10-6-12 Saturday Morning Session of General Conference

10-6-12 Saturday Morning Session of General Conference

President Monson:

I am so glad that YM can go on missions at 18. YW may go at age 19. This is fantastic. Bob and I need to plan to serve as soon as we are financially able.

I think that it will truly broaden and strengthen the missionary service of the church. I also think that it will help young people focus on what is truly important, and they will do better in their schooling, their vocations, and, most importantly, as couples and parents.

Elder Cook:

1^st 19-year-old called to his mission was Jeffrey R. Holland. In the early 60s, the men’s age changed from 20 to 19. Earlier it was 21.

“The spiritual immune system of an entire nation has been wounded.” Immersion in the scriptures is essential for spiritual nourishment. Everything that limits commitment is of consequence. Violence in the family is often what limits our commitment. The foundation of kindness and stability begins in our homes. The need for kindness has never been greater.

Word of wisdom can have detrimental effects, but pornography and immorality can even do more harm. Parents, teach your children to live moral lives and to walk uprightly before the Lord. Your children need to know that you have faith in the Savior, love your Heavenly Father, and sustain the leaders of the church. Through repentance you can acquire all the blessings of heaven. Some people think that their immorality will be excused if they are kind, loving people. Such thinking is a moral deception. As our youth follow President Monson’s counsel to serve missions….

It is never too late to make the Savior’s guidance as the center of our lives.

Sister Dibb:

I see a difference in you, and I wish that every YW could have your courage and confidence. How did this YW from Colorado gain such confidence? I'm a Mormon: I know it; I live it; I love it. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation. Knowledge is the power of God unto salvation. Pay attention to increasing your gospel knowledge, so you know how to apply gospel principles to your life. Be doers of the word and not hears only. Exercise faith, be obedient, love others, and follow the Savior’s example. Stand as His example everywhere.

Someone recognized the truth of the church, because it taught modesty and standards. “Not my will, but Thine be done.” When we do this, our joyful, loving feelings can be restored.

Elder Christensen

When they took their children to a temple open house, they helped to prepare them before the visit, and prayed diligently that they would have a spiritual experience. His 6-year-old felt the Spirit so strongly. What was most impressive to Ben, was not what he saw, but what he felt.

The Holy Ghost is the agent through which personal revelation is received. He is the Comforter. He can lift our spirits, give us hope, and help us understand the peaceable things of the kingdom. He is a teacher and a revelator. He enlightens our minds and quickens our understandings. He can cause a mighty change in our hearts. When we heed a prompting, the Holy Ghost will lift and sustain us, and others prayers can be answered through us. It doesn’t matter that I didn’t know you were here; what matters is that Heavenly Father knew you were here, and that you prayed for a blessing, and I was led to come to you as well. “I had a feeling…” the spirit of revelation. By the power of the Holy Ghost, we may know the truth of all things.

We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet

Elder Bowen:

Moroni 8—Little children need no baptism. Little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world. A mother who lost her infant son recognized the truth of this scripture and knew by the power of the Holy Ghost that her son was well. She and her other children were baptized. They lost their little son, Tyson. (Third son, sixth child) The baby swallowed chalk at 8-months-old. Their son did not make it. He had a celestial glow around his little body. He was so pure and so radiant. Dean L Larsen, “I don’t think the Lord would want you to punish yourself for the death of your little boy.” Self-pity is very debilitating. Through very personal and sacred experiences, the Lord gave me a new heart. I could look forward with hope, rather than backward with despair. We can continue with good cheer. Wouldn’t it be tragic if we didn’t feel sorrow when we lose a child? How grateful we are that Heavenly Father allows us to love deeply. Because he lives, they and we shall live also, and we will have a fullness of joy.

I knew that I would feel sadness in February when our son Robby would have turned 19; I didn't know that I'd have that experience today instead. Even though our son can't put in his missionary papers here on earth right now, he has been on a mission in the Spirit World for over 18 years. We have continued to live happy and spiritually rich lives, but I look forward to the fullness of joy that Elder Bowen spoke to us about.

