Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
General
Conference
Addresses
Three New Temples
Announced
New Seventies, Young Men
General Presidency, and
Counselor in the Primary
General Presidency Called
GREG OLSEN, MAY NOT BE COPIED
Road to Emmaus, by Greg Olsen
And, behold, two [disciples] went that same day to a village called Emmaus. ...
And it came to pass, that, while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself drew near,
and went with them. ...
And it came to pass, as he sat at meat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and brake, and gave to them.
And their eyes were opened, and they knew him; and he vanished out of their sight.
And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way,
and while he opened to us the scriptures? (Luke 24:13, 15, 3032).
Contents May 2015
Volume 45 Number 5
MAY 2015 1
The 185th Annual General Conference
unpublished; Lord, I Would Follow Thee,
Hymns, no. 220, arr. Murphy, unpublished.
Conference Talks Available
Saturday Evening, March 28, 2015, On, Hymns, no. 243, arr. Elliott, pub. by To access general conference talks on the
General Womens Session Jackman. Internet in many languages, visit conference.
Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. lds.org and select a language. Talks are also
Conducting: Linda K. Burton. Saturday Evening, April 4, 2015, available on the Gospel Library mobile app.
Invocation: Beverly Tingey. General Priesthood Session Generally within six weeks following general
Benediction: Reyna I. Aburto. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. conference, English video and audio record-
Music by a combined Primary, Young Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. ings are available at distribution centers.
Women, and Relief Society choir from stakes Invocation: David L. Beck. Information on general conference in acces-
in Salt Lake, Murray, Kamas, and Park City, Benediction: Elder Robert C. Gay. sible formats for members with disabilities is
Utah; Erin Pike Tall, director; Linda Margetts, Music by a priesthood choir from Brigham available at disability.lds.org.
organist: How Firm a Foundation, Hymns, Young University; Ronald Staheli, director;
Richard Elliott and Andrew Unsworth, organ- Home and Visiting Teaching Messages
no. 85; musical presentation, The Family Is For home and visiting teaching messages,
of God, Neeley, arr. Zabriskie, unpublished; ists: For the Strength of the Hills, Hymns,
no. 35, arr. Tom Durham, pub. by Jackman; please select an address that best meets the
From Homes of Saints Glad Songs Arise, needs of those you visit.
Hymns, no. 297, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; On This Day of Joy and Gladness, Hymns,
Medley: Love at Home, Hymns, no. 294; no. 64, arr. Staheli, unpublished; Hark, All On the Cover
Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words, Hymns, no. Ye Nations! Hymns, no. 264; Master, the Front: Photograph by Cody Bell.
232; Our Saviors Love, Hymns, no. 113, arr. Tempest Is Raging, Hymns, no. 105, arr. Back: Photograph by Leslie Nilsson.
Tall/Margetts, unpublished. Staheli, unpublished.
Conference Photography
Photographs in Salt Lake City were taken by Welden C.
Saturday Morning, April 4, 2015, Sunday Morning, April 5, 2015, Andersen, Cody Bell, Janae Bingham, Ale Borges, Randy
General Session General Session Collier, Weston Colton, Mark Davis, Craig Dimond, Nathaniel
Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Ray Edwards, Brandon Flint, Ashlee Larsen, August Miller,
Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. Leslie Nilsson, Brad Slade, and Christina Smith; of sunflowers,
Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. courtesy of QuentinL. Cook family; in aircraft, by Craig
Invocation: Elder Timothy J. Dyches. Invocation: Linda S. Reeves. Marshall Jacobsen; in Woodbury, Minnesota, USA, by Sandra
Benediction: Elder Larry J. Echo Hawk. Benediction: Elder Kevin S. Hamilton. Wahlquist; in McMinnville, Oregon, USA, by Jade West; in
Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Abidjan, Ivory Coast, courtesy of Lucien and Agathe Affoue
Wilberg, director; Clay Christiansen and and Philippe and Annelies Assard; in Perpignan, France, by
Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, directors; Andrew Renee Castagno; in Helsinki, Finland, by Kukka Fristrom; in
Unsworth and Clay Christiansen, organists: Richard Elliott, organists: Rejoice, the Lord Is Johannesburg, South Africa, courtesy of Christoffel Golden
Guide Us, O Thou Great Jehovah, Hymns, King! Hymns, no. 66; He Is Risen! Hymns, family; in Vatican City, by Humanum; in Bangkok, Thailand,
no. 83; Glory to God on High, Hymns, no. 67; no. 199, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; Consider courtesy of Sathit Kaivaivatana; in Mumbai, India, by Wendy
the Lilies, Hoffman, arr. Lyon, pub. by Keeler; in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, by Laurent Lucuix; in
Have I Done Any Good? Hymns, no. 223, Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico, by Hector Manuel
arr. Zabriskie HolySheetMusic.com; High Jackman; I Know That My Redeemer Lives, Hernandez Martinez; in San Martn de los Andes, Neuqun,
on the Mountain Top, Hymns, no. 5; Come Hymns, no. 136; Jesus Has Risen, Childrens Argentina, by Colton Mondragon; in Hong Kong, by Brian
unto Jesus, Hymns, no. 117, arr. Murphy, Songbook, 70, arr. Murphy, unpublished; Yan, National Geographic contest photo; in Natal, Rio
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today, Hymns, no. Grande do Norte, Brazil, by Clebher Tex; and in London,
unpublished; I Believe in Christ, Hymns, England, by Kami Weddick. Page 77: Illustration by Brian Call.
no. 134, arr. Wilberg, pub. by Jackman. 200, arr. Wilberg, unpublished.
MAY 2015 3
Highlights from the 185th Annual
General Conference of The Church
of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
S
ubjects for general conference built in Abidjan, Ivory Coast; Port- new temples were dedicated last
talks are assignednot by mortal au-Prince, Haiti; and Bangkok, year, making a total of 144 temples
authority but by the impressions Thailand. Of these, he said, What in operation.
of the Spirit, explained Elder DallinH. marvelous blessings are in store for The conference was interpreted in
Oaks of the Quorum of the Twelve our faithful members in these areas 95 languages. Following an inno-
Apostles (page 32). In an inspiring and, indeed, wherever temples vation begun last October, three
general conference that began with are located throughout the world speakers delivered their talks in
the general womens session and (page 91). languages other than English.
concluded on Easter Sunday, speakers Church members sustained five new Speaking on Easter weekend, sev-
taught about family, fasting, temple members of the First Quorum of the eral speakers testified of the Saviors
work, discipleship, the Sabbath, and Seventy, a new Young Men general Resurrection. He is the Son of God,
the Saviors Atonement, among many presidency, and a new counselor in testified President ThomasS. Monson.
other gospel principles (see page 3). the Primary general presidency. He it is who came forth from the
The following are some highlights: The annual statistical report noted grave that first Easter morning, bring-
President ThomasS. Monson 15.3 million Church members in ing with Him the gift of everlasting life
announced new temples to be 3,114 stakes and 561 districts. Three for all of Gods children (page 93).
By CherylA. Esplin
Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency
M
y heart filled with the Spirit power to withstand the outside forces
as I listened to these families of the world that surround and push
teach that sacred truth: The against us. However, if we are not filled
family is of God.1 Inspiring music is spiritually, we dont have the inner
just one of the many ways we can feel strength to resist the outside pressures
the Spirit whisper to us, filling us with and can collapse when forces push
light and truth. against us.
The concept of being filled with Satan knows that in order for us
light and truth became particularly and our families to withstand the
important to me because of an experi- pressures of the world, we must be
ence I had many years ago. I attended filled with light and gospel truth. So he
a meeting where members of the does everything in his power to dilute,
Young Women general board taught distort, and destroy the truth of the
about creating spiritually strong fam- gospel and to keep us separated from
ilies and homes. To visually demon- that truth.
strate this, a Young Women leader held Many of us have been baptized and our families with a sacred duty to help
up two soda cans. In one hand she have received the gift of the Holy Ghost, strengthen each other spiritually.
held a can that was empty and in the whose role it is to reveal and teach the Strong eternal families and Spirit-
other hand a can that was unopened truth of all things.2 With the privilege of filled homes do not just happen. They
and full of soda. First, she squeezed the that gift comes the responsibility to seek take great effort, they take time, and
empty can; it began to bend and then truth, to live the truth we know, and to they take each member of the family
collapsed under the pressure. Next, share and defend the truth. doing his or her part. Every home is
with her other hand, she squeezed the One place where we best seek to be different, but every home where even
unopened can. It held firm. It didnt filled with light and truth is in our own one individual seeks for truth can make
bend or collapse like the empty can homes. The words in the chorus of the a difference.
because it was filled. song we heard remind us, God gave We are continually counseled to
We likened this demonstration to us families to help us become what increase our spiritual knowledge
our individual lives and to our homes He wants us to be.3 Families are the through prayer and through studying
and families. When filled with the Spirit Lords workshop on earth to help us and pondering the scriptures and the
and with gospel truth, we have the learn and live the gospel. We come into words of the living prophets. In his
MAY 2015 9
a picture of the angel Moroni giving
Joseph Smith the [gold] plates.
Many years after having this dream
and several months before she died
at nearly age 88, Elizabeth received a
powerful impression. She said, The
thought came to me as plain ... as if
someone had said to me, ... Do not
bury your testimony in the ground.5
Generations later, Elizabeths pos-
terity continues to draw strength from
her testimony. Like Elizabeth, we live
in a world of many doubters and critics
who ridicule and oppose the truths
we hold dear. We may hear confusing
stories and conflicting messages. Also
like Elizabeth, we will have to do our
best to hold on to whatever light and
was that Joseph Smith was a sly fraud by the foot of a low rolling hill; halfway truth we currently have, especially in
who had written the Book of Mormon up the hill I saw a man looking down difficult circumstances. The answers to
himself and then distributed it to make and speaking, or seemed to be speak- our prayers may not come dramatically,
money. They acted as if to think any- ing, to a young man who was kneeling but we must find quiet moments to
thing else was absurd, claiming that and leaning over a hole in the earth. His seek greater light and truth. And when
Mormonism was bunk. arms were stretched out, and it looked we receive it, it is our responsibility to
All this talk made Elizabeth feel as if he was reaching for something live it, to share it, and to defend it.
isolated and alone. There was no one from in the hole. I could see the lid of I leave you with my testimony that I
to talk to, no time to even say her stone that seemed to have been taken know as we fill our hearts and homes
prayersalthough she did pray as she off from the hole over which the boy with the Saviors light and truth, we will
worked. She was too frightened to say was bending. On the road were many have the inner strength to withstand
anything to those who ridiculed her people, but none of them seemed to be in every circumstance. In the name of
religion. She said she didnt know but at all interested in the two men on the Jesus Christ, amen.
what they were telling the truth, and hillside. There was something that came Note: On April 4, 2015, Sister Esplin was
she felt she could not have defended along with the dream that impressed me released as second counselor in the Primary
her belief if she had tried. so strangely that I woke right up; ... I general presidency and sustained as first
counselor.
Later, Elizabeth and her family could not tell my dream to anyone, but
moved. Elizabeth said she had more I seemed to be satisfied that it meant the NOTES
time to think and was not so distracted angel Moroni [instructed] the boy Joseph 1. The Family Is of God, in Families Are
all the time. She often went down at the time he got the plates. Forever: 2014 Outline for Sharing Time
in the cellar and prayed to Heavenly In the spring of 1893, Elizabeth went (2013), 2829.
2. See Moroni 10:5.
Father about what was troubling her to Salt Lake City to the dedication of 3. The Family Is of God.
about the stories those seemingly smart the temple. She described her experi- 4. DieterF. Uchtdorf, Receiving a Testimony
men had told about the gospel being ence: In there I saw the same picture of Light and Truth, Ensign or Liahona,
Nov. 2014, 21.
bunk and about Joseph Smith and the [that] I had seen in my dream; I think 5. See Elizabeth Staheli Walker, My
Book of Mormon. it was [a] colored-glass window. I feel Testimony, Written for My Children and
One night Elizabeth had a dream. satisfied that if I saw the Hill Cumorah Their Children after I Am Gone, 1939, 22
26, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Special
She said: It seemed I was standing by a itself, it would not look more real. I feel Collections; punctuation, capitalization,
narrow wagon road, which led around satisfied that I was shown in a dream and spelling standardized.
I
s anything more beautiful and pro- We belong. We are daughters of attraction. I havent had to endure
found than the simple and pure truths our Heavenly Father, who loves us, and abuse, chronic illness, or addiction.
of the gospel taught in a Primary we love Him.3 These have not been my stretching
song? And all of you Primary girls here The second line of the song expands opportunities.
tonight know the song I am going on the first. He sent each one of us So right now some of you are think-
to talk about. You learned it for your to earth, through birth, to live and ing, Well then, Sister Stephens, you
Primary program last year. learn here in families. just dont understand! And I answer
In the words of The Family Is of In the premortal life, we learned that that you may be right. I dont com-
God1sung earlier in this meeting we would need a period of mortality. pletely understand your challenges. But
we are reminded of pure doctrine. We accepted [Heavenly Fathers] plan through my personal tests and trials
We learn not only that the family is of by which His children could obtain a the ones that have brought me to my
God but also that we are each part of physical body and gain earthly experi- kneesI have become well acquainted
Gods family. ence to progress toward perfection and with the One who does understand, He
The first line of the song teaches: ultimately realize [our] divine destiny as who was acquainted with grief,6 who
Our Father has a family. Its me! heirs of eternal life.4 experienced all and understands all.
Its you, all others too: we are His
children. From the family procla-
mation, we learn, In the premortal
realm, spirit sons and daughters knew
and worshipped God as their Eternal
Father. In that realm, we learned about
our eternal female identity. We knew
that we were each a beloved ...
daughter of heavenly parents.2
Our mortal journey to earth did not
change those truths. We each belong to
and are needed in the family of God.
Earthly families all look different. And
while we do the best we can to create
strong traditional families, membership
in the family of God is not contingent
upon any kind of statusmarital status,
parental status, financial status, social
status, or even the kind of status we
post on social media.
MAY 2015 11
And in addition, I have experienced all planted in our hearts.8 Our sphere She understands what it means to
of the mortal tests that I just mentioned of influence isnt limited to our own expand her sphere of influence as
through the lens of a daughter, mother, family members. she goes about doing good, blessing,
grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. I recently had the opportunity to nurturing, and defending the family of
Our opportunity as covenant-keeping visit with Sister Yazzie of the Chinle God. She understands that whenever a
daughters of God is not just to learn Arizona Stake in her hogan. When woman strengthens the faith of a child,
from our own challenges; it is to unite she welcomed me into her home, the she contributes to the strength of a
in empathy and compassion as we first thing I noticed was the variety of familynow and in the future.9
support other members of the family framed family and missionary photos The third line of the song further
of God in their struggles, as we have on her walls and tables. So I asked, explains the purpose of our mortality:
covenanted to do. Sister Yazzie, how many grandchildren God gave us families to help us
When we do so, we also come to do you have? become what He wants us to be.
understand and trust that the Savior Surprised by my question, she The Savior taught, Be one; and if ye
knows the difficulties of the way and shrugged her shoulders. Confused by are not one ye are not mine.10 The
can guide us through whatever sorrows her response, I looked at her daugh- family proclamation teaches that as
and disappointments may come. He ter, Sister Yellowhair, who answered, beloved spirit daughters of heavenly
is true charity, and His love endureth She doesnt know how many grand- parents, we have a divine nature,
forever7in part through us as we children she has. We dont count. All eternal identity, and purpose. God
follow Him. children call her Grandmothershe is wants us to be one. God needs us to
As daughters of God and disciples Grandmother to everyone. be onecovenant-keeping daughters,
of Jesus Christ, we then act according Sister Yazzie doesnt limit her love united in the diversities of our individ-
to those sympathies which God has and influence to her biological family. ual lives,11 who desire to learn all
MAY 2015 13
By BonnieL. Oscarson They continued their vicious yells
Young Women General President and demands for the missionaries to
be brought out. Marie raised her Bible
up in her hand and commanded them
Defenders of the
to depart. She told them that the elders
were under her protection and that
they could not harm one hair of their
Family Proclamation
heads. Listen to her own words: All
stood aghast.... God was with me. He
placed those words in my mouth, or I
could not have spoken them. All was
calm, instantly. That strong ferocious
Let us help build the kingdom of God by standing up boldly and being body of men stood helpless before
defenders of marriage, parenthood, and the home. a weak, trembling, yet fearless girl.
The ministers asked the mob to leave,
which they did quietly in shame, fear,
and remorse. The small flock com-
W
hat a privilege and joy to were baptized. One Sunday, while the pleted their meeting in peace.1
be a part of this marvelous family was holding a worship service Cant you just picture that brave
assembly of girls and women. in their home high in the Alps of young woman, the same age as many
How blessed we are as women to be northern Italy, an angry mob of men, of you, standing up to a mob and
joined together this evening in unity including some of the local ministers, defending her newly found beliefs
and in love. gathered around the house and began with courage and conviction?
I recently read the story of Marie shouting, yelling, and calling for the Sisters, few of us will ever have to
Madeline Cardon, who, with her missionaries to be brought outside. face an angry mob, but there is a war
family, received the message of the I dont think they were anxious to going on in this world in which our
restored gospel of Jesus Christ from be taught the gospelthey intended most cherished and basic doctrines are
the first missionaries called to serve in bodily harm. It was young Marie who under attack. I am speaking specifi-
Italy in 1850. She was a young woman marched out of the house to confront cally of the doctrine of the family. The
of 17 or 18 years of age when they the mob. sanctity of the home and the essen-
tial purposes of the family are being
questioned, criticized, and assaulted on
every front.
When President GordonB. Hinckley
first read The Family: A Proclamation
to the World 20 years ago this year, we
were grateful for and valued the clarity,
simplicity, and truth of this revelatory
document. Little did we realize then
how very desperately we would need
these basic declarations in todays
world as the criteria by which we
could judge each new wind of worldly
dogma coming at us from the media,
the Internet, scholars, TV and films, and
even legislators. The proclamation on
the family has become our benchmark
MAY 2015 15
they can imagine. We hope they will
love learning, be educated, talented,
and maybe even become the next
Marie Curie or ElizaR. Snow.
Do we also teach our sons and
daughters there is no greater honor,
no more elevated title, and no more
important role in this life than that of
mother or father? I would hope that as
we encourage our children to reach
for the very best in this life that we
also teach them to honor and exalt the
roles that mothers and fathers play in
Heavenly Fathers plan.
Our youngest daughter, Abby,
saw a unique opportunity to stand
as a defender of the role of mother.
One day she got a notice from her
childrens school that they were
having Career Day presentations
at the school. Parents were invited
to send in an application if they
wanted to come to school to teach
the children about their jobs, and
Abby felt impressed to apply to come
and speak about motherhood. She
didnt hear back from the school, and
when Career Day was getting close,
she finally called the school, thinking
they may have lost her application.
The organizers scrambled around and
found two teachers who agreed to they received daily. Abby felt that the help them realize all that their parents
have Abby come talk to their classes children saw their mothers in a whole do for them and why.
at the end of Career Day. new light and that being a mother or Our beloved prophet, President
In her very fun presentation to the father was something of great worth. ThomasS. Monson, is a wonderful
children, Abby taught them, among She applied to share again this year at example of honoring women and
other things, that as a mother she Career Day and was invited to present motherhood, especially his own
needed to be somewhat of an expert to six classes. mother. In reference to our earthly
in medicine, psychology, religion, Abby has said of her experience: I mothers, he has said: May each
teaching, music, literature, art, finance, feel like it could be easy in this world of us treasure this truth; one cannot
decorating, hair styling, chauffeuring, for a child to get the sense that being forget mother and remember God.
sports, culinary arts, and so much a parent is a secondary job or even One cannot remember mother and
more. The children were impressed. sometimes a necessary inconvenience. forget God. Why? Because these
She finished by having the children I want every child to feel like they are two sacred persons, God and [our
remember their mothers by writing the most important priority to their earthly] mother, partners in creation,
thank-you notes expressing gratitude parent, and maybe telling them how in love, in sacrifice, in service, are
for the many loving acts of service important being a parent is to me will as one.3
The Comforter
vate it. It is the term homemaker. All of
uswomen, men, youth, and children,
single or marriedcan work at being
homemakers. We should make
our homes places of order, refuge,
holiness, and safety. Our homes I give my witness that the living Christ sends the Holy Ghost,
should be places where the Spirit of the Comforter, to those we are pledged to help Him comfort.
the Lord is felt in rich abundance and
where the scriptures and the gospel
are studied, taught, and lived. What
M
a difference it would make in the y beloved sisters, it has been attributes of the Savior we most appre-
world if all people would see them- a joy for me to be with you. ciate is His infinite compassion.
selves as makers of righteous homes. Ive thought of my mother, my Tonight you have felt He knows
Let us defend the home as a place wife, my daughters, my daughters-in- you and loves you. You have felt His
which is second only to the temple law, my granddaughtersa number love for those seated around you.
in holiness. of whom are here. This wonderful They are your sisters, spirit daughters
Sisters, I am grateful to be a program has made me appreciate of our Heavenly Father. He cares for
woman in these latter days. We have them more. I recognize that having them as He cares for you. He under-
opportunities and possibilities which had such a family and such a won- stands all their sorrows. He wants to
no other generation of women has derful family life comes from their succor them.
had in the world. Let us help build having the Savior at the center of each My message to you tonight is that
the kingdom of God by standing of their lives. We have remembered you can and must be an important
up boldly and being defenders of Him tonight in music, in prayers, and part of His giving comfort to those
marriage, parenthood, and the home. through inspired sermons. One of the who need comfort. You can play your
The Lord needs us to be brave, stead-
fast, and immovable warriors who
will defend His plan and teach the
upcoming generations His truths.
I bear witness that Heavenly
Father lives and loves each of us.
His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior
and Redeemer. I leave this testimony
with you in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.
NOTES
1. See Marie Madeline Cardon Guild, Marie
Madeline Cardon Guild: An Autobiogra-
phy, cardonfamilies.org/Histories/
MarieMadelineCardonGuild.html; see
also Marie C. Guild autobiography, circa
1909, Church History Library, Salt Lake
City, Utah.
2. 1Corinthians 11:11.
3. ThomasS. Monson, Behold Thy Mother,
Ensign, Jan. 1974, 32.
MAY 2015 17
part best if you know more of how He be taken away, but the trials of mortal and they also received the promise that
answers those prayers for help. life for good people can still be heavy the Lord made to you:
Many are praying to Heavenly Father burdens. Behold, here are the waters of
for relief, for help in carrying their You have seen such tests in the lives Mormon (for thus were they called) and
burdens of grief, loneliness, and fear. of good people you love. You have now, as ye are desirous to come into the
Heavenly Father hears those prayers felt a desire to help them. There is a fold of God, and to be called his people,
and understands their needs. He and reason for your feeling of compassion and are willing to bear one anothers
His Beloved Son, the resurrected Jesus for them. burdens, that they may be light;
Christ, have promised help. You are a covenant member of the Yea, and are willing to mourn with
Jesus Christ gave this sweet promise: Church of Jesus Christ. A great change those that mourn; yea, and comfort
Come unto me, all ye that labour began in your heart when you came those that stand in need of comfort,
and are heavy laden, and I will give into the Church. You made a covenant, and to stand as witnesses of God at all
you rest. and you received a promise that began times and in all things, and in all places
Take my yoke upon you, and learn changing your very nature. that ye may be in, even until death, that
of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: Alma described, in his words at the ye may be redeemed of God, and be
and ye shall find rest unto your souls. Waters of Mormon, what you prom- numbered with those of the first resur-
For my yoke is easy, and my bur- ised at your baptism and what it will rection, that ye may have eternal life.2
den is light.1 mean to you and everyone around That is why you have a feeling to
The burdens His faithful servants youespecially in your families. He want to help a person struggling to
must carry in life are made lighter by was speaking to those who were about move forward under a load of grief
His Atonement. The burden of sin can to make the covenants you have made, and difficulty. You promised that
you would help the Lord make their
burdens light and be comforted. You
were given the power to help lighten
those loads when you received the gift
of the Holy Ghost.
