"Words of Wisdom" - As Sisters in Zion

Life is like running a marathon!

2010-05-23T18:41:00.000-04:00

This is OUTSTANDING!!!

"More Diligent and Concerned at Home"

2009-11-01T08:56:00.004-05:00

So far, we have come to understand the TWO GREAT commandments...First -TO LOVE GOD and Second - To LOVE ONE ANOTHER...How to BECOME a DISCIPLE OF CHRIST.

We then, learned that if we read the Book of Mormon it will strengthen our OWN testimonies...If we read it as a family, it will STRENGTHEN the testimonies of our family members and our SERVICE and LIVING the commandments will INCREASE...plus PERSONAL REVELATION will flow. There is POWER in READING the Book of Mormon! (these thoughts are combined from other talks on the reading of the Book of Mormon) Elder Holland did referr to WARNINGS and DECLARATIONS of things to come...but he, also, stated we will FIND PEACE by "holding onto the ROD OF IRON"....

Next, we learned from our PROPHET, President Monson, that SERVING and doing GOOD things towards ONE ANOTHER...will help us come closer to God and PERSONAL REVELATON will, also, increase.

Now, we are going to direct our attention to the HOME...on what we can do "better" in our homes. Elder David A. Bednar addressed this topic.

I had to smile....Right after this talk by Elder Bednar...I got TWO texted messages on my phone...from two different children...stating..."I LOVE YOU"!!!! You have got to LOVE IT!

I can personally testify...that CONSISTENCY in the efforts of raising our families...in the areas of family prayer, family scripture study, Family Home Evenings, going to church, making temple worship a priority, Ward and Stake Service Projects, church service.....is a MUST....if we are to set the example of the importance of the covenants we all made at baptism and in the temple....LIVING the GOSPEL in these areas, is a TESTIMONY in itself...It seems to me that NOT DOING THEM...is telling our children that FOLLOWING Father's way is NOT IMPORTANT....plus it sends another message...that we don't REALLY BELIEVE...that seeking the KINDGOM of GOD FIRST is a PRIORITY...

It doesn't mean...that we are not going to have CHALLENGES in our families if we do all these things...The scriptures are full of examples: Lehi, King Mosiah, Alma Senior, Jacob (Israel), etc. But, the important thing is...that WE DO IT....for we will be held accountable if we do NOT... (Look what happened to Laman and Lemuel...the sins of their children were pronounced UPON THEIR HEADS...not their children's...for Laman and Lemuel TAUGHT THEM NOT THE TRUTH...) The covenants we made in the temple...and LIVING THEM...will BLESS OUR CHILDREN...in the long haul....in THIS life...and during the NEXT....stage of their lives...

Elder Bednar...asked us to do THREE things: 1. Tell our spouses and our children that we LOVE THEM...and then LIVE the kind of life, that SHOWS we do....2. Bear our TESTIMONIES WITHIN our homes...3. Be CONSISTENT...in doing those things that will STRENGTHEN our families...YOU KNOW what they are....

Any EXAMPLES...you have experienced in the raising up of your families??? How did it make a DIFFERENCE IN YOUR LIFE...whether as a child growing UP in a GOSPEL centered home...or as a PARENT....

Any IDEAS......you found HELPFUL in supporting Elder Bednar's counsel.

Quote by Elder Neal A. Maxwell

2009-10-30T10:38:00.003-04:00

This morning, Joanna Ebanks, posted her daily quote by Elder Maxwell...that prompted me to ponder over his statement:

Here is Elder Maxwell's quote:

"Mostly, brothers and sisters, we become the victims of our own wrong desires. Morever, we live in an age when many simply refuse to feel responsible for themselves. Thus, a crystal-clear understanding of the doctrines pertaining to desire is so vital because of the spreading effluent oozing out of so many unjustified excuses by so many. This is like a sludge which is sweeping society along toward "the gulf of misery an endless wo." Feeding the same flow is the selfish philosphy of "no fault," which is replacing the meek and apologetic "my fault." (Ensign, Nov 1996, p.21)

Then, Joanna asked, "Why do we kick against the pricks like we do?"

Here is my response:

You asked WHY do we "fight against the pricks...so much"....GREAT QUESTION....I am first reminded of NEPHI...who is lamenting over the same issue...In SECOND Nephi...Chapter 4...beginning in verse 17...he says..."...my heart sorroweth because of my FLESH (the natural man); my soul grieveth becasue of mine iniquities. I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me...." "....when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have TRUSTED." It isn't until Nephi gets to verse 28 when he says...."AWAKE, MY SOUL! No longer droop in sin. REJOICE, O my heart, and give PLACE NO MORE FOR THE ENEMY OF MY SOUL." Nephi continues in this vain....as he STRUGGLES to put his TRUST in GOD FOREVER....

I think of the kind of man NEPHI was...all the TRIALS he had passed through...When he went through this process...in this section of the scriptures...it had been nearly "30" years...of HARD CHALLENGES....He had been REFINED under many "refiner's fire"....As a PROPHET...he is still lamenting over his SINS...At what point...was he ABLE to RELEASE the NATURAL MAN that each of us possess?

I think it is a constant BATTLE...of our "will" vs. "Father's will"....or we would do things perfectly like Christ did...I believe...it is something we MUST PRAY FOR....As we EXPERIENCE....Father's LOVE...as we EXPERIENCE....tests and trials in our lives...and are able to RECOGNIZE Father's hand in it and develop that PERFECT TRUST....will we be only, then, able to FINALLY SHED the NATURAL MAN....We can't shed it without CHRIST....
I believe, also, at some point in our lives....we must understand that we will NEVER be able to CHANGE anyone...ONLY THE HOLY GHOST has the AUTHORITY to TESTIFY to the HEART...We can be EXAMPLES of "discipleship"....that might "inspire" another to make "changes" in their lives...but, we can NOT "change" how another individual behaves...I am now beginning to understand...that if the desires of our hearts are right with the SPIRIT...we can only PRAY....for "changes" in those we are most concerned about...The GIFT...our Father gave us...AGENCY TO CHOOSE....is THE TEST of LIFE...The only person we can concentrate on CHANGING is OURSELVES....

Do you remember how Benjamin Franklin made a list of virtues he felt important to master in this life...then, tried his upmost for one month to live ONE of those written virtues...??? Then, the next month...he worked on another virtue that was on his list...I believe he had around 11 virtues...so "11" months over the year...he concentrated on ONE virtue...TIMES that with his 80 + years....well...I would think one would progress rather nicely....Not a bad idea...to come up with a list for ourselves...I actually have one...It is time I pull it out....and start PRACTICING....Seems I will need to ROTATE once a WEEK....I don't have 80 more years to PRACTICE....(smile)

COME...Listen to a PROPHET's VOICE.....

2009-10-25T10:30:00.009-04:00

As we walk along this path of General Conference together...We began with President Uchtdorf's talk on importance of LOVE....and how to LIVE the FIRST and SECOND GREAT COMMANDMENTS...

Then, we read the POWER of the BOOK OF MORMON presented to us by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland....which will "strengthen our testimony...bless our families...and INCREASE our desire to LIVE the gospel of Jesus Christ..."

Now, we come to FEAST upon the words of our PROPHET, President Thomas S. Monson...who spoke to us and the world...on Sunday morning....What was his COUNSEL to us....? What did the LORD want us to hear....and do....with our lives.....I suppose, we can ask those set of questions with EACH conference talk that is delivered to us........

Let's, however, begin with President Monson asking us a KEY question ..."What have you done for someone, today"....?

Linda Evans

Served on many "cooking" assignments and helped prepare foods

for the HOMELESS - YOUTH - WARD and STAKE events

Sabrina Cottrell - showing the YW how to decorate cakes

Some years, ago, I was assigned to guide the "Pursuit of Excellence" program for Relief Society...(never understood WHY that program went by the waste side....I SAW what it did FOR the Sisters...POWERFUL...) Anyway, remember, when we, as sisters, set goals that we wanted to accomplish in a year...under several headings...Motherhood, Service, Education, Spiritual, Emergency Preparedness, Self Mastery, Home Management, Financial Management, etc.? I remember I would ask sisters what they accomplished in their goals that week...and many...would say..."Oh, I didn't do anything special...this week..." I could see how often sisters did not RECOGNIZE all their acts of SERVICE....and COUNTED all the things they LEARNED that week....thinking it was NO BIG DEAL...and didn't see that they did in fact "PROGRESS" during the week...and that GOALS TRULY were being met....I recorded over 1200 individual goals that had been met that year...It was incredible...

Ann and her sweet "Mama" decorated and prepared a baby shower for Amanda McFadzean

Ever hear anyone express how they wish they KNEW their Savior? Or struggle with personal SELF ESTEEM.... or "wonder if they are doing any good"....??? or hear people lament...that what they do for others...is not all that much....

President Monson...quoted one of my favorite scriptures....“When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.” - Every LITTLE TINY ACT of GOODNESS....is an act towards CHRIST....FOR CHRIST....This is one way we come to KNOW HIM! Through our little acts of SERVICE....

