Ward Council
Mosiah 5: 5.
5 And we are willing to enter into a covenant with our God to do his will, and to be obedient to his commandments in all things that he shall command us, all the remainder of our days, that we may not bring upon ourselves a never-ending torment, as has been spoken by the angel, that we may not drink out of the cup of the wrath of God.
Church Handbook 2 p13 3.3.3 - 3.3.4
3.3.3
Prepare Others to Be Leaders and Teachers
In some wards, leaders rely repeatedly on a small group of people to give service in priesthood and auxiliary organizations. This can overburden the faithful few, and it can also deprive others of experiences that could help them learn and grow. Effective leaders give all members opportunities to serve.
As presiding officers prayerfully consider members to fill leadership and teaching positions, they should remember that the Lord will qualify those He calls. Members do not need to be highly experienced before serving as teachers and leaders. They can learn from experience, by exercising faith and working diligently, and by receiving instruction and support from their leaders.
Presiding officers look for ways to give service opportunities to new members, members who are returning to Church activity, and young single adults. New and returning members are excited about the restored gospel, and they are often ready for opportunities to serve others and learn about the Church. Young single adults need opportunities to contribute to the Lord’s work and grow spiritually.
For information about recommending members to serve in Church callings, see 19.1.1 and 19.1.2.
3.3.4
Delegate Responsibility and Ensure Accountability
Individual leaders cannot and should not do everything themselves. Leaders who try to do too much will “surely wear away” (Exodus 18:18), and so will the people they serve. Leaders should delegate service opportunities to others, such as counselors, clerks, and members of councils or committees.
Delegation includes more than giving someone an assignment. It includes the following elements:
◼ Explaining the purposes of the assignment, suggesting ways it could be done, and explaining when it should be completed. The assigned person should understand and accept accountability to perform the assignment and report on it.
◼ Keeping a written record of the assignment and checking progress from time to time.
◼ Respecting the assigned person’s efforts to develop plans and fulfill the assignment. Leaders provide encouragement and assistance as needed.
◼ Asking the person to report back about the assignment. After receiving the report, the leader accepts the person’s best efforts and expresses appreciation for the good things the person has done.
Elders Quorum
Lesson was based Elder Oaks’ April 2102 General Conference talk titled Sacrifice.
What is sacrifice?
- Giving up something in exchange for something better.
Why is sacrifice critical to heavenly father's plan?
- “A religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation; for, from the first existence of man, the faith necessary unto the enjoyment of life and salvation never could be obtained without the sacrifice of all earthly things. It was through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life” (Joseph Smith, Lectures on Faith, comp. N. B. Lundwall [Salt Lake City: N. B. Lundwall, n.d.], p. 58).
How do we sacrifice?
What is difficult about sacrifice?
What is the reward for sacrifice?
Spiritual sacrifice is much like investing in a retirement account. Many people bail on their retirement account when it drops, even though the shares are cheap and they are able to buy many many more
shares than otherwise. When the value comes back up closer to the time for them to retire a large number of shares return great rewards.
If we are short sighted, calling it a waste of time or money in spiritual things, then we miss long term greater returns on those investments of time and money.
Sunday School
Mosiah 3-6
Mosiah 3:11
11 For behold, and also his blood atoneth for the sins of those who have fallen by the transgression of Adam, who have died not knowing the will of God concerning them, or who have ignorantly sinned.
Those who sin without knowing any better are covered by the atonement. Those who know the truth and sin, they must repent.
Mosiah 5:2
2 And they all cried with one voice, saying: Yea, we believe all the words which thou hast spoken unto us; and also, we know of their surety and truth, because of the Spirit of the Lord Omnipotent, which has wrought a mighty change in us, or in our hearts, that we have no more disposition to do evil, but to do good continually.
Sacrament Service
Family history work is much like being a shepherd. A good shepherd knows his sheep by name.
We strive in our lives to be like the Savior. Family history work allows us to assist the Savior in the work of salvation.
Once a man receives the gospel he is not content, considering all is done..
When Lehi partook of the fruit of the tree of life, he immediately looked around for his family to have them partake also. He did not have to read a talk or be told to look for them. It came naturally to him.
"You can fulfill your obligation to your kindred dead and to the Lord without forsaking your other Church callings. You can do it without abandoning your family responsibilities. You can do this work. You can do it without becoming a so-called ‘expert’ in it." (Boyd K Packer, “Someone Up There Loves You,” Ensign, Jan. 1977, 8–9 )
"“Family history work has the power to do something for the dead. It has an equal power to do something to the living." (Boyd K Packer, Ensign December 2010)
From the Bulletin
“We each can learn much from our early pioneer ancestors, whose struggles and heartaches were met with resolute courage and an abiding faith in a living God. … Youth and children were among the thousands who pulled and pushed handcarts or walked along that pioneer trail, just as they are among the Saints today who are pioneering in their own areas throughout the world. I think that there is not a member of this Church today who has not been touched by the accounts of the early pioneers. Those who did so much for the good of all surely had as their objective to inspire faith. They met the goal in a magnificent manner.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Teaching Our Children,” Ensign, Oct. 2004, 4)
“We honor those who endured incredible hardships. We praise their names and reflect on their sacrifices.
“What about our time? Are there pioneering experiences for us? Will future generations reflect with gratitude on our efforts, our examples? You young [people] can indeed be pioneers in courage, in faith, in charity, in determination.
“You can strengthen one another; you have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others of your age.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Pioneers All,” Ensign, May 1997, 93)
“One sentence from the book of Acts speaks volumes: Jesus ‘went about doing good … for God was with him’ (Acts 10:38). …” (President Thomas S Monson,“Led by Spiritual Pioneers,” Ensign, Aug. 2006, 7–8)
“Jesus Christ, Savior of the world—even the Son of God—was and is the ultimate pioneer, for He has gone before, showing all others the way to follow. May we ever follow Him.” (President Thomas S Monson, “Led by Spiritual Pioneers,” Ensign, Aug. 2006, 8)
Elders Quorum
Doctrine and Covenant 101:43-54 - what need have my lord of this tower in a time of peace
44 A certain nobleman had a spot of land, very choice; and he said unto his servants: Go ye unto my vineyard, even upon this very choice piece of land, and plant twelve olive trees;
45 And set watchmen round about them, and build a tower, that one may overlook the land round about, to be a watchman upon the tower, that mine olive trees may not be broken down when the enemy shall come to spoil and take upon themselves the fruit of my vineyard.
46 Now, the servants of the nobleman went and did as their lord commanded them, and planted the olive trees, and built a hedge round about, and set watchmen, and began to build a tower.
47 And while they were yet laying the foundation thereof, they began to say among themselves: And what need hath my lord of this tower?
48 And consulted for a long time, saying among themselves: What need hath my lord of this tower, seeing this is a time of peace?
49 Might not this money be given to the exchangers? For there is no need of these things.
50 And while they were at variance one with another they became very slothful, and they hearkened not unto the commandments of their lord.
