Conference News! 

First Presidency announces historic temple groundbreakings in India and Zimbabwe (Deseret News)

• The First Presidency announced historic groundbreakings for the first temples in India and Zimbabwe for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• The groundbreakings for the Bengaluru India Temple and Harare Zimbabwe Temple will take place in December, the First Presidency announced Friday, according to a news release.
• The church leaders also announced groundbreakings in November for three other new temples — the Davao Philippines Temple, the Antofagasta Chile Temple and the Mendoza Argentina Temple.
• The announcement means the church will break ground on a dozen more new temples by the end of 2020. (See list below)

SATURDAY MORNING: 

President Russell M. Nelson – “Moving Forward”

• “Unusual times can bring unusual rewards…Amid social distancing, face masks and Zoom meetings, we have learned to do some things differently, and some even more effectively.”

Elder David A. Bednar – “We Will Prove Them Herewith”

• “The year 2020 has been marked, in part, by a global pandemic that has proved, examined and tried us in many ways. I pray that we as individuals and families are learning the valuable lessons that only challenging experiences can teach us.”

Elder Scott D. Whiting – “Becoming Like Him”

• “The commandment to be like Him is not intended to make you feel guilty, unworthy or unloved. You are good enough, you are loved, but that does not mean that you are yet complete. There is work to be done in this life and the next. Only with His divine help can we all progress toward becoming like Him.

Sister Michelle Craig – “Eyes to See”

• “Jesus Christ sees people deeply. He sees individuals, their needs, and who they can become…Where others saw fishermen, sinners or publicans, Jesus saw disciples; where others saw a man possessed by devils, Jesus looked past the outward distress, acknowledged him and healed him.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook – “Hearts Knit in Righteousness and Unity”

• “As leaders, we are not under the illusion that in the past all relationships were perfect, all conduct was Christlike, or all decisions were just. However, our faith teaches that we are all children of our Father in Heaven, and we worship Him and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is our Savior. Our desire is that our hearts and minds will be knit in righteousness and unity, and we will be one with Them”
• This is “a moment of particularly strong divisions,” Cook said. “However, the millions who have accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ have committed themselves to achieving both righteousness and unity. We are all aware that we can do better, and that is our challenge in this day. We can be a force to lift and bless society as a whole.”
• The “clarion call” to church members, he said, “is to strive to be a Zion people who are of one heart and one mind and dwell in righteousness.”
• Christ’s “ministry and message have consistently declared all races and colors are children of God,” Cook said. “…The culture of the gospel of Jesus Christ is … not determined by the color of one’s skin or where one lives. While we rejoice in distinctive cultures, we should leave behind aspects of those cultures that conflict with the gospel of Jesus Christ.”

Elder Ronald A. Rasband – “Recommend to the Lord” 

• The phrase “recommended to the Lord” puts additional perspective on being interviewed regularly by Church leaders. Rather than a hall pass or special ticket, holding a temple recommend means one lives in harmony with the teachings of the Church and is committed to living the Lord’s laws. “Your temple recommend opens the gates of heaven for you and others with rights and ordinances of eternal significance.”

President Dallin H. Oaks – “Love Your Enemies”

• Though Jesus’ teachings were revolutionary, he did not teach revolution or lawbreaking. He taught a better way. 
• Some seem to have forgotten that “the First Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the ‘right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,…That is the authorized way to raise public awareness and to focus on injustices in the content or administration of the laws.”
• He acknowledged that “there have been injustices. In public actions and in our personal attitudes, we have had racism and related grievances.”
• “This does not mean that we agree with all that is done with the force of law,” he said. “It means that we obey the current law and use peaceful means to change it.”
• “We will not participate in the violence threatened by those disappointed with the outcome,” he said. “In a democratic society, we always have the opportunity and the duty to persist peacefully until the next election.”
• “We live in a time of anger and hatred in political relationships and policies. We felt it this summer where some went beyond peaceful protests and engaged in destructive behavior,” he said. “We feel it in some current campaigns for public offices. Some of this has even spilled over into political statements and unkind references in our church meetings.”
• There will always be differences over proposed candidates and policies, he said. “However, as followers of Christ, we must forgo the anger and hatred with which political choices are debated or denounced in many settings.”
• He urged his listeners to let go of anger, which sows “division and enmity,” and rather try to listen and even “learn from” their opponents.

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Elder D Todd Christofferson – “Sustainable Societies”

President Steven J. Lund – “Finding Joy in Christ”

Elder Gerrit W. Gong – “All Nations, Kindreds and Tongues”

• Elder Gong is self-quarantining after a possible exposure to COVID-19 and did not attend the first two sessions of the weekend’s 190th Semiannual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Elder Gong was absent when the conference began Saturday morning. He was scheduled to speak Saturday afternoon, so he pre-recorded his remarks. President Dallin H. Oaks explained “Out of caution, because he has been potentially exposed recently to COVID-19, Elder Gong is at home today,” President Oaks said. “He feels fine but he recorded his remarks earlier.”

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell – “There Was Bread”

Elder Matthew S. Holland – “The Exquisite Gift of the Son”

Elder William K. Jackson – “The Culture of Christ”

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf – “God Will Do Something Unimaginable”

SATURDAY EVENING WOMEN’S SESSION

President Sharon Eubank – “By Union of Feeling We Obtain Power with God” (Relief Society General Presidency)

• “Unity doesn’t magically happen; it takes work. It’s messy, sometimes it’s uncomfortable, and it happens gradually when we clear away the bad as fast as the good can grow. We are never alone in our efforts to create unity.”
• “Let’s not judge each other or let our words bite. Let’s keep each other’s names safe and give the gift of mercy.”

President Becky Craven – “Keep the Change” (YW General Presidency)

• The only thing that Jesus Christ requires in return for the blessings He offers is a change of heart.
• Jesus Christ has provided a pattern for that change.
• On the path to change, help is available from family, friends and trusted leaders.
• “Our daily choices will either help or hinder our progress. Small, but steady, deliberate changes will help us improve.”

President Cristina Franco – “The Healing Power of Jesus Christ” (Primary General Presidency)

• Brokenness can be healed by coming unto Christ and exercising faith in Him.
• Joy, peace and consolation are available to those who come unto Him.
• One of the blessings of the Atonement of Jesus Christ is His power to succor.
• “Jesus Christ is our loving Savior, Redeemer, The Master Healer and faithful friend.”

President Henry B. Eyring – “Sisters in Zion”

• The Relief Society is being called upon to prepare “His people” to become His promised Zion.
• The women of the Church possess unique gifts that were given by God to bless others.
• Latter-day prophets, including President Russell M. Nelson, have declared the vast influence women have on the Church as devout defenders of the faith.
• “Heavenly Father’s daughters have a gift to allay contention and to promote righteousness with their love of God and with the love of God they engender in those they serve.”

President Dallin H. Oaks – “Be of Good Cheer”

• The First Presidency is concerned about the challenges women worldwide are facing. They love and pray for the women.
• Opposition is part of Heavenly Father’s plan.
• By trusting in the doctrine of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, “We can be of good cheer.”

President Russell M. Nelson – “Embrace the Future with Faith” 

• Preparation is key to embracing this dispensation and the future with faith.
• Turbulent times are opportunities to thrive spiritually and influence others.
• By creating places of security, preparing minds to be faithful and never stop preparing, the Lord will “speak peace to our souls” and “grant us great faith.”
• “My dear sisters, let us not just endure this current season. Let us embrace the future with faith.”
  