Then, President Monson...quoted this...scripture...and made the following remarks:

The Savior taught His disciples, “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.”5
I believe the Savior is telling us that unless we lose ourselves in service to others, there is little purpose to our own lives. Those who live only for themselves eventually shrivel up and figuratively lose their lives, while those who lose themselves in service to others grow and flourish—and in effect save their lives."

Shelly Bush - Spends time "feeding our children" spiritually

and on occasion..."physically" (smile)

As President Monson talked about all the little acts of service...others did...after he expressed what he wanted for his birthday....I wonder how many ACTS of service each of you do each day....yet...perhaps...don't think of it in those terms: Washing your families' clothes; making meals; saying a kind word; listening; doing the dishes; etc. etc.

How fun...it would be...to take a JAR...as a family...and for every ACT of SERVICE that was done...put a coin/money in a JAR....(like the jar of jelly beans idea)...When it was full....you could either do a FAMILY FUN night...or GIVE the MONEY away to someone in NEED...or take the money...and put it towards the FAST OFFERING...OR MISSIONARY FUND...or the PERPETUAL EDUCATION FUND....or whatever...you thought would be a great way for the funds to be used....NO MATTER...how it was to be used...it would be...a SYMBOL....of kind acts for our LORD and SAVIOR....a reminder...that the LORD through our PROPHET, President Monson...asked us to "lose ourselves in the acts of service"....

As the WORLD continues to SHOUT...."ME....ME....ME".....!!!!! "Self FULLFILLMENT"....!!!!!What are some of the ways...you are battling AGAINST such acclamations?.....How do you teach your family about SERVING OTHERS over oneself? Any success stories?

You can find President Monson's talk: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-27,00.html

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland - "Safety for the Soul"

2009-10-18T12:43:00.004-04:00

Find this talk: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-28,00.html

"I want it absolutely clear when I stand before the judgment bar of God that I declared to the world . . . that the Book of Mormon is true." Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

For those of you who WITNESSED this talk...of Elder Holland's...I would imagine...experienced much of what I experienced..."FIRE to the SOUL"...!!!!

Nearly, "36" years ago...I received my own PERSONAL witness that the Book of Mormon was true...I had been a member of the church "6" months...After months of "persecution" from family and friends...I had to KNOW beyond a DOUBT that the Book of Mormon was true...After "3" weeks...on bended knee...reading and ASKING if the BOOK OF MORMON was TRUE....I received my WITNESS...There is no DOUBT!

My testimony of the Book of Mormon became CRITICAL...on my mission...having been sent to one of the major "Bible belts" of our nation...Tennessee...My TESTIMONY... was BEYOND any doubt...carried me through in my efforts to teach PREACHERS, others, and in one of the major CHURCHES...in the Nashville area...an area that had not had a baptism in over 11 years or so...I was in a THREESOME then...We were asked to teach on the church...to a group in this church...who had individuals who sought to destroy the church...It was NOT our area, but, we were given the assignment...We brought our testimonies into 3 areas...the 3 areas in which...if any one of them was FALSE...the church would fold....The APOSTACY...The RESTORATION (Joseph Smith and the First Vision) and the BOOK OF MORMON...(which was MY assignment)...I testify...that my companions and I experienced...a POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST...in a manner I had imagined...similar at the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:2-4) I was LAST...and after we were done...a man walked up to me....and said something to this affect: "You said this was SCRIPTURE"..."if that is so...I wish to read it and find out for myself." He walked away...This was NOT our area...however, we were told later, that while the Elders tracked...they came across a home...where a man...opened up the door...and wanted to hear their message...REMEMBER, this area had not had a BAPTISM in over 11 YEARS...due to the influence of this church...I had often wondered if the man who opened up his door to these Elders...was the very one who was willing to read the Book of Mormon...Wish I had more to tell you...I do not...I only know this...that on that morning...while 3 Sister Missionaries TESTIFIED to THESE TRUTHS....the HOLY GHOST BORE WITNESS to THEM....and bore it DEEPLY into the 3 of us...

I KNOW with every FIBER of my BEING...the Book of Mormon was INSPIRED and WRITTEN by PROPHETS on THIS CONTINENT!!!! I know Joseph Smith...received the gold plates...and TRANSLATED THEM....by the POWER of the Holy Ghost!!!! The words of this book will..."condemn 'us' at the last day" (2 Nephi 33:14) King Benjamin also testified that his WORDS..."shall stand as a bright testimony against this people, at the judgment day..."

I know no other book that gives a PROMISE like this one that MORONI...presented in Moroni Chapter 10: 3-5...."when ye shall READ THESE THINGS (Book of Mormon)....PONDER it in your hearts...ASK GOD, the eternal Father, in the name of Christ, if these things are not TRUE...and if ye shall ASK with a SINCERE HEART, with REAL INTENT, having FAITH IN CHRIST, he will MANIFEST the TRUTH of it unto you, by the POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST. And by the POWER OF THE HOLY GHOST, ye may KNOW the TRUTH of ALL THINGS!"

I know this to be TRUE....In the name of Jesus Christ...Amen

"The Love of God"

2009-10-11T07:36:00.003-04:00

You will find ALL the Conference talks on www.lds.org - but here is the LINK to Uchtdorf's talk:
http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1117-7,00.html

This General Conference set of discussions...I thought it would be appropriate to begin with President Dieter F. Uchtdorf's talk on "The Love of God" FIRST, because of the subject he presented...

When Christ was asked "Master, which is the GREAT COMMANDMENT in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all they mind. THIS IS THE FIRST AND GREAT COMMANDMENT." Matthew 22:36-38

"And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself" Matthew 22:39

"ON THESE TWO COMMANDMENTS HANG ALL THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS." Matthew 22:40

President Uchtdorf asked this question:
Brothers and sisters, of all the things we want to be known for, are there attributes above all others that should define us as members of His Church, even as disciples of Jesus Christ?

Sisters...have you ever asked yourself..."How does my life reflect what I truly believe?" One of my FAVORITE quotes was stated by Ganhdi: "My life is my message"....

I find it interesting...what people have inscribed on their tombstones...Take Thomas Jefferson for instance...I quote this statment from - http://sc94.ameslab.gov/TOUR/tjefferson.html :

Thomas Jefferson wished to be remembered for three achievements in his public life. He had served as governor of Virginia, as U.S. minister to France, as secretary of state under George Washington, as vice-president in the administration of John Adams, and as president of the United States from 1801 to 1809. On his tombstone, however, which he designed and for which he wrote the inscription, there is no mention of these offices. Rather, it reads that Thomas Jefferson was "author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for religious freedom, and Father of the University of Virginia" and, as he requested, "not a word more." Historians might want to add other accomplishments--for example, his distinction as an architect, naturalist, and linguist--but in the main they would concur with his own assessment.

Mine might say..."Wife, Mother, Patriot for FREEDOM" Yet, I am not certain...I qualify, yet, to inscribe..."and Disciple of Christ" After much reflection of my life, like Scooge in "A Christmas Carol"... I can repent of my ways....and try to live as closely as I can...in becoming a true DISCIPLE of CHRIST...

President Uchtdorf addresses: "How Do We Become True Disciples of Jesus Christ?"; "Why Should We Love God?"; "Why Does Heavenly Father Love Us?"; "How Can We Increase Our Love of God?"; "How Can We Hear the Father’s Voice?"; and "Why Is Love the Great Commandment?"

I loved this line of his thoughts:

"Love is the measure of our faith, the inspiration for our obedience, and the true altitude of our discipleship."

Would love your reflections...on this wonderful talk by President Uchtdorf....

I might add this...One of the CLASSIC talks I have ever heard on this very subject...was given by President Ezra Taft Benson....... "The Great Commentment - Love the Lord" given in General Conference...April 1988 -

Here is the link for this GREAT TALK: http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=1aebd7630a27b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

Here is a GREAT quote from President Benson's talk:

The great test of life is obedience to God.

The great task of life is to learn the will of the Lord and then do it.

The great commandment of life is, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength” (Mark 12:30).

179th Semi-Annal General Conference

2009-10-04T18:32:00.002-04:00

For the past 2 days....the POWER of THE WORD....was absolutely INCREDIBLE....What I would like to hear from you is...Do you think there was a THEME....What do you think were the CONCERNS....of the Lord....What were some of your FAVORITE talks? and why????.....Were you motivated to "change" something in your life? Was there something said....that was an answer to a prayer? Was there anything stated that "surprised" you?

Will return with my thoughts...later...

"Becoming Provident Providers Temporally and Spiritually"

2009-04-19T06:00:00.003-04:00

Yes, the Brethren...are living PROPHETS and APOSTLES of our Lord and Savior...Jesus Christ! Elder Robert D. Hales, member of the Quorum of 12...addressed the concerns of thousands of people all over the world...

How are you personally handling the challenges of our day? How did Elder Hales talk affect you in the decisions you are making in handling your personal challenges in these economic times?

