April 1994 General Conference Saturday Afternoon

Thomas S. Monson -The Sustaining of Church Officers

• We pay tribute to Elder Marvin J. Ashton, a member of the Council of the Twelve, who passed away 25 February 1994.
• In view of the call of Bishop Robert D. Hales as a member of the Council of the Twelve, it becomes necessary to release him as the Presiding Bishop.

Ted E. Davis -The Church Audit Committee Report.

F. Micahel Watson -Statistical Report 1993

• Total membership: 8,696,224

M. Russell Ballard -Counseling with Our Councils

• Our Heavenly Father does not expect them to do everything by themselves.
• All have stewardships that require large amounts of their time, talent, and energy. But none is left to do it alone.
• Giving them a chance to offer suggestions and to be heard.
• People who feel ownership of a problem are more willing to help find a solution, greatly improving the possibility of success.
• Let us work together as never before.

Lloyd P. George -Gratitude

• "One of the greatest sins of which the inhabitants of the earth are guilty to-day, is the sin of ingratitude."
• Trials are blessings in disguise if we accept them with humility, faith, and fortitude.

Kenneth Johnson -We All Have a Father in Whom We Can Trust

• I realize that my contribution was not necessary for my father to complete the work he was engaged in. I was the beneficiary, as through these experiences I came to know him and to love him.
• It is not necessary for us to know the answer to every question or comprehend the reason for every challenge we face to feel secure in the knowledge of our divine Creator.
• "And that same sociality which exists among us here will exist among us there, only it will be coupled with eternal glory, which glory we do not now enjoy."

Merlin R. Lybbert -The Special Status of Children

• The Lord extends special protection to children and shares jurisdiction with earthly parents, even as we enjoy their presence.
• Parents in Zion have the special responsibility of teaching and training their children in righteousness. They are to be taught "to understand the doctrine of repentance, faith in Christ the Son of the living God, and of baptism and the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of the hands, when eight years old." Otherwise, the Lord declared, "the sin be upon the heads of the parents." This teaching is to be done before a child reaches the age of accountability, and while innocent and sin-free. This is protected time for parents to teach the principles and ordinances of salvation to their children without interference from Satan. It is a time to dress them in armor in preparation for the battle against sin. When this preparation time is neglected, they are left vulnerable to the enemy. To permit a child to enter into that period of his life when he will be buffeted and tempted by the evil one, without faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and an understanding of the basic principles of the gospel, is to set him adrift in a world of wickedness. During these formative, innocent years, a child may learn wrong behavior; but such is not the result of Stan's temptations, but comes from the wrong teachings and the bad example of others. In this context, the savior's harsh judgement of adults who offend children is better understood, wherein he said, "It were better for him that a millstone were hanged about  his neck, and he cast into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones."

Dallin H. Oaks -Tithing

• During the Great Depression, President Grant continued to remind the Saints that the payment of tithing would open the windows of heaven for blessings needed by the faithful. In that stressful period, some of our bishops observed that members who paid their tithing were able to support their families more effectively than those who did not. The tithe payers tended to keep their employment, enjoy good health, and be free from the most devastating effects of economic and spiritual depression.
• I pay my tithing, not only because it is a law of God, but because I expect a blessing by doing it.
• I believe that when many citizens of a nation are faithful in the payment of tithes, they summon the blessings of heaven upon their entire nation.
• The payment of tithing is a test of priorities.

L. Tom Perry -"Therefore I Was Taught"

• Five basic concepts that could increase every family's chances for success.
• First, strengthen relationships through family activities;
• Second, establish reasonable rules and expectations;
• Third, build self-esteem;
• Fourth, set achievable goals;
• Fifth, periodically evaluate family strength and needs.
• Let your hearts be turned to your children, and teach your children; but you must do it when they are young enough to be properly schooled.
• You are a chosen generation--saved for this special time in the history of mankind.
• The application of this program will be a shield and a protection to you against the evils of our time and will bring you, individually and collectively, greater and abundant joy now and in the eternities hereafter.

Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi