Today in sacrament, I asked the Lord “how do you know?” and then I laughed.
But then—I began to wonder—how does He know? I know that He knows, but I’m curious. What link or spirit, or power allows or grants that kind of foresight?
God has all power, but where does it come from? How are we all linked in such a way that He feels or knows when a sparrow has fallen? I can’t help but wonder because I hope to one day have this same power if I live my life in such a way to be worthy. It is something to think about, to be curious of, but not to lose any sleep or my testimony over. I know the gospel is true. I know that the Lord loves and guides me. I may make mistakes, but I can fix them and come home to Him and become like Him.
It makes me excited to die (not that I’d pursue that) because all these questions I am so curious about will be answered then. Eternity intrigues me, but to be prepared for it I must endure this life and create a Zion in myself. I’m excited for life, for it to end, and to see my Heavenly Father and Savior again—and thank them for everything—the atonement, the guidance, and for not answering my questions plainly or immediately. I have learned and grown, and will continue to do so so that I can be worthy of Godhood, and someday be a good Heavenly Being for the spirit children I will one day have the responsibility of loving and caring for.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Monday, October 31, 2011
Avoiding Contention and Seeking Godliness
I was asked to present a talk for this past Sunday during sacrament meeting. The second part of this talk is one of my most favorite topics, and frankly, I love talking about the gospel, so giving talks is totally my thing.
We have been instructed to “shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philip. 4:7), be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come.
Contention rips relationships apart often. It can stem from many incidences. Our job is to avoid contention and to seek godliness.
A friend of mine told me this: when she has a problem with someone, and her dislike for this particular individual is strong, she makes peace rather than allows the tangible tension between her and the other person take over. She will find something positive about that person, that she believes is true, and tell said person that certain positive thing. For example; “I really liked that skirt you wore to church on Sunday.”
The product? Most times you will find that said person will reply with a positive also.
This isn’t a quick fix by any means. You are likely to dislike this person until they prove themselves to not be annoying. But until they do, the best way to avoid unnecessary contention is to find a way of calming the storm.
Swallow your pride. It’s better to lose an argument rather than let it consume and fester to the point of poisoning your soul.
Contention is a choice.
Often time contention stems from our own inner turmoil. I have observed that in my life, and in the life of those I know, that when we sin there is desire to cause contention. I met a young man who is now my friend because of his want to cause contention with me, a random person he did not know. He was surfing our mutual friend’s myspace (back in the day when that was the thing) and he clicked on my name. He saw that I was a Mormon, and decided he would start a fight. He is an inactive member and has had a rough past, which included sin that has made him bitter. During this period in his life he was having a hard time with forgiveness. He asked me what I—as a Mormon—believed about forgiveness.
When I’m asked about the church, and I have the time and ability to do my research, my answer is a talk longer than I’m allowed to give now.
My reply surprised him. Instead of responding defensively as he expected, I gave him truth with a genuine desire to help him. In later discussions he told me that he was taken aback, and instead of going on to try and pursue a course of discord, he decided I was an individual worth getting to know. Now we are friends. He is still inactive, and I’m still solid in my beliefs, but because I decided against allowing contention, I gained a new friend who is less negative toward the church because of our encounter.
The moral of this story is not only to respond with a heart of peace versus one of anger, but to repent. If you are suffering a burden of sin, fix it. Sin cannot exist in peace. If you are buckling under the weight of something you have done wrong, or something you believe you did wrong, if something is haunting your heart and mind, go to the bishop. Even if you are burdened by events that turned you into a victim; I promise that if you go to your bishop and repent, or speak to him about the things that have happened to you, he can help you relieve yourself of that weight. I know that this weight is painful and heavy. And I know that the relief you feel when you finally remove that heartache from yourself literally changes who you are as a person. You will become better, you will have more joy; and your desire to cause pain in your life and in the life of others will disappear.
The closer you are to the Savior, and the harder you work to live the commandments, the heavier sin becomes, and the quicker you recognize when you have to fix a problem. It is better to be hit in the head with guilt and to repent quickly, than to not recognize sin immediately, and then end up in a hole you can’t crawl out of by yourself. Be sensitive to your choices. Do the basic things you know you need to do in order to bring yourself closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They want you to succeed. They want you to come home.
In 2 Timothy 2: 3 we are told to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Maybe I’m a bit of a nerd, and am the only one that thinks this is cool. But the idea of being a soldier for Christ, to be a warrior for the gospel and of God—is kind of epic to me. We are in the midst of a war. The armor of God is our defense, and if we let it loose a little we may fail.
I think Tolkien put it best when he wrote the Lord of the Rings, which is loosely based on the book of Revelations. He took the enemy and put them into physical forms of ugliness that the heroes had to fight. It is the same for us, the difference is is that our swords are our testimony, and the Orc, Uruk-hai etc is sin, and every contention and every weapon and evil device of the devil.
So Orcs started out as Elves. It’s the same with us. We can remain pure, or fall and become nasty monsters that eat man-flesh.
Versus 11-13, and 16-17 in 2 Timothy 2 says:
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be adead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we asuffer, we shall also breign with him: if we cdeny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we abelieve not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot bdenyhimself.
16 But shun profane and avain babblings: for they will increase unto more bungodliness.
17 And their aword will eat as doth a canker
Seek after Godliness! How do I say that to get your attention, to help you understand the importance of this call? Contention is not of God. Avoid it, and if it has become a part of your life, purge yourself from it and repent.
We are sons and daughters of God who are destined for eternal greatness. We are to become Gods and Goddesses. Why should we settle for anything less when we can help it? Serve, love, teach. Have compassion. Be more concerned for the cares of others. Fight for a testimony. It is so important to regain one, for you had one before you came to this earth. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
If I didn’t have a testimony I would have given up a long time ago. We cannot afford to be wasteful with our choices. If you need help ask for it.
Matthew 7:12 Say unto them, Ask of God; ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Godliness is not simply going to be handed to you. First you must have a desire for it, and then you have to work for it. It’s not an easy task. But nothing worth having comes easy.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton in his talk No time for Contention stated: “we have no time for contention. We only have time to be about our Father’s business. Contend with no man. Conduct yourselves as gentlemen with calmness and conviction and I promise you success.”
If we are too busy being miserable with contention, our time is wasted and we can get nothing worth our divine nature done. You are regal spirits of a noble lineage. Act that way! Your spirit knows who you are, the mortal must catch up. Be a peacemaker, avoid contention. Seek after godliness. It was what you were made for.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
We have been instructed to “shun contention. Seek godliness. Be enlightened by eternal truth. Be like-minded with the Lord in love and united with Him in faith. Then shall “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding” (Philip. 4:7), be yours, to bless you and your posterity through generations yet to come.
Contention rips relationships apart often. It can stem from many incidences. Our job is to avoid contention and to seek godliness.
A friend of mine told me this: when she has a problem with someone, and her dislike for this particular individual is strong, she makes peace rather than allows the tangible tension between her and the other person take over. She will find something positive about that person, that she believes is true, and tell said person that certain positive thing. For example; “I really liked that skirt you wore to church on Sunday.”
The product? Most times you will find that said person will reply with a positive also.
This isn’t a quick fix by any means. You are likely to dislike this person until they prove themselves to not be annoying. But until they do, the best way to avoid unnecessary contention is to find a way of calming the storm.
Swallow your pride. It’s better to lose an argument rather than let it consume and fester to the point of poisoning your soul.
Contention is a choice.
Often time contention stems from our own inner turmoil. I have observed that in my life, and in the life of those I know, that when we sin there is desire to cause contention. I met a young man who is now my friend because of his want to cause contention with me, a random person he did not know. He was surfing our mutual friend’s myspace (back in the day when that was the thing) and he clicked on my name. He saw that I was a Mormon, and decided he would start a fight. He is an inactive member and has had a rough past, which included sin that has made him bitter. During this period in his life he was having a hard time with forgiveness. He asked me what I—as a Mormon—believed about forgiveness.