I realized the excitement Robby would have felt if he were sitting here watching conference with us. I could picture his joy and all of us sharing in that. Even though he is not here, I truly am excited about this news and the spiritual impact it will have on the overall missionary service in the church. It will truly broaden and strengthen our missionary force. And it will help so many more young people be prepared to be better members: better students, better workers, better couples, and better parents. This church growth will be phenomenal.

Elder Nelson

More of our youth may enjoy the blessings of a mission. Every worthy, able YM should prepare to serve a mission. For YW a mission is a welcome option, but not a responsibility. Many retired couples are also needed.

The spiritual nature of serving a mission will shape the destiny of the individual, his or her spouse, and their posterity for generations to come.

Mormon is a nickname, taken from the Book of Mormon. The church’s name: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Church has been restored in this day, and it is lead under the Lord’s direction. Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. This same mission has been renewed by the Lord in our day. Missionary go out blessed with the Lord's power to take the gospel everywhere. They share the good news of the gospel to all who will heed their message. They teach of Jesus Christ and His atonement. They teach of the restoration of the church through the prophet Joseph Smith.

Elder Uchtdorf:

We are all mortal and have but a few days on the earth. We are all mortal. I hope this does not come as a surprise to any of us. We remember the joys, but we also remember the regrets. The principles of the gospel can direct our lives for good, if only we apply them. Most common regret—they wished that they had spent more time with the people they loved. We need to develop a deep connection with the people that mean the most to them. We are not headed in the right direction by sharing meaningless reposts on the internet. We need to give our best personal self to those who mean the most to us. Cultivate treasured memories. We must do, and we must become what our Heavenly Father wants us to be. We need to be faithful to sacred covenants. Dedicate more time to family prayer, scripture time, and wholesome family activity. Follow the Savior and become the person we were designed to become. Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves; He will illuminate the road before us. We matter. We determine our happiness. External circumstances do not. It’s not a race; it’s a journey; enjoy the moment. Don’t focus so much on the finish line that you fail to enjoy the journey. We should pray to be close to our Heavenly Father, not to just reach Amen. This is the day that the Lord hath made; rejoice and be glad in it. We should not just be happy in retrospect. Look less with your eyes and more with your heart. Give thanks in all things.

Resolve to spend more time with those we love; become person Lord wants us to be; be happy regardless of your circumstances. Follow the Savior today. The Atonement is there for us to repent, and the Savior can wipe away our regrets. He can make us clean. We can move forward with clean hands and a pure heart. Our spirit will continue to live after we die, and we will be resurrected. The sting of death will be swallowed up in Christ. Begin to walk the eternal path today. We cannot afford to give up one single day. 

Which Way Lies Your Bigotry?

In the name of discrimination, why would a people vote a man into the presidency solely because he is black?
In the name of discrimination, why would a people refrain from voting a man into the presidency solely because he is a Mormon?

I think that people fear racial prejudice and want to pay penance for the injustices done by our forbears. But I think that to vote a man into office in the name of not being a bigot is the worst type of bigotry. In essence, to do so is voicing the opinion that this person could not be voted into office on his own merits; it is saying that the person is somehow still deemed inferior, and we owe it to him and to his race to elevate him because of earlier subjugation.

I think that people fear a religion that speaks of personal righteousness. They want to be justified for following the whims and the thinking of the day and then point to Mormons and say that they are the ones who have deviated from traditional Christianity because Mormons are holding onto the traditional Christian values as taught by the Savior and His Apostles and recorded in the New Testament. These people seek to condemn the very principles of Christianity that the Savior held most dear: fidelity in family relationships, love for our neighbors as ourselves, repentance that brings a change of heart.

While no one should vote for someone based solely on his race, and no one should vote for someone based solely on his religion, it is important to look at the merits of the candidates, at their leadership skills, and at their personal integrity and fidelity to themselves, to their families, and to their country.

To those who don't like either candidate, it becomes important to weigh your own values against theirs. Who supports your America more? To leave off voting for either, may in essence be casting your vote to the lesser of your two choices. Think about it! Weigh it out. Pray about it. We all may have some personal biases, but let us learn to be discriminatory in our own discrimination.

Note: I will always lean strongly to American values: faith, family, life, and integrity. Those values will aid me in my judgment whenever I vote for a person or a policy.

