President Thomas S. Monson: Until We Meet Again

Brothers and sisters, my challenge has come to an end. I have read and reflected on each of the talks presented in the September and October sessions of General Conference. I have had an amazing time as I have studied the word of the Lord that was shared through His choosen servants.

The words of those men and women are filled with beauty and truth. Heavenly Father guided and inspired them to share these messages with us because He loves us. He wants us to return home to Him in the Celestial Kingdom. He wants to bless us with the knowlege and peace that can help us on our path.

Fulfilling this challenge has been difficult. I often let my day become overcrowded and complicated by the business of living. But I must, we must, make time for the Lord everyday of our lives.

I now challenge you to study and ponder these talks and the truths within them. If you do, these lessons will enter into your heart and bring you closer to God.

President Thomas S. Monson: Until We Meet Again

Read or watch the closing remarks here

I will end with a quote from Presiden Monson's closing remarks. These words seem to touch on the heart of his final message. "May we return to our homes with a resolve in our hearts to be a little better than we have been in the past. May we be a little kinder and more thoughtful. May we reach out in helpfulness, not only to our fellow members but also to those who are not of our faith. As we associate with them, may we show our respect for them."

Brothers and sisters, this is my prayer for you: each day resolve to be a little better. The task might seem impossible but you are not alone. 

Thank you for following me on this journey. 

Elder David A. Bednar: Come and See

This was a sweet talk about why we, members of the Church, want to share the gospel with the world. You have to read it.

Elder David A. Bednar: Come and See

Read or watch the full talk here

According to Elder Bednar, "members of the Savior’s Church have accepted the solemn obligation to assist in fulfilling the divine commission given by the Lord to His Apostles." That commission is to spread the gospel to all of His children. 

This was a wonderful reminder to me. Covenants truly are a solemn obligation. I've never thought about my Baptism in these terms so reading this talk deepened my understanding of the seriousness of that obligation. I've always known I wanted to share my testimony with others but I I think that now I have a better understanding of why I've felt that way.

The gospel is just so beautiful. It has brought such comfort and understanding into my life. I can't imagine living without these truths. Brothers and sister, don't be offended when someone opens their heart to share their faith with you. It is an act of love. 

I join with other members of the Church, including Prophets and Apostles, and I invite you to test the message of the gospel. You can know that it is true if you pray with an open heart. 

During his talk, Elder Bednar tried to explain why members of the Church feel driven to share the gospel. He said that "we as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have felt the anguish associated with spiritual uncertainty and sin. We also have experienced the cleansing, the peace of conscience, the spiritual healing and renewal, and the guidance that are obtained only by learning and living the principles of the Savior’s gospel."

I hope and pray that you will take this invitation. The gospel can bring peace and joy into your life. Becoming a member doesn't mean your life will be easy, but you can find peace amidst your trials. You just have to open your heart to hear the the confirming witness of the Holy Ghost. 

Elder Larry S. Kacher: Triffle Not with Sacred Things

Elder Larry S. Kacher: Triffle Not with Sacred Things

Read or watch the full talk here

During his talk, Elder Kacher shared a story about a time when he was caught in a rip tide and feared death. He used this story to teach us about the existance of unseen currents in our lives. According to Elder Kacher, "there are many currents in this earthly life—some safe and others not. President Spencer W. Kimball taught that there are powerful forces in our own lives much like the unseen currents of the ocean. These forces are real. We should never ignore them."

He then went on to declare that while there are dangerous currents trying to pull out us to sea, there is also the divine current of the gospel. Brothers and sister, we can trust that current. We may not always understand it, but we can rely on it. 

Elder Kacher explained it by quoting President Tanner; "I learned 'how much wiser and better it is for man to accept the simple truths of the gospel … and to accept by faith those things which he … cannot understand'"

Brothers and sisters, we have to trust the Lord. We may not understand everything He does, or every gospel principle or practice, but we can still know the gospel is true. We can ask quetions and search for answers and we can have faith that one day we will understand all.