When I’m asked about the church, and I have the time and ability to do my research, my answer is a talk longer than I’m allowed to give now.
My reply surprised him. Instead of responding defensively as he expected, I gave him truth with a genuine desire to help him. In later discussions he told me that he was taken aback, and instead of going on to try and pursue a course of discord, he decided I was an individual worth getting to know. Now we are friends. He is still inactive, and I’m still solid in my beliefs, but because I decided against allowing contention, I gained a new friend who is less negative toward the church because of our encounter.
The moral of this story is not only to respond with a heart of peace versus one of anger, but to repent. If you are suffering a burden of sin, fix it. Sin cannot exist in peace. If you are buckling under the weight of something you have done wrong, or something you believe you did wrong, if something is haunting your heart and mind, go to the bishop. Even if you are burdened by events that turned you into a victim; I promise that if you go to your bishop and repent, or speak to him about the things that have happened to you, he can help you relieve yourself of that weight. I know that this weight is painful and heavy. And I know that the relief you feel when you finally remove that heartache from yourself literally changes who you are as a person. You will become better, you will have more joy; and your desire to cause pain in your life and in the life of others will disappear.
The closer you are to the Savior, and the harder you work to live the commandments, the heavier sin becomes, and the quicker you recognize when you have to fix a problem. It is better to be hit in the head with guilt and to repent quickly, than to not recognize sin immediately, and then end up in a hole you can’t crawl out of by yourself. Be sensitive to your choices. Do the basic things you know you need to do in order to bring yourself closer to Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. They want you to succeed. They want you to come home.
In 2 Timothy 2: 3 we are told to “endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” Maybe I’m a bit of a nerd, and am the only one that thinks this is cool. But the idea of being a soldier for Christ, to be a warrior for the gospel and of God—is kind of epic to me. We are in the midst of a war. The armor of God is our defense, and if we let it loose a little we may fail.
I think Tolkien put it best when he wrote the Lord of the Rings, which is loosely based on the book of Revelations. He took the enemy and put them into physical forms of ugliness that the heroes had to fight. It is the same for us, the difference is is that our swords are our testimony, and the Orc, Uruk-hai etc is sin, and every contention and every weapon and evil device of the devil.
So Orcs started out as Elves. It’s the same with us. We can remain pure, or fall and become nasty monsters that eat man-flesh.
Versus 11-13, and 16-17 in 2 Timothy 2 says:
11 It is a faithful saying: For if we be adead with him, we shall also live with him:
12 If we asuffer, we shall also breign with him: if we cdeny him, he also will deny us:
13 If we abelieve not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot bdenyhimself.
16 But shun profane and avain babblings: for they will increase unto more bungodliness.
17 And their aword will eat as doth a canker
Seek after Godliness! How do I say that to get your attention, to help you understand the importance of this call? Contention is not of God. Avoid it, and if it has become a part of your life, purge yourself from it and repent.
We are sons and daughters of God who are destined for eternal greatness. We are to become Gods and Goddesses. Why should we settle for anything less when we can help it? Serve, love, teach. Have compassion. Be more concerned for the cares of others. Fight for a testimony. It is so important to regain one, for you had one before you came to this earth. Otherwise you wouldn’t be here.
If I didn’t have a testimony I would have given up a long time ago. We cannot afford to be wasteful with our choices. If you need help ask for it.
Matthew 7:12 Say unto them, Ask of God; ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.
Godliness is not simply going to be handed to you. First you must have a desire for it, and then you have to work for it. It’s not an easy task. But nothing worth having comes easy.
Elder Marvin J. Ashton in his talk No time for Contention stated: “we have no time for contention. We only have time to be about our Father’s business. Contend with no man. Conduct yourselves as gentlemen with calmness and conviction and I promise you success.”
