THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS • MAY 2012

General Conference Addresses New Seventies, Presiding Bishopric, and Relief Society Liahona General Presidency Called © ELSPETH YOUNG, MAY NOT BE COPIED © ELSPETH YOUNG, MAY As It Began to Dawn, by Elspeth Young “When the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene [depicted above], and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him. “And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came unto the sepulchre at the rising of the sun” (Mark 16:1–2). Contents May 2012 Volume 36 • Number 5

2 Summary for the 182nd Annual 58 The Why of Priesthood Service GENERAL YOUNG WOMEN MEETING General Conference President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 117 Arise and Shine Forth 62 Families under Covenant Ann M. Dibb SATURDAY MORNING SESSION President Henry B. Eyring 120 Seek Learning: You Have a Work 4 As We Gather Once Again 66 Willing and Worthy to Serve to Do President Thomas S. Monson President Thomas S. Monson Mary N. Cook 6 And a Little Child Shall Lead Them 123 Now Is the Time to Arise and Shine! President Boyd K. Packer SUNDAY MORNING SESSION Elaine S. Dalton 10 Teaching Our Children to 70 The Merciful Obtain Mercy 126 Believe, Obey, and Endure Understand President Dieter F. Uchtdorf President Thomas S. Monson Cheryl A. Esplin 77 Thanks Be to God 13 Converted to His Gospel through Elder Russell M. Nelson 72 General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints His Church 80 Special Lessons Elder Donald L. Hallstrom Elder Ronald A. Rasband 130 They Spoke to Us: Making Conference Part of Our Lives 16 He Truly Loves Us 83 The Vision of Prophets regarding Elder Paul E. Koelliker Relief Society: Faith, Family, Relief 132 Conference Story Index 19 Sacrifice Julie B. Beck 133 Teachings for Our Time Elder Dallin H. Oaks 86 The Doctrine of Christ 133 General Auxiliary Presidencies 23 Mountains to Climb Elder D. Todd Christofferson 134 News of the Church President Henry B. Eyring 90 The Race of Life President Thomas S. Monson SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION 27 The Sustaining of Church Officers SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 94 The Power of Deliverance 29 Church Auditing Department Report, Elder L. Tom Perry 2011 97 That the Lost May Be Found Robert W. Cantwell Elder M. Russell Ballard 30 Statistical Report, 2011 101 Having the Vision to Do Brook P. Hales Elder O. Vincent Haleck 31 The Laborers in the Vineyard 103 Only upon the Principles Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of Righteousness 34 Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, Elder Larry Y. Wilson the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service 106 Was It Worth It? Elder Robert D. Hales Elder David F. Evans 37 Faith, Fortitude, Fulfillment: 109 To Hold Sacred A Message to Single Parents Elder Paul B. Pieper Elder David S. Baxter 111 What Thinks Christ of Me? 39 Abide in the Lord’s Territory! Elder Neil L. Andersen Elder Ulisses Soares 115 As We Close This Conference 41 In Tune with the Music of Faith President Thomas S. Monson Elder Quentin L. Cook 45 How to Obtain Revelation and Inspiration for Your Personal Life Elder Richard G. Scott You will find quick-response (QR) codes on some talks throughout PRIESTHOOD SESSION this issue. Using a camera- 48 The Powers of Heaven enabled smartphone or tablet Elder David A. Bednar and a QR-code-reader app, you can scan these codes to 52 The Rescue for Real Growth link directly to the online videos Bishop Richard C. Edgley of the talks the codes accom- 55 Aaronic Priesthood: Arise and pany. For videos of these and Use the Power of God other talks, you can also log on Adrián Ochoa to conference.lds.org. 1 CONFERENCE TALKS AVAILABLE Summary for the 182nd Annual To access general conference talks in many languages, visit conference​.lds​.org. Then General Conference select a language. Generally within two months following conference, audio record- ings are available at distribution centers. SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH 31, 2012, SUNDAY MORNING, APRIL 1, 2012, HOME AND VISITING TEACHING MESSAGES GENERAL SESSION GENERAL SESSION For home and visiting teaching messages, Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. please select an address that best meets the Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. needs of those you visit. Invocation: Elder John B. Dickson. Invocation: Elder Brent H. Nielson. Benediction: Elder Wilford W. Andersen. Benediction: Elder Per G. Malm. ON THE COVER Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Wilberg, Front: Photograph by Derek Israelsen. Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, directors; Andrew director; Clay Christiansen and Richard Back: Photograph by Cody Bell. Unsworth and Clay Christiansen, organists: Elliott, organists: “Come, Ye Children of the “High on the Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5; Lord,” Hymns, no. 58; “Praise to the Lord, CONFERENCE PHOTOGRAPHY “Praise the Lord with Heart and Voice,” the Almighty,” Hymns, no. 72, arr. Wilberg, Scenes of general conference in Salt Hymns, no. 73; “You Can Make the Pathway pub. Oxford; “Teach Me to Walk in the Light,” Lake City were taken by Craig Dimond, Bright,” Hymns, no. 228, arr. Wilberg, unpub- Hymns, no. 304, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; Welden C. Andersen, John Luke, Matthew lished; “How Firm a Foundation,” Hymns, “Rejoice, the Lord Is King!” Hymns, no. 66; Reier, Christina Smith, Cody Bell, Les no. 85; “Love Is Spoken Here,” Children’s “Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words,” Hymns, Nilsson, Weston Colton, Sarah Jensen, Derek Songbook, 190–91, arr. Cardon, unpublished; no. 232, arr. Wilberg, unpublished; “Come, Israelsen, Scott Davis, Kristy Jordan, and “Redeemer of Israel,” Hymns, no. 6, arr. Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” Hymns (1948), Randy Collier; in Albania by Rebekah Atkin; Wilberg, pub. Hinshaw. no. 70, arr. Wilberg, pub. Oxford. in Argentina by Mariano Gabriel Castillo; in Brazil by Laureni Fochetto and Sandra SATURDAY AFTERNOON, MARCH 31, 2012, SUNDAY AFTERNOON, APRIL 1, 2012, Rozados; in England by John Krebs; in GENERAL SESSION GENERAL SESSION France by Sebastien Mongas; in Guam by Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Susan Anderson; in Guatemala by Jordan Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. Conducting: President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. Francis; in Idaho, USA, by Luke Phillips; in Invocation: Elder William R. Walker. Invocation: Elder W. Craig Zwick. India by Margaret Elliott; in Minnesota, USA, Benediction: Elder Bruce A. Carlson. Benediction: Elder Jairo Mazzagardi. by Rhonda Harris; and in Russia by Andrey Music by a combined choir from the Music by the Tabernacle Choir; Mack Semenov. Provo Missionary Training Center; Douglas Wilberg and Ryan Murphy, directors; Linda Brenchley and Ryan Eggett, directors; Margetts and Bonnie Goodliffe, organists: Bonnie Goodliffe, organist: “Glory to God “On This Day of Joy and Gladness,” Hymns, on High,” Hymns, no. 67, arr. Manookin, no. 64, arr. Murphy, unpublished; “Come pub. Jackman; “Lead, Kindly Light,” Hymns, unto Jesus,” Hymns, no. 117, arr. Murphy, no. 97, arr. Wilberg, pub. Jackman; “Called unpublished; “Hope of Israel,” Hymns, to Serve,” Hymns, no. 249; “Praise to the no. 259; “I Need Thee Every Hour,” Hymns, Man,” Hymns, no. 27, arr. Wilberg, pub. no. 98, arr. Wilberg, unpublished. Jackman. SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 24, 2012, SATURDAY EVENING, MARCH 31, 2012, GENERAL YOUNG WOMEN MEETING PRIESTHOOD SESSION Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Presiding: President Thomas S. Monson. Conducting: Elaine S. Dalton. Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring. Invocation: Abigail Pinegar. Invocation: Elder Yoon Hwan Choi. Benediction: Katee Elizabeth Garff. Benediction: Elder Larry R. Lawrence. Music by a Young Women choir from stakes Music by a priesthood choir from the Salt in American Fork, Utah; Merrilee Webb, Lake university institutes; Hal W. Romrell, director; Bonnie Goodliffe, organist: “Come, Craig Allen, and Dennis Nordfelt, directors; Ye Children of the Lord,” Hymns, no. 58, arr. Richard Elliott, organist: “Jesus, Savior, Pilot Wilberg, pub. Jackman; “As Zion’s Youth in Me,” Hymns, no. 104, arr. Longhurst, pub. Latter Days,” Hymns, no. 256, arr. Kasen, pub. Jackman; “Carry On,” Hymns, no. 255, arr. Jackman; “I Feel My Savior’s Love,” Children’s Durham, pub. Jackman; “Ye Elders of Israel,” Songbook, 74–75, “Beautiful Savior,” Children’s Hymns, no. 319; “Dear to the Heart of the Songbook, 62–63, medley arr. Webb, unpub- Shepherd,” Hymns, no. 221, arr. Beebe, lished (cello: Daphne O’Rullian); “High on the pub. Larice. Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5.

2 MAY 2012 VOL. 36 NO. 5 LIAHONA 10485 International magazine of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints The First Presidency: Thomas S. Monson, Henry B. Eyring, Dieter F. Uchtdorf The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, D. Todd Christofferson, Neil L. Andersen Editor: Paul B. Pieper Advisers: Keith R. Edwards, Christoffel Golden Jr., Per G. Malm Managing Director: David L. Frischknecht Editorial Director: Vincent A. Vaughn Graphics Director: Allan R. Loyborg Managing Editor: R. Val Johnson Assistant Managing Editors: Jenifer L. Greenwood, Adam C. Olson Associate Editors: Susan Barrett, Ryan Carr Editorial Staff: Brittany Beattie, David A. Edwards, Matthew D. Flitton, Lori Fuller, LaRene Porter Gaunt, Carrie Kasten, Lia McClanahan, Melissa Merrill, Michael R. Morris, Sally J. Odekirk, Joshua J. Perkey, Chad E. Phares, Jan Pinborough, Paul VanDenBerghe, Marissa A. Widdison, Melissa Zenteno Managing Art Director: J. Scott Knudsen Art Director: Scott Van Kampen Production Manager: Jane Ann Peters Senior Designers: C. Kimball Bott, Colleen Hinckley, Eric P. Johnsen, Scott M. Mooy Production Staff: Collette Nebeker Aune, Connie Bowthorpe Bridge, Howard G. Brown, Julie Burdett, Bryan W. Gygi, Kathleen Howard, Denise Kirby, Ginny J. Nilson, Gayle Tate Rafferty SPEAKER INDEX TOPIC INDEX Knowledge, 120 Prepress: Jeff L. Martin Andersen, Neil L., 111 Aaronic Priesthood, 55 Love, 16, 106 Printing Director: Craig K. Sedgwick Ballard, M. Russell, 97 Activation, 52, 55, 106 Marriage, 6, 97 Distribution Director: Evan Larsen Baxter, David S., 37 Adversity, 4, 23, 80, 94, 115 Mercy, 70 For subscriptions and prices outside the United States and Beck, Julie B., 83 Agency, 39, 103 Missionary work, 16, 19, Canada, go to store​.lds​.org or contact your local Church 101, 106 distribution center or ward or branch leader. Bednar, David A., 48 Atonement, 19, 31 Motherhood, 37, 120 Submit manuscripts and queries online at liahona.lds​ ​ Christofferson, D. Todd, 86 Authority, 48, 86 .org; by e-mail to liahona@​ldschurch​.org; or by mail to Cook, Mary N., 120 Book of Mormon, 41, 94 Obedience, 39, 126 Liahona, Rm. 2420, 50 E. North Temple St., Salt Lake Cook, Quentin L., 41 Children, 6, 10 Parenthood, 6, 37, 103 City, UT 84150-0024, USA. Dalton, Elaine S., 123 Church growth, 4 Perspective, 90 The Liahona (a Book of Mormon term meaning “compass” Dibb, Ann M., 117 Church organization, 13 Plan of salvation, 13, 77, or “director”) is published in Albanian, Armenian, Bislama, Bulgarian, Cambodian, Cebuano, Chinese, Edgley, Richard C., 52 Conversion, 13 80, 90 Chinese (simplified), Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Esplin, Cheryl A., 10 Courage, 117 Priesthood, 48, 52, 55, 58, English, Estonian, Fijian, Finnish, French, German, Evans, David F., 106 Covenants, 39, 62 62, 66, 103 Greek, Hungarian, Icelandic, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kiribati, Korean, Latvian, Lithuanian, Malagasy, Eyring, Henry B., 23, 62 Covetousness, 31, 77 Priorities, 97 Marshallese, Mongolian, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Haleck, O. Vincent, 101 Death, 90 Prophets, 83, 86 Romanian, Russian, Samoan, Slovenian, Spanish, Hales, Robert D., 34 Deliverance, 94 Relief Society, 83 Swedish, Tagalog, Tahitian, Thai, Tongan, Ukrainian, Urdu, and Vietnamese. (Frequency varies by language.) Hallstrom, Donald L., 13 Disabilities, 80 Repentance, 70 © 2012 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Holland, Jeffrey R., 31 Discipleship, 101, 111 Resurrection, 90 Printed in the United States of America. Koelliker, Paul E., 16 Duty, 66 Revelation, 45 Text and visual material in the Liahona may be copied Monson, Thomas S., 4, 66, Education, 120 Righteousness, 48 for incidental, noncommercial church or home use. Visual 90, 115, 126 Endurance, 126 Sacrament, 34 material may not be copied if restrictions are indicated in the credit line with the artwork. Copyright questions Nelson, Russell M., 77 Example, 16, 39, 55, 117, 123 Sacredness, 109 should be addressed to Intellectual Property Office, 50 E. Oaks, Dallin H., 19 Faith, 23, 37, 41, 83, 111, 126 Sacrifice, 19 North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150, USA; e-mail: Ochoa, Adrián, 55 Family, 6, 16, 37, 41, 62, 70, Scriptures, 41 cor-intellectualproperty@​ldschurch​.org. Packer, Boyd K., 6 83, 97, 115 Self-reliance, 34 For Readers in the United States and Canada: May 2012 Vol. 36 No. 5. LIAHONA (USPS 311-480) Perry, L. Tom, 94 Forgiveness, 31, 70 Service, 19, 34, 37, 58, English (ISSN 1080-9554) is published monthly by Pieper, Paul B., 109 General conference, 4 66, 83 The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. Rasband, Ronald A., 80 Gospel, 13 Single parents, 37 North Temple St., Salt Lake City, UT 84150. USA subscription price is $10.00 per year; Canada, $12.00 Scott, Richard G., 45 Gratitude, 4, 77 Standards, 117, 123 plus applicable taxes. Periodicals Postage Paid at Salt Soares, Ulisses, 39 Holy Ghost, 10, 45, 58, 101, Teaching, 10 Lake City, Utah. Sixty days’ notice required for change of Uchtdorf, Dieter F., 27, 58, 70 109, 115 Temple work, 19, 34, 62 address. Include address label from a recent issue; old and new address must be included. Send USA and Canadian Wilson, Larry Y., 103 Inspiration, 45, 109 Virtue, 123 subscriptions to Salt Lake Distribution Center at address Jesus Christ, 19, 23, 31, 39, Vision, 101 below. Subscription help line: 1-800-537-5971. Credit 77, 86, 90, 111 Worthiness, 55 card orders (American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) may be taken by phone or at store​.lds​.org. (Canada Post Information: Publication Agreement #40017431) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Salt Lake Distribution Center, Church Magazines, P.O. Box 26368, Salt Lake City, UT 84126-0368.

May 2012 3 SATURDAY MORNING SESSION | March 31, 2012

By President Thomas S. Monson As We Gather Once Again Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each of us and our needs. May we be filled with His Spirit as we partake of the proceedings of this conference.

y beloved brothers and sisters, one roof, but we now have the ability as we gather once again in to partake of the proceedings of this Ma general conference of the conference through the wonders of Church, I welcome you and express television, radio, cable, satellite trans­ my love to you. We meet each six mission, and the Internet—even on months to strengthen one another, to mobile devices. We come together as extend encouragement, to provide one, speaking many languages, living comfort, to build faith. We are here to in many lands, but all of one faith and learn. Some of you may be seeking one doctrine and one purpose. answers to questions and challenges From a small beginning 182 years you are experiencing in your life. ago, our presence is now felt through­ Some are struggling with disappoint­ out the world. This great cause in ments or losses. Each can be enlight­ which we are engaged will continue ened and uplifted and comforted as to go forth, changing and blessing the Spirit of the Lord is felt. lives as it does so. No cause, no force Should there be changes which in the entire world can stop the work in every ear, till the purposes of God need to be made in your life, may you of God. Despite what comes, this shall be accomplished, and the Great find the incentive and the courage great cause will go forward. You recall Jehovah shall say the work is done.” 1 to do so as you listen to the inspired the prophetic words of the Prophet There is much that is difficult and words which will be spoken. May Joseph Smith: “No unhallowed hand challenging in the world today, my each of us resolve anew to live so that can stop the work from progress­ brothers and sisters, but there is also we are worthy sons and daughters of ing; persecutions may rage, mobs much that is good and uplifting. As our Heavenly Father. May we continue may combine, armies may assemble, we declare in our thirteenth article to oppose evil wherever it is found. calumny may defame, but the truth of faith, “If there is anything virtuous, How blessed we are to have come of God will go forth boldly, nobly, lovely, or of good report or praise­ to earth at such a time as this—a mar­ and independent, till it has penetrated worthy, we seek after these things.” velous time in the long history of the every continent, visited every clime, May we ever continue to do so. world. We can’t all be together under swept every country, and sounded I thank you for your faith and 4 devotion to the gospel. I thank you Now, my brothers and sisters, the proceedings of this conference. for the love and care you show we have come to be instructed and This is my sincere prayer in the sacred one to another. I thank you for the inspired. Many messages will be name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus service you provide in your wards shared during the next two days. I can Christ, amen. ◼ and branches and in your stakes and assure you that those men and women NOTE districts. It is such service that enables who will address you have sought 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: the Lord to accomplish many of His heaven’s help and direction as they Joseph Smith (2007), 444. purposes here upon the earth. have prepared their messages. They I express my thanks to you for have been inspired concerning that your kindnesses to me wherever I go. which they will share with us. To watch the video of President I thank you for your prayers in my Our Heavenly Father is mindful of Monson’s address, scan this behalf. I have felt those prayers and each of us and our needs. May we be image with a QR-enabled smartphone. am most grateful for them. filled with His Spirit as we partake of

May 2012 5 By President Boyd K. Packer closing prayer the hungry little boy President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles darted out into the night. When I returned home, I told President Spencer W. Kimball about my experience. He was deeply moved and told me, “You were holding a And a Little Child nation on your lap.” He said to me more than once, “That experience has far greater meaning than you have yet Shall Lead Them come to know.” As I have visited Latin American countries nearly 100 times, I have Husbands and wives should understand that their first looked for that little boy in the faces calling—from which they will never be released—is to of the people. Now I do know what one another and then to their children. President Kimball meant. I met another shivering boy on the streets of Salt Lake City. It was late on another cold winter night. We were leaving a Christmas dinner at a hotel. ears ago on a cold night in a and inched slowly along the wall Down the street came six or eight train station in Japan, I heard toward it. He was almost to the table noisy boys. All of them should have Ya tap on the window of my when a woman on the aisle saw him. been at home out of the cold. sleeper car. There stood a freezing boy With a stern toss of her head, she ban­ One boy had no coat. He bounced wearing a ragged shirt with a dirty rag ished him out into the night. I groaned about very rapidly to stave off the tied about a swollen jaw. His head was within myself. chill. He disappeared down a side covered with scabies. He held a rusty Later the little boy returned. He street, no doubt to a small, shabby tin can and a spoon, the symbol of an slid along the wall, glancing from the apartment and a bed that did not have orphan beggar. As I struggled to open bread to me. When he was near the enough covers to keep him warm. the door to give him money, the train point where the woman would see At night, when I pull the covers pulled out. him again, I held out my arms, and over me, I offer a prayer for those who I will never forget that starving little he came running to me. I held him have no warm bed to go to. boy left standing in the cold, holding on my lap. I was stationed in Osaka, Japan, up an empty tin can. Nor can I forget Then, as something symbolic, I set when World War II closed. The city how helpless I felt as the train slowly him on Elder Tuttle’s chair. After the was rubble, and the streets were pulled away and left him standing on the platform. Some years later in Cusco, a city high in the Andes of Peru, Elder A. Theodore Tuttle and I held a sacrament meeting in a long, narrow room that opened onto the street. It was night, and while Elder Tuttle spoke, a little boy, perhaps six years old, appeared in the doorway. He wore only a ragged shirt that went about to his knees. On our left was a small table with a plate of bread for the sacrament. This starving street orphan saw the bread 6 littered with blocks, debris, and bomb laboring in the mountains of the their fault. They were to blame for his craters. Although most of the trees had southern United States. One day, from endless torment. been blasted away, some few of them a hilltop, they saw people gathering After the sermon was over and still stood with shattered limbs and in a clearing far below. The mission­ the grave was covered, the elders trunks and had the courage to send aries did not often have many people approached the grieving parents. “We forth a few twigs with leaves. to whom they might preach, so they are servants of the Lord,” they told the A tiny girl dressed in a ragged, made their way down to the clearing. mother, “and we have come with a colored kimono was busily gathering A little boy had drowned, and message for you.” As the sobbing par­ yellow sycamore leaves into a bouquet. there was to be a funeral. His par­ ents listened, the two elders read from The little child seemed unaware of ents had sent for the minister to “say the revelations and bore their testi­ the devastation that surrounded her as words” over their son. The mission­ mony of the restoration of the keys for she scrambled over the rubble to add aries stood back as the itinerant the redemption of both the living and new leaves to her collection. She had minister faced the grieving father and the dead. found the one beauty left in her world. mother and began his sermon. If the I have some sympathy for that Perhaps I should say she was the parents expected to receive com­ preacher. He was doing the best he beautiful part of her world. Somehow, fort from this man of the cloth, they could with such light and knowledge to think of her increases my faith. would be disappointed. as he had. But there is more that he Embodied in the child was hope. He scolded them severely for not should have been able to offer. There Mormon taught that “little children having had the little boy baptized. is the fulness of the gospel. are alive in Christ” 1 and need not They had put it off because of one The elders came as comforters, as repent. thing or another, and now it was too teachers, as servants of the Lord, as Around the turn of the previ­ late. He told them very bluntly that authorized ministers of the gospel of ous century, two missionaries were their little boy had gone to hell. It was Jesus Christ.

May 2012 7 These children of whom I spoke represent all of our Heavenly Father’s children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord: and . . . happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them.” 2 The creation of life is a great responsibility for a married couple. It is the challenge of mortality to be a worthy and responsible parent. Neither man nor woman can bear chil­ dren alone. It was meant that children have two parents—both a father and a mother. No other pattern or process can replace this one. Long ago a woman tearfully told me that as a college student she had made a serious mistake with her boy­ friend. He had arranged for an abor­ tion. In due time they graduated and were married and had several other children. She told me how tormented she now was to look at her family, her beautiful children, and see in her mind the place, empty now, where that one child was missing. If this couple understands and children, and that desire will weigh home, protected by the principles and applies the Atonement, they will know heavily in your favor in your earthly laws of the gospel, sealed safely in the that those experiences and the pain lives and beyond because it will pro­ covenants of the everlasting priesthood. connected with them can be erased. vide spiritual and emotional stability. Husbands and wives should understand No pain will last forever. It is not easy, Ultimately, you will be much better that their first calling—from which but life was never meant to be either off because you wanted children and they will never be released—is to one easy or fair. Repentance and the last­ could not have them, as compared to another and then to their children. ing hope that forgiveness brings will those who could but would not have One of the great discoveries of always be worth the effort. children.” parenthood is that we learn far more Another young couple tearfully told Still others remain unmarried and about what really matters from our me they had just come from a doctor therefore childless. Some, due to children than we ever did from our where they were told they would be circumstances beyond their control, parents. We come to recognize the unable to have children of their own. are raising children as single mothers truth in Isaiah’s prophecy that “a little They were brokenhearted with the or single fathers. These are temporary child shall lead them.” 4 news. They were surprised when I states. In the eternal scheme of things— In Jerusalem, “Jesus called a little told them that they were actually quite not always in mortality—righteous child unto him, and set him in the fortunate. They wondered why I would yearning and longing will be fulfilled. midst of them, say such a thing. I told them their state “If in this life only we have hope “And said, Verily I say unto you, was infinitely better than that of other in Christ, we are of all men most Except ye be converted, and become couples who were capable of being miserable.” 3 as little children, ye shall not enter into parents but who rejected and selfishly The ultimate end of all activity in the kingdom of heaven. avoided that responsibility. the Church is to see a husband and “Whosoever therefore shall humble I told them, “At least you want his wife and their children happy at himself as this little child, the same is 8 greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” 5 and the next, as far as we have seen. with the responsibility attending their “Jesus said, Suffer little children, I hope to be judged as good a birth and growth. In due time they have and forbid them not, to come unto man as my father. Before I hear those formed families of their own. me: for of such is the kingdom of words “well done” from my Heavenly Twice in our marriage, at the time heaven. Father, I hope to first hear them from of the births of two of our little boys, “And he laid his hands on them, my mortal father. we have had a doctor say, “I do not and departed thence.” 6 Many times I have puzzled over think you are going to keep this one.” We read in the Book of Mormon why I should be called as an Apostle Both times this brought the response of the visit of Jesus Christ to the New and then as the President of the from us that we would give our lives World. He healed and blessed the Quorum of the Twelve in spite of if our tiny son could keep his. In the people and commanded that the little having come from a home where the course of that offer, it dawned on us children should be brought to Him. father could be termed as less active. that this same devotion is akin to what Mormon records, “They brought I am not the only member of the Heavenly Father feels about each of us. their little children and set them down Twelve who fits that description. What a supernal thought. upon the ground round about him, Finally I could see and understand Now in the sunset of our lives, Sister and Jesus stood in the midst; and the that it may have been because of that Packer and I understand and witness multitude gave way till they had all circumstance that I was called. And I that our families can be forever. As we been brought unto him.” 7 could understand why in all that we obey the commandments and live the He then commanded the people to do in the Church, we need to pro­ gospel fully, we will be protected and kneel. With the children around Him, vide the way, as leaders, for parents blessed. With our children and grand­ the Savior knelt and offered a prayer and children to have time together children and great-grandchildren, our to our Father in Heaven. After the as families. Priesthood leaders must prayer is that each one of our growing prayer the Savior wept, “and he took be careful to make the Church family will have that same devotion their little children, one by one, and family-friendly. toward those precious little ones. blessed them, and prayed unto the There are many things about living Fathers and mothers, next time you Father for them. the gospel of Jesus Christ that cannot cradle a newborn child in your arms, “And when he had done this he be measured by that which is counted you can have an inner vision of the wept again.” 8 or charted in records of attendance. mysteries and purposes of life. You will I can understand the feelings We busy ourselves with buildings and better understand why the Church is expressed by the Savior toward budgets and programs and proce­ as it is and why the family is the basic children. There is much to be learned dures. In so doing, it is possible to organization in time and in eternity. I from following His example in seek­ overlook the very spirit of the gospel bear witness that the gospel of Jesus ing to pray for, bless, and teach “those of Jesus Christ. Christ is true, that the plan of redemp­ little ones.” 9 Too often someone comes to me tion, which has been called the plan of I was number 10 in a family of 11 and says, “President Packer, wouldn’t happiness, is a plan for families. I pray children. So far as I know, neither it be nice if . . . ?” the Lord that the families of the Church my father nor my mother served in a I usually stop them and say no, will be blessed, parents and children, prominent calling in the Church. because I suspect that what follows that this work will roll forth as the Our parents served faithfully in their will be a new activity or program that Father intends. I bear this witness in the most important calling—as parents. is going to add a burden of time and name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Our father led our home in righteous­ financial means on the family. NOTES ness, never with anger or fear. And the Family time is sacred time and 1. Moroni 8:12. powerful example of our father was should be protected and respected. 2. Psalm 127:3, 5. 3. 1 Corinthians 15:19. magnified by the tender counsel of We urge our members to show devo­ 4. Isaiah 11:6. our mother. The gospel is a powerful tion to their families. 5. Matthew 18:2–4. influence in the life of every one of us When we were first married, my wife 6. Matthew 19:14–15. 7. 3 Nephi 17:12. in the Packer family and to the next and I decided that we would accept 8. 3 Nephi 17:21–22. generation and the next generation the children that would be born to us 9. 3 Nephi 17:24.

May 2012 9 By Cheryl A. Esplin our daughter, Michelle. With tender Second Counselor in the Primary General Presidency emotion she said, “Mom, I just had the most incredible experience with Ashley.” Ashley is her daughter who was five years old at the time. Michelle described the morning as being one of Teaching Our Children constant squabbling between Ashley and three-year-old Andrew—one wouldn’t share and the other would to Understand hit. After helping them work things out, Michelle went to check the baby. Soon, Ashley came running in, Teaching our children to understand is more than just angry that Andrew wasn’t sharing. imparting information. It’s helping our children get Michelle reminded Ashley of the com­ the doctrine into their hearts. mitment they had made in home eve­ ning to be more kind to each other. She asked Ashley if she wanted to pray and ask for Heavenly Father’s s years pass, many details in instructs parents to teach their children help, but Ashley, still very angry, my life are becoming more to understand the doctrine of repen­ responded, “No.” When asked if she A and more dim, but some of tance, faith in Christ, baptism, and believed Heavenly Father would the memories that remain most clear the gift of the Holy Ghost. Notice the answer her prayer, Ashley said she are the births of each of our children. Lord doesn’t just say we are to “teach didn’t know. Her mother asked her Heaven seemed so near, and if I try, the doctrine”; His instructions are to to try and gently took her hands and I can almost feel those same feelings teach our children to “understand the knelt down with her. of reverence and wonder I experi­ doctrine.” (See D&C 68:25, 28; empha­ Michelle suggested that Ashley enced each time one of those precious sis added.) could ask Heavenly Father to help infants was placed in my arms. In Psalms we read, “Give me under­ Andrew share—and help her be Our “children are an heritage of the standing, and I shall keep thy law; yea, kind. The thought of Heavenly Father Lord” (Psalm 127:3). He knows and I shall observe it with my whole heart” helping her little brother share must loves each one with perfect love (see (Psalm 119:34). have piqued Ashley’s interest, and she Moroni 8:17). What a sacred respon­ Teaching our children to under­ began to pray, first asking Heavenly sibility Heavenly Father places upon stand is more than just imparting Father to help Andrew share. As she us as parents to partner with Him in information. It’s helping our children asked Him to help her be kind, she helping His choice spirits become get the doctrine into their hearts in a began to cry. Ashley ended her prayer what He knows they can become. way that it becomes part of their very and buried her head on her mother’s This divine privilege of raising our being and is reflected in their attitudes shoulder. Michelle held her and asked children is a much greater responsibil­ and behavior throughout their lives. why she was crying. Ashley said she ity than we can do alone, without the Nephi taught that the role of the didn’t know. Lord’s help. He knows exactly what our Holy Ghost is to carry the truth “unto Her mother said, “I think I know children need to know, what they need the hearts of the children of men” why you’re crying. Do you feel to do, and what they need to be to (2 Nephi 33:1). Our role as parents is good inside?” Ashley nodded, and come back into His presence. He gives to do all we can to create an atmo­ her mother continued, “This is the mothers and fathers specific instruction sphere where our children can feel the Spirit helping you feel this way. It’s and guidance through the scriptures, influence of the Spirit and then help Heavenly Father’s way of telling you His prophets, and the Holy Ghost. them recognize what they are feeling. He loves you and will help you.” In a latter-day revelation through I’m reminded of a phone call She asked Ashley if she believed the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord I received several years ago from this, if she believed Heavenly Father 10 could help her. With her little eyes full If we are ready and will let the gospel principles. He had her draw of tears, Ashley said she did. Spirit guide in these situations, our a visual aid as they went along. It Sometimes the most powerful way children will be taught with greater showed the premortal existence, this to teach our children to understand effect and understanding. earth life, and each step she needed a doctrine is to teach in the context Just as important are the teaching to take to return to live with Heavenly of what they are experiencing right moments that come as we thought­ Father. He bore his testimony about at that moment. These moments are fully plan regular occasions such as each step of the plan of salvation as spontaneous and unplanned and family prayer, family scripture study, he taught it to her. happen in the normal flow of family family home evening, and other family When his daughter recalled this life. They come and go quickly, so activities. experience after she was grown, she we need to be alert and recognize a In every teaching situation all learn­ said: “I will never forget the love I teaching moment when our children ing and all understanding are best felt from my dad as he spent that come to us with a question or worry, nurtured in an atmosphere of warmth time with me. . . . I believe that this when they have problems getting and love where the Spirit is present. experience was a major reason I had along with siblings or friends, when About two months before his a testimony of the gospel when I was they need to control their anger, children turned eight years old, one baptized.” (See Teaching, No Greater when they make a mistake, or when father would set aside time each week Call, 129.) they need to make a decision. (See to prepare them for baptism. His Teaching for understanding takes Teaching, No Greater Call: A Resource daughter said that when it was her determined and consistent effort. It Guide for Gospel Teaching [1999], 140– turn, he gave her a journal and they requires teaching by precept and by 41; Marriage and Family Relations sat together, just the two of them, and example and especially by helping Instructor’s Manual [2000], 61.) discussed and shared feelings about our children live what they learn.

May 2012 11 President Harold B. Lee taught, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said, “We more responsible. They become part “Without experiencing a gospel prin­ all understand that the success of the of the solution to our family chal­ ciple in action, it is . . . more difficult gospel message depends upon its lenges and make a positive contribu­ to believe in that principle” (Teachings being taught and then understood tion to the environment of our home of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. and then lived in such a way that and the success of our family. Lee [2000], 121). its promise of happiness and salva­ We will teach our children to I first learned to pray by kneeling tion can be realized” (“Teaching and understand as we take advantage of with my family in family prayer. I Learning in the Church” [worldwide every teaching situation, invite the was taught the language of prayer as leadership training meeting, Feb. 10, Spirit, set the example, and help them I listened to my parents pray and as 2007], Liahona, June 2007, 57; Ensign, live what they learn. they helped me say my first prayers. I June 2007, 89). When we look into the eyes of learned that I could talk to Heavenly Learning to fully understand the a tiny infant, we are reminded of Father and ask for guidance. doctrines of the gospel is a process of the song: Every morning without fail, my a lifetime and comes “line upon line, mother and father gathered us around precept upon precept, here a little I am a child of God, the kitchen table before breakfast, and and there a little” (2 Nephi 28:30). And so my needs are great; we knelt in family prayer. We prayed As children learn and act upon what Help me to understand his words at every meal. In the evening before they learn, their understanding is Before it grows too late. bed, we knelt together in the living expanded, which leads to more learn­ room and closed the day with family ing, more action, and an even greater Lead me, guide me, walk beside me, prayer. and more enduring understanding. Help me find the way. Although there was much I didn’t We can know our children are Teach me all that I must do understand about prayer as a child, beginning to understand the doc­ To live with him someday. it became such a part of my life that trine when we see it revealed in their (“I Am a Child of God,” Hymns, it stayed with me. I still continue attitudes and actions without external no. 301; emphasis added) to learn, and my understanding of threats or rewards. As our children the power of prayer still continues learn to understand gospel doctrines, May we do so. In the name of Jesus to grow. they become more self-reliant and Christ, amen. ◼ 12 By Elder Donald L. Hallstrom This is a magnificent Church. Of the Presidency of the Seventy Its organization, effectiveness, and sheer goodness are respected by all who sincerely seek to understand it. The Church has programs for chil­ dren, youth, men, and women. It has Converted to beautiful meetinghouses that number more than 18,000. Majestic temples— now totaling 136—dot the earth, His Gospel through with another 30 under construction or announced. A full-time missionary force of over 56,000, comprised of the young and less so, are serving in 150 His Church countries. The Church’s worldwide humanitarian work is a marvelous The purpose of the Church is to help us live the gospel. display of the generosity of our mem­ bers. Our welfare system cares for our members and promotes self-reliance in a manner unduplicated anywhere. In this Church we have selfless lay love the gospel of Jesus Christ and send me” (Abraham 3:27). His name leaders and a community of Saints The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- was Jehovah. who are willing to serve one another I day Saints. Sometimes we use the Born of a Heavenly Father, both in a remarkable way. There is nothing terms gospel and Church interchange­ spiritually and physically, He possessed like this Church in all the world. ably, but they are not the same. They the omnipotence to overcome the When I was born, our family lived are, however, exquisitely intercon­ world. Born of an earthly mother, He in a tiny cottage on the grounds of nected, and we need both. was subject to the pain and suffering one of the great and historic meeting­ The gospel is the glorious plan of of mortality. The great Jehovah was houses of the Church, the Honolulu God in which we, as His children, also named Jesus and additionally was Tabernacle. I now apologize to my are given the opportunity to receive given the title of Christ, meaning the dear friends in the Presiding Bishopric, all that the Father has (see D&C Messiah or Anointed One. His crown­ who oversee the facilities of the 84:38). This is called eternal life and ing achievement was the Atonement, Church, but as a boy I climbed over is described as “the greatest of all wherein Jesus the Christ “descended and under and through every inch of the gifts of God” (D&C 14:7). A vital below all things” (D&C 88:6), making that property, from the bottom of the part of the plan is our earthly expe­ it possible for Him to pay a redeeming water-filled reflecting pool to the top rience—a time to develop faith (see ransom for each of us. of the inside of the imposing lighted Moroni 7:26), to repent (see Mosiah The Church was established by steeple. We even swung (Tarzan-like) 3:12), and to reconcile ourselves with Jesus Christ during His earthly ministry, on the long hanging vines of the huge God (see Jacob 4:11). “built upon the foundation of the apos­ banyan trees that are on the site. Because our mortal frailties and tles and prophets” (Ephesians 2:20). In The Church was everything to “opposition in all things” (2 Nephi this, “the dispensation of the fulness of us. We went to lots of meetings, 2:11) would make this life profoundly times” (D&C 128:18), the Lord restored even more than we have today. We difficult and because we could not what once was, specifically telling the attended Primary on Thursday after­ cleanse our own sins, a Savior was Prophet Joseph Smith, “I will establish noons. Relief Society meetings were needed. When Elohim, the Eternal a church by your hand” (D&C 31:7). on Tuesday mornings. Mutual for the God and Father of all our spirits, pre­ Jesus Christ was and is the head of youth was Wednesday night. Saturday sented His plan of salvation, there was His Church, represented on earth by was for ward activities. On Sunday, one among us who said, “Here am I, prophets holding apostolic authority. men and young men would go to

May 2012 13 priesthood meeting in the morning. be active in the Church and less active focused are we on our covenants? Midday we would attend Sunday in the gospel. Let me stress: activity in I repeat: we need the gospel and School. Then in the evening we the Church is a highly desirable goal; the Church. In fact, the purpose of returned for sacrament meeting. With however, it is insufficient. Activity in the Church is to help us live the comings and goings and meetings, it the Church is an outward indication gospel. We often wonder: How seemed our time was consumed with of our spiritual desire. If we attend can someone be fully active in the Church activities all day Sunday and our meetings, hold and fulfill Church Church as a youth and then not be most other days of the week. responsibilities, and serve others, it is when they are older? How can an As much as I loved the Church, it publicly observed. adult who has regularly attended was during those boyhood days that, By contrast, the things of the gospel and served stop coming? How can a for the first time, I had a sense there are usually less visible and more diffi­ person who was disappointed by a was something even more. When I cult to measure, but they are of greater leader or another member allow that was five years old, a major confer­ eternal importance. For example, how to end their Church participation? ence was held at the tabernacle. We much faith do we really have? How Perhaps the reason is they were not walked down the lane on which we repentant are we? How meaningful sufficiently converted to the gospel— lived and over a small bridge leading are the ordinances in our lives? How the things of eternity. to the stately meetinghouse and sat on about the 10th row in the large chapel. Presiding and speaking at the meeting was David O. McKay, the President of the Church. I do not recall anything he said, but I vividly remember what I saw and what I felt. President McKay was dressed in a cream-colored suit and, with his wavy white hair, looked very regal. In the tradition of the islands, he wore a triple-thick red carnation lei. As he spoke, I felt something quite intense and very personal. I later understood that I was feeling the influence of the Holy Spirit. We sang the closing hymn.

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who? Now is the time to show. We ask it fearlessly: Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who? (“Who’s on the Lord’s Side?” Hymns, no. 260)

With those words being sung by nearly 2,000 people but seeming to be a question posed just to me, I wanted to stand and say, “I am!” Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to 14 I suggest three fundamental ways to have the gospel be our foundation:

1. Deepen our understanding of Deity. A sustained knowledge of and love for the three members of the Godhead are indispensable. Mindfully pray to the Father, in the name of the Son, and seek direction from the Holy Ghost. Couple prayer with constant study and humble pondering to continually build unshakable faith in Jesus Christ. “For how knoweth a man the mas­ ter . . . who is a stranger unto him, and is far from the thoughts and intents of his heart?” (Mosiah 5:13). 2. Focus on the ordinances and covenants. If there are any of the essential ordinances yet to be per­ formed in your life, intently prepare to receive each of them. Then we need to establish the discipline to live faithful to our covenants, fully using the weekly gift of the sacra­ ment. Many of us are not being regularly changed by its cleansing power because of our lack of rever­ ence for this holy ordinance. 3. Unite the gospel with the Church. As we concentrate on the gospel, the Church will become more, not less, of a blessing in our lives. As we come to each meeting prepared to “seek learning, even by study and also by faith” (D&C 88:118), the Holy Spirit will be our teacher. If we come to be entertained, we often will be disappointed. In our lives we should desire what the Lord, and were united unto the President Spencer W. Kimball was occurred after the Lord came to the church of Christ, and thus the people once asked, “What do you do when people of the New World and estab­ of that generation were blessed” you find yourself in a boring sacra­ lished His Church. The scriptures (3 Nephi 28:23). ment meeting?” His response: “I read, “And it came to pass that thus The Lord wants the members of His don’t know. I’ve never been in one” they [meaning His disciples] did go Church to be fully converted to His (quoted by Gene R. Cook, in Gerry forth among all the people of Nephi, gospel. This is the only sure way to Avant, “Learning Gospel Is Lifetime and did preach the gospel of Christ have spiritual safety now and hap­ Pursuit,” Church News, Mar. 24, unto all people upon the face of the piness forever. In the name of Jesus 1990, 10). land; and they were converted unto Christ, amen. ◼

May 2012 15 By Elder Paul E. Koelliker eldest sons. As we face a drifting child, Of the Seventy an uncommitted investigator, or an unresponsive prospective elder, our hearts swell as Lehi’s did and we ask, how can I help them feel and listen to the Spirit so they are not caught up in He Truly Loves Us worldly distractions? Two scriptures stand out in my mind that can help us find our way through these distrac­ Because of the heaven-designed pattern of the family, tions and feel the power of God’s love. we more fully understand how our Heavenly Father Nephi gives a key to the door of truly loves each of us equally and fully. learning through his own personal experience: “I, Nephi, . . . having great desires to know of the mysteries of God, wherefore, I did cry unto the Lord; and behold he did visit me, and love being with the full-time mission­ In my mind’s eye I could see these did soften my heart that I did believe aries. They are full of faith, hope, and two young men three or four years all the words which had been spoken I genuine charity. Their missionary after completing their missions. I by my father; wherefore, I did not experience is like a minilife packaged visualized them as having found their rebel against him like unto my broth­ in 18 to 24 months. They arrive as spiri­ eternal companions and serving in an ers” (1 Nephi 2:16). tual infants with a serious appetite to elders quorum or teaching a group of Awakening the desire to know learn, and they leave as mature adults, young men. Now, instead of thinking enables our spiritual capacities to hear seemingly ready to conquer any and all about their investigators, they were the voice of heaven. Finding a way to challenges placed before them. I also asking the same questions about their awaken and nurture that desire is the love the devoted senior missionaries, quorum members or the young men quest and responsibility of each of us— who are full of patience, wisdom, and they were commissioned to nurture. I missionaries, parents, teachers, leaders, calm assurance. They bring a gift of saw how their missionary experience and members. As we feel that desire stability and love to the youthful energy could be applied as a template for stirring in our hearts, we are prepared that surrounds them. Together the nurturing others throughout the rest to benefit from the learning of the sec­ young missionaries and the senior cou­ of their lives. As this army of righteous ond scripture that I want to mention. ples are a powerful, persevering force disciples return from their missions to In June of 1831, as calls were being for good, which is having a profound the many countries across the earth, extended to early Church leaders, effect on their lives and upon those they are becoming key contributors in Joseph Smith was told that “Satan is who are touched by their service. the work of establishing the Church. abroad in the land, and he goeth forth Recently I listened to two of these The Book of Mormon prophet Lehi deceiving the nations.” To combat this great young missionaries as they might have been pondering the same distracting influence, the Lord said reviewed their experiences and efforts. set of questions as these missionaries that He would give us “a pattern in all In that reflective moment they consid­ when he listened to the response of things, that [we] may not be deceived” ered the individuals they had con­ his sons to the direction and vision he (D&C 52:14). tacted that day, some of whom were had been given: “And thus Laman and Patterns are templates, guides, more responsive than others. As they Lemuel, being the eldest, did mur­ repeating steps, or paths one follows considered the circumstances, they mur against their father. And they did to stay aligned with God’s purpose. If asked, “How can we help each indi­ murmur because they knew not the followed, they will keep us humble, vidual develop a desire to know more dealings of that God who had created awake, and able to discern the voice about Heavenly Father? How do we them” (1 Nephi 2:12). of the Holy Spirit from those voices help them feel His Spirit? How can we Perhaps we have each felt the frus­ that distract us and lead us away. help them know that we love them?” tration Lehi experienced with his two The Lord then instructs us, “He that 16 trembleth under my power shall be Two young missionaries knocked kindness between the two mission­ made strong, and shall bring forth on a door, hoping to find someone aries, his heart was instantly softened. fruits of praise and wisdom, according to receive their message. The door He reopened the door and asked the to the revelations and truths which I opened, and a rather large man missionaries to come back and share have given you” (D&C 52:17). greeted them in a less-than-friendly their message with him. The blessing of humble prayer, voice: “I thought I told you not to It is when we yield to God’s will offered with real intent, allows the Holy knock on my door again. I warned and live His pattern that His Spirit is Spirit to touch our hearts and helps us you before that if you ever came back, felt. The Savior taught, “By this shall to remember what we knew before it would not be a pleasant experience. all men know that ye are my disciples, we were born into this mortal expe­ Now leave me alone.” He quickly if ye have love one to another” ( John rience. As we clearly understand our closed the door. 13:35). This principle of having love Heavenly Father’s plan for us, we begin As the elders walked away, the one to another and developing our to acknowledge our responsibility to older, more experienced missionary ability to be Christ-centered in how help others learn and understand His put his arm on the younger mission­ we think, speak, and act is fundamen­ plan. Closely tied to helping others ary’s shoulder to comfort and encour­ tal in becoming disciples of Christ and remember is the way we personally age him. Unknown to them, the man teachers of His gospel. live the gospel and apply it in our lives. watched them through the window to Awakening this desire prepares us to When we actually live the gospel in the be sure they understood his message. look for the promised patterns. Seeking pattern taught by the Lord Jesus Christ, He fully expected to see them laugh for the patterns leads us to the doctrine our ability to help others increases. The and make light of his curt response of Christ as taught by the Savior and following experience is an example of to their attempted visit. However, His prophet-leaders. One pattern of this how this principle can work. as he witnessed the expression of doctrine is to endure to the end: “And

