Saturday morning session 188th Semiannual General Conference

President Russell M. Nelson Elder Quentin L. Cook Brother M. Joseph Brough President of the church Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Young Men general presidency

In recent years, the Church leaders have been Sometimes individuals are presiding councils of the working for a long-time required to face hard things. church have wrestled with on “a home-centered and “Frequently, our first reaction a fundamental question: Church- supported plan to to hard things is ‘Why me?’ “How can we take the learn doctrine, strengthen Asking why, however, never gospel in its simple purity, faith and foster greater takes away the hard thing. and the ordinances with personal worship.” The Lord requires that we their eternal efficacy, to all To accomplish these pur- overcome challenges, and of God’s children?” poses the Sunday meeting he has indicated ‘that all It is time for a home-cen- schedule will be adjusted. these things shall give [us] tered church, supported by what takes place inside The Sunday church meetings will consist of a experience, and shall be for [our good]’ (Doctrine and branch, ward and stake buildings. 60-minute sacrament meeting, “focused on the Sav- Covenants 122:7).” The adversary is increasing his attack on faith and ior, the ordinance of the sacrament, and spiritual To face hard things, individuals must first forgive oth- on families at an exponential rate. “To survive spir- messages.” After time for transition to classes, ers, and second, give themselves to Heavenly Father. itually, we need counter-strategies and pro-active Church members will attend a 50-minute class that Even the Savior faced hard things. “The world … plans. Accordingly, we now want to put in place will alternate each Sunday. Sunday School will be shall judge him to be a thing of naught; wherefore organizational adjustments that will further fortify held on the first and third Sundays. Priesthood quo- they scourge him, and he suffereth it; and they our members and their families.” rums, Relief Society, and Young Women meetings smite him, and he suffereth it. Yea, they spit upon For many years church leaders have been working will be held on the second and fourth Sundays. him, and he suffereth it, because of his loving on an integrated curriculum to strengthen families Meetings on the fifth Sunday will be under the kindness and his long-suffering towards the children and individuals through a “home-centered and direction of the bishop. of men” (1 Nephi 19:9). church-supported” plan to learn doctrine, strength- The new home study resource Come, Follow Me For “Because of that loving kindness, Jesus Christ suf- en faith and foster greater personal worship. Individuals and Families is designed to help members fered the atonement. As a result, he says to each one “This morning we will announce a new balance learn the gospel in the home. of us, ‘In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of between gospel instruction in the home and in the “We are confident that members will be blessed in good cheer; I have overcome the world,’ (John 16:33). church. We are each responsible for our individual extraordinary ways. Sunday can be a day of gospel Because of Christ, we too can overcome the world.” spiritual growth.” learning and teaching at church and in the home.”

Elder Steven R. Bangerter Elder Ronald A. Rasband Elder David A. Bednar General Authority Seventy Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

Traditions established with- In a world defined by peril Strands of a rope combine in the home ingrain strong and worry, the Lord offers his to produce a powerful and characteristics of goodness followers comforting words: productive tool. With an in children that give them “Be of good cheer and do eye to interwoven patterns, strength to confront the not fear” (Doctrine and Latter-day Saints should challenges of life. Covenants 68:6). consider how the principle “Lessons taught through The Lord knew that at times of “gathering together in one the traditions we establish his children would feel fear. all things in Christ” applies in in our homes, though small How is fear dispelled? “Our practical ways to learning and and simple, are increasingly desire to ‘always have his spirit living his gospel and seeing important in today’s world.” to be with us’ (Doctrine and Covenants 20:77) will push the Lord’s work become ever more home-centered and Prayer, scripture reading, family home evening and fear aside for a more eternal view of our mortal lives.” church-supported. attendance at church meetings help create protection Courage comes when people stand “in holy places” A doctrinal example is the fourth Article of Faith prin- from the fiery darts of the adversary. such as righteous homes, dedicated chapels and ciples — trusting in and on the Savior in faith, relying on “As we establish wholesome traditions that teach consecrated temples. him in repentance, following him in baptism, and pressing the doctrine of Christ, the holy spirit bears witness “God loves us, always, and we love him. Our love forward with and in him assisted by the Holy Ghost. of the truthfulness of our message and nourishes of God counters all fears and his love abounds in A church-related example includes building Zion in the seeds of the gospel that are planted deep in the holy places.” native lands, the 1980 consolidated Sunday meeting hearts of our children by our efforts all along the Trust the Lord and his promises. Those who follow cove- schedule, “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” way.” nant paths need not fear. Personal revelation is essential smaller temples, “to the rescue,” self-reliance and the Parents faces moments of frustration and varying for living the gospel. recent quorum realignments, ministering emphasis and levels of determination and strength while raising “The battles will rage on, but we will face them with the now additional Sunday meeting changes. children. “However, when parents exercise faith by spirit of the Lord.” “I pray we can recognize the Lord’s work as one great teaching children candidly, lovingly and doing all they Despite the many perils of the day, Latter-day worldwide work that is becoming ever more home-cen- can to help them along the way, they receive greater Saints can know peace by seeking personal revela- tered and Church-supported. I know and testify that hope that the seeds being sown will take root within tion, keeping sacred covenants and standing with the Lord is revealing and will yet reveal many great and the hearts and minds of their children.” the Lord and his principles. important things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.” Saturday morning session 188th Semiannual General Conference

President Dallin H. Oaks 1st counselor, First Presidency

Truth and the plan Heavenly Father” and that God created the of salvation provide a earth for his children to “have the opportunity knowledge of things to progress” and to “choose eternal life.” present, past and fu- The conditions of God’s eternal plan include ture. While information the temptations from the adversary but also is more easily available provide the gift of repentance through the now than ever before, atonement of Jesus Christ. “The purpose of [the not all information is church] is to qualify his children for the highest true. “We need to be degree of glory, which is exaltation or eternal cautious as we seek life.” truth and choose sources for that search.” “The work of the Lord is going forward despite True joy is found by “coming to know and the organized and constant opposition that acting upon the truth” that all are children of confronts us as we strive to practice the teach- God. The doctrine of the church provides the ings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day knowledge that “there is a God, who is a loving Saints.” Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Saturday afternoon session 188th Semiannual General Conference

Elder D. Todd Christofferson Bishop Dean M. Davies Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 1st counselor, Presiding Bishopric

It is challenging but vital As with the early Saints, so to remain firm and steadfast it is with church members when a person is being today — the Lord has refined in the “furnace of revealed and continues to affliction” — something that reveal to the president of comes to all in mortality. the church the patterns by “Without God, these which the kingdom of God is dark experiences tend to to be directed. despondency, despair and Listening to and hearken- even bitterness. With God, ing to living prophets will comfort replaces pain, peace replaces turmoil and have profound, even life-changing effects. “We are hope replaces sorrow.” strengthened. We are more assured and confident Temptations and tribulations can lead to full in the Lord. We hear the word of the Lord. We feel conversion and healing. “But this happens if, and God’s love. We will know how to conduct our lives only if, we do not harden our hearts or stiffen our with purpose.” necks against him.” At a personal level, “he provides guidance as to “To persevere firm and steadfast in the faith of how each of us should direct our lives, such that our Christ requires that the gospel of Jesus Christ conduct may likewise be acceptable to the Lord.” penetrate one’s heart and soul, meaning that the Like a temple’s strong foundation, every person gospel becomes not just one of many influences in a needs a strong foundation of faith to ensure he person’s life, but the defining focus of his or her life or she will be able to withstand the storms and and character.” calamities of life. Photo by Rick Bowmer A steadfastness of faith comes from praying “The chief cornerstone and building block of the constantly, feasting on the scriptures, serving and church and for our lives is Jesus Christ. This is his worshiping in the church, worthily taking of the church. President Nelson is his prophet. President sacrament each week, loving your neighbor and Nelson’s teachings witness and reveal for our bene- being obedient to God. fit the life and character of Jesus Christ.” Saturday afternoon session 188th Semiannual General Conference

Elder Ulisses Soares Elder Gerrit W. Gong Quorum of the Twelve Apostles Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

God’s children come together in Personal memories and experiences the restored church from different that have built an individual’s faith social backgrounds, traditions in God can be thought of as “our and cultures — forming a wonder- campfire of faith.” Each individu- ful community of Christ. al’s “campfire of faith” can help Through encouragement, sup- encourage and bless them when port and love, members combine they experience times of difficulty or to form a mighty force for good in doubt. These “campfires of faith” can the world. encourage and bless God’s children in “Those of us who are at different five key ways. points in the long journey of discipleship must extend a First, “to find joy in creativity.” Second, “to minister in new warm hand of fellowship to our new friends, accept them Spirit-filled ways.” Third, to “seek to love the Lord and others where they are, and help, love and include them in our with all our hearts and souls.” Fourth, “to establish regular lives. All of these new friends are precious sons and daugh- patterns of righteous living that deepen faith and spirituality.” ters of God. ... Our new friends bring God-given talents, Fifth, “to remember perfection is in Christ, not in ourselves.” excitement and goodness within them.” Through faithful efforts to love God and serve his children, Inspired prophets teach members how to support “we may feel God’s love and needed inspiration for their and and love one another so they can be united in faith and our lives in new and holier ways” and “strengthen our faith purpose. in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ in our hearts, and in our “As we strive to acquire his divine attributes in our lives, homes and at church.” we become different than we were, through the atonement “In various times and ways, we all feel inadequate, uncertain, of Christ the Lord, and our love for all people increases perhaps unworthy.” But by seeking to be obedient to the com- naturally.” mandments of Christ and through “faithful efforts to love God New members need fellow members who are interested and to minister to our neighbor,” everyone can feel the love of in them. They also need an assignment and nourishment the Savior and find strength to bear their personal challenges. Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News “by the good word of God.”

Elder Paul B. Pieper Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf General Authority Seventy Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

“The Savior’s name has singular “This very day — every day — [God] and essential power. It is the reaches out to you, desiring to heal only name by which salvation you, lift you up, and to replace the is possible. By emphasizing this emptiness in your heart with an abid- truth in every dispensation, our ing joy. He desires to sweep away any loving Father assures all of his darkness that clouds your life and fill children that there is a way back it with the sacred and brilliant light of to him.” his unending glory. I have experienced In order to access the Lord’s this for myself. And it is my witness saving power, individuals must as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ take upon themselves the name of Jesus Christ. that all who come unto God — all who truly believe, love and All who desire to take upon the Savior’s name must first do — can experience the same.” be baptized. “By taking upon ourselves the name of Christ, With life’s sorrows, sadness and “Weltschmerz” — a German we commit to take his teachings, his characteristics and ul- word meaning the sadness from brooding about how the world timately his love, deep into our beings so that they become is inferior to how one thinks it ought to be — there is hope. part of who we are.” That great hope is the transformative power of the gospel Those who take upon themselves the name of Christ and the Savior’s redemptive power to heal “soul-sickness.” accept him as their Savior and continually embrace his Latter-day Saints achieve a more abundant life by not focusing teachings as the guide for their lives. “In every meaningful on their own needs or achievements but by becoming true decision we make, we can take his gospel to be true and disciples. obediently live it with all of our heart, might, mind and Discipleship begins with three simple words: believe, love, strength.” do. The cause of Christ and his church are one and the same. Believing God leads to faith in him and trusting in his word. The sacrament is a weekly reminder that taking upon the Faith causes hearts to grow in people’s love for God and oth- name of Christ is a living and continuing commitment, not a ers. As that love grows, they are inspired to emulate the Savior single event. as they continue their own journey on the path of discipleship. General women’s session 188th Semiannual General Conference

Sister Joy D. Jones Sister Michelle D. Craig Sister Cristina B. Franco Primary general president Young Women general presidency Primary general presidency

“Knowing the who and “Divine discontent comes “We have promised our the why in serving others when we compare what Father in Heaven that we will helps us understand that we are to what we have the serve him and others with love the highest manifestation of power to become. Each of us, and do his will in all things.” love is devotion to God.” if we are honest, feels a gap When members of the Service can be challenging between where and who we Church learn to participate if Latter-day Saints do not are, and where and who we in “unselfish service,” they know the why of their ser- want to become. We yearn for embark on the great journey vice. The process of serving greater personal capacity.” of helping to hasten the work others is easier and more These feelings are God-given of God. meaningful if members are “in the service of God.” and create an urgency to act. “Divine discontent it is When a person sacrifices for those around them, their “Rather than building resentment, we can build, not an invitation to stay in our comfort zone, nor will it efforts to serve with the love of Christ can be likened through service, a more perfect relationship with lead us to despair. I have learned that when I wallow in to the story of the widow’s mite from the time of Christ. our Heavenly Father.” thoughts of everything I am not, I do not progress, and I “Her intentions were pure, and she gave all she had to “When serving our God becomes our main priority find it much more difficult to feel and follow the spirit.” give.” in life, we lose ourselves, and in due course, we find One way to tell divine discontent from Satan’s counter- “Sisters, are we giving our all to the Lord without ourselves.” feit is that divine discontent will lead a person to faithful reservation? ... Are we living the two great command- The Savior taught this principle simply and directly action, to follow the promptings to do good, and will ments — to love God and to love his children.” in 3 Nephi 12:16, “Therefore let your light so shine ultimately lead a person to Christ. Service is often the best way to manifest the love of before this people, that they may see your good “Divine discontent motivates us to follow the example Christ that each of God’s children can share with one works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” of the Savior, who ‘went about doing good.’ ” another. “Sisters, I testify that when Jesus Christ, “Have you ever felt your gifts and talents were too In this life, “what will matter is that we came with through the power of his atonement, works on us small for the task ahead? I have. But you and I can give a desire to serve, that we noticed those to whom we and in us, He begins to work through us to bless what we have to Christ, and he will multiply our efforts. minister and greeted them joyfully, … and it will cer- others. We serve them, but we do so by loving What you have to offer is more than enough — even tainly matter that we do all that we do with the special and serving him.” with your human frailties and weaknesses — if you rely ingredient of service coupled with love and sacrifice.” on the grace of God.”

President Henry B. Eyring President Dallin H. Oaks President Russell M. Nelson 2nd counselor, First Presidency 1st counselor, First Presidency President of the church

“Part of the Lord’s current Being a mother is the highest “No one can do what a righ- sharing of knowledge relates priority of Latter-day Saint teous woman can do. No one to accelerating his pouring women and their ultimate joy. can duplicate the influence of out on the heads and into The kingdom of God cannot a mother.” the hearts of his people. be complete without women Daughters of Heavenly He has made clear that the who make and keep sacred Father are mothers by their daughters of Heavenly Father covenants. divine destiny and through will play a primary role in that Young women are unique their spiritual gifts, each has miraculous acceleration.” because of their knowledge of the power to set a standard The Lord has charged the the restored gospel of Jesus that will change the world for women of the church to be “this principal gospel Christ and the plan of salvation. the better. educators” in the family. “This includes the nurture of “Your knowledge will enable you to endure and over- Following the example of “Mother Eve,” the women in gospel truth and knowledge.” come the difficulties of growing up.” the Church today have the power to move “God’s plan Fathers and mothers are partners — equal in their It will be a blessing to “limit your use of and dependen- of happiness forward.” potential and unified in their efforts. “They are equal cy on cell phones.” The ministering spirit of the women of the church has in their divine destiny to be exalted together. In fact, Be kind to others. “Kindness is something many of our inspired many of the changes necessary to bring about they cannot be exalted alone.” youth are doing already. Some groups of youth in some the work of gathering Israel in the latter-days. Women have a great capacity to love and hear the communities have shown the way to for all of us. ... At The gathering of Israel is the greatest challenge, whisperings of the spirit — which gives them guidance the same time, we know that the adversary tempts all of cause and work on the earth, and it cannot be done to know how to nurture and teach. us to be unkind.” without the mothers of Israel. The Savior is the perfect example for all sisters, from It is not pleasing to the Lord “if we are cruel or mean to “My dear sisters, we need you! We need your all backgrounds, in their efforts to improve gospel others.” strength, your conversion, your conviction, your ability learning in the home. “Each of you, equally yoked Those who strive to be kind draw closer to [Jesus to lead, your wisdom, and your voices. ... Together, we with sons of God, will be a major part of a miracle Christ] and His loving example. can do all that our Heavenly Father needs us to do to of gospel learning and living that will hasten the If anyone participates in any meanness or pettiness, prepare the world for the second coming of his Son.” gathering of Israel and will prepare God’s family for resolve now to change and encourage others to change. the glorious return of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Sunday morning session 188th Semiannual General Conference

President M. Russell Ballard Sister Bonnie H. Cordon Elder Jeffrey R. Holland Acting president, Quorum of the Twelve Young Women general president Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

