THE FATHER AND THE SON: ELDER CHRISOFFEL GOLDEN JR.

At the heart of the gospel of Jesus Christ and its power to save is a correct understanding of the Father and the Son.

As Latter-day Saints and as Christians, we likewise have a strong and deep faith in God the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ. Devotion to God ever remains a sacred and personal matter between each of us and our Maker.

Our quest for eternal life is nothing other than a quest to understand who God is and for us to return to live with Him. The Savior prayed to His Father, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."

The Father and the Son are distinctly separate beings, but They are perfectly united and one in power and purpose.
Their oneness is not reserved for Them alone; rather, They desire this same oneness for everyone who will, with devotion, follow and obey Their commandments.

President Ezra Taft Benson with prophetic insight said, "nothing is going to startle us more when we pass through the veil to the other side than to realize how well we know our father [in Heaven] and how familiar his face is to us."

FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST: ELDER DALLIN H. OAKS

Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.

"come, follow me," the Savior said.
Then let us in his footsteps tread,
For thus alone can we be one
With God's own loved, begotten Son.

All of the messages of this conference help us follow in the footsteps of our Savior, whose example and teachings define the path for every follower of Jesus Christ.

Latter-day Saints understand that we should not be "of the world" or bound to "tradition of men," but like other followers of Christ, we sometimes find it difficult to separate ourselves from the world and its traditions. Some model themselves after worldly ways because, as Jesus said of some whom He taught, "they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God"

Savior may I learn to love thee,
Walk the path that thou hast shown
Savior, may I learn to love thee-
Lord, I would follow thee.

 Following Christ is not a casual or occasional practice but a continuous commitment and way of life that applies at all times and in all places.

But at least we can understand that achieving this ultimate destiny in eternity is possible only if we follow our Savior, Jesus Christ, who taught that "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"

Is it enough alone to know
That we must follow him below,
While trav'ling thru this vale of tears?
No, this extends to holier spheres

For thrones, dominions, kingdoms, pow'rs,
And glory great and bliss are our,
If we, throughout eternity,
Obey his words,  "Come, follow me."

He invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls.

"LORD, I BELIEVE": ELDER JEFFREY R. HOLLAND

Honestly acknowledge your questions and your concerns, but first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe.

Observation 1 regarding this account is that when facing the challenge of faith, the father asserts his strength first and only then acknowledges his limitation.

When those moments come and issues surface, the resolution of which is not immediately forthcoming, hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes.

The 2 observation is a variation of the first. When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your "unbelief"

In this church, what we know will always trump what we do not know. And remember, in this world, everyone is to walk by faith.

Last observation: When doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help. If we want it as humbly and honestly as this father did, we can get it.

OBEDIENCE BRINGS BLESSINGS: PRESIDENT THOMAS S. MONSON

A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.

Throughout the ages, men and women have sought for knowledge and understanding concerning this mortal existence and their place and purpose in it, as well as for the way to peace and happiness. Such a search is undertaken by each of us.

This knowledge and understanding are available to all mankind. They are contained in truths which are eternal.

"Truth is knowledge of things as they are, and as they were, and as they are to come."

"He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."

A knowledge of truth and the answers to our greatest questions come to us as we are obedient to the commandments of God.

There are rules and laws to help ensure our physical safety. Likewise, the Lord has provided guidelines and commandments to help ensure our spiritual safety so that we might successfully navigate this often-treacherous mortal existence and return eventually to our Heavenly Father.

Said President Gordon B. Hinckley, " The happiness of the Latter-day Saints, the peace of the Latter-day saints, the progress of the Latter-day Saints, the prosperity of the Latter-day Saints, and the eternal salvation and exaltation of this people lie in walking in obedience to the counsels of God."

My brothers and sisters, the great test of this life is obedience, "We will prove them herewith, " said the Lord, "to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them."

The knowledge which we seek, the answers for which we yearn, and the strength which we desire today to meet the challenges of the complex and changing world can be ours when we willingly obey the Lord's commandments. I quote once again the words of the Lord: "He that keepeth [God's] commandments receiveth truth and light, until he is glorified in truth and knoweth all things."

OBEDIENCE TO LAW IS LIBERTY: ELDER L. TOM PERRY

Men and women receive their agency as a gift from God, but their liberty and, in turn, their eternal happiness come from obedience to His laws.