May 2012 17 I loved her on that day, but I had only begun to see the vision of love. As each of our children and grandchildren entered into our lives, our love has been expanded to love each of them equally and fully. There is seemingly no end to the expansive capacity to love. The feeling of love from our Heavenly Father is like a gravitational pull from heaven. As we remove the distractions that pull us toward the world and exercise our agency to seek Him, we open our hearts to a celestial force which draws us toward Him. Nephi described its impact as “even unto the consuming of [his] flesh” (2 Nephi 4:21). This same power of love caused Alma to sing a “song of redeem­ ing love” (Alma 5:26; see also verse 9). It touched Mormon in such a way that he counseled us to “pray . . . with all the energy of [our] heart” that we might be filled with His love (Moroni 7:48). Both modern and ancient scrip­ ture are full of reminders of Heavenly Father’s eternal love for His children. I am confident that our Heavenly Father’s arms are constantly extended, ever ready to embrace each one of us and say to each one with that quiet, blessed are they who shall seek to bring President Gordon B. Hinckley con­ piercing voice, “I love you.” forth my Zion at that day, for they shall firmed this principle when he said: “To Because of the heaven-designed have the gift and the power of the Holy love the Lord is not just counsel; it is not pattern of the family, we more fully Ghost; and if they endure unto the end just well-wishing. It is a commandment. understand how our Heavenly Father they shall be lifted up at the last day, . . . Love of God is the root of all virtue, truly loves each of us equally and fully. and shall be saved in the everlasting of all goodness, of all strength of char­ I testify that it is true. God does know kingdom of the Lamb” (1 Nephi 13:37). acter, of all fidelity to do right” (“Words and love us. He has given us a vision of What is the ultimate means by of the Living Prophet,” Liahona, His holy place and called prophets and which we can enjoy the gift and Dec. 1996, 8; “Excerpts from Recent apostles to teach the principles and the power of the Holy Ghost? It is the Addresses of President Gordon B. patterns that will bring us back to Him. power that comes by being faithful Hinckley,” Ensign, Apr. 1996, 73). As we strive to awaken the desire to disciples of Jesus Christ. It is our love The Father’s plan designated the know in ourselves and in others and for Him and our fellowman. It is the pattern of the family to help us learn, as we live the patterns we discover, Savior who defined the pattern of love apply, and understand the power of we will be drawn toward Him. I testify when He taught us, “A new command­ love. On the day my own family was that Jesus is the very Son of God, our ment I give unto you, That ye love one organized, my sweet Ann and I went Exemplar, our beloved Redeemer, another; as I have loved you, that ye to the temple and entered into the cov­ which I express in the name of Jesus also love one another” ( John 13:34). enant of marriage. How much I thought Christ, amen. ◼ 18 By Elder Dallin H. Oaks killed by other Christians are the most Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles tragic martyrs of the Christian faith. Many Christians have voluntarily given sacrifices motivated by faith in Christ and the desire to serve Him. Some have chosen to devote their Sacrifice entire adult lives to the service of the Master. This noble group includes those in the religious orders of the Our lives of service and sacrifice are the most appropriate Catholic Church and those who have expressions of our commitment to serve the Master and given lifelong service as Christian our fellowmen. missionaries in various Protestant faiths. Their examples are challenging and inspiring, but most believers in Christ are neither expected nor able to devote their entire lives to religious service. he atoning sacrifice of Jesus the importance of sacrifice in the Christ has been called the “most gospel plan. Our Savior requires us II. Ttranscendent of all events from to continue to offer sacrifices, but the For most followers of Christ, our creation’s dawn to the endless ages of sacrifices He now commands are that sacrifices involve what we can do on eternity.” 1 That sacrifice is the central we “offer for a sacrifice unto [Him] a day-to-day basis in our ordinary per­ message of all the prophets. It was a broken heart and a contrite spirit” sonal lives. In that experience I know prefigured by the animal sacrifices (3 Nephi 9:20). He also commands of no group whose members make prescribed by the law of Moses. A each of us to love and serve one more sacrifices than Latter-day Saints. prophet declared that their whole another—in effect, to offer a small imi­ Their sacrifices—your sacrifices, my meaning “point[ed] to that great and tation of His own sacrifice by making brothers and sisters—stand in contrast last sacrifice [of] . . . the Son of God, sacrifices of our own time and selfish to the familiar worldly quests for per­ yea, infinite and eternal” (Alma 34:14). priorities. In an inspired hymn, we sonal fulfillment. Jesus Christ endured incomprehensi­ sing, “Sacrifice brings forth the bless­ My first examples are our Mormon ble suffering to make Himself a sacri­ ings of heaven.” 3 pioneers. Their epic sacrifices of lives, fice for the sins of all. That sacrifice I will speak of these mortal sacri­ family relationships, homes, and offered the ultimate good—the pure fices our Savior asks us to make. This comforts are at the foundation of the Lamb without blemish—for the ulti­ will not include sacrifices we are com­ restored gospel. Sarah Rich spoke for mate measure of evil—the sins of the pelled to make or actions that may what motivated these pioneers when entire world. In the memorable words be motivated by personal advantage she described her husband, Charles, of Eliza R. Snow: rather than service or sacrifice (see being called away on a mission: “This 2 Nephi 26:29). truly was a trying time for me as well His precious blood he freely spilt; as for my husband; but duty called us His life he freely gave, I. to part for a season and knowing that A sinless sacrifice for guilt, The Christian faith has a history we [were] obeying the will of the Lord, A dying world to save.2 of sacrifice, including the ultimate we felt to sacrifice our own feelings in sacrifice. In the early years of the order to help establish the work . . . That sacrifice—the Atonement of Christian era, Rome martyred thou­ of helping to build up the Kingdom of Jesus Christ—is at the center of the sands for their faith in Jesus Christ. In God on earth.” 4 plan of salvation. later centuries, as doctrinal controver­ Today the most visible strength of The incomprehensible suffering sies divided Christians, some groups The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- of Jesus Christ ended sacrifice by the persecuted and even put to death the day Saints is the unselfish service and shedding of blood, but it did not end members of other groups. Christians sacrifice of its members. Prior to the

May 2012 19 rededication of one of our temples, the amount of time donated by our also sacrifice by forgoing the compan­ a Christian minister asked President members to train and minister to one ionship and service of the missionaries Gordon B. Hinckley why it did not another is uniquely large. Our efforts they send forth. For example, a young contain any representation of the to have each family in our congrega­ Brazilian received a missionary call cross, the most common symbol of tions visited by home teachers each while he was working to support his the Christian faith. President Hinckley month and to have each adult woman brothers and sisters after his father replied that the symbols of our visited by Relief Society visiting teach­ and mother died. A General Authority Christian faith are “the lives of our ers each month are examples of this. described these children’s meeting in people.” 5 Truly, our lives of service We know of no comparable service in council and remembering that their and sacrifice are the most appropriate any organization in the world. deceased parents had taught them expressions of our commitment to The best-known examples of that they should always be prepared serve the Master and our fellowmen. unique LDS service and sacrifice to serve the Lord. The young man are the work of our missionaries. accepted his missionary call, and a III. Currently they number more than 16-year-old brother took over the We have no professionally trained 50,000 young men and young women responsibility of working to support and salaried clergy in The Church of and over 5,000 adult men and women. the family.6 Most of us know of many Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As They devote from six months to two other examples of sacrifice to serve a a result, the lay members who are years of their lives to teaching the mission or to support a missionary. We called to lead and serve our congre­ gospel of Jesus Christ and providing know of no other voluntary service gations must carry the whole load humanitarian service in more than and sacrifice like this in any other of our numerous Church meetings, 160 countries in the world. Their work organization in the world. programs, and activities. They do this always involves sacrifice, including the We are frequently asked, “How do in more than 14,000 congregations just years they give to the work of the Lord you persuade your young people and in the United States and Canada. Of and also the sacrifices made in provid­ your older members to leave their course, we are not unique in having ing funds for their support. schooling or their retirement to sacrifice lay members of our congregations Those who remain at home— in this way?” I have heard many give serve as teachers and lay leaders. But parents and other family members— this explanation: “Knowing what my 20 Savior did for me—His grace in suf­ missionaries and become members of sacrifice appear in the lives of the fering for my sins and in overcoming the Church. For many converts, these faithful members who serve in our death so I can live again—I feel privi­ sacrifices are very significant, includ­ temples. Temple service is unique to leged to make the small sacrifice I am ing the loss of friends and family Latter -day Saints, but the significance asked to make in His service. I want to associations. of such sacrifice should be under­ share the understanding He has given Many years ago this conference standable to all Christians. Latter-day me.” How do we persuade such follow­ heard of a young man who found the Saints have no tradition of service in ers of Christ to serve? As a prophet restored gospel while he was study­ a monastery, but we can still under­ explained, “We [just] ask them.” 7 ing in the United States. As this man stand and honor the sacrifice of those Other sacrifices resulting from was about to return to his native land, whose Christian faith motivates them missionary service are the sacrifices of President Gordon B. Hinckley asked to devote their lives to that religious those who act on the teachings of the him what would happen to him when activity. he returned home as a Christian. In this conference just a year ago, Patzicía, Guatemala “My family will be disappointed,” the President Thomas S. Monson shared young man answered. “They may cast an example of sacrifice in connection me out and regard me as dead. As for with temple service. A faithful Latter- my future and my career, all opportu­ day Saint father on a remote island in nity may be foreclosed against me.” the Pacific did heavy physical work in a “Are you willing to pay so great faraway place for six years to earn the a price for the gospel?” President money necessary to take his wife and Hinckley asked. 10 children for marriage and sealing for Tearfully the young man answered, eternity in the New Zealand Temple. “It’s true, isn’t it?” When that was President Monson explained, “Those affirmed, he replied, “Then what else who understand the eternal blessings matters?” 8 That is the spirit of sacrifice which come from the temple know among many of our new members. that no sacrifice is too great, no price Other examples of service and too heavy, no struggle too difficult in

May 2012 21 order to receive those blessings.” 9 I am grateful for the marvelous examples of Christian love, service, and sacrifice I have seen among the Latter -day Saints. I see you performing your Church callings, often at great sacrifice of time and means. I see you serving missions at your own expense. I see you cheerfully donating your professional skills in service to your fellowmen. I see you caring for the poor through personal efforts and through supporting Church welfare and humanitarian contributions.10 All provide foster children the hope and Father. I know that because of His of this is affirmed in a nationwide opportunities denied them by earlier atoning sacrifice, we have the assur­ study which concluded that active circumstances. I see you caring for ance of immortality and the opportu­ members of The Church of Jesus family members and neighbors who nity for eternal life. He is our Lord, our Christ of Latter-day Saints “volunteer suffer from birth defects, mental and Savior, and our Redeemer, and I testify and donate significantly more than the physical ailments, and the effects of of Him in the name of Jesus Christ, average American and are even more advancing years. The Lord sees you amen. ◼ generous in time and money than the also, and He has caused His prophets upper [20 percent] of religious people to declare that “as you sacrifice for NOTES 11 1. Bruce R. McConkie, The Promised Messiah: in America.” each other and your children, the Lord The First Coming of Christ (1981), 218. Such examples of giving to others will bless you.” 12 2. “How Great the Wisdom and the Love,” strengthen all of us. They remind us of I believe that Latter-day Saints who Hymns, no. 195. 3. “Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27. the Savior’s teaching: give unselfish service and sacrifice 4. Sarah Rich, in Guinevere Thomas “If any man will come after me, let in worshipful imitation of our Savior Woolstenhulme, “I Have Seen Many him deny himself. . . . adhere to eternal values to a greater Miracles,” in Richard E. Turley Jr. and Brittany A. Chapman, eds., Women of Faith “For whosoever will save his life extent than any other group of peo­ in the Latter Days: Volume 1, 1775–1820 shall lose it: and whosoever will ple. Latter-day Saints look on their (2011), 283. lose his life for my sake shall find it” sacrifices of time and means as a part 5. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Symbol of Our Faith,” Liahona and Ensign, Apr. 2005, 3. (Matthew 16:24–25). of their schooling and qualifying for 6. See Harold G. Hillam, “Sacrifice in the eternity. This is a truth revealed in Service,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 42. IV. the Lectures on Faith, which teach 7. Gordon B. Hinckley, “The Miracle of Faith,” Liahona, July 2001, 84; Ensign, May 2001, 68. Perhaps the most familiar and most that “a religion that does not require 8. Gordon B. Hinckley, “It’s True, Isn’t It?” important examples of unselfish ser­ the sacrifice of all things never has Tambuli, Oct. 1993, 3–4; Ensign, July 1993, vice and sacrifice are performed in our power sufficient to produce the faith 2; see also Neil L. Andersen, “It’s True, Isn’t It? Then What Else Matters?” Liahona and families. Mothers devote themselves necessary unto life and salvation. . . . Ensign, May 2007, 74. to the bearing and nurturing of their It [is] through this sacrifice, and this 9. Thomas S. Monson, “The Holy Temple—a children. Husbands give themselves to only, that God has ordained that men Beacon to the World,” Liahona and Ensign, 13 May 2011, 91–92. supporting their wives and children. should enjoy eternal life.” 10. See, for example, Naomi Schaefer Riley, The sacrifices involved in the eternally Just as the atoning sacrifice of Jesus “What the Mormons Know about Welfare,” important service to our families are Christ is at the center of the plan of Wall Street Journal, Feb. 18, 2012, A11. 11. Ram Cnaan and others, “Called to Serve: too numerous to mention and too salvation, we followers of Christ must The Prosocial Behavior of Active Latter-day familiar to need mention. make our own sacrifices to prepare for Saints” (draft), 16. I also see unselfish Latter-day Saints the destiny that plan provides for us. 12. Ezra Taft Benson, “To the Single Adult Brethren of the Church,” Ensign, adopting children, including those I know that Jesus Christ is the Only May 1988, 53. with special needs, and seeking to Begotten Son of God the Eternal 13. Lectures on Faith (1985), 69. 22 By President Henry B. Eyring answer to the question of why trials First Counselor in the First Presidency come and what we are to do than the words of the Lord Himself, who passed through trials for us more terri­ ble than we can imagine. You remember His words when He Mountains to Climb counseled that we should, out of faith in Him, repent: “Therefore I command you to If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as repent—repent, lest I smite you by the the easiest times in life can be a blessing. rod of my mouth, and by my wrath, and by my anger, and your sufferings be sore—how sore you know not, how exquisite you know not, yea, heard President Spencer W. Kimball, mental, and emotional trials that how hard to bear you know not. in a session of conference, ask that could cause you to cry out as did “For behold, I, God, have suffered I God would give him mountains to one great and faithful servant of God these things for all, that they might not climb. He said: “There are great chal­ I knew well. His nurse heard him suffer if they would repent; lenges ahead of us, giant opportuni­ exclaim from his bed of pain, “When “But if they would not repent they ties to be met. I welcome that exciting I have tried all my life to be good, must suffer even as I; prospect and feel to say to the Lord, why has this happened to me?” “Which suffering caused myself, humbly, ‘Give me this mountain,’ give You know how the Lord answered even God, the greatest of all, to trem­ me these challenges.” 1 that question for the Prophet Joseph ble because of pain, and to bleed at My heart was stirred, knowing, as I Smith in his prison cell: every pore, and to suffer both body did, some of the challenges and adver­ “And if thou shouldst be cast into and spirit—and would that I might not sity he had already faced. I felt a desire the pit, or into the hands of murderers, drink the bitter cup, and shrink— to be more like him, a valiant servant and the sentence of death passed upon “Nevertheless, glory be to the Father, of God. So one night I prayed for a test thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the and I partook and finished my prepara­ to prove my courage. I can remem­ billowing surge conspire against thee; tions unto the children of men.” 3 ber it vividly. In the evening I knelt in if fierce winds become thine enemy; if You and I have faith that the way my bedroom with a faith that seemed the heavens gather blackness, and all to rise through and above trials is almost to fill my heart to bursting. the elements combine to hedge up the to believe that there is a “balm in Within a day or two my prayer way; and above all, if the very jaws of Gilead” 4 and that the Lord has prom­ was answered. The hardest trial of hell shall gape open the mouth wide ised, “I will not . . . forsake thee.” 5 That my life surprised and humbled me. It after thee, know thou, my son, that all is what President Thomas S. Monson provided me a twofold lesson. First, these things shall give thee experience, has taught us to help us and those we I had clear proof that God heard and and shall be for thy good. serve in what seem lonely and over­ answered my prayer of faith. But “The Son of Man hath descended whelming trials.6 second, I began a tutorial that still below them all. Art thou greater But President Monson has also goes on to learn about why I felt with than he? wisely taught that a foundation of faith such confidence that night that a great “Therefore, hold on thy way, and the in the reality of those promises takes blessing could come from adversity to priesthood shall remain with thee; for time to build. You may have seen the more than compensate for any cost. their bounds are set, they cannot pass. need for that foundation, as I have, The adversity that hit me in that Thy days are known, and thy years at the bedside of someone ready to faraway day now seems tiny com­ shall not be numbered less; therefore, give up the fight to endure to the pared to what has come since—to fear not what man can do, for God shall end. If the foundation of faith is not me and to those I love. Many of you be with you forever and ever.” 2 embedded in our hearts, the power to are now passing through physical, There seems to me no better endure will crumble.

May 2012 23 My purpose today is to describe novice builder was what seemed to be to pray so soon in my life for higher what I know of how we can lay that a tedious and time-consuming process mountains to climb and greater tests. unshakable foundation. I do it with to put metal bars carefully inside the That curing does not come auto­ great humility for two reasons. First, forms to give the finished foundation matically through the passage of time, what I say could discourage some strength. but it does take time. Getting older who are struggling in the midst of In a similar way, the ground must does not do it alone. It is serving God great adversity and feel their foun­ be carefully prepared for our founda­ and others persistently with full heart dation of faith is crumbling. And tion of faith to withstand the storms and soul that turns testimony of truth second, I know that ever-greater tests that will come into every life. That into unbreakable spiritual strength. lie before me before the end of life. solid basis for a foundation of faith is Now, I wish to encourage those Therefore, the prescription I offer you personal integrity. who are in the midst of hard trials, has yet to be proven in my own life Our choosing the right consistently who feel their faith may be fading through enduring to the end. whenever the choice is placed before under the onslaught of troubles. As a young man I worked with us creates the solid ground under our Trouble itself can be your way to a contractor building footings and faith. It can begin in childhood since strengthen and finally gain unshakable foundations for new houses. In the every soul is born with the free gift of faith. Moroni, the son of Mormon in summer heat it was hard work to the Spirit of Christ. With that Spirit we the Book of Mormon, told us how prepare the ground for the form into can know when we have done what that blessing could come to pass. He which we poured the cement for the is right before God and when we have teaches the simple and sweet truth footing. There were no machines. We done wrong in His sight. that acting on even a twig of faith used a pick and a shovel. Building Those choices, hundreds in most allows God to grow it: lasting foundations for buildings was days, prepare the solid ground on “And now, I, Moroni, would speak hard work in those days. which our edifice of faith is built. The somewhat concerning these things; I It also required patience. After we metal framework around which the would show unto the world that faith poured the footing, we waited for it to substance of our faith is poured is the is things which are hoped for and not cure. Much as we wanted to keep the gospel of Jesus Christ, with all its cov­ seen; wherefore, dispute not because jobs moving, we also waited after the enants, ordinances, and principles. ye see not, for ye receive no witness pour of the foundation before we took One of the keys to an enduring faith until after the trial of your faith. away the forms. is to judge correctly the curing time “For it was by faith that Christ And even more impressive to a required. That is why I was unwise showed himself unto our fathers, after 24 he had risen from the dead; and he believed in the Son of God.” 8 She asked me, “When I get there, showed not himself unto them until I have visited with a woman who how will it be in heaven?” after they had faith in him; wherefore, received the miracle of sufficient And I said, “I know just from what I it must needs be that some had faith strength to endure unimaginable losses have seen of your capacity to exercise in him, for he showed himself not with just the simple capacity to repeat faith and to forgive that it will be a unto the world. endlessly the words “I know that my wonderful homecoming for you.” “But because of the faith of men Redeemer lives.” 9 That faith and those I have another encouragement to he has shown himself unto the world, words of testimony were still there those who now wonder if their faith and glorified the name of the Father, in the mist that obscured but did not in Jesus Christ will be sufficient for and prepared a way that thereby oth­ erase memories of her childhood. them to endure well to the end. I was ers might be partakers of the heavenly I was stunned to learn that another blessed to have known others of you gift, that they might hope for those woman had forgiven a person who who are listening now when you were things which they have not seen. had wronged her for years. I was younger, vibrant, gifted beyond most “Wherefore, ye may also have surprised and asked her why she had of those around you, yet you chose to hope, and be partakers of the gift, if chosen to forgive and forget so many do what the Savior would have done. ye will but have faith.” 7 years of spiteful abuse. Out of your abundance you found That particle of faith most pre­ She said quietly, “It was the hardest ways to help and care for those you cious and which you should protect thing I have ever done, but I just knew might have ignored or looked down and use to whatever extent you I had to do it. So I did.” Her faith that upon from your place in life. can is faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. the Savior would forgive her if she When hard trials come, the faith to Moroni taught the power of that forgave others prepared her with a endure them well will be there, built as faith this way: “And neither at any feeling of peace and hope as she you may now notice but may have not time hath any wrought miracles until faced death just months after she had at the time that you acted on the pure after their faith; wherefore they first forgiven her unrepentant adversary. love of Christ, serving and forgiving oth­ ers as the Savior would have done. You São Paulo, Brazil built a foundation of faith from loving as the Savior loved and serving for Him. Your faith in Him led to acts of charity that will bring you hope. It is never too late to strengthen the foundation of faith. There is always time. With faith in the Savior, you can repent and plead for forgiveness. There is someone you can forgive. There is someone you can thank. There is someone you can serve and lift. You can do it wherever you are and how­ ever alone and deserted you may feel. I cannot promise an end to your adversity in this life. I cannot assure you that your trials will seem to you to be only for a moment. One of the characteristics of trials in life is that they seem to make clocks slow down and then appear almost to stop. There are reasons for that. Knowing those reasons may not give much comfort, but it can give you a feeling

May 2012 25 If we have faith in Jesus Christ, the hardest as well as the easiest times in life can be a blessing. In all condi­ tions, we can choose the right with the guidance of the Spirit. We have the gospel of Jesus Christ to shape and guide our lives if we choose it. And with prophets revealing to us our place in the plan of salvation, we can live with perfect hope and a feeling of peace. We never need to feel that we are alone or unloved in the Lord’s service because we never are. We can feel the love of God. The Savior has promised angels on our left and our right to bear us up.10 And He always keeps His word. I testify that God the Father lives and that His Beloved Son is our Redeemer. The Holy Ghost has con­ firmed truth in this conference and will again as you seek it, as you listen, and as you later study the messages of the Lord’s authorized servants, who are here. President Thomas S. Monson is the Lord’s prophet to the entire world. The Lord watches over you. God the Father lives. His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, is our Redeemer. His love is unfailing. I so testify in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ NOTES 1. Spencer W. Kimball, “Give Me This Mountain,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 79. 2. Doctrine and Covenants 122:7–9. of patience. Those reasons come from One of the speakers at her funeral 3. Doctrine and Covenants 19:15–19. this one fact: in Their perfect love for was President Spencer W. Kimball. 4. Jeremiah 8:22. you, Heavenly Father and the Savior Among the tributes he paid, I remem­ 5. Joshua 1:5. 6. See Thomas S. Monson, “Look to God and want you fitted to be with Them to live ber one that went something like Live,” Ensign, May 1998, 52–54. in families forever. Only those washed this: “Some of you may have thought 7. Ether 12:6–9. perfectly clean through the Atonement that Mildred suffered so long and so 8. Ether 12:18. 9. “I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, of Jesus Christ can be there. much because of something she had no. 136. My mother fought cancer for nearly done wrong that required the trials.” 10. See Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. 10 years. Treatments and surgeries and He then said, “No, it was that God finally confinement to her bed were just wanted her to be polished a little some of her trials. more.” I remember at the time think­ To watch the video of President I remember my father saying as he ing, “If a woman that good needed Eyring’s address, scan this watched her take her last breath, “A that much polishing, what is ahead image with a QR-enabled smartphone. little girl has gone home to rest.” for me?” 26 SATURDAY AFTERNOON SESSION | March 31, 2012

released as a member of the Presidency of the Quorums of the Presented by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf Seventy. Second Counselor in the First Presidency Those who can join with us in a vote of appreciation, please manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain Elder Richard J. Maynes as a member of the Presidency of the Quorums of the The Sustaining Seventy. All in favor, please manifest it. Those opposed, if any. of Church Officers It is proposed that we release with a vote of appreciation Elders Gérald Jean Caussé and Gary E. Stevenson as members of the First Quorum of the t is proposed that we sustain Thomas Russell M. Nelson, Dallin H. Oaks, Seventy. Spencer Monson as prophet, seer, M. Russell Ballard, Richard G. Scott, All in favor, please manifest it. Iand revelator and President of The Robert D. Hales, Jeffrey R. Holland, After many years of faithful and Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day David A. Bednar, Quentin L. Cook, effective service, it is proposed that Saints; Henry Bennion Eyring as First D. Todd Christofferson, and Neil L. we release Bishops H. David Burton, Counselor in the First Presidency; and Andersen. Richard C. Edgley, and Keith B. Dieter Friedrich Uchtdorf as Second Those in favor, please manifest it. McMullin as the Presiding Bishopric Counselor in the First Presidency. Any opposed may so indicate. and designate them as emeritus Those in favor may manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain the General Authorities. Those opposed, if any, may mani- counselors in the First Presidency Those who can join with us in fest it. and the Twelve Apostles as prophets, a vote of appreciation, please mani- It is proposed that we sustain Boyd seers, and revelators. fest it. Kenneth Packer as President of the All in favor, please manifest it. It is proposed that we release the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Contrary, if there be any, by the following as Area Seventies effective the following as members of that same sign. on May 1, 2012: quorum: Boyd K. Packer, L. Tom Perry, Elder Steven E. Snow has been Richard K. Ahadjie, Climato C. A. Almeida, Fernando J. D. Araújo, Marvin T. Brinkerhoff, Mario L. Carlos, Rafael E. Castro, David L. Cook, César A. Dávila, Mosiah S. Delgado, Luis G. Duarte, Juan A. Etchegaray, Stephen L. Fluckiger, J. Roger Fluhman, Robert C. Gay, Miguel Hidalgo, Garith C. Hill, David J. Hoare, David H. Ingram, Tetsuji Ishii, Kapumba T. Kola, Glendon Lyons, R. Bruce Merrell, Enrique J. Montoya, Daniel A. Moreno, Adesina J. Olukanni, Gamaliel Osorno, Patrick H. Price, Marcos A. Prieto, Paulo R. Puerta, Carlos F. Rivas, A. Ricardo Sant’Ana, Fabian L. Sinamban, Natã C. Tobias, Stanley Wan, Perry M. Webb, Richard W. Wheeler, and Scott D. Whiting.

May 2012 27 Those who wish to join us in Davies as Second Counselor. All in favor, please signify. expressing our gratitude for their Those in favor, please manifest it. Any opposed. excellent service, please manifest it. Any opposed. It is proposed that we sustain Linda It is proposed that we release It is proposed that we sustain the Kjar Burton as general president of with a vote of sincere appreciation following as new Area Seventies: the Relief Society, with Carole Manzel Sisters Julie B. Beck, Silvia H. Allred, Pedro U. Adduru, Detlef H. Stephens as first counselor and Linda and Barbara Thompson as the Relief Adler, Angel H. Alarcon, Aley K. Sheffield Reeves as second counselor. Society general presidency. Auna Jr., W. Mark Bassett, Robert M. Those in favor, please manifest. We likewise extend a release to Call, Hernando Camargo, Gene R. Any opposed may so signify. members of the Relief Society general Chidester, Joaquin E. Costa, Ralph L. It is proposed that we sustain board. Dewsnup, Ángel A. Duarte, Edward the other General Authorities, Area All who wish to join us in express- Dube, Moroni Gaona, Taylor G. Seventies, and general auxiliary presi- ing appreciation to these sisters for Godoy, Francisco D. N. Granja, dencies as presently constituted. their remarkable service and devotion, Yuriy A. Gushchin, Richard K. Those in favor, please manifest it. please manifest it. Hansen, Todd B. Hansen, Clifford T. Any opposed may manifest it. It is proposed that we sustain as Herbertson, Aniefiok Udo Inyon, President Monson, insofar as I new members of the First Quorum Luiz M. Leal, Alejandro Lopez, L. Jean have been able to observe, the voting of the Seventy Craig A. Cardon, Claude Mabaya, Alvin F. Meredith III, in the Conference Center has been Stanley G. Ellis, Larry Echo Hawk, Adonay S. Obando, Jared R. Ocampo, unanimous in favor of the proposals Robert C. Gay, and Scott D. Whiting. Adeyinka A. Ojediran, Andrew M. made. All in favor, please manifest it. O’Riordan, Jesus A. Ortiz, Fred A. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for Those opposed, by the same sign. Parker, Siu Hong Pon, Abraham E. your sustaining vote and your contin- It is proposed that we sustain Quero, Robert Clare Rhien, Jorge Luis ued faith, devotion, and prayers. Gary E. Stevenson as Presiding Bishop Romeu, Jorge Saldívar, Gordon H. We invite the newly called General of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Smith, Alin Spannaus, Moroni B. Authorities and Relief Society general day Saints, with Gérald Jean Caussé Torgan, Steven L. Toronto, and Daniel presidency to come forward and take as First Counselor and Dean Myron Yirenya-Tawiah. their places on the stand. ◼ 28 The Church Auditing Department has been granted access to all Church Auditing records and systems necessary to evaluate the adequacy of controls for receipts of funds, expenditures, Department Report, and safeguarding of Church assets. The Church Auditing Department is independent of all other Church departments and operations, and 2 011 the staff consists of certified public accountants, certified internal audi- Presented by Robert W. Cantwell tors, certified information systems Managing Director, Church Auditing Department auditors, and other credentialed professionals. Based upon audits performed, the To the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ Church Auditing Department is of the of Latter-day Saints opinion that in all material respects, contributions received, expenditures made, and assets of the Church for the year 2011 have been recorded ear Brethren: As prescribed by and the Presiding Bishopric. and administered in accordance with revelation in section 120 of the This council approves budgets for appropriate accounting practices, DDoctrine and Covenants, the Church departments, operations, and approved budgets, and Church poli- Council on the Disposition of the related allocations to ecclesiastical cies and procedures. Tithes authorizes the expenditure of units. Church entities expend funds Respectfully submitted, Church funds. This council is com- consistent with approved budgets and Church Auditing Department posed of the First Presidency, the in accordance with Church policies Robert W. Cantwell Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, and procedures. Managing Director ◼

May 2012 29 Statistical Report, 2011

Presented by Brook P. Hales Secretary to the First Presidency

or the information of the mem- Ronald E. Poelman, Keith W. Wilcox, Seventy; Sister Leola George, widow bers of the Church, the First and Harold G. Hillam, all former of Elder Lloyd P. George, a former FPresidency has issued the follow- members of the Quorums of the member of the Seventy; Sister ing statistical report concerning the Seventy; Sisters Joy F. Evans and Argelia Villanueva de Alvarez, growth and status of the Church as of Chieko N. Okazaki, former counsel- wife of Elder Lino Alvarez, also a December 31, 2011. ors in the Relief Society general former member of the Seventy; presidency; Sister Norma Voloy and Brother Wendell M. Smoot Jr., Church Units Sonntag, wife of Elder Philip T. former president of the Tabernacle Stakes...... 2,946 Sonntag, a former member of the Choir. ◼ Missions...... 340 Districts...... 608 Wards and Branches...... 28,784

Church Membership Total Membership...... 14,441,346 New Children of Record during 2011...... 119,917 Converts Baptized during 2011...... 281,312

Missionaries Full-Time Missionaries...... 55,410 Church-Service Missionaries...... 22,299

Temples Temples Dedicated during 2011 (San Salvador El Salvador and Quetzaltenango Guatemala)...... 2 Temples Rededicated during 2011 (Atlanta Georgia)...... 1 Temples in Operation...... 136

Former General Church Officers and Others Who Have Passed Away since Last April General Conference Elders Marion D. Hanks, Jack H Goaslind Jr., Monte J. Brough, 30 By Elder Jeffrey R. Holland These last and most discouraged of Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles laborers, hearing only that they will be treated fairly, accept work without even knowing the wage, knowing that anything will be better than nothing, which is what they have had The Laborers so far. Then as they gather for their payment, they are stunned to receive the same as all the others! How awe- in the Vineyard struck they must have been and how very, very grateful! Surely never had such compassion been seen in all their Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you working days. right now, this very moment, that you should accept the It is with that reading of the story atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ. that I feel the grumbling of the first laborers must be seen. As the house- holder in the parable tells them (and I paraphrase only slightly): “My friends, n light of the calls and releases the perhaps you, as well as those workers, I am not being unfair to you. You First Presidency has just announced, have felt there was an injustice being agreed on the wage for the day, a Imay I speak for all of us in saying we done here. Let me speak briefly to good wage. You were very happy to will remember and love always those that concern. get the work, and I am very happy who have served so faithfully, just as First of all it is important to note with the way you served. You are paid we immediately love and welcome that no one has been treated unfairly in full. Take your pay and enjoy the those who now come into office. Our here. The first workers agreed to the blessing. As for the others, surely I heartfelt thanks to every one of you. full wage of the day, and they received am free to do what I like with my own I wish to speak of the Savior’s it. Furthermore, they were, I can only money.” Then this piercing question parable in which a householder imagine, very grateful to get the work. to anyone then or now who needs to “went out early in the morning to In the time of the Savior, an average hear it: “Why should you be jealous hire labourers.” After employing the man and his family could not do much because I choose to be kind? ” first group at 6:00 in the morning, he more than live on what they made Brothers and sisters, there are going returned at 9:00 a.m., at 12:00 noon, that day. If you didn’t work or farm to be times in our lives when some- and at 3:00 in the afternoon, hiring or fish or sell, you likely didn’t eat. one else gets an unexpected blessing more workers as the urgency of the With more prospective workers than or receives some special recognition. harvest increased. The scripture says jobs, these first men chosen were the May I plead with us not to be hurt— he came back a final time, “about the most fortunate in the entire labor pool and certainly not to feel envious— eleventh hour” (approximately 5:00 that morning. when good fortune comes to another p.m.), and hired a concluding number. Indeed, if there is any sympathy person? We are not diminished when Then just an hour later, all the workers to be generated, it should at least ini- someone else is added upon. We are gathered to receive their day’s wage. tially be for the men not chosen who not in a race against each other to Surprisingly, all received the same also had mouths to feed and backs see who is the wealthiest or the most wage in spite of the different hours to clothe. Luck never seemed to be talented or the most beautiful or even of labor. Immediately, those hired with some of them. With each visit of the most blessed. The race we are first were angry, saying, “These last the steward throughout the day, they really in is the race against sin, and have wrought but one hour, and thou always saw someone else chosen. surely envy is one of the most univer- hast made them equal unto us, which But just at day’s close, the house- sal of those. have borne the burden and heat of holder returns a surprising fifth time Furthermore, envy is a mistake the day.” 1 When reading this parable, with a remarkable eleventh-hour offer! that just keeps on giving. Obviously

May 2012 31 grandeur of the universally generous payment at the end of the day. The formula of faith is to hold on, work on, see it through, and let the distress of earlier hours—real or imagined— fall away in the abundance of the final reward. Don’t dwell on old issues or grievances—not toward yourself nor your neighbor nor even, I might add, toward this true and living Church. The majesty of your life, of your neighbor’s life, and of the gospel of Jesus Christ will be made manifest at the last day, even if such majesty is not always recognized by everyone in the early going. So don’t hyperventilate about something that happened at 9:00 in the morning when the grace of God is trying to reward you at 6:00 in the evening— whatever your labor arrangements have been through the day. We consume such precious emo- tional and spiritual capital clinging tenaciously to the memory of a dis- cordant note we struck in a childhood piano recital, or something a spouse said or did 20 years ago that we are determined to hold over his or her head for another 20, or an incident in Church history that proved no more or less than that mortals will always we suffer a little when some misfor- improve your self-image. So be kind, struggle to measure up to the immor- tune befalls us, but envy requires us and be grateful that God is kind. It is a tal hopes placed before them. Even to suffer all good fortune that befalls happy way to live. if one of those grievances did not everyone we know! What a bright A second point I wish to take from originate with you, it can end with prospect that is—downing another this parable is the sorrowful mistake you. And what a reward there will be quart of pickle juice every time any- some could make if they were to forgo for that contribution when the Lord of one around you has a happy moment! the receipt of their wages at the end of the vineyard looks you in the eye and To say nothing of the chagrin in the the day because they were preoccu- accounts are settled at the end of our end, when we find that God really pied with perceived problems earlier earthly day. is both just and merciful, giving to in the day. It doesn’t say here that any- Which leads me to my third and all who stand with Him “all that he one threw his coin in the household- last point. This parable—like all par- hath,” 2 as the scripture says. So lesson er’s face and stormed off penniless, ables—is not really about laborers or number one from the Lord’s vineyard: but I suppose one might have. wages any more than the others are coveting, pouting, or tearing others My beloved brothers and sisters, about sheep and goats. This is a story down does not elevate your standing, what happened in this story at 9:00 about God’s goodness, His patience nor does demeaning someone else or noon or 3:00 is swept up in the and forgiveness, and the Atonement 32 of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is a story dream that in the unfolding of time and early, to those of you who have come about generosity and compassion. It eternity cannot yet be realized. Even to the gospel by stages and phases is a story about grace. It underscores if you feel you are the lost and last later, and to those of you—members the thought I heard many years ago laborer of the eleventh hour, the Lord and not yet members—who may still that surely the thing God enjoys most of the vineyard still stands beckoning. be hanging back, to each of you, one about being God is the thrill of being “Come boldly [to] the throne of grace,” 3 and all, I testify of the renewing power merciful, especially to those who don’t and fall at the feet of the Holy One of God’s love and the miracle of His expect it and often feel they don’t of Israel. Come and feast “without grace. His concern is for the faith at deserve it. money and without price” 4 at the table which you finally arrive, not the hour I do not know who in this vast of the Lord. of the day in which you got there. audience today may need to hear the I especially make an appeal for So if you have made covenants, message of forgiveness inherent in husbands and fathers, priesthood keep them. If you haven’t made them, this parable, but however late you bearers or prospective priesthood make them. If you have made them think you are, however many chances bearers, to, as Lehi said, “Awake! and and broken them, repent and repair you think you have missed, however arise from the dust . . . and be men.” 5 them. It is never too late so long as the many mistakes you feel you have Not always but often it is the men Master of the vineyard says there is made or talents you think you don’t who choose not to answer the call to time. Please listen to the prompting of have, or however far from home and “come join the ranks.” 6 Women and the Holy Spirit telling you right now, family and God you feel you have children frequently seem more willing. this very moment, that you should traveled, I testify that you have not Brethren, step up. Do it for your sake. accept the atoning gift of the Lord traveled beyond the reach of divine Do it for the sake of those who love Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship love. It is not possible for you to sink you and are praying that you will of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting lower than the infinite light of Christ’s respond. Do it for the sake of the Lord late. In the name of Jesus Christ, Atonement shines. Jesus Christ, who paid an unfathom- amen. ◼ Whether you are not yet of our faith able price for the future He wants you NOTES or were with us once and have not to have. 1. See Matthew 20:1–15. remained, there is nothing in either My beloved brothers and sisters, to 2. Luke 12:44. case that you have done that cannot be those of you who have been blessed 3. Hebrews 4:16. 4. Isaiah 55:1. undone. There is no problem which by the gospel for many years because 5. 2 Nephi 1:14, 21. you cannot overcome. There is no you were fortunate enough to find it 6. “We Are All Enlisted,” Hymns, no. 250.

May 2012 33 By Elder Robert D. Hales converted and become true “saint[s] Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles through the atonement of Christ”? 3 We become converted and spiri­ tually self-reliant as we prayerfully live our covenants—through worthily partaking of the sacrament, being Coming to Ourselves: worthy of a temple recommend, and sacrificing to serve others. To worthily partake of the sacra­ The Sacrament, ment, we remember that we are renew- ing the covenant we made at baptism. For the sacrament to be a spiritually cleansing experience each week, the Temple, and we need to prepare ourselves before coming to sacrament meeting. We do this by deliberately leaving behind our Sacrifice in Service daily work and recreation and letting go of worldly thoughts and concerns. We become converted and spiritually self-reliant As we do, we make room in our minds and hearts for the Holy Ghost. as we prayerfully live our covenants. Then we are prepared to ponder on the Atonement. More than just thinking about the facts of the Savior’s suffering and death, our pondering he Savior told His disciples about hunger for the sacred blessings that helps us to recognize that through the a son who left his wealthy father, only He can provide. At these times Savior’s sacrifice, we have the hope, Twent to a far country, and wasted we should strive to come to ourselves opportunity, and strength to make his inheritance. When a famine arose, and come back into the light of our real, heartfelt changes in our lives. the young man took the lowly job of Savior’s love. As we sing the sacrament hymn, feeding swine. He was so hungry that These blessings rightfully belong participate in the sacrament prayers, he wanted to eat the husks meant for to all of Heavenly Father’s children. and partake of the emblems of His the animals. Desiring these blessings, including a flesh and blood, we prayerfully seek Away from home, far from the life of joy and happiness, is an essen- forgiveness for our sins and short­ place he wanted to be, and in his des- tial part of Heavenly Father’s plan for comings. We think about the promises titute condition, something of eternal each one of us. The prophet Alma we made and kept during the previ- significance happened in the life of taught, “Even if ye can no more than ous week and make specific personal this young man. In the Savior’s words, desire to believe, let this desire work commitments to follow the Savior “he came to himself.” 1 He remem- in you.” 2 during the coming week. bered who he was, realized what he As our spiritual desires increase, we Parents and leaders, you can help had been missing, and began to desire become spiritually self-reliant. How, youth experience the incomparable the blessings freely available in his then, do we help others, ourselves, blessings of the sacrament by pro- father’s house. and our families increase our desires viding special opportunities for them Throughout our lives, whether in to follow the Savior and live His to study, discuss, and discover the times of darkness, challenge, sorrow, gospel? How do we strengthen our relevance of the Atonement in their or sin, we may feel the Holy Ghost desires to repent, become worthy, and lives. Let them search the scriptures reminding us that we are truly sons endure to the end? How do we help for themselves and teach one another and daughters of a caring Heavenly our youth and young adults let these from their own experiences. Father, who loves us, and we may desires work in them until they are Fathers, priesthood leaders, and 34 quorum presidencies have a spe- our Heavenly Father’s presence. No What are the standards for recom- cial responsibility to help Aaronic wonder we are commanded to “meet mend holders? The Psalmist reminds us: Priesthood holders earnestly prepare together oft to partake of [the] bread “Who shall ascend into the hill of to perform their sacred sacrament and [water]” 6 and to partake of the the Lord? or who shall stand in his duties. This preparation is made sacrament to our souls.7 holy place? throughout the week by living gospel Our desires to return to Heavenly “He that hath clean hands, and a standards. When young men prepare, Father increase as we, in addition to pure heart.” 8 bless, and pass the sacrament in wor- taking the sacrament, become worthy Worthiness to hold a temple rec- thiness and reverence, they literally to obtain a temple recommend. We ommend gives us the strength to keep follow the example of the Savior at the become worthy by steadily and stead- our temple covenants. How do we Last Supper 4 and become like Him. fastly obeying the commandments. personally gain that strength? We strive I testify that the sacrament gives us This obedience begins in childhood to obtain a testimony of Heavenly an opportunity to come to ourselves and intensifies through experiences Father, Jesus Christ, the Holy Ghost, and experience “a mighty change” of in the Aaronic Priesthood and Young the reality of the Atonement, and the heart 5—to remember who we are and Women during the years of prepa- truthfulness of the Prophet Joseph what we most desire. As we renew ration. Then, hopefully, priests and Smith and the Restoration. We sustain the covenant to keep the command- Laurels set goals and specifically pre- our leaders, treat our families with ments, we obtain the companionship pare themselves to be endowed and kindness, stand as a witness of the of the Holy Ghost to lead us back into sealed in the temple. Lord’s true Church, attend our Church

May 2012 35 him, and had compassion, and ran, and . . . kissed him.” 13 In honor of his son’s return, he called for a robe, a ring, and a celebration with a fatted calf 14—reminders that no blessings will be withheld if we faithfully endure in walking the path back to our Heavenly Father. With His love and the love of His Son in my heart, I challenge each of us to follow our spiritual desires and come to ourselves. Let’s have a meetings, honor our covenants, However, it is difficult for youth to talk with ourselves in the mirror and fulfill parental obligations, and live a understand how present actions will ask, “Where do I stand on living my virtuous life. You may say that sounds prepare them for or disqualify them covenants?” We are on the right path like just being a faithful Latter-day from future service opportunities. All when we can say, “I worthily partake Saint! You are right. The standard for of us have an “imperative duty” 11 to of the sacrament each week, I am temple recommend holders is not too assist our youth in preparing for life- worthy to hold a temple recommend high for us to achieve. It is simply to long service by helping them become and go to the temple, and I sacrifice to faithfully live the gospel and follow self-reliant. In addition to the spiritual serve and bless others.” the prophets. self-reliance we have been discussing, I share my special witness that God Then, as endowed temple recom- there is temporal self-reliance, which so loves each one of us “that he gave mend holders, we establish patterns of includes getting a postsecondary edu- his only begotten Son” 15 to atone for Christlike living. These include obe- cation or vocational training, learning our sins. He knows us and waits for dience, making sacrifices to keep the to work, and living within our means. us, even when we are a great way off. commandments, loving one another, By avoiding debt and saving money As we act on our desires and come to being chaste in thought and action, now, we are prepared for full-time ourselves, we will be “encircled about and giving of ourselves to build the Church service in the years to come. eternally in the arms of his love” 16 and kingdom of God. Through the Savior’s The purpose of both temporal and welcomed home. I so testify in the Atonement and by following these spiritual self-reliance is to get our- holy name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, basic patterns of faithfulness, we receive selves on higher ground so that we amen. ◼ “power from on high” 9 to face the can lift others in need. challenges of life. We need this divine Whether we are young or old, NOTES power today more than ever. It is power what we do today determines the 1. Luke 15:17. 2. Alma 32:27. we receive only through temple ordi- service we will be able to render and 3. Mosiah 3:19. nances. I testify that the sacrifices we enjoy tomorrow. As the poet reminds 4. See Matthew 26:17–28; Luke 22:1–20. make to receive temple ordinances are us, “Of all sad words of tongue or 5. Alma 5:12; see also Mosiah 5:2; Alma 5:13–14. worth every effort we can make. pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might 6. Moroni 6:6. As our desires to learn and live have been!’” 12 Let us not live our 7. See Moroni 4:3; Doctrine and Covenants the gospel increase, we naturally lives in regret of what we did or 20:77. 8. Psalm 24:3–4. seek to serve one another. The Savior did not do! 9. Doctrine and Covenants 95:8. said to Peter, “When thou art con- Beloved brothers and sisters, the 10. Luke 22:32. verted, strengthen thy brethren.” 10 young man spoken about by the 11. Doctrine and Covenants 123:11. 12. John Greenleaf Whittier, “Maud Muller,” I am impressed that today’s youth Savior, the one we refer to as the The Complete Poetical Works of Whittier have deep desires to serve and bless prodigal son, did come home. His (1894), 48. others—to make a difference in this father had not forgotten him; his father 13. Luke 15:20. 14. See Luke 15:22–24. world. They also crave the joy that was waiting. And “when [the son] was 15. John 3:16. their service brings. yet a great way off, his father saw 16. 2 Nephi 1:15. 36 By Elder David S. Baxter coped with an inner loneliness, Of the Seventy desperate at times for support and companionship. Yet despite all of this, there was a dignity about my mother, a tremendous source of determination and sheer Scottish grit. Faith, Fortitude, Thankfully, her later years were more blessed than the beginning. She married a new convert, a wid- Fulfillment: A Message ower; they were sealed in the London England Temple and later briefly served there as ordinance workers. They were together for almost a quar- to Single Parents ter of a century—happy, content, and fulfilled until overtaken by mortality. You are striving to raise your children in righteousness There are many of you good and truth, knowing that while you cannot change the past, women in the Church across the world who face similar circumstances you can shape the future. and who demonstrate the same resil- ience year after year. This is not exactly what you hoped or planned, prayed for or expected, y message is for the single Neal A. Maxwell commented, we when you started out years ago. Your parents in the Church, the cannot do all the sums or make it all journey through life has had bumps, majority of whom are single add up because “we do not have all detours, twists, and turns, mostly as M 1 mothers—you valiant women who, the numbers.” the result of life in a fallen world through the varying circumstances of Whatever your circumstances or the that is meant to be a place of proving life, find yourselves raising children reasons for them, how wonderful you and testing. and running a home on your own. are. Day to day you face the struggles Meanwhile, you are striving to raise Perhaps you have been widowed or of life, doing the work that was always your children in righteousness and divorced. You may be coping with meant for two but doing it largely truth, knowing that while you cannot the challenges of single parenthood alone. You have to be father as well change the past, you can shape the as a result of having taken a wrong as mother. You run your household, future. Along the way you will obtain turn outside of marriage, but you are watch over your family, sometimes compensatory blessings, even if they now living within the framework of struggle to make ends meet, and are not immediately apparent. the gospel, having turned your life miraculously you even find the where- With God’s help, you need not fear around. Bless you for avoiding the withal to serve in the Church in signifi- for the future. Your children will grow type of companionship that would cant ways. You nurture your children. up and call you blessed, and every come at the expense of virtue and dis- You cry and pray with them and for single one of their many achievements cipleship. That would be far too high them. You want the very best for them will stand as a tribute to you. a price to pay. but fret every night that your best may Please never feel that you are in Although you may at times have never be good enough. some kind of second-tier subcategory asked, why me? it is through the Whilst reluctant to be overly of Church membership, somehow less hardships of life that we grow toward personal, I am the product of such a entitled to the Lord’s blessings than godhood as our character is shaped home. For most of my childhood and others. In the kingdom of God there in the crucible of affliction, as the teenage years, my mother raised us are no second-class citizens. events of life take place while God on her own in poor circumstances. We hope that when you attend respects the agency of man. As Elder Money was carefully rationed. She meetings and see seemingly complete

May 2012 37 and happy families or hear someone the library?’ ‘I have to get some poster tired. I can’t face it. I can’t go home speak of family ideals, you will feel paper tonight.’ Tired and weary, I and take care of all those children glad to be part of a church that does looked at that house and saw the light alone. Could I just come to You and focus on families and teaches of their on in each of the rooms. I thought of stay with You for just one night? . . .’ central role in Heavenly Father’s plan all of those children who were home “I didn’t really hear the words of for the happiness of His children; that waiting for me to come and meet their reply, but I heard them in my mind. in the midst of world calamity and needs. My burdens felt heavier than I The answer was: ‘No, little one, you moral decay, we have the doctrine, could bear. can’t come to me now. . . . But I can authority, ordinances, and covenants “I remember looking through come to you.’” 2 that do hold out the best hope for the tears toward the sky, and I said, ‘Dear Thank you, sisters, for all that you world, including for the future happi- Father, I just can’t do it tonight. I’m too are doing to raise your family and ness of your children and the families maintain a loving home where there is they will create. Córdoba, Argentina goodness, peace, and opportunity. In the general Relief Society Although you often feel alone, meeting of September 2006, President in truth you are never totally on Gordon B. Hinckley related an expe- your own. As you move forward in rience shared by a divorced single patience and in faith, Providence will mother of seven children then ranging move with you; heaven will bestow its in ages from 7 to 16. She had gone needful blessings. across the street to deliver something Your perspective and view of life to a neighbor. She said: will change when, rather than being “As I turned around to walk back cast down, you look up. home, I could see my house lighted Many of you have already discov- up. I could hear echoes of my chil- ered the great, transforming truth that dren as I had walked out of the door when you live to lift the burdens of a few minutes earlier. They were others, your own burdens become saying: ‘Mom, what are we going to lighter. Although circumstances may have for dinner?’ ‘Can you take me to not have changed, your attitude has. 38 You are able to face your own trials By Elder Ulisses Soares with greater acceptance, a more Of the Seventy understanding heart, and deeper grati­ tude for what you have, rather than pining for what you yet lack. You have discovered that when we extend lines of hopeful credit to those Abide in the Lord’s whose life accounts seem empty, our own coffers of consolation are enriched and made full; our cup truly Territory! “runneth over” (Psalm 23:5). Through righteous living, you and your children may one day enjoy the Our daily question must be, “Do my actions place me blessings of being part of a complete, in the Lord’s or in the enemy’s territory?” eternal family. Members and leaders, is there more that you could do to support single-parent families without passing resident Thomas S. Monson once our thoughts, words, and actions must judgment or casting aspersions? said: “May I provide a simple elevate us to the level of the divinity Might you mentor young people in Pformula by which you can mea- of our heavenly parents. However, these families, especially providing sure the choices which confront you. the scriptures refer to the flesh as the for young men examples of what It’s easy to remember: ‘You can’t be physical or carnal nature of the natural good men do and how good men right by doing wrong; you can’t be man, which allows people to be influ- live? In the absence of fathers, are wrong by doing right’” (“Pathways to enced by passion, desires, appetites, you providing role models worthy of Perfection,” Liahona, July 2002, 112; and drives of the flesh instead of emulation? Ensign, May 2002, 100). President looking for inspiration from the Holy Now, there are, of course, some Monson’s formula is simple and direct. Ghost. If we are not careful, those single families where it is the father It works the same way as the Liahona influences together with the pressure who is the single parent. Brethren, we given to Lehi did. If we exercise faith of the evil in the world may conduct also pray for you and pay tribute to and are diligent in obeying the Lord’s us to adopt vulgar and reckless behav- you. This message is also for you. commandments, we will easily find the ior which may become part of our Single parents, I testify that as you correct direction to follow, especially character. In order to avoid those bad do your very best in the most diffi- when we face our day-to-day choices. influences, we have to follow what cult of human challenges, heaven The Apostle Paul exhorts us about the Lord instructed the Prophet Joseph will smile upon you. Truly you are the importance of sowing in the Spirit Smith about continuously sowing in not alone. Let the redemptive, loving and being aware of not sowing in the the Spirit: “Wherefore, be not weary power of Jesus Christ brighten your flesh. He said: in well-doing, for ye are laying the life now and fill you with the hope of “Be not deceived; God is not foundation of a great work. And out of eternal promise. Take courage. Have mocked: for whatsoever a man small things proceedeth that which is faith and hope. Consider the present soweth, that shall he also reap. great” (D&C 64:33). with fortitude and look to the future “For he that soweth to his flesh To enhance our spirit, it is required with confidence. In the name of Jesus shall of the flesh reap corruption; but that we “let all bitterness, and wrath, Christ, amen. ◼ he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the and anger, and clamour, and evil NOTES Spirit reap life everlasting. speaking, be put away from [us], 1. Neal A. Maxwell, Notwithstanding My “And let us not be weary in well with all malice” (Ephesians 4:31) and Weakness (1981), 68. doing: for in due season we shall reap, that we “be wise in the days of [our] 2. In Gordon B. Hinckley, “In the Arms of His Love,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. if we faint not” (Galatians 6:7–9). probation [and] strip [ourselves] of all 2006, 117. To sow in the Spirit means that all uncleanness” (Mormon 9:28).

May 2012 39 As we study the scriptures, we learn that the promises made by the Lord to us are conditional upon our obedience and encourage righteous living. Those promises must nourish our soul, bringing us hope by encour- aging us not to give up even in the face of our daily challenges of living in a world whose ethical and moral values are becoming extinct, thus motivating people to sow in the flesh even more. But how can we be certain that our choices are helping us to sow in the Spirit and not in the flesh? President George Albert Smith, repeating counsel from his grandfather, once said: “There is a line of demarca- tion well defined between the Lord’s territory and the devil’s territory. If you will stay on the Lord’s side of the line you will be under his influence and will have no desire to do wrong; but if you cross to the devil’s side of that line one inch you are in the tempter’s power and if he is successful, you will the companionship of the Holy Ghost the less-active young men to return not be able to think or even reason must help us determine if our manner to church. While they talked to those properly because you will have lost of living is placing us in the Lord’s less-active young men, I noticed the Spirit of the Lord” (Teachings of territory or not. If our attitudes are that their countenances reflected the Presidents of the Church: George Albert good, they are inspired of God, for Savior’s light and at the same time Smith [2011], 191). every good thing comes from God. filled with light all those around Therefore, our daily question must However, if our attitudes are bad, we them. They were fulfilling their duty be, “Do my actions place me in the are being influenced by the enemy to “succor the weak, lift up the hands Lord’s or in the enemy’s territory?” because he persuades men to do evil. which hang down, and strengthen the Mormon the prophet alerted his The African people have touched feeble knees” (D&C 81:5). The attitude people about the importance of my heart because of their determina- of those two priests placed them in having the ability to distinguish good tion and diligence to stay in the Lord’s the Lord’s territory, and they served from evil: territory. Even in adverse circum- as instruments in His hands as they “Wherefore, all things which are stances in life, those who accept the invited others to do the same. good cometh of God; and that which invitation to come unto Christ become In Doctrine and Covenants 20:37, is evil cometh of the devil; for the a light to the world. A few weeks the Lord teaches us what it means devil is an enemy unto God, and ago while visiting one of the wards to sow in the Spirit and what really fighteth against him continually, and in South Africa, I had the privilege to places us in the Lord’s territory, as inviteth and enticeth to sin, and to do accompany two young priests, their follows: humble ourselves before that which is evil continually. bishop, and their stake president in a God, come forth with broken hearts “But behold, that which is of God visit to less-active young men of their and contrite spirits, witness before the inviteth and enticeth to do good con- quorum. I was greatly impressed by Church that we have truly repented tinually” (Moroni 7:12–13). the courage and humility that those of all our sins, take upon ourselves The Light of Christ together with two priests showed as they invited the name of Jesus Christ, have a 40 determination to serve Him to the By Elder Quentin L. Cook end, manifest by our works that we Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles have received the Spirit of Christ, and be received by baptism into His Church. Our disposition to fulfill these covenants prepares us to live in God’s presence as exalted beings. The In Tune with remembrance of these covenants must guide our behavior in relation to our family, in our social interaction with the Music of Faith other people, and especially in our relationship with the Savior. Jesus Christ established the per- God loves all His children. He wants all of them fect behavior pattern by which we to return to Him. He desires everyone to be in tune can build upon our attitudes to be with the sacred music of faith. able to fulfill these sacred covenants. The Savior banished from His life any influence that might take His focus away from His divine mission, s the General Authorities of the The great introductory vision in the especially when He was tempted by Church meet with members all Book of Mormon is Lehi’s prophetic the enemy or by his followers while A over the world, we see first- dream of the tree of life.3 This vision He ministered here on earth. Although hand how Latter-day Saints are a force starkly describes the challenges to He never sinned, He had a broken for good. We commend you for all faith that exist in our day and the great heart and a contrite spirit, full of love you do to bless the lives of all people. divide between those who love, wor- for our Heavenly Father and for all Those of us with public affairs ship, and feel accountable to God and men. He humbled Himself before assignments are acutely aware that those who do not. Lehi explains some our Father in Heaven, denying His many opinion leaders and journalists of the conduct that destroys faith. own will to fulfill what the Father had in the United States and around the Some are proud, vain, and foolish. asked of Him in all things until the world have increased their public They are interested only in the so- end. Even at that moment of extreme discussion of the Church and its called wisdom of the world.4 Others physical and spiritual pain, carrying members. A unique confluence of have some interest in God but are the burden of the sins of all mankind factors has raised the Church’s profile lost in worldly mists of darkness and on His shoulders and shedding blood significantly.1 sin.5 Some have tasted of the love of through His pores, He told the Father, Many who write about the Church God and His word but feel ashamed “Nevertheless not what I will, but what have made a sincere effort to under- because of those mocking them and thou wilt” (Mark 14:36). stand our people and our doctrine. fall away into “forbidden paths.” 6 My prayer, brothers and sisters, as They have been civil and have tried to Finally, there are those who are we think about our covenants is that be objective, for which we are grateful. in tune with the music of faith. You we may keep ourselves strong against We also recognize that many indi- know who you are. You love the Lord “the fiery darts of the adversary” viduals are not in tune with sacred and His gospel and continuously try (1 Nephi 15:24), following the Savior’s things. Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks of to live and share His message, espe- example so that we may sow in the England, speaking to Roman Catholic cially with your families.7 You are in Spirit and abide in the Lord’s territory. leaders last December at the Pontifical harmony with the promptings of the Let us remember President Monson’s Gregorian University, noted how Spirit, have awakened to the power of formula: “You can’t be right by doing secular some parts of the world have God’s word, have religious observance wrong; you can’t be wrong by doing become. He stated that one culprit is in your homes, and diligently try to right.” I say these things in the name “an aggressive scientific atheism tone live Christlike lives as His disciples. of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ deaf to the music of faith.” 2 We recognize how busy you are.

May 2012 41 Without a paid professional minis- Thomas S. Monson has specifically is essential.15 We found this to be try, the responsibility for adminis- asked us to have the “courage to refrain helpful in our own family. tering the Church depends on you from judging others.” 10 He has also Religious observance in the home consecrated members. We know it asked every faithful member to rescue blesses our families. Example is is common for members of bish- those who have tasted of the gospel particularly­ important. What we are oprics and stake presidencies and fruit and then have fallen away, as well speaks so loudly that our children many others to render long hours as those who have not yet found the may not hear what we say. When I of devoted service. Auxiliary and strait and narrow path. We pray that was nearly five years old, my mother quorum presidencies are exemplary they will hold to the rod and partake received word that her younger in their selfless sacrifice. This service of the love of God, which will fill their brother had been killed when the and sacrifice extend through the “soul[s] with exceedingly great joy.” 11 battleship on which he was serving entire membership, to those keeping While Lehi’s vision includes all peo- was bombed off the coast of Japan clerical records, faithful home and ple, the culminating doctrinal concept near the end of World War II.16 This visiting teachers, and those teaching is the eternal significance of the family. news was devastating to her. She was classes. We are grateful to those who “The family is ordained of God. It is very emotional and went into the bed- courageously serve as Scoutmasters the most important unit in time and in room. After a while I peeked into the and nursery leaders as well. You all eternity.” 12 As Lehi partook of the fruit room to see if she was OK. She was have our love and appreciation for of the tree of life (the love of God), he kneeling by the bed in prayer. A great what you do and who you are! was desirous that his “family should peace came over me because she had We acknowledge that there are partake of it also.” 13 taught me to pray and love the Savior. members who are less interested in Our great desire is to raise our This was typical of the example she and less faithful to some of the Savior’s children in truth and righteous- always set for me. Mothers and fathers teachings. Our desire is for these ness. One principle that will help praying with children may be more members to awaken fully to faith and us accomplish this is to avoid being important than any other example. increase their activity and commit- overly judgmental about conduct that The message, ministry, and ment. God loves all His children. He is foolish or unwise but not sinful. Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, wants all of them to return to Him. He Many years ago, when my wife and I are our essential family curriculum. No desires everyone to be in tune with had children at home, Elder Dallin H. scripture characterizes our faith better the sacred music of faith. The Savior’s Oaks taught that it was important to than 2 Nephi 25:26: “And we talk of Atonement is a gift for everyone. distinguish between youthful mis- Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach It needs to be taught and under- takes which should be corrected of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and stood that we love and respect all of and sins that require chastening and we write according to our prophecies, the people whom Lehi described.8 repentance.14 Where there is lack of that our children may know to what Remember, it is not up to us to judge. wisdom, our children need instruc- source they may look for a remission Judgment is the Lord’s.9 President tion. Where there is sin, repentance of their sins.” 42 One of the underlying premises of Lehi’s vision is that faithful members must hold fast to the rod of iron to keep them on the strait and narrow path leading to the tree of life. It is essential for members to read, ponder, and study the scriptures.17 The Book of Mormon is of seminal importance.18 There will, of course, always be those who underestimate the significance of or even disparage this sacred book. Some have used humor. Before I served a mission, a univer- sity professor quoted Mark Twain’s statement that if you took “And it came to pass” out of the Book of Mormon, it “would have been only a pamphlet.” 19 A few months later, while I was serving a mission in London, England, a distinguished Oxford-educated teacher at London University, an Egyptian expert in Semitic languages, read the Book of Mormon, corresponded with President David O. McKay, and met with mission- aries. He informed them he was con- vinced the Book of Mormon was indeed a translation of “the learning of the Jews rather than just external or scientific was deeply touched years ago that a and the language of the Egyptians” for proof. Obsessive focus on things not beloved prophet, Spencer W. Kimball, the periods described in the Book of yet fully revealed, such as how the emphasized the need to continually Mormon.20 One example among many virgin birth or the Resurrection of the read and study the scriptures. He said: he used was the conjunctive phrase Savior could have occurred or exactly “I find that when I get casual in my “And it came to pass,” which he said how Joseph Smith translated our scrip- relationships with divinity and when mirrored how he would translate phra- tures, will not be efficacious or yield it seems that no divine ear is listening seology used in ancient Semitic writ- spiritual progress. These are matters of and no divine voice is speaking, that ings.21 The professor was informed that faith. Ultimately, Moroni’s counsel to I am far, far away. If I immerse myself while his intellectual approach based read and ponder and then ask God in in the scriptures the distance narrows on his profession had helped him, it all sincerity of heart, with real intent, to and the spirituality returns.” 24 was still essential to have a spiritual confirm scriptural truths by the witness I hope we are reading the Book of testimony. Through study and prayer of the Spirit is the answer.22 In addition, Mormon with our children regularly. he gained a spiritual witness and was when we inculcate into our lives scrip- I have discussed this with my own baptized. So what one famous humorist tural imperatives and live the gospel, children. They have shared with me two saw as an object of ridicule, a scholar we are blessed with the Spirit and taste observations. First, persistence in read- recognized as profound evidence of the of His goodness with feelings of joy, ing the scriptures daily as a family is the truth of the Book of Mormon, which happiness, and especially peace.23 key. My daughter in a lighthearted way was confirmed to him by the Spirit. Clearly, a dividing line between describes their early-morning efforts The essential doctrine of agency those who hear the music of faith and with mostly teenage children to consis- requires that a testimony of the those who are tone-deaf or off-key tently read the scriptures. She and her restored gospel be based on faith is the active study of the scriptures. I husband wake up early in the morning

May 2012 43 and move through the blurry mist to will stand by us and give us guidance 7. See 1 Nephi 8:12. grasp the iron railing that lines their and direction.26 The Holy Ghost testi- 8. The Savior’s instructions are to seek out the lost sheep; see Matthew 18:12–14. staircase to where their family gathers to fies to our hearts that we have a loving 9. See John 5:22; see also Matthew 7:1–2. read the word of God. Persistence is the Father in Heaven, whose merciful plan 10. Thomas S. Monson, “May You Have answer, and a sense of humor helps. It for our redemption will be fulfilled in Courage,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2009, 124. requires great effort from every family every aspect because of the atoning 11. 1 Nephi 8:12. member every day, but it is worth the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 12. Handbook 2: Administering the Church effort. Temporary setbacks are over- As Naomi W. Randall, author of (2010), 1.1.1. 13. 1 Nephi 8:12. shadowed by persistence. “I Am a Child of God,” penned, “His 14. See Dallin H. Oaks, “Sins and Mistakes,” The second is how our youngest son Spirit guides; his love assures that fear Ensign, Oct. 1996, 62. Elder Oaks and his wife are reading the scriptures departs when faith endures.” 27 taught this idea when he was president of Brigham Young University in with their young family. Two out of Let us, therefore, wherever we are approximately 1980. their four children are not old enough on the path of discipleship in Lehi’s 15. See Doctrine and Covenants 1:25–27. to read. For the five-year-old, they have vision, resolve to awaken within us 16. See Marva Jeanne Kimball Pedersen, Vaughn Roberts Kimball: A Memorial five finger signals to which he responds and our families a greater desire to (1995). Vaughn played football as a in order for him to participate fully in claim the Savior’s incomprehensible quarterback for Brigham Young University the family scripture reading. The signal gift of eternal life. I pray that we will in the fall of 1941. The day after the attack on Pearl Harbor, December 8, 1941, he for finger 1 is for him to repeat, “And it stay in tune with the music of faith. I enlisted in the US Navy. He was killed on came to pass” whenever it appears in testify of the divinity of Jesus Christ May 11, 1945, by enemy bombing attacks the Book of Mormon. I have to admit and the reality of His Atonement in against the USS Bunker Hill and was that I love the fact that the phrase the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ buried at sea. 17. See John 5:39. appears so often. Incidentally, for the NOTES 18. See Ezra Taft Benson, “The Book of interest of young families, finger signal 1. See Doctrine and Covenants 1:30. Mormon—Keystone of Our Religion,” 2 is “And thus we see”; fingers 3, 4, and 2. Jonathan Sacks, “Has Europe Lost Its Soul?” Ensign, Nov. 1986, 4; or Liahona and (address delivered on Dec. 12, 2011, at the Ensign, Oct. 2011, 52. 5 are chosen by the parents based on Pontifical Gregorian University), chiefrabbi 19. Mark Twain, Roughing It (1891), 127–28. the words contained in the chapter they .org/ReadArtical.aspx?id=1843. Each new generation is presented with are reading. 3. See 1 Nephi 8. Twain’s comments as if they were a 4. See 1 Nephi 8:27; 11:35. significant new discovery. There is usually We know that family scripture 5. See 1 Nephi 8:23; 12:17. little reference to the fact that Mark Twain study and family home evenings are 6. 1 Nephi 8:28. was equally dismissive of Christianity and not always perfect. Regardless of the religion in general. 20. 1 Nephi 1:2. challenges you face, do not become São Paulo, Brazil 21. I met Dr. Ebeid Sarofim in London when discouraged. the elders were teaching him. See also Please understand that having faith N. Eldon Tanner, in Conference Report, Apr. 1962, 53. Many scholars of ancient in the Lord Jesus Christ and keeping Semitic and Egyptian writings have noted His commandments are and always the repetitive use of the conjunctive phrase will be the defining test of mortality. “And it came to pass” at the beginning of sentences; see Hugh Nibley, Since Above all else, each of us must realize Cumorah, 2nd ed. (1988), 150. that when one is tone-deaf to the 22. See Moroni 10:3–4; very few critics have music of faith, he or she is out of tune sincerely tested this with real intent. 23. See Doctrine and Covenants 59:23. with the Spirit. As the prophet Nephi 24. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: taught, “Ye have heard his voice . . . ; Spencer W. Kimball (2006), 67. and he hath spoken unto you in a still 25. 1 Nephi 17:45; see also Ezra Taft Benson, “Seek the Spirit of the Lord,” Tambuli, small voice, but ye were past feeling, Sept. 1988, 5; Ensign, Apr. 1988, 4: “We 25 that ye could not feel his words.” hear the words of the Lord most often by Our doctrine is clear; we are to be a feeling. If we are humble and sensitive, the Lord will prompt us through our positive and of good cheer. We em­ feelings.” phasize our faith, not our fears. We 26. See Doctrine and Covenants 68:6. rejoice in the Lord’s assurance that He 27. “When Faith Endures,” Hymns, no. 128. 44 By Elder Richard G. Scott see the dangers that beset us; . . . their Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles love for us and their desire for our well being must be greater than that which we feel for ourselves.” 1 Relationships can be strengthened through the veil with people we How to Obtain know and love. That is done by our determined effort to continually do what is right. We can strengthen our Revelation and relationship with the departed indi- vidual we love by recognizing that the separation is temporary and that covenants made in the temple are Inspiration for eternal. When consistently obeyed, such covenants assure the eternal realization of the promises inherent Your Personal Life in them. A very clear case of revelation in Why does the Lord want us to pray to Him and to ask? my life occurred when I was strongly prompted by the Spirit to ask Jeanene Because that is how revelation is received. Watkins to be sealed to me in the temple. One of the great lessons that each of us needs to learn is to ask. Why nyone who stands at this pulpit Another example of revelation is this does the Lord want us to pray to Him to deliver a message feels the guidance given to President Joseph F. and to ask? Because that is how reve- A strength and support of mem- Smith: “I believe we move and have lation is received. bers throughout the world. I’m grateful our being in the presence of heavenly When I am faced with a very diffi- that that same support can come from messengers and of heavenly beings. We cult matter, this is how I try to under- a beloved companion on the other side are not separate from them. . . . We are stand what to do. I fast. I pray to find of the veil. Thank you, Jeanene. closely related to our kindred, to our and understand scriptures that will The Holy Ghost communicates ancestors . . . who have preceded us be helpful. That process is cyclical. I important information that we need to into the spirit world. We can not forget start reading a passage of scripture; guide us in our mortal journey. When them; we do not cease to love them; I ponder what the verse means and it is crisp and clear and essential, it we always hold them in our hearts, in pray for inspiration. I then ponder and warrants the title of revelation. When memory, and thus we are associated pray to know if I have captured all it is a series of promptings we often and united to them by ties that we can the Lord wants me to do. Often more have to guide us step by step to a not break. . . . If this is the case with impressions come with increased worthy objective, for the purpose of us in our finite condition, surrounded understanding of doctrine. I have this message, it is inspiration. by our mortal weaknesses, . . . how found that pattern to be a good way to An example of revelation would be much more certain it is . . . to believe learn from the scriptures. the direction that President Spencer W. that those who have been faithful, who There are some practical principles Kimball received after his long and have gone beyond . . . can see us better that enhance revelation. First, yield- continued supplication to the Lord than we can see them; that they know ing to emotions such as anger or hurt regarding providing the priesthood to us better than we know them. . . . We or defensiveness will drive away the all worthy men in the Church when at live in their presence, they see us, they Holy Ghost. Those emotions must be the time it was available to only some are solicitous for our welfare, they love eliminated, or our chance for receiving of them. us now more than ever. For now they revelation is slight.

May 2012 45 Another principle is to be cautious recorded shows God that His commu- will come to know that similar help is with humor. Loud, inappropriate nications are sacred to us. Recording available to you. laughter will offend the Spirit. A good will also enhance our ability to recall I have seen individuals encounter- sense of humor helps revelation; loud revelation. Such recording of direction ing challenges who knew what to laughter does not. A sense of humor of the Spirit should be protected from do when it was beyond their own is an escape valve for the pressures loss or intrusion by others. experience because they trusted in of life. The scriptures give eloquent con- the Lord and knew that He would Another enemy to revelation comes firmation of how truth, consistently guide them to solutions that were from exaggeration or loudness in what lived, opens the door to inspiration urgently required. is stated. Careful, quiet speech will to know what to do and, where The Lord has declared: “And favor the receipt of revelation. needed, to have personal capaci- ye are to be taught from on high. On the other hand, spiritual com- ties enhanced by divine power. The Sanctify yourselves and ye shall be munication can be enhanced by good scriptures depict how an individual’s endowed with power, that ye may health practices. Exercise, reasonable capacity to conquer difficulty, doubt, give even as I have spoken.” 2 The amounts of sleep, and good eating and seemingly insurmountable chal- words sanctify yourselves may appear habits increase our capacity to receive lenges is strengthened by the Lord puzzling. President Harold B. Lee and understand revelation. We will live in time of need. As you ponder such once explained that you can replace for our appointed life span. However, examples, there will come a quiet those words with the phrase “keep my we can improve both the quality of our confirmation through the Holy Spirit commandments.” Read that way, the service and our well-being by making that their experiences are true. You counsel may seem clearer.3 careful, appropriate choices. It is important that our daily activi- ties do not distract us from listening to the Spirit. Revelation can also be given in a dream when there is an almost imperceptible transition from sleep to wakefulness. If you strive to capture the content immediately, you can record great detail, but otherwise it fades rapidly. Inspired communication in the night is generally accompanied by a sacred feeling for the entire expe- rience. The Lord uses individuals for whom we have great respect to teach us truths in a dream because we trust them and will listen to their counsel. It is the Lord doing the teaching through the Holy Ghost. However, He may in a dream make it both easier to under- stand and more likely to touch our hearts by teaching us through some- one we love and respect. When it is for the Lord’s purposes, He can bring anything to our remem- brance. That should not weaken our determination to record impressions of the Spirit. Inspiration carefully 46 One must be ever mentally and physically clean and have purity of intent so that the Lord can inspire. One who is obedient to His com- mandments is trusted of the Lord. That individual has access to His inspiration to know what to do and, as needed, the divine power to do it. For spirituality to grow stron- ger and more available, it must be planted in a righteous environment. this revelation was given through Should choices be wrong, they Haughtiness, pride, and conceit are Joseph Smith: can be rectified through repentance. like stony ground that will never pro- “Blessed art thou for what thou When its conditions are fully met, the duce spiritual fruit. hast done; for thou hast inquired of Atonement of Jesus Christ, our Savior, Humility is a fertile soil where me, and behold, as often as thou hast provides a release from the demands of spirituality grows and produces the inquired thou hast received instruction justice for the errors made. It is won- fruit of inspiration to know what to of my Spirit. If it had not been so, thou drously simple and so incomparably do. It gives access to divine power to wouldst not have come to the place beautiful. As you continue to live righ- accomplish what must be done. An where thou art at this time. teously, you will always be prompted individual motivated by a desire for “Behold, thou knowest that thou to know what to do. Sometimes the praise or recognition will not qualify hast inquired of me and I did en­ discovery of what action to take may to be taught by the Spirit. An individ- lighten thy mind; and now I tell thee require significant effort and trust on ual who is arrogant or who lets his or these things that thou mayest know your part. Yet you will be prompted her emotions influence decisions will that thou hast been enlightened by to know what to do as you meet the not be powerfully led by the Spirit. the Spirit of truth.” 4 conditions for such divine guidance When we are acting as instruments If you feel that God has not in your life, namely, obedience to the in behalf of others, we are more easily answered your prayers, ponder these commandments of the Lord, trust in His inspired than when we think only of scriptures—then carefully look for divine plan of happiness, and the avoid- ourselves. In the process of helping evidence in your own life that He may ance of anything that is contrary to it. others, the Lord can piggyback direc- have already answered you. Communication with our Father in tions for our own benefit. Two indicators that a feeling or Heaven is not a trivial matter. It is a Our Heavenly Father did not put us prompting comes from God are that sacred privilege. It is based upon eter- on earth to fail but to succeed glori- it produces peace in your heart and a nal, unchanging principles. We receive ously. It may seem paradoxical, but quiet, warm feeling. As you follow the help from our Father in Heaven in that is why recognizing answers to principles I have discussed, you will response to our faith, obedience, and prayer can sometimes be very difficult. be prepared to recognize revelation at the proper use of agency. Sometimes we unwisely try to face life critical times in your own life. May the Lord inspire you to under- by depending on our own experience The more closely you follow divine stand and use the principles that and capacity. It is much wiser for us guidance, the greater will be your lead to personal revelation and inspi- to seek through prayer and divine happiness here and for eternity— ration, in the name of Jesus Christ, inspiration to know what to do. Our moreover, the more abundant your amen. ◼ obedience assures that when required, progress and capacity to serve. I do we can qualify for divine power to not understand fully how it is done, NOTES 1. Joseph F. Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. accomplish an inspired objective. but that guidance in your life does not 1916, 2–3; see also Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. Like many of us, Oliver Cowdery take away your agency. You can make (1939), 430–31. did not recognize the evidence of the decisions you choose to make. But 2. Doctrine and Covenants 43:16. 3. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: answers to prayers already given by remember, the disposition to do right Harold B. Lee (2000), 34. the Lord. To open his and our eyes, brings peace of mind and happiness. 4. Doctrine and Covenants 6:14–15.

May 2012 47 PRIESTHOOD SESSION | March 31, 2012

those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordi- By Elder David A. Bednar nances thereof.” Thus, a boy or a man Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles receives the authority of the priest- hood and is ordained to a specific office by one who already holds the priesthood and has been authorized by a leader with the necessary priest- The Powers of Heaven hood keys. A priesthood holder is expected to Priesthood holders young and old need both authority and exercise this sacred authority in accor- dance with God’s holy mind, will, and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity purposes. Nothing about the priest- to represent God in the work of salvation. hood is self-centered. The priesthood always is used to serve, to bless, and to strengthen other people. The higher priesthood is received y beloved brethren, I am grate- to the Prophet Joseph Smith. by a solemn covenant that includes ful we can worship together My message focuses upon this the obligation to act in the authority Mas a vast body of priesthood divine priesthood and the powers (see D&C 68:8) and the office (see holders. I love and admire you for your of heaven. I earnestly pray for the D&C 107:99) that have been received. worthiness and your influence for good assistance of the Spirit of the Lord as As bearers of God’s holy authority, we throughout the world. together we learn about these impor- are agents to act and not objects to be I invite each of you to consider tant truths. acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:26). The how you would respond to the fol- priesthood is inherently active rather lowing question posed to the mem- Priesthood Authority and Power than passive. bers of the Church many years ago by The priesthood is the authority of President Ezra Taft Benson taught: President David O. McKay: “If at this God delegated to men on the earth “It is not enough to receive the moment each one of you were asked to act in all things for the salvation priesthood and then sit back pas- to state in one sentence or phrase the of mankind (see Spencer W. Kimball, sively and wait until someone prods most distinguishing feature of The “The Example of Abraham,” Ensign, us into activity. When we receive the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day June 1975, 3). Priesthood is the means priesthood, we have the obligation Saints, what would be your answer?” whereby the Lord acts through men of becoming actively and anxiously (“The Mission of the Church and Its to save souls. One of the defining engaged in promoting the cause of Members,” Improvement Era, Nov. features of the Church of Jesus Christ, righteousness in the earth, because the 1956, 781). both anciently and today, is His Lord says: The response President McKay authority. There can be no true Church “‘. . . He that doeth not anything gave to his own question was the without divine authority. until he is commanded, and receiveth “divine authority” of the priesthood. Ordinary men are given the author- a commandment with doubtful heart, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- ity of the priesthood. Worthiness and and keepeth it with slothfulness, the day Saints stands apart from other willingness—not experience, exper- same is damned’ [D&C 58:29]” (So churches that claim their authority is tise, or education—are the qualifica- Shall Ye Reap [1960], 21). derived from historical succession, tions for priesthood ordination. President Spencer W. Kimball the scriptures, or theological training. The pattern for obtaining priest- also pointedly emphasized the active We make the distinctive declaration hood authority is described in the fifth nature of the priesthood: “One breaks that priesthood authority has been article of faith: “We believe that a man the priesthood covenant by transgress- conferred by the laying on of hands must be called of God, by prophecy, ing commandments—but also by leav- directly from heavenly messengers and by the laying on of hands by ing undone his duties. Accordingly, 48 us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exer- cise control or dominion or compul- sion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteous- ness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the author- ity of that man” (D&C 121:36–37; emphasis added). Brethren, for a boy or a man to receive priesthood authority but neglect to do what is necessary to qualify for priesthood power is unac- ceptable to the Lord. Priesthood hold- ers young and old need both authority and power—the necessary permission and the spiritual capacity to represent God in the work of salvation.

A Lesson from My Father I was reared in a home with a faithful mother and a wonderful father. My mom was a descendant of pioneers who sacrificed everything for the Church and kingdom of God. My dad was not a member of our Church and, as a young man, had desired to become a Catholic priest. Ultimately, he elected not to attend theological seminary and instead pursued a career as a tool and die maker. For much of his married life, my father attended meetings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day to break this covenant one needs receive priesthood authority by the Saints with our family. In fact, many only to do nothing ” (The Miracle of laying on of hands but will have no of the people in our ward had no idea Forgiveness [1969], 96). priesthood power if he is disobedient, that my dad was not a member of the As we do our best to fulfill our unworthy, or unwilling to serve. Church. He played on and coached priesthood responsibilities, we can “The rights of the priesthood our ward softball team, helped with be blessed with priesthood power. are inseparably connected with the Scout activities, and supported my The power of the priesthood is God’s powers of heaven, and . . . the powers mother in her various callings and power operating through men and of heaven cannot be controlled nor responsibilities. I want to tell you boys like us and requires personal handled only upon the principles of about one of the great lessons I righteousness, faithfulness, obedience, righteousness. learned from my father about priest- and diligence. A boy or a man may “That they may be conferred upon hood authority and power.

May 2012 49 As a boy I asked my dad many times each week when he was going to be baptized. He responded lov- ingly but firmly each time I pestered him: “David, I am not going to join the Church for your mother, for you, or for anyone else. I will join the Church when I know it is the right thing to do.” I believe I was in my early teenage years when the following conversa- tion occurred with my father. We had just returned home from attending our Sunday meetings together, and I asked my dad when he was going to be baptized. He smiled and said, “You are the one always asking me about being baptized. Today I have a ques- tion for you.” I quickly and excitedly concluded that now we were making progress! My dad continued, “David, your church teaches that the priesthood was taken from the earth anciently and has been restored by heavenly messengers to the Prophet Joseph Smith, right?” I replied that his statement was correct. Then he said, “Here is my question. Each week in priesthood meeting I listen to the bishop and the other priesthood lead- ers remind, beg, and plead with the men to do their home teaching and to perform their priesthood duties. If your church truly has the restored priesthood of God, why are so assumption that men who bear God’s I learned from my father, a good man many of the men in your church no holy priesthood should be different not of our faith, who expected more different about doing their religious from other men. Men who hold the from men who claimed to bear God’s duty than the men in my church?” priesthood are not inherently bet- priesthood. That Sunday afternoon My young mind immediately went ter than other men, but they should conversation with my dad many years completely blank. I had no adequate act differently. Men who hold the ago produced in me a desire to be answer for my dad. priesthood should not only receive a “good boy.” I did not want to be a I believe my father was wrong priesthood authority but also become poor example and a stumbling block to judge the validity of our Church’s worthy and faithful conduits of God’s to my father’s progress in learning claim to divine authority by the short- power. “Be ye clean that bear the ves- about the restored gospel. I simply comings of the men with whom he sels of the Lord” (D&C 38:42). wanted to be a good boy. The Lord associated in our ward. But embedded I have never forgotten the lessons needs all of us as bearers of His in his question to me was a correct about priesthood authority and power authority to be honorable, virtuous, 50 and good boys at all times and in sisters rarely complained or criticized, Brethren, I promise that if you all places. but they often responded as follows: and I will prayerfully ponder the You may be interested to know “Please help my husband understand pleas of these sisters, the Holy Ghost that a number of years later, my father his responsibility as a priesthood leader will help us to see ourselves as we was baptized. And at the appropri- in our home. I am happy to take the really are (see D&C 93:24) and help ate times, I had the opportunity to lead in scripture study, family prayer, us recognize the things we need to confer upon him the Aaronic and and family home evening, and I will change and improve. And the time to the Melchizedek Priesthoods. One of continue to do so. But I wish my act is now! the great experiences of my life was husband would be an equal partner observing my dad receive the author- and provide the strong priesthood Be Examples of Righteousness ity and, ultimately, the power of the leadership only he can give. Please help Tonight I reiterate the teachings of priesthood. my husband learn how to become a President Thomas S. Monson, who I share with you this pointed lesson patriarch and a priesthood leader in our has invited us as priesthood holders I learned from my father to emphasize home who presides and protects.” to be “examples of righteousness.” a simple truth. Receiving the authority I reflect often on the sincerity He has reminded us repeatedly that of the priesthood by the laying on of of those sisters and their request. we are on the Lord’s errand and are hands is an important beginning, but Priesthood leaders hear similar con- entitled to His help predicated upon it is not enough. Ordination confers cerns today. Many wives are plead- our worthiness (see “Examples of authority, but righteousness is required ing for husbands who have not only Righteousness,” Liahona and Ensign, to act with power as we strive to lift priesthood authority but also priest- May 2008, 65–68). You and I hold souls, to teach and testify, to bless hood power. They yearn to be equally priesthood authority that has been and counsel, and to advance the work yoked with a faithful husband and returned to the earth in this dis- of salvation. priesthood companion in the work of pensation by heavenly messengers, In this momentous season of the creating a Christ-centered and gospel- even John the Baptist and Peter, earth’s history, you and I as bearers of focused home. James, and John. And therefore every the priesthood need to be righteous man who receives the Melchizedek men and effective instruments in the Priesthood can trace his personal hands of God. We need to rise up as line of authority directly to the Lord men of God. You and I would do well Jesus Christ. I hope we are grateful to learn from and heed the example for this marvelous blessing. I pray we of Nephi, the grandson of Helaman will be clean and worthy to represent and the first of the twelve disciples the Lord as we exercise His sacred called by the Savior at the beginning authority. May each of us qualify for of His ministry among the Nephites. priesthood power. “And [Nephi] did minister many things I testify the holy priesthood indeed unto them. . . . And Nephi did minister has been restored to the earth in with power and with great authority” these latter days and is found in The (3 Nephi 7:17). Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I also witness that President “Please Help My Husband Understand” Thomas S. Monson is the presiding At the conclusion of the temple high priest over the high priesthood recommend interviews I conducted as of the Church (see D&C 107:9, 22, a bishop and stake president, I often 65–66, 91–92) and the only person would ask the married sisters how I upon the earth who both holds and could best serve them and their fami­ is authorized to exercise all priest- lies. The consistency of the answers I hood keys. Of these truths I solemnly received from those faithful women testify in the sacred name of the Lord was both instructive and alarming. The Jesus Christ, amen. ◼

May 2012 51 By Bishop Richard C. Edgley With tears rolling down her cheeks, Recently Released First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric she continued, “I know that my mother and father have been praying for me for years to bring me back into the Church.” Then after a moment of silence, she said, “For the last three The Rescue months I have been praying to find the courage, the strength, and the way to come back into activity.” Then she for Real Growth asked, “President, do you suppose this calling could be an answer to those prayers?” Saving souls is the work the Savior has called all of us to do. My eyes started to water as I responded, “I believe the Lord has answered your prayers.” She not only accepted the call; she n recent months increased empha- was that we divide the ward. While became a fine missionary. And I’m sis has been placed on establish- waiting for such approval, we decided certain she brought much joy not only Iing “real growth” in the Church, as a stake presidency that we would to herself but also to her parents and bringing all who will to the receiving visit the ward and call all these won- probably other family members. and keeping of covenants and saving derful, worthy brothers and sisters to There were several things I learned ordinances and living with a mighty be stake missionaries. or was reminded of with this and simi- change of heart as described by Alma About the third person I visited was lar interviews: (see Alma 5:14). One of the most a young female student attending the meaningful and important ways to local university. After chatting for a • I learned that many less-active establish real growth in the Church few moments, I issued the call to serve members have loved ones on their is to reach out and rescue those who as a missionary. There was silence knees daily petitioning the Lord for have been baptized yet are wander- for a few moments. Then she said, help in rescuing their loved one. ing in a less-active state, void of the “President, don’t you know that I am • I learned that it is not all that easy blessings and saving ordinances. not active in the Church?” or comfortable for a less-active Regardless of our individual calling— After a few moments of silence on member to just walk back into the home or visiting teacher, Sunday my part, I said, “No, I did not know Church. They need help. They need School teacher, bishop, father, you were not active.” support. They need fellowship. mother, or General Authority—all She answered, “I have not been • I learned we have less-active mem- can engage in the rescuing effort in active in the Church for years.” Then bers who are trying and willing to a meaningful way. After all, bringing she said, “Don’t you know that when find the path back to activity. all—our family, nonmembers, less you have been inactive, it’s not all that • I learned that many less-active active, sinners—to Christ to receive easy to come back?” members will hold callings if asked. the saving ordinances is the divine I responded, “No. Your ward starts • I learned that a less-active member calling that we all share. at 9:00 a.m. You come into the chapel, deserves to be treated as an equal One Sunday morning some 30 and you are with us.” and be viewed as a son or daughter years ago, while I was serving in She answered, “No, it is not that of a loving God. a stake presidency, we received a easy. You worry about a lot of things. telephone call from one of our faithful You worry if someone will greet you Over the years I have wondered bishops. He explained that his ward or if you will sit alone and unnoticed how this interview might have gone had grown so rapidly that he could no during the meetings. And you worry had I approached her as a less-active longer provide a meaningful calling about whether you will be accepted Church member. I leave you to be to all worthy members. His plea to us and who your new friends will be.” the judge. 52 Reactivation has always been an precious, and many of them are our loss of my great-grandchildren—all important part of the work of the Lord. brethren; therefore, give unto us, O out of the Church. All is not well.” While the rescue is a responsibility of Lord, power and wisdom that we In our family we have an ancestor every member, holders of the Aaronic may bring these, our brethren, again who joined the Church in Europe in and Melchizedek Priesthood have the unto thee” (Alma 31:34–35; emphasis the early days of the Church. One son responsibility to lead out in this work. added). became inactive. Sister Edgley and I After all, that is what priesthood ser- A few months ago after a meeting have attempted to track the inactive vice is all about—bringing all people with new converts and less-active descendants of this ancestor. to the exalting covenants; bringing members, a reactivated gentleman It was easy for my wife and me to peace, happiness, and self-worth. about my age came up to me and conclude that during the following From the Book of Mormon you will said, “I am one who has been less six generations and with reasonable recall when Alma the Younger dis- active most of my life. I fell away from assumptions, there could be a loss covered that the Zoramites had fallen the Church early in my life. But I am of up to 3,000 family members. Now away from the Church, he organized back now, and I work in the temple project two more generations. The a reactivation team to rescue these with my wife.” loss could theoretically approach people. As they approached their To let him know that everything 20,000 to 30,000 of our Heavenly assignment, Alma pleaded with the was OK, my response was something Father’s children. Lord with these words: like this: “All is well that ends well.” The charge to rescue is based on “O Lord, wilt thou grant unto us He responded, “No, all is not well. one of the most fundamental doctrines that we may have success in bringing I am back in the Church, but I have of the Church. them again unto thee in Christ. lost all of my children and my grand- “Remember the worth of souls is “Behold, O Lord, their souls are children. And I am now witnessing the great in the sight of God;

May 2012 53 “For, behold, the Lord your priesthood holders and millions of Hampton Sides, Ghost Soldiers: The Redeemer suffered death in the flesh; committed members of the Church Forgotten Epic Story of World War II’s wherefore he suffered the pain of all in all parts of the world. We have Most Dramatic Mission [2001], 28–29.) men, that all men might repent and functioning ward councils, priesthood This successful rescue was a rescue come unto him. . . . quorums, Relief Societies, and other from physical and temporal suffer- “And if it so be that you should organizations all with the charge to ing. Should we be less valiant in our labor all your days in crying repen- rescue. Saving souls is the work the efforts to rescue those who could tance unto this people, and bring, save Savior has called all of us to do. suffer spiritual and eternal conse- it be one soul unto me, how great Earlier in my remarks I referred to quences? Should we make less of a shall be your joy with him in the king- the prayer Alma offered as he and his commitment to the Lord? dom of my Father!” (D&C 18:10–11, companions embarked on the rescue In conclusion, our commitment 15; emphasis added). of the Zoramites. During World War II as members of Christ’s true Church I have had the privilege of rescu- approximately 500 U.S. soldiers and stems from the fact that the Lord suf- ing a few less-active members over supporting locals were held captive fered for every single one of us—the my lifetime. Now when I help bring in a prison camp. Because of the suf- nonmember, the less-active member, one back to Church activity, I don’t fering and concern for their safety, a even the sinner, and every member visualize a single soul; I see six, seven, volunteer force of approximately 100 in our own family. I believe we can or more generations—thousands of U.S. soldiers was selected to rescue bring thousands to the joy, peace, souls. And then I think of the scrip- these prisoners. After the volunteers and sweetness of the gospel, and ture: “Bring, save it be one soul unto were assembled, the commanding hundreds of thousands, even mil- me, how great shall be your joy” officer instructed them something lions, in their following generations. I (D&C 18:15). like this: “This evening you men meet believe we can succeed because this To His Apostles, the Lord said, with your religious leaders, you kneel is the Lord’s Church, and by virtue of “The harvest truly is plenteous, but down, and you swear to God that our priesthood and our membership, the labourers are few” (Matthew 9:37). as long as you have a single breath we are called to succeed. I bear that The laborers need not be few. We of life, you will not let one of these witness to you in the name of Jesus have thousands of capable, worthy men suffer one more moment.” (See Christ, amen. ◼ 54 By Adrián Ochoa Men general presidency is seeing the Second Counselor in the Young Men General Presidency Aaronic Priesthood holders around the world exercising the power of the Aaronic Priesthood. But sometimes I also witness, with a sad heart, how many young men do not understand Aaronic Priesthood: how much good they can do with the power they hold. The priesthood is the power and Arise and Use authority of God Himself to act in the service of His children. Oh, if only every young man, every Aaronic Priesthood holder, could fully com- the Power of God prehend that his priesthood possesses the keys of the ministering of angels. The priesthood needs to be exercised to accomplish any good. If only they could understand that You are called to “arise and shine forth,” not to hide they have the sacred duty to help their friends find the pathway that your light in darkness. leads to the Savior. If only they knew that Heavenly Father will give them the power to explain the truths of the restored gospel with such clarity ot long ago I was in South Ghost guiding every word and every and sincerity that others will feel the Africa visiting a home with sentiment. undeniable truthfulness of the words NThabiso, the first assistant in But it was the words of Thabiso of Christ. the priests quorum in the Kagiso that made the difference in the visit. Dear young men of the Church, let Ward. Thabiso and his bishop, who It seemed to me that this young me ask you a question that I hope you presides and holds the keys for the priest was speaking in the language will carry in your heart for the rest of quorum, had been praying for quo- of angels—loving words that we all your life. What greater power can you rum members who were less active, could fully understand but that espe- acquire on earth than the priesthood seeking inspiration about whom to cially touched his friend. “I enjoyed of God? What power could possibly visit and how to help them. They felt so much talking to you all the time be greater than the capacity to assist prompted to visit the home of Tebello, at church,” he said. “You always have our Heavenly Father in changing the and they invited me to go with them. kind words for me. And you know, lives of your fellowmen, to help them Once we made it past the ferocious our soccer team has basically disap- along the pathway of eternal hap- guard dog, we found ourselves in peared now that we don’t have you. piness by being cleansed of sin and the living room with Tebello, a calm- You are so good at it.” wrongdoing? spirited young man who had stopped “I am sorry,” Tebello answered. “I Like any other power, the priest- attending church because he had will come back with you guys.” hood needs to be exercised to become busy doing other things on “That will be awesome,” said accomplish any good. You are called Sundays. He was nervous but happy Thabiso. “And do you remember to “arise and shine forth” (D&C 115:5), to receive us and even invited his fam- how we used to prepare to serve not to hide your light in darkness. ily to join him. The bishop expressed as missionaries? Can we start doing Only those who are brave will be his love for the family and his desire that again?” counted among the chosen. As you to help them become an eternal family “Yes,” repeated Tebello, “I want to exercise the power of your sacred by being sealed in the temple. Their come back.” priesthood, your courage and confi- hearts were moved, and we could all Perhaps the greatest joy I expe- dence will increase. Young men, you feel the strong presence of the Holy rience as a counselor in the Young know that you are at your best when

May 2012 55 Satan seeks to destroy that which is wholesome and pure. Instead, stand up boldly for what you know is true! When you hear or see anything that violates the Lord’s standards, remem- ber who you are—a soldier in the army of God Himself, empowered with His holy priesthood. There is no better weapon against the enemy, the father of lies, than the truth that will come out of your mouth as you exer- cise the power of the priesthood. Most of your peers will respect you for your courage and your integrity. Some will not. But that doesn’t matter. You will gain the respect and trust of Heavenly Father because you used His power to accomplish His purposes. I call on every Aaronic Priesthood quorum presidency to once again raise the title of liberty and organize and lead your battalions. Utilize your priesthood power by inviting those around you to come unto Christ through repentance and baptism. You have the mandate and power of Heavenly Father to do it. Two years ago, while visiting Santiago, Chile, I was very much impressed by Daniel Olate, a young man who often accompanied the missionaries. I asked him to write to me, and with his permission I will read you are in the service of God. You evil . . . , but a voice for good, a voice to you part of his recent e-mail: “I just know that you are happiest when for the gospel, a voice for God” (“We turned 16, and Sunday I was ordained you are anxiously engaged in a good Are All Enlisted,” Liahona and Ensign, to the office of a priest. That same work. Magnify the power of your Nov. 2011, 44, 47). day I baptized a friend; her name is priesthood by being clean and being Yes, Aaronic Priesthood holders, Carolina. I taught her the gospel, and worthy. we are at war. And in this war, the she regularly attended church and even I add my voice to the call Elder best way to defend against evil is received her Personal Progress award, Jeffrey R. Holland made to you six to actively promote righteousness. but her parents would not allow her months ago from this pulpit. “I am You cannot listen to foul words and to be baptized until they got to know looking,” he said, “for men young and pretend you don’t hear. You cannot and trust me. She wanted me to baptize old who care enough about this battle watch, alone or with others, images her, so we had to wait for a month between good and evil to sign on and you know are filthy and pretend until Sunday, when I turned 16. I feel speak up. We are at war.” He contin- you don’t see. You cannot touch any so good to have helped such a good ued, “. . . I ask for a stronger and more unclean thing and pretend it’s no big person to be baptized, and I feel happy devoted voice, a voice not only against deal. You cannot be passive when that I was the one who baptized her.” 56 Daniel is just one of many young men around the world who are living up to the power God has entrusted to them. Another is Luis Fernando, from Honduras, who noticed that his friend was walking a dangerous path and shared his testimony with him, literally saving his life (see “A Change of Heart,” lds​.org/​youth/​ video). Olavo, from Brazil, is another example. A true standing minister in his home (see D&C 84:111), Olavo inspired his mother to return to full activity in the Church (see “Reunited by Faith,” lds​.org/​youth/​video). You can find some of these stories and many others like them on the Church’s youth website, youth​.lds​ .org. By the way, the Internet, social media, and other technologies are tools the Lord has placed in your hands to help you exercise your priesthood duties and extend the influence of truth and virtue. Dear young men, when you exer- cise the Aaronic Priesthood in the way I have described, you are preparing yourselves for responsibilities in your future. But you are doing much more than that. Like John the Baptist, that exemplary Aaronic Priesthood holder, you are also preparing the way of the Lord and making His paths straight. When you boldly declare the gospel it often. Get on your knees, away Example,” Liahona and Ensign, May of repentance and baptism, as John from technology, and seek the Lord’s 2005, 115). did, you are preparing the people for guidance. And then arise and use the I testify to you that the power of the coming of the Lord (see Matthew power of God. I promise that you will the priesthood is real. I gained my 3:3; D&C 65:1–3; 84:26–28). You are receive answers from Heavenly Father witness exercising the priesthood often told about your great poten- on how to conduct your own life and myself. I have seen miracle after tial. Well, now is the time to put that how to help others. miracle performed by those who have potential into action, to make use I quote the words of President the power of the Aaronic Priesthood. I of the abilities God has given you Thomas S. Monson: “Never under- have witnessed the power of the min- to bless others, bring them out from estimate the far-reaching influence istering of angels as faithful Aaronic obscurity and into light, and prepare of your testimony. . . . You have the Priesthood holders speak Spirit-filled the way of the Lord. capacity to notice the unnoticed. words of hope, opening the heart of The Church has given you the Duty When you have eyes to see, ears to someone in need of light and love. In to God booklet as a resource to help hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord, our you learn and fulfill your duties. Study out and rescue others” (“Be Thou an leader, and our Savior, amen. ◼

May 2012 57 By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf out of that tiny classroom feeling quite a Second Counselor in the First Presidency bit taller than before. It has been nearly 60 years since that day, and I still treasure these feel- ings of trust and love. As I was thinking back on this expe- The Why of rience, I tried to remember just how many deacons there were in our branch at the time. To my best recollection, I Priesthood Service believe there were two. However, this may be a huge exaggeration. But it really didn’t matter whether Understanding the why of the gospel and the why of the there was one deacon or a dozen. I felt priesthood will help us to see the divine purpose of all of this. honored, and I wanted to serve to the best of my ability and not disappoint either my branch president or the Lord. I realize now that the branch presi- cherish this wonderful opportunity how old-fashioned our branch presi- dent could have merely gone through to meet with the brethren of the dent appeared. the motions when he called me to I priesthood and rejoice with you in It makes me laugh to think about this position. He could have simply the wonder and beauty of the gospel this now because it is very possible told me in the hallway or during our of Jesus Christ. I commend you for that the youth of the Church today priesthood meeting that I was the new your faith, your good works, and your view me in a very similar way. deacons quorum president. abiding righteousness. One Sunday, President Landschulz Instead, he spent time with me We share a common bond in that asked if he could speak with me. and helped me understand not only we have all received the ordination My first thought was, “What did I do the what of my assignment and new to the priesthood of God from those wrong?” My mind raced over the many responsibility but, much more impor- trusted with holy priesthood authority things I might have done that could tant, the why. and power. This is no small blessing. It have inspired this branch-president-to- That is something I will never forget. is a sacred responsibility. deacon talk. The point of this story is not merely President Landschulz invited me to describe how to extend callings The Power of Why into a small classroom—our chapel in the Church (although this was a Recently I have been thinking did not have an office for the branch wonderful lesson on the proper way about two significant callings I president—and there he extended a to do it). It is an example to me of received as a priesthood holder in call to me to serve as deacons quorum the motivating power of priesthood the Church. president. leadership that awakens the spirit and The first of these callings came “This is an important position,” he inspires action. when I was a deacon. I attended with said, and then he took his time and We need to be constantly reminded my family the branch of the Church in described why. He explained what he of the eternal reasons behind the things Frankfurt, Germany. We were blessed and the Lord expected of me and how we are commanded to do. The basic with many wonderful people in our I could receive help. gospel principles need to be part of our little branch. One was our branch I don’t remember much of what he life’s fabric, even if it means learning president, Brother Landschulz. I said, but I do remember well how I felt. them over and over again. That doesn’t admired him a great deal, even though A sacred, divine Spirit filled my heart mean that this process should be rote he always seemed to be rather serious, as he spoke. I could feel that this was or boring. Rather, when we teach the very official, and most of the time the Savior’s Church. And I felt that the foundational principles in our homes or dressed in a dark suit. I remember as calling he had extended was inspired in church, let the flame of enthusiasm a young man joking with my friends by the Holy Ghost. I remember walking for the gospel and the fire of testimony 58 bring light, warmth, and joy to the and attention. During this busy season teachers and leaders in the Church— hearts of those we teach. of my life, Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin men like Elder Russell M. Nelson and From the newest ordained deacon extended a call to me to serve as stake President Thomas S. Monson came to to the most senior high priest, we president. our area. Their teaching was like the all have lists of what we could and During my interview with him, dew from heaven and an inspiration for should do in our priesthood respon- many thoughts raced through my us. I still have the notes I took during sibilities. The what is important in our mind, not the least of which was the these training sessions. These Brethren work, and we need to attend to it. But unsettling worry that I might not have gave us the vision of what it means to it is in the why of priesthood service the time this calling would require. establish the kingdom of God by build- that we discover the fire, passion, and Although I felt humbled and honored ing personal testimonies and strength- power of the priesthood. by the call, I briefly wondered if I ening families. They helped us see how The what of priesthood service could accept it. But it was only a fleet- to apply gospel truth and principles to teaches us what to do. The why ing thought because I knew that Elder our specific circumstances and for our inspires our souls. Wirthlin was called of God and that specific time. To put it another way, The what informs, but the why he was doing the Lord’s work. What inspired leaders helped us to see the transforms. could I do but accept? why of the gospel, and then we had to There are times when we have to roll up our sleeves and go to work. An Abundance of “Good” Things to Do step into the darkness in faith, confi- It wasn’t long before we realized Another priesthood calling that I dent that God will place solid ground that there were a lot of things a stake have been thinking about came to beneath our feet once we do. And so presidency could do—so many, in fact, me many years later, when I had my I accepted gladly, knowing that God that if we didn’t set inspired priori­ties, own family. We had moved back to would provide. we might miss doing the important Frankfurt, Germany, and I had just In the early days of this assignment, ones. Competing priorities began to received a promotion at work that we were privileged as a stake to receive arise, deflecting our focus from the would require a great deal of my time training from some of the greatest vision shared by the Brethren. There

May 2012 59 were many “good” things to do, but not not be left to walk alone. As President be acted upon. Preaching is fine, but all of them mattered most. Monson has often reminded us, sermons that do not lead to action are We learned an important lesson: “When we are on the Lord’s errand, like fires without heat or water that the fact that something is good is we are entitled to the Lord’s help.” 2 cannot quench thirst. not always reason enough to require Your Heavenly Father “will go It is in the application of doctrine our time and resources. Our activi- before your face. [He] will be on your that the purifying flame of the gospel ties, initiatives, and plans should be right hand and on your left, and [His] grows and the power of the priest- inspired by and grounded upon the Spirit shall be in your hearts, and hood ignites our souls. why of our priesthood service and not [His] angels round about you, to bear Thomas Edison, the man who by any flashy trend or interest of the you up.” 3 bathed the world in glowing electric moment. Otherwise, they can distract light, said that “the value of an idea our efforts, dilute our energy, and get The Power of Doing lies in the using of it.” 4 In a similar us caught up in our own hobbies, My dear brethren, divine blessings way, gospel doctrine becomes more spiritual or temporal, that are not at for priesthood service are activated by precious when it is put to use. the center of discipleship. our diligent efforts, our willingness to We must not allow the doctrines of Brethren, we all know that it takes sacrifice, and our desire to do what is the priesthood to lie dormant in our self-discipline to remain focused on right. Let us be the ones to act and not hearts and unapplied in our lives. If the matters that have the greatest power to increase our love for God and fellowman, invigorate marriages, strengthen families, and build the kingdom of God on earth. Like a fruit tree with an abundance of branches and leaves, our lives need regular pruning to ensure that we use our energy and time to accomplish our real purpose—to “bring forth good fruit”! 1

You Are Not Alone So how do we know what to select? We each have the responsi- bility to determine this for ourselves. However, we are commanded to diligently study the scriptures, heed the words of the prophets, and make it a matter of faith-filled, serious, dedi- cated prayer. Brethren, God is faithful. Through the Holy Spirit, He will speak to our minds and hearts concerning the path we should follow during each seg- ment of our lives. If our hearts are pure—if we seek not our own glory but the glory of Almighty God, if we seek to do His will, if we desire to bless the lives of our family and fellowman—we will 60 there is a marriage or family in need of rescue—perhaps even our own— let’s not just wait and see. Rather, let us thank God for the plan of happi- ness that includes faith, repentance, forgiveness, and new beginnings. Applying priesthood doctrine will qualify us as husbands, as fathers, as sons who understand the why of the priesthood and its power to recapture and secure the beauty and holiness of eternal families. General conference is always a good time for both hearing and doing. Therefore, let us “be . . . doers of the word, and not hearers only.” 5 Brethren, I invite you to consider the words spoken by the servants of God this weekend. Then get on your knees. Ask “Shall we not go on in so great a restored to earth by the power and God, our Heavenly Father, to enlighten cause?” 7 Yes, brethren, we will! authority of Almighty God. your mind and touch your heart. Plead Guided by the Holy Spirit, we will My prayer is that as bearers of His with God for guidance in your daily learn from our mistakes. If we stum- priesthood, we will ever stay attuned lives, in your Church responsibilities, ble, we will rise. If we falter, we will to the why of priesthood service and and in your specific challenges at this go on. We will never waver; we will use the principles of the restored gos- time. Follow the promptings of the never give up. pel to transform our lives and the lives Spirit—do not delay. If you do all this, As a mighty brotherhood of the of those whom we serve. I promise that the Lord will not leave everlasting priesthood of God, we will As we do so, the infinite power of you to walk alone. stand together, shoulder to shoul- the Atonement will purify, cleanse, der, focused on the principles of the and refine our spirits and characters Continue in Patience restored gospel of Jesus Christ and until we become the men we are We know that despite our best gratefully serving our God and fellow- meant to become. Of this I testify intentions, things do not always go man with dedication and love. in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, according to plan. We make mistakes amen. ◼ in life and in our priesthood service. God Lives! NOTES Occasionally we stumble and fall short. My dear brethren, I testify to you 1. Matthew 7:18. When the Lord advises us to this day that God the Father and His 2. Thomas S. Monson, “To Learn, to Do, to “continue in patience until [we] are Son, Jesus Christ, live. They are real! Be,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2008, 62. 6 3. Doctrine and Covenants 84:88. perfected,” He is acknowledging They are there! 4. Thomas Edison, in Elbert Hubbard, Little that it takes time and perseverance. You are not alone. Your Father Journeys to the Homes of Good Men and Understanding the why of the gospel in Heaven cares about you and Great, Book 2 (1910), 155. 5. James 1:22. and the why of the priesthood will desires to bless and uphold you in 6. Doctrine and Covenants 67:13. help us to see the divine purpose of righteousness. 7. Doctrine and Covenants 128:22. all of this. It will give us motivation Be assured that God speaks to and strength to do the right things, mankind in our time. He will speak even when they are hard. Staying to you! To watch the video of President focused on the basic principles of The Prophet Joseph Smith saw Uchtdorf’s address, scan this gospel living will bless us with clarity, what he said he saw. The Church image with a QR-enabled smartphone. wisdom, and direction. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is

May 2012 61 By President Henry B. Eyring bishop to work with my secretary to First Counselor in the First Presidency find the best date. Imagine my surprise and delight when the father told me in church that the sealing is set for April 3. That was the day in 1836 when Elijah, the trans- Families under lated prophet, was sent to the Kirtland Temple to give the sealing power to Joseph Smith and to Oliver Cowdery. Those keys reside in the Church today Covenant 3 and will continue to the end of time. It is the same divine authorization There is nothing that has come or will come into your family given by the Lord to Peter, as He had as important as the sealing blessings. promised: “And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and appreciate being gathered with Wonderful changes continued as he whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth you in this meeting to which all the went to the holy temple for an endow- shall be loosed in heaven.” 4 I holders of the priesthood of God in ment that the Lord described to those The return of Elijah blessed all who the earth are invited. We are blessed whom He empowered in the first hold the priesthood. Elder Harold B. to be presided over by President temple in this dispensation. It was in Lee made that clear as he spoke in Thomas S. Monson. As the President Kirtland, Ohio. The Lord said of that: general conference, quoting President of the Church, he is the one man alive “Wherefore, for this cause I gave Joseph Fielding Smith. Listen carefully: who is responsible for the keys that unto you the commandment that ye “I hold the priesthood; you brethren seal families and all those priesthood should go to the Ohio; and there I will here hold the priesthood; we have ordinances necessary to attain eternal give unto you my law; and there you received the Melchizedek Priesthood— life, the greatest of all the gifts of God. shall be endowed with power from which was held by Elijah and by other There is a father listening tonight on high; prophets and by Peter, James and John. who has come back from inactivity “And from thence, . . . for I have a But while we have authority to baptize, because he wants the assurance of great work laid up in store, for Israel while we have authority to lay on hands that gift with all his heart. He and his shall be saved, and I will lead them for the gift of the Holy Ghost and to wife love their two small children, a whithersoever I will, and no power ordain others and do all these things, boy and a girl. Like other parents he shall stay my hand.” 2 without the sealing power we could do can foresee heavenly happiness when For my recently activated friend nothing, for there would be no validity he reads these words: “And that same and for all the priesthood, a great to that which we did.” sociality which exists among us here work ahead is to lead in saving the President Smith went on: will exist among us there, only it will part of Israel for which we are or “The higher ordinances, the greater be coupled with eternal glory, which will be responsible, our families. My blessings which are essential to exalta- glory we do not now enjoy.” 1 friend and his wife knew that requires tion in the kingdom of God, and which That father listening with us tonight being sealed by the power of the can only be obtained in certain places, knows the path to that glorious Melchizedek Priesthood in a holy no man has a right to perform except as destination. It is not easy. He already temple of God. he receives the authority to do it from knows that. It took faith in Jesus He asked that I perform the sealing. the one who holds the keys. . . . Christ, deep repentance, and a change He and his wife wanted it done as “. . . There is no man upon the in his heart that came with a kind soon as possible. But with the busy face of this earth who has the right to bishop helping him feel the Lord’s time of general conference approach- go forth and administer in any of the loving forgiveness. ing, I left it to the couple and their ordinances of this gospel unless the 62 President of the Church, who holds revelator and President of The Church or continents away from you. But joy the keys, sanctions it. He has given of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” 6 came from a feeling that connections us authority, he has put the sealing At the coming of Elijah, not only with them are sure because you are or power in our priesthood, because he was power given to the priesthood, can be bound to them by priesthood holds those keys.” 5 but also hearts were to be turned: ordinances that God will honor. That same assurance came from “The spirit, power, and calling of Elijah Melchizedek Priesthood holders President Boyd K. Packer as he wrote is, that ye have power to hold the key who are fathers in sealed families have of the sealing power. Knowing these of the revelation, ordinances, oracles, been taught what they must do. There words are true is a comfort to me, as powers and endowments of the full- is nothing that has come or will come it will be to the family I will seal on ness of the Melchizedek Priesthood into your family as important as the April 3: “Peter was to hold the keys. and of the kingdom of God on the sealing blessings. There is nothing more Peter was to hold the sealing power, . . . earth; and to receive, obtain, and important than honoring the marriage to bind or seal on earth or to loose on perform all the ordinances belonging and family covenants you have made or earth and it would be so in the heavens. to the kingdom of God, even unto will make in the temples of God. Those keys belong to the President of the turning of the hearts of the fathers The way to do that is clear. The Holy the Church—to the prophet, seer, and unto the children, and the hearts of Spirit of Promise, through our obedi- revelator. That sacred sealing power the children unto the fathers, even ence and sacrifice, must seal our temple is with the Church now. Nothing is those who are in heaven.” 7 covenants in order to be realized in the regarded with more sacred contempla- That feeling of his heart turning has world to come. President Harold B. Lee tion by those who know the signifi- already come to my friend and to his explained what it means to be sealed cance of this authority. Nothing is more family. It may have come to you in this by the Holy Spirit of Promise by quot- closely held. There are relatively few meeting. You may have seen in your ing Elder Melvin J. Ballard: “We may men who [hold] this sealing power upon mind, as I have, the face of your father deceive men but we cannot deceive the the earth at any given time—in each or your mother. It may have been a Holy Ghost, and our blessings will not temple are brethren who have been sister or a brother. It may have been a be eternal unless they are also sealed given the sealing power. No one can daughter or a son. by the Holy Spirit of promise. The Holy get it except from the prophet, seer, and They may be in the spirit world Ghost is one who reads the thoughts

May 2012 63 lead your family home again to be with Heavenly Father and the Savior. First, gain and keep a sure witness that the keys of the priesthood are with us and held by the President of the Church. Pray for that every day. The answer will come with an increase in determination to lead your family, in your feelings of hope, and with greater happiness in your service. You will be more cheerful and optimistic, a great blessing for your wife and family. The second imperative is to love your wife. It will take faith and humil- ity to put her interests above your own in the struggles of life. You have the responsibility to provide for and to nurture the family with her while serv- ing others. That can at times consume all the energy and strength you have. Age and illness may increase your wife’s needs. If you choose even then to put her happiness above your own, I promise you that your love for her will increase. and hearts of men, and gives his sealing believe that this man could be the Third, enlist the entire family to approval to the blessings pronounced prophet of God?” love each other. President Ezra Taft upon their heads. Then it is binding, President Smith had just entered Benson taught: efficacious, and of full force.” 8 the room and had not yet spoken a “In an eternal sense, salvation is a When Sister Eyring and I were word. I am eternally grateful that I was family affair. . . . sealed in the Logan Utah Temple, I did able to answer because of what came “Above all else, children need to not understand then the full signifi- down into my heart, “I know he is,” and know and feel they are loved, wanted, cance of that promise. I am still trying I knew it as surely as I knew the sun and appreciated. They need to be to understand all that it means, but my was shining that he held the priesthood assured of that often. Obviously, this wife and I decided at the start of our sealing power for all the earth. is a role parents should fill, and most nearly 50 years of marriage to invite That experience gave his words often the mother can do it best.” 10 the Holy Ghost as much as we could great power for me and my wife when, But another crucial source for that into our lives and into our family. in a conference session on April 6, feeling of being loved is love from As a young father, sealed in the 1972, President Joseph Fielding Smith other children in the family. Consistent temple and with my heart turned to gave the following counsel: “It is the care of brothers and sisters for each my wife and a young family, I met will of the Lord to strengthen and other will come only with persistent President Joseph Fielding Smith for preserve the family unit. We plead with effort by parents and the help of God. the first time. In the First Presidency fathers to take their rightful place as the You know that is true from experi- council room, where I had been head of the house. We ask mothers to ence in your own families. And it is invited, came an absolutely sure wit- sustain and support their husbands and confirmed each time you read of the ness to me as President Harold B. Lee to be lights to their children.” 9 family conflicts faced by righteous asked me, indicating President Smith, Let me suggest four things you can Lehi and his wife, Sariah, in the Book who was sitting next to him, “Do you do as a priesthood father to lift and of Mormon record. 64 The successes they won provide a You will remember the words, but compulsory means it shall flow unto guide for us. They taught the gos- you may not have seen their power thee forever and ever.” 12 pel of Jesus Christ so well and so for a Melchizedek Priesthood holder That is a high standard for us, persistently that children and even preparing his family for living in the but when we with faith control our some descendants over generations same sociality that they will have in tempers and subdue our pride, the had hearts softened toward God the celestial kingdom. You remember Holy Ghost gives His approval, and and toward each other. For instance, the words. They are so familiar: sacred promises and covenants Nephi and others wrote and reached “No power or influence can or become sure. out to family members who had been ought to be maintained by virtue of You will succeed through your faith their enemies. The Spirit at times the priesthood, only by persuasion, that the Lord sent back the keys of the softened the hearts of thousands and by long-suffering, by gentleness and priesthood, which are still with us— replaced hatred with love. meekness, and by love unfeigned; with a sure bond of love with your One way for you to reproduce the “By kindness, and pure knowledge, wife, with the Lord’s help in turning successes of Father Lehi is by the way which shall greatly enlarge the soul the hearts of your children to each you lead family prayers and family time, without hypocrisy, and without guile— other and to their parents, and with such as family home evenings. Give “Reproving betimes with sharpness, love guiding you to correct and exhort children opportunities to pray, when when moved upon by the Holy Ghost; in a way that invites the Spirit. they can pray, for each other in the cir- and then showing forth afterwards an I know that Jesus is the Christ and cle who need blessings. Discern quickly increase of love toward him whom is our Savior. I testify that President the beginnings of discord and recog- thou hast reproved, lest he esteem Thomas S. Monson holds and exer- nize acts of unselfish service, especially thee to be his enemy; cises all the keys of the priesthood on to each other. When they pray for each “That he may know that thy faith- the earth today. I love and sustain him. other and serve each other, hearts will fulness is stronger than the cords I love and pray for you. In the sacred be softened and turned to each other of death.” 11 name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ and to their parents. And later the promise comes of NOTES The fourth opportunity to lead your great worth for us as fathers in Zion: 1. Doctrine and Covenants 130:2. family in the Lord’s way comes when “The Holy Ghost shall be thy con- 2. Doctrine and Covenants 38:32–33. discipline is needed. We can meet our stant companion, and thy scepter an 3. See Joseph Fielding Smith, Sealing Power and Salvation, Brigham Young University obligation to correct in the Lord’s way unchanging scepter of righteousness Speeches of the Year ( Jan. 12, 1971), and then lead our children toward and truth; and thy dominion shall be speeches.byu.edu. eternal life. an everlasting dominion, and without 4. Matthew 16:19. 5. Joseph Fielding Smith, quoted by Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1944, 75. Tirana, Albania 6. Boyd K. Packer, “The Holy Temple,” Liahona and Ensign, Oct. 2010, 34. 7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 11. 8. Melvin J. Ballard, quoted by Harold B. Lee, in Conference Report, Oct. 1970, 111. 9. Joseph Fielding Smith, “Counsel to the Saints and to the World,” Ensign, July 1972, 27. 10. Ezra Taft Benson, “Salvation—a Family Affair,” Tambuli, Nov. 1992, 3, 4; Ensign, July 1992, 2, 4. 11. Doctrine and Covenants 121:41–44. 12. Doctrine and Covenants 121:46.

To watch the video of President Eyring’s address, scan this image with a QR-enabled smartphone.

May 2012 65 all things—it sustains all things—and By President Thomas S. Monson has to do with all things that God and truth are associated with.” 4 How blessed we are to be here in these last days, when the priesthood of God is upon the earth. How privi- Willing and Worthy leged we are to bear that priesthood. The priesthood is not so much a gift as it is a commission to serve, a privi- to Serve lege to lift, and an opportunity to bless the lives of others. With these opportunities come Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood responsibilities and duties. I love and is understood, its power is honored and used properly, cherish the noble word duty and all and faith is exerted. that it implies. In one capacity or another, in one setting or another, I have been attending priesthood meetings for the past 72 years—since I was ordained a y beloved brethren, how good everything that God has caused to be deacon at the age of 12. Time certainly it is to meet with you once done for the salvation of man, from marches on. Duty keeps cadence Magain. Whenever I attend the the coming of man upon the earth to with that march. Duty does not dim general priesthood meeting, I reflect the redemption of the world, has been nor diminish. Catastrophic conflicts on the teachings of some of God’s and will be by virtue of the everlasting come and go, but the war waged for noble leaders who have spoken in the priesthood.” 2 the souls of men continues without general priesthood meetings of the President Joseph F. Smith further abatement. Like a clarion call comes Church. Many have passed to their clarified: “The priesthood . . . is . . . the the word of the Lord to you, to me, eternal reward, and yet from the bril- power of God delegated to man by and to priesthood holders every- liance of their minds, from the depths which man can act in the earth for the where: “Wherefore, now let every of their souls, and from the warmth salvation of the human family, in the man learn his duty, and to act in the of their hearts, they have given us name of the Father and the Son and office in which he is appointed, in all inspired direction. I share with you the Holy Ghost, and act legitimately; diligence.” 5 tonight some of their teachings con- not assuming that authority, nor The call of duty came to Adam, cerning the priesthood. borrowing it from generations that are to Noah, to Abraham, to Moses, to From the Prophet Joseph Smith: dead and gone, but authority that has Samuel, to David. It came to the “Priesthood is an everlasting principle, been given in this day in which we Prophet Joseph Smith and to each and existed with God from eternity, live by ministering angels and spirits of his successors. The call of duty and will to eternity, without beginning from above, direct from the presence came to the boy Nephi when he was of days or end of years.” 1 of Almighty God.” 3 instructed by the Lord, through his From the words of President And finally from President John father Lehi, to return to Jerusalem Wilford Woodruff, we learn: “The Holy Taylor: “What is priesthood? . . . It is with his brothers to obtain the brass Priesthood is the channel through the government of God, whether on plates from Laban. Nephi’s brothers which God communicates and deals the earth or in the heavens, for it is by murmured, saying it was a hard thing with man upon the earth; and the that power, agency, or principle that which had been asked of them. What heavenly messengers that have visited all things are governed on the earth was Nephi’s response? Said he, “I will the earth to communicate with man and in the heavens, and by that power go and do the things which the Lord are men who held and honored the that all things are upheld and sus- hath commanded, for I know that the priesthood while in the flesh; and tained. It governs all things—it directs Lord giveth no commandments unto 66 I slept and dreamt That life was joy I awoke and saw That life was duty I acted and behold Duty was joy.8

Robert Louis Stevenson put it another way. Said he, “I know what pleasure is, for I have done good work.” 9 As we perform our duties and exer- cise our priesthood, we will find true joy. We will experience the satisfaction of having completed our tasks. We have been taught the specific duties of the priesthood which we hold, whether it be the Aaronic or the Melchizedek Priesthood. I urge you to contemplate those duties and then do all within your power to fulfill them. In order to do so, each must be worthy. Let us have ready hands, clean hands, and willing hands, that we may participate in providing what our Heavenly Father would have others receive from Him. If we are not worthy, it is possible to lose the power of the priesthood; and if we lose it, we have lost the essence of exaltation. Let us be worthy to serve. President Harold B. Lee, one of the great teachers in the Church, said: “When one becomes a holder of the priesthood, he becomes an agent of the Lord. He should think of his call- the children of men, save he shall At times the wisdom of God ing as though he were on the Lord’s prepare a way for them that they may appears as being foolish or just too errand.” 10 accomplish the thing which he com- difficult, but one of the greatest and During World War II, in the early mandeth them.” 6 most valuable lessons we can learn part of 1944, an experience involving When that same call comes to you in mortality is that when God speaks the priesthood took place as United and to me, what will be our response? and a man obeys, that man will always States marines were taking Kwajalein Will we murmur, as did Laman and be right. Atoll, part of the Marshall Islands Lemuel, and say, “This is a hard thing When I think of the word duty and located in the Pacific Ocean required of us”? 7 Or will we, with and how performing our duty can about midway between Australia and Nephi, individually declare, “I will go. enrich our lives and the lives of oth- Hawaii. What took place in this regard I will do”? Will we be willing to serve ers, I recall the words penned by a was related by a correspondent—not a and to obey? renowned poet and author: member of the Church—who worked

May 2012 67 for a newspaper in Hawaii. In the 1944 service eliminates selfish striving, and then by the power and strength newspaper article he wrote following the power of God brings to pass of His holy Priesthood to [so] magnify the experience, he explained that he His purposes. your calling in the presence of your and other correspondents were in The call of duty can come qui- fellows . . . that the people will be the second wave behind the marines etly as we who hold the priesthood glad to follow you.” 12 at Kwajalein Atoll. As they advanced, respond to the assignments we Such a call of duty—a much less they noticed a young marine floating receive. President George Albert dramatic call but one which none- facedown in the water, obviously Smith, that modest but effective theless helped to save a soul—came badly wounded. The shallow water leader, declared, “It is your duty first to me in 1950 when I was a newly around him was red with his blood. of all to learn what the Lord wants called bishop. My responsibilities as a And then they noticed another marine moving toward his wounded com- rade. The second marine was also wounded, with his left arm hanging helplessly by his side. He lifted up the head of the one who was float- ing in the water in order to keep him from drowning. In a panicky voice he called for help. The correspondents looked again at the boy he was sup- porting and called back, “Son, there is nothing we can do for this boy.” “Then,” wrote the correspondent, “I saw something that I had never seen before.” This boy, badly wounded himself, made his way to the shore with the seemingly lifeless body of his fellow marine. He “put the head of his companion on his knee. . . . What a picture that was—these two mortally wounded boys—both . . . clean, wonderful-looking young men, even in their distressing situation. And the one boy bowed his head over the other and said, ‘I command you, in the name of Jesus Christ and by the power of the priesthood, to remain alive until I can get medical help.’” The corre- spondent concluded his article: “The three of us [the two marines and I] are here in the hospital. The doctors don’t know [how they made it alive], but I know.” 11 Miracles are everywhere to be found when the priesthood is under- stood, its power is honored and used properly, and faith is exerted. When faith replaces doubt, when selfless 68 bishop were many and varied, and I magazines, but most of all thank you duty. Let us be willing and worthy to tried to the best of my ability to do all for the personal letters. I have turned serve. Let us in the performance of that was required of me. The United over a new leaf. I have been ordained our duty follow in the footsteps of the States was engaged in a different a priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. My Master. As you and I walk the pathway war by then. Because many of our heart is full. I am a happy man.” Jesus walked, we will discover He is members were serving in the armed Brother Bryson was no happier more than the babe in Bethlehem, services, an assignment came from than was his bishop. I had learned the more than the carpenter’s son, more Church headquarters for all bishops practical application of the adage “Do than the greatest teacher ever to to provide each serviceman a sub- [your] duty; that is best; leave unto live. We will come to know Him as scription to the Church News and the [the] Lord the rest.” 13 the Son of God, our Savior and our Improvement Era, the Church’s maga­ Years later, while attending the Redeemer. When to Him came the zine at that time. In addition, each Salt Lake Cottonwood Stake when call of duty, He answered, “Father, thy bishop was asked to write a personal, James E. Faust served as its president, will be done, and the glory be thine monthly letter to each serviceman I related that account in an effort to forever.” 16 May each of us do likewise, from his ward. Our ward had 23 men encourage attention to our service- I pray in His holy name, the name of in uniform. The priesthood quorums, men. After the meeting, a fine-looking Jesus Christ, the Lord, amen. ◼ with effort, supplied the funds for the young man came forward. He took NOTES subscriptions to the publications. I my hand in his and asked, “Bishop 1. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: undertook the task, even the duty, to Monson, do you remember me?” Joseph Smith (2007), 104. 2. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: write 23 personal letters each month. I suddenly realized who he was. Wilford Woodruff (2004), 38. After all these years I still have “Brother Bryson!” I exclaimed. “How 3. Joseph F. Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. copies of many of my letters and are you? What are you doing in the (1939), 139–40; emphasis added. 4. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: John the responses received. Tears come Church?” Taylor (2001), 119. easily when these letters are reread. With warmth and obvious pride, 5. Doctrine and Covenants 107:99; emphasis It is a joy to learn again of a soldier’s he responded, “I’m fine. I serve in added. 6. 1 Nephi 3:7; see also verses 1–5. pledge to live the gospel, a sailor’s the presidency of my elders quorum. 7. See 1 Nephi 3:5. decision to keep faith with his family. Thank you again for your concern for 8. Rabindranath Tagore, in William Jay Jacobs, One evening I handed to a sister in me and the personal letters which you Mother Teresa: Helping the Poor (1991), 42. 9. Robert Louis Stevenson, in Elbert Hubbard II, the ward the stack of 23 letters for the sent and which I treasure.” comp., The Note Book of Elbert Hubbard: current month. Her assignment was to Brethren, the world is in need Mottoes, Epigrams, Short Essays, Passages, handle the mailing and to maintain the of our help. Are we doing all we Orphic Sayings and Preachments (1927), 55. 10. Stand Ye in Holy Places: Selected Sermons constantly changing address list. She should? Do we remember the words and Writings of President Harold B. Lee glanced at one envelope and, with a of President John Taylor: “If you do (1976), 255. smile, asked, “Bishop, don’t you ever not magnify your callings, God will 11. In Ernest Eberhard Jr., “Giving Our Young Men the Proper Priesthood Perspective,” get discouraged? Here is another letter hold you responsible for those whom typescript, July 19, 1971, 4–5, Church to Brother Bryson. This is the 17th letter you might have saved had you done History Library. you have sent to him without a reply.” your duty”? 14 There are feet to steady, 12. George Albert Smith, in Conference Report, Apr. 1942, 14. I responded, “Well, maybe this will hands to grasp, minds to encourage, 13. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, “The Legend be the month.” As it turned out, that hearts to inspire, and souls to save. Beautiful,” in The Complete Poetical Works was the month. For the first time, he The blessings of eternity await you. of Longfellow (1893), 258. 14. Teachings: John Taylor, 164. responded to my letter. His reply is a Yours is the privilege to be not spec- 15. James 1:22. keepsake, a treasure. He was serving tators but participants on the stage 16. Moses 4:2. far away on a distant shore, isolated, of priesthood service. Let us hearken homesick, alone. He wrote, “Dear to the stirring reminder found in the Bishop, I ain’t much at writin’ letters.” Epistle of James: “Be ye doers of the To watch the video of President (I could have told him that several word, and not hearers only, deceiving Monson’s address, scan this months earlier.) His letter continued, your own selves.” 15 image with a QR-enabled smartphone. “Thank you for the Church News and Let us learn and contemplate our

May 2012 69 SUNDAY MORNING SESSION | April 1, 2012

quite easy to judge other people, often assigning dark motives to their actions By President Dieter F. Uchtdorf in order to justify our own feelings of Second Counselor in the First Presidency resentment.

The Doctrine Of course, we know this is wrong. The doctrine is clear. We all depend The Merciful on the Savior; none of us can be saved without Him. Christ’s Atonement is infinite and eternal. Forgiveness for Obtain Mercy our sins comes with conditions. We must repent, and we must be will- ing to forgive others. Jesus taught: When our hearts are filled with the love of God, we become “Forgive one another; for he that “kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving.” forgiveth not . . . [stands] condemned before the Lord; for there remaineth in him the greater sin” 3 and “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain y dear brothers and sisters, minds of the people than . . . anything mercy.” 4 not long ago I received a let- else.” 1 Dear sister, I pray that the Spirit Of course, these words seem Mter from a concerned mother will touch your children’s hearts. perfectly reasonable—when applied who pleaded for a general conference to someone else. We can so clearly talk on a topic that would specifically When Relationships Go Bad and easily see the harmful results that benefit her two children. A rift had Strained and broken relationships come when others judge and hold grown between them, and they had are as old as humankind itself. Ancient grudges. And we certainly don’t like it stopped speaking to each other. The Cain was the first who allowed the when people judge us. mother was heartbroken. In the letter cancer of bitterness and malice to But when it comes to our own she assured me that a general con- canker his heart. He tilled the ground prejudices and grievances, we too ference message on this topic would of his soul with envy and hatred and often justify our anger as righteous reconcile her children, and all would allowed these feelings to ripen until and our judgment as reliable and only be well. he did the unthinkable—murdering appropriate. Though we cannot look This good sister’s sincere and his own brother and becoming, in the into another’s heart, we assume that heartfelt plea was just one of several process, the father of Satan’s lies.2 we know a bad motive or even a bad promptings I have received over these Since those first days the spirit of person when we see one. We make last months that I should say a few envy and hatred has led to some of exceptions when it comes to our own words today on a topic that is a grow- the most tragic stories in history. It bitterness because we feel that, in ing concern—not only for a worried turned Saul against David, the sons our case, we have all the information mother but for many in the Church of Jacob against their brother Joseph, we need to hold someone else in and, indeed, the world. Laman and Lemuel against Nephi, and contempt. I am impressed by the faith of this Amalickiah against Moroni. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to loving mother that a general confer- I imagine that every person on the Romans, said that those who pass ence talk could help heal the relation- earth has been affected in some way judgment on others are “inexcusable.” ship between her children. I am sure by the destructive spirit of contention, The moment we judge someone else, that her confidence was not so much resentment, and revenge. Perhaps he explained, we condemn ourselves, in the abilities of the speakers but in there are even times when we rec- for none is without sin.5 Refusing to “the virtue of the word of God,” which ognize this spirit in ourselves. When forgive is a grievous sin—one the has a “more powerful effect upon the we feel hurt, angry, or envious, it is Savior warned against. Jesus’s own 70

General Authorities of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

THE FIRST PRESIDENCY April 2012

Henry B. Eyring Thomas S. Monson Dieter F. Uchtdorf First Counselor President Second Counselor THE QUORUM OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES

Boyd K. Packer L. Tom Perry Russell M. Nelson Dallin H. Oaks M. Russell Ballard Richard G. Scott

Robert D. Hales Jeffrey R. Holland David A. Bednar Quentin L. Cook D. Todd Christofferson Neil L. Andersen

THE PRESIDENCY OF THE SEVENTY

Ronald A. Rasband Walter F. González L. Whitney Clayton Jay E. Jensen Donald L. Hallstrom Tad R. Callister Richard J. Maynes THE FIRST QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY THE SECOND QUORUM OF THE SEVENTY (in alphabetical order) (in alphabetical order)

Marcos A. Aidukaitis José L. Alonso Carlos H. Amado Ian S. Ardern Mervyn B. Arnold David S. Baxter Shayne M. Bowen Craig A. Cardon Yoon Hwan Choi Craig C. Christensen Wilford W. Andersen Koichi Aoyagi Randall K. Bennett Bruce A. Carlson

Don R. Clarke Carl B. Cook Lawrence E. Corbridge Claudio R. M. Costa LeGrand R. Curtis Jr. Benjamín De Hoyos John B. Dickson Kevin R. Duncan Larry Echo Hawk Stanley G. Ellis J. Devn Cornish Keith R. Edwards Bradley D. Foster Larry W. Gibbons

David F. Evans Enrique R. Falabella Eduardo Gavarret Robert C. Gay Carlos A. Godoy Christoffel Golden Jr. Gerrit W. Gong C. Scott Grow James J. Hamula Keith K. Hilbig O. Vincent Haleck Larry R. Lawrence Per G. Malm James B. Martino

Marlin K. Jensen Daniel L. Johnson Paul V. Johnson Patrick Kearon Paul E. Koelliker Erich W. Kopischke Marcus B. Nash Brent H. Nielson Allan F. Packer Kevin W. Pearson Jairo Mazzagardi Kent F. Richards Gregory A. Schwitzer Kent D. Watson

Anthony D. Perkins Paul B. Pieper Rafael E. Pino Bruce D. Porter Dale G. Renlund Michael T. Ringwood Lynn G. Robbins Joseph W. Sitati Steven E. Snow Ulisses Soares Larry Y. Wilson

THE PRESIDING BISHOPRIC

Michael John U. Teh José A. Teixeira Octaviano Tenorio Juan A. Uceda Francisco J. Viñas W. Christopher Waddell William R. Walker F. Michael Watson Scott D. Whiting Kazuhiko Yamashita

Gérald Caussé Gary E. Stevenson Dean M. Davies First Counselor Presiding Bishop Second Counselor

Jorge F. Zeballos Claudio D. Zivic W. Craig Zwick Latter-day Saints “rejoice in the great privilege” (Alma 61:14) of listening to and sharing the messages of the 182nd Annual General Conference. Pictured clockwise from top left are missionaries and members in Tirana, Albania; London, England; São Paulo, Brazil; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Vyborg, Russia; Barrigada, Guam; and Paris, France.

74 disciples had “sought occasion against It’s that simple. We simply have measure of the grace we so desperately [each other] and forgave not one to stop judging others and replace desire for ourselves? My beloved broth- another in their hearts; and for this judgmental thoughts and feelings with ers and sisters, should we not forgive as evil they were afflicted and sorely a heart full of love for God and His we wish to be forgiven? chastened.” 6 children. God is our Father. We are His Our Savior has spoken so clearly children. We are all brothers and sisters. The Love of God on this subject that there is little room I don’t know exactly how to articulate Is this difficult to do? for private interpretation. “I, the Lord, this point of not judging others with Yes, of course. will forgive whom I will forgive,” but sufficient eloquence, passion, and Forgiving ourselves and others then He said, “. . . of you it is required persuasion to make it stick. I can quote is not easy. In fact, for most of us it to forgive all men.” 7 scripture, I can try to expound doctrine, requires a major change in our attitude May I add a footnote here? When and I will even quote a bumper sticker and way of thinking—even a change the Lord requires that we forgive all I recently saw. It was attached to the of heart. But there is good news. This men, that includes forgiving ourselves. back of a car whose driver appeared “mighty change” 8 of heart is exactly Sometimes, of all the people in the to be a little rough around the edges, what the gospel of Jesus Christ is world, the one who is the hardest to but the words on the sticker taught an designed to bring into our lives. forgive—as well as perhaps the one insightful lesson. It read, “Don’t judge How is it done? Through the love who is most in need of our forgive- me because I sin differently than you.” of God. ness—is the person looking back at us We must recognize that we are When our hearts are filled with the in the mirror. all imperfect—that we are beggars love of God, something good and pure before God. Haven’t we all, at one happens to us. We “keep his command- The Bottom Line time or another, meekly approached ments: and his commandments are not This topic of judging others could the mercy seat and pleaded for grace? grievous. For whatsoever is born of actually be taught in a two-word Haven’t we wished with all the energy God overcometh the world.” 9 sermon. When it comes to hating, of our souls for mercy—to be forgiven The more we allow the love of God gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding for the mistakes we have made and to govern our minds and emotions— grudges, or wanting to cause harm, the sins we have committed? the more we allow our love for our please apply the following: Because we all depend on the mercy Heavenly Father to swell within our Stop it! of God, how can we deny to others any hearts—the easier it is to love others

May 2012 75 with the pure love of Christ. As we Do you secretly envy another? it shall be measured to you again.” 14 open our hearts to the glowing dawn Do you wish to cause harm to Shouldn’t this promise be enough of the love of God, the darkness and someone? to always focus our efforts on acts cold of animosity and envy will even- If you answered yes to any of these of kindness, forgiveness, and charity tually fade. questions, you may want to apply the instead of on any negative behavior? As always, Christ is our exemplar. two-word sermon from earlier: stop it! Let us, as disciples of Jesus Christ, In His teachings as in His life, He In a world of accusations and return good for evil.15 Let us not seek showed us the way. He forgave the unfriendliness, it is easy to gather and revenge or allow our wrath to over- wicked, the vulgar, and those who cast stones. But before we do so, let come us. sought to hurt and to do Him harm. us remember the words of the One “For it is written, Vengeance is Jesus said it is easy to love those who is our Master and model: “He that mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. who love us; even the wicked can do is without sin among you, let him first “Therefore if thine enemy hun- that. But Jesus Christ taught a higher cast a stone.” 12 ger, feed him; if he thirst, give him law. His words echo through the Brothers and sisters, let us put drink. . . . centuries and are meant for us today. down our stones. “Be not overcome of evil, but over- They are meant for all who desire Let us be kind. come evil with good.” 16 to be His disciples. They are meant Let us forgive. Remember: in the end, it is the for you and me: “Love your enemies, Let us talk peacefully with each merciful who obtain mercy.17 bless them that curse you, do good other. As members of The Church of Jesus to them that hate you, and pray for Let the love of God fill our hearts. Christ of Latter-day Saints, wherever them which despitefully use you, and “Let us do good unto all men.” 13 we may be, let us be known as a peo- persecute you.” 10 The Savior promised: “Give, and ple who “have love one to another.” 18 When our hearts are filled with the it shall be given unto you; good love of God, we become “kind one to measure, pressed down, and shaken Love One Another another, tenderhearted, forgiving [each together, and running over. . . . For Brothers and sisters, there is other], even as God for Christ’s sake with the same measure that [you use] enough heartache and sorrow in this [forgave us].” 11 The pure love of Christ can remove the scales of resentment and wrath from our eyes, allowing us to see others the way our Heavenly Father sees us: as flawed and imperfect mortals who have potential and worth far beyond our capacity to imagine. Because God loves us so much, we too must love and forgive each other.