You will find his talk here: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-2,00.html

2009-04-13T08:06:00.001-04:00

By: JOANNA EBANKS

I like what Elder M. Russell Ballard said: (Sat afternoon session)"You don't have to spend time as a Laman or Lemuel to know it's better to be a Nephi or a Sam."

He was talking about how we should learn from the scriptures and the lessons of the past (contained in them) in order to build a solid faith for ourselves now...he said these "lessons" all over the scriptures and from our leaders should take root in our hearts and that they HAD to be written in our hearts for us to take our spirituality to the next level and to avoid mistakes....I like that too - that we need to TAKE OUR SPIRITUALITY TO THE NEXT LEVEL. It was interesting because in the opening prayer right before his talk it was said that we "should rededicate our lives"...those 2 things work hand in hand....great lessons for us:)!

Joanna

Opening Address - President Thomas S. Monson

2009-04-12T00:23:00.005-04:00

HAPPY EASTER, everyone!!! What a great way to celebrate this most wonderous "resurrection" day....We will begin with President Monson's opening address:

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-1032-1,00.html

What did you feel/or what were your thoughts...when President Monson announced the new apostle, Elder Neil L. Andersen? Garvin and I met Elder Andersen some years, ago. He baptized a menber of our Ward....in FRANCE....Do any of you remember Mark Johnston???? (Elizabeth's husband?)

"Holy Temple and Home"

2009-04-11T09:20:00.001-04:00

COMMENTS from JOANNA EBANKS:

From Gary Stevenson of the Seventy (Sunday afternoon session) -

"Say the word 'temple' over and over; say it quietly, then say 'holy' over and over, then say 'home'....put 'holy temple' together with home." (He was quoting Boyd K. Packer here)....Elder Stevenson said only the home can compare to the sacredness of the temple...and that we need to walk around our home with "spiriutal eyes" and renovate here and there if needed to create our own "temple".

Joanna

"We Cannot Walk As Other Men"

2009-04-11T09:16:00.001-04:00

POST FROM : Joanna Ebanks

Elder Oaks quoted John A. Widstoe - I loved that quote ....he was talking about our role and responsiblity as "latter-day saints"...I had backed up the TV and put it on pause to get this word perfect:

"We cannot walk as other men (women of course), or talk as other men, or do as other men, for we have a different destiny, obligation, and responsibility placed upon us, and we must fit ourselves to it."

Pretty cool huh!....we better "fit" ourselves to our role...what do you guys think describes the "walking, talking and doing as other women" do?....he of course said how there are great people of other faiths and we of course know that very well.....so what's our DIFFERENT DESTINY?....just curious to hear 'your take' on those words from an apostle admonishing us in OUR ROLES...

"I Will Rest In You"

2009-04-10T08:15:00.002-04:00

Throughout General Conference...the mention of "our day"... was touched upon...Many of us have "challenges" in our life...I was introduced to this You Tube..."I will Rest in You"...At the end of this video...there is a question..."How has God rescued YOU"....???

"Treasure Hunt"

2009-04-09T07:38:00.002-04:00

Sandee sent me an article from the "Meridian Magazine" that got me to thinking....Who has ever gone on a "treasure hunt" or even a "scavenger hunt"?????...Perhaps, all of us...at some time in our lives...Well...we are going to participate in a "treasure hunt" on this BLOG...We are going to SEEK the "Pearls of Great Price"...that were given in this last Conference...I am going to PASTE the article Sandee sent to me....to help illustrate what I mean....

A Command Voice By Janet Peterson
Not long after President Gordon B. Hinckley became the fifteenth President of the Church in March 1995, my husband, Larry, and I were discussing the messages we remembered as the highlights of recent prophets' administrations. I commented, “President Kimball told us to lengthen our stride and to increase missionary work, to keep journals, and to plant gardens. President Benson exhorted us to read the Book of Mormon. President Hunter urged us to attend the temple and to become more Christlike. These aren't revolutionary ideas. As members of the Church we all know that we should be engaged in these endeavors. Why do we have to wait to be told?”
My husband's reply was, “You always need someone to call cadence.”
Fifteen months after Larry and I were married, we found our lives and our dreams dramatically changed by the VietNam War. Ten days after our graduation from BYU, which ended Larry's student deferment, he was inducted into the army as a Private E-1 at Ft. Ord , California . We felt that his army experience would be enhanced by serving as an officer and, so although it added one more year to his commitment, following basic training Larry entered Officer Candidate School at Ft. Benning , Georgia . OCS was a very rigorous, difficult training program designed to make army officers out of inexperienced young men.
All the members of Larry's OCS class were college graduates, and although the class started out with a large number, many of these men dropped out or were weeded out during the six-month course. Officer candidates were at times washed out over some seemingly arbitrary rules, such as not having fatigues starched stiff enough or not having the tile floors shined mirror bright. But there was one non-negotiable and overriding ability that each potential officer had to possess and if he did not, he was history---that ability was having a command voice.
Each officer candidate took a turn leading the troops on the parade ground or out in the field. Those who could call cadence, who had a command voice to direct the other candidates, were allowed to stay in the program and eventually become lieutenants. Those who did not, were immediately reassigned to other tours of duty, often immediately to the war zone.
One officer candidate I particularly remember was a returned missionary, a college graduate, a very nice person, and a committed Church member. But when it was his turn to take command, he did not have a forceful enough demeanor to be the kind of the leader the army wanted. His voice was weak, he got the commands mixed up, and the troops he was trying to lead were without proper direction. On a field at the army post in Georgia , it was only an exercise. But in the jungles of VietNam , calling cadence with a command voice and being an effective leader was a matter of life and death.
As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have someone with a command voice who calls cadence for us. What the prophet tells us to do is not a mere exercise for us to practice on the parade grounds of life. What the Lord's mouthpiece instructs us to do is a matter of life and death---spiritually. The prophet does indeed speak for the Lord: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7).
While President Spencer W. Kimball served as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, he suffered from cancer of the throat and had most of his voice box removed, which changed the sound of his voice dramatically. Nevertheless, during the twelve years that he served as President of the Church and the prophet of the Lord, President Kimball, with his soft, strained, yet compelling manner, spoke with a command voice.
Each prophet in this dispensation has spoken with a command voice in giving clear and specific instructions to the Saints. Each prophet's commission to speak for the Lord did not come through a mere six-month training course, but rather through a lifetime of faith and obedience and hearkening to the voice of the Spirit. For example, Brigham Young directed the Saints in the great exodus from Nauvoo and in colonizing the Intermountain West. President Heber J. Grant emphasized the principles of work, self-reliance, and financial security. President David O. McKay stressed “Every member a missionary” and that “No other success can compensate for failure in the home.” Reinstituting family home evening, he urged parents to spend more time with their children and to teach them the gospel. President Ezra Taft Benson told mothers their place was in the home, not in the marketplace.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, who served as a counselor in the First Presidency for a number of years and then as prophet, seer, and revelator and President of the Church from 1995 to 2008, spoke with a command voice and called cadence for us. He told us, among other things, to “be a little better, to stand a little taller,” to be friendly and neighborly and the kind of people Latter-day Saints ought to be. He taught us to nurture new converts. In mid-2005, President Hinckley asked us to read the Book of Mormon in its entirety by the end of the year, the 200 th anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth. Saints throughout the world followed his counsel. More people than ever before read the Book of Mormon and were significantly strengthened as individuals and families as they did so.
President Thomas S. Monson, who was ordained as prophet in February 2008, likewise speaks the mind and will of the Lord. What a privilege it was to hear his inspired instruction at the just-concluded April 2009 general conference. President Monson told us to focus on our blessings as members of the Church, not on our problems. He assured us that in this time of difficult challenges the Church is “doing very well” and that the Lord's work will “move forward uninterrupted.” He also instructed the priesthood holders to live worthy of that responsibility and to live by faith, not fear. In his closing remarks, President Monson warned against inappropriate, degrading uses of modern technology. He admonished Church members to attend the temple frequently and to nourish our testimonies.
We sustain President Monson as the prophet, seer, and revelator and President of the Church, but we also sustain the counselors in the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators. The other General Authorities and general auxiliary leaders speak by divine direction as well. “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” (D&C 68:4).
In today's world of waning moral values and confused direction from myriad sources, we do not have to wonder what is expected of us and whose clear and specific guidance we should follow. “For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” (1 Cor. 14:8.) There is no doubt about the certainty of this sound. However, the prophet does not order us as an army officer orders his troops to follow him into battle. Yet we are engaged in an ever-increasing battle against Satan. Are we listening? Are we following our file leader? Are we willing to accept the prophet's counsel to us and implement it in our lives? Indeed, we do thank God for a prophet in these latter days who calls cadence for us: “What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38).