A century has passed since Last April, President Russell An even more personal President Joseph F. Smith M. Nelson extended an aspect of ministering is the received “a glorious vision” invitation to the membership ministry of reconciliation. of the afterlife that would of the Church to “feed our “If ye … desire to come be recorded in Doctrine and Father’s sheep in a holier unto me, and rememberest Covenants section 138. way and to do so through that thy brother hath aught “The vision revealed more ministering. against thee — Go thy way fully the depth and breadth “To effectively accept this unto thy brother, and first of Heavenly Father’s plan invitation, we must develop be reconciled to thy brother, for his children and Christ’s a shepherd’s heart and and then come unto me with redeeming love and the understand the needs of the full purpose of heart, and I matchless power of his atonement.” Lord’s sheep. How do we become the shepherds the will receive you” (3 Nephi 12:23-24). President Ballard prepared his talk “sometime Lord need us to become?” “Surely each of us could cite an endless array of old before the passing of my dear wife Barbara (who died As with all questions, we can look to the Savior, scars and sorrows and painful memories that at this Monday, Oct. 1, five days before general conference). Jesus Christ — the Good Shepherd. very moment still corrode the peace in someone’s My family and I thank you for your love and outreach “What better way is there to feed his sheep than heart or family or neighborhood. Whether we have and kindness.” to help them feel his love — through you? ... Do our caused that pain or been the recipient of it, those President Ballard, President Smith’s great-grand- sheep know we are watching over them with love and wounds need to be healed so life can be as reward- son, said the truths taught in section 138 offer “firm will take action to help?” ing as God intended it to be. Like the food in your hope,” of a glorious resurrection through Jesus Youth can be among some of the strongest shep- refrigerator that your grandchildren carefully check Christ. herds. “I hope, like our prophet, that we recognize in your behalf, those old grievances have long since President Smith knew much sorrow. He lost many of the magnificent strength and nobility found in these exceeded their expiration date. Please don’t give his closest loved ones — parents, two wives and 13 youth. They elevate, expand and magnify the work. precious space in your soul to them any longer.” children. Ministering side by side with them, we see wonders.” Forgiving and forsaking offenses is central to the He prayed fervently for answers and comfort and, The youth are needed. “If you don’t have a minis- grandeur of the atonement of Jesus Christ. in the Lord’s due time, received a vision regarding tering assignment, talk with your Relief Society or “With the apostolic authority granted me ..., I testify the spirit world. “We too can be comforted and learn elders quorum president. They will rejoice in your of the tranquility to the soul that reconciliation with more about our own future when we or our loved willingness to make certain his sheep are known and God and each other will bring if we are meek and ones die and go to the spirit world by studying this numbered, watched over and gathered into the fold courageous enough to pursue it. ‘Cease to contend revelation and pondering its significance in the way of God.” one with another.’ If you know of an old injury, repair we live our lives each day.” it. Care for one another in love.”

Elder Shayne M. Bowen Elder Neil L. Andersen President Russell M. Nelson General Authority Seventy Quorum of the Twelve Apostles President of the church

A testimony of the Book of Although the details will Regarding a statement in Mormon strengthens one’s differ, the tragedies, the unan- August of a “course correction” testimony of the divine ticipated tests and trials, both for the name of the church, calling of the prophet Joseph physical and spiritual, come to “I did this because the Lord Smith and his successors as every person. impressed upon my mind the well as of the Savior and his “This is mortality.” importance of the name he church. Intermingled with joy and decreed for his church, even “As we better understand happiness, one thing is The Church of Jesus Christ of who we are and the purpos- certain: there will be moments, Latter-day Saints.” es of the Book of Mormon, hours, days, sometimes even The effort is not a name our conversion deepens and years when an individual’s soul change, not rebranding, not becomes more certain.” is wounded. cosmetic, not a whim and not inconsequential. Rather, it A principal purpose of the Book of Mormon is to “Wounds of the soul are not unique to the rich or the is a correction and the command of the Lord. gather scattered Israel, which gives all of God’s chil- poor, to one culture, one nation, or one generation. They “Thus, the name of the church is not negotiable. When dren the opportunity to enter into the covenant path come to all, and are a part of the learning we receive the Savior clearly states what the name of his church and return to the presence of Heavenly Father. from this mortal experience.” should be, and even precedes his declaration with, ‘Thus “As we teach repentance and baptize converts, we Because difficulties are part of life, all must be ready shall my church be called,’ he is serious. And if we allow gather scattered Israel.” for them. nicknames to be used and adopt or even sponsor those “Brothers and sisters, let us be known as those who “Along with the bright colors of happiness and joy, the nicknames ourselves, he is offended.” have taken Moroni’s promise to heart, prayed and darker colored threads of trial and tragedy are woven Jesus Christ directed what the church should be called received an answer to know that the Book of Mormon deeply into the fabric of our Father’s plan.” “because it is his church, filled with his power.” is true, and then shared that knowledge with others Struggles, although difficult, can become the greatest “I promise you that if we will do our best to restore in word and, most important, in deed.” teachers. “Never give up — however deep the wounds the correct name of the Lord’s church, he whose church The Book of Mormon is the keystone to conversion of your soul. ... You are meant to survive spiritually, and this is will pour down his power and blessings upon the of all of Heavenly Father’s sons and daughters. blossom in your faith and trust in God.” heads of the Latter-day Saints, the likes of which we “We are gathering Israel for the last time and are “Look forward. Your troubles and sorrows are very real, have never seen. We will have the knowledge and power doing so with the Book of Mormon. ... The Book of but they will not last forever. Your dark night will pass of God to help us take the blessings of the restored Mormon is true. It has changed my life. I promise, as because the Son did rise with healing in his wings.” gospel of Jesus Christ to every nation, kindred, tongue have Moroni and many prophets through the ages, and people and to prepare the world for the second that it can change yours.” coming of the Lord.” Sunday afternoon session 188th Semiannual General Conference

