New Scripture For Our Day
I love General Conference! I love hearing the words of living prophets and apostles; I love hearing what our Heavenly Father wants us to learn/hear today. It is literally, new scripture for us, pertaining to our lives right now. It is so awesome that we have these opportunities to hear the love, guidance, counsel, warning, teachings that we need to get through what we're facing at this moment and what we will face in the next few months.
I take lots of notes during conference. It helps me to listen better, remember better, and I often refer back to them, especially in the time between conference and when the talks are published. I don't really expect anyone to read all of my notes, I'd be shocked if people did, but anyone is welcome to! :)
Note: * just means it was one of my favorites. :)
Also, don't mind the typos. It took me forever to type it all up and I did not take the time to double check much.
Saturday Morning Sesson
President Thomas S. Monson Prophet
A new apostle was called, Neil L. Andersen. He is the 97th apostle called in this dispensation.
President Monson is so cute, even if he didn't serenade us. ;)
The church is doing very well, the work is moving forward.
35,600 people have been enrolled in the Perpetual Education Fund; 18,900 have completed the program, increasing their income by up to 3-4 times!
The prophet thanked us for our service, for fulfilling our callings and serving others.
"It is such service that enables the Lord to accomplish His purposes here upon the earth."
Heavenly Father loves each of us and is mindful of our needs. Listen to the words in conference, the talks were prepared with guidance and inspiration from Heaven.
Elder Robert D. Hales Apostle
These are uncertain times.
Excesses hurt us - debt and addicitons.
Turn to the Lord, Find hope in the Savior and in the doctrines of His gospel.
Through Jesus Christ, every struggle can be for our experience and good. Each temptation that we overcome, strengthens us, not destroys us.
Satan knows where, when, and how to tempt us. But the Holy Ghost will help us to recognize his temptations so we can say, "Get thee behind me Satan!"
Practice provident living - Provident living is joyfully living within our means, being content with what we have.
Thou shalt not covet.
When we buy what we don't need, we become poor temporally and spiritually. We give away our agency and put ourselves in self-imposed servitude. We become depressed, our relationships are weakened.
We need to learn to say, "We can't afford it, even if we want it." And, "We may be able to afford it, but we do not need it - or even want it."
Tithing helps us to develop faith, overcome desires for things of the world, willingly make sacrifices for others.
Fast Offerings help us to participate in annonymous giving.
We need to have a budget which we regularly review, teach our children the difference between "need" and "want".
By not satisfying every immediate want, we can obtain the most desirable blessings.
Ask, "Will this benefit me temporarily or does it have eternal value and significance?"
Addiction can never be satisfied.
We should seek for what the Lord provides: love, worth, security, comfort, hope in the future, assurance of love and eternal joy.
Be like Lamoni, "I will give away all my sins to know thee, and that I may be raised from the dead, and be saved at the last day."
2 Ne. 9: 51 Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your alabor for that which cannot bsatisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and cfeast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness.
Sister Margaret S. Lifferth 1st Counselor in Primary General Presidency
To truly nourish His lambs and feed His sheep, we must cultivate respect for others and reverence to God.
Are we the examples we need to be?
Reverence is profound respect mingled with love.
Teaching reverence is rooted in love - time, patience, consistency
Self mastery is not only the root of self respect, it is essential in inviting the spirit to teach, confirm, and testify.
President Boyd K. Packer said, "Reverence invites revelation" - gave a whole talk on it.
Pray humbly, use proper language, handles scriptures with respect, show respect for leaders.
Our chapels are places of worship.
Sacrament meeting begins with the prelude music, not the opening prayer.
Blessings come from reverence.
Michael A. Neider 2nd Counselor in Young Men General Presidency
Be virtuous.
President Monson said, "Teaching of fundamentals is urgent."
Praying in faith, fasting, scripture study, scouting, Duty to God - all things that help to teach the YM.
We are powerful tools in the Savior's hands. He can use you to bless others.
Be students of the life and Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Go forward in faith, confidence, and virtue.
*Elder Allen F. Packer of the Seventy
This is a wonderful time to be alive, even with the challenges, setbacks, and trials we face.
Prepare for our Savior's return - work out our own salvation.
