough?" He thought about his weaknesses, but that he should not rely on himself or others, but that all he needed was to rely on Jesus.

They also called or as they said it, "installed" a new overseer. They said that he pastors the pastors. My sister-in-law told me that he represents the conference, which is the presiding authority over the pastor. It was interesting to me that his wife worships at a different Mennonite church. I guess he is a little like a high councilor in our church except that he is always responsible for being at the same church which is not his home church. Perhaps. I was a little unclear on that.

The overseer gave an acceptance speech. He said something about the congregation had a future that is not the past, but is connected to the past. I'm not sure, but I think he may have been referring to splits they have had into other congregations through disagreement and even though the future should not be that, the people should remember their history and also the positive heritage.

They prayed for the elders and the new overseer. They had anyone from the congregation come forwarded who wanted to lay hands on them while they prayed.

A woman introduced my sister-in-law's boyfriend. Then she mention a couple of kids in the congregation who had been in an accident or something that they needed to pray for. She then began to pray. In the prayer she then named others. It was a pretty lengthy prayer. Then a lady sang a song. Then they had a family go up there and give what they called a dramatic scripture reading of Psalm 136. I guess every other line in that Psalm is the same sentence. They mixed it up in their family reading the unique lines and then on the repeated lines he had the congregation chant them.

After that my sister-in-law's boyfriend spoke.
Generation to generation - Psalms of remembrance.
Psalms 78:1-7 - The what - Remember the praise worthy deeds of the Lord.
The why - So the next generation will trust the Lord and not forget the deeds.

He stated that God has four roles. God is the creator, but also the protector, sustainer, and leader.

He talked about the history of the Yellow Creek Mennonite Church. He said that the congregation is 160 years old. It is known for developing its youth. He said that God leads to support missionaries and the community. One way he sited that they are doing that is through creating a carnival as an alternative to Halloween.

He stated that long ago the congregation split into two congregations. Theirs and the one across the way. After they split they shared a building for 40 years. There will be disagreements, but get along.

Sunday September 23, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
I was sustained as the 11 year old scout leader.

First Speaker
Being made in God's image.

Just as we teach our children the things necessary to be successful adults, God teaches us the things necessary to be successful beings in eternity.

Charity is something one becomes.

2nd Speaker
The Bishop spoke to us about some of the problems that we have in our ward.

We can not effectively grow our ward and strengthen our community if we keep our hearts tied to our favorite sins. Matthew 6:24 - 24 ¶ No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

DnC 101: - The Lord moved the saints to Jackson county Missouri. If the Lord moved them there, why were they driven out by the local people? It was in consequence of their transgressions. Our bishop said that all of the transgressions listed for the saints when they were driven out in verse 6 are present in out ward. 6 Behold, I say unto you, there were jarrings, and contentions, and envyings, and strifes, and lustful and covetous desires among them; therefore by these things they polluted their inheritances.

He stated that The proclamation on the Family from 1995 was given as a proclamation to the world and not just to the Church.

He read from the 2nd paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - gender is important.

"ALL HUMAN BEINGS—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."

Christ prayed that we all would be one as Christ and God are one. (John 17: 11, 21-22)

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.

21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
22 And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:

He read from the 6th paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - Husband and wife's duty to their children and each other
"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."

The bishop said the Lord must likes sports since he builds basketball hoops into the churches, but sports should not get in the way of us or our children doing our duties.

He talked about modesty. Some only dress modestly when convenient. He said that in Babylon clevage is in, but in God's way it is tucked in. It reminded me of the scripture about having to speak so plainly in front of wives and children. (Jacob 2: 7, 35)

7 And also it grieveth me that I must use so much boldness of speech concerning you, before your wives and your children, many of whose feelings are exceedingly tender and chaste and delicate before God, which thing is pleasing unto God;
• • •
35 Behold, ye have done greater iniquities than the Lamanites, our brethren. Ye have broken the hearts of your tender wives, and lost the confidence of your children, because of your bad examples before them; and the sobbings of their hearts ascend up to God against you. And because of the strictness of the word of God, which cometh down against you, many hearts died, pierced with deep wounds.

He read from the 8th paragraph of the Proclamation on the Family - The consequences of breaking covenants.
"WE WARN that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets."

Sunday School
1 Corinthians
Paul was correcting some doctrines that had been altered since he originally talked them.
1. Proper relationships between husbands, wives, and God. (1 Corinthians 11:1-3, 1 Corinthians 11:11-12.)
2. Sacramment (1 Corinthians 11:17-29)
3. Spiritual Gifts or the importance of all spiritual gifts. the Corinthians were putting too much emphasis on the gift of tongues. The gift of tongues generally edifies only a small group of people and we should focus on all the gifts to edify everyone. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
1 Cor 12:8-10 - Talks about some of the gifts of the spirit.
4. Resurrection - Jesus was resurrected and as a free gift we can be too. (1 Corinthians 15)

Another aspect that Paul was touching on was our temporal gifts and the necessity of each person and those gifts. He wanted people to seek after the gifts that would best edify the Church and best complement others' gifts.

