October 19, 2014 Sunday Fayetteville Young Single Adult Ward

Sacrament

Elder Laws: "Is This not the Reality of God?"

Feed the missionaries

The faster we learn, the greater our faith

Space is evidence of God - only evidence we have are the telescopes and pictures they take

The greatest gift of God was His son, Jesus Christ

3 Nephi 11 - the Savior visits the Nephites

Apostles and Prophets

Ephesians – the foundation of Christ’s church

The apostles know the Voice

Joseph Smith

Emma Smith – was a witness of Joseph

Hyrum Smith – was willing to die for his brother

The Book of Mormon

Why would a man die for a book?

Why would he leave his family?

Why would he make his wife a widow?

You are right where you need to be

Your future is as bright as your faith

The story of the Savior and the man by the cliff: the Savior is standing on the very edge of a cliff. A man walks up, but won’t go near the edge. The Savior calls, “Come to me” offering his hand. The man shakes his head and backs further away. The Savior calls a second time, offering his hand, “Come to me.” The man looks up, but can’t bring himself to go near the edge. The Savior calls the third, final time, “Come to me,” with his hand outstretched. The man closes his eyes and slowly walks forward. When he reaches the edge of the cliff he opens his eyes. The Savior is no longer in front of him. Looking back he sees Christ behind him. The Savior gently pushes him in the back off the cliff; and he flies.

     All we need to do is trust in the Lord and we can soar to any height

Exert all effort

Book of John – ‘Ye are my friends’

Marry in the temple

Laurel Clarke - Elder Lynn G. Robbins talk from October 2014 General Conference, "Which Way Do You Face?"

Excitement to go and serve – going to Mexico, Cancun

“What are you most scared of for your mission?”

     - being sick

     - being rejected

The good news is better than a small rejection

Matthew 22:37-39

    “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

    “This is the first and great commandment.

    “And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”

“Fear ye not the reproach of men.” – Isaiah

Don’t be afraid of the finger of scorn

Always share your testimony – forget the scorn

If the prophets face scorn, we will too

How will we face the scorn – to stay strong?

Joshua 1:9

    “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid; neither be thou dismayed; for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.”

If you’re feeling alone – turn to the scriptures

True badge of courageis overcoming man

“I fear not what man can do, for pure love casteth out all fear.”

Captain Moroni – Alma 60:23-36

V. 36, “I seek not for power, but to pull it down. I seek not for honor of the world, but for the glory of my God, and the freedom and welfare of my country.”

“The only perfect being was fearless…”

Brother Coburn - 

Romans

Many aspects of safety

SA - situational awareness'

We don’t want to lose our SA

We came here to get a body, gain faith, gain knowledge

Living here we have to learn by certain commandments

Eternal Life = God’s life; living in the family unit

Abraham 3:25

    “And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them”

There are ordinances we have to take care of: baptism, eternal marriage, etc.

We get these because of the priesthood

Have a family night about the priesthood

Keys of the priesthood – Bishop authorizes who to perform ordinances (at ward level)

   - they keep things in order

Priesthood keys are what God has given

Keys are very important

Elijah had the keys of sealing as well as others

The power of the priesthood

    - in which man can act for his family

Jesus Christ has all the keys of the priesthood

We have the keys that are necessary for this dispensation

Authority is so we can keep that order

Talk about priesthood authority, Elder Oaks, April 2014 (https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-keys-and-authority-of-the-priesthood?lang=eng)

Given authority to preach the gospel

Is your spouse your friend?

Gospel Doctrine

Isaiah

22:7 What’s important to you? We have to be able to deal with our problems

    “And it shall come to pass, that thy choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in array at the gate.”

What are our choicest valleys?

22:21 David was of the house of Judah

    “And I will clothe him with thy robe, and strengthen him with thy girdle, and I will commit thy government into his hand: and he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah.”

22: 22-25 – speaking of Christ as the nail

    “And the key of the house of David will I lay upon his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.

    “And I will fasten him as a nail in a sure place; and he shall be for a glorious throne to his father’s house.

    “And they shall hang upon him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the issue, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups, even to all the vessels of flagons.

    “In that day, saith of LORD of hosts, shall the nail that is fastened in the sure place be removed, and be cut down, and fall; and the burden that was upon it shall be cut off: for the LORD hath spoken it.”

Helaman 5:12 – have a sure foundation

     “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty wings, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fail.”

Christ – the second coming – the Atonement = three main topic discussed in the scriptures

Do the best that we can

What do you do to help you stay on the path?

People you respect – want to be like them

Review – consistently – the conference talks until the next conference

Find a place where you can capture your thoughts

23:18 Holiness to the Lord

    “And her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the LORD: it shall not be treasured nor laid up; for her merchandise shall be for them that dwell before the LORD, to eat sufficiently, and for durable clothing.”

26:10

    “Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the LORD.”

1 Corinthians 15:22

    “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.”

We are given direction and instruction to better our lives

28:10 – line upon line, precept upon precept – we learn slowly

    “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little.”

