Thoughts on Primary Program Songs 2011

Thoughts inspired by Primary Program Songs:
“If I Listen with My Heart”
Jesus loves me just as much as the children he blessed when He was living here on earth.
Jesus loves me just as much as the children that He blessed during His visit to the Nephites.
Jesus blesses me with His love every day! I can read His words in the scriptures and feel a testimony that they are true. This brings me comfort and peace.
I can follow the counsel of my parents and church leaders and, especially, the prophet. When I do this, I know Jesus is pleased.
Jesus speaks to me through the Holy Ghost, and I can feel His love for me every day. I am never alone. Jesus will always love me, and He will always help me.
“I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.”

What can I do to be like Jesus?
I can learn about Jesus by reading in the New Testament and the Book of Mormon.
Jesus was kind to everyone; even to the people who were mean to Him.
I can be like Jesus by obeying my parents and being nice to my brothers and sisters.
I can be like Jesus be listening when the Spirit tells me to do something kind, and then do it.

What nice things can I do for my family?
What nice things can I do for my neighbors and my friends at school?
“Stand for the Right”
We can learn what Heavenly Father wants us to do by reading the words of the prophets and by listening to what they say.
Many prophets’ words are recorded in the scriptures. That’s a great blessing. If we listen to the Holy Ghost and follow these teachings, we will be happy.
We are even more blessed to have a prophet on the earth today: President Thomas S. Monson. We can listen to the words he has for us at general conference twice a year. We can also listen to the words of the Apostles. We can gain inspiration and direction that will help us currently, in the world today.
We can read their messages in The Friend and other church magazines each month.
President Wilford Woodruff said:
The Lord will never permit me or any other man who stands as President of this Church to lead you astray. It is not in the programme. It is not in the mind of God. If I were to attempt that, the Lord would remove me out of my place, and so He will any other man who attempts to lead the children of men astray from the oracles of God and from their duty. (Concerning the Manifesto, Doctrine and Covenants, Official Declaration 1)
If I follow the prophet, then I will be on solid ground, and I will stay on the path that leads me back to Heavenly Father and Jesus.
How can I get on the right path?
“The Fourth Article of Faith”
We learn in the Book of Mormon what the Doctrine of Christ means. It is also found in “The Fourth Article of Faith.” (Recite it.)
Nephi asked us if that’s all we need to do. Then he answered, No, we must continue to keep the commandments every day of our lives.
2 Nephi 31: 20
Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a love of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.
“I Will Follow God’s Plan for Me”
I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth. He wanted me to come to earth to receive a mortal body and to learn to be obedient.
He planned for me to be born to a family with parents who would believe in His Son Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father wants me to be happy. He knows that I can be happy if I follow his plan for me:
I must believe in Heavenly Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and I must seek to have the Holy Ghost as my companion; I need to repent when I do things that are wrong; I need to be baptized and then partake of the sacrament worthily each week.
I need to be a loving family member and a good neighbor; I need to be honest and school and at work.
I need to do my best to keep the commandments.
I need to do my best at school and get a good education.
If I trust in Heavenly Father and seek His help every day through prayer and scripture study and through service, I know that I will be happy while I live my life on earth. And then some day, I will return to live with Heavenly Father.