  #ShoutoutSunday to @Tad_Walch and @tbtoone who sleep little ? and write a lot ? this weekend. Your coverage is ? #GeneralConference @DeseretNews https://t.co/r1Rtf2Tm7U

  — dyejo (@dyejo) October 4, 2020

   

  Music and Spoken Word

  Oct 4, 2020

  Hymn: Gently Raise the Sacred Strain – Hymn #146

  Hymn: I Think the World is Glorious

  Hymn: The Lord My Pasture Will Prepare – Hymn #109

  Hymn: Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring 

  Hymn: A New Commandment I Give unto You 

  Hymn: Oh, May My Soul Commune with Thee – Hymn #123

  Spoken Word: Lloyd D Newell

  Scene in the Form of a Prayer

  Why is it that so much of life’s profound beauty has roots in heartache and sorrow? There seems to be something about human nature that causes us to reach the highest during our lowest points. We see it when tragedies and disasters strike and people come together to love and help each other in ways they’ve never done before. We see it in sublime art and music, which often enough is inspired by hardship and trial, even as it fills us with solace and joy. 

   

  A good example of this truth is a song by Charles Gounod, one of the most prolific composers in 19th-century France. His sacred compositions were confessions of faith and devotion to the Lord. One historian observed, “He could as readily write a sermon as an opera.”  (see “Charles Gounod: His Life and His Works,” by Marie Anne de Bovet, published 1891, page 219)

   

  When Gounod was semiretired, enjoying the fruit of his labor, his five-year-old grandson died. This tragedy filled Gounod with such grief that he turned once again to writing sacred music. In a final surge of creative energy, he pointed his art and his faith steadfastly in the direction of hope. 

   

  In April 1893, Gounod composed a hymn he titled “Repentir,” which means “to repent,” with the subtitle “Scene in the Form of a Prayer.” We know it today as the beloved hymn “O Divine Redeemer.” The words captured his feelings as he mourned his grandson’s passing and as he approached the end of his own life—he passed away only a few months later. It is a prayer for forgiveness, a plea for mercy, a supplication for strength, and a meditation on life: 

  O divine Redeemer!

  I pray thee grant me pardon,

  And remember not … my sins! …

   

  Haste Thee, Lord, to mine aid!

  Thy pity show in my deep anguish, …

  Hear my cry,

  Save me, Lord in Thy mercy; …

   

  How appropriate and instructive that Gounod found solace in a “scene in the form of a prayer.” Perhaps this is why inspiration so often grows out of tragedy, why beauty so often grows from ashes (see Isaiah 61:3)  —because in such moments our hearts turn to the only real source of peace and sweet assurance: our Divine Redeemer.

   

  Hymn: O Divine Redeemer

  Hymn: How Firm A Foundation – Hymn #85

  Hymn: God Be with You Till We Meet Again – Hymn #152

   

  Sunday Morning Session 

  Hymn: Awake and Arise – Hymn 8

  Conducting: President Henry B. Eyring – Second Counselor in the First Presidency

  Hymn: Press Forward Saints – Hymn 81

  • April 2019

  Invocation: Elder Randall K. Bennett – General Authority Seventy 

  Hymn: If the Savior Stood Beside Me – by Sally Deford

  • October 2017

   

  Releasing:

  • Elder L. Whitney Clayton released from Presidency of the Seventy

  Sustaining:

  • Elder Brent H. Nielson called to the Presidency of the Seventy

  Odd that they didn’t make this change yesterday, I wonder if they forgot 🙂

  Probably an oversight. Somewhere, a clerk’s phone was blowing up yesterday. 🙂 

  Talk: President M. Russell Ballard –  Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve

  Watch Ye Therefore, and Pray Always

  Major Themes: Prayer; finding peace

  Notable Stories: Visiting church history sites; prayers and action of Joseph Smith; Mary Fielding Smith’s prayers; medical procedure on his hand

  Scriptures: Matthew 6:9–13; 3 Nephi 13:9–13; Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34; Luke 21:36; John 3:16

  • The world is in commotion and hearts are turning away from God
  • We live in a time of great commotion
    • Many live in fear of the future and have turned away from God.
  • Watch ye therefore and pray always
    • Wars, famines, earthquakes etc. 
    • All things shall be in commotion
  • Bless all that are burdened with grief or sadness.
  • Time in North East America.
  • Pray for this country
  • America is at another critical crossroads and needs our prayers
    • Not in prepared remarks, felt prompting from the Spirit
  • Please exercise your faith, whatever your faith may be, and pray for your country and your national leaders.
  • The nations of the earth are in desperate need of divine inspiration and guidance
    • The peace and healing that can come into individual souls and the souls of countries through the Prince of Peace and the source of all healing, the Lord Jesus Christ
  • The best way to help the current world situation is for all people to rely more fully upon God and to turn their hearts to Him through sincere prayer
  • Many hearts are turned away from God and His Son, Jesus Christ
  • The Lord knows you and is aware of all your concerns
  • The Lord’s Prayer
  • Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray to them that despitefully use you and persecute you
  • Don’t limit who you pray for
  • He practiced what he taught when he prayed.
    • Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.
  • No matter where you live, what language you speak, or the challenges you face, God hears and answers you in His own way and His own time
  • Simply praying is not enough; after praying we need to get off our knees and go help
  • Prayers should strengthen our resolve to make a difference
    • Combine prayer with action
  • Prayer for justice and peace is not enough.. We need to get up and apply prayer with action
  • I assure each one of you that the Lord knows you, that He is aware of your concern and anguish and that He loves you — intimately, personally, deeply and forever
  • Each night when I pray, I ask the Lord to bless all who are burdened with pain, loneliness, grief and sadness
  • We are beneficiaries of those who have prayed before
  • Humbling ourselves and seeking heaven’s inspiration to endure or conquer what is before us will be our safest and surest way to move confidently forward through these troubling times
  • Prayers will aid scientists to develop vaccines
  • Praying for justice, peace, the poor and the sick is often not enough 
    • After we kneel in prayer, we need to get up from our knees and do what we can to help — ourselves and others
    • Through our prayers the Lord will help us know how to take said action
  • Prayer will lift us and draw us together as individuals, as families, as a Church, and as a world. Prayer will influence scientists and help them toward discoveries of vaccines and medications that will end this pandemic. Prayer will comfort those who have lost a loved one. It will guide us in knowing what to do for our own personal protection.
  • I urge you to redouble your commitment to prayer.  
  • Prayer can change our own lives.
  • Distraction from pain from hand surgery. Prayed to have clarity and focus.
    • Prayer can focus our minds on pressing matters
  • No matter how you pray or to whom you pray, please exercise your faith- whatever it may be -and pray for your country and your national leaders
  • I urge you to pray more often—in your closets, in your daily walk, in your wards, in your hearts
    • Prayer will lift us and draw us together as individuals and families, as a church, and as a world.
    •  Prayer will comfort those who have lost a loved one. It will guide us to knowing what to do for our personal protection.
  • Watch therefore and pray always for peace, for comfort, for safety, and for the opportunities to serve one another
  • How great is the power of prayer and needful is prayer in today’s world.   

