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Category: Faith

  • Mommies, what matters?

    A friend of mine asked on Facebook yesterday, “Mommies, what matters?”

    She said that one of her friends was told she was a bad mother because her kids wear hand-me-down clothes.
    Everyone who responded to this post completely disagreed with the thought. I am not surprised we all disagreed, but then I thought about it some more.

    First off, I am not planning on judging the person who made this comment. If you think about it, the world in which we live is obsessed with money and having the newest, best stuff. Often our feelings of self-worth are impacted by how we look, what we have, and how much money we make.

    Kids, especially teenagers, are really bombarded with this false reality. They get teased for how they are dressed, or for really anything about them that isn’t defined by their peers as cool. Perhaps that is why this person told this mother she was a bad mother. Who knows?

    Teasing is always going to be an issue. It will be hard to stop it. However, I know that we can raise our children in a way that teasing and bullying will not bother them. They will know who they are, how special they are, whose opinions really matter, and what things make a difference in their lives.

    How do we do this? Well, there are many experts who have their own opinions. I personally use the expertise of the one who created us. I use the scriptures, the word of God.

    How should I react when someone treats me badly?

    Matthew 5:44 – But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

    Luke 6:35 – But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.

    This is something all of us can do, whether we are a child getting teased, a mother being insulted, etc. Praying for someone who has hurt us can bring a lot of peace, for instead of hatred or bitterness or fear, we can feel compassion and mercy. We can feel the love that God has for that person, regardless of behavior.
    They think they are better than me because I don’t have what they have. Is that true?

    Matthew 5:45 –  …for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

    Acts 10:34 – Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.

    Proverbs 22:2 – The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

    Regardless of earthly wealth and prestige, each of us is a child of God. He created all of us. God loves everybody unconditionally with a love we cannot even fathom, whether we follow Him or not.

    Is having the best stuff and looking the best really what makes people happy? Is it what we should want? Does it define who we are?

    1 Samuel 16:7 – But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.

    Proverbs 22:1 -A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

    Matthew 6:19-21 –  Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

    1Timothy 6:10 –  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 –  Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.

    The Lord counsels against the love of money, favor, and physical appearance. What matters is the richness of one’s soul and heart.

    If having lots of money and things aren’t important, what is?

    1Timothy 6:11 – But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.

    Matthew 6:33 –  But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

    John 14:6 – Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

    Just as Jesus said in Matthew 6, lay up treasures in Heaven. This life is short. We can’t take our money, nice clothes, and fancy electronics with us. Our character, our faith, our love, our knowledge, we can take with us. As we try to be like Jesus and follow His perfect example, we will be blessed. What really matters is outlined beautifully in the beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). Any blessing the Lord gives to us is infinitely more valuable than anything we can acquire on earth.

    Based on all this, “Mommies, what matters?”

    Mosiah 4:14-15 – And ye will not suffer your children that they go hungry, or naked; neither will ye suffer that they transgress the laws of God, and fight and quarrel one with another, and serve the devil, who is the master of sin, or who is the evil spirit which hath been spoken of by our fathers, he being an enemy to all righteousness. But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another.
    3 John 1:4 – I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth

    Isaiah 54:13 –  And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.

    Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live…Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities (The Family: A Proclamation to the World).

    J.KNOWLES HARE Lithograph-DEAR TO HER HEART-Mother Hugging Child
    My final thought is that only God needs judge if we are good mothers or not. It is not our place to worry about others’ choices. We need only worry about ourselves and what we teach our children by word and example.
    Mommies, you are doing better than you think you are. God loves you. He is on your side. He is with you. He trusts you with His precious children. May we all follow the word of the Lord as we teach our children in the way they should go.

  • Sabbath Day Light: I am related to Gladys Knight

    Last night, as well as tonight, I have had the wonderful privilege to attend “One Voice,” a presentation of music and testimony, sung by Saints Unified Voices gospel choir, directed by Gladys Knight. (To learn more about the choir, click here.)

    One Voice

    The music was absolutely amazing. Every member of the choir, every member of the live band, as well as Sister Knight herself, has glorious God-given talent. Many cultures were embraced in the music, and every song bore testimony of the divinity of Jesus Christ and our necessity to follow Him.

