184th General Conference Notes
Saturday morning
- temples (170)
- missionaries (88,000)
- members (15 million +)
- general conference, 94 languages, 100 + countries, 3,000 stakes
- atonement, grace, mercy, guilt erased, deep reverence
- spiritual strength of individual members
- unity, battle against evil, we need every one
- Isaiah – fear ye not
- remember the right order of the 1st and 2nd commandments
- Joseph Smith and Martin Harris – persuasion of men
- courage of Daniel, Esther, Mormon, Moroni, Nephi
- “courage” – C.S. Lewis
- “hit bird flutters”
- déjà vu
- the Savior always faced His Father
- Korihor was deceived
- the Savior pleased His Father
- Jesus Christ is the only person who never forgot which we he faced
- turn the heart and will to God
- Christ’s enabling power, healing and cleansing power
- Grace
- Self-evaluation
- effort to bring people to be healed
- physical and spiritual healing, “their faith”
- assist the Lord in His mission of saving souls
- entitlement culture, blaming God, government, others, etc.
- “The real manifestation of God’s love is His commandments”
- grace – enabled to develop a Christ-like character, willing agreement
- justice and mercy
- Christ came to offer repentance
- moral relativism
- resenting the law of gravity does not prevent the person who steps off of a cliff from falling
- personal responsibility is a gift
- accountability for talents, abilities, etc.
- story of man who wanted corn husks removed
- a century ago only the Milky Way Galaxy could be seen
- new instruments, Hubble telescope
- focusing Celestial light
- greater light, glorious vistas
- modern technologies would be mocked by prior generations
- the Lord’s work of light and truth
- the Savior is the way
- 1. study the scriptures with a sincere desire to discover truth 2. consider, ponder, fearless, grateful 3. ask Heavenly Father 4. do God’s will, real intent, test them in your own life
- Apostle Paul – natural man receives not the things of God, things spiritually discerned
- readiness to receive more light, depth or height
- not for perfect people, but for being perfected in Christ
- no sign saying your testimony needs to be “this tall”
Saturday afternoon
- intercessory prayer, leaven
- no disputations, contention of the devil
- loving kindness, firmness in truth
- “bigots” and “fanatics”
- public discourse: examples of civility, disagree without being disagreeable, be wise in explaining, no contention, Golden Rule
- members not allowing children to play with children of other faiths?
- politics – no personal attacks, show civility for differences of opinion
- *kindness is powerful, love enemies
- live peacefully with others, love of God and of all men (2 Ne. 31:20)
- defectors always tell more about themselves (Elder Maxwell)
- offer kindness, bless them that curse you
- private and public character unimpeachable
- good tree -> good fruit
- be strong in your own testimony first (adjust your own mask first)
- 1. Find scriptures in the Book of Mormon to share with others 2. Read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, record it in your own voice
- know brother Joseph again
- Library
- parents, teach the doctrine of repentance
- apply Atonement, 1. Take responsibility for your own life, and your own spiritual welfare 2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being, body and mind, healthier diet, spirit in charge 3. Embrace voluntary obedience, Abraham Lincoln – do good, feel good, “causualness never was happiness” 4. Become really good at repenting, happy, joyful repentance, don’t procrastinate, 5. Become really good at forgiving, no excuses or grudges, 6. Accept trials, acknowledge and face your weakness, please God
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd
- Sacrifice
- Enoch, walking with God
- Come unto Christ, inner change
- Feed the desire to be a better disciple of Christ
- Knowledge -> perseverance -> action
- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”
- bless the poor, poor in heart, poor in condition, impoverished and disadvantaged, homeless
- “foxes have holes”
- “God is not overly preoccupied with percentages”
- Mother Theresa, done what she could
- All beggars, King Benjamin, obtain and retain a remission of sins
- President Monson – slippers
- Do what we can
- Matt. 13
- 2 Ne 32
- Let us be certain that our example sustains the Lord’s plan
- example, parents
- mother, women who make the house a home
- no price tag on the role of mothers – Hinckley
- father, most important calling in time and eternity
- capture teaching moments
- Helaman 5:12
Priesthood session
- Law, Schulz cartoon, Lucy, failure to catch the ball
- Decisions determine destiny
- Rise above rationalization
- Refuse evil, choose good
- Dating
- Ordinary decisions, workaday world, moderation, balance, wisdom
- Evil: pornography, digital cruelty, video games, foolishness\
- *Arthur Brooks – fake lives
- “Will this make you a better person?”
