Dallin H Oaks - TIPS FOR MAKING PERSONAL POLITICAL DECISIONS

Political decisions can feel like they come with a lot of pressure — from family, from your political party, or even from social media. But recognizing your personal authority in politics — your ability to be informed, to make principled decisions, and to take action — is empowering. It builds a sense of confidence in your own politics and creates space for others to make their own decisions as well.

Here are several tips from President Oaks to keep in mind as you approach political decisions, elections, and actions.


There are many political issues and no party platform or individual candidate can satisfy all personal references.

Each citizen must therefore decide which issues are most important to him or her at any particular time​.

​Then members should seek inspiration on how to exercise their influence according to their individual priorities​.

​This process will not be easy. It may require changing party support or candidate choices, even from election to election​.

​Such independent actions will Sometimes require voters to support candidates or political parties or platforms whose other positions they cannot approve.

That is one reason we encourage our members to refrain from judging 1 another in political matters.

We should never assert that a faithful latter day, saint cannot belong to a particular party or vote for a particular candidate.



“Defending Our Divinely Inspired Constitution,” 

2021April General Conference

Chinese Fable - GREAT STORY!!

 Carlos E. Asay on Chinese Fable -

If you'd like to HEAR the story on Instagram CLICK HERE

“On November 1, 1857⁠, Elder George A. Smith delivered a memorable discourse, which included this old Chinese fable:

“A man travelling through the country came to a large city, very rich and splendid; he looked at it and said to his guide, ‘This must be a very righteous people, for I can only see but one little devil in this great city.’

“The guide replied, ‘You do not understand, sir. This city is so perfectly given up to wickedness … that it requires but one devil to keep them all in subjection.’

“Travelling on a little farther, he came to a rugged path and saw an old man trying to get up the hill side, surrounded by seven great, big, coarse-looking devils.

“‘Why,’ says the traveller, ‘this must be a tremendously wicked old man! See how many devils there are around him!’

“‘This,’ replied the guide, ‘is the only righteous man in the country; and there are seven of the biggest devils trying to turn him out of his path, and they all cannot do it.’” (⁠Journal of Discourses, 5:363–64.)

After relating the fable, Elder Smith added that 

“the devil has the world so perfectly at his disposal that it requires few devils to keep it in subjection” and that “the whole legion of devils has nothing to do but look after the ‘Mormons’ and stir up the hearts of the children of men to destroy them —to put them out of existence.” (⁠Journal of Discourses, 5:364.)

Carlos E. Asay - "Opposition to the Work of God" 1981 Oct General Conference

MUST WATCH: President Henry B. Eyring Explains How to Have Constant Connection with the Holy Ghost

2005 - Elder Eyring wonderful

talk at BYU Idaho.

Wonderful talk to motivate us 

to work toward having the 

constant companion

of the Holy Ghost.

ENJOY!!

 

LDS Church Leaders Preparing Us For The 2nd Coming of Christ

People of all faiths, LDS, Protestants, Baptists, good men and women all over the world are preparing to meet Christ. I personally look forward to the day.

davidkat99 - youtube channel Posted in 2008

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqaesQ2EE8w&ab_channel=davidkat99

From youtube

Preparation for the Second Coming conference talk by Dallin H. Oaks

April 2004 

Below link from -   https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org

https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2004/04/preparation-for-the-second-coming?lang=eng

Talk On The Holy Ghost (April 17, 2016)

Just a talk given in Sacrament by someone asked to pick a talk from General Conference and talk on it.

Central Valley, California

I am thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to study and learn more about my topic today. What spoke to my heart in the recent general conference was the talks about the Holy Ghost.

I like looking up topics in the bible dictionary, as it explains very well the meaning of gospel topics. The bible dictionary teaches us about precious truths of the Holy Ghost:

It is the third member of the Godhead and a personage of Spirit, not possessing a body of flesh and bones.
The Holy Ghost has been manifest in every dispensation of the gospel since the beginning, being first made known to Adam.
The Holy Ghost is manifested to men on the earth both as the power of the Holy Ghost and as the gift of the Holy Ghost. 

The power can come upon one before baptism and is the convincing witness that the gospel is true. By the power of the Holy Ghost a person receives a testimony of Jesus Christ and of His work and the work of His servants upon the earth. 

When a person speaks by the power of the Holy Ghost that same power carries a conviction of the truth unto the heart of the hearer – as in 2 Nephi 33:1 he states:
And now I, Nephi, cannot write all the things which were taught among my people;
neither am I mighty in writing, like unto speaking; for when a man speaketh by the
power of the Holy Ghost the power of the Holy Ghost carrieth it unto the hearts
of the children of men. 

The gift can come only after proper and authorized baptism and is conferred by the laying on of hands.
The gift of the Holy Ghost is the right to have, whenever one is worthy, the companionship of the Holy Ghost. For those who receive this gift, the Holy Ghost acts as a cleansing agent to purify them and sanctify them from all sin.
Also, The Holy Ghost is often spoken of as “fire” – In Matthew 3:11 it says –
I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance:but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
And in D&C 19:31 it also says: . . . thou shalt declare repentance and faith on the Savior, and remission of sins by baptism, and by fire, yea, even the Holy Ghost.

The bible dictionary also proclaims that The Holy Ghost knows all things. In D&C 35:19 we read Wherefore, watch over him that his faith fail not, and it shall be given by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, that knoweth all things.

Other names that sometimes refer to the Holy Ghost are
Holy Spirit - Spirit of God - Spirit of the Lord - Comforter, and Simply Spirit.

A week ago in general conference I noted that the Holy Ghost was a topic in a few of the talks.

