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.

And my father dwelt in a tent

I have always found it interesting that Nephi mentioned so many times that they were living in tents after they left Jerusalem. What are we to learn from this? In my mind, he is trying to tell us that great things can happen in humble circumstances and also that even when conditions are not ideal, good things can still occur.


The occurrences of "dwelt in a tent" in the Text of the Scriptures, sorted by relevance.

1 Ne. 2: 15
15 And my father dwelt in a tent.
1 Ne. 9: 1
1 And all these things did my father see, and hear, and speak, as he dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel, and also a great many more things, which cannot be written upon these plates.
1 Ne. 10: 16
16 And all these things, of which I have spoken, were done as my father dwelt in a tent, in the valley of Lemuel.
1 Ne. 16: 6
6 Now, all these things were said and done as my father dwelt in a tent in the valley which he called Lemuel.


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"Thus We See" from the Book of Mormon

Everytime you read "thus we see" in the Book of Mormon, we know that there is a lesson to be learned. It is always interesting to read what follows these words.

The occurrences of "thus we see" in the Text of the Scriptures, sorted by relevance.

Hel. 6: 34-36, 40
34 And thus we see that the Nephites did begin to dwindle in unbelief, and grow in wickedness and abominations, while the Lamanites began to grow exceedingly in the knowledge of their God; yea, they did begin to keep his statutes and commandments, and to walk in truth and uprightness before him.
35 And thus we see that the Spirit of the Lord began to withdraw from the Nephites, because of the wickedness and the hardness of their hearts.
36 And thus we see that the Lord began to pour out his Spirit upon the Lamanites, because of their easiness and willingness to believe in his words.
• • •
40 And thus we see that they were in an awful state, and ripening for an everlasting destruction.
Alma 24: 19, 27
19 And thus we see that, when these Lamanites were brought to believe and to know the truth, they were firm, and would suffer even unto death rather than commit sin; and thus we see that they buried their weapons of peace, or they buried the weapons of war, for peace.
• • •
27 And there was not a wicked man slain among them; but there were more than a thousand brought to the knowledge of the truth; thus we see that the Lord worketh in many ways to the salvation of his people.
Alma 28: 13-14
13 And thus we see how great the inequality of man is because of sin and transgression, and the power of the devil, which comes by the cunning plans which he hath devised to ensnare the hearts of men.
14 And thus we see the great call of diligence of men to labor in the vineyards of the Lord; and thus we see the great reason of sorrow, and also of rejoicing—sorrow because of death and destruction among men, and joy because of the light of Christ unto life.
Alma 42: 4, 7, 14
4 And thus we see, that there was a time granted unto man to repent, yea, a probationary time, a time to repent and serve God.
• • •
7 And now, ye see by this that our first parents were cut off both temporally and spiritually from the presence of the Lord; and thus we see they became subjects to follow after their own will.
• • •
14 And thus we see that all mankind were fallen, and they were in the grasp of justice; yea, the justice of God, which consigned them forever to be cut off from his presence.
Alma 12: 21-22
21 What does the scripture mean, which saith that God placed cherubim and a flaming sword on the east of the garden of Eden, lest our first parents should enter and partake of the fruit of the tree of life, and live forever? And thus we see that there was no possible chance that they should live forever.
22 Now Alma said unto him: This is the thing which I was about to explain. Now we see that Adam did fall by the partaking of the forbidden fruit, according to the word of God; and thus we see, that by his fall, all mankind became a lost and fallen people.
Alma 30: 60
60 And thus we see the end of him who perverteth the ways of the Lord; and thus we see that the devil will not support his children at the last day, but doth speedily drag them down to hell.
Hel. 3: 27-28
27 Thus we may see that the Lord is merciful unto all who will, in the sincerity of their hearts, call upon his holy name.
28 Yea, thus we see that the gate of heaven is open unto all, even to those who will believe on the name of Jesus Christ, who is the Son of God.
1 Ne. 16: 29
29 And there was also written upon them a new writing, which was plain to be read, which did give us understanding concerning the ways of the Lord; and it was written and changed from time to time, according to the faith and diligence which we gave unto it. And thus we see that by small means the Lord can bring about great things.
1 Ne. 17: 3
3 And thus we see that the commandments of God must be fulfilled. And if it so be that the children of men keep the commandments of God he doth nourish them, and strengthen them, and provide means whereby they can accomplish the thing which he has commanded them; wherefore, he did provide means for us while we did sojourn in the wilderness.
Alma 46: 8
8 Thus we see how quick the children of men do forget the Lord their God, yea, how quick to do iniquity, and to be led away by the evil one.
Alma 50: 19
19 And thus we see how merciful and just are all the dealings of the Lord, to the fulfilling of all his words unto the children of men; yea, we can behold that his words are verified, even at this time, which he spake unto Lehi, saying:
Hel. 12: 3
3 And thus we see that except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, yea, except he doth visit them with death and with terror, and with famine and with all manner of pestilence, they will not remember him.
Ether 14: 25
25 And thus we see that the Lord did visit them in the fulness of his wrath, and their wickedness and abominations had prepared a way for their everlasting destruction.
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Practice Holiness and Exercise Faith

Today was our Stake Relief Society Conference. It was really good. Virginia Hinckley Pearce was the speaker. She did a wonderful job. It was a great conference. I really have to hand it to our Stake Relief Society presidency. I know they were inspired. I will put my notes from the conference in here later. I mainly wanted to say that something Sis. Pearce said reminded me of 2 of the Visiting Teaching messages from this last year. They really made an impression on me. They are the title of this blog entry. As Saints we practice holiness and we exercise faith. They sound very "hands on". How else do you learn something or get better at something than by practicing and exercising?! These words help me to visualize what I should be doing in my life. It also helps you to be more patient with others since they are practicing too.