- foolishness, obsessed with every new thing
- intellectual pretention
- Paul on Mars Hill - > Athens (no church, no epistle, no return)
- Athletics, Merlin Olsen (14 consecutive Pro Bowls)
- Strive for greater discipline
- Goals, seriousness of purpose
- Valiant, celestial
- Good, better, best
- hunger and thirst after righteousness
- redwood trees -> various stages of development
- constant nourishment\
- Alma 32, more experiences with the Spirit
- wars, disasters, earthquakes, disease
- vigilant and valiant
- Philippines typhoon Hyann
- Carpentry, plumbing
- “open thine hand wide”
- fasting (Cf. Elder Holland)
- Isaiah 58
- industry, thrift, self reliance
- become more like the Savior
- dandelion weed in lawn vs. lawn full of dandelion weeds
- cast the beam out of thine own eye
- bank robber with lemon juice on his face
- evaluate our own performance, see ourselves as we truly are
- we overestimate the value of our own performance, and underestimate the value of others
- blessing and opportunity to improve ourselves
- outside vs. inside
- hearts, self-justification and narcissism
- look inside your hearts
- people becoming disengaged from Gospel principles
- where is my treasure? Rooted and grounded?
- Dedicate time and creativity in bringing happiness to marriage
- Look deeply into our souls
- Examine life, see ourselves clearly
- Blindness to our own human weakness, blind
- How can we shine the pure light of the Gospel into our souls? The words of the prophets, ancient and modern, are an effective mirror
- Broken hearts and teachable minds
- “Yes, my son. There are things that I can help you with.”
- Humble yourself before God
- Preparatory, probationary state, prepare to meet God
- Show me does more than tell me
- “Our success in the priesthood will come in proportion to how much we love”
- increase of love -> love was already there in the first place
- God honors potential: “Upon you my fellow servants”
- Trust
- indestructible? Circling without rudder
- harness energy
- undeviating purpose
- lighthouse of the Lord
Sunday morning
- I will go and do
- sustaining prophetic authority
- pray for the prophet, defend his good name
- prophets, seers and revelators – 15 men, unanimity
- governance of the Church
- “as if from mine own mouth”
- Elijah and the widow of Zarapheth
- Will, wisdom, timing of the Lord
- Following the prophet is always right
- Proverbs 3:5
- The words of the prophets are like manna to the soul
- Only prophetic wisdom
- eternal life – know God the Father and Jesus Christ
- personal revelation
- beauties of God’s creations
- not as I will, but as Thou wilt
- the Father and the Son
- pattern in the scriptures of testifying of the Father and the Son as distinct
- united in purpose, equally dedicated in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man
- Joseph Smith
- seek a testimony of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, by the Power of the Holy Ghost
- Remember, remember (Hel. 5:12)
- no more animal sacrifice
- spiritual death passes over
- Gethsemane, Calvary, Arimathea’s tomb
- sacrament in the America’s
- the sacrament needs to become more holy and sacred to us
- resurrection, with whom will we live after we die
- remember the body and the blood
- sequence of bread first, and then blood
- no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God
- Alma the Younger
- washed their garments in my blood
- repent, recommit
- receiving anew the Spirit, cleanses from sin and transgression
- the most important event in time and eternity is the Atonement
- remember and claim the blessings of this supreme act of grace
- remember and live the doctrine of Christ to be sanctified and faithfully endure to the end, grace for grace, in the same way that Jesus did
- deeper desire and more earnest purpose
- Agency, experience, good and evil, bitter and sweet
- Decisions determine destiny
- He did not send us here without direction and guidance
- Perfect example of Jesus Christ
- “Come follow me” “The works that ye have seen me do” “What manner of men ought ye to be?”