We want to have the desire to learn

The Lord knows when we’re ready to learn something new

Bridle – controls the horse

30:28 – what makes us go away from Christ that we need to fix in our lives?

    “And his breath, as an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the next, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity; and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to err.”

Christ can help us overcome our addictions

Relief Society

We all progress differently

Have you done anything to help others

A small little thing can make BIG difference

Moroni 7:47 – charity to others is the greatest act we can do

    “But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.”

Charity works with the Holy Ghost

It’s all in the timing

Pay attention – being coupled with the spirit paves the way

If the spirit is not there you won’t accomplish much

Teaching of the Prophets, Joseph Fielding Smith, Chapter 20, Page 253

P. 255 section 2

John 13:33-34

    “Little children, yet a little while I am with you. Ye shall seek me: and as I said unto the Jews, Whither I go, ye cannot come; so now I say to you.

    “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”

The first and second great commandments

Do things out of love – don’t strive to be perfect

Be around people who love everybody – they glow

Love and help one another

When you feel loved, you feel better about yourself

It’s amazing how love and charity can improve a person’s day

Don’t jump on people – we have to let it go

If you don’t have the fault, you don’t worry about anyone else having it too

‘Do your best, forget the rest’

Lose yourself of those loose, petty, temporal things

Stop carrying around all the rocks

Worry about your own weakness, not others

Think about what you do – not what others do

Say positive things about others – be honest

Talk about what you need to improve on

Know when to say things – and when not to

Have a self evaluation each weel – find out what you need to do to improve yourself

Mission patterns are what we should do with family, spouses and in everyday life

“Have I Done Any Good” lyrics

    “Have I done any good in the world today?

     Have I helped anyone in need?

     Have I cheered up the sad and made someone feel glad?

     If not, I have failed indeed.

     Has anyone’s burden been lighter today

     Because I was willing to share?

     Have the sick and the weary been helped on their way?

     When they needed my help was I there?

 

     Then wake up and do something more

     Than dream of your mansion above.

     Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

     A blessing of duty and love.

     There are chances for work all around just now,

     Opportunities right in our way.

     Do not let them pass by, saying,

      “Sometime I’ll try,”

     But go and do something today.

     ‘Tis noble of man to work and to give;

     Love’s labor has merit alone.

     Only he who does something helps others to live.

     To God each good work will be known.

     Then wake up and do something more

     Than dream of your mansion above.

     Doing good is a pleasure, a joy beyond measure,

     A blessing of duty and love.”

   ~Text and music: Will L. Thompson, 1847-1909, alt.

Have an endless cycle of good deeds

The cycle starts and ends with love

Christ was sent to set a perfect example

We can be the best, and help others become the best

Hey! I'm back! Starting today I hope to post a few days worth of notes. The heading will be the day of the notes taken. I'm also adding in all the scriptures, some links to talks and the lyrics to the music! These are all the things I've written down during church. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to either post here or e-mail me. :)

Assignment

For my Religious class this week I had to find my favorite talk from the most recent General Conference. At first I was loathe to do it - how could I pick my favorite talk? It seemed impossible. Then, earlier this evening, while at Institute, my teacher (Sister Stacey) let me look through her Ensign, where all the talks are published. I picked one from President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. The talk that I chose was random. However, as I sat here, typing up my paper tonight, I realized how close to home it was. While writing it I realized what an impact it's message has had on me and my own life. I would strongly recommend reading the talk before continuing to read my own paper on it. The paper had to be at least 500 words - I manged 1,184 in less than 45 minutes.


(Quick Notes: sorry for the last paragraph. I know it's long, but it's a story.)

https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2013/04/the-hope-of-gods-light

The title of the talk is, "The Hope of God's Light".

The talk that I chose from last General Conference was President Uchtdorf’s talk, “The Hope Of God”. It was the first talk in the fourth session on Sunday morning. In it he outlines that while life may be dark and have many trials it is our goal to overcome those times. We are here to overcome the doubt and fear that might arise in our lives during moments of trial or weakness. He also talks about how we need to feel that we are not alone in this world to faces its many challenges alone. There are always people there to help us on our way; likewise, we are here to help others to make it through their own dark, frightening tunnels and back into the light. Most importantly, we are here to feel loved. We need to know that there are people who love us in this life, those who will be there for us when things go astray or wrong. Feeling loved is one of the biggest points that he outlines in his talk.

In his talk, President Uchtdorf divides it into sections; the first one is labeled “A Room Filled with Darkness”. I think that this applies to everyone’s life. We all have rooms hidden away in our lives that are full of all the hurt and suffering that we’ve been through. It also holds all the disappointments that we’ve faced; the doubts we may have had about ourselves and the fears that once held us in dark rapture. We need to know that those dark rooms can be filled with light and love again. Those are only brief, passing moments in our lives. How we choose to cope and learn from them is how we brighten the room and banish the darkness from our lives. The gospel of the church gives us that hope, love, joy and understanding. It’s the brightest light we can fill our rooms with. When we begin to fill our room with light we need to keep that light burning bright. This often means forgiving those who were once unforgivable. In order for us to move on, we need to let go of the grip the past may have on our lives and move forward. When we do this we add another bright light to our room’s arsenal. We need to know that the darkness is still out there – that it does exist, but we do not have to dwell there. We know that the light exists and that is where we should choose to dwell. He talks of how the healing process begins when we move away from the darkness and towards the light, the hope of something brighter in our lives.