By their fruits ye shall know them

According to scriptures.lds.org. these are all the scriptures that mention "by their fruits ye shall know them" In my opinion, this is one of the major ways God has given us in this life to understand Good vs. Evil.


Matt. 7: 16, 20
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
• • •
20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.
3 Ne. 14: 16, 20
16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?
• • •
20 Wherefore, by their fruits ye shall know them.
Ezek. 34: 27
27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD, when I have broken the bands of their yoke, and delivered them out of the hand of those that served themselves of them.
Ezek. 36: 11
11 And I will multiply upon you man and beast; and they shall increase and bring fruit: and I will settle you after your old estates, and will do better unto you than at your beginnings: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.
Acts 2: 30
30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne;
2 Ne. 2: 18
18 And because he had fallen from heaven, and had become miserable forever, he sought also the misery of all mankind. Wherefore, he said unto Eve, yea, even that old serpent, who is the devil, who is the father of all lies, wherefore he said: Partake of the forbidden fruit, and ye shall not die, but ye shall be as God, knowing good and evil.
2 Ne. 3: 19
19 And the words which he shall write shall be the words which are expedient in my wisdom should go forth unto the fruit of thy loins. And it shall be as if the fruit of thy loins had cried unto them from the dust; for I know their faith.
Jacob 5: 36
36 Nevertheless, I know that the roots are good, and for mine own purpose I have preserved them; and because of their much strength they have hitherto brought forth, from the wild branches, good fruit.
Alma 33: 1
1 Now after Alma had spoken these words, they sent forth unto him desiring to know whether they should believe in one God, that they might obtain this fruit of which he had spoken, or how they should plant the cseed, or the word of which he had spoken, which he said must be planted in their hearts; or in what manner they should begin to exercise their faith.
Alma 42: 3
3 Now, we see that the man had become as God, knowing good and evil; and lest he should put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat and live forever, the Lord God placed cherubim and the flaming sword, that he should not partake of the fruit—
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A Broken Heart and a Contrite Spirit

What is a broken heart?

From what I have read, studied, and thought about, I think another word for broken could be obedient. The only thing that is truly ours is our free will. That is the only thing we can really give Him. When we have the opportunity, when we make the right choice, big or small, we are giving that choice to God.

Another way to think of a broken heart is to think of it in the same way as a broken horse. When a horse is broken, it becomes submissive.

What is a contrite spirit?

From the dictionary, the word contrite means: –adjective 1. caused by or showing sincere remorse.
2. filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent: a contrite sinner.

This is taken from scriptures.lds.org. I am studying about what we offer to Christ. After His death and resurrection, the law of sacrifice was changed.



The occurrences of "broken heart" "contrite spirit" in the Text of the Scriptures, sorted by relevance.


3 Ne. 9: 20
20 And ye shall offer for a asacrifice unto me a broken heart and a contrite spirit. And whoso cometh unto me with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, him will I bbaptize with fire and with the Holy Ghost, even as the Lamanites, because of their faith in me at the time of their conversion, were baptized with fire and with the Holy Ghost, and they knew it not.
Ps. 34: 18
18 The LORD is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and asaveth such as be bof a contrite spirit.
2 Ne. 2: 7
7 Behold, he offereth himself a asacrifice for sin, to answer the ends of the law, unto all those who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit; and unto bnone else can the cends of the law be answered.
3 Ne. 12: 19
19 And behold, I have given you the law and the commandments of my Father, that ye shall believe in me, and that ye shall repent of your sins, and come unto me with a abroken heart and a contrite spirit. Behold, ye have the commandments before you, and the blaw is fulfilled.
Ether 4: 15
15 Behold, when ye shall rend that veil of unbelief which doth cause you to remain in your awful state of wickedness, and hardness of heart, and blindness of mind, then shall the great and marvelous things which have been ahid up from the foundation of the world from you—yea, when ye shall bcall upon the Father in my name, with a broken heart and a contrite spirit, then shall ye know that the Father hath remembered the covenant which he made unto your fathers, O house of Israel.
Moro. 6: 2
2 Neither did they receive any unto baptism save they came forth with a abroken bheart and a contrite spirit, and witnessed unto the church that they truly repented of all their sins.
D&C 59: 8
8 Thou shalt offer a asacrifice unto the Lord thy God in brighteousness, even that of a broken heart and a ccontrite spirit.
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