Prayer from JFS

… It is the duty of parents to teach their children to pray as soon as they commence to understand. Let them form the habit of approaching their Father in heaven, and with the understanding of the reason for prayer.

Chapter 22: Prayer—A Commandment and a Blessing

http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-22-prayer-a-commandment-and-a-blessing?lang=eng

 

I like the part that says that we need to teach them the reason for prayer. Not just how to pray, but the reason that we do it. There are so many reasons that we pray. To gain understanding. To repent. To show our face. To feel the spirit and have the spirit be a constant companion. To ask for spiritual gifts. To get answers to our prayers. To strengthen our relationship with heavenly father. To show him our humility and need for his help.

His work will go on just the same, whether we pray or whether we do not. … Prayer is something that we need, not that the Lord needs. He knows just how to conduct his affairs and how to take care of them without any help from us. Our prayers are not for the purpose of telling him how to run his business. If we have any such idea as that, then of course we have the wrong idea. Our prayers are uttered more for our sakes, to build us up and give us strength and courage, and to increase our faith in him.

Chapter 22: Prayer—A Commandment and a Blessing

http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-22-prayer-a-commandment-and-a-blessing?lang=eng

His work will go on thre same without us! But we need to do it for us! 

No man can have the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, unless in his heart is found this spirit of prayer. …

Chapter 22: Prayer—A Commandment and a Blessing

When I seek comfort, guidance, forgiveness, I first must ask self, do I truly have the spirit of prayer with me? If not, I will not receive anything. 

And if a man will pray as he is commanded to do in this passage of scripture which I have read, then he more than likely will be found in all things righteously keeping the commandments of the Lord.

Chapter 22: Prayer—A Commandment and a Blessing

http://www.lds.org/manual/teachings-of-presidents-of-the-church-joseph-fielding-smith/chapter-22-prayer-a-commandment-and-a-blessing?lang=

I love that! If we pray always, over all things, we will just naturally be righteous! 

December stories

December 2: Jesus heals the blind man/men (Mark 10:46-62)

•This teaches me that faith means we are specific in what we ask for. Jesus knows our needs. But we must have the faith to ask Him specifically for help with them. "What wilt that I should do unto thee?" He asks. 

•if I were to answer this, I could say, an opportunity to invite someone to learn more about the gospel. Or, help with final papers. I know He answers specific prayers.

December 5: The humble circumstances of Christ's birth (Jesus the Christ, chapter 8)

• The circumstances really were very humble. And sweet. There was an angel who told shepherds to go greet Him. They believed and immediately went. There was a manger, a quiet, peaceful place. There was a new star. There was a choir of angels singing. Mary pondered the things in her heart.
• I got to sing in our stake's Christmas program, "A Child Is Born," and one of the songs is very very sweet and powerful. It's called "Manger of Bethlehem" and how He was just a little baby in humble circumstances but was already a King. And Joseph was saying today about how he'd been pondering how Joseph and Mary parented Jesus, knowing who He was and what He would become and that He was perfect. A sweet, profound thought. 

December 9: I read the beginning of chapter 9, which talks about Christ as a boy and young man. Talmage said that Mary's relationship with her son was never quite human; it always had the reminder of His divine origin. How interesting. And he also said the Jesus didn't know right away who He was and what He'd do. But he grew and learned and was wise. The time He was found in the temple at age 12 was interesting. Talmage notes that what He was doing wasn't peculiar: talking to older priests, asking questions, discussing things. But the deference they paid him was the peculiar thing. They recognized His deep wisdom and knowledge. And Mary and Joseph picked up on that level of respect as soon as they went into the temple and saw Him. Another interesting thing about this occasion is what Mary and Jesus said to each other. Mary said, "Your father and I have been looking for you..." and Jesus answered, "I was doing my Father's business." His comment corrected her inadvertent mistake...that Joseph was Jesus's father. So by that point, Jesus at least knew His divine origin and who His real Father was (whether or not He understood the biological origin, I'm still not sure).

Raising a perfect son must have been so interesting. 

Marriage is the nucleus

Great class today on the importance of good marital health. One thing I learned is that it's more important to spend quality time with your spouse and less time with the children than it is to focus just on children and meeting their needs.

When our relationship is healthy, our family's will be too. 

Spiritual gifts

Tonight was the temple worker appreciation fireside. I learned a few things I want to record.

•There is a spiritual gift for every weakness. 

•I need to pray to enhance my gift of discernment, for the Holy Ghost to help me enhance it. 

•One way I can use the gift of discernment is by discerning other peoples' strengths and by showing them those strengths, or helping them see them and strengthen them. 