“The Lord Gave Me a Temple”
The Apostle Paul taught us that our bodies are temples and that we must keep them clean.
Jesus revealed Doctrine and Covenants Section 89 to Joseph Smith. This Word of Wisdom tells us how to care for our bodies so that we can stay healthy.
I will eat healthful foods and get the rest and exercise that I should. I will also drink water.
I will stay away from anything that can be addictive or cause me harm.
President Gordon B. Hinckley told us that we should not tattoo our bodies. Some people already have tattoos before they join the church or understand that they should not. That’s okay. Jesus loves everyone. But because the prophet told us not to tattoo our bodies, we need to follow that commandment, and we will be blessed for our obedience.
We also need to keep our minds and our spirits clean and pure.
How can I keep my mind and spirit clean and pure?
I can choose to listen to good music.
I can turn off the television when there is something on that makes me feel uncomfortable and I know that the Holy Ghost doesn’t want me to watch.
I can read good books.
I can read The Friend and learn about other children who are trying to do what is right just like I am.
I can read or listen to the scriptures on my own, and I can read the scriptures with my family.
I can sing a primary song or a hymn when I want to chase an unwanted thought away. That’s what President Packer does.
I know that pornography is dangerous. If one of my friends wants to show me something inappropriate, I will say no, and I will let my parents know right away.
As I take care of my own temple, my body, I will prepare to enter The Holy Temple. I need be clean both inside and out, so that I can.
“I Love to See the Temple”
The temple is a beautiful building. We are blessed to have the Redlands Temple so close to home. It’s spires point high into the air, reminding us to look upward and seek inspiration from our Heavenly Father.
My parents go to the temple so that they can be better parents. They go there to feel the Spirit and to seek answers to their prayers.
My parents were married in the temple (or are preparing to be sealed in the temple) so that we can be a forever family.
When I go with my family to the temple grounds, I feel peace, and I feel Heavenly Father’s love for me. It is a special and sacred place.
I am preparing now to go to the temple someday.
I’ll be baptized when I am 8 years old, and then if I live the commandments, I can go to the temple when I am 12 years old to receive baptism for other people who are no longer on earth.
I will receive my endowment before I go on my mission. An endowment includes many gifts from Heavenly Father than will endow me with power from on high. This will help me to be a better missionary and, someday, a better husband and father.
I will receive my endowment either before I go on a mission or before I get married. I want to be married in the temple, so I can gain the promises of the temple sealing. When I kneel at the altar with my husband, I know that Heavenly Father and Jesus will be pleased that I followed their plan for me and I was true to my goals.
I know that the temple is a blessing to our family. No matter what else happens in this life, if we are faithful, we can be together forever.
“I Hope They Call Me on a Mission”
Every since Joseph Smith helped to restore the true Church of Jesus Christ, there have been missionaries here on earth who teach the gospel and administer the ordinances to those ready to receive it. Samuel Smith, Joseph’s brother was the first member to be called on a mission.
My family would not be members of the church if it weren’t for the missionaries who taught________________.
President Spencer W. Kimball said that every member should be a missionary. I can be a missionary now by being a good example to my friends and be inviting them to Primary, (to Church, to Cub Scouts, or to Achievement Days.)
I am preparing to be a full-time missionary someday by saying my personal prayers every morning and every night.
I am preparing by helping my family have Family Home Evening. Sometimes we even read from Preach My Gospel.
I am preparing by memorizing The Articles of Faith.
I love the gospel, and I know that the Church is true. I want the rest of Heavenly Father’s children to know this, too. That is why I am preparing to be a missionary today.
I know that to be a good missionary, I need to find out for myself if the Book of Mormon is true and if Joseph Smith was truly God’s prophet. I need to know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and that my Heavenly Father loves me. I am so thankful that we can all know these things by the power of the Holy Ghost.
Moroni 10:3-5
Behold, I would exhort you that when ye shall read these things, if it be wisdom in God that ye should read them, that ye would remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things, and ponder it in your hearts.
And when ye shall receive these things, I would exhort you that ye would ask God, the Eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not true; and if ye shall ask with a sincere heart, with real intent, having faith in Christ, he will manifest the truth of it unto you, by the power of the Holy Ghost.
And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things.

I am thankful that Joseph Smith was true to his assignment from Heavenly Father.

“Praise to the Man”

How was Joseph Smith a Hero? Joseph Smith was true to his testimony and safe-guarded the Church so that I can have the restored gospel in my life. He sealed his testimony with his own blood.

Joseph Smith was a prophet. He spoke to Heavenly Father and Jesus in the Sacred Grove.

Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon by the power of God.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by John the Baptist.

Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery were ordained to the Melchizedek Priesthood by the Apostles Peter, James, and John.

The Keys of the Priesthood were given to Joseph Smith to govern the affairs of Heavenly Father’s kingdom here on earth during this dispensation.

Joseph Smith was true to the Heavenly Father’s plan for him. He will receive eternal glory with all the other true prophets of God.
No matter how many people mock Joseph Smith and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am thankful for God’s prophet and his part in restoring the truth in our day.
I know that his testimony is true through the power of the Holy Ghost.
I also will be true to Heavenly Father’s plan for me.

Life is Good

My declaration: I do believe in a Deity. I believe in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I believe in the Supreme Creator of the universe. I believe in the Father of our spirits. I believe in the Giver of all good gifts, including life itself. "We believe in God the Eternal Father, and in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost." (Joseph Smith, see Articles of Faith)

I believe in the power of creation. I belief that God has given us life and agency and, along with that, the ability to redefine ourselves and recreate who we are from day to day by the choices we make, the things we think (including the books we read or the blogs we write), and the deeds we do. Hence, when we feel to proclaim, "Life is good," it can very well be because we feel good about our choices and the direction we are headed.

But I affirm that "life" itself is good. The length of life or the quality of life, according to worldly standards of health, doesn't matter. Life is good! I believe that is because God is good, and whatsoever comes from God is good. (See James 1:17-18)

I feel to exclaim that life is and was good for my infant son who just lived 2 1/2 hours. I know that he was grateful to receive a mortal body, that his spirit lives on, and that he will take up his physical body again in the resurrection. This faith I have because I believe in the resurrection of Christ. Indeed, life is good. Our Father who has granted us earthly life, immortality, and the possibility of eternal life is good.

I am glad for the knowledge that I have of a pre-earth life, this earthly life, and life beyond death. Life is a miracle; in all of its stages, it remains a miracle. It is not something that mortal man can copy. But as children of God, we have the seeds of deity right within us, and He has permitted us to have the power of procreation wherein we can help provide His spirit children with physical bodies. Life and the power to perpetuate life is truly a gift.

For all the dear family members that I have said good-bye to for a time, I do believe and I must believe I will see you again! I feel it in my heart, and the Spirit testifies to my spirit that it is so. I feel the warmth of the testimony coursing through my veins. Both you and this testimony are an essential part of who I am. I know that Ed’s life is not snuffed out; nor is Robby’s; nor is my dear sister Kathy’s. Life is good; they are good; and they continue in God who is not only good, but great.

Tears flow freely as a think about my recently departed sister. She indeed had a testimony that life is good. I never once saw her bitter. Her circumstances or the quality of her life did not affect her testimony that life is good. Not once did she want people to feel sorry for her or pity her. She loved life; she loved her family and friends; and she was the best example of creating an atmosphere of happiness and faith no matter what. She even went so far as to say her cancer was kind. Why? Because it gave her time to concentrate on all the things that matter most and to have a couple more years to really enjoy her family, friends, and this beautiful world that we live in. Also, because she knew that cancer was not going to really bring an end to her life, but that life would and does continue for her. She believes in the resurrection as do I. I hope that I can face the challenges of life as well as she did with this motto: “Come what may and love it.” (Joseph B. Worthlin, see Article from October 2008 Conference)

I am so thankful to have the gift of life. I know that God who is the Creator gave me life. I know that I do not have the power to even maintain life on my own, but that He is the one who sustains me from day to day by giving me breath and nourishment through this beautiful earth on which we live. (See Mosiah 2:20-22, word from King Benjamin.)

So whether my individual days are good days or bad days, I do proclaim that life is good. We do experience joys and sorrows, and often there is sorrow mixed in with our joys. But even in the midst of sorrows, I feel my Savior’s love, and I still do proclaim, “Life is good.” I find that the sorrows help me to remember Him and to value life more. And when everything seems to be going along perfectly, I hope that I will do better at stopping to be thankful to Him and to those who have enriched my life and blessed me to be able to enjoy all the wonderful things I enjoy. I acknowledge that I am nothing of myself. But because God has chosen me to be His daughter, and because I have loving earthly parents, loving family, and friends, I have been nurtured in the good things of life and my possibilities for progression are endless. This gift is from my Father who is Eternal and whose gifts are Endless.