- endure to the end
- walking as He walked, not just where He walked
- Jesus walked the path of disappointment
- “O Jerusalem”
- Jesus walked the path of temptation, but resisted, and did not succumb
- Jesus walked the path of pain, Gethsemane, Calvary
- Opportunity lost, power misused, loved one’s choices
- D&C 29 – agents unto themselves
- Bitter sorrow, but also great happiness
- We with Jesus can walk the path of obedience
- “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams”
- We like Jesus can walk the path of service
- Jesus walked the path of prayer
- The Lord’s prayer * and the prayer in Gethsemane
- Be merciful, humble, righteous, pure in heart, peace makers, stand up bravely for our beliefs, let our lights shine, be morally clean in thoughts and actions, more important to lay up treasures in heaven, parables, good Samaritan, talents, lost sheep
- Strive to place Christ at the center of our lives
- No other choice in life can make us what He can
- Gustave and Marguerite Walker – home was a heaven on earth, Spirit radiated
- Proverbs – ponder the path of thy feet
- The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything we do
- His path will bring us safely home
Sunday afternoon
Saturday morning
- President Monson:
- temples (170)
- missionaries (88,000)
- members (15 million +)
- President Boyd K. Packer:
- general conference, 94 languages, 100 + countries, 3,000 stakes
- atonement, grace, mercy, guilt erased, deep reverence
- spiritual strength of individual members
- unity, battle against evil, we need every one
- Lynn G. Robbins:
- Isaiah – fear ye not
- remember the right order of the 1st and 2nd commandments
- Joseph Smith and Martin Harris – persuasion of men
- courage of Daniel, Esther, Mormon, Moroni, Nephi
- “courage” – C.S. Lewis
- “hit bird flutters”
- déjà vu
- the Savior always faced His Father
- Korihor was deceived
- the Savior pleased His Father
- Jesus Christ is the only person who never forgot which we he faced
- Cheryl A. Esplin:
- turn the heart and will to God
- Christ’s enabling power, healing and cleansing power
- Grace
- Self-evaluation
- Chi Hong Wong (Cantonese):
- effort to bring people to be healed
- physical and spiritual healing, “their faith”
- assist the Lord in His mission of saving souls
- Elder D. Todd Christofferson:
- entitlement culture, blaming God, government, others, etc.
- “The real manifestation of God’s love is His commandments”
- grace – enabled to develop a Christ-like character, willing agreement
- justice and mercy
- Christ came to offer repentance
- moral relativism
- resenting the law of gravity does not prevent the person who steps off of a cliff from falling
- personal responsibility is a gift
- accountability for talents, abilities, etc.
- story of man who wanted corn husks removed
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:
- a century ago only the Milky Way Galaxy could be seen
- new instruments, Hubble telescope
- focusing Celestial light
- greater light, glorious vistas
- modern technologies would be mocked by prior generations
- the Lord’s work of light and truth
- the Savior is the way
- 1. study the scriptures with a sincere desire to discover truth 2. consider, ponder, fearless, grateful 3. ask Heavenly Father 4. do God’s will, real intent, test them in your own life
- Apostle Paul – natural man receives not the things of God, things spiritually discerned
- readiness to receive more light, depth or height
- not for perfect people, but for being perfected in Christ
- no sign saying your testimony needs to be “this tall”
Saturday afternoon
- Elder Dallin H. Oaks:
- intercessory prayer, leaven
- no disputations, contention of the devil
- loving kindness, firmness in truth
- “bigots” and “fanatics”
- public discourse: examples of civility, disagree without being disagreeable, be wise in explaining, no contention, Golden Rule
- members not allowing children to play with children of other faiths?