Today we find ourselves in another war. This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. Secularism is becoming the norm, and many of its beliefs and practices are in direct conflict with those that were instituted by the Lord Himself for the benefit of His children.

President Harold B. Lee said, "Next to life itself, free agency is God's greatest gift to mankind."

Victory in the War in Heaven was a victory for man's agency.

Satan, however, was not done. His backup plan-the plan he has been executing since the time of Adam and Eve-was to tempt men and women, essentially to prove we are undeserving of the God-given gift of agency. Satan has many reasons for doing what he does. Perhaps the most powerful is the motive of revenge, but he also wants to make men and women miserable like he is miserable. None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed. His role in God's eternal plan creates "opposition in all things" and tests our agency. Each choice you and I make is a test of our agency-whether we choose to be obedient or disobedient to the commandments of God is actually a choice between "liberty and eternal life" and "captivity and death."

A  useful way to think about the commandments is they are loving counsel from a wise, all-knowing Heavenly Father. His goal is our eternal happiness, and his commandments are the road map. He has given us to return to Him, which is the only way we will be eternally happy. How significant are the home and the family to our eternal happiness? On page 141 of my little brown book, it states, "indeed our heaven is little more than a projection of our homes into eternity."

There are moral absolutes. Disobedience to the Lord's commandments will always deprive us of His blessings. These things do not change.

May we ever be a light on the hill, an example in keeping the commandments, which have never changed and will never change. Just as this small book encouraged LDS servicemen to stand morally firm in times of war, may we, in this latter-day war, be a beacon to all the earth and particularly to God's children who are seeking the Lord's blessings.

MARRIAGE: WATCH AND LEARN- ELDER L. WHITNEY CLAYTON

The promises of the Lord are extended to all those who follow the pattern of life that builds happy, holy marriage relationships.

First, I have observed that in the happiest marriages both the husband and wife consider their relationship to be a pearl beyond price, a treasure of infinite worth.
They both leave their fathers and mothers and set out together to build a marriage that will prosper for eternity.
Watch and learn: the best marriage partners regard their marriages as priceless

Next, faith. Successful eternal marriages are built on the foundation of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and adherence to His teachings.
I have observed that couples who have made their marriages priceless practice the patterns of faith: they attend sacrament and other meetings every week, hold family home evening, pray and study the scriptures together and as individuals, and pay an honest tithing.
They do not consider the commandments to be a buffet from which they can pick and choose only the most appealing offerings

Faith is the foundation of every virtue that strengthens marriage. Strengthening faith strengthens marriage. Faith grows as we keep the commandments, and so do the harmony and joy in marriage.
Thus, keeping the commandments is fundamental to establishing strong eternal marriages.
Watch and learn: faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is the foundation of happy eternal marriages

Third, repentance. I have learned that happy marriages rely on the gift of repentance. It is an essential element in every good marital relationship.
Spouses who regularly conduct honest self-examination and promptly take needed steps to repent and improve experience a healing balm in their marriages. Repentance helps restore and maintain harmony and peace. 

Humility is the essence of repentance. Humility is self-less, not selfish. It doesn't demand its own way or speak with moral superiority. Humility recognizes that no one can change someone else, but with faith, effort, and the help of God, we can undergo our own mighty change of heart. Humility means that both husbands and wives seek to bless, help, and lift each other, putting the other first in every decision. 
Watch and learn: repentance and humility build happy marriages

Fourth, respect. I have observed that in wonderful, happy marriages, husbands and wives treat each other as equal partners.
Watch and learn: terrific marriages are completely respectful, transparent, and loyal.

Fifth, love. The happiest marriages I have seen radiate obedience to one of the happiest commandments-that we "live together in love."
Watch and learn: successful couples love each other with complete devotion.

Keep the commandments, and trust the Lord and His perfect love for you. One day every promised blessing concerning marriage will be yours.


 

THE WORDS WE SPEAK: ROSEMARY M. WIXOM

How we speak to our children and the words we use can encourage and uplift them and strengthen their faith.

One of the greatest influences a person can have in this world is to influence a child. Children's beliefs and self-worth are shaped early in their lives.

How we speak to our children and the words we use can encourage and uplift them and strengthen their faith to stay on the path back to Heavenly Father. They come to this earth ready to listen.

 

DISCONNECT AND LISTEN WITH LOVE

 

Why not choose a time each day to disconnect from technology and reconnect with each other? Simply turn everything off. When you do this, your home may seem quiet at first; you may even feel at a loss as to what to do or say. Then, as you give full attention to your children, a conversation will begin, and you can enjoy listening to each other.