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General Conference Notes: Sunday Afternoon 3 April 2011

General Conference: Sunday Afternoon 3 April 2011

181^st annual general conference; fifth session.

That we might receive an additional portion of charity and love to serve those around us. (Opening prayer)

Elder Scott

16 July 1953 his anniversary with Jeanene. As he continues to live worthily, he will be able to live with his wife and children forever. His wife and two children are beyond the veil. They are a reminder to live righteously.

Two pillars: marriage and the family. Satan wants to split the family and end temple marriages.

His wife wanted him to go play with the children rather than to fix the washing machine. “Go play with the children.” Next morning, two little arms around his neck, a kiss on the cheek and the words, “Dad, I love you. You are my best friend.” Don’t waste your time in unworthy pursuits. Get on with your life. If you want to have a wonderful life, you need to have her see you as a wonderful perspective husband.

Are you faithful to your spouse mentally as well as physically? Brethren, do you lead out in family activities? You need to tell your wife often that you love her. Express gratitude for what your spouse does for you. Don’t withhold natural expressions of love. It works better if you hold her close while you tell her. Send precious notes to your spouse. She not only kept my notes to her, she protected them with plastic covers. As husband and wife do not argue in your homes. Love unselfishly. As a mother you have been given divine instinct to help you sense you child’s divine needs. Times of happiness, testing and trial. “I will always remember holding him in my arms in the middle of the night.” He didn’t know that he would pass away in a few months. They knew that they would have him again because of temple covenants. (Jeanene came to me in the chapel that my parents attend after Robby died. She said, Oh Heidi, I can’t wait to tell you about the blessings that you are going to receive.) All things are possible to the Lord, and He keeps the promises that are proclaimed by His prophets. (Elder Scott pronounced the blessing that Cathy that she would marry and have children.)

Elder Christofferson

“I would that you be perfect as I or your Heavenly Father is perfect.” God’s purpose is that we can experience ultimate joy, to be with Him eternally and become as He is.

Practice and attitude we need to adopt: willingly accept and seek correction

Repentance is a necessary condition for forgiveness. Fruit—repentance leading to righteousness. It can refine us and prepare us for greater experiences. “He that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.” We shouldn’t resent the very things that help us put on the divine nature.

“I am the gardener here; I know what I want you to do.” “Thank you Mr. Gardener for cutting me down, for preparing me to be what you wanted me to be.” (Hugh B. Brown)

Chastening may come in many forms. Correction can come through others. “Look into people’s eyes when you speak to them.” (Jeanene Scott)

Elder Pratt

Righteous grandparents that taught their children in the home long before Family Home Evening was instituted. (John and Ida Whetten) Ida suggested that they give the money to the Bishop to cover their tithing. A wealthy business man, Mr. Horde, came from the US. John worked with him and dispersed the money to the workers. There was money left over not expected. Mr. Horde gave it to John for his boys. The bag held the exactly 100 pesos in silver, the same that he’d given to the Bishop. The Lord remembers his promises to those who pay their tithing. When we obey commandments, we are blessed.

1. Payment of tithing was not related to cash income. They felt indebted to the Lord for their blessings. We are all indebted to the Lord. Let us not be accused of robbing the Lord. Paying tithing will help us be honest to our fellow man.

2. Payment of tithing cannot be related to how much we have or have not. It should come from the firstlings and first fruits of our income. Tithing is a matter of faith. Show faith by paying tithing. Do it first. Be an example to our children.

3. If we pay our tithing with money, it does not mean that we will be blessed with money. We will not lack for the necessities of life, but He does not promise us wealth. We will have wisdom to live with 90% of our income than with 100%. The Lord’s richest blessings are spiritual: family, friends, and the gospel. Spiritual sensitivity for rearing our children. The payment of tithing is an excellent insurance against divorce. Tithe paying fosters in us a gentle and forgiving heart.