When He was about to be crucified,
the Savior described the way He helps
lighten loads and gives strength to
carry them. He knew that His disciples
would grieve. He knew that they would
fear for their future. He knew they
would feel uncertain of their capacity
to move forward.
So He gave them the promise that
He makes to us and to all His true
disciples:
And I will pray the Father, and he
shall give you another Comforter, that
he may abide with you for ever;
Even the Spirit of truth; whom the
world cannot receive, because it seeth
him not, neither knoweth him: but ye
know him; for he dwelleth with you,
and shall be in you.3
Then He promised:
But the Comforter, which is the
MAY 2015 19
through the tests life is intended to
include for all of us. That is part of the
great plan of happiness the Father gave
us. He allowed His Son to provide,
by His atoning sacrifice, the hope that
comforts us no matter how hard the
way home to Him may be.
The Father and the Son send the
Holy Ghost to comfort and strengthen
disciples of the Master in their journey.
I saw this miracle of comfort as
I arrived outside the chapel where
the funeral of the little boy was to be
The people pleaded for relief, sorrow. Their faith increased. And their held. I was stopped by a lovely young
as many of those we love and serve strength will continue to grow as they woman I did not recognize. She said
do. Here is the record, which I know ask for it and live for it. that she was coming to the funeral to
is true: The Spirits witness of the Atonement mourn and to give comfort if she could.
And I will also ease the burdens that came that night also strengthened She said that she had come to the
which are put upon your shoulders, Job to carry his load: funeral in part for comfort for herself.
that even you cannot feel them upon For I know that my redeemer liv- She told me that her first child had died
your backs, even while you are in eth, and that he shall stand at the latter recently. She was carrying in her arms a
bondage; and this will I do that ye may day upon the earth: beautiful little girl. I leaned toward her
stand as witnesses for me hereafter, And though after my skin worms to look into the little girls smiling face.
and that ye may know of a surety that destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I asked the babys mother, What is her
I, the Lord God, do visit my people in I see God.7 name? Her quick and cheerful answer
their afflictions. It was that witness of the Spirit that was Her name is Joy. Joy always
And now it came to pass that the gave him strength to endure. He would comes after sorrow.
burdens which were laid upon Alma pass through mourning and the lack of She was bearing her witness to me.
and his brethren were made light; yea, comfort from people around him to see I could see that the peace and comfort
the Lord did strengthen them that they the joy that would come to the faithful had come to her from the only sure
could bear up their burdens with ease, after passing faithfully through their trials. source. Only God knows hearts, and so
and they did submit cheerfully and with It was true for Job. Blessings came only He can say, in truth, I know how
patience to all the will of the Lord.6 to him in this life. The story of Job ends you feel. So I can only imagine both
I have seen that miracle time and with this miracle: her joy and the sorrow that preceded it,
time again. We lighten the loads of oth- So the Lord blessed the latter end but the Lord, who loves her, knows.
ers best by helping the Lord strengthen of Job more than his beginning.... I can know only partially how
them. That is why the Lord included in And in all the land were no women much He feels joy each time you, as
our charge to comfort others the com- found so fair as the daughters of Job: His disciple, help Him bring a moment
mand to be His witnesses at all times and their father gave them inheritance of peace and joy to a child of our
and in all places. among their brethren. Heavenly Father.
The father and the mother of the After this lived Job an hundred and I bear my witness that the Lord has
little boy bore witness of the Savior that forty years, and saw his sons, and his asked each of us, His disciples, to help
evening in my living room. The Holy sons sons, even four generations. bear one anothers burdens. We have
Ghost came, and all were comforted. So Job died, being old and full promised to do it. I bear my testimony
The parents were strengthened. The of days.8 that the Lord, through His Atonement
burden of grief did not disappear, It was the witness of the Spirit of and Resurrection, has broken the
but they were made able to bear the the coming Atonement which saw Job power of death. I give my witness that
NOTES
1. Matthew 11:2830.
2. Mosiah 18:89.
3. John 14:1617.
4. John 14:2627.
5. Mosiah 18:9.
6. Mosiah 24:1415.
7. Job 19:2526.
8. Job 42:12, 1517.
9. 1Corinthians 13:8.
10. Moroni 7:47.
11. Mosiah 18:9.
12. See Doctrine and Covenants 81:5.
MAY 2015 21
Saturday Morning Session | April 4, 2015
M
y dear brothers and sisters, of my Father, inherit the kingdom farther from our reach.
it is a joy for me to extend prepared for you from the foundation So the Lord has given us something
my love to you in this general of the world: that we each can do. It is a command-
conference of The Church of Jesus For I was an hungred, and ye gave ment so simple that a child can under-
Christ of Latter-day Saints. That joy me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave stand it. It is a commandment with a
comes from the witness of the Spirit me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took wonderful promise for those in need
that the love of the Savior reaches out me in: and for us.
to each of you and to all of Heavenly Naked, and ye clothed me: I was It is the law of the fast. The words
Fathers children. Our Heavenly Father sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, in the book of Isaiah are the Lords
wishes to bless His children spiritually and ye came unto me. description of the commandment and
and temporally. He understands each Then shall the righteous answer the blessing available to those of us in
of their needs, their pains, and their him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee His Church:
hopes.
When we offer succor to anyone,
the Savior feels it as if we reached out
to succor Him.
He told us that was true when He
described a future moment we all will
have when we see Him after our life
in this world is complete. A picture in
my mind of that day has grown more
vivid in the days that I have prayed
and fasted to know what to say this
morning. The Lords description of
that future interview was given to His
disciples, and it describes what we
want with all our hearts to be true for
us as well:
Then shall the King say unto them
on his right hand, Come, ye blessed
MAY 2015 23
bale of used clothing [given by mem-
bers of the Church] and a blanket, now
worn and riddled with holes.7
She says, This shirt is the first
...clothing I [received]. ... I used to
wear it to go to workit was so good.
[It made me feel so beautiful.] I didnt
have other clothes.
During the war, this blanket kept us
said Inga Mepham [from] CARE Other storms and tragedies will warm, me and my children. When the
International. ... Some of them dont come across the world to people the rebels [would] come to attack us, this is
have that. Its hard to find a structure Lord loves and whose sorrows He the only thing I [could] lay [my] hands
that youd think would be able to with- feels. Part of your fast offering and on [as we fled to the bush to hide]. So
stand a Category 5 (storm).5 mine this month will be used to help we [would] take the blanket with us.
When I read that, I remembered someone, somewhere, whose relief the It would keep us warm and keep the
visiting little homes on Vanuatu. I Lord will feel as if it were His own. mosquitos away from us.8
could picture in my mind the people Your fast offering will do more than Sister Turay speaks of her gratitude
huddled in homes being destroyed by help feed and clothe bodies. It will heal for a mission president who would
winds. And then I remembered the and change hearts. The fruit of a free-will make his way into the war-torn country
warm welcome to me of the people of offering may be the desire in the heart with [money] in his pocket. Those
Vanuatu. I thought of them and their of the recipient to reach out to others in funds, from the fast-offering donations
neighbors fleeing to the safety of our need. That happens across the world. of people like you, allowed the Saints
cement chapel. It happened in the life of Sister to buy food that most Sierra Leoneans
Then I pictured the bishop and Abie Turay, who lives in Sierra Leone. could not afford.9
the Relief Society president walking A civil war began in 1991. It ravaged Sister Turay, speaking of those who
among them, giving comfort, blankets, the country for years. Sierra Leone was were generous enough to donate for
food to eat, and water to drink. I could already one of the poorest countries in them to survive, says, When I think
picture the frightened children huddled the world. During the war, it was unclear [of] the people who did this ... I feel
together. who [controlled] the countrybanks that [they were] sent by God, because
They are so far away from the home ...closed, government offices were ordinary human beings made this kind
where I read that report, and yet I shuttered, police forces [were ineffective gesture for [us].10
knew what the Lord would be doing against rebel forces], ...and there was A visitor from the United States
through His servants. I knew that what chaos, killing and sorrow. Tens of thou- sat with Abie not along ago. During
made it possible for them to succor sands of people lost their lives and more his time with her, he found his eyes
those children of Heavenly Father was than two million people were forced drawn to a set of scriptures that were
fast offerings, given freely by the Lords from their homes to avoid the slaughter.6 on the table. He could tell that they
disciples who were far away from them Even in such times, The Church of were a treasure, well-marked with
but close to the Lord. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints grew. notes in the columns. The pages were
So I didnt wait for Sunday. I took a One of the first branches was orga- [worn;] some were torn. The cover was
fast offering to my bishop that morn- nized in the city where Sister Turay detached from the binding.
ing. I know that my offering may be lived. Her husband was the first branch He held the scriptures in his hand
used by the bishop and Relief Society president. He served as a district presi- and gently turned the pages. As [he did,
president to help someone in my dent during the civil war. he found a] yellow copy of a tithing
neighborhood. My small offering may When guests visit Sister Turays donation slip. [He] could see that, in a
not be needed near where my family home [now], she loves to show them country where [a dollar was worth its]
and I live, but the local surplus could two [treasures] from the war: a blue- weight in gold, Abie Turay had paid
reach even as far as Vanuatu. and-white striped shirt [she got] from a one dollar as her tithing, one dollar to
MAY 2015 25
By President BoydK. Packer rescinded. It is essential to the plan of
President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles redemption and is the source of human
happiness. Through the righteous exer-
cise of this power, we may come close
M
any years ago, after World War them to be fruitful and multiply, and physical desires. As the procreative
II, I was attending college. replenish the earth, and subdue it power matures in early manhood and
There I met Donna Smith. (Abraham 4:2728). womanhood, very personal feelings
About that time I read that two essen- And so the cycle of human life occur, in a natural way, unlike any
tial ingredients to a successful marriage began on this earth as Adam knew his other physical experience.
are a cookie and a kiss. I thought that wife, and she bare unto him sons and Ideally, mating begins with
was a pretty good balance. daughters, and they began to multiply romance. Though customs may vary,
I attended college in the morning and to replenish the earth. it flourishes with all the storybook
and then went back to Brigham City to And... the sons and daughters of feelings of excitement and anticipation,
work in my fathers auto-repair garage Adam began to divide two and two in even sometimes rejection. There are
in the afternoon. Donnas last morning the land,... and they also begat sons moonlight and roses, love letters, love
class was home economics. I stopped and daughters (Moses 5:23). songs, poetry, the holding of hands,
by her classroom before leaving. The The commandment to multiply and and other expressions of affection
door had a frosted glass window, but replenish the earth has never been between a young man and a young
if I stood close to the glass, she could woman. The world disappears around
see my shadow outside. She would slip the couple, and they experience feel-
out with a cookie and a kiss. The rest is ings of joy.
history. We were married in the Logan And if you suppose that the full-
Utah Temple, and that began the great blown rapture of young romantic love
adventure of our lives. is the sum total of the possibilities
Over the years I have frequently which spring from the fountains of
taught an important principle: the end life, you have not yet lived to see the
of all activity in the Church is to see devotion and the comfort of longtime
that a man and a woman with their married love. Married couples are tried
children are happy at home, sealed by temptation, misunderstandings,
together for time and for all eternity. financial problems, family crises, and
In the beginning: illness, and all the while love grows
The Gods went down to organize stronger. Mature love has a bliss not
man in their own image, in the image even imagined by newlyweds.
of the Gods to form they him, male and True love requires reserving until
female to form they them. after marriage the sharing of that
And the Gods said: We will bless affection which unlocks those sacred
them. And the Gods said: We will cause powers in that fountain of life. It means
MAY 2015 27
I bear witness that Jesus is the Christ
and the Son of the living God. He stands
at the head of the Church. Through
His Atonement and the power of the
priesthood, families which are begun in
mortality can be together through the
eternities. The Atonement, which can
reclaim each one of us, bears no scars.
That means that no matter what we have
done or where we have been or how
a man and a woman, who have been manifest in the ideal earthly father is something happened, if we truly repent,
legally and lawfully married. Anything magnified in Him who is our Father He has promised that He would atone.
other than this violates the command- and our God beyond the capacity of And when He atoned, that settled that.
ments of God. Do not yield to the the mortal mind to comprehend. His There are so many of us who are thrash-
awful temptations of the adversary, for judgments are just; His mercy with- ing around, as it were, with feelings of
every debt of transgression must be out limit; His power to compensate guilt, not knowing quite how to escape.
paid till thou hast paid the uttermost beyond any earthly comparison. If in You escape by accepting the Atonement
farthing (Matthew 5:26). this life only we have hope in Christ, of Christ, and all that was heartache can
Nowhere is the generosity and we are of all men most miserable turn to beauty and love and eternity.
mercy of God more manifest than in (1Corinthians 15:19). I am so grateful for the blessings
repentance. Reverently now I use the word of the Lord Jesus Christ, for the power
Our physical bodies, when harmed, temple. I envision a sealing room of procreation, for the power of
are able to repair themselves, sometimes and an altar with a young couple kneel- redemption, for the Atonementthe
with the help of a physician. If the dam- ing there. This sacred temple ordinance Atonement which can wash clean
age is extensive, however, often a scar is much more than a wedding, for this every stain no matter how difficult or
will remain as a reminder of the injury. marriage can be sealed by the Holy how long or how many times repeated.
With our spiritual bodies it is Spirit of Promise, and the scriptures The Atonement can put you free again
another matter. Our spirits are dam- declare that we shall inherit thrones, to move forward, cleanly and worthily,
aged when we make mistakes and kingdoms, principalities, and powers, to pursue that path that you have cho-
commit sins. But unlike the case of our dominions (D&C 132:19). I see the joy sen in life.
mortal bodies, when the repentance that awaits those who accept this super- I bear witness that God lives, that
process is complete, no scars remain nal gift and use it worthily. Jesus is the Christ, that the Atonement
because of the Atonement of Jesus Sister Donna Smith Packer and I is not a general thing that is for the
Christ. The promise is: Behold, he have been side by side in marriage whole Church. The Atonement is indi-
who has repented of his sins, the same for nearly 70 years. When it comes to vidual, and if you have something that
is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember my wife, the mother of our children, is bothering yousometimes so long
them no more (D&C 58:42). I am without words. The feeling is so ago you can hardly remember itput
When we speak of marriage and fam- deep and the gratitude so powerful the Atonement to work. It will clean it
ily life, there inevitably comes to mind, that I am left almost without expres- up, and you, as does He, will remem-
What about the exceptions? Some sion. The greatest reward we have ber your sins no more. In the name of
are born with limitations and cannot received in this life, and the life to Jesus Christ, amen.
beget children. Some innocents have come, is our children and our grand-
their marriage wrecked because of the children. Toward the end of our mortal
infidelity of their spouse. Others do not days together, I am grateful for each Share This Message
marry and live in single worthiness. moment I am with her side by side and Scan this QR code or visit
lds.org/go/Apr15Conf3 to
For now I offer this comfort: God is for the promise the Lord has given that watch this talk or to find
our Father! All the love and generosity there will be no end. media to share.
N
ext to the inspiring talks, music, promises that my life and the lives of never more attractive to his wife than
and prayers that always touch my children will be well in his keep- when he is serving in his God-given
our hearts during general confer- ing. It is clear to me that Craig is the roles as a worthy priesthood holder
ence, I have been told by many sisters fulfillment of that promise. Borrowing most important in the home. I love and
that what they love most is watching from the words of Mark Twain, I say believe these words from President
the First Presidency and Quorum of the that life without [Craig] would not be Packer to worthy husbands and fathers:
Twelve as they exit this podium with life.5 I love him, heart and soul! You have the power of the priesthood
their eternal companions. And dont we directly from the Lord to protect your
all enjoy hearing the Brethren tenderly Divine Roles and Responsibilities home. There will be times when all that
express their love for them? Today I wish to honor husbands, stands as a shield between your family
Speaking about his wife, Donna, fathers, brothers, sons, and uncles and the adversarys mischief will be
President BoydK. Packer said, Because who know who they are and who are that power.6
of the office I hold, I have a solemn doing their best to fulfill their God-
obligation to tell the truth: Shes given roles as described in the family Spiritual Leaders and Teachers
perfect.1 proclamation, including righteously in the Home
She is the sunshine of my life,2 presiding and providing for and pro- Earlier this year I attended the
said President DieterF. Uchtdorf of his tecting their families. Please know that funeral of an extraordinary ordinary
wife, Harriet. manmy husbands uncle Don. One of
President HenryB. Eyring, referring Uncle Dons sons shared an experience
to his wife, Kathleen, said, She [is] a he had as a small child, shortly after
person who has always made me want his parents had purchased their first
to be the very best that I can be.3 home. Because there were five small
And President ThomasS. Monson, children to feed and clothe, there was
speaking of his beloved Frances, said, not enough money to fence the yard.
She was the love of my life, my trusted Taking seriously one of his divine roles
confidant, and my closest friend. To as the protector of his family, Uncle
say that I miss her does not begin to Don drove a few small wooden stakes
convey the depth of my feelings.4 into the ground, took some string,
I too would like to express my love and tied the string from stake to stake
for my beloved companion, Craig. He all around the yard. He then called
is a precious gift to me! Referring to his children to him. He showed them
my husband, a cherished and sacred the stakes and string and explained
phrase in my patriarchal blessing to them that if they would stay on the
MAY 2015 29
inside of that makeshift fence, they scale is the degrading and mocking the same. In fact, they are exact oppo-
would be safe. message that husbands and fathers are sites, but they complement each other
One day the visiting teachers watched no longer needed. I plead with you not and are suited to each other. Working
in disbelief as they approached the to listen to Satans lies! He has forfeited together, they are stronger.12
house and saw five little children stand- that sacred privilege of ever becoming In a chapter about families, the
ing obediently at the edge of the string, a husband or father. Because he is Church handbook contains this state-
looking longingly at a ball that had jealous of those who have the sacred ment: The nature of male and female
bounced beyond their boundaries and roles he will never fill, he is intent on spirits is such that they complete each
out into the street. One little child ran making all men ... miserable like other.13 Please note that it does not
to get their daddy, who, in response, unto himself!8 say compete with each other but
ran and retrieved the ball. complete each other! We are here to
Later in the funeral, the oldest son Lifting and Helping in Our help, lift, and rejoice with each other as
tearfully expressed that all he had ever Complementary Roles we try to become our very best selves.
hoped in this life was to be like his Brothers and sisters, we need each Sister BarbaraB. Smith wisely taught,
beloved father. other! As covenant-keeping women There is so much more of happiness
President Ezra Taft Benson said: and men, we need to lift each other to be had when we can rejoice in
Oh, husbands and fathers in Israel, and help each other become the peo- anothers successes and not just in our
you can do so much for the salvation ple the Lord would have us become. own.14 When we seek to complete
and exaltation of your families!... And we need to work together to lift rather than compete, it is so much
Remember your sacred calling as a the rising generation and help them easier to cheer each other on!
father in Israelyour most important reach their divine potential as heirs When I was a young mother of
calling in time and eternitya calling of eternal life. We could do as Elder several small children, at the end of
from which you will never be released. RobertD. Hales and his wife, Mary, days filled with diapering, dish wash-
You must help create a home where have done and follow the proverb ing, and disciplining, no one sang more
the Spirit of the Lord can abide.7 Thee lift me and Ill lift thee, and well emphatically the Primary song Im so
How applicable those prophetic ascend together.9 glad when daddy comes home.15 Im
words are today. We know from the scriptures that sad to admit, however, I was not always
It must be difficult, at best, for it is not good that ... man should cheerful when Craig seemed to bounce
covenant men to live in a world that be alone. That is why our Heavenly through the door after a hard day of
not only demeans their divine roles Father made an help meet for him.10 work. He always greeted each of us
and responsibilities but also sends false The phrase help meet means a helper with a hug and kiss and turned many
messages about what it means to be a suited to, worthy of, or corresponding difficult and sometimes disastrous days
real man. One false message is Its to him.11 For example, our two hands into delightful daddy times. I wish I
all about me. On the other end of the are similar to each other but not exactly had been a little less preoccupied with
MAY 2015 31
and daughters of our loving heavenly By Elder DallinH. Oaks
parents? Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
I know that through the enabling
power of the Atonement of Jesus
The Parable of
Christ and our faith in Him, we can
do it. I pray we will put our trust in
Him to help us help each other live
happily and eternally as we ascend
together, in the name of Jesus Christ,
amen.
NOTES
1. BoydK. Packer, in Donna Smith
the Sower
Packer Receives Family History
Certificate from BYU, news.byu.edu/ It is up to each of us to set the priorities and to do the things that make
archive12-jun-packer.aspx. our soil good and our harvest plentiful.
2. DieterF. Uchtdorf, in JeffreyR. Holland,
Elder DieterF. Uchtdorf: On to New
Horizons, Ensign, Mar. 2005, 12;
S
Liahona, Mar. 2005, 10.
3. HenryB. Eyring, in GeraldN. Lund, ubjects for general conference fell by the way side (Mark 4:4) have
Elder HenryB. Eyring: Molded by
Defining Influences, Ensign, Sept. 1995, talks are assignednot by mortal not reached mortal soil where they
14; Liahona, Apr. 1996, 31. authority but by the impressions might possibly grow. They are like
4. ThomasS. Monson, I Will Not Fail Thee, of the Spirit. Many subjects would teachings that fall upon a heart hard-
nor Forsake Thee, Ensign or Liahona,
Nov. 2013, 85. address the mortal concerns we all ened or unprepared. I will say nothing
5. Mark Twain, Eves Diary (1905), 107. share. But just as Jesus did not teach more of these. My message concerns
6. BoydK. Packer, The Power of the how to overcome the mortal challenges those of us who have committed to
Priesthood, Ensign or Liahona, May
2010, 9. or political oppression of His day, He be followers of Christ. What do we do
7. Ezra Taft Benson, To the Fathers in usually inspires His modern servants with the Saviors teachings as we live
Israel, Ensign, Nov. 1987, 51, 50. to speak about what we must do to our lives?
8. 2Nephi 2:27.
9. See RobertD. Hales, Strengthening reform our personal lives to prepare The parable of the sower warns us
Families: Our Sacred Duty, Ensign, May us to return to our heavenly home. of circumstances and attitudes that can
1999, 34; Liahona, July 1999, 40; see also On this Easter weekend I have felt keep anyone who has received the
LaRene Gaunt, Elder RobertD. Hales:
Return with Honor, Ensign, July 1994, impressed to talk about the precious seed of the gospel message from bring-
51; Liahona, Apr. 1995, 31. and timeless teachings in one of the ing forth a goodly harvest.
10. Genesis 2:18. parables of Jesus.
11. Genesis 2:18, footnote b.
12. See BruceK. Satterfield, The Family The parable of the sower is one of I. Stony Ground, No Root
under Siege: The Role of Man and a small number of parables reported Some seed fell on stony ground,
Woman (presentation given at Ricks in all three of the synoptic Gospels. It where it had not much earth; and
College Education Week, June7, 2001),
4; emp.byui.edu/SATTERFIELDB/PDF/ is also one of an even smaller group of immediately it sprang up, because
RoleManWoman2.pdf. parables Jesus explained to His disci- it had no depth of earth: but when
13. Handbook 2: Administering the Church ples. The seed that was sown was the the sun was up, it was scorched; and
(2010), 1.3.1.
14. BarbaraB. Smith, Hearts So Similar, word of the kingdom (Matthew 13:19), because it had no root, it withered
Ensign, May 1982, 97. the word (Mark 4:14), or the word of away (Mark 4:56).
15. Daddys Homecoming, Childrens God (Luke 8:11)the teachings of the Jesus explained that this describes
Songbook, 210.
16. Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words, Hymns, Master and His servants. those who, when they have heard the
no. 232. The different soils on which the word, immediately receive it with glad-
17. DavidA. Bednar, We Believe in Being seeds fell represent different ways ness, but because they have no root
Chaste, Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 44.