 

 

WRITE TO PERSUADE OUR CHILDREN

 

President Monson asks: "What would you and I say to our families if we were in the same situation-not having seen them for over two years and not knowing if we would ever see them again?

 

May the words we speak and write to our children reflect the love our Heavenly Father has for His Son, Jesus Christ, and for us.



 



 



IT'S A MIRACLE: ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSON

If you're not a full-time missionary with a  missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart-painted, as Paul said, "not with ink, but with the spirit of the living God."

Our day is a remarkable time of miracles. six months ago as President Monson announced the age change for young men and young women desiring to serve missions, there was an undeniable spiritual outpouring. Faith overcame doubt, and young men and women moved forward.

surely as the lord has inspired more missionaries to serve, he is also awakening the minds and opening the hearts of more good and honest people to receive his missionaries.

THE HOPE OF GOD'S LIGHT: PRESIDENT DIETER F. UCHTDORF

ENTRANCE TO ENLIGHTENMENT

 

I have a cherished painting in my office that is titled Entrance to enlightenment. It was created by a friend of mine, the Danish artist Johan Benthin, who was the first stake president in Copenhagen, Denmark.

 

The painting shows a dark room with an open door from which light is shining. It is interesting to me that the light coming through the door does not illuminate the entire room-only the space immediately in front of the door.

 

But even though we may feel lost in the midst of our current circumstances, God promises the hope of His light- He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness.

 

 

LIGHT CLEAVETH UNTO LIGHT

 

 

There may be some among you who feel darkness encroaching upon you. You may feel burdened by worry, fear, or doubt. To you and to all of us, I repeat a wonderful and certain truth:

God's light is real. It is available to all! It gives life to all things. It has the power to soften the sting of the deepest wound. It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair, it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night into the promise of a new dawn.

 

This is "the spirit of Jesus Christ," which gives "light to every man that cometh into the world."

 

so how do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light?

1. start where you are - The very moment you begin to seek your Heavenly Father, in that moment, the hope of his light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. The darkness may not dissipate all at once, but as surely as night always gives way to dawn, the light will come.
2. turn your heart toward the Lord- Lift up your soul in prayer and explain to your Heavenly Father what you are feeling. Acknowledge your shortcomings. Pour out your heart and express your gratitude. Let him know of the trials you are facing. Plead with him in Christ's name for strength and support. Ask that your ears may be opened, that you may hear his voice. Ask that your eyes may be opened, that you may see his light.
3. walk in the light- To the end, he sent his son to this earth to illuminate the way and show us how to safely cross the stumbling blocks placed in our path. He has given us the gospel, which teaches the way of the disciple. It teaches us the things we must know, do, and be to walk in his light, following in the footsteps of his beloved son, our savior.

 

LIGHT OVERCOMES DARKNESS

 

Yes, we will make mistakes

Yes, we will falter

 

But as we seek to increase our love for God and strive to love our neighbor, the light of the gospel will surround and uplift us. The darkness will surely fade, because it cannot exist in the presence of light. As we draw near to God, He will draw near to us. And day by day, the hope of God's light will grow within us,  "brighter and brighter until the perfect day."

 

 

 

 



 



CATCH THE WAVE: ELDER RUSSELL M. NELSON

I thank God and His Son, Jesus Christ, for the Restoration and its power to propel a magnificent wave of truth and righteousness across the earth.

More of you young men and women will catch this wave as you strive to be worthy of mission calls. You see this as a wave of truth and righteousness. You see your opportunity to be on the crest of that wave.

Our Eternal Father and Jesus Christ made multiple appearances to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Under their direction, other heavenly messengers came, each with a specific purpose.

• The angel Moroni revealed the Book of Mormon
• John the Baptist restored the Aaronic Priesthood
• Peter, James, and John restored the Melchizedek Priesthood
• Moses bestowed keys for the gathering of Israel
• Elias conferred keys of knowledge about Abraham
• Elijah restored keys of the sealing authority

The Restoration fulfills many biblical prophecies

• Isaiah prophesied that the Lord's house shall be established in the top of the mountains.
• The exodus of Mormon pioneers to the mountains of western America is a fulfilling saga of sacrifice and faith.
• Isaiah also foretold that God will do "a marvelous work and a wonder."
• That is now being fulfilled by the sacred work of our growing army of missionaries.

