October 1999 General Conference Sunday Morning

James E. Faust- Hope, an Anchor of the Soul

• Peace comes through hope.
• Few activities are safer than serving a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
• Missionaries are literally in the hands of the Lord. We wish that all of them could be kept totally out of harm's way all of the time, but that is not realistic. Missionaries, their families, and leaders trust fully in the Lord's watch care, and when a rare tragedy strikes, they are sustained by the Spirit of Him whom they serve.
• Against hope believe in hope.
• Without hope, you cannot endure to the end.

M. Russell Ballard -Beware of False Prophets and False Teachers

• As Apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, it is our duty to be watchmen on the tower, warning Church members to beware of false prophets and false teachers who lie in wait to ensnare and destroy faith and testimony. Today we warn you that there are false prophets and false teachers arising; and if we are not careful, even those who are among the faithful members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints will fall victim to their deception.
• Whenever you see a man rise up claiming to have received direct revelation from the Lord to the Church, independent of the order and channel of the Priesthood, you may set him down as an impostor.
• President Spencer W. Kimball reminded us that the prophets "constantly cry out against that which is intolerable in the sight of the Lord; against pollution of mind, body, and our surroundings; against vulgarity, stealing, lying, pride, and blasphemy; against fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and all other abuses of the sacred power to create; against murder and all that is like unto it; against all manner of desecration." He continued: "That such things should be found even among the Saints to some degree is scarcely believable. ... Sadly, however, we find that to be shown the way is not necessarily to walk in it."
• In the Lord's Church there is no such ting as a "loyal opposition." One is either for the kingdom of God and stands in defense of God's prophets and apostles, or one stands opposed.
• Remember, too often our behavior is a bigger deterrent to others than is our doctrine.

L. Aldin Porter -Our Destiny

• One cannot make wise long-range decisions unless one understands that there is purpose here and recognizes that he must understand at least some aspects of the merciful plan of the great Creator.
• A very important part of the plan is the right of personal choice. The Lord calls it moral agency. We may choose as we desire, but we may not avoid the consequences of our choices. Think on that. We are permitted to make our choices in life, but we ought not then call the plan unfair because we must accept the results of our choices.
• The plan allows for repentance, but it does not allow for acceptance of self-destructive behavior.
• We are literally sons and daughters of God. That reality should permeate every fiber of our beings. Knowing this one truth will greatly influence the decisions of life that can bring us either great joy or bitter regret.
• Some complain that when the prophets speak with clarity and firmness that they are taking our agency away. We are still free to choose. But we must accept the consequences of those decisions. The prophets do not take away our agency. They simply warn us of what the consequences of our choices will be. How foolish to fault the prophets for their warnings.

Patricia P. Pinegar -Peace, Hope, and Direction

• As you wrestle with a challenge and feel sadness because of it, you can simultaneously have pace and rejoicing.

Russell M. Nelson -A Testimony of the Book of Mormon

• "Your minds in times past have been darkened because of unbelief, and because you have treated lightly the things you have received.
• Study of the Book of Mormon is most rewarding when one focuses on its primary purpose--to testify of Jesus Christ.
• This book can help with personal problems in a very real way. Do you want to get rid of a bad habit? Do you want to improve relationships in your family? Do you want to increase your spiritual capacity? Read the Book of Mormon! It will bring you closer to the Lord and His loving power.

Gordon B. Hinckley -At the Summit of the Ages

• Given what we have and what we know, we ought to be a better people than we are. We ought to be more Christlike, more forgiving, more helpful and considerate to all around us.
• Let the old year go. Let the new year come. Let another century pass. Let a new one take its place. Say good-bye to a millennium. Greet the beginning of another thousand years.

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

-Sarnic Dirchi

The Dream

...involved all my stuff being infested with ticks/mites and people, like my sister being rather mad at me about it, and I had to find a way to get rid of them....

-S.N.D