18. JeffreyR. Holland, The Tongue of in which mortals receive and follow in themselves, ... when affliction or
Angels, Ensign or Liahona, May 2007, 18. these teachings. Thus the seeds that persecution ariseth for the words sake,
MAY 2015 33
Samaritan, who used the same coinage
to serve his fellowman that Judas used
to betray his Savior. The root of all evil
is not money but the love of money (see
1Timothy 6:10).
The Book of Mormon tells of a time
when the Church of God began to fail
in its progress (Alma 4:10) because the
people of the church began to... set
their hearts upon riches and upon the
vain things of the world (Alma 4:8).
Whoever has an abundance of material
things is in jeopardy of being spiritually
sedated by riches and other things of
the world.3 That is a suitable introduc-
tion to the next of the Saviors teachings.
The most subtle thorns to choke out
the effect of the gospel word in our
lives are the worldly forces that Jesus
called the cares and riches and plea-
sures of this life (Luke 8:14). These are
too numerous to recite. Some examples
will suffice.
On one occasion Jesus rebuked His
chief Apostle, saying to Peter, Thou art
an offence unto me: for thou savourest
not the things that be of God, but those
that be of men (Matthew 16:23; see
also D&C 3:67; 58:39). Savoring the
things of men means putting the cares
of this world ahead of the things of
God in our actions, our priorities, and
cares of this world, and the deceitful- be added here.2 Those who believe our thinking.
ness of riches, and the lusts of other in what has been called the theology We surrender to the pleasures of
things entering in, choke the word, of prosperity are suffering from the this life (1)when we are addicted,
and it becometh unfruitful (Mark deceitfulness of riches. The possession which impairs Gods precious gift of
4:1819). This is surely a warning to of wealth or significant income is not agency; (2)when we are beguiled by
be heeded by all of us. a mark of heavenly favor, and their trivial distractions, which draw us away
I will speak first of the deceitful- absence is not evidence of heavenly from things of eternal importance;
ness of riches. Wherever we are in our disfavor. When Jesus told a faithful and (3)when we have an entitlement
spiritual journeywhatever our state of follower that he could inherit eternal mentality, which impairs the personal
conversionwe are all tempted by this. life if he would only give all that he growth necessary to qualify us for our
When attitudes or priorities are fixed had to the poor (see Mark 10:1724), eternal destiny.
on the acquisition, use, or possession He was not identifying an evil in the We are overcome by the cares ... of
of property, we call that materialism. possession of riches but an evil in that this life when we are paralyzed by fear
So much has been said and written followers attitude toward them. As we of the future, which hinders our going
about materialism that little needs to are all aware, Jesus praised the good forward in faith, trusting in God and
MAY 2015 35
By Elder L.Whitney Clayton Sailor survived because she saw a
Of the Presidency of the Seventy light in the distance and fought her
way to itnotwithstanding the wild
countryside, the depth of the tragedy
Choose to Believe
she faced, and the injuries she had
sustained. It is hard to imagine how
Sailor managed to do what she did that
night. But what we do know is that she
recognized in the light of that distant
The Savior provides His gospel as a light to guide those who choose to house a chance for rescue. There was
believe in and follow Him. hope. She took courage in the fact that
no matter how bad things were, her
rescue would be found in that light.
L
ast January, seven-year-old Sailor
Gutzler and her family were flying
from Florida to Illinois in a private
airplane. Sailors father was at the
controls. Just after nightfall, the aircraft
developed mechanical problems
and crashed in the pitch-dark hills of
Kentucky, upside down in very rough
terrain. Everyone but Sailor died in the
accident. Her wrist was broken in the
crash. She suffered cuts and scrapes
and had lost her shoes. The tempera-
ture was 38 degrees Fahrenheit (or
3 degrees Celsius)it was a cold,
rainy Kentucky winters nightand
Sailor was wearing only shorts, a
T-shirt, and one sock.
She cried out for her mother
and father, but no one answered.
Summoning every ounce of courage,
she set off barefoot across the country-
side in search of help, wading through
creeks, crossing ditches, and braving
blackberry briars. From the top of one
small hill, Sailor spotted a light in the
distance, about a mile away. Stumbling
through the darkness and brush toward
that light, she eventually arrived at the
home of a kind man she had never met
before who sprang to her care. Sailor
was safe. She would soon be taken
to a hospital and helped on her way
to recovery.1
MAY 2015 37
seem dark and cold. There may be times any commandments, despite His per- We likewise must give place for the
when we cannot see any light on the fect desire to bless us. Yet His call to hope that we will find spiritual light by
horizon, and we may feel like giving up. us to believe in Himto exercise that embracing belief rather than choosing
If we are willing to believe, if we desire particle of faith and to give place for to doubt. Our actions are the evidence
to believe, if we choose to believe, then His wordsremains in effect today. As of our belief and become the sub-
the Saviors teachings and example will the Savior said, I bear record that the stance of our faith. We are choosing to
show us the pathway forward. Father commandeth all men, every- believe when we pray and when we
where, to repent and believe in me.5 read the scriptures. We are choosing to
Choose to Believe Belief and testimony and faith are believe when we fast, when we keep
Just as Sailor had to believe that she not passive principles. They do not just the Sabbath day holy, and when we
would find safety in that distant light, so happen to us. Belief is something we worship in the temple. We are choos-
we too must choose to open our hearts choosewe hope for it, we work for it, ing to believe when we are baptized
to the divine reality of the Saviorto and we sacrifice for it. We will not acci- and when we partake of the sacrament.
His eternal light and His healing mercy. dentally come to believe in the Savior We are choosing to believe when we
Prophets across the ages have encour- and His gospel any more than we will repent and seek divine forgiveness and
aged us and even implored us to believe accidentally pray or pay tithing. We healing love.
in Christ. Their exhortations reflect a actively choose to believe, just like we
fundamental fact: God does not force choose to keep other commandments. Never Give Up
us to believe. Instead He invites us Sometimes progress in spiritual
to believe by sending living prophets Put Belief into Action things can seem slow or intermittent.
and apostles to teach us, by providing Sailor could not know at first if Sometimes we may feel that we have
scriptures, and by beckoning to us what she was doing as she pushed her lost ground, that we have made mis-
through His Spirit. We are the ones who way through the underbrush would takes, or that our best efforts to find
must choose to embrace those spiritual actually work. She was lost and injured; the Savior are not working. If you feel
invitations, electing to see with inward it was dark and cold. But she left the this way, please do not give upever.
eyes the spiritual light with which He crash site and ventured out in hope of Go right on believing in Him and
calls us. The decision to believe is the rescue, crawling and scraping her way in His gospel and His Church. Align
most important choice we ever make. It forward until she saw a light in the your actions with that belief. In those
shapes all our other decisions. distance. Once she had seen it, she did moments when the light of your faith
God does not compel us to believe her best to move toward it, remember- has dimmed, let your hope for the
any more than He compels us to keep ing what she had seen. Saviors love and grace, found in His
Family Matter
immeasurably and forever.
Everywhere
I have felt the merciful love of the
Savior in my life. I have searched for
Him in my own moments of darkness,
in the World
and He has reached out to me with
His healing light. One of the great joys
of my life has been traveling with my
wife, Kathy, to meet with members
of the Church in many corners of the
globe. These wonderful encounters Family is the center of life and is the key to eternal happiness.
have taught me and taught us about
Gods love for His children. They have
shown me the limitless potential for
L
happiness that becomes the blessing of ast November, I had the privi- were religious representatives from
those who choose to follow the teach- lege of being invitedalong with 14 different faiths and from six of the
ings of the Lord Jesus Christ. I have President HenryB. Eyring and seven continents, all of whom had
learned that believing in Him and in Bishop Grald Caussto attend a col- been invited to express their beliefs
His redemptive power is the true path loquium on marriage and family at the on what is happening to the family in
to peace in this world, and eternal life Vatican in Rome, Italy. In attendance todays world.
in the world to come.6 Pope Francis opened the first
I testify that Jesus Christ is the session of the assembly with this
source of light and hope for all of statement: We now live in a culture
us. I pray that we may all choose to of the temporary, in which more and
believe in Him. In the name of Jesus more people are simply giving up on
Christ, amen. marriage as a public commitment. This
NOTES revolution in manners and morals has
1. See Lindsey Bever, How 7-Year-Old often flown the flag of freedom, but in
Sailor Gutzler Survived a Plane
Crash, Washington Post, Jan.5, 2015, fact it has brought spiritual and material
washingtonpost.com; Girl Who Survived devastation to countless human beings,
Plane Crash Hoped Family Was Just especially the poorest and most vulner-
Sleeping, Jan.4, 2015, myfox8.com;
Kentucky Plane Crash: Four Killed, Little able. ... It is always they who suffer
Girl Survives, Jan.4, 2015, news.com.au; the most in this crisis.1
Associated Press, Young Girl, Sole In referring to those of the rising
Survivor of Kentucky Plane Crash, Jan.3,
2015, jems.com. generation, he said it is important that
2. Alma 32:27; emphasis added. they do not give themselves over
3. 3Nephi 14:8; see also verse 7. to the poisonous [mentality] of the
4. John 10:3738.
5. 3Nephi 11:32. temporary, but rather be revolutionar-
6. Doctrine and Covenants 59:23. ies with the courage to seek true and
MAY 2015 39
Colloquium on marriage and family, Vatican City
MAY 2015 41
marriage and family are so important,
why marriage and family really do mat-
ter, and why they always will.
My brothers and sisters, the restored
gospel centers on marriage and family.
It is also on marriage and family where
we can unite most with other faiths. It is
around marriage and family where we
will find our greatest commonality with
the rest of the world. It is around mar-
riage and family that The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints has the greatest
opportunity to be a light on the hill.
Let me close by bearing witness
(and my nine decades on this earth
fully qualify me to say this) that the
older I get, the more I realize that fam-
ily is the center of life and is the key to
eternal happiness.
I give thanks for my wife, for my
children, for my grandchildren and
my great-grandchildren, and for all of
the cousins and in-laws and extended
family who make my own life so rich
and, yes, even eternal. Of this eternal
truth I bear my strongest and most
sacred witness in the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.
NOTES
1. Pope Francis, address at Humanum: An
marriage, and they believe in the That is why the Church actively International Interreligious Colloquium on
marriage vows of in sickness and in participates in and provides leadership the Complementarity of Man and Woman,
health and till death do us part. to various coalitions and ecumenical Nov.17, 2014, humanum.it/en/videos; see
also zenit.org/en/articles/pope-francis-
We need to remind ourselves once efforts to strengthen the family. It is why address-at-opening-of-colloquium-on-
in a while, as I was reminded in Rome, we share our family-focused values in complementarity-of-man-and-woman.
of the wonderfully reassuring and the media and on social media. It is why 2. Pope Francis, Colloquium on the
Complementarity of Man and Woman.
comforting fact that marriage and fam- we share our genealogical and extended 3. Families Can Be Together Forever,
ily are still the aspiration and ideal family records with all nations. Hymns, no. 300.
of most people and that we are not We want our voice to be heard 4. David Brooks, The Age of Possibility,
New York Times, Nov. 16, 2012, A35,
alone in those beliefs. It has never against all of the counterfeit and alter- nytimes.com/2012/11/16/opinion/
been more of a challenge to find a native lifestyles that try to replace the brooks-the-age-of-possibility.html.
practical balance between employ- family organization that God Himself
ment, families, and personal needs established. We also want our voice to
than it is in our day. As a church, we be heard in sustaining the joy and ful- Share This Message
want to assist in all that we can to fillment that traditional families bring. Scan this QR code or visit
lds.org/go/Apr15Conf5 to
create and support strong marriages We must continue to project that voice watch this talk or to find
and families. throughout the world in declaring why media to share.
The Sustaining of
All in favor, please manifest it.
Contrary, if there be any, by the
same sign.
Church Officers
The vote has been noted.
It is proposed that we release the
following as Area Seventies, effective
on May1, 2015: JuanC. Avila, PhilipK.
Bussey, RenJ. Cabrera, Renato
Capelletti, PaulD.M. Christensen,
B
rothers and sisters, it is pro- Kenneth Packer as President of the SamuelW. Clark, RogrioG.R. Cruz,
posed that we sustain Thomas Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and GeorgeR. Donaldson, IniB. Ekong,
Spencer Monson as prophet, seer, the following as members of that ChristianH. Fingerle, CraigG. Fisher,
and revelator and President of The quorum: BoydK. Packer, L.Tom Perry, JerrylL. Garns, M.Keith Giddens,
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day RussellM. Nelson, DallinH. Oaks, AllenD. Haynie, Jui Chang Juan,
Saints; Henry Bennion Eyring as First M.Russell Ballard, RichardG. Scott, GeorgeM. Keele, VonG. Keetch,
Counselor in the First Presidency; and RobertD. Hales, JeffreyR. Holland, Katsumi Kusume, German Laboriel,
Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf as Second DavidA. Bednar, QuentinL. Cook, J.Christopher Lansing, Gustavo Lopez,
Counselor in the First Presidency. D.Todd Christofferson, and NeilL. DmitryV. Marchenko, PeterF. Meurs,
Those in favor may manifest it. Andersen. T.Jackson Mkhabela, Hugo Montoya,
Those opposed, if any, may Those in favor, please manifest it. ValentnF. Nuez, Hee Keun Oh,
manifest it. Any opposed may so indicate. JefferyE. Olson, R.Ingvar Olsson,
The vote has been noted. Thank you. The vote has been NorbertK. Ounleu, RobertN. Packer,
It is proposed that we sustain Boyd noted. NathanielR. Payne, CesarA. PerezJr.,
MAY 2015 43
PaschoalF. Fortunato, PatricioM.
Giuffra, DanielP. Hall, Toru Hayashi,
PaulF. Hintze, J.K.Chukwuemeka
Igwe, Seung Hoon Koo, Ming-Shun
Kuan, JohnnyL. Leota, CarloM.
Lezano, Joel Martinez, J.Vaun
McArthur, KyleS. McKay, Helamn
Montejo, A.Fabio Moscoso, MichaelR.
Murray, NormanR. Nemrow, S.Mark
Palmer, FerdinandP. Pangan, JairusC.
Perez, StevenM. Petersen, Wolfgang
Pilz, JayD. Pimentel, JohnC.
PingreeJr., EdvaldoB. PintoJr.,
EvanA. Schmutz, K.David Scott,
PaulH. Sinclair, BenjaminT. Sinjoux,
RulonF. Stacey, DavidL. Stapleton,
KarlM. Tilleman, WilliamR. Titera,
Seiji Tokuzawa, CarlosR. Toledo,
CesarE. Villar, Juan Pablo Villar,
DavidT. Warner, GaryK. Wilde, and
RobertK. William.
All in favor, please manifest it.
Those opposed, if any.
It is proposed that we sustain
CherylA. Esplin to now serve as first
MichaelJ. Reall, EdsonD.G. Ribeiro, counselor in the Primary general counselor in the Primary general presi-
BradK. Risenmay, WalterC. Selden, presidency. dency and MaryR. Durham to serve as
MozartB. Soares, Carlos Solis, Norland All who wish to join us in express- second counselor.
Souza, VernP. Stanfill, T.Marama Tarati, ing appreciation to these brothers and It is also proposed that we sustain
Kouzou Tashiro, RubenD. Torres, sisters for their remarkable service and Brother StephenW. Owen as Young
Omar Villalobos, JackD. Ward, AlanJ. devotion, please manifest it. Men general president, with Douglas
Webb, GerardoJ. Wilhelm, and JimL. It is proposed that we sustain as Dee Holmes as first counselor and
Wright. new members of the First Quorum Monte Joseph Brough as second
Those who wish to join us in of the Seventy KimB. Clark, VonG. counselor.
expressing appreciation for their excel- Keetch, AllenD. Haynie, Hugo Those in favor, please manifest it.
lent service, please manifest it. Montoya, and VernP. Stanfill. Any opposed may so signify.
It is proposed that we release with All in favor, please manifest it. President Monson, the voting has
heartfelt gratitude Brothers DavidL. Those opposed, by the same sign. been noted. We invite those who
Beck, LarryM. Gibson, and RandallL. It is proposed that we sustain the opposed any of the proposals to
Ridd as the Young Men general presi- following as new Area Seventies: contact their stake presidents. My dear
dency. We likewise extend releases to Nelson Ardila, JoseM. Batalla, brothers and sisters, we thank you for
all members of the Young Men general LawrenceP. Blunck, BradfordC. your faith and prayers in behalf of the
board. Bowen, MarkA. Bragg, Sergio Luis leaders of the Church.
At this time we also extend releases Carboni, Armando Carren, S.Marc We invite the new General
to Sister JeanA. Stevens as first coun- Clay Jr., Z.Dominique Dekaye, Authorities and the new general auxil-
selor in the Primary general presidency OsvaldoR. Dias, MichaelM. Dudley, iary presidency members to now take
and Sister CherylA. Esplin as second MarkP. Durham, JamesE. Evanson, their seats on the rostrum.
D
ear Brethren: As directed by expenditures made, and safeguarding Church Units
revelation in section 120 of of Church assets. Stakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,114
the Doctrine and Covenants, Based upon audits performed, the Missions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 406
the Council on the Disposition of Church Auditing Department is of the Districts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 561
the Tithescomposed of the First opinion that, in all material respects, Wards and Branches. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29,621
Presidency, the Quorum of the Twelve contributions received, expenditures
Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric made, and assets of the Church for Church Membership
authorizes the expenditure of Church the year 2014 have been recorded Total Membership. . . . . . . . . . . . 15,372,337
funds. Church entities disburse funds and administered in accordance with New Children of Record. . . . . . . . . 116,409
in accordance with approved budgets, approved Church budgets, policies, Converts Baptized. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 296,803
policies, and procedures. and accounting practices. The Church
The Church Auditing Department, follows the practices taught to its mem- Missionaries
which consists of credentialed profes- bers of living within a budget, avoiding Full-Time Missionaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . 85,147
sionals and is independent of all other debt, and saving against a time of need. Church-Service Missionaries. . . . . . . 30,404
Church departments, has responsibil- Respectfully submitted,
ity to perform audits for the purpose Church Auditing Department Temples
of providing reasonable assurance KevinR. Jergensen Temples Dedicated during 2014 (Fort
regarding contributions received, Managing Director Lauderdale Florida, Gilbert Arizona,
and Phoenix Arizona) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Temples Rededicated (Ogden Utah). . . . . 1
Temples in Operation at Year End. . . . . 144
MAY 2015 45
By Elder DavidA. Bednar Mortal Fear
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Upon hearing the voice of God after
partaking of the forbidden fruit, Adam
and Eve hid themselves in the Garden
Therefore They
of Eden. God called unto Adam and
asked, Where art thou? And [Adam
answered], I heard thy voice ..., and I
I
remember vividly an experience I disease, and the destructive forces of great adversity.
had as a small boy. One day while nature can engender fear and appre- In the land of Helam, Almas people
playing with my friends, I acciden- hension. Surely we live in the season were frightened by an advancing
tally broke a window in a store near foretold by the Lord: And in that day Lamanite army.
our home. As the glass shattered and ... the whole earth shall be in commo- But Alma went forth and stood
the security alarm blared, a paralyzing tion, and mens hearts shall fail them among them, and exhorted them that
fear filled my heart and mind. I realized (D&C 45:26). they should not be frightened, but ...
immediately I was doomed to spend My purpose is to describe how fear should remember the Lord their God
the remainder of my life in prison. is dispelled through a correct knowl- and he would deliver them.
My parents eventually coaxed me out edge of and faith in the Lord Jesus Therefore they hushed their fears
from a hiding place under my bed and Christ. I earnestly pray the Holy Ghost (Mosiah 23:2728).
helped me to make amends with the will bless each of us as we consider Notice Alma did not hush the
store owner. Fortunately, my jail sen- together this important topic. peoples fears. Rather, Alma counseled
tence was commuted.
The fear I felt that day was over-
whelming and real. You undoubt-
edly have experienced much greater
feelings of dread after learning about
a personal health challenge, discov-
ering a family member in difficulty or
danger, or observing disturbing world
events. In such instances, the distress-
ing emotion of fear arises because of
impending danger, uncertainty, or pain
and through experiences that are unex-
pected, sometimes sudden, and likely
to produce a negative outcome.
In our daily lives, endless reports
of criminal violence, famine, wars,
corruption, terrorism, declining values,
MAY 2015 47
The disciplined endurance
described in this verse is the result of
spiritual understanding and vision,
persistence, patience, and Gods grace.
Exercising faith in and on the holy
name of Jesus Christ, meekly submit-
ting to His will and timing in our lives,
and humbly acknowledging His hand
in all things yield the peaceable things
of the kingdom of God that bring joy
and eternal life (see D&C 42:61). Even
as we encounter difficulties and face
the uncertainties of the future, we can
cheerfully persevere and live a peace-
able life in all godliness and honesty
(1Timothy 2:2).
And immediately Jesus stretched are built, which is a sure foundation, a We can be blessed to hush our fears
forth his hand, and caught him, and foundation whereon if men build they as we receive the fortitude that comes
said unto him, O thou of little faith, cannot fall (Helaman 5:12). from learning and living gospel princi-
wherefore didst thou doubt? (Matthew Ordinances and covenants are the ples and resolutely pressing forward on
14:3031). building blocks we use to construct the covenant pathway.
I envision Peter responding fervently our lives upon the foundation of Christ
and immediately to the Saviors invita- and His Atonement. We are connected The Fear of the Lord
tion. With his eyes fixed upon Jesus, he securely to and with the Savior as we Different from but related to the
stepped out of the boat and miracu- worthily receive ordinances and enter fears we often experience is what
lously walked on the water. Only when into covenants, faithfully remember the scriptures describe as godly
his gaze was diverted by the wind and and honor those sacred commitments, fear (Hebrews 12:28) or the fear of
the waves did he become afraid and and do our best to live in accordance the Lord ( Job 28:28; Proverbs 16:6;
begin to sink. with the obligations we have accepted. Isaiah 11:23). Unlike worldly fear that
We can be blessed to conquer our And that bond is the source of spiri- creates alarm and anxiety, godly fear
fears and strengthen our faith as we fol- tual strength and stability in all of the is a source of peace, assurance, and
low the Lords instruction: Look unto seasons of our lives. confidence.
me in every thought; doubt not, fear We can be blessed to hush our fears But how can anything associated
not (D&C 6:36). as we firmly establish our desires and with fear be edifying or spiritually
Build upon the Foundation of Christ deeds upon the sure foundation of helpful?
Helaman admonished his sons, the Savior through our ordinances and The righteous fear I am attempting
Nephi and Lehi: Remember, remember covenants. to describe encompasses a deep
that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, Press Forward with Faith in Christ feeling of reverence, respect, and awe
who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye Nephi declared: Wherefore, ye for the Lord Jesus Christ (see Psalm
must build your foundation; that when must press forward with a steadfastness 33:8; 96:4), obedience to His com-
the devil shall send forth his mighty in Christ, having a perfect brightness mandments (see Deuteronomy 5:29;
winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, of hope, and a love of God and of all 8:6; 10:12; 13:4; Psalm 112:1), and
yea, when all his hail and his mighty men. Wherefore, if ye shall press for- anticipation of the Final Judgment
storm shall beat upon you, it shall have ward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and justice at His hand. Thus, godly
no power over you to drag you down and endure to the end, behold, thus fear grows out of a correct under-
to the gulf of misery and endless wo, saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal standing of the divine nature and
because of the rock upon which ye life (2Nephi 31:20). mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, a
MAY 2015 49
By Elder D.Todd Christofferson of responsibility towards the world
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and mankind? In what sense does
it come from above, from God? To
understand, we have to go back to the
Why Marriage,
beginning.
