The Lord's criteria for judging

This morning when I was waking up, I was thinking about when Jesus appeared on the American continent just after his resurrection. The wicked were destroyed and the Lord tells those that are spared that they were spared because they were not as wicked. It got me to thinking.... Here is an opportunity to see what the people the Lord considered "wicked" were doing and what the ones that were spared were doing.

This is 3 Nephi 9:9-11 and it gives the most information on what the Lord's criteria was:

9 And behold, that great city Jacobugath, which was inhabited by the people of king Jacob, have I caused to be burned with fire because of their sins and their wickedness, which was above all the wickedness of the whole earth, because of their secret murders and combinations; for it was they that did destroy the peace of my people and the government of the land; therefore I did cause them to be burned, to destroy them from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints should not come up unto me any more against them.
10 And behold, the city of Laman, and the city of Josh, and the city of Gad, and the city of Kishkumen, have I caused to be burned with fire, and the inhabitants thereof, because of their wickedness in casting out the prophets, and stoning those whom I did send to declare unto them concerning their wickedness and their abominations.
11 And because they did cast them all out, that there were none righteous among them, I did send down fire and destroy them, that their wickedness and abominations might be hid from before my face, that the blood of the prophets and the saints whom I sent among them might not cry unto me cfrom the ground against them.

So it looks like he didn't have a very high standard. The ones that were destroyed:
1. committed secret murders and participated in secret combinations.
2. because they destroyed the peace of the people and the government of the land
3. they had cast out and stoned the prophets the Lord had sent to warn them.
4. apparently they had killed prophets and people who believed in God.
5. They had cast out all the righteous among them.

I can only conclude that people that didn't participate in these things were saved.

In 3 Nephi 9:13 there is a little information about the ones that were spared.

13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?

Heavenly Father and the Car Seat Theory

A month or so ago in church, an elder who recently returned from his mission gave this analogy in his talk:

He talked about how he was watching his sister put his two nephews in their car seats and how they didn't like it very much. In fact, the littlest one was crying and carrying on about it. He did not want to be in that seat, yet it was in his best interest that he is in the car seat.

This is how it is with our Heavenly Father. He knows what is best for us and how we can be safe. Sometimes we are in a "carseat" spiritually. Heavenly Father knows what is best for us and yet sometimes we cry and complain because it is uncomfortable. But if we weren't in the "carseat", it would be even worse for us. It may be easier and more comfortable, but it puts us in a dangerous place and is not safe.

Heavenly Father and Jesus love us more than we can imagine. They want the best for us and will do all they can to help us come back to live with Them again. Sometimes they will put us in situations that are uncomfortable or hard. These are for our best good and will help us safely make our way back to Them.

Fruits of my Mission

Today in my Book of Mormon class, we were discussing what would be considered a successful missionary. Also, I was looking at a web site that someone put up on the church in Thailand and I was amazed at all the actual churches that have been built since I was there. When I was in Thailand in 1983, there was only 1 church and that was in Bangkok. The other branches met in buildings but they weren't specifically built as a church. It made me realize that though I wasn't one of the first missionaries in Thailand, I was still a pioneer, helping the church to gradually grow there.

Sometimes when I have reflected on my mission, it was a great experience for me, but I do sometimes wonder if I did any good. I only saw a few people come into the church as a result of my service there, and I don't know how strong they were and if they have stayed faithful.

But in the class today, we were reading a scripture in Alma:

Alma 26: 27
27 Now when our hearts were depressed, and we were about to turn back, behold, the Lord comforted us, and said: Go amongst thy brethren, the Lamanites, and bear with patience thine afflictions, and I will give unto you success.

Sis. Wilson said we need to redefine what we consider "success". It is more than having actual converts. It is showing God our willingness to do what He tells us to do. So that made me decide to make a list of what I feel were the best experiences of my mission, the "fruits" of my mission, if you will.

1. The way I felt when I was trying to ignore the spiritual promptings that I should go on a mission. It was not comfortable and was very hard to do!

2. Even with these spiritual promptings, it was still very challenging to step into the dark and turn in my mission papers. It was very much a leap of faith for me. I was scared to death. I still remember the calm, reassuring, peaceful feeling I had as I walked home from church after handing my papers to the bishop. I knew at that point that I was doing something Heavenly Father wanted me to do. This strong feeling sustained me through many hard times on my mission when I wanted to give up. Even when I think of it today, I can still remember the force of that feeling. Therefore, when I think of that feeling I know was from God, then I guess I served the mission I was supposed to, even though I didn't seem to accomplish much.

3. The first day I was called to serve in the Phanat Nikhom Refugee Camp, I observed Pat Barica teaching a class of Hmong children. They were notorious for being dirty, rambunctious, wild children. Pat had combed and fixed their hair and washed their faces and played classical music. As I saw them there, in my mind's eye, I could see them all in white and I realized that God didn't see them as wild, dirty, and rambunctious. He saw them as His children with the divine nature inside each of them to become as He is. I saw them as God saw them. I felt His love for them. This is one of the most sacred experiences of my life.

4. I had only been in the country about a month, when my trainer, Sister Record, had to go out of the country for a few days to renew her visa. I was assigned a Thai companion while she was gone. We were supposed to go visit a member, Radsamii. I was the only one who knew where she lived. I felt pretty confident that I could find the right place to get off the bus. As we were going, the bus got quite crowded as they tend to do. I hadn't counted on that. I couldn't see out the bus. How could I see where to get off the bus when I couldn't even see out? I was panic-stricken. As a "green" missionary, you try so hard to actually be useful. Here was something I could actually do and people were counting on me. I couldn't see out. I didn't know what else to do but offer up a humble, silent prayer for help. Just as I finished my prayer, someone got up and I got their seat. I was able to look out just in time to see the landmarks that told me we needed to get off at the next stop. We were able to get off in the right place and get to Radsamii's house. Not being able to speak the language well, I wasn't much help when we got there, but my companion was able to speak and give comfort and help. Heavenly Father answered my humble prayer and get this new member the help she needed.

5. I left the country and, particularly, the refugee camp, with such a profound love for the people that it broke my heart to leave.

As I think of more experiences, I will post them here. But, really, these are the main strong memories I have of my mission. Though they are very meaningful to me, they don't seem like your typical mission stories that you hear others give. I don't know how much help I was to others, but I do know that I was supposed to be there.

A couple favorite thoughts

This has become my life's quote. I think it is so important to try to determine what is most important each day and do that first.

Satan would have us fill our days with things that are not essential to our salvation. ~Jen Nielson

The first time I ever heard this was at the Hope of America presentation that Casey was in at the Marriott Center when she was in 5th grade. I love it because it is so true!

Be someone's example and not their excuse!

Be part of the solution and not part of the problem.

Shafts in the Whirlwind

For Girl's Camp a few years back, the Stake wanted everyone to memorize the scripture theme, which is Helaman 5:12.

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.