The Lord will open the windows of heaven and pour out His richest blessings as we pay our tithing.

Elder Robbins

What manner of man or woman ought ye to be? To be or not to be is a very good question. Faith inspires one to pray, and prayer inspires ones faith.

To do lists versus to be lists. A to be list cannot be a check off list. Christ-like be s are what we are trying to develop in ourselves and in our children. Consider the more challenging child a blessing that helps you to become more Godlike. Could it be possible that you need this child as much as he needs you? Our children are God’s children. Disappointing behavior should be something that is considered not permanent. Focus primary praise on children’s efforts and attributes. “Be the kind of parents to our children that our Father in Heaven is to us.”

Elder De Hoyos

Be no more strangers and foreigners.

Why does are church have such a long name? It was not chosen by man, but given by the Lord. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It makes reference to the Lord and to the members of the church. The members of the early church also called each other saints. As we live the gospel and follow the prophet, we will become sanctified; we will become saints.

Elder Grow

His 51 year old brother died in his sleep.

We assess the gift of the Atonement through repentance. If we repent, we will confess and forsake our sins. His brother had done so. Our Savior offers redemption to all. Seek relief; repent and forsake your sins; in prayer, ask God to forgive you; go to the Bishop if necessary; he is the Lord’s messenger of mercy.

Elder Holland

President Brigham Young had a dream in Nauvoo. He saw an angel pointing to the west in the SL Valley. Ensign Peak. “The mountain of the Lord’s house…” (Isaiah 2) They made a flag with a walking stick and a yellow bandana. “Zion’s standard is unfurled.” Dual meaning is intentional.

Reflect on the messages that you have heard here and on the unique phenomenon that General Conference is. “We testify that God lives, and He speaks.” Talks are not assigned. Each person prayed and fasted to know what the Lord with have him say.

President Brigham Young saw an angel standing over this place. Elder Holland sees angels standing in it. The brethren who serve in the church, he sees as angels.

Consider the variety of the messages you here. They are speaking to those who know us very well and those who know us not at all, the young and the old, married and single. Declare liberty to the captives and something else. The gospel is to comfort the afflicted and to afflict the comfortable. J In the matter of discipleship, the church is not a fast food outlet. We cannot always have it our way…Salvation can only come His way.

If you continue to hold family night despite the bedlam in a house of little bedlamites, you will be blessed. If you come to conference with the Spirit, you will hear a testimony just for you. In one way or another, God will have his voice heard.

President Monson is the senior apostle and the prophet of the church. His life is not easy. He was called to be an apostle at 36; his children were 12, 9, and 4. His wife and children have given their lives to his service for more than 50 years. He is irrepressibly cheerful through it all. He possesses remarkable faith and unusual stamina.

President Monson

His heart is full at the close of this conference. We’ve felt the Spirit of the Lord in rich abundance. Gratitude to those who’ve participated. Please read and study the Conference Ensign.

We look forward to working with them (newly called) in the cause of the Master. Reach out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own.

The Lord lives again! The lined lies there white and clean, and the tomb is empty.

General Conference Notes: Sunday Morning 3 April 2011

General Conference: Sunday Morning 3 April 2011

Saul was so hostile in pursuing the saints and destroying the church until he was visited by the Lord on the road to Damascus. This event changed Saul forever; indeed it changed the world.

Some hesitate to receive the blessings of the gospel. Those who seek to learn about Christ will eventually come to know Him. Usually comes in the form of a puzzle, one piece at a time. Each piece helps us to see the big picture one piece at a time. The Savior will come to be with us quietly. Our Father in Heaven loves His children. Often He speaks to us in ways that we can only hear with our hearts. Turn down the worldly noise in our lives. Hearken to the promptings of the Spirit. Be eager to heed them.

“Suffer the little children to come unto me…for such is the kingdom of God.”