Prophets have revealed that we first
existed as intelligences and that we
Why Family
were given form, or spirit bodies, by
God, thus becoming His spirit children
sons and daughters of heavenly
parents.3 There came a time in this
premortal existence of spirits when, in
A family built on the marriage of a man and woman supplies furtherance of His desire that we could
the best setting for Gods plan to thrive. have a privilege to advance like him-
self,4 our Heavenly Father prepared
an enabling plan. In the scriptures it
is given various names, including the
A
bove the Great West Door of the sympathetic guards helped him smug- plan of salvation,5 the great plan of
renowned Westminster Abbey in gle out of prison, later published as happiness,6 and the plan of redemp-
London, England, stand the Letters and Papers from Prison. tion.7 The two principal purposes of
statues of 10 Christian martyrs of the One of those letters was to his niece the plan were explained to Abraham in
20th century. Included among them is before her wedding. It included these these words:
Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a brilliant German significant insights: Marriage is more And there stood one among them
theologian born in 1906.1 Bonhoeffer than your love for each other. ... In that was like unto God, and he said
became a vocal critic of the Nazi your love you see only your two selves unto those who were with him: We
dictatorship and its treatment of Jews in the world, but in marriage you are will go down, for there is space there,
and others. He was imprisoned for his a link in the chain of the generations, and we will take of these materials, and
active opposition and finally executed which God causes to come and to pass we will make an earth whereon these
in a concentration camp. Bonhoeffer away to his glory, and calls into his [spirits] may dwell;
was a prolific writer, and some of his kingdom. In your love you see only the And we will prove them herewith,
best-known pieces are letters that heaven of your own happiness, but in to see if they will do all things whatso-
marriage you are placed at a post of ever the Lord their God shall command
responsibility towards the world and them;
mankind. Your love is your own private And they who keep their first estate
possession, but marriage is more than shall be added upon; ... and they who
something personalit is a status, an keep their second estate shall have
office. Just as it is the crown, and not glory added upon their heads for ever
merely the will to rule, that makes the and ever.8
king, so it is marriage, and not merely Thanks to our Heavenly Father, we
your love for each other, that joins you had already become spirit beings. Now
together in the sight of God and man. He was offering us a path to complete
... So love comes from you, but mar- or perfect that being. The addition of
riage from above, from God.2 the physical element is essential to the
In what way does marriage between fulness of being and glory that God
a man and a woman transcend Himself enjoys. If, while with God in
their love for one another and their the premortal spirit world, we would
own happiness to become a post agree to participate in His planor in
MAY 2015 51
spiritual rebirth, the two prerequisites alter this divine order of matrimony. It is contribute to the unfolding of the
of eternal life. This is, to use the words not a human invention. Such marriage divine plan in each generation. Much
of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the office of is indeed from above, from God and is that is good, much that is essential
marriage, the post of responsibility as much a part of the plan of happiness even sometimes all that is necessary
towards ... mankind, that this divine as the Fall and the Atonement. for nowcan be achieved in less than
institution from above, from God In the premortal world, Lucifer ideal circumstances. So many of you
occupies. It is the link in the chain rebelled against God and His plan, and are doing your very best. And when
of the generations both here and his opposition only grows in intensity. you who bear the heaviest burdens of
hereafterthe order of heaven. He fights to discourage marriage and mortality stand up in defense of Gods
A family built on the marriage of a the formation of families, and where plan to exalt His children, we are all
man and woman supplies the best set- marriages and families are formed, he ready to march. With confidence we
ting for Gods plan to thrivethe setting does what he can to disrupt them. He testify that the Atonement of Jesus
for the birth of children, who come in attacks everything that is sacred about Christ has anticipated and, in the end,
purity and innocence from God, and human sexuality, tearing it from the will compensate all deprivation and
the environment for the learning and context of marriage with a seemingly loss for those who turn to Him. No one
preparation they will need for a suc- infinite array of immoral thoughts and is predestined to receive less than all
cessful mortal life and eternal life in the acts. He seeks to convince men and that the Father has for His children.
world to come. A critical mass of fam- women that marriage and family pri- One young mother recently con-
ilies built on such marriages is vital for orities can be ignored or abandoned, fided to me her anxiety about being
societies to survive and flourish. That is or at least made subservient to careers, inadequate in this highest of callings. I
why communities and nations gener- other achievements, and the quest for felt that the issues that concerned her
ally have encouraged and protected self-fulfillment and individual auton- were small and she neednt worry; she
marriage and the family as privileged omy. Certainly the adversary is pleased was doing fine. But I knew she only
institutions. It has never been just about when parents neglect to teach and train wanted to please God and to honor His
the love and happiness of adults. their children to have faith in Christ and trust. I offered words of reassurance,
The social science case for marriage be spiritually born again. Brothers and and in my heart I pleaded that God,
and for families headed by a married sisters, many things are good, many are her Heavenly Father, would buoy her
man and woman is compelling.19 And important, but only a few are essential. up with His love and the witness of His
so we warn that the disintegration of To declare the fundamental truths approval as she is about His work.
the family will bring upon individuals, relative to marriage and family is not That is my prayer for all of us today.
communities, and nations the calam- to overlook or diminish the sacrifices May we each find approval in His sight.
ities foretold by ancient and modern and successes of those for whom the
prophets.20 But our claims for the ideal is not a present reality. Some of
role of marriage and family rest not on you are denied the blessing of marriage
social science but on the truth that they for reasons including a lack of viable
are Gods creation. It is He who in the prospects, same-sex attraction, physi-
beginning created Adam and Eve in cal or mental impairments, or simply a
His image, male and female, and joined fear of failure that, for the moment at
them as husband and wife to become least, overshadows faith. Or you may
one flesh and to multiply and replen- have married, but that marriage ended,
ish the earth.21 Each individual carries and you are left to manage alone what
the divine image, but it is in the matri- two together can barely sustain. Some
monial union of male and female as one of you who are married cannot bear
that we attain perhaps the most com- children despite overwhelming desires
plete meaning of our having been made and pleading prayers.
in the image of Godmale and female. Even so, everyone has gifts;
Neither we nor any other mortal can everyone has talents; everyone can
MAY 2015 53
By Elder WilfordW. Andersen upon you and which shall dwell in your
Of the Seventy heart (verse 2). We learn the dance
steps with our minds, but we hear the
music with our hearts. The dance steps
of the gospel are the things we do; the
Y
ears ago I listened to a radio Sometimes in our homes, we suc- who dance often appear strange or
interview of a young doctor cessfully teach the dance steps but awkward or, to use a scriptural term,
who worked in a hospital in the are not as successful in helping our peculiar (1Peter 2:9) to those who
Navajo Nation. He told of an experi- family members to hear the music. cannot hear the music. Have you ever
ence he had one night when an old And as the old medicine man well stopped your car at a stoplight next
Native American man with long braided knew, it is hard to dance without to a car where the driver was dancing
hair came into the emergency room. music. Dancing without music is awk- and singing at the top of his lungsbut
The young doctor took his clipboard, ward and unfulfillingeven embar- you couldnt hear a sound because
approached the man, and said, How rassing. Have you ever tried it? your windows were rolled up? Didnt
can I help you? The old man looked In section 8 of the Doctrine and he look a little peculiar? If our children
straight ahead and said nothing. The Covenants, the Lord taught Joseph Smith learn the dance steps without learn-
doctor, feeling somewhat impatient, and Oliver Cowdery, Yea, behold, I will ing to hear and to feel the beautiful
tried again. I cannot help you if you tell you in your mind and in your heart, music of the gospel, they will over time
dont speak to me, he said. Tell me by the Holy Ghost, which shall come become uncomfortable with the dance
why you have come to the hospital.
The old man then looked at him and
said, Do you dance? As the young
doctor pondered the strange question,
it occurred to him that perhaps his
patient was a tribal medicine man who,
according to ancient tribal customs,
sought to heal the sick through song
and dance rather than through pre-
scribing medication.
No, said the doctor, I dont dance.
Do you dance? The old man nodded
yes. Then the doctor asked, Could you
teach me to dance?
The old mans response has for
many years caused me much reflection.
I can teach you to dance, he said,
but you have to hear the music.
MAY 2015 55
these two words: keep practicing. By Elder DaleG. Renlund
With Gods help, the day will come Of the Seventy
when the music of the gospel will fill
your home with unspeakable joy.
Latter-day Saints
Even when performed well, the
music will not solve all of our prob-
lems. There will still be crescendos
Keep on Trying
and decrescendos in our lives, stacca-
tos and legatos. Such is the nature of
life on planet earth.
But when we add music to the
dance steps, the sometimes compli-
cated rhythms of marriage and family As we try, persevere, and help others to do the same, we are true
life tend to move toward a harmoni- Latter-day Saints.
ous balance. Even our most difficult
challenges will add rich plaintive
tones and moving motifs. The doc-
M
trines of the priesthood will begin y dear brothers and sisters, This statementa saint is a sinner
to distill upon our souls as the dews in December 2013 the world who keeps on tryingshould reassure
from heaven. The Holy Ghost will mourned the death of Nelson and encourage members of the Church.
be our constant companion, and our Mandela. After 27 years of imprison- Although we are referred to as Latter-
sceptera clear reference to power ment for his role in the antiapartheid day Saints, we sometimes flinch at this
and influencewill be an unchanging struggle, Mandela was the first dem- reference. The term Saints is commonly
scepter of righteousness and truth. ocratically elected president of South used to designate those who have
And our dominion will be an everlast- Africa. His forgiveness of those who achieved an elevated state of holiness
ing dominion. And without compul- had imprisoned him was remarkable. or even perfection. And we know per-
sory means it will flow unto us forever He received widespread acclaim and fectly well that we are not perfect.
and ever (see D&C 121:4546). praise.1 Mandela frequently deflected Our theology does teach us, though,
May it be so in each of our lives accolades by saying, Im no saintthat that we may be perfected by repeatedly
and in each of our homes is my prayer is, unless you think a saint is a sinner and iteratively relying wholly upon
in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. who keeps on trying.2 the doctrine of Christ: exercising faith
in Him, repenting, partaking of the
sacrament to renew the covenants and
blessings of baptism, and receiving the
Holy Ghost as a constant companion
to a greater degree. As we do so, we
become more like Christ and are able
to endure to the end, with all that that
entails.3 In less formal terms, God cares
a lot more about who we are and who
we are becoming than about who we
once were.4 He cares that we keep
on trying.
The comedy As You Like It, writ-
ten by the English playwright William
Shakespeare, depicts a dramatic change
in a characters life. An older brother
MAY 2015 57
at Rice Universitys Baker Institute on
Oct. 26, 1999, bakerinstitute.org/events/1221.
He was likely paraphrasing the well-known
statement attributed to Robert Louis
Stevenson: The saints are the sinners who
keep on trying. Over the years many have
expressed similar sentiments. For instance,
Confucius is credited with saying, Our
greatest glory lies not in never falling but
in getting up every time we fall.
3. See, for instance, 2Nephi 31:221;
3Nephi 11:2331; 27:1321; Moroni 6:6;
Doctrine and Covenants 20:77, 79; 59:89;
Handbook 2: Administering the Church
(2010), 2.1.2.
4. Saying that God cares a lot more about
who we are and who we are becoming
than about who we once were does
not mean that the Savior is dismissive
of the consequences of an individuals
sin on others. In fact, the Savior cares
infinitely about those who suffer hurt,
pain, and heartache because of anothers
transgressions. The Savior will take upon
perceived differences, all of us are in If we dont try, were just latter-day him [His peoples] infirmities, that his
need of the same infinite Atonement. sinners; if we dont persevere, were bowels may be filled with mercy, ... that
he may know according to the flesh how
Some years ago a wonderful young latter-day quitters; and if we dont to succor his people according to their
man named Curtis was called to serve a allow others to try, were just latter-day infirmities (Alma 7:12).
mission. He was the kind of missionary hypocrites.10 As we try, persevere, and 5. William Shakespeare, As You Like It, act 4,
scene 3, lines 13437.
every mission president prays for. He help others to do the same, we are true 6. Ezekiel 33:12, 1416.
was focused and worked hard. At one Latter-day Saints. As we change, we 7. The use of present tense in verbs is
point he was assigned a missionary will find that God indeed cares a lot notable in many scriptures related to Final
Judgment. See, for instance, 2Nephi 9:16;
companion who was immature, socially more about who we are and about Mormon 9:14; Doctrine and Covenants
awkward, and not particularly enthusi- who we are becoming than about who 58:4243.
astic about getting the work done. we once were.11 8. ThomasS. Monson, The Will Within,
Ensign, May 1987, 68.
One day, while they were riding I am deeply grateful for the Savior, 9. Isaiah 61:13; see also Luke 4:1621.
their bicycles, Curtis looked back and for His infinite Atonement, and for 10. Hypocrite as used in the New Testament
saw that his companion had inex- latter-day prophets who encourage us to may be translated from the Greek as
pretender; the Greek word means a
plicably gotten off his bike and was be Latter-day Saints, to keep on trying.12 play actor, or one who feigns, represents
walking. Silently, Curtis expressed his I witness of the Saviors living reality in dramatically, or exaggerates a part
frustration to God; what a chore it was the name of Jesus Christ, amen. (Matthew 6:2, footnote a). If we do not give
others the opportunity to change at their
to be saddled with a companion he NOTES own pace, we are simply pretending to be
had to drag around in order to accom- 1. See Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, Long Walk Latter-day Saints.
plish anything. Moments later, Curtis to Freedom (1994); Biography of Nelson 11. See note 4, above.
had a profound impression, as if God Mandela, nelsonmandela.org/content/ 12. The number of times this message appears
page/biography; and President Barack in the sermons of the First Presidency
were saying to him, You know, Curtis, Obamas Dec.10, 2013, eulogy for Nelson and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles is
compared to me, the two of you arent Mandela, at whitehouse.gov/the-press- striking. President DieterF. Uchtdorf made
all that different. Curtis learned that he office/2013/12/10/remarks-president- this point as he said, Of all the principles
obama-memorial-service-former-south- taught by prophets over the centuries, one
needed to be patient with an imper- african-president-. The diversity of the that has been emphasized over and over
fect companion who nonetheless was awards is indicated by Mandela receiving again is the hopeful and heartwarming
trying in his own way. the Nobel Peace Prize, the United States message that mankind can repent, change
Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the course, and get back on the true path of
My invitation to all of us is to evalu- Soviet Order of Lenin. discipleship (You Can Do It Now! Ensign
ate our lives, repent, and keep on trying. 2. See, for instance, Nelson Mandelas address or Liahona, Nov. 2013, 56).
without Guile
keeper of the records and the prophet
of God, and Corianton, who gained
some notoriety as a missionary who
needed some counsel from his father.
To Helaman, Alma wrote 77 verses
The good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ is that the desires of our (see Alma 3637). To Corianton, Alma
hearts can be transformed and our motives can be educated and refined. dedicated 91 verses (see Alma 3942).
To Shiblon, his middle son, Alma wrote
a mere 15 verses (see Alma 38). Yet his
words in those 15 verses are powerful
U
nfortunately, there was a time in In October, President DieterF. and instructive.
my life when I was motivated by Uchtdorf said: Over the course of And now, my son, I trust that I shall
titles and authority. It really began my life, I have had the opportunity to have great joy in you, because of your
innocently. As I was preparing to serve rub shoulders with some of the most steadiness and your faithfulness unto
a full-time mission, my older brother competent and intelligent men and God; for as you have commenced in
was made a zone leader in his mission. women this world has to offer. When I your youth to look to the Lord your
I heard so many positive things said was younger, I was impressed by those God, even so I hope that you will con-
about him that I couldnt help but want who were educated, accomplished, tinue in keeping his commandments; for
those things said about me. I hoped for successful, and applauded by the blessed is he that endureth to the end.
and may have even prayed for a similar world. But over the years, I have come I say unto you, my son, that I have
position. to the realization that I am far more had great joy in thee already, because
Thankfully, as I served my mission, I impressed by those wonderful and of thy faithfulness and thy diligence,
learned a powerful lesson. Last confer- blessed souls who are truly good and and thy patience and thy long-suffering
ence I was reminded of that lesson. without guile.1 among the people (Alma 38:23).
In addition to speaking to Shiblon,
Alma also spoke about him to
Corianton. Alma said: Have ye not
observed the steadiness of thy brother,
his faithfulness, and his diligence in
keeping the commandments of God?
Behold, has he not set a good example
for thee? (Alma 39:1).2
It appears that Shiblon was a son
who wanted to please his father and
went about doing what was right for
rights sake rather than for praise,
position, power, accolades, or author-
ity. Helaman must have known and
respected this about his brother, for
he gave Shiblon custody of the sacred
MAY 2015 59
callings find ways to consistently serve
and lift others. One brother shows up
early for church to set up chairs and
stays after to straighten up the chapel.
One sister purposely selects a seat near
a blind sister in her ward not only so
she can greet her but also so she can
sing the hymns loudly enough that the
blind sister can hear the words and
sing along. If you look closely in your
ward or branch, you will find examples
like these. There are always members
who seem to know who needs help
Woodbury, Minnesota, USA and when to offer it.
Perhaps my first lesson about truly
records he had received from his good Saints without guile was learned
father. Surely Helaman trusted when I was a young missionary. I
Shiblon because he was a just moved into an area with an elder I
man, and he did walk uprightly didnt know. I had heard other mis-
before God; and he did observe to sionaries talk about how he had never
do good continually, to keep the received any leadership assignments
commandments of the Lord his and how he struggled with the Korean
God (Alma 63:2). As seems truly language despite having been in the
characteristic of Shiblon, there is country a long time. But as I got to
not much recorded about him from know this elder, I found he was one of
the time he took possession of the the most obedient and faithful mission-
sacred records until he gave them aries I had known. He studied when it
to Helamans son Helaman (see was time to study; he worked when it
Alma 63:11). more anxious to serve than to have was time to work. He left the apart-
Shiblon was truly good and without dominion. ment on time and returned on time. He
guile. He was a person who sacrificed Today there are some who would was diligent in studying Korean even
his time, talents, and effort to help and have us believe our search for rele- though the language was especially
lift others because of a love for God vance can be satisfied only by obtain- difficult for him.
and his fellowmen (see Alma 48:1719; ing position and power. Yet, thankfully, When I realized the comments I
49:30). He is described perfectly by the there are many who are uninfluenced had heard were untrue, I felt like this
words of President SpencerW. Kimball: by this perspective. They find relevance missionary was being misjudged as
Great women and men are always in seeking to be truly good and without unsuccessful. I wanted to tell the whole
more anxious to serve than to have guile. I have found them in all walks of mission what I had discovered about
dominion.3 life and in many faith traditions. And I this elder. I shared with my mission
In a world where praise, position, find them in large numbers among the president my desire to correct this
power, accolades, and authority are truly converted followers of Christ.4 misunderstanding. His response was,
sought on every side, I honor those I honor those who selflessly serve Heavenly Father knows this young
wonderful and blessed souls who each week in wards and branches man is a successful missionary, and so
are truly good and without guile, around the world by going above and do I. He added, And now you know
those who are motivated by a love beyond in fulfilling callings. But callings too, so who else really matters? This
of God and their neighbors, those come and go. Even more impressive to wise mission president taught me what
great women and men who are me are the many who without formal was important in service, and it wasnt
MAY 2015 61
so we know that Alma is talking about By Elder QuentinL. Cook
Shiblon when he says thy brother (see Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Alma 31:7; 39:2).
3. SpencerW. Kimball, The Role of Righteous
Women, Ensign, Nov. 1979, 104.
I
5. [God] is immortal and perfect. We are
mortal and imperfect. Nevertheless we n this Easter season we reflect upon
seek ways even in mortality whereby and rejoice in the redemption pro-
we can unite with Him spiritually. In so
doing we gain some access to both the vided by our Savior, Jesus Christ.1
grace and the majesty of His power. Those The clamor that reverberates across
special moments include ... baptizing
and confirming ... [and] partaking of the
the earth because of worldly wicked-
emblems of the Lords Supper ( JeffreyR. ness creates feelings of vulnerability.
Holland, To My Friends [2014], 80). With modern communication the
6. The Latter-day Saints who see
themselves in all they do as children impact of iniquity, inequality, and
of God take naturally to making and injustice leaves many feeling that
keeping commitments. The plan of
salvation is marked by covenants. We
life is inherently unfair. As signifi-
promise to obey commandments. In cant as these trials can be, they must
return, God promises blessings in this life not distract us from rejoicing in and
and for eternity. He is exact in what he
requires, and he is perfect in keeping his celebrating Christs supernal interces-
word. Because he loves us and because sion in our behalf. The Savior literally
the purpose of the plan is to become like gained the victory over death. With
him, he requires exactness of us. And the
promises he makes to us always include mercy and compassion He took upon
the power to grow in our capacity to Himself our iniquity and transgres-
keep covenants. He makes it possible
for us to know his rules. When we try sions, thus redeeming us and satisfy-
with all our hearts to meet his standards, ing the demands of justice for all who
he gives us the companionship of the would repent and believe on leads to the home where my grand-
Holy Ghost. That in turn both increases
our power to keep commitments and His name.2 parents lived. When we started down
to discern what is good and true. And His magnificent atoning sacrifice is that road, Mary would often exclaim,
that is the power to learn, both in our
temporal studies and in the learning we of transcendent significance beyond Do you think we will see those
need for eternity (HenryB. Eyring, A mortal comprehension. This act of amazing sunflowers today? We were
Child of God [Brigham Young University grace provides the peace that surpasses surprised that sunflowers flourish in
devotional, Oct.21, 1997], 45; speeches.
byu.edu). See also DavidA. Bednar, Bear understanding.3 soil which has been impacted by farm
Up Their Burdens with Ease, Ensign or How, then, do we deal with the and snow removal equipment and the
Liahona, May 2014, 8790.
7. From my earliest recollection, I wanted harsh realities that surround us? accumulation of materials that would
to please my father. As I grew and gained My wife, Mary, has always loved not be considered ideal soil for wild-
a testimony, I also gained the desire to sunflowers. She rejoices when they, in flowers to grow.
please Heavenly Father. Later in my life,
I learned about Shiblon and added to my quite improbable places, appear on One of the remarkable character-
lifes goals to be more like him. the roadside. There is a dirt road that istics of young wild sunflowers, in
MAY 2015 63
Bunker Hill near Okinawa, the ship be prepared for an eternal home in The Church Helps Us Focus on the Savior
was bombed by two suicide planes.9 heaven, regardless of what befalls as a United Family
Almost 400 crewmen died, including them in a difficult world. It is vitally In addition to the family, the role
my uncle Vaughn. important that our children know they of the Church is also significant. The
Elder SpencerW. Kimball extended are loved and safe at home. Church provides the organization
his heartfelt sympathy to Vaughns father, Husbands and wives are equal part- and means for teaching the gospel of
noting Vaughns worthiness and the ners.13 They have different but comple- Jesus Christ to all of Gods children. It
Lords assurance that those that die in mentary responsibilities. The wife may provides the priesthood authority to
me shall not taste of death, for it shall be bear children, which blesses the entire administer the ordinances of salvation
sweet unto them.10 Vaughns father ten- family. The husband may receive the and exaltation to all who are worthy
derly said that even though Vaughn was priesthood, which blesses the entire and willing to accept them.15
buried at sea, the hand of God would family. But in family council, wives and In the world there is rampant
take Vaughn to his heavenly home.11 husbands, as equal partners, make the contention and iniquity and a major
Twenty-eight years later, President most important decisions. They decide emphasis on divergent cultures and
SpencerW. Kimball spoke of Vaughn how the children will be taught and inequality. In the Church, except
in general conference. He said, in part: disciplined, how money will be spent, for language units, our wards and
I knew this family well. ... I have where they will live, and many other branches are geographical. We dont
knelt in mighty prayer with [them]. ... family decisions. These are made jointly divide by class or rank.16 We rejoice in
Home training has carried through to after seeking guidance from the Lord. the fact that all races and cultures are
the eternal blessing of this large family. The goal is an eternal family. mixed together in a righteous congre-
President Kimball challenged every fam- The Light of Christ plants the eter- gation. Our ward family is important to
ily to be on their knees ... praying for nal nature of the family in the hearts our progress, happiness, and personal
their sons and daughters twice daily.12 of all Gods children. One of my favor- effort to be more Christlike.