    My favorite song from the event spoke of this very topic. It is so easy to tell Jesus we will follow Him tomorrow, but tomorrow could be too late. We should choose to follow Christ today.

    As I heard the music, I felt alive. I felt invigorated. I felt the Spirit of the Lord in a new way. I found myself smiling, clapping, standing, and rejoicing in my Savior as I, and a thousand others, saw and heard the testimonies of people who love Christ with all their souls. The Spirit radiated out of their voices, faces, and whole bodies.

    Now, as beautiful and magnificent as the music was, I must say that the most uplifting part of both evenings for me was listening to several individuals share their stories and testimonies of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

    The first man who spoke said that he was related to Gladys Knight. He was a white man, making the idea of blood relation humorous. Then he profoundly stated that Gladys is a child of God. He too is a child of God. That means Gladys is his sister. That means Gladys is my sister too.

    The theme of being children of God was reiterated throughout the presentation. Members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints believe that each and every person on the earth from Adam and Eve until now is a literal spirit son or daughter of Heavenly Father. We believe that we lived with God before we came to earth, and that we chose to come here and follow His great Plan of Happiness. You can read more about this plan here.

    Gladys’ husband, and Gladys herself, also stood and told their stories, from how they were raised, how they met each other, and how they each individually came to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – the church they, and millions around the world, believe is the restored church of Jesus Christ. You can read more about the restoration of the gospel here.

    They pled with the audience to open their hearts to the possibility of Joseph Smith really being a prophet, of the Book of Mormon really being true, of the priesthood really being restored. Gladys’ husband, William McDowell, asked us to follow the promise at the end of the Book of Mormon, which states:

     3 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.
     4 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.
     5 And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things. (Moroni 10:3-5)
    Gladys gave an important point, that she isn’t trying to sell anything, or force anyone to do anything. It is a person’s choice to open their hearts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She did, however, give a strong testimony of her belief in the truthfulness of the faith she holds so dear.
    I loved hearing Gladys’ majestic voice. Towards the end of the presentation, she and the choir sang one of the children’s hymns from our church, entitled I am a Child of God. It is one of my favorite hymns too, and I often sing it to my children.
    If you would like to hear the song, here is a beautiful rendition in many different languages sung by women of our church.

    Gladys Knight believes that God gave her the gift of song to do His will, to feed His sheep, to tell the world that Jesus Christ lives. I believe that she is right, as I believe that all of us is given talents, where if we use them appropriately, we can bring peace to the world through the gospel of Jesus Christ.

    I am grateful for Gladys and her choir’s courage as they stand for what they believe, embrace cultural differences, and bring light and hope to all wishing to find it.

    He lives!

  • Sabbath Day Light: Every Day like Easter Sunday

    This past Sunday was so wonderful. It was Easter Sunday, so my husband and I made a special effort with our kids to focus on the Savior. We also got to hear beautiful music and messages in church about Christ’s atonement and resurrection. Then, we were able to spend time that evening with the people we love most – our family. It was one of those days you wish you could have every day.

    As I think about it, though, can’t every day be like Easter Sunday? If I am to call myself a true disciple of Jesus Christ, mustn’t I remember Him every day? Shouldn’t I bear witness of Him at all times? Can’t I feel the Spirit testify to me of the divinity of Christ at any given moment?

    I think that we feel more comfortable talking about Jesus around Christmas-time or Easter-time because people expect Christians to talk about Him during those times. However, as the Apostle Paul says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek (Romans 1:16).”

    In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi speaks of his people, the Nephites, and how they live. He says, “And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins (2Nephi 25:26).”

    How can we better show our devotion to Christ – to talk of Him and to rejoice in Him? I have a few suggestions:

    1. Listen to and sing spiritual songs of praise and love to the Lord.

    I know for me, when I sing or hear hymns at church, at home, or in the car, I always feel warm and joyful. I feel the Holy Ghost touching my heart. I especially love to hear my children sing hymns. I always have to wipe tears from my eyes when I hear their sweet voices.

    Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.


    Doctrine and Covenants 25:12 – For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.

    2. Read the scriptures daily and ponder their meaning in your life.

    My husband and I read from the Book of Mormon each night with our children. Then before we go to bed, he and I will listen to recent General Conference talks or watch Bible videos about Christ’s teachings. Individually, my husband and I also strive to study the word of God.

    1 Nephi 19:23 – …I did liken all scriptures unto us, that it might be for our profit and learning.


    2 Nephi 32:3 – …Wherefore, I said unto you, feast upon the words of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will tell you all things what ye should do.


    Psalms 119:105 – Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.





    **If you would like to learn more about The Book of Mormon, click here.

    3. Pray to Heavenly Father in the name of Jesus Christ daily, always having a prayer in your heart.

    When you pray, you are showing that you love God, that you wish to communicate with Him, that you believe that He hears and answers your prayers, that you have faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ. We can pray for many things, such as for safety for our family, comfort, help, answers, and blessings. This shows that we trust that God loves us and wishes to bless us. We should also focus on thanking God for all the blessings we have and will receive. In all these forms of praying, we can come closer to our Father in Heaven, as well as our Savior.

    I love praying, and pray many times a day. I strive to say sincere prayers, and to really remember who I am talking to.

    1 Thessalonians 5: 17-18 –  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.


    Psalms 55:17 – Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.

    4. Observe the world around you and see God’s hand in all things.

    When I smell a flower, look into my children’s eyes, drive through the mountains, gaze at a rainbow, accomplish something I didn’t think I could, I feel God’s presence near.

    One of my favorite children’s hymns is called My Heavenly Father Loves Me. Here are the words:.

    Whenever I hear the song of a bird
    Or look at the blue, blue sky,
    Whenever I feel the rain on my face
    Or the wind as it rushes by,
    Whenever I touch a velvet rose
    Or walk by our lilac tree,
    I’m glad that I live in this beautiful world
    Heav’nly Father created for me.


     He gave me my eyes that I might see
    The color of butterfly wings.
    He gave me my ears that I might hear
    The magical sound of things.
    He gave me my life, my mind, my heart:
    I thank him rev’rently
    For all his creations, of which I’m a part.
    Yes, I know Heav’nly Father loves me.

    I know that if we can see God’s hand in all things, we will talk of God more, and we will feel His love more abundantly.

    Alma 30:44  …The scriptures are laid before thee, yea, and all things denote there is a God; yea, even the earth, and all things that are upon the face of it, yea, and its motion, yea, and also all the planets which move in their regular form do witness that there is a Supreme Creator.


    5.  Love and serve others.

    When we help other people, whether it be in our homes, in our churches, or in our communities, we learn to be a little more selfless, a little more kind, a little more compassionate, a little more like Christ.

    As we love our neighbors, we can help them feel God’s love for them. I am always happier and feel more fulfilled when I am helping someone else.

    President Dieter F. Uchtdorf,  Second Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.” You can read his whole talk on how we can be the Lord’s hands here.

    Mosiah 2:17 –  And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.


    St. Matthew 25:40 –  And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.


    St. John 13:34 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 

    6. Testify of Jesus Christ and His gospel.

    In my life, my testimony of Jesus Christ, and my relationship with Him, has grown the most through sharing His gospel with others.

    Never have I felt the Spirit more, felt the love of God for me individually more, realized my purpose and worth more, than when I am anxiously engaged in the work of bringing souls unto Christ.

    Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ want all people to receive exaltation. Those of us who have the truth are called to share it with the world, so all can partake of the gift of the atonement of our Savior.

    Doctrine and Covenants 18:15 – And if it so be that you should labor all your days in crying repentance unto this people, and bring, save it be one soul unto me, how great shall be your joy with him in the kingdom of my Father!


    Isaiah 52:7 – How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!


    I know that if we do these things, as well as any other things that draw us nearer to God, that each and every day can be as special to us as Easter Sunday. Let us live our religion every day, and love the Lord with all our heart, might, mind and strength.

