- Though there are limitations on our ability to travel where we might, there is compensation in the ability of the First Presidency, members of the Twelve, and the Seventy to speak by satellite to large numbers of stakes throughout the world.
- Circumstances change, but our message does not change. We bear testimony to the world that the heavens have been opened, that God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, the risen Lord, have appeared and spoken. We offer our solemn witness that the priesthood has been restored with the keys and authority of eternal blessings.
Dallin H. Oaks -He Heals the Heavy Laden
- The Savior teaches that we will have tribulation in the world, but we should "be of good cheer" because He has "overcome the world."
- Although the Savior could heal all whom He would heal, this is not true of those who hold His priesthood authority. Mortal exercises of that authority are limited by the will of Him whose priesthood it is.
- The healing power of the Lord Jesus Christ--whether it removes our burdens or strengthens us to endure and live with them like the Apostle Paul--is available for every affliction in mortality.
Richard H. Winkel -The Temple Is about Families
- Though some of the sheep may wander, the eye of the Shepherd is upon them.
Paul B. Pieper -The First Generation
- Being a first-generation member of the Church is not always easy. You will walk where no one in your family has walked before. Conditions around you may be challenging. You may have few, or no, friends or relatives to understand and support you. At times you may become discouraged, wondering if it is all worth it. My purpose this morning is to assure you that it is.
- By being consistently good and upright, you will establish patterns of faithfulness and righteousness. Those patterns will shape your life, but more importantly, they will become a standard for your family and posterity.
- One small decision by a first-generation member made a difference for thousands.
- Do not be discouraged if you make a mistake. Repenting and continuing to press forward are perhaps the most important patterns to develop in the first generation. Be patient and move forward in obedience.
David S. Baxter -Faith, Service, Constancy
- First is the motivating, transforming power of faith in Jesus Christ. Such faith is like spiritual oxygen. As we allow faith to freely flow within us, it awakens and enlivens our spiritual senses. It breathes life into our very souls.
- Faith fuels hope. Our perspective changes; our vision becomes clearer. We begin to look for the best, not the worst, in life and in others. We gain a deeper sense of life's purpose and meaning. Despair gives way to joy.
- Second, as we serve we grow.
- "It is not what we receive that enriches our lives, it is what we give."
- The answer lies in helping to solve the problems of those around us rather than worrying about our own, living to lift burdens even when we ourselves feel weighed down, putting our shoulder to the wheel instead of complaining that the wagons of life seem to be passing by.
- Third, discipleship does not guarantee freedom from the storms of life.
- What to do when adversity strikes? There is only one thing to do. Stand steady and see it through. Stay steadfast, constant, and true. The real tragedy in the whirlwinds of life comes only when we allow them to blow us off our true course.
- At these moments of crisis and challenge, some choose to abandon faith just at the time when it most needs to be embraced. Prayer is ignored at the very hour when it needs to be intensified. Virtue is carelessly tossed aside when it needs to be cherished. God is forsaken in the all-too-human yet mistaken fear that He has forsaken us.
- The truth is that our only safety, our only security, our only hope is to hold fast to that which is good. As the mists of darkness gather around us, we are only lost if we choose to let go of the iron rod, which is the word of God.
Robert C. Oaks -The Power of Patience
- First, "charity sufferth long."
- Charity "is not easily provoked."
- Charity "beareth all things."
- Finally, charity "endureth all things."
- The impatient, natural man is all about us.
- "Patience is tied very closely to faith in our Heavenly Father. Actually, when we are unduly impatient, we are suggesting that we know what is best--better than does God. Or, at least, we are asserting that our timetable is better than His."
- We can grow in faith only if we are willing to wait patiently for God's purposes and patterns to unfold in our lives, on His timetable.
- To achieve any worthwhile goal requires hard work.
M. Russell Ballard -O Be Wise
- We have been charged to watch over one another and to serve one another.
- While there may be times when our Church callings require more intense effort and unusual focus, we need to strive to keep things in proper balance.
- First, focus on people and principles--not on programs.
- Frankly, it's much easier to just manage programs than it is to understand and truly serve people.
- Our goal should always be to use the programs of the Church as a means to lift, encourage, assist, teach, love, and perfect people.
- Second, be innovative.
- To innovate does not necessarily mean to be expand; very often it means to simplify.
- Third, divide the work and delegate responsibility. There is a difference between being responsible for getting the work done and doing the work yourself.
- Counsel, advise, persuade, motivate--but don't do the work for them. Allow others to progress and grow, even if it means sometimes getting less-than-perfect results on the reports.
- Fourth, eliminate guilt.
- We must always motivate through love and sincere appreciation, not by creating guilt.
- "Catch others doing something right."
- Fifth, we need to thoughtfully allocate our resources of time, income, and energy.
- No matter what your family needs are or your responsibilities in the Church, there is no such things as "done." There will always be more we can do.
- Sixth, a word to your leaders about extending responsibilities to members and especially to recent converts.
- Every new member of the Church needs a responsibility. Whatever responsibility may be extended should not overwhelm new members but should give them ample opportunity to become comfortable in the Church by learning its doctrine and by rubbing shoulders with friendly members. It should anchor them to the restored gospel through increasing their testimony and giving meaningful service.
James E. Faust -Discipleship
- "If I must suffer for my religion, it is no more than others have down before me. I am not conscious of having injured anyone in the county and therefore will not consent to leave. I have done nothing to offend anyone. If you abuse me, you are injuring an innocent man."
- It is never too late to change.
Until you next read these words;
I'll be watching the leaves.
Enjoy the day!
-Sarnic Dirchi
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