Comments made by Joanna and Sandee

2009-04-08T23:59:00.003-04:00

I wanted to post comments made by Sandee and Joanna from another email....It relates to this past General Conference...I wanted to make sure you all got the chance to enjoy what they wrote:

JOANNA WROTE: from President Uchtdorf: (Sunday morning session)"The more DESIRE we want to follow Him; the more we fill ourselves with the gospel....a result of our daily input (in aligning our lives with His) will increase our testimony...as soon as we set foot on the path, we will see blessings, but we must NOURISH that seed so it can take root - THEN we can taste of the fruit of discipleship...we show our WILLINGNESS TO FOLLOW Him by doing this everyday.

"He also said that this "alignment" takes time, day after day...as it becomes part of our normal day... we will see results!How exciting I think to really come to that stage of being a true disciple of Christ's - how it must feel to know we are pleasing Him, our lives will be happier even in the midst of terrible trials - isn't the gospel beautiful and how I appreciate our leaders leading us to true happy lives! Joanna

SANDEE'S RESPONSE to JOANNA:
Just thinking about that word "alignment". You may know that Buddy does braces. He does the old fashioned full banded type and also Invisalign the "invisible braces". The way Insalign works a very thorough analysis of the present condition of your teeth is done. And then a computer analysis is done. A series of "aligners" are manufactured. Each one moving a little from what your teeth were to what they must become. A patient that really wants the desired results must wear their aligners 24/7. They are only removed to eat. When Sean (as an adult) had insalign treatment he was so serious about wanting results that if he was eating at a restaurant he would order the food and would wait until it arrived at the table to excuse himself to the restaurant to remove his aligners. Then the second he was done eating he would excuse himself and go and brush his teeth and put them back in.

When Kaitlyln got engaged to sweet Michael she told us over the phone (we had not yet met him) Mom and Dad he is perfect in every way EXCEPT HIS TEETH! But Dad can fix that. You might remember that Kait and I were out in Hawaii settling Tim into school when poor Michael never having met Buddy (and with the entire rest of the family out of town) flew into Florida. Cathy picked him up at the airport and he went straight to the dental office. Weird way to meet your father in law to be. But Kait wanted him to have every second available to fix those teeth before the wedding. Like Sean Michael was fanatical about never taking off the aligners and he stopped snacking all together because it interfered with leaving them in.
Michael didn't have the full time to finish the case before getting married but because of his earnestness with wearing the aligners his teeth were much improved on his special day and for all the pictures.

If someone is less valiant in wearing their aligners every single minute it of course takes longer to move the teeth and if they get lazy and leave it out for some time they will have to move back to a previous aligner for a time because their teeth begin to shift back. After the entire case another evaluation is made of the patient's teeth. Are they exactly where the dentist wants them to be? Michaels were nearly perfect but not quite so "a refinement" was prescribed. It is no additional cost to the patient (of course Michael was getting his treatment for free as the newest member of our family) but a few additioinal aligners are prescribed just to get the teeth exactly perfectly where they are to be.

Even after a case is complete and the teeth (and their roots) are perfect Buddy said that in about half the cases (this is true with full banded cases as well) the mouth is not in perfect harmony. Because of pressures due to the facial structure, jaw movement etc. the teeth are where they are supposed to be but if left on their own they will tend to revert back to where they came from. For these cases the patient must wear a retainer (much like the aligners) AS LONG AS THEY WANT THE TEETH TO STAY IN PERFECT POSITION (in other words forever.)

Sorry for the long dental lesson but isn't that interesting. We start where we are. The Lord knows where he wants us. We use the tools he's given us ( prayer, scripture reading, service, temple attendance etc.) to align our lives with His desire for us. Little by little we inch toward his vision of us. The more we use the prescribed tools the surer is our course toward that goal. If we slip up we sometimes move back a bit but we take the same tools and inch again toward what He wants us to become. And even if we get very close to that sure place we still are in need of small refinements. We continue to get closer and closer to where we want to end up. And even when we are there all is not finished. We continue to use those tools to keep us secure where He wants us to be. To hold to our course.
Have a great day!
from Sandee
(whose bottom teeth should have had a retainer and now are all a jumble)

"The Gospel Must Be the Center of Our LIves"

2009-04-06T05:14:00.002-04:00

"Fear Not! Be of Good Cheer!" Didn't you come away from this General Conference with that as one of the directives? We have been told that we are living in the days that "Paul" saw....and that these are going to be "difficult" times, but, that we should NOT FEAR...but be of "Good Cheer"...! However, there was a statement that JUMP OUT AT ME... that President Thomas S. Monson made on Sunday morning...."The GOSPEL MUST BE the CENTER OF OUR LIVES!" Yes, I believe that WITH ALL OF MY HEART....!

There have been over the years, talks that are CLASSIC!!! I love reading some of my favorites more than once...and get "stirred up all over again"....One of those talks was the LAST TESTAMENT of Elder Bruce R. McConkie. To this day, everytime I watch or listen to his farewell General Conference talk, just before he had the privilege of "wetting the feet of the Savior's with his tears", I am moved to the center core of my being....I couldn't imagine another talk...that could equal this WITNESS of Christ in such a STIRRING manner....till Sunday morning....when Elder Jeffrey R. Holland gave an emotional witness...of the Messiah...our Savior....Jesus the Christ....If you missed it....oh....PLEASE, go online...and WITNESS his TESTIMONY of our Beloved Savior...and his pleadings to those who feel or have felt "alone"...You will come away....feeling "differently"....Right now, it is only in MP3 version...if you care to LISTEN to his talk...http://broadcast.lds.org/genconf/2009/04/40/GC_2009_04_409_HollandJR___eng_.mp3

May the next 6 months together...be STRENGTHENING...UPLIFTING....and the BINDING of our HEARTS TOGETHER....We are TRULY....SISTERS....in a DEEP ETERNAL way....Always and forever....

THIS IS THE WEEKEND WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR!!!

2009-04-04T06:24:00.004-04:00

Lead by LIVING PROPHETS OF GOD

Good Morning, Sisters!!! Doesn't General Conference weekends....have the most incredible "different" feel....than most OTHER WEEKENDS!!!!??? For me...it is like no other....except the weekends I gave birth to a new child or my wedding weekend...(smile) But, truly....I hope all of you...have set these next 48 hours...to be clued to "sit at the feet of "living prophets" of God...

MANY years ago...when our children were quite YOUNG....we gathered our little brood and headed for a REGIONAL CONFERENCE here in Florida...Of course, we kept telling the children they were going to see REAL PROPHETS and APOSTLES....IN PERSON!!!!

After we got everyone settled....and the BRETHREN started to walk onto the stage to sit down...and leaned over to my children and said..."Here they come...there are the APOSTLES"!!! To which, Caleb turns to me IN AWE.....and said..."I can't believe they are STILL ALIVE!" I know they must looked "old" to our children.....but, certainly not THAT OLD....and then....slowly the light bulb went off in my head.....All this time....Caleb was thinking that PETER, JAMES, and JOHN...were coming to our Conference....It never occured to me...he had been envisioning....THOSE APOSTLES...when we were talking about seeing REAL APOSTLES...(smile)

I suppose...in that incident....lies its own message...The WORLD of Christiandom...who love the APOSTLES of the NEW TESTAMENT....reject....there are LIVING PROPHETS/APOSTLES, today.... However, still for many Christians...they simply have not been told or know there are LIVING APOSTLES who are receiving the WILL and MIND of God....What they are missing....but what a BLESSING...for each of us...to TRULY KNOW THERE ARE LIVING PROPHETS OF GOD ON THE EARTH...with the same AUTHORITY as PETER, JAMES, and JOHN....!!! (smile)

It will be a THRILL to know...what YOU learned during Conference...PLEASE, share your thoughts and insights...this COMING WEEK...Starting NEXT Sunday...we will BEGIN with the first address...and see if we can't get through the ENTIRE CONFERENCE before the next one starts...(smile) MY THOUGHTS and PRAYERS...is that we all come away from this Conference filled with revelation for our families...as individuals...and as Saints...

May the Spirit be with all of us this day...

General Conference IDEAS for CHILDREN

2009-03-24T19:25:00.002-04:00

An email I received from Elisabeth Wozniak:

Its General Conference time again and I am really excited about making this a meaningful experience for our family and young women's group. There is an EXCELLENT article in the March 2009 Ensign entitled, "Preparing Our Children for General Conference" that give great ideas for making general conference more meaningful for your family. Here is the direct link to the full article (http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&l ocale=0&sourceId=9e906c667a6af110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1)

I have also included some of the ideas in the body of this email that we plan on using with our kids.

Also attached are general conference activity packets for your kids based on their age group. Below are the links to the web site where I got them with the direct link if you want to download it from that site if you have problems opening the attachment. I am also attaching a questioner I made for last conference for our young women's group to use. It is not as professional as the other ones made, but it asks different questions. Our young women's group gets together for the Saturday morning session at someone's house and we enjoy a brunch/lunch before conference starts. So much fun!

Let me know if you have any great ideas about making general conference more meaningful for your family or young women's group. I always love new ideas!