I started thinking about this scripture. I wondered, "What is a shaft?" so I looked it up in the dictionary and this is what it said:

shaft (shft)
n.
1.
a. The long narrow stem or body of a spear or arrow.
b. A spear or arrow.
2.
a. A projectile suggestive of a spear or arrow in appearance or configuration.
b. Informal A scornfully satirical comment; a barb.
c. Slang Harsh, unfair treatment

I think of all weather conditions, my least favorite is wind. Even on a nice day, a cold fierce wind can ruin it and on a cold day, wind can make it unbearable! So then to think of shafts (spear or arrow) in a whirlwind conjures up a very dangerous situation. Even some of the other defintions of shaft can help us understand some of the things Satan uses to trap us. How about a scornfully satirical comment? Sometimes Satan tells us things that undermine our confidence and faith and things that make us not feel good about ourselves. How about the slang term, "giving you the shaft". Talk about the ultimate in giving us the shaft! Satan will tell us anything to get us to follow him and then he will not support us in the end. He will leave us!

How different is the sure foundation of Christ. This is a foundation we can ALWAYS trust. In such an ever-changing world, how reassuring to know there is one thing that we can ALWAYS rely on or depend on. That is Jesus Christ. If we build our foundation on Him, He will ALWAYS be there for us and help us whenever we need it. If we follow Him, He will ALWAYS be there to help us and support us.

What a wonderful scripture to help us to understand the great importance of following our Savior and the help that is ALWAYS there for us.

Jesus is Mighty to Save

Once when I was working in Primary, in one of the Sharing Times, the children were trying to find in the scriptures all the names of Jesus. When we see other names Jesus is called by or ways He is described, it helps to give us a better sense of what He is all about.

I think of this because, once, when I was feeling discouraged about the "sins which do so easily beset me", Mary Keller in a Young Women lesson, gave a scripture where it says Jesus is "mighty to save." I had never contemplated that before. I know I am basically a good person, but I sometimes get discouraged with my ability to improve myself and become more like Jesus.

On that particular day, I was feeling that I just wasn't Celestial material and I didn't think I could make it. Then when I heard that phrase "mighty to save" I knew it was God wanting me to know that Jesus could do all things, even save me. I need to have more faith and trust in His ability to save me from my sins and shortcomings and weaknesses. This phrase really spoke to my heart and everytime I hear it, I am reminded of this experience and remember that a loving Heavenly Father gave me a reminder that Jesus would be able to save even me if I will allow Him to help me and if I keep going even when it seems hopeless.

I don't remember which scripture she was quoting that day, but here are some scriptures that contain that phrase:

Isa. 63: 1 1 Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save.

2 Ne. 31: 19 19 And now, my beloved brethren, after ye have gotten into this strait and narrow path, I would ask if all is done? Behold, I say unto you, Nay; for ye have not come thus far save it were by the word of Christ with unshaken faith in him, relying wholly upon the merits of him who is mighty to save.

Alma 7: 14 14 Now I say unto you that ye must repent, and be born again; for the Spirit saith if ye are not born again ye cannot inherit the kingdom of heaven; therefore come and be baptized unto repentance, that ye may be washed from your sins, that ye may have faith on the Lamb of God, who taketh away the sins of the world, who is mighty to save and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.

Alma 34: 18
18 Yea, cry unto him for mercy; for he is mighty to save.

D&C 133: 47
47 And he shall say: I am he who spake in righteousness, mighty to save.

I was just listening to the song Amazing Grace. It is such a beautiful hymn. It reminds me of something Bishop MacKay said at Youth Conference a few years ago. He helped us to understand what is meant by "we are saved by Grace". He said that in the Bible Dictionary it says grace is: the enabling power of Christ. So when it says we are saved by grace, it means that we are saved by the enabling power of Christ. This helps us to understand the statement, "We are saved by grace, after all we can do." This is also similar to Jesus being "mighty to save" so I thought I would include it in this entry.

Find a different fan!

So, my experience at the gym this morning gave me something to think about....

I have been going to a new gym for a few weeks and so I am still figuring out where everything is. I walk/run on the treadmill and sometimes I like to do it with a fan on. It makes it much more comfortable. This morning I looked around for the fan that I usually use and someone had moved it down by some other machines so I didn't want to go get it in case someone else had it over there and was going to use it. So on I walked, sweating, and finished. When I got off, I walked in front of the treadmill and there was a fan that I could have used.

Okay, here is the gospel application. Sometimes we are looking for an answer to a prayer or some direction from Heavenly Father and we don't think we are receiving anything. But sometimes the answer or direction we are looking for comes in a way we don't expect or aren't looking for, or it doesn't come in a way that it usually comes. That's when we need to look around and see if there is a different "fan" we can use.

There are many ways to receive direction from our Father in Heaven. Here are some of the ways: prayer, scriptures, words of the Prophets, talks at church, conversations with others, lessons at church, patriarchal blessings, other types of blessings, quiet contemplation time, attending the temple, counsel of parents, listening to hymns and other worthy music, etc. When we are looking for an answer, we need to make sure our hearts are open to any of the ways the Spirit will speak to us.

Stories I would like to find again.

I am going to make a list of stories I have read so I have a uniform place to find them again.

Robert Layton, “What about Abstinence?,” Ensign, Sept. 1996, 65–66

Ezra Taft Benson, “Seek the Spirit of the Lord,” Tambuli, Sep 1988, 2. This is the story of the young man that died and wanted to tell his father he was okay but he couldn't get through to his father, so he went to his mother.

More on fault finding

Ensign » 1978 » March

The High Cost of Inactivity
By Lindsay R. Curtis
Another family: Bob and Edna have always stressed education in their family. But Primary somehow runs a poor second to music lessons. Sunday School is talked down because the brother teaching the class speaks with an uncultured accent. Grammatical errors in Church talks are promptly pointed out to the family. Anyone who doesn’t have a college degree, including the bishop, is automatically second rate in their estimation. Small wonder that their children were soon finding fault with everything and everybody in the Church.

Although Edna was unusually talented as a storyteller and writer, the ward newspaper has always been beneath her ability. She might have rendered a fine contribution to the Saints with her talent, but she has yet to accept an assignment in the ward.

We have known Bob and Edna for over twenty years. Their children are now grown and have moved away. One of these children has requested and been granted excommunication from the Church, and the others have simply dropped out. Yet both Bob and Edna come from pioneer stock, from people who would have given their lives for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Hymn Phrases

As I was contemplating the words of Jesus the Very Thought of Thee, it made me think of other phrases from hymns that I love and that are wonderful to comtemplate.

I want to make this blog entry a place where I can record these phrases in one place.

Hymns #2 The Spirit of God

"We'll sing and we'll shout with the armies of Heaven."

Hymns #6 Redeemer of Israel (one of my very favorite hymns)

"Our shadow by day and our pillar by night."
"How long we have wandered as strangers in sin, and cried in the desert for thee! Our foes have rejoiced when our sorrows they've seen but Israel will shortly be free."

Hymns #26 Joseph Smith's First Prayer

"But, undaunted, still he trusted in his Heavenly Father's care."

Hymns #85 How Firm a Foundation
"As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be"

#335 Brightly Beams our Father's Mercy
I love ALL the words in this hymn!!

Brightly beams our Father's mercy from His lighthouse evermore,
But to us He gives the keeping of the lights along the shore.

CHORUS:
Let the lower lights be burning; send a gleam across the wave.
Some poor fainting, struggling seaman you may rescue, you may save.

Dark the night of sin has settled; Loud the angry billows roar.
Eager eyes are watching, longing, for the lights along the shore.

Trim your feeble lamp, my brother; Some poor sailor, tempest-tossed,
Trying now to make the harbor, In the darkness may be lost.

The relationship between choices and our character

Here's a thought I had when thinking about things:



What we are doing is who we are becoming.