Bednar's missionary work tips

• 
  https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/to-sweep-the-earth-as-with-a-flood?lang=eng
• We live in a glorious time. ALL the priesthood keys and ordinances have been restored. We have all of them! that is because this is the time of the gathering of Israel.
• Also, he quoted Brigham Young about how there are so many innovations (even in that day!) that are directed toward sharing the gospel. David O. McKay said something similar. And Kimball said that the Lord wanted to put into our hands innovations that will allow for rapid communication. And then Hinckley taught that the Lord would inspire men to develop great things, especially about communication. Then Perry talked about specific things that missionaries are now allowed to use: the Internet, Facebook...
• Technology has accelerated family history work. How has it accelerated missionary work.
• Bednar says to use social media to bear our testimonies through social media!
• Outline for 11/30/14 – How to Practically Share the Gospel
  30 minutes
  
  
  1.      Does the Lord trust me?
  a.      Share the account of the Terenure Ward in Dublin, Ireland.
  b.      Principle: When the Lord trusts us, this work will accelerate. As we openly welcome new people in our ward, and as we pray for opportunities to extend a hand of fellowship, the Lord will bless our ward with growth. He will entrust His children into our care.
  c.      Invitation: Find someone you don’t know at church each week and get to know them.
  d.      Discussion: What are some obstacles that we face that prevent us from fellowshipping new people at church? (It might feel unnatural, or we might not know if they are new or not – we have a big ward!). How can we overcome those obstacles?
  
  
  2.      Finding people for the missionaries to teach
  a.      The Power of Everyday Missionaries teaches very practical principles of member missionary work through sharing experiences. It helps dispel many of the concerns that we have about inviting others to learn about the gospel. Please prayerfully consider ways to incorporate some of the principles taught.
  b.      Discussion: One of the principles mentioned is the use of the Internet. In what ways have you seen the Internet either help or hinder missionary work?
  
  
  3.      Using technology to find those who are ready to hear the gospel
  a.      In 1966 President David O. McKay prophesied scientific discoveries that “stagger the imagination” would make possible the preaching of the gospel to every kindred, tongue, and people. "Discoveries latent with such potent power, either for the blessing or the destruction of human beings, as to make man’s responsibility in controlling them the most gigantic ever placed in human hands. … This age is fraught with limitless perils, as well as untold possibilities” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1966, 4). 
                                            i.     Discussion: What technologies exist today that have “stagger[ed] the imagination” and have made possible the preaching of the gospel?
  1.      Internet, satellite broadcast, social media, etc
  b.      In 1862 Brigham Young said: "Every discovery in science and art, that is really true and useful to mankind has been given by direct revelation from God, though but few acknowledge it. It has been given with a view to prepare the way for the ultimate triumph of truth, and the redemption of the earth from the power of sin and Satan. We should take advantage of all these great discoveries, the accumulated wisdom of ages, and give to our children the benefit of every branch of useful knowledge, to prepare them to step forward and efficiently do their part in the great work” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 18–19). 
                                            i.     Discussion: What technology was available in 1862 when Brigham Young gave this discourse?
  1.      First working full-size railway steam locomotive, electrical lighting, bicycles, telegrams
                                          ii.     Discussion: How do you think technology, or these “direct revelation[s] from God,” have helped to “efficiently do [our] part in the great work”?
  1.      Number of people in the world: 7.125 billion. Number of full-time missionaries: 88,000. Number of individuals in the world to full-time missionaries: about 81,000 people per missionary
  2.      In 1999, President Hinckley said that the missionaries “succeed best when members become the source from which new investigators are found.” What would happen if we became full-time finders (instead of the elders and sisters in our ward)? Number of people in the world: 7.125 billion. Number of “full-time finders” (i.e. members): 15,082,028. Number of individuals in the world to “full-time finders” (members): about 500 people per member of the church. Average number of “Facebook Friends” per youth (12-17): 521
  c.      In Moses 7:62, the Lord says that in the last days: “…righteousness will I send down out of heaven; and truth will I send forth out of the earth, to bear testimony of mine Only Begotten; his resurrection from the dead; yea, and also the resurrection of all men; and righteousness and truth will I cause to sweep the earth as with a flood” (see Moses 7:59–62; italics added).
                                            i.     Discussion: Elder Bednar urges us to “not simply participate in a flash flood that rises swiftly and then recedes just as rapidly.” How, then, are we to “sweep the earth as with a flood”?
  1.      Elder Bednar also said, “Imagine the impact we can have as hundreds of thousands and millions of members of the Lord’s restored Church contribute in seemingly small ways to the rising floodwaters. May our many small, individual efforts produce a steady rainfall of righteousness and truth that gradually swells a multitude of streams and rivers—and ultimately becomes a flood that sweeps the earth. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great” (D&C 64:33).
                                          ii.     Discussion: How does sharing the Gospel via social media relate to ministering in the Savior’s way, one-by-one?
                                         iii.     Social Media Guidelines:
  1.      Be authentic and consistent
  2.      Edify and uplift
  3.      Respect intellectual property
  4.      Be wise and vigilant
  