  Talk: Sister Lisa L. Harkness – First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency 

  Peace, Be Still

  Major Themes: Overcoming fear; faith

  Notable Stories: Jumping into the lake; Jesus’ disciples in a storm

  Scriptures: Mark 4:1, 35–41; D&C 121:1; John 16:33; John 3:16

  • • From the daughter’s perspective, she needed help after jumping into the water; from the parents’ perspective on the dock, the child was not in danger.
    • “Help me, Save me, please answer my prayer” – we all cry these out at some point
    • Apostles faith in Jesus was manifest by their presence in the boat
    • There’s a mortal tendency to cry “Carest thou not that I perish? Save me!”
    • Why are ye so fearful? Where is your faith?
    • He understands our mortal limitations and teaches us how to feel peace and calm even when the winds blow fiercely around us and billowing waves threaten to sink our hopes
    • He teaches us how to feel peace and calm in life’s billows
    • In the rough stretches of our journey, our faith can be not only tried, but fortified
    • Continually make efforts to build and increase your faith in Jesus Christ
    • Certainly, the Savior of the world understands our mortal limitations, for He teaches us how to feel peace and calm even when the winds blow fiercely around us and billowing waves threaten to sink our hopes.”
    • Our faith is strengthened when we…
      • Remember we are children of Heavenly Father
      • Experiment on the word of God with hope and diligence trying our very best to follow Christ’s teachings
      • Choose to believe rather than doubt
      • Forgive rather than judge
      • Repent rather than rebel
      • Patiently rely on the merits and mercy and grace of the Holy Messiah

   

• My kids are doing great jobs being distractions (the 2 year old is practicing climbing over people and poking eyeballs).
• • • Faith encourages us to keep pushing along the covenant path
    • Don’t let your fears displace your faith
    • Let your faith be focused on your loving Heavenly Father and His beloved son
    • Faith pushes through discouragement and allows us to faith the future with resolved and squared shoulders

   

• It must be hard to tell jokes when there’s no audience to give audible feedback.
• Elder Uchtdorf’s joke about Heavenly Father not having to reassign angels from the World Creation Division to deal with Covid had me on the floor!
• • • How does Jesus Christ help me? Children’s answer
    • Hearken and heed the words of the Savior

   

• #BadJoke: Is it not ironic that we hear about hearkening from one named Harkness? (similar words) ?
• • While faith is not a perfect knowledge, it brings a deep trust in God who’s knowledge is perfect
  • This is not our eternal destination! He is in our Boat.Trust Him and hear Him
  • Our faith increases as we choose to believe rather than doubt, forgive rather than judge, repent rather than rebel.
  • Trust Him, obey His commandments, and with faith, hear Him say, “Peace, be still.”
  • Regardless of our circumstances, we can intentionally make efforts to build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ

  Talk: Elder Ulisses Soares – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  Seek Christ in Every Thought

  Major Themes: Aligning our hearts with God, overcoming temptation

  Notable Stories: Member who had an inappropriate thought and pushed it away; Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail; visiting a member who had transgressed

  Scriptures: D&C 43:34; Luke 15:11–32

  • • “Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways”
    • Align our thoughts and actions with Him
    • Seek Him in every thought and follow Him with all your heart
    • Inappropriate thoughts should not be permitted/invited to stay
    • Desires determine the gradations in outcomes, including why many are called but few are chosen

   

• He’s lost a lot of weight 
• • • Thoughts can lead us to where we will be for eternity. 
    • The Savior invites us to seek Him in every thought and follow Him with all our heart
    • Approaching temptation is like a magnet getting near a metal object.
      • The more we resist temptation, the less power the temptation will have over us 
    • Member woke up and had an inappropriate thought
      • Reacted quickly and pushed it away, replacing it with something good
      • We must do the same, and react quickly
    • Seeking Christ in every thought and following Him with all our heart requires that we align our mind and desires with His.
    • We must adjust our minds and hearts to His divine principles
    • Our mortal inclinations will not disappear on their own
    • He is ready to assist us in our personal efforts
    • Being aware of all that is necessary in our lives, Heavenly Father invites us to lean on Him so He can lead us along
    • As we exercise our moral agency in righteousness, choosing to have wholesome thoughts and pure desires, we can become more aligned with Jesus Christ and, consequently, more influenced by His Spirit to act like Him
    • Invite holy thoughts to continuously adorn your mind
    • As we resist temptation, it fades away and loses its power over our mind and heart, and consequently over our actions
    • Focus daily on everything that is good
    • Lust is any strong desire that causes an individual to focus on worldly desires rather than the Gospel

   

• I like this definition because it focuses on more than physical/carnal desires, but also includes monetary, etc
• • • Besides all the evil aspects of lust, we cannot forget that the enemy uses it as a secret and deceptive weapon against us when he uses it to tempt us to do something wrong
    • As we rely on the Savior and follow Moroni’s counsel, our ability to control our thoughts will increase significantly
    • Our spiritual maturity will grow, changing our heart, making us more like Jesus Christ
    • The influence of the Holy Ghost will be more intense and continuous
    • Temptations, little by little, will lose their power over us
    • Stand up to inappropriate thoughts in your mind like you would an uninvited guest in your home
    • Yielding to temptation is like bringing a metal object close to a magnet. 
      • The attraction of the magnet is decreased the further the metal object is away
    • For those who, for whatever reason, fall into temptation and are dwelling upon unrighteous actions, I assure you that there is a way back, that there is hope in Christ
    • A single improper thought will soon lead to other
      • Took root in a member’s mind, began to grow deep in his heart despite his faith
      • Eventually acted on the thoughts, went against everything he believed
      • Knew that if he had fought off that single thought, he wouldn’t have become vulnerable to those temptations
      • Eventually, he renewed his trust in the Lord and took actions to fix his transgressions
    • Fighting against temptation takes a lifetime of diligence and faithfulness but please know that the Lord is ready to assist us in our personal efforts and promises remarkable blessings if we endure to the end
    • There may come times in life when we have no liberty except for our thoughts, like Joseph Smith and his companions in Liberty Jail. It is our thoughts and actions in these situations that refine us
    • My dear friends, when we resist the little temptations which often come unexpectedly, we are better equipped to avoid serious transgressions
    • President Kimball said – Seldom does one enter into a deeper transgression without first yielding to lesser ones

   

• A clean field does not suddenly become weedy
• • Say “no, and get thee hence” to inappropriate thoughts as soon as they come into your mind
  • All those who are willing to hear Him and obey His commandments will be blessed with additional power to deal with struggles, temptations, and wickedness, and our capacity for joy will increase
  • Much like magnets only have power up close, temptation only has real power over us when we remain close to such things. 
    • We must flee such thoughts and use our agency to instead seek the good

   

  Hymn: We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet – Hymn 19 

  • October 2018

  Talk: Elder Carlos A. Godoy – Presidency of the Seventy

  I Believe in Angels

  Major Themes: Conversion; angels on earth

  Notable Stories: Conversion story, help of angel members

  Scriptures: N/A

  • • I believe in angels and I want to share my experiences with them
    • There are numberless angels surrounding us, from the other side of the veil and living in our own communities
    • When we speak of those who are instruments in the hands of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil
    • The angels that walk among us are powerful reminders of God’s love for us
    • The love of God is manifested in people who are so good and so pure that angelic is the only proper description
    • His first experience with “angels on earth”: the sister missionaries who taught him
      • Took his missionary lessons in the chapel
      • Baptised one month after they introduced him to the Gospel

   

• Oh his teenage hair is SO good
• And I heard a little laugh from the audience 
• • Participated in a 3 day youth conference, met another angel
    • Made friends with him, he got a friend group
    • People to support him in the Gospel
  • Another angel: his early morning seminary teacher
    • Gave him a good dose of the good word of God
    • Gave him the spiritual strength to keep going
  • Another angel: Young men president and senior home-teaching companion
    • Chance to act and to learn, and not be just an observer of the gospel.
  • Turns out, friends, responsibilities, and nurturing the with the word of God can help someone join the church, stay active, and be converted 
  • One of my angels from this side of the veil crossed over to the other side last December. 
    • I miss my mom and am grateful for her angelicness that taught me so many lessons and inspired my life
  • It is not an easy thing to make the transition incident to joining this Church. It means: 
    • Cutting old ties
    • Leaving friends
    • Setting aside cherished beliefs
    • Change of habits 
    • Suppression of appetites
    • Loneliness
    • Fear of the unknown
  • There must be nurturing and strengthening during this difficult season of conversion
  • Even as ministers, we can be ministering ANGELS to those we are assigned to serve
    • Especially in a time where everybody is in desperate need of angels.
  • Everyone needs a friend, a responsibility and to be nurtured by the word of God
  • Please, please, do not give up on your efforts to be part of this big family 
    • It is the true Church of Jesus Christ
    • When it comes to your happiness and salvation, it is always worth the effort to keep trying
  • We need to remember that it is not easy for new members… The Lord is looking for willing “angels” to be an emissary for God
  • God will send angels, from either side of the veil, when we need them.
  • It is not easy for converts, less-active, or those with other lifestyles to fit into the church. We need to be willing angels in their lives, to be instruments in God’s hands, for someone God is worried about. 
  • The Lord is always looking for more people to be angels in others’ lives. Would you be willing to be one?
  • If you look around carefully, you will find many in need of an angel’s help
    • They may be sitting alone, wearing different attire, vocabulary is different
    • They are there and they are trying
  • I believe in angels and angels are all of us
  • He knows who needs angelic help and will put them on our path, and he will put angels on our path as well
  • This is a Gospel of love, a Gospel of ministering
  • Missionaries, friends in the gospel, church leaders, spouses, faithful family members, etc. all need to realize they are angels for those they are appointed to serve.
  • Their dress may be extreme, and their language may be different. But they are there, and they are trying. “Angels are needed right now.” 

  Talk: Elder Neil L. Andersen – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  We Talk of Christ

  Major Themes: Worshipping openly; focus on Christ

  Notable Stories: N/A

  Scriptures: John 14:6; 2 Nephi 25:26; Matthew 10:32

  • • Felt an unusual gratitude during this turbulent time for his sure knowledge that Jesus is the Christ
    • We never need to endure a season of spiritual distancing when God is involved. While social distancing is needed at this time, you never need to feel spiritually distant from God
    • We need never endure a period of spiritual distance
    • Never spiritually distance from Him who calls “come unto Me.”
    • He is a light in the dark, a guiding star, Jesus calls to us.
    • We love Him, we worship Him, we follow Him. He is the anchor of our souls
    • We should keep our heart, mind and thoughts on Him.
    • Faith is failing across the world
      • Millions deny the truth of Christ’s divine role, and millions of former Christians no longer believe
    • There are parts of the world that have never heard of Christ and other places where faith is receding
      • 30m in the US have stepped away from Christianty
      • 2x more will leave Christianity than will embrace it over the next decade
    • How do we respond to a world where some are stepping away from their faith?
    • As we invest time in learning about the Savior and His Atoning Sacrifice, we are drawn to Him; our focus becomes riveted on the Savior and His gospel.
    • While some are neglecting their faith, others are searching for the truth
    • The day will come when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is the Christ. 
    • What are we to do?
      • President Nelson’s example: More deeply study the scriptures and the references to Jesus Christ
      • Invest time in learning about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice
        • As we invest time in studying about the Savior, We are drawn to Him, our focus becomes riveted on Him and His Gospel
    • During this uncertain time I have felt an unusual gratitude in the Savior Jesus Christ
    • While we endure a season of physically distancing ourselves from others, we need never endure a season of spiritually distancing ourselves from Him who lovingly calls to us, ‘Come unto me.’
    • Using the correct name of the church will shape the world’s future
      • Something that might seem like a small thing is not small at all
    • Speak of Him more frequently and with less hesitation
    • You and I speak of Jesus Christ, but maybe we can do a little better

   

• I heard someone criticize the church’s emphasis of using Christ’s name in the church as a type of taking Christ’s name in vain, that the church is treating Christ’s name too casually (I’m not articulating their thoughts well)
• I think it’s important to use the proper name of the church, but this person’s comment has made me be more thoughtful about how I talk about the church and not be as casual with my comments?
• • • Maybe we can do better at talking about Jesus Christ
    • Constantly think about teaching what the Savior taught
    • If the world is going to speak less of Him, who is going to speak more of Him?  We are!
    • Focus on our Savior and the gift of His atoning sacrifice
    • Everything in our worship should point to the Lord Jesus Christ
    • Pres Oaks attended a testimony meeting that had 17 testimonies which didn’t mention Christ 

   

• I have seen this happen many times too; I’ve also seen many Easter sundays than had little emphasis on Christ (especially outside of sacrament meeting or if Easter fell on Fast Sunday). When I taught Sunday School, I would remind my class about Easter and Lent repeatedly in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. 
• • Be more open, more willing to talk of Christ
  • True disciples are willing to stand out, speak up, and be different
  • In our worship services, let us focus on the Savior Jesus Christ and the gift of His atoning sacrifice
  • I promise you that as you prepare yourselves as President Nelson did, you too will be different, thinking more about the Savior, speaking of Him more frequently and with less hesitation
  • Nothing lifts my desire to speak of Christ more than visualizing His return. 
    • While we do not know when He will come, the events of His return will be breathtaking
  • Our conversations don’t need to result in conversion- let people guide their own paths. 
    • What is important is that we speak out, regardless of what it will result in
  • We are focusing more on Christ in our church meetings.  Let’s consciously continue with that positive effort
  • You and I speak of Jesus Christ but maybe we can do a little better. 
  • If the world is going to speak less of Him, who is going to speak more of Him? 
    • We are
  • If someone is dismissive when you speak of the Savior, take courage in His promise that we are blessed when we are reviled
  • Be more open on social media about our belief in Christ
  • We care more about being His followers than being liked by our own followers
  • Reveal our true colors as His disciples
  • Share the light you have received from Him
  • He comes as a light into the world
  • In a world of work, worries, and worthy endeavors, we keep our heart, our mind, and our thoughts on Him who is our hope and salvation
  • As the world speaks less of Jesus Christ, let us speak more of Him.
  • Nothing helps think of Christ more than visualizing His return 
    • He will return with angels, angels who are powerful 
  • Some of our fellow Christians are, at times, uncertain about our beliefs and motives.
    • Let us genuinely rejoice with them in our shared faith in Jesus Christ and in the New Testament scriptures we all love.
  • We care more about being his followers, than being liked by our followers
  • “Whosoever shall confess me before men, Him will I confess before my father” – Matthew 10:32
  • As the world speaks less of Him, let us speak more of Him

   

  Hymn: God Is Love – Hymn 87 

  • October 2017

  Talk: President Russell M. Nelson – President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  Let God Prevail

  Major Themes: Gathering of Israel – Let God Prevail 

  Notable Stories: Jill’s father dying;

  Scriptures: 2 Nephi 26:33; 1 Nephi 17:40;

  • • “For the more than 36 years I’ve been an Apostle, the doctrine of the gathering of Israel has captured my attention. Everything about it has intrigued me.”
      • Studied the gathering
      • Prayed about it
      • Feasted upon every related scripture
      • Asked the Lord to increase his understanding