Our daily choices make us who we become.

Being Consistent, Dependability

There is one clock in the house that I use as my main source of knowing what time it is. In the last year, it has not been working well. It works just fine for a few weeks and then, without warning, it stops. Sometimes it will start working again after I reset the time, but other times it won't.

I noticed that it started up again but now the time is wrong. I realized that that is how I am. Instead of consistently moving forward, I tend to go in big spurts and then stop and then go in a big spurt again. I guess that is better than nothing, but I realized when I saw that the clock was working again and the time was wrong, that if I am not consistent, then it is hard for the Lord or others to rely on me. Even though the clock is now working, I can't rely on it for the time. It is useless to me. I guess that's why they say "Slow and steady wins the race." It also reminds me of an article by Elder David A. Bednar.

A spurt may appear to be impressive in the short run, but steadiness over time is far more effective, far less dangerous, and produces far better results. Consecutive days of fasting, ultimately, may not be as spiritually edifying as successive months of appropriate fasting and worship on the designated fast Sunday. An attempt to pray one time for several hours likely will not produce the same spiritual results as meaningful morning and evening prayer offered consistently over several weeks. And a single scripture-reading marathon cannot produce the spiritual growth of steady scripture study across many months.

David A. Bednar, “Steadfast and Immovable, Always Abounding in Good Works,” New Era, Jan 2008, 2–6

Speaking of the tortoise and the hare, this is what Elder Bednar says about that in the same article:

In order to better understand this principle, please consider Aesop’s fable “The Hare and the Tortoise.” After being taunted repeatedly for being slow, the Tortoise challenged the Hare to a race. As the race began, the two started off together. However, the Hare ran rapidly towards the goal and, seeing that he could easily win, lay down and fell asleep a short distance in front of the finish line. The Tortoise maintained a slow but steady and consistent pace toward the finish line. When the Hare awoke from his nap, he started running as fast as he could, only to find that the Tortoise had won the race. The Tortoise is a classic illustration of steadiness and persistence. The Hare, on the other hand, is an example of a “spurter”—one who is given to short bursts of spectacular effort followed by frequent and lengthy periods of rest.

This is such a good article that I will try to include the link to the whole talk:
http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=024644f8f206c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=f339f44804d17110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1

Fault Finding and Having Charity

I have been thinking about the temptation and sin of criticizing others and finding fault. I usually try to be positive and keep unkind thoughts to myself, but there have been a few instances lately when it has been hard for me not to join in a little, because of peer pressure. Peer pressure at my age! I am uncomfortable when people are critical but I don't want to get up on a soapbox. I am realizing that I can do better in standing up for others, even if it might make others uncomfortable. I know it really can make a difference. I remember a talk Bonnie Parkin gave about being patient with others. I will try to find it and quote from it here. While looking for that talk, I found another one that she gave where she said this:

We also lose sight of that good part when we compare ourselves to others. Her hair is cuter, my legs are fatter, her children are more talented, or her garden's more productive—sisters, you know the drill. We just can't do that. We cannot allow ourselves to feel inadequate by focusing on who we aren't instead of on who we are! We are all sisters in Relief Society. We simply cannot criticize, gossip, or judge and keep the pure love of Christ. Can't you hear the Lord's sweet injunction: "Martha, Martha . . . ?"

Elder Marvin J. Ashton beautifully observed: "Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended when someone doesn't handle something the way we might have hoped. Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other."14

In exercising charity, we come to know a sister's heart. When we know a sister's heart, we are different. We won't judge her. We will simply love her. I invite you to not only love each other more but love each other better. As we do this we will come to know with a surety that "charity never faileth."15
October 2003, Choosing Charity: That Good Part

I found the quote from Sis. Parkin that I was looking for. She is talking about Relief society here but I think this relates to all aspects of the church.

Be supportive of our Relief Society presidencies and teachers—let them learn on our time (just as we will learn on theirs). Forgive more and judge less. Be a caring, consistent visiting teacher. Attend home, family, and personal enrichment meeting with enthusiasm. Look for what's good about Relief Society and build on it.
October 2004 Belonging Is Our Sacred Birthright

These comments remind me of two times Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin has said this sort of thing in General Conference:

Except for the Lord, we have all made mistakes. The question is not whether we will trip and fall but, rather, how will we respond? Some, after making mistakes, stray from the fold. This is unfortunate. Do you not know that the Church is a place for imperfect people to gather together—even with all their mortal frailties—and become better? Every Sunday in every meetinghouse throughout the world, we find mortal, imperfect men, women, and children who meet together in brotherhood and charity, striving to become better people, to learn of the Spirit, and to lend encouragement and support to others. I am not aware of any sign on the door of our meetinghouses that reads “Restricted Entrance—Perfect People Only.”

Because of our imperfections, we need the Lord’s Church. It is there that His redemptive doctrines are taught and His saving ordinances are administered. The Church encourages and motivates us to be a better and happier people. It is also a place where we can lose ourselves in the service of others.

April 2008 Concern for the One

I often wonder why some feel they must be critical of others. It gets in their blood, I suppose, and it becomes so natural they often don’t even think about it. They seem to criticize everyone—the way Sister Jones leads the music, the way Brother Smith teaches a lesson or plants his garden.

Even when we think we are doing no harm by our critical remarks, consequences often follow. I am reminded of a boy who handed a donation envelope to his bishop and told him it was for him. The bishop, using this as a teaching moment, explained to the boy that he should mark on the donation slip whether it was for tithing, fast offerings, or for something else. The boy insisted the money was for the bishop himself. When the bishop asked why, the boy replied, “Because my father says you’re one of the poorest bishops we’ve ever had.”

The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another.

Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don’t be upset because someone can’t sew as well as you, can’t throw as well as you, can’t row or hoe as well as you.

We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005, 26

New First Presidency and new apostle

In General Conference yesterday, we were privilieged to sustain a new first presidency. Our prophet and president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Thomas S. Monson. His first counselor is Henry B. Eyring and Second Counselor is Dieter F. Uchtdorf. We also sustained a new apostle. His name is D. Todd Christofferson. There was a wonderful spirit and I have faith and confidence that these men are called of God and will have His help as they are on the Lord's errand. They will be in my prayers.


Here is the list of the First Presidency and Apostles in order of seniority and their ages:

Thomas S. Monson,80, Prophet, Seer, and Revelator and President of the Church.
Henry B. Eyring,74, First Counselor
Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67, Second Counselor


1. Thomas S. Monson, 80
Ordained Oct. 10, 1963
2. Boyd K. Packer, 83
Ordained April 6, 1970
3. L. Tom Perry, 85
Ordained April 11, 1974
4. Russell M. Nelson, 83
Ordained April 12, 1984
5. Dallin H. Oaks, 75
Ordained May 3, 1984
6. M. Russell Ballard, 79
Ordained Oct. 10, 1985
7. Joseph B. Wirthlin, 90
Ordained Oct. 9, 1986
8. Richard G. Scott, 79
Ordained Oct. 6, 1988
9. Robert D. Hales, 75
Ordained April 7. 1994
10. Jeffrey R. Holland, 67
Ordained June 23, 1994
11. Henry B. Eyring, 74
Ordained April 6, 1995
12. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67
Ordained Oct. 7, 2004
13. David A. Bednar, 55
Ordained Oct. 7, 2004
14. Quentin L. Cook, 67
Ordained Oct. 11, 2007
15. D. Todd Christofferson, 63

Come Unto Me and General Conference

As stated in my previous post about "Come Unto Me", I have been amazed that each Conference the scripture from Matthew 11:28-30 is quoted by somebody in part or whole. I am going to keep track of each time somebody quotes it.