  
  4.      Other ways to extend an invitation
  a.      Principles covered in The Power of Everyday Missionaries:
                                            i.     We cannot predict and should not judge (we can invite everyone, not just friends!)
                                          ii.     We succeed when we invite (how many people can we find who say “no”?)
                                         iii.     Use “Mormon words” in everyday conversation.
                                         iv.     Find what people are interested in (not what we think they should be interested in)
                                           v.     Invitations without conditions (to maintain friendships, be more sincere, etc)
                                         vi.     Discover people’s questions
                                       vii.     Ask for help when winds of prosperity blow (people want to serve!)
                                      viii.     Share at work/school confidently (use Gospel to answer questions, ex: hometeaching to develop employee development program)
                                         ix.     Share the Gospel online (social media, blogs, etc)
                                           x.     Set goals and deadlines (the Lord will help us, “Principle of Desperation”)
                                         xi.     Teach toward conversion (prayer, scripture study, Sabbath Day)
                                       xii.     Building God’s kingdom (search out those who didn’t come, show God we can be trusted, showing forth God’s love)
  b.      Discussion: Role play common scenarios, and demonstrate principles taught in The Power of Everyday Missionaries and Preach My Gospel. Ex: Do we need to be close friends before inviting friends to hear more about our church? (See section “We cannot predict and should not judge”)
  
  
  5.      Testimony of Member Missionary Work
  a.      Discussion: What blessings have you seen come into your life when you share the Gospel? What promises does the Lord make when we strive to build His kingdom?

Lehi's awesome sermon on agency

I read 2 Nephi 2 in the temple and got so much out of it. Wow it is such a dense chapter. I read it twice, and the second time I looked for Lehi's purpose and why he addressed his audience the way he did. Honestly, I think he was just talking to Jacob and since Jacob had a witness of Christ and could handle serious doctrine, and since Lehi knew that this message about agency needed to be given to man and recorded for our day, and since Lehi was a prophet and Heavenly Father needed him to give us this message, he just plopped it into a message to Jacob. lucky son! And lucky us!

Lehi teaches so much about agency. From his sermon, the main thing I learned is that we are given what we need to know good from evil! We are! W eall are, even if we don't grow up in the church. And for those who are numb or callous to guilt or to the Spirit of Chirst, which they were born with, that is because they have come a long way from where they started. And where they started was a more pure spirit that knew right from wrong. Interesting.

I also learned more about the atonement. And how relieving it must have been for Lehi and his family. They were learning about Christ before He even came to earth, but yet they believed in Him and had faith in Him and put their trust in Him.

Also, I liked how Lehi says that it's really important that we "make these things known unto the inhabitants of the world," these things meaning that men can only return to Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ, through His Atonement. It's important to tell people this! THey need to know that Christ is the answer to their problems and being lost-ness or guilt ....

This time I understood the stair-step scripture: that if there weren't opposition in all things, there would be no law and no sin. And if there was no sin there would be no righteousness. And if there were no righteousness there would be no happiness. And if there were no righteousness and happiness, there would be no misery or punishment. And no God. It made so much sense this time. Everything that makes people happy comes from something good that they or someone else has done. And people can experience this, goodness, even without the fullness of the gospel. Because Heavenly Father loves and remembers all of His children!

Serving the poor and the needy

Lots of thoughts lately on how much and how to serve the poor and the needy. Christene Gutierrez is a recent convert in our ward. I have had trouble with her situation because I didn't think she was ready to be baptized. She still gets mad at us or at the church if we can't help her with something...like pick her up from the emergency room or get her groceries or whatever. She isn't self-reliant.

But I know I should serve others, especially the poor and the needy. And like Mosiah 4 says, I shouldn't condemn someone and say, "They brought it upon themselves." But I also feel wrong about helping her all the time with everything she needs. Kiley and I have been struggling with it. And so I've been studying about it, and now I need to start praying about it so that Heavenly Father can teach me about true, Christlike service. A few (scattered) thoughts:

• When we see how much in need we are, it's easier to help others. "Are we not all beggars?" I need Christ and Heavenly Father so much. So realizing this should help me be more eager to help others as well.
• When we retain in remembrance how merciful the Savior has been to us, we "will not have a mind to injure one another, but to live peacably, and to render to every man according to that which is his due" (Mosiah 4:13). I don't want to injure Christine, I want to live peacably with her, and I want to give her what is her due. How do I know what is her due?
• Vs. 16 through 19 says that I can't judge another and say they have brought it upon themselves. But what if it is true? Well, I don't know if it is true. There are probably lots of details that I am unaware of. Only Heavenly Father knows all things and has the right to judge each situation, including Christine's. And my not judging her doesn't mean I will do everything she asks or give her everything she needs. Why? Because I can't afford that. And because it could enable her. And because Heavenly Father doesn't expect that of me.
• In condemning another, I am bringing condemnation unto myself. Don't I sin? Don't I rely on Heavenly Father and the Savior for forgiveness? They could withhold forgiveness from me if They wanted to.
• But I must use righteous judgment. 
• He who says the following is guiltless: "I give not because I have not, but if I had I would give" (v. 24). Am I like that? If I had more I would give more? I think so, but I also don't know if that is an excuse. 
• By serving others, I retain a remission of my sins. 
• V. 28 says that if we borrow anything, we should return the thing we borrowed. Otherwise we are sinning. So this principle shows accountability. We need to pay back what we use and borrow.
• On another similar note, D&C 58:26-32 talk about how we shouldn't be compelled in all things. And also that we should be anxiously engaged in a good cause, and do many things of our own free will. That we are AGENTS unto ourselves, and that we will surely be rewarded for the good things we do. Hasn't Heavenly Father proven Himself? And shown us that He keeps His promises? Yes! So we should try to do all we can on our own, relying on God. And other people should be doing this as well, including Christine.

So what I am learning from all this is that I need to give what I can give. I need to not judge others for the situation they are in. I need to continuously repent so that I can stay humble and remember how much I rely on the Lord. I need to use the Spirit and righteous judgment to know how much and when and to whom I can give.

• Psalms 25:9 says, "The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way." So, I need to be humble. Maybe I don't understand things. Maybe I don't need to know or be an expert on how to treat the poor and needy. But I do need to be meek and humble and acknowledge that I just don't know, and that Heavenly Father does and that He will teach me. 

Who art thou?

Yesterday I was a follower in a session in the temple. I especially loved yesterday how Eve asks Satan, "Who art thou? My brother? And persuade me to sin against Father?"

What Eve said made me want to question all the things that tempt me or weaken me. Who are thou? That persuade me to sin against Heavenly Father? Who do you think you are? I love my Father and He loves me. Why would I sin against Him? Why would you think you can convince me to do so.

This goes along with what I've been thinking about lately of standing as a witness. Oftentimes I shy away from doing so because I get nervous and I don't want to offend people. I want them to feel loved and accepted. But sometimes my loyalty to Heavenly Father takes second on my priority list, when I value others' feelings over what Heavenly Father wants. I was talking to Denay the other day and she was saying how the universe may have given her the opportunity to have children through artificial insemination. I just kept feeling like I should say, "No, the ability to bear children is straight from God. He has a plan for each of us and a huge part of that plan is coming to earth in families." But I didn't. And I think that is one of the times that I was too nervous and I should have been thinking, "Who are thou, Satan? Why do you think you can persuade me to not say these feelings in my heart? I am loyal to Heavenly Father first and foremost and if He wants me to say something, I will say it." It is taking me some time to develop this kind of strength. And faith. And I have a lot of work to do on it!

Member missionary

I'm studying pmg and here are a few thoughts. 

•"Strengthening their understanding of the doctrine of Christ will do more to increase their trust in you and to build their excitement to do missionary work than anything else you can do."

•Focus on going about doing good. 

•"Offering the restored gospel will flow more naturally out of relationships where they are seeking to love and serve their family members and friends."

•I love that! I need to pray, follow the spirit, give service. Then opps to share the gospel will come more naturally. 

Fear God, not man

7 For, behold, you should not have feared man more than God. Although men set at naught the counsels of God, and despise his words--

D&C 3:7

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/dc-testament/dc/3?lang=eng 

 

13 Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Nehemiah 6:13

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/neh/6?lang=eng

What is someone is "hired" by Satan just to tempt me. Or allowed by God to test me to see whether or not I will fear God more than man and go with the persuasions of men. 

And John 12:42-43 tell about chief rulers who believed in Christ but were too afraid to stand up for on because of fear of the Pharisees...a powerful, rich, intimidating group. "For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

 

I don't want to be that kind of person. 

Large and Spacious Field=Life and the World

I'm reading 1 Nephi 8 and it's never been so apparent to me how similar Lehi's dream really is to life. And it was also clear this time I read it that Heavenly Father intended for Lehi to see this vision, every part of it, even the heart-wrenching parts, like his sons leaving the tree to go to the great and spacious building. This point is clear in verse 9, when, "after [he] had prayed unto the Lord [he] beheld a large and spacious field." Beforehand he was just in darkness, confusion, and nothingness. But it was after he prayed and asked for help and for mercy that he saw this vision, again, a vision of the good and the bad. So, Heavenly Father wants us to see, through this chapter, that life is supposed to have opposition too, not just delicious fruit.