I am a Mormon

http://mormon.org/me/3W0D/

Marriage is Ordained of God

I love my family. I am thankful for a husband who loves me and tells me what a good person I am. A special thanks to my children for teaching me how to be a mom. It's taking me many years, but I'm happy with the privilege that I've been given to be yours. And even though it's taking me years, that's okay because we have the promise of Eternity.

I recently read an article somebody posted on Facebook. 

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher

Herbert and Zelmyra Fisher live in North Carolina. They have been married nearly 86 years. Zelma is 101 and Herbert is 104 (at the time of the article). For Valentine’s Day, they were willing to answer some questions about their lives together. Because of their commitment to the Lord and to each other, divorce was never an option or even a thought in their marriage. They were best friends before they married. They have done what was needed for each other and for their family. To those who are losing hope in finding a marriage partner, they said, “He/she is never too far away, so keep the faith—when you meet him, you’ll know.” The best marriage advice is to respect, support, and communicate with each other. Be faithful, honest, and true. Love each other with all of your heart. Zelmyra said that her husband is a hard worker and a good provider. He’s a good man. They looked for ways to serve each other and they celebrated each other’s successes and shared their accomplishments. They grew together. Their most important reward is their legacy of 5 children, 10 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. With their children grown, they enjoy visiting together on the porch. They have always remembered that God put them together on the same team to be winners. Marriage is not a contest. They learned to compromise and work together. 

In the beginning God created man and woman (See Genesis 1:27, Matthew 19:4-5). Because of agency, Adam and Eve were allowed to enter mortality and become our first parents. God ordained that they be married and that their union be blessed with children, even all the families of the earth. In Genesis 2:24 we read, “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” The same scripture is repeated in Matthew 19:5. Prophets today have also repeated these fundamental truths held by all former prophets in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. Because they have the spirit of revelation and the testimony of Jesus Christ, they were able to foresee the dilemma that would develop in our world over the issue of traditional, God-ordained marriage. 

Adam and Eve were good, faithful people chosen by our Heavenly Father in pre-mortality to be our first parents. Like Adam and Eve, all of their children have been given agency. Agency gives us the ability to make choices within the constructs of law to which we are all subject. Agency does not give us the ability to choose the consequences which follow our choices, nor does it give us the right to alter God ordained law.

There are those who have and will call me unkind because I believe that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. They have the sophistry of the day to support their logic. I have my testimony in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and God’s Plan of Happiness for His children. Acting superior by pretending to be magnanimous does not prove one believes in equality. True understanding must stem from having in place a deep-rooted belief system that although we are all children of God, He knows and loves us better than we do ourselves, and although He knows that obedience to His laws is what will bring us happiness, He will not personally impose discipleship. While He must certainly expect that His children also not impose obedience on each other, He most assuredly does not condone the repealing of His laws.

If the world was created, there is a Creator. If the universe is governed by law, there is a Law Giver. I believe that God is the Creator, and I believe that He is also the Law Giver. As His child and His creation, I have no power to re-create Him or to redefine His laws.

This life is a period of testing. It is a time for us to learn how to obey and to learn to walk by faith. It behooves us to do all that we can to strengthen our testimony of Jesus Christ and His gospel so that we can help others to also walk by faith. It is only through keeping the commandments that we can gain a testimony of the sacred nature of each commandment. Obedience, or faithfulness, is what produces faith. We cannot expect the faithless to understand faith without inviting them to practice the principles that lead to it. But when one truly understand the promise of the gift of Eternal Life and that it is available to all, then putting our lives in harmony with God’s laws seems like a most favorable choice. I personally am in favor of conforming my life to His will so that I can receive the promised blessings, and I also desire that my brothers and sisters be allowed this choice. We cannot pretend that it’s all right to chase fabricated rainbows for non-existent pots of gold.

