Your Mission Will Change Everything
Elder David F. Evans
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
President Hinckley's story of transformation during his mission after receiving a letter from his father advising him to forget himself and work hard.
President Hinckley described what happens to the heart of every missionary who commits his or her life and work to the Lord when he talked about his own missionary experiences. It was early in his mission, and he was discouraged. The work was hard, and the people were not receptive. However, there came a time when discouragement turned to commitment. For him, the beginning was a letter from his father in which he read: "Dear Gordon, I have your letter. "¦ I have only one suggestion: Forget your ... (continued)
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Your Mission Will Change Everything
Elder David F. Evans
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts how Bishop Matheson called him to serve a mission at a time when the number of missionaries was limited, and how this call to serve changed his life.
Brothers and sisters, many good bishops have been doing for a long time what Elder Ballard asked. Thirty-six years ago, Bishop Matheson called my home and invited me to his office. Because of world circumstances, the number of missionaries any ward could send was limited, but an additional space had become available, and he had the responsibility to recommend one more missionary. He told me he and his counselors had been praying. He told me that he was impressed that now was the time that the Lo ... (continued)
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Your Name Is Safe in Our Home
Elder Cree-L Kofford
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker shares a light-hearted interaction with his grandchildren before his talk, where they express support but also hint at the potential embarrassment if he messes up.
I wonder if you have any idea how easy you are to love and how much I love you. Just before this session started, some of our grandchildren stopped by our hotel room. They had obviously been talking about Elder Marlin Jensen"™s talk of this morning. One of them said, "Are you scared, Grandpa?" I lied and said, "Not very." Another one said, "Don"™t worry, Grandpa, if you mess up, we"™ll still love you." But then reality came back into the room when someone added, "But, Grandpa, it wou ... (continued)
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Your Name Is Safe in Our Home
Elder Cree-L Kofford
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts the historical event of the U.S. army's entry into Salt Lake Valley and the subsequent challenges faced by the small farming community of Fairfield, including his great-grandfather, Bishop John Carson.
On June 26, 1858, what I believe to be the largest standing army in the history of the United States up to that date began its prearranged entry into Salt Lake Valley. They had come to quell a nonexistent rebellion. Almost anyone remotely familiar with the history of the Church can tell you that they marched in relative silence within a few yards of where this building now stands, through a city described by one writer as "deserted," and encamped some distance to the west. What followed is far ... (continued)
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Your Name Is Safe in Our Home
Elder Cree-L Kofford
- Of the Seventy
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📖 general conference
The speaker uses a childhood memory of drawing a line on the ground to illustrate the importance of setting boundaries and respecting them, relating it to the figurative lines set by a loving Heavenly Father.
When we were children, a line on the ground had special significance. Whenever boyhood tempers caused disagreement, the time-honored solution called for a line on the ground. The antagonists stood on opposite sides of the line, attempting to act as intimidating as possible. Someone would say, "Step over the line and you"™ll be sorry," though they usually didn"™t say it in those genteel words. In those moments I learned the great value of a line on the ground and the consequences of steppin ... (continued)
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Your Name Is Safe in Our Home
Elder Cree-L Kofford
- Of the Seventy
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📖 general conference
Elder Marion D. Hanks shares a story about Oscar Kirkham, a respected Church leader, who consistently spoke positively of others and left a powerful message in his notebook about speaking kindly.
During the early years of my service as a General Authority, I was privileged to be in company with Elder Marion D. Hanks on one occasion when he related the following story. I use it here with his permission: Oscar Kirkham was one of the great men of the Church and among the Church"™s most respected Scouters. He served in the First Council of the Seventy and was a significant presence wherever he went. Often in meetings he would rise to a "point of personal privilege" and then, when recogni ... (continued)
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Your Name Is Safe in Our Home
Elder Cree-L Kofford
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker addresses Primary children, referencing the character Thumper from 'Bambi' to illustrate the importance of speaking kindly of others.
I would like to say a few words to the Primary children who may be listening. Children, I"™ve been trying to teach your moms and dads something very important, but I need your help. I"™ll make you a deal. If you will promise to listen very carefully, I promise not to talk very long. Do you remember the story of Bambi, the little deer, and all of his friends in the forest? If you do, you will remember that one of Bambi"™s good friends was a rabbit named Thumper. Thumper was about your age. ... (continued)
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Your Next Step
Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
A meeting with Latter-day Saints revealed a lack of confidence among members in their ability to live with Heavenly Father again, as most hands went down when asked if they had confidence they would succeed.
My heart sank during a recent meeting with wonderful Latter-day Saints. The question was asked, "Who desires to live with Heavenly Father again?" Every hand went up. The next question was "Who has confidence you"™ll succeed?" Sadly and surprisingly, most hands went down.
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Your Next Step
Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker's youngest grandson, after learning to crawl and stand, was hesitant to walk, but with encouragement from his parents, he continued to try.
Our youngest grandson illustrates the first principle. After learning to crawl and then stand, he was ready to try walking. During his first few attempts, he fell, cried, and gave a look that said, "I will never"”ever"”try that again! I"™m simply going to keep crawling." When he stumbled and fell, his loving parents did not feel that he was hopeless or that he would never walk. Instead they held out their arms while calling to him, and with his eyes on them, he tried again to move toward ... (continued)
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Your Next Step
Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
Yuri, a Russian Latter-day Saint, felt prompted to share the gospel with a woman on a train, not knowing she was also a member, and she simultaneously felt prompted to share the gospel with him; they were both reading the Book of Mormon and later married in the temple.
A second principle is illustrated by two faithful Saints, each deeply desirous of finding an eternal companion. Both prayerfully took faith-filled steps. Yuri, a Russian Latter-day Saint, sacrificed and saved to take a long trip to the temple. On the train he noticed a beautiful woman with a bright countenance, and he felt that he should share the gospel with her. Not knowing what else to do, he began reading from his Book of Mormon, hoping that she might notice. Yuri didn"™t realize that the ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
James had a testimony as a young boy based on trust in his parents and bishop, but as he grew older, he began to question it due to the varying beliefs and testimonies of others.
My dear James, when you were a young boy you bore your testimony and said, "I know the gospel is true. I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet." You knew those things because others told you. Because of your trust in your parents, your bishop, and others, you never questioned that knowledge. But now, as you grow more independent in understanding, comprehension, and perception of all the different variables that this intense and beautiful life pre ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
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📖 general conference
Jonathan is exposed to cynicism and alternative views on life that challenge the concepts of the Atonement, the Resurrection, and eternal life.
Maybe, Jonathan, you have already realized that some adults are cynical and will not talk to you about the beautiful concepts of the Atonement, the Resurrection, and eternal life. Instead, they will tell you to "eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we die"2 Ne. 28:7Others you will see groping and grasping, looking for answers which they do not find. And yet they will still try to demonstrate to you a knowledge of that which they do not have. Even others will say, "Well, maybe these things ar ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
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📖 general conference
Paul is encouraged to retain the humility of a child but to grow in understanding and not be content with a child's limited comprehension of the gospel.
And you, Paul, do you remember when the Savior said: "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven"?Matt. 18:3"“4We are benefited by retaining the humility and teachableness of a child, but we must be sure to continue growing and not be content with the limited knowledge or comprehension of the gospel whic ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
Russell is reassured that a testimony is the highest type of knowledge and that it remains with a person even after death, as exemplified by Joseph Smith.
Well now, my dear Russell, you will ask yourself, "In that case, do I have to go and look for the answer myself? Can anybody have this kind of testimony? Is it a gift only for a few? Do those who say theyknowreally onlythinkthey know, or have they convinced themselves through a psychological trick?" In answer to your questions, and to give more light to these things, let me tell you that Elder John A. Widtsoe said that those who truly have a testimony of the gospel have "the highest type of kn ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
Matthew is shown the eternal dimension of a testimony and the steps to obtain one, as taught by Nephi, Alma, and other Book of Mormon figures.
My dear Matthew, now that you have been able to see the eternal dimension of a testimony, we can continue with our conversation, showing that you can have your own testimony if you do what is necessary to obtain one. In one of those difficult times that the faithful and dedicated young Nephi had with his rebellious brothers, he reminded them of the following guide to obtaining a testimony. The Lord declared, "If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
Cole is advised that the Holy Ghost is the ultimate guide in confirming a testimony and that it requires living worthily to receive its companionship.
Now, Cole, we have analyzed the different steps we should follow in our search for a testimony. But there is yet the most important help available that can give us confirmation and absolute assurance, and it is your right when you live worthy to receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost. Remember the promise in Moroni: "And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things"Moro. 10:5Pay attention that I said toreceivethe companionship of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost has th ... (continued)
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Your Own Personal Testimony
Elder Angel Abrea
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
Tate is given a summary of what a testimony represents in life, including obedience, courage, patience, and the willingness to stand as an example and declare one's belief in Jesus Christ.
And now, my youngest grandson, Tate, we can end this conversation, mentioning what a testimony is. Maybe the best way to define it would be by looking at what a testimony represents in our lives. It is to say, "I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know"1 Ne. 3:7and then to act in consequence. It is to have the peace that comes with knowing that all possible has been done, that all talents have been exercised to the maximum. It is to follow the commandment of the Lor ... (continued)
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Your Patriarchal Blessing"”Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father
By Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
A friend of the speaker, who joined the Church as a young adult, describes the profound impact of receiving their patriarchal blessing.
A dear friend who joined the Church as a young adult shared: "When the patriarch placed his hands on my head and spoke my name, everything changed, "¦ not just then but for the rest of my life. I immediately sensed that"”through the power by which he spoke"”I was known intimately and deeply. The words he spoke penetrated my entire being. I knew that Heavenly Father knew me, inside and out."
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Your Patriarchal Blessing"”Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father
By Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker reflects on the comfort and guidance their patriarchal blessing provided, especially during the difficult time of their parents' divorce.
I received spiritual strength each time I studied my patriarchal blessing. When my parents finally did divorce, my patriarchal blessing, as President Thomas S. Monson taught, had for me become "a precious and priceless personal treasure," even "a personal Liahona."
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Your Patriarchal Blessing"”Inspired Direction from Heavenly Father
By Elder Randall K. Bennett
- Of the Seventy
📅 0
📖 general conference
The speaker recounts their anxiety as a child due to their parents' troubled marriage and the possibility of divorce, which led to a desire for a patriarchal blessing.
I was raised by wonderful parents who loved and faithfully taught us, their children, the gospel. Sadly, my beloved parents struggled in their marriage for years. I was a Primary child when I was told that they would likely divorce someday and my siblings and I would need to choose which parent to live with. As a result, for years I experienced significant anxiety; however, a gift from my Heavenly Father ultimately helped change everything for me"”my patriarchal blessing.
At age 11, incre ... (continued)
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