The Way of the Disciple My dear brothers and sisters, consider the following questions as a self-test: Do you harbor a grudge against someone else? Do you gossip, even when what you say may be true? Do you exclude, push away, or punish others because of something they have done? 76 life without our adding to it through By Elder Russell M. Nelson our own stubbornness, bitterness, and Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles resentment. We are not perfect. The people around us are not perfect.19 People do things that annoy, disappoint, and anger. In this mortal Thanks Be to God life it will always be that way. Nevertheless, we must let go of How much better it would be if all could be more aware of our grievances. Part of the purpose of mortality is to learn how to let go of God’s providence and love and express that gratitude to Him. such things. That is the Lord’s way. Remember, heaven is filled with those who have this in common: They are forgiven. And they forgive. ear brothers and sisters, we thank were created in the image of God, Lay your burden at the Savior’s you for your sustaining support each with a personal body.6 feet. Let go of judgment. Allow Christ’s Dand your devotion. We express Think of our physical sustenance. Atonement to change and heal your our gratitude and love to each of you. It is truly heaven-sent. The necessities heart. Love one another. Forgive one Recently, Sister Nelson and I of air, food, and water all come to us another. enjoyed the beauty of tropical fish in a as gifts from a loving Heavenly Father. The merciful will obtain mercy. small private aquarium. Fish with vivid The earth was created to support our Of this I testify in the name of the colors and of a variety of shapes and brief sojourn in mortality.7 We were One who loved so well and so com- sizes darted back and forth. I asked born with a capacity to grow, love, pletely that He gave His life for us, His the attendant nearby, “Who provides marry, and form families. friends—in the sacred name of Jesus food for these beautiful fish?” Marriage and family are ordained of Christ, amen. ◼ She responded, “I do.” God. The family is the most impor- NOTES Then I asked, “Have they ever tant social unit in time and in eternity. 1. Alma 31:5. thanked you?” Under God’s great plan of happiness, 2. See Moses 5:16–32. 3. Doctrine and Covenants 64:9. She replied, “Not yet!” families can be sealed in temples and 4. Matthew 5:7. I thought of some people I know be prepared to return to dwell in His 5. See Romans 2:1. who are just as oblivious to their holy presence forever. That is eternal 6. Doctrine and Covenants 64:8. 1 7. Doctrine and Covenants 64:10; emphasis Creator and their true “bread of life.” life! It fulfills the deepest longings of added. They live from day to day without an the human soul—the natural yearning 8. Mosiah 5:2. awareness of God and His goodness for endless association with beloved 9. 1 John 5:3–4. 10. Matthew 5:44; see also verses 45–47. unto them. members of one’s family. 11. Ephesians 4:32. How much better it would be if We are part of His divine purpose: 12. John 8:7. all could be more aware of God’s “My work and my glory,” He said, is 13. Galatians 6:10. 14. Luke 6:38. providence and love and express that “to bring to pass the immortality and 15. See Matthew 5:39–41. gratitude to Him. Ammon taught, “Let eternal life of man.” 8 In order to achieve 16. Romans 12:19–21. us give thanks to [God], for he doth those objectives, “God so loved the 17. See Matthew 5:7. 2 18. John 13:35. work righteousness forever.” Our world, that he gave his only begotten 19. See Romans 3:23. degree of gratitude is a measure of our Son, that whosoever believeth in him love for Him. should not perish, but have everlasting God is the Father of our spirits.3 life.” 9 That act was a supernal manifes- To watch the video of President He has a glorified, perfected body of tation of God’s love. “For [He] sent not Uchtdorf’s address, scan this flesh and bone.4 We lived with Him his Son into the world to condemn the image with a QR-enabled in heaven before we were born.5 And world; but that the world through him smartphone. when He created us physically, we might be saved.” 10

May 2012 77 Central to God’s eternal plan is excessive heat or cold might cause. with physical challenges, precisely the mission of His Son, Jesus Christ.11 The body renews its own outdated because they are so challenged. He came to redeem God’s children.12 cells and regulates the levels of its Anyone who studies the work- Because of the Lord’s Atonement, own vital ingredients. The body heals ings of the human body has surely resurrection (or immortality) became its cuts, bruises, and broken bones. Its “seen God moving in his majesty a reality.13 Because of the Atonement, capacity for reproduction is another and power.” 18 Because the body is eternal life became a possibility sacred gift from God. governed by divine law, any healing for all who would qualify. Jesus so Be we reminded that a perfect comes by obedience to the law upon explained: body is not required to achieve one’s which that blessing is predicated.19 “I am the resurrection, and the life: divine destiny. In fact, some of the Yet some people erroneously think he that believeth in me, though he sweetest spirits are housed in frail that these marvelous physical attributes were dead, yet shall he live: or imperfect bodies. Great spiritual happened by chance or resulted from “And whosoever liveth and strength is often developed by people a big bang somewhere. Ask yourself, believeth in me shall never die.” 14 For the Atonement of the Lord and His gift of resurrection—for this sublime message of Easter—thanks be to God!

Physical Gifts Our Heavenly Father loves His chil- dren.15 He has blessed each with physi­ cal and spiritual gifts. Let me speak of each type. When you sing “I Am a Child of God,” think of His gift to you of your own physical body. The many amazing attributes of your body attest to your own “divine nature.” 16 Each organ of your body is a won- drous gift from God. Each eye has an autofocusing lens. Nerves and muscles control two eyes to make a single three-dimensional image. The eyes are connected to the brain, which records the sights seen. Your heart is an incredible pump.17 It has four delicate valves that control the direction of blood flow. These valves open and close more than 100,000 times a day—36 million times a year. Yet, unless altered by disease, they are able to withstand such stress almost indefinitely. Think of the body’s defense system. To protect it from harm, it perceives pain. In response to infection, it gen- erates antibodies. The skin provides protection. It warns against injury that 78 “Could an explosion in a printing shop produce a dictionary?” The likelihood is most remote. But if so, it could never heal its own torn pages or reproduce its own newer editions! If the body’s capacity for normal function, defense, repair, regulation, and regeneration were to prevail with- out limit, life here would continue in perpetuity. Yes, we would be stranded here on earth! Mercifully for us, our Creator provided for aging and other coupled with and housed in your body, nation, kindred, tongue, and peo- processes that would ultimately result is able to develop and manifest these ple.” 31 As we do so, both givers and in our physical death. Death, like birth, attributes in ways that are vital to your receivers will be blessed. is part of life. Scripture teaches that “it eternal progression.29 Spiritual progress Ours is the responsibility to teach was not expedient that man should be is attained through the steps of faith, His children and awaken in them an reclaimed from this temporal death, for repentance, baptism, the gift of the awareness of God. Long ago, King that would destroy the great plan of Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end, Benjamin said: happiness.” 20 To return to God through including the endowment and sealing “Believe in God; believe that he is, the gateway we call death is a joy for ordinances of the holy temple.30 and that he created all things, both in those who love Him and are prepared Just as the body requires daily food heaven and in earth; believe that he to meet Him.21 Eventually the time will for survival, the spirit needs nourish- has all wisdom, and all power, both in come when each “spirit and . . . body ment as well. The spirit is nurtured by heaven and in earth; . . . shall be reunited again in . . . perfect eternal truth. Last year we celebrated “. . . Believe that ye must repent of form; both limb and joint shall be the 400th anniversary of the King your sins and forsake them, and hum- restored to its proper frame,” 22 never to James translation of the Holy Bible. ble yourselves before God; and ask in be separated again. For these physical And we have had the Book of Mormon sincerity of heart that he would forgive gifts, thanks be to God! for nearly 200 years. It has now been you; and now, if you believe all these translated in its entirety or as selections things see that ye do them.” 32 Spiritual Gifts into 107 languages. Because of these God is the same yesterday, today, and Important as is the body, it serves and other precious scriptures, we know forever, but we are not. Each day, ours is as a tabernacle for one’s eternal spirit. that God is our Eternal Father and that the challenge to access the power of the Our spirits existed in the premortal His Son, Jesus Christ, is our Savior and Atonement so that we can truly change, realm23 and will continue to live after Redeemer. For these spiritual gifts, become more Christlike, and qualify for the body dies.24 The spirit provides the thanks be to God! the gift of exaltation and live eternally body with animation and personality.25 with God, Jesus Christ, and our fami- In this life and in the next, spirit and Gospel Gifts lies.33 For these powers, privileges, and body, when joined together, become a We know that prophets of many gospel gifts, thanks be to God! living soul of supernal worth. dispensations, such as Adam, Noah, I testify that He lives, that Jesus is Because one’s spirit is so impor- Moses, and Abraham, all taught of the the Christ, and that this is His Church, tant, its development is of eternal divinity of our Heavenly Father and of restored in these latter days to accom- consequence. It is strengthened as we Jesus Christ. Our present dispensation plish its divine destiny. We are led today communicate in humble prayer with was introduced by Heavenly Father by President Thomas S. Monson, whom our loving Heavenly Father.26 and Jesus Christ when They appeared we love and sustain with all our hearts, The attributes by which we shall be to the Prophet Joseph Smith in 1820. as we also sustain his counselors and judged one day are all spiritual.27 These The Church was organized in 1830. the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers, include love, virtue, integrity, compas- Now, 182 years later, we remain under and revelators. I so testify in the sacred sion, and service to others.28 Your spirit, covenant to take the gospel to “every name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼

May 2012 79 NOTES By Elder Ronald A. Rasband 1. John 6:35, 48; see also verse 51. Of the Presidency of the Seventy 2. Alma 26:8; see also Alma 7:23. 3. See Acts 17:27–29. 4. See Doctrine and Covenants 130:22. 5. See Jeremiah 1:4–5; Romans 8:16; Hebrews 12:9; Moses 6:51. 6. See Genesis 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:44; Moses 3:7. Special Lessons 7. See 1 Nephi 17:36. 8. Moses 1:39. 9. John 3:16. It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to bear 10. John 3:17. 11. His purposes are succinctly summarized in nobly our burdens and to reach out to those among 3 Nephi 27:13–22. us who are suffering. 12. See Alma 11:40. 13. See 2 Nephi 9:6–7, 20–22. 14. John 11:25–26. 15. See 1 John 4:10; 1 Nephi 17:40. 16. 2 Peter 1:4. 17. The heart pumps about 2,000 gallons or the past 20 months, our family Jesus Christ, we can become perfected (7,570 L) per day. has been blessed with the privi- in Him.” 1 18. Doctrine and Covenants 88:47. lege of having a very special baby. To all of you who have challenges, 19. See Doctrine and Covenants 130:21. F Indeed, that divine law is incontrovertible. Little Paxton, our grandson, was concerns, disappointments, or heart- 20. Alma 42:8. born with a very rare chromoso- aches with a dear one, know this: with 21. The Psalmist expressed the viewpoint of mal deletion, a genetic disorder that infinite love and everlasting compas- Deity: “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints” (Psalm 116:15); see distinguishes him, literally, as one in sion, God our Heavenly Father loves also Ecclesiastes 12:7. hundreds of millions. For our daugh- your afflicted one, and He loves you! 22. Alma 11:43; see also Ecclesiastes 12:7; ter and her husband, an uncharted, Some might ask when faced with Alma 40:23; Doctrine and Covenants 138:17. life-changing journey began when such suffering, how could Almighty 23. See Doctrine and Covenants 93:38. Paxton was born. This experience has God let this happen? And then that 24. See Alma 40:11; Abraham 3:18. become a crucible for learning special seemingly inevitable question, why 25. The spirit is in the likeness of the person (see Doctrine and Covenants 77:2). lessons tied to the eternities. did this happen to me? Why must we 26. See 3 Nephi 14:9–11. Dear Elder Russell M. Nelson, who experience disease and events that 27. The spirit, not the body, is the active, just spoke to us, taught: disable or call precious family mem- responsible component of the soul. Without the spirit, the body is dead (see “For reasons usually unknown, bers home early or extend their years James 2:26). It is the spirit, therefore, that some people are born with physical in pain? Why the heartaches? chooses good or evil and will be held limitations. Specific parts of the body At these moments we can turn to accountable for both the positive and negative attributes it possesses at the Final may be abnormal. Regulatory systems the great plan of happiness authored Judgment (see Alma 41:3–7). may be out of balance. And all of by our Heavenly Father. That plan, 28. Spiritual attributes also include “faith, our bodies are subject to disease and when presented in the pre-earth life, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, 2 brotherly kindness, godliness, charity, death. Nevertheless, the gift of a physi- prompted us all to shout for joy. Put humility, [and] diligence” (Doctrine and cal body is priceless. . . . simply, this life is training for eternal Covenants 4:6). “A perfect body is not required to exaltation, and that process means 29. See 2 Nephi 2:11–16, 21–26; Moroni 10:33–34. achieve a divine destiny. In fact, some tests and trials. It has always been so, 30. This is the doctrine of Christ (see 2 Nephi of the sweetest spirits are housed in and no one is spared. 31:11–21). frail frames. . . . Trusting in God’s will is central 31. Mosiah 15:28; see also 1 Nephi 19:17; “Eventually the time will come to our mortality. With faith in Him, 2 Nephi 26:13; Mosiah 3:20; 15:28; 16:1; Alma 37:4; Doctrine and Covenants when each ‘spirit and . . . body shall we draw upon the power of Christ’s 1:18–23; 77:11; 133:37. be reunited again in . . . perfect form; Atonement at those times when ques- 32. Mosiah 4:9–10. both limb and joint shall be restored tions abound and answers are few. 33. “Eternal life . . . is the greatest of all the gifts of God” (Doctrine and Covenants to its proper frame’ (Alma 11:43). After His Resurrection, when vis- 14:7). Then, thanks to the Atonement of iting the Americas, our Savior, Jesus 80 Christ, reached out to all with this invitation: “Have ye any that are sick among you? Bring them hither. Have ye any that are lame, or blind, or halt, or maimed, or leprous, or that are withered, or that are deaf, or that are afflicted in any manner? Bring them hither and I will heal them, for I have compassion upon you; my bowels are filled with mercy. . . . “And it came to pass that when he had thus spoken, all the multitude, with one accord, did go forth with their sick and their afflicted, and their lame, and with their blind, and with their dumb, and with all them that were afflicted in any manner; and he did heal them every one as they were brought forth unto him.” 3 Great strength can be found in the words “all the multitude . . . did go forth”—all, brothers and sisters. We all face challenges. And then the phrase: “that were afflicted in any manner.” All of us can identify, can’t we? Shortly after precious Paxton was born, we knew Heavenly Father would bless us and teach us special lessons. As his father and I put our fingers on his tiny head in the first of many priesthood blessings, the words came overcome their anguish and heart- to pass that the burdens which were into my mind from the ninth chapter of break for a child who was born with laid upon Alma and his brethren John: “that the works of God should be or who has developed a serious men- were made light; yea, the Lord did made manifest in him.” 4 tal or physical infirmity. This anguish strengthen them that they could God’s works are definitely being often continues every day, without bear up their burdens with ease, and made manifest through Paxton. relief, during the lifetime of the parent they did submit cheerfully and with We are learning patience, faith, and or the child. Not infrequently, parents patience to all the will of the Lord.” 6 gratitude through the balm of service, are required to give superhuman One night early in Paxton’s life, endless hours of intense emotions, nurturing care that never ceases, day we were in the neonatal intensive tears of empathy, and the prayers or night. Many a mother’s arms and care unit of the wonderful Primary and expressions of love for dear ones heart have ached years on end, giving Children’s Medical Center in Salt Lake in need, especially Paxton and his comfort and relieving the suffering of City, Utah, marveling at the dedicated, parents. her special child.” 5 undivided attention given by the doc- President James E. Faust, my As described in Mosiah, we have tors, nurses, and caregivers. I asked boyhood stake president, said: “I witnessed the Savior’s pure love my daughter how we would ever pay have a great appreciation for those given to Paxton’s family, which love for this and ventured a guess at what loving parents who stoically bear and is available to all: “And now it came the cost would be. A doctor standing

May 2012 81 nearby suggested that I was “way low” brother’s keeper, who give to amelio- We are all enlisted till the conflict is o’er; and that little Paxton’s care would cost rate suffering, who strive with all that Happy are we! Happy are we! substantially more than I had esti- is good within them to make a better Soldiers in the army, there’s a bright mated. We learned that much of the world. Have you noticed that such crown in store; expense for care given in this hospital individuals have a brighter smile? Their We shall win and wear it by and by.10 is covered by the generous gifts of footsteps are more certain. They have time and monetary contributions of an aura about them of contentment and Brothers and sisters, it is my hope others. His words humbled me as I satisfaction . . . for one cannot partici- and prayer that we will continue thought of the worth of this tiny little pate in helping others without experi- to bear nobly our burdens and to soul to those who were so carefully encing a rich blessing himself.” 8 reach out to those among us who are watching over him. Though we will face trials, adver- suffering and in need of being lifted I was reminded of a familiar mis- sities, disabilities, heartaches, and and encouraged. May we each thank sionary scripture that took on new all manner of afflictions, our caring, God for His blessings and renew our meaning: “Remember the worth of loving Savior will always be there for commitment to our Father in Heaven souls is great in the sight of God.” 7 us. He has promised: of humble service to His children. In I wept as I pondered the limitless “I will not leave you comfortless: I the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ love our Heavenly Father and His will come to you. . . . NOTES Beloved Son, Jesus Christ, have for each “My peace I give unto you: not as 1. Russell M. Nelson, “We Are Children of one of us, while learning in a powerful the world giveth, give I unto you. Let God,” Liahona, Jan. 1999, 103; Ensign, Nov. way what the worth of a soul is, both not your heart be troubled, neither let 1998, 85, 86. 9 2. See Job 38:7. physically and spiritually, to God. it be afraid.” 3. 3 Nephi 17:7, 9. Paxton’s family has learned they are How grateful we are to our Father 4. John 9:3. surrounded by countless heavenly and in Heaven for our champion Paxton. 5. James E. Faust, “The Works of God,” Ensign, Nov. 1984, 54. earthly ministering angels. Some have Through him the Lord has manifest His 6. Mosiah 24:15. quietly slipped in when needed and works and continues to teach us these 7. Doctrine and Covenants 18:10. silently slipped out. Others have been valuable, sacred, and special lessons. 8. Thomas S. Monson, “Our Brothers’ Keepers,” Ensign, June 1998, 39. at the door with food, doing the laun- I would like to close with the 9. John 14:18, 27. dry, picking up the siblings, calling words from a beloved hymn: 10. “We Are All Enlisted,” Hymns, no. 250. with encouragement, and especially praying for Paxton. Thus another spe- cial lesson learned: If you come upon a person who is drowning, would you ask if they need help—or would it be better to just jump in and save them from the deepening waters? The offer, while well meaning and often given, “Let me know if I can help” is really no help at all. We continue to learn the important value of being aware of and interested in the lives of those around us, learn- ing not only the importance of giving help but also the overwhelming joy that comes from helping others. Dear President Thomas S. Monson, who is such a magnificent example of lifting the downtrodden, said: “God bless all who endeavor to be their 82 By Julie B. Beck divinely made, divinely authorized, Recently Released Relief Society General President divinely instituted, divinely ordained of God.” 8 President Joseph Fielding Smith told the sisters that they had “been given power and authority to do a great many things.” 9 He said, The Vision of Prophets “You are members of the greatest women’s organization in the world, an organization which is a vital part regarding Relief of the kingdom of God on [the] earth and which is so designed and oper- ated that it helps its faithful members to gain eternal life in our Father’s Society: Faith, Family, kingdom.” 10

An Extensive Sphere of Influence Relief Every year hundreds of thousands of women and young women become Faith, family, and relief—these three simple words have come part of this ever-expanding “circle of sisters.” 11 Thereafter, wherever a sister to express the vision of prophets for sisters in the Church. lives and wherever she serves, she retains her membership and associa­ tion in Relief Society.12 Because of Relief Society’s important purposes, n recent years I have been impressed their vision of strong, faithful, pur- the First Presidency has expressed to speak often about Relief Society— poseful women who understand their their desire that young women begin its purposes and qualities,1 the value eternal value and purpose. When the their preparation for Relief Society I 2 13 of its history, its work, and its partner- Prophet Joseph Smith established well before they are 18 years old. ship with bishops and Melchizedek Relief Society, he directed its first Relief Society is not a program. It Priesthood quorums.3 It seems impor- president to “preside over this society, is an official part of the Lord’s Church tant now to focus some attention on in taking care of the poor—adminis- that is “divinely ordained of God” to the vision of prophets regarding Relief tering to their wants, and attending to teach, strengthen, and inspire sisters in Society.4 the various affairs of this institution.” 5 their purpose regarding faith, family, Just as the Lord’s prophets have He envisioned the organization as “a and relief. Relief Society is a way of continually taught elders and high select society, separate from all the life for Latter-day Saint women, and priests their purposes and duties, evils of the world.” 6 its influence extends far beyond a they have shared their vision for the Brigham Young, the second Sunday class or a social gathering. It sisters of the Relief Society. From their President of the Church, instructed follows the pattern of female disci- counsel, it is clear that the purposes of his counselors and the Quorum of ples who served with the Lord Jesus Relief Society are to increase faith and the Twelve Apostles to direct bishops Christ and His Apostles in His ancient personal righteousness, strengthen to “let [the sisters] organize Female Church.14 We have been taught that families and homes, and seek out and Relief Societies in the various wards.” “it is as obligatory upon a woman to help those in need. Faith, family, and He added, “Some may think this is a draw into her life the virtues that are relief —these three simple words have trifling thing, but it is not.” 7 fostered by the Relief Society as it is come to express the vision of proph- Later, President Joseph F. Smith an obligation for the men to build into ets for sisters in the Church. said that in contrast to worldly orga- their lives the patterns of character Since the beginning of the nizations, which “are men-made, or fostered by the priesthood.” 15 Restoration, prophets have shared women-made,” the Relief Society “is When the Prophet Joseph Smith

May 2012 83 Society fulfills the purposes for which it was organized. The sociality, friend- ship, and unity we desire will be the sweet results of serving together with the Lord in His work.

Fulfilling the Vision of Prophets President Thomas S. Monson and Kolkata, India his counselors recently testified “that the Lord has restored the fulness of organized the Relief Society, he taught with bishops to look after the tempo- the gospel through the Prophet Joseph the sisters that they were to “relieve ral and spiritual needs of the Saints.20 Smith and that Relief Society is an the poor” and “save souls.” 16 In their President Spencer W. Kimball said: important part of that restoration.” charge to “save souls,” sisters were “There are many sisters who are living As evidence of their desire that the authorized to organize and participate in rags—spiritual rags. They are enti- “glorious heritage” of Relief Society in an extensive sphere of influence. tled to gorgeous robes, spiritual robes. be preserved, the First Presidency The first Relief Society president was . . . It is your privilege to go into recently published and distributed set apart to expound the scriptures, homes and exchange robes for rags.” 21 worldwide Daughters in My Kingdom: and Relief Society still carries an President Harold B. Lee shared this The History and Work of Relief Society. essential teaching responsibility in the vision. He said: “Cannot you see why Within the pages of this book, we can Lord’s Church. When Joseph Smith the Lord has put it upon the . . . Relief find patterns and examples of sisters told the sisters that the organization of Society to visit these homes? Because, and brothers working in partnership Relief Society would prepare them for next to the Master himself, there are in families and the Church, and we the “privileges, blessings and gifts of none in [the] Church who have a more can learn principles about who we the Priesthood,” 17 the Lord’s work of lovely touch, a more complete under- are, what we believe, and what we salvation was opened to them. Saving standing of the hearts and the lives of should protect. We have been encour- souls includes sharing the gospel these individuals.” 22 aged by the First Presidency to study and participating in missionary work. President Joseph F. Smith cautioned this important book and “allow its It includes engaging in temple and Relief Society sisters and their leaders, timeless truths and inspiring examples family history work. It includes doing saying that he did not want “to see to influence [our] lives.” 24 everything possible to become spiritu- the time when our Relief Societies As sisters become more aligned ally and temporally self-reliant. will follow, or commingle and lose Elder John A. Widtsoe declared that their own identity by mixing up with Relief Society offers “relief of poverty, . . . woman-made organizations.” He

relief of illness; relief of doubt, relief expected the sisters “to lead the world d

au of ignorance—relief of all that hinders and . . . especially the women of the g hters the joy and progress of woman. What world, in everything that is praise-

i 18 n mƴ Daughters a magnificent commission!” worthy, everything that is God-like, in Mƴ Ƙingdom President Boyd K. Packer has everything that is uplifting and that is kingdom likened Relief Society to “a protecting purifying to the children of men.” 23 wall.” 19 The responsibility to protect His counsel emphasizes the charge sisters and their families increases to eliminate traditions, themes, fads, the significance of the watchcare and and trends and incorporate practices ministering of visiting teachers, and it that are consistent with Relief Society is a demonstration of our willingness purposes. to remember our covenants with the Leaders who seek revelation can THE HISTORY AND Lord. As “ministers to the needy and ensure that every meeting, lesson, WORK OF RELIEF SOCIETY to the afflicted,” we work in harmony class, activity, and effort of the Relief

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06500_000_Cover.indd 1 with the purposes of Relief Society, the vision of the prophets will be ful- filled. President Kimball said, “There is a power in this organization [of Relief Society] that has not yet been fully exercised to strengthen the homes of Zion and build the Kingdom of God— nor will it until both the sisters and the priesthood catch the vision of Relief Society.” 25 He prophesied that “much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the last days will come because many of the good women of the world (in whom there is often . . . an inner sense of spirituality) will be drawn to the Church in large num- bers. This will happen to the degree that the women of the Church . . . are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways—from the women of the NOTES world.” 26 1. See Julie B. Beck, “Fulfilling the Purpose of 11. Boyd K. Packer, in Daughters in My Relief Society,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. Kingdom, 85. I am grateful for the vision of 2008, 108–11. 12. See Boyd K. Packer, “The Circle of Sisters,” prophets regarding Relief Society. I, 2. See Julie B. Beck, BYU Women’s Ensign, Nov. 1980, 110. like President Gordon B. Hinckley, Conference address (Apr. 29, 2011), http: 13. See First Presidency letters, Mar. 19, 2003, //ce.byu.edu/cw/womensconference/ and Feb. 23, 2007. “am convinced there is no other archive/2011/pdf/JulieB_openingS.pdf; 14. See Daughters in My Kingdom, 3–6. organization anywhere to match the “What I Hope My Granddaughters (and 15. Boyd K. Packer, in Daughters in My Relief Society of this Church.” 27 It is Grandsons) Will Understand about Relief Kingdom, 16. Society,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 16. Joseph Smith, in Daughters in My our responsibility now to align our- 109–13; “Relief Society: A Sacred Work,” Kingdom, 17. selves with the vision of the prophets Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2009, 110–14. 17. Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, regarding Relief Society as we seek to 3. See Julie B. Beck, “Why We Are Organized 4:602. into Quorums and Relief Societies” 18. John A. Widtsoe, in Daughters in My increase faith, strengthen families, and (Brigham Young University devotional Kingdom, 25. provide relief. address, Jan. 17, 2012), speeches.byu.edu. 19. Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, Nov. 1980, 110. I close with the words of President 4. This message is not a comprehensive 20. Joseph Fielding Smith, in Daughters in My review of all prophetic statements Kingdom, 142. Lorenzo Snow: “The future of the regarding Relief Society. It is only a sample 21. Spencer W. Kimball, in Daughters in My [Relief] Society is full of promise. As of their vision and direction. Daughters Kingdom, 117. the Church grows, its field of useful- in My Kingdom: The History and Work 22. Harold B. Lee, “The Place of Relief ness will be correspondingly enlarged, of Relief Society, conference reports, and Society in the Welfare Plan,” Relief Society other Church publications contain more Magazine, Dec. 1946, 842. and it will be even more potent for teaching on this subject. 23. Joseph F. Smith, in Daughters in My good than it has been in the past.” 28 5. Joseph Smith, in Daughters in My Kingdom, 66. To sisters who help advance the king- Kingdom: The History and Work of Relief 24. The First Presidency, in Daughters in My Society (2011), 13. Kingdom, ix. dom of God, he said, “As you have 6. Joseph Smith, in Daughters in My 25. Spencer W. Kimball, in Daughters in My shared in these labors, so you will Kingdom, 15. Kingdom, 142. most certainly share in the triumph 7. Brigham Young, in Daughters in My 26. Spencer W. Kimball, in Daughters in My Kingdom, 41. Kingdom, 95. of the work and in the exaltation and 8. Joseph F. Smith, in Daughters in My 27. Gordon B. Hinckley, in Daughters in My glory which the Lord will give to His Kingdom, 65–66. Kingdom, 160. faithful children.” 29 Of this vision I also 9. Joseph Fielding Smith, in Daughters in My 28. Lorenzo Snow, in Daughters in My Kingdom, 142. Kingdom, 19. bear testimony in the name of Jesus 10. Joseph Fielding Smith, in Daughters in My 29. Lorenzo Snow, in Daughters in My Christ, amen. ◼ Kingdom, 97. Kingdom, 7.

May 2012 85 By Elder D. Todd Christofferson for he will visit him with fire and with Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles the Holy Ghost. . . . “Verily, verily, I say unto you, that this is my doctrine, and whoso build- eth upon this buildeth upon my rock, and the gates of hell shall not prevail The Doctrine of Christ against them” (3 Nephi 11:32–35, 39). This is our message, the rock upon In the Church today, just as anciently, establishing the which we build, the foundation of everything else in the Church. Like all doctrine of Christ or correcting doctrinal deviations that comes from God, this doctrine is a matter of divine revelation. is pure, it is clear, it is easy to under- stand—even for a child. With glad hearts, we invite all to receive it. In The Church of Jesus Christ of ur deepest gratitude and love day began when, in “a pillar of light Latter-day Saints, “we believe all that to Sister Beck, Sister Allred, . . . above the brightness of the sun” God has revealed, all that He does Oand Sister Thompson, and the ( Joseph Smith—History 1:16), God now reveal, and we believe that He Relief Society board. the Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus will yet reveal many great and impor- We have seen of late a growing Christ, visited young Joseph Smith and tant things pertaining to the Kingdom public interest in the beliefs of The initiated what would become a virtual of God” (Articles of Faith 1:9). This is Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day flood of revelation linked with divine to say that while there is much we do Saints. This is something we welcome power and authority. not yet know, the truths and doctrine because, after all, our fundamental In these revelations we find what we have received have come and will commission is to teach the gospel of might be termed the core doctrine of continue to come by divine revelation. Jesus Christ, His doctrine, in all the the Church of Jesus Christ reestab- In some faith traditions, theologians world (see Matthew 28:19–20; D&C lished upon the earth. Jesus Himself claim equal teaching authority with 112:28). But we must admit there has defined that doctrine in these words the ecclesiastical hierarchy, and doctri- been and still persists some confu- recorded in the Book of Mormon: nal matters may become a contest of sion about our doctrine and how it is Another Testament of Jesus Christ: opinions between them. Some rely on established. That is the subject I wish “This is my doctrine, and it is the the ecumenical councils of the Middle to address today. doctrine which the Father hath given Ages and their creeds. Others place The Savior taught His doctrine in unto me; and I bear record of the primary emphasis on the reasoning the meridian of time, and His Apostles Father, and the Father beareth record of post-apostolic theologians or on struggled mightily to preserve it of me, and the Holy Ghost beareth biblical hermeneutics and exegesis. against a barrage of false tradition and record of the Father and me; and I We value scholarship that enhances philosophy. New Testament Epistles bear record that the Father comman- understanding, but in the Church cite numerous incidents demonstrating deth all men, everywhere, to repent today, just as anciently, establishing that serious and widespread apostasy and believe in me. the doctrine of Christ or correcting was already under way during the “And whoso believeth in me, and doctrinal deviations is a matter of Apostles’ ministry.1 is baptized, the same shall be saved; divine revelation to those the Lord The centuries that followed were and they are they who shall inherit the endows with apostolic authority.2 illuminated by occasional rays of kingdom of God. In 1954, President J. Reuben gospel light until, in the 19th century, “And whoso believeth not in me, Clark Jr., then a counselor in the First a brilliant dawn of Restoration broke and is not baptized, shall be damned. Presidency, explained how doctrine upon the world, and the gospel of “. . . And whoso believeth in me is promulgated in the Church and Christ, full and complete, was once believeth in the Father also; and unto the preeminent role of the President again upon the earth. This glorious him will the Father bear record of me, of the Church. Speaking of members 86 of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he stated: “[We] should [bear] in mind that some of the General Authorities have had assigned to them a special calling; they possess a special gift; they are sustained as prophets, seers, and revelators, which gives them a special spiritual endowment in connection with their teaching of the people. They have the right, the power, and authority to declare the mind and will of God to his people, subject to the over-all power and authority of the President of the Church. Others of the General Authorities are not given this special spiritual endowment and authority covering their teaching; they have a resulting limitation, and the resulting limitation upon their power and authority in teaching applies to every other officer and member of the Church, for none of them is spiritually endowed as a prophet, seer, and reve­ lator. Furthermore, as just indicated, the President of the Church has a fur- ther and special spiritual endowment in this respect, for he is the Prophet, Seer, and Revelator for the whole Church.” 3 How does the Savior reveal His will and doctrine to prophets, seers, and revelators? He may act by mes- senger or in His own person. He may speak by His own voice or by the voice of the Holy Spirit—a commu- gospel message only to Jews, follow- the commandment against eating nication of Spirit to spirit that may ing the pattern of Jesus’s ministry (see such. Nevertheless, the voice said to be expressed in words or in feelings Matthew 15:24), but now, in the Lord’s Peter in his dream, “What God hath that convey understanding beyond timetable, the time had come for a cleansed, that call not thou common” words (see 1 Nephi 17:45; D&C 9:8). change. In Joppa, Peter had a dream (Acts 10:15). He may direct Himself to His servants in which he saw a variety of animals The meaning of this dream became individually­ or acting in council (see lowered to earth from heaven in “a clear when soon afterward, several 3 Nephi 27:1–8). great sheet knit at the four corners” men sent from the Roman centurion I cite two illustrations from the New (Acts 10:11) and was commanded to Cornelius arrived at Peter’s lodging Testament. The first was a revelation “kill, and eat” (Acts 10:13). Peter was with a request that he come teach directed to the head of the Church. reluctant since at least some of the their master. Cornelius had gathered a Early in the book of Acts, we find animals were “unclean” under the law sizable group of relatives and friends, the Apostles of Christ declaring the of Moses, and Peter had never violated and finding them expectantly waiting

May 2012 87 this decision came by divine revelation through the Holy Spirit. These same patterns are followed today in the restored Church of Jesus Christ. The President of the Church may announce or interpret doctrines based on revelation to him (see, for exam- ple, D&C 138). Doctrinal exposition may also come through the combined council of the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve Apostles (see, for example, Official Declaration 2). to receive his message, Peter said: over as a commandment in the gospel Council deliberations will often include “God hath shewed me that I and Church of Christ (see Acts 15:1, a weighing of canonized scriptures, the should not call any man common or 5). “And the apostles and elders teachings of Church leaders, and past unclean. . . . came together for to consider . . . this practice. But in the end, just as in the “. . . Of a truth I perceive that God matter” (Acts 15:6). Our record of this New Testament Church, the objective is no respecter of persons: council is certainly incomplete, but is not simply consensus among council “But in every nation he that feareth we are told that after “much disputing” members but revelation from God. It him, and worketh righteousness, is (Acts 15:7), Peter, the senior Apostle, is a process involving both reason and accepted with him” (Acts 10:28, 34–35; rose up and declared what the Holy faith for obtaining the mind and will of see also verses 17–24). Spirit had confirmed to him. He the Lord.4 “While Peter yet spake these words, reminded the council that when the At the same time it should be the Holy Ghost fell on all them which gospel began to be preached to the remembered that not every statement heard the word. uncircumcised Gentiles in the house made by a Church leader, past or pres- “And they [who accompanied Peter] of Cornelius, they received the Holy ent, necessarily constitutes doctrine. It were astonished . . . because that on Ghost just as had the circumcised is commonly understood in the Church the Gentiles also was poured out the Jewish converts. God, he said, “put that a statement made by one leader gift of the Holy Ghost. no difference between us and them, on a single occasion often represents a “. . . Then answered Peter, purifying their hearts by faith. personal, though well-considered, opin- “Can any man forbid water, that “Now therefore why tempt ye God, ion, not meant to be official or binding these should not be baptized, which to put a yoke upon the neck of the for the whole Church. The Prophet have received the Holy Ghost as well disciples, which neither our fathers Joseph Smith taught that “a prophet [is] as we?” (Acts 10:44–47). nor we were able to bear? a prophet only when he [is] acting as By this experience and revela- “But we believe that through the such.” 5 President Clark, quoted earlier, tion to Peter, the Lord modified the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall observed: practice of the Church and revealed be saved, even as they” (Acts 15:9–11; “To this point runs a simple story my a more complete doctrinal under- see also verse 8). father told me as a boy, I do not know standing to His disciples. And so the After Paul, Barnabas, and perhaps on what authority, but it illustrates the preaching of the gospel expanded to others spoke in support of Peter’s point. His story was that during the encompass all mankind. declaration, James moved that the excitement incident to the coming of Later in the book of Acts, we find decision be implemented by letter to [ Johnston’s] Army, Brother Brigham another somewhat related illustration, the Church, and the council was united preached to the people in a morning this time showing how revelation on “with one accord” (Acts 15:25; see also meeting a sermon vibrant with defiance matters of doctrine may come in a verses 12–23). In the letter announcing to the approaching army, and declaring council setting. A controversy arose their decision, the Apostles said, “It an intention to oppose and drive them about whether circumcision required seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and back. In the afternoon meeting he arose under the law of Moses should carry to us” (Acts 15:28), or in other words, and said that Brigham Young had been 88 talking in the morning, but the Lord lives, “for [he] saw him, even on the shall all be resurrected and by whom was going to talk now. He then deliv- right hand of God; and [he] heard the all who will may be redeemed and ered an address, the tempo of which voice bearing record that he is the exalted in His heavenly kingdom. This was the opposite from the morning Only Begotten of the Father” (D&C is our doctrine, confirming all prior talk. . . . 76:23; see also verse 22). I appeal to testaments of Jesus Christ and stated “. . . The Church will know by the all who hear or read this message anew for our own time. In the name testimony of the Holy Ghost in the to seek through prayer and study of of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ body of the members, whether the the scriptures that same witness of brethren in voicing their views are the divine character, the Atonement, NOTES 1. See Neal A. Maxwell, “From the Beginning,” ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Ensign, Nov. 1993, 18–19: in due time that knowledge will be Accept His doctrine by repenting, “James decried ‘wars and fightings made manifest.” 6 being baptized, receiving the gift of among’ the Church ( James 4:1). Paul lamented ‘divisions’ in the Church and The Prophet Joseph Smith con- the Holy Ghost, and then throughout how ‘grievous wolves’ would not spare firmed the Savior’s central role in our your life following the laws and cov- ‘the flock’ (1 Cor. 11:18; Acts 20:29–31). He doctrine in one definitive sentence: enants of the gospel of Jesus Christ. knew an apostasy was coming and wrote to the Thessalonians that Jesus’ second “The fundamental principles of our As our Easter celebration coming would not occur ‘except there religion are the testimony of the approaches, I express my own witness come a falling away first’; further advising Apostles and Prophets, concerning that Jesus of Nazareth was and is that ‘iniquity doth already work’ (2 Thes. 2:3, 7). Jesus Christ, that He died, was buried, the Son of God, the very Messiah of “Near the end, Paul acknowledged how and rose again the third day, and ancient prophecy. He is the Christ, very extensive the falling away was: ‘All ascended into heaven; and all other who suffered in Gethsemane, died on they which are in Asia be turned away from me’ (2 Tim. 1:15). . . . things which pertain to our religion the cross, was buried, and who indeed “Widespread fornication and idolatry 7 are only appendages to it.” Joseph rose again the third day. He is the brought apostolic alarm (see 1 Cor. 5:9; Smith’s testimony of Jesus is that He resurrected Lord, through whom we Eph. 5:3; Jude 1:7). John and Paul both bemoaned the rise of false Apostles (see 2 Cor. 11:13; Rev. 2:2). The Church was clearly under siege. Some not only fell away but then openly opposed. In one circumstance, Paul stood alone and lamented that ‘all men forsook me’ (2 Tim. 4:16). He also decried those who ‘subvert[ed] whole houses’ (Titus 1:11). “Some local leaders rebelled, as when one, who loved his preeminence, refused to receive the brethren (see 3 Jn. 1:9–10). “No wonder President Brigham Young observed: ‘It is said the Priesthood was taken from the Church, but it is not so, the Church went from the Priesthood’ (in Journal of Discourses, 12:69).” In the course of time, as Elder Maxwell expressed it, “reason, the Greek philosophical tradition, dominated, then supplanted, reliance on revelation, an outcome probably hastened by well-intentioned Christians wishing to bring their beliefs into the mainstream of contemporary culture. . . . “. . . Let us [too] be wary about accommodating revealed theology to conventional wisdom” (Ensign, Nov. 1993, 19–20). 2. Apostles and prophets such as Joseph Smith declare God’s word, but in addition, we believe men and women generally and even children can learn from and be guided by

May 2012 89 divine inspiration in response to prayer and study of the scriptures. Just as in the days of the ancient Apostles, members of the By President Thomas S. Monson Church of Jesus Christ are given the gift of the Holy Ghost, which facilitates an ongoing communication with their Heavenly Father, or, in other words, personal revelation (see Acts 2:37–38). In this way, the Church becomes a body of committed, spiritually The Race of Life mature individuals whose faith is not blind but seeing—informed and confirmed by the Holy Spirit. This is not to say that every member speaks for the Church or can define Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where do we go its doctrines but that each can receive divine after this life? No longer need these universal questions guidance in dealing with the challenges and opportunities of his or her life. remain unanswered. 3. J. Reuben Clark Jr., “When Are Church Leaders’ Words Entitled to Claim of Scripture?” Church News, July 31, 1954, 9–10; see also Doctrine and Covenants 28:1–2, 6–7, 11–13. y beloved brothers and sisters, threatens. Our thoughts become 4. The required preparation and qualifications for council participants are “righteousness, this morning I wish to speak focused, and we are easily able to . . . holiness, and lowliness of heart, to you of eternal truths— determine what is really important and meekness and long suffering, . . . faith, M those truths which will enrich our lives what is merely trivial. and virtue, and knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and and see us safely home. I recently visited with a woman who charity; Everywhere people are in a hurry. has been battling a life-threatening “Because the promise is, if these things Jet-powered aircraft speed their pre- disease for over two years. She indi- abound in them they shall not be unfruitful in the knowledge of the Lord” (Doctrine cious human cargo across broad conti- cated that prior to her illness, her days and Covenants 107:30–31). nents and vast oceans so that business were filled with activities such as clean- 5. Joseph Smith, in History of the Church, meetings might be attended, obligations ing her house to perfection and filling 5:265. 6. J. Reuben Clark Jr., “Church Leaders’ met, vacations enjoyed, or families it with beautiful furnishings. She visited Words,” 10. Of the story his father told him visited. Roadways everywhere—includ- her hairdresser twice a week and spent about Brigham Young, President Clark ing freeways, thruways, and motor- money and time each month adding to further wrote: “I do not know if this ever happened, ways—carry millions of automobiles, her wardrobe. Her grandchildren were but I say it illustrates a principle—that occupied by more millions of people, invited to visit infrequently, for she was even the President of the Church, himself, in a seemingly endless stream and for a always concerned that what she consid- may not always be ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost,’ when he addresses the multitude of reasons as we rush about ered her precious possessions might be people. This has happened about matters the business of each day. broken or otherwise ruined by tiny and of doctrine (usually of a highly speculative In this fast-paced life, do we ever careless hands. character) where subsequent Presidents of the Church and the peoples themselves pause for moments of meditation— And then she received the shock- have felt that in declaring the doctrine, even thoughts of timeless truths? ing news that her mortal life was in the announcer was not ‘moved upon by When compared to eternal verities, jeopardy and that she might have very the Holy Ghost.’ “How shall the Church know when these most of the questions and concerns limited time left here. She said that at adventurous expeditions of the brethren of daily living are really rather trivial. the moment she heard the doctor’s into these highly speculative principles What should we have for dinner? diagnosis, she knew immediately that and doctrines meet the requirements of the statutes that the announcers thereof have What color should we paint the living she would spend whatever time she been ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’? The room? Should we sign Johnny up for had remaining with her family and Church will know by the testimony of the soccer? These questions and countless friends and with the gospel at the Holy Ghost in the body of the members, whether the brethren in voicing their views others like them lose their significance center of her life, for these represented are ‘moved upon by the Holy Ghost’; and when times of crisis arise, when loved what was most precious to her. in due time that knowledge will be made ones are hurt or injured, when sick- Such moments of clarity come to all manifest” (“Church Leaders’ Words,” 10). 7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: ness enters the house of good health, of us at one time or another, although Joseph Smith (2007), 49. when life’s candle dims and darkness not always through so dramatic a 90 physical bodies are the offspring of our mortal parents, we must probe for the meaning of Paul’s statement. The Lord has declared that “the spirit and the body are the soul of man.” 3 Thus it is the spirit which is the offspring of God. The writer of Hebrews refers to Him as “the Father of spirits.” 4 The spirits of all men are literally His “begotten sons and daughters.” 5 We note that inspired poets have, for our contemplation of this sub- ject, written moving messages and recorded transcendent thoughts. William Wordsworth penned the truth:

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting: The soul that rises with us, our life’s Star, Hath had elsewhere its setting, And cometh from afar: Not in entire forgetfulness, And not in utter nakedness, But trailing clouds of glory do we come From God, who is our home: Heaven lies about us in our infancy! 6

Parents ponder their responsibility to teach, to inspire, and to provide guidance, direction, and example. And while parents ponder, children—and particularly youth—ask the pene- trating question, why are we here? circumstance. We see clearly what it reaches heavenward, seeking a divine Usually it is spoken silently to the soul is that really matters in our lives and response to life’s greatest questions: and phrased, why am I here? how we should be living. Where did we come from? Why are we How grateful we should be that a Said the Savior: here? Where do we go after we leave wise Creator fashioned an earth and “Lay not up for yourselves treasures this life? placed us here, with a veil of forgetful- upon earth, where moth and rust Answers to these questions are ness of our previous existence so that doth corrupt, and where thieves break not discovered within the covers of we might experience a time of testing, through and steal: academia’s textbooks or by checking an opportunity to prove ourselves in “But lay up for yourselves treasures the Internet. These questions transcend order to qualify for all that God has in heaven, where neither moth nor mortality. They embrace eternity. prepared for us to receive. rust doth corrupt, and where thieves Where did we come from? This Clearly, one primary purpose of our do not break through nor steal: query is inevitably thought, if not spo- existence upon the earth is to obtain “For where your treasure is, there ken, by every human being. a body of flesh and bones. We have will your heart be also.” 1 The Apostle Paul told the Athenians also been given the gift of agency. In In our times of deepest reflection on Mars’ Hill that “we are the offspring a thousand ways we are privileged to or greatest need, the soul of man of God.” 2 Since we know that our choose for ourselves. Here we learn