Prophecies that the stick of Joseph (the Book of Mormon) and the stick of Judah (the Bible) would be as one in God's hand have now been fulfilled.

The Book of Mormon is the centerpiece of the Restoration. It was written, preserved, and transmitted under the Lord's direction. It was translated "by the gift and power of God."

The book of Doctrine and Covenants contains many additional revelations given to the Prophet Joseph Smith. Through him we have received more pages of scripture than we have from any other prophet.

May we catch this wave and fulfill the Lord's command to take the gospel "to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,"

WE BELIEVE IN BEING CHASTE: ELDER DAVID A. BEDNAR

Obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity.

WHY IS THE LAW OF CHASTITY SO IMPORTANT?

THE FATHER'S PLAN OF HAPPINESS

 

The Father's plan enables his spirit sons and daughters to obtain physical bodies, to gain mortal experience, and to progress toward exaltation

 

 

THE IMPORTANCE OF A PHYSICAL BODY

 



Our physical bodies make possible a breadth, a depth, and an intensity of experience that simply could not be obtained in our pre-mortal existence. Thus, our relationships with other people, our capacity to recognize and act in accordance with truth, and our ability to obey the principles and ordinances of the gospel of Jesus Christ are amplified through our physical bodies.

 

Simply stated, there are lessons we must learn and experiences we must have, 



 



THE POWER OF PROCREATION

 

The unique combination of spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional capacities of both males and females was needed to enact the plan of happiness. The man and the woman are intended to learn from, strength, bless, and complete each other.

 



 THE NATURAL MAN

 

The precise nature of the test of mortality, then, can be summarized in the following question: Will I respond to the inclination of the natural man, or will I yield to the enticings of the Holy Spirit and put off the natural man and become a saint through the Atonement of Christ the Lord?

 

Every appetite , desire, propensity, and impulse of the natural man may be overcome by and through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. We are here on the earth to develop godlike qualities and to bridle all of the passions of the flesh.

 

THE PRINCIPLE OF REPENTANCE

 

Guilt is to our spirit what pain is to our body-a warning of danger and a protection from additional damage. From the Atonement of the Savior flows the soothing salve that can heal our spiritual wounds and remove guilt. However, this salve can only be applied through the principles of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, repentance, and consistent obedience. The results of sincere repentance are peace of conscience, comfort, and spiritual healing and renewal.

 

 

A PROMISE AND A TESTIMONY

 

Chastity and virtue are now, always have been, and always will be "most dear and precious above all things"



 



 

 



THE GOSPEL TO ALL THE WORLD: ELDER JOHN B. DICKSON

The church has moved steadily across the world from nation to nation, culture to culture, people to people, on the Lord's calendar and in his time.

I testify that through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Church has been restored and continues to move forward under the direction of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. Their mandate to take the gospel to the world is the same as that of the Apostles of old.

It has been said of Africans that they have very little of that which matters least and a great deal of that which matters most. They have little interest in enormous homes and the finest cars but great interest in knowing their Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and in having eternal families. As a natural result of their faith, the Lord is lifting them in meaningful ways.

THE LORD'S WAY BY ELDER STANLEY G. ELLIS

The Lord's way is that we hearken to our leaders' teachings, understand correct principles, and govern ourselves.

He is our Heavenly Father, who knows us, loves us, and wants us to return to Him. Jesus is our Savior and Redeemer, who through the Atonement made it certain we will overcome death and live again and possible for us to be exalted and have eternal life. The Holy Ghost is our comforter, revelator, teacher, testifier, and guide.

Think of it, brothers and sisters-we are not spiritual orphans! WE ARE NOT ALONE.

What are the advantages of having parents-of not being an orphan? we can learn from them, benefit from their experience, avoid pitfalls they warn us about, and understand better because of their perspective. We don't have to be lost, confused, deceived, or less effective. This is especially true in the case of our Heavenly Father, who has taught us and shown us not just a way but the way.

GOD HAS THE WAY

In fact, God has the way to live, to love, to help, to pray, to talk, to interact with each other, to lead, to marry, to raise children, to learn, to know the truth, to share the gospel, to choose wisely what we eat

1. Isaiah 55:8-9
2. Proverbs 3:5-7
3. D&C 82:10
4. 1 SAMUEL 16:7

GOVERNING OURSELVES

The apostles and prophets have often taught that what happens inside the home is far more important than what our children encounter outside.
How we raise our children is more important than where we raise them.