51 And the enemy came by night, and broke down the hedge; and the servants of the nobleman arose and were affrighted, and fled; and the enemy destroyed their works, and broke down the olive trees.
52 Now, behold, the nobleman, the lord of the vineyard, called upon his servants, and said unto them, Why! what is the cause of this great evil?
53 Ought ye not to have done even as I commanded you, and—after ye had planted the vineyard, and built the hedge round about, and set watchmen upon the walls thereof—built the tower also, and set a watchman upon the tower, and watched for my vineyard, and not have fallen asleep, lest the enemy should come upon you?
54 And behold, the watchman upon the tower would have seen the enemy while he was yet afar off; and then ye could have made ready and kept the enemy from breaking down the hedge thereof, and saved my vineyard from the hands of the destroyer.
Do we sometimes feel that our families are active (peace time) and we are busy, so our time could be used elsewhere (rather than in watching from the tower)?.
Doctrine and Covenants 58:26
26 For behold, it is not meet that I should command in all things; for he that is compelled in all things, the same is a slothful and not a wise servant; wherefore he receiveth no reward.
Even if one isn’t prepared yet to go in the temple one should remember that the grounds are dedicated and you can go sit outside the temple and get some clarity and peace.
Sunday School
Mosaih 1-3
Mosiah 1:5
5 I say unto you, my sons, were it not for these things, which have been kept and preserved by the hand of God, that we might read and understand of his mysteries, and have his commandments always before our eyes, that even our fathers would have dwindled in unbelief, and we should have been like unto our brethren, the Lamanites, who know nothing concerning these things, or even do not believe them when they are taught them, because of the traditions of their fathers, which are not correct.
Does having them in our minds and having them readily come to mind when needed, the same as having them always before our eyes. Can Having them in the front of our mind be termed always before our eyes?
Is the Liahona an artifact at this time of the book of Mosiah or was it still being used to direct the people in some manner?
We should strive to be servant leaders.
Mosiah 2:17
17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.
"only in the service of your god"
Sacrament Service
Helaman 5:40-41
40 And it came to pass that the Lamanites said unto him: What shall we do, that this cloud of darkness may be removed from overshadowing us?
41 And Aminadab said unto them: You must repent, and cry unto the voice, even until ye shall have faith in Christ, who was taught unto you by Alma, and Amulek, and Zeezrom; and when ye shall do this, the cloud of darkness shall be removed from overshadowing you.
2 Nephi 31:19
19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.
We can have all things that God has and all we have to do is claim it. We claim it through covenants.
A covenant life is a life of apprenticeship.
One of the speakers said, “...based on a host of scriptures, the most well known being Moses 1:39, that the reason why God and Jesus exist is to serve you and me -- to assist you and me to become as they are.”
Romans 8:16-18
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:
17 And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.
The speaker, commenting on Romans 8, said, “‘Sufferings’ is also translated to mean ‘adversity, pain, self-sacrifice.’
“So AS we are willing to sacrifice to become as Jesus is, to do what He would do if HE was in our place, we show them that we are ready to receive of the their greatest gifts – eternal life and exaltation……or, in short, to have everything and be everything that they are.”
Ephesians 4:13 (Emphasis added by the speaker)
11 And he gave some (TO BE), apostles; and some (TO BE), prophets; and some (TO BE), evangelists; and some (TO BE), pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto THE measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.
Mosiah 2:41 (Emphasis added by the speaker)
41 And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal (or daily affairs) and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness.
Commenting on Mosiah 2:41, the speaker said, “Essentially, all we need to do is show up, step up, serve up, and live up to our baptismal and temple covenants and they give us everything.”
From the Bulletin
"Now is the time to become a disciple of Jesus Christ, which means accepting His invitation to 'come, follow me' (Luke 18:22). This is the decision we made in our premortal lives. Now we must make it again here in mortality, every day, in every situation by taking the Savior's name upon us, remembering His atoning sacrifice, and keeping His commandments. This we covenanted to do when we were baptized, and we have the opportunity to renew those covenants each week as we partake of the sacrament."
Robert D. Hales, "To the Aaronic Priesthood: Preparing for the Decade of Decision," Ensign, May 2007, 49
Ward Council
“Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is an outward indication of our spiritual desire. If we attend our meetings, hold and fulfill Church responsibilities, and serve others, it is publicly observed.
“By contrast, the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants?
I repeat: we need the gospel and the Church. In fact, the purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel.
“We often wonder: How can someone be fully active in the Church as a youth and then not be when they are older? How can an adult who has regularly attended and served stop coming? How can a person who was disappointed by a leader or another member allow that to end their Church participation? Perhaps the reason is they were not sufficiently converted to the gospel—the things of eternity.” (Donald L. Hallstrom, “Converted to His Gospel through His Church”, General Conference April 2012)
“It is common to confuse leadership with telling people what to do.” “...a true leader does not give direction and expect it to be followed simply because of position. Rather, priesthood leadership is about invitation. A kind invitation, based in pure knowledge and love unfeigned, will always be a greater motivation than ‘Because I said so.’” (Craig Merrill, “Leadership the Lord’s Way”, Ensign January 2012)
Elders Quorum
“I sometimes have said to my friends when they seemed to be at the crossroads, uncertain as to which way they wanted to go, ‘Today is the beginning of eternal happiness or eternal disappointment for you.’” (George Albert Smith, In Conference Report, Oct. 1944, 94)
Some ask things like, “Why would a righteous God allow this or that hard thing to happen us?” Some might also ask, “Why would a righteous father not buy a snowblower and instead buy snow shovels for his kids, intentionally inflicting hardship on them that he has the power to remove? The answer is the same. It is to make our children stronger.
Sunday School
Enos, Jarom, Omni, Words of Mormon
1 Nephi 9:2-5
2 And now, as I have spoken concerning these plates, behold they are not the plates upon which I make a full account of the history of my people; for the plates upon which I make a full account of my people I have given the name of Nephi; wherefore, they are called the plates of Nephi, after mine own name; and these plates also are called the plates of Nephi.
3 Nevertheless, I have received a commandment of the Lord that I should make these plates, for the special purpose that there should be an account engraven of the ministry of my people.
4 Upon the other plates should be engraven an account of the reign of the kings, and the wars and contentions of my people; wherefore these plates are for the more part of the ministry; and the other plates are for the more part of the reign of the kings and the wars and contentions of my people.
5 Wherefore, the Lord hath commanded me to make these plates for a wise purpose in him, which purpose I know not.
2 Nephi 4:15-16
15 And upon these I write the things of my soul, and many of the scriptures which are engraven upon the plates of brass. For my soul delighteth in the scriptures, and my heart pondereth them, and writeth them for the learning and the profit of my children.
16 Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.
Enos 1:9-11
9 Now, it came to pass that when I had heard these words I began to feel a desire for the welfare of my brethren, the Nephites; wherefore, I did pour out my whole soul unto God for them.