In Elder Hale’s talk titled “The Holy Ghost” he declares:
All of us benefit from this holy light. It is “in all and through all things,”
and it allows us to distinguish right from wrong.
The Holy Ghost provides personal revelation to help us make major life decisions about such things as education, missions, careers, marriage, children, where we
will live with our families, and so on. In these matters, Heavenly Father expects
us to use our agency, study the situation out in our minds according to gospel principles, and bring a decision to Him in prayer. Personal revelation is essential, but it is only one part of the work of the Holy Ghost. 

Elder Hale continues with many quotes from the scriptures:
As the scriptures attest, the Holy Ghost also testifies of the Savior and God the Father.
He teaches us “the peaceable things of the kingdom” and causes us to “abound in hope.”
He “leadeth us to do good and to judge righteously.”
He gives “to every man and woman a spiritual gift that all may be profited thereby.”
He “giveth us knowledge” and “brings all things to our remembrance.”
Through the Holy Ghost, we “may be sanctified” & receive “a remission of our sins.”
He is the “Comforter,” the same who was “promised unto the Savior’s disciples.” 

Elder Hale reminds us not to seek the Holy Ghost unwisely. He is not there to give direction in every minor choice we make, making his sacred role trivial. We are to use
our agency to live our daily lives, feeling the promptings of the Holy Ghost when needed.
He stated:
In the world we live in today, the influence of the Holy Ghost is most important.
To live righteously so we can feel and understand the promptings of the
Holy Ghost are most important
Elder Hale warns -
“Sometimes the adversary tempts us with false ideas that we may confuse with
the Holy Ghost. I testify that faithfulness in obeying the commandments and
keeping our covenants will protect us from being deceived. Through the
Holy Ghost, we will be able to discern those false prophets who teach for
doctrine the commandments of men”.

What a great promise! I have struggled myself with recognizing the promptings of the Holy Ghost. I have missed opportunities - I have received understanding that I had received a prompting that I dismissed, or ignored. It is most frustrating.
As we follow his promptings, we receive more promptings. But when we ignore or dismiss promptings, we will stop receiving them. I have prayed much to understand and follow the promptings that I receive. Even asking the Lord to give me another chance to continue to receive promptings and trying to increase my spirituality, so I can recognize and follow the promptings for me and my family.

One of the greatest examples that I read about following the promptings of the Holy Ghost was in the Ensign. A gal was home alone while her husband was at the nearby church, when her brother in-law had knocked on the door. It was not unusual for him to show up unannounced and she would have welcomed him into her home.
But . . . the spirit told her not to open the door. She wondered at the strange prompting . . . and she heeded it! After he knocked, through the closed door, she told him her husband was at the church and he could meet him there. He persisted that she open the door, but she stated again he could walk to the church. He left and a short time later she saw him walking with her husband towards their home, laughing and talking!

She learned that he had meet up with an old friend on the bus, and this friend had insisted that he go to the sister in-laws house with him. He felt that this friend did not have good motives. He was unsure how to handle the situation. Then he started praying that his sister in-law would not open the door! When, in fact, she did not open the door, this fellow’s friend lost interest and left.

This was a great example to me. I know, at the time I read this story, I would have dismissed this silly prompting and possibly invited evil into my home. We often want to know the why before we will head a prompting. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work that way!

Elder Hales shared some personal experiences of following the Holy Ghost in his own life:
Many years ago, Sister Hales and I planned to host some of my work associates
at a special dinner in our home.
On my way home from the office, I had an impression to stop at the house of a widow whom I home taught. When I knocked on the sister’s door, she said,
“I have been praying for you to come.” Where did that impression come from?
The Holy Ghost.

He continues:
Once, following a serious illness, I presided at a stake conference. To conserve
my energy, I planned to leave the chapel immediately after the priesthood leadership session. However, following the benediction, the Holy Ghost
said to me, “Where are you going?”
I was inspired to shake hands with everyone as they left the room.
As one young elder stepped forward, I was prompted to give him a special message. He was looking down, and I waited for his eyes to come up and meet mine, and I was able to say,
“Pray to Heavenly Father, listen to the Holy Ghost, follow the promptings
you are given, and all will be well in your life.” Later the stake president told
me that the young man had just returned early from his mission.
The stake president, acting on a clear impression, had promised the young
man’s father that if he brought his son to the priesthood meeting,
Elder Hales would speak with him. Why did I stop to shake everyone’s hand?
Why did I pause to talk to this special young man?
What was the source of my counsel? It’s simple: the Holy Ghost.

Elder Hale admonishes us to:
. . . encourage our children and others to follow the direction of the Holy Ghost.
In doing so, let us follow the example of the Holy Ghost ourselves, leading through gentleness, meekness, kindness, long-suffering, and love unfeigned.
The Holy Ghost is a medium for God’s work in families and throughout the Church. I offer my testimony of the personal revelation and constant flow of daily guidance, caution, encouragement, strength, spiritual cleansing, comfort, and peace that have come to our family through the Holy Ghost. Through the Holy Ghost, we experience “the multitude of Christ’s tender mercies” and miracles that do not cease. 

In D&C 68:3-6 we read about the impact of the words that our prophet and apostles speak –

3 And this is the ensample unto them, that they shall speak as they are moved upon by the Holy Ghost.
4 And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost
shall be scripture,
shall be the will of the Lord,
shall be the mind of the Lord,
shall be the word of the Lord,
shall be the voice of the Lord,
and the power of God unto salvation.
5 Behold, this is the promise of the Lord unto you, O ye my servants.
6 Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come.

Yesterday afternoon, while I should have been finishing up this talk, I was on facebook!
As I was scrolling down the news feed, a video from the mormon channel came up titled “Receiving Revelation: Power of the Holy Spirit” - I clicked on it and the first part of the video started with a question which was “How Does The Spirit send you revelation”?

I watched testimonies of young people talking about following promptings.
A gal named Jenny shared her testimony –
“The spirit has definitely protected me from making wrong decisions. Even though we know what we should be doing, we need the Holy Ghost to remind us when to do it.”

I love that she said the Holy Ghost “protected” her. She could have used a number of words, but she chose protected.

Another gal mentions the feeling of peace she gets when she makes right choices.

Elder Gerald N. Lund taught in the video that
“Sometimes the Holy Ghost is so subtle that you don’t recognize it, only later as you
see how things work out that you get the confirmation again and you say “Ok, now I understand that was from the Lord”. 

A fellow from the same video explains that if we want to know how HF speaks to us - we want to recognize that, you ask him that – you say “HF I want to recognize your spirit when you speak to me” as you do that and read your scriptures, and pray and continually put yourself in those places where you can feel the spirit, he will reveal that to you.

Isn’t it awesome that I can watch a wonderful video that teaches such beautiful truths?
We have so much given to us to help us to grow and learn and improve and increase our knowledge in the gospel. We just need to take the time – to make it a priority in our lives. I’ve seen in my own progression that it has been line upon line, precept upon precept.
As I grow and learn, I have been added upon.

My hope and prayers are for all of us to continue to learn and progress in the wonderful gospel of Jesus Christ. I know I am happier when I am following the commandments.

I would like to close with one of my favorite hymns, the third verse of How Firm A Foundation:
Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed,
For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.
I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand,
Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.

In the Name of Jesus Christ Amen

Apostles Testimony Montage From First Talk

In General Conference!!!!

Answers to Four Questions about Prayer

https://www.lds.org/prophets-and-apostles/unto-all-the-world/answers-to-four-questions-about-prayer?lang=eng&cid=email_inspiration-and-news_6-2015_header1

Elder D. Todd Christofferson of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles answers four questions about prayer:

1. How can I make daily prayer more meaningful?
2. How do you have the Spirit with you when you pray?
3. How often should we pray?
4. What if we don’t get an answer to our prayers when we want it or need it?

1. How can I make daily prayer more meaningful?

How can I make daily prayer more meaningful? It’s a good question, and it’s one that applies to all of us. President Hinckley used to say that sometimes when we pray it’s like we’re picking up a phone, ordering groceries, and then we hang up the phone—we put in our order, and we don’t think any more about it than that. But if we take a few minutes just to think about our particular need in a given moment, then prayer becomes more meaningful.

In 2 Nephi 32:9 it says, “Behold, I say unto you that ye must pray always, and not faint; that ye must not perform any thing unto the Lord save in the first place ye shall pray unto the Father in the name of Christ, that he will consecrate thy performance unto thee, that thy performance may be for the welfare of thy soul.”

Everything we do ought to be done with an eye toward our Heavenly Father’s blessing and consecrating to our good all of our activities in a given day. So if we sense our need and think about it, prayer becomes more meaningful.

Beyond that, it’s important to remember we shouldn’t just be praying about ourselves, because there are a lot of people in our sphere of acquaintance who have great needs as well, and we ought to be remembering them and what kind of help they need from the Lord. Those kinds of prayers are like when Enos prayed. He prayed about himself first and then about the Nephites and then the Lamanites—even his enemies were a part of his concern. That really makes prayer meaningful, to focus on others.

Lastly, when you’re grateful, when your prayers include a lot of thanks to the Lord for your blessings, they become much more meaningful.

2. How do you have the Spirit with you when you pray?

This is crucial. It makes all the difference. Remember the promise we find in Moroni 10:4. It tells us to pray about the Book of Mormon “with a sincere heart, with real intent.” And when we say “sincere heart” and “real intent,” it means that you want to know the Lord’s will and you want to do it, that you’re committed, as you pray, to knowing and doing His will. And that makes prayer very meaningful. If we’re just praying for what wewant and we don’t want to know His will, it won’t be the same feeling or have the same meaning.

Years ago when I was serving as a bishop and was weighed down with all of the problems members of the ward seemed to have, I began praying about finding solutions and ways to help. I got some impressions in answer to my pleas for help. Then, it seemed that the Spirit would guide my prayer so that what I was praying was guided by the Spirit as well as what came back in answer to my prayers. And I think that’s the most meaningful kind of prayer we can achieve, where the Spirit guides the prayer as well as the responses from our Heavenly Father. And I believe that comes when we really do want to know what the Lord wants and we’re committed to do whatever that is as we pray.

3. How often should we pray?

There really is not a rule. We don’t have a set number. I think as you go through a day, it’s natural to pray about things as they come along.

Elder David A. Bednar talked in a general conference about prayer and praying always (see “Pray Always,”Ensign, Nov. 2008, 41). He said if our morning prayers are looking out toward the day and what’s coming, we’re previewing the day in our prayer. In our evening prayers, we report to the Lord on what’s happened through the course of the day. We may be thanking Him for blessings received, we may be repenting of a few things that happened that were not right, and then there are all the prayers in between. It just becomes part of a stream of prayers. It’s all part of a pattern, and that goes on day in and day out and week after week and through the years. That’s what it means to have your heart drawn out in prayer to Him.

One other scripture comes to mind, from Alma 37:36–37:

“Cry unto God for all thy support; yea, let all thy doings be unto the Lord, and whithersoever thou goest let it be in the Lord; yea, let all thy thoughts be directed unto the Lord; yea, let the affections of thy heart be placed upon the Lord forever.

“Counsel with the Lord in all thy doings, and he will direct thee for good; yea, when thou liest down at night lie down unto the Lord, that he may watch over you in your sleep; and when thou risest in the morning let thy heart be full of thanks unto God; and if ye do these things, ye shall be lifted up at the last day.”

Sometimes it’s a very, very simple prayer in a stressful crisis. (“Help. Please help me.”) So we’re talking about our thoughts going to Heavenly Father. Our prayers can be brief through the course of the day, and it’s just what flows out of us naturally. The closer we get to Him, the more that happens automatically and we feel that closeness. It’s like having a friend and walking together through a hallway at school. You want to turn and talk to each other about what’s going on at the moment. And as you draw closer to God, that companionship, that friendship, if you will, tends to develop in the same way.

That being said, don’t forget that we ought to look for opportunities when we can have long prayers, when we can have a quiet time and will not be interrupted. We need a time where we can pray as long as we feel we want to and need to, where Heavenly Father can teach us and talk to us at length and not just always be responding to a quick prayer—that’s fine for the moment but not all we should ever do.

4. What if we don’t get an answer to our prayers when we want it or need it?

That’s an interesting question. It brings to mind something that Elder Richard G. Scott said in a general conference talk: “What do you do when you have prepared carefully, have prayed fervently, waited a reasonable time for a response, and still do not feel an answer? You may want to express thanks when that occurs, for it is an evidence of His trust. When you are living worthily and your choice is consistent with the Savior’s teachings and you need to act, proceed with trust. As you are sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit, one of two things will certainly occur at the appropriate time: either the stupor of thought will come, indicating an improper choice, or the peace or the burning in the bosom will be felt, confirming that your choice was correct. When you are living righteously and are acting with trust, God will not let you proceed too far without a warning impression if you have made the wrong decision” (“Using the Supernal Gift of Prayer,” Ensign, May 2007, 10).

It’s a valuable experience sometimes to pray and not immediately receive the answer you feel you need. It’s all conditioned, of course, on our living the way we should, continuing to seek His guidance, and being open to those promptings.

We ought to remember we don’t dictate to God the timing of His answers to us and the content of what comes in response to our prayers. I learned this when I was about 16. I was in the pageant at Hill Cumorah. I lived in New Jersey at the time, and they had some of the youth from New Jersey and New York as participants. I thought I had a deep belief in the Prophet Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon and felt that they were true and that the First Vision was as he described it. I thought, “This is the perfect chance. I’ll go to the Sacred Grove one night after the performance and get the final confirmation I need there.”

So I did. I went there late one night. It was a beautiful summer evening. Nobody else was there—perfectly reverent and peaceful. And I prayed. I didn’t ask for anything specific. I just said, “Can I have some confirmation of my belief?” Really I wanted a testimony of my feeling about the Prophet and the Book of Mormon.

Nothing happened. I prayed a long time—I’m sure more than an hour. Nothing. I was really disappointed. I said, “What did I do wrong? Why didn’t the Lord answer me? Wasn’t it the perfect place, the perfect time? What should I have done that I didn’t do?”

Later, what I was looking for came, but it was at home in a quiet moment when I was reading the Book of Mormon. That witness from the Holy Ghost flooded over me, and I knew. I knew I knew. And when I looked back on the experience, I said, “Why didn’t He answer my prayer then? Why was it later?” I learned two important lessons from that:

First, you don’t have to be any place special for the Lord to answer your prayer. You don’t have to make a pilgrimage to Palmyra or Jerusalem or anything like that. He knows where you are. He knows your name. He can answer you right here, right now, any moment.

And second, you don’t dictate to God. You just don’t tell Him what and when. That comes according to His will and His timing and His wisdom. He loves us; He knows what’s best for us, and our job is to be open. Our job is always to be willing and ready to receive. Then He knows what’s best and when to answer us and how to answer us. So, after all is said and done, we still have to live by faith.

Prayer is one of the things that will give us the strength and the power to be examples of the believers. The influence of the Lord, the meaningfulness of our prayers, His guidance  in our life day to day, the strength that comes with all of that really does make it possible for us to consistently be examples of the believers in everything we do.

More Great Quotes

Pray Always

David A. Bednar talks on Prayer

in beautiful visual format

The War In Heaven Continues on the Earth Today

Messages from LDS Mormon Prophets 

and Apostles in the 70's

and current Apostles

Latter-day Preparations: What We Learned at Conference

2009 October General Conference
By Gary C. Lawrence

Remember (past) General Conferences when we were told to grow gardens, put in a supply of food, prepare 72-hour kits, get out of debt, and put our houses in order by preparing every needful thing?

The Church's instructions on provident living still stand, of course, and there are wonderful resources available to help us. But when was the last time such counsel received significant attention in General Conference?

As best I can recall, there was a turning point when President Hinckley, after an extensive sermon in a priesthood session on financial preparations, said,

"Now that's all I'm going to say about that."

It may have been the last time he mentioned physical preparations in a General Conference address.

During the five sessions of conference just completed, I attempted to write down every admonition, instruction, exhortation, suggestion or recommendation given by the speakers. I collected 430 items of counsel in all, but -

No one talked about food storage
No one advised putting together emergency kits
No one exhorted us to get out of debt
No one said to grow a garden

There were only three references to financial matters (Elder Watson, Bishop Burton and Elder Christofferson) and all of them were warnings against excesses and greed, not about preparations.

Many sense that things could soon break loose - that it wouldn't take much to put many prophesied events about the last days into motion. At this time of turmoil throughout the world, a roller coaster economy, crime, thugocracies, natural disasters, looming inflation and even nuclear threats, it would seem a natural time for our leaders to talk about nuts-and-bolts preparation - to tell us what we should do next.

Well, they did. But not in a direction some may have expected.

We've been hearing about food storage and other preparations since 1936. The way I see the talks this conference, those days are over. Members who haven't prepared physically are not very likely to start now simply because two or three more General Authorities plead with them.

This is not to suggest we'll never hear counsel about physical preparations again in General Conference, but rather it appears the emphasis is shifting from physical preparation to spiritual preparation - to build strength of heart, mind and spirit for whatever is coming, and especially to become more proficient at receiving personal revelation.

Those who watched conference hoping for a fish found that they instead were instructed how to fish. Of the 29 individuals who addressed us 16 of them spoke about the Holy Ghost - how we can cultivate the gift of the Holy Ghost, how to improve our sensitivity to promptings, how to purify our lives so we can hear gentle spiritual communications, and related counsel - in other words, how we can gain personal instruction to guide us through coming events from the Source that knows everything. The 16 below, in speaking order:

Elder Scott: Consistently strive to recognize and follow the feelings prompted by the Spirit.