Until then, trust in the Lord. He is your Heavenly Father and He loves you. 

Elder Hugo E. Martinez: Our Personal Ministries

It is getting late, so this post will be short. 

Elder Hugo E. Martinez: Our Personal Ministries 

Read or watch the full talk here

“He who serves in some thing is good for something; he who serves in no thing is good for nothing.” Elder Martinez shared these inspired words with the church. They are the words of Brother Udine Falabella and they are a wonderful reminder that we, all of us, need to serve our fellow men. 

According to Elder Martinez, "every individual needs to be ministered to." The way we do that is "discovering needs, then tending to them."

This might not always be easy. A lot of people hide their needs, but we need to pay attention. If we prayerfully ask for the opportunity to serve, the Spirit will show us what to do. We must do this because every child of God deserves to know that they are cared for and loved. They each, we each, deserve to know that someone is watching out for us. Our charge, accoring to Elder Martinez, is to "make good use of [our] moral agency." 

We can do this, brothers and sister. Remember, we are not alone. 

Elder Allan F. Packer: The Book

The writer in me can't help but like the title of this talk.

Elder Allan F. Packer: The Book

Read or watch the full talk here

The book that Elder Packer is talking about is the "book containing the records of our dead." The point he is making, brothers and sisters, is that we all need to complete our family history and temple work. 

I have to admit that Elder Packer overwhelmed me for a moment at the beginning of his talk. He said, "we must work on all of the requirements for exhaultation." The word "all" was a difficult one to read. Elder Packer's words are completely true, but it made me think of all the many things that I need to be better at. Thankfully he then reminded us that "qualifying for exhaultation becames a quest of a lifetime." 

Brothers and sister, you do not have to be overwhelmed. We are all imperfect beings. We all have many areas in which we need to improve. The point, in Elder Packer's words, is that "we must be willing to change."

The good news is that we don't have to do it on our own. Heavenly Father is there for us. Christ is there for us. Even our fellow brothers and sisters are there for us. If you think about it, everything about the gospel is designed to bring us home. We can do it. We just have to keep trying. We have to endure to the end.

According to President Spencer W. Kimball, who Elder Packer quoted, "our success individually and as a church, will largely be determined by how faithfully we focus on living the gospel in the home." We can all do this. I promise you that if you keep Christ in the center of your life amazing things can happen. Doing this will not always be easy, but you can do it. 

Ok, there is one final thought that I have to share with you. At the end of his talk, Elder Packer referenced a promise that Elder Bednar made: "I invite the young people of the church to learn about and experience the Spirit of Elijah ... I promise [that] you will be protected against the intensifying influence of the adversary. As you participate in and love this holy work, you will be safe guarded in your youth and throughout your lives."

I don't know about you, but that is a promise I want to take advantage of. 

Elder Carlos A. Godoy: The Lord Has a Plan for Us

Ooooh. This was a really good talk. I can't wait to read it again.

Elder Carlos A. Godoy: The Lord Has a Plan for Us

Read or watch the full talk here

I am most definitely a fan of Elder Godoy. All of the talks shared in General Conference have been wonderful, but this is the one that touched my heart the most. 

The starting point of Elder Godoy's talk is a conversation he had with a friend several years ago. At that time in his life things were going pretty well. Things were going so well, in fact, that Elder Godoy didn't realize he needed to make a change. Understanding came when his friend asked him this question: "Carlos, everything seems to be going well for you, your family, your career, and your service in the Church, but ... if you continue to live as you are living, will the blessings promised in your patriarchal blessing be fulfilled?”

Wow, That is simply a beautiful question. 

It is also one that we need to ask ourselves regularly. The answer will help us to distinguish the difference between more than what is right and what is wrong. It will help us know the difference between what is good for us to do with what is best for us to do. 