If we are too busy being miserable with contention, our time is wasted and we can get nothing worth our divine nature done. You are regal spirits of a noble lineage. Act that way! Your spirit knows who you are, the mortal must catch up. Be a peacemaker, avoid contention. Seek after godliness. It was what you were made for.
I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Unleashing the Dormant Spirit
Unleashing the Dormant Spirit F. Enzio Busche
KNOWLEDGE
• Scripture: D&C 45: 56, 57
The parable of the 10 virgins
• Cannot afford to ignore that nothing matters
without the spirit.
• Stan is deceptive.
• Luke 14:33
• 3 Nephi
• By our fruits will others know what side we are on.
• None of us can afford to be
without the spirit. We cannot master
ourselves without him, and complete
submission to the will of the Lord.
• The spirit lets us develop to our full potential.
o Creativity
o Knowledge
• The spirit is divinity
o It is polite
o Won’t intrude or force itself into our lives.
o D&C 76:47
• Alma 29:4; 32:27
• 2 Nephi 32:8
• D&C 28: 47, 48
• 3 Nephi 19:9
ACTION
• Have the Holy Spirit to be your guide.
• Learn to be spiritually literate.
• Test self.
• Be the light for others.
• Bear good fruit (works).
• See self in weakness.
o Become humble and weak.
o Activate the atonement when you have sinned.
• Be focused in achieving divine guidance.
• Live in a way that the spirit can guide life.
• Thoroughly intend.
• Pray for what you seek.
• Discover/analyze/categorize; put desires in order of priority.
• Be organized and focused.
• Develop a desire.
• Have respect; forgive.
• Embrace the day enthusiastically.
• Be grateful and love God.
• Serve.
• Am I under the influence of the Holy Ghost?
KNOWLEDGE
• Scripture: D&C 45: 56, 57
The parable of the 10 virgins
• Cannot afford to ignore that nothing matters
without the spirit.
• Stan is deceptive.
• Luke 14:33
• 3 Nephi
• By our fruits will others know what side we are on.
• None of us can afford to be
without the spirit. We cannot master
ourselves without him, and complete
submission to the will of the Lord.
• The spirit lets us develop to our full potential.
o Creativity
o Knowledge
• The spirit is divinity
o It is polite
o Won’t intrude or force itself into our lives.
o D&C 76:47
• Alma 29:4; 32:27
• 2 Nephi 32:8
• D&C 28: 47, 48
• 3 Nephi 19:9
ACTION
• Have the Holy Spirit to be your guide.
• Learn to be spiritually literate.
• Test self.
• Be the light for others.
• Bear good fruit (works).
• See self in weakness.
o Become humble and weak.
o Activate the atonement when you have sinned.
• Be focused in achieving divine guidance.
• Live in a way that the spirit can guide life.
• Thoroughly intend.
• Pray for what you seek.
• Discover/analyze/categorize; put desires in order of priority.
• Be organized and focused.
• Develop a desire.
• Have respect; forgive.
• Embrace the day enthusiastically.
• Be grateful and love God.
• Serve.
• Am I under the influence of the Holy Ghost?
Saturday, April 30, 2011
DEVOTIONAL 4/19/2011
PRESIDENT AND SISTER CLARK
Sue Clark: Remember this—be where you are supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there.
Sue Clark: Remember this—be where you are supposed to be when you’re supposed to be there.
*God needs us to be ready. People’s prayers are answered through us. If we are not spiritually prepared, if we are not where we need to be—he cannot use us, or prepare us for the things that he needs us for. Not only will we be able to aid others, but we will be able to help ourselves.
Pres. Clark:
2 Nephi 1:20 – Keep the commandments and prepare, or be cut off the blessings he would give you.
John 15:5, 10-11 – JOY comes from the commandments God has given us. Want to obey, because obedience brings divine joy and love into our lives.