Let us be among those that the Lord can rely on to hear his whisperings and respond.

We must study it out in our minds first, then we can seek the Lord’s inspiration. If we are thinking only of ourselves, we may miss some powerful revelations. “It is usually through another person that He meets our needs. Therefore it is vital that we watch over each other.” Selfish acts of service and consecration refines our spirits. The Lord expects the members of His church to open their mouths. Some would rather pull a handcart across the valley than open their mouths. We have a glad message; we have a message of joy. We can make our conversations more faith centered. Share things that are inspirational, uplifting, or humorous. Sharing the good news of the gospel is easier and the effects more far reaching than ever before. Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can stir emotion that will affect lives for eternity. If we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why. Preach the gospel at all times, and, if necessary, use words. Accept your road to Damascus and now move on! Move forward in faith, hope, and charity.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is on course; we have a living prophet.

Elder Johnson

Earth life includes test, trials, and temptations. Afflictions are part of our mortal experience. Trial of our faith, to see if we will do all that the Lord has commanded. These trials are not just to test us. They are the process of putting on the divine nature; they can be consecrated to our gain. It is through sorrow and suffering, trials and temptation that we gain the experience and knowledge that we came here to get. We will not be the same; we will be better; we will be awesome. Personal growth is the attended outcome of opposition. The furnace of affliction is meant for even the very better of saints.

The darkest and most dangerous attempts often bring the greatest of blessings. Nephi dealt with many trials with his brothers before receiving brass plates. Joseph Smith was about to sink into despair before the First Vision took place.

His mother had an extreme illness at 19. She studied the gospel and became converted. Many times a particular challenge helps prepare us for future blessings. Paul suffered many afflictions. Compared to our blessings and growth, our afflictions truly are light.

The Lord’s suffering was a prerequisite to His resurrection on Easter morning and to our future resurrection. We should not seek to escape the very things that will help us put on our divine nature.

Purifying process and testing will be in the Lord’s time and in the Lord’s way. (Elder Hales)

Whosoever puts their trust in God shall be supported in their trials…

“Well done, thou God and faithful servant.” “Who shall separate us from the love of God…in all these things we are conquerors through Him that loves us.” (Paul)

Bishop Burton

“Will this buy me any bread?” I had a deeper revelation that the Church of Christ is interested in the temporal salvation of man. Those in need of temporal help must have their needs met before they may be ready to receive the gospel.

President Grant wanted a system that would reach out to people no matter what the cost. He was willing to do this at the cost of closing seminaries and temples. He did not want to let the people go hungry. “We will not let you go hungry, without clothing, or without shelter.” Emphasis on personal responsibility and self-reliance. Other well-meaning programs are short sighted. They may help people without helping people learn how to help themselves. Each generation is required to learn anew the principles of self-reliance. The commission to help those in need goes far beyond the bounds of mortality. Through caring for others, we learn the celestial principles of sacrifice and consecration. These things help us retain a remission of our sins and to walk humbly before God.

We are under condemnation and cannot please the Lord if we are not willing to serve those in need of our help. Fly to the relief of a stranger…make the widows heart to rejoice, etc. We must love and care for our neighbors.

Willie Handcart Company. Snow deep and very cold. So cold that we could not move…people could not travel. Despite all that the rescuers could do, many were left by the wayside. Man gave his coat to wrap a cold baby in. Robert Burton was called as the presiding bishop of the church. “Be kind to the poor.” Feed the hungry; clothe the naked; visit the sick; release the captive. 75 years ago the welfare system rose from humble beginnings. The principles of the welfare program defines who we are as a people. The work of caring for one another and caring for the poor is a sanctifying work. “Go and do thou likewise.”

Sister Alred

Be of one heart and of one mind. Two great commandments: love the Lord and your neighbor as thyself. The essence of discipleship is to love one another. Help members become self-reliant, to care for the poor and needy, one more thing.

RS has always been at the heart of welfare. Exercising of all benevolent purposes. This society might provoke the brethren to good works. Strengthen the virtues of the community.