   

• Will we be called back to Zion? That would be fun for 2020
• • • One translation of Israel = “let God prevail”

   

• Pres Nelson has talked about Hebrew and other etymology in a handful of prior talks, he must really like words 
• • • ‘Willing’ is important, emphasizes agency
    • We can choose to be part of Israel, or not
    • Be willing to let God prevail in your life
    • With the definition of Israel in mind, the gathering of Israel takes new meaning 
    • The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives, who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives
    • Prophets have foretold the gathering of Israel and it is happening right now. It is a prelude to the second coming, and is the most important work in the world 
    • We have been charged to assist the Lord with this pivotal work
    • When we speak of gathering, we refer to missionary and temple work, but also building faith in hearts
    • Any time we do anything that helps anyone on either side of the veil make and keep covenants we are helping gather Israel
    • Latter-day covenant Israel

   

• VERY interesting phraseology
• I might have to use it in commenting to a few people who believe that Christ came only for the NATION of Israel
• • • Jill’s father dying
      • Scared that she would lose her father and her testimony
      • Pres. Nelson responded with “myopic”
        • Means “nearsighted” and lacking in foresight
        • Stop, think, and heal

   

• Good luck translators 
• • Examine your trials with perspective
  • Seek the eternal
  • Embrace God’s will with an eternal perspective for your life
  • Be willing to let God prevail, and you will find peace
  • Many who have wandered from the covenant path may be ready to return 
  • To whom will we be led when we plead to find those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives?
  • There is room for each person who is willing to embrace the Gospel of Jesus Christ 
  • Each becomes a full heir 
  • Each person is equal in God’s eyes, and has equal potential 
  • God does not love one race more than another. 
    • His doctrine on this matter are clear
    • He invites all to come unto him

   

   

• It’s sad that we still have to be reminded of this 
• • “I assure you that your standing before God is not determined by the color of your skin
    • Favor or disfavor with God is dependent upon your devotion to God and His commandments, and not the color of your skin
  • Abandon the actions of prejudice, promote respect
  • The questions all of us need to ask:
    • Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? 
    • Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? 
    • Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? 
    • Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? 
    • Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? 
    • Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?
  • The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives
    • The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives
  • Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His? 
  • If you have sincere questions about the Gospel or the Church, as you choose to let God prevail, you will be led to find eternal truths that will enable you to stay firmly on the covenant path.
  • The Savior will heal our broken hearts
  • You do not need to wander or wonder
  • You know what you should be doing
  • It takes both faith and courage to let God prevail
  • It take persistent, rigorous, spiritual work to repent and put off the natural man
  • It takes consistent, daily effort to develop personal habits to study the Gospel, to learn more about Him, and to seek and respond to personal revelation
  • Satan is no longer trying to hide his attacks on God’s plan, emboldened evil abounds. 
  • Imagine the courage you can muster if you choose to let God prevail in your life and to be part of Israel. 
    • So many decisions become easier and so many issues become non-issues.
    • You know how to spend your time and who to associate with.
  • The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives. 
    • The Lord is gathering those who will choose to let God be the most important influence in their lives.
  • The Lord loveth those who will have Him to be their God – 1 Nephi 17:40
  • He will fight our battles
  • As you study the scriptures, make a list of all that the Lord has promised He will do
    • Ponder these promises
    • Talk about them with your family and friends
    • Watch for promises to be fulfilled in your life
  • He is a God of miracles 
  • When your greatest desire is to let God prevail, to be part of Israel, so many decisions become easier; so many issues become non-issues
  • I grieve that our Black brothers and sisters the world over are enduring the pains of racism and prejudice. 
    • Today, I call upon our members everywhere to lead out in abandoning attitudes and actions of prejudice
  • God loves all lives.
    •  He wants those who are suffering to be as happy as you. 
      • What are you going to do about it?

   

  Hymn: For I Am Called By Thy Name – composed by Crawford Gates

  • April 2019

  Benediction: Elder Walter F. González – General Authority Seventy

  ***Header if you are unable to see it on a mobile device***

  * Guidelines *

  190th Semiannual General Conference * October 3 – 4, 2020

  Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Women’s * Sunday AM * Sunday PM

  Listen/Watch/Read

  THOUGHTS:

  • The BYUTV app is probably a minute behind the TV broadcast (not surprising). I watched the app yesterday and will go back to the TV today. 
  • Fingers crossed next conference will return to normal 
  • I’m better recognizing the impact my personal preparation for conference has on what I get from conference. I get much (more from conference when I spend more time in the weeks leading up to conference thinking and pondering.
  • Elder Soares’ talk in a nutshell:
    • “Sow a thought, reap an act. 
    • “Sow an act, reap a habit. 
    • “Sow a habit, reap a character. 
    • “Sow a character, reap an eternal destiny.”
  • I assume that this will be deleted eventually, so I figured I’d post this fantastic title for Pres. Nelson down here:
    • President Russell M. Nelson – President of the Church, slayer of demons?, builder of Zion
      • It lasted longer than I thought 
      • I think it deserves to stay
  • This will probably be the first conference without a major announcement or policy change since Pres Nelson became president. It’s nice to have a little break with the rest of 2020 being so crazy
    • Still another session left…:)
    • True… but most big changes are made Sunday morning or Saturday morning. 
    • Maybe that’s the announcement: all announcements will be Sunday PM now 
      • That might get more people to watch all sessions. Even better would be to randomly pick which session to make announcements 
  • Wow – President Nelson!
  •  

   

  TO-DOs:

  • • Redouble your commitment to prayer
      • 1. Don’t limit who you pray for.
      • 2. Combine prayer with action 
      • 3. Watch ye therefore and pray always
    • Be an “angel” instrument in the Lord’s hands. – Elder Godoy
    • Study the scriptures and renew study of the Savior – Elder Anderson
    • Talk more of the savior in our sacrament meeting talks and other lessons

   

• I have seen many testimony meetings that rarely mention Christ; I’ve also seen many Easter Sundays that had little emphasis on Christ (especially outside of sacrament meeting or if Easter fell on Fast Sunday). When I taught Sunday School, I would remind my class about Easter and Lent repeatedly in the weeks leading up to Easter Sunday. 
• • • The questions all of us need to ask:
      • Are you willing to let God prevail in your life? 
      • Are you willing to let God be the most important influence in your life? 
      • Will you allow His words, His commandments, and His covenants to influence what you do each day? 
      • Will you allow His voice to take priority over any other? 
      • Are you willing to let whatever He needs you to do take precedence over every other ambition? 
      • Are you willing to have your will swallowed up in His?
    • The Lord is gathering those who are willing to let God prevail in their lives
    • As you study the scriptures, make a list of all the Lord has promised to do for Covenant Israel. Study it, ponder it, discuss it with friends and family, then watch for those promises to be fulfilled. – Pres. Nelson
    •  