Conference Packet for kids:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13298891/2009-April-Conference-Packet

Conference Packet for older kids/teens:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/13587708/Conference-Journal-Older-Child

Some ideas for smaller children from the 2009 March Ensign article, "Preparing Our Children for General Conference":

They remove the center spread with photos of General Authorities from the most recent conference edition of the Ensign and hang it near the television. Each time a new speaker appears on the screen, the children study the poster and try to find the speaker's picture. They are rewarded with a sticker to place on the poster or in a notebook of their own. They quickly learn to identify the First Presidency and others by name, says Sister Sorensen.

The Sorensens set out a bowl of small treats for each session. Next to the bowl, they place objects that represent key words for that session. Each time the children hear one of those words spoken from the pulpit, they can help themselves to one treat. Sister Sorensen notes: "It's surprising to see how much young children can and do listen. Their enthusiasm is priceless as you hear them say, 'Mommy, he said temples!".

For the sessions that fall during typical mealtimes, the Sorensens prepare a picnic basket and lay out a blanket in front of the television. Brother and Sister Sorensen tell their children that they are like the families in the Book of Mormon who sat on the ground and listened to their prophet, King Benjamin, teach them about the gospel of Jesus Christ. We thank our children for allowing us to listen and praise them for their reverence and attentiveness. We bear testimony throughout the day of the things we have heard and felt and reiterate our love for living prophets and apostles.

Brother and Sister Sorensen make sure they spend time with their children before and after sessions. They let them have active or outdoor play to get out all their wiggles.
Love,
Elisabeth

Remaining Sunday MORNING Sessions

2009-03-22T06:47:00.007-04:00

I am POSTING the email I just sent out....here on the BLOG...

Good Morning, Sisters...I realize....our next GENERAL CONFERENCE is nearly upon us...There is NO WAY we will finish our LAST General Conference talks...by taking ONE a week...I would like to make a proposal...for the next couple of weeks...I would like each of you to comment on the ANY of the remaining talks....I am nearly done with my Conference issue...Our LAST POSTED General Conference talk was given by Elder Robert Hales...on "Christian Courage: The Price of Discipleship"....EXCELLENT.... However, the talks I read while I was in Texas...were SO OUTSTANDING...that my General Conference "ENSIGN" issue is FILLED with one comment after another....

For instance: 1. Bishop Keith B. McMullin - "God Loves and Helps All of His Children" - You learn the TRUTH about Heavenly Father...(most Christiandom would REJECT what we know to be true about Him); the story of the Chinese official...brought my emotions to the surface...; you learn that the Church welfare plan is GOD INSPIRED; how Father will lead us through whatever storm we face... http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-23,00.html
2. Sister Elaine S. Dalton - "A Return to Virtue".... - A MUST READ - It is a CALLING for a RETURN TO VIRTUE....!!!! http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-24,00.html 3. Elder M. Russell Ballard - "The Truth of God Shall Go Forth" - POWERFUL talk..."no unhallowed hand can stop the work"....One of the lines that touched me...was this line..."He (Father/Christ) isn't asking us to die a martyr's death; He's asking us to LIVE A DISCIPLE's LIFE."!!!! (don't you LOVE IT???) http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-25,00.html

4. President Thomas S. Monson - "Finding Joy in the Journey".... Oh...my sisters...THIS TALK was FANTASTIC!!!! There was SO MUCH WISDOM...in this talk...Here is one of the lines...I LOVED... "If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then GRATITUDE takes its place among the NOBLEST of VIRTUES." http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-26,00.html NEXT week we can tackle the remaining Sunday Afternoon Session talks...but, if you have comments for any one of the ABOVE talks....I would LOVE to hear them...as I, believe, our other sisters would, also....

Cristian Courage: The Price of Discipleship

2009-03-09T14:23:00.002-04:00

First...before I move onto this next Conference talk...I so hope you all took time to read...President Eyring's talk...giving us ideas on how to UNIFY...to become ONE...in heart and mind...It truly was a MARVELOUS TALK!!!!!

This week's talk is an ABSOLUTE MUST READ...by Elder Robert D. Hales....There is hardly one word...that was NOT UNDERLINED...and comments made...DISCIPLESHIP is one of my most favorite subjects...and when one of the brethren goes into depth of what it means to be a DISCIPLE of CHRIST...I seem to take DOUBLE NOTICE....Oh...my...I am HOLDING MYSELF BACK...from making comments...I SO WANT to hear what YOU have to say!!!!

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-22,00.html

"Our Hearts Knit as One"

2009-03-04T07:47:00.003-05:00

My dear Sisters: I know I am a bit behind in posting this General Conference talk by President Henry B. Eyring..."Our Hearts Knit As One"...You might be wondering why I would...use the music "Come Thou Fount" with this talk....I can only express that when I listened to this song this morning...I feel SO DRAWN to my Father...and to our beloved, Savior, Jesus Christ...It is SO POWERFUL...I feel UNITED with THEM....I believe...when we feel UNITED with THEM...we will DESIRE and WILL BE UNITED with EACH OTHER...

President Eyring mentions..."that a GREAT DAY of UNITY IS COMING..." Christ is RETURNING...that He is returning to "live with those who have BECOME HIS people and will find them UNITED, of ONE HEART, UNIFIED with HIM and with our HEAVENLY FATHER..."

Oh...dear Sisters...many of you...including me...are praying for His RETURN....AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...but, until He returns...there is MUCH we need to accomplish HERE...

President Eyring refers to the Book of Mormon...in the days of Alma...how to ACCOMPLISH this UNITY...I would love your thoughts...on HOW we can do this TOGETHER...or examples of UNITY....that you have personally experienced...or seen...

I LOVE President Eyring!!! There is something about his ability to teach THE GOSPEL of JESUS CHRIST!!!! I DESIRE to do MUCH MUCH BETTER....

"GIVE STRICT HEED"

2009-02-25T06:01:00.003-05:00

Yesterday, I spent some time at the temple with some of my dearest SISTERS....On our way home, we got into a conversation over "our times"...and from this conversation...lead me to add an additional POST this week....

A couple of weeks, ago, while I attended the temple, the line "GIVE STRICT HEED"....that Adam admonishes us to DO....seemed to "penetrate" deeply into my spirit....Those of you who are temple goers, know that Adam was referring to our "prophets and apostles"....and those whose records are now recorded in the scriptures...

I was thinking WHAT IS the LORD telling us...in General Conference...regarding "these times"...What is He telling us to do...in preparation for "our times"....Every 6 months, we receive that counsel....

For example, let's take THIS WEEK's TALK..."To Learn, to Do, to Be"...Our PROPHET, President Monson, addresses TODAY's ECONOMIC TIMES..."businesses have failed, jobs have been lost, and investments have been jeopardized."

Our PROPHET and the APOSTLES are FULLY AWARE of "our times"... He then tells the priesthood...and "I might ADD", we SISTERS of the RELIEF SOCIETY..."we must make certain that those for whom we share responsibility do not go hungry or unclothed or unsheltered." He then said..."when the PRIESTHOOD (I will add, again, the Relief Society) of this Church WORKS TOGETHER AS ONE in meeting these VEXING CONDITIONS, NEAR MIRACLES TAKE PLACE."

He continuded to counsel us to be 1. PRUDENT in our planning; 2. CONSERVATIVE in our living; 3. AVOID EXCESSIVE or UNNECESSARY DEBT.

He asked us to MAKE OUR HOMES: sanctuaries of righteousness, places of prayer, and abodes of love that we might MERIT THE BLESSINGS that can come only from our Heavenly Father. WE NEED HIS GUIDANCE IN OUR DAILY LIVES."

Though, President Monson was addressing the PRIESTHOOD, His words are for US as well...We, too, are "agents of the Lord." We, too, are "on the Lord's errand."

We as SISTERS have a GREAT WORK to do...UNITED we can, also, see "miracles take place"...

Like ADAM declared to us, we must "GIVE STRICT HEED" to our living PROPHET...and the apostles...We will not be able to STAND...unless we DO....EXACTLY what they ASK us to do...

I pray with all my heart...you are ALL reading the General Conference talks...They are for OUR PROTECTION..............UNITED...we can get through "our times"....

I have a TESTIMONY that SUNK DEEPLY into my SOUL...that the counsel of "GIVING STRICT HEED"...is paramount to our salvation....I LOVE EACH OF YOU...WE ARE SISTERS....in a GREAT WORK...TOGETHER...we will NOT FAIL....I say as meekly as I know how to do... In our Beloved Savior's name... Jesus Christ....Amen.

"To Learn, to Do, to Be"

2009-02-23T06:57:00.003-05:00

Our LIVING prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, gave a marvelous talk to our Priesthood brethren...but, Sisters...the counsel he gave them is just as meaningful to US...He quoted these great verses out of Ezekiel 36:26-28....Then, President Monson asked the following questions: "How might we MERIT this PROMISE? What will qualify us to receive this BLESSING? Is there a guide to follow?"

He gave "3" imperatives for our consideration: "May we learn what we SHOULD LEARN, DO what we SHOULD DO, and BE what WE SHOULD BE."