10 And while I was thus struggling in the spirit, behold, the voice of the Lord came into my mind again, saying: I will visit thy brethren according to their diligence in keeping my commandments. I have given unto them this land, and it is a holy land; and I curse it not save it be for the cause of iniquity; wherefore, I will visit thy brethren according as I have said; and their transgressions will I bring down with sorrow upon their own heads.
11 And after I, Enos, had heard these words, my faith began to be unshaken in the Lord; and I prayed unto him with many long strugglings for my brethren, the Lamanites.
After enos gets forgiveness of his sins his thoughts turn to his brethren.
The numbers of the Nephites are still small at the time of Enos. When he prays for the Nephites or his brethren, he is talking about his cousins.
The people of Mosiah find the city of Zarahemla which was established by Mulek. Mulek came out of Jerusalem at the same time as Lehi during the reign of Zedekiah. Mulek was one of Zedekiah’s sons.
Sacrament Service
A missionary that just returned from the Paris France mission spoke to us.
He said to the young men that you need to prepare for your mission daily. He said that it is hard to be prepared adequately and things will be new to them in the mission field, but they should be trying anyway.
The missionary's father spoke as well.
“...feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to provide for the widow, to dry up the tear of the orphan, to comfort the afflicted, whether in this church, or in any other, or in no church at all, wherever he finds them” (Joseph Smith, Times and Seasons, 15 Mar. 1842, 732)
From the Bulletin
“Some people say, “I can’t afford to pay tithing.’ Those who place their faith in the Lord’s promises say, ‘I can’t afford not to pay tithing.’ “ (Dallin H Oaks, Tithing, Ensign, May 1994, 34)
Elders Quorum
“I recently visited with a woman who has been battling a life-threatening disease for over two years. She indicated that prior to her illness, her days were filled with activities such as cleaning her house to perfection and filling it with beautiful furnishings. She visited her hairdresser twice a week and spent money and time each month adding to her wardrobe. Her grandchildren were invited to visit infrequently, for she was always concerned that what she considered her precious possessions might be broken or otherwise ruined by tiny and careless hands.
“And then she received the shocking news that her mortal life was in jeopardy and that she might have very limited time left here. She said that at the moment she heard the doctor’s diagnosis, she knew immediately that she would spend whatever time she had remaining with her family and friends and with the gospel at the center of her life, for these represented what was most precious to her.
“Such moments of clarity come to all of us at one time or another, although not always through so dramatic a circumstance. We see clearly what it is that really matters in our lives and how we should be living.” (President Thomas S Monson, “The Race of Life”, General Conference April 2012)
Alma 5:27
27 Have ye walked, keeping yourselves blameless before God? Could ye say, if ye were called to die at this time, within yourselves, that ye have been sufficiently humble? That your garments have been cleansed and made white through the blood of Christ, who will come to redeem his people from their sins?
Matthew 6:19-20
19 ¶ Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
1 Nephi 8:10-12
10 And it came to pass that I beheld a tree, whose fruit was desirable to make one happy.
11 And it came to pass that I did go forth and partake of the fruit thereof; and I beheld that it was most sweet, above all that I ever before tasted. Yea, and I beheld that the fruit thereof was white, to exceed all the whiteness that I had ever seen.
12 And as I partook of the fruit thereof it filled my soul with exceedingly great joy; wherefore, I began to be desirous that my family should partake of it also; for I knew that it was desirable above all other fruit.
Lehi partakes of the fruit and then wants to share it with his family.
“The spirits of all men are literally His ‘begotten sons and daughters.’5” (President Thomas S Monson, “The Race of Life”, General Conference April 2012)
The gospel gives us the context of our life. If you walk into the middle of a conversation we likely will not understand what is going on around us. If you don't understand the question, you will not understand the answer.
Some of the purposes of this life are experienced through body, agency, and consequences.
Sunday School
Jacob 5 & 6 - The Allegory of the Olive Tree
Jacob quotes the prophet zenos. This article has some good information on Zenos, THE PLATES OF BRASS: A WITNESS OF CHRIST
Here is a visual that a friend of mine put together on the Allegory of the Olive Tree.
A class member noted a few things about olive trees. Olive trees can take up to 40 years to begin to bear fruit, they can bear fruit for hundreds of years. They can produce offspring for thousands of years.
The scattering of Israel is often viewed as a punishment. It could be viewed as a strategic move for the Lord to preserve his people.
The missionary program could be an example of a temporary grafting. Similarly the population churn we have in the Church where people from other parts of the country and world come to Utah and people from Utah move elsewhere. It gives us perspective, since our perspective can be very different in Utah vs outside of Utah or in the US vs the rest of the world. Bringing those perspectives to other parts or going to
other parts and getting perspective can be very healthy for individuals and for the Church. We just must be cautious not to perpetuate irrelevant, distracting, or unhealthy traditions. The Gospel of Jesus Christ or being the family of christ is the culture that is our priority.
Sacrament Service
One of the speakers suggested that sin is like an open wound. If you let them alone and treat them they will heal. If you keep going back to them and keep the wound open it will not heal and will fester and can turn deadly.
From the Bulletin
In the Garden Gethsemane
by Lowell M. Durham, Jr.
In the Garden Gethsemane,
Our Savior bled from every pore,
And in his prayer remembered me.
Then flung wide open death’s dark door
And lo, I am with you alway,
To follow thee, to follow thee.
My soul to heaven you will lift
And guide my heart so gently to
Remember that atoning gift.
Wash thou my heart, my soul is new.
And lo, you are with me alway,
To shelter me, to shelter me.
My Savior, thou hast blessed us here.
And with your noble sacrifice,
Have beaten death and conquered fear.
A gracious gift, my heart suffice.
And lo, I am with you alway,
I follow thee, I follow thee.
Saturday Morning Session
President Thomas S Monson, As We Gather Once Again
“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 444)
“Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our needs.” (this talk)
President Boyd K Packer, And a Little Child Shall Lead Them
He told a story of a minister that scolded the parents of a little boy that had died for not having had him baptized. He told them that he had gone to Hell and they were responsible. There were LDS missionaries there and after the funeral they approached the parents and told the parents that they were ministers from the Lord and shared with them the plan of salvation.
“No pain will last forever. It is not easy, but life was never meant to be either easy or fair. “ (this talk)
“The ultimate end of all activity in the Church is to see a husband and his wife and their children happy at home, protected by the principles and laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the covenants of the everlasting priesthood. Husbands and wives should understand that their first calling—from which they will never be released—is to one another and then to their children.” (this talk)
“And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:2–4)
“Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
“And he laid his hands on them, and departed thence.”(Matthew 19:14–15)
“I hope to be judged as good a man as my father. Before I hear those words “well done” from my Heavenly Father, I hope to first hear them from my mortal father.” (this talk)
Sister Cheryl A Esplin, Teaching Our Children to Understand
“children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3)
25 And again, inasmuch as parents have children in Zion, or in any of her stakes which are organized, that teach them not to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old, the sin be upon the heads of the parents.