Because this life is a period of testing, we all have individual trials and challenges with which we must deal. We all have our quirks; we all have our problems; we all have our temptations. While it is true that God created us initially, he did not mean for us to stay in our infant condition, nor did He create us without the ability to choose. Within us are the seeds of godhood. One of the greatest gifts we have is agency or the freedom to choose. Each day we can redefine and recreate ourselves by the choices that we make, by our thoughts and our actions. To say that we are the way we are because God made us that way seems to be more of a copout than saying the devil made me do it. But life’s challenges are difficult, and we need to be loving and kind, and forgiving of ourselves and others. We need to be patient and we need to be accepting. We need to learn to embrace our brothers and sisters without embracing the actions that we know to be wrong. If we all tried to be more loving and accepting and less judgmental and offish, the world would spin ever more nicely on its axis and follow its orbit with greater ease. To some degree, we are all recovering sinners, in need of guidance, love, and forgiveness. It would be a wonderful thing to have our chapel filled with more sinners. The Lord didn’t come to call the righteous to repentance, but the sinners (See Luke 5:31-32). Because we have agency, we can choose our own attitude each day even when our challenges seem insurmountable. The Lord is always there to help us, and His hand is stretched out still. 

Testimony of the Savior, the Plan of Salvation, and Marriage that is Ordained of God:

I know that the Savior lives and He loves me, and He loves you. He has sent His peace and His comfort to me through the power of the Holy Ghost many times. I have felt His presence with me when I have needed Him here. I know that He is with all of us when we need Him, because He atoned for each of us and He knows and loves us personally. We can take our worries and our troubles to Him (See Matthew 11:28). He will sustain us despite our sins and weaknesses. He will provide a way for our progress and our deliverance. We can and should also turn to our ecclesiastical leader so that he can offer us help and direction in our times of spiritual need. When the dark of night overtakes you, look to the source of all light, Jesus Christ. He will again carry you through to the light of day.

I know that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God. We have the choice and opportunity to follow God’s laws and to follow His prophets. I know that God is not a respecter of persons and that He loves us all. I know that there are actions, behaviors, and choices that the Lord cannot condone, nor can the Lord’s servants. This is not because He and His servants do not love God’s children, but it is because they do love us. They understand His great Plan of Happiness and they understand the far reaching power and effects of the Atonement. 

I know and understand that there are urges, temptations, and attractions with which many people struggle. Indeed, none of us is free from temptation in our lives. I also know that the Lord has promised us that if we are humble and we turn to Him that he will make weak things become strong unto us (See Ether 12:27). Of this I have a testimony. Some of us may struggle with the same problems and temptations our entire lifetime, but with good attitudes and faith in the Lord, the Lord will carry us through, give us hope, and help us on our journey to become like Him. He has said, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me for my yoke is easy and my burden is light and ye shall find rest unto your souls” (Matthew 11:28-30).

I understand that many people have struggled with same sex attraction. The problem is very real, and many are confused about the choices and eternal consequences that are available to them. I do not think that I am showing anyone great love or proper respect by making them believe that same sex relationships are acceptable. I, in essence, feel that if I were to do this, I would be denying the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Salvation and Exaltation that are made available through the Atonement. I believe the Savior’s words to be true. We all must take up our crosses, whatever they may be, and follow Him. If we endure to the end, we shall have Eternal Life which is the greatest gift of all (See Doctrine and Covenants 14:7). Why would I want to deny anyone the opportunity for that gift by telling him or her that whatever lifestyle they choose is correct and acceptable when the Lord and His prophets have said that this is not so?

I am thankful that I personally heard and answered a prophet’s call. Make no mistake, the LDS Church did not write Proposition 8. The people of California did that. And the majority voted for and passed both Proposition 22 and Proposition 8. But when a prophet asked us to support Proposition 8 with our time and our money, my husband and I were happy to do so. We did not need to question if it were the right thing to do, because our testimonies were firmly planted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in His restored Church. We did not have to take a new look or assess if we needed to take a different stand, because we know that the Lord said in His own Preface to the Doctrine and Covenants, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (See Doctrine and Covenants 1:38). We also realized that what the prophet asked us to do was in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ according to all the scriptures, with which we are familiar, and the voices of past prophets. 

Will we be asked to do the same thing again? I do not know. But I know that we will be asked to do things that are seemingly just as difficult or even much more difficult. Although many people of all different faiths made up the majority who voted in favor of Proposition 8 and who also donated money and time to this cause, many were offended with our Church’s involvement, among whom were members of our Church. (Some of these have used this issue to become disaffected from the Church and justify their choices to forsake their beliefs and disobey the commandments. Some now fight actively against Christianity altogether.) We need to make certain that the challenges of today do not have the power to make us feel conflicted too long, that they do not have the power to pull us away from the Savior. We have the choice to be humble and prayerful, to seek the Spirit and to remain faithful. 