*Obedience to his commandments frees us from addictions, and horrible consequences that we would suffer otherwise. Worldly pleasure only lasts a moment. Obedience gives us the opportunity to have happiness for eternity.
Deep Obedience – when obedience stops becoming an irritant and becomes a quest.
• Love God with all your heart.
• Give all you have to give.
• Let Him write the gospel covenants on your heart.
Jeremiah 31:30 – Have integrity of heart. It is a life long journey of the heart.
Becomes what is right!
Service—Virtue—Gratitude
Straight and narrow.
Matt 7: 13-14 – Be exact, disciplined, and complete.
2 Nephi 28:8 – Do not falter; do not believe in false ideals.
Be honest and virtuous in thought, attitude and action.
D&C 59:8 – Repentance is for every soul who is not yet perfected.
D&C 59: 3, 4, 9-11, 15, 16, 21 (warning), 23, 27
Be obedient, and you will be connected with him.
The promises are true; and the promises are for you.
(* Is my testimony on the subject it follows.)
Sunday, April 24, 2011
GENERAL CONFERENCE April 3, 2011
GENERAL CONFERENCE April 3, 2011
Twice a year members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from around the world—whether by radio, internet, television, church meeting houses, or the conference center—gather to listen to—either live or by broadcast—our prophet and his councilors, and apostles speak to us. The words they say are of and from our Heavenly Father. They tell us the things we need to know to survive successfully in the world we currently live in.
The notes here are the things that I related to the most. It is always different for each listener.
It was an awesome session this April. Below are my notes—
UCHTDORF: Do not need a Damascus experience. Take baby steps of Faith and gain a strong testimony.
God loves us. He will not abandon us; there are times when he will carry us.
Follow the promptings of the spirit. Do not ignore it. Be one whom the Lord can rely on. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
We may not get an answer immediately. Study it out and then ask.
God does notice us and he watches over us, but after it is by another. Be ready, willing and sensitive to serve. Our answers may not come while we are on our knees, but when we are on our feet.
Become the answer to someone else’s prayer, and you may find the answer to your own.
Share the gospel! You don’t have to be preachy or overbearing.
Use your hands to blog, and text message about the Gospel :)
Have real intent, do not doubt; remember, blessed are those that have not seen, but have faith.
Move forward in hope, faith and charity.
JOHNSON: Trials are a part of life. Affliction is part of our mortal experience. This may include a trial of our faith. They’re not only a test; they will be consecrated for our own gain. No trial we experience is wasted. It builds our character, and purifies our hearts. This gives us the education we came here to gain.
You will not be the same, you will be better; you will be awesome. Being good is not enough we want to be like the Savior. Even the best need refining.
If our leaders were to face great trials why would I be excluded? Nephi, Joseph Smith…
Our afflictions are light and only a moment (Paul).
We do not need to seek trials. They will come naturally and at just the right amount.
Growth cannot come through the easy way. Exercise will make us stronger.
We can do all things though Christ who strengthens us.
He will send us comfort.
Whoever puts his trust in God will support us and help us.
We can be conquers through Christ.
BURTON: Church Welfare Program.
Relieve human suffering.
Take care of people no matter the cost. Self-Reliance: avoid debt, prepare for times of distress, listen and follow the words of the living oracles.
Succor the weak, lift up the hands which are in need.
Fly to the relief of the stranger. Do not suffer those in need to suffer.
“Be kind to the poor” –Grandpa Burton.
Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, administer to the sick, visit the captive.
ALLRED:
Love the Lord thy God.
Love thy neighbor.
Visit the needy.
Serve one another.
Relief society is for relief to the poor.
Encourage priesthood to also serve.
Do your visiting and home teaching.
Self-Reliance gives us the opportunity and ability to serve.
Luke 21:3-4
Bring relief to the weary.
Following promptings gives us the ability to serve those that need us now.
You will be recognized as one of Christ’s disciples by loving one another.