Sister Matsumori: Help others become more familiar with promptings of the Spirit.

Elder Clayton: Be humble so you can hear the word of the Lord.

President Uchtdorf: Listen for the Father's voice for it leads to the ministration of the Holy Spirit.

Elder Oaks: Listen and feel of God's love.

Elder Hales: Yield to the influence of the Holy Ghost.

Elder Watson: Be temperate in all things as guided by the Holy Ghost.

Elder Anderson: Turn away from pride, anger and impure thoughts.

President Packer: The Holy Ghost communicates to our spirit with promptings and impressions.

President Eyring: Learn to follow inspiration.

President Monson: Refrain from anger so you will have the Spirit with you.

Elder Perry: Listen to the Spirit for guidance.

Bishop Burton: Let virtue garnish your thoughts.

Sister Dibb: Use the safety equipment of scriptures, prophets, and the Holy Ghost.

Elder Nelson: Cultivate spiritual discernment.

Elder Ringwood: Be sensitive to the Holy Ghost.

The emphasis on these basic principles suggests that we haven't been following them as we should. Which brings to mind the well-known story of Vince Lombardi, legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers.

Every season, even after the Packers had won two Super Bowls, Lombardi would address his players and start with the basics:

"Gentlemen, this is a football." (And Max McGee, the team's star receiver who scored the first touchdown in Super Bowl history, would say, "Not so fast, coach, not so fast.")

There wasn't a player who didn't already know what Lombardi would say - blocking, tackling, mental alertness. But he said it over and over because they fell short on execution.

Our leaders are obviously telling us it's time to execute the basics better and bulk up our spiritual preparations to match whatever we've prepared for our physical survival.

Having a house full of wheat, beans and rice will be insufficient if we are not strong in spirit and mind as we face prophesied events.

The Bill Carpenter Conversion Story

You’ll want to take some time to listen to this wonderful conversion story. 
It is so awesome.  It’s about an hour, but well worth it.

I have this on my ipod and listened to it last night for the first time.  
I found it on youtube, so you could also enjoy this talk.

Here's the whole story in one video with pictures while he talks

In Spanish -
The youtube video (below) is talking in English and the video part is the same talk subtitled into Spanish (you have to read it for the spanish speaking).

Maybe you might want to make this a FHE activity and just listen . . .   
This really is one incredibly awesome conversion story.  
You will be glad you took the time to listen.


Bill Carpenter Conversion Story Part 1

Bill Carpenter Conversion Story Part 2

Bill Carpenter Conversion Story Part 3

Bill Carpenter Conversion Story Part 4

Bill Carpenter Conversion Story Part 5

The Family Can Be Eternal -

A talk given by someone in the Bernal Ward Relief Society, San Jose, CA.  A good one that I’m glad they shared!

Good Morning Sisters -

I have to start by sharing a story I have probably have shared before but I have to again. - This story started over 36 years ago when my sister died at a very young age of 19. I was pregnant with our second daughter Stacy, it really was a very hard time for my entire family. We were not members of any church at that time and we all felt really lost. When you are not a member of the church you hear all the “stuff” when you lose a loved one. Like they are in a better place, they aren’t suffering anymore, or someday you will see them again, all the things we say now but really, they are just empty words when there is no faith behind them. Little did I know that 21 years later after her passing and exactly to the day 56 years after my Grandfather had passed I would learn a lesson I will always be grateful for. Stacy was being baptized and we were there as non members, not knowing anything about her new religion. As she was getting dressed after her baptism, we watched a video about how Family’s can be together forever. I watched and I knew I had to learn more. The spirit was so strong in that room. I didn’t know it then, but Heavenly Father had a plan for us. He was planting the seed. So to make a long story short because of that video, I stand here today 17 years later.

The Eternal family begins with Heavenly Parents. That is our goal in this life, to be just like them. In the Proclamation of the Family we read - 3rd paragraph down - have someone read.

So from the very beginning God established the family and made it eternal. We are partners with God as parents to bring children into this world and teach them while they are here on earth. So to do it as God intended we need to follow life as God intended. I will use the example of a recipe.

As we go through life, it’s like baking a cake.
You have to have a plan - God’s plan is your recipe
You have the tools - knowledge of the gospel, The Prophet, Temple - which would be having a pan, mixer, oven.  You have to follow the instructions or be obedient to the commandments we have been given, or you won’t get a cake.  You have to have patience and the blessings will come- wait while baking and then cooling
You have to enjoy - Eternal Life - You have your cake and get to eat it too!

President David O. McKay said, 

                      “With all my heart I believe that the best place to prepare for
                             … eternal life is in the home”

We learn at home everything we will need in the out side world. What do we learn?

At home we learn as a family - self-control, sacrifice, loyalty, and the value of work. We learn to love, share, and to serve one another.

The home is where we prepare ourselves for living in mortality and in death. Because we believe and understand that there is a life after death not just for us but also for our family. Depending on our individual obedience to the laws, ordinances, and commandments of God, each mortal can have the blessings of attaining eternal life and return to live in the presence of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and be reunited with our families for eternity.
Its always a growing process. As we learn and study the gospel we can then teach the gospel, when we pray we are setting the example to our children to pray, when we obey the commandments we are setting the example for our children to obey the commandments. They watch us when we don’t even think they are watching us.

How many of you have been to a non-LDS wedding? What is one of the biggest difference in their vows that they make to each other and the ones we make when we are sealed in the Temple?

Till Death do We part!

Robert and I had one of these types of wedding. We never thought anything about it, because that was the only thing available to us then, but as the years went by and we became closer and more in love with each other, we actually would laugh and make a joke to each other that the only way you’ll get rid of me now is to die.

