Friday, January 27, 2012

Sunday Session of Stake Conference Notes 22 January 2012

These are just the raw, unedited notes again.

Elder Snow

He was a mission president in San Fernando Mission. They are grateful for the strength of the Church in California.

July 1846 a group of LDS settlers landed in San Francisco. Six months later the Mormon Battalion went to San Diego.

Howard W. Hunter returned to Pasadena and told the saints want a marvelous opportunity to live where the saints were well received. The Church will continue to grow in this area. He saw the future of the church in California as bright.

Matt 25:1-13: Parable of 10 Virgins. The importance of living a life that prepares us for meeting the Savior. We don’t know the day or the hour when the Lord will return. The Bridegroom is the Lord Jesus Christ; the Church is His bride; the lighted lamp is the outward manifestation of the members’ readiness. The oil of preparedness is collected drop by drop through righteous living. We cannot give away our oil or borrow oil from others. Whether we see the Savior again in the Second Coming or before that, it really makes no difference. Our preparedness is what is important. We should live in such a way that as members of the Church and the Kingdom of God, we then become members of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Parents have a sacred duty to raise their children in righteousness. The example of pray is the most important way we can do this. “Pray in your families unto the Father always in my name that your wives and your children may be blessed.” Parents and children live busy lives. But nothing is more important than praying together as a family. Satan seeks to keep us from praying together as families.

1. Schedule a regular time each day.
2. Rotate opportunity among family members.
3. Family prayers need not be long.
4. Asking for specific not general blessings.
5. Be as specific in expressing gratitude as in asking for blessings.
6. Take time to listen.

Prayer is a privilege, not only to speak to Heavenly Father, but to receive revelation from Him. “Work as if you were to live a 100 years; pray as if you will die tomorrow.” (Ben Franklin)

Sister Thompson

“California, here I come, right back where I started from.”

November 30, 2011—Christmas devotional for church workers. “Away in a Manger,” was the closing song. The Holy Ghost confirmed that Jesus was the Savior in the third verse. She sang it again on Sunday and felt the Spirit again. His greatest desire is to have each one of us live close to the Holy Spirit so that we can live with Him and our Heavenly Father forever.

Enoch was called to teach the gospel. The Lord gave him some counsel. Moses 6:32-34. “Open thy mouth.” We need to say something in order to help people learn about the gospel. The Lord will help us to know what to say. “Choose the Lord God.” He will then be able to bless us and help us do whatever is necessary to live with Him again. Lord reminds Enoch that he has power to make mountains flee or to move rivers from their course. The Lord can help us in our challenges know what to do and how to make the necessary changes. When the mountains are high and the rivers are wide, the Lord will help us overcome the challenges we face. “Walk with me.” They built the city of Zion. They were of one heart and one mind. They had unity and charity in their minds and their hearts for one another. They would dwell in safety forever. They were taken up into heaven.

The people of Alma had the burdens which were placed on their back eased.

New Relief Society book was a gift to us from the First Presidency. Joseph Smith said that we shouldn’t have strife among us. Meekness, love, purity should magnify us. Seek charity and to always to do good to each other. President Monson said that we should love and have charity in our hearts. Charity that forgives and causes us to be patient, especially with the weakness of others. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we practice charity. These characteristics will help us become holy people. Christ set the example of true charity. He taught us to love one another, serve one another, and pray for one another. President Monson asked Relief Society leaders to tell the sisters that he loves them and that he prays for them.
Many opportunities to reach out and care for others. Holy women are happy to serve and to accept service. Make visits and phone calls to those who are lonely. Parents stay up and care for a sick child, or they counsel with a teenager who’s lost his way. These life experience will help us become holy people, so that we can all sit down in heaven together.

“Be near me Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay…”

Elder Johnson

In 1833 Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon were called on a mission.
“Your families are well. They are in my hands and I will do with them as seemeth me good.”