28 And they shall also teach their children to pray, and to walk uprightly before the Lord. (D&C 68:25, 28)
“Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart” (Psalm 119:34)
“If we are ready and will let the Spirit guide in these situations, our children will be taught with greater effect and understanding.” (this talk)
President Donald L Hallstrom, Converted to His Gospel through His Church
“Sometimes we use the terms gospel and Church interchangeably, but they are not the same. They are, however, exquisitely interconnected, and we need both.
“The gospel is the glorious plan of God in which we, as His children, are given the opportunity to receive all that the Father has (see D&C 84:38).” (this talk)
“The Church was established by Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, ‘built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets’ (Ephesians 2:20). In this, ‘the dispensation of the fulness of times’ (D&C 128:18), the Lord restored what once was, specifically telling the Prophet Joseph Smith, ‘I will establish a church by your hand’ (D&C 31:7). Jesus Christ was and is the head of His Church, represented on earth by prophets holding apostolic authority.” (this talk)
“There is nothing like this church in all the world.” (this talk)
“Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in the Church is a highly desirable goal; however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is an outward indication of our spiritual desire. If we attend our meetings, hold and fulfill Church responsibilities, and serve others, it is publicly observed.
By contrast, the things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants? (this talk)
“...the purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel.” - (this talk)
Elder HallStrom gave three ways to strengthen our commitment to the gospel
1. Deepen our understanding of Deity
2. Focus on the ordinances and covenants
3. Unite the gospel with the Church.
“As we concentrate on the gospel, the Church will become more, not less, of a blessing in our lives. As we come to each meeting prepared to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118), the Holy Spirit will be our teacher. If we come to be entertained, we often will be disappointed.” (this talk)
“And it came to pass that thus they [meaning His disciples] did go forth among all the people of Nephi, and did preach the gospel of Christ unto all people upon the face of the land; and they were converted unto the Lord, and were united unto the church of Christ, and thus the people of that generation were blessed” (3 Nephi 28:23)
Elder Paul E Koeliker,He Truly Loves Us
“How can we help each individual develop a desire to know more about Heavenly Father? How do we help them feel His Spirit? How can we help them know that we love them?” (this talk)
“And thus Laman and Lemuel, being the eldest, did murmur against their father. And they did murmur because they knew not the dealings of that God who had created them” (1 Nephi 2:12).
“I, Nephi, … having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and did soften my heart that I did believe all the words which had been spoken by my father; wherefore, I did not rebel against him like unto my brothers” (1 Nephi 2:16).
“...a pattern in all things, that [we] may not be deceived” (D&C 52:14)
“And blessed are they who shall seek to bring forth my Zion at that day, for they shall have the gift and the power of the Holy Ghost; and if they endure unto the end they shall be lifted up at the last day, and shall be saved in the everlasting kingdom of the Lamb” (1 Nephi 13:37)
“To love the Lord is not just counsel; it is not just well-wishing. It is a commandment. … Love of God is the root of all virtue, of all goodness, of all strength of character, of all fidelity to do right” (“Words of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, Dec. 1996, 8; “Excerpts from Recent Addresses of President Gordon B. Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1996, 73)
“The Father’s plan designated the pattern of the family to help us learn, apply, and understand the power of love. On the day my own family was organized, my sweet Ann and I went to the temple and entered into the covenant of marriage. How much I thought I loved her on that day, but I had only begun to see the vision of love. As each of our children and grandchildren entered into our lives, our love has been expanded to love each of them equally and fully. There is seemingly no end to the expansive capacity to love.” (this talk)
Elder Dallin H Oaks, Sacrifice
“The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ has been called the “most transcendent of all events from creation’s dawn to the endless ages of eternity.”1 That sacrifice is the central message of all the prophets. It was prefigured by the animal sacrifices prescribed by the law of Moses. A prophet declared that their whole meaning “point[ed] to that great and last sacrifice [of] … the Son of God, yea, infinite and eternal” (Alma 34:14). Jesus Christ endured incomprehensible suffering to make Himself a sacrifice for the sins of all. That sacrifice offered the ultimate good—the pure Lamb without blemish—for the ultimate measure of evil—the sins of the entire world.”(this talk)
“For most followers of Christ, our sacrifices involve what we can do on a day-to-day basis in our ordinary personal lives.” (this talk)
“Today the most visible strength of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the unselfish service and sacrifice of its members. Prior to the rededication of one of our temples, a Christian minister asked President Gordon B. Hinckley why it did not contain any representation of the cross, the most common symbol of the Christian faith. President Hinckley replied that the symbols of our Christian faith are “the lives of our people.”5 Truly, our lives of service and sacrifice are the most appropriate expressions of our commitment to serve the Master and our fellow men.” (this talk)
“a religion that does not require the sacrifice of all things never has power sufficient to produce the faith necessary unto life and salvation. … It [is] through this sacrifice, and this only, that God has ordained that men should enjoy eternal life.” (Lectures on Faith (1985), 69)
President Henry B Eyring, Mountains to Climb
Doctrine and Covenants 122:7
7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.
Doctrine and Covenants 19:16-19
16 For behold, I, God, have suffered these things for all, that they might not suffer if they would repent;
17 But if they would not repent they must suffer even as I;
18 Which suffering caused myself, even God, the greatest of all, to tremble because of pain, and to bleed at every pore, and to suffer both body and spirit—and would that I might not drink the bitter cup, and shrink—
19 Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, and I partook and finished my preparations unto the children of men.
“It is serving God and others persistently with full heart and soul that turns testimony of truth into unbreakable spiritual strength.”(this talk)
“And now, I, Moroni, would speak somewhat concerning these things; I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.
“For it was by faith that Christ showed himself unto our fathers, after he had risen from the dead; and he showed not himself unto them until after they had faith in him; wherefore, it must needs be that some had faith in him, for he showed himself not unto the world.
“But because of the faith of men he has shown himself unto the world, and glorified the name of the Father, and prepared a way that thereby others might be partakers of the heavenly gift, that they might hope for those things which they have not seen.
“Wherefore, ye may also have hope, and be partakers of the gift, if ye will but have faith.”(Ether 12:6–9)
“I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop.
There are reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling of patience. Those reasons come from this one fact: in Their perfect love for you, Heavenly Father and the Savior want you fitted to be with Them to live in families forever. Only those washed perfectly clean through the Atonement of Jesus Christ can be there.” (this talk)
“My mother fought cancer for nearly 10 years.”
…
“One of the speakers at her funeral was President Spencer W. Kimball. Among the tributes he paid, I remember one that went something like this: ‘Some of you may have thought that Mildred suffered so long and so much because of something she had done wrong that required the trials.’ He then said, ‘No, it was that God just wanted her to be polished a little more.’ I remember at the time thinking, ‘If a woman that good needed that much polishing, what is ahead for me?’”