Brothers and sisters, if we faith- ite writers, not of our faith, said it this Cultures often divide people and
fully have family prayer, scripture way: So much in life is extraneous, are sometimes a source of violence
study, family home evening, priest- [but] ... the family is the real thing, and discrimination.17 In the Book of
hood blessings, and Sabbath day the substantial thing, the eternal thing; Mormon some of the most haunting
observance, our children will know the thing to watch over and care for language is used to describe the tra-
what time it is at home. They will and be loyal to.14 ditions of wicked fathers which led to
MAY 2015 65
If the grim realities you are facing bless you beyond your ability to fully 6. See Doctrine and Covenants 115:56.
7. Handbook 2: Administering the Church
at this time seem dark and heavy and understand. (2010), 1.1.4.
almost unbearable, remember that We should remember the Savior, 8. VaughnR. Kimball, The Right Time at
in the soul-wrenching darkness of keep our covenants, and follow the Son Home, Readers Digest, May 1944, 43.
9. See letter from Captain G.A. Seitz, U.S.
Gethsemane and the incomprehensible of God as the young sunflower follows Navy, USS Bunker Hill, dated May25,
torture and pain of Calvary, the Savior the sunshine. Following His light and 1945, to Vaughn Kimballs father, Crozier
accomplished the Atonement, which example will bring us joy, happiness, Kimball, Draper, Utah.
10. See letter from SpencerW. Kimball, dated
resolves the most terrible burdens that and peace. As Psalm27 and a favorite June 2, 1945, to Crozier Kimball; Doctrine
can occur in this life. He did it for you, hymn both proclaim, The Lord is my and Covenants 42:46.
and He did it for me. He did it because light and my salvation.26 11. See Crozier Kimball, in Marva Jeanne
Kimball Pedersen, Vaughn Roberts
He loves us and because He obeys and On this Easter weekend, as one of Kimball: A Memorial (1995), 53.
loves His Father. We will be rescued the Saviors Apostles, I bear solemn wit- 12. SpencerW. Kimball, The Family
from deatheven from the depths of ness of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Influence, Ensign, July 1973, 17.
SpencerW. Kimball was then President of
the sea. I know He lives. I know His voice. I the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles.
Our protections in this life and testify of His divinity and the reality of 13. See The Family: A Proclamation to the
for eternity will be in individual and the Atonement in the name of Jesus World, Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2010, 129.
14. Carla Carlisle, Pray, Love, Remember,
family righteousness, Church ordi- Christ, amen. Country Life, Sept.29, 2010, 120.
nances, and following the Savior. This NOTES
15. Handbook 2, 1.1.5.
is our refuge from the storm. For those 16. See 4Nephi 1:26.
1. See 2Nephi 9:2022.
17. Culture is much discussed in todays
who feel they are alone, you can stand 2. See Mosiah 15:89.
3. See Philippians 4:7. world. For the year 2014 the word culture
resolutely in righteousness knowing 4. See Matthew 13:41. was even named word of the year by
that the Atonement will protect and 5. Matthew 13:43. Merriam-Webster.com.
18. See Alma 9; Helaman 5.
19. 4Nephi 1:15.
20. The German philosopher Goethe famously
wrote, What from your fathers heritage
is lent, earn it anew, to really possess it!
( Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Faust,
trans. Bayard Taylor [1912], 1:28).
21. This is one of the reasons the Church teaches
the gospel in 50 languages and translates
the Book of Mormon into 110 languages.
However, one of the challenges across the
world is to learn the language of the country
in which you live. As parents we need to
sacrifice to help the rising generation learn
the language of the country where they
now live. Help them make that language the
language of their heart.
22. See Mosiah 18:21.
23. Doctrine and Covenants 38:25, 27.
24. Over the last 25 years, the actual number of
members leaving the Church has decreased
and the Church has almost doubled in size.
The percentage leaving is greatly reduced.
25. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10.
26. Psalm 27:1; see also The Lord Is My
Light, Hymns, no. 89.
The Greatest
serving, future missionaries, returned
missionaries, and all young adult men
in the Church. I pray you will under-
Generation of
stand and thoughtfully consider what
I have to say to you as you journey
through these exciting and exacting
Young Adults
years of your life.
In the early days of the Church,
missionaries were interviewed by a
General Authority before they went
on their missions. These days you are
What we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the interviewed to serve as missionaries
history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. by your bishops and stake presidents,
and most of you will go through your
entire lives without being interviewed
by a General Authority. That is simply a
O
ne of the great pleasures I enjoy In many ways the world today reflection of the reality in a worldwide
as I travel throughout the world is more challenging than it was 13 church of more than 15 million mem-
is the opportunity to meet and years ago. Our young men and young bers. I know I speak for my brethren
greet our missionaries. These great women have many more distractions when I tell you that we wish it were
elders and sisters radiate the Light of to sidetrack them in their prepara- possible for us to know all of you per-
Christ, and I am always inspired by tions for both a mission and a future sonally and to be able to tell you that
their love for the Lord Jesus Christ and happy life. Technology has expanded, we love you and that we support you.
their devoted service to Him. Every time and almost everyone has access to Fortunately the Lord has provided
I shake hands with them and feel of handheld devices that can capture the ways for us to reach out to you. For
their remarkable spirit and faith, I say
to myself, These wonderful sons and
daughters of ours are truly a miracle!
During the October 2002 general
priesthood meeting, I challenged
bishops, parents, and prospective mis-
sionaries to raise the bar for full-time
missionary service.
I then said that what we need ... is
the greatest generation of missionaries
in the history of the Church. We need
worthy, qualified, spiritually energized
missionaries....
... We need your whole heart and
soul. We need vibrant, thinking, pas-
sionate missionaries who know how to
listen to and respond to the whisper-
ings of the Holy Spirit.1
MAY 2015 67
example, a member of the Quorum of Videoconferencing is another way the daily trials and temptations of being
the Twelve assigns every missionary that helps us reach out to Church a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint.
to his or her mission. Although this is leaders and members who live far away In other words, its time to raise the
done without a traditional face-to-face from Church headquarters. bar not only for missionaries but also
interview, technology and revelation With that in mind, I would like those for returned missionaries and for your
combine to provide an experience that of you preparing to serve missions, entire generation. To that end, please
is remarkably intimate and personal. those who have returned, and all ponder in your heart your answers to
Let me tell you how this happens. of you young adults to spend a few these questions:
Your photograph comes up on a minutes with me as though we were
computer screen, together with key having a personal video chat right now. 1. Do you search the scriptures
information provided by your bishop Please look at me for a few minutes as regularly?
and stake president. When your picture though you and I were the only ones in 2. Do you kneel in prayer to talk with
appears, we look into your eyes and the room, wherever you are tonight. your Heavenly Father each morning
review your answers to the missionary For my part, I will imagine that I am and each night?
recommendation questions. For that looking into your eyes and listening 3. Do you fast and donate a fast offer-
brief moment, it seems as if you are carefully to your responses to a few ing each montheven if you are a
present and responding to us directly. questions that I believe will tell me a poor, struggling student who cant
As we look at your photograph, we lot about the depth of your testimony afford to donate much?
trust that you have cleared in every and your devotion to God. If I may 4. Do you think deeply about the
way the raised bar required today paraphrase what I said to missionaries Savior and His atoning sacrifice for
to be a faithful, successful missionary. 13 years ago, what we need now is the you when you are asked to pre-
Then, by the power of the Spirit of greatest generation of young adults pare, bless, pass, or partake of the
the Lord and under the direction of in the history of the Church. We need sacrament?
President ThomasS. Monson, we assign your whole heart and soul. We need 5. Do you attend your meetings and
you to one of the Churchs 406 world- vibrant, thinking, passionate young strive to keep the Sabbath day holy?
wide missions. adults who know how to listen and 6. Are you honest at home, school,
No, it isnt the same as a personal, respond to the whisperings of the Holy church, and work?
face-to-face interview. But its close. Spirit as you make your way through 7. Are you mentally and spiritually
clean? Do you avoid viewing por-
nography or looking at websites,
magazines, movies, or apps, includ-
ing Tinder and Snapchat photos, that
would embarrass you if your par-
ents, Church leaders, or the Savior
Himself saw you?
8. Are you careful with your time
avoiding inappropriate technology
and social media, including video
games, which can dull your spiritual
sensitivity?
9. Is there anything in your life you
need to change and fix, beginning
tonight?
MAY 2015 69
Through the Atonement, the By Elder Ulisses Soares
Redeemer took upon Himself our Of the Presidency of the Seventy
troubles, pains, and sins. The Savior
of the world came to understand each
Yes, We Can
of us individually by experiencing our
dashed hopes, challenges, and tragedies
through His suffering in Gethsemane
D
end. Brethren, we know that God our ear brethren, I am humbled by the when it was all presented. They try
Father and His Beloved Son appeared privilege I have to speak to you, to take advantage of our weaknesses
to the Prophet Joseph Smith and the bearers of the priesthood of and frailties, deceiving us with mists
restored through him the fulness of the God throughout the Church today. of darkness ... , which blindeth the
everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. President ThomasS. Monson once eyes, and hardeneth the hearts of the
Be strong, brethren. Keep the said: children of men, and leadeth them
commandments of God. The Lord The world can at times be a fright- away into broad roads, that they perish
Jesus Christ promises that all things ening place in which to live. The moral and are lost.2
we desire to do in righteousness will fabric of society seems to be unraveling Despite the opposition we face, as
be ours. Church leaders are counting at an alarming speed. Nonewhether President Monson has taught, this is a
on you. We need every one of you young or old or in-betweenis exempt war that we can and will win. The Lord
young adults to prepare to marry, to from exposure to those things which trusts in our capacity and determination
serve, and to lead in the days ahead, have the potential to drag us down and to do so.
for which I humbly pray in the name destroy us. ... The scriptures contain countless
of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen. ...But we need not despair. ... examples of those who have won
NOTES
We are waging a war with sin. ... It is their wars even in the midst of very
1. M.Russell Ballard, The Greatest a war we can and will win. Our Father hostile situations. One of these exam-
Generation of Missionaries, Ensign or in Heaven has given us the tools we ples is Captain Moroni in the Book
Liahona, Nov. 2002, 47. need in order to do so.1 of Mormon. This remarkable young
2. Doctrine and Covenants 58:27.
3. See First Presidency letter, Apr.21, 2011. All of us, young and old, are faced man had the courage to defend the
4. See New Religion Classes to Be Offered daily with the war mentioned by truth at a time when there were many
at Church Universities and Institutes of President Monson. The enemy and his dissensions and wars which put at risk
Religion, lds.org/topics/education/
new-religion-classes. angels are trying to distract us. Their the very survival of the entire Nephite
5. See Mosiah 3:513. purpose is to encourage us to deviate nation. Although he was brilliant in
from the covenants that we have made exercising his responsibilities, Moroni
with the Lord, causing us to lose sight remained humble. This and other
Share This Message of our eternal inheritance. They know attributes made him an extraordinary
Scan this QR code or visit well our Heavenly Fathers plan for instrument in the hands of God at that
lds.org/go/Apr15Conf9 to
watch this talk or to find
His children, for they were present time. The book of Alma explains that
media to share. with us in that great Council in Heaven if all men had been like Moroni, the
BoydK. Packer L.Tom Perry RussellM. Nelson DallinH. Oaks M.Russell Ballard RichardG. Scott
RobertD. Hales JeffreyR. Holland DavidA. Bednar QuentinL. Cook D.Todd Christofferson NeilL. Andersen
RonaldA. Rasband L.Whitney Clayton DonaldL. Hallstrom RichardJ. Maynes CraigC. Christensen Ulisses Soares LynnG. Robbins
THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY
(in alphabetical order) (in alphabetical order)
MarcosA. Aidukaitis JoseL. Alonso IanS. Ardern MervynB. Arnold DavidS. Baxter ShayneM. Bowen CraigA. Cardon YoonHwan Choi KimB. Clark DonR. Clarke CarlB. Cook LawrenceE. Corbridge WilfordW. Andersen Koichi Aoyagi RandallK. Bennett BruceA. Carlson
Claudio R.M. Costa LeGrandR. Curtis Jr. Benjamn DeHoyos Edward Dube KevinR. Duncan Larry J. Echo Hawk StanleyG. Ellis DavidF. Evans EnriqueR. Falabella Eduardo Gavarret RobertC. Gay CarlosA. Godoy J.Devn Cornish TimothyJ. Dyches BradleyD. Foster RandyD. Funk
Christoffel Golden GerritW. Gong WalterF. Gonzlez C.Scott Grow JamesJ. Hamula AllenD. Haynie DanielL. Johnson PaulV. Johnson Patrick Kearon VonG. Keetch Jrg Klebingat ErichW. Kopischke O.Vincent Haleck KevinS. Hamilton LarryS. Kacher LarryR. Lawrence
Hugo Montoya MarcusB. Nash S.Gifford Nielsen BrentH. Nielson AllanF. Packer KevinW. Pearson AnthonyD. Perkins PaulB. Pieper RafaelE. Pino BruceD. Porter DaleG. Renlund MichaelT. Ringwood PerG. Malm HugoE. Martinez JamesB. Martino Jairo Mazzagardi
JosephW. Sitati StevenE. Snow VernP. Stanfill Michael JohnU. Teh JosA. Teixeira JuanA. Uceda Arnulfo Valenzuela FranciscoJ. Vias W.Christopher Waddell ScottD. Whiting Chi Hong (Sam) Wong Kazuhiko Yamashita Adrin Ochoa KentF. Richards GregoryA. Schwitzer TerenceM. Vinson
John S. Tanner Tad R. Callister Devin G. Durrant CarolF. McConkie BonnieL. Oscarson NeillF. Marriott CaroleM. Stephens LindaK. Burton LindaS. Reeves CherylA. Esplin RosemaryM. Wixom MaryR. Durham DouglasD. Holmes StephenW. Owen M.Joseph Brough
First Counselor President Second Counselor First Counselor President Second Counselor First Counselor President Second Counselor First Counselor President Second Counselor First Counselor President Second Counselor
April 2015
Pictured clockwise from top
left are Church members and
missionaries in McMinnville,
Oregon, USA; San Martn de
los Andes, Neuqun, Argentina;
Johannesburg, South Africa;
Helsinki, Finland; Natal, Rio
Grande do Norte, Brazil; Ciudad
del Carmen, Campeche, Mexico;
Perpignan, France; Montreal,
Quebec, Canada; London,
England.
MAY 2015 75
discussion. I learned that no evil forces
exist that are capable of confusing,
deceiving, or subverting the power of
a sincere testimony of a true disciple of
Jesus Christ.
As the Savior Himself taught, the
adversary desires to sift us as wheat,
causing us to lose our ability to influ-
ence the world for good.12
My dear brethren, because of the
wave of confusion and doubt spreading
throughout the world today, we must
hold ever more tightly to our testimony
of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then will
our ability to defend truth and justice
greatly increase. We will win the daily
battles against evil, and, rather than fall
on the battlefields of life, we will rally
others to the Masters standards.
I invite all to find safety in the
teachings contained in the scriptures.
Captain Moroni aligned his faith in God
and his testimony of the truth with the
knowledge and wisdom found in the
scriptures. In this way, he trusted that
he would receive the blessings of the
Lord and would obtain many victories,
which is what, in fact, happened.
I invite all to find safety in the
wise words of our current prophets.
President Thomas S. Monson said: We
and determination to follow the teach- very well, but they liked to debate the who have been ordained to the priest-
ings of the restored gospel in these scriptures and asked us for concrete hood of God can make a difference.
latter days, regardless of the popular evidence regarding the truthfulness of When we maintain our personal purity
messages we hear from the world. Our what we were teaching. and honor our priesthood, we become
testimony must be our shield to protect I recall that each time my compan- righteous examples for others to follow
us against the fiery darts of the adver- ion and I set out to try to prove some- ... [and we] help to illuminate an
sary in his attempts to attack us.10 It will thing to people, the Spirit of God left increasingly dark world.13
guide us safely through the darkness us and we felt totally lost and confused. I invite all to trust in the merits and
and confusion that exist in the world We felt that we should more strongly in the power of the Atonement of Jesus
today.11 align our testimonies with the truths Christ. Through His atoning sacrifice,
I learned this principle when I of the gospel we were teaching. From we can gain the courage to win all the
served as a young missionary. My that time on, I remember that when we wars of our time, even in the midst of
companion and I were serving in a bore a testimony with all our hearts, a our difficulties, challenges, and tempta-
very small and faraway branch of the silent confirming power coming from tions. Let us trust in His love and power
Church. We tried to speak with every the Holy Ghost filled the room, and to save us. Christ Himself said:
person in the city. They received us there was no space for confusion or I am the way, the truth, and the life:
FatherhoodOur
ness, but shall have the light of life.15
These things I have spoken unto
you, that in me ye might have peace.
Eternal Destiny
In the world ye shall have tribulation:
but be of good cheer; I have over-
come the world.16
I bear testimony of these truths
in the sacred name of Jesus Christ,
amen. May we each enjoy the fulness of Fathers blessings in this life and the
This address was delivered in Portuguese. fulfillment of His work and His glory by becoming fathers to our families
NOTES for eternity.
1. ThomasS. Monson, Looking Back and
Moving Forward, Ensign or Liahona,
May 2008, 90.
M
2. 1Nephi 12:17.
3. Alma 48:17. y father taught me a significant Buildings, sky, people was my
4. See Alma 48:13.
5. See Alma 43:2324; 48:16. lesson when I was young. He response.
6. Alma 5:57. sensed that I was becoming too How many?
7. For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 2. enamored with temporal things. When A lot!
8. See 3 Nephi 27:14.
9. Moroni 10:45. I had money, I immediately spent it He then pulled this coin from his
10. See Ephesians 6:16; Doctrine and almost always on myself. pocket. As he handed it to me, he
Covenants 27:17. One afternoon he took me to asked, What is this?
11. See Revelation 12:11.
12. See Luke 22:3132. purchase some new shoes. On the I immediately knew: A silver dollar!
13. ThomasS. Monson, Guided Safely Home, second floor of the department store, Drawing on his knowledge of chem-
Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2014, 68. he invited me to look out the window istry, he said, If you melt that silver
14. John 14:6.
15. John 8:12. with him. dollar and mix it with the right ingre-
16. John 16:33. What do you see? he asked. dients, you would have silver nitrate.
If we coated this window with silver
nitrate, what would you see?
I had no idea, so he escorted me to
a full-length mirror and asked, Now
what do you see?
I see me.
No, he replied, what you see is
silver reflecting you. If you focus on
the silver, all you will see is yourself,
and like a veil, it will keep you from
seeing clearly the eternal destiny
Heavenly Father has prepared just
for you.
If you focus on the silver, my father replied, all you will see
is yourself, and it will keep you from seeing clearly the eternal
destiny Heavenly Father has prepared just for you.
MAY 2015 77
Larry, he continued, seek not Educational System fireside, Nov.6, wonderful wife and mother had pre-
the things of this world but seek ... 2005], 2; lds.org/broadcasts). pared a lovely dinner, which we didnt
first ... the kingdom of God, and to Should we not, then, develop a clear touch. My younger son collapsed,
establish [His] righteousness, and all vision of our eternal destiny, partic- totally exhausted, on the couch, while
these things shall be added unto you ularly the one that Heavenly Father my older son crawled downstairs to his
( Joseph Smith Translation, Matthew wants us to achieveeternal father- bedroom.
6:38 [in Matthew 6:33, footnote a]). hood? Let our eternal destiny drive all After some painful rest of my own, I
He told me to keep the dollar and of our decisions. Regardless of how went to my younger son to make sure
never lose it. Each time I looked at it, I difficult those decisions may be, Father he was still alive.
was to think about the eternal destiny will sustain us. Are you OK? I asked.
that Heavenly Father has for me. I learned about the power of such Dad, that was the hardest thing I
I loved my father and how he a vision when I joined my 12- and have ever done, and I never want to do
taught. I wanted to be like him. He 13-year-old sons for a 50/20 competi- it again.
planted in my heart the desire to be a tion. A 50/20 consists of walking I wasnt about to tell him that I
good father, and my deepest hope is 50 miles (80 km) in less than 20 hours. would never do it again either. Instead,
that I am living up to his example. We started at 9:00p.m. and walked I told him how proud I was that he
Our beloved prophet, President all that night and most of the next day. had accomplished such a hard thing.
ThomasS. Monson, has often said that It was an excruciating 19 hours, but I knew it would prepare him for other
our decisions determine our destiny we succeeded. hard things he would face in his future.
and have eternal consequences (see Upon returning home, we liter- With that thought, I said, Son, let me
Decisions Determine Destiny [Church ally crawled into the house, where a make you this promise. When you go
on your mission, you will never have to
walk 50 miles in one day.
Good, Dad! Then Im going.
Those simple words filled my soul
with gratitude and joy.
I then went downstairs to my oldest
son. I lay by himthen touched him.
Son, are you all right?
Dad, that was the most difficult
thing I have ever done in my life, and
I will never, ever do it again. His eyes
closedthen openedand he said,
Unless my son wants me to.
Tears came as I expressed how
grateful I was for him. I told him I
knew he was going to be a much bet-
ter father than I was. My heart was full
because at his young and tender age he
already recognized that one of his most
sacred priesthood duties was to be a
father. He had no fear of that role and
titlethe very title that God Himself
wants us to use when we speak to
Him. I knew I had the responsibility to
nurture the embers of fatherhood that
were burning within my son.
MAY 2015 79
specific plans to fulfill your duties. It By President DieterF. Uchtdorf
can serve as a guide and assistance as Second Counselor in the First Presidency
you seek Heavenly Fathers will and
set goals to accomplish it.
On Being Genuine
Father in Heaven has brought
you here at this particular time for a
special work and eternal purpose. He
wants you to see clearly and under-
stand what that purpose is. He is your
Father, and you can always turn to I pray that we will resist the temptation to draw attention to ourselves
Him for guidance. and, instead, strive for a far greater honor: to become humble, genuine
I know that Heavenly Father is disciples of Jesus Christ.
concerned about each of us indi-
vidually and has a personal plan for
us to achieve our eternal destiny.
I
He has sent His Only Begotten Son, n the late 18th century, Catherine the the shore, filled with industrious and
Jesus Christ, to help us overcome our Great of Russia announced she would happy townspeople. There was only
imperfections through the Atonement. tour the southern part of her empire, one problem: it was all for show. It
He has blessed us with the Holy accompanied by several foreign is said that Potemkin had assembled
Ghost to be a witness, companion, ambassadors. The governor of the area, pasteboard facades of shops and
and guide to our eternal destination Grigory Potemkin, desperately wanted homes. He had even positioned busy-
if we will rely on Him. May we each to impress these visitors. And so he looking peasants to create the impres-
enjoy the fulness of Fathers bless- went to remarkable lengths to show- sion of a prosperous economy. Once
ings in this life and the fulfillment of case the countrys accomplishments. the party disappeared around the bend
His work and His glory by becoming For part of the journey, Catherine of the river, Potemkins men packed up
fathers to our families for eternity (see floated down the Dnieper River, the fake village and rushed it down-
Moses 1:39). In the name of Jesus proudly pointing out to the ambas- stream in preparation for Catherines
Christ, amen. sadors the thriving hamlets along next pass.
Although modern historians have
questioned the truthfulness of this story,
the term Potemkin village has entered
the worlds vocabulary. It now refers to
any attempt to make others believe we
are better than we really are.