May 2012 91 from the hard taskmaster of experience. at other times sailing serenely as the question out of our thoughts, it always We discern between good and evil. water deepened. returns. Death comes to all mankind. We differentiate as to the bitter and the During a particular race we noted It comes to the aged as they walk on sweet. We discover that there are conse- that one boat led all the rest toward faltering feet. Its summons is heard by quences attached to our actions. the appointed finish line. Suddenly, those who have scarcely reached mid- By obedience to God’s command- the current carried it too close to a way in life’s journey. At times it hushes ments, we can qualify for that “house” large whirlpool, and the boat heaved the laughter of little children. spoken of by Jesus when He declared: to its side and capsized. Around and But what of an existence beyond “In my Father’s house are many man- around it was carried, unable to make death? Is death the end of all? Robert sions. . . . I go to prepare a place for its way back into the main current. At Blatchford, in his book God and My you . . . that where I am, there ye may last it came to an uneasy rest amid the Neighbor, attacked with vigor accepted be also.” 7 flotsam and jetsam that surrounded it, Christian beliefs such as God, Christ, Although we come into mortality held fast by the tentacles of the grasp- prayer, and particularly immortality. “trailing clouds of glory,” life moves ing green moss. He boldly asserted that death was relentlessly forward. Youth follows The toy boats of childhood had no the end of our existence and that no childhood, and maturity comes ever keel for stability, no rudder to provide one could prove otherwise. Then a so imperceptibly. From experience we direction, and no source of power. surprising thing happened. His wall learn the need to reach heavenward Inevitably, their destination was down- of skepticism suddenly crumbled to for assistance as we make our way stream—the path of least resistance. dust. He was left exposed and unde- along life’s pathway. Unlike toy boats, we have been fended. Slowly he began to feel his God, our Father, and Jesus Christ, provided divine attributes to guide way back to the faith he had ridiculed our Lord, have marked the way to our journey. We enter mortality not to and abandoned. What had caused perfection. They beckon us to follow float with the moving currents of life this profound change in his outlook? eternal verities and to become perfect, but with the power to think, to reason, His wife died. With a broken heart he as They are perfect.8 and to achieve. went into the room where lay all that The Apostle Paul likened life to a Our Heavenly Father did not was mortal of her. He looked again at race. To the Hebrews he urged, “Let launch us on our eternal voyage us lay aside . . . the sin which doth without providing the means whereby Salvador, Brazil so easily beset us, and let us run with we could receive from Him guidance patience the race that is set before us.” 9 to ensure our safe return. I speak of In our zeal, let us not overlook the prayer. I speak too of the whisper- sage counsel from Ecclesiastes: “The ings from that still, small voice; and I race is not to the swift, nor the battle to do not overlook the holy scriptures, the strong.” 10 Actually, the prize belongs which contain the word of the Lord to him or her who endures to the end. and the words of the prophets— When I reflect on the race of life, I provided to us to help us successfully remember another type of race, even cross the finish line. from childhood days. My friends and At some period in our mortal I would take pocketknives in hand mission, there appears the faltering and, from the soft wood of a willow step, the wan smile, the pain of tree, fashion small toy boats. With a sickness—even the fading of summer, triangular-shaped cotton sail in place, the approach of autumn, the chill each would launch his crude craft in of winter, and the experience we the race down the relatively turbu- call death. lent waters of Utah’s Provo River. We Every thoughtful person has asked would run along the river’s bank and himself the question best phrased by watch the tiny vessels sometimes bob- Job of old: “If a man die, shall he live bing violently in the swift current and again?” 11 Try as we might to put the 92 the face he loved so well. Coming out, His body had lain in the tomb for three the tardy teenager, the wayward youth, he said to a friend: “It is she, and yet days, the spirit again entered. The stone the delinquent parent. Tenderly the it is not she. Everything is changed. was rolled away, and the resurrected Master speaks to these and indeed to Something that was there before is Redeemer walked forth, clothed with all: “Come back. Come up. Come in. taken away. She is not the same. What an immortal body of flesh and bones. Come home. Come unto me.” can be gone if it be not the soul?” The answer to Job’s question, “If In one week we will celebrate Later he wrote: “Death is not what a man die, shall he live again?” came Easter. Our thoughts will turn to some people imagine. It is only like when Mary and others approached the Savior’s life, His death, and His going into another room. In that the tomb and saw two men in shining Resurrection. As His special witness, I other room we shall find . . . the dear garments who spoke to them: “Why testify to you that He lives and that He women and men and the sweet chil- seek ye the living among the dead? He awaits our triumphant return. That such dren we have loved and lost.” 12 is not here, but is risen.” 14 a return will be ours, I pray humbly in My brothers and sisters, we know As the result of Christ’s victory over His holy name—even Jesus Christ, our that death is not the end. This truth the grave, we shall all be resurrected. Savior and our Redeemer, amen. ◼ has been taught by living prophets This is the redemption of the soul. throughout the ages. It is also found Paul wrote: “There are . . . celestial NOTES 1. Matthew 6:19–21. in our holy scriptures. In the Book of bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the 2. Acts 17:29. Mormon we read specific and com- glory of the celestial is one, and the 3. Doctrine and Covenants 88:15. forting words: glory of the terrestrial is another.” 15 4. Hebrews 12:9. 5. Doctrine and Covenants 76:24. “Now, concerning the state of the It is the celestial glory which we 6. William Wordsworth, Ode: Intimations of soul between death and the resur- seek. It is in the presence of God we Immortality from Recollections of Early rection—Behold, it has been made desire to dwell. It is a forever family Childhood (1884), 23–24. 7. John 14:2–3. known unto me by an angel, that the in which we want membership. Such 8. See Matthew 5:48; 3 Nephi 12:48. spirits of all men, as soon as they are blessings are earned through a lifetime 9. Hebrews 12:1. departed from this mortal body, yea, of striving, seeking, repenting, and 10. Ecclesiastes 9:11. 11. Job 14:14. the spirits of all men, whether they be finally succeeding. 12. See Robert Blatchford, More Things in good or evil, are taken home to that Where did we come from? Why are Heaven and Earth: Adventures in Quest of God who gave them life. we here? Where do we go after this a Soul (1925), 11. 13. Alma 40:11–12. “And then shall it come to pass, that life? No longer need these universal 14. Luke 24:5–6. the spirits of those who are righteous questions remain unanswered. From 15. 1 Corinthians 15:40. are received into a state of happiness, the very depths of my soul and in all which is called paradise, a state of humility, I testify that those things of rest, a state of peace, where they shall which I have spoken are true. To watch the video of President rest from all their troubles and from all Our Heavenly Father rejoices for Monson’s address, scan this care, and sorrow.” 13 those who keep His commandments. image with a QR-enabled smartphone. After the Savior was crucified and He is concerned also for the lost child,

May 2012 93 SUNDAY AFTERNOON SESSION | April 1, 2012

participate, may we be motivated to follow Scott’s bold example to share By Elder L. Tom Perry our love of this special scripture with Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles others not of our faith. A dominant theme of the Book of Mormon is expressed in the final verse of the first chapter of 1 Nephi. Nephi writes, “But behold, I, Nephi, will The Power show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, of Deliverance to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance” (1 Nephi 1:20). I wish to speak about how the We can be delivered from the ways of evil and wickedness Book of Mormon, which is a tender by turning to the teachings of the holy scriptures. mercy of the Lord preserved for these latter days, delivers us by teaching us in a pure and “most correct” way the doctrine of Christ. have a very good friend who sends “I am an engineer.” Many of the stories of the Book of me a new tie to wear during the “That’s nice. Where do you live?” Mormon are stories of deliverance. I session I speak at each general con- “In Las Vegas.” Lehi’s departure into the wilderness ference. He has excellent taste, don’t “We have a temple there. Do you with his family was about deliverance you think? know where the Mormon temple is?” from the destruction of Jerusalem. My young friend has some difficult “Yes. It is a beautiful building.” The story of the Jaredites is a story challenges. They limit him in some “Are you a Mormon?” of deliverance, as is the story of the ways, but in other ways he is extraor- “No.” Mulekites. Alma the Younger was dinary. For example, his boldness as a “Well, you should be. It is a great delivered from sin. Helaman’s strip- missionary rivals the sons of Mosiah. religion. Have you read the Book of ling warriors were delivered in battle. The simplicity of his beliefs makes Mormon?” Nephi and Lehi were delivered from his convictions incredibly firm and “No.” prison. The theme of deliverance is steady. I believe that in Scott’s mind “Well, you should. It’s a great evident throughout the entire Book of it’s unimaginable that everyone isn’t a book.” Mormon. member of The Church of Jesus Christ I agree wholeheartedly with Scott— There are two stories in the Book of Latter-day Saints and that every- the Book of Mormon is a great book. of Mormon which are very similar and one hasn’t read the Book of Mormon The words of the Prophet Joseph teach an important lesson. The first is and doesn’t have a testimony of its Smith cited on the introduction page from the book of Mosiah, starting with truthfulness. of the Book of Mormon have always the 19th chapter. Here we learn of Let me tell you of an event in resonated with me: “I told the breth- King Limhi living in the land of Nephi. Scott’s life when he was making his ren that the Book of Mormon was the The Lamanites had waged war against first airplane flight alone to visit his most correct of any book on earth, the people of Limhi. The result of the brother. A neighbor who was seated and the keystone of our religion, and war was that the Lamanites would nearby overheard Scott’s conversation a man would get nearer to God by allow King Limhi to rule over his own with the person next to him: abiding by its precepts, than by any people, but they would be in bondage “Hello, my name is Scott. What is other book.” to them. It was a very uneasy peace. yours?” This year in our Sunday School (See Mosiah 19–20.) His seatmate shared his name. classes, we are studying the Book When Limhi’s people had their fill “What do you do?” of Mormon. As we prepare and of Lamanite abuses, they convinced 94 the Lamanites came into the borders of the land. They met and worked out a peaceful solution. (See Mosiah 23:25–29.) Soon the leaders of the Lamanites began to impose their will on the people of Alma and placed heavy burdens on them to bear (see Mosiah 24:8). In verse 13 we read, “And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflic- tions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my peo- ple and deliver them out of bondage.” The people of Alma were deliv- ered from the hands of the Lamanites and safely made their way back to be united with the people of Zarahemla. What was the difference between the people of Alma and the people of King Limhi? Obviously, there were sev- eral differences: the people of Alma were peaceful and more righteous; they had already been baptized and entered into a covenant with the Lord; they humbled themselves before the Lord even before their tribulations started. All these differences made it appropriate and fair that the Lord would deliver them quickly in a miraculous way from the hand which kept them in bondage. These scrip- tures teach us of the Lord’s power of their king to go against the Lamanites fit to deliver them out of bondage.” deliverance. in battle. Three times Limhi’s people Soon after, Ammon and a small Prophecies foretelling the life and were defeated. Heavy burdens were band of men from Zarahemla arrived, mission of Jesus Christ promise us laid upon them. Finally they humbled and with Gideon—one of the leaders the deliverance that He will provide. themselves and cried mightily unto the of Limhi’s people—they worked out a His Atonement and Resurrection Lord that He would deliver them. (See plan which was successful, and they provide all of us an escape from Mosiah 21:1–14.) Verse 15 of chapter escaped from the Lamanite abuses. physical death and, if we repent, an 21 tells us of the Lord’s response: “And The Lord was slow to hear their cries. escape from spiritual death, bringing now the Lord was slow to hear their Why? Because of their iniquities. with it the blessings of eternal life. cry because of their iniquities; never- The second story is similar in The promises of the Atonement and theless the Lord did hear their cries, many respects but also different. The Resurrection, the promises of deliver- and began to soften the hearts of the account is recorded in Mosiah 24. ance from physical and spiritual death, Lamanites that they began to ease Alma and his people had settled in were declared by God to Moses when their burdens; yet the Lord did not see the land of Helam, when an army of He said, “For behold, this is my work

May 2012 95 and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (Moses 1:39). In contrast to the beautifully designed beliefs for us in the holy scriptures, we find the opposing forces of secularism engaged in challenging the long-standing beliefs in the holy writings—writings which have given us guidance through these many centuries in defining the eternal values and standards for our conduct through life. They declare that the teachings in the Bible are false and the teachings of the Master out of date. Their voices cry that each person must have the freedom to set his or her own stan- dards; they attempt to alter the rights of the believers, contrary to that which is taught in the scriptures and in the words of the prophets. What a blessing it is to have the account of the mission of our Lord and Savior declared in the Book of Mormon to add a second witness to the doctrine declared in the Bible. Why is it important for the world to have both the Bible and the Book of Mormon? I believe the answer is found in the 13th chapter of 1 Nephi. Nephi records: “And the angel spake unto me, saying: These last records, which thou hast seen among the Gentiles to teach and learn about the full and The story of Abraham begins [the Book of Mormon], shall estab- complete doctrine of Christ. The need with his deliverance from the idol- lish the truth of the first [the Bible], for the other does not diminish either worshipping Chaldeans (see Genesis which are of the twelve apostles of one of them. Both the Bible and the 11:27–31; Abraham 2:1–4). He and the Lamb, and shall make known the Book of Mormon are necessary for our his wife Sarah were later delivered plain and precious things which have salvation and exaltation. As President from their sorrow and promised that been taken away from them; and shall Ezra Taft Benson so powerfully taught, through their posterity all the nations make known to all kindreds, tongues, “When used together, the Bible and of the earth would be blessed (see and people, that the Lamb of God is the Book of Mormon confound false Genesis 18:18). the Son of the Eternal Father, and the doctrines” (“A New Witness for Christ,” The Old Testament contains the Savior of the world; and that all men Ensign, Nov. 1984, 8). account of Abraham taking Lot, his must come unto him, or they cannot I want to close by noting two nephew, with him out of Egypt. Given be saved” (verse 40). stories—one from the Old Testament, a choice of land, Lot chose the plain Neither the Bible nor the Book the other from the Book of Mormon— of Jordan, and he pitched his tent fac- of Mormon in and of themselves is to show how the books work harmo- ing Sodom, a city of great wickedness. sufficient. Both are necessary for us niously together. (See Genesis 13:1–12.) Most of the 96 problems that Lot later encountered By Elder M. Russell Ballard in his life, and there were several, can Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles be traced back to his early decision to position the door of his tent to look upon Sodom. Abraham, the father of the faithful, experienced life differently. Certainly That the Lost there were many challenges, but it was to be a blessed life. We do not know which way Abraham’s tent May Be Found door faced, but there’s a strong hint in the last verse of the 13th chapter of Genesis. It reports, “Then Abram As you seek to live the gospel and doctrine of Christ, [or Abraham] removed his tent, and the Holy Ghost will guide you and your family. came and dwelt in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar unto the Lord” (Genesis 13:18). While I do not know, I personally rothers and sisters, according to we can be brought safely back onto believe the door of Abraham’s tent the scriptures, the Liahona was “a the right path, and it is the atoning faced the altar he built unto the Lord. Bround ball of curious workman- sacrifice of the Savior that can return How do I draw this conclusion? It is ship” featuring two spindles, one of us home. because I know the Book of Mormon which pointed the way Father Lehi’s Being lost can apply to whole story about King Benjamin’s instruc- family should go into the wilderness societies as well as to individuals. tions to his people when they gath- (1 Nephi 16:10). Today we live in a time when much of ered to hear his final address. King I think I know why Lehi was this world has lost its way, particularly Benjamin instructed them to position greatly astonished when he first saw with regard to values and priorities the doors of their tents facing the it, because I remember my reaction within our homes. temple (see Mosiah 2:1–6). when I first saw and witnessed a GPS One hundred years ago, President We can be delivered from the ways unit. In my mind it was a modern-day Joseph F. Smith connected happiness of evil and wickedness by turning to device “of curious workmanship.” directly to the family and admonished the teachings of the holy scriptures. Somehow, in some way I can’t even us to focus our efforts there. He said: The Savior is the Great Deliverer, for imagine, this little device, right in my “There can be no genuine happiness He delivers us from death and from phone, can pinpoint exactly where separate and apart from the home. sin (see Romans 11:26; 2 Nephi 9:12). I am and tell me exactly how to get . . . There is no happiness without I declare that Jesus is the Christ where I want to go. service, and there is no service greater and that we can draw close to Him For both my wife, Barbara, and me, than that which converts the home by reading the Book of Mormon. The the GPS is a blessing. For Barbara it into a divine institution, and which Book of Mormon is another testament means she doesn’t have to tell me to promotes and preserves family life. . . . of Jesus Christ. The first testaments stop and ask for directions; and for The home is what needs reforming” of our Savior are the Old and New me it means I can be right when I say, (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Testaments—or the Bible. “I don’t need to ask anyone. I know Joseph F. Smith [1998], 382, 384). Again, let’s remember my friend exactly where I’m going.” It is our homes and families that Scott’s description of the Book of Now, brothers and sisters, we need reforming in this increasingly Mormon: “It’s a great book.” I tes- have available to us a tool even materialistic and secular world. A tify to you that much of the Book of more remarkable than the best GPS. stunning example is the growing Mormon’s greatness stems from its Everyone loses his or her way at some disregard for marriage here in the harmony with the Holy Bible, in the point, to some degree. It is through United States. Earlier this year the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ the promptings of the Holy Ghost that New York Times reported that “the

May 2012 97 those ills can be reversed if what is causing them is changed. Inequities are resolved by living correct prin- ciples and values. Brothers and sisters, the most important cause of our lifetime is our families. If we will devote ourselves to this cause, we will improve every other aspect of our lives and will become, as a people and as a church, an example and a beacon for all peoples of the earth. But this is not easy in a world share of children born to unmarried likelihood of having traditional fami- where hearts are turning in many women has crossed a threshold: lies and values. directions and where the whole more than half of births to American The real question, of course, is planet seems to be constantly moving women under 30 occur outside about cause and effect. Do some and changing at a pace never before marriage” ( Jason DeParle and Sabrina sectors of our society have stronger imagined. Nothing stays the same Tavernise, “Unwed Mothers Now a values and families because they are for long. Styles, trends, fads, political Majority Before Age of 30,” New York more educated and prosperous, or are correctness, and even perceptions of Times, Feb. 18, 2012, A1). they more educated and prosperous right and wrong shift and move. As We also know that among couples because they have values and strong the prophet Isaiah predicted, wrong is in the United States who do marry, families? In this worldwide Church we portrayed as right and right as wrong nearly half get divorced. Even those know that it is the latter. When people (see Isaiah 5:20). who stay married often lose their way make family and religious commit- The spiritual divide gets even wider by letting other things interfere with ments to gospel principles, they begin as evil becomes ever more deceptive their family relationships. to do better spiritually and often tem- and subtle and pulls people toward Equally worrisome is the ever- porally as well. it like a dark magnet—even as the growing gap between the rich and And, of course, societies at large gospel of truth and light attracts the poor and between those who strive to are strengthened as families grow honest in heart and the honorable preserve family values and commit- stronger. Commitments to family and of the earth, who seek what is moral ments and those who have given up values are the basic cause. Nearly and good. on doing so. Statistically, those who everything else is effect. When cou- We may be relatively small in num- have less education and consequently ples marry and make commitments ber, but as members of this Church we lower incomes are less likely to marry to each other, they greatly increase can reach across these widening gaps. and to go to church and much more their chances of economic well-being. We know the power of Christ-centered likely to be involved in crime and to When children are born in wedlock service that brings together God’s have children outside of marriage. and have both a mom and a dad, their children regardless of their spiritual And these trends are also troubling opportunities and their likelihood of or their economic status. One year in much of the rest of the world. (See occupational success skyrocket. And ago the First Presidency invited us to W. Bradford Wilcox and others, “No when families work and play together, participate in a day of service celebrat- Money, No Honey, No Church: The neighborhoods and communities ing 75 years of the welfare program, Deinstitutionalization of Religious Life flourish, economies improve, and less which helps people to become more among the White Working Class,” avail- government and fewer costly safety self-sufficient. Millions of hours were able at www.virginia.edu/marriageproj nets are required. contributed by our members all ect/pdfs/Religion_WorkingPaper.pdf.) So the bad news is that family around the world. Opposite of what many had breakdown is causing a host of soci- The Church is a mooring in this thought, prosperity and education etal and economic ills. But the good tempestuous sea, an anchor in the seem to be connected to a higher news is that, like any cause and effect, churning waters of change and 98 division, and a beacon to those who Civilization [1924], 42; in Conference that living the gospel will lead them value and seek righteousness. The Report, Apr. 1935, 116). away from the filth, promiscuity, and Lord uses this Church as a tool in pull- Organize your personal lives to violence of the Internet, media, and ing His children throughout the world provide time for prayer and scriptures video games. They will not be lost, toward the protection of His gospel. and family activity. Give your children and they will be prepared to handle The Spirit of Elijah, which has no responsibilities in the home that will responsibility when it is thrust upon boundaries, is also a great power in teach them how to work. Teach them them. the Lord’s purposes for the eternal destiny of His children. In Malachi’s words, the Spirit of the Holy Ghost turns “the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Malachi 4:6). The Church stands as an example of heart turning and as a catalyst for good in the world. Among Church members who are married in the temple and who regularly attend Sunday meetings, the divorce rate is significantly less than that of the world, and families remain closer and are in more frequent communication. The health in our families is better, and we live several years longer than the population average. We contribute more financial resources and more service per capita to those in need, and we are more likely to seek higher education. I point out these things not to boast but to testify that life is better (and much happier) as hearts turn toward family and as families live in the light of the gospel of Christ. So what can we do to not become lost? First, may I suggest that we prioritize. Put everything you do outside the home in subjection to and in support of what happens inside your home. Remember President Harold B. Lee’s counsel that “the most important . . . work you will ever do will be within the walls of your own homes” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Harold B. Lee [2000], 134) and President David O. McKay’s timeless “No other success can compensate for failure in the home” (quoted from J. E. McCulloch, Home: The Savior of

May 2012 99 has extended to us the privilege of our own family, which was previously only His, to help us become more like Him. As His children we should learn at home to love God and to know that we can ask Him for the help we need. Everyone, married or single, can be happy and supportive within whatever family you may have. And finally, use the family resources of the Church. In raising children, families can draw upon the help of the ward. Support and work in tandem with priesthood and auxiliary leaders, and take full advantage of the Church’s youth and family programs. Remember another of President Lee’s insightful phrases—that the Church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families (see Teachings: Harold B. Lee, 148). Now, if for any reason you individu­ ally or as a family have lost your way, then you need only apply the Savior’s teachings from Luke, chapter 15, to correct your course. Here the Savior tells of the effort of a shepherd search- ing for his lost sheep, of a woman searching for a lost coin, and of the Second, we need to do things in paths of duty and responsibility. . . . welcome received by the prodigal the right order ! Marriage first and then Their sisters are the victims . . . [and] son returning home. Why did Jesus family. Too many in the world have would marry if they could, and would teach these parables? He wanted us forgotten this natural order of things accept cheerfully the responsibilities to know that none of us will ever be and think they can change it or even of family life” (Gospel Doctrine, 5th ed. so lost that we cannot find our way reverse it. Remove any of your fear [1939], 281). again through His Atonement and with faith. Trust the power of God to And to you young women, I would His teachings. guide you. add that you must also not lose sight of As you seek to live the gospel and To you who are not yet mar- this responsibility. No career can bring doctrine of Christ, the Holy Ghost ried, pay careful attention to finding you as much fulfillment as rearing a will guide you and your family. You your eternal companion. Young family. And when you are my age, you will have a spiritual GPS to tell you men, remember something else will realize this even more. always where you are and where that President Joseph F. Smith said: Third, husbands and wives, you you are going. I bear witness that the “Bachelorhood . . . [carries] to the should be equal partners in your mar- resurrected Redeemer of mankind superficial mind the idea that [it is] riage. Read often and understand the loves all of us, and He has promised desirable because [it brings] with [it] proclamation on the family and follow if we will follow Him, He will lead us the minimum of responsibility. . . .The it. Avoid unrighteous dominion in any safely back into the presence of our real fault lies with the young men. The form. No one owns a spouse or chil- Heavenly Father, of which I testify in license of the age leads them from dren; God is the Father of us all and the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ 100 By Elder O. Vincent Haleck we go? thou hast the words of eternal Of the Seventy life” ( John 6:68), he responded. With that vision these faithful and devoted disciples were able to do hard things as they traveled to preach the gospel and establish the Church after Having the Vision the Savior had departed. Eventually, some of them made the ultimate sacri- fice for their testimonies. to Do There are other examples in the scriptures of those who caught the vision of the gospel and then went out If we are to prosper rather than perish, we must gain to act upon that vision. The prophet a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us. Alma gained his vision when he heard Abinadi boldly teaching and testify- ing before King Noah. Alma acted on Abinadi’s teachings and went about ike all good parents, my own received the assurance, comfort, and teaching the things he had learned, parents desired a bright future for peace that all would be well. baptizing many who believed on his Ltheir children. My father was not How do we, amidst the challenges words (see Mosiah 17:1–4; 18:1–16). a member, and because of unusual of our lives, gain the vision neces- While persecuting the early Saints, the circumstances that existed at that sary to do those things that will bring Apostle Paul was converted on the time, my parents determined that my us closer to the Savior? Speaking of road to Damascus and then acted by brothers and sisters and I should leave vision, the book of Proverbs teaches teaching and testifying of Christ (see our island home of American Samoa, this truth: “Where there is no vision, Acts 9:1–6, 20–22, 29). in the South Pacific, and travel to the the people perish” (Proverbs 29:18). If In our own day many young men, United States in order to go to school. we are to prosper rather than perish, women, and senior couples have The decision to be separated from we must gain a vision of ourselves as answered the call of a prophet of God us was a difficult one for my parents, the Savior sees us. to serve missions. With faith and cour- especially my mother. They knew that The Savior saw more in those age they leave their homes and every- there would be unknown challenges humble fishermen whom He called thing that is familiar to them because as we were put into new surround- to follow Him than they initially saw of their faith in the great good they can ings. However, with faith and deter- in themselves; He saw a vision of do as missionaries. As they act on their mination, they pressed forward with who they could become. He knew vision to serve, they bless the lives of their plan. of their goodness and potential, and many and, in the process, change their Because of her Latter-day Saint He acted to call them. They were not own lives. In the last general confer- upbringing, my mother was familiar experienced at first, but as they fol- ence, President Thomas S. Monson with the principles of fasting and lowed, they saw His example, felt His thanked us for the service we give to prayer, and both of my parents felt teachings, and became His disciples. one another and reminded us of our that they needed the blessings of There was a time when some of His responsibility to be God’s hands in heaven to help their children. In that disciples departed from Him because blessing His children here on earth (see spirit they began to set aside a day the things that they heard were hard “Until We Meet Again,” Liahona and every week to fast and pray for us. for them. Aware that others might also Ensign, Nov. 2011, 108). The fulfillment Their vision was to prepare their depart, Jesus inquired of the Twelve, of this charge has been heartwarming children for a bright future. They acted “Will ye also go away?” ( John 6:67). as members of the Church have acted on this vision as they exercised their Peter’s response reflects how he had upon his vision. faith by seeking the Lord’s blessings. changed and had caught the vision of Before the Savior departed, under- Through fasting and prayer, they who the Savior was. “To whom shall standing that we would need help, He

May 2012 101 said, “I will not leave you comfortless” ( John 14:18). He taught His disciples, “The Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remem- brance, whatsoever I have said unto you” ( John 14:26). This is the same Holy Ghost who can empower and motivate us to do the things that the Savior and our modern-day prophets and apostles teach. As we put into action the teach- ings of our leaders, we gain a deeper understanding of our Savior’s vision for us. Throughout this conference we have received inspired counsel from prophets and apostles. Study their teachings and ponder them in your hearts while seeking the Spirit of the Holy Ghost to help you catch a vision of these teachings in your life. With that vision, exercise your faith in acting upon their counsel. Search and study the scriptures with a mind to receiving further light and knowledge of their message to you. Ponder them in your heart and allow them to inspire you. Then act on your inspiration. As we learned as a family, we act when we fast and pray. Alma spoke of fasting and praying as a way of receiv- ing a surety when he said, “I have fasted and prayed many days that I James, and John and the other Apostles do, we begin to see a vision of who might know these things of myself” that prompted Him to act to invite we can become. You will be blessed (Alma 5:46). We too come to know them to follow Him? Like His vision with insight through the help of the how to handle the challenges of our of them, the Savior has a great vision Holy Ghost to do more good. Changes lives through fasting and prayer. of who we can become. It will take will begin to come, and you will bring We experience hard things in our the same faith and courage the first a different order to your life that will lives that can sometimes diminish our Apostles had in order for us to refocus bless you and your family. During vision and faith to do the things we on the things that matter most in bring- His ministry among the Nephites, the should. We become so busy that we ing lasting happiness and great joy. Savior asked, “What manner of men often feel overwhelmed and unable When we study the life of our ought ye to be?” He replied, “Even as to do any more. While each of us is Savior and His teachings, we see Him I am” (3 Nephi 27:27). We need His different, I humbly submit that we must amongst the people teaching, praying, help to become like Him, and He has focus our vision on the Savior and His lifting, and healing. When we emulate shown us the way: “Therefore, ask, teachings. What did He see in Peter, Him and do the things we see Him and ye shall receive; knock, and it 102 shall be opened unto you; for he that By Elder Larry Y. Wilson asketh, receiveth; and unto him that Of the Seventy knocketh, it shall be opened” (3 Nephi 27:29). I know that as we gain a vision of ourselves as the Savior sees us and as we act on that vision, our lives will be Only upon blessed in unexpected ways. Because of the vision of my parents, not only was my life blessed by educational the Principles experiences, but I was placed in circumstances where I found and embraced the gospel. More important, I learned the significance of good and of Righteousness faithful parents. Simply put, my life was changed forever. Wise parents prepare their children to get along without them. Just as vision led my parents to fast They provide opportunities for growth as children acquire the and pray for their children’s welfare and as the early Apostles’ vision led spiritual maturity to exercise their agency properly. them to follow the Savior, that same vision is available to inspire and help us to act. Brothers and sisters, we are a people with a history of vision and month or so after we were report, it was the one and only time I the faith and courage to do. Look at married, my wife and I were ever made that mistake. where we have come and the bless- A taking a long road trip in the car. The Doctrine and Covenants ings we have received! Believe that He She was driving, and I was trying to explains that the right to use the can bless you with vision in your life relax. I say trying because the highway priesthood in the home or elsewhere and the courage to act. we were traveling had a reputation for is directly connected with righteous- I bear you my witness of the Savior speed traps, and my wife might have ness in our lives: “The powers of and His desire for us to return to Him. had a slight tendency toward a lead foot heaven cannot be controlled nor To do that, we must have the faith to in those days. I said, “You’re going too handled only upon the principles of do—to follow Him and become like fast. Slow down.” righteousness.” 1 It goes on to say that Him. Throughout various times of My new bride thought to herself, we lose that power when we “exercise our lives, He holds out His hand and “Well, I’ve been driving for nearly 10 control or dominion or compulsion invites us: years, and other than my driver’s edu- upon the souls of [others], in any “Take my yoke upon you, and cation teacher, no one ever told me degree of unrighteousness.” 2 learn of me; for I am meek and lowly how to drive before.” So she replied, This scripture says we must lead in heart: and ye shall find rest unto “What gives you the right to tell me by “principles of righteousness.” Such your souls. how to drive?” principles apply to all leaders in the “For my yoke is easy, and my bur- Frankly, her question caught me off Church as well as to all fathers and den is light” (Matthew 11:29–30). guard. So, doing my best to step up to mothers in their homes.3 We lose Just as the Savior saw great poten- my new responsibilities as a married our right to the Lord’s Spirit and to tial in His early disciples, He also sees man, I said, “I don’t know—because whatever authority we have from the same in us. Let us see ourselves I’m your husband and I hold the God when we exercise control over as the Savior sees us. I pray that we priesthood.” another person in an unrighteous will have that vision with the faith and Brethren, just a quick tip: if you are manner.4 We may think such methods courage to do, in the name of Jesus ever in a similar situation, that is not are for the good of the one being Christ, amen. ◼ the right response. And I’m happy to “controlled.” But anytime we try to

May 2012 103 compel someone to righteousness and the withholding of approval or provide opportunities for growth who can and should be exercising his love. Those on the receiving end feel as children acquire the spiritual matu- or her own moral agency, we are act- they can never please such leaders rity to exercise their agency properly. ing unrighteously. When setting firm or parents and that they always fall And yes, this means children will limits for another person is in order, short. Wise parents must weigh when sometimes make mistakes and learn those limits should always be admin- children are ready to begin exercising from them. istered with loving patience and in a their own agency in a particular area Our family had an experience way that teaches eternal principles. of their lives. But if parents hold on that taught us about helping children We simply cannot force others to all decision-making power and see develop their ability to make choices. to do the right thing. The scriptures it as their “right,” they severely limit Our daughter Mary was a standout make it clear that this is not God’s way. the growth and development of their soccer player growing up. One year Compulsion builds resentment. It con- children. her team made it to the champion- veys mistrust, and it makes people feel Our children are in our homes for ships and, wouldn’t you know it, that incompetent. Learning opportunities are a limited time. If we wait until they game was to be played on a Sunday. lost when controlling persons pridefully walk out the door to turn over to them As a young teen, Mary had had years assume they have all the right answers the reins of their moral agency, we of teaching that the Sabbath was a day for others. The scriptures say that “it is have waited too long. They will not of rest and spiritual regeneration, not the nature and disposition of almost suddenly develop the ability to make recreation. But she still felt pressure all men” to engage in this “unrighteous wise decisions if they have never been from her coaches and teammates to dominion,” 5 so we should be aware that free to make any important decisions play, as well as a desire not to let her it’s an easy trap to fall into. Women too while in our homes. Such children team down. may exercise unrighteous dominion, often either rebel against this compul- She asked us what she should do. though the scriptures identify the prob- sion or are crippled by an inability to My wife and I could easily have made lem especially with men. make any decisions on their own. this decision for her. However, we Unrighteous dominion is often Wise parents prepare their chil- decided after prayerful consideration accompanied by constant criticism dren to get along without them. They that in this case our daughter was 104 ready to take spiritual responsibility developing this path of communica- Doctrine and Covenants, section 121. for her own decision. We read some tion with heaven in her life. Thus she We must act “only by persuasion, by scriptures with her and encouraged learned something positive from her long-suffering, by gentleness and meek- Mary to pray and think about it. experience and was equipped to make ness, and by love unfeigned.” 9 President After a few days she announced better choices in the future. Without a Henry B. Eyring has said, “Of all the her decision. She would play the game link to the Spirit, children and parents help we can give . . . young people, the on Sunday. Now what were we to do? alike would be able to rationalize all greatest will be to let them feel our con- After further discussion and receiving sorts of poor decisions in the name of fidence that they are on the path home reassurance from the Spirit, we did as exercising their agency. The promise of to God and that they can make it.” 10 we had promised and permitted her to scripture is that “they that are wise . . . As we consider the principles that carry out her choice to play. After the and have taken the Holy Spirit for their should guide us in the Church and at game ended, Mary slowly walked over guide [are not] deceived.” 8 home, let me close with an illustra- to her waiting mother. “Oh, Mom,” she An additional and tragic side effect tion from the biography of President said, “that felt awful. I never want to of unrighteous dominion can be a loss Thomas S. Monson. Ann Dibb, the feel like that again. I’m never playing of trust in God’s love. I have known Monsons’ daughter, says that to this another game on the Sabbath day.” some people who were subject to day, when she walks in the front door And she never did. demanding and controlling leaders of the house where she was raised, Mary had now internalized the or parents, and they have found it her father will say, “Oh, look who’s principle of Sabbath keeping. If we hard to feel the very love from their here. And aren’t we glad, and isn’t she had forced her not to play the game, Heavenly Father that would sustain beautiful?” She goes on to say: “My we would have deprived her of a pre- them and motivate them along the parents always give me some compli- cious and powerful learning experi- path of righteousness. ment; it doesn’t matter what I look like ence with the Spirit. If we are going to help those in our or what I’ve been doing. . . . When I As you can see, helping chil- stewardships make the all-important go and visit my parents, I know I am dren exercise their agency properly link with heaven, we must be the loved, I am complimented, I am made requires teaching them how to pray kind of parent and leader described in welcome, I am home.” 11 and receive answers to their prayers. Brothers and sisters, this is the There must also be teaching about the Lord’s way. Even if you’ve been mis- value and purpose of obedience as treated in the past, I know the Lord well as about all other essential princi- wants you to come unto Him.12 All are ples of the gospel.6 loved. All are welcomed. In the name In raising our family, we decided of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ that our most important goal would be to help our children establish NOTES 1. Doctrine and Covenants 121:36. their own connection to heaven. We 2. Doctrine and Covenants 121:37; emphasis knew that ultimately they would need added. to depend on the Lord, not on us. 3. See Neal A. Maxwell, “Put Off the Natural Man, and Come Off Conqueror,” Tambuli, Brigham Young said, “Were I to draw Jan. 1991, 13–14; Ensign, Nov. 1990, 14–16. a distinction in all the duties that are 4. See Doctrine and Covenants 121:37. required of the children of men, . . . 5. Doctrine and Covenants 121:39. 6. See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–29. I would place first and foremost the 7. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: duty of seeking unto the Lord our God Brigham Young (1997), 44. until we open the path of communica- 8. Doctrine and Covenants 45:57. 9. Doctrine and Covenants 121:41. tion from heaven to earth—from God 10. Henry B. Eyring, “Help Them on Their Way to our own souls.” 7 Home,” Liahona and Ensign, May 2010, 25. Mary had received answers to her 11. See Heidi S. Swinton, To the Rescue: The Biography of Thomas S. Monson (2010), prayers in other, earlier situations, and 372. so we trusted that our daughter was 12. See Matthew 11:28.

May 2012 105 By Elder David F. Evans them and that He will forgive them as Of the Seventy they strive to repent and do better and be better. They trust this truth because they have experienced the same from their earthly parents. In addition to the work we will Was It Worth It? do within our own family, Nephi taught that “we labor diligently to . . . The work of naturally and normally sharing the gospel persuade our . . . brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to with those we care about and love will be the work God.” 6 As members of The Church and joy of our lives. of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, every one of us has the blessing and responsibility of sharing the gospel. Some of those who need the gospel uring this conference and in We labor diligently to bring these in their lives are not yet members of other recent meetings,1 many of blessings to our children by attending the Church. Some were once among Dus have wondered, what can I church with them, holding family us but need to feel again the joy they do to help build up the Lord’s Church home evening, and reading the felt when they embraced the gospel and see real growth where I live? scriptures together. We pray daily at an earlier time in their lives. The In this and every other important with our family, accept callings, visit Lord loves both the person who has endeavor, our most important work the sick and the lonely, and do other never had the gospel and the person is always within our own home and things that let our children know that who is returning to Him.7 To Him and family.2 It is within families that the we love them and that we love our to us, it doesn’t matter. It is all one Church is established and real growth Heavenly Father, His Son, and Their work. It is the worth of souls, what- occurs.3 We are to teach our children Church. ever their condition, that is great to the principles and doctrines of the We talk and prophesy of Christ as our Heavenly Father, His Son, and to gospel. We need to help them have we give a family home evening lesson us.8 The work of our Heavenly Father faith in Jesus Christ and prepare them or sit with a child and tell of our love and His Son is “to bring to pass the for baptism when they are eight years for him or her and of our testimony of immortality and eternal life” 9 of all His old.4 We must be faithful ourselves the restored gospel. children, regardless of their current so that they can see our example of We can write of Christ by writ- circumstances. Our blessing is to help love for the Lord and His Church. This ing letters to those who are away. in this great work. helps our children feel joy in keeping Missionaries serving, sons or daugh- President Thomas S. Monson the commandments, happiness in ters in the military, and those we love explained how we can help when families, and gratitude in service to are all blessed by letters we write. he said: “Our missionary experiences others. Within our homes we should Letters from home are not just quick have to be current. It is not enough follow the pattern given by Nephi e-mails. Real letters provide something to sit back and ponder former expe- when he said: tangible that can be held, thought riences. To be fulfilled, you have to “We labor diligently . . . to persuade about, and cherished. continue to naturally and normally our children . . . to believe in Christ, We help our children rely on the share the gospel.” 10 and to be reconciled to God. . . . Savior’s Atonement and know the for- The work of naturally and normally “. . . We talk of Christ, we rejoice in giveness of a loving Heavenly Father sharing the gospel with those we care Christ, we preach of Christ, we proph- by showing love and forgiveness in about and love will be the work and esy of Christ, and we write according our own parenting. Our love and joy of our lives. Let me tell you about to our prophecies, that our children forgiveness not only draw our children two such experiences. may know to what source they may closer to us but also build their faith Dave Orchard grew up in Salt Lake look for a remission of their sins.” 5 in knowing that Heavenly Father loves City, where most of his friends were 106 Dave agreed and was soon meeting with the bishop himself. This led to Dave’s decision to meet with the mis- sionaries. He received a testimony that the gospel is true, and a date for his baptism was set. Dave was baptized by his bishop, and a year later, Dave Orchard and Katherine Evans were married in the temple. They have five beautiful children. Katherine is my little sister. I will be forever grateful to this good friend who, together with a good bishop, brought Dave into the Church. As Dave spoke of his conversion and bore his testimony regarding these events, he asked the question, “So, was it worth it? Was all the effort of friends and youth leaders and my bishop, over all the years, worth the effort to have just one boy be bap- tized?” Pointing to Katherine and his five children, he said, “Well, at least for my wife and our five children, the answer is yes.” Whenever the gospel is shared, it is never “just one boy.” Whenever con- version happens or someone returns to the Lord, it is a family that is saved. As Dave and Katherine’s children have grown, they have all embraced the gospel. One daughter and two sons members of the Church. They were an effort to put his life in order and have served as missionaries, and one a great influence on him. In addition, be able to serve as a missionary. He just received his call to serve in the Church leaders in his neighborhood and Dave became roommates, and Alpine German-Speaking Mission. constantly invited him to activities. as would be both natural and nor- The two oldest have married in the His friends did the same. Even though mal, they talked about why he wasn’t temple, and the youngest is now in he didn’t join the Church at that time, then serving as a missionary and high school, faithful in every way. Was his growing-up years were blessed by why he was meeting frequently with it worth it? Oh yes, it was worth it. the influence of good LDS friends and the bishop. The friend expressed his Sister Eileen Waite attended the Church-sponsored activities. After he gratitude and respect for his bishop same stake conference where Dave entered college, he moved away from and the opportunity to repent and Orchard told of his conversion expe- his home, and most of his friends left serve. He then asked Dave whether rience. Throughout the conference, all on missions. He missed their influence he would like to come to the next she could think of was her own family in his life. interview. What an invitation! But in and particularly her sister, Michelle, One of Dave’s high school friends the context of their friendship and who had long been away from the was still home. This friend was meet- circumstances, it was both natural Church. Michelle was divorced and ing every week with his bishop in and normal. trying to raise four children. Eileen

May 2012 107 felt impressed to send her a copy of can build up His Church and see Elder M. Russell Ballard’s book Our real growth as we work to bring the Search for Happiness, together with blessings of the gospel to our family her testimony, which she did. The very and to those we love. This is the work next week a friend told Eileen that of our Heavenly Father and His Son. she too had felt that she should con- I know that They live and that They tact Michelle. This friend also wrote answer prayers. As we act on those Michelle a note, sharing her testimony promptings, having faith in Their abil- and expressing her love. Isn’t it inter- ity to bring about a miracle, miracles esting how often the Spirit works on will occur and lives will change. In the several people to help one in need? name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Time passed. Michelle called Eileen and thanked her for the book. She said NOTES 1. See Worldwide Leadership Training that she was beginning to recognize Meeting, Feb. 11, 2012, LDS.org. the spiritual void in her life. Eileen told Church for 20 years. If we will pray and 2. See Teachings of Presidents of the Church: her that she knew that the peace she ask Heavenly Father who we can help Harold B. Lee (2000), 134. 3. See Boyd K. Packer, “Priesthood Power in was seeking could be found in the and promise to act on the promptings the Home,” Worldwide Leadership Training gospel. She told her that she loved her He gives us letting us know how we Meeting, Feb. 11, 2012, LDS.org. and wanted her to be happy. Michelle can help, He will answer our prayers 4. See Doctrine and Covenants 68:25–28. 5. 2 Nephi 25:23, 26. began to make changes in her life. Soon and we will become instruments in His 6. 2 Nephi 25:23. she met a wonderful man who was hands to do His work. Acting in love 7. See Luke 15:4–7. active in the Church. They married and upon the promptings given by the Spirit 8. See Doctrine and Covenants 18:10. 11 9. Moses 1:39. a year later were sealed in the Ogden becomes the catalyst. 10. “Status Report on Missionary Work: Utah Temple. Recently her 24-year-old As you have listened to these A Conversation with Elder Thomas S. son was baptized. experiences of naturally and normally Monson, Chairman of the Missionary Committee of the Council of the Twelve,” To the others in Michelle’s family sharing the gospel with those you Ensign, Oct. 1977, 14. and all others who do not yet know care about, many of you have had the 11. See Thomas S. Monson, “Anxiously that this Church is true, I invite you same experience that Eileen Waite Engaged,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2004, 56–59; “To the Rescue,” Liahona, July 2001, to prayerfully consider whether the had. You have thought of someone 57–60; Ensign, May 2001, 48–50; “The Church is true. Allow your family to whom you should reach out and Doorway of Love,” Liahona and Ensign, and friends and missionaries to help. either invite to come back or share Oct. 1996, 2–7. 12. See Ann M. Dibb, “My Father Is a Prophet” When you know that it is true, and with him or her your feelings about (Brigham Young University–Idaho it is, come join with us by taking the the gospel of Jesus Christ. My invita- devotional, Feb. 19, 2008), byui.edu/ same step in your life. tion is to act, without delay, on that devotionalsandspeeches; Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Your Appointed Place,” The end of this story has not yet prompting. Talk to your friend or fam- Liahona and Ensign, May 2003, 54–57; been written, but blessings have been ily member. Do it in a natural and nor- “Peace, Be Still,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. given to this wonderful woman and mal way. Let them know of your love 2002, 53–56; “Priesthood Power,” Liahona, Jan. 2000, 58–61; Ensign, Nov. 1999, 49–51; her family as those who love her acted for them and for the Lord. Missionaries “The Spirit Giveth Life,” Ensign, May 1985, on a prompting and in a natural and can help. My counsel is the same that 68–70. normal way shared their testimony President Monson has given so many 13. In addition to President Thomas S. Monson, other prophets have taught this and invited her to come back. times from this very pulpit: “Never same principle. For example, President I have thought a lot about these two delay a prompting.” 12 As you act on Spencer W. Kimball taught the importance experiences. One young man who was the prompting and do it with love, of acting on the impressions given through the Spirit when he said: “God does notice working to put his own life in order watch as our Heavenly Father uses us, and he watches over us. But it is usually helped another young man who was your willingness to act to bring about through another person that he meets our seeking the truth. One woman shared a miracle in your life and in the life of needs. Therefore, it is vital that we serve 13 each other in the kingdom” (Teachings her testimony and her faith with her the person you care about. of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. sister who had been away from the My dear brothers and sisters, we Kimball [2006], 82). 108 By Elder Paul B. Pieper for each of His children and their per- Of the Seventy sonal mortal missions. Daily reflecting upon and recording the impressions that come from the Spirit serve the dual purposes of helping us (1) to rec- ognize our personal encounters with To Hold Sacred the divine and (2) to preserve them for ourselves and our posterity. Recording Sacred things are to be treated with more care, given greater them is also a formal recognition and acknowledgment of our gratitude to deference, and regarded with deeper reverence. God, for “in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kin- dled, save those who confess not his hand in all things” (D&C 59:21). ome 1,500 years before Christ, a Today authority, keys, and ordi- With respect to that which we shepherd was drawn to a burn- nances have been restored to the receive by the Spirit, the Lord said, Sing bush on the slopes of Mount earth. There are also scriptures and “Remember that that which cometh Horeb. That divine encounter began special witnesses. Those who seek from above is sacred” (D&C 63:64). the transformation of Moses from a God may receive baptism for the His statement is more than a reminder; shepherd to a prophet and his work remission of sins and confirmation “by it is also a definition and an expla- from herding sheep to gathering Israel. the laying on of hands for the baptism nation. Light and knowledge from Thirteen hundred years later, a privi­ of fire and the Holy Ghost” (D&C heaven is sacred. It is sacred because leged young priest in a king’s court 20:41). With these precious restored heaven is its source. was captivated by the witness of a gifts, our divine encounters will mostly Sacred means worthy of veneration condemned prophet. That encounter involve the third member of the and respect. By designating some- began Alma’s evolution from a civil ser- Godhead, the Holy Ghost. thing as sacred, the Lord signals that vant to a servant of God. Nearly 2,000 it is of higher value and priority than years later, a 14-year-old boy entered Through a still small voice, the Spirit other things. Sacred things are to be the woods seeking an answer to a sin- speaks to me treated with more care, given greater cere question. Joseph Smith’s encoun- To guide me, to save me. deference, and regarded with deeper ter in the grove placed him on the path (“The Still Small Voice,” Children’s reverence. Sacred ranks high in the to prophethood and a restoration. Songbook, 106) hierarchy of heavenly values. Moses’s, Alma’s, and Joseph That which is sacred to God Smith’s lives were all changed by Let the Holy Spirit guide; becomes sacred to us only through encounters with the divine. These Let him teach us what is true. the exercise of agency; each must experiences strengthened them to He will testify of Christ, choose to accept and hold sacred that remain faithful to the Lord and His Light our minds with heaven’s view. which God has defined as sacred. work throughout their lives despite (“Let the Holy Spirit Guide,” Hymns, He sends light and knowledge from overwhelming opposition and subse- no. 143) heaven. He invites us to receive and quent difficult trials. treat it as sacred. Our experiences with the divine As we seek answers from God, But “there is an opposition in all may not be as direct or dramatic nor we feel the still, small voice whisper things” (2 Nephi 2:11). The opposite our challenges as daunting. However, to our spirits. These feelings—these of sacred is profane or secular—that as with the prophets, our strength impressions—are so natural and so which is temporal or worldly. The to endure faithfully depends upon subtle that we may overlook them or worldly constantly competes with the recognizing, remembering, and attribute them to reason or intuition. sacred for our attention and priorities. holding sacred that which we receive These individualized messages testify Knowledge of the secular is essen- from above. of God’s personal love and concern tial for our daily temporal living. The

May 2012 109 Lord instructs us to seek learning and After escaping from the armies of returned and the work continued. wisdom, to study and learn out of the Noah only to fall into slavery at the The Book of Mormon provides best books, and to become acquainted hands of Amulon, Alma could have other examples of the struggle to give with languages, tongues, and people doubted the spiritual witness he had priority to the sacred. It speaks of (see D&C 88:118; 90:15). Therefore, received while listening to Abinadi. believers whose faith led them to the the choice to place the sacred above However, he trusted the sacred and tree of life to partake of its sacred fruit, the secular is one of relative priority, was given strength to endure and the love of God. Then the mocking of not exclusivity; “to be learned is good escape his temporary trials. those in the great and spacious build- if [we] hearken unto the counsels of Joseph Smith faced a similar ing caused the believers to shift their God” (2 Nephi 9:29; emphasis added). dilemma in the early days of translat- focus from the sacred to the secular.­ The battle for priority between the ing the Book of Mormon. He knew (See 1 Nephi 8:11, 24–28.) Later the sacred and the secular in each human the sacred nature of the plates and Nephites chose pride and denied the heart can be illustrated by Moses’s the work of translation. Yet he was spirit of prophecy and revelation, experience at the burning bush. There persuaded by Martin Harris to give “making a mock of that which was Moses received his sacred calling from priority to the worldly concerns of sacred” (Helaman 4:12). Even some Jehovah to deliver the children of friendship and finances, contrary to eyewitnesses of the signs and miracles Israel from bondage. However, initially sacred instructions. As a result, the associated with the Lord’s birth chose his worldly knowledge of the power manuscript of the translation was to reject sacred manifestations from of Egypt and the pharaoh caused him lost. The Lord upbraided Joseph for heaven in favor of secular explana- to doubt. Ultimately, Moses exercised delivering “that which [is] sacred, tions (see 3 Nephi 2:1–3). faith in the Lord’s word, subjugating unto wickedness” (D&C 10:9) and Today the struggle continues. his secular knowledge and trusting in deprived him for a time of the plates Secular voices are growing in volume the sacred. That trust provided him and the gift to translate. When and intensity. They increasingly urge power to overcome temporal trials Joseph’s priorities were properly believers to abandon beliefs the world and lead Israel out of Egypt. reestablished, the sacred things were considers irrational and unreasonable. 110 Because “we see through a glass, By Elder Neil L. Andersen darkly” (1 Corinthians 13:12) and “do Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles not know the meaning of all things” (1 Nephi 11:17), at times we may feel vulnerable and in need of greater spiritual­ assurances. The Lord told Oliver Cowdery: What Thinks Christ “If you desire a further witness, cast your mind upon the night that you cried unto me in your heart, that you of Me? might know concerning the truth of these things. “Did I not speak peace to your As you love Him, trust Him, believe Him, and follow Him, mind concerning the matter? What you will feel His love and approval. greater witness can you have than from God?” (D&C 6:22–23). The Lord reminded Oliver and us to rely on sacred personal wit- reporter from a leading world.8 He disapprovingly referred to nesses already received when our Brazilian magazine studied the some as blinded 9 and unfruitful.10 He faith is challenged. Like Moses’s, Church in preparation for a commended others as pure in heart 11 A 1 12 Alma’s and Joseph’s before, these major news article. He examined our and hungering after righteousness. divine encounters serve as spiri- doctrine and visited the missionary He lamented that some were faith- tual anchors to keep us safe and on training and humanitarian centers. less 13 and of the world,14 but others course in times of trial. He spoke with friends of the Church He esteemed as chosen,15 disciples,16 The sacred cannot be selectively and with others who were not so friends.17 And so we each ask, “What surrendered. Those who choose to friendly. In the interview with me, the thinks Christ of me?” abandon even one sacred thing will reporter seemed honestly puzzled as President Thomas S. Monson has have their minds darkened (see D&C he asked, “How could someone not described our day as moving away 84:54), and unless they repent, the consider you Christian?” I knew he “from that which is spiritual . . . [with] light they have shall be taken from was referring to the Church, but my the winds of change [swirling] around them (see D&C 1:33). Unanchored by mind somehow framed the question us and the moral fiber of society [con- the sacred, they will find themselves personally, and I found myself silently tinuing] to disintegrate before our very morally adrift on a secular sea. In asking, “Does my life reflect the love eyes.” 18 It is a time of growing disbe- contrast, those who hold sacred things and devotion I feel for the Savior?” lief in and disregard for Christ and His sacred receive promises: “That which Jesus asked the Pharisees, “What teachings. is of God is light; and he that receiveth think ye of Christ?” 2 In the final assess- In this turbulent environment, we light, and continueth in God, receiv- ment, our personal discipleship will not rejoice in being disciples of Jesus Christ. eth more light; and that light groweth be judged by friends or foes. Rather, as We see the Lord’s hand all around us. brighter and brighter until the perfect Paul said, “We shall all stand before the Our destination is beautifully set before day” (D&C 50:24). judgment seat of Christ.” 3 At that day us. “This is life eternal,” Jesus prayed, May the Lord bless us to ever the important question for each of us “that they might know thee the only and always recognize, remember, will be, “What thinks Christ of me?” true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou and hold sacred that which we have Even with His love for all man- hast sent.” 19 Being a disciple in these received from above. I testify that kind, Jesus reprovingly referred to days of destiny will be a badge of as we do, we will have power to some around Him as hypocrites,4 honor throughout the eternities. endure the trials and overcome the fools,5 and workers of iniquity.6 He The messages we have heard during challenges of our day. In the name of approvingly called others children this conference are guideposts from the Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ of the kingdom7 and the light of the Lord on our journey of discipleship.