The next section in his talk is entitled “Light Cleaveth Unto Light”. In it he describes how only good things can come from good things, or as he put it, “Light unto light”. No darkness can seep in when we have our lights burning brightly before us. He tells us that, if we are in the dark, we must actively search out the light and come to know it. Sitting around, “waiting for someone to flip a switch”, rarely happens. If we want our lives to change, we have to actively seek out that change and embrace it. He then outlines a plan to help us open our eyes to the hope of God’s light.

“Light Overcomes Darkness,” is the next section outlined. He speaks about how we all makes mistakes, forget things, falter in our paths and stumble. When these things begin to happen we need to turn towards the light and rely on its guidance to bring us out of the dark. No matter what happens, the light will always overcome the darkness. No matter how deep things might be, or how hurt and angry we are, if we place our faith and trust in the Lord we will overcome that darkness and live in the light.

The final section in his talk, “Come to the Light” is just what it is. While we might feel, and even be enveloped in darkness we need to know that the light is always there. He invites us to seek openly for the Lord and His light. When we find him, through study and prayer, we will have a warm and brilliant light that will continually surround us.

What I learned from this is that we need to continually overcome the darkness and the burdens that might leave us breathless in our trials. Those trials are fleeting moments in our lives. When we overcome them and enter into the light we will be able to live in the light and love of our Heavenly Father.

In my own life I’ve faced many struggles and trials. Each day I pray to Heavenly Father to help me endure and make it through. Last month I was visiting Salt Lake City for the first time. I arrived Saturday evening at midnight. I was feeling sick already, but I prayed to Heavenly Father that, if I had to be extremely sick, let me be sick on Monday. I had an interview on Wednesday and needed at least Tuesday to try and find the location of the interview. But most importantly, I prayed to be sick on Monday because I needed to be at church on Sunday. I had to make it through the three-hour block and back to my hotel without getting sick. If he would let me make it through my plane ride and through church on Sunday, I would gladly be sick on Monday. I made it safely to Salt Lake on Saturday. Sunday morning I was feeling ill, but I got into the city. I was able to walk around Temple Square on a perfect Easter Sunday and take pictures of the Temple. I was able to find my sister and we were able to go to church together. That night, I thanked Heavenly Father for letting me attend my meetings, and especially to see and visit the Temple. I went to sleep, content that the day had gone well. I woke up Monday morning at eight a.m., feeling sick to my stomach! My prayers had been answered. I was able to make it to Utah, make it to church, and get sick, then have time to recover before my interview. Through the trial of Monday I prayed that Heavenly Father would keep me close as I endured the pain I was in. Later on, while visiting the Temple Bookstore I found a card with the poem, “The Footprints” written on one side and a picture of the Savior on the other. It stunned me, because each time I face a trial, I think of how the Lord is holding me in his arms while walking down the road. I know that each time I feel like the darkness is winning, all I have to do is remember that this isn’t a time of darkness. This is a time when the Lord is holding me in his arms, safe from the raging storm around me.

General Conference April 6, 2013 – Second Session

Conducting: Henry B. Eyring

Conductor Music: Ronald Stasly

Music By: BYU Choir

Song: “Jesus the Very Thought of Thee”

Prayer: Russell. T. Oslethorpe

Have a desire to serve

Join the missionaries

Song: “Did You Think to Pray”

1^st Speaker: Deiter F Uchtdorf - Sustaining

2^nd Speaker: Robert W. Cantwell – Annual Report

D&C 120 – church funds

3^rd Speaker: Brook P. Hales – secretary to 1^st presidency – stastics report

Stakes: 3,003

347 Missions

14million 182 thousand

4 Temples dedicated

Kansas

Brazil

Brigahm

Calgery

2 Redicated Temples

140 Operational Temples

As of 12-31-12

4^th speaker: Richard G. Scott

We each need a place of refuge to reenergize for furture pressures

    Ideal place is within our homes

    Make Jesus Christ the center piece

Center your home and life on the Lord Jesus Christ

Make certain every decision you make is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do