  • Sabbath Day Light: Peace through Keeping God’s Commandments

    In church this past Sunday, we had our monthly Testimony Meeting. In these meetings, members of the congregation, who feel the Spirit prompt them, will come up to the pulpit and share their testimony of different aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I always look forward to these meetings, and often share my testimony.

    In this particular meeting, there were three individuals, all from different backgrounds, who spoke a similar theme. One of the speakers was a 12-year-old girl, not yet a member of our church. She expressed sincere gratitude to the missionaries for teaching her the gospel, and for helping her turn her life around. She said she used to be “out of control,” but has now calmed down and starting doing the right things. She is so happy to be a part of our congregation.

    Another sister spoke of a close member of her family who had been making poor decisions for quite a while. Life was getting harder and harder for him. She had been praying for this person to have an experience where his eyes would be opened and he would realize he was on the wrong path. She said that her prayer had recently been answered. She is so grateful because now, this person she loves so dearly, has recognized that he has been missing God’s love in his life. He wants a relationship with his Father in Heaven again.

    The third person whose testimony struck me has been coming back been to church, where he had been gone a long time. As he spoke, his humility and honesty were inspiring. He expressed a desire to continue to turn his life around and get worthy again to return to the temple. He knows he has done some wrong things. He knows that he needs to change to be truly happy, and he is trying really hard to do so.

    Each of these people helped me see a theme, which is when we follow the commandments the Lord has set for us, we are at peace. We have hope, we feel love, and we see our true potential.
    In the Book of Mormon, the prophet Nephi said, “…And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them… (1 Nephi 17:3).”

    In his mortal ministry, Jesus said,  “…I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6).”

    I know this to be true. You can read more about how members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints keep the commandments here: http://www.mormon.org/beliefs/commandments

  • Sabbath Day Light: In this there is safety. In this there is peace.

    The past two days I was truly spiritually fed.  My family and I watched four 2-hour sessions
    of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ General Conference. It was
    wonderful. The spirit was strong, and from the experience I have grown and have
    specific, loving instruction on how to better myself and help those around me.
    In an effort to help you see how priceless hearing the words
    of the Lord’s servants is, I would like to highlight some of my favorite talks
    from the conference.
    Saturday
    Morning Session – April 5, 2014
    1. Jeffrey R. Holland
    of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles:     He is always such a powerful speaker,
    and this time was no different. He spoke of how there will be times in our
    lives when we are persecuted for our beliefs. He said it is worth it to be courageous
    and hold true. We will find safety and strength if we are righteous and have Christ-like
    love, which is the greatest need we have on this planet. My favorite part of
    his talk was when he boldly, and poignantly testified of priesthood keys and
    ordinances. He said he was more sure of their existence on the earth than he
    was sure he was standing before us, and that we were watching him speak. See below
    for a sample of his talk:
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=519145874860894
    2. Ronald Rasbund of
    the Presidency of the 70:     He spoke of how sustaining our leaders is a
    privilege, and comes with a responsibility to share their burdens, and to be disciples of Christ. We are the Lord’s hands on the earth, and we must lift and
    serve others. We can get help to make divine decisions and love what God loves
    as we help others.
    3. Linda S. Reeves ,
    Second Counselor in the General Relief Society Presidency    : She was
    incredibly bold and powerful as she spoke of the dangers of pornography as one
    of the worst problems facing families today. However, she offered wonderful
    guidance. She said not to be shocked and angry, or reject someone with a
    pornography problem. Through Christ, one struggling with this type of addiction
    can be made clean again and have his/her sorrows taken away. She also gave
    suggestions on how to prevent the desire to view pornography in our homes.
    She said to do daily scripture study, pray and do weekly family home evening,
    as well as talk of Christ and rejoice in Christ often. She testified that coupled
    with prayer, the Book of Mormon can strengthen family relationships.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462219310678286
    4. Henry B. Eyring,
    First Counselor in the First Presidency    : He spoke of his great grandfather, Heinrich, and his conversion to the gospel, as well as the example Heinrich set for him, though
    he never met him. The thing President Eyring said that meant the most to me was to let the
    Lord be the leader of your family and things will work out.
    Saturday Afternoon
    Session – April 5, 2014
    1. Russell M. Nelson
    of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : The theme of his talk was to let our
    faith show. All truth comes from God, and we should not set aside any of it.
    Living our religions day by day, wherever we are, will bring divine guidance.
    God’s laws must ever be our standard, and we should look first to God and the
    scriptures for guidance. You can’t rise to the full stature of your integrity, or become all your true self can be, if you segment your life into compartments.
    “Even if everyone is doing it, wrong is never right.”