Saturday Afternoon Session
General Relief Society presidency and Presiding Bishopric were released and new presidency and bishopric were sustained.
December 31, 2011 - Church membership 14,441,346. 136 temples in operation.
Elder Jeffrey R Holland, The Laborers in the Vineyard
The Parable of the Laborers - Matthew 20:1–15
My Thought - Is it possible that some quit after a couple of hours and didn’t get paid at all? Thus, perhaps the work for the rest of the day was already done by another worker that didn’t get paid.
“Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: ‘Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?’” (this talk)
“Furthermore, envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is—downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment! To say nothing of the chagrin in the end, when we find that God really is both just and merciful, giving to all who stand with Him “all that he hath,”2 as the scripture says. So lesson number one from the Lord’s vineyard: coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind. It is a happy way to live.” (this talk)
“...coveting, pouting, or tearing others down does not elevate your standing, nor does demeaning someone else improve your self-image. So be kind, and be grateful that God is kind.” (this talk)
“..don’t hyperventilate about something that happened at 9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00 in the evening—whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day.” (this talk)
“Which leads me to my third and last point. This parable—like all parables—is not really about laborers or wages any more than the others are about sheep and goats. This is a story about God’s goodness, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story about generosity and compassion. It is a story about grace. It underscores the thought I heard many years ago that surely the thing God enjoys most about being God is the thrill of being merciful, especially to those who don’t expect it and often feel they don’t deserve it.” (this talk)
My thought - The laborers at the end of the day partook of grace, but they still worked. They did not get paid just for showing up at the payment table.
“So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.” (this talk)
Elder Robert D Hales, Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service
Elder Hales sat to give his talk. I am not sure if I have seen him do that before. President Packer has been giving his talks seated for a while. I wonder what they are going through.
“To worthily partake of the sacrament, we remember that we are renewing the covenant we made at baptism. For the sacrament to be a spiritually cleansing experience each week, we need to prepare ourselves before coming to sacrament meeting. We do this by deliberately leaving behind our daily work and recreation and letting go of worldly thoughts and concerns. As we do, we make room in our minds and hearts for the Holy Ghost.” (this talk)
“...we establish patterns of Christlike living. These include obedience, making sacrifices to keep the commandments, loving one another, being chaste in thought and action, and giving of ourselves to build the kingdom of God. Through the Savior’s Atonement and by following these basic patterns of faithfulness, we receive ‘power from on high’9 to face the challenges of life. We need this divine power today more than ever.” (this talk)
Luke 22:32
32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
“In addition to the spiritual self-reliance we have been discussing, there is temporal self-reliance, which includes getting a postsecondary education or vocational training, learning to work, and living within our means. By avoiding debt and saving money now, we are prepared for full-time Church service in the years to come. The purpose of both temporal and spiritual self-reliance is to get ourselves on higher ground so that we can lift others in need.” (this talk)
Elder David S Baxter, Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: A Message to Single Parents
‘Although you may at times have asked, why me? it is through the hardships of life that we grow toward godhood as our character is shaped in the crucible of affliction, as the events of life take place while God respects the agency of man. As Elder Neal A. Maxwell commented, we cannot do all the sums or make it all add up because “we do not have all the numbers.’1” (this talk)
“Meanwhile, you are striving to raise your children in righteousness and truth, knowing that while you cannot change the past, you can shape the future.” (this talk)
Elder Ulisses Soares, Abide in the Lord’s Territory!
‘You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing right’” (President Thomas S Monson, “Pathways to Perfection,” Liahona, July 2002, 112; Ensign,May 2002, 100)
“It works the same way as the Liahona given to Lehi did. If we exercise faith and are diligent in obeying the Lord’s commandments, we will easily find the correct direction to follow,” (this talk)
Elder Quentin L Cook, In Tune with the Music of Faith
2 Nephi 25:26
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.
“One of the underlying premises of Lehi’s vision is that faithful members must hold fast to the rod of iron to keep them on the strait and narrow path leading to the tree of life. It is essential for members to read, ponder, and study the scriptures.” (this talk)
“I find that when I get casual in my relationships with divinity and when it seems that no divine ear is listening and no divine voice is speaking, that I am far, far away. If I immerse myself in the scriptures the distance narrows and the spirituality returns.”(Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 67)
“Please understand that having faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments are and always will be the defining test of mortality. Above all else, each of us must realize that when one is tone-deaf to the music of faith, he or she is out of tune with the Spirit. As the prophet Nephi taught, “Ye have heard his voice … ; and he hath spoken unto you in a still small voice, but ye were past feeling, that ye could not feel his words.”25” (this talk)
Elder Richard G Scott, How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life
“I believe we move and have our being in the presence of heavenly messengers and of heavenly beings. We are not separate from them. … We are closely related to our kindred, to our ancestors … who have preceded us into the spirit world. We can not forget them; we do not cease to love them; we always hold them in our hearts, in memory, and thus we are associated and united to them by ties that we can not break. … If this is the case with us in our finite condition, surrounded by our mortal weaknesses, … how much more certain it is … to believe that those who have been faithful, who have gone beyond … can see us better than we can see them; that they know us better than we know them. … We live in their presence, they see us, they are solicitous for our welfare, they love us now more than ever. For now they see the dangers that beset us; … their love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves.” (Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1916, 2–3; see also Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 430–31)
“When I am faced with a very difficult matter, this is how I try to understand what to do. I fast. I pray to find and understand scriptures that will be helpful. That process is cyclical.” (this talk)
“There are some practical principles that enhance revelation. First, yielding to emotions such as anger or hurt or defensiveness will drive away the Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be eliminated, or our chance for receiving revelation is slight.
Another principle is to be cautious with humor. Loud, inappropriate laughter will offend the Spirit. A good sense of humor helps revelation; loud laughter does not. A sense of humor is an escape valve for the pressures of life.
Another enemy to revelation comes from exaggeration or loudness in what is stated. Careful, quiet speech will favor the receipt of revelation.” (this talk)
“...spiritual communication can be enhanced by good health practices.” (this talk)
“It is important that our daily activities do not distract us from listening to the Spirit.” (this talk)
“Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail but to succeed gloriously. It may seem paradoxical, but that is why recognizing answers to prayer can sometimes be very difficult.” (this talk)
“If you feel that God has not answered your prayers, ...carefully look for evidence in your own life that He may have already answered you.” (this talk)
Priesthood Session
Elder David A Bednar, The Powers of Heaven
“If at this moment each one of you were asked to state in one sentence or phrase the most distinguishing feature of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, what would be your answer?” President David O. McKay, (“The Mission of the Church and Its Members,” Improvement Era, Nov. 1956, 781)
“The priesthood is the authority of God delegated to men on the earth to act in all things for the salvation of mankind.” (this talk)