After being sealed in the temple, now we joke about how you’ll never get rid of me. It won’t do you any good now, even to die.

We joke about it, but what a wonderful blessing. Death can not separate us now as long as we both keep our covenants with Heavenly Father.

This month’s Ensign has a wonderful article in it “Defending the Family in a Troubled World” by Elder Bruce Porter of the Seventy. I urge all to read it.

Satan is really attacking the family big time. The family is in crisis. We live in a day when the love of your own children is not happening. The average traditional family is not the traditional family I grew up with. We live a society that thinks evil is good and good is evil. Anything that is wholesome is mocked and made fun of. Fatherless or Motherless homes are ok, abortion is ok, pornography won’t hurt anyone. There is a estimated 6.6 million cohabitating couples now so they say the divorce rate is down, but people just aren’t getting married so we have no idea how many “divorced families” are out there. Over 40% of births are now out of wedlock.

Life’s Recipe is upside down right now. Everyone is wanting to enjoy life before planning and preparing for it in the right steps.
Unfortunately to many children are being brought into this world in unloving and in unwanted situations, leaving a giant hole in the family structure.

Sisters we are such a small part of the world, but we should not underestimate the power of our example to all of those we come in contact with. We can invite others who might be seeking a better way. The Lord expects us to do that. Even if it means that we might be made fun of or shunned by others. Just like in the vision of the tree of life. We need to ignore the jeering and the laughing.

Regardless of what the future holds, we will be given the power to save our children from the darkness around them. Its going to take work and sacrifices but with God as our partner we will succeed. We can make our homes a refuge from the outside world.

What are some of the ways we can do this?

1. Have family prayer every night and morning. Pray together as husband and wife. 3Nephi 18:21

2. Teach children the gospel every week in family home evening.

3. Study scriptures regularly as a family.

4. Do things together as a family, such as work projects, outings, and decision making.

5. Learn to be kind, patient, long-suffering, and charitable.

6. Attend Church meetings regularly.

7. Follow the counsel of the Lord. “Organize your selves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God.”

8. Keep a family history, perform temple work together, and receive the sealing ordinances of the temple.

Have you seen the difference in your family when you are doing the family prayer, family scripture reading, family meal times and family home evenings, verses when you slip from doing these things?
In closing Life is eternal. I know that I have Heavenly parents and other loved ones waiting for me to return to them on the other side. Doing their temple work and sealing our families together forever is the one thing I can do to repay them for all that they have done for me in this life. The Lord has provided the way. His spirit will keep us strong even if the trails of this life get worse. We have that promise his spirit will guide, direct, and comfort us. We are so blessed to have this knowledge. I am trying so hard to keep my recipe for life together, I someday want to have cake and eat it to.
End with Testimony
WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING

A message every adult should read because children

are watching you and doing as you do, not as you say.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you hang my

first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately

wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you feed a

stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind

to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make my

favorite cake for me, and I learned that the little

things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a

prayer, and I knew that there is a God I could always

talk to, and I learned to trust in Him.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you make a

meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I

learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw you take care

of our house and everyone in it, and I learned we have

to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw how you

handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't

feel good, and I learned that I would have to be

responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw tears come

from your eyes, and I learned that sometimes things

hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking I saw that you

cared, and I wanted to be everything that I could be..

When you thought I wasn't looking I learned most of

life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and

productive person when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking I looked at you and

wanted to say,' Thanks for all the things I saw when

you thought I wasn't looking.'

I AM SENDING THIS TO ALL OF THE PEOPLE I KNOW

WHO DO SO MUCH FOR OTHERS,

BUT THINK THAT NO ONE EVER SEES.

LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT ..


Each of us (parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, teacher, friend)

influences the life of a child.

How will you touch the life of someone today?
Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Leave the rest to God.

A Stake President Reviews 2012 -

  A stake president reviews 2012….

Mathew S. De Visser
Stake President Sandy Utah Hidden Valley Stake
Best Stake Conference I Ever Attended

On Sunday we had the best stake conf I've ever attended. The Stake President was the concluding speaker. Below is his talk exactly as he emailed it to me today. Sorry for the length but there was nothing I could cut out of it. It was that good.
Stake Conference General Session Talk: 2/3/13

President De Visser:

My dear brothers and sisters, it has been a wonderful conference weekend. I have been inspired by those who have shared their stories and testimonies. I have been equally inspired by the music. I have learned that it is not an easy thing to plan a stake conference. Much fasting, prayer, and deliberation go into it and I have felt the spirit of the Lord guide me in selecting our speakers and topics. I express my appreciation to those who have participated. The spirit of the Lord has been with us in abundance, and I pray that it will continue to be with us as I now address you. 

Another year has come and gone, but not just any year – it was the year 2012. A year about which much was speculated, predicted, and some would even argue prophesied. And while the most discussed prediction or prophecy – that of the Mayans concerning the end of the world – did not come to pass, I feel and believe that 2012 will still prove to be one of the more significant years in our life time.

Let’s take a moment and look back at a few things that happened in 2012: 

      - Gaza fired missiles on Jerusalem causing heightened unrest in the Middle East 

      - The Director of the CIA, a man considered to be of the highest moral integrity, 

              resigned due to improprieties and adultery

      - The UN Ambassador was instructed by the White House to cover up what
            happened in Libya, attempting to minimize the deaths of four Americans
            who were murdered                    

      - There was an attempt to raise taxes during the worst economic times since
             the great depression
      - Hurricane Sandy, called the “perfect storm” hit the east coast causing
             great devastation
      - Iran became closer to a nuclear weapon
      - The use of marijuana was legalized in Washington and Colorado
      - Some states legalized same sex marriage
      - 23 states began a petition to secede from the nation
      - Russia strengthened its coalitions with North Korea and Iran
      - Forces aligned to stop school prayer, but allowed the handing out of birth control
      - The government used tax dollars to fund abortions
      - Examples of violence, gambling, drug misuse, and infidelity were more
               prevalent than ever
      - Hollywood promoted parenthood without marriage
      - Education scores of our youth plummeted to their lowest levels ever
      - And finally, we were brought to the edge of the fiscal cliff - 