April 2008



October 2007
Elder Bruce D. Porter, A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit

April 2007
Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Point of Safe Return
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, Broken Things to Mend


October 2006
Elder Dallin H. Oaks, He Heals the Heavy Laden
Elder James E. Faust, Discipleship
Elaine S. Dalton, Look Towrd Eternity!
Anthony D. Perkins, The Great and Wondrous Love
General RS Meeting
Kathleen H. Hughes, Remembering the Lord's Love

April 2006

Classic General Conference Messages

I thought this would be a good place to keep track of General Conference Messages that have especially spoken to my soul.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks
October 2007
Good, Better, Best http://http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-38,00.html

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
October 2007
The Only True God and Jesus Christ Whom Thou Hast Sent http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-15,00.html
Elder Richard C. Scott
April 2007
The Supernal Gift of Prayer http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-4,00.html

Elder Jay E. Jensen
April 2007
The Nourishing Power of Hymns http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-5,00.html

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
April 2007
The Tongue of Angels http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-7,00.html

Elder Henry B. Eyring
April 2007
This Day http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-32,00.html


Elder Dallin H. Oaks
October 2006
He Heals the Heavy Laden http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-2,00.html

Elder M. Russell Ballard
October 2006
O Be Wise http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-7,00.html

Elder Robert C. Oaks
October 2006
The Power of Patience http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-6,00.html


Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
April 2006
Broken Things to Mend http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-602-22,00.html

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin's Messages

Elder Wirthlin's messages always seem to speak to my soul. I want to keep track of his messages over the year, so I can remember them easier. I want to keep a running list.

October 2007 Message
The Great Commandment http://http//lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-775-10,00.html

April 2007 Message (Priesthood Session)
Life's Lessons Learned http://http//lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-690-18,00.html

October 2006 Message
Sunday Will Come http://http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-646-11,00.html

April 2006 Message
The Abundant Life http://http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-602-32,00.html

October 2005 Message
Journey to Higher Ground http://http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-559-5,00.html

April 2005 Message
The Virtue of Kindness http://http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-520-10,00.html I really loved this message. I especially love this quote from this message.

The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The Church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other as we press on in our journey to return to our Heavenly Father.

Come Unto Me

I want to tell you about my experience with this scripture. I have heard it and thought it was a good scripture all my life, but the last few years it has taken on new meaning for me:

28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

A few years ago I was feeling discouraged about my life and knowing I needed to improve but not seeming to be able to get myself going. The General Relief Society meeting was coming up and I knew it would be good. I knew it would be good for me to go, but in the back of my mind I was thinking, "I know I need something to help kick myself into gear, but if there is too much, I'll be so discouraged I won't feel like trying and I won't do anything. I was praying for help at the time, too.

So I went to the meeting and I was so shocked that the message was (at least what I took from it) that Jesus loves us and wants us to come to Him and He will help us. The Matthew 11:28-30 scripture was brought up.

I was amazed that of all the things I needed to know and do at the time, the message from my Heavenly Father was to Come Unto Jesus and let Him help you. I was even more astonished when at General Conference the next week this again was the message. This same scripture was quoted 4-5 times. I have further been astonished to see that this same scripture and the theme of "Come Unto Christ" has been quoted in every General conference. I will never look at this scripture in the same way. To me, it is a personal invitation to each one of us to feel and benefit from the great love and help of Jesus Christ and our Heavenly Father.

Discerning between right and wrong in a confusing world

In studying the Sunday School lesson I thought this was an interesting little object lesson and quote. Sometimes discerning between right and wrong can get a bit confusing. When we have those times, we need to look at where we are in comparison to the "iron rod" and the "great and spacious building". If we are on the Lord's side of the line, the truth doesn't look quite as gray. The quote by Elder Scott from the lesson also reminded me of this quote by Elder Bednar, which follows.

I guess the truth is not always as confusing as we like to make it. Sometimes the truth is confusing because we are trying to justify or excuse our actions or someone else's.

Lesson 10: “He Inviteth All to Come unto Him”, Book of Mormon Class Member Study Guide, 7

Suggestion for Family Discussion
Have a family member stand in the center of the room. Explain that in this demonstration, the area to the right of that person represents all the good things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest right represents the very best things that can be done. The area to the left of the person represents all the wrong things that can be done in life. The area to the farthest left represents the very worst things that can be done.

Explain that Elder Richard G. Scott presented a similar object lesson. Then he observed: “In the middle, it is difficult to discern what is right and what is wrong. This middle area is where Satan works with righteous people. … It is easy to become confused here. Live well within the wonderful area of good the Lord has defined, and you won’t have any problems with temptation. If you are not sure whether something is appropriate to look at, to listen to, to think about, or to do, then avoid it. You could be headed for one of Satan’s traps” (“Do What Is Right,” Ensign, June 1997, 53–54).

The standard is clear. If something we think, see, hear, or do distances us from the Holy Ghost, then we should stop thinking, seeing, hearing, or doing that thing. If that which is intended to entertain, for example, alienates us from the Holy Spirit, then certainly that type of entertainment is not for us. Because the Spirit cannot abide that which is vulgar, crude, or immodest, then clearly such things are not for us. Because we estrange the Spirit of the Lord when we engage in activities we know we should shun, then such things definitely are not for us.
That We May Always Have His Spirit to Be with Us, Ensign May 2006
Elder David A. Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

To Dwindle in Unbelief

The reading assignment for Sunday School this week has me thinking about the term "to dwindle in unbelief". It made me curious about the word dwindle.

Here is the definition of dwindle:
become smaller or lose substance;
To diminish; to become less; to shrink; to waste or consume
away; to become degenerate; to fall away.
To become gradually less until little remains

It is an interesting choice of words when it comes to talking about someone's faith. If you are not building up your faith, then you run the risk of it starting to dwindle. It (usually) doesn't happen all at once, but a choice at a time. Interesting that that is the same way we build up our faith, one drop of oil at a time.

I guess the opposite of dwindle would be build up. Here is a scripture that illlustrates the opposite of dwindle:
For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more;
2 Nephi 28:30

Humor in the Scriptures

Here are some scriptures that are kind of funny if you think about them! I will add them as I come across them.

And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction. 3 Nephi 4:33 (You can imagine why this has special meaning to me, if you know me very well!)

Wherefore, do not spend money for that which is of no worth, nor your labor for that which cannot satisfy. Hearken diligently unto me, and remember the words which I have spoken; and come unto the Holy One of Israel, and feast upon that which perisheth not, neither can be corrupted, and let your soul delight in fatness. 2 Nephi 9:51

Of course, there is my dad's favorite bible story: Balaam and his talking donkey
Here's the verse with the punchline:
Num. 22: 30
30 And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee? And he said, Nay. (How's that for a little role reversal?!)