PERSONAL PEACE: THE REWARD OF RIGHTEOUSNESS; BY ELDER QUENTIN L. COOK

Even with the trails of life, because of the Savior's Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace.

Agency is essential to the plan of happiness.
It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth, and experience necessary for our eternal progression.
This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others.
The very War in Heaven was waged over our moral agency and is essential to understanding the Savior's earthly ministry.

President Joseph F. Smith taught, "There never can come to the world that spirit of peace and love...until mankind will receive God's truth and God's message...,and acknowledge his power and authority which is divine."

We earnestly hope and pray for universal peace, but it is as individuals and families that we achieve the kind of peace that is the promised reward of righteousness. This peace is a promised gift of the Savior's mission and atoning sacrifice.

President John Taylor taught that peace is not only desirable, but "it is the gift of God."

The peace to which I am referring is not just a temporary tranquility. It is an abiding deep happiness and spiritual contentment.

President Heber J. Grant described the Savior's peace this way: " His peace will ease our suffering, bind up our broken hearts, blot out our hates, engender in our breasts a love of fellow men that will suffuse our souls with calm and happiness."

Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trails and tragedies.

The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior's Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace.

FOR PEACE AT HOME: ELDER RICHARD G. SCOTT

One of the greatest blessings we can offer to the world is the power of a Christ-centered home where the gospel is taught, covenants are kept, and love abounds.

deep inside each of us is a need to have a place of refuge where peace and serenity prevail, a place where we can reset, regroup, and reenergize to prepare for future pressures.
The ideal place for that peace is within the walls of our own homes, where we have done all we can to make the Lord Jesus Christ the centerpiece.

Be certain that every decision you make, whether temporal or spirtual, is conditioned on what the Savior would have you do.
when He is the center of your home, there is peace and serenity.
There is a spirit of assurance that pervades the home, and it is felt by all who dwell there.

The prophetic counsel to have:

1. DAILY PERSONAL AND FAMILY PRAYER
2. DAILY PERSONAL AND FAMILY SCRIPTURE STUDY
3. WEEKLY FAMILY HOME EVENING

are the essential, weight-bearing beams in the construction of a Christ-centered home.
Without these regular practices it will be difficult to find the desired and much-needed peace and refuge from the world.

Just having the full standard works in your pocket will not protect you, but studying, pondering, and listening to them during quiet moments of each day will enhance communication through the spirit.

Doing all we can to invite the gentle, guiding influence of the Holy Ghost into our lives is critical in our attempts to center our homes on the Savior. Acting obediently on those promptings strengthens us even more.

Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord,
His power is a fundamental component to establishing a home filled with peace.

When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a mssive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you.
It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear.
Strive to live worthily and place your trust in the Lord.

COME UNTO ME- PRESIDENT HENRY B. EYRING

By His words and His example, Christ has shown us how to draw closer to Him

"Draw near unto me and I will draw near unto you; seek me diligently and ye shall find me; ask, and  ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Every covenant servant of His within His kingdom on earth and in the spirit world will receive His guidance by the spirit as they bless and serve others for Him.
And they will feel His love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him.

THIS IS MY WORK AND GLORY- ELDER M. RUSSELL BALLARD

The power of the priesthood is a sacred and essential gift of God.
It is different from priesthood authority, which is the authorization to act in God's name.
The authorization or ordination is given by the laying on of hands.
The power of the priesthood comes only when those who exercise it are worthy and acting in accordance with God's will.

Brothers and sisters, as the literal spirit children of our loving Heavenly Father, we have unlimited, divine potential.
But if we are not careful, we can become like the wilted tomato plant.
We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior's eternal love and priesthood power.

If any one of you feels your faith or your testimony of Heavenly Father's plan is less than you know it should be, then turn more fully to the Savior.
Let His light and His living water do for you and your family what a little water and light did in bringing life back to the weakened tomato plant.

THE SAVIOR WANTS TO FORGIVE- ELDER CRAIG A. CARDON

Savior forgives sins "upon earth" and not just at the final judgment. He does not excuse us in our sins. He does not condone our return to past sins. But when we repent and obey His gospel, He forgives us.

The Lord's compassion and grace are the means whereby "in process of time" we overcome the world through the enabling power of the Atonement. As we humbly seek this precious gift,"weak things become strong unto us," and by his strength, we are made able to do that which we could never do alone.