MAY 2015 81
Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
My dear friends and fellow priest- reasons for attending our meetings and draw closer to the Savior by applying
hood holders, if Jesus Christ were to sit living our lives as committed disciples gospel principles day by day.
down with us and ask for an account- of Jesus Christ. With patience and persistence, even
ing of our stewardship, I am not sure I am here because I desire with all the smallest act of discipleship or the
He would focus much on programs my heart to follow my Master, Jesus tiniest ember of belief can become a
and statistics. What the Savior would Christ. I yearn to do all that He asks of blazing bonfire of a consecrated life. In
want to know is the condition of our me in this great cause. I hunger to be fact, thats how most bonfires begin
heart. He would want to know how we edified by the Holy Spirit and hear the as a simple spark.
love and minister to those in our care, voice of God as He speaks through His So if you feel small and weak,
how we show our love to our spouse ordained servants. I am here to become please simply come unto Christ, who
and family, and how we lighten their a better man, to be lifted by the inspir- makes weak things strong.8 The weak-
daily load. And the Savior would want ing examples of my brothers and sisters est among us, through Gods grace, can
to know how you and I grow closer to in Christ, and to learn how to more become spiritually strong, because God
Him and to our Heavenly Father. effectively minister to those in need. is no respecter of persons.9 He is our
In short, I am here because I love faithful God, which keepeth covenant
Why Are We Here? my Heavenly Father and His Son, and mercy with them that love him and
It may be beneficial to search our Jesus Christ. keep his commandments.10
own hearts. For example, we might I am sure this is your reason too. It is my conviction that if God can
ask ourselves, why do we serve in the This is why we are willing to make reach out and sustain a poor German
Church of Jesus Christ? sacrifices and not just declarations to refugee from a modest family in a war-
We could even ask, why are we here follow the Savior. This is why we bear torn country half a world away from
at this meeting today? with honor His holy priesthood. the headquarters of the Church, then
I suppose if I were to answer that He can reach out to you.
question on a superficial level, I could From Spark to Bonfire My beloved brothers in Christ, the
say that Im here because President Whether your testimony is thriv- God of Creation, who breathed life
Monson assigned me to speak. ing and healthy or your activity in into the universe, surely has the power
So I really didnt have a choice. the Church more closely resembles a to breathe life into you. Surely He can
Besides that, my wife, whom I love Potemkin village, the good news is that make of you the genuine, spiritual being
very much, expects me to attend. And you can build on whatever strength of light and truth you desire to be.
how can I say no to her? you have. Here in the Church of Jesus Gods promises are sure and certain.
But we all know there are better Christ you can mature spiritually and We can be forgiven of our sins and
MAY 2015 83
By President HenryB. Eyring the last name was the same as one of
First Counselor in the First Presidency the Three Witnesses of the Book of
Mormon. So I knocked on the door
with confidence. The man opened the
Priesthood and
door, looked at me, scowled, and then
barked at me to go away. I went away
with my head down.
Personal Prayer
That was nearly 70 years ago, but
I still remember the feeling I had that
day on the doorstep that there was
something I was supposed to have said
or done. If only I had prayed in faith as
God can grant us power in the priesthood for whatever circumstance I went out that day, I might have been
we may be in. It simply requires that we ask in humility. inspired to stand a moment longer on
that doorstep, smile, and say something
like: It is good to meet you. Thank
you for what you and your family have
I
am grateful for the trust to speak to members of the Church lived far apart, given in the past. I look forward to
holders of the priesthood of God in and there was strict gas rationing. I seeing you next month.
all the earth. I feel the weight of that was the only deacon in the branch. Had I said and done that, he might
opportunity because I know some- The members gave their fast-offering have been even more irritatedand
thing of the trust that the Lord has envelopes to the branch president even offended. But I know now how
placed in you. With your acceptance when they came to fast and testimony I might have felt. Rather than feeling
of the priesthood, you have received meeting in our home. sadness or failure as I walked away, I
the right to speak and to act in the When I was 13 years old, we might have felt the soft commendation
name of God. moved to Utah to live in a large ward. in my mind and heart: Well done.
That right will become a reality only I remember my first assignment to All of us must speak and act in the
as you receive inspiration from God. walk to homes to collect fast offerings. name of God in moments when our
Only then will you be able to speak I looked at the name on one of the unaided judgment will not be enough
in His name. And only then can you envelopes I was given and noticed without inspiration. Those moments can
act in His name. You might have made come upon us when there is not time to
the mistake of thinking, Oh, that isnt make preparation. That has happened
so difficult. I could get inspiration if I to me often. It did many years ago in a
am ever asked to give a talk or if I ever hospital when a father told me and my
need to give a priesthood blessing. companion that the doctors had told
Or the young deacon or teacher might him that his critically injured three-year-
take comfort in the thought, When old daughter would die within minutes.
I am older or when I am called as a As I placed my hands on the one spot
missionary, then I will know what God on her head not covered with ban-
would say and what God would do. dages, I had to know, as Gods servant,
But think of the day when you what He would do and say.
must know what God would say and The words came to my mind and
what He would do. It has already my lips that she would live. The doctor
come for us allwherever you are in standing by me snorted in disgust
your calling in the priesthood. I grew and asked me to get out of the way. I
up in the mission field in the eastern walked out of that hospital room with a
United States during World War II. The feeling of peace and love. The little girl
MAY 2015 85
It is because you have such impor- that you should always pray that God be able to find your way along the
tant and difficult priesthood calls that will warn and protect you from evil.6 strait and narrow path through the
President Smith suggests that when He warns us in many ways. mists of evil. The Holy Ghost will be
you pray, you always plead with God Warnings are part of the plan of your guide as He reveals truth when
that He will bless you with His Spirit. salvation. Prophets, apostles, stake you study the words of prophets.
You will need the Holy Ghost not presidents, bishops, and missionaries Getting that guidance will take more
once but as much as God will grant it all raise the warning voice to escape than casual listening and reading. You
to you for your constant companion. calamity through faith in Jesus Christ, will need to pray and work in faith to
That is why we must always pray that repentance, and making and keeping put the words of truth down into your
God will guide us in our service to His sacred covenants. heart. You must pray that God will bless
children. As a priesthood holder, you are you with His Spirit, that He will lead
Because you cannot rise to your to be part of the warning voice of you into all truth and show you the
priesthood potential without the Spirit the Lord. But you need to heed the right way. That is how He will warn and
going with you, you are a personal warning yourself. You will not survive guide you into the right path in your life
target for the enemy of all happiness. If spiritually without the protection of the and in your priesthood service.
he can tempt you to sin, he can lessen companionship of the Holy Ghost in General conference provides a great
your power to be led by the Spirit and your daily life. opportunity to let the Lord strengthen
so reduce your power in the priest- You must pray for it and work to your power to serve in the priesthood
hood. That is why President Smith said have it. Only with that guide will you of God. You can prepare yourself, as
MAY 2015 87
By President ThomasS. Monson God did bless mewith an appreci-
ation for the sacred emblems of the
sacrament and for the priesthood
The Priesthood
which I held.
No deacon, teacher, or priest from
our ward will ever forget the memora-
a Sacred Gift
ble visits we made to Clarkston, Utah,
to the gravesite of Martin Harris, one
of the Three Witnesses of the Book of
Mormon. As we surrounded the tall
granite shaft which marks his grave,
Each of us has been entrusted with one of the most precious gifts and as one of the quorum leaders read
ever bestowed upon mankind. to us those penetrating words from
The Testimony of Three Witnesses,
found at the beginning of the Book
of Mormon, we developed a love for
O
ne of my most vivid memo- I felt a great responsibility when that sacred record and for the truths
ries is attending priesthood I was called to be secretary of my found therein.
meeting as a newly ordained deacons quorum. I prepared most During those years our objective
deacon and singing during the open- conscientiously the records I kept, for I was to become as the sons of Mosiah.
ing hymn, Come, all ye sons of God wanted to do the very best I knew how Of them it was said:
who have received the priesthood.1 to do in that calling. I took great pride They had waxed strong in the
Tonight, to all assembled here in in my work. Doing all I can, to the very knowledge of the truth; for they were
the Conference Center and, indeed, best of my ability, has been my goal in men of a sound understanding and
throughout the world, I echo the any position I have ever held. they had searched the scriptures dili-
spirit of that special hymn and say I hope each young man who gently, that they might know the word
to you: Come, all ye sons of God who has been ordained to the Aaronic of God.
have received the priesthood, let us Priesthood is given a spiritual aware- But this is not all; they had given
consider our callings; let us reflect ness of the sacredness of his ordained themselves to much prayer, and fast-
on our responsibilities; let us deter- calling, as well as opportunities to ing; therefore they had the spirit of
mine our duty; and let us follow Jesus magnify that calling. I received such
Christ, our Lord. While we may differ an opportunity as a deacon when the
in age, in custom, or in nationality, we bishopric asked that I take the sac-
are united as one in our priesthood rament to a shut-in who lived about
callings. a mile from our chapel. That special
To each of us, the restoration of the Sunday morning, as I knocked on
Aaronic Priesthood to Oliver Cowdery Brother Wrights door and heard his
and Joseph Smith by John the Baptist is feeble voice call, Come in, I entered
most significant. Likewise, the restora- not only his humble cottage but also
tion of the Melchizedek Priesthood to a room filled with the Spirit of the
Joseph and Oliver by Peter, James, and Lord. I approached Brother Wrights
John is a cherished event. bedside and carefully placed a piece
Let us take most seriously the of the bread to his lips. I then held the
callings, the responsibilities, and the cup of water, that he might drink. As
duties which come with the priest- I departed, I saw tears in his eyes as
hood we hold. he said, God bless you, my boy. And
MAY 2015 89
those in need than I could possibly
count. Each opportunity has found me
deeply grateful that God has entrusted
to me this sacred gift. I revere the
priesthood. I have witnessed its power
time and time again. I have seen its
strength. I have marveled at the mira-
cles it has wrought.
Brethren, each of us has been
entrusted with one of the most precious
gifts ever bestowed upon mankind. As
we honor our priesthood and live our
lives so that we are at all times worthy,
the blessings of the priesthood will flow
through us. I love the words found in
the Doctrine and Covenants, section
121, verse 45, which tell us what we
must do to be worthy: Let thy bowels
... be full of charity towards all men,
and to the household of faith, and let
virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly;
then shall thy confidence wax strong in
the presence of God; and the doctrine
of the priesthood shall distil upon thy
soul as the dews from heaven.
As bearers of the priesthood of God,
we are engaged in the work of the
Lord Jesus Christ. We have answered
His call; we are on His errand. Let us
learn of Him. Let us follow in His foot-
steps. Let us live by His precepts. By so
doing, we will be prepared for any ser-
adjoining bunka Mormon boy, Leland silently for help, I remembered the vice He calls us to perform. This is His
Merrillwho began to moan in pain. I Missionary Handbook in the bottom of work. This is His Church. Indeed, He is
inquired concerning the reason, and he my seabag. I quickly emptied the bag our captain, the King of Glory, even the
said he felt really sick. He did not want and took the book to the night-light. Son of God. I testify that He lives and
to go to the base dispensary, for he There I read how one blesses the sick. bear this witness in His holy name, the
knew that doing such would prevent his With many curious sailors looking on, name of Jesus Christ, amen.
going home the following day. I proceeded with the blessing. Before I
NOTES
He seemed to grow worse as the could put everything back into my bag, 1. Come, All Ye Sons of God, Hymns, no. 322.
hours passed. Finally, knowing that I Leland Merrill was sleeping like a child. 2. Alma 17:23.
was an elder, he asked me to give him He awakened the following morning
a priesthood blessing. feeling fine. The gratitude each of us
I had never before given a priest- felt for the power of the priesthood Share This Message
hood blessing, I had never received was immense. Scan this QR code or visit
lds.org/go/Apr15Conf12
a blessing, and I had never witnessed The years have brought me more to watch this talk or to find
a blessing being given. As I prayed opportunities to provide blessings to media to share.
M
y beloved brothers and sis- in operation worldwide, with 5 being without great sacrifices of time and
ters, how grateful I am to be renovated and 13 more under con- resources. As we have done in the past,
with you this beautiful Easter struction. In addition, 13 temples which we will keep you informed as decisions
morning when our thoughts turn to the were previously announced are in are made in this regard.
Savior of the world. I extend my love various stages of preparation before As I think of temples, my thoughts
and greetings to each of you and pray construction begins. This year we turn to the many blessings we receive
that our Heavenly Father will inspire anticipate rededicating 2 temples and therein. As we enter through the doors
my words. dedicating 5 new temples which are of the temple, we leave behind us the
This conference marks seven years scheduled for completion. distractions and confusion of the world.
since I was sustained as President of For the past two years, as we have Inside this sacred sanctuary, we find
the Church. They have been busy years, concentrated our efforts on completing beauty and order. There is rest for our
filled not only with a few challenges but previously announced temples, we souls and a respite from the cares of
also with countless blessings. Among have held in abeyance plans for any our lives.
the most enjoyable and sacred of these additional temples. This morning, how- As we attend the temple, there can
blessings has been my opportunity to ever, I am very pleased to announce come to us a dimension of spirituality
dedicate and rededicate temples.
Most recently, this past November
it was my privilege to dedicate the
beautiful new Phoenix Arizona Temple.
I was joined by President DieterF.
Uchtdorf, Elder DallinH. Oaks, Elder
RichardJ. Maynes, Elder LynnG.
Robbins, and Elder KentF. Richards.
On the evening prior to the dedication,
a marvelous cultural celebration was
held where over 4,000 of our youth
from the temple district performed
beautifully. The following day the
temple was dedicated in three sacred
and inspiring sessions.
The building of temples is a very
clear indication of the growth of the
Church. We currently have 144 temples
MAY 2015 91
and a feeling of peace which will tran-
scend any other feeling which could
come into the human heart. We will
grasp the true meaning of the words of
the Savior when He said: Peace I leave
with you, my peace I give unto you. ...
Let not your heart be troubled, neither
let it be afraid.1
Such peace can permeate any
hearthearts that are troubled, hearts
that are burdened down with grief,
hearts that feel confusion, hearts that
plead for help. He had come to the temple to seek mission. Landon, who had returned
I recently learned firsthand of a comfort and a confirmation that he from a successful mission just a year
young man who attended the temple could have a good experience as a earlier, told of his own mission expe-
with a heart pleading for help. Many missionary. His parents also had prayed riences, the challenges and concerns
months earlier he had received his call that this temple visit would provide the he had faced, the manner in which he
to serve in a mission in South America. help their son needed. had turned to the Lord for help, and the
However, his visa was delayed for such As the young man entered the blessings he had received. His words
a lengthy period that he was reassigned celestial room following the session, were comforting and reassuring, and his
to a mission in the United States. he sat in a chair and began to pray for enthusiasm for his mission was conta-
Although disappointed that he could guidance from his Heavenly Father. gious. Eventually, as the young mans
not serve in the area of his original call, Another who entered the celestial fears subsided, a feeling of peace came
he nonetheless worked hard in his new room shortly afterward was a young to him. He felt deep gratitude as he real-
assignment, determined to serve to the man whose name is Landon. As he ized his prayer had been answered.
best of his ability. He became discour- walked into the room, his gaze was The two young men prayed
aged, however, because of negative immediately drawn to the young man together, and then Landon prepared to
experiences he had with missionaries sitting on the chair, eyes closed and leave, happy that he had listened to the
who seemed to him to be more inter- obviously praying. Landon received an inspiration which had come to him. As
ested in having a good time than in unmistakable prompting that he should he stood to go, the young man asked
sharing the gospel. speak with the young man. Hesitant to Landon, Where did you serve your
A few short months later this young interrupt, however, he decided to wait. mission? To this point, neither of them
man suffered a very serious health After several minutes had gone by, the had mentioned to the other the name
challenge which left him partially par- young man was still praying. Landon of the mission in which he had served.
alyzed, and so he was sent home on a knew he could no longer postpone When Landon replied with the name of
medical leave. the prompting. He approached the his mission, tears welled up in the eyes
Some months later the young man young man and gently touched his of the young man. Landon had served
had healed completely, and his paraly- shoulder. The young man opened his in the very mission to which the young
sis had disappeared. He was informed eyes, startled that he had been dis- man would be returning!
that he would once again be able to turbed. Landon said quietly, I have felt In a recent letter to me, Landon
serve as a missionary, a blessing for impressed that I need to talk with you, shared with me the young mans
which he had prayed daily. The only although I am not certain why. parting words to him: I had faith
disappointing news was that he would As they began to converse, the young Heavenly Father would bless me, but
return to the same mission which he man poured out his heart to Landon, I never could have imagined that He
had left, where he felt the behaviors explaining his circumstances and ending would send someone to help me who
and attitudes of some missionaries with his desire to receive some comfort had served in my own mission. I know
were less than they should be. and encouragement concerning his now that all will be well.2 The humble
Returning to Faith
have trials and challenges. As we go
to the temple, as we remember the
covenants we make there, we will be
better able to overcome those temp-
tations and to bear our trials. In the
temple we can find peace. Every one of us can strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ on our individual
The blessings of the temple journey and find joy.
are priceless. One for which I am
grateful every day of my life is that
which my beloved wife, Frances, and
O
I received as we knelt at a sacred n this Easter morning, President strengthen our faith in Jesus Christ on
altar and made covenants binding us Monson, we are so grate- our individual journey and find joy.
together for all eternity. There is no ful to hear the voice of our In a recent Sunday Relief Society
blessing more precious to me than living prophet. We value your words, meeting, I listened to a young mother
the peace and comfort I receive from including your counsel Find joy in the share part of her journey of conversion.
the knowledge I have that she and I journey1 and The future is as bright She had grown up in the Church, with
will be together again. as your faith.2 parents who taught her the gospel.
May our Heavenly Father bless us This year Primary children are shar- She attended Primary, Young Women,
that we may have the spirit of temple ing the joy and the brightness of their and seminary. She loved to learn and
worship, that we may be obedient to faith in Jesus Christ when they sing the discover truths. Her constant quest was
His commandments, and that we may song I Know That My Savior Loves to know why. Elder RussellM. Nelson
follow carefully the steps of our Lord Me. They sing the truth I know He has said, The Lord can only teach
and Savior, Jesus Christ. I testify that lives! ... My heart I give to Him.3 Like an inquiring mind.4 And this young
He is our Redeemer. He is the Son of Primary children, every one of us can woman was teachable.
God. He it is who came forth from the
grave that first Easter morning, bring-
ing with Him the gift of everlasting life
for all of Gods children. On this beau-
tiful day, as we celebrate that momen-
tous event, may we offer prayers of
gratitude for His great and marvelous
gifts to us. That this may be so, I pray
humbly in His holy name, amen.
NOTES
1. John 14:27.
2. Correspondence in the possession of
ThomasS. Monson.
MAY 2015 93
clarity in all things, maybe she could
too. She could take one simple step
forward in faithand then another.
She could focus on the truths she did
believe and let those truths fill her
mind and heart.
As she reflected back, she said, My
testimony had become like a pile of
ashes. It had all burned down. All that
remained was Jesus Christ. She contin-
ued, But He does not leave you when
After high school she attended a me to keep trying. I felt they were say- you have questions. When anyone tries
university, was sealed in the temple to ing, Focus on what you know. to keep the commandments, the door
a returned missionary, and was blessed In spite of her substantial support is wide open. Prayer and scripture
with beautiful children. system, she became less active. She study became incredibly important.
With the spirit of inquiry, this said, I did not separate myself from the Her first step to rebuild her faith was
mother continued to ask questions. Church because of bad behavior, spir- to start with basic gospel truths. She
But as the questions grew harder, so itual apathy, looking for an excuse not bought a Primary songbook and began
did the answers. And sometimes there to live the commandments, or search- reading the words of the songs. They
were no answersor no answers ing for an easy out. I felt I needed the were treasures to her. She prayed for
that brought peace. Eventually, as she answer to the question What do I really faith to lift the heaviness she felt.
sought to find answers, more and more believe? She learned that when she came
questions arose, and she began to About this time she read a book of up against a statement that caused her
question some of the very foundations the writings of Mother Teresa, who had to doubt, she could stop, look at the
of her faith. shared similar feelings. In a 1953 letter, whole picture, and make the gospel
During this confusing time, some Mother Teresa wrote: Please pray personal. She said, I would ask,
of those around her said, Just lean on specially for me that I may not spoil Is this the right path for me and my
my faith. But she thought, I cant. You His work and that Our Lord may show family? Sometimes I would ask myself,
dont understand; youre not grappling Himselffor there is such terrible dark- What do I want for my children? I
with these issues. She explained, I ness within me, as if everything was realized I want them to have temple
was willing to extend courtesy to those dead. It has been like this more or less marriages. Thats when belief came
without doubts if they would extend from the time I started the work. Ask back to my heart.
courtesy to me. And many did. Our Lord to give me courage. Elder JeffreyR. Holland has said,
She said, My parents knew my Archbishop Prier responded: God Humility, faith, and the influence of
heart and allowed me space. They guides you, dear Mother; you are not the Holy Spirit [will] always be ele-
chose to love me while I was trying to so much in the dark as you think. The ments of every quest for truth.6
figure it out for myself. Likewise, this path to be followed may not always Though she had questions about
young mothers bishop often met with be clear at once. Pray for light; do not how the Book of Mormon came to
her and spoke of his confidence in her. decide too quickly, listen to what oth- be, she could not deny the truths she
Ward members also did not hesitate ers have to say, consider their reasons. knew in the Book of Mormon. She
to give love, and she felt included. Her You will always find something to help had focused on studying the New
ward was not a place to put on a per- you. ... Guided by faith, by prayer, Testament to better understand the
fect face; it was a place of nurture. and by reason with a right intention, Savior. But eventually, she said, I
It was interesting, she remembers. you have enough.5 found myself back in the Book of
During this time I felt a real connec- My friend thought if Mother Teresa Mormon because I loved what I felt
tion to my grandparents who had died. could live her religion without all when reading about Jesus Christ and
They were pulling for me and urging the answers and without a feeling of His Atonement.
MAY 2015 95
By Elder JosA. Teixeira that happiness is not possible in such
Of the Seventy circumstances.
I know by personal experience that
the joy of living in righteousness and
M
y dear brothers and sisters, it is A deeper understanding of Jesus the branches: He that abideth in me,
with great joy that I stand here Christ will give us greater hope for and I in him, the same bringeth forth
before you as we participate the future and, despite our imperfec- much fruit: for without me ye can do
in this general conference together. tions, more confidence in achieving nothing.4
Listening to the words of wisdom, our righteous goals. This will also I believe that as we deepen our
counsel, comfort, and warning given in grant us a greater desire to serve our understanding of the Savior, we will
general conferences over many years fellowman. have an increased desire to live joyfully
has been an immeasurable blessing to The Lord said, [Seek] me in every and a conviction that joy is possible.
Sister Teixeira, to our family, and to me. thought; doubt not, fear not.1 Seeking Consequently, we will have a greater
In this special season of the year, the Lord and feeling His presence is a ability to go about each day with more
especially on this Easter Sabbath, I can- daily quest, a worthwhile effort. enthusiasm for life and for keeping the
not help but reflect on the significance Brothers and sisters, today more commandments of God, even in chal-
of the Saviors teachings and His kind than in any other time, we have at our lenging circumstances.
and loving example in my life. disposal exceptional opportunities and Let us not leave for tomorrow what
resources to deepen our understanding we can do today. It is now that we
of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of must come unto Christ because if [we]
His Atonement. Using these resources believe [Him], [we] will labor while it is
appropriately will help us live a fruitful called today.5
life filled with joy. Every day we should consider
In the Saviors metaphor of the vine including frequent interactions
and the branches, He said: Abide in with the teachings of Christ. Small
me, and I in you. As the branch cannot and simple gestures and acts made
bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the daily will:
vine; no more can ye, except ye abide
in me.2 1. Deepen our understanding of the
The more we understand the extra- significance of the Lord in our lives,
ordinary role of Christ in our lives, the and
more conscious we become of our 2. Help us share this understanding
purpose here in mortality, which is to with the rising generations, who
have joy. That joy, however, does not will surely feel the love of Heavenly
preclude us from experiencing trials Father and His Son, Jesus Christ,
and difficulties, even some so great and when they see our example of sin-
complex that they may lead us to think cerely living the gospel.
Above: General conference broadcast from airplane in flight. Left: The winning photograph
from the 2014 National Geographic photo contest depicts a woman relaying a clear
message to other train passengers: despite being physically present, she is not truly there.
MAY 2015 97
Just as there is no good soil By Bishop Grald Causs
without a good farmer,7 likewise First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric
will there be no good online harvest
unless we prioritize from the very
Is It Still Wonderful
beginning that which is accessible to
our fingers and our minds.
to You?