    2. Richard G. Scott
    of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : My favorite points from his talk are
    that we should serve the Lord first. He also said to sincerely love those we
    went to help so they can then gain confidence of God’s love. That really struck
    me – that through our love, others can feel God’s love.
    3. W. Craig Zwick of
    the 70    : He spoke about communication with others, and how we should never
    let corrupt or abrasive words come out of our mouths. We should try to see other people’s perspectives. We should always be kind and civil, even when we disagree
    with someone. Also, being right is not that important. What is important is
    listening, having empathy and seeing through another’s eyes.
    4. Quentin L. Cook of
    the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : Elder Cook’s talk focused on hastening
    temple work and family history work. I loved hearing his enthusiasm as he said
    that there were only 12 temples 50 years ago, and now there are 142. Eighty
    five percent of our church membership lives within 200 miles of a temple. With
    the advances in technology, family history centers are now in our homes. The
    church is growing, and it is growing because it is true.
    Sunday
    Morning Session – April 6, 2014
    1. Dieter F.
    Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency    : If I tried to tell you
    my favorite parts of this talk, I would quote the entire thing. I have never
    heard a more powerful talk on gratitude in my life. One quote is “Gratitude is
    a catalyst to all Christlike attributes.” Please watch this talk! It will change
    your life.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462571953976355

    2. Jean A. Stevens,
    First Counselor in the General Primary Presidency    : She told a story that
    really strengthened my testimony. She said that one day she was driving and she
    saw a boy walking on the side of the road. She felt an impression to stop and
    help him, but then didn’t. She received a stronger prompting, and then went back and
    asked him if he needed help. He said he had been praying for someone to help
    him. She later told his perspective of the story in his own words, and he
    indicated that he had tried to walk home a long distance and just couldn’t. He
    prayed for someone to help him, and minutes later, Sister Stevens pulled up to
    him. She testified that God is aware of our situations and wants to
    bless us. He has a plan for us and wants to see us home again. God accomplishes His miracles one prayer at a time, one person at a time.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462571893976361
    3. David A. Bednar of
    the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : 
    His talk used a metaphor of a truck in the snow that needed a load to give
    it enough traction to get unstuck and head safely home. The load represents our
    trials, our obligations, our sorrows. He said that happiness is not the absence
    of a load. He talked about how Christ will help us pull our load and be with us
    to the end as long as we make and keep sacred covenant with Him. Christ
    experienced all we will ever experience before us, so He has perfect empathy.
    There is always someone who knows what we are going through. This talk is
    definitely worth watching.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462602247306659
    4. Thomas S. Monson,
    President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints:      Our dear prophet reminded us that the
    greatest commandment is to love God, and the second to love one another. He
    said that we can’t fully love God without loving others, and we can’t fully
    love others without loving God. He counseled that as we recognize that we are
    all spirit children of God, and thus brothers and sisters, loving others gets
    easier. We will never regret being too kind. Love should be at the heart of
    family life. Blame keeps wounds open; only forgiveness heals. This man is a
    prophet of God. Please listen to his words.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462602230639994
    Sunday Afternoon
    Session – April 6, 2014
    1.  Boyd K. Packer, President of the Quorum of
    the Twelve Apostles    :
    I have one quote I want to share that touched me deeply: “I
    know the Lord. I am His witness.” I believe him.
    2. L. Tom Perry of
    the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : I loved his talk. It was a profound
    reminder of the importance of following the Spirit, submitting our will to God’s,
    and keeping the commandments. I strongly recommend watching his talk.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462699320630285
    In the meantime, below are two of my favorite quotes from
    his talk:

                 

                 