BEDNAR: No man can receive the Holy Ghost without revelation.
The Holy Ghost should be given to all of those who are at the age of accountability.
Ask in faith, with an honest heart, with a believing that the prayer will be answered.
The spirit is a still small voice that speaks quietly and delicately that the noises of sin and the world make hard to hear.
Treasures are revealed in the time of the Lord when circumstances are right. By the whisperings of the spirit will the truth of God be revealed? No amount of marvelous spiritual manifestations can accomplish this.
It is normal to have questions; to not understand and to even doubt.
It is by humility and faith we will receive revelation.
We may receive revelation without realizing it.
Seek for and apply for the spirit of revelation. It may come grandly and immediately, quiet and subtle, or without our realizing it at all. No matter its way it is present in our lives.
MONSON: The mission of the Bishop is to take care of members of their ward and non-members within the ward boundaries. The church has been inspired by the Lord.
Fight to get to the temple. Be worthy, make the sacrifice! Do whatever it takes to be worthy to go to the temple and receive the ordinances the lord would bless us with.
The temple brings joy nothing else can compare to.
Temples are filled with faith and fasting and built on testimonies.
There are never too many obstacles to prevent us from entering the temple, and receiving the blessings granted from on high.
There is no more important goal than to be worthy to receive a recommend to enter the temple. Whatever your struggle—overcome it, and qualify to enter the temple of the Lord.
Always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing to prevent your ability to enter. Put a picture of the temple in every room so it becomes a part of your life. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Live to gain exaltation in Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
SCOTT: Satan is working to destroy the family, the very thing the temple tries to strengthen.
Story about wife: SO CUTE! YES! Do it future husband!
Righteous love is the primary foundation for a successful marriage.
Be worthy to make the covenants that will keep the family together forever.
Be worthy so that you can receive the blessings the Lord is preparing to give you.
CHRISTOPHERSON: The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan to help us to become what we were meant to become.
God considers us worth the time to chasten—to redirect our course to what God knows is a better path.
Be zealous and repent.
He that will not be chastened by the Lord is not ready/worthy to enter the kingdom.
He that puts his faith in the Lord shall be strengthened and enjoy a special bond with the Lord. All of us can meet God’s high expectations. When you love him with all your might, mind and strength, His grace is sufficient for you.
PRATT: The Lord remembers those that pay tithing and keep His commandments.
Pay tithing. We are all indebted to the Lord. Having integrity in this will help in dealings with men.
Obey the law.
Tithing isn’t a matter of money; but a matter of faith.
Pay it first and honestly.
Teach children to do it; take them to tithing settlement.
Develop submissive and humble heart obedient and ready to serve.
Tithing payers are closer to God.
ROBBINS: You must have faith and be.
Create a TO BE list; this will never be done like a “to do” list. It must become a part of your nature.
Christ-like to-be’s.
Teach doctrine by the spirit.
Our children are God’s children.
Help them to overcome mistakes.
Do not cause identity confusion.
IDENTITY = Child of God.
Compliment, but more importantly compliment their character, and who they are.
Praise diligence rather than the good grade.
Parenting Manuel = scriptures
HOVOS: The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – was a name chosen by God and revealed to our prophet Joseph Smith.
Engage in family history; go to the temple.
Create an eternal family.
Encourage those that have alienated the church.
Be a missionary.
Become a saint.
Have the pure love of Christ.
Move forward with patience.
Come unto the Lord.
The way for man is narrow, but strait, and the keeper of the Gate is Christ.
GROW: Be faithful—never give up.
Atonement allows us to repent and put the mistakes of the past behind us.
If a man has repented he will have confessed and forsaken his sin.
Repent. God suffered for all so that they may not need to suffer if they repent.
HALLANDO: Reflect on the unique phenomenon General Conference is. We testify that God lives and that he speaks.
The direction we receive is of God.
We can’t always have it our way.
Life is not a fast food. It must be done His way. One way or another, God will have his voice heard.
