Sister Carol F. McConkie: Live According to the Words of the Prophets

A lot of the talks in this session seem to touch on the importance of following the prophets and apostles.  I know that I am far, far, far, from perfect, but I do strive to follow the council sent by God through his chosen servants. My prayer, for me and for you, is to become a better disciple by more consistently and immediately acting on this council.

Sister Carol F. McConkie: Live According to the Words of the Prophets

Read or watch the full talk here

During her talk, Sister McConkie brought up the story from the bible when the destitue widow woman was counciled by the Prophet Elijah to provide him with a meal. For most of us this wouldn't be a big deal, but for the widow woman that one meal was everything. It was literarly all the food that she had for herself and her young child.

This story amazes me. I have to admit that I don't know if I would have the faith to obey as that sister did. She had nothing to give and was expecting to die. I suppose that being that close to an expected death would change my perspective, but she also had a child to care for. I do not have children of my own so I cannot completely understand the protective instinct that comes with parenthood, but I've had hints of this feeling with my niece and nephew, and even with my students. I can't imagine taking life sustaining food away from a starving child.

As I said before, heavenly council doesn't always make sense. The widow woman chose the right course when she obeyed Elijah's council and shared the litle she had. She saved herself and her child with her faith. Such faith is truly amazing. While I never want to be presented with that particular dilema, I do hope to have the same faith with the dilemas I will face.

I will end with this quote from Sister McConkie's talk: "we heed prophetic word even when it may seem unreasonable, inconvenient, and uncomfortable. According to the world's standards, following the prophet may be unpopular, politically incorrect, or socially unacceptable. But following the prophet is always right."

Thank you for your council, Sister McConkie.

Elder Russel M. Nelson: Sustaining the Prophets

I'm not feeling great tonight. I seem to be coming down with some kind of head cold. So, I'll keep it simple and pray that my words make sense.

Elder Russel M. Nelson: Sustaining the Prophets

Read or watch the full talk here

In his talk, Elder Nelson quoted President Joseph F. Smith, who said "it is an important duty resting upon Saints who ... sustain the authorities of the Church, to do so not only by the lifting of the hand, the mere form, but in deed and in truth."

Brothers and sisters, it is a priviledge to be able to sustain God's chosen leaders. We must honor God for this priviledge by truly sustaining the Prophets and Apostles. Like every other aspect of the church, we can't just pretend, we must act in faith. We must follow their council.

Think about what you have learned and felt as you have read the conference talks from October. You, and I must act on the prompting we have received. That is how we honor Heavenly Father, and that is how we sustain the prophets.

As Elder Nelson said, we must remember that we do not vote about who will lead the church. God calls His chosen leaders and we sustain them.

I'll end this quick post with another quote that Elder Nelson shared. This one comes from President George Albert Smith. He said it 26 years before he was called to be the Prophet. "The obligation that we make when we raise our hands ... is a most sacred one. It does not mean that we will go quietly on our way and be willing that the prophet of the Lord shall direct this work, but it means ... that we will stand behind him; we will pray for him; we will defend his good name, and we will strive to carry out his instructions as the Lord shall direct."

Brothers and sisters, personal revelation is available for each of us. Just as we need to follow the council we receive from reading the scriputres, we also need to follow the council we receive from the Prophets of the Lord.

President Henry B. Eyring: Continuing Revelation

I am a convert to the church but thanks to an active extended family I have grown up hearing about the gospel and modern day prophets. I didn't become a member of the church until I was in college but because of this family history of faith, I never struggled with the idea of continuing revelation. In my mind it just made sense: Heavenly Father loves us so of course He would keep talking to us.  

Despite this acceptance of the gosple principle of continuing revelation, I must admit that I have always struggled to identify personal revelation, the type of revelation that is just for me. It is probably something I will have to work on my entire life, but I am thankful to know that revelation does happen and that I can develop my ability to recgonize it.

President Henry B. Eyring: Continuing Revelation

Read or watch the full talk here

One of the reasons I struggle with personal revelation is because in some respects I tend to look at the world in a very logical way. This was helpful in my acceptance of modern revelation because its existence made sense given my understanding and faith in who God is, a loving Heavenly Father. My logical lens can, however, present a challenge to understanding personal revelation because often times revelation doesn't always make sense. 

According to President Eyring, "we all know that human judgement and logical thinking will not be enough to get answers to the questions that matter most in life." This has proved very true for me.

President Eyring then went on to say that, "we need revelation from God. And we will need not just one revelation in a time of stress, but we need a constantly renewed stream. We need not just one flash of light and comfort, but we need the continuing blessing of communication with God." 

A reliance on revelation is crucial for members of the church. Truth be told, it is crucial for all of God's children. Yes, I realize I am saying that after just admitting I struggle to understand personal revelation. But I am working on it. You can to.

I realize that some people might question how crucial that reliance is. If you are one of them, I'd ask you to consider how this church began in modern times. As President Eyring reminded me today, our entire church exists on the premise of continued revelation and the fact that Joseph Smith received personal revelation. 