Article of Faith 5
5 We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof.
"Thus, a boy or a man receives the authority of the priesthood and is ordained to a specific office by one who already holds the priesthood and has been authorized by a leader with the necessary priesthood keys." (this talk)
“It is not enough to receive the priesthood and then sit back passively and wait until someone prods us into activity. When we receive the priesthood, we have the obligation of becoming actively and anxiously engaged in promoting the cause of righteousness in the earth, because the Lord says:
“‘… He that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned’ [D&C 58:29]”
(President Ezra Taft Benson, So Shall Ye Reap [1960], 21)
“One breaks the priesthood covenant by transgressing commandments—but also by leaving undone his duties. Accordingly, to break this covenant one needs only to do nothing” (The Miracle of Forgiveness [1969], 96)
D&C 121:36–37
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
“Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.” (this talk)
“I believe my father was wrong to judge the validity of our Church’s claim to divine authority by the shortcomings of the men with whom he associated in our ward. But embedded in his question to me was a correct assumption that men who bear God’s holy priesthood should be different from other men.” (this talk)
“Receiving the authority of the priesthood by the laying on of hands is an important beginning, but it is not enough.” (this talk)
Bishop Richard C Edgley, The Rescue for Real Growth
"I learned that many less-active members will hold callings if asked." (this talk)
Alma 31:34–35
34 O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us that we may have success in bringing them again unto thee in Christ.
35 Behold, O Lord, their souls are precious, and many of them are our brethren; therefore, give unto us, O Lord, power and wisdom that we may bring these, our brethren, again unto thee.
D&C 18:10–11, 15
10 Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God;
11 For, behold, the Lord your Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; wherefore he suffered the pain of all men, that all men might repent and come unto him.
12 And he hath risen again from the dead, that he might bring all men unto him, on conditions of repentance.
13 And how great is his joy in the soul that repenteth!
14 Wherefore, you are called to cry repentance unto this people.
15 And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!
Adrián Ochoa, Aaronic Priesthood: Arise and Use the Power of God
“Young men, you know that you are at your best when you are in the service of God. You know that you are happiest when you are anxiously engaged in a good work. Magnify the power of your priesthood by being clean and being worthy.” (this talk)
“Yes, Aaronic Priesthood holders, we are at war. And in this war, the best way to defend against evil is to actively promote righteousness. You cannot listen to foul words and pretend you don’t hear. You cannot watch, alone or with others, images you know are filthy and pretend you don’t see. You cannot touch any unclean thing and pretend it’s no big deal. You cannot be passive when Satan seeks to destroy that which is wholesome and pure.” (this talk)
President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Why of Priesthood Service
“...when we teach the foundational principles in our homes or in church, let the flame of enthusiasm for the gospel and the fire of testimony bring light, warmth, and joy to the hearts of those we teach.” (this talk)
“We learned an important lesson: the fact that something is good is not always reason enough to require our time and resources. Our activities, initiatives, and plans should be inspired by and grounded upon the why of our priesthood service and not by any flashy trend or interest of the moment. Otherwise, they can distract our efforts, dilute our energy, and get us caught up in our own hobbies, spiritual or temporal, that are not at the center of discipleship.” (this talk)
“Thomas Edison, the man who bathed the world in glowing electric light, said that ‘the value of an idea lies in the using of it.’ 4 In a similar way, gospel doctrine becomes more precious when it is put to use.” (this talk)
Doctrine and Covenants 128:22
22 Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to the victory! Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. Let the dead speak forth anthems of eternal praise to the King Immanuel, who hath ordained, before the world was, that which would enable us to redeem them out of their prison; for the prisoners shall go free.
President Henry B Eyring, Families under Covenant
Doctrine and Covenants 130:2
2 And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy.
“The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah is, that ye have power to hold the key of the revelation, ordinances, oracles, powers and endowments of the fullness of the Melchizedek Priesthood and of the kingdom of God on the earth; and to receive, obtain, and perform all the ordinances belonging to the kingdom of God, even unto the turning of the hearts of the fathers unto the children, and the hearts of the children unto the fathers, even those who are in heaven.” (Teaching of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 11)
“The second imperative is to love your wife. It will take faith and humility to put her interests above your own in the struggles of life. You have the responsibility to provide for and to nurture the family with her while serving others. That can at times consume all the energy and strength you have. Age and illness may increase your wife’s needs. If you choose even then to put her happiness above your own, I promise you that your love for her will increase.” (this talk)
President Thomas S Monson, Willing and Worthy to Serve
“Priesthood is an everlasting principle, and existed with God from eternity, and will to eternity, without beginning of days or end of years.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 104)
“The priesthood … is … the power of God delegated to man by which man can act in the earth for the salvation of the human family, in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; not assuming that authority, nor borrowing it from generations that are dead and gone, but authority that has been given in this day in which we live by ministering angels and spirits from above, direct from the presence of Almighty God.” (Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 139–40; emphasis added)
“What is priesthood? … It is the government of God, whether on the earth or in the heavens, for it is by that power, agency, or principle that all things are governed on the earth and in the heavens, and by that power that all things are upheld and sustained. It governs all things—it directs all things—it sustains all things—and has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John Taylor (2001), 119)
“The priesthood is not so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privilege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others.” (this talk)
“Time certainly marches on. Duty keeps cadence with that march. Duty does not dim nor diminish.” (this talk)
Doctrine and Covenants 107:99
99 Wherefore, now let every man learn his duty, and to act in the office in which he is appointed, in all diligence.
1 Nephi 3:7
7 And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.
“It is your duty first of all to learn what the Lord wants and then by the power and strength of His holy Priesthood to [so] magnify your calling in the presence of your fellows … that the people will be glad to follow you.” (TGeorge Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 14)
“If you do not magnify your callings, God will hold you responsible for those whom you might have saved had you done your duty” (Teachings: John Taylor, 164)
James 1:22
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Sunday Morning Session
President Dieter F Uchtdorf, The Merciful Obtain Mercy
Doctrine and Covenants 64:9
9 Wherefore, I say unto you, that ye ought to forgive one another; for he that forgiveth not his brother his trespasses standeth condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin.
“Of course, these words [D & C 64:9] seem perfectly reasonable—when applied to someone else. We can so clearly and easily see the harmful results that come when others judge and hold grudges. And we certainly don’t like it when people judge us.”
“But when it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often justify our anger as righteous and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate.” (this talk)
“When the Lord requires that we forgive all men, that includes forgiving ourselves.” (this talk)
“This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:
“Stop it!
“It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children.” (this talk)
“I can quote scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, and I will even quote a bumper sticker I recently saw. It was attached to the back of a car whose driver appeared to be a little rough around the edges, but the words on the sticker taught an insightful lesson. It read, ‘Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.’” (this talk)
“Jesus said it is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher law. His words echo through the centuries and are meant for us today. They are meant for all who desire to be His disciples. They are meant for you and me: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’10” (this talk)
Luke 6:38
38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
Romans 12:21
21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.