Parents should teach children how their actions effect each member of the home

Grow to become trustworthy citizens in the Kingdom of God

Daily personal and Family Prayer

Daily personal and Family Scriptures

Weekly Family Home Evening

Don’t rationalize future happiness by taking shortcuts

Small things lead to big things

Simple, consistant good habits lead to bountiful blessings

Satan is no match for the Savior

    he has already lost

Don’t let him exploit your weaknesses

Stay on the Lord’s side and you will win every time

Technology

    Can be used as a blessing

    Can also be a deterrent

   Use it with discipline

   Don’t let it become a habit to continually use

  Be wise in how you use technology

  Study as often as you text

Do all you can to invite the Holy Ghost into our homes

Act obediently on those promptings

Couple your efforts to be obedient to those serving around you

Use your talents to bless the lives of those around you

Selfishnesses is the root of evil

Focus your life outward in service to others

Service brings power of God – Unselfishness service brings this

Be an example to your friends

We can provide a Christ centered home as an example to those in our community

Do all you can to have a Christ-centered Home

Be that kind of a friend

Home should not be used as something to gain a personal advantage

Welcome others who need to be strengthened by this experience

Trust in the Lord and in His timing

Remember that some things must be left to the Lord

He wants us to lay our burdans at his feet

We are in the watch care of the Savior

Recognize the good things in others NOT the stains

Build on his/her virtues

That thin thread of home is a massive link that can lift you, comfort you when you fear

Place your [comfort] in the Lord

A time and season in all things

We can learn and grow and become like him

Live an obedient life, firmly rooted in the gospel of Christ

In the midst of turmoil we can enjoy eternal peace

5^th Speaker: Quentin L. Cook

Events often occur that rob of us peace

The Stakes of Zion are a place of refuge of wrath

World Peace and Inner Peace

“Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth Peace, Good Will towards Man”

Matthew 10 – The Lord’s mission would not attain world peace in his time

V. 34

He who Endures to the end shall be saved

D&C Preface

“There never came to the world . . . that peace . . . ” President Wilford Smith (?)

D&C “But learn that he . . . shall receive  . . . . peace in this world . . .”

“His peace will ease our suffering . . . a love of fellow men . . .” (?)

“The Savoir’s peace can block out our hate” (?)

Peace comes from knowing our Savior knows who we are

“My son, peace be unto thy soul . . . but a moment . . . ” Savior to Joseph Smith in jail

The Lord is a lord of peace, not confusion

Savior’s atonement would overcome

“To believe in God is to know the rules will all be fair and there will be wonderful surprises”

Peace is not found by wealth . . . pleasure . . . this cannot obtain everlasting peace

“Where can I turn for Peace?” (song)

      The Savior

How do we stay close to the Savior?

Repentance and living righteously

“I’ll drop by burden at his feet, and bear a song away” (song)

The church is a refuge where we can obtain peace

Temples where many of these ordinances occur

Temple grounds are where we can feel peace

The Savior is the source of True peace

Righteous living will be rewarded with peace

Blessed with the comforteror (Holy Ghost)

“Peace be unto you, peace I leave you . . . that in me ye might have peace . . . be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

“Life up your hearts in praise to God” (?)

Song Choir/Congregation: “Rejoice, the Lord is King”

6^th Speaker: Stanley G. Ellis

Be direct

Be on time

Stick to the basics

The first Article of Faith

The Holy Ghost is our: revelator, teacher, comforteror

We are not alone

We can learn from our parents

The Lord has shown us The way

   To help’ 

  To love, to lead, to raise children, share the gospel

True to the Faith

For the Strength of the Youth

Proverbs, “Be not wise in your own eyes . . . lean not to your own understanding”

Doing things the Lord’s way we receive blessings and his promise, when we don’t we lose them

Samuel – finding a new King

“The Lord seeth not as man seeth, man looketh on the outward appearance, the Lord looketh on the heart”

Promote self-relieance

    Things should be done for a person’s self – we need to be able to do things

Missionary Work

    Preach My Gospel

Love

    Authorized way and time to express that love

Bloom where we are planted

What happens in the home is far more important than what happens outside

The Lord will guide us if we seek his confirmation

Ask which ward needs a good family, not which is the best ward?

Do all we do in His way

In the gift of His son, he has prepared a good way

Alma, “Oh that I were an Angel!  . . . might not be more sorrow upon the face of the whole earth.”

Heavenly Father knows us and wants to help

7^th Speaker: John B. Dickson

Acts 1 – ministered 40 days after His resurrection

Matthew – take the gospel to all the nations

Acts 10-11

    Process and pattern of the expansion of the church

Cornelius – centurian

Paul – formerly Saul

Take the Gospel to the world

1830, the church has moved steadily since then

1978, Spencer W. Kimball, Priesthood – all worthy males could receive it

Have little of what matters least and have a lot of what matters most

8^th Speaker: David A Bednar

Why is the law of Chastity so important?

All human beings are created in the image of God

All lived as spirit children with the Lord before coming to Earth

Bodies present a: Breadth, depth and intensity of experience

We can experience things through the bodies we have: sorrow, pleasure, pain, ache, etc.

Adam and Eve

    “Neither the man without the woman, nor the woman without the man”

Marriage between a man and a woman

Fidelity between husband and wife after marriage

Agents blessed with moral agency

“The natural man is the earthy man – rude animal passions that overshadow the spiritual”

The natural man (in the church) is spiritual

We have inherited diving principles from the Lord

Our spiritual body is subject to the fall

The test: “Will I respond to the enticings of the natural man, or will I put them off and be [like unto the Lord]?”