What are all of us willing to do to make sure that we stay on the Lord’s side in these last days? What do you need to do personally? If you do not have a firm testimony of Jesus Christ, get one. Pray with all earnestness of heart. Read your scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon and the New Testament. Find out who Jesus is—He is your personal Savior and Redeemer; and He is mine. Once you know that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God, and that He atoned for you, pray to know that His restored Church is true. Pray to know that Joseph Smith was the prophet of the Restoration and that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet today. Continue to study the Book of Mormon and the New Testament, and begin to read and understand the Doctrine and Covenants. As you read this book, you will hear the Lord’s voice, because it is His book (See Doctrine and Covenants 18:33-36). Talk to the Bishop, set goals with Him and make promises to your Heavenly Father. Partake of the Sacrament worthily each week. Truly strive to remember the Lord in all that you think, do, and say (and write). Keep the commandments. Stay close to the Spirit and heed His counsel and His warnings. Know that if something is not in harmony with the teachings of the Lord as found in the scriptures or from the words available through modern day prophets, then that thing is incorrect. Use the scriptures, the words of our prophets, and the Spirit of the Holy Ghost as your guide. Do not let lesser sympathies or misunderstandings take charge of who you are or what you can become or of who other people are and what they can become. The Lord is faithful, and great blessings and promises are in store for all of His children who are faithful. 

(Written 1-27-12)

General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session, 4-1-12

4-1-12 General Conference Sunday Afternoon Session

Unedited notes:

Elder Perry

The Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. A man can get closer to God by presiding by its precepts. The Book of Mormon is a tender mercy of the Lord in these latter days. It teaches the doctrine of Christ. There are many stories of deliverance. The theme of deliverance is evident throughout the book.

The Lord was slow to hear their cries; yet He did hear them; but he chose not to deliver them immediately. He was slow to hear their cries because of their iniquities.

Lift up your hearts and be of good comfort, because I know of the covenant which you made with me, and I will covenant with you and deliver you.

His atonement provides us with an escape from physical death, and, if we repent, and escape from spiritual death.

1 Nephi 13: These last records shall establish the truth of the first. The Book of Mormon will let the world know the truth of the testimonies of the Apostles of Jesus Christ as found in the Bible. Both books are necessary for us to understand the complete doctrine of Christ. They are important for our salvation and exaltation, and to confound false doctrine. They work harmoniously together.

Abraham’s tent door was most likely facing the altar that he built. They people of Nephi had their doors facing the tower from which King Benjamin spoke.

The Book of Mormon is a great book because of its harmony with the Holy Bible.

Elder Ballard

The Liahona was a ball of curious workmanship. So is a GPS unit. We have available to us a tool even more remarkable than the best GPS. We have the availability of the promptings of the Holy Ghost; and, we have the atonement of the Savior to lead us home.

There is no happiness without service. The home is what needs reforming. (More than half of the births of children of women under 30 are to those not married.) There is a growing gap between rich and poor and between those who are trying to preserve family values and those who are giving up. Prosperity and education seem to be connected to preserving family values. When people make the family and commitment to gospel principles, they do better in everything else.

The most important cause of our lifetime is our families. The spiritual divide gets even wider as the perceptions of right and wrong are distorted. The church is a mooring, an anchor, and a beacon in today’s world. A standard of heart-turning. Life is better and much happier as hearts turn towards families, and as families live the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Do things in the right order: marriage first and then family. Remove fear with faith. Trust power of God to guide you. No career can bring you as much fulfillment as rearing a family. Use the family resources of the church. The church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families. None of us will ever be so lost that we cannot find our way again through the atonement of Jesus Christ.

Elder Haleck

If we are to prosper, rather than perish, we must gain a vision of whom the Savior wants us to become. We come to know how to handle the challenges in our lives through fasting and prayer. Focus our attention on the Savior and on His teachings. We are a people with a history of vision, and courage, and faith to act.

Elder Wilson

What gives you the right to tell me how to drive? Because I am your husband, and I hold the priesthood. That was not the right response. That was the only time I made that mistake. Compulsion builds resentment. Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. Help our children establish their own connection to heaven. Of all the help we can give young people, they need to feel our confidence in them and their abilities to choose the right.

Elder Evans

Letters from home are not just quick emails. Letters from home are something tangible which can be held. We all have the blessing and responsibility to share the gospel. Our missionary experiences have to be current. We need to naturally and normally share the gospel.

If we pray to know who we can help and how we can help, the Lord will give us the opportunities to help.

Elder Pieper

Let the Holy Spirit Guide. Seek answers from God; the Still Small Voice whispers to our spirit. As we record our spiritual experiences we preserve them for ourselves and our posterity, and we show our gratitude for the gift we’ve received. Struggle between the sacred and secular. Did I not speak peace to your mind concerning the matter? What greater witness can you have than from God?

Elder Anderson

Does my life reflect the love and devotion I feel for the Savior? What think ye of Jesus Christ? What thinks Jesus Christ of me? In this turbulent environment, we rejoice in being disciples of Jesus Christ. Discipleship is not a competition at all; it is an invitation to all. If ye love me, keep my commandments.

Let us have faith in the Son of God who said, “All things are possible to him that believeth.” True disciples lift others from sorrow to great, abiding hope.
What would Jesus do? Be not afraid, only believe. Discipleship is believing Him in seasons of peace and in seasons of difficulty. Miracles are not always immediate. As we trust in the Savior, promised miracles will occur. Whether in this life or the next, all will be made right.

President Monson

We are blessed to have the restored gospel in our hearts and in our lives.
Blessing: may your homes be filled with love and courtesy and the Spirit of the Lord. Settle disputations and grievances now. He invoked the blessings of heaven upon all of us.

Endnote:

I’m thankful for the chance to listen to the conference messages and for all the reminders of what I need to be doing. For me, becoming more Christ-like does not mean accepting all that is worldly, but trying to rise above it. It is only through the atonement of Jesus Christ that I will eventually be able to do so.

General Conference Sunday Morning Session, 4-1-12

4-1-12 General Conference Sunday Morning Session

Unedited notes:

President Uchtdorf

A rift had grown between her two children, and the sister wanted a general conference talk addressed to them. She felt that this could heal the relationship. She had faith in the virtue of the word of God.

Strained and broken relationships are as old as human kind itself. Jealousy and hatred has affected all of us, since Cain and Abel. Feelings of contention, resentment, and revenge can be destructive. We all depend on the Savior. Conditions for our repentance comes with conditions: we must repent and we must forgive others. Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy.

When it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often judge our own motives as righteous and others’ as wrong. Those who pass judgments on others are inexcusable. The minute we pass judgment on others, we condemn ourselves. “I the Lord will forgive whom I will forgive, but of you, it is required to forgive all men.” (including ourselves) STOP IT. Don’t seek revenge. We have to stop judging others and replace bitter feelings with a heart full of love. “Don’t judge me because I sin differently than you.” We are all imperfect and are beggars before God. Because we all depend upon the mercy of God, how can we deny others any measure of mercy that we so desperately need ourselves?

Our change of heart has to come with a pure love of God. We need to open our hearts to the love of God. Christ is our exemplar. It is easy to love those who love us; even the wicked can do that. Jesus gave a higher law. “Love your enemies…” We become kind, tender-hearted and forgive one another. We are flawed and imperfect mortals with potential beyond what any of can imagine.

Do you harbor grudge against someone else? Do you which to cause harm to someone? Let us put down our stones. Let us be kind. Let us forgive. Let us talk peacefully to one another. Return good for evil. Be not overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good. In the end, it is the merciful who shall obtain mercy.

Elder Nelson

Aquarium with beautiful fish. He asked attendant if they’d ever thanked her for feeding them. Not yet. Some of us are just as oblivious towards God and the constant blessings. Our degree of gratitude is a measure of our love for Him.