The meaning of the word "reconcile"

I have been reading in 2 Nephi about being reconciled to God and I looked up the definiton of "reconcile" to give me a better understanding of what it means.

rec·on·cile
v. rec·on·ciled, rec·on·cil·ing, rec·on·ciles
v.tr.
1. To reestablish a close relationship between.
2. To settle or resolve.
3. To bring (oneself) to accept: He finally reconciled himself to the change in management.
4. To make compatible or consistent: reconcile my way of thinking with yours. See Synonyms at adapt.
v.intr.
1. To reestablish a close relationship, as in marriage: The estranged couple reconciled after a year.
2. To become compatible or consistent: The figures would not reconcile.

The Quorum of Twelve Apostles

LDS Apostles
(In order of seniority)
In case you're interested....
Taken from LDS.org

1. Thomas S. Monson, 80
Ordained Oct. 10, 1963
2. Boyd K. Packer, 83
Ordained April 6, 1970
3. L. Tom Perry, 85
Ordained April 11, 1974
4. Russell M. Nelson, 83
Ordained April 12, 1984
5. Dallin H. Oaks, 75
Ordained May 3, 1984
6. M. Russell Ballard, 79
Ordained Oct. 10, 1985
7. Joseph B. Wirthlin, 90
Ordained Oct. 9, 1986
8. Richard G. Scott, 79
Ordained Oct. 6, 1988
9. Robert D. Hales, 75
Ordained April 7. 1994
10. Jeffrey R. Holland, 67
Ordained June 23, 1994
11. Henry B. Eyring, 74
Ordained April 6, 1995
12. Dieter F. Uchtdorf, 67
Ordained Oct. 7, 2004
13. David A. Bednar, 55
Ordained Oct. 7, 2004
14. Quentin L. Cook, 67
Ordained Oct. 11, 2007

The Tender Mercies of the Lord

I love the phrase "tender mercy". I will compile a list of scriptures that mention the tender mercies of Heavenly Father and/or Jesus.

Here is the first one and, I think, one of my very, very favorite scriptures of all time:

But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. 1 Nephi 1:20

Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight.
• • •

Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments.
Psalms 119:77, 156

8 And after I had traveled for the space of many hours in darkness, I began to pray unto the Lord that he would have mercy on me, according to the multitude of his tender mercies.
• • •
37 And he did exhort them then with all the feeling of a tender parent, that they would hearken to his words, that perhaps the Lord would be merciful to them, and not cast them off; yea, my father did preach unto them.
1 Nephi 8:8, 37

Ps. 40: 11
11 Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O LORD: let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me.
Ps. 51: 1
1 Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.
Ps. 69: 16
16 Hear me, O LORD; for thy lovingkindness is good: turn unto me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.


Ps. 145: 9
9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

50 Favorite Scriptures and Quotes

For my sister in law's 50th birthday, we were each supposed to bring her 50 of something. I decided to bring her 50 of my favorite scriptures and also quotes from church leaders. Here they are:

"Each one of us will travel a different road during this life. Each progresses at a different rate. Temptations that trouble your brother may not challenge you at all. Strengths that you possess may seem impossible to another. "Never look down on those who are less perfect than you. Don't be upset because someone can't sew as well as you, can't throw as well as you, can't row or hoe as well as you. "We are all children of our Heavenly Father. And we are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves (see Mark 12:30-31)."
(Joseph B. Wirthlin, "The Virtue of Kindness," Ensign, May 2005, 28)

“The Church is not a place where perfect people gather to say perfect things, or have perfect thoughts, or have perfect feelings. The church is a place where imperfect people gather to provide encouragement, support, and service to each other….We are here with the same purpose: to learn to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves.
Joseph B. Wirthlin, “The Virtue of Kindness,” Ensign, May 2005, 26

“…men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace.”
President Ezra Taft Benson December 1988 Ensign

"Gratitude is a mark of a noble soul and a refined character. We like to be around those who are grateful. They tend to brighten all around them. They make others feel better about themselves."

(Joseph B. Wirthlin, "Live in Thanksgiving Daily," Ensign, Sept. 2001, 8)

"The tender mercies of the Lord are real and . . . they do not occur randomly or merely by coincidence. Often, the Lord's timing of His tender mercies helps us to both discern and acknowledge them.
I have reflected repeatedly upon the phrase ‘the tender mercies of the Lord’. Through personal study, observation, pondering, and prayer, I believe that the Lord's tender mercies are the very personal and individualized blessings, strength, protection, assurances, guidance, loving-kindnesses, consolation, support, and spiritual gifts which we receive from and because of and through the Lord Jesus Christ."
(David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005, 99)

"I believe our Heavenly Father's everlasting purpose for His children is generally achieved by the small and simple things we do for one another."
Elder M. Russell Ballard Ensign, May 2004, 86

We are wise to follow, therefore, the example of Lorenzo Snow rather than that of Thomas B. Marsh. Marsh let himself become so preoccupied with the imperfections in the Prophet Joseph Smith that he found himself disaffected and out of the Church for a season. Lorenzo Snow said that he had observed some imperfections in the Prophet Joseph Smith, but his reaction was that it was marvelous to see how the Lord could still use Joseph. Seeing this, Elder Lorenzo Snow—later President Snow—concluded that there might even be some hope for him.
Neal A. Maxwell, “A Choice Seer,” Ensign, Aug. 1986, 6

“Kindness is how a Christlike person treats others. Kindness should permeate all of our words and actions at work, at school, at church, and especially in our homes.”
~Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin, Ensign May 2005, p.26

" 'Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best--better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His'
(Neal A. Maxwell "Patience," Ensign, Oct. 1980, 28)

Satan would have us fill our days with things that are not essential to our salvation. Do the important things first.

"Your life is carefully watched over, as was mine. The Lord knows both what He will need you to do and what you will need to know. He is kind and He is all-knowing. So you can with confidence expect that He has prepared opportunities for you to learn in preparation for the service you will give. You will not recognize those opportunities perfectly, as I did not. But when you put the spiritual things first in your life, you will be blessed to feel directed toward certain learning, and you will be motivated to work harder. You will recognize later that your power to serve was increased, and you will be grateful."
( Henry B. Eyring, "Education for Real Life," Ensign, Oct. 2002, 18-19)

…and I would that ye would be diligent and temperate in all things. Alma 38:10

…seek diligently to turn the hearts of the children to their fathers, and the hearts of the fathers to the children. Doctrine and Covenants 98:16

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ…that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins. 2 Nephi 25:26

Jesus “went about doing good.”
We can all do something good every day –for a family member, a friend, or even a stranger—if we will look for those opportunities.
~James E. Faust Nov. Ensign 2006, 21

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32

Verily, I say, men should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of their own free will and bring to pass much righteousness; For the power is in them, wherein they are agents unto themselves. And inasmuch as men do good they shall in nowise lose their reward. D & C 58:27-28

This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.
Psalm 118: 24

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him? Mark 4: 39, 41

Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.
And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief. Mark 9:23-24

BUT behold, I, Jacob, would speak unto you that are pure in heart. Look unto God with firmness of mind, and pray unto him with exceeding faith, and he will console you in your afflictions, and he will plead your cause, and send down justice upon those who seek your destruction. Jacob 3:1

For the natural man is an enemy to God, and has been from the fall of Adam, and will be, forever and ever, unless he yields to the enticings of the Holy Spirit, and putteth off the natural man and becometh a saint through the atonement of Christ the Lord, and becometh as a child, submissive, meek, humble, patient, full of love, willing to submit to all things which the Lord seeth fit to inflict upon him, even as a child doth submit to his father. Mosiah 3:19

Thus God has provided a means that man, through faith, might work mighty miracles; therefore he becometh a great benefit to his fellow beings. Mosiah 8:18

And he shall go forth, suffering pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind; and this that the word might be fulfilled which saith he will take upon him the pains and the sicknesses of his people.