- politics – no personal attacks, show civility for differences of opinion
- *kindness is powerful, love enemies
- live peacefully with others, love of God and of all men (2 Ne. 31:20)
- Elder Neal L. Anderson:
- defectors always tell more about themselves (Elder Maxwell)
- offer kindness, bless them that curse you
- private and public character unimpeachable
- good tree -> good fruit
- be strong in your own testimony first (adjust your own mask first)
- 1. Find scriptures in the Book of Mormon to share with others 2. Read the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith, record it in your own voice
- know brother Joseph again
- Tad Callister:
- Library
- parents, teach the doctrine of repentance
- Jörg Klebignat:
- apply Atonement, 1. Take responsibility for your own life, and your own spiritual welfare 2. Take responsibility for your own physical well-being, body and mind, healthier diet, spirit in charge 3. Embrace voluntary obedience, Abraham Lincoln – do good, feel good, “causualness never was happiness” 4. Become really good at repenting, happy, joyful repentance, don’t procrastinate, 5. Become really good at forgiving, no excuses or grudges, 6. Accept trials, acknowledge and face your weakness, please God
- Eduardo Gavarett (Español):
- Jesus is the Good Shepherd
- Sacrifice
- Enoch, walking with God
- Come unto Christ, inner change
- Feed the desire to be a better disciple of Christ
- Knowledge -> perseverance -> action
- Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
- “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me”
- bless the poor, poor in heart, poor in condition, impoverished and disadvantaged, homeless
- “foxes have holes”
- “God is not overly preoccupied with percentages”
- Mother Theresa, done what she could
- All beggars, King Benjamin, obtain and retain a remission of sins
- President Monson – slippers
- Do what we can
- Elder L. Tom Perry:
- Matt. 13
- 2 Ne 32
- Let us be certain that our example sustains the Lord’s plan
- example, parents
- mother, women who make the house a home
- no price tag on the role of mothers – Hinckley
- father, most important calling in time and eternity
- capture teaching moments
- Helaman 5:12
Priesthood session
- Elder Quentin L. Cook:
- Law, Schulz cartoon, Lucy, failure to catch the ball
- Decisions determine destiny
- Rise above rationalization
- Refuse evil, choose good
- Dating
- Ordinary decisions, workaday world, moderation, balance, wisdom
- Evil: pornography, digital cruelty, video games, foolishness\
- *Arthur Brooks – fake lives
- “Will this make you a better person?”
- foolishness, obsessed with every new thing
- intellectual pretention
- Paul on Mars Hill - > Athens (no church, no epistle, no return)
- Athletics, Merlin Olsen (14 consecutive Pro Bowls)
- Strive for greater discipline
- Goals, seriousness of purpose
- Valiant, celestial
- Good, better, best
- Craig C. Christensen:
- hunger and thirst after righteousness
- redwood trees -> various stages of development
- constant nourishment\
- Alma 32, more experiences with the Spirit
- Dean M. Davies:
- wars, disasters, earthquakes, disease
- vigilant and valiant
- Philippines typhoon Hyann
- Carpentry, plumbing
- “open thine hand wide”
- fasting (Cf. Elder Holland)
- Isaiah 58
- industry, thrift, self reliance
- become more like the Savior
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf:
- dandelion weed in lawn vs. lawn full of dandelion weeds
- cast the beam out of thine own eye
- bank robber with lemon juice on his face
- evaluate our own performance, see ourselves as we truly are
- we overestimate the value of our own performance, and underestimate the value of others
- blessing and opportunity to improve ourselves
- outside vs. inside
- hearts, self-justification and narcissism
- look inside your hearts
- people becoming disengaged from Gospel principles
- where is my treasure? Rooted and grounded?
- Dedicate time and creativity in bringing happiness to marriage
- Look deeply into our souls
- Examine life, see ourselves clearly
- Blindness to our own human weakness, blind
- How can we shine the pure light of the Gospel into our souls? The words of the prophets, ancient and modern, are an effective mirror
- Broken hearts and teachable minds
- “Yes, my son. There are things that I can help you with.”