Habit Number 3: Make Time to Set Aside
Your Mobile Devices
It is refreshing to put aside our elec-
tronic devices for a while and instead
turn the pages of the scriptures or
take time to converse with family and To marvel at the wonders of the gospel is a sign of faith. It is to recognize
friends. Especially on the Lords day, the hand of the Lord in our lives and in everything around us.
experience the peace of participating
in a sacrament meeting without the
constant urge to see if you have a new
M
message or a new post. y wife and I had the great joy my children came to me and said,
The habit of setting aside your of rearing our five children near Dad, its absolutely shameful! Weve
mobile device for a time will enrich the magnificent city of Paris. lived here all our lives, and we have
and broaden your view of life, for life During those years we wanted to offer never been to the Eiffel Tower!
is not confined to a four-inch (10 cm) them rich opportunities to discover the There are so many wonders in this
screen. marvelous things of this world. Each world. However, sometimes when we
The Lord Jesus Christ said, As the summer, our family took long trips to have them constantly before our eyes,
Father hath loved me, so have I loved visit the most significant monuments, we take them for granted. We look, but
you: continue ye in my love.8 God historic sites, and natural wonders of we dont really see; we hear, but we
wants us to have joy and to feel His Europe. Finally, after spending 22 years dont really listen.
love. Christ makes such joy a pos- in the Paris area, we were getting ready During His earthly ministry, Jesus
sibility for each of us. We have the to move. I still remember the day when said to His disciples:
means to know Him better and to live
His gospel.
I bear my testimony of the joy
that exists when we keep the com-
mandments and of the peace and
safety that we feel when we abide in
the love of Heavenly Father and His
Son, our Savior. In the name of Jesus
Christ, amen.
NOTES
1. Doctrine and Covenants 6:36.
2. John 15:4.
3. See John 15:11.
4. John 15:5.
5. Doctrine and Covenants 64:25.
6. See Photo Contest 2014, National Geo-
graphic, photography.nationalgeographic.
com/photography/photo-contest/2014.
7. Author unknown.
8. John 15:9.
MAY 2015 99
Although they had seen the Savior
with their own eyes and had touched
His wounds with their own hands,
they knew that their testimonies might
dwindle without being constantly
renewed by the power of the Spirit of
God. My brothers and sisters, never
do anything to risk the loss of this
precious and marvelous giftthe
companionship of the Holy Ghost.
Seek it through fervent prayer and
righteous living.
I testify that the work in which we
to go to church today; theres nothing Mormon on their heads to give to the are engaged is a marvelous work and
new there. people of their village. a wonder. As we follow Jesus Christ,
But the gospel is a fountain of The missionary testified how God bears witness to us with signs
knowledge that never runs dry. There touched she was by the sense of won- and wonders, and with divers miracles,
is always something new to learn and der these brethren displayed and by and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according
feel each Sunday, in every meeting, and their wholehearted sacrifices to obtain to his own will.9 On this special day,
in every verse of scripture. In faith we things that for her had always been I bear witness that the wonders and
hold to the promise that if we seek, readily available. marvels of the gospel are anchored in
... [we] shall find.5 She wondered: If I got up one the greatest of all of Gods giftsthe
Second, anchor your faith in the Sunday morning in Arizona and found Saviors Atonement. This is the perfect
plain and simple truths of the gospel. that my car wasnt working, would I gift of love that the Father and the Son,
Our amazement should be rooted in the walk to my church only a few blocks united in purpose, have offered to each
core principles of our faith, in the purity away from home? Or would I just stay one of us. With you, I stand all amazed
of our covenants and ordinances, and in home because it was too far or because at the love Jesus offers me. ... Oh, it is
our most simple acts of worship. it was raining?6 These are good ques- wonderful, wonderful to me!10
A sister missionary told the story tions for all of us to consider. That we may always have eyes that
of three men she met during a district Finally, I invite you to seek and see, ears that hear, and hearts that
conference in Africa. They came from cherish the companionship of the Holy perceive the wonders of this marvelous
an isolated village far away in the bush Ghost. Most wonders of the gospel gospel is my prayer in the name of
where the Church had not yet been cannot be perceived by our natural Jesus Christ, amen.
organized but where there were 15 senses. They are the things that the NOTES
faithful members and almost 20 inves- eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, ... 1. Luke 10:2324.
tigators. For over two weeks these men the things which God hath prepared 2. 2Nephi 27:26.
3. 3Nephi 2:1.
had walked on foot, traveling more for them that love him.7 4. Marcel Proust, Guardian, July 22, 2008,
than 300 miles (480 km) over paths When we have the Spirit with us, theguardian.com/books/2008/jun/11/
rendered muddy by the rainy season, our spiritual senses are sharpened and marcelproust.
5. Matthew 7:7.
so they could attend the conference our memory is kindled so we cannot 6. Adapted from Lorraine Bird Jameson,
and bring the tithes from the members forget the miracles and signs we have The Giants of Kinkondja (article on
of their group. They planned to stay for witnessed. That may be why, knowing Africa Southeast Area website, 2009); web.
archive.org/web/20101210013757/http:/
an entire week so they could enjoy the Jesus was about to leave them, His www.lds.co.za/index.php/news-a-events/
privilege of partaking of the sacrament Nephite disciples prayed fervently for news/aseanews/91-the-giants-of-kinkondja.
the following Sunday and then hoped that which they most desired; and they 7. 1Corinthians 2:9.
8. 3Nephi 19:9.
to set out on the return trip carrying desired that the Holy Ghost should be 9. Hebrews 2:4.
boxes filled with copies of the Book of given unto them.8 10. I Stand All Amazed, Hymns, no. 193.
T
he Savior Jesus Christ spent His and family and seek after worldly mother were devastated. We couldnt
earthly ministry teaching of His pursuits (see Luke 15:1213). Please imagine what possibly could have led
healing and redemptive power. note that in the Saviors parable the her to abandon her faith. My sisters
On one occasion in Luke chapter15 father lovingly responds by giving the choices seemed to be breaking our
in the New Testament, He was actually son his inheritance. Certainly the father mothers heart.
criticized for eating and spending time must have done everything he could My brothers and I had served as
with sinners (see Luke 15:2). The Savior to convince the son to stay. However, bishops and quorum presidents, and
used this criticism as an opportunity to once the adult son makes his choice, we had experienced the joy of success
teach us all how to respond to those the wise father lets him go. The father with ward and quorum members as we
who have lost their way. then demonstrates sincere love, and he left the ninety and nine and went after
He replied to His critics by asking watches and he waits (see Luke 15:20). the one. However, with our sister, our
them two important questions: My family had a similar experience. persistent efforts to rescue her and to
What man of you, having an hun- My two faithful brothers, wonderful invite her back only pushed her further
dred sheep, if he lose one of them, sister, and I were raised by exemplary and further away.
doth not leave the ninety and nine in parents. We were taught the gospel As we sought heavenly guidance as
the wilderness, and go after that which in our home, we successfully made it to how we might properly respond to
is lost, until he find it? (Luke 15:4).
What woman having ten pieces of
silver, if she lose one piece, doth not
light a candle, and sweep the house,
and seek diligently till she find it?
(Luke 15:8).
The Savior then teaches the parable
of the prodigal son. This parable isnt
about 100 sheep or 10 pieces of silver;
it is about one precious son who is lost.
Through the parable, what does the
Savior teach us about how to respond
when a family member loses his or
her way?
The prodigal son informs his father
that he wants his inheritance now. He
wants to leave the safety of his home
W
ithout safety ropes, harnesses, to extend down to me, although I knew strike in a summer storm, two hands
or climbing gear of any kind, there was nothing of the kind on this shot out from somewhere above the
two brothersJimmy, age14, rocky summit. It was only a desperate edge of the cliff, grabbing my wrists
and John, age19 (though those arent ruse. If my jump failed, the least I could with a strength and determination
their real names)attempted to scale do was make certain my little brother that belied their size. My faithful little
a sheer canyon wall in Snow Canyon did not see me falling to my death. brother had not gone looking for any
State Park in my native southern Utah.
Near the top of their laborious climb,
they discovered that a protruding ledge
denied them their final few feet of
ascent. They could not get over it, but
neither could they now retreat from
it. They were stranded. After careful
maneuvering, John found enough
footing to boost his younger brother
to safety on top of the ledge. But there
was no way to lift himself. The more he
strained to find finger or foot leverage,
the more his muscles began to cramp.
Panic started to sweep over him, and
he began to fear for his life.
Unable to hold on much longer,
John decided his only option was to try
to jump vertically in an effort to grab
the top of the overhanging ledge. If
successful, he might, by his consider-
able arm strength, pull himself to safety.
In his own words, he said:
Prior to my jump I told Jimmy to go
search for a tree branch strong enough
O
n Easter Sunday we celebrate Christ5at every opportunity,we must beings we are now into exalted beings
the most long-awaited and never lose our sense of awe and pro- of truth and light, until [we are] glori-
glorious event in the history of found gratitude for the eternal sacrifice fied in truth and [know] all things.8
the world. of the Son of God. It is a most wondrous thing, this
It is the day that changed The Saviors Atonement cannot grace of God. Yet it is often misunder-
everything. become commonplace in our teaching, stood.9 Even so, we should know about
On that day, my life changed. in our conversation, or in our hearts. It Gods grace if we intend to inherit what
Your life changed. is sacred and holy, for it was through has been prepared for us in His eternal
The destiny of all Gods children this great and last sacrifice that Jesus kingdom.
changed. the Christ brought salvation to all To that end I would like to speak
On that blessed day, the Savior of those who shall believe on his name.6 of grace. In particular, first, how grace
mankind, who had taken upon Himself I marvel to think that the Son of unlocks the gates of heavenand,
the chains of sin and death that held God would condescend to save us, as second, how it opens the windows of
us captive, burst those chains and set imperfect, impure, mistake-prone, and heaven.
us free.
Because of the sacrifice of our
beloved Redeemer, death has no sting,
the grave has no victory,1 Satan has no
lasting power, and we are begotten
...again unto a lively hope by the
resurrection of Jesus Christ.2
Truly, the Apostle Paul was correct
when he said we can comfort one
another with these words.3
Gods Grace
We often speak of the Saviors
Atonementand rightly so!
In Jacobs words, Why not speak of
the atonement of Christ, and attain to
a perfect knowledge of him?4 But as
we talk of Christ, ...rejoice in Christ,
...preach of Christ, [and] prophesy of
All We Can Do
The prophet Nephi made an impor-
tant contribution to our understanding
of Gods grace when he declared, We
labor diligently ...to persuade our chil-
dren, and also our brethren, to believe
in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; Sunday, I want to lift up my voice and prepared for [us] (Doctrine and Covenants
for we know that it is by grace that we shout praises to the Most High God 78:17).
10. Romans 3:23.
are saved, after all we can do.31 and His Son, Jesus Christ! 11. 1Nephi 15:34; see also 1Nephi 10:21;
However, I wonder if sometimes we The gates of heaven are unlocked! Moses 6:57.
misinterpret the phrase after all we can The windows of heaven are opened! 12. Mosiah 2:21.
13. See Alma 42:15.
do. We must understand that after Today and forevermore Gods grace 14. Alma 34:15.
does not equal because. is available to all whose hearts are 15. See Isaiah 1:18.
We are not saved because of all broken and whose spirits are contrite.36 16. 1Timothy 2:6.
17. See 2Peter 1:11.
that we can do. Have any of us done Jesus Christ has cleared the way for us 18. Doctrine and Covenants 76:56.
all that we can do? Does God wait until to ascend to heights incomprehensible 19. See Doctrine and Covenants 76:59.
weve expended every effort before to mortal minds.37 20. See Doctrine and Covenants 84:38.
21. Mosiah 27:25.
He will intervene in our lives with His I pray that we will see with new 22. Moroni 10:32.
saving grace? eyes and a new heart the eternal signif- 23. See Ether 12:27.
Many people feel discouraged icance of the Saviors atoning sacrifice. 24. See Luke 7:3650; emphasis added.
25. Christs parable of the Pharisee and the tax
because they constantly fall short. They I pray that we will show our love for collector illustrates this point clearly (see
know firsthand that the spirit indeed God and our gratitude for the gift of Luke 18:914).
is willing, but the flesh is weak.32They Gods infinite grace by keeping His 26. See Acts 20:28.
27. Romans 6:12.
raise their voices with Nephi in pro- commandments and joyfully walk[ing] 28. Mosiah 5:2.
claiming, My soul grieveth because of in [a] newness of life.38In the sacred 29. See Doctrine and Covenants 121:45.
mine iniquities.33 name of our Master and Redeemer, 30. See John 7:17.
31. 2Nephi 25:23; emphasis added.
I am certain Nephi knew that the Jesus Christ, amen. 32. Matthew 26:41; see also Romans 7:19.
Saviors grace allows and enables us 33. 2Nephi 4:17.
to overcome sin.34 This is why Nephi NOTES 34. See 2Nephi 4:1935; Alma 34:31.
1. See 1Corinthians 15:55; Mosiah 16:8. 35. 2Nephi 25:23.
labored so diligently to persuade his 2. 1Peter 1:3; emphasis added. 36. See 3Nephi 9:1920.
children and brethren to believe in 3. 1Thessalonians 4:18; see also verses 37. See 1Corinthians 2:9.
Christ, and to be reconciled to God.35 1317. 38. Romans 6:4.
After all, that is what we can do! 4. Jacob 4:12.
5. 2Nephi 25:26.
And that is our task in mortality! 6. Alma 34:10, 15.
7. Ephesians 3:1819. Share This Message
Grace Is Available to All 8. Doctrine and Covenants 93:28. Scan this QR code or visit
9. Truly we are little children, and ...have lds.org/go/Apr15Conf15
When I think of what the Savior did not as yet understood how great blessings to watch this talk or to find
for us leading up to that first Easter the Father hath in his own hands and media to share.
Preserving Agency,
whims of individuals.
The blessings we enjoy now are
because we made the choice to follow
Protecting Religious
the Savior before this life. To everyone
hearing or reading these words, who-
ever you are and whatever your past
Freedom
may be, remember this: it is not too late
to make that same choice again and
follow Him.
Through our faith in Jesus Christ,
believing in His Atonement, repent-
The faithful use of our agency depends upon our having ing of our sins, and being baptized,
religious freedom. we may then receive the supernal gift
of the Holy Ghost. This gift provides
knowledge and understanding, guid-
ance and strength to learn and gain a
T
his is Easter Sunday: a day of me, and sought to destroy the agency testimony, power, cleansing to over-
gratitude and remembrance of man, which I, the Lord God, had come sin, and comfort and encourage-
honoring our Savior Jesus Christs given him,... I caused that he should ment to be faithful in tribulation. These
Atonement and Resurrection for all be cast down.4 incomparable blessings of the Spirit
mankind. We worship Him, grateful for He continued: And also a third part increase our freedom and power to do
our freedom of religion, freedom of of the hosts of heaven turned he away what is right, for where the Spirit of
assembly, freedom of speech, and our from me because of their agency.5 the Lord is, there is liberty.8
God-given right of agency. As a result, Heavenly Fathers spirit As we walk the path of spiritual
As prophets foretold about these children who chose to reject His plan liberty in these last days, we must
latter days in which we live, there are and follow Lucifer lost their divine
many confused about who we are and destiny.
what we believe. Some are false accus- Jesus Christ, using His agency, said:
ers ... [and] despisers of those that Here am I, send me.6
are good.1 Others call evil good, and Thy will be done, and the glory be
good evil; [and] put darkness for light, thine forever.7
and light for darkness.2 Jesus, who exercised His agency
As those around us make choices to sustain Heavenly Fathers plan, was
about how to respond to our beliefs, identified and appointed by the Father
we must not forget that moral agency as our Savior, foreordained to perform
is an essential part of Gods plan for all the atoning sacrifice for all. Similarly,
His children. That eternal plan, pre- our exercise of agency to keep the
sented to us in the premortal Council in commandments enables us to fully
Heaven, included the gift of agency.3 understand who we are and receive all
In that Grand Council, Lucifer, of the blessings our Heavenly Father
known as Satan, used his agency hasincluding the opportunity to have
to oppose Gods plan. God said: a body, to progress, to experience joy, to
Because... Satan rebelled against have a family, and to inherit eternal life.
S
hortly before President HeberJ. six important principles that help us be perfected in him.4 He is the way,
Grant passed away, one of the endure to the end. the truth, and the life.5 We can fill
Brethren visited his home. Before our lives with accomplishment and
he left, President Grant prayed, O 1. Dont Forget to Pray well-doing, but in the end, if we do not
God, bless me that I shall not lose We begin with Lehi alone in a dark enter into sacred covenants to follow
my testimony and keep faithful to and dreary waste.2 Each of us experi- Christ and faithfully keep them, we will
the end!1 After nearly 27 years as ences periods of darkness and loneli- have utterly and completely missed the
President of the Church, this was his ness. When life gets dark and dreary, mark.
fervent prayer. His example is a striking dont forget to pray.3 Follow President
reminder that no one, at any age, is HeberJ. Grants example. Pray for 3. Press Forward with Faith
immune from Satans influence. Two of strength to endure to the end. Ask There is a path that leads to the tree
Satans most powerful tools are distrac- Heavenly Father, What more would of life, to Christ. It is strait and narrow,
tion and deception. You have me do? strict and exact. Gods commandments
Enduring to the end is a hallmark
of true discipleship and is essential to
eternal life. But when trials and chal-
lenges come our way, we are often told
to simply hang in there. Let me be
clear: to hang in there is not a princi-
ple of the gospel. Enduring to the end
means constantly coming unto Christ
and being perfected in Him.
If enduring to the end is essential
to eternal life, why do we struggle to
be faithful? We struggle when we are
caught between competing priorities.
Casual obedience and lukewarm com-
mitment weaken faith. Enduring to the
end requires total commitment to the
Savior and to our covenants.
Lehis vision of the tree of life is
a powerful parable on enduring to
the end. Please prayerfully study and
ponder Lehis dream; then liken it unto
yourself. As you do, carefully consider
of the Gospel
Colombia, near the borders of Brazil
and Peru. I was not able to appreciate
its magnitude until I flew over it and
gained perspective.
When our children were little, they
For decisions that affect eternity, having a gospel perspective is essential. used to watch a childrens television
channel that featured a program called
What Do You See? The screen would
zoom in very closely on something,
I
n a revelation given to Moses, we commandments, make better decisions, and the children had to guess what it
are told of our Heavenly Fathers and have the right motivation. was as the image gradually widened.
declared intention: For behold, this During the time that I have served Once the entire object was visible, you
is my work and my gloryto bring to in the Church, I have witnessed the could easily tell that it was a cat, a
pass the immortality and eternal life of devotion and faithfulness of Church plant, a piece of fruit, and so on.
man.1 According to that statement, the members in different countries, some of I remember that on one occasion
Fathers desire is to give everyone the which have political, social, or economic they were watching that program and
opportunity to receive a fulness of joy. conflict. One common factor that I have it showed something very close up that
Latter-day revelations show that our often found in these faithful members looked very ugly to them, even repul-
Heavenly Father created a great plan is the perspective that they have of sive; but as the image widened, they
of happiness for all His children, a very eternity. The eternal perspective of the realized that it was a very appetizing
special plan so that we can return to gospel leads us to understand the place pizza. Then they said to me, Daddy,
live with Him. that we occupy in Gods plan, to accept buy us one just like that! After they
Understanding this plan of hap- difficulties and progress through them, understood what it was, something
piness provides us with an eternal to make decisions, and to center our that at first had looked unpleasant to
perspective and helps us to truly value lives on our divine potential. them ended up being something very
the commandments, the ordinances, Perspective is the way we see things attractive.
the covenants, and the trials and when we look at them from a certain Let me share another experience. In
tribulations. our home our children liked to do jig-
One key principle comes from saw puzzles. We have probably all had
Alma: Therefore God gave unto the opportunity to do a puzzle. Some
them commandments, after having are made up of many small pieces. I
made known unto them the plan of remember that one of our children
redemption.2 (I wont give his name in order to pro-
It is interesting to note the sequence tect his identity) used to focus on the
in the teaching process. Our Heavenly individual pieces, and when one did
Father first taught Adam and Eve the not fit in the place where he thought it
plan of redemption, and then He gave should, he would become angry and
them commandments. assume it was no good and want to
This is a great truth. Understanding throw it away. He finally learned to do
the plan will help people keep the the puzzle when he understood that
A
was watching him work. The artists s we were singing, I was deeply We have taken His name upon us,
vision of the possibilities encased moved with the thought that at and each week as we partake of the sac-
in the stone allowed him to create a this very moment hundreds of rament, we pledge that we will remem-
work of art. thousands, perhaps millions, of believ- ber Him and keep His commandments.
The Lord knows what He wants to ing Saints in more than 150 countries, We are far from perfect, but we are not
accomplish with each one of us. He amazingly in 75 different languages,1 casual in our faith. We believe in Him.
knows the kind of reform He wants together we were raising our voices to We worship Him. We follow Him. We
to achieve in our lives, and we do not God, singing: deeply love Him. His cause is the great-
have the right to counsel Him. His est cause in all the world.
thoughts are higher than our thoughts.9 Come, O thou King of Kings! We live, brothers and sisters, in
I testify that we have a loving, just, Weve waited long for thee, the days preceding the Lords Second
and merciful Heavenly Father, who With healing in thy wings, Coming, a time long anticipated by
has prepared a plan for our eternal To set thy people free.2 believers through the ages. We live
happiness. I testify that Jesus Christ is in days of wars and rumors of wars,
His Son and the Savior of the world. Come, O thou King of Kings!3 days of natural disasters, days when
I know that President ThomasS. We are a very large worldwide family the world is pulled by confusion and
Monson is a prophet of God. I say of believers, disciples of the Lord commotion.
these things in the name of Jesus Jesus Christ. But we also live in the glorious time
Christ, amen. of the Restoration, when the gospel is
This address was delivered in Spanish. being taken to all the worlda time
when the Lord has promised that He
NOTES
1. Moses 1:39. will raise up ... a pure people4 and
2. Alma 12:32. arm them with righteousness and with
3. NealA. Maxwell, Brightness of Hope, the power of God.5
Ensign, Nov. 1994, 3536.
4. 1Nephi 17:2. We rejoice in these days and pray
5. 1Nephi 2:12. that we will be able to courageously
6. 1Nephi 17:20. face our struggles and uncertainties.
7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church:
SpencerW. Kimball (2006), 15. The difficulties of some are more
8. DavidB. Haight, Your Purpose and severe than those of others, but no one
Responsibility (Brigham Young is immune. Elder NealA. Maxwell once
University fireside, Sept.4, 1977), 23;
speeches.byu.edu. said to me, If everything is going per-
9. See Isaiah 55:89. fectly for you right now, just wait.
If You Will Be
14. One of the great miracles of the Lords
hand is the movement of His kingdom
across the United States into cities
and towns in every state. Here is one
Responsible
example. In May 2006 I was assigned to
a stake conference in Denton, Texas. I
stayed in the home of the stake president,
President VaughnA Andrus. Sister Andrus
told me of the early Church in Denton,
beginning with her parents, John and
Margaret Porter. There was only a Sunday
School in the beginning. But the Porters Let us press forward by learning our duty, making correct decisions,
shared the gospel with the Ragsdales, acting according to those decisions, and accepting the will of our Father.
who in turn shared it with the Nobles and
the Martinos. The missionaries, of course,
added their important contribution. Many
I
families joined the Church. Others from
the west moved to Denton. Today, where was only 12 years old when the mis- I told him, Because I am not a
there was a small branch, there are now
four stakes, and one of the Martinos
sionaries arrived for the first time to member of the Church.1
sons, Elder JamesB. Martino, who joined preach in the city where I was born The missionary couldnt believe
the Church when he was 17, serves as a in northern Chile. One Sunday, after I it. His eyes were shining. I suppose
General Authority of the Church. had been attending the small branch he thought, But this young man is in
15. Alma 26:37.
16. Matthew 21:21. for six months, a missionary offered every single meeting! How can he not
17. Mark 5:36. me the bread as he was passing the be a member of the Church?
18. Matthew 10:29, 31. sacrament. I looked at him and softly The following day, the missionar-
19. 2Kings 6:15.