In my opinion, the first 30 days of 2013 have proven to be the same. In fact, my head is spinning at all of the insanity and craziness that is happening in the world. - Now, I want to make it clear that it is not my intent today to be controversial, political, or even dire. My intent is to state the facts as I see them, as the Stake President, having been moved upon by the Holy Ghost. When I speak from this pulpit as the Stake President, the primary intent of my voice is one of love and compassion, but I also have an obligation to use my voice as a warning when it is necessary. Today is a day when I choose to use it primarily as a voice of warning hoping you will realize and understand that it is in love and compassion for you that I do. Each of us has our agency and we are free to act for ourselves. We are agents unto ourselves and each of us is free to take what I say as he or she will. You may choose to disagree with me. You may even choose to ignore me, but I have been impressed by the spirit to say what I must say. Never in my life have I witnessed a more stark difference between good and evil than I did in 2012. Never has there been a greater moral, economic, or political decline in society, than there was in 2012 and over the last few years. These climates combined, were as bad in 2012 as they have ever been in the history of the world. The current moral condition of our world and country reminds me of the condition described in Helaman, chapter 5, verse 2, and I quote:

             “For their laws and their governments were established by the voice of the
               people, and they who chose evil were more numerous than they who
               chose good, therefore they were ripening with destruction, for the laws
               had become corrupted.”       End quote. 

In 2012 the voice of the people spoke loudly and clearly as it chose:
      - Socialism over capitalism
      - Entitlements over free enterprise
      - Redistribution and regulation over self reliance Unfortunate as it is, this should not
            come as a surprise to any of us who have spent the better part of our lives as
            members of this church. 

The scriptures and the prophets have warned us for hundreds of years, and have been trying to prepare us for this time. The scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. Let me take a moment and share with you a few of the scriptural and modern-day prophesies and quotes that I find interesting and revealing.

First, on November 9th, 2012 (just a few months ago) the First Presidency issued the following statement: 

          “We invite Americans everywhere, whatever their political persuasion, 

           to pray for the President, for his administration and the new Congress as they 

           lead us through difficult and turbulent times. May our national leaders reflect 

           the best in wisdom and judgment as they fulfill the great trust afforded to 

           them by the American people.” 

The most glaring part of this statement, to me, is the acknowledgement from our prophet and the First Presidency that we are living in difficult and turbulent times.

Now, listen carefully to these two quotes. To me, these quotes are fascinating, and they reflect the ability of our leaders to see and predict the future. In 1976 (this statement was made over 35 years ago) while serving as a President of the Seventy, Neal A. Maxwell said the following: 

           “I fear, that, as conditions worsen, many will react to the failures of too much 

            government by calling for even more government. Then there will be more 

            and more lifeboats launched, because fewer and fewer citizens know how
            to swim. Unlike some pendulums, political pendulums do not swing back
            automatically; they must be pushed. History is full of instances when people
            have waited in vain or  pendulums to swing back”. 

In 1966 (this statement was made over 45 years ago) while serving as an apostle, 

Howard W. Hunter said this:

           “The government will take from the “haves” and give to the “have nots.” 

             [When this happens] Both have lost their freedom. Those who “have,” lost 

             their freedom to give voluntarily of their own free will and in the way they desire. 

             Those who “have not”, lost their freedom because they did not earn what they 

             received. They got “something for nothing,” and they will neither appreciate the 

             gift nor the giver of the gift”. 

Now I quote from 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 1-4:

          “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall 

           be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers,
           disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce
           breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,
           traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”. 

Sound familiar? It does to me, and as the Stake President, I not only see it happening throughout the world, but I also see it happening right here in our stake. These conditions described by Paul concerning the wickedness of the last days, are being realized right before my very eyes. As the Stake President, I see and hear all manner of sin – violence, crime, alcohol and drug abuse, and immorality of every kind. I believe there are not many things left for my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Evil is escalating at an alarming pace even here at home. Just as the Savior prophesied concerning the conditions in the world that would precede his Second Coming: “iniquity does abound, the love of men does wax cold” (JS-Matt. 1:30) and “all things are in commotion; and surely, men’s hearts do fail them, for fear has come upon all people” (D&C 88:91). 

I now quote Elder Bednar in a talk he gave one day after the tragic events that occurred only 45 days ago in Connecticut. He said:

              “We live in a world that grows increasingly confused and chaotic - ever more 

               evil and dark. Nothing could have emphasized that truth more than the tragic 

               events that occurred yesterday in Connecticut.” 

With his comments, Elder Bednar also quoted recent comments made by President Packer, who said: 

                      “The world is spiraling downward at an ever-quickening pace.” 

Now, pay close attention to this next sentence brothers and sisters –
President Packer said: 

                                “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.”

President Packer goes on to say: 

              “I know of nothing in the history of the Church, or in the history of the world 

               to compare with our present circumstances. Nothing happened in Sodom and 

               Gomorrah which exceeds in wickedness and depravity that which surrounds 

               us now. Words of profanity, vulgarity, and blasphemy are heard everywhere. 

               Unspeakable wickedness and perversion were once hidden in dark places;
               now they are in the open, and even accorded legal protection. At Sodom
               and Gomorrah these things were localized. Now, they are spread across
               the world, and they are among us”. 

Brothers and Sisters, as I said last year during Ward Conferences – “we are in the count down.” 