  Sunday Afternoon Session 

  Hymn: This is My Beloved Son – Children’s Songbook pg. 76

  Conducting: President Dallin H. Oaks – First Counselor in the First Presidency

  Hymn: Oh Say, What Is Truth? – Hymn #272

  • October 2016

  Invocation: Elder Paul V. Johnson – General Authority Seventy

  Hymn: Softly and Tenderly – by Will Lamartine Thompson

  • October 2014

  Talk: President Henry B. Eyring – Second Counselor in the First Presidency

  Tested, Proved and Polished

  Major Themes: Trials; being tested

  Notable Stories: Pulling weeds in a family garden; mother’s illnesses

  Scriptures: Moses 1:37, 39; D&C 135:3; D&C 58:3

  • His hope is to give encouragement when life is especially difficult and uncertain
    • For you, that difficult time may be now, but if it’s not, it will come eventually
  • Purpose for the creation of this world: provide His children the opportunity to choose the right and become like him.
  • • Life seeming down is a realistic view
    • And we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them
    • Pulling weeds in a family garden, complained to his mother about it being difficult
      • “Of course it’s hard! It’s supposed toe! Life is a test.”
    • We accepted the invitation to be tested.
    • OkWe accepted the plan because of our faith in the Savior Jesus Christ.
    • “For behold, this is my work and my glory, to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” – Moses 1:39
    • My hope is to give encouragement when life seems difficult and uncertain.
    • God has the power to make our way easier (manna to children of Israel, healing, calming seas, opening prisons) but suffering can be profitable and even necessary for us
    • No matter how many times I hear the Plan of Happiness, I feel like I learn something new every time
    • Liberty Jail Revelation
      • Know thou my son… it shall be for thy good.
    • Mortality is so hard because eternal life is so awesome 
    • Those of us who accepted the plan did so because of our faith in Jesus Christ
    • He suffered what you suffered so that He would know how to lift you up
    • He will not remove the burden but give you strength, comfort, and hope
    • Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ know and love you. 
      • They want you to return to Them and become like Them. 
      • Your success is Their success
    • He invites you always to remember him and come unto him.
    • Whatever mortal weaknesses we would have and whatever evil forces would be against us, the forces of good would be greater
    • He sends the comforter of the Holy Ghost to guide you.
    • God rarely gives a glimpse of the distant future, but those infrequent glimpses guide daily life 

• I think Pres Eyring has used the same tie in many conferences 
• And the same shirt 😉 
• Or maybe he likes being subtle and uses a different amount of collar spread each session
• Lol maybe
• • • Working with the earth can be healing
      • You can look at “proving” in this sense as grounding, less aloft, less abandoned 
      • I recently had to go weed to stop worrying about things I can’t control.
    • The greatest change we experience is a change in our nature
    • God has the power to make our way easier
      • He fed manna to the children of Israel
      • Jesus healed the sick and caused the dead to arise.
    • LIfting others’ burdens even a little can strengthen our own backs 
    • God has showed many miracles to the Israelites in the wilderness
      • I have had my own miracles show me He is there and aware of my hardships because He has made them lighter
    • You are known and you are loved
      • God can make our lives easier, but at times does not for we must learn the strength we do have and to have a type of understanding of what Christ went through 
    • Our hearts will soften to love others. 

• What made John so beloved? I’m sure Jesus loved all the disciples, and he gave other disciples more responsibility (e.g., Peter), so why is John often given this title?
• • • He knows that we must grow in spiritual cleanliness and stature to be able to live in his presence, in families forever
    • When you wonder how much pain you can endure well, remember Him
      •  He suffered what you suffer so that he would know how to lift you up.
    • Even though blessings are found in tribulation we do not actively seek tribulation in order to find those blessings, they come to us rather we want them to or not.
    • The greatest blessing that will come when we prove ourselves faithful, will be a change in our natures. 
      • By choosing to keep our covenants, the power of Jesus Christ can work in us
      • Our hearts can be softened to love
    • You cannot behold with your mortal eyes what lies ahead but there are great blessings in store
    • One greatest blessing as we follow the Savior we will receive is a change of heart and nature
    • People are driven to their knees by their trials. 
    • The Lord wants to “polish” us a little more

• Pres Eyring’s wife has suffered from serious dementia for many years and requires full-time care, so when he talks about appreciating care givers, he does so from personal experience. 
• I believe he was acting as her full-time caretaker when Pres Hinkley first called him into the 1st presidency, which was 13 years ago. His biography talks about him having to learn to let others help because he couldn’t do everything on his own.
• • We must notice the tribulations of others and try to help
  • The greatest blessing that will come when we prove ourselves faithful to our covenants during our trials will be a change in our natures.
  • We will discover as we lift another’s burden, even a little, that our backs are strengthened and we sense a light in the darkness

  Talk: Elder Jeremy R. Jaggi – General Authority Seventy 

   ‘Let Patience Have Her Perfect Work’ and ‘Count It All Joy’

  Major Themes: Patience; joy

  Notable Stories: Death of younger brother

  Scriptures: James 1:2–4; Mosiah 3:19

  • Patiently move forward. 
  • James 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 
    • We have had lots of joy in 2020
  • Having patience is the key 
  • Through the pandemic, civil unrest and natural disasters, our Heavenly father may be giving us a chance to develop patience and to choose joy
  • Count it all joy
    • Something hard for all of us in 2020
  • Chapter 6 Preach My Gospel
  • Beatitudes in the New Testament 
  • When you are patient you hold up under pressure and are able to get through the trial more easily.
  • Our Heavenly Father may be allowing us time to reflect and consider our understanding of patience and our conscious decision to choose joy
  • The trying of your faith worketh patience.
  • Where your treasure is there will your heart be also. 
  •  Choose joy.
    • The current struggles in the world give us the opportunity to pause and contemplate our own perspective of God’s work
  • People are driven to their knees by adversity. 
    • By their faithful endurance and effort, they become evermore like the Savior and our Heavenly Father
  • In our efforts to find joy in the midst of our trials, we had forgotten that having patience is the key to letting those trials work for our good
  • Voluntary fast offerings and humanitarian donations have increased during the pandemic 
  • Be of good cheer, not be of good fear
  • Be of Good cheer not of Fear
  • Just as the trying of our faith works patience within us, when we exercise patience, our faith increases. 
    • As our faith increases, so does our joy
  • Called as mission president to the same location where his younger brother lived, who would be diagnosed with cancer shortly after Elder Jaggi started his service. 
  • Of all the zealous social, religious, and political endeavors of our day, let disciple of Jesus Christ be our most pronounced and affirming affiliation.
  • Where we make sacred covenants with God — the temple — is temporarily closed. Where we keep covenants with God — the home — is open.

  Talk: Elder Gary E. Stevenson – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  Highly Favored of the Lord

  Major Themes: Dealing with discouragement

  Notable Stories: Church conference in Tokyo; missionary preparing for mission during the pandemic.

  Scriptures:

  • Church conference in Tokyo, nearly all the members in Japan were going
    • He and his companion could not attend
    • Intense personal disappointment despite the good news and joy of a temple
  • Many of you have dealt with heartbreaking disappointment, sorrow and discouragement
    • So how do we heal, endure and move forward when things seemed so broken?
  • Nephi started keeping records as an old guy; this allowed him greater perspective as he looked back and wrote his record
  • Paul, under house arrest for two years continued his ministry
  • We too are highly favoured of the Lord and he will enable us to overcome our challenges
  • We have been highly favored of the Lord during the challenging times we have encountered
  • Times of affliction and disappointment do not change the watchful eye of the Lord as he favorably looks upon us, blessing us
  • How we were prepared for the Pandemic. 
    • A home centered church 
    • Ministering in a higher and holier way ( an adjustment to how we care for each other)
      • We have had many opportunities to hone our ministering skills
    • Finding heightened joy in the return of temple ordinances
  • Paul & Silas, Nephi, Alma & Amulek & others have suffered greatly.
  • Missionaries called during the pandemic were not able to receive their endowments while temple’s were closed. 
  • We too can draw parallels as individual members and as a church in the way in which we have been highly favored of the Lord during the challenging times we have encountered during the past several months.
  • Sister missionary preparing for her mission during pandemic
    • Could not attend the temple to receive her endowment
    • Prayed to get to go to the temple before her mission
    • Temple was announced to open on the exact day of her flight to her mission
    • Hoped for a miracle still, their prayers were answered
    • Temple president opened at 2 am for her, got her endowment, and made it to the airport just in time
    • He hears us, He answers us
  • As I cite these examples, let them also strengthen your testimony of the seership of our living prophet, who prepared us with adjustments before any hint of a pandemic, enabling us to endure the challenges that have come.
  • One day, we will look back at the canceled events and see those disappointments overshadowed by increased faith; our Liberty Jails will work towards our eternal gain 
  • In the next life, our affiliations will be considered for our gain
  • The temple ordinances we have missed over several months seem sweeter than previously imagined as temples around the world reopen in phases
  • I believe that one day, each of you will look back at the canceled events, the sadness, disappointments and loneliness attendant to the challenging times we are passing through to see it overshadowed by choice blessings. 
  • Despite the challenges and disappointments caused by the ongoing pandemic, Latter-day Saints can, like Nephi, discover they have been “highly favored of the Lord,”
  • I believe that in this life, and in the life to come, your afflictions, your Ammonihah, your Liberty Jail, will be considered for your gain

  Talk: Brother Milton da Rocha Camargo – First Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency

  Ask, Seek, and Knock

  Major Themes: Personal revelation

  Notable Stories: Learning to pray with his mother; Alma in Ammonihah

  Scriptures:Matthew 7:7; D&C 128:19

  • As a child, his mother suggested his prayers would need to improve if they were going to reach Heavenly Father
  • Made a list of his blessings from God
    • Serving his mission, being married, being able to hear/learn from the Lord, etc
  • Learning by principle and practice
  • Essential part of the plan of salvation is to be able to communicate with God whenever you need
  • We grow into the principal of revelation – President Nelson
    • Pray about your concerns/fears/weaknesses
    • Then listen
    • Write your thoughts
    • Record your feelings
    • Take action
    • Repeat the process
  • Why is revelation so important for spiritual survival? 
  • Recording impressions is an important part of receiving revelation
    • Recall, review, and re-feel
  • Heavenly Father hears our prayers and answers them. An important part of Heavenly Father’s plan is our ability to communicate with Him whenever we want
  • It is easy to believe when you feel the Spirit burn within you, but what do you do during the majority of your life when the burning isn’t there. 
  • An important part of Heavenly Father’s plan is the opportunity to communicate with Him anytime we want
  • Seeking implies mental and spiritual effort
  • Humbly acknowledging that we still have much to learn
  • The world can be harsh and heartbreaking
    • But as we open our hearts in prayer, we will feel the comfort that comes from our Father in Heaven and the assurance that He loves and values us
  • We must seek revelation if we want to find it
    • Rarely will we ever just stumble upon it.
  • Ask, seek, and knock
  • Communication with our Father in Heaven enables us to sort through what is true and what is false, what is relevant to the Lord’s plan for us and what is not
  • He may not answer us/solve our problems right away- rather, He encourages us to keep trying
  • We have great cause to rejoice
  • Why is revelation so essential to our spiritual survival?
    •  Because the world can be confusing and noisy, full of deception and distractions
  • The Holy Ghost is real, and his impressions are real.
  • Prayer requires spiritual labor, and it does not always lead to the outcome we hope for. But when we feel discouraged or weighed down with sorrow, the Lord gives us comfort and strength in different ways
  • We have direct access to our own revelation, so the Lord can comfort and guide us personally

   

  Hymn: Guide Us, Oh Thou Great Jehovah – Hymn #83

  • • April 2016

• I love that even with a pre-recorded musical number, we can still cut it down to one verse 
• 
  

  Talk: Elder Dale G. Renlund – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  Do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God

  Major Themes: Salvation, coming unto Christ; repentance; mercy

  Notable Stories: Teacher’s quick explanation of the Torah; caring for a patient in a hospital 

  Scriptures: Micah 6:7–9

  • Good deeds are not sufficient
  • Salvation is not earned
  • Do better and be better!
  • We could never return to God’s presence without Jesus Christ
    • Through Him, we can become enough
  • Do justly
    • Act honorably with God and with others
      • Walk humbly with Him
      • Love mercy
    • Walk humbly with Him
    • Withdraw your hand from iniquity
    • Choose to obey the commandments of God
    • Repent when you fall short
    • Keep on trying
  • “The good news is that because of, and through, Jesus Christ, we can become enough”
  • God delights in mercy, and does not begrudge its use
  • Salvation cannot be earned. 
    • Without Christ, we could never do enough or be enough. 
    • We can be redeemed and stand pure and clean before God if we surrender to Christ.
  • Good deeds are not sufficient. 
    • Salvation is not earned
  • Deal justly with others, don’t mistreat anyone
    • Golden Rule
  • We can be redeemed and stand worthy before God.
  • Always doing honourably with others.
  • Good deeds are not sufficient to redeem us; 
    • Without the blessings of heaven, we can never do enough or be enough by ourselves. 
    • But because of and through Jesus Christ we can become enough
  • We should care for others, not judge them
    • Physician didn’t want to care for someone who’s hurt was self-inflicted
    • “You became a physician to care for others, not to judge them”
  • God does not just extend mercy to us
  • We should delight in the fact that He extends mercy to others
  • Loving mercy means that we do not just love the mercy God extends to us, we delight that God extends the same mercy to others
  • A just person is civil in words and actions
  • Live peaceably with one another
  • Treat everyone with love and understanding
    • Regardless of characteristics such as race, gender, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or tribal/clan/national differences 
    • Superseded by Christlike love
  • People who love mercy are not judgmental
  • Jesus Christ exemplified what it means to do justly and to love mercy. 
    • He freely associated with sinners, treating them honorably and with respect
    • He was offended by those who were harsh in their judgment.
  • God delights in mercy and does not begrudge its use
  • Assimilate attributes of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ into our own character
  • He extends His mercy to all
    • Don’t you love it?
  • Loving mercy means that we do not just love the mercy God extends to us, we delight that God extends the same mercy to others
  • Always dealing honorably with others is part of loving mercy
  • A “just person” is civil in words and actions, even with others who hold different outlooks and beliefs
  • Christ’s sacrifice for sin and salvation from spiritual death are available to all who have a broken heart and a contrite spirit

  Talk: Elder Kelly R. Johnson – General Authority Seventy

  Enduring Power

  Major Themes: Power; knowledge

  Notable Stories: Children taking music lessons and catching a microwave on fire

  Scriptures: N/A

  • • Pres Nelson likes to use the word ‘power’
    • God’s power flows to all who are endowed in the temple as they keep their covenants
    • Draw upon God’s power as we minister
    • Repentance invites His power and His atonement
    • Priesthood power blesses all who make and keep covenants
    • Power to do more than what we can do by ourselves
    • Kids were only allowed to take music lessons if they committed to practice daily for 30 minutes
      • Tried to set a timer on the microwave oven, set it to cook for 30 minutes instead
      • Had to fling it out onto the lawn so it didn’t burn down the house
      • The oven needs something to absorb its energy
      • It needs something on the inside- and so do we 
    • Need faith and the word of God deep in our hearts in order to endure