Inspired home teachers and visiting teachers are so needed. They are often the first response to immediate needs. Our combined efforts bring relief. Contribute to Lord’s storehouse through the payment of fast offerings. Self-reliance is the ability to supply temporal and spiritual necessities for self and family. Go about doing good. Story of the widow’s mite.

Who could I fulfill my calling when I was struggling with just being a wife and mother? Follow promptings of Holy Ghost and being willing to serve; you will help others in their responsibilities and help them fulfill their callings.

Elder Bednar

“Have I done any Good?”

Experiences with light

First: entering dark room and switching on a light. Immediate and intense recognition of light. Direct and in full.

Second: watching night turning to morning. Gradually and steadily the intensity of light increased. Line upon line, precept upon precept.

The Spirit of Revelation and Basic

Communication from God to His children on earth through companionship of Holy Ghost. Spirit of Revelation is available to every person who is baptized and confirmed and is acting in faith to be able to receive the Holy Ghost. Available to all of age, accountability, and desire.

Asked in faith, believing that they would receive.

Thoughts and feelings come into our hearts and minds through the power of the Holy Ghost. This is the spirit of revelation. Apply unto it.

Shun inappropriate material. Reject the devil’s enticements, and apply unto the spirit of revelation.

Restored church revelation did not come to Joseph Smith all at once, but line upon line as he was ready to receive it.

Do not overlook the customary pattern through which the Holy Ghost does His work. You do not need to receive frequent, miraculous, or constant impressions. Press forward, be obedient, have faith in the Savior. As you do so, you cannot go amiss.

We often receive revelation without recognize how or when we are receiving revelation. Pay attention. Oliver Cowdery received a revelation informing him that he had received revelation. Honor covenants and keep the commandments, do good and strive to become better; God will guide our steps and inspire our utterances. Our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God.

President Monson

57^th anniversary of inspired welfare program. The welfare program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is inspired of Almighty God.

Temples: 26 temples in construction or in pre-construction stages. Make the temple as accessible as possible. Temples bring joy to our members wherever they are built.

Temples are more that stone and mortar; they are built of faith and fasting…Sanctified with sacrifice and service.

The saints were forced to leave Ohio and their beloved temple. In Nauvoo Illinois they built another temple, and then when driven from their homes again. The SL Temple took 40 years to build.

Why are so many willing to give so much to receive the blessings of the temple? No sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult to receive those blessings.

My brothers and sisters, the work is ours to do. Your sacrifice may be bringing your life into compliance so that you can qualify. Until you’ve been to the House of the Lord and received the ordinances there, you have not received all that the Church has to offer. Do nothing that will prevent you to enter the temple’s doors.

“It would be a fine thing if parents would have in every bedroom of their house a picture of the temple.” (President McKay) Teach your children of the temple’s importance. In this sacred sanctuary we will find peace; we will be renewed; one more thing.

Rome, Italy. The Rome temple uniquely is being built in one of the most historical locations in the world. Apostles preached there and were martyred. As the Spirit of God was sung, heaven and earth were joined. Each of our temples is a testimony that life beyond the grave is as real as life is here. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice that we might all have eternal life and exaltation in our Father’s kingdom.

General Conference Notes: Saturday Afternoon 2 April 2011

General Conference: Saturday Afternoon 2 April 2011

Sustaining and statistics.

President Packer

Why do the people murmur because of this thing?…you shall call the church in my name. “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” We should refer to ourselves by the revealed name. The use of our church’s name is important as we seek to spread Christianity throughout the world.

The Priesthood was restored to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by John the Baptist, and Peter, James, and John. Today “every man may speak by the power of God.” We believe in prophesy, revelation, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost. The Lord revealed the Word of Wisdom long before the effects of the use of these substances were known. The Lord also said that the use of the procreative power is to only be used between a man and his wife. Everything else is sin. The Great Plan of Happiness is centered on family life with marriage as an equal partnership.