    3. Lawrence Corbridge
    of the 70    : Other than President Uchtdorf’s talk, this was my favorite. He
    spoke with great love for the Prophet Joseph Smith. Joseph, as a 14-year-old boy,
    was searching for truth. He wanted to know which church to join. I love how
    Elder Corbridge said, “In his haste to know, he was not hasty.” I felt the
    Spirit very strongly as he gave a long, yet not complete list, of the many
    truths we now know because of revelation given to Joseph Smith. Please, please,
    please watch this talk. If you have a desire to know more about my faith and
    about prophets of God, namely Joseph Smith, I promise you will be touched.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462694827297401

     4. D. Todd
    Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles    : His talk was the final
    talk before President Monson’s closing remarks, and I felt that was appropriate
    because his talk focused on the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord,
    Jesus Christ – He who we worship as our beloved Savior. It is a wonderful talk
    to get us in the right mood for Easter. I loved it when he said that many doubt
    or disbelieve that Christ was resurrected… and some know. I know that he knows,
    and I also know. We can know that Christ lives and He is our Savior. We do not
    need to see him to know.
    https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=1462699930630224
    For those of you reading, I want to bear you my solemn testimony that Jesus Christ lives. He is our Savior. He, along with our Heavenly Father and the Holy Ghost, love us and want more than anything for us to be happy in this life and in the life to come. We have everything we need to be able to return to Heaven, and one of those ways is through living prophets. I know that Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet on the earth today. Please take the time to hear the words of the Lord’s servants. By their fruits ye shall know them, and their fruits truly lead to God.
    https://www.lds.org/general-conference/watch?lang=eng&cid=HPTU040114644

  • Sabbath Day Light: A promise to receive answers

    My family is currently on vacation in Williamsburg, VA, so this Sunday morning we worshiped with fellow Latter-day Saints from the Jamestown area.

    At the beginning of our first meeting, a visiting local church leader gave us a promise. He promised that if this coming weekend, we watch all four sessions of General Conference, we will receive answers to all of the specific questions we currently have about our lives and our faith.

    For those of you who are not of my faith, you may be wondering what General Conference is. Well, every six months, in April and October, my church does a series of broadcasts from Salt Lake City, UT, to many countries around the world. In these broadcasts, which consists of five 2-hour sessions held over two days, we hear spiritual messages from the leaders of our church. Those who speak to us prayerfully choose what they will speak about, and their messages are meant to uplift, counsel and inform not only the members of the faith, but all the world.

    We believe that God still speaks to His children, and does so through living prophets. We believe that Thomas S. Monson, the President of our church, as well as his counselors, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles are prophets, seers and revelators. They receive direction directly from God for the benefit of His people. One profound mission of the apostles and prophets is to teach and testify of Jesus Christ to the world.

    If you would like to listen to some of their poignant testimonies of Christ, you can view them at this link: Special Witnesses of Christ. You can also view their pictures and biographies here: Meet Today’s Prophets and Apostles.

    Throughout these two days we hear from these divinely-appointed prophets and apostles. We also hear from other leaders of our church, such as leaders of our women’s organization, called the Relief Society, and many others.

    I always look forward to General Conference. I do not watch much television, but this is better than television. It is life-changing. It leaves me, and everyone who watches it with a prayerful heart, with new hope, renewed purpose, and an overwhelming feeling of love from not only the prophet and other church leaders, but from our Father in Heaven, and His son, Jesus Christ.

    In this world, there is so much confusion, so much hate, so much darkness. We can always find light when we follow Jesus Christ. We know we are following Him as we heed the words of His servants. To read more about why prophets are so important, read here:  We Need Living Prophets.

    The promise my congregation heard on Sunday applies to everyone who has an open heart and wishes to find answers of peace, hope, and love. I want you to watch General Conference and receive the blessings millions of people receive already: Come Join Us for General Conference.

    I know with all my heart that God still speaks, and does so through living prophets, just as He did anciently. I know that our prayers are heard. I know that we can walk in light. I know that God loves all of us and wants each of us to live with Him again. He has provided the way through prayer, though scriptures, and through His servants, the prophets. Come, join with us. You will be changed for the better.