- Humble yourself before God
- President Henry B. Eyring:
- Preparatory, probationary state, prepare to meet God
- Show me does more than tell me
- “Our success in the priesthood will come in proportion to how much we love”
- increase of love -> love was already there in the first place
- God honors potential: “Upon you my fellow servants”
- Trust
- President Thomas S. Monson:
- indestructible? Circling without rudder
- harness energy
- undeviating purpose
- lighthouse of the Lord
Sunday morning
- President Eyring:
- I will go and do
- Elder Russel M. Nelson:
- sustaining prophetic authority
- pray for the prophet, defend his good name
- prophets, seers and revelators – 15 men, unanimity
- governance of the Church
- Carol F. McConkie:
- “as if from mine own mouth”
- Elijah and the widow of Zarapheth
- Will, wisdom, timing of the Lord
- Following the prophet is always right
- Proverbs 3:5
- The words of the prophets are like manna to the soul
- Only prophetic wisdom
- Elder Robert D. Hales:
- eternal life – know God the Father and Jesus Christ
- personal revelation
- beauties of God’s creations
- not as I will, but as Thou wilt
- the Father and the Son
- pattern in the scriptures of testifying of the Father and the Son as distinct
- united in purpose, equally dedicated in bringing to pass the immortality and eternal life of man
- Joseph Smith
- seek a testimony of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, by the Power of the Holy Ghost
- Remember, remember (Hel. 5:12)
- James J. Hamula:
- no more animal sacrifice
- spiritual death passes over
- Gethsemane, Calvary, Arimathea’s tomb
- sacrament in the America’s
- the sacrament needs to become more holy and sacred to us
- resurrection, with whom will we live after we die
- remember the body and the blood
- sequence of bread first, and then blood
- no unclean thing can dwell in the presence of God
- Alma the Younger
- washed their garments in my blood
- repent, recommit
- receiving anew the Spirit, cleanses from sin and transgression
- the most important event in time and eternity is the Atonement
- remember and claim the blessings of this supreme act of grace
- remember and live the doctrine of Christ to be sanctified and faithfully endure to the end, grace for grace, in the same way that Jesus did
- deeper desire and more earnest purpose
- President Thomas S. Monson:
- Agency, experience, good and evil, bitter and sweet
- Decisions determine destiny
- He did not send us here without direction and guidance
- Perfect example of Jesus Christ
- “Come follow me” “The works that ye have seen me do” “What manner of men ought ye to be?”
- endure to the end
- walking as He walked, not just where He walked
- Jesus walked the path of disappointment
- “O Jerusalem”
- Jesus walked the path of temptation, but resisted, and did not succumb
- Jesus walked the path of pain, Gethsemane, Calvary
- Opportunity lost, power misused, loved one’s choices
- D&C 29 – agents unto themselves
- Bitter sorrow, but also great happiness
- We with Jesus can walk the path of obedience
- “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams”
- We like Jesus can walk the path of service
- Jesus walked the path of prayer
- The Lord’s prayer * and the prayer in Gethsemane
- Be merciful, humble, righteous, pure in heart, peace makers, stand up bravely for our beliefs, let our lights shine, be morally clean in thoughts and actions, more important to lay up treasures in heaven, parables, good Samaritan, talents, lost sheep
- Strive to place Christ at the center of our lives
- No other choice in life can make us what He can
- Gustave and Marguerite Walker – home was a heaven on earth, Spirit radiated
- Proverbs – ponder the path of thy feet
- The Savior’s example provides a framework for everything we do
- His path will bring us safely home
Sunday afternoon
- Elder M. Russel Ballard :
- Colorado River - safety instructions: 1. stay in the boat 2. always wear a life jacket 3. always hold on with both hands
- challenges, physical and mental health issues, dashed dreams and hopes, crises of faith
- Lord's help: boat, supplies, life jackets, experienced river guides
- 1. stay in the boat: ship Zion (Brigham Young), calm weather, whaling boats, drowning, God is at the helm
- How do we stay on the old ship Zion? Continuing conversion, increasing faith in Jesus Christ, regularly / Can ye feel so now? / Experienced river guides = apostles and prophets, local leaders
- mission presidents, keep eyes on the leaders of the Church, never follow those who think they know more than Heavenly Father and his prophets
- Church leaders do not live in a bubble / they travel the world and visit leaders of nations and religions, as well as the humble and poor ("out of a bubble more so than most people")
- "We're not out of touch"
- 2. Always wear a life jacket, and 3. Hold on with both hands - counsel and direction of the prophets are like a spiritual life jacket / become men and women of sound understanding
- "The fundamental principles of our religion are the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets, concerning Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, and rose again the third day, and ascended into heaven; and all other things which pertain to our religion are only appendages to it." (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, 121).