The Lord looks upon the light we have received, the desires of our hearts, and our actions, and when we repent and seek His forgiveness, He forgives. As we consider our own lives and the lives of our loved ones and acquaintances, we should be equally willing to forgive ourselves and others.

WE ARE DAUGHTERS OF OUR HEAVENLY FATHER- ELAINE S. DALTON

As Daughters of God we are each unique and different in our circumstances and experiences.
And yet our part matters-because we matter.

"what-e'er thou art, act well thy part."

Virtue is the strength and power of Daughters if God

A SURE FOUNDATION- BISHOP DEAN M. DAVIES

Let us accept the Savior's invitation to come unto Him.
Let us build our lives upon a safe and a sure foundation.

In the development of modern-day temples, careful attention is given to the design, engineering, and use of building materials.

Like the designers and builders of our time, our loving and kind Father in Heaven and His Son have prepared plans, tools, and other resources for our use so that we can build and frame our lives to be sure and unshaken.

THE PLAN IS THE PLAN OF SALVATION, THE GREAT PLAN OF HAPPINESS
The plan lays out for us a clear picture and understanding of the beginning and the end and the essential steps, including ordinances, which are necessary for each of Father's children to be able to return to his presence and dwell with him forever.

Faith, repentance, baptism, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end are part of the "blueprints" of life. They help to form the appropriate building blocks that will anchor our lives to the Atonement of Christ. These shape and frame the supporting structure of a person's life.

Then, just as temple plans have specifications that give detailed instructions about how to form and integrate essential components, praying, reading the scriptures, partaking of the sacrement, and receiving essential priesthood ordinances become the "specifications" that help integrate and bind together the structure of life.

If we do not provide for an appropriate balance in our lives of daily personal prayer and feasting from the scriptures, weekly strengthening from partaking of the sacrament, and frequent participation in priesthood ordinances such as temple ordinances, we too are at risk of being weakened in our spirtual structural strength.

Prayer is one of the most basic and important foundational building blocks of our faith and character. Through prayer we are able to express our gratitude, love, and devotion to God.
Through prayer we can submit our will to His and in return receive the strength to conform our lives to His teachings.
Prayer is the avenue we can follow to seek His influence in our lives, even revelation.

SHARING OUR THOUGHTS, FEELINGS,  AND DESIRES WITH GOD THROUGH SINCERE AND HEARTFELT PRAYER SHOULD BECOME TO EACH OF US AS IMPORTANT AND NATURAL AS BREATHING AND EATING.

Searching the scriptures on a daily basis will also fortify our faith and character. Just as we need food to nourish our physical bodies, our spirits and souls will be replenished and strengthened by feasting upon the words of Christ as contained in the writings of the prophets.

SEARCHING, PONDERING, AND APPLYING THE WORDS OF CHRIST AS TAUGHT IN THE SCRIPTURES WILL BRING WISDOM AND KNOWLEDGE BEYOND OUR MORTAL UNDERSTANDING

This will strengthen our commitment and provide the spiritual reserves to do our best in all situations

ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS WE CAN TAKE TO STRENGTHEN OUR LIVES AND REMAIN FIRMLY ATTACHED TO THE FOUNDATION OF THE SAVIOR IS TO WORTHILY PARTAKE OF THE SACREMENT EACH WEEK.

The sacrament ordinance affords every Church member the opportunity to ponder his or her life in advance, to consider the actions or nonactions that may need to be repented of, and then to partake of the bread and water as sacred emblems in remembrance of the body and blood of Jesus Christ, a witness of His atonement.

 



If  we partake with sincerity and in humility, we renew eternal covenants, are cleansed and sanctified, and receive the promise that we will have His spirit to be with us.
Worthily partaking of the sacrament strengthens our personal connection to the foundation rock, even to Jesus Christ.

THESE THINGS I KNOW- BOYD K. PACKER

THE THOUGHT WAS THIS:
When I was young, I wasn't 68
I could walk without a limp;
I had no shoulder pain.
I could read a line through twice
And quote it back again.
I could work for endless hours
And hardly stop to breathe.
And things that now I cannot do
I mastered then with ease.
If I could now turn back the years,
If that were mine to choose,
I would not barter age for youth,
I'd have too much to lose.
I am quite content to move ahead,
To yield my youth, however grand.
The thing I'd lose if I went back
Is what I understand.

Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of the Holy Ghost.
The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, and to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation.