July 2002 Liahona

THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS ■ JULY 2002 LIAHONA The Millennial Lion House, by Grant Romney Clawson Built in 1856 in Salt Lake City, the Lion House is named for President Brigham Young—known fondly as the Lion of the Lord. He earned the title after delivering a particularly powerful sermon in Nauvoo; Elder Wilford Woodruff noted in his journal, “The lion roared again tonight.” THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS ■ JULY 2002 LIAHONA 2 Index for April 2002 General 24 Church Auditing Department Report 77 Out of Darkness into His Conference and General Young Wesley L. Jones Marvelous Light Women Meeting 25 Statistical Report, 2001 Elder Robert D. Hales F. Michael Watson 80 We Walk by Faith SATURDAY MORNING SESSION 26 Full Conversion Brings Happiness President Gordon B. Hinckley 4 The Church Goes Forward Elder Richard G. Scott President Gordon B. Hinckley SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION 29 True Friends 7 Children 83 How Firm Our Foundation Elder Henry B. Eyring President Boyd K. Packer Elder Russell M. Nelson 32 Faith Obedience 10 The Law of Tithing 87 Eternal Life through Jesus Christ Elder R. Conrad Schultz Elder Earl C. Tingey Elder John M. Madsen 34 Being Teachable 13 Developing Inner Strength 89 Some Basic Teachings from the Elder Robert R. Steuer Mary Ellen W. Smoot History of Joseph Smith 36 The Gospel in Our Lives 15 “Follow Me” Elder Carlos H. Amado Elder Dallin H. Oaks Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin 91 Charity: Perfect and Everlasting Love 39 Consecrate Thy Performance 19 Hidden Wedges Elder Gene R. Cook Elder Neal A. Maxwell President Thomas S. Monson 94 Feel the Love of the Lord PRIESTHOOD SESSION Bonnie D. Parkin SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION 42 Becoming Men in Whom the Spirit 95 The Opportunity to Serve 23 The Sustaining of Church Officers of God Is Elder Gerald N. Lund President Thomas S. Monson Elder L. Tom Perry 97 I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go 46 This Road We Call Life Elder William R. Walker Elder Ben B. Banks 98 The Peaceable Things of the Kingdom 48 Becoming a Great Benefit to Our Elder M. Russell Ballard Fellow Beings 101 We Look to Christ Elder Spencer J. Condie President Gordon B. Hinckley 51 It Can’t Happen to Me GENERAL YOUNG WOMEN MEETING President James E. Faust 103 Standing in Holy Places 54 They Pray and They Go Sharon G. Larsen President Thomas S. Monson 105 Strengthen Home and Family 58 Personal Worthiness to Exercise Carol B. Thomas the Priesthood President Gordon B. Hinckley 108 Hold High the Torch Margaret D. Nadauld SUNDAY MORNING SESSION 111 Pathways to Perfection 62 The Lifeline of Prayer President Thomas S. Monson President James E. Faust ...... 69 The Other Prodigal Elder Jeffrey R. Holland 64 General Authorities of The Church 72 For Thy Good of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Bishop Richard C. Edgley 115 They Spoke to Us 74 The Language of Love 116 General Auxiliary Presidencies Gayle M. Clegg 116 Instructional Resources 122 News of the Church TOPIC INDEX Plan of salvation 72, 83 Abuse 58 Potential 51 Adversity 72 Prayer 54, 62, 74, 80, 89, 105 Atonement 72, 83 Preparation 48 Attendance, Church 36, 89 Pride 32 Blessings 10, 54 Priesthood 42, 58 Charity 91 Prophets 42, 95 Children 7, 74 Protection 7 Choices 46 Reconciliation 19 Commitment 39, 97 Relief Society 13, 94 Consecration 39 Repentance 26 Conversion 26 Reverence 103 Covetousness 69 Righteousness 108 Darkness 77 Sacrifice 15, 105 Deception 32 Scriptures 89 SPEAKERS LISTED IN ALPHABETICAL Discipleship 15, 111 Self-discipline 51 ORDER Discipline 111 Service 13, 36, 48, 69, 95 Amado, Carlos H. 89 Envy 69 Smith, Joseph 89 Ballard, M. Russell 98 Eternal life 87 Standards 108 Banks, Ben B. 46 Example 29, 42, 108 Strength 13 Clegg, Gayle M. 74 Faith 26, 32, 48, 51, 54, 62, 72, 80, 101 Submissiveness 39, 95 Condie, Spencer J. 48 Family 62, 105 Teachableness 34 Cook, Gene R. 91 Forgiveness 19, 98 Teaching 7 Edgley, Richard C. 72 Friendship 29 Temple work 83 Eyring, Henry B. 29 Generosity 69 Temptation 15, 51 Faust, James E. 51, 62 Goals 46 Testimony 10, 87, 94, 97, 101 Hales, Robert D. 77 Gratitude 91, 94, 111 Tithing 10, 80 Hinckley, Gordon B. 4, 58, 80, 101 Growth, Church 4 Truth 83, 89 Holland, Jeffrey R. 69 Happiness 26, 46, 74, 111 Unity 13 Larsen, Sharon G. 103 History, Church 4 Wedges 19 Lund, Gerald N. 95 Holiness 103 Work 111 Madsen, John M. 87 Holy Ghost 29, 34, 42, 46, 77, 103 Worthiness 58 Maxwell, Neal A. 39 Holy places 103 Monson, Thomas S. 19, 23, 54, 111 Home 105 Nadauld, Margaret D. 108 Hospitality 4 Nelson, Russell M. 83 Humility 34 Oaks, Dallin H. 36 Jesus Christ 15, 36, 62, 77, 87, 98, 101 Packer, Boyd K. 7 Kindness 58 Parkin, Bonnie D. 94 Learning 111 Perry, L. Tom 42 Light 77, 80 Schultz, R. Conrad 32 Light of Christ 77, 98 Scott, Richard G. 26 Love 7, 29, 69, 74, 91 Smoot, Mary Ellen W. 13 Meditation 89 Steuer, Robert R. 34 Missionary work 54 Thomas, Carol B. 105 Modesty 108 Tingey, Earl C. 10 Obedience 10, 32, 34, 36 Walker, William R. 97 Peace 98 Wirthlin, Joseph B. 15 Perpetual Education Fund 4

LIAHONA 2 ...... July 2002 Vol. 26 No. 7 LIAHONA 22987 Official international magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

The First Presidency: Gordon B. Hinckley, Thomas S. Monson, James E. Faust

Quorum of the Twelve: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, Henry B. Eyring

Editor: Dennis B. Neuenschwander Advisers: J. Kent Jolley, W. Rolfe Kerr, Stephen A. West

Curriculum Department Administrators: Managing Director: Ronald L. Knighton Editorial Director: Richard M. Romney Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg

Editorial Staff: Managing Editor: Marvin K. Gardner Assistant Managing Editor: Jenifer L. Greenwood Associate Editor: Roger Terry Assistant Editor: Lisa Ann Jackson Editorial Associate: Susan Barrett Publications Assistant: Collette Nebeker Aune

Design Staff: Magazine Graphics Manager: M. M. Kawasaki Art Director: Scott Van Kampen Senior Designer: Sharri Cook Designers: Thomas S. Child, Randall J. Pixton Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters Production: Reginald J. Christensen, Denise Kirby, Kelli Pratt, Rolland F. Sparks, Kari A. Todd, Claudia E. Warner Digital Prepress: Jeff Martin

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Send manuscripts and queries to Liahona, Floor 24, CONFERENCE RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON THE COVER 50 East North Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150- Recordings of conference sessions are Front: Photograph by Craig Dimond. 3223, USA; or e-mail: [email protected] available in many languages at distri- Back: Photograph by Jed Clark. The Liahona (a Book of Mormon term meaning “compass” or “director”) is published in Albanian, Armenian bution centers, generally within two (East), Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Estonian, months following conference. See this CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY Fijian, Finnish, French, German, Haitian, Hiligaynon, issue, page 126, for information on gen- Photographs were taken by Craig Hungarian, Icelandic, Ilokano, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kiribati, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, eral conference DVDs. Dimond, Jed Clark, Kelly Larsen, Ellie Malagasy, Marshallese, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Slovenian, Carter, Robert Casey, Tamra Ratieta, Spanish, Swedish, Tagalog, Tahitian, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, CONFERENCE TALKS ON INTERNET Allexis Duce, Mark Hedengren, Richard Tongan, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese. (Frequency varies by language.) To access general conference talks on Romney, Arnie Angle, and Casey © 2002 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. the Internet in many languages, visit McFarland. Printed in the United States of America. www.lds.org. For Readers in the United States and Canada: July 2002 Vol. 26 No. 7. LIAHONA (USPS 311-480) English (ISSN 1080-9554) is published monthly by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 East North HOME AND VISITING TEACHING Temple Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84150. USA subscription MESSAGES price is $10.00 per year; Canada, $15.50 plus applicable taxes. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Lake City, Utah, and For home and visiting teaching mes- at additional mailing offices. Sixty days’ notice required for change of address. Include address label from a recent sages, please select an address that best issue; old and new address must be included. Send USA meets the needs of those you visit. and Canadian subscriptions to Salt Lake Distribution Center at address below. Subscription help line: 1-800-537-5971. Credit card orders (Visa, MasterCard, American Express) may be taken by phone. (Canada Poste Information: Publication Agreement #40017431)

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JULY 2002 3 Saturday Morning Session 6 April 2002 The Church Goes Forward

President Gordon B. Hinckley

No other church to come out of the soil of America has grown so fast nor spread so widely. . . . It is a phenomenon without precedent.

beyond belief have been their labors. But out of all of this fiery crucible has come something glorious. Today we stand on the summit of the years and look about us. From the original six members has grown a vast family of worshipers, 11 million-plus strong. From that quiet village has grown a movement that today is scattered through some 160 nations of the earth. This has become the fifth largest church in the United States. That is a remarkable development. More members of the Church reside out of this nation than in it. That, too, is a remarkable thing. No other church to come out of the soil of America has grown so fast y beloved brothers and nor spread so widely. Within its vast sisters, it is wonderful to embrace are members from many the 19th Winter Olympics. We made M meet with you again in nations who speak many tongues. It a deliberate decision that we would a great world conference of the is a phenomenon without precedent. not use this as a time or place to Church. As the tapestry of its past has un- proselytize, but we were confident One hundred and seventy-two rolled, a beautiful pattern has come that out of this significant event years ago today, Joseph Smith and to view. It finds expression in the would come a wonderful thing for his associates met in the inconspicu- lives of a happy and wonderful peo- the Church. The great buildings ous log house on the Peter Whitmer ple. It portends marvelous things yet which we have here—the Temple, farm in the quiet village of Fayette, to come. the Tabernacle, this magnificent New York, and organized the When our people first arrived in Conference Center, the Joseph Smith Church of Christ. this valley 155 years ago, they saw Memorial Building, Family History From that modest beginning with prophetic vision a great future. facilities, the Church Administra- something truly remarkable has hap- But I sometimes wonder if they tion Building, the Church Office pened. Great has been the history of really sensed the magnitude of that Building, our Welfare facilities, this work. Our people have endured dream as it would unfold. together with scores of chapels in every kind of suffering. Indescribable The headquarters of the Church this valley—could not be overlooked have been their sacrifices. Immense are in this city which recently hosted by those who walked the streets

LIAHONA 4 The Tabernacle Choir provides music for a full-to-capacity session of the 172nd Annual General Conference. of this and neighboring cities. As Well, it all worked out. The visi- assist them. I do not wish to infer Mike Wallace once remarked to me, tors came by the hundreds of thou- that such hospitality was limited to “These structures all denote some- sands. Some came with suspicion our people. The entire community thing solid.” and hesitancy, old and false images joined together in a great expres- And beyond this, we had total persisting in their minds. They came sion of hospitality. But out of all of confidence in our people, many feeling they might get trapped in this came something wonderful for thousands of them, who would serve some unwanted situation by reli- this Church. Representatives of the as volunteers in this great under- gious zealots. But they found some- media, so often a tough and cal- taking. They would be dependable; thing they never expected. They loused group, with very few excep- they would be pleasant; they would discovered not only the scenic won- tions spoke and wrote in language be knowledgeable; they would be der of this area, with its magnificent both complimentary and accurately accommodating. The unique and mountains and valleys, they found descriptive of a unique culture they distinctive capacity of our people in not only the wonderful spirit of the found here, of the people they met speaking the languages of the world international games at their best, and dealt with, of the spirit of hospi- would prove to be a tremendous but they found beauty in this city. tality which they felt. asset beyond anything to be found They found hosts who were gracious Television carried the picture to elsewhere. and accommodating and anxious to billions of people across the earth.

JULY 2002 5 Newspapers and magazines ran story the lowest—yet they boast high test culture is worth preserving. I compli- after story. scores. ‘It has been fascinating for me, ment and thank our people who par- Thousands upon tens of thousands having to tap into this culture.’ ” ticipated in such numbers and so walked through Temple Square, Miss Geyer concluded her story by generously, and I compliment and admired the majestic House of the writing: “It is simply the mix of a seri- thank all others who worked to- Lord, sat in the Tabernacle and lis- ous and upright religion, of families gether to make of this a wonderful tened to the matchless music of the who foster and insist upon providing and most significant event. choir. More thousands filled this great the highest levels of culture right Now I wish to speak rather Conference Center to watch a won- along with the highest modern tech- quickly of one or two other matters. derful production dealing with the nology, and of generally sensible orga- Speaking of Brigham Young has Church and its worldwide mission. nizing and governing. In short, it is reminded me of the Perpetual Edu- Other thousands visited the Family a modern mix of the old America” cation Fund which we have estab- History Center. The media were (“Salt Lake City and State of Utah lished. It was only a year ago that I hosted in the Joseph Smith Memorial Reveal Themselves to the World,” first spoke of this in our general con- Building. We were interviewed for Salt Lake Tribune, 15 Feb. 2002, A15). ference. The contributions of gener- television, radio, and the press by cor- If there were time, I could give ous Latter-day Saints have come in to respondents from many parts of this you many quotations from the sea- assure us that this endeavor is now nation and from across the world. I soned journalists of the world, who on a solid foundation. We will need am told that nearly 4,000 stories wrote in a most laudatory fashion. more yet, but already it has been about the Church appeared in the Was there anything negative? Of demonstrated that vast good will German press alone. course. But it was minimal. We had come of this undertaking. Young men Georgie Anne Geyer, prominent private interviews with presidents of and women in the underprivileged syndicated writer whose column nations, with ambassadors, with areas of the world, young men and appears in many newspapers, wrote leaders in business, and other fields. women who for the most part are as follows: “How on earth could a In 1849, two years after our peo- returned missionaries, will be enabled largely Mormon state do something ple first arrived here and following to get good educations that will lift so daring as hosting an international the discovery of gold in California, them out of the slough of poverty in celebrity meeting? Would the world many were discouraged. They had which their forebears for generations come gladly to a state whose domi- struggled to wrest a living from the have struggled. They will marry nant religion asks members to ab- arid soil. Crickets had devoured and go forward with skills that will stain from alcohol, tobacco and even their crops. The winters were cold. qualify them to earn well and take caffeine, three staples of interna- Many thought they would go to their places in society where they tional conferences?” California and get rich. President can make a substantial contribu- And then she went on to quote Young stood before them and en- tion. They will likewise grow in the Raymond T. Grant, artistic director of couraged them to remain, promising the Olympic Arts Festival. He talked that “God will temper the climate, of the opening ceremony and said: and we shall build a city and a tem- “‘You know, 98 percent of the entire ple to the Most High God in this cast were volunteers, and that’s huge. place. We will extend our settle- In fact, most were not paid at all. ments to the east and west, to the This is an extraordinary story, and I’d north and to the south, and we will link it directly to Mormon culture. build towns and cities by the hun- As a Catholic boy from New York, dreds, and thousands of the Saints I found it interesting that Brigham will gather in from the nations of the Young, the founder of the Utah set- earth. This will become the great tlement of the Mormons, built a the- highway of the nations. Kings and ater before anything else.’ emperors and the noble and wise of “He went on to tally up: The state the earth will visit us here” (in has six dance companies; more pianos Preston Nibley, Brigham Young: The and harps are sold in Utah than any- Man and His Work [1936], 128). where in the United States; the We have witnessed the fulfillment Mormon Tabernacle Choir has [360] of that prophecy in these recent members; and the oldest Steinway days. Needless to say, I am happy dealership in Utah . . . was started with what has happened. Those visi- as early as 1862. In Utah, their per tors tasted the distinctive culture of capita spending on students is one of this community. We believe that

LIAHONA 6 Church, filling positions of responsibility and rearing families who will continue in the faith. Children I have time to read only one testi- monial. It comes from a young man President Boyd K. Packer who has been blessed by this program. Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles He says: “It is so wonderful that I do not have to just dream anymore about my education or my future. The Lord has cleared the way, and I am doing it! There is in what we believe, there is in what we teach, counsel, “I am currently attending a great commandments, even warnings that we are to protect, to love, to technical institute in our country, where I am studying to become a care for, and to “teach [children] to walk in the ways of truth.” computer technician. . . . By going to school, I am discovering my abili- along the wall, glancing from the ties. The discipline I developed on bread to me. He was near the point my mission helps me to succeed. . . . where the woman would see him Never before has any young man felt again. I held out my arms, and he more blessed than I do. The PEF has came running to me. I held him on strengthened my faith in the Lord my lap. Jesus Christ. Now, more than ever, Then, as something symbolic, I I feel the responsibility the gospel set him in Elder Tuttle’s chair. After places upon me to prepare myself to the closing prayer, much to my sor- be a better member, a better leader, row, he darted out into the night. and a better father. . . . When I returned home, I told “My dear mother, who has sacri- President Spencer W. Kimball about ficed so much, gets so emotional him. He was deeply moved and that she cries when she prays at spoke of it in a conference talk. He night because of her gratitude to the told others of it and said to me more Lord. . . . than once, “That experience has far “Now, I envision my town being greater meaning than you have yet blessed because of me. I envision the come to know.” Church with leaders who have any years ago in Cuzco, I have never forgotten that little financial stability and who can sup- high in the Andes Moun- street orphan. Many times in South port the Lord’s work with all their Mtains of Peru, Elder A. America I have looked for him in might, mind, and strength. I see the Theodore Tuttle and I held a sacra- the faces of the people. When he Church prospering. I am excited to ment meeting in a long, narrow room comes back into my mind, others start my own family and teach them with a door that opened onto the come with him. that we can be self-sufficient. So I street. It was night and it was very After World War II on a cold must finish my education. I will then cold. night in a train station in southern repay the loan quickly to help my While Elder Tuttle spoke, a little Japan, I heard a tap on the train win- fellowmen. . . . I am grateful for the boy, perhaps six years old, appeared dow. There stood a boy wearing the Savior’s mercy. He truly sustains us in the doorway. He was naked same ragged shirt, a rag tied about a with His love.” except for a ragged shirt that went swollen jaw, his head covered with And so it goes, my brothers and about to his knees. scabies. He held a rusty tin can and a sisters. As this great work moves On our left was a small table with spoon, the symbol of an orphan beg- across the earth, we are blessing now a plate of bread for the sacrament. gar. As I struggled to open the door some 2,400 young people. Others This ragged street orphan saw the to give him money, the train pulled will be blessed. bread and inched slowly along the out. I will never forget that hungry May the Lord bless you, and each wall toward it. He was almost to the little boy standing in the cold, hold- of us, as we rejoice in our opportu- table when a woman on the aisle ing up his empty tin can. nity to be a part of this great cause saw him. With a stern toss of her There was a sick little first grader in this wonderful season of the head, she banished him out into the in a hospital at a government Indian Lord’s work is my humble prayer in night. I groaned within myself. school with a fever and running the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Later the boy returned. He crept nose. I opened a package from his

JULY 2002 7 who stood and signed to those Mormon said they “[denied] the mer- behind us who could not hear. cies of Christ, and [set] at naught the Jenny gave a brief testimony. atonement of him and the power of Then her parents each spoke. They his redemption” (Moro. 8:20). told of the utter agony they had Mormon sternly rebuked them, known when they learned that their saying: “He that supposeth that lit- child would never have a normal tle children need baptism is in the life. They told of the endless, every- gall of bitterness and in the bonds of day trials that followed. When iniquity; for he hath neither faith, others would stare or laugh, Jenny’s hope, nor charity; wherefore, should brothers put an arm protectively he be cut off while in the thought, around her. The mother then told he must go down to hell. . . . us of the love and absolute joy Jenny “Behold, I speak with boldness, brought to the family. having authority from God” (Moro. Those parents have learned that 8:14, 16). “after much tribulation, . . . cometh Only when a child reaches that the blessing” (D&C 103:12). I saw age of accountability, set by the them bound together by adversity Lord at eight years of age (see D&C and refined into pure gold—true 68:27), is their baptism essential. Latter-day Saints. Before that age, they are innocent. They told us Jenny adopts fathers. Children should not be ignored So when I shook hands with her, I or neglected. They absolutely must said, “I’m a grandpa.” not be abused or molested. Children mother, hundreds of miles away on She looked up at me and said, must not be abandoned or estranged the reservation. Wrapped in a card- “Well, I can see why!” by divorce. Parents are responsible board box with an auto parts label, There is nothing in the scrip- to provide for their children. which no doubt she got from the tures, there is nothing in what we The Lord said, “All children have trading post, were some Navajo fry publish, there is nothing in what we claim upon their parents for their bread and pieces of mutton—a believe or teach that gives license to maintenance until they are of age” Christmas present for her little boy. parents or anyone else to neglect or (D&C 83:4). On the news recently, I saw that abuse or molest our own or anyone We are to look after their physi- long, familiar line of refugees. With else’s children. cal, their spiritual, and their emo- them, as usual, were the children There is in the scriptures, there is tional needs. The Book of Mormon carrying children. One child was in what we publish, there is in what teaches, “Ye will not suffer your perched atop a massive bundle car- we believe, there is in what we teach, children that they go hungry, or ried by her mother. As they pushed counsel, commandments, even warn- naked; neither will ye suffer that slowly and silently by, she looked ings that we are to protect, to love, they transgress the laws of God, and into the camera. That sober little to care for, and to “teach [children] fight and quarrel one with another, black face and those big black eyes to walk in the ways of truth” (Mosiah and serve the devil, who is the mas- seemed to ask, “Why?” 4:15). To betray them is utterly ter of sin, or who is the evil spirit Children are the past, the pre- unthinkable. which hath been spoken of by our sent, and the future all blended into Among the strongest warnings fathers, he being an enemy to all one. They are consummately pre- and the severest penalties in the rev- righteousness” (Mosiah 4:14). cious. Every time a child is born, the elations are those relating to little Nothing compares with a father world is renewed in innocence. children. Jesus said, “But whoso shall who is responsible and in turn I constantly think about and pray offend one of these little ones which teaches his children responsibility. for the children and youth and their believe in me, it were better for him Nothing compares with a mother parents. that a millstone were hanged about who is present with them to comfort Recently, I attended a sacrament his neck, and that he were drowned them and give them assurance. meeting given by children with spe- in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6). Love, protection, and tenderness cial needs. Each was disabled in In the days of the prophet are all of consummate worth. hearing or sight or mental develop- Mormon, some who did not under- The Lord said, “I have comment. Beside each was a teenager stand that little children are “blame- manded you to bring up your chil- assigned as a companion. They sang less before God” (Mosiah 3:21) and dren in light and truth” (D&C and played music for us. Facing us are “alive in Christ” (Moro. 8:12) 93:40). on the front row was a young girl wanted to baptize little children. All too often, a parent is left alone

LIAHONA 8 President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency (left); President Gordon B. Hinckley; and President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, await the beginning of a conference session. to raise children. The Lord has a way strong legs, we ignore what the Lord those who brought little children, of strengthening that parent to meet said in the revelations. The prophets “Jesus said, Suffer little children, alone what should be the responsibil- have told us that we “ought to be [suffer means to permit] and forbid ity of two parents. For either parent teachers, [and teach that] which be them not, to come unto me: for of to deliberately abandon their chil- the first principles of the oracles of such is the kingdom of heaven” dren is a very grievous mistake. God; [for they are] such as have (Matt. 19:14). I think often of another boy. We need of milk, and not of strong When His disciples asked what met him at a seminary graduation in meat. . . . kind of men they ought to be, Jesus a remote city in Argentina. He was “. . . Strong meat belongeth to set a little child in their midst (see well clothed and well nourished. them that are of full age, even those Matt. 18:2–3). Except we “become The students came down the who by reason of use have their as a little child, [we] can in nowise aisle up to the stand. There were senses exercised to discern both good inherit the kingdom of God” (3 Ne. three rather high steps. He could and evil” (Heb. 5:12, 14). 11:38). not make the first step because his The Apostle Paul wrote, “I have A deep concern for children and legs were too short. He was a dwarf. fed you with milk, and not with their parents is in my mind and It was then we noticed marching meat: for hitherto ye were not able to heart and soul. behind him two stalwart young men bear it, neither yet now are ye able” Over the years, I have wondered who stepped forward, one on either (1 Cor. 3:2). what President Kimball meant when side, and lifted him gracefully to the In a revelation given in 1830, he reminded me of that street orphan podium. When the service was over, just before the Church was orga- in Cuzco and repeated, “That experi- they lifted him down again and then nized, the Lord cautioned, “They ence has far greater meaning than marched out with him. They were his cannot bear meat now, but milk you have yet come to know.” One friends and watched over him. This they must receive; wherefore, they day he added, “You held a nation on boy could not reach the first step must not know these things, lest your lap.” without being lifted up by his friends. they perish” (D&C 19:22). Now in my 78th year, I under- Those who come into the Church We must be careful lest we make stand what President Kimball was come as children spiritually. They that first step too high or design it seeing; I know what he meant. That need someone—some friend—to lift for those with strong, long legs and boy in Cuzco and the one in Japan them up. leave the others without some and the other children about the If we design the steps after bap- friend to lift them up. world profoundly influence what I tism to fit only those who have long, When some disciples rebuked think and how I feel and what I pray

JULY 2002 9 for most earnestly. I constantly think of little children and their parents who struggle to raise them in ever- The Law of Tithing more perilous times. Like my Brethren, I have traveled Elder Earl C. Tingey all over the world. Like my Brethren, Of the Presidency of the Seventy I have held positions of trust in education, in business, in government, and in the Church. I have written books, and, like them, have received honors, degrees, certificates, plaques. The Lord has established the law of tithing as the law of Such honors come with the territory revenue of His Church. . . . It is also a law by which we and are undeserved. Assessing the value of those things, show our loyalty to the Lord. the one thing I treasure more than any of them—more than all of them I remember questioning my put together—the thing of most value father whether my wage of 25 cents to me is how our sons and daughters an hour might be increased. But and their husbands and wives treat remembering that a movie was 20 their children and how, in turn, our cents and candy cost only 5 cents, I grandchildren treat their little ones. now realize I was probably overpaid. When it comes to understanding As I looked through this journal our relationship with our Heavenly of more than 50 years ago, I noted Father, the things my wife and I have that every week during the years learned as parents and grandparents 1944 and 1945, I paid tithing of 10 that are of most worth knowing, we percent of my income for that week. have learned from our children. In December 1944 I recorded that This blessing has come to me as a I had paid $12.35 in tithing that gift from my wife. The Lord said of year—a full tithing. such women, “[A wife is given to a This is where and how I learned man] to multiply and replenish the to pay tithing. earth, according to my command- My wife and I taught our chil- ment, and to fulfil the promise dren the importance of setting aside which was given by my Father before ast Christmas I received a tithing each week as they received the foundation of the world, and special gift from my mother. an allowance or earned money baby- for their exaltation in the eternal L She had carefully kept in her sitting or doing special jobs. They worlds, that they may bear the souls possession over these many years put the tithing in a little box. On of men; for herein is the work of my a little book I first received from fast Sunday they gave the tithing Father continued, that he may be my parents in 1944, when I was 10 to the bishop. They also learned the glorified” (D&C 132:63). years of age. value of money by saving a goodly With women such as this to be This is the book. It is a journal portion of the balance of their the mothers of children, we see why in which I was taught to record on income for a future mission and the Lord revealed “that great things a weekly basis my income and education. may be required at the hand of their expenses. Our grandchildren are now fol- fathers” (D&C 29:48). As an example, my entry for the lowing a similar pattern. I bear witness that the gospel is week of 29 July 1944 records that I Let us teach this principle to our true, and the power of it is to bless lit- started the week with $24.05 on children and be sure they see us tle children. I pray earnestly that the hand and earned $7.00 working on paying tithing. President Joseph F. children and youth and their par- our family farm. For expenses, I Smith said, “Our children, as soon ents will receive the gift of the Holy spent 5 cents for candy, $3.45 for a as they become old enough to earn Ghost, that it will be a guide and a purchase, 20 cents for a movie, and means, should be taught to pay their protection to them, that it will bear $2.37 for personal clothing. I also tithing, that their names may be in their hearts the testimony that invested $20.00 in a war savings written in the book of the law of the Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, bond and paid 70 cents tithing. I Lord.”1 the Only Begotten of the Father. In ended the week with $4.28 on In my day, in Primary, we learned the name of Jesus Christ, amen. hand. this little poem:

LIAHONA 10 What is tithing? I will tell you every time. Ten cents from a dollar And a penny from a dime.

The doctrine of paying tithing is woven like a tapestry throughout the scriptures. Abraham paid tithing to Melchizedek.2 The children of Israel were taught to bring their tithes to the Lord.3 Probably the most quoted scripture on the subject of tithing in the Old Testament is found in Malachi: “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings. “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”4 The amount of tithing we pay is the most perfect and equitable arrangement of which I know. It is one-tenth of our increase. All, from the poorest to the richest, pay the Members and visitors arrive at the Conference Center for a general same percentage. Christ taught that conference session. principle in the story of the widow’s mite: the law of revenue of His Church. surrounded by a modest fence. “And Jesus sat over against the Without it, we could not carry out In 1838 the Saints were driven treasury, and beheld how the people the eternal purposes of the Lord. It from Far West. Joseph Smith and cast money into the treasury: and is also a law by which we show our others were arrested and taken to the many that were rich cast in much. loyalty to the Lord and prove our- nearby Liberty Jail. There they lan- “And there came a certain poor selves worthy for privileges, ordi- guished under the most horrible con- widow, and she threw in two mites, nances, and blessings. ditions imaginable for six months. My which make a farthing. I was recently in Independence, own ancestors suffered terribly in Far “And he called unto him his dis- Missouri, and felt a need to drive an West and almost lost their lives. ciples, and saith unto them, Verily I hour north to Far West. The Latter- As I stood in Far West and visual- say unto you, That this poor widow day Saints settled Far West in 1836 ized what it once was, I opened my hath cast more in, than all they as a place of refuge from persecu- scriptures and read section 119 of which have cast into the treasury: tion. Far West became the county the Doctrine and Covenants. This “For all they did cast in of their seat, with an estimated 3,000 to revelation was given through the abundance; but she of her want did 5,000 inhabitants. It was the head- Prophet Joseph Smith at Far West cast in all that she had, even all her quarters of the Church for a season. on 8 July 1838, in the midst of these living.”5 My own ancestors lived there. persecutions: A mite is a very small coin. It was As I arrived at Far West and “And this shall be the beginning the smallest bronze coin used by the looked about, all I could see was of the tithing of my people. Jews. It was one-sixty-fourth of a rolling farmlands. There was no “A nd after that, those who have Roman silver penny. city, no roads or buildings. There thus been tithed shall pay one-tenth In this dispensation, the Lord was only a peaceful, grassy temple of all their interest annually; and has established the law of tithing as site containing four cornerstones, this shall be a standing law unto

JULY 2002 11 in Africa. One brother said,“Elder Tingey, how can I pay tithing when I have no income?” I inquired and determined that he had a large family of seven or eight children and was unemployed. I asked how he fed his family. He said he had a small garden and raised geese. I asked, “What do the geese do?” He replied, “They lay eggs.” I responded, “What if one morning you discovered 10 geese eggs in the nests of your geese?” A light flickered on in his soul. “I could take one egg and give it to my branch president,” he answered. He understood, and he could become a full-tithe payer. As we pay and teach our children to pay tithing, we develop a family that is deeply rooted in making and keeping temple covenants. The most glorious of all blessings we receive in this life and in the eternities are blessings that come from knowing that them forever, for my holy priest- Joseph F. Smith’s mother was our families are sealed together for all hood, saith the Lord.”6 known as “Widow Smith.” She was eternity. Today some may find that I thought to myself that the law of the widow of Hyrum Smith, who was they are denying themselves these tithing could not have been received martyred with the Prophet Joseph. privileges by their failure to pay by the members of the Church at a She once rebuked the tithing clerk tithing. To those who find themselves less opportune time than then. But who stated that because of her in this situation, my counsel is to they received it, and the members poverty, she should not have to pay exercise your faith, prove the Lord commenced living this new law at a her tithing. She said: “‘Would you herewith, and pay your tithing. time when they were losing their deny me a blessing? If I did not pay A special peace that will surpass possessions and, in some cases, their my tithing, I should expect the Lord all understanding will come to you lives. As I visited Far West, I gained to withhold his blessings from me. I and your family as you pay a full a spiritual testimony of the law of pay my tithing, not only because it is tithing. You will find that all fears tithing that was stronger and deeper a law of God, but because I expect concerning finances and care of than I had ever before felt. a blessing by doing it. By keeping family will diminish. You will come I would like to offer a word of this and other laws, I expect to pros- to know that your Heavenly Father counsel to the many thousands of per, and to be able to provide for loves you. members joining the Church today my family.’” 7 I am grateful that my parents as a result of the diligent efforts of Did she prosper? Her son and taught me to pay tithing. I bear my our missionaries. Exercise your faith. grandson became presidents of the humble testimony that paying Pay your tithing. This law may be dif- Church, and her descendants today tithing is a true principle of the ferent from that to which you were include a member of the Quorum gospel of Jesus Christ. In the name accustomed prior to your baptism. of the Twelve Apostles and many of Jesus Christ, amen. But nothing you do as a new convert notable Church leaders. will more completely prepare you to Speaking of his mother, Joseph F. NOTES enjoy the wonderful blessings that Smith once said she paid “tithes of 1. Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 231. await you—even temple blessings— her sheep and cattle, the tenth pound 2. See Gen. 14:20. than paying your tithing. of her butter, her tenth chicken, the 3. See Deut. 12:6. Now, a brief word of counsel to tenth of her eggs, the tenth pig, the 4. Mal. 3:8, 10. missionaries. Teach tithing to your tenth calf, the tenth colt—a tenth of 5. Mark 12:41–44. investigators in such a way that they everything she raised.”8 6. D&C 119:3–4. will gain a testimony of this wonder- I was once teaching the law of 7. Gospel Doctrine, 229. ful principle of the gospel. tithing to a group of Church leaders 8. Gospel Doctrine, 229.

LIAHONA 12 had been tried, and her conversion was concrete. She had been refined Developing in ways that the very best mirror could not reflect. Susanna had prayed for strength and found it—deep Inner Strength within her soul. This is the kind of inner strength I would like to talk about. How do Mary Ellen W. Smoot Recently Released Relief Society General President you and I become so converted to the truth, so full of faith, so dependent on God that we are able to meet trials and even be strengthened by them? How do you and I become so converted to the truth, so full of It does not take much living to find out that life almost never faith, so dependent on God that we are able to meet trials and turns out the way you planned it. even be strengthened by them? Adversity and affliction come to everyone. Do you know anyone who good homemaking, and other skills, would not like to change something into the lives of women throughout about themselves or their circum- the world.” stances? And yet I am sure you We have as our guides the Relief know many who go forward with Society declaration; home, family, faith. You are drawn to those peo- and personal enrichment meetings; ple, inspired by them, and even and the visiting teaching program. strengthened by their examples. These tools have been carefully eval- Over the past five years I have uated and are now in place to help met with sisters from Africa to sisters expand their inner strength Spain who are pioneers in their own through service and unity. right. I have marveled at their inner To demonstrate the kind of inner strength, and I have been inspired strength I am talking about, I would by the depth of their testimonies. like to share the story of Susanna These are sisters who live the truths Stone Lloyd, who at the age of 26 that the Relief Society declaration left England in 1856 and traveled affirms. to Utah alone. The only member The declaration reminds us of of her family to join the Church, who we really are and why we do n behalf of my counselors Susanna was a member of the Willie the things we do. The more we live and the Relief Society gen- Handcart Company. Like so many by its precepts, the more inner O eral board, we acknowl- other pioneers, she endured life- strength we will have. We will mir- edge the members of the Church threatening hunger, illness, and ror our beliefs. Fasting, prayer, and worldwide, and specifically the fatigue. scripture study impact our relation- women, who through their faithful- Upon arriving in the Salt Lake ship with the Savior. I would like to ness and devotion, make sacrifices Valley, Susanna borrowed a mirror highlight two more ways we can of their time and talents to bless the to make herself more presentable. develop inner strength: lives of individuals and families Despite her best efforts, she re- around the world. counts: “I shall never forget how I SERVICE In the blessing President Gordon looked. Some of my old friends did When we are truly converted, our B. Hinckley gave me when I was not know me.”1 Having sold her focus shifts from self to others. We set apart, he spoke of the service own mirror to an Indian for a piece can find inner strength through ser- the Relief Society can render. He of buffalo meat, she had not spent vice. Nothing would please the adver- said, “This is a tremendous organi- much time looking at herself. Now sary more than for us to be distracted zation, perhaps the largest and old- she did not recognize her own image. by selfish concerns and appetites. But est of its kind in all the world. Its She was a different person, both we know better. Service will help us mission is to do good and to help inside and out. Over the course of to stay on course. those in distress and need, to bring rocky ridges and extreme hardship At women’s conferences; at home, about the processes of education, came a deep conviction. Her faith family, and personal enrichment

JULY 2002 13 meetings; and, most importantly, in and provide gospel service. By so and coordinating their efforts; they our own homes, I have been inspired doing, we will become less preoccu- are sustaining their priesthood lead- by your acts of service. pied with our problems and more ers and together striving to bring Just a few weeks ago I received a dependent on God. families to Christ. As the kingdom call from the Area President in the of God rolls forth, we must unite Europe Central Area. He said the UNITY our efforts in saving souls. members and missionaries in Albania Another way we can develop inner As a Relief Society general presi- and Moldova were so cold, and he strength is by striving for unity in dency we are grateful for the new wondered if the Relief Society might our families, stakes, wards, and presi- emphasis in visiting teaching.4 The have any quilts to send their way. dencies. The Lord Himself taught, “If new messages invite sisters to read Imagine the joy I felt as I visited with ye are not one ye are not mine.”2 from their scriptures and from the Humanitarian Service and discov- Unity of purpose, thought, and teachings of the First Presidency ered that we could donate 1,000 feeling are exalting qualities. When and other General Authorities quilts. Within days they were pack- we can put aside our differences and about a principle of the gospel. aged and sent. The mission president value each others’ strengths, great Sisters are then encouraged to share wrote, “Members here were touched things happen. The Prophet Joseph insights and experiences about how that other members would be think- Smith admonished, “Don’t be lim- living the principle has blessed their ing of them.” Thank you for your ited in your views with regard to lives. selfless service. your neighbor’s virtue. . . . You must Sisters, if you will follow this for- Sisters, take a close look at the enlarge your souls towards each mat, you will feel more unity with suggested topics for home, family, other.”3 Such generosity of spirit your companion and with those you and personal enrichment meeting invites greater unity. teach. You will be strengthened and find ways to build spiritual I have visited stakes and wards spiritually. strength, develop personal skills, that are united. The auxiliary presi- No matter our circumstances, who strengthen the home and family, dencies are supporting each other of us can afford to waste our life in

LIAHONA 14 front of the mirrors of self-pity and discouragement? Yes, as the Apostle Paul admonished, we all need to “Follow Me” “examine ourselves”5 from time to time. We all need to repent, to recog- Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin nize weaknesses, and more fully Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles come unto Christ. Like Susanna, we may have to sell our looking glass in order to cross the plains of pain, sorrow, and discouragement. But as we do, we will discover God-given Those who, in faith, leave their nets and follow the Savior will strengths that we may not have experience happiness beyond their ability to comprehend. otherwise known. President Joseph F. Smith spoke with great feeling of the inner to leave your nets and follow Him?” I strength of pioneer women. He said: am confident that many would. “Death was nothing to them. Hard- But for some, it may not be such ship was nothing. Cold or rain, or an easy decision. Some have discov- heat, was nothing to them. All they ered that nets, by their very nature, felt and knew and desired was the are sometimes not so easy to leave. triumph of the kingdom of God and Nets come in many sizes and the truth that the Lord had given to shapes. The nets that Peter, Andrew, them.” And then, with all the sin- James, and John left were tangible cerity of a prophet of God, he pled, objects—tools that helped them “My soul, where are these women earn a living. now?”6 We sometimes think of these four I am here today to witness to you men as modest fishermen who did that such women are all around the not sacrifice much when they left world in the Relief Societies of the their nets to follow the Savior. To the Church. I am grateful beyond mea- contrary, as Elder James E. Talmage, sure for the opportunity that is mine in Jesus the Christ, points out, Peter, to see these women in our time who Andrew, James, and John were part- have “waxed strong in the knowledge hey were fishermen before ners in a prosperous business. They of the truth.”7 With all my heart, I they heard the call. Casting “owned their boats and gave employ- know that the Lord can “make weak their nets into the Sea of ment to other men.” According to 8 T things become strong.” I know this Galilee, Peter and Andrew stopped as Elder Talmage, Simon Peter “was is His work and His kingdom. I know Jesus of Nazareth approached, looked well to do in a material way; and that each of us can mirror the Savior into their eyes, and spoke the simple when he once spoke of having left all by the way we choose to live our words, “Follow me.” Matthew writes to follow Jesus, the Lord did not deny lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, that the two fishermen “straightway that Peter’s sacrifice of temporal pos- amen. left their nets, and followed him.” sessions was . . . great.”2 Then the Son of Man approached Later, the net of wealth entrapped NOTES two other fishermen who were in a rich young man who claimed that 1. In Carol Cornwall Madsen, comp., a ship with their father, mending he had obeyed all the command- Journey to Zion: Voices from the Mormon their nets. Jesus called to them, “and ments from his youth. When he Trail (1997), 634. [James and John] immediately left asked the Savior what else he should 2. D&C 38:27. the ship and their father, and fol- do to have eternal life, the Master 3. Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, lowed [the Lord].”1 said, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sel. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 228. Have you ever wondered what it sell that thou hast, and give to the 4. See “For Such a Time as This,” must have been like to have lived in poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Liahona, Feb. 2002, 18–23. the days of the Savior? If you had heaven: and come and follow me.” 5. See 1 Cor. 11:28. been there, would you have heeded When the young man heard that, 6. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: His call “Follow me”? “he went away sorrowful: for he had Joseph F. Smith (1998), 189. Perhaps a more realistic question great possessions.”3 7. Alma 17:2. might be, “If the Savior were to call Nets are generally defined as de- 8. Ether 12:27. you today, would you be just as willing vices for capturing something. In a

JULY 2002 15 more narrow but more important statistics of our favorite players and It is impossible to list the many sense, we might define a net as any- at the same time forget birthdays or nets that can ensnare us and keep thing that entices or prevents us anniversaries, neglect our families, or us from following the Savior. But if from following the call of Jesus ignore the opportunity to render acts we are sincere in our desire to fol- Christ, the Son of the living God. of Christlike service, then athletics low Him, we must straightway leave Nets in this context can be our may also be an entangling net. the world’s entangling nets and fol- work, our hobbies, our pleasures, and, Since the days of Adam, man- low Him. above all else, our temptations and kind has, by the sweat of his brow, I do not know of another period sins. In short, a net can be anything earned his daily bread. But when in the history of the world that has that pulls us away from our relation- our work consumes us to the point been so filled with such a variety of ship with our Heavenly Father or where the spiritual dimensions of entangling nets. Our lives are so from His restored Church. life are neglected, work can also be easily filled with appointments, Let me give you a modern exam- an entangling net. meetings, and tasks. It is so easy to ple. A computer can be a useful and Some have been ensnared in the get caught in a multitude of nets indispensable tool. But if we allow net of excessive debt. The net of that sometimes even a suggestion of it to devour our time with vain, interest holds them fast, requiring breaking free of them can be threat- unproductive, and sometimes de- them to sell their time and energies ening and even frightening to us. structive pursuits, it becomes an to meet the demands of creditors. Sometimes we feel that the bus- entangling net. They surrender their freedom, ier we are, the more important we Many of us enjoy watching ath- becoming slaves to their own are—as though our busyness defines letic contests, but if we can recite the extravagance. our worth. Brothers and sisters, we can spend a lifetime whirling about at a feverish pace, checking off list after list of things that in the end really don’t matter. That we do a lot may not be so important. That we focus the energy of our minds, our hearts, and our souls on those things of eternal significance—that is essential. As the clatter and clamor of life bustle about us, we hear shouting to “come here” and to “go there.” In the midst of the noise and seductive voices that compete for our time and interest, a solitary figure stands on the shores of the Sea of Galilee, calling quietly to us, “Follow me.” We can easily get our lives out of balance. I remember a few years that were particularly challenging for me. Our family had grown to seven children. I had served as a counselor in the bishopric and was then given the sacred call as bishop of our ward. I was striving to man- age our business that required long hours each day. I pay tribute to my wonderful wife, who always made it possible for me to serve the Lord. There was simply too much to do in the time available. Instead of sacrificing things of significance, I decided I’d get up earlier, take care of my business, then spend the time required to be a good father and

LIAHONA 16 husband and a faithful member of the We follow the Savior by repenting as a man of sorrows.8 Those early dis- Church. It wasn’t easy. There were of our sins—by experiencing sorrow ciples who followed the Christ experi- mornings when the alarm clock went because of them and forsaking them. enced great persecution and trials. off that I cracked open an eyelid and We follow the Savior by entering The Prophet Joseph Smith was no glared at it, daring it to keep ringing. the waters of baptism and receiving exception. Nor were the other early Nevertheless, the Lord was mer- a remission of our sins, by receiving Saints of this last dispensation. And it ciful and helped me to find the the gift of the Holy Ghost and is no different today. energy and time to do all I had com- allowing that influence to inspire, I have had the opportunity to mitted to do. Although it was diffi- instruct, guide, and comfort us. speak with a woman who heard the cult, I have never regretted making How do we follow the Savior? By call of the Savior when she was 18. the choice to heed the Savior’s call obeying Him. He and our Heavenly Her father, who was a high official in and follow Him. Father have given us commandments another church, became angry with Think of the debt we owe to Him. —not to punish or torment us, but to her and forbade her from being bap- Jesus is “the resurrection, and the help us come to a fulness of joy, both tized. He let her know that if she life: he that believeth in [Him], in this life and for the eternities to became a member of The Church of though he were dead, yet shall he come, worlds without end. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she live.”4 There are those who have In contrast, when we cling to our would be ostracized from the family. great wealth, yet they would give sins, our pleasures, and sometimes Even though the sacrifice was their all to add just a few additional even our perceived obligations; resist great, this young woman heeded the years, months, or even days to their the influence of the Holy Ghost; and call of the Savior and entered the mortal lives. What should we be will- put aside the words of the prophets; waters of baptism. ing to give for eternal life? we then stand at the shore of our Her father could not accept her There are those who would give own Galilee, nets tightly entangling decision, however, and tried to force all they have to experience peace. us. We find ourselves unable to leave her into abandoning her new faith. “Come unto me, all ye that labour them behind and follow the living He and his wife reviled her for her and are heavy laden,” the Savior Christ. decision to become a member of the taught, “and I will give you rest.”5 But But the Shepherd calls to each of Church and demanded that she it is not merely peace that the Savior us today. Will we recognize the recant and forsake her new religion. promises to those who keep His com- voice of the Son of God? Will we Even through the rage, the bit- mandments and endure to the end, follow Him? terness, and the indignity, her faith but eternal life, “which gift is the May I extend a word of caution? remained strong. She endured the greatest of all the gifts of God.”6 There are those who feel that if we verbal and emotional abuse, know- Because of the Savior, we will live follow the Savior, our lives will be free ing she had heard the call of the forever. Immortality means that we from worry, pain, and fear. This is not Savior and she would follow Him, will never die. But eternal life means so! The Savior Himself was described whatever the consequence. to live forever in exalted spheres in companionship with those we cher- The Joseph Smith Memorial Building as seen from across the reflecting ish, encompassed about by profound pool on the east side of the Salt Lake Temple. love, exquisite joy, and glory. No amount of money can purchase this exalted state. Eternal life is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father, offered freely and liberally to all who heed the call of the Man of Galilee. Unfortunately, many are too en- tangled in their nets to heed the call. The Savior explained that, “Ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep. . . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”7 How do we follow the Savior? By exercising faith. By believing in Him. By believing in our Heavenly Father. By believing that God speaks to man on earth today.

JULY 2002 17 President Boyd K. Packer, Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; and Elders L. Tom Perry, Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, and Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles face the congregation from their seats on the rostrum.

Eventually this young woman follows the Savior. The child who side stand his noble counselors. In managed to find a safe haven, a seeks through prayer to commune addition, he has the sustaining sup- place of refuge with a kind member with the Master of the universe fol- port of the Quorum of the Twelve family far away from the threats and lows the Savior. The wealthy mem- Apostles, the Quorums of the Sev- unkindness of her father. ber who gives so generously to the enty, and the millions of members She met a faithful young man, and Church and his fellowmen follows throughout the world who assist him, the two of them were married in the the Savior. each adding his voice to proclaim the temple, receiving the choice blessings As Jesus the Christ stood on the glorious Restoration of the gospel that accompany a temple marriage. shores of the Sea of Galilee 2,000 that is once again restored unto man! Today she stands among the mul- years ago, so stands He today, issuing Jesus the Christ is “the way, the titude of those who have sacrificed the same call He gave to those faith- truth, and the life: no [one] cometh so much to follow the call of the ful fishermen and now to all who unto the Father, but by [Him].”9 As a Savior. will hear His voice: “Follow me!” special witness of Him, I testify to you Yes, I do not suggest that the We have nets that must be this day that the time will come when road will be easy. But I will give you tended and nets that must be every man, woman, and child will my witness that those who, in faith, mended. But when the Master of look into the Savior’s loving eyes. On leave their nets and follow the ocean, earth, and sky calls to us, that day, we will know with a surety Savior will experience happiness “Follow me,” we should leave the the worth of our decision to straight- beyond their ability to comprehend. entangling, worldly nets behind and way follow Him. As I meet the wonderful members follow His footsteps. That each of us may hear the call of this Church—both young and My brothers and sisters, I proclaim of the Master and straightway leave old—I am encouraged and filled with joyful voice that the gospel is our entangling nets and joyfully fol- with gratitude for the faithfulness of restored once again! The heavens low Him is my earnest prayer in the those who have heard the call of the opened to the Prophet Joseph Smith, name of Jesus Christ, amen. Savior and have followed Him. and he saw and conversed with God For example, a steelworker fol- the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. NOTES lows the Savior. Day after day, over Under divine direction and tutelage 1. See Matt. 4:18–22. a period of more than three dec- from celestial beings, eternal truths 2. (1916), 218. ades, he pulled out his scriptures to are restored once again to man! 3. Matt. 19:21–22. read during lunch break as his co- In our day another great prophet 4. John 11:25. workers chided him. The 70-year-old lives, who daily adds his witness to 5. Matt. 11:28. widow confined to her wheelchair— these hallowed truths. President 6. D&C 14:7. who, to everyone who visits, cheers Gordon B. Hinckley stands in his 7. John 10:26–27. their spirits and never fails to tell sacred office as the mouthpiece of our 8. See Isa. 53:3; Mosiah 14:3. them of how fortunate she is— Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. At his 9. John 14:6.

LIAHONA 18 not a twig of the once-proud tree remained. Hidden Wedges “Early the next morning, the farmer went out to mourn his loss. . . . President Thomas S. Monson “Then, his eyes caught sight of First Counselor in the First Presidency something in the splintered ruin. ‘The wedge,’ he muttered reproach- fully. ‘The wedge I found in the south pasture.’ A glance told him why the tree had fallen. Growing, Let’s not pass to future generations the grievances, the anger of edge-up in the trunk, the wedge our time. Let’s remove any hidden wedges that can do nothing had prevented the limb fibers from knitting together as they should.”1 but destroy. My dear brothers and sisters, there are hidden wedges in the lives a lad on his father’s homestead. of many whom we know—yes, per- The sawmill had then only recently haps in our own families. been moved from the valley, and Let me share with you the the settlers were still finding tools account of a lifelong friend, now and odd pieces of equipment scat- departed from mortality. His name tered about. . . . was Leonard. He was not a member “On this particular day, it was a of the Church, although his wife faller’s wedge—wide, flat, and heavy, and children were. His wife served a foot or more long, and splayed as a Primary president; his son from mighty poundings [—which served an honorable mission. His the lad found] . . . in the south pas- daughter and his son married com- ture. [A faller’s wedge, used to help panions in solemn ceremonies and fell a tree, is inserted in a cut made had families of their own. by a saw and then struck with a Everyone who knew Leonard sledge hammer to widen the cut.] liked him, as did I. He supported his . . . Because he was already late for wife and children in their Church dinner, the lad laid the wedge . . . assignments. He attended many between the limbs of the young Church-sponsored events with them. n April 1966, at the Church’s walnut tree his father had planted He lived a good and a clean life, annual general conference, Elder near the front gate. He would take even a life of service and kindness. ISpencer W. Kimball gave a mem- the wedge to the shed right after His family, and indeed many others, orable address. He quoted an account dinner, or sometime when he was wondered why Leonard had gone written by Samuel T. Whitman en- going that way. through mortality without the bless- titled “Forgotten Wedges.” Today “He truly meant to, but he never ings the gospel brings to its members. I, too, have chosen to quote from did. [The wedge] was there between In Leonard’s advanced years, his Samuel T. Whitman, followed by the limbs, a little tight, when he health declined. Eventually he was examples from my own life. attained his manhood. It was there, hospitalized, and life was ebbing Whitman wrote: “The ice storm now firmly gripped, when he mar- away. In what turned out to be my [that winter] wasn’t generally de- ried and took over his father’s farm. last conversation with Leonard, he structive. True, a few wires came It was half grown over on the day said, “Tom, I’ve known you since down, and there was a sudden jump the threshing crew ate dinner under you were a boy. I feel persuaded to in accidents along the highway. . . . the tree. . . . Grown in and healed explain to you why I have never Normally, the big walnut tree could over, the wedge was still in the tree joined the Church.” He then related easily have borne the weight that the winter the ice storm came. an experience of his parents which formed on its spreading limbs. It was “In the chill silence of that win- took place many, many years before. the iron wedge in its heart that try night . . . one of the three major Reluctantly, the family had reached caused the damage. limbs split away from the trunk and a point where they felt it was neces- “The story of the iron wedge crashed to the ground. This so un- sary to sell their farm, and an offer began years ago when the white- balanced the remainder of the top had been received. Then a neigh- haired farmer [who now inhabited that it, too, split apart and went boring farmer asked that the farm the property on which it stood] was down. When the storm was over, be sold to him instead—although at

JULY 2002 19 a lesser price—adding, “We’ve been burden had at last been lifted as he to do, the father placed the casket such close friends. This way, if I own prepared to meet his Maker. The under his arm and, with his family the property, I’ll be able to watch tragedy is that a hidden wedge had beside him, carried it home, walking over it.” At length Leonard’s par- kept Leonard from soaring to greater in a drenching rain. ents agreed, and the farm was sold. heights. If the family were of a lesser char- The buyer—even the neighbor— I am acquainted with a family acter, they could have blamed the held a responsible position in the which came to America from Ger- bishop and harbored ill feelings. Church, and the trust this implied many. The English language was When the bishop discovered the helped to persuade the family to sell difficult for them. They had but lit- tragedy, he visited the family and to him, even though they did not tle by way of means, but each was apologized. With the hurt still evi- realize as much money from the blessed with the will to work and dent in his expression, but with sale as they would have if they had with a love of God. tears in his eyes, the father accepted sold to the first interested buyer. Their third child was born, lived the apology, and the two embraced Not long after the sale was made, but two months, and then died. in a spirit of understanding. No hid- the neighbor sold both his own Father was a cabinetmaker and fash- den wedge was left to cause further farm and the farm acquired from ioned a beautiful casket for the body feelings of anger. Love and accep- Leonard’s family in a combined par- of his precious child. The day of the tance prevailed. cel which maximized the value and funeral was gloomy, thus reflecting The spirit must be freed from hence the selling price. The long- the sadness they felt in their loss. As tethers so strong and feelings never asked question of why Leonard had the family walked to the chapel, put to rest, so that the lift of life may never joined the Church had been with Father carrying the tiny casket, give buoyancy to the soul. In many answered. He always felt that his a small number of friends had gath- families, there are hurt feelings and a family had been deceived by the ered. However, the chapel door was reluctance to forgive. It doesn’t neighbor. locked. The busy bishop had forgot- really matter what the issue was. It He confided to me following our ten the funeral. Attempts to reach cannot and should not be left to conversation that he felt a great him were futile. Not knowing what injure. Blame keeps wounds open.

LIAHONA 20 Only forgiveness heals. George Herbert, an early 17th-century poet, wrote these lines: “He that can-not forgive others breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass if he would ever reach heaven, for everyone has need of forgiveness.” Beautiful are the words of the Savior as He was about to die upon the cruel cross. Said He, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”2 There are some who have difficulty forgiving themselves and who dwell on all of their perceived short- comings. I quite like the account of a religious leader who went to the side of a woman who lay dying, attempting to comfort her—but to no avail. “I am lost,” she said. “I’ve The Salt Lake Temple and a statue of a mother and children both ruined my life and every life around symbolize the importance of eternal families. me. There is no hope for me.” The man noticed a framed pic- The Savior provided assurance of Where do hidden wedges origi- ture of a lovely girl on the dresser. this truth when He taught that even nate? Some come from unresolved “Who is this?” he asked. a sparrow shall not fall to the ground disputes, which lead to ill feelings, The woman brightened. “She is unnoticed by our Father. He then followed by remorse and regret. my daughter, the one beautiful thing concluded the beautiful thought by Others find their beginnings in disap- in my life.” saying, “Fear ye not therefore, ye are pointments, jealousies, arguments, “And would you help her if she of more value than many sparrows.”3 and imagined hurts. We must solve were in trouble or had made a mis- Some time ago I read the follow- them—lay them to rest and not take? Would you forgive her? Would ing Associated Press dispatch, which leave them to canker, fester, and ulti- you still love her?” appeared in the newspaper. An mately destroy. “Of course I would!” cried the elderly man disclosed at the funeral A lovely lady of more than 90 woman. “I would do anything for her. of his brother, with whom he had years visited with me one day and Why do you ask such a question?” shared, from early manhood, a small, unexpectedly recounted several re- “Because I want you to know,” one-room cabin near Canisteo, New grets. She mentioned that many said the man, “that figuratively York, that following a quarrel, they years earlier a neighboring farmer, speaking, Heavenly Father has a had divided the room in half with a with whom she and her husband picture of you on His dresser. He chalk line and neither had crossed had occasionally disagreed, asked if loves you and will help you. Call the line or spoken a word to the he could take a shortcut across her upon Him.” other since that day—62 years be- property to reach his own acreage. A hidden wedge to her happiness fore. What a powerful and destruc- She paused in her narrative and, had been removed. tive hidden wedge. with a tremor in her voice, said, In a day of danger or a time of As Alexander Pope wrote, “To “Tommy, I didn’t let him cross our trial, such knowledge, such hope, err is human; to forgive, divine.”4 property but required him to take such understanding will bring com- Sometimes we can take offense the long way around—even on fort to the troubled mind and griev- so easily. On other occasions we are foot—to reach his property. I was ing heart. The entire message of too stubborn to accept a sincere wrong and I regret it. He’s gone the New Testament breathes a spirit apology. Who will subordinate ego, now, but oh, I wish I could say to of awakening to the human soul. pride, and hurt—then step forward him, ‘I’m so sorry.’ How I wish I had Shadows of despair are dispelled by with, “I am truly sorry! Let’s be as a second chance.” rays of hope, sorrow yields to joy, we once were: friends. Let’s not pass As I listened to her, the words and the feeling of being lost in the to future generations the grievances, written by John Greenleaf Whittier crowd of life vanishes with the cer- the anger of our time.” Let’s remove came into my mind: “Of all sad words tain knowledge that our Heavenly any hidden wedges that can do of tongue or pen, / The saddest are Father is mindful of each of us. nothing but destroy. these: ‘It might have been!’”5

JULY 2002 21 Members and visitors coming to conference pass through the gates leading to the balcony level of the Conference Center.

From 3 Nephi in the Book of wife, and I gave him a blessing. As time. They worked throughout the Mormon comes this inspired coun- we talked afterward, Brother Kohler night and into the next day, with sel: “There shall be no disputations said, “Let me tell you about one of many others in the community join- among you. . . . For verily, verily I say the sweetest experiences I have had ing in. unto you, he that hath the spirit during my life.” He then recounted to Roy Kohler has passed away, of contention is not of me, but is of me his misunderstanding with Grant and Grant Remund is getting older. the devil, who is the father of con- Remund and the ensuing estrange- Their sons have served together in tention, and he stirreth up the hearts ment. His comment was, “We were the same ward bishopric. I truly of men to contend with anger, one sort of on the outs with each other.” treasure the friendship of these two with another. Behold, this is not my “Then,” continued Roy, “I had wonderful families. doctrine, to stir up the hearts of men just put up our hay for the winter to May we ever be exemplary in our with anger, one against another; but come, when one night, as a result of homes and faithful in keeping all of this is my doctrine, that such things spontaneous combustion, the hay the commandments, that we may should be done away.”6 caught fire, burning the hay, the harbor no hidden wedges but rather Let me conclude with an account barn, and everything in it right to remember the Savior’s admonition: of two men who are heroes to me. the ground. I was devastated,” said “By this shall all men know that ye Their acts of courage were not per- Roy. “I didn’t know what in the are my disciples, if ye have love one formed on a national scale, but world I would do. The night was to another.”7 rather in a peaceful valley known as dark, except for the dying embers of This is my plea and my prayer, in Midway, Utah. the fire. Then I saw coming toward the name of Jesus Christ, amen. Long years ago, Roy Kohler and me from the road, in the direction Grant Remund served together in of Grant Remund’s place, the lights NOTES Church capacities. They were the of tractors and heavy equipment. 1. In Conference Report, Apr. 1966, 70. best of friends. They were tillers of As the ‘rescue party’ turned in our 2. Luke 23:34. the soil and dairymen. Then a mis- drive and met me amidst my tears, 3. Matt. 10:31. understanding arose which became Grant said, ‘Roy, you’ve got quite a 4. An Essay on Criticism (1711), part 2, somewhat of a rift between them. mess to clean up. My boys and I are line 525. Later, when Roy Kohler became here. Let’s get to it.’” Together they 5. “Maud Muller,” The Complete grievously ill with cancer and had plunged to the task at hand. Gone Poetical Works of Whittier (1892), 48. but a limited time to live, my wife, forever was the hidden wedge which 6. 3 Ne. 11:28–30. Frances, and I visited Roy and his had separated them for a short 7. John 13:35.

LIAHONA 22 Saturday Afternoon Session It is proposed that we sus- 6 April 2002 tain Elders Gerald N. Lund and William R. Walker as new members of the Second Quorum of the Sev- enty. All in favor, please manifest The Sustaining it. Any opposed. It is proposed that we release Kay H. Christensen, Clayton S. of Church Officers Huber, David López, Hyde M. Merrill, Adelson de Paula Parrella, President Thomas S. Monson and R. Gordon Porter as Area First Counselor in the First Presidency Authority Seventies. All in favor, please manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain the following as Area Authority Seventies: D. Allen Andersen, David S. Baxter, C. Elmer Black Jr., President of the Quorum of the G. Lynn Brenchley, Ildefonso de Twelve Apostles; Boyd Kenneth Castro Deus Neto, Clayton M. Packer as Acting President of the Christensen, Ernesto A. Da Silva, Quorum of the Twelve Apostles; Hector A. Dávalos, James Dunlop, and the following as members of James M. Dunn, I. Lee Ence, that quorum: Boyd K. Packer, Carlos R. Fernandez, John R. Gibson, L. Tom Perry, David B. Haight, Stephen W. Hansen, Emmanuel A. Neal A. Maxwell, Russell M. Nelson, Kissi, B. Renato Maldonado, Jeffrey J. Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Marchant, Gerald A. Mead, Hyae- Joseph B. Wirthlin, Richard G. Kee Min, Rodrigo Myrrha, Masayuki Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Nakano, Yasuo Niiyama, Carlos L. Holland, and Henry B. Eyring. Pedraja, Carlos A. Perez, D. Chad Those in favor, please manifest it. Richardson, Maury W. Schooff, Any opposed. M. Gonzalo Sepúlveda, T. LaMar It is proposed that we sustain Sleight, John C. Taggart, Anthony R. the counselors in the First Presi- Temple. All in favor, please manifest dency and the Twelve Apostles as it. Any opposed, by the same sign. prophets, seers, and revelators. All It is proposed that we release with y brothers and sisters, in favor, please manifest it. Contrary, a vote of thanks and sincere appre- President Hinckley has if there be any, by the same sign. ciation Mary Ellen Wood Smoot, M requested that I, Brother Monson, now present to you the Organist Richard Elliott accompanies the Tabernacle Choir during the General Authorities, Area Authority Saturday morning session of conference. Seventies, and general auxiliary presidencies of the Church for your sustaining vote. It is proposed that we sustain Gordon Bitner Hinckley as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; Thomas Spencer Monson as First Counselor in the First Presidency; and James Esdras Faust as Second Counselor in the First Presidency. Those in favor may manifest it. Those opposed, if any, may manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain Thomas Spencer Monson as

JULY 2002 23 Virginia Urry Jensen, and Sheri L. Dew as the Relief Society general presidency. We also release all mem- Church Auditing bers of the Relief Society general board. All in favor, please manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain Department Report Bonnie Rae Dansie Parkin as the new general president of the Relief Presented by Wesley L. Jones Society, with Kathleen Hurst Hughes Managing Director, Church Auditing Department as first counselor and Anne Clark Pingree as second counselor. Those in favor may manifest it. Any opposed may so signify. It is proposed that we sustain To the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ the other General Authorities, Area Authority Seventies, and general of Latter-day Saints auxiliary presidencies as presently constituted. Those in favor, please manifest it. Any opposed may mani- ear Brethren: The Church reports directly and regularly to the fest it. of Jesus Christ of Latter- First Presidency. Church Auditing It appears, President Hinckley, D day Saints maintains an Department staff consists of certi- that the sustaining has been unani- auditing department which performs fied public accountants, certified mous in the affirmative. its work independently from all internal auditors, and other quali- Thank you, brothers and sisters, other Church departments and fied, credentialed professionals. for your continued faith and operations. The managing director Under the direction of the First prayers. of the Church Auditing Department Presidency, the Church Auditing

The Conference Center interior is filled for a session of conference.

LIAHONA 24 Department has authority to audit all Church departments and operations worldwide. The Church Au- Statistical Report, diting Department has access to all records, personnel, properties, and systems needed to audit Church 2001 contributions, expenditures, and resources. Risk is the primary factor Presented by F. Michael Watson guiding the selection and perfor- Secretary to the First Presidency mance of audits. Expenditures of Church funds in 2001 were authorized by the Council on the Disposition of Tithes. This council is composed of the First Presi- dency, the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and the Presiding Bishopric, rothers and sisters, the First (Montevideo Uruguay, Winter as prescribed by revelation. Expen- Presidency has issued the fol- Quarters Nebraska, Guadalajara ditures are controlled through the B lowing report concerning the Mexico, Perth Australia, Columbia Budget and Finance Departments growth and status of the Church as River Washington) under direction of the Appropriation of 31 December 2001: Number of temples and Budget Committees. Adminis- in operation...... 107 tration of approved budgets was au- NUMBER OF CHURCH UNITS dited and reported. Stakes...... 2,607 PROMINENT MEMBERS WHO HAVE Based upon performance of our Districts...... 618 PASSED AWAY SINCE LAST APRIL audits, the Church Auditing Depart- Missions ...... 333 Elder Loren C. Dunn, an emeritus ment is of the opinion that, in all Wards and branches...... 26,084 General Authority and president of material respects, contributions re- the Boston Massachusetts Temple ceived and funds expended during CHURCH MEMBERSHIP at the time of his passing; Elder the year ended 31 December 2001 To tal membership ...... 11,394,522 Merlyn R. Lybbert, a former member have been managed in accordance Increase in children of the Seventy; Elder George R. Hill with approved budget guidelines of record...... 69,522 III, a former member of the Seventy; and established Church policies and Converts baptized ...... 292,612 Phyllis Nielsen Reeve, wife of Rex C. procedures. Reeve Sr., an emeritus General The financial activities of MISSIONARIES Authority; Avanelle Richards Osborn, Church-affiliated organizations, Number of full-time wife of Spencer H. Osborn, a former which are operated separately from missionaries...... 60,850 member of the Seventy; Naomi Ward the Church, were not audited by Randall, a former counselor in the the Church Auditing Department TEMPLES Primary general presidency and in 2001. These organizations in- Temples dedicated author of the words of the hymn “I clude Deseret Management Corp- during 2001...... 5 Am a Child of God.” oration and its subsidiaries and Brigham Young University and other institutions of higher education. However, financial activities in these organizations were audited by independent public accounting firms. In addition, the Church Au- diting Department did verify that appropriate reporting of these audit results occurred with each organization’s audit committee. Respectfully submitted, AUDITING DEPARTMENT Wesley L. Jones Managing Director 1 April 2002

JULY 2002 25 Master soberly prophesied, “Verily I say unto thee, That this day, even Full Conversion in this night, before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice.” To which Peter responded more vehe- mently, “If I should die with thee, I Brings Happiness 3 will not deny thee in any wise.” For me, one of the most poignant Elder Richard G. Scott Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles passages of scripture describes what then occurred. It is a sobering reminder to each of us that knowing to do right, even ardently desiring to do right, is not enough. It is often Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree very hard to actually do what we clearly know we should do. We read: of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life. “But a certain maid beheld [Peter] . . . and said, This man was also What is it that makes the dif- with him. And he denied . . . say- ference in the lives of these two ing, Woman, I know him not. . . . groups? How can you consistently Another saw him, and said, Thou make the right choices? The scrip- art also of them. And Peter said, tures give us insight. Consider en- Man, I am not. . . . Another confi- thusiastic, impetuous Peter. For three dently affirmed, . . . Of a truth this years he had served as an Apostle fellow also was with him: . . . And beside the Master, observing mira- Peter said, Man, I know not what cles and hearing transforming teach- thou sayest. And immediately, while ings and private explanations of he yet spake, the cock crew. And parables. With James and John, the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter experienced the glorious Trans- Peter. And Peter remembered the figuration of Jesus Christ with the word of the Lord, . . . and . . . went accompanying visitations of Moses out, and wept bitterly.”4 and Elijah.1 Yet with all of this, As painful as that confirmation the Savior could see that Peter still of prophecy must have been for lacked consistency. The Master knew Peter, his life began to change for- him very well, as He does each of us. ever. He became that unwavering, ach of us has observed how In the Bible, we read: rock-solid servant essential to the some individuals go through “And the Lord said, Simon, plan of the Father after the Cru- E life consistently doing the Simon, behold, Satan hath desired cifixion and Resurrection of the right things. They seem happy, even to have you. . . . But I have prayed Savior. This tender passage also enthusiastic about life. When diffi- for thee, that thy faith fail not: and illustrates how very much the cult choices are to be made, they when thou art converted, strengthen Savior loved Peter. Although He seem to invariably make the right thy brethren. And he said unto him, was in the midst of an overpowering ones, even though there were entic- Lord, I am ready to go with thee, challenge to His own life, with all of ing alternatives available to them. both into prison, and to death.”2 the weight of what was to transpire We know that they are subject to Certainly these were not, from the upon His shoulders, yet He turned temptation, but they seem oblivious perspective of Peter, idle words. He and looked at Peter—the love of a to it. Likewise, we have observed sincerely meant what he said but teacher transmitted to a beloved stu- how others are not so valiant in the would act otherwise. dent, giving courage and enlight- decisions they make. In a powerfully Later, at the Mount of Olives, enment in time of need. Thereafter, spiritual environment, they resolve Jesus prophesied to His disciples, “All Peter rose to the full stature of his to do better, to change their course ye shall be offended because of me calling. He taught with power and of life, to set aside debilitating habits. this night: for it is written, I will unshakable testimony despite threats, They are very sincere in their deter- smite the shepherd, and the sheep imprisonment, and beatings. He was mination to change, yet they are shall be scattered.” Peter again re- truly converted. soon back doing the same things sponded, “Although all shall be Sometimes the word converted is they resolved to abandon. offended, yet will not I.” Then the used to describe when a sincere

LIAHONA 26 individual decides to be baptized. one belief or course of action to in his allegiance to God in interest, However, when properly used, con- another. Conversion is a spiritual in thought, and in conduct. In one version means far more than that, and moral change. Converted implies who is really wholly converted, for the new convert as well as the not merely mental acceptance of desire for things contrary to the long-term member. With character- Jesus and his teachings but also gospel of Jesus Christ has actually istic doctrinal clarity and precision, a motivating faith in him and his died. And substituted therefore is a President Marion G. Romney ex- gospel. A faith which works a trans- love of God, with a fixed and con- plained conversion: formation, an actual change in one’s trolling determination to keep his “Converted means to turn from understanding of life’s meaning and commandments.” To be converted, you must remember to apply diligently in your life the key words “a love of God, with a fixed and controlling determination to keep his commandments.” Your happiness now and forever is conditioned on your degree of conversion and the transformation that it brings to your life. How then can you become truly converted? President Romney describes the steps you must follow: “Membership in the Church and conversion are not necessarily syn- onymous. Being converted and having a testimony are not necessarily the same thing either. A testimony comes when the Holy Ghost gives the earnest seeker a witness of the truth. A moving testimony vital- izes faith. That is, it induces repentance and obedience to the commandments. Conversion is the fruit or the reward for repentance and obedience.”5 Stated simply, true conversion is the fruit of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience. Faith comes by hearing the word of God6 and re- sponding to it. You will receive from the Holy Ghost a confirming witness of things you accept on faith by willingly doing them.7 You will be led to repent of errors resulting from wrong things done or right things not done. As a consequence, your capacity to consistently obey will be strengthened. This cycle of faith, repentance, and consistent obedience will lead you to greater conversion with its attendant blessings. True conversion will strengthen your capacity to do what you know you should do, when you should do it, regardless of the circumstances. The parable of the sower taught by Jesus is generally considered to

JULY 2002 27 happy. Of a group of individuals in difficulty, the Book of Mormon teaches: “They did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purify- ing and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.”9 President Hinckley has declared that it is true conversion that makes the difference.10 To receive the blessings promised from true conversion, make the changes that you know are needed in your life now. The Savior said: “Will ye not now return unto me, describe how the word of the Lord is ariseth . . . immediately they are and repent of your sins, and be con- received by different individuals as it offended.” verted, that I may heal you? . . . If ye is preached. Consider for a moment Have you ever been in a circum- will come unto me ye shall have how the same parable may apply to stance when someone proposed eternal life.”11 you in different circumstances in something inappropriate and you I bear testimony that as you pray your life, as you face challenges or did nothing to resist it? for guidance, the Holy Ghost will come under strong influences. The “[Some] sown among thorns; help identify the personal changes word, or teachings of the Savior, can such as hear the word, And the cares you need to make for full con- come to you in many ways: as you of this world . . . and the lusts of version. The Lord can then bless observe others, or through your own other things entering in, choke the you more abundantly. Your faith in prayer or pondering the scriptures, word, and it becometh unfruitful.” Him will be fortified, your capacity or through the guidance of the Holy Have there been times when to repent will increase, and your Ghost. As I repeat the explanation you wanted something so badly that power to consistently obey will be that Jesus gave His disciples of the you justified an exception to your reinforced. The Savior lives. He parable of the sower, mentally exam- standards? loves you. As you do your best, He ine your life. See if there are periods “[Some] sown on good ground; will help you. In the name of Jesus when correct teachings find in you such as hear the word, and receive it, Christ, amen. conditions unsuitable to receive and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, them and consequently the prom- some sixty, and some an hundred.”8 NOTES ised fruits of happiness, peace, and I know this is the way you want 1. See Matt. 17:3; 1 Kgs. 17:1; progress are lost. to live your life. How completely D&C 110:13. “The sower soweth the word. you willingly embrace the teachings 2. Luke 22:31–32; emphasis added. [Some sown] by the way side, . . . of the Savior determines how much 3. See Mark 14:27, 29–31. but when they have heard, Satan fruit, as blessings, you will harvest in 4. Luke 22:56–62. cometh immediately, and taketh your life. This parable illustrates 5. In Conference Report, Guatemala away the word that was sown in that the degree to which you will- Area Conference 1977, 8–9. their hearts.” ingly obey those things you know 6. See Rom. 10:17; Joseph F. Smith, Could that happen to you, in the you should do, resisting the ratio- Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. (1939), 99. wrong environment, with the wrong nalization to do otherwise, will 7. See Ether 12:6. friendships? determine how truly converted you 8. Mark 4:14–20. “[Some] on stony ground; who, are, therefore, how fully the Lord 9. Hel. 3:35. when they have heard the word, can bless you. 10. Regional representatives’ seminar, immediately receive it with glad- True conversion yields the fruit 6 Apr. 1984, as quoted in W. Mack ness; And have no root in them- of enduring happiness that can be Lawrence, “Conversion and selves, and so endure but for a time: enjoyed even when the world is in Commitment,” Ensign, May 1996, 75. afterward, when . . . persecution turmoil and most are anything but 11. 3 Ne. 9:13–14.

LIAHONA 28 rumors about the Church, I was impressed by the ‘fellow Saints’ who True Friends gave me a warm welcome on my first visit. It was this same Sunday that my Elder Henry B. Eyring friend introduced me to the mission- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles aries. Arrangements were made to be taught. My friend was there for every discussion, and he kept inviting me to the activities. I really enjoyed being around people with the same values, All of us will be tested. And all of us need true friends to love us, interests, standards, and goals. It was to listen to us, to show us the way, and to testify of truth to us. during this same time period that I began attending institute [of religion]. It all seemed very natural: and then fail and deny Him, it Thursday nights [5:30]—missionary would have been better if we had discussion, followed by institute. never begun.2 “I learned a lot in institute and I think of that each time I visit especially enjoyed our class about with new members of the Church. I how to achieve a celestial marriage. get that opportunity often, across The first semester ended in May, the world. I see their trusting faces, shortly after I began attending, and and often they tell me about some I felt cheated. But I was fortunate trial of their faith, and then, with enough to catch the second semes- urgency in their voices, they whis- ter class, Teachings of the Living per, “Please pray for me.” At those Prophets. While in institute, I bought moments, I feel again the weight of myself the four standard works and the charge to each of us from the I continued to learn and grow in the Lord’s living prophet. It is to keep Church line upon line, precept upon the promise we made in the waters precept, here a little and there a lit- of baptism “to bear one another’s tle. I was baptized September 17, burdens.”3 It is to be a friend. 1999, by another friend I had made These words of President Hinckley while attending institute. ach year, hundreds of thou- energize me: “I hope, I pray, I plead “I am thankful for the institute sands of the children of our with you, every one of you, to em- program. It has not only shaped me, EHeavenly Father come into brace every new member of the but it has also helped me qualify to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Church. Make a friend of him or her. become a missionary, which mission day Saints. For most it requires a great Hold onto them.”4 I started preparing for five months change in their lives. All of them President Hinckley can’t be there after my baptism. I have been blessed have made a sacred covenant with as a friend for every new member. with many opportunities to serve and great promises and with a solemn But you can be there for at least to teach prior to my mission. pledge to endure. That covenant is so one. All it takes is to feel something “I am thankful for my friend. I important that our Heavenly Father of what they feel and something of hope he realizes what he has done for described the blessing and the chal- what the Savior feels for them. Try me. We have both served missions, I lenge to the prophet Nephi: to feel the heart of a young man, to South Africa Durban, he to South “And I heard a voice from the Nkosiyabo Eddie Lupahla, in Africa, Africa Cape Town. All it takes is a Father, saying: Yea, the words of my writing about his friend. friend to bring such a mighty change Beloved are true and faithful. He “Two and a half years prior to my in one’s life.”5 that endureth to the end, the same joining the Church in 1999, my good Now, there seems to be nothing shall be saved. friend, Mbuti Yona, looked me up. miraculous in that story. But there is “And now, my beloved brethren, We had been friends through grades a miracle of wisdom beyond human I know by this that unless a man 5 to 12, then [were] separated when capacity. shall endure to the end, in following we attended different [schools]. Perhaps because Mbuti had walked the example of the Son of the living “Mbuti was baptized in April the path himself or perhaps by revela- God, he cannot be saved.”1 1999, and four weeks later he visited tion, he knew what his friend would The Savior warns that if we start me at home and introduced the have to do to endure. And so he along the path and go far enough gospel to me. Regardless of the knew how to lift and help.

JULY 2002 29 He introduced his friend to the meetings both before and after bap- inspired to do but he was asking missionaries. He saw that his friend tism, but some must have greeted God to let the Atonement work in was baptized and received the gift of him warmly, as they did on his first his life. the Holy Ghost. He took his friend, visit. There, he renewed his cove- Nephi, describing that miracle of even before baptism, to where he nant to always remember the Savior, change and what brings it, said this: would study the scriptures and thus to keep His commandments, and “And now, my beloved brethren, be nurtured by the good word of to receive again the promise of the I perceive that ye ponder still in God. Even before baptism he helped companionship of the Holy Ghost. your hearts; and it grieveth me that his friend discover this promise: We don’t know what part his friends I must speak concerning this thing. “Wherefore, I said unto you, feast had in his calls to serve and to For if ye would hearken unto the upon the words of Christ; for be- speak. But we can be sure that they Spirit which teacheth a man to pray hold, the words of Christ will tell thanked him and told him when ye would know that ye must pray; you all things what ye should do.”6 they felt the Spirit in his service and for the evil spirit teacheth not a The words must have told him to in his teaching. man to pray, but teacheth him that buy scriptures, which he did. We can know something of his he must not pray. At baptism, Brother Lupahla re- private life. Remember that he wrote “But behold, I say unto you that ceived the gift of the Holy Ghost to that he continued to learn. He wrote ye must pray always, and not faint; serve as his constant companion as that he grew in the Church line that ye must not perform any thing long as he invited it and lived worthy upon line, precept upon precept, unto the Lord save in the first place of it. That assured him of another here a little and there a little. He ye shall pray unto the Father in the promise, “For behold, again I say unto said that he had been shaped by his name of Christ, that he will conse- you that if ye will enter in by the way, experiences in the Church Educa- crate thy performance unto thee, and receive the Holy Ghost, it will tional System institute. We know that thy performance may be for the show unto you all things what ye from the scriptures what caused welfare of thy soul.”8 should do.”7 The Holy Ghost must those changes in him. He had to be The Holy Ghost is a comforter have told him to begin to prepare for praying with faith in the Savior. He and a guide. But it is also a cleans- a mission, which he did. was receiving testimony and direc- ing agent. That is why service in the We do not know which friends tions through the Spirit. And then kingdom is so crucial to enduring. went with him to his sacrament he was not only doing what he was When we are called to serve, we

Elder Henry B. Eyring, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland, and Elder Richard G. Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles look over the congregation while members of the First Presidency confer before a conference session.

LIAHONA 30 can pray for the Holy Ghost to be “Ye are my friends, if ye do what- pains and afflictions and tempta- our companion with assurance it soever I command you. tions of every kind; and this that the will come. When we ask in faith, a “Henceforth I call you not ser- word might be fulfilled which saith change can come in our natures vants; for the servant knoweth not he will take upon him the pains and both for the welfare of our souls and what his lord doeth: but I have the sicknesses of his people. to strengthen us for the tests we all called you friends; for all things that “And he will take upon him must face. I have heard of my Father I have death, that he may loose the bands There are limits on what friends made known unto you.”9 of death which bind his people; and can do to help the ones who must The Savior watches over the he will take upon him their infirmi- endure. It is the new members who struggling member as a friend. He ties, that his bowels may be filled must pray. It is they who must rely laid down His life for all of us. He with mercy, according to the flesh, on the strength they will receive in loves us and will grant us, if we are that he may know according to answers to their prayers. They must faithful, the gift of feeling a part of the flesh how to succor his people choose for themselves in faith to be His love for them. I have at times according to their infirmities.”10 baptized, trusting in their perfect been blessed by the Holy Ghost to Third, we must be an example for friend, the Savior. They must choose sense the Savior’s love for a strug- the new member. We can feast upon in faith in Him to repent, to be gling new member. I know for myself the word of God. We can ask for humble and contrite. that is possible. and live for the companionship of They must choose to receive the Second, we must listen to the new the Holy Ghost. We can be obedient gift of the Holy Ghost. The words of member with understanding and out of our faith in Jesus Christ. And confirmation into the Church are empathy. That also will take spiritual in time we can become an example an invitation: “Receive the Holy gifts, since our experience will rarely of a disciple who is born again Ghost.” And that choice must be parallel theirs. It will not be enough through the Atonement. It may be made not once, but every day, every to say, “I understand how you feel,” gradual. It may be hard for us to dis- hour, every minute. Even when the unless we do. But the Savior does. cern in ourselves. But it will be real. Holy Ghost comes and inspires He is prepared to help you be a And it will give hope to the new them what they should do, doing it friend who understands even those member and to all those we befriend or not is a choice. Even when they you have just met, if you ask in faith. on the path to eternal life. read the scriptures regularly, it takes Before He was born, prophets knew Fourth, we must testify of the a choice to “feast upon the words of what He would do to be able to help truth to the new member. It must be Christ.” And even the feast is not you be a friend for Him: sincere, and it is best when it is sim- nourishing without a choice to do “And he shall go forth, suffering ple. It is most helpful when it is what the words of Christ tell them to do. With faith and obedience practiced long enough, the Holy Ghost becomes a constant companion, our natures change, and en- durance becomes certain. The member must make the choices, but the true friend is vital. There are important ways for us to share the new member’s burden that it may be bearable. We can love, listen, show, and testify. First, we must love them. That is what the Savior does. We can do it with Him and for Him. He showed us the way in His mortal ministry. He taught by precept and example that we are to love His disciples. “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

JULY 2002 31 about the reality and mission of the Savior, about our Heavenly Father’s love, and of the gifts and compan- Faith Obedience ionship of the Holy Ghost. And it is essential to testify that the Father Elder R. Conrad Schultz and the Son appeared to the young Of the Seventy Joseph Smith and that the full gospel and the true Church have been restored by heavenly messengers. The Holy Ghost will confirm those simple declarations as truth. “Faith obedience” is a matter of trust. The question is simple: The new member will need that Do we trust our Heavenly Father? Do we trust our prophets? confirmation, again and again, even when we are not there to testify. Should they choose to reject the com- maneuvered the boat, half filled panionship of the Holy Ghost, he or with water, to where he was floating she will not endure. But that is true and pulled him aboard. for all of us, wherever we are and We had been hit by what is called however faithful we have been. All of a sneaker wave. It doesn’t happen us will be tested. And all of us need often, and there is no way to pre- true friends to love us, to listen to us, dict an occurrence. Later we found to show us the way, and to testify of that up and down the Oregon- truth to us so that we may retain the Washington coast, five people had companionship of the Holy Ghost. drowned that day in three separate You must be such a true friend. boating accidents. All were caused I can still remember, as if it were by the same sneaker wave, which for today, friends who touched my life no apparent reason had welled up for good long ago. They are gone, off the ocean surface. At the time but the memory of their love, exam- we went out over the bar, the ocean ple, faith, and testimony still lifts was flat and calm and gave no sign me. And your friendship to even one of any danger. But the ocean turned new member may, in this life and in out to be very deceptive and not at the next, cause hundreds or even n this world in which we live, all what it appeared to be. thousands of their ancestors and things are not always what they As we make our way through this their descendants to call you blessed. I appear to be. We sometimes are life’s journey, we must continually be This is the true Church of Jesus unaware of the powerful forces on guard and watch for those things Christ. He lives. He loves you, and pulling on us. Appearances can be which are deceptive and not what He loves those whom you must very deceptive. they appear to be. If we are not care- serve and who will become your true A few years ago I had an experi- ful, the sneaker waves in life can be friends forever. ence with deceptive appearances as deadly as those in the ocean. In the sacred name of Jesus where the results could have been One of the sneaky ploys of the Christ, amen. tragic. My wife’s cousin and family adversary is to have us believe that were visiting us from Utah. It was unquestioning obedience to the prin- NOTES a calm summer day on the Ore- ciples and commandments of God 1. 2 Ne. 31:15–16. gon coast, and we were fishing in is blind obedience. His goal is to 2. See 2 Ne. 31:14; D&C 40:1–3; the ocean. It was pleasant, and we have us believe that we should be 41:5–6. were having a good time catching following our own worldly ways and 3. Mosiah 18:8. salmon, when for some reason I selfish ambitions. This he does by 4. Meeting, Edmonton, Alberta, turned around to see a huge eight- persuading us that “blindly” follow- Canada, 2 Aug. 1998. foot wave bearing down upon us. I ing the prophets and obeying the 5. Personal correspondence. only had time to shout a warning commandments is not thinking for 6. 2 Ne. 32:3. before the wave hit us broadside. ourselves. He teaches that it is not 7. 2 Ne. 32:5. Somehow the boat stayed upright, intelligent to do something just 8. 2 Ne. 32:8–9. but Gary, our cousin, was thrown because we are told to do so by a liv- 9. John 15:12–15. overboard. We were all wearing life ing prophet or by prophets who 10. Alma 7:11–12. jackets and with some difficulty speak to us from the scriptures.

LIAHONA 32 A family pauses before the Christus statue in the North Visitors’ Center on Temple Square.