He gave this promise...that "a kind Heavenly Father will HELP us in our QUEST."

Thoughts?

Any heavy loads out there?

2009-02-17T19:57:00.002-05:00

We women would not have heard this talk...if your life is perfect with no "ruffling of feathers" then you can pass on this talk, but if you've ever felt like jumping off a cliff...then read it!

I gathered 2 main points from Pres. Eyring here:
(1) as women, we've got to gain MORE FAITH in order to have the power to carry our heavy burdens....he talked about working out our muscles to the exhaustion point and then that's how we build muscle and get our "desired" result ...likewise, we have to exhaust our efforts to get close to Him, then the POWER will come, the faith will increase -- how exciting is that?!

(2) and for our men, our husbands - bless their hearts; I'd hate to be out in that world, hearing what they hear and see, fighting "worldly" attitudes, they're absolutely bombarded with the
height of evil, struggling with their own emotions and shortcomings all the time trying to provide a living for their families, AND fulfilling their church callings willingly and eagerly... what's not to love!!! Darn if I'm going to give my guy anything else to put on his shoulders!! I will love him, cherish him, praise him for his unrelentless efforts; I will appreciate him everyday and hug him and tell him a 100 ways that I do...

President Pratt spoke Sunday of "lifting"....how it's O U R J O B to lift! Stop the doubting, the wishing for something better or different, even if I've been justified in feeling hurt or "done wrong"....it's MY JOB to stop those negative thoughts...stop it now - just lift, serve - we talk of service so much....but forget "service" is also and maybe more importantly OUR ATTITUDES...am I serving my husband by getting mad at him, holding grudges (even if justified)...how do I SERVE myself? - putting myself down, comparing my situation to others? I can't be "serving" myself any good like that! I know Father is NOT pleased with THAT KIND of service.....WOW - no wonder they tell us to ponder, ponder, ponder....many truths in single words, much happiness to be had....if only....we truly lived the gospel principles...

Joanna

"O Ye That Embark"

2009-02-16T07:04:00.008-05:00

Though this talk was given in the Priesthood session, there are pearls of WISDOM and counsel that we Sisters can draw upon in Elder Eyring's talk - "O Ye That Embark"...

Ever felt you were so "stretched" in a calling....or even in a role in life....motherhood, being a wife, being single, or a trial that you think you can't be "stretched any farther"....? Elder Eyring addresses this subject.

A line or two: "the more faithful service you give, the more the Lord asks of you." "...He increases our power to carry the heavier load." "Increased spiritual strength is a GIFT from GOD which He can give when we push in His service to our limits." "When those feelings of inadequacy strike us, it is the time to remember the Savior." "We don't do this work alone."

D&C 84:88 "...I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my spirit shall be in your hearts, and MINE ANGELS ROUND ABOUT YOU, TO BEAR YOU UP." What a magnificent line..."mine angels round about you, to bear you up." Elder Eyring TESTIFIES of this, also...

I loved the story of the missionary who was given 12 to 13 companions who wanted to go home...NOT one ended up going home...because of the attitude of this one missionary who had received them as companions....."I never had a companion who was failing."

Though, Elder Eyring was talking about individuals still SEEKING the gospel in their lives, I would like to equate this line to US... that YOU and I have been INVITED to "become changed by the Atonement and (made) fit to go home and live with Him (our Father).

"Lift Where You Stand"

2009-02-07T21:18:00.004-05:00

President Uchtdorf's talk in Priesthood: "Lift Where You Stand".... What a wonderful talk...Sisters...For those of you who do NOT know the story of the "stonecutter" who did the work on the Salt Lake City TEMPLE...then, you MUST read this talk...It is FANTASTIC....They have a DVD out on John Rowe Moyle's EXAMPLE of his dedication in serving the Lord against very trying circumstances...It is so WORTH watching... (I found a CLIP from the movie and posted it at the top of the BLOG)

The essense of this talk is..."if we stand close together and lift where "we" stand"... then "nothing can keep this divine work from moving upward and forward." President Uchtdorf also addresses those who SEEK positions in the Church and those who...HIDE from responsibilities in the Church...As he puts it...."...may we cease to ASPIRE and cease to RETIRE!".... (smile)

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-18,00.html

"Winning the War against Evil"

2009-02-03T09:39:00.004-05:00

Oh...Sisters...If you have YOUTH at home....Have one of them...study this talk...and present it for Family Home Evening....It is a MARVELOUS talk....I read it on the plane coming home, yesterday....

Elder Hamula first presents the WAR in HEAVEN...Satan role there and his role HERE on earth...Discusses "God's kingdom" here on earth...how "God's kingdom will not be lost but will OVERCOME THE WORLD..." Discusses why were were saved for THESE LATTER DAYS...why we were CHOSEN...how we were "ENTRUSTED" to come to earth at this time...

Elder Hamula's counsel to our YOUTH...of what NOT to do...How WE can WIN THE WAR against Satan...that we did it ONCE before - in our premortal world....and how we can WIN - FINALLY - again! We already have the QUALITIES IN US....to WIN!!! (I love WINNING...!) (smile)

My favorite line truly was the one chosen in the "Ensign": "You were ENTRUSTED to come to the earth in these last days to do AGAIN what you did BEFORE---to once again CHOOSE GOOD over EVIL."!!!!!

When did YOU come to know the PLAN of our Heavenly Father's was TRUE????

"Arms of Safety"

2009-01-25T22:36:00.002-05:00

I am late in getting this out...I am currently in IDAHO...where my daughter, Sarah, just had a baby...So, I will not be able to post a PICTURE of this member of the Seventy...All the pictures are saved to MY PERSONAL COMPUTER...in FLORIDA...but, we can all still read this General Conference talk, anyway...(smile)

This week's talk was given in the Priesthood Session...Elder Jay E. Jensen...Entitled: "Arms of Safety".... The main line for this talk in the "Ensign" states: "By coming humbly and fully repentant to sacrament meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms (of safety) again and again."

This is the 2nd talk...connected to our SACRAMENT meeting...Think there is a message, here???

2009-01-19T10:01:00.002-05:00

If you don't have time to read this talk (which is totally worth it of course) then read President Hinckley's quote below from this talk. This talk is just not about "Priesthood" to me; it's about we as women - our beautiful calling..it makes you feel good about who you are...

President Hinckley declared: “Of all the creations of the Almighty, there is none more beautiful, none more inspiring than a lovely daughter of God who walks in virtue with an understanding of why she should do so, who honors and respects her body as a thing sacred and divine, who cultivates her mind and constantly enlarges the horizon of her understanding, who nurtures her spirit with everlasting truth.”

I loved what you Debbie and Sandee brought out to my attention in this talk, what I loved was..."be careful to control what enters your mind thru your eyes and ears to ensure that it is wholesome and elevating."

Control is a key word there....I've been bad in the past about going to see movies or TV shows just cuz I liked the theme of the show, etc and just because it was "an outing" .....now I never go without checking it out on screenit.com...I am way more strict with what I let "my eyes and ears see and hear" and I testify IT DOES MAKE A H U G E DIFFERENCE.

I use to think I was "caught" and it wouldn't be my fault if there were "making out scenes" or even the degrading way they treat romance because I somewhat tried to "screen" it by the ratings or whatever...but now I realize it totally IS MY FAULT...

....we don't see ourselves as who we REALLY are - the noble ones, the "saved back" ones, the epitome of true womanhood....I was "going with the flow" in a way because such "viewing" is popular or the "norm" ....but I should have seen myself thru Father's eyes...then I would have been much more extremely CAREFUL to preserve MY MIND FOR HIM and HIS WORK. It's just not worth it; my mind will kick back to those teensy "moments" from what I've seen and now I have to WORK at clearly that out....I tell myself "that's not who I am; I am so much more"....I am about virtue, gentleness, godliness, a heart for Him should not be clearing things out; I should have chosen and gotten use to a higher law...

...that's why I love the scriptures so much - they POUR light into me; they make me FEEL so much higher, so beyond all that stupid stuff movies try to make appealing and funny...they bring me so close to a Father who is my REAL FATHER - talk about taking a break, or being entertained or having your down time - once you've felt that relationship with HIM, there is no greater outlet! love you all ~

"Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well"

2009-01-19T07:45:00.004-05:00

We now, begin, the PRIESTHOOD session of Conference. Elder Richard G. Scott leads the session...with "Honor the Priesthood and Use It Well".

Key line of this talk: "The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity."

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-15,00.html

"Pray Always"

2009-01-11T06:53:00.002-05:00

"Pray Always"....By: Elder David A. Bednar.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-14,00.html

Within the first 4 months of my joining the church, I prayed to Father...asking Him if He would give me any counsel...what would it be...He directed me to Alma 37:36-37

36 Yea, and 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.
37 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.

If I ACT upon these two verses....the PROMISE was..."I would be lifted up at the last day"..."ETERNIAL LIFE".... WHAT A PROMISE!!!!!!

How has PRAYER BLESSED YOUR LIFE?