Natural man may be overcome by the Atonement of Chirst

The Lord wants: To Be together in the light and full of hope

The Father of Lies wants us to be alone, in the dark and without hope

Damned: stopped of progression – stopped of becoming like unto the Lord

The very tool the Adversay doesn’t have (a body) is the one thing that he continuall attacks: he wants us to defile it and cause it harm

Look beyond mortality and into Eternity

Alma’s counsel to his son Shiblom

Curb the natural man in each of us

Love increases though righteous restraint, decreases through indulgences

“. . . the pure in heart shall see God . . . let virture garnish thy thoughts unceasingly . . . God”

Pursue the path of chastity

Walk in the light with hope

The Lord: the Great Physician

Consider sin as a physical pain

The Atonement has the healing salve

    Only applied through faith, obedience, [?]

Bishop or Branch President is the physician to you

Serious spiritual wounds require time to heal fully

Obedience to the law of chastity will make us happy

Chasisity and virture are now

     Most dear and precious of all things

9^th Speaker: Russell M. Nelson

Missionary Work – enthuesiam

Now is your time to prepare to teach others

YM/YW circulutiom is important

Apply to colleges before going on a mission – you can be accepted, then take the time to go on a mission

Live exemplary lives

Be prepared to answer questions from friends

     Respond by saying, “Let’s ask the missionaries!”

     Be by their side as they teach

Catch the wave

“Pinching pennies from piggybanks becomes your practice”

Contribute to the General Missionary Fund

Catch the wave with faith and enthuesiam

Other people not of our faith can catch the wave too

Through God’s eternal plan, families can be together forever

193 years ago, “This is my beloved son, hear him.”

Our living God is a loving God

He wants his children to gain glory and eternal life

Book of Mormon in fully harmony with the Bible

The Restoration of the Gospel

BOM is the centerpiece of the Restoration

Doctrine and Covenants contains more revelation

Catch the wave and spread the gospel to the entire world

Song: “More Holiness Give Me”

Closing Prayer: Elder J. Debin Cornish – of 70

General Conference - April 6, 2013, First Session

April 6, 2013 – First Session

Conducting: Dieter F. Uchtdorf

Conductor Music: Mack Wilberg, Ryan Murphy

Music By: Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Introduction (Song): “Redeemer of Israel”

Song: “In Hymns of Praise”

Prayer: Randall K Bennet of 70

1^st Speaker: President Thomas S. Monson

Temples: 2 new ones

  - Ceder City Utah

  - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Missionary work has April 4, 65,634 full time missionaries serving

20,000 more received calls

6,000 more in interview processes

58 new missions opened

The General Missionary fund of the church

Song: “Hear all ye nations”

2^nd Speaker: Boyd K. Packer

“I had a thought . . . content to move ahead . . . is what I’d understand . . . age has brought those precious truths that make the gospel grow . . . we’re meant to age, with it comes the knowledge of the truth . . . great spiritual gains . . . I know I will see him again at the end of my life’s story . . . ” (poem)

“We will not always be safe from the Adversary’s influence, not even in our own homes”

The Family is under attack from forces seen and unseen

It’s to cause injury

Injuring Family is the Adversary’s goal

Find safety and security in honoring the covenants of simple obedience

“The work of the righteous shall be peace . . . forever” Isaiah

“If you’re prepared, ye need not fear”

Faith is a real power, not just an expression of belief

Few things more powerful than a righteous prayer of a faithful mother

You will do No greater work than within the walls of your home

We are free to make and choose our choices, but we are not free to choose the consequences

Alma taught that the Lord cannot look upon sin

“Go and sin no more”

Be careful of the tolerance path

All are born with the light of Christ

We can recognize right from wrong – it’s how we choose we use that gift

Spirit of Christ given to every man

The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds

3^rd Speaker: Dean M Davies

Earthquakes

Build upon a sure foundation

Sandy and muddy foundations will wither away and fall

“Remember, remember” – Mosiah (my sons . . .)

Be aware of where you build your foundations – build on sturdy ground and use good materials to frame your life to be sure and unshaken

Faith, repentance, baptism, enduring to the end – blocks to help us stayed moored to the gospel and the Lord

Prayer, reading the scriptures, taking the sacrament

Provide for an appropriate balance in your daily lives of the previous things

Apply Temple ordinances as well

Paul to Ephesians “In whom all the building . . . fit together in the Temple of the Lord”

Prayer is a big character – express love, care

Avenue to follow

Alma, “Counsel in the Lord [for all thy doings] . . . let thy heart be full of thanks unto God . . . lifted up at the last day”

Include the Lord in your daily prayers

Search the scriptures on a daily basis – let it be the same as eating each day

“Feast upon the words of Christ . . . tell [what ye shall do]”

Worthily partake of the sacrament each week

The Spirit acts as a kind of mortar for our lives

Taking the sacrament strengthens our lives

The Wise Man and the Foolish Man

Be like the wise man and hearken unto the words of the Lord

Build your lives on a safe and sure foundation

Be better prepared to live our lives

4^th Speaker: Elaine S Dalton

The Young Woman Theme

“What e’re thou art, act well thy part”

We are each unique in our experience and our trials

We matter

“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father who loves us”

Insist on a college education

Be a contributing member of society as well as in your home

“I the Lord am bound by what I say . . .”