Here are a few other thoughts:

• The rod of iron went along the river not because we should live our lives on the edge, but because it represents how temptation will always be something we face, no matter how tightly we cling. But if we cling, there is no possible way for us to enter the river.
• A tree is a lot smaller than a great and spacious building. Heavenly Father knew that there would be few who would eat and stay; but the tree is still there, bright and white and delicious as ever.  

Please God, not man

I was thinking about this concept yesterday after I listened to Lynn G. Robbins's talk about this topic. He says to not be afraid of what man thinks. But to seek to please God instead. Then I read in 1 Nephi 6, and Nephi talks about how he is only going to write that which is pleasing unto God, and not unto man. I want to be more like that. Say and do things that will be pleasing unto God. And conversely, NOT do things that would please man, but not God.

Nephi is such a good example of this throughout the whole book of 1 Nephi. He stood up for his father, for the gold plates, for Heavenly Father when his brothers had rods to beat him up! And when they had ropes to tie him up (chapter 7). He wasn't afraid to stand for what was right. And to remind them that Heavenly Father will help all those who put their faith and trust in Him. He said that to them, that anything can happen when we have faith, and then he acted on it: his brothers tied him up, and he prayed to God to release him from the ropes. And God did! So Nephi showed by his words AND actions how to believe and trust and rely on God. He stood as a witness.

 5 Wherefore, the things which are pleasing unto the world I do not write, but the things which are pleasing unto God and unto those who are not of the world.

And here are the scriptures on the footnotes of pleasing. I especially love the second one.

Gal. 1:10

10  For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1 Thes. 2:4

4  But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Heb. 13:21

21  Make you perfect in every good work to do hiswill, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

 Romans 1:16 For I am not ^aashamed of the ^bgospel of Christ: for it is the^cpower of God unto ^dsalvation to every one that believeth.

Faith on behalf of others

"Faith may be exercised with effect in behalf of others." Jesus the Christ, 395. Think of all the examples in the NT: Jairus's daughter, the centurion...

When His enabling power helped me

Sister Esplin's talk on the Sacrament inspired me to think about how the enabling power helped me throughout the past week instead of just what I need to repent of (as I ponder during the Sacrament). And so I am thinking of that right now and figure I should record it. 

1. I decided to offer a lonely mercantile store owner a Book of Mormon. He said he didn't believe in God and that the book wouldn't do him any good. So I said "Okay, have a good day" and left. And I didn't regret doing that even though he didn't accept it. So, that is probably the enabling power helping me feel that way.

2. Mom asked me to teach the YW on Sunday, and I wasn't sure what to teach. Then I prayed and studied for a minute and found something to share. It was great and I felt good and excited and inspired about it. It was about having real and lasting happiness, and I got a good feeling about sharing Alma 22 and about how Lamoni's father was willing to give up anything and everything to know God and have real joy. 

3. I guess I was able to me more gracious than usual when sweet Momma wanted to buy me maternity clothes. 

I guess this is just inspiring me to think to use the enabling power more often. 

Obedience like Nephi and Lehi

There is a lot of things in just the first few chapters of Nephi about obedience. No wonder the Book of Mormon starts with the story of Lehi's family: Heavenly Father knew that new learners of the Gospel and Church may struggle with obedience to the new commandments the missionaries teach them.

For example, 1 Nephi 2:2 has Lehi receiving the commandment to depart into the wilderness. Then in verse 3, it says simply that "he was obedient unto the word of the Lord, wherefore, he did as the Lord commanded him." Simple as that. So great! And in verse 4, we see the Lehi's actions matched his willingness, because "he departed into the wilderness. And he left his house, and the land of his inheritance, and his gold, and his silver, and his precious things, and took nothing with him, save it were his family, and provisions, and tents, and departed into the wilderness." These verses show that no matter what, Lehi was willing to give up his possessions in order to obey the Lord, no matter what. It doesn't say anything about why the Lord commanded him to depart into the wilderness. Lehi probably didn't know the reason. But that didn't matter to him. He only knew what the Lord wanted, and he followed through with it.

Then Nephi's example later in that chapter shows that Nephi may have struggled with being obedient to the commandment Lehi had received from God. So Nephi prayed for a soft heart so that he could "believe all the words which had been spoken by [his] father" (verse 16). So, when we receive a commandment and we don't agree/understand it or want to obey it, we can pray for soft hearts and understanding so that we can obey that commandment. Nephi had faith and humility, and thus obedience was easier for him.