The family is the most important social unit in time and in eternity. God’s work and glory…He so loved the world, that He gave His Only Begotten Son…Central to God’s eternal plan is the mission of His Son Jesus Christ. The body renews its own outdated self. The power to reproduce is another manifestation of God’s love for us. A perfect body is not required to achieve one’s divine destiny. Could an explosion in a printing shop produce a dictionary? Mercifully for us, our Creator provided for aging…

Each spirit and body shall be reunited again in perfect form, never to be separated again. The body serves as a tabernacle for one’s eternal spirit. The spirit provides the body with animation and personality. The development of our spirit is of eternal consequence. Love, virtue, compassion, service to others. Spiritual progress include the principles and ordinances of the gospel. The spirit is nurtured by eternal truth. Ours is the responsibility to teach His children and to awaken in them a knowledge of who they are. God is the same every day, but we are not. Each day we can seek and obtain forgiveness.

Elder Rasband

For reasons unknown, some people are born with disabilities. A perfect body is not required to receive a divine destiny. (Nelson) In the resurrection, we can all be perfected. God loves our afflictive ones, and He loves us. Jesus healed all those afflicted when he visited the Americas. He has love and compassion for all of us. “That the works of God be manifest in Him.” (John 9) Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. If you come upon a person drowning, would you ask if he needs help? Though we will face all manner of afflictions, our Savior will always be there for us. We are all enlisted ‘til the conflict is over…Happy are we, happy are we.

Sister Beck

Faith, family, and relief. The Relief Society would prepare them for the blessings and privileges of the priesthood. (Joseph Smith). It is our privilege to go into people’s homes and exchange robes for rags.

Elder Christofferson

Whoso believeth in me and is baptized, the same shall be saved in the kingdom of God. The doctrine that comes from God is pure and easy to understand. Establishing the doctrine of Christ or correcting deviations has to do with revelation. This revelation for the church belongs to those called as apostles, or prophets, seers, and revelators, with the prophet having the final say.

What God has cleansed, that call not thou common. Peter had revealed to him that God was not a respecter of persons, but that they Holy Ghost was also being given to the Gentiles. The Lord modified the practice of the church, and the preaching of the gospel was extended to all mankind.

Peter declared that the Holy Spirit declared that God extended salvation through the gospel of Jesus Christ and not through circumcision. It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us.

Testimony of Jesus.

President Monson

Everywhere people are in a hurry. In this fast-paced life, do we ever pause for moments of inspiration? When tragedy hits, our thoughts become focused and we can differentiate between what is really important and what is trivial. Moments of clarity come to all of us. Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven. Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

The spirit and the body are the soul of man. The spirit is the offspring of God. The body of our earthly parents. Heaven lies about us in our infancy. Why am I here? Lord fashioned this earth, veil was placed, and we have a time of testing.

Death is not what some people imagine; it is like going into another room. The spirits of all men are taken home to that God who created them. Because of Christ’s resurrection, we all will be resurrected. This is the redemption of the soul.

General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session, 3-31-12

3-31-12 General Conference Saturday Afternoon Session

Unedited Notes:

Sustainings and releases.
Audit report
Statistical report—14,441,346 members at the end of2011.

Elder Holland

Householder went out early in the morning to hire laborers. About the 11th hour, 5 p.m, he hired a concluding number of workers. Everyone received the same wage. No one was treated unfairly. The first workers agreed to the wages of the day, and they received it. They were grateful to get the work. The first men chosen were the most fortunate because they were assured to have work for the day. The last of the workers accept the work without knowing what they will receive. They’ve only been told that they would be treated fairly. Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind? There will be times when someone else gets an unexpected blessing. Let us not be jealous when good fortune comes to someone else.

The race we are in is against sin. Envy is truly in there. Get a quart of pickle juice every time someone around you has a happy moment. Coveting, pouting, or tearing someone else down does not improve your understanding.

The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, and see it through. Don’t dwell on old grievances. Don’t hyperventilate because of something that happened at 9 o’clock in the morning, when you are getting paid at the end of the day. Even if a grievance did not start with you, it can end with you.

This is a story about the goodness of God, His patience and forgiveness, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ. God most enjoys being God because of the thrill of being merciful. Even if you feel like a lost servant of the 11th hour, the Lord is still standing there beckoning for you to Come unto Him. Men: come join the ranks. His concern is for the faith at which you finally arrive, not at which hour you go there. It is never too late if the Master of the vineyard tells you there is time.