He fasted and prayed for one of his children that something would happen. It didn’t. He felt angry, discouraged, and shaken. No matter how much energy he put into it, he could not generate faith on his on. Faith is not just positive thinking; faith is the power of God and can only be used to fulfill His purposes. We can stop beating ourselves up for not having enough faith.

It’s about God’s plan and His will. Find out will of God and then exert every effort to do His will. When I am unsure, I can trust; I can and will wait upon His will. I do not have a work; it’s all His. It is not easy for a person who wants control and to know the end from the beginning to let go. But it is well worth it. Faith is not a power we attain so that we can accomplish what we want. It needs to follow the Lord’s will.

We must give proper consideration to the will of the Lord. “Whatsover you ask the Lord WHICH IS RIGHT…”

Nephi (book of Helaman) sought the Lord’s will. He was given the sealing power. He had faith to ask whatever he would and it would happen. That is because the Lord knew that he wouldn’t ask anything that was contrary to the Lord’s will.

Fast, pray, work, study, wait upon the Lord, submit our will to His.

Each of us have received special promises: Patriarchal blessings; temple blessings.
President Monson made promises to saints in East Germany 1968. “If you will remain true and faithful to the commandments of God, any blessing enjoyed by the saints of any other country will be yours.” The prophet prayed that Heavenly Father would fulfill the promises that were made. He recognized that the words of the promise were from the Lord. President Monson and the German saints continued to exercise faith. The promise has been fulfilled line upon line over the course of years.

We learn to have this line upon line precept upon precept faith as we learn to know and do the Lord’s will.

C.S. Lewis talks about God rebuilding our house or our soul. He is building quite a new house than the one you thought of. You thought you were being made into a decent little cottage, but He’s building a palace.

Story of the ballerina jewelry box. Her sadness was nearly humorous because her mom knew what was coming her way. Heavenly Father has something in store for us that is greater than we can even imagine.

Elder Perry

We live in a remarkable time. Never has the Lord opened the door more for us to proclaim who we are. Even after 182 years, the people of the world know little about us. He has revealed to us a very effective organization.

Windstorms from canyons in Salt Lake City. Priesthood brethren and the sisters were called into action. They went to Sacrament meeting, and then thousands of people cleaned up the effects of the disaster. The area was ready to move forward in an orderly way. We are blessed with the same pattern of Priesthood organization that Jesus established in His Church. (A of F 6)

Savior organized church during His mortal ministry. Jesus went into a mountain to pray. He prayed all night. Then He chose His 12 apostles. He established order and leadership in His Church necessary before His departure. “Whom say ye that I am?” “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” “Blesses art thou….thou art Peter….I will give thee the keys…” Peter was selected to hold Priesthood Keys over church when Jesus was no longer with them. Jesus went with Peter, James, and John to Mount of Transfiguration. Moses and Elias came. The keys were there given to Peter. The apostles were sent out into the world to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The Church suffered great persecution. Pagan ideas became mingled with doctrine. There was a falling away and the priesthood was removed from the earth for a time. Printing press. New land where there was freedom of speech. Joseph Smith was raised up to restore the Lord’s church. His mind was kept clear and free to receive instruction from the heavens. Joseph learned his relationship to Diety when he was 14 years old. He received new scripture. He translated the Book of Mormon. While translating 3rd Nephi, they asked about baptism. John the Baptist conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery. They were then able to baptize each other. They received the Melchizedek Priesthood under the hands of Peter, James, and John. In the Kirtland Temple, the brethren took the sacrament. Joseph and Oliver prayed, and the Lord Jehovah appeared in glory and accepted the Kirtland Temple as His house. Moses appeared and committed the keys of the gathering of Israel and the restoration of the 10 tribes.. Elias appeared. Elijah restored keys of this dispensation to Joseph, turning hearts of fathers to children, children to fathers.

1. Key to proclaim gospel to the church. (Moses) It is our responsibility to proclaim the gospel to the world.
2. Key to perfect the saints by using the power of the priesthood. (Elias) We are the seed of Abraham; we are the Lord’s agents. We need to teach and help people to receive the saving ordinance of the gospel and the sealing power in the temple.
3. Key that gives power to redeem the dead. (Elijah) This will unite us as eternal family units.