Understand who you are, and whose you are

“Never lose sight of the strength of the women . . . their influence is paramount, creators of life . . . indispensable companions . . .” Gordon B Hinckley

Young Women need mothers and mentors

Your example is important

Act well

Spouses are partners

Return to virtue

Chastity

“We are daughters of our Heavenly Father”

Mosiah 18:9

   - “Stand as a witness”

Act well your part

Be grateful for righteous men who hold the power of the priesthood

Song – Choir/Congregation: “Let Us All Press On”

5^th Speaker: Craig A Cardon

The son of man forgives sins

The man who was lowered in on a bed

He does not excuse us in our sins

His redeeming power sanctifies us

70 X 7 times forgive

Doctrine and Covenants

1830 – 1843 – told Joseph, “Thy sins are forgiven thee”

The Lord does not limit forgiveness

“Overcome the world” (scripture, “wherefore overcome the world . . .”)

The Lord knows our weakness

The Savior wants to forgive

He allows for [improvement] over time

He forgives again and again

Know that the Lord will recognize our righteous efforts

Rationalized false faith does not [rationalize] sin

His compassion and grace are how we overcome

The Lord looks upon our hearts and our actions

Be [able] to overcome yourself

Don’t be discouraged with those who struggle – show patience and [courage]

“Bear in mind that people can change . . . develop capacity to see men how they may become” Thomas S. Monson, Oct. General Conference

“I will be merciful unto your weakness”

The Lord knows what we’re facing

Pray always to not enter into temptation

Repentance is not easy

“Verily I say unto you, notwithstanding your sins, . . . I will not utterly cast you off . . . in the day of wrath I will remember mercy - ”

“Gently Raise the Sacred Strain”

    4^th verse, “Holy, holy is his word . . .”

6^th Speaker: M. Russell Ballard

The stars at night

Pearl of Great Price, “And worlds without number have I created . . . for mine own purpose . . . which is mine only begotten”

Hubble telescope confirms what the Lord said

So large, so vast are the Lord’s creations

Bind in Heave that which is bound in Earth

Power of priesthood comes when those are worthy act on the Lord’s will

“Only tap the [power of the Lord] . . . worthy”

Men and women have different, equally important roles

Procreative and priesthood power are shared through man and wife

Moses 1:39

D & C 81 Power of priesthood used to succor the weak . . . help those in need

We have unlimited divine potential

Don’t become like the wilted tomato plant

A tomato plant needs light and water to survive and produce more tomatoes

Take part in the light and living waters of the gospel

Don’t wilt spiritually

Take part of the essential spiritual nutrients

“Strengthening the family and the [?] Through the priesthood” – video my M. Russell Ballard

Be partakers of the blessings of the priesthood

Video at lds.org or downloadable

“If any man thirst, let him come unto me and drink . . . springing up into eternal life . . .  I am the light of the world . . . the light of life . . .”

“Priesthood is an everlasting principle . . . God has freely given his power to those who accept . . . leads to immortality and eternal life . . .” Joseph Smith

May we be wise and seek to strengthen our lives, the lives of our families

Song: “Faith”

7^th Speaker: Henry B. Eyring

“Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you . . . knock and it shall be opened unto you . . .”

In our service to him, he comes to us

Simple acts of obedience through the covenants

    Going to sacrament meeting

“Abide with me, ‘tis even tide”

    “O Savior, stay this night with me”

“Why seek ye the living among the dead?”

We are witnesses of these things

“Stand as witnesses of God at all times, in all things and in all places”

We are under covenant to life up those in need

Be faithful to those in need

“In [those that receive you] there will I be also, on your left and on your right . . . angels to bear you up”

Give devoted service to him

Depend on the Lord to come close to them [those in your family who’ve strayed] and to comfort them and bring them back

“In me there is all power”

Your prayers, and the prayers of others, will help send the Lord’s messengers to help those who you are praying for

Alma the Younger and the Sons of Mosiah

The Savior will draw close to you with what is best

Reach our your arms in giving service to others – offer the cleansing atonement to those in need

“Seek to bring forth and establish my Zion . . . which gift is the greatest . . . and their works shall follow them . . . which I have prepared for them”

We can follow the invitation of the Father, “This is my son, hear him.”