• Elder Johnson was an accountant, and only an accountant could share a story about burning down a house with so little emotion. 
• • Elder Richard G. Scott offered a clear definition of what the power of God is: it is the ‘power to do more than we can do by ourselves
  • A clear definition of what the power of God is: it is the “power to do more than we can do by ourselves
  • Our faith, hope, and conviction may not endure if we do not draw upon the power of God when we face challenges.
  • Understanding what we must do to access God’s power in our lives is not easy, but I have found it is doable by studying it out in our minds and praying for the Holy Ghost to enlighten us.
  • God hath not given us the spirit of fear but of power and of love and of sound mind. 
  • There is no expiration date associated with the power God bestows upon those who make and keep temple covenants, or a restriction from accessing that power during a pandemic.
  • I have learned that having the word of God deep in my soul, coupled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, allows me to draw upon the power of God to overcome the adversary and anything he may throw at me 
  • His power diminishes in our lives only if we fail to keep our covenants and do not live in a way that allows us to continually qualify to receive His power.
  • I invite you to seek the power God wants to give you. I testify that as we seek for this power, we will be blessed with a greater understanding of the love our Heavenly Father has for us
  • These covenants, if kept, give us vision and expectations regarding the future and a clear determination to qualify to receive all that the Lord has promised through our faithfulness.
  • I have learned that having the word of God deep in my soul, coupled with faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Atonement, allows me to draw upon the power of God to overcome the adversary and anything he may throw at me
  • Seek the power that God wants to give us. 
    • By seeking for this power, we will feel God’s love

   

  Talk: Elder Jeffrey R. Holland – Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

  Waiting on the Lord

  Major Themes: Trials and suffering; by and by; patience 

  Notable Stories: N/A

  Scriptures: Alma 32; Isaiah 40:29–31

  • • We are so tired from this contagion that we are pulling our hair out, sometimes literally. 
    • How long do we wait for relief from hardships and personal trials that come upon us? Why the delay when burdens seem more than we can bear?
      • Enduring personal trials as we wait and wait and help seems slow in coming.
    • How long shall thy hand be stayed, O Lord?
    • God expects us to deal with wrenching public issues in addition to personal ones 
    • Our prayers will not always yield the victories we yearn for
      • They are heard, and they are answered…
      • Though perhaps not at the time or in the way that we imagined
      • Always at the time and in the way that a Heavenly Parent should answer them
    • So many challenges or battles, for which we seek relief
    • He is pure love… merciful Father
    • Shouldn’t God send 21st century seagulls to gobble up our 21st century crickets?
    • There will be times in our lives when even our best spiritual effort and earnest pleading prayers do not yield the victories for which we have yearned
    • He administers a calendar to each individually
      • For each man healed instantly by the Lord, there will be another waiting for 40 years in the desert for salvation
    • There will be times in our lives when even our best spiritual effort and earnest, pleading prayers do not yield the victories for which we have yearned, whether that be regarding the large global matters or the small personal ones
    • Some have to wait 40 year before entering the promised land
    • Faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering, until we see his arm revealed in our behalf 
      • This is difficult for those who believe life should avoid all suffering, but that would never help us reach the stature of the fullness of Christ 
    • While we work and wait together for the answers to some of our prayers, I offer you my apostolic promise that they are heard and they are answered, though perhaps not at the time or in the way we wanted

• One’s life cannot be both faith-filled and stress-free
• • • We can’t pick and choose our virtues and our strifes
    • Bad experiences are what makes us divine
    • We can’t expect to become like God if we never experience the pains and suffering that God has felt. 
  • Please understand that He who never sleeps nor slumbers cares for the happiness and ultimate exaltation of His children above all else that a divine being has to do
  • Christianity is comforting, but it is often not comfortable
  • The path to holiness and happiness here and hereafter is a long and sometimes rocky one
    • Takes time and tenacity to walk it
    • Reward for doing so is monumental
  • Alma 32: The seed has to be nourished and we must wait for it to mature 
    • Our harvest comes by and by
  • Alma 32 repeats three times a call for patience and diligence 
  • The point is that faith means trusting God in good times and bad, even if that includes some suffering until we see His arm revealed in our behalf 
  • Burdens will be lifted by and by, whether that be a short period or a long one, it is not always ours to say, but by the grace of god blessings will come to those who hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ 
  • When will these trials be lifted – by and by.
  • My beloved brothers and sisters, Christianity is comforting, but it is often not comfortable
  • Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength 
  • By and by, these blessings will come to every one of you that seeks relief
  • The blessings will come to those who hold fast to the gospel of Jesus Christ. 
    • That issue was settled in a very private garden and on a very public hill in Jerusalem long ago.

  Talk: President Russell M. Nelson – President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

  A New Normal

  Major Themes: Preparation for the future

  Notable Stories: N/A

  Scriptures: N/A

  • The Lord wants us to feel optimism about the future.. With joyful anticipation
  • Each of us must achieve our divine potential
  • We often hear about a new normal
  • Embrace your new normal
    • Turn your heart and mind to God and Jesus Christ
    • Repent daily
    • Seek to be increasingly pure in thought, word, and deed
    • Minister to others
    • Keep an eternal perspective
    • Magnify your callings
    • Live each day so that you are more prepared to meet your maker
  • That is why we have temples.  Ordinances and covenants prepare us for eternal life.
  • If you really want to embrace a new normal, I invite you to turn your heart, mind, and soul increasingly to our Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.
    •  Let that be your new normal
  • His peace is beyond all mortal understanding
  • As we build and maintain these temples, we pray that each of you will build and maintain yourself so you can be worthy to enter the holy temple
    • The Lord’s ordinances and covenants prepare us for eternal life, the greatest of all God’s blessings
  • 6 New Temples:
    • Tarawa, Kiribati 
    • Port Vila, Vanuatu 
    • Lindon, Utah 
    • Greater Guatemala City, Guatemala 
    • São Paulo East, Brazil 
    • Santa Cruz, Bolivia
  • Build and maintain yourself so that you can be worthy
  • Bless with peace
  • Be filled with the peace of the Lord
  • Increase your desire and ability to obey the laws of God
    • You will be showered with blessings, including greater courage, increased personal revelation, sweeter harmony in your homes, and joy, even amid uncertainty
  • May we go forward together to fulfill our divine mandate—that of preparing ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord

   

  Hymn: God Be With You Till We Meet Again – Hymn #152

• My favorite ending hymn!
• October 2012
• Benediction: Brother Jan E. Newman – Second Counselor in the Sunday School General Presidency 

  ***Header if you are unable to see it on a mobile device***

  * Guidelines *

  190th Semiannual General Conference * October 3 – 4, 2020

  Saturday AM * Saturday PM * Women’s * Sunday AM * Sunday PM

  Listen/Watch/Read

  THOUGHTS:

  • Many talks referenced the revelation at Liberty Jail. 
    • Puts quarantining in homes in context; most of us have 8-9 foot ceilings, running water, indoor plumbing, etc. 
  • I keep waiting for a 2nd temple in Cache Valley UT to be announced; there are a lot of members in the valley and the population is growing rapidly. The Logan temple is also due for a major renovation in the near future
    • Same. Or they could just build one over here in Bear Lake Valley 🙂
      • That would be great too! And that might give me enough of an excuse to buy a vacation home up there. 
  • THANK YOU for all who helped take notes.

   

  TO-DOs:

  • Find unique opportunities to minister
  • Build and maintain yourself so that you can be worthy
  • Embrace our new normal
  • Prepare ourselves and the world for the Second Coming of the Lord