And he will take upon him death, that he may loose the bands of death which bind his people; and he will take upon him their infirmities, that his bowels may be filled with mercy, according to the flesh, that he may know according to the flesh how to succor his people according to their infirmities. Alma 7:11-12

Therefore, blessed are they who humble themselves without being compelled to be humble; or rather, in other words, blessed is he that believeth in the word of God, and is baptized without stubbornness of heart, yea, without being brought to know the word, or even compelled to know, before they will believe. Alma 32:16

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall. Helaman 5:12

But as oft as they repented and sought forgiveness, with real intent, they were forgiven. Moroni 6:8

And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things, and obey not his commandments. D & C 59:21

And their hearts were swollen with joy, unto the gushing out of many tears, because of the great goodness of God in delivering them out of the hands of their enemies; and they knew it was because of their repentance and their humility that they had been delivered from an everlasting destruction. 3 Nephi 4:33

And it came to pass that there was no contention in the land, because of the love of God which did dwell in the hearts of the people.
And there were no envyings, nor strifes, nor tumults, nor whoredoms, nor lyings, nor murders, nor any manner of lasciviousness; and surely there could not be a happier people among all the people who had been created by the hand of God. 4 Nephi 1:15-16

And it came to pass that he cried mightily unto the Lord all that day; and behold, the voice of the Lord came unto him, saying:
Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets.
Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son—of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh. And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given.
3 Nephi 1:12-14

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. Romans 8: 16-17

Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things. Jacob 4:7
But with some I am not well pleased, for they will not open their mouths, but they hide the talent which I have given unto them, because of the fear of man. Wo unto such, for mine anger is kindled against them. D & C 60:2



And this is the gospel, the glad tidings, which the voice out of the heavens bore record unto us—
That he came into the world, even Jesus, to be crucified for the world, and to bear the sins of the world, and to sanctify the world, and to cleanse it from all unrighteousness;
That through him all might be saved whom the Father had put into his power and made by him; D & C 76:40-42


And ye cannot bear all things now; nevertheless, be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.
D & C 78:19

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30



Therefore, if you cannot obtain five hundred, seek diligently that peradventure you may obtain three hundred.
And if ye cannot obtain three hundred, seek diligently that peradventure ye may obtain one hundred. D & C 103:32-33


And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more.
D & C 78:19


Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good, if ye walk uprightly and remember the covenant wherewith ye have covenanted one with another. D & C 90:24

O LORD, how manifold are thy works! in wisdom hast thou made them all: the earth is full of thy riches. Psalms 104:24


The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
Psalms 18: 2
THE LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? D & C 27:1

Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: Psalms 119: 156
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
Isaiah 53: 4-5


For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7



If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
Matthew 7:11

Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: Matthew 7:12

Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Matthew 7:20
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3:16-17
But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. 1 Nephi 1:20

Being Zealous versus Being Over-Zealous

This is a definition of the word zealous from dictionary.com:
full of, characterized by, or due to zeal; ardently active, devoted, or diligent.

These are examples from the scriptures of the word "zealous" being used as a positive trait:


Acts 22: 3
3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

1 Cor. 14: 12
12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.

Titus 2: 14
14 Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.

Rev. 3: 19
19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Mosiah 27: 35
35 And they traveled throughout all the land of Zarahemla, and among all the people who were under the reign of king Mosiah, zealously striving to repair all the injuries which they had done to the church, confessing all their sins, and publishing all the things which they had seen, and explaining the prophecies and the scriptures to all who desired to hear them.

Alma 21: 23
23 And Ammon did preach unto the people of king Lamoni; and it came to pass that he did teach them all things concerning things pertaining to righteousness. And he did exhort them daily, with all diligence; and they gave heed unto his word, and they were zealous for keeping the commandments of God.

Alma 27: 30
30 And thus they were a zealous and beloved people, a highly favored people of the Lord.

Here are examples from the scriptures of being "over-zealous":

Mosiah 7: 21
21 And ye all are witnesses this day, that Zeniff, who was made king over this people, he being over-zealous to inherit the land of his fathers, therefore being deceived by the cunning and craftiness of king Laman, who having entered into a treaty with king Zeniff, and having yielded up into his hands the possessions of a part of the land, or even the city of Lehi-Nephi, and the city of Shilom; and the land round about—

Mosiah 9: 3
3 And yet, I being over-zealous to inherit the land of our fathers, collected as many as were desirous to go up to possess the land, and started again on our journey into the wilderness to go up to the land; but we were smitten with famine and sore afflictions; for we were slow to remember the Lord our God.

Gal. 1: 14
14 And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

JS-H 1: 9
9 My mind at times was greatly excited, the cry and tumult were so great and incessant. The Presbyterians were most decided against the Baptists and Methodists, and used all the powers of both reason and sophistry to prove their errors, or, at least, to make the people think they were in error. On the other hand, the Baptists and Methodists in their turn were equally zealous in endeavoring to establish their own tenets and disprove all others.

My theory on strengths and weaknesses

It is my feeling that the very traits and skills that are our greatest strengths are also very often our weaknesses. I think this is because a great deal of our training in life is learning to control ourselves, to stay in the middle. To strike a happy balance- not too much or not too little but just the right amount.

Here is an example-
Someone who is very interested and concerned about other people uses this skill to care for others and help them out. To carry this strength too far would be to help when people don't want it and to be too involved in their problems.

I see other examples of this every day and I will add more examples of this when I have more time.

But, the fact that I know that my strengths can also be my weaknesses can be very useful knowledge. I can always examine my motives and ask myself if I am using this skill to the correct degree.

An example of my own is that I can be a zealous person about certain things but, if I am not careful, I can become over-zealous. I have studied this in the Book of Mormon. There are examples where the word "zealous" is used in a positive light to describe someone or to describe a people. (The people of Ammon, for instance.) But then the word "over-zealous" is also used to describe someone that goes a bit overboard. I have seen me be guilty of this. Sometimes I feel the need to help someone and do things for others. I know I have done some things for people that were very thoughtful and very much appreciated. But there have also been times when I have carried it a bit too far and then it makes the person being served feel uncomfortable.

Missionaries

Gordon B. Hinckley, “Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 51

I speak also of missionary service. I was recently in London, England, and there we held a meeting with the missionaries serving in that area. Representatives of the British Broadcasting Corporation filmed part of the service. They are preparing a documentary of our missionary work in the British Isles.

Prior to this I had been interviewed by a representative of the BBC Radio Worldwide Service. He had seen the missionaries and noted their youthful appearance. He asked me, “How do you expect people to listen to these callow youth?”

In case some of you do not know the meaning of callow, it means immature, inexperienced, lacking sophistication.

I replied to the reporter with a smile, “Callow youth? It is with these missionaries today as it was with Timothy in the days of Paul. It was Paul who wrote to his young companion, saying, ‘Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity’ (1 Tim. 4:12).

“The remarkable thing is that people do receive them and listen to them. They are wholesome. They are bright, they are alert, they are upstanding. They are clean looking, and people quickly develop confidence in them.”

I might have added, “They are a miracle.” They knock on doors, but not many are at home these days in a city like London. And so missionaries approach them on the street and engage them in conversation.