Elder Russell M Nelson, Thanks Be to God
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
John 3:16
16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
“Yet some people erroneously think that these marvelous physical attributes happened by chance or resulted from a big bang somewhere. Ask yourself, “Could an explosion in a printing shop produce a dictionary?” The likelihood is most remote. But if so, it could never heal its own torn pages or reproduce its own newer editions!” (this talk)
Elder Ronald A Rasband, Special Lessons
“For reasons usually unknown, some people are born with physical limitations. Specific parts of the body may be abnormal. Regulatory systems may be out of balance. And all of our bodies are subject to disease and death. Nevertheless, the gift of a physical body is priceless. …
“A perfect body is not required to achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some of the sweetest spirits are housed in frail frames. …” (Russell M. Nelson, “We Are Children of God,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 103; Ensign, Nov. 1998, 85, 86.)
“Some might ask when faced with such suffering, how could Almighty God let this happen? And then that seemingly inevitable question, why did this happen to me? Why must we experience disease and events that disable or call precious family members home early or extend their years in pain? Why the heartaches?
“At these moments we can turn to the great plan of happiness authored by our Heavenly Father. That plan, when presented in the pre-earth life, prompted us all to shout for joy.2 Put simply, this life is training for eternal exaltation, and that process means tests and trials. It has always been so, and no one is spared.” (this talk)
“If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, ‘Let me know if I can help’ is really no help at all.” (this talk)
“If you came across a person that was drowning would you ask him if he needed help or would you jump in and save him?”
Sister Julie B Beck, The Vision of Prophets regarding Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief
“President Joseph F. Smith cautioned Relief Society sisters and their leaders, saying that he did not want “to see the time when our Relief Societies will follow, or commingle and lose their own identity by mixing up with … woman-made organizations.” He expected the sisters “to lead the world and … especially the women of the world, in everything that is praise-worthy, everything that is God-like, everything that is uplifting and that is purifying to the children of men.”23 His counsel emphasizes the charge to eliminate traditions, themes, fads, and trends, and incorporate practices that are consistent with Relief Society purposes.” (this talk)
“As sisters become more aligned with the purposes of Relief Society, the vision of the prophets will be fulfilled. President Kimball said, ‘There is a power in this organization [of Relief Society] that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God—nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.’25 He prophesied that ‘much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often … an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large numbers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church … are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the world.’26”
Elder D Todd Christofferson, The Doctrine of Christ
“By this experience and revelation [the vision of clean and unclean] to Peter, the Lord modified the practice of the Church and revealed a more complete doctrinal understanding to His disciples. And so the preaching of the gospel expanded to encompass all mankind.” (this talk)
“Later in the book of Acts, we find another somewhat related illustration, this time showing how revelation on matters of doctrine may come in a council setting. A controversy arose about whether circumcision required under the law of Moses should carry over as a commandment in the gospel and Church of Christ (see Acts 15:1, 5). “And the apostles and elders came together for to consider … this matter” (Acts 15:6). Our record of this council is certainly incomplete, but we are told that after “much disputing” (Acts 15:7), Peter, the senior Apostle, rose up and declared what the Holy Spirit had confirmed to him. He reminded the council that when the gospel began to be preached to the uncircumcised Gentiles in the house of Cornelius, they received the Holy Ghost just as had the circumcised Jewish converts. God, he said, “put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” (this talk)
“At the same time it should be remembered that not every statement made by a Church leader, past or present, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It is commonly understood in the Church that a statement made by one leader on a single occasion often represents a personal, though well-considered, opinion, not meant to be official or binding for the whole Church.” (this talk)
President Thomas S Monson, The Race of Life
“In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of meditation—even thoughts of timeless truths?” (this talk)
“I recently visited with a woman who has been battling a life-threatening disease for over two years. She indicated that prior to her illness, her days were filled with activities such as cleaning her house to perfection and filling it with beautiful furnishings. She visited her hairdresser twice a week and spent money and time each month adding to her wardrobe. Her grandchildren were invited to visit infrequently, for she was always concerned that what she considered her precious possessions might be broken or otherwise ruined by tiny and careless hands.
“And then she received the shocking news that her mortal life was in jeopardy and that she might have very limited time left here. She said that at the moment she heard the doctor’s diagnosis, she knew immediately that she would spend whatever time she had remaining with her family and friends and with the gospel at the center of her life, for these represented what was most precious to her.” (this talk)
Hebrews 12:1
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
“Unlike toy boats, we have been provided divine attributes to guide our journey. We enter mortality not to float with the moving currents of life but with the power to think, to reason, and to achieve.
Our Heavenly Father did not launch us on our eternal voyage without providing the means whereby we could receive from Him guidance to ensure our safe return.” (this talk)
“Such blessings are earned through a lifetime of striving, seeking, repenting, and finally succeeding.” (this talk)
“In our times of deepest reflection or greatest need, the soul of man reaches heavenward, seeking a divine response to life’s greatest questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after we leave this life?
“Answers to these questions are not discovered within the covers of academia’s textbooks or by checking the Internet. These questions transcend mortality. They embrace eternity.” (this talk)
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder L Tom Perry, The Power of Deliverance
Mosiah 24:13
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
Moses 1:39
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
“And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles [the Book of Mormon], shall establish the truth of the first [the Bible], which are of the twelve apostles of the Lamb, and shall make known the plain and precious things which have been taken away from them; and shall make known to all kindreds, tongues, and people, that the Lamb of God is the Son of the Eternal Father, and the Savior of the world; and that all men must come unto him, or they cannot be saved” (1 Nephi 13:40)
“When used together, the Bible and the Book of Mormon confound false doctrines” (President Ezra Taft Benson, “A New Witness for Christ,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8)
Lot positioned the door of his tent to Sodom. Abraham built an altar to the Lord and likely faced hit tent door toward the alter. King Benjamin instructed his people to position the doors of their tents toward the temple.
Elder M Russell Ballard, That the Lost May Be Found
“Being lost can apply to whole societies as well as to individuals. Today we live in a time when much of this world has lost its way, particularly with regard to values and priorities within our homes.” (this talk)
“There is no happiness without service, and there is no service greater than that which converts the home into a divine institution, and which promotes and preserves family life.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph F. Smith [1998], 382, 384)
“Equally worrisome is the ever-growing gap between the rich and poor and between those who strive to preserve family values and commitments and those who have given up on doing so. Statistically, those who have less education and consequently lower incomes are less likely to marry and to go to church and much more likely to be involved in crime and to have children outside of marriage. And these trends are also troubling in much of the rest of the world.” (this talk)
“Opposite of what many had thought, prosperity and education seem to be connected to a higher likelihood of having traditional families and values.” (this talk)
“The real question, of course, is about cause and effect. Do some sectors of our society have stronger values and families because they are more educated and prosperous, or are they more educated and prosperous because they have values and strong families? In this worldwide Church we know that it is the latter. When people make family and religious commitments to gospel principles, they begin to do better spiritually and often temporally as well.” (this talk)
“...when families work and play together, neighborhoods and communities flourish, economies improve, and less government and fewer costly safety nets are required.