May 2012 111 As we have listened during the past and take up his cross daily, and follow about a 12-year-old young woman two days, praying for spiritual guid- me.” 23 We may not be at our very best suffering from cancer. He told of ance, and as we study and pray about every day, but if we are trying, Jesus’s her courage and the kindness of these messages in the days ahead, bidding is full of encouragement and her friends to carry her up Mount the Lord blesses us with customized hope: “Come unto me, all ye that Timpanogos in central Utah. direction through the gift of the Holy labour and are heavy laden, and I will A few years ago I met Jami Palmer Ghost. These feelings turn us even give you rest.” 24 Brinton and heard the story from a more toward God, repenting, obey- Wherever you now find yourself different perspective—the perspective ing, believing, and trusting. The Savior on the road of discipleship, you are of what President Monson had done responds to our acts of faith. “If a man on the right road, the road toward for her. [or woman] love me, he will keep my eternal life. Together we can lift and Jami met President Monson in March words: and my Father will love him, strengthen one another in the great 1993, a day after being told that a mass and we will come unto him, and make and important days ahead. Whatever above her right knee was a fast-growing our abode with him.” 20 the difficulties confronting us, the bone cancer. With her father assisting, Jesus’s call “Come, follow me” 21 is weaknesses confining us, or the President Monson administered a priest- not only for those prepared to com- impossibilities surrounding us, let us hood blessing, promising, “Jesus will be pete in a spiritual Olympics. In fact, have faith in the Son of God, who on your right side and on your left side discipleship is not a competition at all declared, “All things are possible to to buoy you up.” but an invitation to all. Our journey him that believeth.” 25 “Upon leaving his office that day,” of discipleship is not a dash around Let me share two examples of disci- Jami said, “I unfastened a balloon the track, nor is it fully comparable pleship in action. The first is from the tied to my wheelchair and gave it to to a lengthy marathon. In truth, it is life of President Thomas S. Monson, him. ‘You’re the Best!’ it announced in a lifelong migration toward a more demonstrating the power of simple bright letters.” celestial world. kindness and Jesus’s teaching, “He that Through her chemotherapy His invitation is a call to daily duty. is greatest among you shall be your treatments and limb-saving surgery, Jesus said: “If ye love me, keep my servant.” 26 President Monson did not forget her. commandments.” 22 “If any man will Nearly 20 years ago, President Jami said, “President Monson exempli- come after me, let him deny himself, Monson spoke in general conference fied what it means to be a true disciple of Christ. [He] lifted me from sorrow to Angie, Gancci, and Gansly Saintelus great and abiding hope.” Three years after their first meeting, Jami again sat in President Monson’s office. At the end of the meeting, he did something that Jami will never forget. So typical of President Monson’s thoughtfulness, he surprised her with the very same balloon that she had given to him three years before. “You’re the Best!” the balloon proclaimed. He had saved it, knowing she would return to his office when she was cured of cancer. Fourteen years after first meeting Jami, President Monson performed her mar- riage to Jason Brinton in the Salt Lake Temple.27 We can learn so much from the discipleship of President Monson. He often reminds the General Authorities 112 as fast as they could to their apart- ment to find the children. The three- story apartment building where the Saintelus family lived had collapsed. The children had not escaped. No rescue efforts would be devoted to a building that was so completely destroyed. Olgan and Soline Saintelus had both served full-time missions and had been married in the temple. They believed in the Savior and in His promises to them. Yet their hearts were broken. They wept uncontrollably. Olgan told me that in his darkest hour he began to pray. “Heavenly Father, if it be thy will, if there could be just one of my children alive, please, please help us.” Over and over he walked around the building, praying for inspiration. The neighbors tried to comfort him and help him accept the loss of his children. Olgan continued to walk around the rubble of the col- lapsed building, hoping, praying. Then something quite miraculous happened. Olgan heard the almost inaudible cry of a baby. It was the cry of his baby. For hours the neighbors frantically dug into the rubble, risking their own lives. In the dark of the night, through the piercing sounds of hammers and chisels, the rescue workers heard another sound. They stopped their to remember this simple question: Port-au-Prince, Haiti, told me their pounding and listened. They couldn’t “What would Jesus do?” story. believe what they were hearing. It was Jesus told the leader of the syna- On January 12, 2010, Olgan was the sound of a little child—and he gogue, “Be not afraid, only believe.” 28 at work and Soline was at the church was singing. Five-year-old Gancci later Discipleship is believing Him in when a devastating earthquake struck said that he knew his father would seasons of peace and believing Him Haiti. Their three children—Gancci, hear him if he sang. Under the weight in seasons of difficulty, when our age five, Angie, age three, and Gansly, of crushing concrete that would later pain and fear are calmed only by the age one—were at home in their apart- result in the amputation of his arm, conviction that He loves us and keeps ment with a friend. Gancci was singing his favorite song, His promises. Massive devastation was every- “I Am a Child of God.” 29 I recently met a family who is a where. As you will remember, tens As the hours passed amid the dark- beautiful example of how we believe of thousands lost their lives that ness, death, and despair of so many Him. Olgan and Soline Saintelus, from January in Haiti. Olgan and Soline ran other precious sons and daughters of

May 2012 113 God in Haiti, the Saintelus family had blessed to hear him bear witness 2. Matthew 22:42. a miracle. Gancci, Angie, and Gansly of Jesus Christ. I testify that he now 3. Romans 14:10. 4. See Matthew 6:2. were discovered alive under the flat- stands as the Savior’s senior Apostle 5. See Matthew 23:17. tened building.30 upon the earth. 6. See Matthew 7:23. Miracles are not always so immedi- With great love and admiration 7. See Matthew 13:38. 8. See Matthew 5:14. ate. At times we thoughtfully wonder for the many disciples of Jesus Christ 9. See Matthew 15:14. why the miracle we have so earnestly who are not members of this Church, 10. See Matthew 13:22. prayed for does not happen here and we humbly declare that angels have 11. See Matthew 5:8. 12. See Matthew 5:6. now. But as we trust in the Savior, returned to the earth in our day. The 13. See Matthew 17:17. promised miracles will occur. Whether Church of Jesus Christ as He estab- 14. See John 8:23. in this life or the next, all will be made lished it anciently has been restored, 15. See John 6:70. right. The Savior declares: “Let not with the power, ordinances, and bless- 16. See John 13:35. 17. See John 15:13. your heart be troubled, neither let ings of heaven. The Book of Mormon 18. Thomas S. Monson, “Stand in Holy it be afraid.” 31 “In the world ye shall is another testament of Jesus Christ. Places,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I witness that Jesus Christ is the 83, 86. 32 19. John 17:3. I have overcome the world.” Savior of the world. He suffered and 20. John 14:23. I testify that as you love Him, trust died for our sins and rose the third 21. Luke 18:22. Him, believe Him, and follow Him, day. He is resurrected. In a future day, 22. John 14:15. 23. Luke 9:23. you will feel His love and approval. As every knee will bow and every tongue 24. Matthew 11:28. you ask, “What thinks Christ of me?” confess that He is the Christ.33 On 25. Mark 9:23. you will know that you are His disci- that day, our concern will not be, “Do 26. Matthew 23:11. 27. Jami Brinton, letter to author, Jan. 27, 2012. ple; you are His friend. By His grace others consider me Christian?” At that 28. Mark 5:36. He will do for you what you cannot time, our eyes will be fixed on Him, 29. “I Am a Child of God,” Children’s do for yourself. and our souls will be riveted on the Songbook, 2–3. 30. From a discussion with Olgan and Soline We eagerly await the concluding question, “What thinks Christ of me?” Saintelus on Feb. 10, 2012; see also Jennifer remarks of our beloved prophet. He lives. I so testify in the name of Samuels, “Family Reunited in Miami after President Thomas S. Monson was Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Trauma in Haiti,” Church News, Jan. 30, ordained an Apostle of the Lord Jesus 2010, 6. NOTES 31. John 14:27. Christ when I was 12 years old. For 1. See André Petry, “Entre a Fé e a Urna,” 32. John 16:33. more than 48 years we have been Veja, Nov. 2, 2011, 96. 33. See Romans 14:11. 114 them and want them to know that we By President Thomas S. Monson look forward to serving with them in the cause of the Master. They have been called by inspiration from on high. We have had unprecedented cover- age of this conference, reaching across As We Close the continents and oceans to peo- ple everywhere. Though we are far removed from many of you, we feel This Conference of your spirit and your dedication, and we send our love and appreciation to you wherever you are. May you ponder the truths you have heard, and may they How blessed we are, my broth- help you to become even better than you were when ers and sisters, to have the restored conference began. gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and in our hearts. It provides answers to life’s greatest questions. It provides meaning and purpose and hope to y heart is full as we come been released during this conference. our lives. to the close of this glorious We will miss them. Their contributions We live in troubled times. I assure Mconference. We have been so to the work of the Lord have been you that our Heavenly Father is mind- richly blessed as we have listened to enormous and will be felt throughout ful of the challenges we face. He loves the counsel and testimonies of those generations to come. each of us and desires to bless us and who have spoken to us. I think you We have also sustained, through to help us. May we call upon Him in will agree with me that we have felt uplifted hands, brethren and sisters prayer, as He admonished when He the Spirit of the Lord as our hearts who have been called to new positions said, “Pray always, and I will pour out have been touched and our testimo- during this conference. We welcome my Spirit upon you, and great shall be nies strengthened. Once again we have enjoyed beau- Brigham Young University–Idaho tiful music, which has enhanced and enriched each session of conference. I express my gratitude to all who have shared with us their talents in this regard. My heartfelt thanks go to each who has spoken to us as well as to those who have offered prayers at each of the sessions. There are countless individuals who work either behind the scenes or in less visible positions each confer- ence. It would not be possible for us to hold these sessions without their assistance. My thanks go to all of them as well. I know you join with me in expressing profound gratitude to those brethren and sisters who have

May 2012 115 your blessing—yea, even more than if to all manner of infirmities in body My beloved brothers and sisters, I you should obtain treasures of earth.” 1 and mind; yet I have been chosen desire with all my heart to do God’s My dear brothers and sisters, may . . . by the hand of the Lord . . . and will and to serve Him and to serve you. your homes be filled with love and have been kept and preserved by his Now as we leave this conference, I courtesy and with the Spirit of the matchless power, to serve you with all invoke the blessings of heaven upon Lord. Love your families. If there are the might, mind and strength which each of you. May you who are away disagreements or contentions among the Lord hath granted unto me.” 3 from your homes return to them you, I urge you to settle them now. safely. May you ponder the truths you Said the Savior: have heard, and may they help you “There shall be no disputations to become even better than you were among you. . . . when conference began two days ago. “For verily, verily I say unto you, he Until we meet again in six months’ that hath the spirit of contention is not time, I ask the Lord’s blessings to be of me, but is of the devil, who is the upon you and, indeed, upon all of us, father of contention, and he stirreth and I do so in His holy name—even up the hearts of men to contend with Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior— anger, one with another. amen. ◼ “[But] behold, this is not my doc- trine . . . ; but this is my doctrine, that NOTES 1. Doctrine and Covenants 19:38. 2 such things should be done away.” 2. 3 Nephi 11:28–30; emphasis added. As your humble servant, I echo the 3. Mosiah 2:10–11. words of King Benjamin in his address to his people when he said: “I have not commanded you to . . . To watch the video of President think that I of myself am more than a Monson’s address, scan this mortal man. image with a QR-enabled smartphone. “But I am like as yourselves, subject 116 GENERAL YOUNG WOMEN MEETING | March 24, 2012

by a respected friend. This simple act reminds me that these standards are By Ann M. Dibb not just general guidelines—they are Second Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency specificallyfor me. I hope you will take the time to circle those words on your own booklet, read it cover to cover, and feel the Spirit testify that the standards are for you as well. Arise and Shine Forth There may be those of you who are tempted to disregard or dismiss the One of the greatest ways we can arise and shine forth is to standards in For the Strength of Youth. They may look at the booklet and say, confidently obey the commandments of God. “See, Mother, the book doesn’t talk about [fill in the current issue].” Or they may justify to themselves, “What I’m doing isn’t that bad. I’m certainly t is a privilege for me to share this The Prophet was optimistic and not as bad as [insert the name of a evening with you. Every January, encouraged. In verse 5, where we friend or an acquaintance].” II anxiously look forward to the find this year’s theme, the Lord tells President Harold B. Lee taught, announcement of the new Mutual him, “Verily I say unto you all: Arise “The most important of all the com- theme. However, I always take a and shine forth, that thy light may mandments of God is that one that moment to evaluate whether I’ve be a standard for the nations.” you are having the most difficulty mastered the lessons of the past year’s What do you think of when you keeping today.” 6 King Benjamin theme. hear the word arise ? Personally, I explained, “I cannot tell you all the For a moment, let’s review recent think of you—the noble youth of things whereby ye may commit sin; themes: “Let virtue garnish thy the Church. I picture you diligently for there are divers ways and means, thoughts unceasingly,” 1 “Be steadfast arising from your beds each morning even so many that I cannot number and immovable, always abounding in for early-morning seminary. I see you them.” 7 If you are struggling with good works,” 2 “Be thou an example faithfully arising from your knees after keeping these standards and com- of the believers,” 3 “Be strong and of finishing your daily prayers. I think of mandments, I encourage you to look a good courage,” 4 and the thirteenth you courageously arising to share your for support within the gospel. Read article of faith: “We believe in being testimony and defend your standards. your scriptures. Spend time on the honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtu- I am inspired by your commitment to Church’s official website, LDS.org, to ous, and in doing good to all men.” 5 the gospel and your good examples. find answers to your questions. Talk Studying and focusing on these Many of you have already accepted to your parents, your Church leaders, scriptures for a full year has allowed this invitation to arise and shine forth, and those who shine brightly as they them to become a part of our hearts, and your light encourages others to live the gospel. Pray. Pour out your our souls, and our testimonies. We do the same. heart to your Heavenly Father, who hope you will continue to follow One of the greatest ways we can loves you. Use the gift of repentance their guidance as we turn our focus to arise and shine forth is to confidently daily. Serve others. And most impor- the 2012 Mutual theme, found in the obey the commandments of God. We tant, listen to and obey the promptings Doctrine and Covenants. learn of these commandments in the of the Holy Ghost. The heading for section 115 scriptures, from modern-day prophets, President Thomas S. Monson explains the year was 1838 and the and within the pages of the booklet encourages us all with these words: setting was Far West, Missouri. Joseph For the Strength of Youth. Each of “My young friends, be strong. . . . You Smith was “making known the will of you should have your own copy. On know what is right and what is wrong, God concerning the building up of my personal copy, I have circled the and no disguise, however appealing, that place and of the Lord’s House.” words for and you, as taught to me can change that. . . . If your so-called

May 2012 117 friends urge you to do anything you those choices were right. Repeatedly, Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees know to be wrong, you be the one the scriptures use the phrase “and he three times a day, and prayed, and to make a stand for right, even if you went down” 11 as they tell of Samson’s gave thanks before his God, as he did stand alone.” 8 journeys, actions, and choices. Instead aforetime.” 13 Heavenly Father does not want of arising and shining forth to fulfill Daniel was not afraid to arise and us to look to the world and follow its his great potential, Samson was over- shine forth in following God’s com- ever-changing trends. He wants us to come by the world, lost his God-given mandments. Although he spent an look to Him and follow His unchang- power, and died a tragic, early death. uncomfortable night in the lions’ den ing guidance. He wants us to live the On the other hand, the scriptures for standing for what was right, he gospel and lead others to it by setting provide the example of Daniel. Daniel was protected and blessed for his obe- the standard high. was also born with great potential. dience. When King Darius removed The scriptures provide many great In the book of Daniel, chapter 6, we Daniel from the lions’ den the next examples to illustrate this idea. In the read, “Daniel was preferred above the morning, he made a decree that every- book of Judges in the Old Testament, presidents and princes, because an one should fear Daniel’s God and fol- we learn about Samson. Samson was excellent spirit was in him.” 12 When low Daniel’s example of faithfulness. born with great potential. His mother worldly challenges came to Daniel, Truly, Daniel shows us what it means was promised, “He shall begin to he didn’t look down at the world—he to be a standard for the nations and deliver Israel out of the hand of the arose and looked to heaven. Instead never lower our standards in the face Philistines.” 9 But as Samson grew, he of following the king’s worldly decree of worldly temptations. looked more to the world’s temp- that no one should pray to anyone I have been blessed to hear many tations than to God’s direction. He but the king for 30 days, Daniel “went modern-day examples of youth, made choices because they “pleaseth into his house; and his windows just like you, who are not afraid to [him] well” 10 rather than because being open in his chamber toward arise and shine forth and allow their 118 light to be a standard among their peers. Joanna was one of only three members of the Church in her high school and the only young woman in her ward. She committed to herself and the Lord that she would never use bad language. When she was paired with a young man for a school project who had not made the same commitment, she did not lower her standards. She asked him to respect and honor her values. Over time, with many gentle and some not-so-gentle reminders, her friend formed new habits and used cleaner language. Many people noticed the difference, including his father, who thanked Joanna for being a good influence in his son’s life.14 On a recent assignment in the Philippines, I met Karen, who shared an experience she had as a Laurel while studying for a bachelor’s degree in hotel and restaurant management. A teacher required that every student learn to make and taste the variety Weeks passed, and nothing more as you do, He will sustain and bless of drinks that would be served in was said about that day. At the end you. I pray that each of you will find their restaurants. Some of the drinks of the semester, Karen knew her final the courage to accept His invitation contained alcohol, and Karen knew it grade would reflect her refusal to taste and receive His promises, in the name was against the Lord’s commandments the drinks. She hesitated to look at her of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ for her to taste them. In the face of grade, but when she did, she discov- NOTES serious consequences, Karen found ered that she had received the highest 1. Doctrine and Covenants 121:45. courage to arise and shine forth, and grade in the class. 2. Mosiah 5:15. she did not partake of the drinks. She said: “I learned through this 3. 1 Timothy 4:12. 4. Joshua 1:9. Karen explained: “My teacher experience that God . . . will surely 5. Articles of Faith 1:13. approached me and asked me why I bless us when we follow Him. I also 6. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: was not drinking. He said, ‘Miss Karen, know that even if I had received a Harold B. Lee (2000), 30. 7. Mosiah 4:29. how will you know the flavor and failing grade, I would not regret what 8. Thomas S. Monson, “Examples of pass this important subject if you do I had done. I know that I will never Righteousness,” Liahona and Ensign, May not at least taste the drinks?’ I told him fail in the Lord’s sight when I choose 2008, 65. 9. Judges 13:5. that I am a member of The Church of to do what I know to be the right 10. Judges 14:3. Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and thing.” 15 11. Judges 14:7. as members, we do not drink things Dear young women, each of you 12. Daniel 6:3. 13. Daniel 6:10. that are harmful to us. Whatever he has been born with great poten- 14. For a portion of this story, see Joanna expected of me, even if it meant tial. You are beloved daughters of Ehrisman, “The Thing about Being receiving a failing grade, I would Heavenly Father. He knows you and Mormon,” in Katilin Medlin and others, eds., Going on 15: Memoirs of Freshmen understand, but I would not fail to He loves you. He invites you to “arise (2010), 93–96. live my personal standards.” and shine forth,” and He promises that 15. Personal correspondence to author, 2012.

May 2012 119 By Mary N. Cook good student. Arise and shine forth in First Counselor in the Young Women General Presidency your schools with hard work, honesty, and integrity. If you are struggling or discouraged with your performance in school, seek help from your parents, teachers, and helpful Church mem- Seek Learning: You bers. Never give up! Make a list of the things you want to learn; then “share your educa- Have a Work to Do tional goals with your family, friends, and leaders so they can support and encourage you.” 7 This is the pattern of Bless your children and your future home by learning as Personal Progress. much as you can now. With technology you are witness- ing an explosion of knowledge. You are constantly bombarded by sound, video, and networking. Be selective y dear young women, how even by study and also by faith,” 3 and don’t allow this surge of infor- we love each one of you. We you gain not only knowledge from mation to distract you or slow your Msee you courageously arising your study but added light as you progress. Arise, young women! You and shining forth with light in a world learn by faith. determine your goals. You decide where great challenges accompany Seek learning by studying dili- what enters your mind and heart. great opportunities. This may cause gently. Rarely will you be able to Some of your most important you to wonder, what does the future spend as much time dedicated to learning will be outside of the class- hold for me? I assure you that as you learning as you can now. President room. Surround yourself with exem- are a virtuous daughter of God, your Gordon B. Hinckley wisely coun- plary women who can teach you skills future is bright! You live at a time seled the youth of the Church: “The in homemaking, art, music, family when the truths of the gospel have pattern of study you establish during history, sports, writing, or speaking. been restored, and these truths can be your formal schooling will in large Get to know them and ask them to found in your scriptures. You received measure affect your lifelong thirst for mentor you. When you have learned the gift of the Holy Ghost at the time knowledge.” 4 “You must get all of the something new, teach it at Mutual of your baptism, and the Holy Ghost education that you possibly can. . . . or become a mentor to other young will teach you truth and prepare you Sacrifice anything that is needed to women as part of the requirements for for life’s challenges. be sacrificed to qualify yourselves to your Honor Bee. God gave you moral agency and do the work of [this] world. . . . Train In addition to my wonderful the opportunity to learn while on your minds and hands to become an mother, I’ve had many mentors in earth, and He has a work for you to influence for good as you go forward my life. I first became acquainted do. To accomplish this work, you have with your lives.” 5 with the process of mentoring when an individual responsibility to seek In speaking specifically to women, I was just nine years old. My Primary learning. The key to your future, your President Thomas S. Monson said: teacher taught me to cross-stitch “I “bright ray of hope,” 1 can be found “Often the future is unknown; there- Will Bring the Light of the Gospel into in the new For the Strength of Youth fore, it behooves us to prepare for My Home,” a picture that hung in my booklet under the standard of educa- uncertainties. . . . I urge you to pursue room during my teenage years. My tion and in the Young Women value your education and learn marketable teacher guided me, corrected me, and of knowledge. skills so that, should such a situation always encouraged me along the way. “Education . . . will open the doors arise, you are prepared to provide.” 6 Other mentors followed. Two excel- of opportunity.” 2 As you follow the Young women, follow the advice of lent seamstresses in my ward taught Lord’s admonition to “seek learning, these wise and inspired prophets. Be a me sewing. With their guidance, 120 patience, and encouragement, I their mothers,” 12 you will be the most on those long skis, I got up and I kept entered a dress in a sewing contest important teacher your children will trying. I came to love the sport! when I was 14, and I actually won a ever have, so choose your learning I soon found out, however, that not prize! The process increased my thirst carefully. Bless your children and your all ski days and weather conditions for knowledge and excellence in other future home by learning as much as were that ideal. On days with overcast areas as well. you can now. skies, we skied in a condition called Gaining knowledge now will pay Seek learning by faith. We learn “flat light.” Flat light occurs when the huge dividends when you become a by faith as we diligently gain spiritual light from the sun is diffused by the mother. “A mother’s education level knowledge through prayer, scripture clouds. Looking ahead at the white has a profound influence on the edu- study, and obedience and as we seek snow, you find that your depth per- cational choices of her [children].” 8 A the guidance of the Holy Ghost, who ception vanishes, and it is difficult to mother’s education can hold the “key testifies of all truth. If you do your part judge the steepness of the slope or see to halt [the] poverty cycle.” 9 Educated to gain knowledge, the Holy Ghost the moguls and bumps on the hill. women “tend to: Give birth to health- can enlighten your mind. As you strive Young women, you may be looking ier babies, have children who are to keep yourself worthy, the Holy forward to your future as I looked at healthier, be more confident, resilient Ghost will give direction and added that steep ski slope. You may feel at and have improved reasoning and light to your learning. times that you are living in flat light, judgment.” 10 When I was a young woman, I unable to see what lies ahead of you. We learn in “The Family: A borrowed skis that were way too long Learning by faith will give you confi- Proclamation to the World” that “moth- and boots that were way too big, and dence and will help you navigate your ers are primarily responsible for the a friend taught me to ski! We went on way through times of uncertainty. nurture of their children.” 11 Providing a beautiful spring day filled with bright In the 25th chapter of Matthew, the an education for your children is sun, perfect snow, and cloudless, blue parable of the ten virgins teaches us part of that nurturing and is your skies. Anxiety about the steep slopes that spiritual preparation is vital and sacred responsibility. Like the stripling gave way to delight as I learned. And must be achieved individually. You warriors, who “had been taught by though I tumbled quite a few times will recall that all ten virgins were

May 2012 121 qualifying you for the guidance of the I know that my education pre- Holy Ghost, our divine teacher. pared me for a life that has been The Holy Ghost will guide you on nothing like I had envisioned as your journey here in mortality, even a young woman. I thought I was when you feel you are in flat light, studying education to teach school uncertain of what lies ahead. You and my future children, but I did not need not fear. As you stay on the path know the Lord was also preparing that leads to eternal life, the Holy me to teach English in Mongolia Ghost will guide you in your decisions on a mission with my husband and and in your learning. to teach the young women of the I testify from personal experience Church throughout the world and to that if you will seek learning not only teach my grandchildren the value of by study but also by faith, you will be knowledge—all wonderful blessings I guided in what “the Lord . . . will need could never have imagined. you to do and what you will need to I testify that our Father in Heaven know.” 14 does know and love you. He has I received my patriarchal blessing placed great trust in you and has work as a young woman and was counseled that only you can do. I want to assure to prepare myself with a good edu- you that you will be prepared for that cation and to learn early in life those great work if you seek learning by invited to escort the bridegroom into virtues that go into homemaking and study and also by faith. Of this I testify the wedding feast, but only the five rearing a family. I so wanted the bless- in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ wise virgins were prepared with oil in ing of a family; however, that blessing NOTES their lamps. wasn’t fulfilled until I was 37, when I 1. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Reaching Down “And the foolish said unto the wise, eventually married. My husband had to Lift Another,” Liahona, Jan. 2002, 67; Ensign, Nov. 2001, 54. Give us of your oil; for our lamps are been widowed, so the day we were 2. For the Strength of Youth (booklet, 2011), 9. gone out. sealed in the temple, I was suddenly 3. Doctrine and Covenants 88:118. “But the wise answered, saying, Not blessed with not only a husband but a 4. Gordon B. Hinckley, Way to Be! Nine Ways to Be Happy and Make Something of Your so; lest there be not enough for us and family of four children. Life (2002), 28. you: but go ye rather to them that sell, Long before that, there were many 5. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Seek Learning,” New and buy for yourselves. days when I felt like I was skiing in Era, Sept. 2007, 2, 4. 6. Thomas S. Monson, “If Ye Are Prepared Ye “And while they went to buy, the flat light, asking the question, “What Shall Not Fear,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. bridegroom came; and they that were does the future hold for me?” I tried to 2004, 116. ready went in with him to the mar- follow the admonitions in my patri- 7. For the Strength of Youth, 9. 13 8. Cheryl Hanewicz and Susan R. Madsen, riage: and the door was shut.” archal blessing. I studied diligently to “The Influence of a Mother on a Daughter’s You may think it selfish that the five become a schoolteacher and con- College Decision,” Utah Women and wise virgins did not share their oil, but tinued my education to become an Education Project Research Snapshots, no. 3 ( Jan. 2011): 1. it was impossible. Spiritual preparation elementary school principal. I prayed 9. Marjorie Cortez, “Mom’s Education Key to must be acquired individually, drop by to my Heavenly Father and sought the Halt Poverty Cycle,” Deseret News, Sept. 23, drop, and cannot be shared. guidance of the Holy Ghost. I held 2011, A1. 10. Olene Walker, “More Utah Women Need to The time is now for you to dili- fervently to the promise of prophets Finish College,” Salt Lake Tribune, Oct. 30, gently apply yourselves to increasing who assured me that if I “remain true 2011, O4. your spiritual knowledge—drop and faithful, keep [my] covenants, 11. “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2010, 129. by drop—through prayer, scripture serve God, and love [my] Father in 12. Alma 56:47. study, and obedience. The time is Heaven and the Lord Jesus Christ, [I] 13. Matthew 25:8–10. now to pursue your education—drop will not be denied any of the eternal 14. Henry B. Eyring, “Education for Real Life,” Ensign, Oct. 2002, 18. by drop. Each virtuous thought and blessings our Heavenly Father has for 15. M. Russell Ballard, “Preparing for the action also adds oil to your lamps, His faithful children.” 15 Future,” Ensign, Sept. 2011, 27. 122 By Elaine S. Dalton Living these standards will help each Young Women General President of you qualify to enter the Lord’s holy temples and there receive the bless- ings and power that await you as you make and keep sacred covenants.7 When our daughter, Emi, was a Now Is the Time little girl, she liked to watch my every move as I got ready for church. After observing my routine, she would to Arise and Shine! comb her hair and put on her dress, and then she would always ask me to put on some “shiney.” The “shiney” As daughters of God, you were born to lead. she referred to was thick, gooey cream that I used to prevent wrinkles. As requested, I would put it on Emi’s cheeks and lips, and she would then rom my window in the Young A prophet of God once referred to smile and say, “Now we are ready to Women office, I have a spectacu- each of you assembled here tonight go!” What Emi didn’t realize is that she Flar view of the Salt Lake Temple. as “the one bright shining hope” 3 already had her “shiney” on. Her face Every day I see the angel Moroni of the future. And I agree! In a very glowed because she was so pure and standing atop the temple as a shin- challenging world, your light shines innocent and good. She had the Spirit ing symbol of not only his faith but brightly. Indeed, these are “days never with her, and it showed. ours. I love Moroni because, in a very to be forgotten.” 4 These are your days, I wish every young woman assem- degenerate society, he remained pure and now is the time for young women bled here tonight would know and and true. He is my hero. He stood everywhere to “arise and shine forth, understand that your beauty—your alone. I feel somehow he stands atop that thy light may be a standard for the “shine”—does not lie in makeup, the temple today, beckoning us to nations.” 5 gooey cream, or the latest clothing have courage, to remember who we “A standard is a rule of measure by or hairstyles. It lies in your personal are, and to be worthy to enter the holy which one determines exactness or purity. When you live the standards temple—to “arise and shine forth,” 1 to perfection.” 6 We are to be a standard and qualify for the constant compan- stand above the worldly clamor, and of holiness for all the world to see! ionship of the Holy Ghost, you can to, as Isaiah prophesied, “Come . . . to The new revised For the Strength of have a powerful impact in the world. the mountain of the Lord” 2—the holy Youth booklet contains not only stan- Your example, even the light in your temple. dards to live with exactness but prom- eyes, will influence others who see Gathered here today are the ised blessings if you do so. The words your “shine,” and they will want to be Lord’s elect daughters. There is no contained in this important booklet like you. Where do you get this light? more influential group standing for are standards for the world, and living The Lord is the light, “and the Spirit truth and righteousness in all the these standards will enable you to enlighteneth every man through the world than the young women and know what to do to become more like world, that hearkeneth to the voice of the women of The Church of Jesus the Savior and to be happy in an ever- the Spirit.” 8 A divine light comes into Christ of Latter-day Saints. I see your darkening world. Living the standards your eyes and countenances when nobility and know of your divine in this booklet will help you qualify you draw close to your Heavenly identity and destiny. You distinguished for the constant companionship of Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. That’s yourselves in the premortal existence. the Holy Ghost. And in the world in how we get the “shiney”! And besides, Your lineage carries with it covenants which you are living, you will need as all of you can see, the “shiney and promises. You have inherited that companionship to make critical cream” didn’t really work on my wrin- the spiritual attributes of the faithful decisions that will determine much kles anyway! patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. of your future success and happiness. The call to “arise and shine forth”

May 2012 123 is a call to each of you to lead the repented. They determined to arise! 21 miles (34 km). On this swim she world in a mighty cause—to raise the Do you have something in your grew weary after swimming 15 hours. standard—and lead this generation in life that you need to change? You can A thick fog set in that obscured the virtue, purity, and temple worthiness. do this. You can repent because of view of the coastline. Her mother was If you desire to make a difference the Savior’s infinite atoning sacrifice. riding alongside her in a boat, and in the world, you must be different He made it possible for you and me Florence told her mother that she didn’t from the world. I echo the words of to change, to become pure and clean think she could finish. Her mother and President Joseph F. Smith, who said again, and to become like Him. And her trainer encouraged her to continue, to the women of his day: “It is not for He has promised that when we do, He but all she could see was the fog. She you to be led by the [young] women will remember our sins and mistakes abandoned her swim, but once inside of the world; it is for you to lead . . . no more.13 the boat, she discovered she had quit the [young] women of the world, in Sometimes it may seem almost within one mile (1.6 km) of the coast- everything that is . . . purifying to the impossible to keep shining. You line. Later, when she was interviewed children of men.” 9 These words ring encounter so many challenges which and asked why she had abandoned her true today. As daughters of God, you may obscure the source of all light, swim, she confessed that it wasn’t the were born to lead. which is the Savior. Sometimes the way cold water and it wasn’t the distance. In the world in which we live, your is difficult, and it may even seem at She said, “I was licked by the fog.” 14 ability to lead will require the guidance times that a thick fog obscures the light. Later she attempted the swim and constant companionship of the Such was the case with a young woman again, and once more, a thick fog set Holy Ghost, who will tell you “all things named Florence Chadwick. From the in. But this time, she kept going until what ye should do” 10 as you recognize age of 10, Florence discovered that she she successfully reached the coastline. and rely on His guidance and prompt- was a talented swimmer. She swam the This time when she was asked what ings. And since the Holy Ghost does English Channel in record time of 13 made the difference, she said that she not dwell in unclean temples, each of hours and 20 minutes. Florence loved kept a mental image of the coastline us will need to take inventory of our a challenge, and she later attempted in her mind through the thick fog and habits and our hearts. All of us will to swim between the coastline of throughout the duration of her swim.15 need to change something—to repent. California and Catalina Island—some For Florence Chadwick, the As King Lamoni’s father stated in the Book of Mormon, “I will give away all my sins to know thee.” 11 Are we, you and I, willing to do the same? A group of youth in Queen Creek, Arizona, determined to “arise and shine forth” and to lead the youth in their community in living the stan- dards in For the Strength of Youth. They each wrote something that they felt was holding them back or something they wanted to change in their lives in their journals, and then they literally dug a hole. They came together, tore out the journal page, and threw it into the hole in the earth, just like the people of Ammon did in the Book of Mormon with their weapons of war.12 Then they buried those pages, and that day they each made a commitment to change. They 124 coastline was her goal. For each of us, mind Moroni’s call to us—the daugh- were reserved to come forth in the the temple is our goal. Young women, ters of Zion: “Awake, and arise from fulness of times to take part in laying stay focused. Don’t lose sight of your the dust.” 17 “And touch not the evil the foundations of the great latter- goals. Don’t let the thick fog of moral gift, nor the unclean thing.” 18 “Awake, day work, including the building of pollution and the detracting voices and arise . . . , and put on thy beauti- . . . temples and the performance of of the world keep you from reach- ful garments, O daughter of Zion . . . , ordinances therein for the redemption ing your goals, living the standards, that the covenants of the Eternal of the dead.” 21 This is your day, and enjoying the companionship of the Father which he hath made unto thee, your work has begun! Now is the time Holy Ghost, and being worthy to enter O house of Israel, may be fulfilled.” 19 to be worthy of and obtain a temple holy temples. Retain the vision of the The promised blessings of the recommend. As you do this work, you temple—the Savior’s holy house— temple extend not only to you but will become saviors on Mount Zion.22 ever in your hearts and minds. to all generations. As you make the Elder Russell M. Nelson said of you, Several weeks ago I stood in the temple your goal, your influence for “The influence of [the] young women celestial room of the Reno Nevada good will transcend time and place, of the Church, like a sleeping giant, Temple. The light streaming into that and the work you perform for those will awaken, arise, and inspire the room was brilliant and was made even who have gone before will be the inhabitants of the earth as a mighty more so by the crystal chandelier, fulfillment of prophecy! force for righteousness.” 23 Young which reflected the light on its many Last general conference I thrilled women, arise and take your place in carved facets into rainbows of illumi- as I listened to Elder David A. Bednar the glorious events that will shape nation everywhere. It took my breath invite each of you to become anx- your future and the future of the away as I realized that the Savior is iously engaged in doing your own world. Now is the time! “the light and the life of the world,” 16 family history and temple work for “High on the mountain top a that it is His light we must hold up and those who have passed on without banner is unfurled. Ye nations, now reflect.We are the tiny crystals that the blessings of the restored gospel look up; it waves to all the world”! 24 reflect His light, and in order to do of Jesus Christ.20 As he issued this Young women, you are the banner! Be that, we must be clean and free from invitation to you, my heart leapt virtuous and pure, seek the compan- the dust of the world. As I stood in the inside. In the Doctrine and Covenants ionship of the Holy Ghost, bury your temple that day, I heard again in my we read of “other choice spirits who sins and transgressions, maintain your

May 2012 125 focus, and don’t let the fog of moral pollution obscure your goals. Be By President Thomas S. Monson worthy to enter the temple now. Put on your “shiney”! I testify with all my heart that God lives and that He will enlighten our lives as we draw close to His Beloved Son—our Savior, Jesus Believe, Obey, Christ. And I pray that, like Moroni, we will “arise and shine forth, that [our] light may be a standard for the 25 and Endure nations”! In the sacred name of Jesus Christ, amen. ◼ Believe that remaining strong and faithful to the truths of the NOTES 1. Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. gospel is of utmost importance. I testify that it is! 2. Isaiah 2:3; 2 Nephi 12:3. 3. Gordon B. Hinckley, “Standing Strong and Immovable,” Worldwide Leadership Training Meeting, Jan. 10, 2004, 20. 4. Oliver Cowdery, in Joseph Smith—History y dear young sisters, the No one has described the teen- 1:71, note. responsibility to address you age years as being easy. They are 5. Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. 6. Ezra Taft Benson, “Strengthen Thy Stakes,” Mis humbling. I pray for divine often years of insecurity, of feeling as Tambuli, Aug. 1991, 4; Ensign, Jan. 1991, 2. help, that I may be made equal to though you just don’t measure up, of 7. See Doctrine and Covenants 109:22. such an opportunity. trying to find your place with your 8. Doctrine and Covenants 84:46. 9. Teachings of Presidents of the Church: A mere 20 years ago you had peers, of trying to fit in. This is a time Joseph F. Smith (1998), 184. not yet commenced your journey when you are becoming more inde- 10. 2 Nephi 32:5. through mortality. You were still pendent—and perhaps desire more 11. Alma 22:18; emphasis added. 12. See Alma 24:17. in your heavenly home. There you freedom than your parents are willing 13. See Doctrine and Covenants 58:42. were among those who loved you to give you right now. They are also 14. See Sterling W. Sill, in Conference Report, and were concerned for your eter- prime years when Satan will tempt Apr. 1955, 117. 15. See Randy Alcom, “Florence Chadwick nal well-being. Eventually, earth life you and will do his utmost to entice and the Fog,” epm.org/resources/2010/ became essential to your progress. you from the path which will lead Jan/21/florence-chadwick-and-fog. See also Farewells were no doubt spoken, and you back to that heavenly home from “Florence Chadwick,” in Encyclopedia of World Biography, vol. 19 (2004): 64–66; expressions of confidence given. You which you came and back to your “Navigation Information” and “Swim gained bodies and became mortal, loved ones there and back to your Successes,” Catalina Channel Swimming cut off from the presence of your Heavenly Father. Federation, swimcatalina.com, accessed Mar. 27, 2012. Additional varying accounts Heavenly Father. The world around you is not about Florence Chadwick exist. A joyous welcome, however, equipped to provide the help you 16. 3 Nephi 9:18. awaited you here on earth. Those first need to make it through this often- 17. Moroni 10:31. 18. Moroni 10:30. years were precious, special years. treacherous journey. So many in our 19. Moroni 10:31. Satan had no power to tempt you, for society today seem to have slipped 20. See David A. Bednar, “The Hearts of the you had not yet become accountable. from the moorings of safety and Children Shall Turn,” Liahona and Ensign, Nov. 2011, 24–27. You were innocent before God. drifted from the harbor of peace. 21. Doctrine and Covenants 138:53–54. Soon you entered that period some Permissiveness, immorality, por- 22. See Obadiah 1:21; Doctrine and Covenants have labeled “the terrible teens.” I nography, drugs, the power of peer 103:9; Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith (2007), 472–73. prefer “the terrific teens.” What a time pressure—all these and more—cause 23. Russell M. Nelson, “Daughters of Zion,” of opportunity, a season of growth, a many to be tossed about on a sea of New Era Young Women Special Issue, YW semester of development—marked by sin and crushed on the jagged reefs of Nov. 1985, 9. 24. “High on the Mountain Top,” Hymns, no. 5. the acquisition of knowledge and the lost opportunities, forfeited blessings, 25. Doctrine and Covenants 115:5. quest for truth. and shattered dreams. 126 Is there a way to safety? Is there an First, I mention a signal which is exaltation. These are beautiful gospel escape from threatened destruction? basic and essential: believe. Believe truths, and by following them, you The answer is a resounding yes ! I that you are a daughter of Heavenly will be happier throughout your life counsel you to look to the lighthouse Father, that He loves you, and that you here and hereafter than you will be if of the Lord. I have said it before; I are here for a glorious purpose—to you disregard them. will say it again: there is no fog so gain your eternal salvation. Believe Most of you were taught the truths dense, no night so dark, no gale so that remaining strong and faithful to of the gospel from the time you were strong, no mariner so lost but what the truths of the gospel is of utmost a toddler. You were taught by loving the lighthouse of the Lord can rescue. importance. I testify that it is! parents and caring teachers. The truths It beckons through the storms of life. My young friends, believe in the they imparted to you helped you gain It calls, “This way to safety. This way words you say each week as you a testimony; you believed what you to home.” It sends forth signals of recite the Young Women theme. Think were taught. Although that testimony light easily seen and never failing. If about the meaning of those words. can continue to be fed spiritually and followed, those signals will guide you There is truth there. Strive always to to grow as you study, as you pray back to your heavenly home. live the values which are set forth. for guidance, and as you attend your I wish to talk with you tonight Believe, as your theme states, that if Church meetings each week, it is up to about three essential signals from the you accept and act upon those values, you to keep that testimony alive. Satan Lord’s lighthouse which will help you you will be prepared to strengthen will try with all his might to destroy it. to return to that Father who eagerly your home and your family, to make Throughout your entire life you will awaits your triumphant homecoming. and keep sacred covenants, to receive need to nurture it. As with the flame Those three signals are believe, obey, the ordinances of the temple, and of a brightly burning fire, your testi- and endure. to eventually enjoy the blessings of mony—if not continually fed—will fade