All that we do in the church points to the atonement of Jesus Christ and to receiving blessings in the temple.

1 Corinthians (13) Be steadfast and immovable. Improve image of the church by standing steadfast in the principles of the gospel.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

Saturday Session Stake Conference 1-21-12

Stake Conference Saturday Evening 1-21-12 Unpolished notes

President Kinser

After the last supper and the garden of Gethsemane. Jesus conversed with Peter. I have prayed for thee; when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.
2 great commandments: Love the Lord; love your neighbor as yourself.
What think ye of Jesus Christ? Most vital question for all mortals. Not giving an answer is an answer.
Whom do you Worship? (Find the poem)
We need to have a testimony of Jesus Christ and of the restored gospel through the prophet Joseph.
If we can teach with the Spirit, others will know that it is true by the testimony of the Spirit.
Desire—First key to gaining and strengthening a testimony.
After date, girl asked him, “Do you have a testimony of the Church?” “No, I don’t.” “Well, you better find out.” That challenge sparked an interest that made him want to find out. A seed was planted. He could see a difference in the lives of those who were living the gospel.
Son approached them and said, “I don’t have a testimony; I think I’m going to quit going to Church.” They kept loving him and hoping; he attended church begrudgingly. He had the opportunity to share his experiences in the church with his friends. (Born again) I have never had a missionary that was able to impact so many you people. He worked through the great and spacious building in his life.
Gaining a testimony equates to becoming more Christ-like.
An investigator, while he served in England, told about gaining a testimony of prayer. She became a wonderful, strong member of the church.
As we recognize the tender mercies of the Lord, we need to nourish them. Daily fervent prayer. As we pray regularly, the Spirit will touch our hearts. Meaningful involvement with the scriptures. “These are they which testify of me.” As we follow the counsel of our leaders, our testimonies will grow.
It is an easy thing to believe in dead prophets, but it is a greater thing to believe in living prophets. Man came to America because God told him to. He could accept that the former prophets were prophets of God, but he didn’t want to accept the current counsel.
Job, “I know that my Redeemer liveth…yet in my flesh shall I see God.”
1985—Elder McConkie shared a testimony just months before he died. Testified of Christ’s crucifixion, that He is the Son of the Living God and he was crucified of the world…I shall not know any better then than I know now….salvation comes from Him and in no other way.
As we strengthen our testimonies, we will be blessed beyond our understanding.

Brother Davis
Stake YM President

He loves working with the youth. He has a great support staff. They are there to help the youth. There job is to assist the parents in helping sons prepare for priesthood ordinations, temple endowments. , missionary service, temple marriage, fatherhood, etc. Assist.
Parents can strengthen youth through Duty to God. Receive priesthood, learn how to use it, act in office to which he is appointed.
Duty God—learning gospel principles; act on what they learn; share their experiences; prepare for later missionary work. Parents have the role to lead by example. You need to take control of your spiritual growth and your sons’ spiritual welfare.
Helaman’s warriors had been taught by their mothers if that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them. They are faced with constant threats to their spiritual and temporal well-being. We can strengthen and protect our youth as we teach them by example. We will see miracles and blessings as we do this. Goals stated at beginning of talk.