Build our foundation on "bedrock" - we must know and know that we know.
Be acquainted with the promptings of the Holy Ghost. Practice and apply those promptings, they will keep us happy and safe.
Dallin H. Oaks said, "Testimony is to konw and to feel, conversion is to do and to become."
How do we become converted?
1. Have a desire
2. Experiment on the word
3. Study and learn, including pondering
4. Ask for a testimony of truth
Testimonies usually come in simple ways.
A witness is available to ALL.
"Having the capacity to receive personal revelation will be necessary in the coming days."
* Elder D. Todd Christofferson Apostle
Faith and Spiritual Strength are a profound power and will be increasingly crucial in the coming days.
We need strong Christians. Those who persevere, sustain hope, lift others, overcome hardships, and defend the truth.
God is the source of power. We gain access to that power through the covenants that we've made with Him.
3 Ne. 27: 20 Now this is the commandment: aRepent, all ye ends of the earth, and come unto me and be bbaptized in my name, that ye may be csanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost, that ye may stand dspotless before me at the last day.
"Obedience gives us greater control over our lives."
Christ will nourish and strengthen us.
Covenants produce the faith necessary to persevere.
If I do all I can, I have God's promise that He will help me with the rest. No fear necessary.
We obtain a witness that our course is right when we make covenants with the Lord.
D&C 97: 8-9
8 Verily I say unto you, all among them who know their hearts are ahonest, and are broken, and their spirits contrite, and are bwilling to observe their covenants by csacrifice—yea, every sacrifice which I, the Lord, shall command—they are daccepted of me.
9 For I, the Lord, will cause them to bring forth as a very fruitful atree which is planted in a goodly land, by a pure stream, that yieldeth much precious fruit.
2 Cor. 12: 8-10
8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me.
9 And he said unto me, My agrace is sufficient for thee: for my bstrength is made perfect in cweakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may drest upon me.
10 Therefore I take pleasure in ainfirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in bpersecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am cweak, then am I dstrong.
Our covenant commitment permits Heavenly Father's influence to flow into our lives.
Through making covenatns, we're prepared to accept additional repsonsiblity that comes with added light.
Divine covenants make strong Christians.
In times of distress, let covenants be paramount and obedience be exact, then we can ask the Father in faith, nothing wavering.
God will keep hHis covenants with you. He will strengthen and finish your faith.
Through covenants, we can become powerful instruments for good.
*President Henry B. Eyring 1st Counselor in the First Presidency
Adversity is something we all must deal with. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ live and they love all humanity.
The opportunity to face adversity and affliction is evidence of their love.
We live in mortality to prepare us to live with them again.
We are being prepared for Eternity.
We must be transformed through our experiences and trials.
Christ knows how to heal and help us. Have faith in His power to comfort us.
He will give us patience as we pray and want for help.
The Savior could have known how to help us through revelation, but He chose to learn through his own personal experiences.
The words of Alma, in Alma 7:
11 And he shall go forth, suffering pains and aafflictions and btemptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will ctake upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.
12 And he will take upon him adeath, that he may bloose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to csuccor his people according to their infirmities.
13 Now the Spirit aknoweth all things; nevertheless the Son of God suffereth according to the bflesh that he might ctake upon him the sins of his people, that he might blot out their transgressions according to the power of his deliverance; and now behold, this is the testimony which is in me.
"Even when you feel the truth of that capacity and kindness of the Lord to deliver you in your trials, it may still test your courage and strength to endure."
D&C 121: 7-10
7 My son, apeace be unto thy soul; thine badversity and thine afflictions shall be but a csmall moment;
8 And then, if thou aendure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all thy bfoes.
9 Thy afriends do stand by thee, and they shall hail thee again with warm hearts and friendly hands.
10 Thou art not yet as Job; thy afriends do not contend against thee, neither charge thee with transgression, as they did Job.
We are being prepared for Eternal Life.
The Lord will rescue His faithful disciples.
"The disciple who accepts a trial as an invitation to grow and therefore qualify for Eternal life, can find peace in the midst of the trial."
Examine your life - be sure you're doing all to be worthy.
Prepare for adversity in prosperous times.
Do more than obtain food storage, prepare our hearts to be worthy of the Lord's help.
Tragedy tests and strengthens our faith, not erodes it.
The Lord suits relief to a person in need to best strengthen and purify them.
The words of Paul: 2 Tim. 4: 5-7
5 But awatch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an bevangelist, cmake full proof of thy ministry.
6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good afight, I have bfinished my course, I have kept the faith.
Saturday Afternoon Session
I enjoyed President Uchtdorf's comments as the newly called walked up to the stand. :)
Statistics:
2818 Stakes
348 Missions
622 Districts
28,109 Wards/Branches
13,508,509 Members
123,502 New children of record
265,593 New converts
52,494 Full-time Missionaries
128 Total number of temples in operation as of December 31, 2008
*Elder M. Russell Ballard Apostle
Funny story about going over the text of his talk, and his grandson asked, "You're gonna text your conference talk?" lol
When you're willing to listen and learn, some of the most valuable/meaningful teachings come from those who went before you. (parents, prophets, teachers, etc)
Internships - shadow seasoned professionals to learn; missionaries - new are partnered with senior companions.
Sometimes we have to venture out on our own and do the best we can.
For the most important questions, find answers in the scriptures and testimony of the prophets and apostles.
Even though they are older men, doesn't make it any less relevant. Infact, makes their words more valuable because they come from those who have learned much through valiant living.
"Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it." - George Santayana
Don't exhaust your spiritual strength repeating bad choices.
The Pride Cycle
Spiritual light is not lost ecause God turns His back on His children, but rather when His children turn their backs on Him.
Spiritual darkness is a natural consequence of bad choices.
Our choices, both individually and collectively, result in spiritual consequences for us and for future generations.
The Price Cycle is happening now.
What impact will the lessons of the past have on your life now and in the future?
Your life will be better if you follow examples of faithfull followers of Christ.
Be wise enough to learn lessons from the past. You don't have to spend your time as a Laman or a Lemuel to know that it's better to be a Nephi or a Jacob. You don't have to live as Cain or Gadianton to know that wickedness never was happiness. We don't need to let our communities become as Sodom and Gomorrah to understand that it's not a good place to raise a family.
Learning lessons of the past allows us to walk boldly in light without stumbling in darkness.
This is the plan.
Learn from previous generations.
Your own testimony is the difference maker. Lessons from the past are burned into our souls by the power of testimony.
You can't google search to gain a testimony, you can't text message faith. The process has not changed.
To gain a testimony: desire, study, prayer, obedience, and service.
Elder Quentin L. Cook Apostle
Life is difficult, but the destination is glorious.
When members don't live the teachings of the Gospel, it can be a stumbling block to others' faith.
Incorrect understanding of doctrine confuses many.
Many believe that the majority of people are going to hell - that is incorrect.
And that conflicts with teachings that God is a loving Father - which is a true doctrine.
Not withstanding the differences in doctrine with other Christian faiths, our attitude is to refrain from critisism.
Other churches do good. We respect and appreciate other faiths.
Be loving and kind to all, regardless of their level of faith and activity.
Love, teach, never give up.
Our destination is paradise and the Celestial Kingdom.
Verse 4 of Come, Come Ye Saints:
And should we die before our journey’s through,
Happy day! All is well!
We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;
With the just we shall dwell!
*** Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy
Faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ.
There has never been a greater need for faith than now.
Faith is to have confidence in something or someone - True faith is centered in Jesus Christ.
Faith is a principle of action and power and requires us to do, not merely to believe.
Faith is a spiritual gift that comes through the Holy Ghost.
Obedience develops trust in the Lord.
Nothing else can bring the same peace, joy, and hope.
If we don't give our kids faith in Christ, then we are giving them very little.
Do your children know that you have faith in Christ?
"If we desire more faith, we must be more obedient."
Faith requires EXACT obedience, even in small, simple things.
"Desire, hope, and belief are forms of faith, but faith as a principle of power comes from a consistent pattern of obedient behavior and attitudes."
"Personal righteousness is a choice."
Fear and faith cannot co-exist. We need to constantly build faith.
"Our net usable faith is what we have left to exercise after we subtract our sources of doubt and disbelief."
Is my net faith positive or negative? Do I allow doubt and disbelief control me?