MONSON: Never forget what the savior has done for you. He could have turned back, but he did not. He secured our salvation.
I love this gospel. I adore the prophet and all the men that serve us so diligently. I am grateful for the Lord’s spirit and his guidance. I know this church to be true. I have been challenged many times before. Too many experiences and a devoted heart keep my feet firm and my spirit steadfast. This church is true, the words and guidance above is true, and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ—Amen.
You can find these talks at lds.org or click here to go directly to the conference page where the talks are kept.
Twice a year members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints from around the world—whether by radio, internet, television, church meeting houses, or the conference center—gather to listen to—either live or by broadcast—our prophet and his councilors, and apostles speak to us. The words they say are of and from our Heavenly Father. They tell us the things we need to know to survive successfully in the world we currently live in.
The notes here are the things that I related to the most. It is always different for each listener.
It was an awesome session this April. Below are my notes—
UCHTDORF: Do not need a Damascus experience. Take baby steps of Faith and gain a strong testimony.
God loves us. He will not abandon us; there are times when he will carry us.
Follow the promptings of the spirit. Do not ignore it. Be one whom the Lord can rely on. “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
We may not get an answer immediately. Study it out and then ask.
God does notice us and he watches over us, but after it is by another. Be ready, willing and sensitive to serve. Our answers may not come while we are on our knees, but when we are on our feet.
Become the answer to someone else’s prayer, and you may find the answer to your own.
Share the gospel! You don’t have to be preachy or overbearing.
Use your hands to blog, and text message about the Gospel :)
Have real intent, do not doubt; remember, blessed are those that have not seen, but have faith.
Move forward in hope, faith and charity.
JOHNSON: Trials are a part of life. Affliction is part of our mortal experience. This may include a trial of our faith. They’re not only a test; they will be consecrated for our own gain. No trial we experience is wasted. It builds our character, and purifies our hearts. This gives us the education we came here to gain.
You will not be the same, you will be better; you will be awesome. Being good is not enough we want to be like the Savior. Even the best need refining.
If our leaders were to face great trials why would I be excluded? Nephi, Joseph Smith…
Our afflictions are light and only a moment (Paul).
We do not need to seek trials. They will come naturally and at just the right amount.
Growth cannot come through the easy way. Exercise will make us stronger.
We can do all things though Christ who strengthens us.
He will send us comfort.
Whoever puts his trust in God will support us and help us.
We can be conquers through Christ.
BURTON: Church Welfare Program.
Relieve human suffering.
Take care of people no matter the cost. Self-Reliance: avoid debt, prepare for times of distress, listen and follow the words of the living oracles.
Succor the weak, lift up the hands which are in need.
Fly to the relief of the stranger. Do not suffer those in need to suffer.
“Be kind to the poor” –Grandpa Burton.
Feed the hungry, cloth the naked, administer to the sick, visit the captive.
ALLRED:
Love the Lord thy God.
Love thy neighbor.
Visit the needy.
Serve one another.
Relief society is for relief to the poor.
Encourage priesthood to also serve.
Do your visiting and home teaching.
Self-Reliance gives us the opportunity and ability to serve.
Luke 21:3-4
Bring relief to the weary.
Following promptings gives us the ability to serve those that need us now.
You will be recognized as one of Christ’s disciples by loving one another.
BEDNAR: No man can receive the Holy Ghost without revelation.
The Holy Ghost should be given to all of those who are at the age of accountability.
Ask in faith, with an honest heart, with a believing that the prayer will be answered.
The spirit is a still small voice that speaks quietly and delicately that the noises of sin and the world make hard to hear.
Treasures are revealed in the time of the Lord when circumstances are right. By the whisperings of the spirit will the truth of God be revealed? No amount of marvelous spiritual manifestations can accomplish this.
It is normal to have questions; to not understand and to even doubt.
It is by humility and faith we will receive revelation.
We may receive revelation without realizing it.