"Come To Zion"

2009-01-03T04:37:00.002-05:00

Oh...Sisters...How often we talk of BECOMING a ZION people...This was a GREAT TALK on the subject on WHAT WE NEED TO DO - to become a ZION PEOPLE....a ZION PERSON...

Elder D. Todd Christofferson addresses this issue in his talk "Come to Zion".

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-13,00.html

One of my favorite quotes in this talk...was Elder Christofferson quoting Elder Neal A. Maxwell (whom I LOVED and MISS) "Let us once and for all establish our residence in Zion and GIVE UP the SUMMER COTTAGE in BABYLON." You have got to LOVE that statement! (smile)

I realize I am posting this EARLY.....I hope you were able to finish reading "The Way" by Elder Corbridge...I made a comment earlier, this morning, on his talk...Still welcome COMMENTS on any of the TALKS....NO TIME LIMITS...(smile)

Anyway, on this coming week...Elder Christofferson's talk will give MUCH to think about...A ZION people we must become.....EXAMPLES of what, perhaps, you have seen that inspired you to strive to be a ZION PERSON???? This blog is a place to LIFT, EDIFY, and STRENGTHEN...

"The Way"

2008-12-28T09:34:00.002-05:00

This week's Conference talk is entitled "The Way" - By: Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge. The lead sentence that the ENSIGN wrote from this talk was..."There is only one way to HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT. JESUS CHRIST is the WAY."

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-12,00.html

"Even A Child Can Understand"

2008-12-21T06:50:00.003-05:00

Our Conference talk this week..."Even a Child Can Understand"....is by Elder Gerald Causse.

There is a very short line in Elder Causse's talk that attracted my attention..."One must look with the heart". It seems that ALL TRUTH...is discovered and learned depending on the condition of our "heart"...Some years, ago, I came to a cross-roads with one of my children...I found myself...not "connecting" very well...and got on my knees and finally prayed for the right solution..."Father CHANGE ME!!!"... "CHANGE MY HEART"...A simple miracle took place...and I was able to "see" things differently, because MY HEART... had to change...I am so GRATEFUL for such a powerful LESSON in life...

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-11,00.html

"The Ministry of Angels"

2008-12-15T10:07:00.004-05:00

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk on "The Ministry of Angels" is so PERFECT for this season..."God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face." Our great HOPE lies with the BABE of BETHLEHEM..."God Bless Us EVERYONE"...(Tiny Tim)

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-10,00.html

"Come What May, and Love It" - Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

2008-12-07T07:30:00.004-05:00

How incredibly timely...that THIS WEEK we will be reading Elder Wirthlin's last General Conference Address to all of us. "Come What May and Love It"... This beautiful line from his talk...is such "wise" counsel...."The way we REACT to ADVERSITY can be a MAJOR FACTOR in how HAPPY and SUCCESSFUL we can be in LIFE".... This line alone is a "quote" KEEPER...

If you do NOT have an "Ensign" here is the talk on the web:

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-9,00.html

Would love your comments on either Elder Wirthlin and/or comments on this wonderful talk...

"The Infinite Power of Hope"

2008-11-30T07:49:00.002-05:00

Our talk this week...is perhaps the BEST talk I have ever read on "Hope"...by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf. I would love to hear your THOUGHTS...for...I found my spirit was greatly "enriched"...and plan on digesting its contents...more than once...

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-7,00.html

I believe this talk is CRITICAL...to our "times"....

A FEW THOUGHTS on "Gratitude" from Conferences

2008-11-24T05:51:00.003-05:00

This last conference there were two thoughts on "Gratitude":
1. Elder David A. Bednar - "Prayer becomes mroe meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we EXPRESS HEARTFELT GRATITUDE, and as we pray for others."

2. President Thomas S. Monson - "Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family."

Previous Conferences:
1. Elder Dallin H. Oaks (April 2003) - "When we give thanks in all things, we see hardships and adversities in the context of the purpose of life."
2. President Howard W. Hunter (General R.S. 1994) - "In behalf of the general officers of the church. I thank you for the service you render to the Church, to your families, and to the neighborhoods and communities in which you live. I recognize that many of your unselfish and compassionate deeds are unknown, unheralded, and at time unthanked. HOWEVER, THE LORD IS MINDFUL OF YOU."

"Sacrament Meeting and the Sacrament"

2008-11-16T07:56:00.003-05:00

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-6,00.html

"The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church." I am grateful to Elder Dallin H. Oaks for addressing this subject. Most of us can identify with distractions while the "sacrament" is being passed...Whether it was our children needing our attention or our thoughts far, far, and away....perhaps this address will help us find ways to "prepare" for this sacred time in our week...

Will look forward to your thoughts on this important subject.

2008-11-09T18:32:00.002-05:00

I don't know when I have been touched so tenderly and I mean it...you 3 dear friends and sisters have really touched me...I love your imagery - Debbie, you running up the stairs; Linda, you playing the piano and the comments about your Mom; and Sandee that image of the girls in the halls reading their scriptures ought to be in the Ensign (I was just sitting down with the children looking at all the pictures in the Ensign - I look so forward to the pictures; they're so touching - tiny hands in bigger ones, older people in walkers being helped down steps, saints from around the world, chubby cheek children...)....thank you all for your beautiful sentiments and thank you Debbie for suggesting this!

Here's a quote you'll like: scripture study is a harmonizing echo of distant lessons already learned, a wondrous review of divine instruction gleaned firsthand from the Creator Himself. Wisdom already planted in our hearts and mind by virtue of the preparation and instruction we have received in the premortal realm....it's an "adventure in remembering"; those who read and ponder the word of God thru the Spirit will experience that remarkable sensation of seeming to recover, line upon line, what was known long before the veil of forgetfulness was placed upon us at birth...the messengers of the scriptures will speak to us...be that familiar spirit (2 Ne 26:16).

My "adventure in remembering"....my parents joined the church when I was 3 or 4. My earliest memories of studying the scriptures was when I was about 12; propped up in my bed reading and reading, night after night - no one told me to; but I loved reading the scriptures...I was even teased by other girls in the YW's (in a good way I suppose)...because I loved the scriptures....
it was always "a part of me" - it was always a feeling of "recovering line upon line" what was known before the veil - there was not 1 experience or a prayer that testified of the truth for me; I had just always known....

What I can testify of is it's not always about the words that are being read -- but as I read the words, a connection builds, a bond grows, I feel drawn to my Father in a way that I know Him better, I see Him in everything...one night for no reason AT ALL I was just feeling a little low and as I let Sugar out before bed in the dark for her potty-break; I was pondering why am I feeling low for no reason....then the clouds parted at that very moment and one of the planets shone through the little break in the clouds and in the moonlight just was as bright as can be - it seemed to say to me "I am here; not far, I love you" - it was so powerful, it made me cry...I stared at it for awhile smiling as if I was looking at my Father, then it tucked back in the clouds....there's been similar such experiences at just the moment I needed them - the Book of Mormon is power - power in ways we don't even realize or know how to express ~ my love to you all:)

"Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon"

2008-11-08T23:08:00.004-05:00

This week's General Conference talk is by Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis - "Because My Father Read the Book of Mormon"... http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-5,00.html

I think what would be a blessing to all of us...is to read your testimonies of the Book of Mormon...perhaps your story...on the time...you discover the book was TRUE...

May I begin with mine...Six months after I joined the church...I was heavily taunted by my family over my "joining" the church...It was a very difficult time for me...I left California and moved in with a LDS family in SLC. One of the Sister Missionaries that I became very close to after my conversion...invited me to stay with her family...I lived with them nearly a month...The Greenburg family gave me a room down in the basement of their home...and there...for "3" weeks...I PRAYED to know with ALL OF MY HEART...if the Book of Mormon was true...I had to know...One morning...as I read it...I had this INCREBIBLE witness...that the Book of Mormon was TRUE...I was SO EXCITED over my experience...that I RAN UPSTAIRS...and cried out...."Sister Greenburg....Sister Greenburg...the Book of Mormon IS TRUE!!!" She simply smiled at me...and patted my head...."I know, dear"....I have NEVER FORGOTTEN THAT EXPERIENCE....I know with ALL OF MY HEART...it TRULY is the WORD OF GOD...It has been one of my GREATEST "treasures" to have been given this knowledge.....The feelings I get...when I do read it....reconfirms that BLESSED MORNING....nearly 35 years ago...

SUMMARY: General Conference October 2008 and R.S. Broadcast

2008-11-05T10:10:00.002-05:00

Sisters:
After I heard the results of the elections last night...I went to my NEW "Ensign" on our October 2008 General Conference...and typed up all the "Summary lines" on EACH General Conference talk, plus the Relief Society Broadcast....Here is the Summary list....Be interested in your thoughts of the "overtone" of last conference...(This is NOT replacing our reading of EACH General Conference talk...There is SO MUCH MORE contained in each talk...I just typed up all the "summary lines"...to get a sense of the Conference)

ENSIGN: Key line from each talk as printed from the "ENSIGN":

President Thomas S. Monson – “Our Heavenly Father is mindful of each one of us and our needs. May we be filled with His Spirit as we partake of the proceedings of this conference.”