Elder Hales

Son who went to a far country and wasted his inheritance. He ate the husks of the pigs’ food. In his poor conditions, he remembered he was.
To worthily partake of the sacrament, we remember that we are renewing our baptism covenant. Make covenant to follow the Savior during the coming week. Provide special opportunities for young to understand sacrament. The sacrament gives us an opportunity to come to ourselves and remember who we are. Worthiness to hold a temple recommend gives us the strength to keep our covenants. Sustain our leaders, treat our family with kindness, etc., makes us worthy to go to the temple. Faithfully live the gospel and follow the prophets. Christ-like living—obedience, sacrifice, chaste in thought and action. We receive power from on high to face challenges in life.
The temple and self-reliance’s purpose is to get us on higher ground so that we can be of service to others.

The father ran and kissed his son, gave him a nice robe, and killed the fatted calf to give a party for his son. Follow our spiritual desires and come to ourselves. I worthily take the sacrament; I am worthy of a temple recommend; I sacrifice for others. We will be encircled in the arms of His love and welcomed home.

Elder Baxter

We cannot do all the sums or make it all add up, because we do not have all the numbers. We might have the ability to do the math if it were available for us to do!
Your journey has had bumps, detours, etc., because we live in a fallen world. Every single one of your children’s achievements will stand as a tribute to you. “No, little one, you cannot come to me now, but I can come to you.” When you lift the burdens of others, your own burdens become lighter. Your circumstances may not have changed, but your attitude has. Single parents, as you do your very best, heaven will smile upon you. Consider the present with fortitude, and look to the future with confidence.

Elder Soares

Whatsoever a man soweth, that also shall he reap. Be not weary in well doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. Line clearly defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. Do my actions place me in the Lord’s or the devil’s territory?

The African people have touched his heart because of their diligence in staying in the Lord’s territory. The serve and invite others to come to Christ.
Humble ourselves before God, witness we have broken hearts and contrite spirits, confess sins, etc. Our disposition to live our covenants prepares us to live in His presence. The Savior banished from His life any influence that would take Him away from His divine mission. You can’t be right by doing wrong; you can’t by wrong by doing right. (Monson)

Elder Cook

Lehi’s dream. Lay ministry extends to entire membership who serves one another. The Savior’s gift of the atonement is for everyone. We recognize and respect all those who Lehi saw in his dream. We need to reach out to those who have fallen away and those who haven’t come to the iron rod yet. Avoid being overly judgmental about conduct that is foolish or unwise, but not sinful.

A great peace came over him when he saw his mother in prayer. (This was her response when she heard of her brother’s death.) 2 Nephi 25:26. We talk of Christ….
Essential for member’s to read, study, and ponder the scriptures. “And it came to pass” actually confirms the truthfulness of the Book of Mormon. “If I immerse myself in the scriptures, the distance narrows.” Temporary setbacks are overshadowed by persistence. Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping His commandments is the defining test of this life. Our doctrine is clear: we are to be positive and of good cheer.

Elder Scott

He is thankful to feel Jeanine’s presence from the other side of the veil. We move and have our presence in the presence of heavenly messengers. We always hold them in our hearts, in memory; we are lifted and held to them in ties that we cannot break. Those who are faithful, who have gone beyond, know us and are solicitous for our welfare. Our relationships with those who have gone ahead can be strengthened as we keep our covenants. We need to learn to ask! If we pray to our Father and ask, that is how revelation is received. Fast; pray to find and understand scripture that will help. Pray to know if I’ve captured all the Lord wants me to do. We need to let go of hurts and be forgiving if we want revelation; also, we need to be quiet and avoid loud laughter. Spiritual education can be enhanced by good health practices. Our daily activities should not prevent us from listening to the Spirit. Pay attention to revelation given between sleep and wakefulness. Write it down. When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring anything to our remembrance.

Live a clean life and be obedient to the Lord’s commandments to obtain the Lord’s trust. Plant ourselves in a righteous environment. Humility is a fertile soil. Our Heavenly Father did not put us on earth to fail, but to succeed gloriously. Ponder the scriptures; look for evidence in your lives that God has already answered you. Peace in your hearts and quiet in your life. More abundant your progress and capacity to serve. The Lord’s guidance in your life does not take away your agency. Choosing the right brings peace of mind and happiness. Communication with our Heavenly Father is not a trivial matter; it is a sacred privilege.