20. 2Kings 6:1617. said, I cant. ies were in my home, and they did
21. Mosiah 4:11. Why not? he replied. everything they could to teach my
22. Matthew 6:910; see also Doctrine and whole family. But since my family was
Covenants 65:6.
23. Luke 2:12.
not interested, it was only my weekly
24. Doctrine and Covenants 45:44. Church attendance for more than six
25. 1Thessalonians 4:16. months that made the missionaries feel
26. Doctrine and Covenants 133:49. confident enough to continue. Finally,
27. Doctrine and Covenants 45:46.
28. Doctrine and Covenants 88:96. the great moment I had been waiting for
29. Doctrine and Covenants 88:97. came when they invited me to become
30. Doctrine and Covenants 101:23. a member of the Church of Jesus Christ.
31. Doctrine and Covenants 45:49.
32. Doctrine and Covenants 133:22. The missionaries explained to me that
33. Doctrine and Covenants 133:25. since I was a minor, I would need my
34. See Moses 7:63. parents permission. I went with the mis-
35. Isaiah 52:10.
36. Doctrine and Covenants 133:25.
sionaries to see my father, thinking that
37. Doctrine and Covenants 88:104. his loving answer would be Son, when
38. Matthew 6:10. you are of legal age, you will be able to
make your own decisions.
While the missionaries spoke with
Share This Message him, I prayed fervently for his heart to
Scan this QR code or visit be touched so he would give me the
lds.org/go/Apr15Conf17
to watch this talk or to find permission I wanted. His answer to the
media to share. missionaries was the following: Elders,
Be Fruitful, Multiply,
to accept the Fathers will for them.
A few days later, that little one was
taken to his celestial mansion.
Let us press forward by learning
T
ing my own salvation and that of my hank you, Tabernacle Choir, for First, God Charged Us to Be Fruitful
fellowmen, thereby becoming more that sweet tribute to the Savior of An important part of being fruitful
as my Father expects and wants me the world. that is sometimes overlooked is that
to become. On this very special day, In the day that God the Father of bringing forth the kingdom of God
I testify that God our Father and His called upon His Only Begotten Son to upon the earth. The Savior taught:
Beloved Son live. In the name of Jesus make man in Their image and likeness, I am the vine, ye are the branches:
Christ, amen. He blessed His children, saying, Be He that abideth in me, and I in him,
This address was delivered in Spanish. fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the same bringeth forth much fruit: for
the earth, and subdue it, and have without me ye can do nothing....
NOTES
dominion ... over every living thing If ye abide in me, and my words
1. Please note that although the sacrament
is for Church members, the bishopric that moveth upon the earth.1 Thus, abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will,
should not announce that it will be our mortal journey began with both a and it shall be done unto you.
passed to members only, and nothing divine charge and a blessing. A loving Herein is my Father glorified, that
should be done to prevent nonmembers
from partaking of it (Handbook 2: Father gave us the charge and the ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my
Administering the Church [2010], 20.4.1). blessing to be fruitful and to multiply disciples.2
2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: and to have dominion so that we can We become fruitful as we abide
Joseph Fielding Smith (2013), 294.
3. See Doctrine and Covenants 132:2123.
develop and become even as He is. in Christ and as we take upon [our-
4. ThomasS. Monson, To the Rescue, Brothers and sisters, this afternoon I selves His] name [and] ... serve him
Ensign, May 2001, 49; Liahona, invite your faith and prayers as I share to the end3 by helping others come
July 2001, 58. some thoughts with you about three unto Him.
5. Doctrine and Covenants 107:99.
6. Lewis Carroll, Alices Adventures in fundamental attributes of our divine In our day, living prophets and
Wonderland (1920), 89. nature. My prayer is that we might all apostles continue to lift their voices
7. 1Nephi 8:10. more fully recognize and fulfill our to invite each one of us to become
8. Matthew 7:14.
9. 2Nephi 32:3. sacred responsibilityour Fathers fully engaged in the work of salva-
10. 2Nephi 32:5. chargeto develop our divine nature tion according to our abilities and
11. Leviticus 19:12. so that we may navigate our journey opportunities.
12. See Matthew 5:37.
13. Mark 2:5.
more successfully and obtain our The starting point of a response that
14. Mark 1:40. divine destiny. yields much fruit is to be meek and
Second, God Charged Us to Multiply charge to multiply. A same-gender rela- opportunity to enter into the covenant
Our physical bodies are a blessing tionship does not multiply. of eternal marriage to proceed in
from God. We received them for the A legal and lawful marriage sealed in wisdom and faith. We should not put
purposes of fulfilling Heavenly Fathers the temple and in which the sealing cov- off the time of that sacred day because
work to bring to pass the immortality enants are honored gives parents and of worldly pursuits or hold our expec-
and eternal life of man.8 The body is their children the opportunity for the tations of a suitable companion at a
the means by which we can attain our best experience of love and preparation level that disqualifies every possible
divine potential. for a fruitful life. It offers them the ideal candidate.
The body enables Heavenly Fathers environment in which they can live their The promise to all who are sealed
obedient spirit children to experi- covenants made with God. in the covenant of eternal marriage
ence life on earth.9 Bearing children Because of His love for us, Heavenly and who are fruitful through keeping
gives other spirit children of God Father has provided that all His faithful their covenants is that the adversary
the opportunity to also enjoy life on children who do not or are not able will never have power to under-
earth. All who are born in mortal- to enjoy the blessings of a covenant mine the foundation of their eternal
ity have the opportunity to progress marriage and children or a fulness of companionship.
and to be exalted if they obey Gods those blessings for reasons not of their
commandments. making will, in the Lords appointed Third, God Charged Us to Subdue
Marriage between a man and a time, enjoy these blessings.10 the Earth
woman is the institution that God Living prophets and apostles To subdue the earth and have
ordained for the fulfillment of the have counseled all who have the dominion over every living thing is
D
destiny. ear brothers and sisters, these I believe He wanted us to understand
I testify of the living reality of God two days of conference have that the Sabbath was His gift to us,
the Father and of His Beloved Son, been glorious. We have been granting real respite from the rigors of
our Savior Jesus Christ; of His glorious uplifted by inspiring music and elo- daily life and an opportunity for spir-
plan of happiness; and of the keys quent prayers. Our spirits have been itual and physical renewal. God gave
He has caused to be bestowed upon edified by messages of light and truth. us this special day, not for amusement
a living prophet on earth today, even On this Easter Sunday, we again or daily labor but for a rest from duty,
ThomasS. Monson, whom we love unitedly and sincerely thank God for with physical and spiritual relief.
and sustain. I pray that we may have a prophet! In Hebrew, the word Sabbath
power to enjoy the fulness of His The question for each of us is: means rest. The purpose of the
blessings in the name of Jesus Christ, because of what I have heard and Sabbath dates back to the Creation
amen. felt during this conference, how will I of the world, when after six days of
NOTES change? Whatever your answer might labor the Lord rested from the work
1. Moses 2:28; see also Moses 2:2627; be, may I invite you also to examine of creation.3 When He later revealed
Genesis 1:2628. your feelings about, and your behavior the Ten Commandments to Moses,
2. John 15:5, 78.
3. Doctrine and Covenants 20:37. on, the Sabbath day. God commanded that we remem-
4. Moroni 7:44. I am intrigued by the words of ber the sabbath day, to keep it holy.4
5. See Mosiah 3:19. Isaiah, who called the Sabbath a Later, the Sabbath was observed as a
6. Mosiah 18:9.
7. John 15:16.
delight.1 Yet I wonder, is the Sabbath reminder of the deliverance of Israel
8. Moses 1:39. really a delight for you and for me? from their bondage in Egypt.5 Perhaps
9. See Moses 5:1011. I first found delight in the Sabbath most important, the Sabbath was given
10. See Handbook2: Administering the
Church (2010), 1.3.3; Ezra Taft Benson,
many years ago when, as a busy sur- as a perpetual covenant, a constant
To the Single Adult Sisters of the geon, I knew that the Sabbath became reminder that the Lord may sanctify
Church, Ensign, Nov. 1988, 9697. a day for personal healing. By the end His people.6
11. See Jacob 2:1819. of each week, my hands were sore In addition, we now partake of
12. See 1Corinthians 6:1920; Galatians
5:1625; 1Thessalonians 4:37; from repeatedly scrubbing them with the sacrament on the Sabbath day in
2Timothy 2:22. soap, water, and a bristle brush. I also remembrance of the Atonement of
13. See Jacob 2:1216, 2021. needed a breather from the burden of Jesus Christ.7 Again, we covenant that
14. Moroni 7:33.
15. 2Nephi 10:24. a demanding profession. Sunday pro- we are willing to take upon us His
16. Doctrine and Covenants 1:16. vided much-needed relief. holy name.8
17. Moses 6:5152. What did the Savior mean when He The Savior identified Himself as
18. Alma 26:12.
19. 1Corinthians 10:13. said that the sabbath was made for Lord of the Sabbath.9 It is His day!
20. Hebrews 2:18. man, and not man for the sabbath?2 Repeatedly, He has asked us to keep
The following list of selected experiences related during general conference can be used in personal study, family home evening, and
other teaching. The number refers to the first page of the talk.
Speaker Story
NeilL. Andersen (119) Then-Elder ThomasS. Monson tells NeilL. Andersen that the Lord opens doors and performs miracles. The faith of a couple in Thailand stays strong after
the husband is paralyzed. After meeting in the Ivory Coast, two Latter-day Saint couples build the kingdom of God there.
WilfordW. Andersen (54) A Native American man tells a doctor that he can teach the doctor to dance but that he must hear the music.
DavidA. Bednar (46) As a small boy, DavidA. Bednar fears he is going to prison after breaking a store window.
LindaK. Burton (29) A father tells his children they will be safe if they stay inside a string fence around their yard. The Lord guides a sister in creating with her husband a home
where the Spirit is welcome.
Grald Causs (98) After living 22 years in the Paris area, the Causs family realize they have never visited the Eiffel Tower. Three African men walk more than 300 miles (480
km) to attend a district conference, pay tithing, and obtain copies of the Book of Mormon.
D.Todd Christofferson (50) D.Todd Christofferson encourages and prays for a woman who feels inadequate as a mother.
L.Whitney Clayton (36) A seven-year-old girl who survives a plane crash stumbles toward a light in the distance until she reaches safety.
QuentinL. Cook (62) The uncle of QuentinL. Cook is killed in action during World War II. A Samoan Church member desiring to pray about his illness sees a doctor to find out
whats wrong.
Cheryl A. Esplin (8) CherylA. Esplin attends a meeting where sisters learn that truth and the Holy Ghost give their homes and families power to withstand evil. The sister of
CherylA. Esplins great-grandfather receives a powerful impression about sharing her testimony.
HenryB. Eyring (17) The Holy Ghost brings comfort and strength to the grieving parents of a little boy who died in an accident.
(22) HenryB. Eyring feels blessed that his fast offering may help Saints in Vanuatu devastated by a tropical storm. A sister expresses gratitude for fast offerings
that sustained her and other Church members during a civil war in Sierra Leone.
(84) While 13-year-old HenryB. Eyring is collecting fast offerings, a man tells him to go away. HenryB. Eyring is inspired to bless an injured child to live. The Holy
Ghost inspires a dying man to serve in his calling and allows him to feel his bishops heavy load.
LarryM. Gibson (77) The father of LarryM. Gibson gives him a silver dollar to remind him of his eternal destiny. LarryM. Gibson walks 50 miles (80 km) in 19 hours with
his sons.
JeffreyR. Holland (104) A young man saves his older brother from falling from a canyon wall by grabbing his wrists and pulling him to safety.
ThomasS. Monson (88) As a deacon, ThomasS. Monson feels blessed when he takes the sacrament to an ill man. ThomasS. Monson develops a love for the Book of Mormon after
visiting the gravesite of Martin Harris. While in the navy, ThomasS. Monson gives a priesthood blessing to a friend, who is healed.
(91) After praying in the temple about returning to his mission, a young man receives assurance from a returned missionary who served in the same mission.
BrentH. Nielson (101) BrentH. Nielson and members of his family patiently love a less-active family member back into the Church.
BonnieL. Oscarson (14) A young woman in Italy in 1850 stands up to a mob. BonnieL. Oscarsons daughter defends motherhood at her childrens school.
BoydK. Packer (26) BoydK. Packer waits outside the college classroom of his future wife, Donna Smith, for her to give him a cookie and a kiss.
KevinW. Pearson (114) President HeberJ. Grant prays that he can stay faithful to the end. KevinW. Pearson leaves his employment to accept a call as a mission president.
RafaelE. Pino (117) RafaelE. Pinos children learn to appreciate perspective from a television show and a jigsaw puzzle. A boy asks Michelangelo how he knew the figure of
David was in a block of marble.
DaleG. Renlund (56) A mother in South Africa teaches her daughter tolerance. A missionary receives an impression that helps him be patient with his companion.
MichaelT. Ringwood (59) MichaelT. Ringwood learns on his mission and in seminary that the service that counts most is usually recognized only by God.
JosephW. Sitati (126) JosephW. Sitati lifts himself from humble circumstances by obtaining a good education.
Ulisses Soares (70) A deacon warns his classmates about pornography. Ulisses Soares learns on his mission that evil cannot thwart the power of a disciples testimony.
CaroleM. Stephens (11) CaroleM. Stephens visits with a Native American sister in Arizona, USA, who considers herself a grandmother to everyone.
DieterF. Uchtdorf (80) A governor in Russia assembles peasants and shop facades to impress visiting ambassadors. Stake leaders set goals that focus on their ministry.
RosemaryM. Wixom (93) A less-active sister rekindles her faith after studying the gospel, reading the Book of Mormon, and receiving support from family and ward members.
JorgeF. Zeballos (123) The father of 12-year-old JorgeF. Zeballos allows him to join the Church. A faithful couple accepts Heavenly Fathers will when their baby dies.
T
emples are planned for Port-au- areas and, indeed, wherever temples remodeled Mexico City Mexico Temple
Prince, Haiti; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; are located throughout the world, will also be rededicated in 2015.
and Bangkok, Thailand, President President Monson said. For the past two years, the Church
ThomasS. Monson announced during has concentrated its efforts on complet-
the Sunday morning session of general Port-au-Prince Haiti Temple ing previously announced temples. In
conference. In each case, the temple Haiti is home to more than 20,000 addition to the 3 announced temples,
will be the first to be built in its coun- Latter-day Saints in a nation of approx- there are 144 temples in operation, 5
try. Exact locations of the temples will imately 10million people. Missionary being renovated, 13 under construc-
be announced at a later date. work officially began in 1980. The tion, and 13 previously announced in
What marvelous blessings are in nearest temple is the Santo Domingo various states of preparation before
store for our faithful members in these Dominican Republic Temple. Although construction begins.
F W
ive new General Authorities were ith recent publication in the
sustained during general confer- Kosraean language, the Book
ence, to serve in the First Quorum of Mormon has now been
of the Seventy. They are Elder KimB. translated into 110 languages. Kosrae
Clark, Elder AllenD. Haynie, Elder is an island in the Federated States of
VonG. Keetch, Elder Hugo Montoya, Micronesia.
and Elder VernP. Stanfill. Printed copies of the Kosraean
A new Young Men general presi-
dency was also sustained. StephenW. President Eyring Book of Mormon will be available
in July 2015. Digital versions became
Owen will serve as president;
DouglasD. Holmes, first counselor;
at Vatican available on LDS.org, as well as in the
Gospel Library and Book of Mormon
and M.Joseph Brough, second Summit mobile apps, in March. The Church is
counselor. now releasing digital versions of scrip-
A new counselor in the Primary
general presidency was also sustained.
MaryR. Durham was called to serve
P resident Henry B. Eyring,
First Counselor in the First
Presidency, called for a renais-
tures at the same time text for books
is sent to the printer. This makes the
newly translated scriptures available
as the second counselor. RosemaryM. sance of happy marriages during to members much earlier.
Wixom will continue to serve as an international interreligious Several new translations of the
president, and CherylA. Esplin, who summit at Vatican City hosted scriptures will be announced over the
previously served as second counselor, by the Catholic Church on next two years. Three new translations
will now serve as first counselor. November18, 2014. The event, of the Book of Mormon and five addi-
Biographies of newly called leaders titled The Complementarity tional translations of the triple combi-
can be found on pages 14044. of Man and Woman, brought nation (the Book of Mormon, Doctrine
together religious leaders from and Covenants, and Pearl of Great
14 faiths and 23 countries. Price published in one edition) will
A man and a woman, united be published in 2015 alone. Members
in marriage, have a transcendent speaking those languages will be
power to create happiness for informed as digital
themselves, for their family, and versions are
for the people around them, published.
President Eyring said.
Y
outh around the world are
invited to participate in a live,
interactive Face to Face question-
and-answer session with Elder David A.
Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve
Apostles and his wife, Susan.
Youth can join in the interactive
chat on May12, 2015, at 6:00p.m.
Mountain Daylight Time, by watch-
Strengthen Faith ing the live stream on LDS.org, the
LDS Youth Facebook page, the Youth
with Bible Videos Activities site (lds.org/youth/activities),
or the Mormon Channels YouTube can also follow the conversation with
Y ou can help strengthen faith in page. The broadcast will also be #LDSface2face.
Jesus Christ this yearyour own translated live in Spanish, Portuguese, We encourage the youth, as they
and that of othersby watching and Italian, German, French, Russian, prepare for this event, to seek the Spirits
sharing The Life of Jesus Christ Bible Korean, Japanese, and Chinese. guidance in pondering what questions
Videos at BibleVideos.org and on the Youth are encouraged to submit they might ask, Elder Bednar said. As
Bible Videos app. questions at the Youth Activities site we have the Spirit with us, we will all
These faith-building resources are both before and during the event; they learn together.
offered freely to other churches in
an effort to share the message of the
Savior as widely as possible through-
out the world, to help viewers feel
His love and to inspire them to want
to be more like Him.
W
hat are Latter-day Saints doing also be used
to better the communities in for other pur-
which they live? Find out by poses, such
going to MormonNewsroom.org. Here as carrying water.
are some examples from recent post-
ings on the international Newsroom Dominican Republic
websites. and Canada
In the Dominican Republic
New Zealand and Vanuatu and Canada, Latter-day Saint
When Cyclone Pam struck the women joined in commemorating Society, noting that it is a tremendous
small Pacific island nation of Vanuatu, International Womens Day, an event vehicle for service around the globe.
Latter-day Saints in Auckland, New sponsored by the United Nations.
Zealandwith aid from Church More than 1,200 women gathered in United Kingdom
Humanitarian Servicesrallied to Church meetinghouses in several areas Their original goal was to sew
help those devastated by the storm. of the Dominican Republic to honor 100 dresses for needy children in
They packed 2,000 boxes of food to women for their many contributions Africa, but when they were finished,
help as many of the affected popula- in the world. Religious, civic, and mil- the women of the Coventry Ward in
tion as possible. Each container was itary leaders participated in the event, England had made more than 230. The
filled with flour, rice, canned fruit, which included a program of music simple dresses, made from pillowcases,
beans, corned beef, fish, crackers, rai- and speeches. In Canada, Latter-day are easy to complete. One sister, who
sins, noodles, chocolatemilk powder, Saint women also marked the day by had not previously sewn, was able to
and a can opener. The containers can sharing information about the Relief make 3 of them.
Arkansas, USA
More than 600 people attended an
interfaith community devotional on the
topic of religious freedom hosted by
An Easier-to-Use LDS.org the Little Rock Arkansas Stake, includ-
ing representatives from the Catholic,
Methodist, and Islamic communities
F
new assignment in the First Quorum of the Seventy.
our firsthand accounts of the First Vision, written Sustained on April4, 2015, Elder Clark will begin his
by Joseph Smith, are now available in 10 languages. service just weeks after he finishes his assignment as
They can be accessed at josephsmithpapers.org, where president of Brigham Young UniversityIdaho.
an online viewer also provides access to original docu- I have been in school since I was five years old,
ments and journals. the newly called Seventy said. I love learning and
teaching.
He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on March20,
1949, to Merlin and Helen Mar Clark, the eldest of
three children. He spent his childhood in Salt Lake City
until age 11, when his father took a job in Spokane,
Washington.
Although he had planned to attend Brigham Young
University in Provo, Utah, as a junior in high school he
felt he needed to explore other options and decided to
apply to Harvard University in Massachusettsa place
that would eventually become his home for more than
three decades.
After his freshman year of study at Harvard, Elder
Clark served in the South German Mission from 1968 to
1970. Upon his return he attended BYU, where he soon
met Sue Lorraine Hunt in his ward. They were married
a few months later on June14, 1971. They are the par-
ents of seven children.
Teachings for Our Time Right after they were married, the couple moved
to the Boston, Massachusetts, area, where Elder Clark
again enrolled at Harvard. There he earned a bachelor
T his generation of youth have a greater capacity for
obedience than any previous generation. I think
thats part of the Lords timetable and preparation for
D uring the three years M.Joseph Brough served as
president of the Guatemala Guatemala City Central
Mission (from 2011 to 2014), he lost both his father and
the days we live in, said Brother DouglasD. Holmes, his father-in-law.
who was sustained on April4, 2015, as the first coun- Although his wife could have returned to the United
selor in the Young Men general presidency. States for the funerals, the couple decided in both cases
Brother Holmes was born on February27, 1961, that she should stay in Guatemala and continue with
in Salt Lake City, Utah, to DeeW. and Melba Howell their missionary work. We knew we were better off
Holmes and grew up in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. staying and working as well as we could, said Brother
After serving in the Scotland Glasgow Mission Brough, called on April4, 2015, as second counselor in
from 1980 to 1982, Brother Holmes received a bach- the Young Men general presidency. That was exactly
elors degree in family science from Brigham Young what her father and my father would expect of us.
University in 1986 and went on to earn a master of busi- Brother Brough was born in Salt Lake City, Utah,
ness administration degree from the universitys Marriott on December11, 1963, to MonteJ. and AdaB. Brough.
School of Management. He spent his youth in Farmington, Utah, and Robertson,
After graduation, he was a management consultant Wyoming. The family moved to Minnesota when
for three years and then undertook a successful career Josephs father, who would later serve as a member of
in the telecommunications industry, becoming exec- the Seventy, was called as a mission president. Joseph
utive vice president of strategy and corporate devel- was a senior in high school when his father completed
opment for the Media One group. From 2000 until his his service as a mission president. Instead of returning
calling as a mission president in 2010 and again from to high school, Joseph took the high school equiva-
2013, he has been self-employed in investment and real lency exam and went straight to Weber State University
estate development. in Ogden, Utah.
He has devoted much of his time and talents to His parents, however, insisted he graduate from
nonprofit organizations, serving on the boards of the seminary with a four-year certificate. It was while
United Way of Davis County, Utah; Parents for Choice attending seminary at Davis High School that he met his
in Education; the Safe Harbor Womens Shelter in Davis future wife, Emily Jane Thompson. They were married
County; and the Academy for Creating Enterprise. on April25, 1985, in the Salt Lake Temple; they are the
He has served as ward mission leader, ward Young parents of four children.
Men president, bishop, and most recently as a coun- Before the couple married, Brother Brough served
selor in a stake presidency. He presided over the as a missionary in the Guatemala Quetzaltenango
Michigan Detroit Mission from 2010 to 2013. Mission. His mission president, JorgeH. Perez, became
He married Erin Sue Toone on June22, 1985, in the a most influential man in my life, he said.
Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of six children. The founder and owner of Rotational Molding of
Weve seen the power of the word in our lives, Utah, he earned a bachelors degree in finance and a
whether its been the word of the prophets or the word master of business administration from the University
of the scriptures or the whisperings of the Holy Ghost, of Utah. In the Church he has served as a bishop, ward
Brother Holmes said. Young Men president and high councilor.