May 2012 127 to glowing embers and then cool com- in the Church. Let seminary help build woman had been tempted time and pletely. You must not let this happen. and strengthen your testimony. time again to leave the pathway of Besides attending your Sunday There will be times when you truth and follow the detour of sin. meetings and your weeknight activi­ will face challenges which might Through the constant persuasion of ties, when you have the chance to jeopardize your testimony, or you some of her friends at school, she had be involved in seminary, whether may neglect it as you pursue other finally agreed to follow such a detour. in the early morning or in released- interests. I plead with you to keep it The plan was set: she would tell her time classes, take advantage of that strong. It is your responsibility, and parents she was going to her activity opportunity. Many of you are attend- yours alone, to keep its flame burn- night for Young Women. She planned, ing seminary now. As with anything ing brightly. Effort is required, but it however, to be there only long in life, much of what you take from is effort you will never, ever regret. enough for her girlfriends and their your seminary experience depends I’m reminded of the words of a song dates to pick her up. They would then on your attitude and your willingness written by Julie de Azevedo Hanks. attend a party where alcoholic bever- to be taught. May your attitude be Referring to her testimony, she wrote: ages would be consumed and where one of humility and a desire to learn. the behavior would be in complete How grateful I am for the oppor- Through the winds of change violation of what this young woman tunity I had as a teenager to attend Encircled by the clouds of pain knew was right. early-morning seminary, for it played I guard it with my life The teacher had prayed for inspira- a vital role in my development and I need the warmth—I need the light tion in helping all her girls but espe- the development of my testimony. Though the storm will rage cially this particular young woman, Seminary can change lives. I stand against the pounding rain who seemed so uncertain about Some years ago I was on a board I remain her commitment to the gospel. The of directors with a fine man who had A keeper of the flame.1 teacher had received inspiration that been extremely successful in life. I night to abandon what she had pre- was impressed with his integrity and May you believe and then may viously planned and to speak to the his loyalty to the Church. I learned you keep the flame of your testimony girls about remaining morally clean. that he had gained a testimony and burning brightly, come what may. As she began sharing her thoughts had joined the Church because of Next, young women, may you obey. and feelings, the young woman in seminary. When he married, his wife Obey your parents. Obey the laws of question checked her watch often to had been a lifelong member of the God. They are given to us by a loving make sure she didn’t miss her ren- Church. He belonged to no church. Heavenly Father. When they are dezvous with her friends. However, Through the years and despite her obeyed, our lives will be more fulfill- as the discussion progressed, her efforts, he showed no interest in ing, less complicated. Our challenges heart was touched, her conscience attending church with his wife and and problems will be easier to bear. awakened, and her determination children. And then he began driving We will receive the Lord’s promised renewed. When it came, she ignored two of his daughters to early-morning blessings. He has said, “The Lord the repeated sound of the automobile seminary. He would remain in the car requireth the heart and a willing mind; horn summoning her. She remained while they had their class, and then he and the willing and obedient shall eat throughout the evening with her would drive them to school. One day the good of the land of Zion in these teacher and the other girls in the class. it was raining, and one of his daugh- last days.” 2 The temptation to detour from God’s ters said, “Come in, Dad. You can sit in You have but one life to live. Keep approved way had been averted. the hall.” He accepted the invitation. it as free from trouble as you can. You Satan had been frustrated. The young The door to the classroom was open, will be tempted, sometimes by indi- woman remained after the others had and he began to listen. His heart was viduals you had thought friends. left in order to thank her teacher for touched. For the rest of that school Some years ago I spoke to a Mia the lesson and to let her know how it year, he attended seminary with his Maid adviser who told me of an had helped her avoid what might have daughters, which led eventually to his experience she had with one of the been a tragic outcome. A teacher’s membership and a lifetime of activity young women in her class. This young prayer had been answered. 128 I have spoken over the years with many individuals who have told me, “I have so many problems, such real concerns. I’m overwhelmed with the challenges of life. What can I do?” I have offered to them, and I now offer to you, this specific suggestion: seek heavenly guidance one day at a time. Life by the yard is hard; by the inch it’s a cinch. Each of us can be true for Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA just one day—and then one more and then one more after that—until we’ve I subsequently learned that The tenor of our times is permis- lived a lifetime guided by the Spirit, a because she had made her deci- siveness. Magazines and television lifetime close to the Lord, a lifetime of sion not to go with her friends that shows portray the stars of the movie good deeds and righteousness. The night—some of the most popular screen, the heroes of the athletic Savior promised, “Look unto me, and girls and boys at school—the young field—those whom many young peo- endure to the end, and ye shall live; woman was shunned by them and ple long to emulate—as disregarding for unto him that endureth to the end for many months had no friends at the laws of God and flaunting sinful will I give eternal life.” 6 school. They couldn’t accept that practices, seemingly with no ill effect. For this purpose have you come she was unwilling to do the things Don’t you believe it! There is a time into mortality, my young friends. There they did. It was an extremely diffi- of reckoning—even a balancing of is nothing more important than the cult and lonely period for her, but the ledger. Every Cinderella has her goal you strive to attain—even eternal she remained steadfast and eventu- midnight—if not in this life, then in life in the kingdom of your Father. ally gained friends who shared her the next. Judgment Day will come for You are precious, precious daugh- standards. Now, several years later, all. Are you prepared? Are you pleased ters of our Heavenly Father sent to she has a temple marriage and four with your own performance? earth at this day and time for a pur- beautiful children. How different her If any has stumbled in her journey, pose. You have been withheld until life could have been. Our decisions I promise you that there is a way this very hour. Wonderful, glorious determine our destiny. back. The process is called repen- things are in store for you if you Precious young women, make tance. Our Savior died to provide you will only believe, obey, and endure. every decision you contemplate pass and me that blessed gift. Though the May this be your blessing, I pray in this test: “What does it do to me? path is difficult, the promise is real. the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior, What does it do for me?” And let Said the Lord: “Though your sins be amen. ◼ your code of conduct emphasize not as scarlet, they shall be as white as “What will others think?” but rather snow.” 4 “And I will remember [them] NOTES “What will I think of myself?” Be no more.” 5 1. Julie de Azevedo Hanks, “Keeper of the Flame,” Treasure the Truth (compact disc, influenced by that still, small voice. My beloved young sisters, you have 1997). Remember that one with authority the precious gift of agency. I plead 2. Doctrine and Covenants 64:34. placed his hands on your head at the with you to choose to obey. 3. Isaiah 30:21. 4. Isaiah 1:18. time of your confirmation and said, Finally, may you endure. What does 5. Jeremiah 31:34. “Receive the Holy Ghost.” Open your it mean to endure? I love this definition: 6. 3 Nephi 15:9. hearts, even your very souls, to the to withstand with courage. Courage sound of that special voice which tes- may be necessary for you to believe; it tifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah will at times be necessary as you obey. To watch the video of President promised, “Thine ears shall hear a It will most certainly be required as you Monson’s address, scan this word . . . saying, This is the way, walk endure until that day when you will image with a QR-enabled smartphone. ye in it.” 3 leave this mortal existence.

May 2012 129 THEY SPOKE TO US

For Youth • Do you know people who ask the Making Conference three questions the prophet listed in his talk during the Sunday morning session (page 90): “Where did we Part of Our Lives come from? Why are we here? Where do we go after we leave this life?” Consider using some of these activities and questions as a Read his answers to those questions and think about ways you might be starting point for family discussion or personal pondering. able to share those truths with peo- ple who do not yet have them. • Some people do not understand that Latter-day Saints believe in he page numbers listed below indi- • Elder Russell M. Nelson talked and follow Jesus Christ. Read Elder Tcate the first page of the talk. about many of the amazing Dallin H. Oaks’s talk, “Sacrifice,” and abilities of our physical bodies think about this statement: “Our For Children (page 77), and Elder Ronald A. lives of service and sacrifice are the • President Dieter F. Uchtdorf shared Rasband taught that our Heavenly most appropriate expressions of our two important words he wants us Father loves us even though our commitment to serve the Master and to remember when we feel tempted bodies aren’t perfect (page 80). our fellowmen” (page 19). What to be unkind to someone (page How does having a body make does the way you live your life say 70). Do you remember what those you feel? Think about all the about your testimony of the Savior? two words are? Talk with your par- different things your body can • Elder Quentin L. Cook taught, ents about some of the behaviors do. When you say your prayers, “When one is tone-deaf to the he suggested we stop. Think about think about what you can say to music of faith, he or she is out of how you can be more like Jesus Heavenly Father to thank Him for tune with the Spirit” (page 41). Christ in the way you treat others. this gift. Think about what an out-of-tune

130 instrument sounds like and what might cause an instrument to be out of tune. What specific things can you do to keep from becoming “tone-deaf to the music of faith”? • Several speakers in this conference talked about their families—including part-member families, single-parent families, and families facing adver- sity of many kinds. What have these speakers learned from and appreciated about their families? What do you love and appreciate about yours? How can you contrib- ute to and lift your family members?

For Adults • President Boyd K. Packer taught, “One of the great discoveries of parenthood is that we learn far more about what really matters from our children than we ever did from our parents” (page 6). If you are a parent, think about some of the important lessons you’ve gained from your children, or if perhaps what you can do to better THE SCRIPTURES IN GENERAL you’re not a parent, think about live your covenants—and to invite CONFERENCE lessons you’ve learned from chil- others to make and live theirs. peakers in general conference dren you know. Consider sharing • Elder Jeffrey R. Holland (page 31), Staught us from the scriptures. those lessons—and the circum- Elder Neil L. Andersen (page 111), Consider studying the scriptures stances under which you’ve learned and others talked about discipleship that were referred to most often: them—with your spouse, a friend, and the process of coming to Christ. your children, or others. What has your own process of dis- • John 13:35 • We can be delivered from evil cipleship been? What things did you • 2 Nephi 2:11 when we turn to the teachings of learn from these or other talks about • Doctrine and Covenants 18:10*; the scriptures, taught Elder L. Tom continuing to come to the Savior? 68:25–28*; 88:118; 115:5; 121:37 Perry (page 94). How have teach- • “Our fundamental commission,” • Moses 1:39* ings from the scriptures helped Elder D. Todd Christofferson deliver you? How have they helped taught, “is to teach the gospel of *Seminary scripture-mastery verses you choose the right? Jesus Christ, His doctrine, in all the • Several of the talks focused on world” (page 86). Review Elder covenants, particularly temple Christofferson’s talk as well as Elder covenants. Think about what Elder Donald L. Hallstrom’s talk (page 13) Robert D. Hales said: “Let’s have and consider what the gospel of a talk with ourselves in the mir- Jesus Christ is. What opportunities ror and ask, ‘Where do I stand on do you have in your home, your living my covenants?’” (page 34). calling, and your associations to Think about your answer and teach it? ◼

May 2012 131 Conference Story Index The following list of selected experiences from general conference addresses can be used in personal study, family home evening, and other teaching. The number refers to the first page of the talk.

SPEAKER STORY

President Boyd K. Packer (6) Missionaries give a message of hope to grieving parents. (6) Boyd K. Packer is raised by faithful parents, even though his father is less active in the Church.

Cheryl A. Esplin (10) Cheryl A. Esplin’s granddaughter prays for her brother to be kind.

Elder Donald L. Hallstrom (13) Young Donald L. Hallstrom listens to President David O. McKay in the Honolulu Tabernacle.

Elder Paul E. Koelliker (16) Rejected missionaries encourage each other, which touches a man’s heart.

Elder Dallin H. Oaks (19) President Gordon B. Hinckley asks a new member if he is willing to sacrifice so much for the gospel. (19) The 16-year-old brother of a Brazilian missionary works to support his family.

Elder David A. Bednar (48) David A. Bednar’s father asks why priesthood holders don’t do their home teaching.

Bishop Richard C. Edgley (52) Richard C. Edgley, as a member of a stake presidency, calls a less-active woman to be a stake missionary. (52) Rescuers pray for the World War II prisoners they will go save.

Adrián Ochoa (55) A young priest in South Africa encourages another priest to come back to church. (55) A young priest in Chile is able to baptize his friend.

President Thomas S. Monson (66) A marine gives his wounded companion a blessing in World War II. (66) As a bishop, Thomas S. Monson writes personal letters each month to servicemen. (90) After learning of health problems, a woman decides to change her life. (90) The death of an unbeliever’s wife changes his skepticism.

Elder L. Tom Perry (94) A member of the Church shares the gospel with his seatmate on an airplane.

Elder O. Vincent Haleck (101) O. Vincent Haleck’s parents fast and pray for their children.

Elder Larry Y. Wilson (103) Larry Y. Wilson’s daughter feels bad about playing soccer on Sunday.

Elder David F. Evans (106) A young man joins the Church after seeing the example of his friends and roommate.

Elder Neil L. Andersen (111) President Thomas S. Monson saves a balloon for three years to give back to a young cancer survivor. (111) The three children in the Saintelus family are rescued after the Haiti earthquake.

Ann M. Dibb (117) A young woman encourages a classmate to stop swearing. (117) A young woman keeps the Word of Wisdom despite pressure.

Elaine S. Dalton (123) Florence Chadwick finishes her swim despite thick fog.

President Thomas S. Monson (126) A father is converted to the gospel after attending seminary with his daughter. (126) A young woman overcomes temptation by attending Mutual.

132 General Auxiliary Presidencies

RELIEF SOCIETY

Teachings for Our Time

elchizedek You may be tempted to pre- Carole M. Stephens Linda K. Burton Linda S. Reeves Priesthood and pare the lesson using other First Counselor President Second Counselor Relief Society les- materials, but the conference M YOUNG WOMEN sons on fourth Sundays will talks are the approved cur- be devoted to “Teachings riculum. Your assignment is for Our Time.” Each lesson to help others learn and live can be prepared from one the gospel as taught in the or more talks given in the most recent general confer- most recent general con- ence of the Church. ference (see chart below). Review the talk(s), look- Stake and district presidents ing for principles and doc- Mary N. Cook Elaine S. Dalton Ann M. Dibb may choose which talks trines that meet the needs First Counselor President Second Counselor should be used, or they of class members. Also look may assign this respon- for stories, scripture refer- PRIMARY sibility to bishops and ences, and statements from branch presidents. Leaders the talk(s) that will help you emphasize the value of teach these truths. Melchizedek Priesthood Make an outline of how brethren and Relief Society to teach the principles and sisters studying the same doctrines. Consider includ- talks on the same Sundays. ing questions that help class Those attending fourth- members: Jean A. Stevens Rosemary M. Wixom Cheryl A. Esplin Sunday lessons are encour- First Counselor President Second Counselor aged to study and bring • Look for principles and to class the latest general doctrines in the talk(s). YOUNG MEN conference issue of the • Think about their magazine. meaning. • Share understanding, Suggestions for Preparing ideas, experiences, and a Lesson from Talks testimonies. Pray that the Holy Spirit • Apply these principles will be with you as you and doctrines in their Larry M. Gibson David L. Beck Adrián Ochoa study and teach the talk(s). lives. ◼ First Counselor President Second Counselor

MONTHS LESSONS FOURTH-SUNDAY LESSON SUNDAY SCHOOL ARE TAUGHT MATERIALS Talks given in the April 2012 April 2012–October 2012 general conference *

Talks given in the October October 2012–April 2013 2012 general conference *

*For April and October fourth-Sunday lessons, talk(s) may be selected David M. McConkie Russell T. Osguthorpe Matthew O. Richardson from the previous conference or from the most recent one. The talks First Counselor President Second Counselor are available in many languages at conference.lds​ ​.org.

May 2012 133 NEWS OF THE CHURCH

182nd Annual General Conference Includes Leadership Changes in Seventy, Bishopric, and Relief Society e can’t all be together under Steven E. Snow was released from the Larry Echo Hawk, Elder Robert C. one roof,” said President Presidency of the Seventy; 37 Area Gay, and Elder Scott D. Whiting. WThomas S. Monson, Seventies were also released. For the Called from the Second Quorum President of the Church, in the complete list of sustainings and releas- of the Seventy to the First Quorum opening session of the 182nd Annual ings, see page 27. were Elder Craig A. Cardon and Elder General Conference on March 31, Called to the Presiding Bishopric Stanley G. Ellis. 2012, “but we now have the ability were Gary E. Stevenson, Presiding Bishop H. David Burton and his to partake of the proceedings of this Bishop; Gérald Caussé, First counselors served together in the conference through the wonders of Counselor; and Dean M. Davies, Presiding Bishopric for more than 16 television, radio, cable, satellite trans- Second Counselor. Called to the new years. While there have been Presiding mission, and the Internet—even on Relief Society general presidency were Bishops who have served longer, no mobile devices. We come together as Linda K. Burton, president; Carole M. Presiding Bishopric has served together one, speaking many languages, living Stephens, first counselor; and Linda S. for as long. in many lands, but all of one faith and Reeves, second counselor. Read biographies of those newly one doctrine and one purpose.” Elder Richard J. Maynes of the First called beginning on page 135. ◼ That statement was true of the more Quorum of the Seventy was called to than 100,000 people who attended the serve in the Presidency of the Seventy. For text, audio, and video archives sessions of general conference in the Called as members of the First of general conference in many lan- Conference Center in Salt Lake City, Quorum of the Seventy were Elder guages, visit conference​.lds​.org. Utah, USA, on March 31 and April 1— and of the millions more who watched or listened via TV, radio, satellite, and Internet broadcasts. Between live and delayed broadcasts, members and oth- ers around the world have or will have participated in 94 languages. Even prior to general conference starting, many members of the Church tapped into these modern technol- ogies to invite others to participate in the conference. The new widgets, banners, and info graphics introduced in March, available in multiple lan- guages, will be posted at conference​ .lds.org​ in the weeks prior to each general conference. Several changes were made in Church leadership during the Saturday At conference, several changes were made in Church leadership during the afternoon session; among those Saturday afternoon session; among those called were the members of the released were the members of the Presiding Bishopric and the Relief Society general presidency. Elder Richard J. Presiding Bishopric and the Relief Maynes was called to the Presidency of the Seventy; 40 Area Seventies were Society general presidency. Elder also called. 134 Elder Richard J. Elder Craig A. Maynes Cardon Of the Presidency Of the Seventy of the Seventy

very person throughout the world is a child of God, lder Craig Allen Cardon, recently called to the First and He loves all His children equally,” said Elder Quorum of the Seventy from the Second Quorum, ERichard John Maynes, newly called to the Presidency of Eacknowledges the Spirit’s influence in every good thing the Seventy. That, he said, is the first gospel principle that in his life. comes to his mind as he reflects on his extensive interna- “My mother and father helped me as a boy to begin tional service, including assignments in Uruguay, Paraguay, to recognize the voice of the Spirit, to know what I was Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, and the Philippines. feeling,” he recalled. “That communication from the Lord is “The eternal blessings that come from accepting and available to all who diligently seek it and is essential in this then living the principles Jesus Christ taught will ultimately great work.” exalt all of Heavenly Father’s children, no matter where After a mission to Italy, Elder Cardon married Deborah they live or what challenges they face in this probationary Louise Dana in November 1970 in the Mesa Arizona state,” he added. Temple. Just 13 years later, Elder Cardon became president Elder Maynes, born in October 1950 in Berkeley, of the Italy Rome Mission. At the time, seven of their eight California, USA, to Stan and Betty Maynes, began his inter- children had been born and ranged from nine months to 11 national service in 1969 when he served a full-time mission years old. to Paraguay and Uruguay through 1971. “That alone tells you much about Sister Cardon,” Elder He married Nancy Purrington, whom he met while Cardon said. “Her faith, love, patience, and kindness have working at a resort in Idaho, in August 1974 in the Manti been a marvelous blessing to me, to our family, and to all Utah Temple. They have four children. who know her.” Elder Maynes graduated that same year from Brigham From 2006 to 2011, Elder Cardon served in the Africa Young University in business management and later West Area Presidency, an experience he describes as a earned an MBA from the Thunderbird School of Global “remarkable blessing to labor among people whom we Management. He spent his career as owner and CEO of a love dearly.” company specializing in factory automation. Throughout his life, Elder Cardon has dedicated much Elder Maynes served as the president of the Mexico of his time to philanthropic work with national and interna- Monterrey Mission from 1989 to 1992. He was called as tional family and youth organizations. a General Authority in 1997. Since then he has served in Elder Cardon was born to Wilford Pratt and Vilate Allen the presidencies of the South America Northwest, South Cardon in Mesa, Arizona, USA, in December 1948. After America West, and Philippines Areas. He has also served on receiving a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Arizona the Church’s Priesthood Executive Council, as an Assistant State University, he was self-employed with multiple Executive Director in the Missionary Department, and as business interests. He later received an MPA from Harvard Executive Director of the Family History Department. University’s Kennedy School. He was called on January 20, 2012, to serve in the Prior to his call as a General Authority, he served as Presidency of the Seventy, succeeding Elder Steven E. elders quorum president, stake missionary, mission presi- Snow, who was called as Church Historian and Recorder. ◼ dent, bishop, stake president, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and institute instructor. “The Lord is gathering His children throughout the earth,” Elder Cardon said. “No matter individual circum- stances, the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient for all who come unto Him.” ◼

May 2012 135 Elder Larry Elder Stanley G. Echo Hawk Ellis Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

ince the day in 1972 that Elder Larry Echo Hawk heard lder Stanley Gareld Ellis knew that no one could prove then-Elder Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) speak of the existence of God through scientific means, but at Senvisioning Native Americans as educated leaders, he EHarvard University he learned that he could prove God has dedicated his life to “lifting people.” by testing His promises. Halfway through his freshman A member of the Pawnee Nation, Elder Echo Hawk was year, he ran out of money and secured a job to help pay his born in Cody, Wyoming, USA, in August 1948 to Ernest and expenses. Although he doubted that he could pay tithing Jane Echo Hawk. He grew up in Farmington, New Mexico, and still cover all of his costs, he decided to “prove” the USA, where he and his family were taught and baptized by Lord (see Malachi 3:10). LDS missionaries in 1962. “I paid my tithing first, and a miracle happened,” said At age 17, after being hit in the eye with a baseball, he Elder Ellis, recently called from the Second Quorum of the promised the Lord that if he didn’t lose his eyesight, he Seventy to the First Quorum. “I made it to the next pay- would read the Book of Mormon. He regained the use check. And that happened every two weeks for the entire of his eye and read 10 pages every day for nearly three semester. By proving the Lord, I solidified my testimony months. that He is real and that He keeps His promises.” “It was the most powerful spiritual experience I’ve ever Elder Ellis was born to Stephen and Hazel Ellis in had, when the Holy Ghost witnessed to me that the Book January 1947 in Burley, Idaho, USA, and grew up there of Mormon was true,” Elder Echo Hawk said. “That expe- on a farm and ranch. After a year at Harvard he served rience has empowered me throughout my life to help me in the Brazilian Mission from 1966 to 1968. Following his improve.” return, he married Kathryn Kloepfer in June 1969 in the Los He was recruited to Brigham Young University on a foot- Angeles California Temple. They are the parents of nine ball scholarship and earned degrees in physical education children. and zoology. In 1970 he was honorably discharged from Following his graduation from Harvard, where he the United States Marine Corps following two years of ser- earned a bachelor’s degree in government, he earned a law vice. He graduated from the University of Utah with a juris degree from Brigham Young University. Elder Ellis worked doctorate degree in 1973. in tax planning and became the chief executive officer of a Elder Echo Hawk has served as an attorney, a state leg- financial consulting company. islator, a state attorney general, a BYU law professor, and Prior to his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy, Elder the Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior for Ellis served in presidencies of the North America Southwest Indian Affairs—a position he will resign in order to accept Area, the Brazil North Area, the Brazil Area, and on the the calling to the First Quorum of the Seventy. Boundary and Leadership Change Committee. From 1999 Elder Kimball officiated at the marriage of Elder Echo to 2002 he served as the president of the Brazil São Paulo Hawk and his wife, Terry Pries, in the Salt Lake Temple in North Mission. He has also been a stake president, coun- December 1968. She has stood by his side as he has served selor in a stake presidency, high councilor, counselor in a as a teacher, bishop, high councilor, and stake president. bishopric, elders quorum president, and ward and stake They are the parents of six children. ◼ Young Men president. ◼

136 Elder Robert C. Elder Scott D. Gay Whiting Of the Seventy Of the Seventy

n his Church assignments, Elder Robert Christopher Gay lder Scott Duane Whiting believes that his opportuni- often speaks of the message of Jesus Christ as “a gospel of ties in life to be of service to God were based on a few Ideliverance.” Emajor decision points. “That’s what we’ve seen and experienced all our lives,” Born in April 1961 to Duane and Beverly Whiting, Elder Gay said, referring to himself and his wife, Lynette Elder Whiting grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. He Nielsen Gay. “We worship the God of deliverance: spiritual, feels his first major decision was to serve a mission, fol- physical, mental, and emotional. Through the Atonement of lowed closely by the decision of how long to serve. Due Christ, all our burdens may be lifted. Through Him, we find to circumstances of the time, Elder Whiting had the choice the strength, peace, and grace needed to endure life’s trials of serving 18 months or two years. “My decision to serve and return to our Heavenly Father.” an extra 6 months was profound in preparing me for later Elder Gay derives his greatest satisfaction from the service in the Church,” he said. humanitarian service he and Sister Gay have been blessed After completing his service in the Japan Tokyo North to render, both abroad and closer to home. For example, Mission, he met his future wife, Jeri Olson, through a mutual before and after serving as president of the Accra Ghana friend. The choice to marry her was another crucial decision. Mission from 2004 to 2007, he and Sister Gay worked in They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in April 1984. African villages and elsewhere to build schools and medical After completing a bachelor’s degree in Japanese at clinics and help develop literacy and micro-loan programs. Brigham Young University, Elder Whiting later earned a Organizations they cofounded with other associates have juris doctorate from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge helped lift millions of the poor around the globe. School of Law. Born in September 1951 in Los Angeles, California, USA, Another major decision Elder Whiting made was when to Bill and Mary Gay, he was introduced to his future wife he accepted a call, extended by Elder M. Russell Ballard of by a mutual high school friend whom they later helped the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to serve as a bishop. into the Church. They married in the Los Angeles California Elder Ballard asked him if he would see his responsibilities Temple in April 1974 and have seven children. through. He gave the Apostle his word, and though more Elder Gay earned a bachelor’s degree from the lucrative job opportunities arose that would have required a University of Utah and a doctorate from Harvard University, move, Elder Whiting honored his promise. where he also taught economics. His service helped him develop a passion for “going into Involved in the private equity industry for over 25 years, the homes of less-active members and helping them renew Elder Gay has worked internationally to invest in and grow or make covenants with God.” businesses. The Whitings have five children. Prior to his call to the At the time of his call to the First Quorum of the Seventy, First Quorum of the Seventy, he worked for a real estate he was serving as an Area Seventy in the North America investment company in Hawaii. Elder Whiting has served Southeast Area. In addition to serving a full-time mission to as elders quorum president, bishop, high councilor, stake Spain from 1971 to 1973, Elder Gay has served as a bishop’s Young Men president, stake president, and Area Seventy. ◼ counselor, high councilor, high priests group leader, Gospel Doctrine teacher, ward mission leader, and ward Young Men president. ◼

May 2012 137 Bishop Gary E. Bishop Gérald Stevenson Caussé Presiding Bishop First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

ishop Gary Evan Stevenson says he has spent much of rom his childhood, Bishop Gérald Jean Caussé, recently his life observing the essential work bishops perform called as the First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric, Bacross the globe. His father, he said, was “the bishop of Falways found happiness in Church service. That was my youth, and his service deeply impacted me.” a good thing, he said, because in his small branch in On many occasions, Bishop Stevenson’s father would Bordeaux, France, everyone was needed to keep the unit invite him along on visits to one of the more than 60 wid- running. In addition to serving in Aaronic Priesthood quo- ows living in their ward. From his father, Bishop Stevenson rums throughout his youth, he served as the Primary pianist learned lessons about Christlike service and caring for those at age 12, as a counselor in the Sunday School presidency in need. Those lessons, he said, will serve him well in his at age 14, and as the Sunday School president at age 16. calling as the Presiding Bishop of the Church. “Serving in the Church helped me get my testimony,” he “The bishops of the Church are really my heroes,” he said. His father, who served several times as branch pres- said. “Every single day they are having such an impact upon ident and bishop, was particularly instrumental in Bishop the members of the Church, particularly the children and Caussé having a positive experience. young men and young women.” “When I was a teenager, he would involve me in doing Born in August 1955 to Evan N. and Vera Jean Stevenson, home teaching or visiting families in need,” Bishop Caussé Bishop Stevenson grew up in a family that came of pioneer said. “Watching him was probably the best learning experi- stock in Utah’s Cache Valley. ence in preparing for priesthood leadership.” While a young man, he accepted a call to serve a mis- Later, Bishop Caussé served as ward clerk, elders sion to Japan. That assignment instilled in Bishop Stevenson quorum president, high priests group leader, bishop’s a dual love for Asia and for sharing the gospel that has counselor, stake president’s counselor, stake president, lasted a lifetime. Area Seventy, and most recently as a member of the First After returning from his mission, he enrolled at Utah State Quorum of the Seventy. University. It was there he met (and was immediately smitten Bishop Caussé was born in Bordeaux, France, in May by) Lesa Jean Higley. The two married in April 1979 in the 1963, to Jean and Marie-Blanche Caussé. He served in the Idaho Falls Idaho Temple. The Stevensons have four sons. French Air Force for a year as a young man, where he was Bishop Stevenson would claim a degree in business assigned to a NATO agency. administration and later cofound and serve as president of He earned a master’s degree in business from ESSEC in an exercise equipment manufacturing company. 1987. He began his career in strategy consulting, where he He has served in a variety of Church callings, including spent six years working for a consulting firm’s Paris and counselor in a stake presidency, bishop, and president of London offices. He later worked for a major retail group the Japan Nagoya Mission (2004–07). He was called to the in Europe, and just prior to his call to the First Quorum of First Quorum of the Seventy in 2008 and served as a coun- the Seventy in 2008, he was working as the general man- selor and president in the Asia North Area. ◼ ager and a member of the board for France’s largest food distributor. He and Valérie Lucienne Babin were married in August 1986 in the Bern Switzerland Temple. They have five children. ◼

138 Bishop Dean M. Linda K. Burton Davies Relief Society General President Second Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric

hen the President of the Church asks Bishop s a teenager, Linda Kjar Burton had a sudden Dean Davies details about a prospective temple realization during a Church meeting in Christchurch, Wsite, such as how long will it take to walk from A New Zealand. “I knew the gospel was true,” she the nearest bus stop, Brother Davies doesn’t rehearse mere recalled. “I was also aware I had always known.” That tes- facts. He knows firsthand the experience of the patron by timony will now sustain her as she serves as Relief Society having walked the route. general president. “How do you do that?” President Gordon B. Hinckley Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, to Marjorie C. and once asked him. Morris A. Kjar, Sister Burton was 13 years old when her Focused devotion and attention to details are how family left Utah so her father could preside over the New Bishop Dean Myron Davies—newly called as the Second Zealand South Mission. Sister Burton—the second of six Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric—has lived his life. children—attended the Church College of New Zealand Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, in September 1951 to and associated with Latter-day Saint teens from across the Oliver T. and Myra Davies, Bishop Davies was raised in a Pacific. She returned to Salt Lake City with not only a love family where love and work were guiding principles. If he for varied cultures and traditions but especially for the Lord wanted something, he was to earn it. When persistent pleas and for her family. to his mother failed to get him a longed-for toy, he consid- Sister Burton was attending the University of Utah when ered his options. He still remembers the physical strain and she met and married Craig P. Burton in August 1973 in the resulting satisfaction from pushing an old-fashioned lawn Salt Lake Temple. The couple decided not to delay starting mower through a neighbor’s tall grass. a family; the first of their six children was born almost a After serving in the Uruguay/Paraguay Mission from year later. 1970 to 1972, he returned home to marry Darla James, a Working together with her husband, she was able to friend from his early youth, in June 1973 in the Salt Lake stay home with the children while he made a career in Temple. Bishop Davies earned a bachelor’s degree in agri- real estate. Early financial challenges taught the couple to cultural economics from Brigham Young University in 1976 look to the future with confidence “because we knew we and later received advanced executive training at Stanford had done something hard with the help of the Lord,” she and Northwestern Universities. explained. Over the years, he and his wife and their five children The family took simple vacations and enjoyed being lived in six states as his career evolved in the real estate together. Sister Burton served in Young Women, Primary, industry. He served as stake president, as a counselor in and Sunday School and on the Primary and Relief Society stake presidencies, on five high councils, in bishoprics, and general boards. She served together with her husband as in various ward assignments. He also served as president of he presided over the Korea Seoul West Mission from 2007 the Puerto Rico San Juan Mission from 1998 to 2001. At the to 2010. In the mission field, Sister Burton realized—just as time of his most recent call, he worked as managing direc- she had years earlier in New Zealand—that love transcends tor of the Church’s Special Projects Department. language and culture. Among the lessons he has experienced is that “the Lord She hopes in her new assignment that something she loves and guides His children.” ◼ learned from a friend in Korea will apply again: “They will feel your love.” ◼

May 2012 139 Carole M. Linda S. Reeves Stephens Second Counselor in the Relief Society General First Counselor in the Relief Presidency Society General Presidency

arole Manzel Stephens has always had a respect for inda Sheffield Reeves learned in her youth from her stal- sacred and holy things. That reverence began when wart convert mother to turn to God in times of adversity Cshe was a young girl, as her family was sealed in the L and to strive for excellence as taught by her father. temple following her mother’s conversion to the gospel. “I had a strong testimony early on in my life because of “I didn’t understand all that was happening,” said the challenges that helped me spiritually to mature quickly,” new first counselor in the Relief Society general presi- she said. dency. “But I knew it was special. I was old enough to Sister Reeves was born in Los Angeles, California, remember the temple was a sacred place.” USA, in August 1951 to Elbert Jolley and Barbara Welsch Born in March 1957 to Carl L. and Forest Manzel, Sister Sheffield. She remembers looking up at the starry sky as a Stephens was the third of nine children and grew up in 13-year-old at Young Women camp and offering a simple, Ogden, Utah, USA. She remembers well the examples her heartfelt prayer: “Father, are You there?” parents set of service, sacrifice, and what it means to make “I was enveloped in His Spirit, the knowledge of His family and the Church their top priorities. presence and reality, and His love for me,” she said. “The gospel was everything to them, and they showed Sister Reeves met Melvyn Kemp Reeves in her ward us by example what Christlike service is,” she said. “They in Pasadena. They dated while attending Brigham Young taught us what service means—how to really serve.” University after his mission. They were married in June As her parents served in different capacities, they 1973 in the Los Angeles California Temple and became the included their children. It was during those times that they parents of 13 children. developed friendships with each other—something that Amid trials, Sister Reeves has held to her testimony of she and her husband, Martin “Marty” Stephens, have tried the Atonement, especially after the death of her 17-year-old to do with their own six children. daughter, Emily Michelle, in a car accident in 2005. She and Marty met while attending Weber State “Adversity is a great teacher,” she said. “Adversity builds University in Ogden, Utah, where she studied early us and prepares us for future service in the kingdom, in our childhood education. They were married in April 1976 in homes, and in our community, and to become an instru- the Logan Utah Temple. Sister Stephens said she and her ment in the Lord’s hands.” husband have been a great “tag-team” over the years as Prior to her call to the Relief Society general presidency, they have supported each other in different assignments, Sister Reeves served with her husband as he presided over including her callings as stake and ward Relief Society the California Riverside Mission from 2008 to 2011. She president, counselor, and teacher; ward Young Women has served as a stake Relief Society president, ward Young president; ward Primary counselor, teacher, and Cub Scout Women president, Primary chorister, and Sunday School leader; seminary teacher; and Church-service missionary. teacher. “In all the busyness, we have found a lot of joy and Sister Reeves graduated from BYU in 1974 with a bach- happiness,” she said. “We include our children and grand- elor’s degree in special education. She has many passions, children in our service. Because of that, we have devel- including art, music, photography, family history, and mis- oped strong family relationships as we serve together.” ◼ sionary work. She isn’t afraid to speak her mind, especially when it comes to sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone she meets. ◼

140 Audio and Video Back to 1971 Auxiliary Training Added to Conference Archives Meetings Online in English By Heather Whittle Wrigley Church News and Events and Spanish n an effort to help members better watch, and listen to the latest confer- o help leaders learn their duties access counsel given by beloved past ence addresses, many members are and to introduce resource materials Iand current prophets and apostles, also interested in accessing past con- Tthat can be used for priesthood the Church is adding audio and video ferences,” said Elder Patrick Kearon of and auxiliary leadership training, the archives to the general conference the Seventy. “The purpose of this ini- general presidencies of four of the aux- section of LDS​.org​. tiative is to make conference messages iliaries of the Church held training for By June 2012, online archives in much more accessible to members of stake and ward auxiliary leaders in late English will feature audio and video the Church around the world.” March. (Training for Young Men lead- of every general conference from The Church is also adding music ers will be held on May 10). Webcasts, April 1971 to the present. Previously, to the conference archives. Currently, both live and on-demand, were pro- only text of conferences dating back members can listen to the Mormon vided or will be provided for all five to 1971 were available; English video Tabernacle Choir perform songs auxiliaries in English and Spanish. dated back only to 2002. Also by June back to 2008 by clicking on Show A summary of the four training ses- 2012, the Church will provide audio Music at the top of each conference sions held in March is provided here and video formats of conference section on LDS​.org. A new music for those without access. addresses back to 2008 in more than archive (GCmusic​.lds​.org) allows 70 additional languages. searches across multiple archives and Primary “While the majority of Church conferences. The purpose of Primary is to help members come to the general con- Plans are in place to make the children along the path to conversion, ference section of LDS.org​ to read, archives accessible not only through said Rosemary M. Wixom, Primary LDS.org​ but also the Church’s mobile general president, during auxiliary apps, such as the Gospel Library training for Primary leaders on March app, and other vehicles, including 28 and 29. the Mormon Channel on Roku and “We want [Primary children] to YouTube. ◼ feel, to love, to act,” she said. “We want them to have a testimony. Music from all conference sessions . . . Testimony means declaration. dating back to 2008 can now be We want to go one step further. listened to or downloaded from Conversion means to act. We want GCmusic.lds.org. these children to have and feel the seeds of conversion in their lives.” Sister Wixom and her counselors, Jean A. Stevens and Cheryl A. Esplin, told ward and stake Primary leaders that they can assist parents in plant- ing those seeds of conversion. Sister Wixom said the process of conversion begins at a very young age. “It ideally begins in the home, where the parents love the Lord with all their heart, with

May 2012 141 all their soul, and with all their might. said. “It is a simple work, and then the [and] by members of the Quorum of And then they teach their children.” Lord brings the ideas into focus. If we the Twelve Apostles. This is a project She said children will understand figure out what we need to do, He will that has gone on for many years, and it what it means to be converted “only if help us get from revelation to imple- has spanned many continents.” we take the time to teach them.” And, mentation. We will receive revelation The library can be accessed at she added, if parents and Primary lead- all along the way.” LDS.org by first clicking onMenu on ers don’t teach them, “the world will.” In all of their teaching, the presi- the home page and then clicking on Members of the Primary general dency and Relief Society general board the Leadership Training Library board also gave presentations on using members focused on looking for link in the Service column. music to teach gospel principles and answers in Handbook 2: Administering on the resources for Primary leaders the Church as well as in Daughters in Young Women found on LDS.org.​ My Kingdom: The History and Work of “The standards haven’t changed, Relief Society. but the world has,” said Elaine S. Relief Society Dalton, Young Women general “You lead a great work!” Julie B. Sunday School president, during the Young Women Beck, who was released as Relief The Leadership Training Library, auxiliary training meetings on March Society general president in the a new feature on LDS.org,​ was a 27 and 28. She encouraged the leaders Saturday afternoon session of confer- pervasive focus in the Sunday School to “change the world” through being a ence, told Relief Society leaders during auxiliary leadership training meeting good example of living a virtuous life. an auxiliary training session on held on March 28. “Your callings aren’t random,” she March 27 and 28. “This is the Lord’s Portions of various video clips from said. “The way you look, dress, and work. . . . We have a responsibility of the library were shown to support smile will affect these young women great importance.” the discussion of what Russell T. . . . just by being with them and teach- Sister Beck addressed many top- Osguthorpe, Sunday School general ing them the joy of being a woman ics, including the purposes of Relief president, outlined as four main topics and living the gospel. . . . We have Society, the important role women in the meeting: to be modest. We have to be vigilant. play in their families, teaching (espe- We need to teach by example and cially the new sisters of the Church), • The role of a ward or stake Sunday great love.” working in committees, and leadership School leader. Counselors in the Young Women principles. • How to help others understand the general presidency, Mary N. Cook Stick with the basics, Sister Beck Sunday School presidency’s role in and Ann M. Dibb, spoke of the improving the teaching in all orga- importance of “letting Laurels lead.” nizations of the ward and stake. The counselors used Young Women • How to counsel together more camp—which celebrates its 100th effectively as a presidency. anniversary this year—as an example • How to orient teachers and provide of an opportunity to let Laurels lead, effective ongoing support. but said there are constant oppor- tunities for the leaders to distribute “The Leadership Training Library, responsibilities, allowing the young you will find, will be one of the most women to be involved. important tools you have to help train Presenters also focused on the members of other auxiliaries and many resources—websites, articles, the Sunday School in their respon- videos, manuals, and the revised ver- sibilities,” said David M. McConkie, sion of For the Strength of Youth—that first counselor in the Sunday School are available for leaders to look to for general presidency. “The library was ideas and help. ◼ prepared by all the auxiliaries in the Church, by members of the Seventy, Contributed by Church News 142 sclerosis and ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s it,” said Christopher Phillips, manager New Information disease. of Disability Services for the Church. for Disability Neither Sister Brink nor Sister “There are many situations where a Allison consider themselves “experts” disability specialist might be helpful, Specialists Added in the realm of disabilities, yet both of but not everyone even realizes this them serve as stake disability special- calling exists. to LDS.org ists, a calling for which new informa- “This new online section of Serving tion has been added to the Serving in in the Church doesn’t describe in the Church section of LDS.org​ in 10 detail everything a person in this call- By Melissa Merrill languages. (The calling may actually ing should do,” he continued, “but it Church News and Events exist at a stake or ward level or, where does give ideas and resources so that ulie Brink of Indiana, USA, raised the need merits it, both.) a person serving in this position can a daughter who is Deaf and served Although the calling of ward or help leaders, teachers, and families Jfor years as an American Sign stake disability specialist is men- with disability-related issues.” Language interpreter in her stake. tioned briefly in Handbook 2: The information posted on LDS.org​ Elaine Allison of Arizona, USA, had a Administering the Church, some focuses on how specialists can help long career as a public school teacher, leaders are left wondering what that ward and stake leaders: where she had both direct and indirect calling might entail. interaction with students with dis- “There are situations where ward • Identify and get to know individu- abilities. She also has a nephew with leaders may not recognize a need or als with disabilities and their fami- Down syndrome and close friends know what to do in response to a par- lies within the ward or stake. who have suffered from multiple ticular need when they do recognize • Include members with disabilities in meetings and activities. • Respond to disability-related ques- tions and concerns from parents, leaders, and other individuals. • Identify meaningful opportunities for members with disabilities to serve. • Identify specific needs of families (including caregiving needs) and, where appropriate, identify com- munity, ward, and stake resources available to assist with those needs.

It’s important to note that the disability specialist isn’t the only one doing these things. Rather, his or her role is to help other leaders better understand and serve those with disabilities. In addition, the disability specialist also “helps individuals and parents affected by disabilities share information with ward members and leaders in a helpful way.” ◼

New information on LDS.org in 10 languages helps those who are called as To read more of this article about dis- stake disability specialists strengthen Church members with disabilities. ability specialists, visit news.lds​ ​.org.

May 2012 143 piece, Living Waters, with the help of International Art her mother, who passed away shortly Exhibit Winners before the exhibit opened. “The people who see this artwork Announced, . . . will see the testimony that Jesus Christ and His gospel are a fountain of Exhibit Opens living water,” she said. “In this piece, they will see all the love that a mother n Friday, March 16, 2012, can teach her children because this at the opening of the Ninth mother takes the pitcher and teaches OInternational Art Competition her daughter to teach the gospel.” exhibit, artists from around the world I Will Send Their Words Forth (Jacob Admission to the exhibit is free, gathered to accept awards for their the Teacher), by Elspeth Caitlin Young, and patrons are encouraged to bring LDS-themed artwork. United States their families. They may vote for their Merit Awards were presented for favorite work, and six Visitors’ Choice 20 artists whose pieces were deemed Awards will be given in September, “outstanding,” while another 15 artists based on patrons’ votes. earned Purchase Awards, meaning that Soon, individuals will be able to the Church History Museum, which watch interviews with 11 different art- sponsors the competition, acquired ists involved in the competition on the the piece for its collection. Church History website in English. The Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the videos will also show at the museum. Seventy, Church Historian and The Church History Museum is also Recorder, attended and made a brief planning an online exhibit at history​ statement before the awards were .lds​.org/​artcompetition. presented. For more information about the The art exhibit opened on March 16, exhibit, visit history​.lds​.org or call 801- 2012, and runs until October 14, 2012, 240-4615. ◼ at the Church History Museum in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. This year’s competition, “Make Known His Wonderful Works” (D&C ART COURTESY OF THE CHURCH HISTORY MUSEUM OF THE CHURCH HISTORY COURTESY ART 65:4), drew 1,149 entries from around Matriarch, by Brandon Daniel Hearty, Call for Articles the world in a variety of media, Canada including sculpture, quilts and other en: Young men need posi- textiles, paper art, and paintings. The Temple, which won a Purchase Award, tive examples, not only from museum will display 198 of the pieces. re-creates in colored paper some sym- Mparents but also from leaders. According to Rita R. Wright, Curator bols found in the temple. Sometimes a good Young Men leader, of Art and Artifacts at the museum, the Brandon Daniel Hearty—a Sunday School teacher, or Scout leader entries are judged according to artistic Merit Award winner from Alberta, can make all the difference. When merit and thematic compliance. The Canada—uses an oil portrait of his you were young, was there a leader works reflect a variety of media and great-grandmother (Matriarch) as a in your ward who changed your life cultural traditions bearing testimony of representation of family history and by befriending you and being a good the Lord’s wondrous works, she said, intergeneration connections. example? Tell us about this person. and often use symbols to represent Alexandra Gomez Chaves, of Please limit your experience to 500 and instruct. Bogotá, Colombia, said that the com- words, label it “Good Example,” and For example, Ukraine native petition is a way to bear testimony. send it to [email protected] by Valentyna Musiienko’s Kyiv Ukraine She created her Merit Award-winning May 31, 2012. ◼ 144 Garden Tomb, by Linda Curley Christensen “When Joseph had taken the [Savior’s] body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, “And laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock” (Matthew 27:59–60). The Lord’s body lay in the tomb for three days, and then He rose from the dead. Jesus Christ was the first person on earth to be resurrected. Through His Atonement all people will be resurrected (see 1 Corinthians 15:3–4, 20–22). ow blessed we are, my brothers and sisters, to have the restored Hgospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and in our hearts. It provides answers to life’s greatest questions. It provides mean- ing and purpose and hope to our lives,” said President Thomas S. Monson during the closing session of the 182nd Annual General Conference. “We live in troubled times. I assure you that our Heavenly Father is mindful of the challenges we face. He loves each of us and desires to bless us and to help us.”