Our unquestioning obedience to the wisdom and the learning of the Things like saying our prayers, hon- the Lord’s commandments is not world is the only source of knowl- oring the Sabbath, reading the scrip- blind obedience. President Boyd K. edge we should follow. The prophet tures, paying our tithing, attending Packer in the April conference of Nephi’s brother Jacob understood our meetings, and the list goes on. 1983 taught us about this: “Latter- the adversary’s plan and warned us Our Heavenly Father communi- day Saints are not obedient because about it: cates in a very clear way to His chil- they are compelled to be obedient. “O that cunning plan of the evil dren. In the teachings of the gospel, They are obedient because they one! O the vainness, and the frail- there is no uncertain sound of which know certain spiritual truths and ties, and the foolishness of men! the Apostle Paul speaks (see 1 Cor. have decided, as an expression of When they are learned they think 14:8). There is no question regard- their own individual agency, to obey they are wise, and they hearken not ing the meaning of what is being said the commandments of God. . . . unto the counsel of God, for they or of feelings prompted by the Spirit. We are not obedient because we set it aside, supposing they know of We have not been left alone. We are blind, we are obedient because themselves, wherefore, their wisdom have the scriptures, the prophets, we can see” (“Agency and Control,” is foolishness and it profiteth them loving parents, and leaders. Ensign, May 1983, 66). not. And they shall perish” (2 Ne. Why do we sometimes stray? Why We might call this “faith obedi- 9:28). do we let ourselves be influenced by ence.” With faith, Abraham was Jacob did not say that we should the deception of the adversary? The obedient in preparing Isaac for sacri- not be learned. He went on to tell solution to his deception is simple in fice; with faith, Nephi was obedient us that it is good to be learned, pro- its answer, but sometimes it is diffi- in obtaining the brass plates; with vided we hearken to the counsels cult in its application. President faith, a little child obediently jumps of God. Harold B. Lee in the October confer- from a height into the strong arms Some come to believe that you ence of 1970 spoke of the Lord, the of his father. “Faith obedience” is may pick and choose which of God’s adversary, and the solution to the a matter of trust. The question is commandments to follow. They con- adversary’s power of deception: simple: Do we trust our Heavenly veniently label many command- “We have some tight places to go Father? Do we trust our prophets? ments as little things which can be before the Lord is through with this Another of the adversary’s de- put off and which don’t appear to be church and the world in this dispen- ceptions is to have us believe that life-threatening or too important. sation. . . . The power of Satan will

JULY 2002 33 increase; we see it on every hand. . . . We must learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Being Teachable Lord shall give through his prophet. . . . There will be some things that Elder Robert R. Steuer take patience and faith” (in Con- Of the Seventy ference Report, Oct. 1970, 152). Then President Lee added a warning when he went on to say that we may not always like what comes from the authority of the Church, because By being teachable, we activate the full force and blessings of it may conflict with our personal the Atonement in our lives. views or interfere with some of our social life. However, if we will listen to and do these things as if from the careful and not turn away the small mouth of the Lord Himself, we will still voice; it will teach them what not be deceived and great blessings to do and where to go; it will yield will be ours. the fruits of the Kingdom.”3 It brings us back to obedience. It How do we ignite this power of will always be so. It’s part of the plan divine instruction in our lives? First, of eternal happiness. I know of no we need to start with a willingness to doctrine that is more critical to our be instructed. While many naturally well-being in this life and the next. hunger and thirst after righteous- All scriptures teach obedience, and ness, others may be compelled to be no apostle or prophet has ever lived humble.4 Some of us, rather than fol- who has not taught the principle of low instructions or change ourselves, obedience. would simply like to change the Sometimes it is necessary to be rules. Naaman certainly wanted to obedient even when we do not be rid of his leprous flesh but went understand the reason for the law. away in a rage when told by the It takes faith to be obedient. The prophet’s messenger to simply wash Prophet Joseph Smith, in teaching seven times in the River Jordan. It obedience, said that whatever God rue disciples of the Master was inconvenient, a little thing, and requires is right, though we may not are teachable. In just a few he felt that the rivers in his land know the reason until much later T words, Abraham gives us were better than the Jordan. But his (see Teachings of the Prophet Joseph much insight into why he was so leprosy was cured as he listened to Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith greatly blessed. He lived a life “de- his servants, changed his mind, and [1976], 256). siring to receive instructions, and to did “according to the saying of the I am grateful that we had on our keep the commandments of God.”1 man of God.”5 He was dramatically life jackets that summer day on the “Desiring to receive instructions” is shown that there was a prophet and ocean. I am thankful we were able to more than a willingness to listen. a God in Israel. We too must realize avoid the tragedy that came to others When our desire to receive instruc- that God has governing laws6 and from that sneaker wave. It is my tion is a greater force than our com- that His wisdom is greater than our prayer that we will continue to wear fort in remaining as we are, we own. Even Moses observed, after our life jackets of obedience in order become teachable. seeing God’s majesty and workman- to avoid the tragedy that will surely President Brigham Young taught ship, “Man is nothing, which thing I come if we are deceived and follow our “first and foremost duty [is] to never had supposed.”7 the enticings of the adversary. seek the Lord until we open the Second, we need to put ourselves I witness to you that our Father path of communication from God into a proper frame of mind and in Heaven lives, that He loves us, to our own soul.”2 Shortly after his heart. This comes by prayerful pon- and that by being unquestioningly death, the Prophet Joseph Smith dering and laboring in the Spirit.8 obedient to His commandments, appeared in a dream to Brigham This labor is real labor. It includes we can once again dwell with Him Young and instructed him: “Tell the the very active steps of seeking, and His Son Jesus Christ, our Savior people to be humble and faithful, hearkening, and studying the scrip- and Redeemer, in the name of Jesus and be sure to keep the spirit of the tures. When humbled and stripped Christ, amen. Lord and it will lead them right. Be of pride, our heart is softened and

LIAHONA 34 now we can focus on heavenly coun- outcome. But since we are free card he always carried in his shirt sel and instruction. Lamoni’s father, agents, life can sometimes be a diffi- pocket. His reply was that at times the powerful Lamanite king, made cult journey of applying our hearts he felt impressions or promptings. just that change in focus, even pros- and minds to the truths of God. He then liked to pull out that card trating himself to the earth, demon- Nevertheless, as President Thomas S. and write down those feelings, when- strating his great commitment to Monson said, “The Lord expects our ever they came. And then he tried know God. He declared, “I will give thinking. He expects our action. He to act upon them as quickly as pos- away all my sins to know thee, and expects our labors.”14 sible. It is humbling to consider that that I may be raised from the dead, Becoming teachable is a process of the still, small voice is always there and be saved at the last day.”9 learning line upon line. In this pro- for us, teaching us what to do and Third, we must be obedient to the cess we convert thoughts and feelings where to go. The Lord tells us that instruction we receive. Alma said, into actions. But what a reward for when the promptings are heeded, “Experiment upon my words, and this exercise of our faith as we open often more are given. If we do not exercise a particle of faith.”10 Nephi the path of communication with the follow them, the promptings even- simply said, “I will go and do.”11 What Lord. The Lord said, “Blessed are tually diminish. a wonderful attitude of submission those who hearken unto my precepts, As a result of being teachable, and obedience as he accepted his and lend an ear unto my counsel, for we gain an even greater testimony father’s counsel in getting the brass they shall learn wisdom.”15 And He of our Heavenly Father’s care for plates and in being told where to also said, “Every one that hearkeneth us. We gain the security and cer- hunt, and the Lord’s counsel in to the voice of the Spirit cometh tainty that our course in life is building a ship.12 In each case he unto God, even the Father.”16 according to His will.17 We even proceeded with trust, moving for- Some years ago I remember ask- have reasons to be good, reasons to ward, “not knowing beforehand the ing my father-in-law, a seasoned be moral, and reasons to change things”13 that he should do or the bishop, about a three-by-five-inch our behavior. By being teachable,

JULY 2002 35 we activate the full force and blessings of the Atonement in our lives. We become sensitive to the whis- The Gospel perings of the Holy Spirit so that the righteous principles taught by the prophets and the truths from in Our Lives the earth can place Christ deeply into our lives.18 We become His true Elder Dallin H. Oaks disciples. Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles It is by loving these truths with all of our heart that an affinity develops between us and the Source of truth itself, “for intelligence cleaveth unto intelligence; wisdom receiveth wis- He has given us His Atonement, His gospel, and His Church, dom; truth embraceth truth; [and] virtue loveth virtue.”19 Hence, we a sacred combination that gives us the assurance of shall discover that the things we immortality and the opportunity for eternal life. value and appreciate the most are those that we personally learned jeopardy of missing the most glori- from the Lord. ous blessings in the life to come. I testify that through the Prophet Paul taught that the Lord gave Joseph Smith we have received prophets and apostles for “the perfect- countless revelations of truth, bearing ing of the saints, . . . the work of the testimony of the atoning sacrifice of ministry, . . . [and] the edifying of the Jesus Christ. Being teachable we will body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12). Persons more clearly see, hear, and adhere to who are not fully participating in The those revelations continuing even Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day today through our living apostles, Saints and also seeking a personal prophets, seers, and revelators. In the spiritual conversion are missing out name of Jesus Christ, amen. on experiences that are essential under the divinely established great NOTES plan of happiness. The teachings and 1. Abr. 1:2. the work of the Church are essential 2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: to bring to pass the eternal life of man Brigham Young (1997), 41. (see Moses 1:39). 3. Quoted by Brigham Young, in I pray that many within the sound Teachings of Presidents of the Church: ome years ago I enjoyed a news- of my voice will have a spiritual Brigham Young, 41. paper cartoon that showed a witness of the importance of the 4. See Matt. 5:6 and Alma 32:13. Sclergyman in conversation with Church’s mission to edify and exalt 5. See 2 Kgs. 5:1–14. a hippie-dressed couple astride a the children of God. I pray especially 6. See D&C 93:30. motorcycle. “We are church goers,” that some who are not yet enjoying 7. Moses 1:10. one was saying to the clergyman. the blessings of full Church participa- 8. See Alma 17:5. “We’ve been going for years . . . we tion and commitment will seek and 9. See Alma 22:17–18. just haven’t got there yet.”1 obtain that witness and act upon it. 10. Alma 32:27. Many of our extended family and About a decade ago, while I was 11. 1 Ne. 3:7. friends haven’t yet gotten to church at a stake conference in the United 12. See 1 Ne. 3:4; 16:23–32; 17:8–11. either. They may attend sporadi- States, I was introduced to a mem- 13. 1 Ne. 4:6. cally, but they are not yet enjoying ber who had not participated in 14. “To the Rescue,” Liahona, July the full blessings of Church parti- the Church for many years. “Why 2001, 58. cipation and service. Others may should I return to Church activity?” 15. 2 Ne. 28:30. attend regularly, but refrain from this member asked me. Considering 16. D&C 84:47. commitments and from seeking the all the Savior has done for us, I 17. See Joseph Smith, comp., Lectures personal spiritual rebirth that comes replied it should be easy to offer on Faith (1985), 38. from yielding our hearts to God. something in service to Him and our 18. See Moses 7:62. Both kinds are missing some unique fellowmen. My questioner consid- 19. D&C 88:40. blessings in this life. And both are in ered that idea for a moment and

LIAHONA 36 then voiced this astonishing reply: the Church has blessed my life and Sabbath day. What is there in life— “What’s He done for me?” the lives of those I love. But I will on the lakes or streams, in places of This astonishing answer moved give a few examples, in the hope commercial recreation, or at home me to ponder what people expect to that this will add personal persua- reading the Sunday paper—that can receive from Jesus Christ, from His sion to the principles described. provide anything comparable to gospel, and from participating in His Attendance at Church each week these blessings? No recreational Church. I thought of some others provides the opportunity to partake pleasure can equal the cleansing who said they stopped going to of the sacrament, as the Lord has renewal and the spiritual guidance Church because the Church was commanded us (see D&C 59:9). If and growth God has promised those “not meeting their needs.” Which we act with the right preparation who faithfully partake of the sacra- needs could they be expecting the and attitude, partaking of the sacrament and honor Him each Sabbath Church to meet? If persons are sim- ment renews the cleansing effect of day. I give thanks for the fulfillment ply seeking a satisfying social experi- our baptism and qualifies us for the of those promises in my life and ence, they might be disappointed promise that we will always have His affirm their availability to all. in a particular ward or branch and Spirit to be with us. A mission of As I came to the age of account- seek other associations. There are that Spirit, the Holy Ghost, is to tes- ability and understood and experi- satisfying social experiences in many tify of the Father and the Son and to enced the effect of personal sin, the organizations. If they are simply lead us into truth (see John 14:26; teachings of the gospel of Jesus Christ seeking help to learn the gospel, 2 Ne. 31:18). Testimony and truth, gave me the peace and courage to they could pursue that goal through which are essential to our personal go forward in the knowledge that available literature. But are these conversion, are the choice harvest my sins could be forgiven and that the principal purposes of the Church? of this weekly renewing of our cove- there is always hope and the possi- Is this all we are to receive from the nants. In the day-to-day decisions of bility of mercy for those who fall gospel of Jesus Christ? my life and in my personal spiritual short. Someone has said that what we growth, I have enjoyed the fulfill- As I experienced the death of get depends on what we seek. Persons ment of that promise. loved ones, including my father, my who attend Church solely in order to I am sorry when any Latter-day mother, and my wife, the comforting get something of a temporal nature Saint does not understand the pre- revelations of the Holy Ghost gave may be disappointed. The Apostle cious blessing that comes to those me the strength to carry on. The Paul wrote disparagingly of persons who keep the commandment to Spirit affirms that there is purpose who “serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, offer up their sacraments upon each in mortal adversities and gives but their own belly” (Rom. 16:18). Persons who attend Church in order to give to their fellowmen and serve the Lord will rarely be disappointed. The Savior promised that “he that loseth his life for my sake shall find it” (Matt. 10:39). The Church gives us opportunities to serve the Lord and our fellowmen. If given in the right way and for the right reasons, that service will reward us beyond anything we have given. Millions serve un- selfishly and effectively as officers or teachers in Church organizations, and those who do experience the conversion described by the prophet who pleaded with us to “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moro. 10:32). Throughout my life I have been blessed by my membership and participation in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is impossible to describe all the ways

JULY 2002 37 assurance of the resurrection and as the children of Israel, and not slay important in this life than knowing the reality of family relationships them” (D&C 89:18–21). your place in mortality and your po- sealed for eternity. The gospel teaches us to pay our tential in eternity. Marriages sealed Throughout my life I have been tithes and offerings and assures us of for eternity in a temple of the Lord blessed by the doctrine and teach- blessings when we do. I testify of the provide that possibility for every ings of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As fulfillment of these promises in my child and for every adult. taught in the scriptures and by the life. I have seen the windows of Over the years, my active partici- leaders and teachers of this Church, heaven open in my behalf to bestow pation in the Church has provided the gospel has been a light to my blessings unnumbered. Among these me access to the counsel and inspira- path and the impetus for my tem- is the capacity to see the relative un- tion of the leaders of the Church on poral and spiritual progress. As importance of the property, pride, things I should do as a husband and Brigham Young taught, the gospel prominence, and power of this world, father and leader in my family. Again laws “teach men to be truthful, hon- in the context of eternity. How grate- and again, in stake and general con- est, chaste, sober, industrious, frugal ful I am for the focus and peace that ferences, in priesthood quorums, and and to love and practice every good come from a gospel-based under- in Sunday School classes, I have word and work, . . . they elevate and standing of the purpose of life and its been taught and inspired by wonder- ennoble man, [and] if fully obeyed, relationship to eternity! ful and experienced fathers, mothers, [they] bring health and strength to From my earliest years and and grandparents. I have sought to the body, clearness to the percep- through schooling and marriage to follow those teachings to improve my tions, power to the reasoning facul- middle age and beyond, the Church participation in those associations ties as well as salvation to the soul.”2 has provided me personal associa- that will persist for eternity. To cite Among many blessings I have tions with the finest people in the only one example, I have been received from gospel teachings are world. Teachers and classmates in taught the power of a priesthood those promised for keeping the Word Sunday School and Primary, in blessing—not just a blessing of heal- of Wisdom. For me these have in- scouting and other youth activities, ing, but a blessing of comfort and cluded health and knowledge and the in quorum and ward and stake guidance that a father holding the capacity to “run and not be weary, activities have given me the finest Melchizedek Priesthood is privileged and . . . walk and not faint,” and the possible role models and friends. Of to give to members of his family. fulfillment of the promise that “the course, our Church does not have a Learning and applying that principle destroying angel shall pass by them, monopoly on good people, but we has favored me and my loved ones have a remarkable concentration of with the sweetness and closeness them. My associations in the organi- that can only come from sensing the zations of The Church of Jesus Christ significance of the priesthood of God of Latter-day Saints have given me in an eternal family. the basis to recognize, appreciate, I am also grateful for the warnings and enlarge my associations with of the scriptures and Church leaders people of quality in other churches on things to avoid. By following that and organizations. counsel I have been able to avoid Because my father died before pitfalls that might otherwise have I was eight years old, I had early trapped and enslaved me. Alcohol, cause to wonder about the purposes tobacco, drugs, pornography, and of the Lord in depriving me of a gambling are but a few examples of relationship other boys enjoyed and dangerous substances and addictive took for granted. As with so many practices we have been warned to other mortal challenges, the per- avoid. I appeal to all—especially to spective of the gospel of Jesus Christ young people—to hear and heed the filled that void. How grateful I am words of the men and women God that my brother and sister and I has called as your leaders and teach- were raised by a widowed mother ers. You will be blessed if you refrain who used her faith and our parents’ from setting your own wisdom or temple marriage to make our de- desires ahead of the commandments parted father a daily presence in our of your Creator and the warnings of lives. We never had cause to feel His servants. that we were without a father. We The scriptures tell us to take upon had a father, but he was away for a us the “whole armor” of God that season. There are few things more we “may be able to withstand the

LIAHONA 38 evil day.” They promise that the “breastplate of righteousness” and “the shield of faith” will “quench all Consecrate the fiery darts of the wicked” (D&C 27:15–17). I urge you to obey those teachings and lay claim on those Thy Performance blessings. They include the personal spiritual conversion—the “mighty Elder Neal A. Maxwell change . . . in our hearts” (Mosiah Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles 5:2)—that helps us become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become. The leaders of this Church say, as the Savior said: “My doctrine is not In pondering and pursuing consecration, understandably we mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of tremble inwardly at what may be required. Yet the Lord has the doctrine, whether it be of God, said consolingly, “My grace is sufficient for you” (D&C 17:8). or whether I speak of myself” (John 7:16–17). words, and deeds, the very opposite Your leaders also say, along with of estrangement: “For how knoweth King Benjamin: “I would desire that a man the master whom he has not ye should consider on the blessed served, and who is a stranger unto and happy state of those that keep him, and is far from the thoughts and the commandments of God. For intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13). behold, they are blessed in all things, Many ignore consecration be- both temporal and spiritual; and if cause it seems too abstract or too they hold out faithful to the end daunting. The conscientious among they are received into heaven, that us, however, experience divine dis- thereby they may dwell with God in content because of progression a state of never-ending happiness” mixed with procrastination. Hence, (Mosiah 2:41). loving counsel is given with the con- In modern revelation the Lord firmation of this direction, encour- has declared, “I, the Lord, am bound agement to continue the journey, when ye do what I say; but when ye and consolation as we experience do not what I say, ye have no individually the inherent degrees of promise” (D&C 82:10). difficulty. What has our Savior done for us? hese remarks are addressed Spiritual submissiveness is not He has given us His Atonement, His to the imperfect but still accomplished in an instant, but by gospel, and His Church, a sacred T striving in the household of the incremental improvements and combination that gives us the assur- faith. As always, my immediate by the successive use of stepping- ance of immortality and the opportu- audience is myself. stones. Stepping-stones are meant nity for eternal life. I testify that this is We tend to think of consecration to be taken one at a time anyway. true, and I testify of God the Father, only as yielding up, when divinely Eventually our wills can be “swal- the author of the plan, and of His Son directed, our material possessions. lowed up in the will of the Father” Jesus Christ, the Atoning One who But ultimate consecration is the as we are “willing to submit . . . even has made it all possible, in the name yielding up of oneself to God. Heart, as a child doth submit to his father” of Jesus Christ, amen. soul, and mind were the encompass- (see Mosiah 15:7; 3:19). Otherwise, ing words of Christ in describing the though striving, we will continue to NOTES first commandment, which is con- feel the world’s prop wash and be 1. Calvin Grondahl, [Ogden, Utah] stantly, not periodically, operative partially diverted. Standard-Examiner, 26 May 1990. (see Matt. 22:37). If kept, then our Illustrations involving economic 2. Letter to the editor of the Religio- performances will, in turn, be fully consecration are relevant. When Philosophical Journal, 7 Jan. 1869, quoted in consecrated for the lasting welfare Ananias and Sapphira sold their pos- Jed Woodworth, “Brigham Young and the of our souls (see 2 Ne. 32:9). sessions, they “kept back part of the Mission of Mormonism,” Brigham Young Such totality involves the submis- price” (see Acts 5:1–11). So many of University Studies 40, no. 2 (2001):11. sive converging of feelings, thoughts, us cling tenaciously to a particular

JULY 2002 39 “part,” even treating our obsessions “He must increase, but I must de- fortunately and helpfully adroit— like possessions. Thus, whatever crease” (John 3:30). Mistakenly re- sometimes helping us to “let go” of else we may have already given, the garding our present assignments as things, even mortal life, other times last portion is the hardest to yield. the only indicator of how much God to “hold fast,” and still other times Granted, partial surrender is still loves us only adds to our reluctance to use the next stepping-stone (see commendable, but it resembles, more to let go. Brothers and sisters, our 1 Ne. 8:30). than faintly, the excuse, “I gave at individual worth is already divinely But if we lack proportion, the the office” (see James 1:7–8). established as “great”; it does not next few yards can seem so for- We may, for instance, have a spe- fluctuate like the stock market. midable. Though aware of how God cific set of skills which we mistakenly Other stepping-stones remain un- blessed ancient Israel to escape from come to think we somehow own. used because, like the rich, righteous mighty Pharaoh and his hosts, If we continue to cling to those more young man, we are not yet willing to myopic Laman and Lemuel still than to God, we are flinching in confront what we yet lack (see Mark lacked faith in God to help them the face of the consecrating first 10:21). A residue of selfishness is with a mere local Laban. commandment. Since God lends us thereby exposed. We can also be deflected if we “breath . . . from one moment to Shrinking occurs in so many ways. are too anxious to please those who another,” hyperventilating over these The terrestrial kingdom, for example, are ascendant in our professional distractions is not recommended! will include the “honorable,” clearly and avocational niches. Pleasing (Mosiah 2:21). not bearers of false witness. Yet they “other gods” instead of the real God A stumbling block appears when were still “not valiant in the testi- still violates the first commandment we serve God generously with time mony of Jesus” (D&C 76:75, 79). (Ex. 20:3). and checkbooks but still withhold The best way to valiantly testify of We sometimes even defend our portions of our inner selves, signify- Jesus is to become steadily more like idiosyncrasies, as if these protru- ing that we are not yet fully His! Him, and it is that consecration that sions somehow constituted our in- Some have difficulty when partic- carves out the emulative character dividuality. In a way, discipleship is ular tasks enter their sunset phase. (see 3 Ne. 27:27). a “contact sport,” as the Prophet John the Baptist is a model, how- In meeting these recited chal- Joseph testified: ever, saying of Jesus’ growing flock, lenges, spiritual submissiveness is “I am like a huge, rough stone . . . and the only polishing I get is when Conference goers look out at the waterfall on the south side of the some corner gets rubbed off by com- Conference Center. ing in contact with something else, striking with accelerated force. . . . Thus I will become a smooth and polished shaft in the quiver of the Almighty” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 304). Since knees often bend long before minds, holding back this “part” deprives God’s work of some of mankind’s very best intellects. Far better to be meek like Moses, who learned things he “never had supposed” (Moses 1:10). Yet, sadly, brothers and sisters, in the subtle interplay of agency and identity, there is so much hesitation. The surrender of the mind is actually a victory, because it then introduces us to God’s stretching and “higher” ways! (see Isa. 55:9). Ironically, inordinate attention, even to good things, can diminish our devotion to God. For instance, one can be too caught up in sports and the forms of body worship we see among us. One can reverence nature

LIAHONA 40 and yet neglect nature’s God. One can have an exclusionary regard for good music and similarly with a worthy profession. In such circumstances, the “weightier matters” are often omitted (Matt. 23:23; see also 1 Cor. 2:16). Only the Highest One can fully guide us as to the highest good which you and I can do. On the two great commandments, Jesus declared emphatically, everything else hangs, not vice versa (see Matt. 22:40). The first commandment is not suspended just because of our vigorous pursuit of a lesser good, for we do not worship a lesser god. Before enjoying the harvests of righteous efforts, let us therefore first acknowledge God’s hand. Otherwise, the rationalizations appear, and they include, “My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth” (Deut. 8:17). Or, we “vaunt” ourselves, as ancient Israel would have done (except for Gideon’s deliberately small army), by boasting that “mine own hand hath saved me” (Judg. 7:2). Touting our own “hand” makes it doubly hard to con- fess God’s hand in all things (see Granted, the stepping-stones take appointed mortal spans complete Alma 14:11; D&C 59:21). us into new territory which we may with the needed breaths (see D&C At a place called Meribah, one of be very reluctant to explore. Hence, 64:32). Guided by such perspective, the greatest ever, Moses, was fatigued the successful users of the stepping- we will avoid serious errors of pro- by people clamoring for water. Mo- stones are powerful motivators for portion. Some of these are far less mentarily, Moses “spake unadvis- the rest of us. We usually pay more amusing than would be hearing a edly,” saying, “Must we fetch you attention to those we quietly admire. double quartet and mistaking it for water?” (Ps. 106:33; Num. 20:10; see The hungry prodigal son remem- the Tabernacle Choir! also Deut. 4:21). The Lord mentored bered the menus in his home, but he No wonder President Hinckley remarkable Moses through the pro- was also drawn by other memories, has stressed our being a covenant noun problem and further magnified declaring, “I will arise and go to my people, emphasizing the covenants him. We would do well to be as meek father” (Luke 15:18). of the sacrament, tithing, and the as Moses (see Num. 12:3). In striving for ultimate submission, temple, citing sacrifice as the “very Jesus never, never, never lost His our wills constitute all we really have essence of the Atonement” (Teach- focus! Though He went about doing to give God anyway. The usual gifts ings of Gordon B. Hinckley [1997], so very much good, He always knew and their derivatives we give to Him 147). that the Atonement awaited, plead- could be stamped justifiably “Return Breathtaking submissiveness was ing with perspective, “Father, save to Sender,” with a capital S. Even achieved by the Savior as He faced me from this hour: but for this cause when God receives this one gift in the anguish and agonies of the came I unto this hour” (John 12:27; return, the fully faithful will receive Atonement and “would that [He] see also 5:30; 6:38). “all that [He] hath” (D&C 84:38). might not drink the bitter cup, and As you and I develop additional What an exchange rate! shrink” (D&C 19:18). On our small, love, patience, and meekness, the Meanwhile, certain realities re- imperfect scale, we face tests and more we have to give God and main: God has given us our lives, wish that these would somehow be humanity. Moreover, no one else our agency, our talents, and our taken away. is placed exactly as we are in our opportunities; He has given us our Consider this: What of Jesus’ mini- opportune human orbits. possessions; He has given us our stry if He had performed additional

JULY 2002 41 miracles but without the transcend- Priesthood Session ing miracle of Gethsemane and 6 April 2002 Calvary? His other miracles brought blessed extensions of life and lessened suffering—for some. But how could these miracles possibly compare with Becoming Men the greatest miracle of the universal Resurrection? (see 1 Cor. 15:22). The multiplying of the loaves and fishes in Whom the fed a hungry multitude. Even so, recipients were soon hungry again, while those who partake of the Bread Spirit of God Is of Life will never hunger again (see John 6:51, 58). Elder L. Tom Perry In pondering and pursuing conse- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles cration, understandably we tremble inwardly at what may be required. Yet the Lord has said consolingly, “My grace is sufficient for you” (D&C 17:8). Do we really believe Him? He The Lord is bound by solemn covenant to bless our lives has also promised to make weak things strong (see Ether 12:27). Are according to our faithfulness. Only He can turn us into men we really willing to submit to that in whom the Spirit of God, namely the Holy Ghost, is. process? Yet if we desire fulness, we cannot hold back part! Having our wills increasingly There were no high schools where swallowed up by the will of the he lived, and he wanted an educa- Father actually means an enhanced tion. He received permission from individuality, stretched and more his father to leave the farm and seek capable of receiving “all that [God] his education elsewhere, but he had hath” (D&C 84:38). Besides, how to make it on his own. Arriving in could we be entrusted with His Salt Lake City, he heard of an em- “all” until our wills are much more ployment position being offered in like His? Nor could His “all” be the home of President Joseph F. fully appreciated by the partially Smith. He was hired to care for the committed. prophet’s two cows. In our family Frankly, it is our prospective selves home evenings we would want Dad we betray by holding back whatever to relate experiences about his early the “part.” No need therefore to ask, life of living in the home of the “Lord, is it I?” (Matt. 26:22). Rather, prophet. We would hear him make let us inquire about our individual reports like this: stumbling blocks, “Lord, is it this?” Sister Smith instructed my father We may have known the answer for a in his duties, explaining that the long time and may need resolve more want to address my remarks cows “were aristocrats, and you must than His response. tonight to you great young men treat them well. You are to keep The greatest happiness in God’s I who bear the holy Aaronic Priest- them so clean and train them so well generous plan is finally reserved for hood. What a special blessing it is to that if I should ever at any time con- those who are willing to stretch and bear the priesthood of God, which clude to move them into the parlor, to pay the costs of journeying to can only multiply our powers, abili- they would be clean enough to His regal realm. Brothers and sis- ties, and discernment. To illustrate enter.” Dad said he understood milk- ters, “come, let us anew [this] jour- the blessings received from this privi- ing but not laundering cows. ney pursue” (“Come, Let Us Anew,” lege, I would like to speak about two Before milking each morning and Hymns, no. 217). men of God, both of whom carried night, they were thoroughly washed In the name of the Lord of the the name of Joseph. and dried with hot water, soap, and outstretched arm (see D&C 103:17; My father had a unique experi- towels prepared for that purpose. 136:22), even Jesus Christ, amen. ence when he was the age of a priest. They were fed the best of hay and

LIAHONA 42 milked at exactly the same hour My father’s stories tell us about will inflict great damage on our spir- twice a day. President Smith, his family, and its if we do not have powerful ways In addition to his duties with the his cows, and they also reveal how of defending against them. This Smith family and their “aristocratic” times have changed since the early causes me to think of the greatest cows, my father was asked on occa- 20th century. I don’t think my antivirus program of all—that is the sion to do some housework. He father ever imagined our modern- gift of the Holy Ghost. would tell us stories like this: “One day computers that sit on small About this gift, President Joseph F. frosty morning I washed the steps desks and have speeds measured in Smith said: “‘The gift of the Holy leading to the official residence of gigahertz, storage measured in giga- Ghost,’ is a special blessing sealed the President of the Church. It bytes. I also don’t think he ever upon baptized repentant believers nearly led to his downfall, for I let imagined the evils that Satan can in Jesus Christ, and is ‘an abiding the water freeze before drying. Then do with these same marvelous tech- witness.’ The spirit of God may be I had to take boiling water and thaw nologies. Through his evil ways, enjoyed as a temporary influence by the ice and take towels to dry the Satan has been able to spread many which divine light and power come stones. The steps were nearly clean, new, infectious viruses. These viruses to mankind for special purposes and but my classmates were passing on their way to school before the job A men’s choir from Brigham Young University—Idaho performs during the was completed. It was a humbling priesthood session. experience.” By telling these stories, I don’t want to leave you with the impression that my father was a male twin to Cinderella. The Smith family took this poor farm boy from Idaho into their home while he finished high school and attended the University of Utah. They included him in their family activities, around the dinner table, and at family prayer. My father shared with us his witness that the prophet Joseph F. Smith was truly a man of God: “When I kneeled with the prophet, in family prayer, and listened to his earnest supplications for the blessings of the Lord upon his family and their flocks and their herds, I realized that those same humiliating cows were the subject of his blessings, my feet were brought solidly to earth. . . . Most great men I have known have been deflated by intimate contact. Not so with the prophet Joseph F. Smith. Every common everyday act added inches to his greatness. To me he was prophet even while washing his hands or untying his shoes.” The lessons learned taught us a great appreciation and love for a prophet of God. My father’s description of the prophet Joseph F. Smith reminds me of the Pharaoh’s statement about Joseph of Egypt: “Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?” (Gen. 41:38).

JULY 2002 43 occasions. But the gift of the Holy others. He made Joseph a coat of Joseph immediately knew that he Ghost, which was received by the many colors, let him remain at home, was in the wrong place. We have apostles on the day of Pentecost, and and instructed him occasionally to go him saying: is bestowed in confirmation, is a per- out and check up on his brothers “There is none greater in this manent witness and higher endow- who were tending the flocks. Joseph house than I; neither hath he kept ment” (in James R. Clark, comp., also had dreams that seemed to put back any thing from me but thee, Messages of the First Presidency of The him in a place of authority ahead of because thou art his wife: how then Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day his brothers. can I do this great wickedness, and Saints, 6 vols. [1965–75], 5:4). One day when Joseph was check- sin against God? . . . It is important that your families ing up on his brothers as they tended “And she caught him by his gar- assist you in learning about the the flocks, they decided they’d had ment, saying, Lie with me: and he left gospel of our Lord and Savior. Then, about enough of Joseph and wanted his garment in her hand, and fled, all of us must rely on the gift of the to do away with him. An opportunity and got him out” (Gen. 39:9, 12). Holy Ghost to guide us in discerning came to sell Joseph as a slave to a We learn a great lesson from right from wrong. This is where the company of Ishmeelites traveling on Joseph. When he was presented example of Joseph of Egypt helps their way to Egypt. with a temptation, he immediately instruct each of us. He was a man Suddenly, Joseph found himself in separated himself from even the who relied on the Spirit of the Lord a strange land with strange customs, appearance of evil. All of us have so completely that even a man who a strange religion, and worst of all, events in our lives which find us in was blinded by the practice of idola- being sold as a slave. Joseph pre- challenging situations. try, namely Pharaoh, recognized his sented himself so well and so ably When we are confronted with unusual countenance and strength. that he was purchased by “Potiphar, that which is evil and degrading— Let us try tonight to see what an officer of Pharaoh and captain of whether it be the wrong kind of great messages we can gain from a the guard” (Gen. 37:36). music, a television program, or the study of great leaders we find in the “And the Lord was with Joseph, Internet which places us in the wrong scriptures. Joseph Fielding Smith [and he carried a spirit with him environment—how strengthening it instructed us in his Answers to Gos- that helped as he became] a prosper- is to remember the story of Joseph: pel Questions: ous man; and he was in the house of “And [he] fled, and got him out” “There is ample evidence that his master the Egyptian. (Gen. 39:12). He removed himself boys were called and ordained in “And his master saw that the from the temptation. ancient times. In antediluvian times, Lord was with him, and that the Even making the right choices did when the lives of men were greatly Lord made all that he did to prosper not free Joseph from the challenges prolonged, some were called to act in his hand. he faced in life. When Potiphar at comparatively tender years. Enoch “And Joseph found grace in his returned to his home, his wife com- was but twenty-five when he was sight, and he served him: and plained to her husband that Joseph ordained by Adam; . . . and Noah [Potiphar] made him overseer over had mocked her. Potiphar was so received the priesthood when he his house, and all that he had he upset that he “took him, and put him was but ten years of age [see D&C put into his hand. into the prison, a place where the 107:48, 52]. How old Joseph, son of “And it came to pass from the king’s prisoners were bound: and he Israel, was when he received the time that he had made him overseer was there in the prison. priesthood is not recorded; but it in his house, and over all that he “[And again] the Lord was with must have been when he was very had, that the Lord blessed the Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and young. He was sold by his brethren Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake; [He] gave him favour in the sight of when he was only seventeen, and and the blessing of the Lord was the keeper of the prison. he must have had the priesthood upon all that he had in the house, “[Soon] the keeper of the prison before that time, for he exercised it and in the field. committed to Joseph’s hand all the in the land of Egypt [see Gen. 37:2; “And he left all that he had in prisoners that were in the prison; 40:8–19; 41:14–36]” (comp. Joseph Joseph’s hand; and he knew not and whatsoever they did there, he Fielding Smith Jr., 5 vols. [1957–66], ought he had, save the bread which was the doer of it” (Gen. 39:20–22). 2:9). he did eat. And Joseph was a goodly But the Lord was with Joseph, and Tu rning to the book of Genesis in person, and well favoured” (Gen. an opportunity was again presented the Old Testament, we find the story 39:2–6). to him while he served in prison. of Joseph. Joseph was a member of a One day as Joseph was working Tw o of the Pharaoh’s servants were family that had 11 brothers—10 of in the house, he found himself in also cast into prison. Each of them them were older than he. His father a difficult position. Potiphar’s wife had a dream which Joseph was able seemed to favor him more than the made unwanted approaches to him. to interpret. One of them was to lose

LIAHONA 44 his life in prison; the other would Joseph from all the other servants. I promise you, if you will heed again in three days return to his posi- Pharaoh remarked what made Joseph the voice of warning of the Holy tion as chief butler for the Pharaoh. different from all of the others when Ghost and will follow His direction, Both dreams came to pass. The but- he said, “Can we find such a one as you will be blessed with the minis- ler returned to his high position with this is, a man in whom the Spirit of tering of angels, which will add wis- the Pharaoh and forgot all about God is?” (Gen. 41:38). dom, knowledge, power, and glory Joseph until two years had passed. You will notice in each situation to your life. Remember, the Lord is Then the Pharaoh had a dream. in which Joseph found himself that bound by solemn covenant to bless No one could interpret his dream. the Lord was with him. It was easy our lives according to our faithful- The butler finally remembered to recognize the special spirit in ness. Only He can turn us into men Joseph. He told the Pharaoh about him because of the way he lived in whom the Spirit of God, namely Joseph’s ability to interpret dreams. and heeded the voice of the Lord to the Holy Ghost, is. “Then Pharaoh sent and called direct him. What a blessing it is to bear the Joseph, and they brought him That same recognition will surely Lord’s holy priesthood and have hastily out of the dungeon: and he be with each of us as we are led and that power and strength within us. shaved himself, and changed his rai- directed by His Holy Spirit. Listen May the Lord inspire and direct us ment, and came in unto Pharaoh” to the still, small voice when you are to study the stories of great prophets (Gen. 41:14). faced with a time of decision. It will who have walked the earth. May we Joseph was able to interpret the surely be a strong warning voice to glean from their lives that which Pharaoh’s dream. The Pharaoh, being tell you to turn off the wrong kind will draw us closer to our Maker and so impressed, made Joseph one of his of music, to flee from the degrading help us enjoy the blessings and fruits servants. Again the Lord was with television programs, or to get out of that come from the gospel of our Joseph. Soon Joseph rose to a posi- a Web page that will only bring evil Lord and Savior. May we be so tion of being second to the Pharaoh thoughts into your mind. The Holy inspired to follow His path is my in all the land of Egypt. There was Spirit will let you know when you humble prayer in the name of Jesus something special that distinguished are in forbidden territory. Christ, amen.

JULY 2002 45 After careful planning and preparation, two of my sons and my only This Road daughter and I set out on the first day to cycle to our overnight stop in Big Sky, Montana. The morning was per- We Call Life fect, and we expected a delightful journey. However, as we traveled along, dark clouds gathered and Elder Ben B. Banks Of the Presidency of the Seventy brought rain, which eventually became sleet and hail and made us extremely cold and wet and miserable. As we concluded day one of our journey and reached our overnight As you stay on the right path, the reward at the end of life’s destination, I was reminded that life can be just like that day. Fortunately, journey is well worth the moments of adversity you experience we had prepared for all types of along the way. weather conditions; had we not done so, it would have been difficult to determine much of what will follow complete our journey that first day. during your life and throughout At each stage of life’s journey, we eternity” ([pamphlet, 2001], 2). should set out full of hope and opti- I hope in some small way this mism, but we should be prepared evening that you can learn from my nonetheless to face opposition or nearly 70 years of traveling this road hardship at some point. we call life. Your parents or grand- The patterns you establish in parents may have already told you your youth may accompany you this: “The older you get, the quicker throughout the rest of your mortal time seems to pass.” It is as though life. By making the right choices one minute you are 12 with your now, you will be able to take the whole life in front of you, and the path that will help you endure the next minute you are nearly 70 with an coldest and bleakest moments later. expanding waistline in front of you! For example, if you are in the It is hard to believe it was nearly habit of using foul language, the 13 years ago when I last spoke in longer you use it, the harder it is to general priesthood meeting. At that change and stop using it. Better time I told the brethren about a now to choose a different road, one rethren, I am delighted to be journey I made by bicycle with my that leads to cleanliness in thought with you this evening. I too sons and drew from that experience and word and action so that you can B want to speak specifically the importance of preparing well for enjoy the companionship of the with the young men of the Aaronic the journey of life. Holy Ghost. Imagine the difficulty Priesthood. I love you and care very Today I want to tell you about of serving a mission and having bad much about you. other journeys I have made and language pop into your mind when In the new For the Strength of share the lessons I have learned you need to have the Spirit with Youth booklet, the First Presidency from them. you as your constant companion. If says to you: “Our beloved young Recently, some members of my using bad language is a problem for men . . . we have great confidence family determined it would be fun to you, now is the time to change. in you. You are choice spirits who bicycle from Bozeman, Montana, to On day two of our trip, we headed have come forth in this day when Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in the to West Yellowstone. Everything was the responsibilities and opportuni- United States. This 225-mile journey as it should be—the bicycles were ties, as well as the temptations, are would take us three days, and we running smoothly, our legs rested, as the greatest. You are at the begin- would cross the Continental Divide we progressed toward our second ning of your journey through this on three occasions. We determined destination. It was then that I real- mortal life. Your Heavenly Father that traveling through the mountain ized if we are not careful when every- wants your life to be joyful and to passes with good weather would be a thing is going just right in life, there lead you back into His presence. wonderful experience that would can be a temptation to forget our The decisions you make now will help us appreciate God’s creations. Heavenly Father and give credit to

LIAHONA 46 The Salt Lake Temple seen from the Church Office Building plaza. ourselves for our happy state. Don’t have some uphill struggles in our you will be so much better prepared make that mistake. lives, our attitude will determine to accomplish them. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, how we face them. On that day Two years ago Elder Richard G. “Happiness is the object and design we crossed the Continental Divide Scott of the Quorum of the Twelve of our existence; and will be the end three times, rising from an elevation Apostles and I had the opportunity to thereof, if we pursue the path that of 4,800 feet to 8,300 feet. Climbing go on a canoe trip into the Quetico leads to it; and this path is virtue, steep mountain passes on a bike wilderness area in Ontario, Canada, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, requires the right attitude to get to portaging from lake to lake. As we and keeping all the commandments the right altitude. It’s the same with reached the halfway point across one of God” (Teachings of the Prophet life. By setting worthwhile goals and of the larger lakes, the weather Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding keeping your eyes fixed on them, turned very bad, and the once tran- Smith [1976], 255–56). you will learn self-discipline and quil water turned angry and perilous, The Book of Mormon is replete accomplish much. Yes, there were tossing our little canoe to and fro. with accounts of those who were times when climbing the steep We had a decision to make. Do blessed by the Lord and then be- mountain grades was as much as I we try to reach our planned destina- came boastful of their accomplish- could bear, but I didn’t give up, tion, or do we head for the nearest ments. Eventually in their pride because I was fixed in my purpose. island and wait for the storm to they left the correct path and lost Young men of the Aaronic Priest- pass? The answer seems obvious all they had as they fell away from hood, I urge you to set goals for now, but at the time it was not an the truth. Make sure you don’t be- yourselves, such as completing semi- easy decision to make. By carrying come like the Nephites of old; always nary, serving an honorable mission, on, we might arrive at our planned remember the true source of your graduating from college, and being campsite. By delaying our journey, blessings. worthy of a temple marriage. At your we would arrive very late and may On day three of our journey, I age these may seem like very big have to travel in the dark. As we learned that even though we may goals, but if you start climbing now pondered the options, we had the

JULY 2002 47 impression to head to the nearest island quickly. As we did so, a much worse-than-anticipated storm rolled Becoming a by us. Had we elected to continue canoeing, we would have put our lives in great peril. Great Benefit to Here in mortality we are called upon to make serious decisions, the outcome of which can have a lasting effect upon our spiritual future. I Our Fellow Beings encourage you to always be worthy to seek for the Spirit to help you Elder Spencer J. Condie always choose the right. Of the Seventy In the Book of Mormon, Nephi tells us: “Then are ye in this strait and narrow path which leads to eternal life; yea, ye have entered in by the gate; ye have done according to I pray that you wonderful young men will not only be worthy the commandments of the Father to receive ministering angels, but that you . . . will become a and the Son; and ye have received ministering angel in the lives of others. the Holy Ghost” (2 Ne. 31:18). As our family concluded the 225- mile bicycle journey, we learned that said: “The family were about to sit no matter how difficult things can down to breakfast as we came in. In become on this road we call life, those days it was the custom of the great happiness is waiting for those Missourians to ask you to eat even who keep the commandments and though they were hostile to you; so endure to the end. he asked us to take breakfast, and we Young men of the Aaronic Priest- were very glad of the invitation. He hood, you have a responsibility to knew we were Mormons; and as soon remain firmly focused on your eter- as we began to eat, he began to swear nal destination. Yes, life’s journeys about the Mormons. He had a large can have many ups and downs. Yes, platter of bacon and eggs, and plenty there will be days when you will feel of bread on the table, and his swear- the going is tough. But as you stay ing did not hinder our eating, for the on the right path, the reward at the harder he swore the harder we ate, end of life’s journey is well worth the until we got our stomachs full; then moments of adversity you experience we arose from the table, took our along the way. hats, and thanked him for our break- Again, from the For the Strength of fast. The last we heard of him he was Youth booklet, the First Presidency s a young man of 27, Wilford still swearing. I trust the Lord will writes: “May you keep your minds and Woodruff was ordained a reward him for our breakfast.”3 bodies clean from the sins of the world Apriest on November 5, 1834. At the end of the first year of so you can do the great work that lies Eight days later he began a two-year that mission he recounted that he before you. We pray that you will be mission in the southern states.1 One had “traveled three thousand two worthy to carry on the responsibilities night he and his companion found hundred and forty-eight miles, held of building the kingdom of God and lodging with a family who provided one hundred and seventy meetings, preparing the world for the Second them with a bare floor for a bed, [and] baptized forty-three persons.”4 Coming of the Savior” (page 3). which he described as “pretty hard His first mission to the southern My young friends, please know after walking sixty miles without any- states was followed by two brief mis- the importance of being wise by fol- thing to eat.” 2 sions to the Fox Islands off the coast lowing the counsel of our prophets, The next day they walked 12 of Maine,5 and then subsequently and happiness will be yours through- miles through the rain until they two missions to England.6 During his out life’s journey. came to the house of a man who latter mission in England, in 1840, Of this I so testify in the name of happened to be a member of the he acknowledged that, “through the Jesus Christ, amen. Missouri mob. Brother Woodruff blessings of God,” he had been an

LIAHONA 48 Conference goers climb the ramp to view the Christus statue in the North Visitors’ Center. instrument in bringing over 1,800 bishopric youth committee,10 will of your fellow beings ye are only in souls into the Church within a period help every young man and young the service of your God.”12 A wise of eight months.7 woman to grow in wisdom as they youth leader will place less emphasis Wilford Woodruff claimed the gain a greater appreciation for the on fund-raising activities and a much Book of Mormon promise that “God scriptures and the words of the liv- greater emphasis upon rendering self- has provided a means that man, ing prophets and as they participate less service to others. through faith, might work mighty in Mutual activities involving “any- You young men will increase in miracles; therefore he becometh a thing virtuous, lovely, or of good favor with man and become better great benefit to his fellow beings.”8 report or praiseworthy.”11 prepared for missions, marriage, and My young brethren of the Aaronic Counseling together in the bish- future employment as you learn more Priesthood, I would remind you that opric youth committee also provides about various careers and develop our Father in Heaven not only wants valuable training for an entire genera- greater self-confidence through giv- you to be good, but to be good for tion of future leaders who learn to ing speeches, participating in original something, to serve and bless the work effectively together in councils. one-act plays, and talent shows. lives of others, and to become a ben- You young men will grow in sta- Our youth activities should reflect efit to your fellow beings. ture and physical strength as you our belief that “men are, that they We read in the Gospel of Luke engage in folk dancing, sports, and might have joy,”13 and we should be that “Jesus increased in wisdom wholesome, friendly athletic compe- willing to share that joy with others. and stature, and in favour with God tition characterized by good sports- Not long ago I met a woman from the and man.”9 Inasmuch as our earthly manship. You will grow in favor with East who is now living in the Salt Lake quest for perfection involves becom- God as you engage in family history Valley. She is a devout member of ing more like the Savior, then we, research, perform baptisms in the another Christian church, and I asked too, should increase in wisdom and temple for deceased ancestors, her how she enjoyed living among the stature, and in favor with God and become a faithful home teacher, Latter-day Saints. She said: “My hus- man. frequently clean the chapel, visit band and I get along fine, but I worry Priesthood quorum activities and nursing homes, and help beautify about our teenage daughter. Each Mutual activities with the young your communities. As you do so, you Wednesday evening about seven women, when carefully and prayer- will exemplify King Benjamin’s coun- o’clock, several girls in our neighbor- fully planned and discussed in the sel that “when ye are in the service hood walk right past our home headed

JULY 2002 49 somewhere together, and not once you will receive distinct impressions, ministering of angels. Never in my have they stopped to invite our 14- and promptings, and, as promised, life, as an Apostle, as a Seventy, or as year-old daughter to go with them.” the Holy Ghost “will show unto you an Elder, have I ever had more of the I said, “My dear, this is your lucky all things what ye should do.”17 protection of the Lord than while day; I am in a position to get that Satan would have you surrender holding the office of a Priest. The problem fixed.” She readily gave me your moral agency to various forms Lord revealed to me by visions, by her daughter’s name and address, and of addictive behavior, but a loving revelations, and by the Holy Spirit, we made contact with both the stake Heavenly Father has promised you many things that lay before me.”23 president and the seminary principal. through His prophet Isaiah that My young beloved brethren, I pray Our friends and neighbors are through sincere fasting, as you subdue that each of us, through our faith, children of a loving Father in Heaven your physical appetites, He will help will use our priesthood power to work who desires that all of us return to you “loose the bands of wickedness” mighty miracles through sharing the Him. Can we be content when not and “break every yoke.”18 Claim that gospel and serving others, thereby all the members of our quorum are in promise through fasting. Our empti- becoming a great benefit to our fellow attendance Sunday morning? Surely ness will provide more room for the beings, in the name of Jesus Christ, we can extend ourselves to the less fulness of the gospel. The hollowing amen. active and those of other faiths and precedes the hallowing. warmly invite them to our Young Scripture study and fasting, pre- NOTES Men and Young Women Mutual ceded and followed by prayer, really 1. See Matthias F. Cowley, Wilford activities, seminary, Sunday School can “change the night to day.”19 Woodruff: History of His Life and Labors classes, and sacrament meetings. The entire life of the Prophet Joseph (1909), 47. When Joseph Smith and Oliver Smith demonstrates the power of 2. Quoted in Cowley, Wilford Cowdery received the Aaronic Priest- prayer and the fulfillment of the Woodruff, 50. hood under the hands of the resur- Lord’s promise that “if thou shalt ask, 3. Quoted in Cowley, Wilford rected John the Baptist, they received thou shalt receive revelation upon Woodruff, 50. “the keys of the ministering of an- revelation.”20 One important revela- 4. Quoted in Cowley, Wilford gels,”14 and so did you when you were tion you will receive will be insight Woodruff, 58. ordained. I pray that you wonderful into how you can best touch the lives 5. See Cowley, Wilford young men will not only be worthy to of others who have lost their way. In Woodruff, 70–86. receive ministering angels, but that so doing, it is well to remember 6. See Cowley, Wilford Woodruff, you, like young Wilford Woodruff, President Hinckley’s wise counsel: 99–113; 114–28; 129–46. will become a ministering angel in the “The Holy Ghost is the Testifier of 7. Quoted in Cowley, Wilford lives of others as you exercise your Truth, who can teach men things Woodruff, 119. faith in working “mighty miracles,” they cannot teach one another.”21 8. Mosiah 8:18. thereby becoming a “great benefit” to President Gordon B. Hinckley 9. Luke 2:52. your fellow beings. considers good friends to be one of 10. See Church Handbook of Satan would diminish your faith the key ingredients in retaining new Instructions, Book 2: Priesthood and and dilute your priesthood power to converts and in reclaiming the less Auxiliary Leaders (1998), 318–19. work mighty miracles, but a loving active, and Robert Browning elo- 11. A of F 1:13. Heavenly Father has provided you quently described how this is so: 12. Mosiah 2:17. with providential protection—the 13. 2 Ne. 2:25. gift of the Holy Ghost. In the first . . . Were I elect like you, 14. D&C 13:1. chapter of the Book of Mormon we I would encircle me with love, and 15. 1 Ne. 1:8–12. learn that as Lehi read the scriptures raise 16. 2 Ne. 32:3. “he was filled with the Spirit of the A rampart of my fellows; it should 17. 2 Ne. 32:5. Lord.”15 Nephi later promises us that seem 18. Isa. 58:6. as we “feast upon the words of Christ Impossible for me to fail, so watched 19. “Did You Think to Pray?” Hymns, . . . the words of Christ will tell [us] By gentle friends who made my no. 140. all things what [we] should do.”16 cause their own.22 20. D&C 42:61. You may be facing decisions re- 21. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Father, garding a mission, your future career, Late in life, as President of the Son, and Holy Ghost,” Liahona, Mar. and, eventually, marriage. As you Church, Wilford Woodruff declared: 1998, 8. read the scriptures and pray for “It does not make any difference 22. “Paracelsus,” in The Poetical Works direction, you may not actually see whether a man is a Priest or an of Robert Browning, 2 vols. (1902), 1:25. the answer in the form of printed Apostle, if he magnifies his calling. 23. “Discourse,” Millennial Star, 5 Oct. words on the page, but as you read A Priest holds the keys of the 1891, 628–29.

LIAHONA 50 David is a tragic example. As a youth he was handsome, brave, and It Can’t Happen full of faith. He slew the frightening giant, Goliath. He became king. He had everything a man could desire. to Me Yet when he saw Bathsheba, he wanted her even though she was another man’s wife. He had her hus- President James E. Faust Second Counselor in the First Presidency band, Uriah the Hittite, sent to the front of the hottest battle so that he would be killed. Uriah died in battle, and David married Bathsheba. As a consequence of this evil deed, Your future may not hold fame or fortune, but it can be David lost his spiritual inheritance.3 For all the good David accomplished, something far more lasting and fulfilling. Remember that much of it was negated because he what we do in life echoes in eternity. allowed himself to succumb to a serious personal flaw. influenced by forces we only partly I once heard a man tell his sons, perceive. “I can drive closer to the edge than President Charles W. Penrose used you because I have had more experi- to tell the story of an officer on the ence than you.” He thought he was Titanic who stated that there was no in control, but he was really in fear of “God, man or devil,” because denial. “The trouble with using ex- the Titanic was built so solidly that it perience as a guide is that the final could readily withstand collision with exam often comes first and then the other ships or contact with any other lesson.”4 Some people think their age force, including icebergs.2 The Titanic and experience make them better was in fact three football fields in able to withstand temptation. This is length, 12 stories high, and built of a falsehood. the finest steel. On that fateful night I remember hearing President of April 14, 1912, other ships warned J. Reuben Clark Jr. tell of the time of ice ahead. Yet the Titanic contin- when one of his children was going ued to increase her speed, cutting out on a date. He asked them to through the cold Atlantic Ocean. come home at a certain hour. “Chaf- By the time the lookouts sighted the ing under that constant, urgent re- y beloved brethren of the iceberg, it was too late. The Titanic minder, the [teenager] said, ‘Daddy, priesthood of God, the could not turn out of its way in time, what is the matter, don’t you trust M responsibility of speaking and the iceberg scraped along the me?’ to you tonight is overwhelming. I starboard side of the ship, creating a “His answer must have shocked have prayed for inspiration and guid- series of punctures. Two hours and 40 her as he said, ‘No, my [child], I don’t ance, and I seek your understanding. minutes later the brand-new Titanic trust you. I don’t even trust myself.’”5 One of the great myths in life sank to the bottom of the ocean. So that some things “can’t hap- is when men think they are invin- Over 1,500 people were drowned. pen to us,” I suggest we learn from cible. Too many think that they Usually one-eighth of an iceberg President Spencer W. Kimball’s coun- are men of steel, strong enough to is above the waterline. The ice in sel: “Develop discipline of self so that, withstand any temptation. They the cold core is very compact, and more and more, you do not have to delude themselves into thinking, “It keeps seven-eighths of the iceberg decide and redecide what you will do cannot happen to me.” Borrowing a under water. As it was when the when you are confronted with the thought from Bertrand Russell, “We Titanic encountered the iceberg, so same temptation time and time are all like the turkey who wakes it is with us. We can often only see again. You need only to decide some up [Thanksgiving] morning expect- part of the danger that lies ahead. things once. How great a blessing it ing lunch as usual. Things can go History is full of examples of men is to be free of agonizing over and wrong at any time.”1 Brethren, it who were gifted and able but who, over again regarding a temptation. To can happen to any of us at any time. in a moment of weakness, threw do such is time-consuming and very So much of our course in life is away their promising lives. King risky.” 6

JULY 2002 51 magazine.” That sounds so harmless, but what we see is so much harder to get rid of than what we take into our bodies. Many hardened criminals admit they got their start in crime by viewing obscene pictures. Some may say that inappropriate entertainment now and again is OK. However, this so often desensi- tizes us to violence, improper sexual relations, vulgarity, taking the Lord’s name in vain, and other associated evils. I have spoken at some length about things you don’t want to happen to you. Now let’s consider some of the good things that you do want to happen to you. If you are willing to pay the price for success, good things, even great things, can happen to you, even beyond your fond- est dreams and expectations! Often we do not have even a glimpse of our potential for happiness and accomplishment in this life and in eternity because, as the Apostle Paul said, “Now we see through a glass, darkly.”11 But the lens can be lightened and become crystal clear through the influence of the Holy Ghost. The Savior promised us that the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, will “teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance,”12 and “guide you into all truth.”13 We must recognize that our natural gifts and abilities are limited, but when augmented by inspiration and Someone may rationalize by addiction, but one drink usually guidance of the Holy Ghost, our thinking, “Just one fix of drugs won’t leads to another. It is much better potential increases manyfold. You hurt me.” That may sound harmless, never to take the first drink. Then need help from a power beyond your but please know how powerful drugs you know you won’t be led to more. own to do something extraordinarily are. I quote from a user: “There is no “The purchase of just one lottery useful. You young men can have controlling drugs. It controls you. ticket.” This is more subtle than opportunities and receive blessings The first time, you usually feel noth- other addictions. You may not think beyond your wildest dreams and ing. That’s when it grabs you.”7 gambling is an addiction because expectations. Your future may not “Just one cigarette—just to see it is not a substance taken into hold fame or fortune, but it can be how it feels.” But beware of the dan- the body, but as someone recently something far more lasting and ful- ger lurking here. Nicotine is highly wrote, “Those who gamble risk filling. Remember that what we do addictive.8 As few as four cigarettes more than just money. Their lives in life echoes in eternity. may be enough to set someone on a and families are at stake too.”10 Some of you young men may not path to becoming a regular smoker.9 “Just one peek into a porno- yet have a strong testimony of the “Just one can of beer.” We do not graphic site on the Internet, or a divine origin of this Church like know our potential for alcohol quick look at a centerfold in a racy your parents have. You may wish you

LIAHONA 52 could be more sure that Joseph our hearts.16 As young men of the the premortal existence. It can hap- Smith actually saw in vision God the covenant, you are heirs to great pen to you. But it won’t just happen Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, promises. You have the opportunity automatically. You will have to exer- and that the Book of Mormon was to become more than “hewers of cise faith. The only way to acquire truly translated from golden plates. wood and drawers of water.”17 spiritual knowledge and keep it You may have some lingering doubts I do not claim to have an abso- burning brightly is to be humble, about the law of tithing, the law of lute understanding of all of the prin- prayerful, and to strive diligently to chastity, or the Word of Wisdom. ciples of the gospel, but I have come keep all of the commandments. This is not unusual for some young to know with certainty the divinity At the opening ceremonies of the men your age. Your faith may not and authority of this Church. This recently concluded 2002 Olympic have been fully tested. You may not came to me gradually, line upon line Winter Games in Salt Lake City, the yet have had to defend your beliefs and precept upon precept. I now Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the or lifestyle. I assure you that great know that I know, just as you can Utah Symphony Orchestra per- things can happen to you. You can come to know that you know. It can formed a majestic musical piece receive an unwavering testimony happen to you. written by John Williams especially that this is the Church of Jesus Knowledge comes through faith. as the official musical theme of the Christ and that through Joseph In our day and time we must come games. It was entitled “Call of the Smith the gospel has been restored to know the truthfulness of what Champions.” Tonight I wish to make to the earth in its fulness. But that was on the golden plates without a call to the champions. The stirring testimony may not come until your seeing them. They are not available first words of this piece are citius faith has been tried.14 for us to see and handle as they were (swifter), altius (higher), and fortius Many years ago two General for the Three Witnesses and for the (stronger), which have been the offi- Authorities called a very young man Eight Witnesses. Some of those who cial Olympic motto since 1924. to be a new stake president. In his actually saw and handled the golden Brethren of the priesthood, we live response, the new stake president plates did not remain faithful to the in a marvelous time. Never in the said he would give total devotion to Church. Seeing an angel would be a history of the Church have we had his calling and would not ask any of great experience, but it is far greater more witnesses of the truthfulness of the members of his stake to be more to come to a knowledge of the divin- this holy work. We have our detrac- devoted than he. Then he bore his ity of the Savior through faith and tors and critics, as we have always testimony that he believed the gos- the witness of the Spirit.18 had. But never has the Church pel with all his heart and proposed You can also come to know what climbed higher, moved swifter, or to live it. you knew as a valiant son of God in been stronger to accomplish its Later at lunch one of the General Authorities asked this new stake A view from the southwest side of the Conference Center auditorium shows president whether he knew abso- its plaza, terrace, and balcony levels. lutely that this gospel is true. He answered that he did not. The senior Apostle said to his fellow Apostle, “He knows it just as well as you do. The only thing that he does not know is that he does know it. It will be but a short time until he does know it. . . . You do not need to worry.” A short time later, the new stake president testified that following a spiritual experience, “I shed tears of gratitude to the Lord for the abiding, perfect, and absolute testimony that came into my life of the divinity of this work.”15 Many of us do not have a full awareness of what we really know. Even though we have been taught the gospel, we may not be fully aware of what the Lord has put in our “inward parts” and written in

JULY 2002 53 mission. Now is the time for all of us to reach upward and move onward. In God’s work we too must be swifter, They Pray working with greater urgency; higher, striving for lofty spiritual goals; and stronger, relying on God’s strength. It and They Go can happen to you. The sure way to have life’s joys President Thomas S. Monson and blessings come to you is to fol- First Counselor in the First Presidency low our living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley. So much good has come to us from our past prophets, but it is President Hinckley’s voice we need to hear today, his counsel Let us, as a mighty body of priesthood, be doers of the word, we need to follow so that the best things can happen to us. Of this I and not hearers only. Let us pray; then let us go and do. testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. was trying to describe to me the secret of the success of the Tahitian NOTES sea captains. He said, “They are 1. The Oxford Companion to Philosophy, amazing. The weather may be tered. Ted Honderich (1995), 610. rible, the vessels may be leaky, 2. See Joseph Fielding Smith, Church there may be no navigational aids History and Modern Revelation, 2 vols. except their inner feelings and the (1953), 1:25. stars in the heavens, but they pray 3. See D&C 132:39. and they go.” He repeated that 4. Author unknown, quoted in 1,911 phrase three times. There is a lesson Best Things Anybody Ever Said, comp. in that statement. We need to pray, Robert Byrne (1988), 386. and then we need to act. Both are 5. As quoted by Harold B. Lee, The important. Teachings of Harold B. Lee, ed. Clyde J. The promise from the book of Williams (1996), 629. Proverbs gives us courage: 6. President Kimball Speaks Out “Trust in the Lord with all thine (1981), 94. heart; and lean not unto thine own 7. Guillermo D. Jalil, “Teen Addiction,” understanding. In all thy ways in Street-Wise Drug Prevention: A Realistic y brethren, I am honored acknowledge him, and he shall Approach to Prevent and Intervene in by the privilege to speak direct thy paths.”1 Adolescent Drug Use (1996), Internet, M to you this evening. What We need but to turn to the www.nodrugs.com. a joy to see this magnificent Con- account found in 1 Kings to appre- 8. See U.S. Department of Education, ference Center filled to its capacity ciate anew the principle that when “Growing Up Drug Free: A Parent’s Guide with those young and old who hold we follow the counsel of the Lord, to Prevention, Part 2,” KidSourceOnline, the priesthood of God. To realize when we pray and then go, the out- www.kidsource.com. that similar throngs are assembled come benefits all. There we read 9. See Janet Brigham, “Tobacco: throughout the world brings to me that a most severe drought had Quitting for Good,” Ensign, Feb. 2002, 52. an overwhelming sense of responsi- gripped the land. Famine followed. 10. Shanna Ghaznavi, “Don’t Bet Your bility. I pray that the inspiration of Elijah the prophet received from the Life,” New Era, Feb. 2002, 26. the Lord will guide my thoughts and Lord what to him must have been 11. 1 Cor. 13:12. inspire my words. an amazing instruction: “Get thee to 12. John 14:26. Many years ago, on an assignment Zarephath . . . : behold, I have com- 13. John 16:13. to Tahiti, I was talking to our mis- manded a widow woman there to 14. See Ether 12:6. sion president, President Raymond sustain thee.” When he had found 15. Heber J. Grant, Gospel Standards, Baudin, about the Tahitian people. the widow, Elijah declared, “Fetch comp. G. Homer Durham (1941), 192–93. They are known as some of the me, I pray thee, a little water in a 16. See Jer. 31:33. greatest seafaring people in all the vessel, that I may drink. 17. Josh. 9:21. world. Brother Baudin, who speaks “And as she was going to fetch it, 18. See John 20:29. French and Tahitian but little English, he called to her, and said, Bring me,

LIAHONA 54 I pray thee, a morsel of bread in is the most widely read, I venture touching account of a fine family thine hand.” it would be the account found in that lived in the beautiful city of Her response described her des- 1 Nephi concerning Nephi, his broth- Perth, Australia. In 1957, four months perate situation as she explained ers, his father, and the command before the dedication of the New that she was preparing a final and to obtain from Laban the plates of Zealand temple, Donald Cummings, scanty meal for her son and for her- brass. Perhaps this is because most of the father, was the president of the self, and then they would die. us, from time to time, pledge to again member district in Perth. He and his How implausible to her must read the Book of Mormon. Usually wife and family were determined to have been Elijah’s response: “Fear we begin with 1 Nephi. In reality, the attend the dedication of the temple, not; go and do as thou hast said: but passages found therein portray beau- although they were of very modest make me thereof a little cake first, tifully the need to pray and then to financial means. They began to pray, and bring it unto me, and after make go and do. Said Nephi, “I will go and to work, and to save. They sold their for thee and for thy son. do the things which the Lord hath only car and gathered together “For thus saith the Lord God of commanded, for I know that the every penny they could, but a week Israel, The barrel of meal shall not Lord giveth no commandments unto before their scheduled departure, waste, neither shall the cruse of oil the children of men, save he shall they were still 200 pounds short. fail, until the day that the Lord prepare a way for them that they may Through two unexpected gifts of sendeth rain upon the earth. accomplish the thing which he com- 100 pounds each, they met their “And she went and did according mandeth them.”3 goal just in time. Because Brother to the saying of Elijah: and she, and We remember the command- Cummings couldn’t get time off he, and her house, did eat many ment. We remember the response. work for the trip, he decided to quit days. We remember the outcome. his job. “A nd the barrel of meal wasted In our day and our time, there They traveled by train across the not, neither did the cruse of oil fail.”2 are many examples concerning the vast Australian continent, arriving If I were to ask you which of all experiences of those who pray and at Sydney, where they joined other the passages in the Book of Mormon then go and do. I share with you a members also traveling to New

JULY 2002 55 Zealand. Brother Cummings and I will be on your right hand and on “Yes,” came the reply. his family were among the first your left, and my Spirit shall be in The game warden continued, Australians to be baptized for the your hearts, and mine angels round “Then come and take a look at his dead in the New Zealand temple. about you, to bear you up.”6 tracks.” The large, flat area on which They were among the first ones to Inspiring is the missionary service Brother Krause had walked was actu- be endowed in the New Zealand rendered by Walter Krause, who ally a frozen lake, and some time ear- temple from far-off Perth, Australia. lives in Prenzlau, Germany. Brother lier the warden had chopped a large They prayed, they prepared, and Krause, whose dedication to the hole in the middle of the lake for then they went. Lord is legendary, is now 92 years of fishing. The wind had driven snow When the Cummings family age. As a patriarch, he has given over the hole and covered it so that returned to Perth, Brother Cummings more than a thousand patriarchal Brother Krause could not have seen obtained a new and better job. He blessings to members living through- his danger. His tracks went right next was still serving as district president out many parts of Europe. to the edge of the hole and straight nine years later when it was my privi- Homeless following World War II, to the house of the member, without lege to call him as the first president like so many others at that time, his knowing anything about it. of the Perth Australia Stake.4 I think Brother Krause and his family lived Weighed down by his backpack and it significant that he is now the first in a refugee camp in Cottbus and his rubber boots, he would certainly president of the Perth Australia began to attend church there. He have drowned had he gone one step Temple. was immediately called to lead the further toward the hole he couldn’t From the movie Shenandoah come Cottbus branch. Four months later, see. He commented later that this the spoken words which inspire: “If in November of 1945, the country event caused quite a stir in the vil- we don’t try, we don’t do; and if we still in ruins, district president lage at the time.7 don’t do, then why are we here?” Richard Ranglack came to Brother Brother Krause’s entire life has There are now more than 60,000 Krause and asked him what he been to pray and then to go. full-time missionaries serving the would think about going on a mis- Should any of us feel inadequate Lord throughout the world. Many sion. Brother Krause’s answer reflects or tend to doubt the ability to of this vast throng are listening in his commitment to the Church. Said respond to a priesthood call to serve tonight and viewing this priesthood he: “I don’t have to think about it at the Lord, let this divine truth be session of general conference. They all. If the Lord needs me, I’ll go.” remembered: “With God all things pray and then they go, trusting in He set out on December 1, 1945, are possible.”8 the Lord concerning where they are with 20 German marks in his pocket Not long ago I learned of the pass- sent and trusting in their mission and a piece of dry bread. One of the ing of James Womack, the patriarch president as to where they serve branch members had given him a of the Shreveport Louisiana Stake. within their missions. Among the winter coat left over from a son who He had served long and had blessed many revelations concerning their had fallen in the war. Another mem- ever so many lives. Years before, sacred callings are two passages ber, who was a shoemaker, gave him President Spencer W. Kimball shared which are favorites of mine. Both are a pair of shoes. With these and with with President Gordon B. Hinckley, from the Doctrine and Covenants. two shirts, two handkerchiefs, and Elder Bruce R. McConkie, and me The first is from section 100. You two pairs of stockings, he left on his an experience he had in the appoint- will remember that Joseph Smith mission. ment of a patriarch for the Shreve- and Sidney Rigdon had been absent Once, in the middle of winter, he port Louisiana Stake of the Church. from their families for some time, walked from Prenzlau to Kammin, a President Kimball described how he and they were concerned about little village in Mecklenburg, where interviewed, how he searched, and them. The Lord revealed unto them 46 attended the meetings which were how he prayed, that he might learn this assurance, which is comfort- held. He arrived long after dark that the Lord’s will concerning the selec- ing to missionaries throughout the night after a six-hour march over tion. For some reason, none of the Church: “Verily, thus saith the roads, paths, and finally across plowed suggested candidates was the man Lord unto you, my friends . . . , your fields. Just before he reached the vil- for this assignment at this particular families are well; they are in mine lage, he came to a large, white, flat time. hands, and I will do with them as area which made for easy walking, The day wore on; the evening seemeth me good; for in me there is and he soon arrived at a member’s meetings began. Suddenly Presi- all power.”5 home to stay the night. dent Kimball turned to the stake The second is from the 84th sec- The next morning the game president and asked him to identify tion of the Doctrine and Covenants: warden knocked on the door of the a particular man seated perhaps “Whoso receiveth you, there I will member’s house, asking, “Do you two-thirds of the way back from be also, for I will go before your face. have a guest?” the front of the chapel. The stake

LIAHONA 56 Kimball’s head, and the exclamation came forth, “I can reach you! I can reach you!” “Of course you can reach me,” responded Brother Kimball. “And if you can reach me, you can reach any whom you bless. I will probably be the shortest person you will ever have seated before you.” President Kimball reported to us that when the name of James Womack was presented to the stake conference, “the hands of the members shot heavenward in an enthusiastic vote of approval.” Remembered were the words of the Lord to the prophet Samuel at the time David was designated to be a future king of Israel: “Man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”9 Brethren, whatever our calling, regardless of our fears or anxieties, let us pray and then go and do, remembering the words of the Master, even the Lord Jesus Christ, who promised, “I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”10 In the Epistle of James we are counseled, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.”11 Let us, as a mighty body of priesthood, be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Let us pray; then let us go and do. In the name of Jesus Christ, president replied that the individual met with Brother Womack and amen. was James Womack, whereupon informed him that the Lord had des- President Kimball said: “He is the ignated him to be the patriarch, there NOTES man the Lord has selected to be was a protracted silence in the room. 1. Prov. 3:5–6. your stake patriarch. Please have Then Brother Womack said: “Brother 2. 1 Kgs. 17:9–11, 13–16; see also v. 12. him meet with me in the high coun- Kimball, it is my understanding that a 3. 1 Ne. 3:7. cil room following the meeting.” patriarch is to place his hands on the 4. See Richard J. Marshall, “Saga of Stake president Charles Cagle was head of the person he blesses. As you Sacrifice,” Ensign, Aug. 1974, 66–67. startled, for James Womack did not can see, I have no hands to place on 5. D&C 100:1. wear the label of a typical man. He the head of anyone.” 6. D&C 84:88. had sustained terrible injuries while Brother Kimball, in his kind and 7. See Garold N. Davis and Norma S. in combat during World War II. He patient manner, invited Brother Davis, “Behind the Iron Curtain: lost both hands and part of an arm, as Womack to stand behind the chair Recollections of Latter-day Saints in East well as most of his eyesight and part on which Brother Kimball was Germany, 1945–1989,” Brigham Young of his hearing. Nobody had wanted to seated. He then said, “Now, Brother University Studies 35, no. 1 (1995): 54–55. let him into law school when he Womack, lean forward and see if 8. Matt. 19:26. returned, yet he finished third in his the stumps of your arms will reach 9. 1 Sam. 16:7. class at Louisiana State University. the top of my head.” To Brother 10. Matt. 28:20. That evening as President Kimball Womack’s joy, they touched Brother 11. James 1:22.

JULY 2002 57 Our behavior in public must be above reproach. Our behavior in pri- Personal Worthiness vate is even more important. It must clear the standard set by the Lord. We cannot indulge in sin, let alone to Exercise the try to cover our sins. We cannot gratify our pride. We cannot partake of the vanity of unrighteous ambition. We cannot exercise control, or Priesthood dominion, or compulsion upon our wives or children, or any others in President Gordon B. Hinckley any degree of unrighteousness. If we do any of these things, the powers of heaven are withdrawn. The Spirit of the Lord is grieved. The very virtue of our priesthood is Our behavior in public must be above reproach. Our behavior nullified. Its authority is lost. in private is even more important. It must clear the standard The manner of our living, the words we speak, and our everyday set by the Lord. behavior have a bearing upon our effectiveness as men and boys hold- standard of eligibility to receive and ing the priesthood. exercise this sacred power. It is of Our fifth article of faith states: this that I wish to speak tonight. “We believe that a man must be I begin by reading to you from called of God, by prophecy, and by the Doctrine and Covenants, sec- the laying on of hands by those who tion 121: are in authority, to preach the Gos- “The rights of the priesthood are pel and administer in the ordinances inseparably connected with the pow- thereof.” ers of heaven, and . . . the powers of Even though those in authority heaven cannot be controlled nor lay hands upon our heads and we handled only upon the principles of are ordained, we may through our righteousness. behavior nullify and forfeit any right “That they may be conferred to exercise this divine authority. upon us, it is true; but when we Section 121 goes on to say: “No undertake to cover our sins, or to power or influence can or ought to be gratify our pride, our vain ambition, maintained by virtue of the priest- or to exercise control or dominion hood, only by persuasion, by long- or compulsion upon the souls of the suffering, by gentleness and meek- y dear brethren, I wish to children of men, in any degree of ness, and by love unfeigned; speak very plainly this unrighteousness, behold, the heav- “By kindness, and pure knowl- M evening about a matter ens withdraw themselves; the Spirit edge, which shall greatly enlarge the that I feel deeply concerned over. of the Lord is grieved; and when it is soul without hypocrisy, and without What a great pleasure and a worri- withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood guile” (D&C 121:41–42). some challenge it is to speak to you. or the authority of that man” (D&C Now, my brethren, those are the What a tremendous brotherhood 121:36–37). parameters within which this priest- we are as those who hold this pre- That is the unequivocal word of hood must find expression. It is not as cious and wonderful priesthood. the Lord concerning His divine a cloak that we put on and take off at It comes from God, our Eternal authority. What a tremendous obli- will. It is, when exercised in righ- Father, who in this glorious dispen- gation this places upon each of us. teousness, as the very tissue of our sation has, with His Beloved Son, We who hold the priesthood of God bodies, a part of us at all times and in spoken again from the heavens. must stand above the ways of the all circumstances. They have sent Their authorized world. We must discipline ourselves. And so, to you young men who servants to bestow this divine We cannot be self-righteous, but we hold the Aaronic Priesthood, you authority upon men. can and must be decent, honorable have had conferred upon you that Personal worthiness becomes the men. power which holds the keys to the

LIAHONA 58 ministering of angels. Think of that for a minute. You cannot afford to do anything that would place a curtain between you and the ministering of angels in your behalf. You cannot be immoral in any sense. You cannot be dishonest. You cannot cheat or lie. You cannot take the name of God in vain or use filthy language and still have the right to the ministering of angels. I do not want you to be self- righteous. I want you to be manly, to be vibrant and strong and happy. To those who are athletically inclined, I want you to be good athletes and strive to become champions. But in doing so, you do not have to indulge in unseemly behavior or profane or filthy language. To you young men who look forward to going on missions, please do not cloud your lives with anything that would cast a doubt upon your worthiness to go forth as servants of the living God. You must not, you cannot under any circumstances compromise the divine power which you carry within you as ordained ministers of the gospel. By way of warning, and forewarn- ing, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have set forth the following statement directed to you: “A s missionaries, you are expected to maintain the highest standards of conduct, including strict observance of the law of chastity, . . . “. . . You should never be alone Members of the Seventy sing during a conference session. with anyone else, male or female, adult or child [other than your You need not worry about these You will wish to marry in the house assigned companion]. things if you will at all times observe of the Lord. For you, there should “Even false accusations against the rules of missionary service. If be no alternative. Be careful, lest an innocent missionary can take you do so, you will have a wonderful you destroy your eligibility to be so many months to investigate and experience, and you will return in married. Have a wonderful time. may result in disruption or termina- honor to those you love without But keep your courtship within the tion of missionary service. Protect taint or suspicion or regret. bounds of rigid self-discipline. The yourselves from such accusations When you return home, never Lord has given a mandate and a by never being separated from your forget that you are still an elder of promise. He has said, “Let virtue companion, even in the homes you The Church of Jesus Christ of garnish thy thoughts unceasingly.” visit” (First Presidency statement Latter-day Saints. Then there follows the promise that on missionary conduct, 22 Mar. You will become involved in the “thy confidence [shall] wax strong 2002). search for an eternal companion. in the presence of God; and . . . the

JULY 2002 59 Holy Ghost shall be thy constant Savior of Civilization [1924], 42; in publicized in the media. It is the sor- companion” (D&C 121:45–46). Conference Report, Apr. 1935, 116). did and evil abuse of children by The wife you choose will be your And President Lee said, “The most adults, usually men. Such abuse is equal. Paul declared, “Neither is the important part of the Lord’s work not new. There is evidence to indi- man without the woman, neither that you will do, is the work that you cate that it goes back through the the woman without the man, in the do within the walls of your own ages. It is a most despicable and Lord” (1 Cor. 11:11). home” (Harold B. Lee, Doing the tragic and terrible thing. I regret to In the marriage companionship Right Things for the Right Reasons, say that there has been some very there is neither inferiority nor superi- Brigham Young University Speeches limited expression of this monstrous ority. The woman does not walk of the Year [19 Apr. 1961], 5). evil among us. It is something that ahead of the man; neither does the I am confident that when we cannot be countenanced or toler- man walk ahead of the woman. They stand before the bar of God, there ated. The Lord Himself said, “But walk side by side as a son and daugh- will be little mention of how much whoso shall offend one of these lit- ter of God on an eternal journey. wealth we accumulated in life or tle ones which believe in me, it were She is not your servant, your of any honors which we may have better for him that a millstone were chattel, nor anything of the kind. achieved. But there will be searching hanged about his neck, and that he How tragic and utterly disgusting questions concerning our domestic were drowned in the depth of the a phenomenon is wife abuse. Any relations. And I am convinced that sea” (Matt. 18:6). man in this Church who abuses his only those who have walked through That is very strong language from wife, who demeans her, who insults life with love and respect and appre- the Prince of Peace, the Son of God. her, who exercises unrighteous do- ciation for their companions and I quote from our Church Hand- minion over her is unworthy to hold children will receive from our eter- book of Instructions: “The Church’s the priesthood. Though he may nal judge the words, “Well done, position is that abuse cannot be tol- have been ordained, the heavens thou good and faithful servant: . . . erated in any form. Those who abuse will withdraw, the Spirit of the Lord enter thou into the joy of thy lord” . . . are subject to Church discipline. will be grieved, and it will be amen (Matt. 25:21). They should not be given Church to the authority of the priesthood of I mention another type of abuse. callings and may not have a temple that man. It is of the elderly. I think it is not recommend. Even if a person who Any man who engages in this common among us. I hope it is not. abused a child sexually or physically practice is unworthy to hold a tem- I pray that it is not. receives Church discipline and is ple recommend. I believe our people, almost all later restored to full fellowship or I regret to say that I see too much of them, observe the ancient com- readmitted by baptism, leaders of this ugly phenomenon. There are mandment, “Honour thy father and should not call the person to any men who cuff their wives about, thy mother: that thy days may be position working with children or both verbally and physically. What a long upon the land which the Lord youth unless the First Presidency tragedy when a man demeans the thy God giveth thee” (Ex. 20:12). authorizes removal of the annotation mother of his children. But how tragic it is, how abso- of the person’s membership record. It is true that there are a few lutely revolting is abuse of the elderly. “In instances of abuse, the first women who abuse their husbands. More and more we are living responsibility of the Church is to But I am not speaking to them longer, thanks to the miracle of help those who have been abused tonight. I am speaking to the men of modern science and medical prac- and to protect those who may be this Church, men upon whom the tice. But with old age comes a dete- vulnerable to future abuse” (Book 1: Almighty has bestowed His holy rioration of physical capacity and Stake Presidencies and Bishoprics priesthood. sometimes mental capacity. I have [1998], 157–58). My brethren, if there be any said before that I have discovered For a long period now we have within the sound of my voice who are that there is much of lead in the worked on this problem. We have guilty of such behavior, I call upon years that are called golden. I am so urged bishops, stake presidents, and you to repent. Get on your knees and profoundly grateful for the love and others to reach out to victims, to ask the Lord to forgive you. Pray to solicitude of our children toward comfort them, to strengthen them, Him for the power to control your their mother and their father. How to let them know that what hap- tongue and your heavy hand. Ask for beautiful is the picture of a son or pened was wrong, that the experi- the forgiveness of your wife and your daughter going out of his or her way ence was not their fault, and that it children. President McKay was wont to assist with kindness and benevo- need never happen again. to say, “No other success can com- lence and love an aged parent. We have issued publications, pensate for failure in the home” Now I wish to mention another established a telephone line where (quoting J. E. McCulloch, Home: The form of abuse that has been much Church officers may receive counsel

LIAHONA 60 in handling cases, and offered pro- may be guilty. Where there has been most precious and wonderful. It car- fessional help through LDS Family offense, there is a penalty. The pro- ries with it the authority to govern Services. cess of the civil law will work its the Church, to administer in its These acts are often criminal in way. And the ecclesiastical process affairs, to speak with authority in their nature. They are punishable will work its way, often resulting in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, under the law. Professional coun- excommunication. This is both a to act as His dedicated servants, to selors, including lawyers and social delicate and a serious matter. bless the sick, to bless our families workers, are available on this help Nevertheless, we recognize, and and many others. It serves as a line to advise bishops and stake must always recognize, that when guide by which to live our lives. presidents concerning their obliga- the penalty has been paid and the In its fulness, its authority reaches tions in these circumstances. Those demands of justice have been met, beyond the veil of death into the in other nations should call their there will be a helpful and kindly eternities that lie ahead. respective Area Presidents. hand reaching out to assist. There There is nothing else to compare Now the work of the Church is a may be continuing restrictions, but with it in all this world. Safeguard it, work of salvation. I want to empha- there will also be kindness. cherish it, love it, live worthy of it. size that. It is a work of saving souls. Now brethren, I suppose that I “Let your light so shine before We desire to help both the victim have sounded negative as I have men, that they may see your good and the offender. Our hearts reach spoken to you this evening. I do not works, and glorify your Father which out to the victim, and we must act wish to. But I do wish to raise a is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16), is my to assist him or her. Our hearts warning voice to the priesthood of humble prayer as I leave my blessing reach out to the offender, but we this Church throughout the world. upon you and extend my love, in the cannot tolerate the sin of which he God has bestowed upon us a gift name of Jesus Christ, amen.

JULY 2002 61 Sunday Morning Session that we need help beyond our own 7 April 2002 ability. Fourth, it is an opportunity to express thanksgiving and gratitude to our Creator. It is important that we frequently say: “We thank The Lifeline of Prayer Thee . . . ,” “We acknowledge before Thee . . . ,” “We are grateful unto President James E. Faust Thee . . .” Fifth, it is a privilege to Second Counselor in the First Presidency ask Deity for specific blessings. Many prayers are spoken while we are on our knees. The Savior knelt as He prayed to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane.4 But Each of us has problems that we cannot solve and weaknesses silent prayers of the heart also reach that we cannot conquer without reaching out through prayer to to heaven. We sing, “Prayer is the a higher source of strength. soul’s sincere desire, Uttered or un- expressed.”5 Sincere prayers come from the heart. Indeed, sincerity When God placed man on the requires that we draw from the earth, prayer became the lifeline earnest feelings of our hearts when between mankind and God. Thus, in we pray rather than using vain repe- Adam’s generation, men began “to titions or pretentious affectations call upon the name of the Lord.”1 such as those condemned by the Through all generations since that Savior in the parable of the Pharisee time, prayer has filled a very impor- and the publican.6 Our prayers then tant human need. Each of us has truly become the “song of the heart” problems that we cannot solve and and “a prayer,”7 not only reaching weaknesses that we cannot conquer God but touching the hearts of without reaching out through prayer others as well. to a higher source of strength. That Jeremiah counsels us to pray with source is the God of heaven to whom all our heart and soul.8 Enos re- we pray in the name of Jesus Christ.2 counted how his soul had hungered As we pray we should think of our and that he had prayed all the Father in Heaven as possessing all day long.9 Prayers vary in their inten- knowledge, understanding, love, and sity. Even the Savior “prayed more compassion. earnestly” in His hour of agony.10 his morning I bear wit- What is a prayer? The Savior gave Some are simple expressions of ap- ness of the importance of us an example in the Lord’s Prayer preciation and requests for a contin- T prayer. Access to our Creator when He prayed: “Our Father which uation of blessings on our loved ones through our Savior is surely one of art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. and us. However, in times of great the great privileges and blessings of “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be personal hurt or need, more may be our lives. I have learned from count- done in earth, as it is in heaven. required than mere asking. The Lord less personal experiences that great “Give us this day our daily bread. said, “You have supposed that I is the power of prayer. No earthly “And forgive us our debts, as we would give it unto you, when you authority can separate us from direct forgive our debtors. took no thought save it was to ask access to our Creator. There can “A nd lead us not into temptation, me.”11 Blessings sought through never be a mechanical or electronic but deliver us from evil: For thine is prayer sometimes require work, failure when we pray. There is no the kingdom, and the power, and the effort, and diligence on our part. limit on the number of times or how glory, for ever. Amen.”3 For example, at times fasting is long we can pray each day. There is First, prayer is a humble acknowl- appropriate as a strong evidence of no quota of how many needs we edgment that God is our Father and our sincerity. As Alma testified to wish to pray for in each prayer. We that the Lord Jesus Christ is our the people of Zarahemla: “I have do not need to go through secre- Savior and Redeemer. Second, it fasted and prayed many days that I taries or make an appointment to is a sincere confession of sin and might know these things of myself. reach the throne of grace. He is transgression and a request for for- And now I do know of myself that reachable at any time and any place. giveness. Third, it is recognition they are true; for the Lord God hath

LIAHONA 62 The Salt Lake Temple, as seen from the Church Office Building. General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints April 2002 THE FIRST PRESIDENCY

President Thomas S. Monson President Gordon B. Hinckley President James E. Faust First Counselor Second Counselor

THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Boyd K. Packer L. Tom Perry David B. Haight Neal A. Maxwell Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks

M. Russell Ballard Joseph B. Wirthlin Richard G. Scott Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland Henry B. Eyring

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SEVENTY

Earl C. Tingey D. Todd Christofferson David E. Sorensen Ben B. Banks Dennis B. Neuenschwander Charles Didier Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY

Angel Abrea Carlos H. Amado Neil L. Andersen Merrill J. Bateman William R. Bradford Monte J. Brough Sheldon F. Child Richard D. Allred Athos M. Amorim E. Ray Bateman L. Edward Brown Douglas L. Callister Val R. Christensen Darwin B. Christenson

L. Whitney Clayton Gary J. Coleman Spencer J. Condie Gene R. Cook Quentin L. Cook Claudio R. M. Costa Robert K. Dellenbach Keith Crockett Adhemar Damiani Duane B. Gerrard H. Aldridge Gillespie Ronald T. Halverson Keith K. Hilbig J. Kent Jolley

John B. Dickson Christoffel Golden Jr. Walter F. González John H. Groberg Bruce C. Hafen Donald L. Hallstrom F. Melvin Hammond Gerald N. Lund Dale E. Miller Earl M. Monson Merrill C. Oaks Robert C. Oaks Robert F. Orton Stephen B. Oveson

Harold G. Hillam F. Burton Howard Jay E. Jensen Marlin K. Jensen Kenneth Johnson W. Rolfe Kerr Yoshihiko Kikuchi Wayne S. Peterson Bruce D. Porter H. Bryan Richards Ned B. Roueché R. Conrad Schultz Dennis E. Simmons Donald L. Staheli

Cree-L Kofford John M. Madsen Richard J. Maynes Lynn A. Mickelsen Glenn L. Pace Carl B. Pratt Ronald A. Rasband Robert R. Steuer David R. Stone H. Bruce Stucki Jerald L. Taylor D. Lee Tobler William R. Walker Gordon T. Watts

Lynn G. Robbins Steven E. Snow Dieter F. Uchtdorf Francisco J. Viñas Lance B. Wickman W. Craig Zwick Stephen A. West Robert J. Whetten Richard H. Winkel Robert S. Wood H. Ross Workman THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

Richard C. Edgley H. David Burton Keith B. McMullin First Counselor Presiding Bishop Second Counselor Afternoon sun casts long shadows in the spacious lobby inside the Conference Center’s plaza-level entrances.

A wide-angle view shows the Conference Center from the southwest corner of its exterior plaza. made them manifest unto me by his Holy Spirit.”12 When we fast we humble our souls,13 which brings us more in tune with God and His holy purposes. We are privileged to pray daily for the small and great concerns in our lives. Consider the words of Amulek, who admonished us to pray in our fields over our flocks; in our houses over our households, morning, midday, and evening; to pray against the power of our enemies and the devil; to cry unto Him over our crops; to pour out our souls in secret and in the wilderness. When we are not crying directly unto God, we should let our hearts be drawn out in prayer unto Him continually.14 Amulek’s counsel in our day might be the heartfelt prayer of a wife: “Bless Jason and keep him safe as he serves our country in this time of war.” The prayer of a mother: “Please bless dear Jane that she will make the right choices.” The prayer of a father: “Heavenly Father, bless Johnny in his missionary labors, that doors will be opened for him, and that he’ll find the honest in heart.” The lisping, basic prayer of a child, “that I won’t be naughty today,” or “that everybody will have plenty to eat,” or “that Mommy will get well soon.” These are sublime prayers that resound in the eternal mansions above. God knows our needs better than we can state them,15 but He wants us to approach Him in faith to ask for blessings, safety, and comfort. I have mentioned before an experience I had in the military in World War II. I hasten to say I was not a hero. But I did my duty. I endured and survived. I was assigned to a British liberty ship sailing from San pray, and sing all by myself. I did not little cargo ship was ordered to tow Francisco to Suez. I was on that ship try to bargain with the Lord, but I did a large, burned-out oil tanker into for 83 consecutive days except for a pray fervently that if I could survive Auckland, New Zealand. The tanker brief stop in Auckland, New Zealand. the war and go home to my wife and had no power and was wallowing I was the only member of our faith on family, I would earnestly try to remain helplessly in the ocean. Although we board. On Sundays I would go alone true to the sacred covenants I had never saw them, we knew enemy to the bow of the ship with my little made at baptism, to the oath and submarines were lurking near us. set of servicemen’s scriptures and covenant of the priesthood, and to While we were pulling that ship, songbook. Amid the howling of the my temple vows. we were caught in a violent storm, wind, I would read the scriptures, As part of our tour of duty, our which we later learned sank many

JULY 2002 67 vessels. Because of the load we were be our only motivation to pray— and tears trickling down his cheeks. pulling, we did not have enough morning or night. . . . A few moments later a hymn was power to go into the giant waves Family prayer is a powerful and sung and he opened the meeting by head on, and our ship was thrown sustaining influence. During the dark prayer. Instead of facing the audi- from side to side in the trough of the days of World War II, a 500-pound ence, however, he turned his back pounding seas. It would creak and bomb fell outside the little home of and bowed upon his knees, facing groan and roll from side to side, Brother Patey, a young father in the wall. This, I suppose, was done to almost capsizing on every roll. Of Liverpool, England, but the bomb hide his sorrow and tears. course I prayed, as I imagine others did not go off. His wife had died, so “I had heard men and women did. In time the storm moved away he was rearing his five children pray—especially the former—from from us. I am grateful for the sus- alone. He gathered them together at the most ignorant, both as to letters taining influence and comfort my this very anxious time for family and intellect, to the most learned prayers gave me then and since in prayer. They “all prayed . . . earnestly and eloquent, but never until then other times of peril. and when they had finished praying, had I heard a man address his The Savior told us, “Pray in your the children said: ‘Daddy, we will be Maker as though He was present families unto the Father, always in all right. We will be all right in our listening as a kind father would lis- my name, that your wives and your home tonight.’ ten to the sorrows of a dutiful child. children may be blessed.”16 In our “A nd so they went to bed, imag- Joseph was at that time unlearned, day, the Church urges us to have ine, with that terrific bomb lying but that prayer, which was to a con- family prayer every night and every just outside the door half submerged siderable extent in behalf of those morning. in the ground. If it had gone off it who accused him of having gone I once heard of a Primary teacher would have destroyed probably forty astray and fallen into sin, [was] that who asked a little boy if he said his or fifty houses and killed two or the Lord would forgive them and prayers every night. three hundred people. . . . open their eyes that they might see “Yes,” he replied. “The next morning the . . . whole aright—that prayer, I say, to my “And do you always say them neighborhood was removed for forty- humble mind, partook of the learn- in the morning, too?” the Primary eight hours and the bomb was finally ing and eloquence of heaven. There teacher asked. taken away. . . . was no ostentation, no raising of the “No,” the boy replied. “I ain’t “On the way back Brother Patey voice as by enthusiasm, but a plain scared in the daytime.”17 asked the foreman of the A.R.P. conversational tone, as a man would Fear of the dark should not Squad: ‘Well, what did you find?’ address a present friend. It appeared “‘Mr. Patey, we got at the bomb to me as though, in case the vail outside of your door and found it were taken away, I could see the ready to explode at any moment. Lord standing facing His humblest There was nothing wrong with it. of all servants I had ever seen. . . . It We are puzzled why it did not go was the crowning . . . of all the off.’”18 Miraculous things happen prayers I ever heard.”20 when families pray together. As the hour of the Savior’s death The Savior counseled that we and Resurrection drew near, He of- should pray for those who “despite- fered His great Intercessory Prayer. fully use” us.19 This principle is often After commending His Apostles to overlooked in our prayers. The the Father and praying for them, He Prophet Joseph Smith understood it then prayed for all those who would clearly. His petitions were fervent, believe on Him through their word, his motives pure, and the blessings and pleaded with the Father for all of heaven regular. of us. He prayed that we could all be Daniel Tyler, an associate of the one as He is one with the Father and Prophet, recalled an important occa- that the world would believe that sion: “At the time William Smith and He was sent by the Father.21 others rebelled against the Prophet No more poignant prayer was ever [at Kirtland], . . . I attended a meet- uttered than that given by the Savior ing . . . where ‘Joseph’ presided. in the Garden of Gethsemane. He Entering the school-house a little withdrew from His Apostles, knelt, before [the] meeting opened, and and prayed, “Father, if thou be will- gazing upon the man of God, I per- ing, remove this cup from me: never- ceived sadness in his countenance theless not my will, but thine, be

LIAHONA 68 done.”22 An important element of all of our prayers might well be to follow the pattern of that prayer in Geth- The Other Prodigal semane: “not my will, but thine, be done.” By this, then, we acknowledge Elder Jeffrey R. Holland our devotion and submission to the Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles overriding purposes of the Lord in our lives. As He said, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.”23 What a glorious No one of us is less treasured or cherished of God than day it will be for each of us when we another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecurities, pray with confidence that “if we ask anything according to his will, he anxieties, self-image, and all. heareth us.”24 I sincerely hope that as we say hoping to be accepted at least as our daily prayers we remember to a servant in his father’s household. ask the Lord’s blessings to continue The tender image of this boy’s anx- to abide with our beloved leader, ious, faithful father running to meet President Gordon B. Hinckley. No him and showering him with kisses is one fully knows, not even his coun- one of the most moving and compas- selors, how heavy his burdens are sionate scenes in all of holy writ. It and how great his responsibility is. tells every child of God, wayward or Of this I testify in the name of Jesus otherwise, how much God wants us Christ, amen. back in the protection of His arms. But being caught up in this NOTES younger son’s story, we can miss, if 1. Gen. 4:26. we are not careful, the account of 2. See 2 Ne. 32:9; 3 Ne. 20:31. an elder son, for the opening line of 3. Matt. 6:9–13. the Savior’s account reads, “A cer- 4. See Luke 22:41. tain man had two sons”—and He 5. Hymns, no. 145. might have added, “both of whom 6. See Luke 18:10–14. were lost and both of whom needed 7. D&C 25:12. mong the most memorable to come home.” 8. See Jer. 29:13. parables the Savior ever The younger son has returned, a 9. See Enos 1:4. A told is the story of a foolish robe has been placed on his shoul- 10. Luke 22:44. younger brother who went to his ders and a ring on his finger, when 11. D&C 9:7. father, asked for his portion of the the older son comes on the scene. He 12. Alma 5:46. estate, and left home to squander has been dutifully, loyally working in 13. See Ps. 35:13. his inheritance, the scripture says, in the field, and now he is returning. 14. See Alma 34:20–27. “riotous living.”1 His money and his The language of parallel journeys 15. See Matt. 6:8. friends disappeared sooner than he home, though from very different 16. 3 Ne. 18:21. thought possible—they always do— locations, is central to this story. 17. Adapted from Tal D. Bonham, The and a day of terrible reckoning came As he approaches the house, Tr easury of Clean Church Jokes, as quoted thereafter—it always does. In the he hears the sounds of music and in Cal and Rose Samra, eds., Holy Humor downward course of all this he be- laughter. (1997), 23. came a keeper of pigs, one so hun- “And he called one of the ser- 18. Andre K. Anastasiou, in gry, so stripped of sustenance and vants [note that he has servants] Conference Report, Oct. 1946, 26. dignity that he “would fain have and asked what these things meant. 19. Matt. 5:44. filled his belly with the husks that “And [the servant] said unto him, 20. Juvenile Instructor, Feb. 1892, the swine did eat.” But even that Thy brother is come; and thy father 127–28. consolation was not available to hath killed the fatted calf, because 21. See John 17:21. him. he hath received him safe and 22. Luke 22:42. Then the scripture says encour- sound. 23. John 15:7. agingly, “He came to himself.” He “And [the older brother] was 24. 1 Jn. 5:14. determined to find his way home, angry, and would not go in: therefore

JULY 2002 69 came his father out, and intreated has come home as he is angry that No, he who has virtually every- him.” his parents are so happy about thing, and who has in his hardwork- You know the conversation they it. Feeling unappreciated and per- ing, wonderful way earned it, lacks then had. Surely, for this father, the haps more than a little self-pity, this the one thing that might make him pain over a wayward child who had dutiful son—and he is wonderfully the complete man of the Lord he run from home and wallowed with dutiful—forgets for a moment that nearly is. He has yet to come to the swine is now compounded with the he has never had to know filth or compassion and mercy, the chari- realization that this older, wiser despair, fear or self-loathing. He for- table breadth of vision to see that brother, the younger boy’s child- gets for a moment that every calf on this is not a rival returning. It is his hood hero as older brothers always the ranch is already his and so are brother. As his father pled with him are, is angry that his brother has all the robes in the closet and every to see, it is one who was dead and come home. ring in the drawer. He forgets for a now is alive. It is one who was lost No, I correct myself. This son is moment that his faithfulness has and now is found. not so much angry that the other been and always will be rewarded. Certainly this younger brother had been a prisoner—a prisoner of sin, stupidity, and a pigsty. But the older brother lives in some confinement, too. He has, as yet, been unable to break out of the prison of himself. He is haunted by the green-eyed monster of jealousy.2 He feels taken for granted by his father and disen- franchised by his brother, when neither is the case. He has fallen victim to a fictional affront. As such he is like Tantalus of Greek mythology— he is up to his chin in water, but he remains thirsty nevertheless. One who has heretofore presumably been very happy with his life and content with his good fortune suddenly feels very unhappy simply because another has had some good fortune as well. Who is it that whispers so subtly in our ear that a gift given to another somehow diminishes the blessings we have received? Who makes us feel that if God is smiling on another, then He surely must somehow be frowning on us? You and I both know who does this—it is the father of all lies.3 It is Lucifer, our common enemy, whose cry down through the corridors of time is always and to everyone, “Give me thine honor.”4 It has been said that envy is the one sin to which no one readily con- fesses, but just how widespread that tendency can be is suggested in the old Danish proverb, “If envy were a fever, all the world would be ill.” The parson in Chaucer’s Canterbury Ta l e s laments it because it is so far-reaching—it can resent anything,

LIAHONA 70 including any virtue and talent, and that does not do the same. When I it can be offended by everything, hear someone praised,” he says, “it is including every goodness and joy.5 hard not to think of myself as less As others seem to grow larger in our praiseworthy; when I read about the sight, we think we must therefore be goodness and kindness of other peo- smaller. So, unfortunately, we occa- ple, it is hard not to wonder whether sionally act that way. I myself am as good and kind as they; How does this happen, especially and when I see trophies, rewards, when we wish so much that it would and prizes being handed out to spe- not? I think one of the reasons is cial people, I cannot avoid asking that every day we see allurements of myself why that didn’t happen to one kind or another that tell us what me.”8 If left unresisted, we can see we have is not enough. Someone or how this inclination so embellished something is forever telling us we by the world will ultimately bring a need to be more handsome or more resentful, demeaning view of God wealthy, more applauded or more and a terribly destructive view of admired than we see ourselves as ourselves. Most “thou shalt not” being. We are told we haven’t col- commandments are meant to keep lected enough possessions or gone to us from hurting others, but I am enough fun places. We are bom- convinced the commandment not to barded with the message that on the covet is meant to keep us from hurt- world’s scale of things we have been ing ourselves. Spires of the Assembly Hall on weighed in the balance and found How can we overcome such a Temple Square. wanting.6 Some days it is as if we tendency so common in almost have been locked in a cubicle of a everyone? For one thing, we can do are privileged the one like unto the great and spacious building where as these two sons did and start mak- other, and none are forbidden [at the only thing on the TV is a never- ing our way back to the Father. We His hand].” ending soap opera entitled Vain should do so with as much haste “Come unto me all ye ends of the Imaginations.7 and humility as we can summon. earth,” He pleads, and buy milk with- But God does not work this way. Along the way we can count our out money and honey without price.10 The father in this story does not many blessings and we can applaud All are privileged, the one like unto the tantalize his children. He does not the accomplishments of others. Best other. Walk peacefully. Walk confi- mercilessly measure them against of all, we can serve others, the finest dently. Walk without fear and with- their neighbors. He doesn’t even exercise for the heart ever prescribed. out envy. Be reassured of Heavenly compare them with each other. His But finally these will not be enough. Father’s abundance to you always. gestures of compassion toward one When we are lost, we can “come to As we do this, we can help oth- do not require a withdrawal or de- ourselves,” but we may not always ers, calling down blessings on them nial of love for the other. He is be able to “find ourselves,” and, even as they make supplication for divinely generous to both of these worlds without end, we cannot us. We can cheer every talent and sons. Toward both of his children “save ourselves.” Only the Father ability, wherever it is bestowed, thus he extends charity. I believe God is and His Only Begotten Son can do making life here more nearly what it with us the way my precious wife, that. Salvation is in Them only. So will be like in heaven. Pat, is with my singing. She is a we pray that They will help us, that It will help us always to remem- gifted musician, something of a They will “come out” to meet and ber Paul’s succinct prioritizing of musical genius, but I couldn’t cap- embrace us and bring us into the virtues—“Now abideth faith, hope, ture a musical note with Velcro. feast They have prepared. charity, these three; but the greatest And yet I know she loves me in a They will do this! The scriptures of these is charity.”11 He reminds us very special way when I try to sing. I are replete with the promise that we are all of the body of Christ, and know that because I can see it in God’s grace is sufficient.9 This is one that all members, whether comely her eyes. They are the eyes of love. arena where no one has to claw or or feeble, are adored, essential, and One observer has written: “In a compete. Nephi declares that the important. We feel the depth of his world that constantly compares peo- Lord “loveth the [whole] world” plea that there be “no schism in the ple, ranking them as more or less and has given salvation freely. body, but that the members . . . intelligent, more or less attractive, “Hath [He] commanded any that have the same care one for another. more or less successful, it is not easy they should not partake of his good- And [when] one member suffer[s], to really believe in a [divine] love ness?” Nephi asks. No! “All . . . all the members suffer with it; or

JULY 2002 71 [when] one member [is] honoured, all the members rejoice.”12 That incomparable counsel helps us remem- For Thy Good ber that the word generosity has the same derivation as the word geneal- Bishop Richard C. Edgley ogy, both coming from the Latin First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric genus, meaning of the same birth or kind, the same family or gender.13 We will always find it easier to be generous when we remember that this person being favored is truly one of Out of our adversity we might seek our greatest triumphs, our own. and the day may well come that from our challenges we Brothers and sisters, I testify that no one of us is less treasured or cher- will understand the familiar words “for thy good.” ished of God than another. I testify that He loves each of us—insecuri- out, “O God, where art thou?” (D&C ties, anxieties, self-image, and all. He 121:1), the Lord comforted him with doesn’t measure our talents or our these words: “Know thou, my son, looks; He doesn’t measure our pro- that all these things shall give thee fessions or our possessions. He cheers experience, and shall be for thy good” on every runner, calling out that the (D&C 122:7). How difficult it is and race is against sin, not against each painfully foreign it may seem to find other. I know that if we will be faith- the good out of our personal tragedy ful, there is a perfectly tailored robe and suffering. How inconsistent the of righteousness ready and waiting words “for thy good” may seem. for everyone,14 “robes . . . made . . . However, an understanding of white in the blood of the Lamb.”15 Christ’s plan of redemption helps put May we encourage each other in our it all into perspective. In our pre- effort to win that prize is my earnest existent state our Father in Heaven prayer, in the name of Jesus Christ, presented His plan for mortality, amen. which Alma described as the “plan of happiness” (Alma 42:8). I believe NOTES we all understood that by coming 1. See Luke 15:11–32. ome time ago I received an to earth, we would be exposed to all 2. See William Shakespeare, The anonymous letter from a heart- of the experiences of earth life, in- Merchant of Venice, act 3, scene 2, line 110. Sbroken mother expressing her cluding the not-so-pleasant trials of 3. See 2 Ne. 2:18. suffering and pain for a son who had pain, suffering, hopelessness, sin, and 4. Moses 4:1. committed grievous transgressions, death. There would be opposition 5. See Geoffrey Chaucer, The badly hurting innocent loved ones. and adversity. And if that was all we Canterbury Tales, ed. Walter W. Skeat Since her anonymous letter to me, knew about the plan, I doubt if any (1929), 534–35. and feeling her despair, I have had a of us would have embraced it, re- 6. See Dan. 5:27 (double entendre great desire to express my love to her joicing, “That’s what I have always doubly intended). and others in similar circumstances wanted—pain, suffering, hopeless- 7. See 1 Ne. 12:18. in an attempt to give some comfort ness, sin, and death.” But it all came 8. Henri J. M. Nouwen, The Return of and hope to those who are anony- into focus, and it became acceptable, the Prodigal Son (1992), 103. mously and privately carrying heavy even desirable, when an Elder Brother 9. See Ether 12:26; Moro. 10:32; burdens, often known only to them stepped forward and offered that He D&C 17:8. and a loving Father in Heaven. would go down and make it all right. 10. See 2 Ne. 26:24–28; emphasis I know, Sister Anonymous, that Out of pain and suffering He would added. what I say will only be a reminder, bring peace. Out of hopelessness He 11. 1 Cor. 13:13. but still another testimony to what would bring hope. Out of transgres- 12. See 1 Cor. 12:25–26. you already know. sion He would bring repentance and 13. I am indebted to Henri Nouwen for When the Prophet Joseph Smith, forgiveness. Out of death He would pointing out this etymological link. suffering what had to be one of his bring the resurrection of lives. And 14. See Isa. 61:10; 2 Ne. 4:33; 9:14. darkest moments while confined to with that explanation and most gen- 15. Rev. 7:14. the dungeon called Liberty Jail, cried erous offer, each and every one of us

LIAHONA 72 concluded, “I can do that. That is a reassuring influences of the gospel is to have the kind of faith during the risk worth taking.” And so we chose. in their home. And maybe most dif- hard times that we exercised when The unfathomable extent of ficult of all is the pain experienced we first chose. The kind of faith that Christ’s mercy and His Atonement of helplessly watching the suffering turns questioning and even anger are explained by Amulek in the 34th of a loved one because of sin and into acknowledging the power, bless- chapter of Alma in the Book of transgression. ings, and hope that can come only Mormon. Amulek explains that there There are few of us, if any, who from Him who is the source of all must be a “great and last sacrifice” don’t walk the refiner’s fire of adver- power, blessings, and hope. The kind (Alma 34:10). And then he clarifies sity and despair, sometimes known of faith that brings the knowledge that this cannot be a sacrifice of beast to others but for many quietly hid- and assurances that all that we ex- or fowl similar to those already den and privately endured. Most of perience is part of the gospel plan known to man. It had to be a sacrifice the heartache, pain, and suffering and that for the righteous, all that of a God—Jesus Christ. For this must we would not choose today. But we appears wrong will eventually be be an infinite and eternal sacrifice. did choose. We chose when we could made right. The peace and under- And so the sacrifice was made, and see the complete plan. We chose standing to endure with dignity and by faith we find ourselves traveling when we had a clear vision of the clarity of purpose can be the sweet this journey we call mortality. As a Savior’s rescue of us. And if our reward. This kind of faith can help result, our hearts are saddened with faith and understanding were as us to see the good, even when life’s the unexplained loss of a child, or the clear today as it was when we first path seems to be layered only with supposed untimely illness or disability made that choice, I believe we would thorns, thistles, and craggy rocks. of a loved one. Single parents struggle choose again. When Jesus and His disciples to provide financial security and the Therefore, perhaps the challenge passed a man who was blind since his birth, His disciples queried, “Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? “Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him” (John 9:2–3). I do not believe our Father in Heaven causes the tragedies and heartbreak in our lives. But as the “works of God” were made manifest in the healing of a blind man, so also the way we face our personal trials may manifest the “works of God.” From our sorrow we might seek out the sweetness and the good that is often associated with and peculiar to our challenge. We can seek out those memorable moments that are frequently hidden by the pain and agony. We can find peace in extend- ing ourselves to others, using our own experiences to provide hope and comfort. And we can always remember with great solemnity and gratitude Him who suffered most to make it all right for us. And by so doing we can be strengthened to bear our burdens in peace. And then, the “works of God” might be manifest. In speaking of Christ’s Atone- ment, I like the dictionary’s definition of infinite and eternal because I believe it explains exactly what God

JULY 2002 73 meant. Infinite: “Having no boundaries or limits.” And the definition of eternal: “Being without beginning The Language or end” (The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 4th ed. [2000], “infinite,” “eternal,” of Love 898, 611). Do you see, Sister Anonymous? Gayle M. Clegg That means the Atonement was for Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency you in your suffering. It is personal, as He is intimately acquainted with your trials and sorrows, for He has already suffered them. It means there can always be a new beginning for every Every child needs regular reports affirming, “You are known. one of us—even a son who has committed serious transgressions. It means You are valued. You have potential. You are good.” as we move ahead through life’s trials and tribulations, shackled with feel- and then waited for her to return, ings of hopelessness, we focus not on dejected, at the end of the day. where we have been but where we One day, some children were par- are going. We focus not on what has ticularly unkind to her. A few even been but what can be. threw rocks and bullied her, laughing Admittedly, most of us would rudely at recess. She was scared and rather learn the hard lessons of life hurt and decided she couldn’t go in the secure comfort of a Sunday back into class. Sitting alone while School class or in the radiant warmth the playground emptied, she remem- of a fireplace during a family home bered what we had taught her about evening. But, may I point out, it was loneliness. She remembered that from the cold, dark corners of Liberty Heavenly Father is always close to Jail that came some of the most beau- His children and she could speak to tiful, comforting scriptures given to Him at any time, not just before bed- man, concluding with the words, “All time. He would understand the lan- these things shall give thee experi- guage of her heart. In a corner of the ence, and shall be for thy good.” playground, she bowed her head and Likewise, out of our adversity we said a prayer. She didn’t know what might seek our greatest triumphs, and hen I was a young to pray for, so she asked that her the day may well come that from our mother, my husband father and mother could be with her challenges we will understand the W and I found ourselves to protect her. While returning to familiar words “for thy good.” taking our five children under the the classroom, a Primary song came From the scriptures we learn that age of eight to live in South Amer- into her mind. when the Savior went into the Gar- ica. Although none of us spoke the den of Gethsemane to pay the ulti- language, my six-year-old had the I often go walking in meadows mate price for our transgressions and greatest difficulty learning a new of clover, our suffering, He bled from every language. We decided to put her in And I gather armfuls of blossoms pore (see D&C 19). I believe, Sister preschool with four-year-olds, even of blue. Anonymous, that in His excruciating though she should be starting first I gather the blossoms the whole pain, He bled a drop of blood for you. grade. Our hope was that interaction meadow over; He bled a drop for your son, and He with younger children would be less Dear mother, all flowers remind me bled a drop for me. intimidating to her and might facili- of you. I believe in prayer. I believe in faith. tate her ability to communicate in (“I Often Go Walking,” Children’s I believe in repentance. I believe in Portuguese. Songbook, 202) the power of the Redemption. And But the reality for my daughter was yes, Sister Anonymous, I believe in that she was as foreign to the children As she opened her eyes, she you. And so does a loving Father in as they were to her. Each day was a noticed one little flower growing Heaven. In the name of Jesus Christ, struggle, and I anguished for her every between the cracks of the cement. amen. morning as I walked her to school She picked it up and put it into her

LIAHONA 74 pocket. Her troubles with the other General Authority require a glossary remind me of you” spoke to the children did not disappear, but she entry. heart of a young girl. A Primary song walked back into the school feeling What about our missionaries who and a wildflower were the familiar that her parents were with her. have understood and responded to language of an answered prayer. Each of us, like my six-year-old the promptings of the Holy Spirit After Jesus had been teaching daughter, have felt lost or alien- that the Church is true, but then for some time at the temple in ated in a foreign land. Perhaps have the challenge of learning both Bountiful, He perceived the people your foreign land was learning the the gospel and a foreign language at might not have understood all the language of algebra or chemistry. the same time? I marvel to think of words He spoke. He asked them to Maybe you thought you had come their courage. go to their homes and ponder and to a foreign shore when you joined Our lives are filled with many pray with their families and prepare the Church, even if you joined in instances of the frustration of learn- for Him to come the next day. your native country. Put yourself in ing a foreign tongue. Nevertheless, But when “he cast his eyes round the place of a new convert. Words there is one language that is univer- about again on the multitude, [he] like calling, Presiding Bishopric, even sal. But “dear mother, all flowers beheld they were in tears, and did look steadfastly upon him as if they would ask him to tarry a little longer with them. . . . “He took their little children, one by one, and blessed them. . . . “And he spake unto the multitude, and said unto them: Behold your little ones. “And as they looked . . . they saw angels descending out of heaven as it were in the midst of fire; and they came down and encircled those little ones about, . . . and the angels did minister unto them” (3 Ne. 17:5, 21, 23–24). To “encircle” with the fire of our testimony is a language all of us must learn to speak and understand. The first lesson taught to every child in the world attending Primary is “I Am a Child of God.” Children as young as 18 months might be pointing to themselves acting out this finger play:

Heavenly Father knows me And what I like to do. He knows my name and where I live. I know He loves me, too. (“Heavenly Father Knows Me,” in Primary 1: I Am a Child of God [1994], 2)

When I was teaching sixth grade a number of years ago, a 14-year- old boy dressed in gang attire was marched into my classroom. He was two years older and four years larger than the other 30 students. Quickly I discovered Brian did not read, had

JULY 2002 75 not attended school with any regu- Susan Madsen tells the story of A smiling countenance says you larity, and had lived with a variety Agnes Caldwell in the Willie Hand- are good. Children are trying to be of guardians in a number of cities. cart Company. They were caught in like Jesus. They want to be like Report card time was coming up, heavy storms and suffered terrible someone who smiles. They want to and I came to school on my day off hunger and cold. Relief wagons be with someone who responds to to finish recording the children’s came to deliver food and blankets, them joyfully. work and mark the report cards. As I but there were not enough wagons President Hinckley has said: “Chil- entered the classroom to gather up to carry all the people. Even after dren need sunlight. They need happi- the records, I could see Brian had rescue, the majority of the people ness. They need love and nurture” the class in an upheaval. I suggested still had to trudge on many more (“Save the Children,” Ensign, Nov. to my grateful coteacher that I would miles to the safety of the valley. 1994, 54). take Brian with me. With some first- Little nine-year-old Agnes was This should be the language of grade primers filled with pictures, we too weary to walk any farther. The gospel instruction to our children. headed to the library, talking a little driver took notice of her determina- Whatever your mother tongue, learn football on the way. tion to keep up with the wagon and to teach and speak in the language of We settled ourselves at a table asked if she would like a ride. She heartfelt prayers and joyful testimony where I was marking report cards. I tells in her own words what hap- so that angels, earthly and heavenly, asked him if he had ever had a report pened next: can encircle and minister to us. We card. “At this he reached over, taking need gospel mentors who speak the He shook his head and said, “No.” my hand, clucking to his horses to language of praise and friendship. We I asked if he would like a report card. make me run, with legs that . . . need to give regular spiritual report He looked directly at me. “Only could run no farther. On we went, cards that affirm our goodness in if it said I was a good boy.” to what to me seemed miles. What each other’s eyes. It is a blessing to I made out a special card for him, went through my head at that time allow children to run as far as they emphasizing his strengths. I wrote his was that he was the meanest man can under their own power, to build full name on it and his ability to in- that ever lived or that I had ever strength for their own testimonies, clude everyone and make people heard of. . . . Just at what seemed and we should smile upon them and laugh. I specifically mentioned his the breaking point, he stopped [and wrap them in the blanket of our love of sports. It was not a traditional pulled me into the wagon]. Taking affection throughout the great jour- report card but seemed to please him. a blanket, he wrapped me up . . . ney in the universal language of love. Not too long after that, Brian dis- warm and comfortable. Here I had I give thanks for the great blessing appeared from our school, and the time to change my mind, as I surely to “behold [our] little ones.” I like to last I heard of him, he was living in did, knowing full well by doing this remember that children come, too, another state. I hoped he had my he saved me from freezing when in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. report card saying that he was a good taken into the wagon” (in I Walked boy in his pocket, wherever he was. to Zion [1994], 59). A man hurrying to a session dashes Someday we will all be given final The driver of that relief wagon down the steps to the Conference report cards. Maybe we will be graded made the little girl run as far and as Center plaza. on how well we have reported each fast as she could to push blood back other’s goodness. Every child needs into her frozen feet and legs. He regular reports affirming, “You are saved her legs, possibly her life, by known. You are valued. You have letting her help herself. potential. You are good.” Our children today have journeys I love the stories of pioneer chil- as terrible and taxing as the west- dren. We always hear about their par- ward migration. They are faced with ents walking to the Salt Lake Valley. every calamity along the trail. We But in the words of a Primary song: need to build their backs to bear their burdens and legs for dancing Whenever I think about pioneers, under starry skies. Sometimes we I think of brave women and men. must run to keep up with our chil- I like to remember that children dren’s faith. came, too; Another time in 3 Nephi when I would like to have been a child Christ was blessing the disciples, “his then. countenance did smile upon them, (“Whenever I Think about Pio- and the light of his countenance did neers,” Children’s Songbook, 222) shine upon them” (3 Ne. 19:25).

LIAHONA 76 from? How can I have it for myself Out of Darkness into and my loved ones always?” THE LIGHT OF CHRIST AND THE GIFT OF THE HOLY GHOST His Marvelous Light Each of us brings a light to the earth, the Light of Christ. “I am the true light that lighteth every man Elder Robert D. Hales 6 Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles that cometh into the world,” the Savior said. “The light which is in all things, which giveth life to all things.”7 This light which “inviteth and The emblems of the Savior’s Atonement remind us that we need enticeth to do good continually”8 is “given to every man, that he may not stumble in darkness. We can have His light with us always. know good from evil.”9 By using the Light of Christ to dis- The nations of the earth and many cern and choose what is right, we can of their leaders have come. They be led to an even greater light: the have seen us serving alongside our gift of the Holy Ghost. I testify that friends in this community and our through the Restoration of the gospel neighbors of other faiths. They have and the holy priesthood of God, dis- seen the light in our eyes and felt ciples of Jesus Christ in these latter the clasp of our hands. “The moun- days have the power to give the gift tain of the house of the Lord,”3 with of the Holy Ghost. It is bestowed by its brightly lit spires, has been wit- the laying on of hands by those who nessed by 3.5 billion people around have the authority of the priesthood, the world. The nations have heard and it is received by those who have the glorious sound of this Taber- followed the principles of faith and nacle Choir. Hundreds of thousands repentance and have received the have attended a live production in ordinance of baptism by immersion this auditorium entitled The Light of for the remission of sins. the World: A Celebration of Life— The Holy Ghost is the third mem- Spirit of Man, Glory of God, which ber of the Godhead, a personage of included a declaration of our belief spirit.10 He is the Comforter, the Spirit saiah, a great prophet of the Old in Jesus Christ. I humbly express of God, the Holy Spirit of Promise. Testament, prophesied, “And it gratitude that by these and many He testifies of Jesus Christ, His work, Ishall come to pass in the last other means, The Church of Jesus and the work of His servants upon days, that the mountain of the Lord’s Christ of Latter-day Saints contin- the earth. He acts as a cleansing house shall be established in the top ues to be brought “forth out of agent to purify and sanctify us from of the mountains, . . . and all nations obscurity and out of darkness.”4 sin.11 He comforts us and brings peace shall flow unto it.”1 Referring to the Throughout the Olympics there to our soul. The right to His constant citizens of those nations, President have been many expressions of light, companionship is among the greatest John Taylor said, “They will come, such as the Olympic flame; the child gifts we can receive in mortality, for saying, we do not know anything of of light; and the theme, “Light the by the light of His promptings and the principles of your religion, but we Fire Within.”5 Perhaps the most His cleansing power, we can be led perceive that you are an honest com- memorable light was found in the back into the presence of God.12 munity; you administer justice and eyes of the competitors themselves. righteousness.”2 But what moved us most was not DARKNESS AND LIGHT the competition or the spectacle. It As children, we learned how BROUGHT FORTH was the deeper truth these things to keep darkness away by turning on “OUT OF DARKNESS” symbolized—the source of the light a light. Sometimes, when our par- As Salt Lake City has hosted within each of us. ents went away for the evening, the 2002 Winter Olympic and Para- This morning I speak to those we would turn on every light in the lympic Games, we have seen a par- who asked: “What was that light I house! We understood the physical tial fulfillment of many prophecies. saw and felt? Where did it come law that is also a spiritual law: light

JULY 2002 77 and darkness cannot occupy the When I was a boy, I used to ride of the adversary will surely come same space at the same time. my bicycle home from basketball in. “That wicked one cometh and Light dispels darkness. When light practice at night. I would connect a taketh away light and truth, through is present, darkness is vanquished small pear-shaped generator to my disobedience.”22 and must depart. More importantly, bicycle tire. Then as I pedaled, the In the scriptures we read that darkness cannot conquer light unless tire would turn a tiny rotor, which some individuals “grope in the dark the light is diminished or departs. produced electricity and emitted a without light” and “stagger like a When the spiritual light of the Holy single, welcome beam of light. It was drunken man.”23 Stumbling along, we Ghost is present, the darkness of a simple but effective mechanism. may become accustomed to the dim- Satan departs. But I had to pedal to make it work! ness of our surroundings and forget Beloved young men and young I learned quickly that if I stopped how glorious it is to walk in the light. women of the Church, we are en- pedaling my bicycle, the light would gaged in a battle between the forces go out. I also learned that when I THE PATH TO THE LIGHT of light and darkness. If it were not was “anxiously engaged”17 in pedal- There is a way out of the “mists of for the Light of Jesus Christ and His ing, the light would become brighter darkness”24 and onto the path that gospel, we would be doomed to the and the darkness in front of me leads to happiness in this life and destruction of darkness. But the would be dispelled. eternal life in the world to come. Savior said, “I am come a light into The generation of spiritual light The Lord told Isaiah, “I will bring the world.”13 “He that followeth me comes from daily spiritual pedaling. It the blind by a way that they knew shall not walk in darkness, but shall comes from praying, studying the not; I will lead them in paths that have the light of life.”14 scriptures, fasting, and serving—from they have not known: I will make The Lord is our light and, liter- living the gospel and obeying the darkness light before them.”25 ally, our salvation.15 Like the sacred commandments. “He that keepeth his The prophet Nephi outlined the fire that encircled the children in commandments receiveth truth and path: “Wherefore, my beloved breth- 3 Nephi,16 His light will form a pro- light,”18 said the Lord, “and he that ren, I know that if ye shall follow the tective shield between you and the receiveth light, and continueth in Son, with full purpose of heart, act- darkness of the adversary as you live God, receiveth more light; and that ing no hypocrisy and no deception worthy of it. You need that light. We light groweth brighter and brighter before God, but with real intent, need that light. Carefully study the until the perfect day.”19 My brothers repenting of your sins, witnessing scriptures and For the Strength of and sisters, that perfect day will be unto the Father that ye are willing to Youth and listen to the teachings of when we will stand in the presence of take upon you the name of Christ, by your parents and leaders. Then, by God the Father and Jesus Christ. baptism . . . behold, then shall ye obedience to wise counsel, learn to Sometimes people ask, “Why do receive the Holy Ghost; yea, then claim the protective light of the gos- I have to go to sacrament meeting?” cometh the baptism of fire and of the pel as your own. or “Why do I have to live the Word Holy Ghost.”26 You may wonder, “How can I do of Wisdom, pay tithing? Why can’t I The covenant we make at bap- that?” There is only one way: you have one foot in Babylon?” May I tism and renew as we partake of the must learn to generate that light each tell you why? Because spiritual ped- sacrament—to take upon ourselves day by believing on Jesus Christ and aling takes both feet! Unless you are the name of Jesus Christ, always following His commandments. fully engaged in living the gospel— remember Him, and keep His com- living it with all of your “heart, mandments—includes the promise GENERATING THE LIGHT might, mind and strength”20—you that we will always have His Spirit, This past winter I had the oppor- cannot generate enough spiritual that we will always have that light to tunity to learn more about my lungs. light to push back the darkness. be with us.27 The emblems of the I became very aware that we cannot And in this world, the darkness is Savior’s Atonement remind us that store oxygen. We cannot save the air never far away. In fact, it is always we need not stumble in darkness. We we need to breathe, no matter how just around the corner, waiting for can have His light with us always. hard we try. Moment by moment, an opportunity to come in. “If thou breath by breath, our lives are doest not well,” the Lord said, “sin “LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE” granted to us and are renewed. So it lieth at the door.”21 Growing up on Long Island, in is with spiritual light. It must be It is as predictable as any physical New York, I understood how vital renewed in us on a regular basis. We law: if we let the light of the Spirit light was to those traveling in the must generate it day by day, thought flicker or fade by failing to keep the darkness on the open sea. How dan- by thought, and with daily righteous commandments or by not partak- gerous is a fallen lighthouse! How action if we are to keep the darkness ing of the sacrament or praying or devastating is a lighthouse whose of the adversary away. studying the scriptures, the darkness light has failed!

LIAHONA 78 We who have the gift of the Holy the day is at hand: let us therefore fulfilled in the Garden of Geth- Ghost must be true to its prompt- cast off the works of darkness, and let semane and on Golgotha, who took ings so we can be a light to others. us put on the armour of light.”31 I bear upon Himself the sins of the world, “Let your light so shine before my special witness that Jesus Christ that all mankind may obtain eternal men,” said the Lord, “that they may “is the light and the life of the world; salvation. see your good works, and glorify yea, [the] light that is endless, that He is the Light of the empty your Father which is in heaven.”28 can never be darkened.”32 tomb, the resurrected Lord with a We never know who may be de- He is the Light of Bethlehem, glorified body of flesh and bone, pending on us. And, as the Savior born of Mary, His mortal mother, who broke the bands of death and said, we “know not but what they will and His Father, Almighty God. gained an everlasting victory over return and repent, and come unto me He is the Light who was baptized the grave. with full purpose of heart, and I shall by immersion, by John the Baptist, He is the Light that ascended heal them; and ye shall be the means upon whom the Holy Ghost was into heaven before the eyes of His of bringing salvation unto them.”29 manifest in the Spirit like a dove disciples, with a promise that in like descending. manner He would come again. A SPECIAL WITNESS OF HIS LIGHT He is the Light in whom His He is the Light that appeared with Now, my brothers and sisters, in Father was well pleased. His Father and restored, through the this, the last great conflict between He is the Light at the head of Prophet Joseph Smith, the same light and darkness, I am grateful for the ancient Church, organized Church He established during His the opportunity to “endure hardness, with Twelve Apostles, prophets, and ministry on earth. as a [disciple] of Jesus Christ.”30 With seventies. He is the Light that leads and Paul, I declare, “The night is far spent, He is the Light of the Atonement guides this Church today through

JULY 2002 79 revelation to a prophet, his counselors, and the Twelve Apostles. He is my Light, my Redeemer, my We Walk by Faith Savior—and yours. I know that God lives. I know that President Gordon B. Hinckley He hath called us “out of darkness into his marvellous light.”33 I pray that the light of His restored gospel will continue to spread throughout the world so that all may have the We reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we opportunity to hear and choose, and that His Church will “come forth out will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. of the wilderness of darkness, and shine forth . . . fair as the moon, clear little. He may read a little. He does as the sun,” so that His “glory may fill not, he cannot, comprehend the won- the earth.”34 der of it all. But if he is earnest in In the name of Jesus Christ, his search, if he is willing to get on amen. his knees and pray about it, the Spirit touches his heart, perhaps NOTES ever so lightly. It points him in the 1. Isa. 2:2. right direction. He sees a little of 2. John Taylor, Deseret News: Semi- what he has never seen before. And Weekly, 27 Jan. 1880, 1. with faith, whether it be recognized 3. Micah 4:1. or not, he takes a few guarded steps. 4. D&C 1:30. Then another, brighter vista opens 5. TMSalt Lake Olympic Committee. before him. 6. D&C 93:2. Long ago I worked for one of our 7. D&C 88:12–13. railroads whose tracks threaded the 8. Moro. 7:13. passes through these western moun- 9. Moro. 7:16. tains. I frequently rode the trains. It 10. See A of F 1:1; D&C 130:22. was in the days when there were 11. See Bible Dictionary, “Holy rom where we speak, it is a steam locomotives. Those great mon- Ghost,” 704. beautiful April Sabbath morn- sters of the rails were huge and fast 12. See John 14:16–18, 26–27. Fing. The tulips are well out of and dangerous. I often wondered 13. John 12:46. the ground and will soon be bursting how the engineer dared the long 14. John 8:12. into flowering beauty. In the winter of journey through the night. Then I 15. See Ps. 27:1. our doubt there came the hope of came to realize that it was not one 16. See 3 Ne. 17:24. spring. We knew it would come. Such long journey, but rather a constant 17. D&C 58:27. was our faith, based on the experi- continuation of a short journey. 18. D&C 93:28. ences of earlier years. The engine had a powerful head- 19. D&C 50:24. And so it is with matters of the light that made bright the way for a 20. D&C 4:2. spirit and soul. As each man or distance of 400 or 500 yards. The 21. Gen. 4:7. woman walks the way of life there engineer saw only that distance, and 22. D&C 93:39. come dark seasons of doubt, of dis- that was enough, because it was 23. Job 12:25. couragement, of disillusionment. In constantly before him all through 24. 1 Ne. 12:17. such circumstances, a few see ahead the night into the dawn of the new 25. Isa. 42:16. by the light of faith, but many stum- day. 26. 2 Ne. 31:13. ble along in the darkness and even The Lord has spoken of this pro- 27. See D&C 20:37, 77, 79. become lost. cess. He said: “That which doth not 28. Matt. 5:15–16. My call to you this morning is a edify is not of God, and is darkness. 29. 3 Ne. 18:32. call to faith, that faith which is “the “That which is of God is light; 30. 2 Tim. 2:3. substance of things hoped for, the and he that receiveth light, and con- 31. Rom. 13:12. evidence of things not seen” (Heb. tinueth in God, receiveth more 32. Mosiah 16:9. 11:1), as Paul described it. light; and that light groweth brighter 33. 1 Pet. 2:9. In the process of conversion, the and brighter until the perfect day” 34. D&C 109:73–74. investigator of the Church hears a (D&C 50:23–24).

LIAHONA 80 And so it is with our eternal journey. We take one step at a time. In doing so we reach toward the unknown, but faith lights the way. If we will cultivate that faith, we shall never walk in darkness. Let me tell you of a man I know. I will not mention his name lest he feel embarrassed. His wife felt there was something missing in their lives. She spoke with a relative one day who was a member of the Church. The relative suggested that she call the missionaries. She did so. But the husband was rude to them and told them not to come again. Months passed. One day another missionary, finding the record of this visit, decided that he and his companion would try again. He was a tall elder from California who carried a big smile on his face. They knocked on the door; the man answered. Could they come in for a few minutes? they asked. He consented. The missionary said, in effect, “I wonder if you know how to pray.” The man answered that he knew the Lord’s Prayer. The missionary said, “That is good, but let me tell you how to give a personal prayer.” He men played tennis with him, and he worked while going to school to pro- went on to explain that we get on and his family were invited to their vide for her family. I use her own our knees in an attitude of humility homes for dinner. words in telling this story. She says: before the God of heaven. The man He was baptized, and that was a “The university in which I stud- did so. The missionary then went giant step of faith. The branch presi- ied had a regulation that prohibited on to say, “We address God as our dent asked him to be a Scoutmaster the students that were in debt from Father in Heaven. We then thank to four boys. That led to other re- taking tests. For this reason, when I Him for His blessings, such as our sponsibilities, and the light of faith received my salary I would first sepa- health, our friends, our food. We strengthened in his life with each rate the money for tithing and offer- then ask for His blessings. We ex- new opportunity and experience. ings, and the remainder was allotted press our innermost hopes and That has continued. Today he for the payment of the school and desires. We ask Him to bless those in stands as a capable and loved stake other expenses. need. We do it all in the name of His president, a leader of great wisdom “I remember a time when I . . . Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and understanding, and above all, a faced serious financial difficulties. It concluding with ‘amen.’” man of great faith. was a Thursday when I received my It was a pleasant experience for The challenge which faces every salary. When I figured the monthly the man. He had gleaned a little light member of this Church is to take budget, I noticed that there wouldn’t and understanding, a touch of faith. the next step, to accept that respon- be enough to pay [both] my tithing He was ready to try another step. sibility to which he is called, even and my university. I would have Line upon line, the missionaries though he does not feel equal to it, to choose between them. The bi- patiently taught him. He responded and to do so in faith with the full monthly tests would start the follow- as his faith grew into a dim light expectation that the Lord will light ing week, and if I didn’t take them of understanding. Friends from his the way before him. I could lose the school year. I felt branch gathered around to reassure Let me give you a story of a great agony. . . . My heart ached. I him and answer his questions. The woman in São Paulo, Brazil. She had a painful decision before me,

JULY 2002 81 and I didn’t know what to decide. I “After she left, crying and feeling “For by my Spirit will I enlighten pondered between the two choices: very humble, I knelt exactly where I them, and by my power will I make to pay tithing or to risk the possibil- was and thanked the Lord for His known unto them the secrets of my ity of not obtaining the necessary generosity. I . . . said to Heavenly will—yea, even those things which credits to be approved in school. Father that He didn’t have to bless eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor “This feeling consumed my soul me so much. I only needed the cost yet entered into the heart of man” and remained with me up to Sat- of one month’s installment, and the (D&C 76:5–10). urday. It was then that I remembered tithing I had paid on Sunday was How could anyone ask for more? that when I was baptized I had agreed very small compared to the amount How glorious is this work in which to live the law of tithing. I had tak- I was receiving! During that prayer we are engaged. How wondrous are en upon myself an obligation, not the words recorded in Malachi came the ways of the Almighty when we with the missionaries, but with my to my mind: ‘Prove me now here- walk in faith before Him. Heavenly Father. At that moment, with, saith the Lord of hosts, if I The faith of an investigator is like the anguish started to disappear, giv- will not open you the windows of a piece of green wood, thrown on a ing place to a pleasant sensation of heaven, and pour you out a bless- blazing fire. Warmed by the flames, tranquility and determination. . . . ing, that there shall not be room it dries and begins to burn. But if it “That night when I prayed, I enough to receive it’ (Mal. 3:10). Up is pulled away, it cannot sustain it- asked the Lord to forgive me for my to that moment I had never felt the self. Its flickering flame dies. But if indecision. On Sunday, before the magnitude of the promise con- left with the fire, it gradually begins beginning of sacrament meeting, tained in that scripture and that to burn with brightness. Soon it is I contacted the bishop, and with this commandment was truly a part of the flaming fire and will light great pleasure I paid my tithing and witness of the love that God, our other, greener wood. offerings. That was a special day. Heavenly Father, gives to His chil- And so goes, my brothers and sis- I felt happy and peaceful within dren here on earth.” ters, this great work of faith, lifting myself and with Heavenly Father. Faith is the very fiber that gives people across this broad earth to “The next day I was in my office; strength to this work. Wherever this increased understanding of the ways I tried to find a way to be able to Church is established across this of the Lord and greater happiness in take the tests that would begin on broad world, it is evident. It is not following His pattern. Wednesday. The more I thought, the limited to one country or one nation May God, our Eternal Father, con- further I felt from a solution. At that or one language or one people. It is tinue to smile upon this, His King- time I worked in an attorney’s office, found everywhere. We are a people dom, and cause it to prosper as we, and my employer was the most strict of faith. We walk by faith. We move His children, walk in faith is my hum- and austere person I had ever met. forward on our eternal journey, one ble prayer in the name of the Lord “The working period was end- step at a time. Jesus Christ, amen. ing when my employer approached Great is the promise of the Lord and gave the last orders of the day. to the faithful everywhere. He has When he had done so, with his said: briefcase in his hand he bid farewell. “I, the Lord, am merciful and . . . Suddenly, he halted, and look- gracious unto those who fear me, ing at me he asked, ‘How is your and delight to honor those who college?’ I was surprised, and I serve me in righteousness and in couldn’t believe what I was hearing. truth unto the end. The only thing I could answer with “Great shall be their reward and a trembling voice was, ‘Everything is eternal shall be their glory. all right!’ He looked thoughtfully at “And to them will I reveal all me and bid farewell again. . . . mysteries, yea, all the hidden mys- “Suddenly the secretary entered teries of my kingdom from days of the room, saying that I was a very old, and for ages to come, . . . fortunate person! When I asked her “Yea, even the wonders of eter- why, she simply answered: ‘The nity shall they know, . . . employer has just said that from “And their wisdom shall be great, today on the company is going to pay and their understanding reach to fully for your college and your books. heaven; and before them the wis- Before you leave, stop at my desk dom of the wise shall perish, and the and inform me of the costs so that understanding of the prudent shall tomorrow I can give you the check.’ come to naught.

LIAHONA 82 Sunday Afternoon Session The Plan of Redemption and 7 April 2002 Possibility of an Inheritance in the Kingdom of God Before the foundation of the earth, the plan of salvation was pre- How Firm pared.3 It included the glorious possibility of a divine inheritance in the kingdom of God.4 Our Foundation The Atonement of Jesus Christ Central to that plan was the Elder Russell M. Nelson Atonement of Jesus Christ. In pre- Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles mortal councils, He was foreordained by His Father to atone for our sins and break the bands of physical and spiritual death.5 Jesus declared, “I . . . was prepared from the foundation of The foundation of one’s individual faith, if anchored firmly the world to redeem my people. . . . to eternal truth, allows each of us to reach upward with an In me shall all mankind have life, and that eternally, even they who eternal perspective. shall believe on my name.”6 Later, Paul added that the Church is “built sure foundation, that temple today upon the foundation of the apostles stands steady and straight. and prophets, Jesus Christ himself A firm foundation is necessary for being the chief corner stone.”7 any building, institution, or individ- Opposition from the Adversary ual to endure. With that in mind, let Even before the world was formed, us consider the foundation of The the Lord was opposed by Satan.8 He Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day and his minions have always fought Saints. Then let us see how the solid against the Savior’s sacred work and foundation of the Church supports will continue to do so. our foundation of faith as individual Foreordination for and Conferral members of the Church. of the Priesthood Before the foundation of the I. FOUNDATION OF THE CHURCH OF world, each of us existed as spirit JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS children with our Father in Heaven. This Church stands on a unique Among us were noble and great foundation, anchored to a bedrock men foreordained to bear the priest- of timeless truth. Brothers and sis- hood.9 Abraham,10 Jeremiah,11 Joseph ters, the holy cause in which we are Smith,12 and others13 were destined to bout two decades ago engaged did not begin in 1820 in the become prophets of God. Also fore- when a temple was to be state of New York. It did not begin seen was that the blood of prophets A built in Mexico City, archi- in Bethlehem. It did not begin in the would be shed in this holy cause.14 tects faced a great challenge. Be- Garden of Eden. The underpinnings The manner of conferring the priest- cause Mexico City is situated on a of the everlasting gospel were in hood was to come down from the basin over water, some of its build- place even before the world was. fathers “from the beginning of time, ings settle and become tilted with This reality is affirmed repeatedly . . . even . . . before the foundation of the passage of time. Construction of in holy writ. I have studied the the earth.”15 a temple there required a special scriptures pertaining to that part of Sisters Empowered to Glorify foundation. Two hundred twenty- eternity before the earth was formed. God one large, reinforced concrete piles1 Don’t worry. I won’t quote them all. Sisters received special gifts. They, were driven more than 100 feet But I will append some of those according to the Lord, were empow- deep into the ground. Onto those citations to the published text of ered “to multiply and replenish the pilings, steel straps were anchored this message. These unseen and earth, according to my command- and fastened to a unit that can be timeless truths constitute “premor- ment, and to fulfil the promise adjusted if need be to keep the tal pillars” that undergird the foun- which was given by my Father be- building level.2 With this unseen but dation of this Church. fore the foundation of the world,

JULY 2002 83 . . . for their exaltation in the eter- Those things included revelations our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son nal worlds, that they may bear the recorded in the Book of Mormon.21 of God, that ye must build your foun- souls of men; . . . herein is the work They also included ordinances and dation; that when the devil shall of my Father continued, that he may covenants of the holy temple.22 To send forth his mighty winds, . . . be glorified.”16 Think of it: When a the Prophet Joseph Smith the Lord when all his hail and his mighty mother bears and cares for a child, declared that “I deign to reveal unto storm shall beat upon you, it shall she not only helps the earth answer my church things which have been have no power . . . to drag you the end of its creation,17 but she glori- kept hid from before the foundation down to the gulf of misery and end- fies God! of the world, things that pertain to less wo, because of the rock upon Children of the Covenant the dispensation of the fulness of which ye are built, which is a sure Children of the covenant were times.”23 foundation.”35 designated in the premortal realm. Redemption of the Dead Even firm foundations cannot Paul taught that the Lord “hath The Lord revealed that “the ordi- prevent life’s problems. Wayward chosen us in him before the founda- nance of baptizing for the dead . . . children cause parents to grieve. tion of the world.”18 was instituted from before the foun- Some broken families don’t get Blessings Predicated upon Obe- dation of the world.”24 Salvation was fixed. Gender disorientation is poorly dience to Law thus made available for those “who understood. Married couples, for Then conditions were established should die without a knowledge of whatever reason, may not be blessed that allowed us to receive blessings the gospel.”25 A welding link between with children. Even in our day, “the from God—upon obedience to laws generations was provided, that a guilty and the wicked go unpunished upon which those blessings were whole, complete, and perfect union because of their money.”36 Some predicated.19 of dispensations, keys, powers, and things just don’t seem fair.37 Sacred Things to Be Revealed glories should take place.26 With strong underpinnings, how- in the Latter Days Brothers and sisters, these un- ever, we are better able to reach Another pillar pertains to revela- seen but sure pillars were in place upward for help, even when faced tion reserved for the latter days. The before the world was. They under- with questions without easy an- Lord had long planned to reveal gird the everlasting gospel—now swers. The poet so wrote: “things which have been kept secret restored in its fulness.27 With such a from the foundation of the world.”20 foundation, this Church will not Who Thou art I know not, be moved from its place,28 even But this much I know: Sunlight silhouettes a set of doors through the Millennium.29 Thou hast set the Pleiades on the west side of the Conference In a silver row; Center. II. FOUNDATION OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH Thou hast sent the trackless winds Just as buildings and institutions Loose upon their way; have foundations, so do we as indi- Thou hast reared a colored wall viduals have foundations that sup- ’Twixt the night and day; port our faith. Some are weak; some are strong. We can waffle “like a Thou hast made the flowers wave of the sea driven with the wind to bloom and tossed,”30 or we can stand on a And the stars to shine; firm foundation and anchor ourselves Hid rare gems of richest ore with straps of spiritual steel, rooted In the tunneled mine; and grounded to the timeless pillars of the gospel.31 But chief of all Thy wondrous President Gordon B. Hinckley has works, asked that our new converts be sus- Supreme of all Thy plan, tained in the Church by a friend, a Thou hast put an upward reach call to serve, and be nourished by In the heart of Man.38 the good word of God.32 Often we sing, “How firm a foundation, ye Though we don’t know all things,39 Saints of the Lord, Is laid for your we know that God lives and that He faith in his excellent word!”33 When loves us.40 Standing on that firm we receive that nurturing word of foundation, we can reach up and find God, we feast upon His love.34 strength to endure the heavy burdens Remember: “It is upon the rock of of life.

LIAHONA 84 The temple and buildings of downtown Salt Lake City rise up beyond the Conference Center.

For example, I honor those spe- seemed circumstantial at the time Not a day passes when I don’t think cial souls who face challenges of but that have specifically prepared of the days I spent studying the parenthood with unwavering faith her to cope successfully with this scriptures, particularly the Book of in their Maker. To a family dear to heart-breaking loss. Rather than Mormon, and remembering the Sister Nelson and me, a son was re- feeling abandoned and bitter, she overwhelming feelings of comfort cently born. This child was afflicted feels cradled and cared for. . . . She and peace which I felt. I often think with multiple anomalies affecting said to me, ‘When I see how care- of the nights when I would retire to virtually every system of his little fully Heavenly Father has prepared bed and pour out my soul to my body. Two operations were required and planned for my present circum- Heavenly Father and thank Him for in his first week of life. More will stance, how can I be frightened about preserving my life.” Then the elder be necessary. When I spoke with my future? Surely He is putting into shared this wonderful news: “I the child’s parents, they did not place today all that I will need to returned to the doctor this week . . . ask, “Why did this happen to us?” face the unknown times ahead.’”41 and . . . he found no evidence of any Instead, they declared: “We know From a missionary I received an disease in my body.”42 I love such that this child is meant for us. God unforgettable letter. He wrote: “I faithful missionaries! has entrusted this special baby to us. still am not certain why it was that I How firm our foundation? The We will love him and care for him was [afflicted] with [cancer], partic- foundation of this Church was to the best of our ability.” Thank ularly during the time I was serving forged long before the world was. the Lord for such parents! the Lord on a mission, but I can say It is strong. It is true. It is eternal. Not long ago, death came to the with all honesty and sincerity that I The foundation of one’s individual husband of a friend of ours, sud- am eternally grateful to our gracious faith, if anchored firmly to eternal denly and without warning. Of her, Heavenly Father for allowing me to truth, allows each of us to reach these words were penned by her have that experience. . . . Not a day upward with an eternal perspec- own sister: “Searching the years and goes by,” he continued, “that I don’t tive.43 That faith will give hope days just past, she is awestruck, rec- think about the days I spent lying when there is no hope. It will give ognizing specific skills and experi- in the hospital suffering through us joy here and eternal life here- ences put into her life by a loving chemotherapy or grimacing with the after. I so testify in the name of Father, things that might have pain from another operation. . . . Jesus Christ, amen.

JULY 2002 85 NOTES 27. See Acts 3:20–21. of our Creator, we know relatively little 1. Each pile was 18 inches in diameter. 28. See Dan. 2:28, 31–44; D&C about dinosaurs or the details of the 2. See John Forres O’Donnal, Pioneer 65:2–6; 124:45. Creation, for example. But this we do in Guatemala (1997), 288. 29. See Bruce R. McConkie, The know: “Verily I say unto you, in that day 3. See 1 Ne. 10:18; Mosiah 15:19; Millennial Messiah (1982), 672. when the Lord shall come, he shall reveal Alma 12:25, 30; 18:39; 22:13–14; 42:26; 30. James 1:6. all things—things which have passed, and D&C 76:12–13. 31. See Eph. 3:17–19; Col. 2:6–7. hidden things which no man knew, things 4. To people of the Old World, the 32. See “Some Thoughts on Temples, of the earth, by which it was made, and the Lord said, “Come, ye blessed of my Father, Retention of Converts, and Missionary purpose and the end thereof—things most inherit the kingdom prepared for you from Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1997, 51; also Jacob precious, things that are above, and things the foundation of the world” (Matt. 6:7; Moro. 6:4. that are beneath, things that are in the 25:34). People of ancient America were 33. Hymns, no. 85; see also 2 Ne. earth, and upon the earth, and in heaven” also taught that “they who have believed 28:27–30. (D&C 101:32–34; see also 121:29–32). in the Holy One of Israel . . . shall inherit 34. See Jacob 3:2. 40. See 1 Ne. 11:16–17. the kingdom of God, which was prepared 35. Hel. 5:12. Remember also that a 41. Virginia H. Pearce, in Why I Believe for them from the foundation of the wise man builds his house upon a rock (2002), 245–46. world” (2 Ne. 9:18; see also Ether 4:19). and not upon shifting sand (see Matt. 42. Personal correspondence, 5. See John 17:5, 24; 1 Pet. 1:19–20; 7:24–27). 15 Jan. 2002. Mosiah 4:6–7; 18:13; 3 Ne. 26:3–5; D&C 36. Hel. 7:5. 43. Our mortal probation has been 93:7–9; Moses 5:57; JST, Gen. 5:43; 37. Whether things seem “fair” relate likened to the second act of a three-act 14:30–31. to the limits of one’s perspective. Paul play. When the curtain comes down on act 6. Ether 3:14. taught, “If in this life only we have hope two, the play is not over. Without the 7. Eph. 2:20. in Christ, we are of all men most vision gained from acts one and three, the 8. See JST, Rev. 12:6–8. miserable” (1 Cor. 15:19). second act could seem either too short, too 9. See Alma 13:3, 5, 7; D&C 132:28; 38. Harry Kemp, “God the Architect,” long, too hard, or too confusing. When we 138:55–56; Abr. 3:22–23. in James Dalton Morrison, ed., Masterpieces know about all three acts, the second act 10. See Abr. 3:23. of Religious Verse (1948), 46–47. acquires greater significance. Thus the 11. See Jer. 1:4–5. 39. Compared with the omniscience need for an eternal perspective. 12. See 2 Ne. 3:5–15; D&C 127:2; 138:53–55. 13. See D&C 138:53. 14. See Luke 11:49–51. 15. Abr. 1:3. 16. D&C 132:63. 17. See D&C 49:16–17. 18. Eph. 1:4; see also v. 5. Paul also taught that the power of God “who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, . . . was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” (2 Tim. 1:9; see also D&C 38:1–4; Abr. 3:22–26). It is important to note that the Book of Mormon serves “to show unto the remnant of the House of Israel what great things the Lord hath done for their fathers; and that they may know the covenants of the Lord” (Book of Mormon, title page). 19. See D&C 130:20–21; 132:5, 11–12. 20. Matt. 13:35. 21. See 2 Ne. 27:10. 22. See D&C 124:40–41. 23. D&C 124:41. 24. D&C 124:33. 25. D&C 128:5. 26. See D&C 128:18.

LIAHONA 86 Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the Eternal Life through world. “He rose from the grave to ‘become the firstfruits of them that Jesus Christ slept’ (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He . . . ministered among His ‘other sheep’ (John Elder John M. Madsen Of the Seventy 10:16) in ancient America. . . . He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long- promised ‘dispensation of the fulness of times’ (Ephesians 1:10). . . . To know the Lord Jesus Christ, we and all mankind must receive “. . . His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon Him. And to receive Him, we must receive His servants. the earth—‘built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, life is to live forever as families in Jesus Christ himself being the chief the presence of God (see D&C corner stone’ (Ephesians 2:20). 132:19–20, 24, 55). “. . . He will someday return to In His great Intercessory Prayer, earth . . . [and] rule as King of Kings the Savior gives to all mankind the and reign as Lord of Lords. . . . Each key to obtaining eternal life: “And of us will stand to be judged of this is life eternal, that they might Him. . . . know thee the only true God, and “. . . His duly ordained Apostles Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent” [bear testimony] that Jesus is the (John 17:3). Living Christ, the immortal Son of But how can man come to know God. He is the great King Immanuel. the only true God? . . . He is the light, the life, and the The Savior answers: “I am the hope of the world” (Liahona, Apr. way, the truth, and the life: no man 2000, 2–3). cometh unto the Father, but by me” It is wonderful, and absolutely (John 14:6). essential, to know who the Lord I testify that the only way we and Jesus Christ is. all mankind can come unto our But again, I testify that the only lmost 2,000 years ago, a rich Heavenly Father and know Him, way we and all mankind can come young man asked an ex- and thus obtain eternal life, is to unto our Heavenly Father and know Atremely important question come unto the Lord Jesus Christ Him, and thus obtain eternal life, is of the Savior: “Good Master, what and know Him. to come unto the Lord Jesus Christ good thing shall I do, that I may have But who is Jesus Christ that we and know Him. eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16). should come unto Him and know What does it mean to know the Having “heard” the Savior’s in- Him? I know of no more wonderful Lord Jesus Christ, and how can we structions and His gentle invitation summary of the identity and role of come to know Him? to “come and follow me” (Matt. the Lord Jesus Christ than the decla- The Savior answers: “Strait is the 19:21), the rich young man “went ration of the First Presidency and the gate, and narrow the way that lead- away sorrowful: for he had great Quorum of the Twelve entitled “The eth unto the exaltation and contin- possessions” (Matt. 19:22). Living Christ: The Testimony of the uation of the lives, and few there be Tragically, millions in the world Apostles,” from which I quote: that find it, because ye receive me today still prize and choose “the “[Jesus Christ] was the Great not in the world neither do ye know riches of the earth” over the “riches Jehovah of the Old Testament, the me. But if ye receive me in the of eternity” (D&C 38:39), not know- Messiah of the New. Under the world, then shall ye know me” ing or fully understanding that “he direction of His Father, He was the (D&C 132:22–23). that hath eternal life is rich” (D&C creator of the earth. . . . Can we truly and fully compre- 6:7; emphasis added), and that eter- “. . . He gave His life to atone for hend His words? “If ye receive me”— nal life is God’s greatest gift to man (see the sins of all mankind. . . . the Great Jehovah, the Messiah, the D&C 14:7). Simply stated, eternal “. . . He was the Firstborn of the Creator of the earth, the Savior and

JULY 2002 87 Redeemer of the world, the immortal Son of God—“If ye receive me . . . , then shall ye know me” (D&C 132:23; emphasis added). To know the Lord Jesus Christ, we and all mankind must receive Him. And to receive Him, we must receive His servants (see Matt. 10:40; D&C 1:38; 68:8–9; 84:36; 112:20). To receive Him, we must receive the fulness of His gospel, His everlasting covenant, including all those truths or laws, covenants, and ordinances needed for mankind to enter back into the presence of God (see D&C 39:11; 45:9; 66:2; 76:40–43; 132:12; 133:57). To receive Him, faithful sons of God must receive His priesthood, and magnify their callings (D&C 84:33–35). But ultimately, to receive Him and know Him, we and all mankind must, as Moroni exhorts, “come unto Christ, and be perfected in him” (Moro. 10:32; emphasis added). In other words, we must come unto Christ and strive to “become” like Him (see Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Become,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 40–43). Said the risen Lord: “What manner of men ought ye to be? Verily I say unto you, even as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27). The meaning of the word ought, as used in His question, “What manner of men ought ye to be?” is crucial to understanding His answer, “Even as I am.” The word ought means “to be necessary” or “to be held or bound in duty or

Conference goers stream through the north gate of Temple Square.

moral obligation” (Noah Webster’s It is my prayer that the time may First Edition of an American Dic- soon come “when the knowledge of tionary of the English Language, 7th a Savior shall spread throughout ed. [1993], “ought”; see also Luke every nation, kindred, tongue, and 24:26), suggesting—and the holy people” (Mosiah 3:20; see also scriptures, ancient and modern, Moses 7:62; Isa. 11:9), that all who confirm—that it is “necessary,” and will may receive Him, even the Lord that we are “bound,” as by cove- Jesus Christ, and know Him, that nant, “to be,” as He declared, “even they may come unto our Heavenly as I am” (3 Ne. 27:27; see also Father, and know Him, and thus 3 Ne. 12:48; Matt. 5:48; 1 Jn. 3:2; obtain eternal life, in the name of Moro. 7:48). Jesus Christ, amen.

LIAHONA 88 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, Some Basic Teachings and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him” (JS—H 1:11). During his short ministry, Joseph from the History of Smith also received many other important revelations which were the result of reading the scriptures. You need to study them in order to come Joseph Smith to know God, who is the source of all truth. Elder Carlos H. Amado Of the Seventy PRINCIPLE 3: LEARN THE VALUE OF PRAYER. The young Joseph said: “At length I came to the conclu- sion that I must either remain in Conversion is a personal and spiritual process. Every darkness and confusion, or else I individual must examine these principles for himself. must do as James directs, that is, ask of God. . . . blessing and a gift of faith, a legacy, “. . . It was the first time in my for the sincere believer; it is an open life that I had made such an invitation for those who look for the attempt, for amidst all my anxieties truth, and a permanent challenge to I had never as yet made the attempt the unbeliever. to pray vocally. For those who are not yet mem- “. . . I kneeled down and began bers of the Church, I suggest you to offer up the desires of my heart to read the testimony of Joseph Smith God. . . . with an open mind and real intent. “. . . I had found the testimony of You will feel his sincerity, and you James to be true—that a man who will discover the establishment of lacked wisdom might ask of God, the Church, restored in a miracu- and obtain, and not be upbraided” lous way! (JS—H 1:13–15, 26). Although there is ample spiritual Our Heavenly Father, as a perfect content to this fascinating story, I father, knows all your spiritual and will limit my remarks to sharing five material needs and wants to bless principles which, just as they did for you, which is why He has given you the Prophet, will help you to come the commandment to seek Him and he history of Joseph Smith to know God. ask Him. was written to share the Joseph came to know the truth T story of the Restoration of PRINCIPLE 1: HAVE A SINCERE DESIRE because he prayed. In our time, mil- the Church in these latter days. The TO KNOW THE TRUTH. lions of members of this Church essence of the story is a dem- Joseph Smith had an intense also testify of the reality of the onstration of trust in the promises of desire to know God and to do His Restoration because, following that the Lord, and a source of joy and will. You can develop that same counsel, they asked the Lord with certainty for all those who believe. desire, and God Himself can lead you faith. You have the same right to I have been able to read it many to the truth. When you recognize receive an answer to your prayers times and in different circumstances. that truth, do all that you can to live because a testimony is a gift that God It impressed me as a child; it was a your life in accordance with it. gives only to those who ask with real guide and source of strength when intent. Try it, and the promise will I was a teenager; I shared it with PRINCIPLE 2: LEARN THE IMPORTANCE be fulfilled. courage and enthusiasm as a young OF READING THE SCRIPTURES. missionary; and even now it contin- Joseph Smith knew them because PRINCIPLE 4: DISCOVER THE BLESSING ues to fill me with astonishment and a he studied them. He said: “I was one OF MEDITATION. deep sense of gratitude. Since Joseph day reading the Epistle of James, first Joseph Smith meditated often; he Smith first recorded it, it remains as a chapter and fifth verse, which reads: thought, analyzed, compared; he

JULY 2002 89 tried to find answers to what he read in the scriptures. He said: “During this time of great excitement my mind was called up to serious reflection and great uneasiness. . . . “. . . I often said to myself: . . . Who of all these parties are right; or, are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it, and how shall I know it? . . . “Never did any passage of scripture come with more power to the heart of man than this did at this time to mine. It seemed to enter with great force into every feeling of my heart. I reflected on it again and again” (JS—H 1:8, 10, 12). To meditate about eternal truths is to think and to ask ourselves, over and over: “How can I know?” “How have others come to know?” How can you come to a knowledge of these things? Please meditate about it seriously.

PRINCIPLE 5: EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GOING TO CHURCH. In his desire to know the truth, Joseph Smith went to various de- nominations in his community. About his experience with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ, he described clearly the instructions he received about other churches: “I asked the Personages who stood above me in the light, which of all the sects was right (for at this time it had never entered into my heart that all were wrong)—and which I should join. . . . “. . . It was not my duty to join with any of them, but to continue as I was until further directed” (JS—H 1:18, 26). All of us need to come to know the kingdom of God on earth and to receive a testimony of its truth. We Conversion is a personal and those who seek with real intent will go to church to feel the Spirit, learn spiritual process. Every individual receive their answer, as a gift from His doctrine, renew our covenants, must examine these principles for God, through the Holy Ghost. and receive the ordinances of salva- himself. It is not enough to make a The Holy Ghost is also called the tion and exaltation to return to the halfhearted attempt, accompanied Comforter and the Witness. To Him presence of God with our families. by doubts, fear, or lack of trust. God we owe our knowledge and our testi- You are cordially invited to come to promises us, because of His mercy, mony that Christ is the Son of God. church and see for yourself all these that He will answer our petitions in After you are baptized, if you things. accordance with our sincerity. Only remain worthy and faithful to your

LIAHONA 90 covenants, you will have the constant guidance of the Holy Ghost, through whisperings, impressions, Charity: Perfect and feelings, dreams, and warnings. History and the scriptures tell us of people who heard, talked with, or in Everlasting Love some other way had concrete evidence of the existence of God and His plan Elder Gene R. Cook for our salvation. Nevertheless, many Of the Seventy of them did not remain true to their convictions. We learn from this that it is not what we learn through our physical senses but that which comes under As we increasingly think and act like Him, the attributes of the the influence of the Holy Ghost which allows us to understand God’s natural man will slip away to be replaced by the heart and the purposes and to follow Him. mind of Christ. When someone has learned these basic principles and ceases to prac- God,” 3 “perfect” and “everlasting.”4 tice them, he loses the light and As difficult as charity is to de- guide which helps him to under- scribe, it is rather easily recognized in stand God and His prophets. The the lives of those who possess it. outward sign we see is that they sep- ■ An aged, crippled grandmother arate themselves, become less active, who subscribes to an afternoon news- or even contend against the Church. paper, knowing it will bring her The inward sign is that they have delivery-boy grandson to her home ceased to practice one or more of every day where, at her knee, she these five things: teaches him to pray. 1. They no longer have a sincere ■ A mother who, in hard eco- desire to know all the truth. nomic times and scarcity of meat, 2. They no longer read the seems to savor only chicken wings, scriptures. to the puzzlement of all. 3. They no longer pray. ■ A man who suffers an unde- 4. They no longer meditate about served public chastisement, but hum- eternal truths. bly receives it anyway. 5. They no longer go to church. Is not the common thread in It is wonderful that in a time of y dear brothers and sis- these examples charity, a selfless- great religious confusion, while not ters, I desire more than ness, a not seeking for anything in yet 15 years old, in the midst of M anything this hour to bear return? All of our divine attributes opposition and even persecution, witness, a personal witness, of the seem to flow from and be encom- Joseph Smith patiently and diligently love of God for me, for you, and for passed by this one.5 All men may demonstrated obedience and showed all mankind. What man is suffi- have the gift of love, but charity is us the simple but effective way to ciently adequate to be able to ex- bestowed only upon those who are draw closer to God. press the depth of his gratitude in true followers of Christ.6 This process requires that we learn, recognition of the love of God? How The very power of God is found precept upon precept, a little here and blessed I have been for so many in His attributes of godliness.7 The a little there, until we develop faith years to be with you and to have power of the priesthood is main- and clear understanding of our divine found the pure love of Christ ema- tained by these attributes.8 We seek potential (see 2 Ne. 28:30). nating from you. I am deeply in- these attributes, especially charity, It is our responsibility to streng- debted to you and to God. the pure love of Christ.9 then, day by day, the impressions that we feel through the Spirit, by DEFINING CHARITY DESTROYERS OF LOVE AND PEACE applying these five principles. The Lord said that charity is Yet there stands the devil, the It is my prayer that we may do “the pure love of Christ,”1 that destroyer of this love, replacing it this, constantly, in the name of Jesus which is “most joyous to the soul,” 2 with anger and hostility.10 My friend Christ, amen. “the greatest of all the gifts of William felt that way: hostile. It

JULY 2002 91 seemed that whatever happened, it was the Lord’s fault—an illness, a death, a wayward child, a personal weakness, an “unanswered” prayer— all of which hardened his heart. His inner anger, which could flare up in but a moment, was directed toward God, his fellowman, and himself. From his heart emanated unbelief, stubbornness, pride, contention, and a loss of hope, love, and direction. He was miserable! These destroyers of peace11 blinded William to God’s feelings for him. He could neither discover nor feel God’s love. He did not see, especially in those dark moments, that God was richly blessing him even still. Instead, he returned anger for love. Have we not all felt that at times? Even when we have merited love the least, He has loved us the most. Truly, He loves us first.12

SUFFERING WITH PURPOSE: CHARITY IS EMPOWERING Now, my Christlike friend Betty was just the opposite. She encountered many of the same difficulties as did William, but because she felt God’s love, she suffered tribulation in the Savior’s name,13 partook of His divine nature,14 and thus gained a deeper faith in and a love for God, along with the strength to handle whatever might come. Her love for others increased. She seemed to even forgive others in advance. She learned how to cause them to feel her love. She learned that love shared is love multiplied. Finally, she learned to love her- all the energy of heart”16 for this gift. His intimate, modest, humble way self more, being more kind, gentle, Do so in meekness with a broken of granting such wonderful gifts. and long-suffering. She stopped her heart, and you will be filled with hope Ponder with me a moment the struggle for self-esteem and started and love from the Holy Ghost Him- following majestic gifts: the glories of loving herself the way God loved her. self. He will reveal Christ to you.17 all creation,18 the earth, the heavens; Her image of herself became His It is part of the gift of charity to your feelings of love and joy; His image of her. be able to recognize the Lord’s hand responses of mercy, forgiveness, and and feel His love in all that sur- innumerable answers to prayer; the RECOGNIZING, RECEIVING, AND rounds us. At times it will not be gift of loved ones; and finally the CONVEYING GOD’S LOVE easy to discover the Lord’s love for greatest gift of all—the Father’s gift How, then, can we better “clothe us in all that we experience, because of His atoning Son, the perfect one [ourselves] with the bond of charity He is a perfect, anonymous giver. in charity, even the God of love.19 . . . of perfectness and peace”?15 May You will search all your life to 2. Receive His love in humility. Be I share with you three suggestions. uncover His hand and the gifts He grateful for the gift and especially for 1. Recognize His love. “Pray . . . with has bestowed upon you because of the giver of the gift.20 True gratitude

LIAHONA 92 is the ability to humbly see, feel, and Him, the attributes of the natural perfectionism, envy, unsubmissiveness, even receive love.21 Gratitude is a man will slip away to be replaced by doubt, anger, jealousy, unrighteous control, form of returning love to God. the heart and the mind of Christ.32 unbelief, impatience, judging, fostering hurt Recognize His hand, tell Him so, We will become like Him and then feelings, pride, contention, murmuring, express your love to Him.22 As you truly receive Him.33 seeking for honor, competition, lying. All come to truly know the Lord, you The prophet of the Lord here of these are of the natural man, and not will find an intimate, sacred rela- before you loves you, as do all these, of the man of Christ. tionship built on trust. You will come my Brethren. May the Lord bless us 12. See 1 Jn. 4:19. to know He understands your to always have “the affections of 13. See D&C 138:13. My friend knew anguish23 and will, in compassion, [our] heart . . . placed upon [Him] the suffering would help her prove herself always respond to you in love. forever.”34 “That [our] burdens may (see Abr. 3:24–25; D&C 98:13–14); learn Receive it. Feel it. It is not enough be light, through the joy of his Son”35 to choose between good and evil (see just to know that God loves you. The is my prayer in the name of the Lord 2 Ne. 2:18); learn that blessings come gift is to be felt continually day by Jesus Christ, amen. after the trials (see D&C 58:2–4); learn day.24 It will then be a divine motiva- obedience, patience, and faith (see D&C tor throughout your life. Repent. NOTES 105:6; Mosiah 23:21; Rom. 5:3–5); obtain Remove any worldliness from your 1. Moro. 7:47. a forgiveness of sin (see Hel. 15:3; D&C life,25 including anger. Receive a con- 2. See 1 Ne. 11:22–23; 8:10–12. 132:50, 60; 95:1). tinual remission of your sins,26 and 3. 1 Ne. 15:36. 14. See 2 Pet. 1:1–8. you will bridle all your passions and 4. Moro. 8:17. 15. D&C 88:125. be filled with love.27 5. “There is one virtue, attribute, 16. Moro. 7:48. 3. Convey His love. The Lord’s or principle, which, if cherished and 17. See Moro. 8:25–26; Rom. 5:5; response to us is always filled with practiced by the Saints, would prove 2 Ne. 26:13. love. Should not our response to salvation to thousands upon thousands. 18. See Moses 6:63; Alma 30:44. Him be in kind, with real feelings of I allude to charity, or love, from which 19. See 1 Jn. 4:8. love? He gives grace (or goodness) proceed forgiveness, long suffering, 20. See D&C 88:33. for grace, attribute for attribute. As kindness, and patience” (Brigham Young, 21. See Alma 5:26. our obedience increases, we receive Deseret News, 11 Jan. 1860, 353). 22. See Alma 26:16; Moro. 10:3. more grace (or goodness) for the 6. See Moro. 7:48. Is there a difference 23. See D&C 133:52–53. grace we return to Him.28 Offer Him between charity and love? The Lord 24. See Alma 34:38. the refinement of your attributes, so referred to them separately a number of 25. See 1 Jn. 2:15–17. that when He does appear you will times, e.g., D&C 4:5. Some have said 26. See Mosiah 4:11–12. be like Him.29 charity is love plus sacrifice—a seasoned 27. See Alma 38:12. As a man first immerses his love. Perhaps charity is to love as faith is 28. See D&C 93:12–13, 20. thoughts in love and conveys those to belief. Both faith and charity take 29. See 1 Jn. 3:1–3. feelings to God, man, or self, a magni- action, work, and sacrifice. Charity 30. See John 13:34; D&C 112:11. fied portion of that attribute will encompasses His love for us, our love for 31. “Beware of pride, and not seek to surely follow from the Spirit. That is Him, and Christlike love for others. excel one above another, but act for each true of all godly attributes. Righteous 7. See D&C 84:19–24. other’s good” (Joseph Smith, Teachings of feelings generated by a man seem to 8. See D&C 121:41–46. the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph precede the increase of those feelings 9. “A man filled with the love of God, Fielding Smith [1976], 155). from the Spirit. Unless you are feeling is not content with blessing his family 32. See 1 Cor. 2:16; 2 Cor. 10:5. love, you cannot convey true love to alone, but ranges through the whole 33. “That man is most truly great who others. The Lord has told us to love world, anxious to bless the whole human is most Christlike. What you sincerely in one another as He loves us,30 so race” (Joseph Smith, History of the Church, your heart think of Christ will determine remember: to be loved, truly love.31 4:227). what you are, will largely determine what 10. When real suffering occurs in life, your acts will be. . . . By choosing him as THE FRUITS OF THE GIFT OF CHARITY the devil is always there to sour men’s our ideal, we create within ourselves a Brothers and sisters, as an especial hearts in anger, while the Lord continually desire to be like him, to have fellowship witness of Christ, I bear testimony to emanates love. In the same suffering “many with him” (David O. McKay, in you again of the overwhelming love had become hardened . . . and many were Conference Report, Apr. 1951, 93, 98). If of God for each of us personally. softened because of their afflictions” (Alma you think about Him long enough, you will Magnifying that gift from God will 62:41). What a wonderful example of how begin to act like Him. If you act like Him bring a new heart, a pure heart, and to respond to affliction. long enough, you’ll truly become like Him. ever-increasing love and peace. As 11. Some destroyers of men’s love and 34. Alma 37:36. we increasingly think and act like peace include but are not limited to: fear, 35. Alma 33:23.

JULY 2002 93 Feel the Love of the Lord

Bonnie D. Parkin Relief Society General President

If I could have one thing happen for every woman in this Church, it would be that they would feel the love of the Lord in their lives.

for his support. He’s a man of integrity. I’m grateful for sons and for their wives, who have helped them become better men. I’m grateful for grandchildren. The other evening we drove down to the home of one of our sons to tell him about this calling. They had their children his wife, Jennifer, in Belgium. David tucked in bed. I said to Brett and said, “Mother, I know you can do it. Angie, “I’ve been called to be the You may not remember, but you used general Relief Society president.” to have a scripture on the fridge that And Brett said, “You? The president said, ‘As for me and my house, we of the Relief Society for the whole will serve the Lord’ (Josh. 24:15).” Church?” Aren’t your children won- He said, “I was in and out of the derful? He said what I have been fridge a lot, and I knew that you and feeling for the past few weeks. Dad meant that.” I’m so grateful for Yesterday when we arrived home, our children. I had a fax from our son David and I’m grateful to the women of the rothers and sisters, there is a saying: “Welcome the oppor- B tunity that takes you beyond your ordinary self if you would grow.” And I’m sure I’m going to grow. May I express our thanks to Sister Smoot, Sister Dew, and Sister Jensen for the great service they’ve given to all of us as members of the Church. I express my gratitude to my counselors, Kathy and Anne, for their willingness to serve. They are women of faith. I am so grateful this day for my mother and father, for the teachings they gave me, for their love, for teaching me to work. I do know how to work. I am grateful for my husband. Jim is a wonderful companion. I love him, and I’m grateful

LIAHONA 94 Church who have mentored me, who have loved me, who have taught me, who have believed in me. The Opportunity I’m grateful for the missionaries in the England London South Mission, for their goodness, for the way they to Serve keep their covenants. I’m grateful for the British Saints who loved me Elder Gerald N. Lund and helped me be part of that great Of the Seventy land. Now, brothers and sisters, I do not know why I was called, but I do know that I was called. I pledge to you my love, my support, and I ask I know how deeply He loves us and how perfectly compelling that you be patient as I learn. I invite the young adult women His love is for us. of the Church, wherever you are, to look at Relief Society and know that Alma immediately repents of those you are needed there, that we love feelings, and in verse four makes a you, that together we can have a remarkable statement. He suggests grand time. Please come and be that we have to be careful what we with us. desire, for the Lord grants unto us As Wallace Stegner wrote of the the desires of our heart. And then Mormons, “Their women were in- came what was to me almost a stun- credible.”1 And they are today! I ning statement: “Whether they be know that the Lord loves the women unto salvation or unto destruction.” of the Church. If I could have one God will grant unto us, according to thing happen for every woman in our will, the things which we desire this Church, it would be that they (see Alma 29:1–5). would feel the love of the Lord in I went home that day—and it’s their lives daily. I have felt the love not that I felt any of my desires were of the Lord in my life, and I am so wrong—but in that moment I real- thankful for that. I’m thankful for ized that those desires were mine. the peace that I have felt. That day I began to try to let the I testify of my Savior Jesus Christ. Lord know that what I’d like to do I know He lives. I have felt His love; fter 34 years in the Church is fulfill His desires. Even then, I I have felt His forgiveness. I think of Educational System, my wife thought I really meant it, but I came a sister missionary as she departed Aand I decided about three to know that that’s an easy thing to the mission. In her final testimony years ago to retire and set our feet on say and a difficult thing to do. As she said, “I came on a mission to let some different paths in life. At that Elder Maxwell said yesterday, only Heavenly Father know I loved Him, point we began to make plans. We when we truly yield our hearts to to express appreciation to Him, and changed our residence to be closer to God can He begin to accelerate the to pay Him back,” and she said, “I’m children and grandchildren. I began purification and the sanctification leaving more in His debt than I ever to develop what I thought were some and the perfecting process (see Hel. was before I came.” wonderful projects. Some were abso- 3:35). We have found in the three I give testimony of the power of a lutely brilliant, I thought. And then years that have come since that time prophet of God, President Gordon B. one of those pivotal moments in life that the Lord has set our feet on dif- Hinckley, and I’m thankful for him happened. ferent paths than we expected, and and for his love and for all prophets It was our privilege at that time this one is the latest. who have had confidence in me. I to be living across the street from Just the other day, after President testify of these things in the name of Elder F. Enzio Busche, now an emer- Hinckley called my wife and me, I Jesus Christ, amen. itus Seventy, and his wife. One day was reading in the book of Deu- Elder Busche taught our high priests teronomy and found a verse in the NOTE quorum, and he cited a scripture in 12th chapter that came to mean a lot 1. The Gathering of Zion: The Story the book of Alma where Alma longs to me. It’s put in the form of a com- of the Mormon Trail (1964), 13. to have the voice of an angel. Then mandment. The Lord says, “Thou

JULY 2002 95 came to know that here is a prophet of prophets, one who was worthy to bring about the Restoration of this last great dispensation. And I’ve come to know with great power that those keys that he restored have continued unbroken to this day and now reside in our living prophet, even Gordon B. Hinckley. Again, we rejoice in this opportunity to serve. We are deeply humbled and greatly honored, and I leave that testimony with you in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Below: Inside the Conference Center’s foyers.

shalt rejoice before the Lord thy God woman who would be my eternal in all that thou puttest thine hands companion. Those prayers were unto” (Deut. 12:18). We are grateful answered, and all that we now enjoy for this privilege to rejoice in the in our family with children and Lord at this new opportunity. grandchildren is largely responsible Since starting on those paths, we to her. have come to learn how truly merci- I’ve come to know that Jesus is our ful God is, how deeply He loves us, Christ, that His and the Father’s mer- and how perfectly compelling His cies are infinite and never ending, love is for us. When I was 16 years even when we’re not deserving. I’ve old and not smart enough to know always loved the Prophet Joseph very much at all, the Spirit touched Smith, but it was my privilege to my heart and I realized the signifi- spend about 10 years in an intensive cance of the woman that you marry. and extensive study of his life, of Starting at that time I began to pray his writings, of his teachings, and of that the Lord would find for me the those who knew and loved him, and I

LIAHONA 96 witness that indeed they are prophets, seers, and revelators. I’ll Go Where You I love the Lord. I love this Church. I love the wonderful, faithful Saints throughout the world who Want Me to Go do all that they can to honor their commitments and to live their religion. I bear witness that God lives Elder William R. Walker Of the Seventy and that Jesus Christ, His Son, is our Savior and our Redeemer. I love Him. I want to do all that I can to serve as He would have me serve, and I say these words and bear my I love Him. I want to do all that I can to serve as He would witness to the truthfulness of these things in the name of Jesus Christ, have me serve. amen.

y beloved brothers and sisters, it is with deep M humility and great appreciation that I stand in this holy place. As a little boy growing up in Raymond, Alberta, Canada, I loved it every time we sang, “I’ll go where you want me to go, dear Lord” (see Hymns, no. 270). Those words, each time we sang them in a sacrament meeting or Sunday School, burned commitment into my heart and soul, that I always wanted to go where the Lord wanted me to go, to say what He wanted me to say— “I’ll be what you want me to be,” dear Lord. That commitment seems appropriate to restate today. his counselors, President Monson Conference goers meet outside I’m grateful for the sustaining vote and President Faust, and President one of the Conference Center’s of yesterday, and with you I sustain Packer and all of the Twelve as entrances. President Gordon B. Hinckley and prophets, seers, and revelators. I bear

JULY 2002 97 Can you imagine what the Apostles must have been thinking as The Peaceable Things they watched the very elements— the wind, the rain, and the sea— obey their Master’s calm command? of the Kingdom Although they had only recently been called to the holy apostleship, they knew Him and they loved Him Elder M. Russell Ballard Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and believed in Him. They had left their work and their families to follow Him. In a relatively short period of time, they had heard Him teach incredible things, and they had seen Peace—real peace, whole-souled to the very core of your Him perform mighty miracles. But this was beyond their comprehen- being—comes only in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. sion, and the looks on their faces must have shown it. Toiling under the domination of the “And he said unto them, Why Roman Empire, they yearned for are ye so fearful? how is it that ye freedom and peace. They awaited have no faith? the Messiah; they were sure He “And they feared exceedingly, would come to deliver them from and said one to another, What man- physical and political oppression. ner of man is this, that even the And some responded to the Savior’s wind and the sea obey him?” (Mark gospel of happiness and peace, al- 4:40–41). though they did not yet fully appreci- In turbulent and sometimes fright- ate all of its spiritual implications. ening times, the Savior’s promise of On one particular day early in infinite and eternal peace resonates the Lord’s mortal ministry, a great with special power to us, just as His multitude followed Him to the Sea ability to calm the crashing waves of Galilee and pressed around Him must have profoundly affected those as He stood on the shore. “So . . . he who were with Him on the Sea of entered into a ship, and sat in the Galilee that stormy night so long ago. sea; and the whole multitude was by Like those who were alive at the the sea on the land. And he taught time of His mortal ministry, there are rothers and sisters, may I, them many things by parables” some among us who look for physical on behalf of all of us, express (Mark 4:1–2). peace and prosperity as signs of the B appreciation also to the Great and wonderful things were Savior’s wondrous power. We some- Relief Society presidency and their taught that day, including the para- times fail to understand that the board who have served us so well ble of the sower (see Mark 4:3–20). everlasting peace Jesus promises is an and are just recently released. At the end of a full day of teaching inner peace, born in faith, anchored Once again we are approaching and instruction, the Lord suggested by testimony, nurtured with love, the close of another uplifting and in- to His disciples that they cross to and expressed through continual spiring general conference. I always the other side of the Sea of Galilee. obedience and repentance. It is a feel so energized and enlightened While they were sailing that night, peace of spirit that echoes through during these marvelous days of teach- “there arose a great storm of wind, the heart and the soul. If one truly ing and testimony. I know that most and the waves beat into the ship, so knows and experiences this inner of you feel the same way. Perhaps that it was now full. peace, there is no fear from worldly what we feel during conference is “And he was in the hinder part of disharmony or discord. One knows similar to the feeling experienced by the ship, asleep on a pillow: and they deep down inside that all is well as the Savior’s earliest disciples as they awake him, and say unto him, Master, far as the things that really matter followed Him from place to place carest thou not that we perish? are concerned. to hear Him teach the good news of “And he arose, and rebuked the As President Hinckley instructed His gospel. wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be the brethren last night, there is no In many ways those were disheart- still. And the wind ceased, and there peace in sin. There may be ease, pop- ening days for the children of Israel. was a great calm” (Mark 4:37–39). ularity, fame, and even prosperity, but

LIAHONA 98 there is no peace. “Wickedness never associates the kind of peace the in the hearts and souls of our was happiness” (Alma 41:10). One world recognizes—safety, security, Heavenly Father’s children. Said cannot be at peace if one is living a with the absence of contention or the Savior through Joseph Smith, life out of harmony with revealed tribulation? Certainly the historical “He who doeth the works of righ- truth. There is no peace in being record would suggest otherwise. teousness shall receive his reward, mean-spirited or contentious. There Those original Apostles knew much even peace in this world, and is no peace in vulgarity, promiscuity, of trial and persecution throughout eternal life in the world to come” or permissiveness. There is no peace the remainder of their lives, which (D&C 59:23). in addiction to drugs, alcohol, or is probably why the Lord added this It is sometimes amazing to see pornography. There is no peace in insight to His promise: “Not as the the difference this peace can have being abusive to others in any way, world giveth, give I unto you. Let in the lives of those who accept it. whether it be emotionally, physically, not your heart be troubled, neither While I was presiding over the or sexually, for those who are abusive let it be afraid” (John 14:27). Canada Toronto Mission many years will remain in mental and spiritual “These things I have spoken unto ago, our missionaries began teaching turmoil until they come to Christ in you, that in me ye might have peace,” a family that was in spiritual dark- all humility and seek forgiveness He continued. “In the world ye shall ness. They were poor, uneducated, through complete repentance. have tribulation: but be of good and their personal appearance re- At one time or another I believe cheer; I have overcome the world” flected a lack of appreciation or everyone yearns for the “peace of (John 16:33; emphasis added). concern for normal hygiene and God, which passeth all understand- Peace—real peace, whole-souled grooming. But they were good, hon- ing” (Philip. 4:7). That peace for our to the very core of your being— orable people—among the honest in troubled hearts only comes to us as comes only in and through faith in heart that we always pray for our we follow the Light of Christ, which the Lord Jesus Christ. When that missionaries to find—and they re- is “given to every man, that he may precious truth is discovered and sponded spiritually as they felt for know good from evil” (Moro. 7:16), gospel principles are understood the first time in their lives the peace as it leads us to repent of sins and and applied, great peace can distill the gospel offers. seek forgiveness. For all there is a hunger to know “the peaceable things of the kingdom” (D&C 36:2) and to taste “the fruit[s] of righteousness,” which are “sown in peace of them that make peace” (James 3:18). In every home, neighborhood, and community, we ought to strive for peace and never be party to stirring up contention or division. Throughout scriptural history, the Lord has promised peace to His followers. The Psalmist wrote, “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace” (Ps. 29:11). Isaiah referred to the Savior as “The Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6). And Nephi fore- saw the day among his descendants when “the Son of righteousness shall appear unto them; and he shall heal them, and they shall have peace with him” (2 Ne. 26:9). Just hours before He was to begin that glorious yet awful process of the Atonement, the Lord Jesus Christ made this significant promise to His Apostles: “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you” (John 14:27). Was He promising His beloved

JULY 2002 99 When we learned that they were own white shirts and ties on these the temple, where one year later they going to be baptized, Sister Ballard little boys so they could come to received their eternal blessings. and I attended the baptismal ser- sacrament meeting appropriately Again quoting the prophecies of vice. I happened to be standing next dressed. Isaiah: “And all thy children shall be to the bishop of the ward when the They sat with their missionaries, taught of the Lord; and great shall family arrived. In all honesty, I must and the light of the gospel literally be the peace of thy children” (Isa. tell you that they were quite a sight. shone from them. Alma describes 54:13). They looked unkempt, unclean, and this as “[receiving God’s] image in Once we have tasted the sweet somewhat scruffy. Because he had your countenances” (Alma 5:14). I fruit of God’s peace, we are natu- been out of town for a period of leaned over to the bishop again and rally inclined to share it with others. time, the bishop had not yet met said: “See, Bishop? We will make Francis of Assisi was known as the the newest members of his ward; so Saints out of them!” “lover of creation” who lived most this first impression was, to say the Of course, that overnight physical of his life ministering to the poor least, unimpressive. As they walked transformation was merely superficial and the needy who were around away, I thought I could feel his knees when compared to the overwhelm- him—including the animals. The begin to buckle. ing, more significant spiritual trans- peace he found in his service ener- I put my arm around this good formation that took place in that gized him and made him yearn to bishop to give him my support— family as the gospel entered their embrace others with it. He wrote: physically as well as spiritually. I felt hearts and lives. Through the instruc- prompted to say to him: “Bishop, tion of the missionaries and the sub- Lord, make me an instrument of isn’t this wonderful? We will make sequent fellowshipping of their good thy peace; good Latter-day Saints out of them!” bishop and the ward members, this Where there is hatred, let me sow He looked at me, and he smiled. entire family emerged from spiritual love; I just couldn’t tell if he was smiling darkness into gospel light and truth. Where there is injury, pardon; because he agreed with me, or if he In that light the family was warmed, Where there is doubt, faith; thought that I might be just another refreshed, and revitalized by the Where there is despair, hope; overenthusiastic missionary. peace that comes from knowing the Where there is darkness, light; The baptismal service proceeded, Lord Jesus Christ lives. The light of And where there is sadness, joy. and the family was baptized. The the gospel truths restored to earth O Divine Master, grant that I may next day, we decided to attend that through the Prophet Joseph Smith not so much seek ward to make sure the family was began to show this family the way to To be consoled as to console; well received when they came to their meetings as new members of President Hinckley salutes the congregation in the Conference Center with his the Church. cane as President Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, looks on. As the family came into the chapel for sacrament meeting, I was sitting on the stand next to the bishop. The father was wearing a clean white shirt. It was not large enough for him to fasten the top button at the neck, and he was wearing a tie that I could remember seeing on one of my elders. But his face radiated with happiness and peace. The mother and daughters looked like they had been transformed from the previous day. Their dresses were not fancy, but they were clean and lovely. They, too, had that special gospel glow. The little boys wore white shirts that were several sizes too large for them, even with the sleeves rolled up. And they were wearing ties that almost extended down to their knees. It was obvious that the missionaries had put their

LIAHONA 100 To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; We Look to Christ It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, President Gordon B. Hinckley And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

On more than one occasion, the Lord urged His followers to be “peace- Like the polar star in the heavens, . . . there stands the makers,” promising that such would “be called the children of God” (Matt. Redeemer of the world, the Son of God, certain and sure 5:9). That concept is woven through- as the anchor of our immortal lives. out the scriptures, creating a patch- work of peace through parable and Otherwise, our gathering has been proclamation: largely in vain. ■ “Agree with thine adversary” When I conclude, the choir will (Matt. 5:25). sing: ■ “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44). Abide with me; ’tis eventide. ■ “Judge not” (Matt. 7:1). The day is past and gone; ■ “Love thy neighbour as thyself” The shadows of the evening fall; (Matt. 22:39). The night is coming on. ■ “Condemn not” (Luke 6:37). Within my heart a welcome guest, ■ “Forgive” (Luke 6:37). Within my home abide. ■ “Love one another” (John O Savior, stay this night with me; 13:34). Behold, ’tis eventide. Those are but a few of the scrip- (“Abide with Me; ’Tis Eventide,” tural instructions clearly indicat- Hymns, no. 165) ing that God’s peace is not to be hoarded. Rather, it is to be shared That pretty well sums up the feel- liberally with our families, our ings of our hearts as we return to friends, and our communities. It is to y beloved brethren and our homes. be shared with the Church as well as sisters, I too would like to May the Spirit of our Lord ac- those who are not members of our Mexpress deep appreciation company us and remain with us. Church. While those around us may for the tremendous service of Sister We know not what lies ahead of us. not choose to taste the sweetness Smoot, Sister Jensen, Sister Dew, and We know not what the coming days and peace of the fulness of the their board, who have served so very will bring. We live in a world of restored gospel for themselves, surely faithfully and well in this great and uncertainty. For some, there will be they will be blessed by seeing it in tremendous organization for women. great accomplishment. For others, our lives and feeling the peace of the It is a marvelous society, 4,900,000 disappointment. For some, much of gospel in our presence. The message strong. There is nothing like it, I rejoicing and gladness, good health, of peace will grow and expand think, in all the world, and it touches and gracious living. For others, per- through our example. for such tremendous good the lives of haps sickness and a measure of sor- “Live in peace,” said the Apostle women everywhere across the earth. row. We do not know. But one thing Paul, “and the God of love and peace Thank you, dear sisters, for what we do know. Like the polar star shall be with you” (2 Cor. 13:11). you’ve done. Welcome to you, Sister in the heavens, regardless of what I am grateful that I can witness to Parkin and your counselors, and the the future holds, there stands the you that Jesus is the Christ, and He board which you will select. Redeemer of the world, the Son of is the Son of God. By following Him, We now conclude this great con- God, certain and sure as the anchor in faith and trust, all may find the ference. We have enjoyed a wonder- of our immortal lives. He is the rock sweet inner peace the gospel offers ful feast at the table of the Lord. We of our salvation, our strength, our to us as it has been taught to us so have been instructed in His ways comfort, the very focus of our faith. beautifully during this conference. after His pattern. In sunshine and in shadow we To this I humbly testify in the name Each of us should be a little look to Him, and He is there to of Jesus Christ, amen. better for this rich experience. assure and smile upon us.

JULY 2002 101 the great God of the universe and His Beloved Son, the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. They spoke to him. He spoke with Them. He testified openly, unequivocally, and unabashedly of that great vision. It was a vision of the Almighty and of the Redeemer of the world, glorious beyond our understanding but certain and unequivo- cating in the knowledge which it brought. It is out of that knowledge, rooted deep in the soil of modern revelation, that we, in the words of Nephi, “talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that [we and] our children may know to what source [we] may look for a remission of [our] sins” (2 Ne. 25:26). And so, my brothers and sisters, as we bid you good-bye for a season, we repeat our firm and enduring He is the central focus of our wor- was rejected. The Father of us all, testimony. We do it as individuals ship. He is the Son of the living God, with love for us, His children, offered with a sure and certain knowledge. the Firstborn of the Father, the Only a better plan under which we would As I have said many times before, Begotten in the flesh, who left the have freedom to choose the course of and as I now say again, I know that royal courts on high to be born as a our lives. His Firstborn Son, our Elder God our Eternal Father lives. He is mortal in the most humble of circum- Brother, was the key to that plan. the great God of the universe. He is stances. Of the loneliness of His liv- Man would have his agency, and with the Father of our spirits with whom ing He said, “The foxes have holes, that agency would go accountability. we may speak in prayer. and the birds of the air have nests; Man would walk the ways of the I know that Jesus Christ is His but the Son of man hath not where to world and sin and stumble. But the Only Begotten Son, the Redeemer lay his head” (Matt. 8:20). He “went Son of God would take upon Himself of the world, who gave His life that about doing good” (Acts 10:38). flesh and offer Himself a sacrifice to we might have eternal life and who He was a man of miracles. He atone for the sins of all men. Through rules and reigns with His Father. reached out to those in distress. He unspeakable suffering He would be- I know that They are individual healed the sick and raised the dead. come the great Redeemer, the Savior beings, separate and distinct one Yet for all of the love He brought of all mankind. from another and yet alike in form into the world, He was “despised With some small understanding and substance and purpose. I know and rejected of men; a man of sor- of that incomparable gift, that mar- that it is the work of the Almighty rows, and acquainted with grief: . . . velous gift of redemption, we bow in “to bring to pass the immortality he was despised,” and was esteemed reverent love before Him. and eternal life of man” (Moses not (Isa. 53:3). As a Church we have critics, many 1:39). I know that Joseph Smith was We look upon His matchless life of them. They say we do not believe a prophet, the great Prophet of this and say with the prophet Isaiah: in the traditional Christ of Christian- dispensation through whom these “He hath borne our griefs, and ity. There is some substance to what truths have come. I know that this carried our sorrows. . . . they say. Our faith, our knowledge is Church is the work of God, presided “. . . He was wounded for our not based on ancient tradition, the over and directed by Jesus Christ, transgressions, he was bruised for our creeds which came of a finite under- whose holy name it bears. iniquities: the chastisement of our standing and out of the almost infi- Of these things I testify in solem- peace was upon him; and with his nite discussions of men trying to nity as I leave with you, my beloved stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:4–5). arrive at a definition of the risen associates, my love and blessing, in When the great War in Heaven Christ. Our faith, our knowledge the sacred name of Jesus Christ, was fought, Lucifer, the son of the comes of the witness of a prophet in amen. God be with you ’til we meet morning, came forth with a plan that this dispensation who saw before him again.

LIAHONA 102 General Young Women Meeting Ghost. He was not alone. The Holy 30 March 2002 Ghost can take away the gnawing, aching feeling of loneliness or iso- lation or rejection and fill us with peace. He is called the Comforter— Standing in Holy and He is that! It is possible the loneliest times are when we are surrounded by people, Places even friends, who are making wrong choices, and we have to stand alone. Sharon G. Larsen There are some places it would not Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency be safe for you to go even to help someone in need. The Lord said to stand in holy places. There are places where the Spirit would never be. You know where those places are. Stay Standing in holy places is all about being in good company, away from them. Do not encourage a curiosity that ought to be stopped. whether you are alone or with others. Pay attention to what you are feeling so you will know when you are feeling When we determine within ourselves unsure or uneasy. that we will control our thoughts and Heather told us about a time she our actions and be the best we can had been invited to a party with possibly be, the best of life will come the “popular” people of the school. to us. As she walked in the door, the A holy place is where we feel music that was blasting through safe, secure, loved, and comforted. the house hit her spirit. She felt That’s how it was in our heavenly sick inside. Then friends started dis- home. Standing in holy places and appearing into darkened rooms. being in good company bring feel- Heather said: “At the party I soon ings of how it must have been in realized I had to make a choice: that home we left behind, the home either these people or my standards. that seems so far away at times. I couldn’t have both. I knew I did Two and a half years after the not want the words I was hearing Church was organized, the Lord or the movie scenes to contaminate warned Joseph Smith of wars and my thoughts, no matter how popu- famines and plagues that would lar these people were. I knew I did come because of wickedness. Then not belong there. As I was waiting t was Thursday night, Mom and He told us how to be safe in such a for my mother to come and get me, Dad’s regular night to work at world: “Stand ye in holy places, and I looked out the window in the I the Cardston temple. I was in be not moved, until the day of the darkened night, and there shining my teens, like you young women. Lord come” (D&C 87:8). on the hill like a beacon was the My grandmother, who was living In holy places we are protected temple. It was like the Lord was with us, was away, so I would be from the almost overwhelming com- reassuring me that I was doing the home alone. As they left, Dad motion of the world. Angels can be right thing” (used by permission; hugged me and said, “Now, Sharon, our companions and support (see name has been changed). be in good company.” D&C 84:88). The great prophet Standing in holy places helps us I thought, “What is he thinking? Moroni was surrounded by wicked- to become holy, but that is an Doesn’t he know I’ll be here by ness and the Lamanites waiting to acquired virtue that takes practice. myself?” And then I realized—that kill anything in their path. He was Practice listening to the Spirit and is exactly what he was thinking. alone in hiding for almost 20 years. being obedient. Practice being mor- Standing in holy places is all about Imagine that kind of loneliness! Yet ally pure. Practice being reverent being in good company, whether his exquisite testimony and counsel about sacred things. The Lord has you are alone or with others. It’s in the last few chapters of the Book told us to come unto Him and He being where the Holy Ghost is our of Mormon tell us he was in the can make us holy (see D&C 60:7). companion—alone or in a crowd. company of angels and the Holy Let Him envelop you in love and

JULY 2002 103 forgiveness and peace. Regardless of saw was pieces of bread, and he men singing “How Great Thou Art” what is going on around you, you thought he had something better. (Hymns, no. 86) in their native lan- can practice creating an environ- Identifying what is holy and educat- guage. Suddenly the whole world— ment of your own, filled with the ing our desires for that is vital to our or at least our world—became warm Spirit of the Lord. happiness. A magnificent sunset or and loving and joyful, a holy place. Instead of asking someone else star-studded sky, a rose dripping with There is a great wealth of intel- how short or tight or bare or reveal- dew, or a baby kitten—all remind us ligence and guidance and safety ing your clothes can be, you are once more that the things of God available to you through regular, responsible and you ask yourself, are holy. thoughtful prayer and scripture “What can I wear? How should I Holy places can be wherever study. This keeps your minds firm look and act so the Holy Ghost can you are—alone, in a crowd, with and steadfast in holy places as you be with me and Heavenly Father strangers, with friends. The road to walk the halls at school or shop can bless me?” Jericho was treacherous and formid- for clothing or surf the Internet. It is difficult to train your desires able. Thieves infiltrated the bushes President James E. Faust said, “I to want goodness and beauty when and trees waiting to ambush any believe reading the scriptures is the the opposite confronts you con- traveler. It took a kind and coura- best washing machine for unclean stantly and appears to be so much geous Samaritan to change that or uncontrolled thoughts” (“The more enticing and fun and popular. road from a haunted place to a holy Power of Self-Mastery,” Liahona, July When you were baptized, you place. There are things you can do 2000, 53). made covenants to keep the com- to bring holiness to ordinary places: Holiness is quiet and gentle, eas- mandments. Those covenants and when you spend an afternoon with ily missed if we aren’t paying atten- the blessing of always having the small children so a tired mother can tion. The resurrected Lord walked Spirit of the Lord with you are rest, when you do the dishes for to Emmaus with two men who were renewed each time you worthily your brother even though it’s his so caught up in the events of His partake of the sacrament. It will turn, when you clean house for an Crucifixion and Resurrection that strengthen you in the face of elderly friend—these things bring they did not know it was the Lord temptation. feelings of selflessness and sacrifice Himself who was their walking Our daughter brought treats to and holiness. companion. sacrament meeting to pacify her There will be times when the Years ago I was singing Handel’s three little boys. As the sacred em- Spirit will whisper that you can Messiah with a group of people from blems of bread were passed down make the place where you are bet- different faiths. Even though our our row, Jake, then three, whispered ter. The Russian town of Omsk in beliefs were different, we were all in my ear: “Tell them we don’t need Siberia appeared to me to be rather singing about the same Messiah, our that bread. We brought our own cold and barren until I heard a own personal Savior. I had sung this treats.” To a three-year-old, all he group of young women and young oratorio many times, but during one particular practice, the Spirit told Banners greet young women arriving at the Conference Center for the me that I was not only singing notes, general Young Women meeting. I was singing my testimony: “Surely, he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows” (Isa. 53:4). I knew with all my soul that He had done that for me. For a moment the 300 other voices became a whisper and I felt like I was all alone with the Lord. I felt His love and reassurance that He had carried the griefs and the sorrows of my teenage heart, and through my obedience, He would continue to walk with me for the rest of my life. To feel that blessing and comfort and complete love from the Lord is worth any price. Once you understand what holy places are, then you know where to be. It may take sacrifice of our worldly tastes or popularity. It may

LIAHONA 104 require humility and forgiveness or complete repentance. It does require “clean hands, and a pure heart” (Ps. Strengthen Home 24:4). Do whatever you have to do to be able to stand in holy places and be not moved, to stand for truth and and Family righteousness, regardless of shallow enticements and evils and designs of Carol B. Thomas conspiring people (see D&C 89:4) First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency and media. In the words of President Hinckley, “Stand a little higher and let the nobility of good character shine through [your] lives” (“A Time of New Beginnings,” Liahona, July Three principles that will help you strengthen your home and 2000, 107). My dear young women, invite the Lord to walk with you. Let family are nurturing, sacrifice, and prayer. Him be your companion all of your life, every day of your life, so you can may have great athletic ability, but all return to that home you long for, the of you have been blessed with many holiest place of all. talents and gifts. One of the most I close with a hymn echoing my meaningful gifts is your ability to prayer for you and for me: “strengthen [your] home and family,” a new phrase which has been added More purity give me, to the Young Women theme. Do you More strength to o’ercome, recognize these words? One of the More freedom from earth-stains, assignments given us as girls and More longing for home. women in the kingdom is to love and More fit for the kingdom, strengthen our families. More used would I be, Tonight it is my prayer that More blessed and holy— the Spirit will burn within you, that More, Savior, like thee. you will have a greater desire to (“More Holiness Give Me,” strengthen your family now and pre- Hymns, no. 131) pare for your future family. The scriptures are filled with ways to teach us In the name of Jesus Christ, how to strengthen our families. There amen. s we watched the 2002 is no greater teacher than the Savior. Winter Olympics draw to a As you study His teachings and fol- A close, we couldn’t help but low His example, you can make your remember those individuals who family life better. Let’s talk about took home the gold. So many ath- three principles that will help you letes with years of preparation came strengthen your home and family: together to compete, hoping to win. ■ Nurturing As young women in the Church, ■ Sacrifice you too are preparing and compet- ■ Prayer ing for a medallion as the Spirit burns brightly within you. NURTURING The Young Women program can Who doesn’t enjoy playing with provide a wonderful training ground a small child or holding a newborn to help each of you reach your goals, baby in their arms? As women, we and the Young Women theme is a were born with a natural ability to constant reminder that we are not love and nurture others. To nurture alone in the competition. We are on means to support each other, to the Lord’s team, and He will always encourage each other, to nourish be there for us to help us bring and love each other. Are we doing home the gold. this in our families? As daughters of God, some of you The Savior Himself taught us to

JULY 2002 105 Young women arrive at the Conference Center doors for the 30 March general Young Women meeting. nurture. Many times He said, “How of the scripture says, “They heard a The Savior is so proud of you. He oft have I gathered you as a hen voice as if it came out of heaven; . . . knows what you’re going through. gathereth her chickens under her and it was not a harsh voice, neither He understands how hard it is for wings, and have nourished you” was it a loud voice; . . . notwith- you to make sacrifices. The Savior (3 Ne. 10:4). standing it being a small voice it did taught us to sacrifice. He sacrificed As you gather together in your pierce them that did hear to the His life for all mankind. family, you can do so much to invite center” (3 Ne. 11:3). After He was resurrected, the a spirit of unity. When was the last In our homes, this can be a model first thing He taught the Nephites time you put your arms around your for the way we talk to our family was how He had sacrificed. He said: mom or dad and thanked them for members. Let us not use a loud voice “I have drunk out of that bitter cup all they do? Parents do most of the but a soft voice when we talk to those which the Father hath given me. . . . nurturing, but they need to be nur- we love. This is the way Heavenly I have suffered the will of the Father tured too. Father speaks to His children. in all things” (3 Ne. 11:11). He had As women, we can gather our lit- done what Heavenly Father wanted tle chickens under our wings with SACRIFICE Him to do. love and tenderness. Recently I The second principle is sacrifice. Heavenly Father wants us to cre- watched a young mother talk to her As young women, you are learning ate a righteous family. Becoming a two-year-old child. When she was to sacrifice every day. We are so im- wife and mother may limit your crying and the mother couldn’t pressed with all the good things you career opportunities, but it can be understand what she wanted, the are doing: so rewarding. As a young mother, I mother said, “Don’t cry. Use your ■ You tend after school when remember playing a song for my lit- words. Tell me what’s bothering your mothers need to work. You help tle girls while they danced around you.” She had shown such respect fix dinner and put babies to bed. the room. It may sound a little silly, for this two-year-old baby that the ■ You stay home from parties on but it says it all: baby stopped crying and “used her weekends because you won’t watch words.” This young mother is learn- inappropriate movies regardless of When I grow up, I want to be a ing how to nurture. the rating. mother and have a family: When our Father in Heaven ■ Thousands of you get up at five one little, two little, three little introduced the Savior to the world, o’clock each morning to attend early- babies of my own. He demonstrated good nurturing morning seminary before going off Of all the jobs for me, I’ll choose by using a soft voice. The language to school. no other.

LIAHONA 106 I’ll have a family. . . . how to pray. He blessed the little chil- supplication to God, for the anxiety And I will love them all day long dren and prayed unto the Father for of my mind would not permit me to and give them cookies and milk and them. He commanded them to sleep.” The pleadings of a mother, yellow balloons, always pray in their hearts. a righteous daughter of God, com- And cuddle them when things Perhaps during a Mutual activity forted the Prophet and protected go wrong, you could bring your scriptures, read the gold plates. Over the years, her and read them stories and sing them those four chapters aloud, and constant prayers helped strengthen pretty tunes. underline when the word prayer is her home and family (see Lucy (Janeen Brady, “I Want to Be a mentioned—sharing stories and tes- Mack Smith, History of Joseph Smith, Mother,” in Beloved Songs [1987], timonies on the power of prayer. I ed. Preston Nibley [1979], 102). 10–13) promise that you will feel the Spirit How can you use prayer to of the Lord and develop a stronger strengthen your family? Because Well, you get the idea. Being testimony of prayer. Heavenly Father loves you so, He a mother is a great blessing, not a Our prophets have said that they wants you to talk to Him. Whatever sacrifice. don’t worry about the youth who struggles you may have, you can pray twice a day. Now, if they don’t pray about anything: PRAYER worry about us, then we don’t need ■ You can pray for help in keep- Third, the Savior teaches us to to worry about ourselves, as long as ing family rules, such as coming pray. we sincerely pray twice a day. home on time. As you help strengthen your fam- Listen to a wonderful story by the ■ You can pray that your family ily, prayer must be a consistent, mother of the Prophet Joseph Smith will have a desire to study the scrip- daily part of your life. Prayer will about the night he went to get the tures together. protect you from the adversary, give gold plates. She writes: “[That night] ■ You can pray that you will have you peace, and help your families I sat up very late. . . . About twelve better communication with your love each other more. o’clock Joseph came to me and mom or your dad. When the Savior visited the asked me if I had a chest with a lock ■ You can pray that you will be Nephites, He had only a few days and key. . . . And not having one I more patient with a sister or brother, to teach them the fulness of the gos- was greatly alarmed. . . . But Joseph helping them solve their problems. pel. During much of that time, He . . . said, ‘Never mind, I can do very Pray over problems that worry focused on prayer. Did you know that well . . . without it—be calm—all is you! Don’t give up. Heavenly Father in chapters 17 through 20 of 3 Nephi, right.’” can and will answer your prayers. I prayer is mentioned about 44 times? Shortly after, Joseph and Emma have had many prayers that have Many times He commanded the peo- left, taking a horse and wagon. been answered. I also have prayers ple to pray. He knelt on the ground Now listen to what his mother says: that have not been answered yet. and prayed for them. He taught them “I spent the night in prayer and Our prayers will be answered in the Lord’s time when we are ready. Tonight I have talked about three principles to help you strengthen your home and family: ■ Nurturing ■ Sacrifice ■ Prayer The Savior, our Redeemer and friend, has shown us the way. As you practice His teachings, you may never win the Olympic silver or gold, but earning your Young Womanhood medallion can bring a much greater reward and help keep the fire of the Holy Ghost burning brightly within each one of you. As you study and develop a love for the scriptures, I pray that you will find other meaningful ways to strengthen your home and family. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

JULY 2002 107 and from their friends, both boys and girls, and I could tell you a few Hold High the Torch of their secrets. Maybe I could just share one and hope that I won’t get Margaret D. Nadauld in trouble. This is it: boys hate to be Young Women General President embarrassed. I remember the time a young man I know had a date for the prom. He brought her to our house before the dance so we could take pictures. When they got there Develop the divinity that is within you. Don’t dull the he came into the kitchen, where I brightness of the spirit you came with from heaven. The was looking for the camera, and said: “Wait until you see my date’s Lord needs your goodness and your influence in this world. dress. She looks so beautiful!” This boy had never said anything like the light which makes you so magnifi- that before so I could hardly wait to cent is the blessing of womanhood. see what he meant. What a wonderful thing it is for you When I saw her I understood; to know that your female, feminine she was lovely. The dress she was characteristics are an endowment wearing was beautiful; I learned that from God. Our latter-day prophets she and her mother had searched teach that “gender is an essential everywhere for it. When they finally characteristic of individual premor- found this dress, they knew it would tal, mortal, and eternal identity and be perfect with some added fabric purpose.”2 It is a holy blessing to be and finishing touches to meet their born with the exquisite qualities of a high standards. daughter of God. Women of God, All their efforts were rewarded both old and young, are spiritual and because she was absolutely radiant sensitive, tender and gentle. They this night, but it was more than the have a kind, nurturing nature. This is dress that made her shine. It was your inheritance. Never belittle the her quiet confidence. As I looked at gifts God has given to you. Develop her, I was reminded of the scripture, the divinity that is within you. Don’t “Let virtue garnish thy thoughts his is a torch that carried the dull the brightness of the spirit you unceasingly; then shall thy confi- Olympic flame on part of its came with from heaven. The Lord dence wax strong.”3 Where did this T journey from Greece to Salt needs your goodness and your influ- confidence that she had come from? Lake City last February. It is sym- ence in this world. I noticed that this young woman bolic of excellence and hope. It was And so tonight I’d just like to could focus on others because she lit for the first time in Greece at the talk to you from my heart about was not worried about how she birth of the Olympics so long ago. simply being good and the advan- looked. She had taken care of that This is the Young Women torch. tages of being good. It’s about hold- detail weeks before. The young man It is symbolic of the light of the gos- ing that torch high. she was with felt comfortable and pel which comes from our Heavenly The world will try to make you safe and happy when he was with Father. This light had its beginning think that being good is outdated her because her dress was not re- in heaven before you were born. and old-fashioned and that popular- vealing. It was modest in every way, There you were taught the great ity comes from breaking the rules and this made her confident and plan of happiness, and because you and lowering your standards. Don’t happy. And that’s appealing. He accepted this plan, you have the buy into that way of thinking. As wasn’t embarrassed by her; he was honor of being a torchbearer! you watch TV or read magazines, proud of her. The Savior taught us to “let your you might be made to feel abnormal The kind of young woman who light so shine before men, that they when, really, you are the one who can be a terrific torchbearer has may see your good works, and glorify has it figured out. high standards all the time, not just your Father which is in heaven.”1 The You may know that I am the in her prom dress, but every, ordi- divine light which you carry within mother of seven sons. I know boys! nary day. There are so many of you your soul is inherited from God be- It has been an exciting life at our who are like that, and I salute you cause you are His daughter. Part of house! I’ve learned a lot from them tonight. You have made modesty

LIAHONA 108 your way of life. It is more than how style of your own. In summary, you to call it “helps for happiness” be- you dress. It includes at least six do not imitate the world’s standards cause living these standards can be things that I can think of: (1) your because you know a higher stan- your secret weapon for attracting behavior is decent and modest, and dard. You know who you are, and good people to you and keeping you yet you are very fun to be with; (2) that puts you at a real advantage. on the right track. When you live your language is never crude but You know that you really are a the high standards of the Church happy and interesting; (3) you are daughter of Heavenly Father. You every day, you hold high the torch. well groomed, and that is appealing; know that He knows you and that A girl I will call Liz is an example (4) you are focused on developing He loves you; you want to please of what I am talking about. She was your talents and achieving your Him and honor His love for you. a student in a math class with a girl goals, not piercing and tattooing You know that even if you make I will call Lindsay, who noticed that and flaunting your body; (5) you foolish mistakes, He will help you if there was just something about Liz play sports with gusto but never lose you turn to Him. that “glowed,” as she put it. Lindsay control; (6) you don’t seem to care You act like you have memorized admitted that she really didn’t think about what the latest pop star wears For the Strength of Youth! Isn’t that a Liz knew her, but she still made her or does because you have a certain great little guide? Sometimes I like feel good. She really stood up for what she believed, and she always made others feel good and included. For several weeks Lindsay observed Liz. Then one day, Liz didn’t show up at school. Then another and then another passed. Lindsay finally learned that Liz was very ill with life-threatening meningitis. She came home from school and just sat at the table crying. It wasn’t like she and Liz were close friends, but she said to her mom that they just had to do something to help her. Lindsay suggested that perhaps their whole family could fast and pray for Liz. What a shock it was for the mother to hear that coming from one of her own children, because fasting and prayer had not been mentioned in their home for years. When Lindsay and her mom talked with the rest of the family about it that night at supper, there was some re- sistance, but Lindsay pleaded with them and finally they all agreed to fast and pray for Liz, a stranger. The most wonderful thing happened. It wasn’t long before Liz returned to school appearing healthy and happy as ever. But even more important than this, the experience brought the most remarkable spirit of hope into Lindsay’s home. Because of it, some serious changes have taken place in their family. They are now having family prayer together, something that had not happened for years. Liz’s goodness glowed, and it was catching. Liz, if you are here tonight, I would just like to say,

JULY 2002 109 “Thank you! By your goodness you his right hand on [my] head and prayer that as you complete your have blessed at least one whole fam- said, ‘Now granddaughter, I want Personal Progress, your light will ily whom you probably do not even you to remember that this is the tes- shine so brightly that it will be an know. And who knows how many timony of your grandfather, that he influence for good on generations to others have been guided as you held told you with his own lips that he come. For these reasons and more, high your torch.” actually saw the Savior, here in the the First Presidency has said: “We Being good makes you feel good, temple, and talked with him face to desire all young women to strive to and it also makes others feel good! face.’”4 earn the Young Womanhood Recog- Can I just tell you this—it is so much Can you imagine the reverence nition. As youth work on these easier to do what is right than it is to you would feel to walk the same goals, they will develop skills and do what is wrong. Life is so much less halls the Savior walked? Do you pic- attributes that will lead them to the complicated when you are good. ture yourself there, pure and clean, temple and prepare them for a The greatest advantage of being a daughter of God, prepared to re- lifetime of service to their families good is that it will lead you to the ceive His finest blessings? and the Lord.”5 The beautiful new temple, the most beautiful and Personal Progress will help you in Young Womanhood medallion de- sacred of all the places on this earth. your preparation for the temple. It is picts temple spires reminding you The temple is the place the Savior inspired of heaven. What a beauti- that you are preparing to receive the could visit because it is His holy ful little treasure it is. It will help ordinances of the temple, for it is house here on earth. you draw closer to the Savior, and it through the temple that we come President Lorenzo Snow’s grand- will help you magnify the divine to Christ. daughter was in the temple with him gifts of womanhood of which we We are especially thinking of on one occasion when President have spoken. It is designed just for Christ on this Easter eve. More than Snow said to her, “‘Allie[,] I want to you at this very important period of 2,000 years ago on this eve, as His tell you something. . . . It was right preparation, for the patterns you set body was in the tomb, some be- here that the Lord Jesus Christ and the choices you make now will lieved that the light had gone out. appeared to me.’ [Grandfather] put affect the rest of your life. It is our But we know that on the morning of the third day, which we call Easter, He arose to be our salvation, our Savior, our eternal light that will never fail us. I testify that Christ is the light and the life of the world. Dear young women, let your light shine so brightly before all of your family and friends that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. It is a privilege to carry the torch. It is our prayer that His light will shine on your path every step along your way and that your goodness will qualify you to one day receive the ordinances of the temple, for it is in that holy place that you will find the greatest light of all, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

NOTES 1. Matt. 5:16. 2. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona, Oct. 1998, 24. 3. D&C 121:45. 4. Quoted in Susan Arrington Madsen, “Lorenzo Snow and the Sacred Vision,” Friend, Aug. 1993, 14. 5. First Presidency letter on strengthening youth, 28 Sept. 2001.

LIAHONA 110 will remain under the influence of our Heavenly Father, the adversary Pathways to cannot even tempt us. But if we go into the devil’s territory . . . we will be unhappy and that unhappiness Perfection will increase as the years go by, unless we repent of our sins and turn to the Lord.”4 President Thomas S. Monson First Counselor in the First Presidency In speaking to young men of the Aaronic Priesthood, I have frequently quoted the advice of a father to a precious son: “If you ever find yourself where you hadn’t ought to Exemplify in your lives four tested, specific virtues: an attitude be—then get out!” The same truth is applicable to you young women of gratitude, a longing for learning, a devotion to discipline, here in the Conference Center and and a willingness to work. to you assembled in meetinghouses throughout the world. In Lewis Carroll’s classic Alice’s I have always felt that if we speak Adventures in Wonderland, Alice in generalities, we rarely have suc- finds herself coming to a crossroads cess; but if we speak in specifics, we with two paths before her, each will rarely have a failure. Therefore, stretching onward but in opposite I urge that you exemplify in your directions. She is confronted by the lives four tested, specific virtues. Cheshire Cat, of whom she asks, They are: “Which path shall I take?” 1. An attitude of gratitude, The cat answers: “That depends 2. A longing for learning, where you want to go. If you do 3. A devotion to discipline, and not know where you want to go, it 4. A willingness to work. doesn’t really matter which path you First, an attitude of gratitude. In take!”2 the book of Luke, chapter 17, we Unlike Alice, each of you knows read the account of the 10 lepers. where you want to go. It does matter The Savior, in traveling toward which way you go, for the path you Jerusalem, passed through Galilee follow in this life leads to the path and Samaria and entered a certain you will follow in the next. village where He was met on the ur Young Women presi- A lilting ballad, popular many outskirts by 10 lepers who were dency have done so well, years ago, contains the provocative forced, because of their condition, O haven’t they? I sustain and line, “If wishing can make it so, then to live apart from others. They endorse all that you have heard keep on wishing and cares will go.” stood “afar off” and cried, “Jesus, from these splendid women today. Another formula for failure comes Master, have mercy on us.” They are truly servants of our from the more recent song, “Don’t The Savior, full of sympathy and Heavenly Father and have pre- worry; be happy!” love for them, said, “Go shew your- sented His holy word. Our theme for this evening, selves unto the priests,” and as they “Happiness,” the Prophet Joseph “Stand Ye in Holy Places,” is more went they discovered that they were Smith wrote, “is the object and appropriate. I also appreciate the healed. The scriptures tell us, “One design of our existence; and will be words which follow: “Stand ye in of them, when he saw that he was the end thereof, if we pursue the holy places, and be not moved.”3 healed, turned back, and with a path that leads to it; and this path President George Albert Smith, loud voice glorified God, and fell is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, eighth President of the Church, down on his face at [the Master’s] holiness, and keeping all the com- urged: “Let us plant our feet upon feet, giving him thanks: and he was mandments of God.”1 the highway that leads to happiness a Samaritan.” But how does one find that path- and the celestial kingdom, not just The Savior responded, “Were way, and what’s more, how does one occasionally, but every day, and there not ten cleansed? but where stay on that pathway which leads to every hour, because if we will stay are the nine? There are not found perfection? on the Lord’s side of the line, if we that returned to give glory to God,

JULY 2002 111 save this stranger. And he said unto It is everywhere. It is on the streets. It by following them you reach your him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith is on television. It is in books and destination.9 hath made thee whole.”5 magazines. . . . It is like a great flood, Many of your teachers are assem- Through divine intervention, ugly and dirty and mean, engulfing bled with you this evening. I trust those who were lepers were spared the world. We have got to stand that each teacher would fit the de- from a cruel, lingering death and above it. . . . The world is slipping in scription written of one: “She cre- given a new lease on life. The grati- its moral standards. That can only ated in her classroom an atmosphere tude expressed by one merited the bring misery. The way to happiness where warmth and acceptance weave Master’s blessing, the ingratitude by lies in a return to strong family life their magic spell; where growth and the nine His disappointment. and the observance of moral stan- learning, the soaring of the imagina- Like the leprosy of yesteryear are dards, the value of which has been tion, and the spirit of the young are the plagues of today. They linger; proven through centuries of time.”6 assured.”10 they debilitate; they destroy. They By following President Hinckley’s Third, may we discuss a devotion are to be found everywhere. Their counsel, we can make this a wonder- to discipline. pervasiveness knows no boundaries. ful time to be living here on earth. Our Heavenly Father has given We know them as selfishness, greed, Our opportunities are limitless. There to each of us the power to think indulgence, cruelty, and crime—to are so many things right—such as and reason and decide. With such identify but a few. teachers who teach, friends who help, power, self-discipline becomes a At a regional conference, Presi- marriages that make it, and parents necessity. dent Gordon B. Hinckley declared: who sacrifice. Each of us has the responsibility “We live in a world of so much filth. Be grateful for your mother, for to choose. You may ask, “Are deci- your father, for your family, and for sions really that important?” I say your friends. Express gratitude for to you, decisions determine destiny. your Young Women teachers. They You can’t make eternal decisions love you; they pray for you; they serve without eternal consequences. you. You are precious in their sight May I provide a simple formula by and in the sight of your Heavenly which you can measure the choices Father. He hears your prayers. He which confront you. It’s easy to extends to you His peace and His remember: “You can’t be right by love. Stay close to Him and to His doing wrong; you can’t be wrong Son, and you will not walk alone. by doing right.” Your personal con- Second, a longing for learning. science always warns you as a friend The Apostle Paul said to Timothy, before it punishes you as a judge. “Let no man despise thy youth; but The Lord, in a revelation given be thou an example of the believers.”7 through Joseph Smith the Prophet, President Stephen L Richards, counseled: “That which doth not who was a counselor in the First edify is not of God, and is darkness. Presidency many years ago, was a That which is of God is light.”11 profound thinker. He said, “Faith Some foolish persons turn their and doubt cannot exist in the same backs on the wisdom of God and fol- mind at the same time, for one will low the allurement of fickle fashion, dispel the other.” My advice is to the attraction of false popularity, and seek faith and dispel doubt. the thrill of the moment. Courage is The Lord counseled, “Seek ye required to think right, choose right, out of the best books words of wis- and do right, for such a course will dom; seek learning, even by study rarely, if ever, be the easiest to follow. and also by faith.”8 The battle for self-discipline may We can find truth in the scrip- leave you a bit bruised and battered tures, the teachings of the prophets, but always a better person. Self- the instructions from our parents, discipline is a rigorous process at and the inspiration that comes to us best; too many of us want it to be as we bend our knees and seek the effortless and painless. Should tem- help of God. porary setbacks afflict us, a very We must be true to our ideals, for significant part of our struggle for ideals are like the stars: you can’t self-discipline is the determination touch them with your hands, but and the courage to try again.

LIAHONA 112 My dear young sisters, I know of as you prepare for the tests of school that part of Germany which was no truer description of you than that and, indeed, the tests of life. behind what was called the Iron expressed by the First Presidency on I know of a university student Curtain. Under Communist control, April 6, 1942: “How glorious and who was so busy with the joys of those who lived in that area of near to the angels is youth that is student life that preparation for an Germany had lost nearly all of their clean; this youth has joy unspeak- exam was postponed. The night freedoms. Activities of youth were able here and eternal happiness before, she realized the hour was restricted; all actions were monitored. hereafter.”12 late and the preparation was not Shortly after I assumed my respon- Eternal life in the kingdom of done. She rationalized, “Now what is sibilities for that area, I attended a our Father is your goal, and self- more important—my health, which most uplifting conference held in that discipline will surely be required if requires that I must sleep, or the part of Germany. Following the inspi- you are to achieve it. drudgery of study?” Well, you can rational songs and the spoken word, Finally, let each of us cultivate probably guess the outcome. Sleep I felt the impression to meet briefly a willingness to work. President won, study failed, and the test was a outside of the old building with the J. Reuben Clark, many years ago a personal disaster. Work we must. precious teenage youth. They were counselor in the First Presidency, This, then, is the suggested relatively few in number but listened said: “I believe that we are here to formula: to every word I spoke. They had hun- work, and I believe there is no escape 1. An attitude of gratitude, gered for the word and encourage- from it. I think that we cannot get 2. A longing for learning, ment of an Apostle of the Lord. that thought into our souls and into 3. A devotion to discipline, and Prior to attending the conference, our beings too soon. Work we must, 4. A willingness to work. before leaving the United States, I felt if we shall succeed or if we shall There will come into every life the prompting to buy three cartons advance. There is no other way.”13 moments of despair and the need of chewing gum. I purchased three “Put your shoulder to the wheel, for direction from a divine source— flavors: Doublemint, Spearmint, and push along”14 is more than a line even an unspoken plea for help. Juicy Fruit. Now, as the gathering of from a favorite hymn; it is a sum- With all my heart and soul I testify the youth was concluded, I distri- mons to work. to you that our Heavenly Father buted carefully to each youth two Perhaps an example would be loves you, is mindful of you, and will sticks of gum—something they had helpful. Procrastination is truly a not abandon you. never before tasted. They received thief of time—especially when it Let me illustrate with a personal the gift with joy. comes to downright hard work. I and treasured experience. For many The years went by. I returned speak of the need to study diligently years my assignments took me into to Dresden—the site of our earlier

JULY 2002 113 indeed cared about me. I saved that gift so that I might remember and teach my daughter that Heavenly Father does hear our prayers.” I hold before you tonight that gift—even a symbol of faith and assurance of the heavenly help our Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, will provide you. On this Easter eve, may our thoughts turn to Him who atoned for our sins, who showed us the way to live, how to pray, and who demonstrated by His own actions how we might do so. Born in a stable, cradled in a manger, this Son of God—even Jesus Christ the Lord— beckons to each of us to follow Him. “Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: ‘I know that my Redeemer lives!’”15 In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

NOTES 1. Te achings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, ed. Joseph Fielding Smith (1976), 255–56. 2. Adapted from Lewis Carroll, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1992), 76. 3. D&C 87:8; emphasis added. 4. In Conference Report, Apr. 1944, 31–32. 5. Luke 17:11–19. 6. Berlin Germany Regional Conference, 16 June 1996. conference. Now we had chapels; She continued, “My mother was 7. 1 Tim. 4:12. now the people had freedom. They one to whom you gave that gift. She 8. D&C 88:118. had a temple. Germany was no told me that she rationed in little 9. See Carl Schurz, 1859, in John longer separated by political bound- pieces one stick of gum. She men- Bartlett, comp., Familiar Quotations, 15th aries but had become one nation. tioned how sweet to the taste it was ed. (1980), 602. The youth were now adults with and so precious to her.” Then, under 10. From Grand Street Boys Club and children of their own. the approving smile of her dear Foundation, quoted in the New York Following a large and inspirational mother, she handed to me a small Times. conference, a mother and her daugh- box. As I opened the lid of the box, 11. D&C 50:23–24. ter sought me out to speak to me. there I beheld the other stick of 12. In James R. Clark, comp., Messages The daughter, who was about your gum, still with its wrapper after of the First Presidency of The Church of age and who spoke some English, nearly 20 years. And then she said, Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. said to me, “President Monson, do “My mother and I want you to have (1965–75), 6:150. you remember long ago holding a this,” she said. 13. J. Reuben Clark Jr., Work—Work brief gathering of youth following a The tears flowed; embraces Always! BYU Speeches of the Year district conference, where you gave followed. (25 May 1960), 4. to each boy and each girl two sticks The mother then spoke to me: 14. Will L. Thompson, “Put Your of chewing gum?” “Before you came to our conference Shoulder to the Wheel,” Hymns, no. 252. I responded, “Oh, yes, I surely do so many years ago, I had prayed to my 15. Samuel Medley, “I Know That My remember.” Heavenly Father to know that He Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 136.