The Destructive D's:
Doubt is not a principle of the gospel. Doubt comes from a lack of confidence and leads to Discouragement. Discouragement weakens our desire. Discouragement and Despair are the antithesis of faith. They lead to Distraction.
Distraction eliminates the very focus the eye of faith requires. Discouragement and Distraction are Satan's tools. They are also bad habits.
Distraction leads to a lack of diligence; reduced commitment to carry on through Disappointment.
Disappointment is inevitable but it doesn't have to lead to doubt, discouragement, distraction, or lack of diligence.
If not reversed, this all leads to Disobedience, which undermines the very basis of faith.
Choose to avoid and overcome the Destructive D's.
Choose to live by faith and not by fear.
Elder Rafael E. Pino of the Seventy
We are blessed to be members of the church.
Live worthy of the temple.
The only source of true comfort comes from God.
Adversity is the time to show loyalty to God.
The important thing is not how a man died, but how he lived.
The gospel brings peace and takes away pain.
“Please remember this one thing. If our lives and our faith are centered upon Jesus Christ and his restored gospel, nothing can ever go permanently wrong. On the other hand, if our lives are not centered on the Savior and his teachings, no other success can ever be permanently right.” President Howard W. Hunter
The wise man and the foolish man - built their homes on different foundations. Notice, the winds and rain beat upon both houses, they just withstood it differently because of the foundation upon which they were built.
Elder Richard G. Scott Apostle
Set specific goals to attend the temple. Do not allow anything to intefere with your plans.
Understand doctrine related to the temple ordinances. Think about your relationship with Christ, and His relationship with Heavenly Father.
Much of the temple ordinances cannot be understood in just one visit.
"Thank the Lord for the trust He places in us when He gives us the opportunity to overcome difficulties."
Comfort comes from sealing powers.
"When we live righteously and have received ordinances of the temple, everything else is in the hands of the Lord. We do the best we can, but the final outcome is up to Him. We should never complain when we are living worthily about what happens in our lives."
When we keep temple covenants and live righteously, then we have no reason to worry or feel dispondent. Let come what may.
Elder Russell M. Nelson Apostle
The prophet submits his will to the Lord.
Christ taught us how to pray. The Lord's Prayer is found twice in the New Testament and once in the Book of Mormon.
It is a pattern to follow, not a passage to memorize.
Christ prayed for us. He pled for unity.
If we really care for others, we will pray for them.
We shoudl pray for companionship of the Holy Ghost. It can be a vital source of good in our lives.
Enhance prayer through the hymns.
Enhance prayer through fasting. (Don't fast until you kill yourself!)
"The Lord will accept that which is enough, with a good deal more pleasure and satisfaction than that which is too much and unnecessary." - Joseph F. Smith
"Too much" and "unnecessary" can apply to the length of our prayers sometimes.
Public prayers need not be an "unscheduled sermon".
Private prayers can be as long as we want, but public prayers should be short supplications or brief expression of gratitude.
Protect proper forms of prayer: Thee, thy, thine, thou, etc.
Be humble.
Pray often. Counsel with the Lord in ALL thy doings.
Jesus taught to not cease praying in our hearts.
Remember, "Thy will be done."
Sunday Morning Session
*President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 2nd Counselor in the First Presidency
Jesus Christ is the source of light, life, and love. He gave us His gospel - a pearl of great price. It unlocks a life of happiness, peace, and fulfillment.
It is the Good News, the path of Salvation, the way of hope and joy.
As we walk in the Gospel, we can experience confidence and joy, even in times of peril and uncertainty.
People run from one new idea to the next, looking for answers. But the flame of each new theory fades - all fall short of the lasting change we seek in our lives.
The gospel of Jesus Christ has the answers to ALL of our problems.
It's not a secret, it's not complicated or hidden.
It srpings from the creator of the universe who knows truth that we cannot comprehend.
The more we fill our hearts and minds with the message of Jesus Christ, the more we desire to live His teachings. This will lead to repentance. Faith and repentance lead to baptism.
We covenant to take His name upon us and to walk in His footsteps.
The Holy Ghost accompanies us as we walk in the path of righteousness. We become peacemakers, we help others, show kindness.
This is the peaceable way of a follower of Christ.
It's not a quick fix or overnight cure. we have to stay with it.
This is a race of endurance, not a sprint.
Day after day, we make it a part of our normal life.
Seeds grow gradually. You don't plant them in the morning and expect fruit on the branches in the afternoon.
There are immediate blessings - seen and unseen but it won't reach it's fullness until after the plant has been cared for and the roots tended.
Discipleship is a journey. By walking in the path of discipleship, we demonstrate our willingness to accept God's will, not ours.
This is not a spectator sport. You cannot stand inactive on the sidelines. It's not a second hand religion. We must do more than observe.
Get off the sidelines and practice what you preach.
There are no requirments - anyone can walk the path of discipleship today.
Now is the time.
One of the great blessings of the gospel is that it refines us.
We all sin, but the Atonement has power to make us whole.
Heavenly Father loves us, even with all of our flaws. Even when we give up on ourselves, he never does.
It is always the "right time", it is never too late.
The Lord needs you - your specific talents and abilities. The church needs you, We need you.
The Gospel has the power to fill any emptiness, heal any wound.
The Gospel of Jesus Christ is tuaght in it's fullness in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Elder Neil L. Andersen Apostle
I am not what I must become. The Lord will hape the back to fit the burden.
I am a nobody, if you ever forget it, The Lord will remind you... and it won't be pleasant. ;) Don't be prideful.
(He bore a strong tesimony and witness, especially of the apostles and prophets.)
Our days are days long anticipated in the world. They were prophesied of. We live in these days of the Lord's "marveloous work and wonder". It is to us to help prepare for the 2nd coming.
Be a light to the world.
Keeping covenants in this day and age will be a badge of honor in the Eternities.
There are pioneers today. They don't push handcarts, but they are exactly the same in faith, repentance, and sacrifice. They are holding steady on the course to Eternal Life.
Remember who we are and what we have.
We aren't alone - there are others who have faith, are doing good, are loyal parents, people sacrificing for good.
Learn from others.
Only here is the Priesthood restored, only here is the Book of Mormon, only here are there living prophets.
Pray to be what we should be.
Mosiah 27: 13 For the Lord hath said: aThis is my church, and I will establish it; and nothing shall boverthrow it, save it is the transgression of my people.
Jesus Christ lives and guides His work upon the earth.
Elder Steven E. Snow of the Seventy
We need to get on with our lives. :)
Change is a natural part of life.
We are often reluctant to change.
Prepare for inevitable changes.
1) Follow prophets - they reaise a voice of warning and provide counsel. They help us face the challenges we face.
2) Keep an Eternal perspective - Change is part of the plan. Through change, we are tested of our use of agency. Change and challenges provide us with opposition so we can grow.
3) Have faith - Faith and doubt cannot exist in the same mind at the same time - one will expel the other.
4) Be of good cheer - It is easy to feel forgotten and despondent. The Lord taught us to be happy. Last conference, Elder Wirthlin counseled us to laugh.
Many changes we know are coming and can plan for. Some come unexpectedly though.
How do we deal with unexpected changes? The same way - steps 1 through 4.
We can face unexpected challenges and "get on with our lives".
(He shared a great story about Robert Garner, Jr.)
Sister Barbara Thompson 2nd Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
The Time is Far Spent - vs. 4:
Be fixed in your purpose, for Satan will try you;
The weight of your calling he perfectly knows.
Your path may be thorny, but Jesus is nigh you;
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.
His arm is sufficient, tho demons oppose.
Whatever happens, Jesus Christ as the power to save.
Christ has asked for our assistance in helping others.
We know that Satan will tempt and try us. But the Lord has promised that He will strengthen and love us.
Follow the principles of the gospel to increase faith.
No matter what our family is like, we can work to strengthen ours and other families around us. Scripture study, FHE, family prayers, etc.
There are opportunities everywhere to help others in need.
At some point in our lives, we will all be "poor" in some way. Are we not all beggars?
It is vital that we help others.
The Lord blesses others through us.
When we are served, our discouragement turns to love and gratitude.
We must be fixed in our purpose as we strengthen our relationship with our savior, strengthen homes and families, and serve others.
***Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Apostle
The loneliest journey ever made was the Savior's Atonement for us. The burden of our salvation.
He was betrayed by on of his special witnesses, His chief supporters slept while He suffered in Gethsemene, He was denied by Peter.
The Savior aniticpated the loss of mortal support but the loss of Heavenly support was not anticipated. "My God, my God, why hast Thou forsaken me?"
The Father may never have been closer than in these final moments, but so that it would be complete, He withdrew His spirit for a moment.
This was required, essential.
The perfect Son who had never done anything wrong, but needed to know how it would feel for us when we commit sin. He needed to know what it was like ot die spiritually, to feel totally, hopelessly alone.
But in that moment, Christ held on, determined to be faithful. And then it was finished/complete.
Because He walked His path alone, we do not need to.
We have been given companions for our mortal journey. Family, friends, leaders, etc. We will never be left alone or unaided, even if we sometimes feel that we are. Christ will never leave us comfortless.
Do not re-enact the Atonement and Crucifixion. He did it. It will never happen again.
Be disciples in deed and faith even when we are lonely.
Stand by Christ in all times, things, and places we are in - even in death, as He did for us.
*President Thomas S. Monson Prophet
The moral footings of society continue to slip. The economy has taken a nose dive.
It is easy to be cynical and discouraged.
Turn thoughts away from troubles and focus on the blessings we have as members of the church.
God has not given the spirit of fear, but of power and a sound mind.
We are here to learn and grow. There are times we will suffer and grieve.
But men are that we might have joy. Be of good cheer!
Make the gospel of Jesus Christ the center of our lives - it will pull us through whatever comes our way and we will emerge victorious.
We can persevere and prevail because faith gives us strength.
John 16: 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have apeace. In the bworld ye shall have ctribulation: but be of good dcheer; I have eovercome the world.
John 8: 12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the alight of the world: he that followeth me shall not bwalk in cdarkness, but shall have the light of life.
We don't walk alone, no matter how dark the pathway.
The hand of God is better than a light and known way.
Pray! Even when we don't want to go on, we must - to be worthy of Eternal blessings. (Heart wrenching story about a woman who suffered greatly, lost husband and all of her children, did not want to live, but went on.)
There is nothing in this world that can defeat us.
"The future is as bright as your faith."
Sunday Afternoon Session
Elder Dallin H. Oaks Apostle
The Savior gave himself in unselfish service. He asks us to serve selflessly.
Matt. 16: 24-25
24 ¶ Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him adeny himself, and take up his bcross, and cfollow dme.
25 aFor whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will blose his life for my sake shall cfind it.
Missionary work, temple work, teachers, callings - Christ-like service to fellow men.
(Told story of President Hinckley on his mission: "Forget yourself and go to work.")
"In reality, you can never love the Lord until you serve Him by serving His people." - President Thomas S. Monson
Parents sacrifice to have and care for children.
Latter-day saints are uniquely commited with sacrifice. We have covenanted to give our time and talents for the welfare of others.
The church provides relief efforts (Helping Hands) all over the world.
It is not blind obedience. Willingness to sacrifice comes from faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to covenants we knowingly make.
Care more for the things of the Lord than the things of the world.
"You can't be a lifesavor if you look like all the other swimmers on the beach" - in regards to modesty.
A selfish person is more interested in pleasing man, especially himself, than pleasing God.
Sacrifice is out of fashion. This is the "me" generation. "What's in it for me?"
Entitlement is generally selfish. It demands much and gives little or nothing.
Obtain blessings from God by obedience to laws on which the blessing is predicated.
The gospel of Jesus Christ lifts us above selfish desires.
Elder David A. Bednar Apostle
Eternal importance of temple ordinances and covenants.
The divine purpose of gathering the children of God is to build temples so they could then receive ordinances.
Alma 26: 5-6
5 Behold, the afield was ripe, and blessed are ye, for ye did thrust in the bsickle, and did reap with your might, yea, all the day long did ye labor; and behold the number of your csheaves! And they shall be gathered into the garners, that they are not wasted.
6 Yea, they shall not be beaten down by the storm at the last day; yea, neither shall they be harrowed up by the whirlwinds; but when the astorm cometh they shall be gathered together in their place, that the storm cannot penetrate to them; yea, neither shall they be driven with fierce winds whithersoever the enemy listeth to carry them.
The sheaves are new members, the garners are the temples.
The process of taking upon us the name of Christ in baptism continues and is enlarged when we participate in the ordinances of the temple.
We have been strengthened by adversity and are recipients of the Lord's tender mercies.
Temple covenants provide protection.
Serve faithfully and consistently - there is a difference between just going to the temple because you're supposed to and going regularly to serve and learn.
Don't be surprised by Satan's efforts to thwart temple work. We face challenges.
"Fresh courage take, knowing our God will never us forsake."
Be worthy and steadfast.
Cast away the things that stand in the way.
Seek the Eternal.
Elder Gary E. Stevenson of the Seventy
"You are never lost when you can see the temple."
It provides direction, it's an Eternal guidepost, the House of the Lord.
Turn the doors of our homes more fully to the temple.
As we touch the temple, the temple will touch us.
Only the home can compare to the temple in sacredness. Make our homes a House of the Lord.
Take a virtual tour of your home using spiritual eyes. Is your home a place of love, peace, refuge? Is it clean and orderly? Are there appropriate images found there? Does it allow a place for prayer, study, and positive association? Is there anything htat offends the spirit?
Do we need to make any home improvements? Hopefully we don't need an Extreme Home Makeover. lol
D&C 88: 119 aOrganize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.
Construct a spiritual mansion.
Understanding the eternal nature of the temple will draw you closer to the family. Understanding the eternal nature of the family will draw you closer to the temple.
Elder Jose A. Terxeira of the Seventy
Plan of Happiness
We are not left alone. We have spiritual gifts to help us in mortality.
They help us navigate our lives toward Eternal goals.
The Gift of Agency. Use it wisely.
We will never be forced to do what is right.
Choices have consequences intact.
Do good continually.
GPS helps us not get lost. Helps us feel secure when driving.
We have GPS in us. We're born with the natural capacity to distinguish between right and wrong. Our conscience. The gift of the Holy Ghost.
Sin is lie a concrete structure that blocks the reception of the signal needed to guide us.
Learn to choose that which is good.
Trust the living prophets.
Elder F. Michael Watson of the Seventy
Search the scriptures. Follow the counsel of prophets and leaders.
You may not always like what they teach, but if we listen with patience and faith, we will receive a witness that it is true.
Trust. Gratitude. Forgiveness.
President Monson is a living prophet. He exemplifies how to live the Master's teachings.
As we heed the words of prophets of old and today, we will gain a testimony that the Lord does nothing unless he reveals it to His prophets.
Elder L. Tom Perry Apostle
A story about a lost ewe that rescuers were trying to save. Where is the shepherd?
Member oriented missionary program.
Member missionaries are shepherds. Missionaries cannot do it alone.
The job is rightfully ours, we are better suited - we know the people around us best.
We should be better missionaries. When people are exposed to members living the gospel, their attitude toward the church improves.
Full-time missionaries are teachers. We should be the finders.
All blessings of the Atonement can only be given to those who live righteously, repent, and receive ordinances.
"Open your mouths" Share the gospel.
First, declare our belief in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
Second, tell the story of the First Vision.
Third, testify of the truthfullness of the Book of Mormon, anohter Testament of Jesus Christ.
Be a spiritual shepherd.
President Thomas S. Monson Prophet
Remember what we've heard during conference.
Study the messages in the Ensign.
Strive to live closer to the Lord.
Pray always.
Parents, express love to your children. Pray for them.
The adversary is using every means possible to ensnare us and take us down with him.
Be careful with the internet. It can be a great source of communication, information, and resources.
But many use the internet for evil purposes. Pornography willl literally destroy the spirit - Avoid it at all costs! Do not allow yourself to be trapped. If you have, Cease now! Seek the help you need, take steps necessary to get back on the straight and narrow.
"Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."
Go to the temple often. We find strength and resolve as we serve in the temple. We become Saviors on Mount Zion as we do for others what they cannot do for themselves.
Humanitarian relief blesses thousands all over the world.
"We are a blessed people, for we have a sure knowledge that God lives and Jesus is the Christ."
Constantly nourish your testimony - it will be a protection for us against the adversary.