- Satan tempts us to become distracted from the simple and clear teachings or questions and doubts
- Bear one another's burdens, all people, including Church leaders
- stay in the boat, use life jackets, hold on with both hands, avoid distractions
- if any has fallen out of the boat, we will seek you, find you, and pull you back
- Elder Richard G. Scott:
- Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, transgression, opposition, sickness, sadness, joy, knowledge of good and evil brought into the world
- tried and tested, agency, accountability, peace, turmoil
- the Savior, Atonement to help with every difficulty we experience in mortality
- struggles with temptation, pain and sadness - purpose in being tested, tried and stretched
- sometimes we are more aware of the negative things in mortality than the positive things
- there must be opposition in all things
- we must take time to actively exercise our faith to invite the positive, faith filled
- tools -> habits -> peace
- 4 tools (evaluate your personal use of each tool, and how to make better use of each one of them): 1. prayer - converse with Heavenly Father, and family prayer 2. scripture study - feasting on the word of God, is more important than anything... Do it! Challenges are an important part of mortality - scripture study develops strong faith, peace, and understanding of God's grace 3. weekly family home evening - not just an after thought... don't let anything else become more important than the time together at home, strengthen family bonds, and talk to each other, and have a "marvelous time together" 4. go to the temple... no more peaceful place than in the temples of God, use temple recommend often, schedule a regular time to be in the temple, ponder the ordinances, pray and seek to understand their meaning "The temple is one of the best places to learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ" - challenges help us to become more like our Heavenly Father, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us to endure them well
Carlos A. Godoy (Portuguese):
- moments of great decision
- Elder Uchtdorf, errors in a few degrees
- will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled? look at blessings of future and evaluate how you are living in the present
- changes necessary... decisions between what is good, better and best
- how can we ensure that we are making the best decisions? 1. consider our options with the end in mind (eternal perspective)
- I have a work for thee Moses, my son, lead the Children of Israel
- Lehi, dream - his mission to lead his family to the promised land
- The Prophet Joseph Smith completed his mission of restoring all things
- What does the Lord expect from each one of us?
- 2. Be prepared for the challenges that will come, the best paths in life are rarely the easiest... are we willing to pay the price? Leave our comfort zones?
- seek additional education
- we are children of Almighty God, and he has a plan for us
- God wants us to grow and achieve our potential
- expand your knowledge both intellectual and spiritual
- 3. Share this vision with the people we love - our choices influence others
- just because things are going well doesn't mean that we shouldn't consider if there is something better
- rip tide experience in Oman
- Europe - skiing... came to Provo, Utah - current of the Lord, Gospel current
- where do we turn for answers?
- "Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?"
- little children... accept the simple truths of the gospel
- honest inquiry
- we must never think that our choices influences only us
- don't rely only on secular knowledge to answer questions
- live the Gospel every day, a pattern of love and harmony, respect for the priesthood
- create a strong, steady current of righteousness
- are the currents we choose to follow important? Do our examples matter?
- Are my decisions firmly planted in the rich soil of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- never trifle with sacred things
Elder David A. Bednar:
- to people who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ
- devoted disciples = valiant missionaries
- "Go ye therefore and teach all nations"
- not trying to sell you a product, no prizes or bonus points, not seeking to increase the numerical size of the Church, not attempting to coerce, we are inviting, pray to know
- I already believe in Jesus. I'm not sure if God exists. ? Bring all that you know is good, true, praiseworthy. Come and see. Does it enlarge and enrich?
- 88,000 full time missionaries
- not just a sense of spiritual duty, but a reflection of how important these truths are to us
- why so forthright? Family experience - 2 boys, injury- cleansing and soothing, parable
- it's not unusual to share with others things that have helped us
- The Book of Mormon, Lehi's dream, fruit sweet
- Enos - my soul hungered
- importance of experiencing in our lives the Atonement of Jesus Christ
- absolute truth exists - testimony
- awkward, abrupt, relentless... simple desire to share these eternal truths
- come and see
- tried and tested, agency, accountability, peace, turmoil
- the Savior, Atonement to help with every difficulty we experience in mortality
- struggles with temptation, pain and sadness - purpose in being tested, tried and stretched
- sometimes we are more aware of the negative things in mortality than the positive things
- there must be opposition in all things
- we must take time to actively exercise our faith to invite the positive, faith filled
- tools -> habits -> peace
- 4 tools (evaluate your personal use of each tool, and how to make better use of each one of them): 1. prayer - converse with Heavenly Father, and family prayer 2. scripture study - feasting on the word of God, is more important than anything... Do it! Challenges are an important part of mortality - scripture study develops strong faith, peace, and understanding of God's grace 3. weekly family home evening - not just an after thought... don't let anything else become more important than the time together at home, strengthen family bonds, and talk to each other, and have a "marvelous time together" 4. go to the temple... no more peaceful place than in the temples of God, use temple recommend often, schedule a regular time to be in the temple, ponder the ordinances, pray and seek to understand their meaning "The temple is one of the best places to learn about the Atonement of Jesus Christ" - challenges help us to become more like our Heavenly Father, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ helps us to endure them well
Carlos A. Godoy (Portuguese):
- moments of great decision
- Elder Uchtdorf, errors in a few degrees
- will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled? look at blessings of future and evaluate how you are living in the present
- changes necessary... decisions between what is good, better and best
- how can we ensure that we are making the best decisions? 1. consider our options with the end in mind (eternal perspective)
- I have a work for thee Moses, my son, lead the Children of Israel
- Lehi, dream - his mission to lead his family to the promised land
- The Prophet Joseph Smith completed his mission of restoring all things
- What does the Lord expect from each one of us?