Elder L. Tom Perry – “In our search to obtain relief from the stresses of life, may we earnestly seek ways to simplify our lives.”

Sister Silvia H. Allred – “We can all participate in missionary work. This is the Lord’s work, and He will help us do it.”

Elder Neil L. Andersen – “As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us…In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith.”

Elder Marcos A. Aidukaitis – “I invite all who hear me today to read the Book of Mormon and to apply the promise it contains. Those who do will know that the book is true.”

Elder Dallin H. Oaks – “The ordinance of the sacrament makes the sacrament meeting the most sacred and important meeting in the Church.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – “Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.”

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin – “The way we react to adversity can be a major factor in how happy and successful we can be in life.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland – “God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face.”

Elder Gerald Causse – “God…has ensured that the truths regarding God are understandable to all His children, whatever their level of education or intellectual faculty.”

Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge – “There is only one way to happiness and fulfillment. Jesus Christ is the Way.”

Elder D. Todd Christofferson – “In our families and in our stakes and districts, let us seek to build up Zion through unity, godliness, and charity.”

Elder David A. Bednar – “Prayer becomes more meaningful as we counsel with the Lord in all of our doings, as we express heartfelt gratitude, and as we pray for others.”

Elder Richard G. Scott – “The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity.”

Elder Jay E. Jensen – “By coming humbly and fully repentant to sacrament meeting and worthily partaking of the sacrament, we may feel those arms (of safety) again and again.”

Elder James J. Hamula – “You were entrusted to come to the earth in these last days to do again what you did before---to once again choose good over evil.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – “Every priesthood holder stands at a unique place and has an important task that only he can perform.”

President Henry B. Eyring – “Our power to carry burdens can be increased more than enough to compensate for the increased service we will be asked to give.”

President Thomas S. Monson – “May we learn what we should learn, do what we should do, and be what we should be.”

President Henry B. Eyring – “The Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when fully united in righteousness.”

Elder Robert D. Hales – “Answering our accusers in the Savior’s way.”

Elder Keith B. McMullin – “We need Heavenly Father’s help. Important sources of this help come through man’s service to his fellowman, through prayer, and through focus on Christ.”

Sister Elaine S. Dalton – “Now is the time for each of us to arise and unfurl a banner to the world calling for a return to virtue.”

Elder M. Russell Ballard – “This is God’s work, and God’s work will not be frustrated. But there is still much to be done.”

President Thomas S. Monson – “Let us relish life as we live it, find joy in the journey, and share our love with friends and family.”

President Boyd K. Packer – “Neither mobbings nor the army could turn the Saints aside from what they knew to be true.”

Elder Russell M. Nelson – “The proclamation on the family helps us realize that celestial marriage brings greater possibilities for happiness than does any other relationship.”

Elder William D. Oswalk – “When we learn a few fundamental principles about teaching and are shown how to teach, all of us can do it.”

Elder Eduardo Gavarret – “What a tremendous impact we can make in the lives of so many…when we accept the Savior’s invitation to feed His sheep.”

Elder Carlos A. Godoy – “To receive the witness of the “still small voice” sometimes can have a stronger impact on our testimonies than the visit of an angel.”

Elder Quentin L. Cook – “We know from the scriptures that some trials are for our good and are suited for our own personal development.”

President Thomas S. Monson – “May we be good citizens of the nations in which we live and good neighbors in our communities, reaching out to those of other faiths, as well as to our own.”

General Relief Society Meeting

Sister Julie B. Beck – “Relief Society was established by the Lord to organize, teach, and inspire His daughters to prepare for the blessings of eternal life.”

Sister Silvia H. Allred – “The temples are sacred, holy places. They are a source of spiritual power and strength. They are a place of revelation.”

Sister Barbara Thompson – “Participation in Relief Society is part of our glorious heritage and blessing as women in the Lord’s Church.”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf – “Our birthright---and the purpose of our great voyage on this earth---is to seek and experience eternal happiness.”

Samuel the Lamanite and Prop. 8

2008-11-01T22:24:00.002-04:00

You have got to love "Mormon" humor! (smile)

"You Know Enough" - Elder Neil L. Andersen

2008-11-01T09:42:00.003-04:00

This next week's Study...

"You Know Enough"
Elder Neil L. Andersen Of the Presidency of the Seventy
As disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ, we have enormous spiritual reservoirs of light and truth available to us. . . . In our days of difficulty, we choose the road of faith.

http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-4,00.html

"Go Ye Therefore"

2008-10-26T06:45:00.003-04:00

This week's General Conference Address:

"Go Ye Therefore"
Silvia H. Allred First Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency
"We can all participate in missionary work. This is the Lord’s work, and He will help us do it."

http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-3,00.html

How perfectly TIMELY this TALK is...after hearing last night's STAKE CONFERENCE....This supports the COUNSEL we received last night on MISSIONARY WORK!!! (smile) I thought STAKE CONFERENCE was GREAT last night!!!! The YOUTH did a super job on the music...and the talks were marvelous...

"Let Him Do It With Simplicity"

2008-10-18T16:45:00.004-04:00

Hello...Sisters...I am so excited...to be discussing these General Conference talks with each of you...This week's talk...will be Elder L. Tom Perry's talk entitled: "Let Him Do It With Simplicity"...Would love to see what thoughts came to your mind...as you read this apostle's Conference address....

You can find this talk at this address site: http://lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-2,00.html

In regards to this past week's talk...of President Monson's....have any of you had any experiences regarding "missionary" work...? Even though he urged us to pray to see nations open for the work...I figure...we might as well be praying...for OUR MISSIONARIES in our WARD...helping US OPEN UP OUR LONGWOOD WARD BOUNDARIES (smile)...Of course, we could be helping OTHER WARDS...if the Lord places someone for them...in our paths...(smile)

Another BLOG Started for Additional Devotionals

2008-10-13T08:29:00.002-04:00

Sisters in Zion:There has been a request to study other great talks and devotionals besides Conference talks...I had started this BLOG (Granny Smith's Country Garden), but never got around to using it...so, I decided to use this other site...for the purpose of another discussion group...Saves me time in setting up another BLOG...(smile) However, this will need to be more closely watched over...Don't want this to become OVERLOADED...or out of control in the types of things to read....Please, send me your choices that you would like to discuss...to my GMAIL account - mothersmith@gmail.com - plus the site to where each of us...could pull it up...I would, also, suggest...ONE TALK per week...If you are reading the CONFERENCE talks...your own personal scripture study...and other demands on your time...I think...then...ONE "other" talk...per week...just enough to handle....This should be a time to enrich our lives...and strengthen one another...May the SPIRIT guide us all....Love, Deb

The BLOG web address is: http://grannysmithscountrygarden.blogspot.com/

Rome Italy Temple....and Kansas City....Temple

2008-10-12T16:53:00.003-04:00

I was excited over the announcements of the 5 new temples...but, I have to admit...the ROME ITALY temple tickled all of us who were watching conference in our home...and the Kansas City temple...so close to the property we wanted to buy...(l hour) It was 4 1/2 hours to St. Louis...otherwise...

I truly believe in President Monson's opening remarks...were inspired as well..."I can assure you that those men and women who will speak to you have prayed about what they should say. They have been inspired and impressed as they have sought heaven's help and direction"...I believe with all my heart...that truly did come to pass...

Like Sandee said...in her comments earlier...I felt MORE CONFIDENCE flow through every ounce of my being...I felt STRENGTHENED...and the spirit of COURAGE...seem to take heart...

In this talk...President Monson asked us to PRAY to open up areas where the gospel is NOT being taught...or is limited....So...on each of our LISTS to DO....Add...PRAY for the gospel to enter in those situations in the world that our missionary work can go FORWARD...He said they saw MIRACLES unfold...when they did this under President Kimball...if we pray IN FAITH...

Our missionaries are going to try and impliment...tying a piece of YARN around our wrists to remind us...to do SOMETHING in the form is missionary work...I look forward to getting a piece of yarn...(smile) (may ask for 2 or 3....pieces...) (smile)

"Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God..."

2008-10-12T15:07:00.004-04:00

Hello...Dear Sisters...
We are going to start a wonderful "adventure" together...We will be studing the "counsel" and "wisdom" of our Prophet, Apostles, and other church leaders...We will begin with President Thomas S. Monson's OPENING remarks...on Saturday morning...You will find his talk
http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0,5232,23-1-947-1,00.html

I am currently rereading a wonderful book I received on my mission...from a "convert" to the church...It was written by Elder Nathan Eldon Tanner, who was a member of the First Presidency called "Seek Ye First The Kingdom of God"...The title was his life's motto which was based on the scripture from Matthew 6:33 "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his rightousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."

What a wonderful thought...as we begin to PONDER over the message of this last General Conference...I am so looking forward to all your thoughts...and comments...May we all grow closer to a "Zionist" attitude of becoming of "one heart and one mind"...Love, Deb