It is not an easy thing for a sensitive young man or woman to do this. But they come to believe in these further words of Paul to Timothy:

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:7–8).

They recognize that fear comes not from God but from the adversary of truth. And so they develop a capacity to engage people in conversation concerning their work and their message. They and their associates will bring into the Church during this year of 1995 almost 300,000 converts. That is the equivalent of a hundred new stakes of Zion and more than five hundred new wards in one year.

“Callow youth?” Yes, they are lacking in sophistication. What a great blessing this is. They carry no element of deception. They speak with no element of sophistry. They speak out of their hearts, with personal conviction. Each is a servant of the living God, an ambassador of the Lord Jesus Christ. Their power comes not of their learning in the things of the world. Their power comes of faith, and prayer, and humility. As we have been reminded, the work is not easy. It has never been easy. Long ago Jeremiah said that the Lord would gather His people one of a city and two of a family and bring them to Zion and feed them with pastors after His own heart (see Jer. 3:14–15). In terms of the individual missionary, the harvest is not great in most instances, but in the aggregate it becomes tremendous. The work demands courage, it demands effort, it demands dedication, it demands the humility to get on one’s knees and ask the Lord for help and direction.

I throw out a challenge to every young man within this vast congregation tonight. Prepare yourself now to be worthy to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. He has said, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). Prepare to consecrate two years of your lives to this sacred service. That will in effect constitute a tithe on the first twenty years of your lives. Think of all that you have that is good—life itself, health, strength, food to eat and clothing to wear, parents, brothers and sisters, and friends. All are gifts from the Lord.

Of course your time is precious, and you may feel you cannot afford two years. But I promise you that the time you spend in the mission field, if those years are spent in dedicated service, will yield a greater return on investment than any other two years of your lives. You will come to know what dedication and consecration mean. You will develop powers of persuasion which will bless your entire life. Your timidity, your fears, your shyness will gradually disappear as you go forth with boldness and conviction. You will learn to work with others, to develop a spirit of teamwork. The cankering evil of selfishness will be supplanted by a sense of service to others. You will draw nearer to the Lord than you likely will in any other set of circumstances. You will come to know that without His help you are indeed weak and simple, but that with His help you can accomplish miracles.

You will establish habits of industry. You will develop a talent for the establishment of goals of effort. You will learn to work with singleness of purpose. What a tremendous foundation all of this will become for you in your later educational efforts and your life’s work. Two years will not be time lost. It will be skills gained.

You will bless the lives of those you teach, and their posterity after them. You will bless your own life. You will bless the lives of your family, who will sustain you and pray for you.

And above and beyond all of this will come that sweet peace in your heart that you have served your Lord faithfully and well. Your service will become an expression of gratitude to your Heavenly Father.

You will come to know your Redeemer as your greatest friend in time or eternity. You will realize that through His atoning sacrifice He has opened the way for eternal life and an exaltation above and beyond your greatest dreams.

If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father, you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power.
And so, my dear young brethren, resolve within your hearts today to include in the program of your lives service in the harvest field of the Lord as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

"No Less Serviceable"

Alma 48: 19
19 Now behold, Helaman and his brethren were no less serviceable unto the people than was Moroni; for they did preach the word of God, and they did baptize unto repentance all men whosoever would hearken unto their words.

Today in my Book of Mormon class we were talking about Sam's contributions to his brother Nephi and to the work of the Lord. He isn't talked about as much but from what is included in the Book of Mormon, he was always faithful to his brother Nephi. He didn't have the notoriety that Nephi did, but his reward is no less than Nephi's. Someone in the class compared Sam to Hyrum Smith. Both were older brothers to the prophet. Both loved, supported, and served. Both were less known. Both had an equally important job in building up the kingdom of God and their more famous brother and the blessings they receive will great, too.
It reminds me of something Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley has said on more than one occasion:

No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others.
....You have as great an opportunity for satisfaction in the performance of your duty as I do in mine. The progress of this work will be determined by our joint efforts. Whatever your calling, it is as fraught with the same kind of opportunity to accomplish good as is mine. What is really important is that this is the work of the Master. Our work is to go about doing good as did He.
Gordon B. Hinckley, “This Is the Work of the Master,” Ensign, May 1995, 69

I'm sure I can find more times when he has said something to this effect. It is true that it is not where we serve but how we serve.

There are many examples in the scriptures and I will start to make a list (and add to it from time to time) of lesser known but "no less serviceable" builders of the Kingdom:
1. Sam (Book of Mormon)
2. Zoram (Book of Mormon)
3. Nephi's righteous sisters (Book of Mormon)
4. Omner, Himni, and other brethren (Book of Mormon, Alma 22: 35)
5. Alma (the elder) and his fellow laborers (Book of Mormon, Mosiah 26:38)
6. "their numbers which they had selected" They=the Sons of Mosiah (Alma 17:8)
7. Alma, Amulek "and also many more who had been chosen for the work, to preach the word throughout all the land" (Alma 16:15)
8. (Jan. 28, 2011) I found another one. When Jesus appears to the people of Ancient America, he has Nephi come forth, but after that: 22 And again the Lord called others, and said unto them likewise; and he gave unto them power to baptize. Maybe it was the 12 Disciples that are mentioned later on, but maybe it was others who are not known to us, but are known to God.
9. (Nov. 28, 2011) 23 And it came to pass that Nephi went forth among the people, and also many others, baptizing unto repentance, in the which there was a great remission of sins. And thus the people began again to have peace in the land.
10. (March 28, 2012) Jacob 1:8 For I, Jacob, and my brother Joseph had been consecrated priests and teachers of this people, by the hand of Nephi.
You hear a lot about Jacob here but barely a mention of Joseph, who was also called to be a teacher among the people. I am sure he worked as hard as Jacob did, but he didn't get as much recognition.

My notes from Stake Women's Conference

Notes from Stake Women’s Conference
12 January 2008

Sister Welch-

When Jesus said “A new commandment I give unto you” what was new about it? The part that was new was “As I have loved you”. Now, besides being commanded to love one another, we had an example of someone who had done it.


She quoted the scripture from Matt. 13:15:

15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.

Is our well-intentioned busyness dulling our eyes? Do we look at others through our own agenda?

Elder Oaks reminded us that “what your children really want for dinner is you.”

Sister Virginia H. Pearce-
She told us of her gratitude for our prayers for her father, the prophet.

Quoting from the foreword of the book Women of Covenant she said that the definition of Relief Society is imperfect saints seeking holiness.

This reminds me of 2 Visiting Teaching messages from last year that really had an impact on me. One talked about “practicing holiness” and the other talked about “exercising faith”. This helps me to remember that we are in this life to learn and we can best learn by doing. So if we want to be holy, we have to practice. If we want to have a great amount of faith, we need to exercise it or, just like a muscle, it will not develop and it may even deteriorate.

There is no special way to say it but just because it is said a lot doesn’t change the significance of the message that:

You and I are of great worth, every single one of us.

She told of an Olympic speed skater that later joined the church, but who had thought her value as a person came from her achievements.

Gain a testimony of your worth, outside of your experiences in this life.

If you have gained a testimony of this, you can receive it over and over.

She quoted from Jacob 4. I think it was Jacob 4:7:

7 Nevertheless, the Lord God showeth us our weakness that we may know that it is by his grace, and his great condescensions unto the children of men, that we have power to do these things.