LIAHONA 114 Peace—real peace, whole-souled to the very core of your being—comes They Spoke to Us only in and through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Elder Robert D. Hales of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Light A Report for Children of the Church from the 172nd Annual dispels darkness. When light is General Conference, 6–7 April 2002 present, darkness . . . must depart. More importantly, darkness cannot conquer light unless the light is President Gordon B. Hinckley: Like that God is our Father and that the diminished or departs. When the the polar star in the heavens, regard- Lord Jesus Christ is our Savior and spiritual light of the Holy Ghost less of what the future holds, there Redeemer. Second, it is a sincere is present, the darkness of Satan stands the Redeemer of the world. confession of sin and transgression departs. . . . In sunshine and in shadow we and a request for forgiveness. Third, look to Him, and He is there to it is recognition that we need help Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the assure and smile upon us. He is the beyond our own ability. Fourth, it is Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: We central focus of our worship. an opportunity to express thanks- can . . . start making our way back giving and gratitude to our Creator. to the Father. We should do so with President Thomas S. Monson, First as much haste and humility as we Counselor in the First Presidency: In President Boyd K. Packer, Acting can summon. Along the way we can many families, there are hurt feel- President of the Quorum of the Twelve count our many blessings and we ings and a reluctance to forgive. It Apostles: Nothing compares with a can applaud the accomplishments doesn’t really matter what the issue father who is responsible and in turn of others. Best of all, we can serve was. It cannot and should not be teaches his children responsibility. others, the finest exercise for the left to injure. Blame keeps wounds Nothing compares with a mother heart ever prescribed. open. Only forgiveness heals. who is present with them to comfort them and give them assurance. Elder Henry B. Eyring of the President James E. Faust, Second Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: New Counselor in the First Presidency: First, Elder M. Russell Ballard of the members . . . must choose for them- prayer is a humble acknowledgment Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: selves in faith to be baptized, trusting in their perfect friend, the Savior. . . . They must choose to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. . . . And that choice must be made not once, but every day, every hour, every minute. Even when the Holy Ghost comes and inspires them what they should do, doing it or not is a choice.

Elder Earl C. Tingey of the Presidency of the Seventy: A special peace that will surpass all understanding will come to you and your family as you pay a full tithing. . . . You will come to know that your Heavenly Father loves you.

Sister Gayle M. Clegg, Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency: It is a blessing to allow children to run as far as they can under their own power, to build strength for their own testimonies.

JULY 2002 115 INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES General Auxiliary Presidencies Teachings for SUNDAY SCHOOL Our Time, 2002

elchizedek Priesthood and Relief Society meetings on Mfourth Sundays are to be devoted to “Teachings for Our Time.” Each year the First Presidency determines 10 subjects with designated resource Elder John H. Groberg Elder Cecil O. Samuelson Jr. Elder Richard J. Maynes materials to be used in these meetings. First Counselor President Second Counselor Following are the subjects and desig- YOUNG MEN nated resources for 2002. Two additional subjects are to be selected by stake or district presidencies. Discussions in fourth-Sunday meetings should be based on one or perhaps two of the designated resources that best address the needs and circumstances of quorum or class members; teachers need not use all of the Elder Glenn L. Pace Elder F. Melvin Hammond Elder Spencer J. Condie resources. Leaders and instructors are First Counselor President Second Counselor encouraged to make these meetings discussions, not lectures or presenta- RELIEF SOCIETY tions. They should consider ways to stimulate quorum and class members to apply the principles of the discussion. Suggestions on preparing and conducting quorum or class discussions are found in Teaching, No Greater Call and the Teaching Guidebook. 1. Jesus of Nazareth, Savior and King Sister Kathleen H. Hughes Sister Bonnie D. Parkin Sister Anne C. Pingree Matt. 1:18–21; Acts 4:8–12; First Counselor President Second Counselor 3 Ne. 11:7–17. “Special Witnesses of Christ,” YOUNG WOMEN Liahona, Apr. 2001, 2–24 (optional video, Special Witnesses of Christ, item no. 53584). Russell M. Nelson, “Jesus the Christ: Our Master and More,” Liahona, Apr. 2000, 4–19. “Jesus Christ, Our Sure Foundation,” lesson 1 in The Latter- day Saint Woman, Part B. Sister Carol B. Thomas Sister Margaret D. Nadauld Sister Sharon G. Larsen First Counselor President Second Counselor 2. Becoming Truly Converted as Families and Individuals PRIMARY Luke 18:18–30; Mosiah 4:6–7; 5:2; Alma 5:14–35.

Teachings for Our Time, 2003 The list of subjects and designated resources for “Teachings for Our Time” in 2003 will appear in many Sister Sydney S. Reynolds Sister Coleen K. Menlove Sister Gayle M. Clegg languages on the Church’s Web First Counselor President Second Counselor site (www.lds.org) in July 2002.

LIAHONA 116 Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Miracle 5. Developing a Testimony of 8. Participating in Missionary of Faith,” Liahona, July 2001, 82–85. Gospel Truths Service as Families and Individuals L. Tom Perry, “Discipleship,” John 7:17; Alma 5:44–46; Mark 16:15; D&C 18:15–16; Liahona, Jan. 2001, 72–74. 32:27–28; Ether 12:6; Moro. 10:4–5; 34:4–6; 60:1–2; 88:81; 123:12. Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to D&C 6:20–23. M. Russell Ballard, “Members Are Become,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 40–43. James E. Faust, “A Growing the Key,” Liahona, Sept. 2000, 12–21. “Charity,” chapter 30 in Gospel Testimony,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 69–71. Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Witnesses Principles. Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Pure unto Me,’” Liahona, July 2001, 15–17. 3. Remaining Faithful to Our Testimony,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 27–30. “Missionary Work,” chapter 33 in Baptismal Covenant “A Testimony of the Gospel of Gospel Principles. Matt. 3:13–17; 2 Ne. 31:5–20; Jesus Christ,” lesson 26 in Duties and 9. Finding and Feeding the Lord’s Mosiah 18:7–10. Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A. Lost Sheep James E. Faust, “Born Again,” 6. Providing Children with an Luke 10:25–37; Eph. 2:19; Alma Liahona, July 2001, 68–71. Inheritance of Faith 31:34–35; D&C 18:15–16. Robert D. Hales, “The Covenant Prov. 22:6; Matt. 5:13–16; Titus Thomas S. Monson, “Your Eternal of Baptism: To Be in the Kingdom 2:1–8; 1 Ne. 1:1; D&C 68:25–28. Voyage,” Liahona, July 2000, 56–59. and of the Kingdom,” Liahona, Jan. Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Henry B. Eyring, “‘Watch with 2001, 6–9. Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Me,’” Liahona, July 2001, 44–47. “Baptism, a Continuing Liahona, Apr. 2001, 30–41. “Fellowshipping: A Priesthood Covenant,” lesson 29 in Duties and David B. Haight, “Be a Strong Responsibility,” lesson 10 in Duties Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A. Link,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 23–25. and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part B. 4. Finding Joy and Peace through “The Family Can Be Eternal,” 10. Receiving the Blessings the Atonement chapter 36 in Gospel Principles. of the Temple Isa. 1:16–20; 2 Ne. 9:18–21; Alma 7. Fortifying the Home and Family Ps. 24:3–5; D&C 109:12–23; 34:14–16; 38:8–9; D&C 18:10–13. against Evil 110:6–10. Boyd K. Packer, “‘The Touch of Isa. 52:11; John 15:1–4; Jacob Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy the Master’s Hand,’” Liahona, July 3:10–12; D&C 121:45. Te mple,” Tambuli, June 1992, 14–23. 2001, 25–28. Thomas S. Monson, Russell M. Nelson, “Personal Richard G. Scott, “The Path “Pornography—the Deadly Carrier,” Preparation for Temple Blessings,” to Peace and Joy,” Liahona, Jan. Liahona, Nov. 2001, 2–6. Liahona, July 2001, 37–40. 2001, 31–33. Neal A. Maxwell, “The Tugs and “Our Temple and Family History “Repentance,” chapter 19 in Pulls of the World,” Liahona, Jan. Responsibilities,” lesson 8 in Duties Gospel Principles. 2001, 43–46. and Blessings of the Priesthood, “Moral Cleanliness,” lesson 34 in Part B. Duties and Blessings of the Priesthood, Part A.

The Conference Center’s balcony level during a conference session.

JULY 2002 117 Lesson 30: An Aaronic Priesthood “I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, Resource Guide for Holder Cherishes Womanhood no. 134. Aaronic Priesthood Thomas S. Monson, “‘Behold Thy Lesson 36: Patriarchal Blessings Mother,’” Liahona, Apr. 1998, 2–7. James E. Faust, “Priesthood Manual 3 Russell M. Nelson, “Our Sacred Blessings,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 62–64. (Use to supplement, but not replace, Duty to Honor Women,” Liahona, July “How Can I Prepare to Receive lessons 26–49.) 1999, 45–48. My Patriarchal Blessing?” Liahona, “O My Father,” Hymns, no. 292. Aug. 2001, 22–24. lease teach the lessons in the Lesson 31: Choosing an Eternal “God Speaks to His Children Porder they are printed. Note: The Companion through Personal Revelation,” manual does not include a specific Gordon B. Hinckley, “Life’s Liahona, May 1999, 25. Christmas lesson. If you want to teach Obligations,” Liahona, May 1999, 2–7. Lesson 37: Fruits and Gifts a special Christmas lesson (22 De- Richard G. Scott, “Do What Is cember), consider using conference of the Spirit Right,” Liahona, Mar. 2001, 10–17. Thomas S. Monson, “‘The Spirit addresses, articles, and hymns that Alfonso Castro Vázquez, “‘I Want focus on the birth, Atonement, Giveth Life,’” Liahona, June 1997, 2–7. an Eternal Family,’” Liahona, Aug. John B. Dickson, “The Incompar- Resurrection, and life and mission of 2000, 26–28. the Savior. able Gifts,” Liahona, Oct. 1999, 18–24. Lesson 32: Preparing for “A God of Miracles,” Liahona, Nov. Lesson 26: Blessings of Chastity the Temple Endowment 1999, 8–11. “What Prophets Teach about James E. Faust, “‘Who Shall Ronal Navarro Gutiérrez, “Led by Chastity and Fidelity,” Liahona, Oct. Ascend into the Hill of the Lord?’” the Spirit,” Liahona, Nov. 1998, 8–9. 1999, 26–29. Liahona, Aug. 2001, 2–5. Jeffrey R. Holland, “Personal Lesson 38: The Pure Love of Christ Carlos E. Asay, “The Temple Thomas S. Monson, “Those Who Purity,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 89–92. Garment,” Liahona, Sept. 1999, 32–39. Robert Layton, “What about Love Jesus,” Liahona, Mar. 1999, 2–7. F. David Stanley, “The Most Todd Dunn, “‘Hi, José,’” Liahona, Abstinence?” Liahona, Nov. Important Step,” Liahona, Oct. 1999, 42–43. Feb. 2000, 43. 2001, 34–37. Linda A. Peterson, “My Kind of Te rrance D. Olson, “Truths of Moral Carol B. Thomas, “Preparing Our Purity,” Liahona, Oct. 1999, 30–39. Hero,” Liahona, Dec. 1999, 34–35. Families for the Temple,” Liahona, Jeanie McAllister, “‘Charity Never Lesson 27: The Body Is a Temple July 1999, 13–15. Faileth,’” Liahona, Feb. 1999, 26–31. Boyd K. Packer, “‘Ye Are the Lesson 33: Celestial Marriage—A Temple of God,’” Liahona, Jan. Lesson 39: Feasting on the Words Preparation for Eternity of Christ 2001, 85–88. Richard G. Scott, “Receive the Colleen Whitley, “‘I’m Not Robert D. Hales, “Healing Soul Temple Blessings,” Liahona, July and Body,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 16–19. Hurting Anybody,’” Liahona, Mar. 1999, 29–31. 2000, 40–42. Trisha Swanson Dayton, “Winning “Nurturing a Love That Lasts,” My War,” Liahona, Aug. 2001, 26–28. Lesson 28: Withstanding Liahona, May 2000, 25. George A. Horton Jr., “Likening Te mptation Larry E. Dahl, “The Higher Law,” the Scriptures unto Ourselves,” Boyd K. Packer, “The Spirit Liahona, Aug. 1999, 16–24. Liahona, Aug. 2000, 44–45. of Revelation,” Liahona, Jan. “Families Can Be Together “As I Search the Holy Scriptures,” 2000, 26–29. Forever,” Hymns, no. 300. Hymns, no. 277. Neal A. Maxwell, “The Tugs and Lesson 34: Obedience Lesson 40: Doing Missionary Work Pulls of the World,” Liahona, Jan. James E. Faust, “Obedience: 2001, 43–46. David B. Haight, “Your Mission— The Path to Freedom,” Liahona, A Spiritual Adventure,” Liahona, Oct. Darrin Lythgoe, “Standing Up to July 1999, 53–56. Temptation,” Liahona, Nov. 2001, 7. 2001, 12–16. Kenneth Johnson, “‘He Shall M. Russell Ballard, “Now Is the Brad Wilcox, “Dangerous Know of the Doctrine,’” Liahona, Question,” Liahona, May 2000, 32–35. Time,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 88–91. June 1999, 11–15. Barbara Jean Jones, “It’s Your Lesson 29: Sabbath Observance Denalee Chapman, “The Three Call,” Liahona, Oct. 2001, 20–23. James E. Faust, “The Lord’s Day,” Questions,” Liahona, Nov. 2000, 46–47. “Called to Serve,” Hymns, no. 249. Ensign, Nov. 1991, 33–35. “Keep the Commandments,” Lesson 41: Becoming More like Brian Lewis, “Primary Purpose,” Hymns, no. 303. Our Savior Liahona, Feb. 1999, 46–47. Lesson 35: Faith in the Lord D. Kelly Ogden, “Remember Dallin H. Oaks, “The Challenge to Jesus Christ Become,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 40–43. the Sabbath Day,” Liahona, May Gordon B. Hinckley, “Fear 1998, 16–23. Richard C. Edgley, “‘Behold the Not; Only Believe,” Liahona, Oct. Man,’” Liahona, Jan. 2000, 49–51. “Gently Raise the Sacred Strain,” 2000, 26–29. Hymns, no. 146. Yessika Delfin Salinas, “‘Pray “Faith in Jesus Christ,” Liahona, for Your Enemies,’” Liahona, Sept. Mar. 2002, 42–43. 2000, 8–10.

LIAHONA 118 “Lord, I Would Follow Thee,” Roger Terry, “‘The Least of Gordon Swensen, “Arm of Honor,” Hymns, no. 220. These,’” Liahona, Dec. 2000, 18–24. Liahona, Mar. 2001, 8–9. Lesson 42: Being Humble and “Because I Have Been Given Robert J. Matthews, “‘Thou Shalt Teachable Much,” Hymns, no. 219. Not Bear False Witness,’” Liahona, James E. Faust, “Finding the Lesson 45: Strengthening Nov. 1998, 14–21. Abundant Life,” Liahona, Nov. Testimonies by Bearing Them Richard D. Draper, “‘Thou 2000, 2–6. Gordon B. Hinckley, “My Shalt Not Steal,’” Liahona, Oct. Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Repent of Testimony,” Liahona, July 2000, 82–85. 1998, 26–31. [Our] Selfishness’ (D&C 56:8),” James E. Faust, “A Growing Lesson 48: Preparing to Serve Liahona, July 1999, 26–28. Testimony,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 69–71. through Education Sam and Christie Giles, “‘We Joseph B. Wirthlin, “Pure Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Don’t Want You Here,’” Liahona, Testimony,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 27–30. Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” June 1999, 38–40. “Testimony,” Hymns, no. 137. Liahona, Apr. 2001, 30–41. “Be Thou Humble,” Hymns, Lesson 46: Effective Home Anne Yelvington Lynch, “Wings,” no. 130. Teaching Liahona, Feb. 2000, 26–29. Lesson 43: Thoughts and Language Russell M. Nelson, “Shepherds, Darrin Lythgoe, “The Rewards of James E. Faust, “The Power of Self- Lambs, and Home Teachers,” Liahona, Learning,” Liahona, Nov. 1999, 48. Mastery,” Liahona, July 2000, 52–55. Apr. 1999, 42–48. Lesson 49: We Have Cree-L Kofford, “Your Name Is Malcolm W. Watson, “Home a Wonderful Legacy Safe in Our Home,” Liahona, July Teaching to the End,” Liahona, Sept. Jeffrey R. Holland, “As Doves 1999, 96–98. 2000, 43–44. to Our Windows,” Liahona, July H. David Burton, “Honoring the Kellene Ricks Adams, “Becoming 2000, 90–93. Priesthood,” Liahona, July 2000, 46–48. a Better Home Teacher or Visiting Stephen B. Oveson, “Our Legacy,” Lesson 44: Service to Others Teacher,” Liahona, Sept. 1998, 34–45. Liahona, Jan. 2000, 34–36. Gordon B. Hinckley, “‘Fear Not to Lesson 47: Honesty “Does It Really Matter If You Do Good,’” Liahona, Feb. 2000, 2–5. James E. Faust, “‘We Seek Are Related to Church Pioneers?” D. Todd Christofferson, “The After These Things,’” Ensign, Liahona, Mar. 1998, 30–32. Priesthood Quorum,” Liahona, Jan. May 1998, 43–46. “Carry On,” Hymns, no. 255. 1999, 47–49.

JULY 2002 119 Lesson 30: Scripture Study “Families Can Be Together Resource Guide L. Tom Perry, “Let the Word Forever,” Hymns, no. 300. for Young Women Fill Your Hearts,” Liahona, Nov. Lesson 36: Marriage Standards 1996, F2–3. “What Prophets Teach about Manual 3 Trisha Swanson Dayton, “Winning Chastity and Fidelity,” Liahona, Oct. (Use to supplement, but not replace, My War,” Liahona, Aug. 2001, 26–28. 1999, 26–29. lessons 26–47.) “‘Ye May Know the Truth,’” Jeffrey R. Holland, “Personal Liahona, Oct. 2000, 22–24. Purity,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 89–92. lease teach the lessons in the George A. Horton Jr., “Likening Lola B. Walters, “The Grapefruit Porder they are printed. Note: The the Scriptures unto Ourselves,” Syndrome,” Liahona, Sept. 1999, 24. manual does not include a specific Liahona, Aug. 2000, 44–45. “Celestial Marriage,” Liahona, Christmas lesson. If you want to teach Lesson 31: Service in the Church Oct. 1998, 25. a special Christmas lesson (22 De- Thomas S. Monson, “How Do cember), consider using conference Lesson 37: The Word of God as We Show Our Love?” Liahona, Feb. a Standard addresses, articles, and hymns that 1998, 2–7. focus on the birth, Atonement, Richard G. Scott, “Serious M. Russell Ballard, “Anchored by Questions, Serious Answers,” Resurrection, and life and mission of Faith and Commitment,” Liahona, the Savior. F=The Friend. Liahona, Sept. 1997, 28–32. Aug. 2001, 30–40. Larry E. Dahl, “The Higher Law,” Lesson 26: Repentance Peter B. Gardner, “Behind the Liahona, Aug. 1999, 16–24. Richard G. Scott, “The Path Scenes,” Liahona, Feb. 2000, 22–23. Zoltán Soltra, “Which Is the to Peace and Joy,” Liahona, Jan. “Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel,” Heavier Load?” Liahona, Apr. 2001, 31–33. Hymns, no. 252. 1999, 29. Henry B. Eyring, “Do Not Delay,” Lesson 32: Service in the “Study My Word,” Liahona, Mar. Liahona, Jan. 2000, 38–41. Community 1998, 25. “Finding Inner Peace,” Liahona, Thomas S. Monson, “‘An Lesson 38: Good Health Habits June 2000, 32–33. Example of the Believers,’” Ensign, “Come unto Jesus,” Hymns, no. 117. Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Nov. 1992, 97–99. Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Lesson 27: Forgiving Ourselves Roger Terry, “‘The Least of Liahona, Apr. 2001, 30–41. Gordon B. Hinckley, “How Can These,’” Liahona, Dec. 2000, 18–24. Neal A. Maxwell, “Wisdom and I Become the Woman of Whom I “‘In the Service of Your Fellow Order,” Liahona, Dec. 2001, 18–23. Dream?” Liahona, July 2001, 112–15. Beings,’” Liahona, Aug. 1998, 14–15. Jennifer Parry, “Fitting In,” “How Do I Know If I Have “Because I Have Been Given Liahona, Mar. 2000, 11–12. Been Forgiven?” Liahona, Nov. Much,” Hymns, no. 219. Colleen Whitley, “‘I’m Not 1999, 26–28. Lesson 33: Each Person Is Divine Hurting Anybody,’” Liahona, Patricia H. Morrell, “Will You and Eternal Mar. 2000, 40–42. Forgive Me?” Liahona, Sept. 1998, 7. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Light Lesson 39: Recognizing Our Roderick J. Linton, “The Forgiving within You,” Ensign, May 1995, 99. Heart,” Liahona, June 1998, 28–33. Individual Worth Ronald A. Rasband, “One by Russell M. Nelson, “We Are Lesson 28: Consecration One,” Liahona, Jan. 2001, 36–37. Children of God,” Liahona, Jan. and Sacrifice “‘Remember Who You Are,’” 1999, 101–4. James E. Faust, “The Price of Liahona, June 2001, 46–47. Sam and Christie Giles, “‘We Discipleship,” Liahona, Apr. 1999, 2–6. “To Overcome the World,” Don’t Want You Here,’” Liahona, M. Russell Ballard, “The Law of Liahona, Sept. 2000, 26–27. June 1999, 38–40. Sacrifice,” Liahona, Mar. 2002, 10–20. Lesson 34: Avoiding Dishonesty Jack Weyland, “The Good List,” Donald L. Enders, “Faithful First James E. Faust, “Honesty—a Liahona, Mar. 1999, 40–45. Believers,” Liahona, Feb. 2001, 38–45. Moral Compass,” Ensign, Nov. “Triumph,” Liahona, Aug. Laury Livsey, “I Will Go and Do,” 1996, 41–44. 1998, 40–41. Liahona, Feb. 1998, 8–11. Robert J. Matthews, “‘Thou Shalt Lesson 40: Loving Ourselves Lesson 29: A Change of Heart Not Bear False Witness,’” Liahona, and Others James E. Faust, “Born Again,” Nov. 1998, 14–21. James E. Faust, “‘Them That Liahona, July 2001, 68–71. Richard D. Draper, “‘Thou Honour Me I Will Honour,’” Liahona, Spencer J. Condie, “A Disposition Shalt Not Steal,’” Liahona, Oct. July 2001, 53–56. to Do Good Continually,” Liahona, 1998, 26–31. Stephen A. West, “‘Out of Small June 2001, 14–21. Lesson 35: Dating Decisions Things,’” Liahona, July 1999, 32–34. Robert L. Millet, “Putting Off Richard G. Scott, “Do What Is Anne Billings, “Popular,” Liahona, the Natural Man,” Liahona, Aug. Right,” Liahona, Mar. 2001, 10–17. Feb. 1999, 24. 2000, 6–10. Ta mara Leatham Bailey, “The “Love One Another,” Hymns, Juan Antonio Flores, “Turning Temple-Going Type,” Liahona, May no. 308. My Life Around,” Liahona, May 1999, 46–48. 1998, 40–41.

LIAHONA 120 Lesson 41: Being Dependable Linda A. Peterson, “My Kind of Lesson 46: Money Management Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Hero,” Liahona, Dec. 1999, 34–35. Gordon B. Hinckley, “To the Boys Quest for Excellence,” Liahona, Jeanette Waite Bennett, “I Just and to the Men,” Liahona, Jan. Sept. 1999, 2–8. Don’t Fit In!” Liahona, June 1999, 41. 1999, 63–66. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Don’t Drop Lesson 44: Avoiding Crisis Living Marvin J. Ashton, “Guide to Family the Ball,” Liahona, Sept. 1998, F2–3. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Your Finance,” Liahona, Apr. 2000, 42–47. Denalee Chapman, “The Three Greatest Challenge, Mother,” Joe J. Christensen, “Greed, Questions,” Liahona, Nov. 2000, 46–47. Liahona, Jan. 2001, 113–16. Selfishness, and Overindulgence,” Lesson 42: Preparing for Change Jeffrey R. Holland, “‘Cast Not Liahona, July 1999, 9–12. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Fear Not; Away Therefore Your Confidence,’” “Living within Our Means,” Only Believe,” Liahona, Oct. Liahona, June 2000, 34–42. Liahona, May 2001, 25. 2000, 26–29. Paula J. Lewis, “Five Ways to Reduce Lesson 47: Messages of Latter-day Lance B. Wickman, “The Future Stress,” Liahona, Sept. 2000, 24. Prophets You,” Liahona, Nov. 2000, 22–24. “Sweet Is the Peace the Gospel M. Russell Ballard, “‘His Word Anja Müller, “Preparing for Life’s Brings,” Hymns, no. 14. Ye Shall Receive,’” Liahona, July Storms,” Liahona, Mar. 2000, 12–13. Lesson 45: Choosing a Vocation 2001, 79–82. Lesson 43: Associations with Others Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Prophet’s Dennis B. Neuenschwander, “Living Thomas S. Monson, “The Counsel and Prayer for Youth,” Prophets, Seers, and Revelators,” Lighthouse of the Lord: A Message to Liahona, Apr. 2001, 30–41. Liahona, Jan. 2001, 49–51. the Youth of the Church,” Liahona, Gordon B. Hinckley, “Life’s Neil L. Andersen, “Prophets and May 2001, 2–7. Obligations,” Liahona, May 1999, 2–7. Spiritual Mole Crickets,” Liahona, Yessika Delfin Salinas, “‘Pray for Jan. 2000, 18–20. Your Enemies,’” Liahona, Sept. “Oh, Holy Words of Truth and 2000, 8–10. Love,” Hymns, no. 271.

JULY 2002 121 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

Elder Gerald N. Lund Of the Seventy

od cheats no one and no one Church members raise their hands to sustain new leaders during Saturday cheats God,’ my father always afternoon’s conference session. Gused to say. He also often told us, ‘God is a rich paymaster,’” says Elder Gerald N. Lund, a newly called mem- General and Area Authorities, ber of the Seventy. “We were raised on this philoso- Relief Society General Presidency phy,” he continues, “and it still de- Called fines the way I feel about service. The more I try to thank God, the more He seems to bless me, which in ewly called General Author- In his opening remarks during turn puts me deeper in His debt.” ities, Area Authority Seventies, Saturday morning’s session, Presi- When Gerald Lund returned from Nand members of the Relief Society dent Gordon B. Hinckley spoke his missionary service, he had deter- general presidency were sustained on of the continued growth of the mined that he would rather work 6 April during the 172nd Annual Church. He referred to the positive than go to college. General Conference. impressions of the Church received “I went to work in the construction Elder Gerald N. Lund and Elder by hundreds of thousands of visi- business,” he explains. “After spending William R. Walker were called to tors, government leaders, and media one week cleaning cement forms with serve in the Second Quorum of the when they visited Salt Lake City for a power brush, I realized this was not Seventy. Bonnie D. Parkin was the Winter Olympic Games. He also how I wanted to spend my life.” called as general president of the spoke of the success of the grow- He promptly enrolled in Brigham Relief Society, with Kathleen H. ing Perpetual Education Fund an- Young University, where he com- Hughes as first counselor and Anne nounced last April, which is now pleted his bachelor’s and master’s C. Pingree as second counselor. helping some 2,400 young Latter- degrees. His decision to go to college Thirty new Area Authority Sev- day Saints in developing nations to not only changed his life but also enties were also called—13 from the gain an education. resulted in many years of teaching United States, two from Brazil, two During the priesthood session, the gospel. from Japan, and one each from President Hinckley also spoke out Gerald Lund started teaching semi- Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Chile, strongly against abuse of spouses, nary in Salt Lake City in 1965, begin- Ecuador, England, Ghana, Hong the elderly, and children. “It is some- ning a 34-year career with the Church Kong, Korea, New Zealand, Paraguay, thing that cannot be countenanced Educational System. In addition to Peru, and Uruguay. or tolerated,” he said. his early years teaching seminary, he

LIAHONA 122 taught institute, served as an institute hanging on the wall, was a picture director, worked as a curriculum of the First Presidency. “I can still writer, and fulfilled a number of remember that image. It had a pro- administrative assignments. He is also found influence on me during those the author of many popular books early years. I grew up loving the and articles. leaders of the Church,” he says. Elder Lund was born in Fountain Elder William R. Walker was Green, Sanpete County, Utah, to born on 25 May 1944 to J. Harris Jewell and Evelyn Lund on 12 Sep- and Beth Russell Walker. After com- tember 1939. The family moved to pleting a full-time mission to Japan, Salt Lake City when he was a year old he attended Brigham Young Uni- and later to Murray, Utah, where he versity, where he met his wife, Vicki spent most of his growing-up years. Van Wagenen. They were married In 1963 he married Retta Lynn in the Salt Lake Temple on 10 June Stanard, from Great Falls, Montana. 1968 and are the parents of five They have 7 children and 17 grandchildren. children. Sister Lund is an accom- Elder William R. Following his graduation, the plished musician and has published Walker Walker family moved to Vancouver, many of her arrangements. British Columbia, Canada, where Elder Lund has served as branch Of the Seventy he began his career in the invest- president, bishop, and bishop’s coun- ment business as a stockbroker. The selor. At the time of his call to the s a young boy in the small Walkers lived in Salt Lake City; Second Quorum of the Seventy, Latter-day Saint community of Concord, California; Dunwoody, Elder Lund was serving as president ARaymond, Alberta, Canada, William Georgia; and Kenilworth, Illinois, of the Brigham Young University Walker often visited the nearby before returning to Utah in 1988. 14th Stake. home of his grandparents. There, He was president of a subsidiary of American Express and later held Conference goers stroll past the Tabernacle on Temple Square. executive positions at two of the world’s largest banks, Citibank and Barclays Bank. Elder Walker loves to tend the flowers and fruit trees in his yard. He and his wife have also had many opportunities to cultivate in the gardens of the Lord. They were called to preside over the Japan To k yo South Mission in 1990, and he was serving as president of the Sandy Utah Cottonwood Creek Stake at the time of his call to the Second Quorum of the Seventy. He has been a bishop twice, a high councilor, and a regional welfare agent. “A big part of my life was my mission as a young man,” Elder Walker says. “President Hinckley visited Japan three times while I was there. On one of those visits to the mission home, he told my companion and me to prepare to be bishops and stake presidents. This really surprised us. But I have been blessed to see the fulfillment of that wonderful encouragement from a prophet of God.”

JULY 2002 123 Herriman, Utah, in the southwest Sister Parkin served on the Relief part of the Salt Lake Valley, which Society general board from 1990 had been settled by her father’s until 1994, when she was called grandfather at the direction of as second counselor in the Young President Brigham Young. Her Women general presidency. Then, mother’s parents were Swiss con- in 1997, her husband was called verts who settled near Idaho Falls, to serve for three years as president Idaho. of the England London South In 1962 Sister Parkin graduated Mission. with a bachelor’s degree from Utah “The blessing of serving a mission State University and soon after began with my husband greatly strength- teaching third grade in Bountiful, ened me,” she says. “We loved the Utah. In February 1963 she met British Saints, as well as our elders James L. Parkin, who was in his first and sister missionaries, and learned year of medical school at the Uni- so much from them.” versity of Utah. They were married on Eager to encourage young women 1 July 1963 in the Salt Lake Temple. to discover the joys of Relief Society Now the parents of 4 and grand- and for Relief Society sisters to reach Bonnie D. Parkin parents of 14, the Parkins enjoy out to young women, Sister Parkin Relief Society General President family vacations at Lake Powell and says, “For all sisters, Relief Society is skiing in the mountains. Sister Parkin a place that can help us come unto o many of the things that are also loves gardening, tennis, and Christ.” good in my life happened early-morning walks. Sbecause of Relief Society,” says “As I look at my life, every cal- Bonnie D. Parkin. “I believe in the ling has strengthened me,” she says. goodness of women to look out for “Being called to serve as Relief each other in ways that cheer each Society president when I was one of other on.” the youngest mothers in my ward Born on 4 August 1940 to Jesse H. was a challenge, but sweet peace and Ruth Butikofer Dansie, Sister came as the women of the ward Parkin is the third in a family of accepted me. That calling blessed my five children. She was reared in life and helped me grow.”

A combined choir from the Logan and Ogden, Utah, institutes performs during the Saturday afternoon conference session.

Kathleen H. Hughes First Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency

eavenly Father has endowed women with so many wonder- Hful gifts and abilities and qualities,” says Kathleen H. Hughes, newly called first counselor in the Relief Society general presidency. “With His help, and with help from each other, we can’t fail.” Sister Hughes says that the words of the scriptures, together with her knowledge that she is a daughter of

LIAHONA 124 God, have anchored her and helped earned a master’s degree in special about their leadership responsibility, her find peace, even during the dif- education at Central Missouri State the other women there would clap ficult periods of her life. Once, for University in 1974. She taught school for them, they were so happy,” says example, while she was struggling for many years and has been work- Sister Pingree. “It opened up a with what may have been post- ing as an administrator in the whole new world.” partum depression, she and her hus- Provo (Utah) School District since With a bachelor’s degree in band visited Liberty Jail in Missouri. 1985. English from the University of Utah, They reviewed the Prophet Joseph Most recently Sister Hughes has Sister Pingree has been a literacy Smith’s experience there and read served as the ward Young Women volunteer for Spanish-speaking ele- the revelation he received, which president. She has also had callings mentary school children through is recorded in Doctrine and Cove- in the Relief Society, Primary, and the “I Can Read Program” and an nants 121. Sister Hughes realized Sunday School and has served on English tutor for Laotian immigrants that just as the Lord had sustained the Young Women general board. through Literacy Volunteers of Joseph Smith, He would help her “The purpose of Relief Society is America. endure her own trials. “It was one to help the sisters and their families, “I think the Lord gives you ex- of those times you remember—a with the help of the priesthood, come periences in your life that prepare defining moment when I sensed to Christ,” she says. “I feel such peace you for things that are coming in the presence of the Lord in my life about this calling and know it will the future,” says Sister Pingree, who and realized what the scriptures be a wonderful opportunity to credits her literacy experiences with can do to bring comfort and peace,” work with these great women in the helping to prepare her for her new she says. presidency.” calling. As second counselor in the Kathleen Hughes was born on Relief Society general presidency, 19 October 1944 in Tooele, Utah, to she hopes to continue to promote William Daly and Emma Johanson literacy as an ongoing emphasis of Hurst. She married writer Dean T. the Relief Society. Hughes on 23 November 1966 Sister Pingree adds that working in the Salt Lake Temple; they with people from other countries now have three children and five has also prepared her in additional grandchildren. ways. “My perspective, my insight, Sister Hughes earned a bachelor’s and my understanding of worldwide degree in English education at Weber women have increased. They taught State College in 1966, and she me more about faith and testimony than I ever taught them,” she says. Inside the Conference Center. Prior service as a Relief Society general board member, a stake and ward Relief Society president, a counselor in the stake Young Women presidency, and a ward Primary president have also given Sister Anne C. Pingree Pingree a great love and appreciation for the women of the Church. Second Counselor, Relief Society General Presidency “I hope to reach every woman and help her feel she is important in the nne C. Pingree loves to read. Lord’s eyes. Prophets have told us But even more, she loves to that we, as covenant women, have Ahelp others learn to read. a significant contribution to make While serving with her husband, in building the kingdom in these George C. Pingree, as he presided latter-days. Our righteous influence over the Nigeria Port Harcourt can make a difference in this world,” Mission, Sister Pingree focused some she says. of her efforts on promoting literacy, Sister Pingree was born in Salt especially among auxiliary leaders. Lake City on 11 June 1941 to Ezra T. “I’ll never forget how joyful the sis- and Maude Erickson Clark. She and ters were when they learned to read. her husband were married in the Salt When they stood up in training Lake Temple in 1963. They have five meetings and read simple sentences children and four grandchildren.

JULY 2002 125 this nation. The Manila Philippines Temple was dedicated in 1984. Today Chile has more than 520,000 Latter-day Saints. When the Santiago Chile Temple was dedicated in 1983, the country had some 140,000 members. In 1988 Chile became the fourth nation in the world to reach 50 stakes. Between 1983 and 1993, the number of Chilean members and stakes dou- bled, making Chile the country with the fastest-growing Church membership in South America. Continued growth, including the creation of 26 new stakes between 1994 and 1996, led to the creation of the Chile Area in 1996.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks Elder Jeffrey R. Holland April Conference Elder Oaks and Elder Holland to Serve Available on DVD among Local Saints pril general conference is now available in 16 languages on a Asingle DVD. With just a click, mem- eginning in August, Elder Dallin in developing areas: rapid growth. bers can watch conference and hear H. Oaks and Elder Jeffrey R. “Growth has been our greatest it in Cantonese, Cebuano, English, BHolland of the Quorum of the problem,” said President Gordon B. French, German, Italian, Japanese, Twelve Apostles will serve in assign- Hinckley in an interview with the Korean, Mandarin, Portuguese, Rus- ments outside the United States Deseret News. “And a wonderful sian, Samoan, Spanish, Tagalog, for a period of one year. Elder Oaks problem it is.” Tahitian, or Tongan. will serve as Area President in the In their new assignments, Elder Because this DVD is compatible Philippines, and Elder Holland will Oaks and Elder Holland will assist in with NTSC, PAL, and SECAM for- serve as Area President in Chile. training new Church leadership and mats, it can be watched using DVD The appointments mark the first in helping new members assimilate players and television sets through- time in decades that a member of into the Church and attend the tem- out the world. The DVD set (item the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles ple. The new assignments will also no. 22057090; U.S. $14.25) became has lived and presided outside the enable members of the Quorum of available from Church distribution United States. Elder Ezra Taft Benson the Twelve Apostles to gain addi- centers in June. (1899–1994) and Elder Mark E. tional experience in meeting such Petersen (1900–84) presided as needs. Apostles over the European and West Chile and the Philippines have European Missions respectively. experienced rapid Church growth in Elder David O. McKay (1873–1970) recent years. In the Philippines, also served as a mission president Church membership has grown to while a member of the Quorum of nearly half a million, with much of the Twelve Apostles, presiding over the growth occurring in the past the British Mission in the early decade. Membership in the Philip- 1920s. pines in 1984 was 76,000, in 1990 it The appointment of Elder Oaks was 237,000, and today it is approxi- and Elder Holland as Area Presi- mately 496,000. More than 1,200 dents is aimed at meeting a chal- congregations, organized in 80 lenge the Church has faced for years stakes and 13 missions, now exist in

LIAHONA 126 persevere by speaking of the possibility of a temple in their midst. Later prophetic statements were attributed to Church Presidents John Taylor (1808–87) and Joseph F. Smith (1838–1918). Faithful Saints clung to these promises, passing them from generation to generation. “The history and legends of Snow- flake are rife with these stories,” said temple president Leon T. Ballard, a native of Snowflake. “I have been raised on those things. That’s why I consider this a prophetic temple.” “This temple is the answer to

CHURCH NEWS prophecies that were made,” said Dean Porter, Snowflake Arizona Temple committee coordinator. “It is a tribute not so much to us, but to our pioneer forebears, who were asked to leave their homes in Utah and eke out a living here.” More than 11,000 members attended the temple’s dedication.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SCOTT P. ADAIR, COURTESY OF COURTESY ADAIR, P. SCOTT BY PHOTOGRAPH Although only 9,000 people reside Perched on a hill, the Snowflake Arizona Temple is the Church’s 108th in the Snowflake area, more than operating temple. It stands as the fulfillment of prophecy and a tribute 94,000 attended the open house on to faithful pioneers. 2–16 February. President Ballard said that many thousands of visitors came because of ancestral ties to the President Hinckley Dedicates area. “And in their enthusiasm, they brought their friends,” he said. This Snowflake Arizona Temple enthusiasm for the new temple has not decreased since its dedication. “We offer 24 sessions a week, and resident Gordon B. Hinckley dedi- Elder Dale E. Miller of the Seventy, nearly every one of them has been cated the Snowflake temple— Second Counselor in the North completely full,” commented Presi- PArizona’s second and the Church’s America Southwest Area Presidency. dent Ballard. 108th—in four sessions on 3 March. The new temple will serve Church “We are thankful for those who members in northeastern Arizona laid the foundations of this and and a small portion of western New other nearby communities,” said Mexico. The temple district also President Hinckley in his dedicatory includes members who live on Paralympics prayer, referring to early Latter-day Apache, Hopi, Navajo, and Zuni Round Out Saint settlers who came to the Native American reservations. Many Snowflake area in 1878 as requested Native American designs and fur- Salt Lake’s by President Brigham Young. “They nishings have been included in the Winter Games struggled so desperately for so long temple interior, items such as hand- against adversities of many kinds. crafted rugs, baskets, and pottery. Now their posterity enjoy the sweet Snowflake and the adjoining town he spirit of athletic competition fruits of their efforts, and crowning of Taylor were settled in 1878 as part continued as Salt Lake City all is this magnificent and beautiful of the colonization effort begun by Thosted the 2002 Paralympic Winter temple.” President Brigham Young. In 1880, Games on 8–16 March. More than Accompanying President Hinckley Elder Wilford Woodruff, then of the 4,000 volunteers and thousands were Elder Neal A. Maxwell of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, of spectators cheered the efforts of Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and encouraged the struggling Saints to disabled athletes from around the

JULY 2002 127 world as they competed in downhill skiing, hockey, and cross-country skiing.

PASSING THE FLAME On 7 March, the First Presidency and members of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles stood in front of the Church Administration Building to pass the Paralympic flame. Stand- ing on the steps, the First Presi- dency welcomed the flame from torchbearer Carrie Snoddy of Park City, Utah. She handed her torch to President James E. Faust, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, CHURCH NEWS who handed it to President Thomas S. Monson, First Counselor in the First Presidency, who then passed it to President Gordon B. Hinckley. President Hinckley raised the torch for spectators to see. “Wel- come, welcome, to the Paralympics, to these great athletes who have excelled!” he said. “Go forward! Win

the race! Claim the pennant! Be OF COURTESY ALLRED, JEFFREY D. BY PHOTOGRAPH happy, be happy. We’re all with you. President Gordon B. Hinckley welcomes Paralympics torchbearer Carrie We’re all rooting for you. We want Snoddy with a kiss. President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Frances, you to succeed, and we hope that look on. this will be a great and marvelous and wonderful occasion for everyone “I’ve worked so hard just to get to as a member of their Winter Olym- who participates. Let everyone be a this point,” she said. “It feels so good pics bobsled team. Brother Wheeler winner. Hurray!” to finally be here, to finally get the took up bobsledding during college President Hinckley then passed adrenaline going, to get out there and became acquainted with mem- the torch to Margaret Stocks of the and go for it.” bers of the Virgin Islands team while Brigham City Second Ward, Brigham Keith Barney of the Alpine 11th working in St. Thomas in mid-2000. City Utah Box Elder Stake, who car- Ward, Alpine Utah Stake, competed He joined the team when an un- ried it on its way. in the five-kilometer cross-country expected opening developed. race and in the sit-ski division of the PARTICIPATING ATHLETES men’s biathlon. He is also a cyclist Lacey Heward, a Church member Among the 1,000 athletes from with the U.S. Paralympic team. from Highland, Utah, won bronze 36 countries who competed in the Brother Barney lost the use of his medals in the mono-ski division of Salt Lake 2002 Paralympic Winter legs in an accident when he was 14 the Paralympics. Games were two Latter-day Saints. years old. Today he works in the Lacey Heward, a 22-year-old mem- rehabilitation center at the Uni- ber of the Mount Mahogany Ward, versity of Utah Medical Center. He Highland Utah East Stake, skied teaches the newly disabled how to CHURCH NEWS past personal fears and most of her live rich, productive lives. competitors on 11 and 14 March, winning two bronze medals in the WINTER OLYMPICS UPDATE women’s mono-ski division. In addition to the Olympic ath- Sister Heward was only 18 letes featured in the June 2002 months old when an accident left Liahona, Quinn Wheeler, age 28, a her disabled. But a physical disability member of the Taylorsville 39th has not slowed her self-proclaimed Ward, Taylorsville Utah South Stake,

drive “to be the best that I can be.” represented the U.S. Virgin Islands OF CALL, COURTESY RAVELL BY PHOTOGRAPH

LIAHONA 128 Remembrance Day, September 14, 2001, by Anne Marie Oborn After the terrorist attacks on Tuesday, September 11, 2001, United States President George W. Bush declared Friday, September 14, a day of remembrance. All were encouraged to light a candle in memory of the victims of the attacks. This painting shows the artist and her daughter observing this day of remembrance. ENGLISH

4 02229 87000 4 G wonderful people. It portends marvelous thingsyettocome.” wonderful people.Itportendsmarvelous come toview. Itfindsexpression inthelivesofahappyand has [the Church’s]pasthasunrolled,abeautifulpattern Hinckley inopeninggeneralconference. “As of thetapestry the yearsandlookaboutus,”saidPresident Gordon B. come somethingglorious.Today westand on thesummitof has crucible have beentheirlabors.Butoutofallthisfiery have beentheirsacrifices.Immensebeyondbelief have enduredkindofsuffering.Indescribable every r eat has been the history ofthiswork.Ourpeople eat hasbeenthehistory ANNUAL GENERALCONFERENCE REPORT OFTHE172ND 6–7 APRIL2002