Now, I know that Heavenly Father could make His plan work no matter what. But I also know that He sent us down here to prepare for eternal life. Learning to rely on revelation is part of our education. Just as Joseph Smith had to learn to rely on personal revelation, so must we. Then we must use our agency to act on that council.

Thankfully President Eyring has some suggestions for how to become better at this challenging task. During his talk, President Eyring offered this guide for personal revelation: “Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven." He then went on to promise that, “the Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion.”

I don't kow about you, but I want the Holy Ghost as my constant companion. I want to "wax strong in the presence of God."

Ok, there is one last truth about personal revelation that President Eyring acknowledged in his talk.Brother and sisters, we have to accept that sometimes the revelation we receive is not what we want to hear. It is, however, the word of God and we need to listen to it and act on His council even if it doesn't seem to make sense, and even if it is not what we wanted to do.

Ok, I want to end with a few of President Eyring's final words. "Heavenly Father hears your prayers. He loves you. He knows your name. Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and our Redeemer. He loves you beyond your ability to comprehend."

President Thomas S. Monson: Guided Safely Home

Today's talk is the last one from the Priesthood Session of General Conference. I can't believe I only have two more weeks before the challenge is complete.

I hope you've enjoyed reading with me. Despite the difficulties of fulfilling this challenge, I've enjoyed studying these talks. I know they've helped bring me closer to Heavenly Father. I hope they have done the same for you.

I don't know who out there is reading, but I would love to hear from you. Let me know what you think about these wonderful talks.

President Thomas S. Monson: Guided Safely Home

Read or watch the full talk here.

President Monson began his talk with a story (I love his stories) about the German battleship named The Bismarck. You should check out the ship's history in the talk.

President Monson used this story to illustrate a point. He said, "like the vital rudder of a ship ... we have been provided a way to determine the direction we travel. The lighthouse of the Lord beckons to all as we sail the seas of life. Our purpose is to steer an undeviating course toward our desired goal- even the celestial kingdon of God. A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder, never likely to reach home port." 

Brothers and Sisters, we must remember to keep this ultimate goal in heart and in mind. Nothing else matters but returning home and helping others to return as well. We can, we must, listen for and accept the Savior's invitation to follow Him. He is the example that will lead us home.

During his talk, President Monson made reference to a promise made by President N. Eldon Tanner, a former member of the first presidency. President Tanner said that, "nothing will bring greater joy and success than to live according to the teaching of the gospel." He then followed up his promise with a suggestion, I might even call it a commandment: "Be an example, be an influence for good."

We can do it brothers and sisters. Remember, Heavenly Father will help us. He is our father and He wants us to return to Him.

We must also remember that each of us has a work to do during our earthly life. We have our agency but we also have a responsibility to the Lord. Whether we complete our task or not, we will influence countless generations. I don't know about you, but I want to be a positive influence in the world and an example for Heavenly Father. As President Monson said, "We are strengthened by the truth that the greatest force in the world today is the power of God as it works through man." 

There was a lot more in President Monson's talk, but I will end with this quote from him. "With the rudder of faith guiding our passage ... we too will find our way safely home- home to God, to dwell with Him Eternally. That such may be so for each of us, I pray in the sacred name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer, amen." 

I thank you Brother Monson, for your love and for your prayers. 

President Henry B. Eyring: The Preparatory Priesthood

President Henry B. Eyring: The Preparatory Priesthood

Read or watch the full talk here

What I appreciated most about this talk was the reminder that the Lord prepares the way. Any responsibility He gives us, be it employment, a calling, or a prompting, has and will be prepared for. It is comforting to know that if Heavenly Father asks me to do something I can trust that He will make sure I have what I need to get it done. Remembering this will help me be stronger, so I thank President Eyring and I thank Heavenly Father for the reminder.

In his talk, President Eyring said that Heavenly Father's entire plan is "filled with preparation." Think about it. We are living in a "preparatory state." According to President Eyring, Heavenly Father "prepared the earth for us to experience the tests and opportunities of mortality."

As I think about this now, I realize that every step of the Lord's plan is filled with preparation. We were prepared before we came to earth. Callings and promptings are prepared for. Every decision we make can be prepared for. Then, finally, the entire purpose of our earthly life is to prepare for an eternal life, "where we may live forever in families with God the Father and Jesus Christ."

The heavy use of preparation tells me one important truth: Heavenly Father wants us, wants all of us, each and every one, to return to live with Him.

If that doesn't tell you how much He loves you, I don't know what will.

President Eyring spent much of his talk discussing ways to help young Priesthood holders prepare for the future. The examples shared can help all of us as we strive to prepare for the future. Click on the link above and check out the whole talk. In the mean time, remember that two ways we can help people prepare for the future, including Priesthood responsibilities, are to (1) trust them, and (2) be an example.

Have a great night everyone. And Happy Thanksgiving.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: "Lord, Is It I?"

This was my first opportunity to study the talks shared in the Priesthood Session of General Conference. They have all been wonderful, but I especially liked Brother Uchtdorf’s words. I know that I need to turn my eye inward more often and reflect on how I can be a better disciple of Christ. This talk will help me do that.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf: “Lord, Is It I?”