Elder Godoy offered three principles to help us consider our own personal answer to this perplexing question. 

Principle One: Keep the "best" end goal in mind. 
The best and only end goal that matters is reaching the Celestial Kingdom with our family. We must always keep that end in mind. 

Principle Two: Be prepared for the challenges that will come. 
Remember, life is a test. It isn't supposed to be easy. You can do it.

Principle Three: Share this vision with the people you love. 
Your decisions imapct those around you. Facing the challenges between you and your end goal will be easier if you have the support of your loved ones. 

Thank you, ELder Godoy, for your powerful words. 

Brothers and sisters, I know that we can all make the better choice. We just need to remember that we are not alone. Heavenly Father is watching over us. He wants to help us. We don't have to be afraid to pursue our best future. 

Elder Richard G. Scott: Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

The cold continues so I'll keep this short.

Elder Richard G. Scott: Make the Exercise of Faith Your First Priority

Read or watch the full talk here

One of the helpful reminders that Elder Scott provided in his talk is the truth that we must have opposition in this life. We cannot appreciate, or understand happiness until we have experienced saddness. It is also true that we cannot find peace until we have been surrounded by turmoil. (Or, unfortunately, health without sickness.)

Brothers and sisters, I know that isn't exactly what we want to hear. I mean who wants to experience saddness and turmoil? But it is for a purpose. Remember, we came to this earth to be tested. Hopefuly it will be easier to deal with those tests knowing that our challenges are there to help us grow.

Elder Scott had a few suggestions for how to successfully make it through our challenges. (1) Prayer, (2) scripture study, (3) family home evening, and (4) temple attendance.

I'll end with this quote from Elder Scott: "I am not suggesting that all of life's struggles will disapper as you do these things. We came to mortal life precisely to grow from trials and testing. Challenges help us become more like our Father in Heaven, and the Atonement of Jesus Christ makes it possible to endure those challenges. I testify that as we actively come unto Him, we can endure every temptation, every heartache, every challenge we face, in the name of Jesus Christ, amen."

Elder Russell M. Ballard: Stay in the Boat and Hold On!

Today I am writing about the first talk of the last session of General Conference. I can't believe I have made it this far. I know it might not seem like much, but sticking with this challenge has been difficult but rewarding. It's easy to get distracted by everything going on in my life, and then to hide away behind pointless distractions like television. But I know that taking the time each day to read God's word and to study His messages has blessed me emotionally and spiritually.

Elder Russell M. Ballard: Stay in the Boat and Hold On!

Read or watch the full talk here

The message behind this talk is basically the reason I gave myself this challenge and decided to fulfill it by writing this blog. As the title says we all need to "stay in the boat," we need to stay surrounded by the safety and protection of the gospel.

Elder Ballard put it this way: "the Lord in His goodness has provided help, including a boat, essential supplies such as life jackets, and experienced river guides who give guidance and safety instructions to help us make our way down the river of life to our final destination."

Brothers and sisters,  I don't know where exactly I'm headed. I finished grad school a few months ago and now I have to make some decisions about where I want to put my focus, or at least where I want to put my career focus. There are a lot of paths I could take and I don't want my decision to be driven by a lack of faith. Despite this confusion, I know that I need to keep my focus on the only destination that is worth anything. I know that I want to reach, and that I can reach, the Celestial Kingdon. Heavenly Father will help me get there, and He will help you get there. We just need to stay in the boat.

So, this is me, staying in the boat. I hope you'll join me.

President Thomas S. Monson: Ponder the Path of Thy Feet

I'm a little worn out today. My flight home from Colorado got in late. I think I'm going to have to re-read President Monson's talk again. But I do what to share a few thoughts about it. 

President Thomas S. Monson: Ponder the Path of Thy Feet

Read or watch the full talk here

According to President Monson, "the primary purposes of our existence upon the earth are to obtain a body of flesh and bones, to gain experience that could come only through separation from our heavenly parents, and to see if we would keep the commandments."