When you have a testimony of your own worth, then you can turn to others.
Sometimes we keep hitting a wall that is a mirror, instead of letting it be a window to see others.

Look for the word “willing” in the scriptures.

Do it first, then if you’re consistent, you can feel it, too.

A hard heart versus a soft heart

Am I looking in a mirror or a window?
Look at the person and the mirror will open to a window. With a window, my love can go out and God’s love can come in easier.

A greeting in India that means “All that is divine in me reverences all that is divine within you.”

Read in Mosiah 18 about love and caring for each others.

Pres. Hinckley's Ensign articles

I will also compile a list of all the First Presidency messages Pres. Hinckley has published in the Ensign since he became prophet in 1995. I will first do the Gen. conf. messages so it may be a while until I complete this.

Pres. Hinckley's Gen. Conf. Messages

This will be (when it is finished) a list and synopsis of all the General Conference addresses since Gordon B. Hinckley became the prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on March 12, 1995. This will take me a while but I will work at it a little each week. It will be interesting to see what themes and admonitions are most repeated.

October 1995 Gen. Conference
1. “As We Gather Together,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 4
2. “Of Missions, Temples, and Stewardship,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 51 (Priesthood session)

I throw out a challenge to every young man within this vast congregation tonight. Prepare yourself now to be worthy to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary. He has said, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear” (D&C 38:30). Prepare to consecrate two years of your lives to this sacred service. That will in effect constitute a tithe on the first twenty years of your lives. Think of all that you have that is good—life itself, health, strength, food to eat and clothing to wear, parents, brothers and sisters, and friends. All are gifts from the Lord. If you serve a mission faithfully and well, you will be a better husband, you will be a better father, you will be a better student, a better worker in your chosen vocation. Love is of the essence of this missionary work. Selflessness is of its very nature. Self-discipline is its requirement. Prayer opens its reservoir of power.
And so, my dear young brethren, resolve within your hearts today to include in the program of your lives service in the harvest field of the Lord as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

3. “Stay the Course—Keep the Faith,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 70

I invite every one of you, wherever you may be as members of this church, to stand on your feet and with a song in your heart move forward, living the gospel, loving the Lord, and building the kingdom. Together we shall stay the course and keep the faith, the Almighty being our strength.

4. “The Fabric of Faith and Testimony,” Ensign, Nov 1995, 89

I would like to suggest that each of you will be a better man or woman if you will put into your lives something of what you have heard in this great conference.

You parents, love your children. Cherish them. They are so precious. They are so very, very important. They are the future. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them. You need the help of the Lord. Pray for that help and follow the inspiration which you receive.

I leave my blessing upon you, that as you walk in faith there may be peace in your hearts and goodness and gladness in your lives, and that the Spirit of the Lord may dwell with you in your homes, to bring nurture to you and those you love most dearly...

April 1996 General Conference

1. “‘Be Ye Clean’,” Ensign, May 1996, 46 (Priesthood session)

Stay away from alcohol, my brethren. Never get involved in a so-called beer bust. Do not get entrapped with illegal drugs. They could destroy you. They could make of you a slave and the cravings that would follow would impoverish you in getting money to buy more drugs to satisfy those cravings.
As a holder of the priesthood, you cannot, you must not be led into the vicious trap of immoral behavior. Of course you are to socialize with young women, to date, to have fun of a wholesome kind in a hundred ways. But there is a line which you must not cross. It is the line that separates personal cleanliness from sin. I need not get clinical in telling you where that line is. You know. You have been told again and again. You have a conscience within you. Stay on the Lord’s side of the line.

Be clean in language. There is so much of filthy, sleazy talk these days. I spoke to the young women about it. I speak to you also. It tells others that your vocabulary is so extremely limited that you cannot express yourself without reaching down into the gutter for words. Dirty talk is unbecoming any man who holds the priesthood, be he young or old.

Nor can you as a priesthood holder take the name of the Lord in vain. Said Jehovah to the children of Israel, “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain” (Ex. 20:7).

Be clean in dress and manner. I do not expect you to look like missionaries all of the time. But let me say that the clean and conservative dress and grooming of our missionaries has become as a badge of honor recognized wherever they go. The age in which we are living now has become an age of sloppy dress and sloppy manners. But I am not so concerned about what you wear as I am that it be clean.
I urge you to be clean in manner, to be courteous, to be respectful, to be honest, to be young men and older men of integrity.

2. “This Glorious Easter Morn,” Ensign, May 1996, 65

I salute fathers and mothers who are loyal to one another and who nurture their children in faith and love. There has been a wonderful response to the Proclamation on the Family, which we issued last October. We hope you will read it and reread it.

3. “‘Remember … Thy Church, O Lord’,” Ensign, May 1996, 82

...let us now return to our homes with increased resolution in our hearts to live the gospel more fully, to serve with greater diligence, and to stand for truth with enthusiasm and without fear.

General Conference April 1995
1. This Work is concerned With People Ensign, May 1995, 51

We are becoming a great global society. But our interest and concern must always be with the individual. Every member of this church is an individual man or woman, boy or girl. Our great responsibility is to see that each is “remembered and nourished by the good word of God” (Moro. 6:4), that each has opportunity for growth and expression and training in the work and ways of the Lord, that none lacks the necessities of life, that the needs of the poor are met, that each member shall have encouragement, training, and opportunity to move forward on the road of immortality and eternal life. This, I submit, is the inspired genius of this the Lord’s work.

The decisions we make, individually and personally, become the fabric of our lives. That fabric will be beautiful or ugly according to the threads of which it is woven. I wish to say particularly to the young men who are here that you cannot indulge in any unbecoming behavior without injury to the beauty of the fabric of your lives. Immoral acts of any kind will introduce an ugly thread. Dishonesty of any kind will create a blemish. Foul and profane language will rob the pattern of its beauty.

2. This is the Work of the Master Ensign, May 1995, 69

Years ago I gave a talk on the loneliness of leadership. Now for the first time I realize the full import of that loneliness. I do not know why this mantle has fallen upon my shoulders. I suppose some of you may also wonder. But we are here.

I have tremendous respect for fathers and mothers who are nurturing their children in light and truth, who have prayer in their homes, who spare the rod and govern with love, who look upon their little ones as their most valued assets to be protected, trained, and blessed.

This church does not belong to its President. Its head is the Lord Jesus Christ, whose name each of us has taken upon ourselves. We are all in this great endeavor together. We are here to assist our Father in His work and His glory, “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). Your obligation is as serious in your sphere of responsibility as is my obligation in my sphere. No calling in this church is small or of little consequence. All of us in the pursuit of our duty touch the lives of others. To each of us in our respective responsibilities the Lord has said: “Wherefore, be faithful; stand in the office which I have appointed unto you; succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees” (D&C 81:5).

3. We Have a Work to Do Ensign, May 1995, 87

I look back to my own youth. Neither young men nor young women were doing much scripture reading at that time. What a marvelous change has been wrought. A new generation is arising who are familiar with the word of the Lord. Growing up in a worldly environment that is laden with immorality and filth of every kind, our youth, for the most part, are meeting the challenge of living in the world without partaking of the evils of the world.

I am suggesting that we spend a little less time in idleness, in the fruitless pursuit of watching some inane and empty television programs. Time so utilized can be put to better advantage, and the consequences will be wonderful. Of that I do not hesitate to assure you.