“So the bad news is that family breakdown is causing a host of societal and economic ills. But the good news is that, like any cause and effect, those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed. Inequities are resolved by living correct principles and values. Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives... ” (this talk)
Isaiah 5:20
20 ¶Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
“The Church is a mooring in this tempestuous sea, an anchor in the churning waters of change and division, and a beacon to those who value and seek righteousness. The Lord uses this Church as a tool in pulling His children throughout the world toward the protection of His gospel.” ( this talk)
“Among Church members who are married in the temple and who regularly attend Sunday meetings, the divorce rate is significantly less than that of the world, and families remain closer and are in more frequent communication. The health in our families is better, and we live several years longer than the population average. ...we are more likely to seek higher education.” (this talk)
“Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families.” (this talk)
“No other success in life can compensate for failure in the home” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 5)
“And to you young women, I would add that you must also not lose sight of this responsibility. No career can bring you as much fulfillment as rearing a family. And when you are my age, you will realize this even more.”
Elder O Vincent Haleck, Having the Vision to Do
Proverbs 29:18
18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.
John 14:15-18
15 If ye love me, keep my commandments.
16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;
17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
“If we are to prosper rather than perish, we must gain a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us.” (this talk)
“What did He see in Peter, James, and John and the other Apostles that prompted Him to act to invite them to follow Him? Like His vision of them, the Savior has a great vision of who we can become. It will take the same faith and courage the first Apostles had in order for us to refocus on the things that matter most in bringing lasting happiness and great joy.
“When we study the life of our Savior and His teachings, we see Him amongst the people teaching, praying, lifting, and healing. When we emulate Him and do the things we see Him do, we begin to see a vision of who we can become. You will be blessed with insight through the help of the Holy Ghost to do more good. Changes will begin to come, and you will bring a different order to your life that will bless you and your family. “ (this talk)
“Look at where we have come and the blessings we have received! Believe that He can bless you with vision in your life and the courage to act.” (this talk)
Larry Y Wilson, Only upon the Principles of Righteousness
Doctrine and Covenants 121:36
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
“This scripture says we must lead by “principles of righteousness.” Such principles apply to all leaders in the Church as well as to all fathers and mothers in their homes. 3 We lose our right to the Lord’s Spirit and to whatever authority we have from God when we exercise control over another person in an unrighteous manner. 4 We may think such methods are for the good of the one being “controlled.” But anytime we try to compel someone to righteousness who can and should be exercising his or her own moral agency, we are acting unrighteously. When setting firm limits for another person is in order, those limits should always be administered with loving patience and in a way that teaches eternal principles.
“We simply cannot force others to do the right thing. “ (this talk)
“Our children are in our homes for a limited time. If we wait until they walk out the door to turn over to them the reins of their moral agency, we have waited too long. They will not suddenly develop the ability to make wise decisions if they have never been free to make any important decisions while in our homes. Such children often either rebel against this compulsion or are crippled by an inability to make any decisions on their own.
Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. They provide opportunities for growth as children acquire the spiritual maturity to exercise their agency properly. And yes, this means children will sometimes make mistakes and learn from them.” (this talk)
Elder David F Evans, Was It Worth It?
“In this and every other important endeavor, our most important work is always within our own home and family.2 It is within families that the Church is established and real growth occurs.3 “ (this talk)
“We must be faithful ourselves so that they can see our example of love for the Lord and His Church.” (this talk)
“We help our children rely on the Savior’s Atonement and know the forgiveness of a loving Heavenly Father by showing love and forgiveness in our own parenting. Our love and forgiveness not only draw our children closer to us but also build their faith in knowing that Heavenly Father loves them and that He will forgive them as they strive to repent and do better and be better. They trust this truth because they have experienced the same from their earthly parents.” (this talk)
Again Moses 1:39 was quoted.
39 For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man.
“Our missionary experiences have to be current. It is not enough to sit back and ponder former experiences. To be fulfilled, you have to continue to naturally and normally share the gospel.” (Elder Thomas S Monson, “Status Report on Missionary Work: A Conversation with Elder Thomas S. Monson, Chairman of the Missionary Committee of the Council of the Twelve,” Ensign, Oct. 1977, 14)
“The work of naturally and normally sharing the gospel with those we care about and love will be the work and joy of our lives” (this talk)
Elder Paul B Pieper, To Hold Sacred
“Daily reflecting upon and recording the impressions that come from the Spirit serve the dual purposes of helping us (1) to recognize our personal encounters with the divine and (2) to preserve them for ourselves and our posterity. Recording them is also a formal recognition and acknowledgment of our gratitude to God,”
Doctrine and Covenants 59:21
21 And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments.
“Sacred means worthy of veneration and respect. By designating something as sacred, the Lord signals that it is of higher value and priority than other things. Sacred things are to be treated with more care, given greater deference, and regarded with deeper reverence. Sacred ranks high in the hierarchy of heavenly values.” (this talk)
“The opposite of sacred is profane or secular—that which is temporal or worldly. The worldly constantly competes with the sacred for our attention and priorities.” (this talk)
2 Nephi 9:29
29 But to be learned is good if they hearken unto the counsels of God.
Doctrine and Covenants 10:9
9 Therefore, you have delivered them up, yea, that which was sacred, unto wickedness.
Doctrine and Covenants 6:23
23 Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?
Doctrine and Covenants 50:24
24 That which is of God is light; and he that receiveth light, and continueth in God, receiveth more light; and that light groweth brighter and brighter until the perfect day.
Elder Neil L Anderson, What Thinks Christ of Me?
“Does my life reflect the love and devotion I feel for the savior?” (this talk)
“Jesus asked the Pharisees, ‘What think ye of Christ?’2 In the final assessment, our personal discipleship will not be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as Paul said, ‘We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.’3 At that day the important question for each of us will be, ‘What thinks Christ of me?’” (this talk)
John 17:3
3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
Mark 9:23
23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
President Thomas S Monson, As We Close This Conference
“We live in troubled times. I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face. He loves each of us and desires to bless us and to help us. May we call upon Him in prayer, as He admonished” (this talk)
Doctrine and Covenants 19:38
38 Pray always, and I will pour out my Spirit upon you, and great shall be your blessing—yea, even more than if you should obtain treasures of earth and corruptibleness to the extent thereof.
“If there are disagreements or contentions among you, I urge you to settle them now.“ (this talk)
3 Nephi 11:28–30
28 And according as I have commanded you thus shall ye baptize. And there shall be no disputations among you, as there have hitherto been; neither shall there be disputations among you concerning the points of my doctrine, as there have hitherto been.
29 For verily, verily I say unto you, he that hath the spirit of contention is not of me, but is of the devil, who is the father of contention, and he stirreth up the hearts of men to contend with anger, one with another.
30 Behold, this is not my doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men with anger, one against another; but this is my doctrine, that such things should be done away.