All will have the opportunity to hear His gospel

Serve others for him

Find joy in being drawn closer to Him

A time of joy for those who have drawn closer to Him in this life

Song: “My Redeemer Lives”

Closing Prayer: Gene Stevens

Single Adult Conference August 13, 2011 (2-6)

Overall Theme: "Overcoming Adversity"

Second Workshop:

My Anchor in Adversity

The Kite
  The kite it . . . us
  How critical is the air to flying kites?
    What does it represent?     Adversity

Adversity can raise us up - not always, but sometimes

So why Adversity?

Now . . . one of the mysteries
 - one of the greatest secrets ever sought after . . .
 - never found by 99.00% of world?
         The Plan of Salvation

2 Nephi 2:11

Where does adversity come from?
    - friends, enemies, family, self inflicted, life?

At some time your body will be against you
What is the most gut wrenching adversity experience you've ever had?
   (think about it or write about it)

Write down some challenges you may have faced
All a matter of perspective
What have been your greatest Adversities?
    Would you trade?

People's adversities are different from others. We can not judge one person, or anyone based on our own trials

Looking at other's adversities puts our own into perspective sometimes (for me personally, a whole lot!)

"Purified by Fire" - talk by President James E. Faust
  "Here, then, is a great truth . . . seek to do right and be faithful . . ." (2nd paragraph)
"The thorns . . . perfect for process."

We want our lives to become soft clay in the master's hands

How can we be prepared to handle adversity?
  - Holy Ghost, comforteror
  - Good attitude
  - Faith

Stress is what you feel when you put the things of the world before God. Peace is what you feel when you put the Lord before the world. - Anonymous

"I don't want to frighten you . . . part of our belief." - President M. Russell Ballard

Upon What Are You Anchored?
      What is our anchor? our Testimony of the Atonement

Will your anchor leave you?

If you sever the anchor, the anchor remains, but the Testimony leaves

You must make that anchor strong

James 1:5-6
Helaman 5:12
      Build your Testimony upon the Rock of the Savior
3 Nephi 14:25
Alma 26: 6-7 - in the hands of the Lord

Elder Joseph B Worthlin "Our Father in Heaven does . . . challenges."  "That kind of . . . our own likes."" "Use ingenuity . . . rest to the Lord"

Doctrine and Covenants 122:7-9

" . . . know thou . . . God shall be with you forever and ever"

September 29, 2012 Saturday

Relief Society General Broadcast

Linda K Burton (General President)

Jeremiah saw our day

  “After their day . . . sin no more.”

The atonement applies to us personally

“The promised land is out there, we have to keep searching”

Choose what you will take in your cart

 - What is written in your heart?

Ask the Lord to live righteously

Keep commandments

Help those around you

3 Principles of Atonement

1) All that is unfair in life can be made right

 We share all challenges

 “Suffering and adversity” build us up more than peace and tranquility

 The enemy knows when to attack us

 - The Savior is there to lift us up

2) Overcome natural man/woman and become disciples of Christ

 Sinning is like falling into a pit

 Repent and obey, climb out of your pit

 Be determined to stay on the path

3) Evidence of love of Heavenly Father for his children

 Give thanks for the Savior

 “I am worth something.” - $20 woman

 Know you are a beloved daughter/son of God

Song: Medley “I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus/How Could the Father Tell the World” – choir

Carole M. Stephens (1^st counselor)

Be wide awake for your duties

New Testament – Armor of Light

Book of Mormon – Mourn, comfort, stand as witness

Baptism

We won’t make a serious mistake without first having a warning from the Holy Ghost

Ask, “Have I had a serious change of heart?”

The Savior understands your pain and sadness

“Come unto me . . .  I will give you rest”

Ask, “What is my Sacrifice?”

Don’t let your sisters down spiritually – ever

We are all pulling handcarts

See a need and act

We are never alone

Continue to strive for blessings

Be awake to your duty – don’t just be on the journey

Linda S. Reeves (2^nd counselor)

The Savior and the Father know when we are in pain

 - They feel the depth of our suffering

Alma, “And he shall go forth . . . He will take upon him . . .”

“Cast upon the night you cried to me in your heart”

You can not do things alone – the Lord is there for comfort and relief

Alma the Younger’s words to his son Helaman

The Lord has not forgotten you – he will carry you through

Cast your burdens upon him – tell him your afflictions

Reel and see, then help those around us

Song: “I Stand All Amazed” – choir and congregation

President Henry B. Eyring (1^st Counselor of church)

“Cherish, watch, love, instruct” – Lucy Mack Smith

1) Care

2) Teach, be taught

3) Sit down together with God

Responded to the call to go to the relief of others

“What comes next for willing hands to do?”

The Lord watches over each of us

“Done to the least, ye have done it unto me”

“Keep the Faith”

When we encounter someone in distress, we act like the Good Samaritan

Always invite family members to help when in need

Caring for those in need takes a team

You feel increasing love for those you serve

All things must be done in order

Retain your power to serve

Put your focus on the Savior

Seek often the circle of sisters – the Lord is there

Song: “I Need Thee Every Hour” – choir

Sunday March 2, 2013

Fayetteville Stake Conference - General Session

President Parker -
Things happen the way the Lord wants them to happen
James 1:27 - visit the fatherless and the widows
Sometimes our plans don't work out how we want them to
Doctrine and Covenants 44:6
Look forward to living the law
Don't wait for society to make great changes
Preparation of the youth
The New Youth Curriculum
Take time to testify
Talk to the children
Impart what you know to the youth
This is a lifetime of learning
Live in joy

Brady Cole - Temples
Gives us power and knowledge
Doctrine and Covenants 109:22-23
The temple plays a big role in missionary work
"Preach My Gospel" (teaching and learning manual)

Ashley Cain - Temples
168 Temples, so far
Places of learning
Go to feel protected from the world
Kings 9:3
His spirit will be there continuously
There is a difference between the spirit of the Temple grounds and the outside world

Angela Gubler - Temple Experiences
Go with questions
Have Hope
A family is a fragile thing
We can make and keep sacred covenants
The list of things the Lord can do is exceedingly long, longer than our is
Doctrine and Covenants 109:22-23
Go forth armed with the Lord's power
Take His name upon you
Every name you put through the Temple is fighting for you on their side
You won't know if you don't go
You have to go
This is the work of God
Going to the temple can affect your family

President Jewkes -
Find rest unto your souls
Doctrine and Covenants 1:1, 4-5, 18-19
   Original preface to the book of the Lord's commandments
Go to every isle of the world
Weak things shall break down strong (v. 18-19)
v. 23 - Missionary Work
Missionaries as Moroni's
Armed with power to speak truth
58 new missions have been opened
Are we prepared to follow in the Lord's pattern?
Be Bold
Set a deadline to invite someone into your home (1)
Volunteer to host Missionary discussions in your home (2)
Put more love in your life
Love is a spiritual gift

Elder Hyman -
Do you ever pinch yourself and wonder how lucky you are to be a member of this church?
The priesthood we have today comes directly from the Savior
Holy Ghost comforts us in times of need
Baseball and the Gospel
We're excited when we get to come first (here on the planet, first base)
Excited to get into the game
Our goal - in both - is to get home; with friends and family
Our coaches in the dugout: teachers, leaders, parents
The Adversary is there to strike us out: curves, fast, hard
Listen to those in the dugout
Challenges facing the Youth & all today:
1) A morally deteriorating world
 - bad media
 - religion 'not cool'
2) Media and Technology can be a deterrent
 - evil places
 - evil things seen and heard
 - use it properly
 - Time could be better spent in service, gospel activity, person-to-person activity
 - social interaction
Technology can't teach in a home on a mission
3) Break down of the Family
 - divorce is part of life (FALSE!)
 - reduced parental guidance
 - child bearing
 - single parents
Reach out and help each other
It's good to know NONE of us has a perfect family
Everything isn't perfect in every home
There are bumps along the way
4) Conversion of the Youth often absent or weak
 - concerned with failure of practice's to convert
Have activities that help with gospel
Many good things to be involved in
Have a good balance in your home
If you make the decision once, you won't have to make it again
 - Keep Sabbath day holy
 - Attend church
The Lord's principles come back to bless us
Make it clear up front
There are more important things than being a 'star'
Be part of the Army of Helaman
Children need to hear their parents testimony
 - time to play
 - time to talk
 - time to spend with them
There are wonderful programs in the church
Teach people - Not lessons
Ask what people need in their life
Are they trained well enough to teach and bear testimony to others?
Don't do a check-list
Be "Preach My Gospel" ready
Can we take a lesson where the spirit directs?
Be guided by the spirit
5) Often You have been prepared poorly for life in the world
 - no work ethic
 - walk away from challenges
 - few experiences
 - sense of entitlement
 - sense that substandard is okay
1 Nephi 17
 - building a boat
 v. 50 "If God had commanded me to do all things, I would do them."
Become the person Heavenly Father wants you to become
Take time to ponder and understand
Mosiah 7:33
 - put your trust in him
 - serve him with all diligence
 - he will deliver you from bondage
The Savior has promised to deliver us
2 Nephi 2:25 plan of Salvation "Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy."
2 Nephi 2:26 "And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given."
Go up to bat and swing
Don't watch the pitches go by, so we can go back to the dug out
When we are obedient in the commandments we are free
2 Nephi 2:26-30
"And the Messiah cometh in the fulness of time, that he may redeem the children of men from the fall. And because that they are redeemed from the fall they have become free forever, knowing good from evil; to act for themselves and not to be acted upon, save it be by the punishment of the law at the great and last day, according to the commandments which God hath given
"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself."
"He (The Adversary) seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself"
"Good called evil, evil called good" - Isaiah
Act, teach children to learn to act
Primary Song, "The Church of Jesus Christ"
I belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
I know who I am.
I a know God's plan.
I'll follow him in faith.
I believe in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
I'll honor his name.
I'll do what is right;
I'll follow his light.
His truth I will proclaim."
Truth of primary song will take us home
Share it with neighbors, friends and family