Again, I say to you, that the scriptural and modern-day prophesies we have read and heard all throughout our lives are no longer prophesies to us – they are now our living reality. If there was ever a time in the history of the world for a people to wake up, pay attention, and get it together – now is that time. This is a defining moment for us, and we cannot delay. We need to get our temporal and spiritual houses in order. It is a must. Difficult times are still ahead and we need to be prepared. In my opinion, the last 5 years have put us on notice, and they should serve as a wake-up call in both temporal and spiritual matters. All throughout my life I have been counseled by our church leaders to live within my means and get out of debt. In fact, there was no topic talked about more by President Hinckley, during his time as the Prophet, than living within our means and getting out of debt. As I look back on the last 5 years, it is no wonder to me why he did. We experienced the worst economic, political, and spiritual times in the history of our country, and even globally. The words of President Packer during his visit to our stake 4 years ago still ring loudly in my ears when he mentioned this topic and warned us, by saying: 

            “This time is different. We have not experienced this in the past.
              This time it is global,  and it will be deeper and last longer than
              anything we have economically and spiritually experienced.”

Today, it is easy for us to reflect upon his words and know that he was right. Many of us would be better served today if we had taken his warning more seriously. For example, from 2008 to 2009 our stake experienced a 150% increase in welfare assistance to its own members. That assistance stayed about the same during 2010 and 2011. In 2012 we saw some improvement, and I am happy to report that we are now only 70% above our pre 2009 level of assistance. While there are some of us who could have done better, all in all, I commend you brothers and sisters. We are one of a few stakes in the entire church that remained a Fast Offering Giver rather than a Fast Offering Receiver during this time – meaning that we were able to meet the temporal needs of our own members and still have a surplus to pass on to the church to assist other stakes. I also want to commend you for following the counsel of your priesthood leader to prayerfully consider a more generous Fast Offering. It is overwhelming to me that during this temporal meltdown you have risen to the occasion and given more generously. I am very pleased to report that over the past 4 years our fast offering contributions have increased by 11%. This is amazing, especially since we now have 1,000 members less in our stake than we did in 2008. So, I thank you brothers and sisters. You are wonderful and I promise the Lord will continue to bless you as you continue to give generously. 

Now, while temporal and economic conditions appear to be getting somewhat better, let us not kid ourselves about what is really going on. Any improvement is only temporary, and the conditions we have experienced over the last 5 years will eventually and certainly return, and even get worse. Let us not forget the last 5 years, and let us learn from it. Let us all finally follow the counsel of our prophets to live within our means and get out of debt. It is possible to get out of debt if we live within our means, but it is not if we don’t. Now, not only is temporal preparedness vital for our mortal existence, but it also sets the stage for us to be spiritually prepared. The most important matter for us to consider right now and always is our spiritual preparedness. Over the past 4 years, it has been a wonderful exercise for me to call upon the Lord for guidance and direction concerning this stake, and in particular the setting of stake goals. It has been an interesting evolution to witness. Let me share with you part of a statement we prepared for all of us this year (a copy of which can be obtained from your bishop):

            “As the Stake Presidency discussed, pondered, and prayed about our stake 

            goals for 2013, we were impressed by the feeling that goals should be a matter 

            of focus and commitment at a personal level.
             In conjunction with this direction, we encourage each individual member to set 

             their own goal based on the following question:

             What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

Let me repeat:

We encourage each individual member to set their own goal based on the following question:

What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior? We trust that as you prayerfully consider and ponder this question, it will be clear to you what your goal should be. We also testify that your personal commitment and discipline to fulfill this goal will indeed bring you closer to the Savior and will give you spiritual strength to remain firm and steadfast in the gospel regardless of the circumstances. We are impressed to share with you one goal you might consider, as you ponder the question: What goal can I make that will bring me closer to the Savior?

                        Spend time each day reading and studying the Book of Mormon.

Two others which are not in the statement but which I would like to also suggest are:

                  1) Don’t let a day go by in your life when you do not humbly and sincerely

                      kneel before God to thank Him for your blessings and plead with Him to 

                      give you the spiritual strength to meet the challenges which are coming.
                  2) Perform a spiritual self examination. Examine every aspect of your life. 

                      Identify those things for which you need to repent and then do it. 

                      Simply put, focus on your own personal worthiness.

In the end, the only things that will matter will be our personal worthiness and our relationships, especially the one we have with the Savior. 

Brothers and Sisters, President Packer was absolutely right when he said: 

                        “I am sorry to tell you that it will not get better.” 

As difficult as it may be to embrace, it is simply God’s plan. The moral, economic, and political conditions of the world will not, overall, get better. You and I were held back for this special time to prepare the earth for the return of the Savior. I believe many within the sound of my voice will be part of, and witnesses to, all of the events that will transpire prior to the return of the Savior. This will require each of us to be temporally and spiritually stronger than we are currently. In closing let me share a quote from Heber C. Kimball:

                “The time is coming when we will be mixed up in these now peaceful valleys 

                 to the extent that it will be difficult to tell the face of a Saint, from the face of 

                 an enemy to the people of God. Then, brothers and sisters, look out for the
                 great sieve, for there will be a great sifting time, and many will fall; for I say
                 unto you there is a test, a TEST, a TEST is coming, and who will be able
                 to stand?  This church and each member of it has before it many close places
                 through which it will have to pass before the work of God is crowned with
                 victory. To meet the difficulties that are coming, it will be necessary for you
                 to be temporally and spiritually prepared, and have a knowledge of the truth
                 of this work for yourselves. The difficulties will be of such a character that
                 the man or woman who does not possess these things will fall.” 

Brothers and sisters, the test has come. It is now upon us. No man or woman will be able to endure what is happening now, or what is ahead, if we are not temporally and spiritually prepared. If you are not, you will not stand. I love you brothers and sisters. I testify to you that I speak the truth. I have a personal witness of the Savior and I know that He lives. He is the Son of Almighty God. He will return in glory and He will sustain us through the difficult times ahead if we do our part and are temporally and spiritually prepared. 

And, I say these things, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.