Sister Bergesen

The youth programs, YM and YW, is a team effort. They are inspired programs to help youth learn to lead, follow, and be strengthened in the gospel.
Provide settings where youth can feel influence of Holy Ghost. Establish home where Holy Ghost can dwell. Encourage youth to attend their meetings. Help them become responsible, learn leadership and social skills. They will learn through the Spirit what Heavenly Father wants them to do and be. Personal Progress is about developing Christ-like attributes. Parents have opportunity to work with daughters as they work on goals together. When they use their intelligence to achieve these goals, they are destined to be successful. We must make sure that they are learning the gospel. One Bishop took it upon himself to also complete personal progress goals and have the girls sign off his achievements.
Instead of focusing on what is not right with our youth, we need to focus on what they are doing right and the good people that they are.
President Andrews
He used to play soccer as last defender. He liked last minute saves, but his coach didn’t. If the offensive is behind the defender, he is off-sides. As the last defender, you should crowd them up to the mid-line as long as possible. Pre-emptive action and safety.
As a father protecting a family from the world and from Satan, that message is clear. Never let him get close, and never let him get dangerous.
Elder Bednar—More Diligent and Concerned at Home; Watching with all Perserverance
Steli—Scriptures testify, express love, and invite.
2 Nephi 32:3—Angels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost…feast upon the words Christ.
Talk about the scriptures and the Book of Mormon.
Ask good questions. Inspired pauses give birth to revelation.
Testify spontaneously. Point out our children’s good qualities when we recognize the good things they are doing. Frequent spontaneous testimonies can be more powerful than once a month at the pulpit.
Express love. Moroni 7:48: Pray with all energy of heart that you may be filled with Charity. He bestows this on all who are true followers of His Son, Jesus Christ. That we may become the sons of God.
Be specific in your compliments. I appreciate…..(this about you). This builds love, builds Zion. Practice sincere compliments frequently. Express confidence that others can and others will do great things in their lives. Invite them to do great things. Let us do those things that strengthen home and family, church, etc.

Sister Godwin

They are surrounded every day by angels that testify of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the miracle is not just with investigators, but with the missionaries themselves.
As parents and grandparents, we need to be teaching our children. Take the gift of the gospel seriously. “I am a Child of God.” We can help them most by teaching them the doctrine of Christ. 2 Nephi 31: 2-21. This is the missionary purpose in inviting others to come unto Christ. Teach it 7 times, 7 ways.

President Godwin

The thing which distinguishes this church as His church are Priesthood keys. President Garvin holds those keys for the members of the stake and for the missionary work in this stake.
Mission president and wife are here to assist us in our missionary work.
D&C 123:12: Some kept from the truth because they don’t know where to find it.
Use pass-a-long cards. A missionary who gave a pass-a-long card was asked, “Do you have anything else to read.” The man finished reading the Book of Mormon in a week, except for a couple chapters. He was baptized a couple weeks later.
Create a profile on Mormon.org. You can put your url on pass-a-long cards. Share your testimony in private and comfortable ways, and in bold ways.
Testimony.

President Garvin

Story of remodeling awful bathroom in small trailer home. “Measure twice, cut once.”
“Well, do you feel better there.”
1. Measure once, cut twice.
2. Some mistakes are not eternal.
3. A
Tender mercies—scriptures. (700 favorite verses)
Symmetry in scriptures. Mark 15:28. Isaiah 9: Unto us a Child is born. Luke: He shall be great; the Son of the Highest. “Peace I leave with you…” D&C 121:7 “Peace be unto thy soul…”
The greatest revelation that we can ever receive is a testimony of the Savior.
Story of a man who represented Jesus for an artist. They traveled to Africa and brought hope to children in an orphanage there. A missionary gave Miner a blessing. He realized that the words of the blessing came from His Heavenly Father. Modeling as the Savior gave him a new lease on life. “He knows me and loves me. This Jesus guy is really important to a lot of people. I just happen to be one of those people.”
1 Nephi 17: 45 Feeling is higher than hearing.
Negative and positive commandments. “Thou shalt not.” “Thou shalt.” Commandment to repent. Remember. (One word commandments that are repeated the most often.)
Moroni 10:3-5
Precursor to knowing all things is remembering.
1 Nephi 11: Knowest thou the condescension of God? He beheld the Redeemer of the Lord, teaching, and condemned. Lifted upon the cross and slain for the sins of the world. Remembering Jesus as our Savior will help us gain the things we need to know and do.
President Garvin starts and ends every day with the Book of Mormon.
If we will live this counsel, we will be protected in our families, have the Spirit in our lives,,,,