President Henry B. Eyring Brother Brian K. Ashton Elder Robert C. Gay 2nd counselor, First Presidency Sunday School general presidency Presidency of the Seventy

Mortal life is designed by If one cleaves in faith In order for individuals a loving God to be a test to Christ, repents and to take the name of Christ and source of growth, but seeks God’s grace through upon themselves, they must: the loving God who allowed obedience, he or she will “Faithfully strive to see as these tests also designed eventually become like God sees,” “do his work and a sure way to pass through Heavenly Father. serve as he served” and them. “Heavenly Father “We won’t become like the “trust him.” so loved the world that he Father on our own. Rather All of God’s children are sent his beloved son to help it will come through gifts of “sacred beings,” and as us. … Jesus Christ bore in grace, some big, but mostly such, each of their souls hold Gethsemane and on the small, that build upon one infinite worth. “No one is cross the weight of all our sins. He experienced all another until we have a fulness.” preordained to fail.” the sorrows, the pains, and the effects of our sins By understanding key doctrinal points of the Father, Heavenly Father endows each of his children with so that he could comfort and strengthen us through his plan of salvation and his constant, eternal pres- the power to bless themselves, their families and every test in life.” ence in the lives of his children, “Heavenly Father is the lives of all those around them. But in order to do The promise found in the sacramental prayer can always there for us.” so, individuals must sanctify themselves by purifying provide guidance through trials. “Each time we say “My objective today is to teach key doctrinal points their hearts, repenting of their sins, becoming the word amen when that prayer is offered on our be- about the Father that will allow each of us ... to converted and loving as he loves. half, we pledge that by partaking of the bread we are better understand his true character and to exercise While the world argues that joy may be found away willing to take upon us the holy name of Jesus Christ, great faith in him, his son and his plan for us.” from the gospel path, such joy is short lived. “There always remember him, and keep his commandments. The Father possesses many character traits that can simply is no enduring joy outside of the gospel of In turn, we are promised that we may always have be developed by his children — including kindness, Jesus Christ.” his spirit to be with us. Because of these promises, loyalty, honesty, intelligence and dependability. By trusting in God and his love for his children, all the Savior is the rock upon which we can stand safely “There is much we do not understand about becom- can know the truth that, “there is nothing and no one and without fear in every storm we face.” ing like the Father. But I can testify with certainty he is unable to heal and deliver to enduring joy.” Sister Kathleen Eyring has spoken for the Lord that striving to become like the Father is worth every “His love is greater than our fears, our addictions, and served many people for him. Now she can only sacrifice. The sacrifices we make here in mortality, our doubts, our temptations, our sins, our broken speak a few words. “I think that she will find, when no matter how great, are simply incomparable to the families, our depression and anxieties, our chronic she sees him, that our Savior has put his name into immeasureable joy, happiness and love we will feel illness, our poverty, our abuse, our despair and our her heart. ... he is carrying her through her troubles in God’s presence.” loneliness.” now.”

Elder Matthew L. Carpenter Elder Dale G. Renlund Elder Jack N. Gerard General Authority Seventy Quorum of the Twelve Apostles General Authority Seventy

Heavenly Father is all-pow- Choices determine who a In a noisy world, it’s essential erful and all-knowing. person is and who he or she to step back and consider what “He knows our physical will become. changes need to be made in struggles. He is aware of our “We need to choose whom one’s life. physical pains due to illness, we will serve. The magnitude “We live in a world of infor- disease, aging accidents of our eternal happiness mation overload dominated by or birth disorders. He is depends on choosing the ever-increasing distractions aware of emotional struggles living God and joining him in that make it more and more associated with anxiety, his work.” difficult to sort through the loneliness, depression or Agency is essential to commotion of this life and mental illness. He knows following the father’s plan. focus on things of eternal each person who has suffered injustice or who has “Heavenly Father’s goal in parenting is not to have worth.” been abused. He knows our weaknesses and the his children do what is right; it is to have his children Rapid-fire bursts of information and distraction can be propensities and temptations we struggle with. choose to do what is right and ultimately become like interesting and entertaining, but they usually have little “During mortality we are tested to see if we will him. If he simply wanted us to be obedient, he would to do with one’s eternal progress. “And yet they shape choose good over evil. For those who keep his use immediate rewards and punishments to influence the way we view our mortal experience.” commandments, they will live with him in a state of our behaviors.” But prayerfully assessing one’s life offers an opportu- never-ending happiness.” God desires, expects and directs his children to nity to step back from the world, reflect on the covenant The Savior Jesus Christ paid the price so that all choose for themselves. He does not force obedience. path and make necessary adjustments. can be made whole physically, emotionally and “Agency allows us to choose to get on the path, or not. “Understanding our divine origins is essential to our spiritually. It allows us to get off, or not. Just as we cannot be eternal progress and can free us from the distractions of “Spiritual healing is not one-sided — it requires the forced to obey, we cannot be forced to disobey. No one this life.” Savior’s redemptive power and sincere repentance can, without our cooperation, take us off the path. ... The debate over truth has reached “a fevered pitch,” on the part of the sinner.” “So, choose faith in Christ; choose repentance; with all sides claiming truth as if it were “a relative Spiritual healing also requires individuals to submit choose to be baptized and receive the Holy Ghost; concept open to individual interpretation.” themselves to the conditions the Savior has outlined. choose to conscientiously prepare for and worthily The best things in life are centered on Jesus Christ and Jesus Christ can “heal us spiritually.” partake of the sacrament; choose to make covenants understanding his eternal truths. “I testify that Jesus Christ paid the price so that we in the temple; and choose to serve the living God and “We can take great hope in knowing that our exemplar can be made whole. But we must choose to take the his children.” Jesus Christ has once again led the way.” healing medicine he offers. Take it today.” Sunday afternoon session 188th Semiannual General Conference

Elder Gary E. Stevenson President Russell M. Nelson Quorum of the Twelve Apostles President of the church

It is remarkable how small “I urge you to study these efforts can have eternal messages, commencing this consequences. “This truth is week. They express the mind at the heart of the church’s and the will of the Lord for ministering efforts.” his people, today.” The Lord is the Good Shep- The new home-centered, herd — and he requires the church-supported curriculum assistance in the challenging “has the potential to unleash labor of caring for the sheep the power of families, as in his flock. each family follows through Everyone is a shepherd. No conscientiously and carefully calling is required. All are commissioned to the work. to transform their home into a sanctuary of faith.” All have a duty to provide ministering to those who Attending the temple is crucial to salvation and are lost or in need of assistance. exaltation of individuals and families. “The day will come when [the Lord] will hold us “After we receive our own temple ordinances and accountable for the care we take in ministering to his make sacred covenants with God, each one of us flock.” needs the ongoing spiritual strengthening and tutor- Every soul is precious to Heavenly Father. “His ing that is only possible in the house of the Lord.” personal invitation to minister is of utmost value Temples will be built in Mendoza, Argentina; and importance to him for it is his work and glory. Salvador, Brazil; Yuba City, California; Phnom Penh, It is quite literally the work of eternity. Each one of Cambodia; Praia, Cape Verde; Yigo, Guam; Puebla, his children has immeasurable potential in his sight. Mexico; Auckland, New Zealand; Lagos, Nigeria; He loves you with a love you cannot even begin to Davao, Philippines; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and comprehend. ... The Lord will stay on the mountain to Washington County, Utah. protect you through the wind, rainstorms, snow and “Building and maintaining temples may not change more.” your life, but spending your time in the temple surely The Lord does not expect his servants to perform will. To those who have long been absent from the miracles. “He only asks that we bring our brothers temple, I encourage you to prepare and return as and sisters unto him for he has the power to redeem soon as possible.” souls.” Photo by Laura Seitz, Deseret News

Photo by Rick Bowmer