Then in chapter 3, Nephi is so determined to obey God and retrieve the plates that he didn't give up after two failures, at which his and his brothers' lives were in danger. Instead, he had faith and knew that (eventually) the Lord would provide a way. And He did. Nephi trusted to be led by the Spirit, "not knowing beforehand the things which [he] should do" (1 Nephi 4:6) and that he was...led by the Spirit. He was obedient, yet again, to another difficult commandment, to kill Laban. And he did so, trusting in the Lord. This must have strengthened his faith because he promised Zoram after that that "surely the Lord had commanded us to do this thing; and shall we not be diligent in keeping the commandments of the Lord?" (verse 34).

Really good examples. I love the Book of Mormon. Really, there is no reason ever to be disobedient.

General Conference, October 2014

General Conference, October 2014

First of all, I feel just so happy and grateful and excited. I also, for the first time, really tried to listen tot he prayer and involve myself in it. It helped. I feel more prepared to feel the Spirit. The sister prayed that we would have a greater resolve to serve others and keep the commandments. I want a greater resolve to:

• love Heavenly Father
• pray sincerely
• share the gospel
• stand for truth and righteousness
• ask inspired questions (to members and non-members)
• study my scriptures 
• bless my family
• serve Joseph selflessly
• be a good mom

President Monson

• 171 temples (once all are finished and dedicated)
• 90th anniversary of radio broadcast

Boyd K. Packer

• He met a man who didn't think he was Christian. So Packer used the topical guide to show how many scriptures there were about Jesus Christ. USE THE SCRIPTURES. 
• The atonement gives not only gives us forgiveness and redemption, but promises peace if we choose to follow Christ.
• The Savior's atonement can do so much more for us than we know, expect, think. 
• He talked about how large the church is and gave statistics. He said it was evidence that the stone that was cut out of the mountain without hands continues to fill the earth. But no matter how large it is, the true strength of the gospel will be measured by each individual person's testimony.
• We need each and every one of us in the gospel to influence the world. We may think, "I'm only one person. What can I do?" We are each parts of the body of Christ and are needed. 
• There is no end to his power to help those who believe in Him. 

Lynn G. Robbins

• Which way do you face? (A quote from Boyd K. Packer) He meant that a seventy is the face of the prophet to the people, not the people to the prophet.
• Sometimes we worry about what others think of us. This makes us avoid conflict or standing up for what is right in the face of those who disagree with us. This kind of behavior is a snare. The fear of offending others is a snare. "I fear not what man can do" (Mormon). "I seek for freedom...not power" (Captain Moroni).
• Others' scornful reaction or unkind words or even laughter is a manifestation of their guilt. Be loving and allow them time to think about it (see Korihor).
• Lowering the Lord's standards to match those of the world is apostasy.  
• This is coupled with not doing things to be seen of men.

Cheryl Esplin

• During the Sacrament, think of more than just the things that I need to repent of. Instead, think about when His enabling power helped me.
• Let the Savior's life and actions and teachings dictate everything I do. If I have questions, think about what He would do.  
• The method to receive forgiveness: confess, seek restitution, Sacrament, be forgiven. Spiritual healing will come. 
• The more we think about and prepare for the Sacrament, the more I will get out of it. Seek a holy communion, a renewal, a sacred experience. 

Chi Hong Wong

• Look this over and study the story. It's about working as hard as possible to bring people unto Christ.
• We are each needed in the church. Our combined faith WILL effect change in others. 
• We should always be anxiously engaged in bringing people to Christ. 

D. Todd Christofferson

• We have the principle decision-making role in our lives.
• We are not puppets. If God were a puppeteer and want to control us, then everyone would believe! But it's hard and we have to make the decision to follow Him and deny ourselves.
• The real manifestation of God's love are His commandments.
• God is just. There are some things God cannot do. He cannot allow sin with any degree of allowance. Mercy is for those that use it, not for everyone just because He loves them. 
• Christ died not to save indiscriminately, but to save based on repentance. 
• THIS TALK ROCKS. So much doctrine on justice and mercy
• A god who makes no demands, is a god that doesn't exist. With a god like this, moral relativism would reign.
• We DO NOT decide individually what is right or wrong. There would be no reason for life. 
• We must defend our personal accountability so that we never become dependent.  

Dieter F. Uchtdorf

• Imagine trying to explain a jumbo jet or a microwave to someone a thousand years ago. They'd think I were crazy and wouldn't believe what I had to say.
• That is what truth might seem like to some people. But believe it and share it and show that it brings joy. 
• Tell them to start with a desire. 
• "If you do your part, [your witness] will come."
• Think about your testimony as a loyal friend. Something that supports you in hard times. Something you want to spend time with and strengthen. Something you love and that stays with you.

Saturday Afternoon

Dallin H. Oaks

• Love my neighbor. Love all people and show concern. Disagree by don't be disagreeable. 
• Avoid contention, even when standing for truth and righteousness. "Wise men turn away wrath." Don't argue. But don't surrender our positions or values. Don't compromise what I need to be true.
• I am an enemy to the world. Embrace and accept it. And don't even approach middle ground. Be firm and do not waver. I may be called a bigot or a fanatic.

Neil L. Anderson

• Christ was called glutenous; Joseph Smith was defamed, too. I probably will be. 
• To sincere inquirers, encourage them to look at true sources, both sides. Then to ask God about it. 
• I'm so grateful for my testimony. It is so precious to me. I know that I have a calling to represent the prophet, the Church, and the Savior.
• To strengthen my testimony, find things you already know to be true, and bear testimony of those things. Then read more things, like the testimony of the Prophet Joseph Smith.

Tad R. Callister

• Parents. If we don't teach our children how to pray and what to pray for and how to act, who will?
• I just can't wait to be a parent and to teach my children.
• In the eternities, the only titles we will hold will be father, mother....

Jorg Klebington

• What is my standing before the Lord? Would I talk to Him?
• To be more spiritually confident, protect my temple. Exercise and eating. Be the master of my body and temple.
• Become really really good at repenting completely. 

Jeffrey R. Holland

• Christianity is not a statistical endeavor. 
• My efforts are a drop in the ocean. But without them, there would be a whole drop less in the ocean!
• Be like Mother Theresa and serve those within my reach, though they are few.
• We attain remission of sins by repentance; we retain remission of sins by serving those in need. 
• He talked about his conviction of industry and self-reliance. And he said he didn't know how each of us should fulfill our obligation to help those in need. But God knows. Pray for ways to keep the commandment to serve those in need (everybody). 
• Live the law of the fast.
• He openly said that he didn't know the reasons why birth and circumstance deal out hard circumstances. But he does know that he must give what he can.
• President Monson, he bore testimony, has done all he could to bless the widowed and the fatherless, the poor in heart and spirit.

L. Tom Perry

• Our homes must be holy places so that we can help our families prepare to face the unrighteousness in the world.
• "[Women who make a house a home do more than lead armies]" (Gordon B. Hinckley). Hinckley said I have no responsibility greater than making my house a home, a holy place.
• The father should help the family build spiritual traditions (FHE, scripture study, prayer) and even vacations and recreational activities.
•  

Sunday Morning

Henry B. Eyring

• He compared revelation to a mother to revelation to a patriarch before he gives a blessing. he will pray that his words will be the words of God through him. And so can mothers. He told of his own mother and how she'd ask him inspired questions when he would come home at night.
• Our lives should be led by continuous revelation.
• To receive this kind of revelation, see D&C 121. My bowels must be filled with charity. 

Russell M. Nelson

Carol McConkie

• Heaven is higher than the earth; God knows what we and our families need at a time like this, a time of turbulence and danger and sadness and unrest. So the prophet receives guidance for the whole world to know what is right, true, and important.

President Monson

• The purpose of our lives is to learn of Jesus. As we learn of Him, we will want to act like Him. Follow Him. His examples leads the way. 
• Jesus experienced all the same things we experience in this life: disappointment (because of other's choices, for example), sorrow, happiness..
• Jesus walked the path of service; so can we. Of prayer; so can we. 
• He tells us to stand up bravely for our beliefs even when we are ridiculed, which we will be. He told us to let our lights shine. He taught us to be morally clean in thought and action. 
• No other choices that we can make can make us like He can. 
• What do His actions teach us? His parables?
• Just do what He did! Be as He was. 

To do list

• Don't be two-faced. Don't try to serve two masters. Study JS and MH story. Overcome the fear of man and what they think of me. Have courage. Courage is at every virtue at the starting/testing point (Robbins). Study Korihor and 4 Nephi.
• Ask myself, "Which way do you face?" (Robbins)
• Do good as anonymously as possible. Could I do something more anonymously?
• Use the scriptures (Packer) in addressing others. Explain them to others. Study it in PMG.
• During the Sacrament, think of more than just the things that I need to repent of. Instead, think about when His enabling power helped me.
• Think of ways that I can better prepare to partake of the Sacrament. Study this.
• Study standing for truth and righteousness.
• When I share the truth with others, have this perspective: it may difficult to understand truth first, to believe that there is a God and Savior Who know and love us. It's like explaining electricity to somebody who lived a thousand years ago. They may find it impossible to believe. But tell them that I know these things to be true, and as we do our part to get to know God and Jesus Christ, we will have peace and joy and guidance and assurance in this life. And we will know for ourselves without a doubt (Uchtdorf).
• Stop arguing (Oaks). Don't even revile against revilers.
• Love my neighbor and don't be disagreeable. But defend what I believe.
• Read the testimony of Joseph Smith often.
• Serve others. Be the one drop in the ocean that I am. Serve those within my reach. And pray for opportunities to do so (Holland). Like in Alma 34, if prayer is the only option for helping some people, do that! Rich or poor, do what we can.
• Study/memorize D&C 121 again. 

