April 2008 General Conference -Sunday Afternoon

Jeffrey R. Holland -"My Words ... Never Cease"

• "On what biblical or historical grounds has the inspiration of God been limited to the written documents that the church now calls its Bible? ... If the Spirit inspired only the written documents of the first century, does that mean that the same Spirit does not speak today in the church about matters that are of significant concern?"
• Continuing revelation does not demean or discredit existing revelation. The Old Testament does not lose its value in our eyes when we are introduced to the New Testament, and the New Testament is only enhanced when we read the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
• Please do not misunderstand. We love and revere the Bible.
• The Bible is the word of God. It is always identified first in our canon, our "standard works."
• In one of the earliest revelations received by Joseph Smith, the Lord said, "Behold, I do not bring [the Book of Mormon forth] to destroy [the Bible] but to build it up."
• One other point needs to be made. Since it is clear that there were Christians long before there was a New Testament or even an accumulation of the sayings of Jesus, it cannot therefore be maintained that the Bible is what makes one a Christian. In the words of esteemed New testament scholar N. T. Wright, "The risen Jesus, at the end of Matthew's Gospel, does not say, "All authority in heaven and on earth is given to the books you are all going to write,' but [rather] 'All authority in heaven and on earth is given to me.'" In other words, "Scripture itself points ... away from itself and to the fact that final and true authority belongs to God himself." So the scriptures are not the ultimate source of knowledge for Latter-day Saints. They are manifestations of the ultimate source. The ultimate source of knowledge and authority for a Latter-day Saint is the living God. The communication of those gifts comes from God as living, vibrant, divine revelation.

David A. Bednar -Ask in Faith

• Prayer is essential for our spiritual development and protection.
• Action alone is not faith in the Savior, but acting in accordance with correct principles is a central component of faith. Thus, "faith without works is dead."
• We would pray with the expectation to act and not just to express--then the work of proclaiming the gospel would move forward in a remarkable way.
• The object of our prayers should not be to present a wish list or a series of requests but to secure for ourselves and for others blessings that God is eager to bestow, according to His will and timing.

W. Craig Zwick -We Will Not Yield, We Cannot Yield

• Never forget that you are a son of God. He loves you. Live by your standards. Stand up for what you believe in. Sometimes it is not easy, and you may be standing alone for a while. Look for friends with integrity and character, then go to them and express appreciation for their examples. You might even find someone who has been feeling as lonely as you. Pray for guidance and protection from the Lord. He will sustain you. He will become a trusted friend, and you will discover that your example will attract many friends who will take courage from your strength of character.
• "The laughter of the world is merely loneliness pathetically trying to reassure itself."
• "However out of step we may seem, however much the standards are belittled, however much others yield, we will not yield, we cannot yield."
• It requires courage to make good choices, even when others around us choose differently. As we make righteous choices day by day in little things, the Lord will strengthen s and help us choose the right during more difficult times.

Robert R. Steuer -The Power of Light and Truth

• Our testimonies are strengthened as we reverently observe the great universe God has created for us.
• "Clear declaration of truth makes a difference in people's lives. That is what changes hearts."

Dennis B. Neuenschwander -One among the Crowd

• Step away from the crowd and follow the Lord.
• I think each one of us understands what it means to partake of the fulfilling fruit of the tree of life within sight and sound of those who mock and what it means to exert every courageous effort to pay them no heed.
• Struggling through the crowds of the world can be lonely and hard. Their pull and tug on the individual who wishes to step away to something better can be very strong and very difficult to overcome.
• In all of life's circumstances let us quietly and resolutely press forward to the Savior, having faith that He cares about us and has the power to heal and save us.

Lance B. Wickman -Today

• Of all the challenges we face, perhaps the greatest is a misguided sense that mortality goes on forever and its corollary, that we can postpone until tomorrow the seeking and offering of forgiveness, which as the gospel of Jesus Christ teaches, are among mortality's central purposes.

Craig C. Christensen -A Book with a Promise

• "Those who gain [a] divine witness from the Holy Spirit [of the divinity of the Book of Mormon] will also come to know by the same power that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world, that Joseph Smith is his revelator and prophet in these last days, and that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's kingdom once again established on the earth."

M. Russell Ballard -Daughters of God

• There is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood.
• There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family.
• It is crucial to focus on our children for the short time we have them.
• The joy of motherhood comes in moments.
• I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.
• Families need unstructured time when relationships can deepen and real parenting can take place. Take time to listen, to laugh, and to play together.
• Find some time for yourself to cultivate your gifts and interests.

Thomas S. Monson -Abundantly Blessed

• Brethren, let's treat our wives with dignity and with respect. They're our eternal companions. Sisters, honor your husbands. They need to hear a good word. They need a friendly smile. They need a warm expression of true love.

General Young Women's Meeting

Susan W. Tanner -Stand as a Witness

• "Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee: yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness."

Elaine S. Dalton -At All Times, in All Things, and in All Places

• "You need to be strong when you are the last one to take a stand."

Mary N. Cook -Anchors of Testimony

• "Sometimes the best answers that young people can [get] to the questions of life are found there upon their knees calling upon our Heavenly Father.
• "Our young people should drive down stakes early. ... The stakes are of two kinds: 'This I will do' and 'This I will not do.' ... Very early, youth should have been living by a plan. ... When such a course is charted and the goal is set, it is easier to resist the many temptations and to say 'no.'
• "Whatsoever shall put their trust in God shall be supported in their trials, and their troubles, and their afflictions, and shall be lifted up at the last day." Remember, the stalk of the water lily grows in adversity, and as the stalk lifts the water lily, your faith will support and lift you.  

Henry B. Eyring -Walk in the Light

• Every child of Heavenly Father born in the world is given at birth, as a free gift, the Light of Christ. You have felt that. It is the sense of what is right and what is wrong and what is true and what is false. That has been with you since your journey in life began. The fact that you were baptized and received the Holy Ghost is evidence that you chose to walk in the Light of Christ.
• When you were confirmed a member of the Church, you were given the right to have the Holy Ghost as your companion. The Holy Ghost is a powerful source of light to recognize truth, to follow and love the Lord Jesus Christ, and to find your way back to God after this life.
• "But behold, that which is of God inviteth and enticeth to do good continually; wherefore, every thing which inviteth and enticeth to do good, and to love God, and to serve him, is inspired of God.
• "Wherefore, take heed ... that ye do not judge that which is evil to be of God, or that which is good and of God to be of the devil.
• "For behold, my brethren, it is given unto you to judge, that ye may know good from evil; and the way to judge is as plain, that ye may know with a perfect knowledge, as the daylight is from the dark night."
• Because you are so valuable, some of your trials may be severe. You need never be discouraged or afraid. The way through difficulties has always been prepared for you, and you will find it if you exercise faith.

Until you next see these words;

I'll be watching the leaves.

Enjoy the day!

-Sarnic Dirchi