Seek for and apply for the spirit of revelation. It may come grandly and immediately, quiet and subtle, or without our realizing it at all. No matter its way it is present in our lives.
MONSON: The mission of the Bishop is to take care of members of their ward and non-members within the ward boundaries. The church has been inspired by the Lord.
Fight to get to the temple. Be worthy, make the sacrifice! Do whatever it takes to be worthy to go to the temple and receive the ordinances the lord would bless us with.
The temple brings joy nothing else can compare to.
Temples are filled with faith and fasting and built on testimonies.
There are never too many obstacles to prevent us from entering the temple, and receiving the blessings granted from on high.
There is no more important goal than to be worthy to receive a recommend to enter the temple. Whatever your struggle—overcome it, and qualify to enter the temple of the Lord.
Always have the temple in your sights. Do nothing to prevent your ability to enter. Put a picture of the temple in every room so it becomes a part of your life. Follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Live to gain exaltation in Heavenly Father’s Kingdom.
SCOTT: Satan is working to destroy the family, the very thing the temple tries to strengthen.
Story about wife: SO CUTE! YES! Do it future husband!
Righteous love is the primary foundation for a successful marriage.
Be worthy to make the covenants that will keep the family together forever.
Be worthy so that you can receive the blessings the Lord is preparing to give you.
CHRISTOPHERSON: The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan to help us to become what we were meant to become.
God considers us worth the time to chasten—to redirect our course to what God knows is a better path.
Be zealous and repent.
He that will not be chastened by the Lord is not ready/worthy to enter the kingdom.
He that puts his faith in the Lord shall be strengthened and enjoy a special bond with the Lord. All of us can meet God’s high expectations. When you love him with all your might, mind and strength, His grace is sufficient for you.
PRATT: The Lord remembers those that pay tithing and keep His commandments.
Pay tithing. We are all indebted to the Lord. Having integrity in this will help in dealings with men.
Obey the law.
Tithing isn’t a matter of money; but a matter of faith.
Pay it first and honestly.
Teach children to do it; take them to tithing settlement.
Develop submissive and humble heart obedient and ready to serve.
Tithing payers are closer to God.
ROBBINS: You must have faith and be.
Create a TO BE list; this will never be done like a “to do” list. It must become a part of your nature.
Christ-like to-be’s.
Teach doctrine by the spirit.
Our children are God’s children.
Help them to overcome mistakes.
Do not cause identity confusion.
IDENTITY = Child of God.
Compliment, but more importantly compliment their character, and who they are.
Praise diligence rather than the good grade.
Parenting Manuel = scriptures
HOVOS: The church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints – was a name chosen by God and revealed to our prophet Joseph Smith.
Engage in family history; go to the temple.
Create an eternal family.
Encourage those that have alienated the church.
Be a missionary.
Become a saint.
Have the pure love of Christ.
Move forward with patience.
Come unto the Lord.
The way for man is narrow, but strait, and the keeper of the Gate is Christ.
GROW: Be faithful—never give up.
Atonement allows us to repent and put the mistakes of the past behind us.
If a man has repented he will have confessed and forsaken his sin.
Repent. God suffered for all so that they may not need to suffer if they repent.
HALLANDO: Reflect on the unique phenomenon General Conference is. We testify that God lives and that he speaks.
The direction we receive is of God.
We can’t always have it our way.
Life is not a fast food. It must be done His way. One way or another, God will have his voice heard.
MONSON: Never forget what the savior has done for you. He could have turned back, but he did not. He secured our salvation.
I love this gospel. I adore the prophet and all the men that serve us so diligently. I am grateful for the Lord’s spirit and his guidance. I know this church to be true. I have been challenged many times before. Too many experiences and a devoted heart keep my feet firm and my spirit steadfast. This church is true, the words and guidance above is true, and I say that in the name of Jesus Christ—Amen.
You can find these talks at lds.org or click here to go directly to the conference page where the talks are kept.
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