May Christ lift you up

The scene Mormon describes in Moroni 9 is so awful and heartbreaking, the wickedness of the Nephites. I love how despite the awfulness, Mormon believes and encourages his son to believe that it will be all right, that he can have peace and assurance, and that Christ will carry his burdens. 

22 But behold, my son, I recommend thee unto God, and I trust in Christ that thou wilt be saved; and I pray unto God that he will spare thy life, to witness the return of his people unto him, or their utter destruction; for I know that they must perish except they repent and return unto him.

Moroni 9:22

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/9?lang=eng

More this one:

25 My son, be faithful in Christ; and may not the things which I have written grieve thee, to weigh thee down unto death; but may Christ lift thee up, and may his sufferings and death, and the showing his body unto our fathers, and his mercy and long-suffering, and the hope of his glory and of eternal life, rest in your mind forever.

Moroni 9:25

http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/moro/9?lang=eng

It is amazing that we can find peace in dark, awful times, through Christ. 

How to help and influence others

Notes from Elder Scott's talk "I Have Given You an Example"

• study the Plan of Salvation
• as I study the simple gospel, I will know what to do
• First love them. Then:
• ask them questions to make them think
• give them time to think on these questions
• let them answer them for themselves
• bear my testimony
• Find something to trust them about
• Pray about ways to do this
• Keep my sharing of the gospel simple
• Above all, follow the Spirit
• To be effective, to do as Christ has done, follow this principle:
• The Atonement is what makes it possible to live eternally as families

Plan of Salvation

• Pre-mortal life
• Heavenly Father created my Spirit. I loved Him and knew Him. Think of my earthly father and how much love and reverence I have for him. Compare that to how I feel about my Heavenly Father and what my relationship with Him should be like. Why do I love and respect Him?
• He has given me the experience to learn about Him and His Son and gospel
• He has blessed me with prayer
• He has helped me through trials
• He has given me witnesses through the Holy Ghost of Him and His love for me
• He has a plan for me
• He answers my prayers
• He loves all His children and all of them will have the fair opportunity to come unto Him and learn of Him and follow Him

I want to dedicate my whole life

Tonight Joseph and I did a session at the temple, the first one in a month or two. I'd really missed it. But beforehand, I got a really bad headache and felt super bloated because I had a big bowl of cereal because I just had to eat something. But I was still looking forward to going. I had really missed it.

And I had a great experience. One of those experiences that you get when you don't deserve it. One of the experiences you never really deserve. My experience was that I had such a tremendous, strong desire to dedicate my whole life to Heavenly Father and the Savior and the Gospel. I had never wanted it so bad. It was like I made a real choice to make the last covenant with Them, and I wanted to shout hosanna about it and raise my hands as high as I could. I couldn't express how strong I felt. I couldn't adequately show how important that covenant was to me and how sure I was that I would keep it.

I've been more emo lately, well starting today, really. I wanted to cry about so many things. About getting the precious opportunity to finally meet an old woman that I can befriend and love and visit and glean love and wisdom from, in our ward! The sister missionaries took me to Sister Heaton's home for a visit. I loved it. Her house was big and old and full of grandma stuff. She was so warm and welcoming and faithful and I knew I was supposed to meet her. I can't wait to go visit her and spend holidays thinking of her. Dad instilled that love for the elderly in me. And I'm so grateful. 

So going to Sister Heaton's made me want to cry because it was so celestial and her life was a testimony of her faith. And then in the temple thinking about what I wrote about before this. And then also thinking about the people in my life who are struggling with the Church right now and how heartbreaking it is and how much I just want them to feel how much better life is when Heavenly Father is in it, and especially when He comes first. I kept thinking of Landon and Claire and David and getting all choked up. I wrote their names on the prayer roll and prayed for them in the Celestial Room.

I'm so grateful for those special, sacred, rare experiences when the Spirit just overtakes me and I'm overcome. And I know so clearly what needs to happen and how I feel and what Heavenly Father is telling me and wants me to know. It's real and it's celestial and it's so far above this world. And I really do want to dedicate and consecrate my whole life to building His work.