“John, leave it alone. Nothing you can do will bring her back, and anything that you do will only make it worse.”

Condemn not the things of God, so that you can be found spotless at the judgment seat of Christ. Be in the world but not of the world.

Elder Nelson

His 18 month old wanted to get close to the TV to see his grandpa. One day he’ll serve a mission, get married, be a father. One day, he will have to say good bye to his parents. The only death that is truly pre-mature is when the one is not prepared to meet death. We live to die, and we die to live again. Illness, injury, and accident will ever be present. We live in a time of turmoil. We have a great cause for concern, but we do not lead to let our fears take over our faith. Teach in faith to keep all the commandments of God. They are there to keep us safe and bring us joy. Do not develop a cafeteria approach to obedience. Keeping the commandments will provide physical and spiritual protection.

Unfailing faith is fortified through prayer. If we pray with an eternal perspective, we will know that the Lord does hear our prayers. Tithe payers develop faith until tithing becomes a special privilege. Tithing will keep your name enrolled with the people of God. You were reserved in heaven to be born in this day. As you walk in the path of righteousness, you will be a light and a savior to His people. “The power and authority of this priesthood holds the keys to all the spiritual blessings of this church.” “I the Lord would fight their battles, and their children’s battles, and their children’s children down to the third and fourth generation.” “Fear not, be of good church; the future is as bright as your faith.” (President Monson)

Elder Maynes

Many who have been interested in learning of our church are interested in our doctrine of the family: that families can be together forever. Paul taught that Heavenly Father is the Father of our spirits. “I am a Child of God.” The same sociality that exists between us here, will exist there, only coupled with eternal weight of glory. (Joseph Smith)

Selfishness, greed, and poverty seek to destroy the plan. Satan wants to thwart our happiness by destroying family. We need to hold family home evening, family prayers, scripture time, and family meals. There is great power and protection for us and our youth in establishing celestial traditions in our homes. We understand and believe in the eternal nature of the family. This understanding and believe should cause us to do everything in our power to have a Christ-centered home.

Elder Samuelson

“Who is entitled to have a testimony?” Everyone who is willing to pay the price or keep the commandments may have a testimony.
“Who does one obtain the necessary information?” When you receive these things, ask God. (Read, pondered, prayed, committed to follow answer to the prayer) By the power of Holy Ghost you may know the truth.
A testimony needs constant nourishment.
Everyone has worth because we are all children of God. Trust in Him.
A change of heart often occurs gradually.
A fundamental purpose of life is to grow and stretch.
Trust in things we believe and know.
Teaching others strengthens our own testimonies.
Do little but necessary things: prayer, gospel study, church and temple worship.
Don’t have higher standards for others than we do for ourselves.
Don’t be too hard on yourselves when you make a mistake.
We gain testimonies because of what we do.

Elder Oaks

The importance of desire. What do I really desire? What is my most important desire? Desires develop our character.

1. Food
We need food.

2. Shelter

3. Sleep

We can avert these desires by stronger desires. Our ultimate desire should be to be born of God and have eternal life. “What shall I do that I may be born of God and have eternal life…I will give away all my sins to know thee and to be saved at the last day.”

Property, prominence, pride, and power—worldly quartet.

Elder Ballard

You are so busy looking for large nuggets, that you are missing the little flecks of gold, which bring great wealth.

Flecks of gospel gold that will lead us to eternal life.

Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, soul, and mind. Love thy neighbor as thyself. When we love our Heavenly Father and Jesus, then we are able to love our neighbors and serve them.

1. Charity begins at home
Practice the golden rule. Teach our family members to have love for each other.

2. Our wards and branches should be a place where we practice the golden rule.
Create unity. Where charity exists, there is no place for gossip or unkind words. Through love an service we can help our brothers and sisters, one by one, come back.

3. We can serve in our communities.
Reach out to those who have need of our help. Kindness is a measure of greatness.

4. Missionary service.

We should seek to develop the gift of Charity, the pure love of Christ.