I don't know about you, but there are two things I love about President Monson's talks. First, he tells great stories. Second, he breaks things down nicely. This was a straightforward reminder about our purpose on earth. 

(1) Get a body.
(2) Experience a separation from our Heavenly parents.
(3) Prove we can keep the commandments.

That last part is a little easier said than done, but we can do it. Remember, proving we can keep the commandments is part of our whole purpose here on earth. If it's part of our purpose, Heavenly Father will have provided a way. That way includes prompitings from the Holy Ghost and the scriptures which provide course direction. That way also includes the atonement of Jesus Christ to make up for the mistakes we make. 

I'm exhausted and starting to fall alseep, so I will end with this quote from President Monson, "there is no higher end than this, that we should choose to accept His discipline and become His disciples and do His work throughout our lives. Nothing else, no other choice we make, can make of us what He can."

Brothers and sisters, always remember our ultimate purpose for being here. There are a lot of things we can do with our time here on earth. We need to choose wisely how we spend our time and where we place our focus. The goal is the Celestial Kingdom. Don't forget that. Heavenly Father will guide us there if we let Him. 

Elder James J. Hamula: The Sacrament and the Atonement

A few weeks ago I admitted that I got behind on this challenge when I went to visit my sister over the Veteran's Day weekend. It was understandable for me to be distracted, I was spending time with my family after all. But, I was determined not to get behind in my reading again.

I visited my sister again over the week of Thanksgiving and I am pleased to be able to say that I did much better this time. I don't know how productive I was over that week, but I did make sure to read a conference talk every night I was there. I also made sure I wrote about that talk, even if it was only briefly.

I am actually writing this response on an airplane as I head back home to California. For me, this talk was a wonderful reminder of the sacredness of the ordinance of the Sacrament.  I hope my thoughts are helpful to you.

Elder James J. Hamula:  The Sacrament and the Atonement

Read or watch the full talk here

According to Elder Hamula, participation in the sacrament as it is constituted today is a way we can signify our acceptance of Jesus as the Christ. It is also a way to signify our promise to follow him and keep his commandments.

The sacrament is one of the most holy ordinances performed in the church. We need to use it to remind ourselves of Christ and of the redemption he offers us.

One interesting detail Elder Hamula shared was the significance of the order of the sacrament. According to him, the bread is taken first to remind us that each of us will be resurrected, just as Christ was resurrected and returned to his body. We then partake of the water to remind us of the blood that Christ shed for us. This is supposed to remind us of the atoning sacrifice he made and through which we can be made clean and return home. This order is significant because resurrection is not the same as redemption.

Brothers and sisters, the ordinance of the sacrament constitutes a solemn commitment and covenant. We must seriously honor this commitment by reverently and actively participating in this ordinance. In the future, I will strive to do this by remembering the added detail Elder Hamula provided about what the bread and the water signify. I will also continue to strive to live as a true disciple of Christ, whose name we take upon ourselves when we partake of this sacred ordinance. 

Elder Robert D. Hales: Eteral Life - to Know Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ

I'm still feeling a little under the weather, so I will keep this short. Please read Elder Hales' words. They are beautiful.

Elder Robert D. Hales: Eteral Life - to Know Our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ

Read or watch the full talk here

For me, the main message behind this talk is a true understanding of the godhead. Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ are two seperate beings. They are united, not in physical form, but in purpose. And their purpose is "to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of mankind."

The introductory text says it all: "God and Christ are literally a Father and a Son- separate, distinct, individual beings who are wholly unifed in Their purpose."

I feel blessed to understand this truth because it helps me to better understand God. Not only is He Christ's father, but He is my Heavenly Father. He loves me as He loves all of His children. 

Brothers and sisters, family is the most important thing in this life. As we live, as we move forward in our earthly existence, we must do all that we can to honor our families.