As I had been studying the part of the lesson on charity, it appeared to me that for the most part people have misinterpreted what it is. I think many focus on giving to the poor, but one of the verses said something about that if we have given everything we have to the poor and have not charity we are nothing. That would seem to indicate that charity is not giving to the poor. It can be in giving to the poor, but it is not giving to the poor in and of itself.

Charity is not prideful, does not act unseemly or poorly or profanely, not easily provoked, thinketh no evil...

Paul councils about not acting as a child. There is a lot of "third grade" humor in our society. We joke about sex and body parts much like an elemenary school child would. Additionally to acting like an adult, but we are also to grow beyond the immaturity of our human weaknesses.

The teacher said that she felt like she was a kind and loving person...95% of the time. She read where it said endure to end. She said it didn't say endure 95% of the time.

Sunday September 16, 2007

Announcements
-Relief Society Broadcast Dinner - September 29 at 6:00pm at the stake center.
-Special Temple Recommend Reassignment - This was previously scheduled for September 23 from 12-1, but has been postponed until further notice.
-Temple Gardening Assignment Louisville, Kentucky Temple. A temple recommend is not required for this service project. (Contact the high priest group leader if you can attend)
-Storehouse Assignment - September 18th 6am. Contact your priesthood leaders if you can attend.
-Many emails are being returned or failed due to old email addresses or blockages. Ward members are being asked to update their email information on the ward web site.

Sacrament Meeting
1st Speaker
Supporting Ward Leaders
When we raise our hands to sustain our leaders we are not voting for them. We are binding ourselves to help them. Leaders, if they were voted in, would be accountable to the people. Because they are called of God they are accountable to God. They may be accountable for the people, but not to the people.

How do we sustain our leaders?
-Obeyng their council.
-Praying for them.
-Paying our tithes and offerings that they may have adequate resources to serve those under their stewardship.

2nd Speaker
He started by talking about being in the ward when it was created from the 2nd ward. he talked about different families that are now that were here then and what he remembered about them from when he was a youth.

He talked about that the accient Church had apostles and prophets. He said that the current day Church has these offices too. He said that he had met some of these men. He testified that they were men of God.

He went to his sister's wedding at the Nauvoo temple yesterday.

He noted that if this church had been the work of Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, or anyone else it would not have withstood the trials it has been put through in the early years.

Sunday School
Trials and Adversity
The instructor related that her husband had been complaining to someone about their son's room being a mess. The person asked if the son was into drugs or if he had been arrested. The father said no to both. He then realized that the room may have been an issue that needed to be addressed, but maybe wasn't near as big a deal as what he was making it out to be.
One in the class gave the perspective said that he asks himself as he is worry about things and asks himself if it is life threatening. If so he finds that he can more easily bring it into perspective and not worry so much about it.

Elder's Quorum
Chapter 18 - Teachings Spencer W Kimball - Honorable, Happy, Successful Marriage.
What are signs of a honorable, happy, successful marriage? Here are some opinions from class:-Being comfortable holding your wife's hand in public is one sign.-You world should revolve around your wife. She should not be a satelite around your world.
Trends in the world are frustrating the plan that Heavenly Father has for those individuals. The thought that men and women have no need for each other or that if they do they have no need for marriage. 'The Lord has said that in order to obtain the highest of the three heavens or degrees of glory in the celestial kingdom, "a man must enter into this order of the priesthood [meaning the new and everlasting covenant of marriage];"And if he does not, he cannot obtain it." (D&C 131:2-3.)'
There was a lot of comments about media and the trend to belittle others in a joking manner. It was expressed in a couple of different ways by a couple of different people that belittling your spouse in anyway is dangerous.
One of the brothers shared the five love languages from a book that was written recently.

Sunday September 9, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
A new deacon spoke. He told of how he was giving an assignment in school to bring in something that represented who he was. He took in a Book of Mormon. He talked about how important it was for him. His teacher asked how he got involved with the church. He shared his conversion story with her.

This young man became the president of the Deacons' quorum right after he became a deacon. He related how exciting that was for him and his father as they are recent convert to the Church.

The 2nd speaker spoke on the fifth article of faith. "5 We believe that a man must be acalled of God, by bprophecy, and by the laying on of chands by those who are in dauthority, to epreach the Gospel and administer in the fordinances thereof."

She sited several scriptures where the laying on of hands was used to pass on authority.

She also talked of how the family is the basic unit of the church and the strength of our congregations come from the strength of our families.

The choir sang abide with me. Afterward the bishop related that he went to a parochial school for several years and they would end the day with that song and a prayer, so it was something special to him.

A member of the stake high council was the last speaker. He spoke on receiving callings. He read D&C 1: 38 "What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my aword shall not pass away, but shall all be bfulfilled, whether by mine own cvoice or by the dvoice of my eservants, it is the fsame."

In the service of the Lord it is not where you serve, but how.

Sunday School
The Church should have unity. Many churches have been created just because of differences of opinion on how things should be done.
Mosiah 18:21-22 - 21 And he commanded them that there should be no acontention one with another, but that they should look forward with bone eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts cknit together in unity and in love one towards another.
22 And thus he commanded them to preach. And thus they became the achildren of God.

3 Ne. 11: 29 - 29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of acontention is not of me, but is of the bdevil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.

Members of the Church in Paul's day were comparing themselves as to who was greater because of who baptised them or taught them.

The contention and immature ways of the members made it necessary for Paul to continue to feed them the milk of the gospel and hold back the meat of the gospel.

Helaman 5:12 - 12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your bfoundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty cstorm 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.

Christ is the foundation. Don't build the foundation on a certain preacher or a certain teacher.

Elder's Quorum
Spencer W Kimball manual chapter 17 - The Law of Chastity
If young men would not date young women that dress immodestly the immodest styles would change.

Pairing off should be postponed until 16 or older and even then much judgement should be used.
Start early in life to teach our children standards of chastity.

Sunday September 2, 2007

Testimony Meeting
Nothing to report.

Sunday School
We talked about the differences of opinions that were taking place in the early Church. The contensions about taking the gospel to the gentiles and also about blending the law of Moses into the gospel. Even the brethren contended these points. Revelation from God came and settled it.

We saw some of this after Joseph Smith's death. As different people were contending over who should lead the church.

We also see this among the various churches as doctrines are debated and various people have their opinions about what the scriptures say.

Elder's Quorum
The prophet has counceled us to look at our finances and get out of debt. In this months Ensign magazine there was an insert of finances. We talked about this a bit.

In the insert there was an exerpt of a talk from October 1998 General Conference by President Hinckley.
"I urge you, brethren, to look to the condition of your finances. I urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt to the extent possible. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from bondage.

"...If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wives and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable." (Ensign Nov 1998, 54)

In the insert there were also exepts from talks from the rest of the first presidency and a budget worksheet.

The following principles were shared to gain a few months' reserve.

• Pay an honest tithe and give a generous fast offering.
• Avoid debt.
• Use a budget to record expenses and plan spending.
• Save some money, if only a few coins each week.
• Teach family members these principles.

Sunday August 26, 2007

Sacrament Meeting
There is a family history fair coming up on September 15.

The first speaker talking about judging others. (Matthew 7:1-2)

The bishop was the last speaker. It is interesting that the bishop spoke next since is he called to be a judge in his role to lead a congregation.

The bishop talked about the law of the fast. He reviewed that we fast for two consecutive meals once a month. On that fast Sunday we are to attended our testimony meeting and contribute at least the cost of the two meals that we did not eat to the poor. He said that in our ward we are not doing a very good job of taking care of our needy. He said that our fast offering fund in in the hole and that other congregations in the Church are having to pitch in to take care of our members.

He remind us that when we fast we should fast with a purpose and not just go hungry. He shared a couple of examples of fasting from the scriptures.

I didn't catch the reference of the first one, but I think he said that Alma was teaching in a city and the people were not responding to him. He left the city and fasted. He then returned to the city and came across a man, Amulek I think, that said that he had been shown in a vision that Alma would come and teach him.

The second example he gave was in Luke 4 when the Savior was tempted he fasted. He then closed with the words from one of our hymns:
Because I have been given much, I too must give;
Because of thy great bounty, Lord, each day I live
I shall divide my gifts from thee
With ev’ry brother that I see
Who has the need of help from me
(“Because I Have Been Given Much,” Hymns, 1985, no. 219)

Sunday School
Paul and Silas cast out devils from a woman. She was employed by someone and after that she was worthless to them and they had Paul and Silas arrested for doing this. We see that Paul used this adversity for them to convert this jailer, who had been prepared.

They ended up in Athens. The Athenians replaced revelation with reason and learning. They were distracted by always wanting some new thing.

We watched a short video presentaion on the second coming. It was exerpts from talks from a couple of apostles reiterating that no man knoweth the day of the second coming. We should not fret, nor should we give up because we think the time is so close.

PriesthoodChapter 16 - Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball - The Sabbath a Delight
The sabbath is not a day for business or recreation.

Businesses will not be open on that sacred day if they are not patronized.

Don'ts
Golf
Sporting events
Family Picnics
Shows
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Hunting
Conventions
Business as usual
Harvesting/Planting
Traveling for Vacation

There is a season for everything. There is a time for playing. There is a time for worship.
Some people must work on the sabbath and some are truly necessary, but it is our motives that are the most important consideration.

Dos
Worship
Meditation
Man is temporarily released from the injuction, "By the sweat of thy brow..."
Prayer
Preparing lessons
Visiting sick
Church meetings
Letters to missionaries
Proper Courting
Rest