- 2. Be prepared for the challenges that will come, the best paths in life are rarely the easiest... are we willing to pay the price? Leave our comfort zones?
- seek additional education
- we are children of Almighty God, and he has a plan for us
- God wants us to grow and achieve our potential
- expand your knowledge both intellectual and spiritual
- 3. Share this vision with the people we love - our choices influence others
- just because things are going well doesn't mean that we shouldn't consider if there is something better
- Allan F. Packer:
- forgot to take the cover off of the hatchet: lesson, distracted from other things
- seeking the Kingdom of God leads to joy and happiness
- frequent small corrections are easier and less painful than large corrections
- qualifying for exaltation is like traveling to a different country, we don't set the requirements
- the Church helps, but cannot do it for us
- God set the requirements for exaltation
- spiritual passports, stamps
- changes that will help us all be better prepared
- "The ultimate end of all activity in the Church..." - Packer - living the Gospel in the home
- renewed emphasis on family history and temple work - an offering in righteousness, a book
- we without our ancestors cannot be made perfect, neither they without us
- don't fight the change, embrace it - for our deceased ancestors and ourselves
- welding together of families
- Hymn - rise up O saints of God
- Hugo E. Martinez (Español)
- "He who serves in some things is good for something..."
- The Savior focuses on the individual
- remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God
- personal ministry = discovering needs and then attending to them (first observe, then serve)
- President Monson - service, the good samaritan, go and do thou likewise
- water, personal ministry
- recognize the voice of the Master, be a good example, under-shepherds, weak and simple, fishers of men
- work for the dead, keep a journal, hearts of the living toward the living, and toward ancestors, linking the family in eternal bonds, become saviors on Mount Zion, instruments in God's hands
- in marriages and families, friends, and fellow man, true disciples of Jesus Christ
- inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these...
- Larry S. Kacher:
- rip tide experience in Oman
- Europe - skiing... came to Provo, Utah - current of the Lord, Gospel current
- where do we turn for answers?
- "Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter?"
- little children... accept the simple truths of the gospel
- honest inquiry
- we must never think that our choices influences only us
- don't rely only on secular knowledge to answer questions
- live the Gospel every day, a pattern of love and harmony, respect for the priesthood
- create a strong, steady current of righteousness
- are the currents we choose to follow important? Do our examples matter?
- Are my decisions firmly planted in the rich soil of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?
- never trifle with sacred things
Elder David A. Bednar:
- to people who are not members of the Church of Jesus Christ
- devoted disciples = valiant missionaries
- "Go ye therefore and teach all nations"
- not trying to sell you a product, no prizes or bonus points, not seeking to increase the numerical size of the Church, not attempting to coerce, we are inviting, pray to know
- I already believe in Jesus. I'm not sure if God exists. ? Bring all that you know is good, true, praiseworthy. Come and see. Does it enlarge and enrich?
- 88,000 full time missionaries
- not just a sense of spiritual duty, but a reflection of how important these truths are to us
- why so forthright? Family experience - 2 boys, injury- cleansing and soothing, parable
- it's not unusual to share with others things that have helped us
- The Book of Mormon, Lehi's dream, fruit sweet
- Enos - my soul hungered
- importance of experiencing in our lives the Atonement of Jesus Christ
- absolute truth exists - testimony
- awkward, abrupt, relentless... simple desire to share these eternal truths
- come and see
- President Thomas S. Monson:
- gratitude, thanks
- strengthen the feeble knees
- honesty and integrity
- examples of righteousness, lights to the world
- become more valiant disciples
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