Read or watch the full talk here

President Uchtdorf began his talk with a reminder of an exchange that took place between Christ and His disciples. On this night Christ told his disciples that one of them would betray Him. What happened next is true evidence of the righteousness of those men. They did not doubt Christ, or question Him. Then, instead of accusing each other they each asked if they were the one who would betray the Savior. 

That is such amazing faith. I hope that I would behave in the same fashion. But I also know that in such an exchange it would be easy for fear to tempt someone, myself included, to look around and judge their companions instead of themselves. 

No one would want to be the betrayer. 

But it is also true that no one likes to feel as if they are not good enough. Satan uses this tendency of the natural man to manipulate us into making unrighteous judgments. 

We must resist this tendency. We must look to ourselves and cast out the beams in our own eyes before we pridefully assume the responsibility of removing the motes in another’s eyes

President Uchtdorf then went on to remind us of the danger of overestimating our actions (not our worth, for we are all children of God and worthy of His love). President Uchtdorf said, “it might not be so significant to overestimate how well we drive a car or how far we can drive a golf ball. But when we start believing that our contributions at home, at work, and at church are greater than they actually are, we blind ourselves to blessings and opportunities to improve ourselves in significant and profound ways.”  

I have to admit that this was difficult to read. I’ve always struggled with knowing how much to do. I can be stubbornly independent. I like to take care of myself. I always have. It is hard for me to accept help and consequently I am less inclined to provide certain types of help. I can’t always understand why someone wants helps with something because I would never ask for that type of help.

Still, I am thankful for this reminder. I want to do what I can to help others. That will require that I help them as they need to be helped, not as I want to help them. 

I’m sure I am not alone when I say that I want to live up to my responsibilities as a disciple of Christ. We can do it, brothers and sisters. 

The other danger the comes when we judge others’ motes instead of dealing with our own beams, is the tendency to think we don’t need the Savior and the blessings of the gospel because we can take care of ourselves. As President Uchtdorf said, we become blind to our own faults and we get trapped by pride.

Brothers and Sisters, we all need Heavenly Father, we all need the gospel. According to President Uchtdorf, “being able to see ourselves clearly is essential to our spiritual growth and well-being. If our weaknesses and shortcomings remain obscure in the shadows, then the redeeming power of the Savior cannot heal them and make them strengths.” 

I don’t know about you, but I want to be strong. I want to be filled with the Spirit of the Lord and I want to follow His will. 

President Uchtdorf’s advice is to approach Heavenly Father with a broken heart and a teachable mind. Brothers and sisters, we can do this. We can remove the beams from our eyes. Heavenly Father will help us. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Bishop Dean M. Davies: The Law of the Fast: A Personal Responsibility to Care for the Poor and Needy

Bishop Dean M. Davies: The Law of the Fast: A Personal Responsibility to Care for the Poor and Needy

Read or watch the full talk here

Bishop Davies began his talk by recounting the events that unfolded after a typhoon in the Philippines.  Many men, women, and children were in serious need and the church stepped up to help out. According to Bishop Davies, "inspired plans began to take shape to help restore members to acceptable living conditions and self-reliance."

I have been blessed, no that isn't the right word. I have been lucky to never experience such a trial as was faced by those men and women. I've never had to worry about where I would sleep tonight, or if there would be enough food and water to survive. This has been a blessing in my life but that doesn't mean that I am any better than those who have experienced such trials. That's why I can only claim to be lucky. (I suppose I simply need to remember that I was born at this time and in this place for a reason.)

I have, however, strived to become self reliant. I do this not only as an act of obedience, but for my own sense of security. The added blessing of being self reliant is that at times, and in certain circumstances, I have been in the position to act when someone else was in need.

According to Bishop Davies, "caring for the poor and needy is a fundamental gospel doctrine and an essential element in the eternal plan of salvation."

I don't know if this is just my problem, but I don't always know how to fulfil this doctrine. It is difficult to know when to help someone and how to help them. This is especially true when I hear about natural disasters around the world. I was thankful to continue reading Bishop Davies' words. He said, "the Lord has established the law of the fast and fast offerings to bless His people and to provide a way for them to serve those in need."

I've always had a lot of respect for men and women who make sacfirices to travel around the world helping those in need. Sometimes I want to join them, but I've never had the guts to follow in their footsteps. When natural disasters occur I want to help, but I also don't to be in the way. Instead, I try to keep my eyes open for such opportunities where I live. I sure I've missed some, even many, but after reading Bishop Davies' words I will try to be more observant and more intuned to the promptings of the Spirit. I want and need to do my part.

Brothers and sisters, we live in a world where many are in need. We can all help to ease the burdens that weigh down our eternal sibilings. Everyone's means are different, but everyone will be blessed for contributing what they can to help others. They might make this contirbution with their time and talents, or with a fast offering. Pray to know what you can do. I know that Heavenly Father will guide you.

Remeber the words of President Monson: "No member of the Church who has helped provide for those in need ever forgets or regrets the experience. Industry, thrift, self-reliance, and sharing with others are not new to us.”