Inspiring Messages From General Conference

On The first and second of October we were blessed to hear from our Church Leaders, Apostles and the Prophet who gave inspired advice through this ever so trying world.... Here are some insights that really inspired me over this past weekend!
Richard G. Scott

The Lord provided a set of tools to help us through perplexing problems. Scriptures illuminate our minds, key to communing with the Father in Heaven. They can be stalwart friends. Great power can come from memorizing sripture, source of comfort, a need of change-can be a source of power and understanding. It becomes a enduring friend,  a key to unlocking revelation and gives one peace and potent power to heal us through life's challenges. Do we use ALL of the standard works? There are precious jewels spread throughout the Old Testament. The New Testament  has many guiding truths. Book of Mormon teaches truth with unique clarity. All who study them will find a treasure to lead them to a greater happiness.

Barbara Thomason
We can receive personal revelation through the gift of the Spirit. Which will fill our soul as we study the scriptures and seek to live righteous lives. There are many different forms of revelation. We can have guidance from the Holy Ghost. Let us earnestly Seek the Gifts of the Spirit. We must nourish and strengthen our testimony and be continually watchful. As you seek for personal revelation you will walk in the way of the Lord, which shall enlighten our understanding and will bless our families. We need not harden our harden our hearts and be open to receiving the Spirit.

Boyd K Packer

The Gospel plan is the great plan of happiness. We each have a divine path and future. We each have a power over the adversary and his angels, and temptations. WE should be guided and warned by the Spirit. "Feast Upon The Words Of Christ" Voice of the Spirit comes as a feeling rather than a sound. WE won't make major mistakes when we heed those sound warning from the Spirit. Repentance can heal all hurts no matter how big or small. Listen to the voice of the Spirit and you'll not be lead astray. Avoid all immorality and take a hold on your life and your never neyond the sight of your Heaven'y Father. WE trust the Lord to guide the way as He places trust in us. You can look forward to doing it right, where you'll be watched and protected.

President Dieter F Uchtdorf
The Church is pressing Forward. Always retain in remembrance the Greatness of God. God said We are the reason He created the glorious universe-that we might reach our potential-man is nothing-yet we are everything in the Sight of God. Exaltation is in our grasp. Satan tries to convince us to only be puffed up in our self importance. This life in mortal sphere is but a small moment. He that humbleth himself will be Exalted. Satan deceives through discouragement, that we are of no worth. At time we may feel forgotten, but God is always aware of us:
1. God love the humble and the meek
2. Entrust His Gospel to the weak and simple
3. No matter how meager you live-you are not invisible to God
4. He'll never forget or forsake us-learn to be His disciple in word and deed.
You matter to Him--we need to understand our worthy potential.
D. Todd Christofferson

Without Repentance there is no progression in life, its a divine gift, it points us to freedom and peace. It exists as an option because of the Atonement of Christ. Sanctiication through the Savior is just and true.
1. Invitation to repent is an expression of love
2. Strive to Change-we seek His Grace to compliment our efforts to strive and overcome. WE can steadily improve to live the Celestial Law.
3. Committing to Obedience and Abandoning of Sin-Turn to the Lord with your might, mind and strength. Humbling thyself before the Father (Baptismal Covenant)
4. Seriousness of Purpose and Perseverance despite pain involved- One's heart and desire change-becomes a Covenant with God.
5. Whatever the cost its swallowed up in the joy of Forgiveness.
*Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand!

L Tom Perry
Through open temple open houses there is a focus on the church. The Church is always growing and moving forward. There is so many that are aware of the Church. There are many things we can do to help others understand the church as it really is.
1. Be Bold in our Declaration of Jesus Christ. Only though Christ can we receive Salvation. Press forward and Endure to the End. He shall bless and guide us in the time of trials.
2. Be Righteous Examples of others-in word, in spirit, in coversion, in purity. Our lives should be examples of Virtue-being honorable and upright.
3. Speak Up About The Church- gage the level of interest. We should be honest and respectful and be clear in what we say. Use the media to share your religious beliefs. The message of Christ is a Pearl. As you do this a spirit of love will be your constant companion.
Robert D Hales

There are so many blessings that come from the Atonement of Jesus Christ. Our purpose on Earth is to grow, develop and be strengthened in our own experiences. We need to have hope and faith in the Lord-planting that seed of Faith with great diligence. We need to stand fast and be pressing forward with faith. When we wait upon the Lord we are immovable. Everything worketh for our good. It can be challenging to wait upon the Lord-Line upon Line, Precept upon Precept. In the Lord's time and His way, His answers to our prayers will come. Let us wait upon the Lord- for there is many who wait upon Us--Family--for us to be patient and understanding. He knows our sacrifices and sorrows and He hears our prayers. We are beloved to the Lord more than we can imagine. We are not alone. His angels are here to bear us up.

Elaine S Dalton
We need to live after the manner of happiness which is found in the temple. Fathers are guardians of the Home, wives and children. They are to be guardians of virtue. We must practice virtue and holiness. Be present in your children's lives. Be an active part in their lives. Your testimony has a powerful witness.

Pres. Thomas S. Monson
We  have the Gospel of Jesus Christ-we are responsible for our actions-the laws of God have remained constant. Our cod of conduct is difinitive. Father in Heaven is unchangeable-its something on which we can rely. We must be vigilant, its essential to reject anything that doesn't conform with our standards. We need to have the gospel at our core, and Christ in our hearts. Its necessary to communicate with the Father so we can build a relationship with our Father in Heaven -where we will be entitled to His inspiration and guidance-what treasure they are. We always need to be worthy to receive revelation and then act upon it. His inspiration is necessary to weather the storms of life. 'Seek Ye Diligently and Ye Shall Find Me'. To stand in holy place and be not moved.

Russel M Nelson
A covenant is a sacred promise with God. There are many examples in the scriptures of those we were 'a covenant people'. We have the right to the Gospel and qualify for the blessing of Eternal life as we seek the Lord and be obedient to His commands. Ours is the responsibility to help fulfill the Abrahamic Covenant. This is the time of the promised gathering of Israel. The Book of Mormon is a tangible sign to us, of the covenant of Israel. The Lord has not forgotten. It helps us to make covenants with God. We have the right to receive His doctrine. When we know who we are and what is expected of us, His law to be written in our hearts. 'Covenant Keeper' is a blessed and happy state. We will be blessed now and forever.

Dallin H Oaks
'What Think Ye of Christ?' What are we doing from the belief of Christ. Jesus taught that 'He' was the only begotten son, so the world 'through Him' would be saved. he is the life of the world. Which He gave us as well as Eternal Life. That He is the way, the truth, and light. His teachings shows us the way back to the Father, Christ did the will of the Father. Jesus showed us how to follow Him and how to do the will of the Father. He shall guide us into all truth, and He also guides us through His commandments. He also challenges us to focus on Him rather than on the things of the world. Christ is the source of spiritual nourishment. "The Living Bread" The Atonement gives us the way to overcome spiritual death. 'What Think Ye Of Christ?' Where is our ultimate loyalty? There is no middle ground, our citizenship is in Zion-we should seek first to build the kingdom of God and establish His Rightteousness.

Randall K. Bennett
We shouldn't rationalize and ignore warnings. We need to evaluate each of the decisions that we make. Each of us have a diving nature and a divine destiny. We knew there would be suffering and trials but have the ability to make the correct choices. WE should look to the great mediator and choose eternal life. With every choice there is a consequence or blessings. Choose to follow the Savior=eternal life or the world which have negative consequences and would separate us from our families and our Savior. We all face adversity, it is never too late to make correct choices. His arms of mercy are always extended to us. Are we seeking the guidance of the Holy Ghost daily?

Books That Inspire: Peacegiver

how is Christ the answer to a strained relationship with child, parent or sibling? What if I am being mistreated — what does the atonement say about that? How can I discover the desire to repent when I don't feel the need to repent? These are the challenging questions of daily life, the questions to which the gospel must provide an answer if it is to have living, cleansing, redeeming power.

The Peacegiver is a book about the answers to these questions. In both content and form it is unlike other books about the atonement, for it unfolds as compelling story in which the characters learn about the Atonement as they struggle over the problems in their lives — problems we each share. The book therefore allows us not only to “learn about” the Atonement but also to have an experience with it.

“My peace I give unto you,” the Savior declared. The Peacegiver explores in a deeply personal way what we must do to receive the peace he stands willing to give.

My Thoughts:
When I first bought this book right around the time when it came out...I was just looking for a inspirational book on the Atonement. I was amazed about how much this book changed my life and my outlook on life and the gospel and especially Christ and his sacrifice. I would recommend this book to anyone that is looking for a way to become closer to Christ. I found that this author's approach to the Atonement, is more on a personal level....which made reading this book much more meaningful!!! So if your looking for a book that will inspire and bring you closer to Christ....than you should go to the closest book store and buy this one...you will never regret it and one that you and your family will cherish!

Its Been Too Long!!!

I apologize for those of you that follow this blog as life has been crazy but I plan on making this blog more of a priority. Hope you all are well!

Come Unto Christ

I invite you to come unto Christ,
Though mere words cannot suffice.
May I, of His life expound?
That He, in your heart may be found?

During Our Lord's ministry,
Precious few came to know Him,
Though all He did made history.
Though He offered pure love to them.

He's our bright miracle
And our plan for happiness.
His arms extend to encircle,
With joy and love. He's Holiness.

There is no other name that saves.
He gives assurance to us.
There's no better path than he paves.
He teaches of faith, hope and trust.

It warms my heart to speak of Him
And of all He's done for me.
Through times of sorrow and of sin,
His love's been there enveloping.

His life's example paves the way.
I will strive to be like Him.
I'll keep my covenants and obey
What I promised at baptism.

May you find faith to do His will,
As the Spirit manifests.
Know that His promise does fulfill.
May you feel joy within your breast.

-President Eyring

Life Is A Ladder

Life is like the ascent of such a column. While we are climbing up its dark stairway, there lies outside its walls a glorious world, reaching away into eternity, beautiful and filled with the rarest things of God's love. When thoughts of immortality and knowledge of the gospel come to us, they are like little windows through which we have glimpses of the infinite sweep of life beyond this hampered existence of earth. If we use the doctrines of the gospel as the rungs on the ladder upon which we climb this staircase of life, than our ascent will be enlightened, and all of our duties and responsibilities will be relevant to the goal ahead-that of eternal life we will realize the highest achievements and most satisfying joys. Our success in life depends on the way we make use of it. the advantage of leisure time is mainly that we have the opportunity to choose our own tasks. Not time to be spent in idleness. To make, to create, to produce something necessary or beautiful, at once lifts us closer to companionship with our Heavenly Father. Whether in work or leisure, it is important to keep our spiritual values uppermost in our lives, directing and determining our actions. We can all establish a beautiful relationship with the Lord if we so desire and then we will be able to feel His inspiration and work and live for Him. This is a ultimate joy that can be a part of each of our lives and mission to the service of the Lord, He will shower blessing upon us and we can become an instrument in His hands for accomplishing His will among our associates in the church. Spreading the gospel, loving it and being proud of it is always an asset. The worst thing that can destroy us is our spiritual pride. Turning to the Lord is an essential part of our eternal progression. A wonderful tuning agent is prayer. We must be careful that we do not only pray in our distress and need, but that we pray also in the fulness of our joy and in our days of abundance.

Weekly Talk That Inspires- "You Are My Hands"

This week I am going to pick a talk from the most recent General Conference, that inspires and lifts me. I wasn't able to watch much of last conference, and so its always good to read a talk that I haven't listened or read before. And this one kinda just drew me in!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You Are My Hands”

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Second Counselor in the First Presidency

As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn.

A story is told that during the bombing of a city in World War II, a large statue of Jesus Christ was severely damaged. When the townspeople found the statue among the rubble, they mourned because it had been a beloved symbol of their faith and of God’s presence in their lives.

Experts were able to repair most of the statue, but its hands had been damaged so severely that they could not be restored. Some suggested that they hire a sculptor to make new hands, but others wanted to leave it as it was—a permanent reminder of the tragedy of war. Ultimately, the statue remained without hands. However, the people of the city added on the base of the statue of Jesus Christ a sign with these words: “You are my hands.”

We Are the Hands of Christ

There is a profound lesson in this story. When I think of the Savior, I often picture Him with hands outstretched, reaching out to comfort, heal, bless, and love. And He always talked with, never down to, people. He loved the humble and the meek and walked among them, ministering to them and offering hope and salvation.

That is what He did during His mortal life; it is what He would be doing if He were living among us today; and it is what we should be doing as His disciples and members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On this beautiful Easter morning, our thoughts and hearts are drawn to Him—the Hope of Israel and the Light of the World.

As we emulate His perfect example, our hands can become His hands; our eyes, His eyes; our heart, His heart.

Our Hands Can Embrace

I am deeply impressed by the way our Church members extend themselves to others. As we hear of your selfless sacrifice and overwhelming compassion, our hearts swell with gratitude and happiness. You are a shining light to the world, and you are known for your goodness and compassion all around the globe.

Unfortunately, from time to time we also hear of Church members who become discouraged and subsequently quit coming to and participating in our Church meetings because they think they don’t fit in.

When I was a young boy, during the aftermath of World War II, Germany was broken and in ruins. Many people were hungry, sick, and dying. I remember well the humanitarian shipments of food and clothing that came from the Church in Salt Lake City. To this day, I can still remember the smell of the clothing, and I can still taste the sweetness of the canned peaches.

There were some who joined the Church because of the goods they received at that time. Some members looked down on these new converts. They even called them an offensive name:Büchsen Mormonen, or “Canned-Food Mormons.” They resented these new members because they believed that once their temporal needs had been met, they would fall away.

While some did leave, many stayed—they came to church, tasted the sweetness of the gospel, and felt the tender embrace of caring brothers and sisters. They discovered “home.” And now, three and four generations later, many families trace their Church membership back to these converts.

I hope that we welcome and love all of God’s children, including those who might dress, look, speak, or just do things differently. It is not good to make others feel as though they are deficient. Let us lift those around us. Let us extend a welcoming hand. Let us bestow upon our brothers and sisters in the Church a special measure of humanity, compassion, and charity so that they feel, at long last, they have finally found home.

When we are tempted to judge, let us think of the Savior, who “loveth the world, even that he layeth down his own life that he may draw all men unto him. . . . 

“[And] he saith: Come unto me all ye ends of the earth, . . . [for] all men are privileged the one like unto the other, and none are forbidden.”¹

As I read the scriptures, it appears that those who receive the Savior’s strongest reproach are often those who hold themselves in high esteem because of their wealth, influence, or perceived righteousness.

On one occasion the Savior taught a parable of two men who went into the temple to pray. One man, a respected Pharisee, prayed: “God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess.”

The other man, a hated publican, stood “afar off, [and] would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.”

And Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other.”²

In truth, we “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”³ We are all in need of mercy. In that last day when we are called to the judgment bar of God, do we not hope that our many imperfections will be forgiven? Do we not yearn to feel the Savior’s embrace?

It seems only right and proper that we extend to others that which we so earnestly desire for ourselves.

I am not suggesting that we accept sin or overlook evil, in our personal life or in the world. Nevertheless, in our zeal, we sometimes confuse sin with sinner, and we condemn too quickly and with too little compassion. We know from modern revelation that “the worth of souls is great in the sight of God.”⁴ We cannot gauge the worth of another soul any more than we can measure the span of the universe. Every person we meet is a VIP to our Heavenly Father. Once we understand that, we can begin to understand how we should treat our fellowmen.

One woman who had been through years of trial and sorrow said through her tears, “I have come to realize that I am like an old 20-dollar bill—crumpled, torn, dirty, abused, and scarred. But I am still a 20-dollar bill. I am worth something. Even though I may not look like much and even though I have been battered and used, I am still worth the full 20 dollars.”

Our Hands Can Comfort

With this in mind, let our hearts and hands be stretched out in compassion toward others, for everyone is walking his or her own difficult path. As disciples of Jesus Christ, our Master, we are called to support and heal rather than condemn. We are commanded “to mourn with those that mourn” and “comfort those that stand in need of comfort.”⁵

It is unworthy of us as Christians to think that those who suffer deserve their suffering. Easter Sunday is a good day to remember that our Savior willingly took upon Himself the pain and sickness and suffering of us all—even those of us who appear to deserve our suffering.⁶

In the book of Proverbs we read that “a friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”⁷ Let us love at all times. And let us especially be there for our brothers and sisters during times of adversity.

Our Hands Can Serve

An old Jewish legend tells of two brothers, Abram and Zimri, who owned a field and worked it together. They agreed to divide both the labor and the harvest equally. One night as the harvest came to a close, Zimri could not sleep, for it didn’t seem right that Abram, who had a wife and seven sons to feed, should receive only half of the harvest, while he, with only himself to support, had so much.

So Zimri dressed and quietly went into the field, where he took a third of his harvest and put it in his brother’s pile. He then returned to his bed, satisfied that he had done the right thing.

Meanwhile, Abram could not sleep either. He thought of his poor brother, Zimri, who was all alone and had no sons to help him with the work. It did not seem right that Zimri, who worked so hard by himself, should get only half of the harvest. Surely this was not pleasing to God. And so Abram quietly went to the fields, where he took a third of his harvest and placed it in the pile of his beloved brother.

The next morning, the brothers went to the field and were both astonished that the piles still looked to be the same size. That night both brothers slipped out of their houses to repeat their efforts of the previous night. But this time they discovered each other, and when they did, they wept and embraced. Neither could speak, for their hearts were overcome with love and gratitude.⁸

This is the spirit of compassion: that we love others as ourselves,⁹ seek their happiness, and do unto them as we hope they would do unto us.¹⁰

True Love Requires Action

True love requires action. We can speak of love all day long—we can write notes or poems that proclaim it, sing songs that praise it, and preach sermons that encourage it—but until we manifest that love in action, our words are nothing but “sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.”¹¹

Christ did not just speak about love; He showed it each day of His life. He did not remove Himself from the crowd. Being amidst the people, Jesus reached out to the one. He rescued the lost. He didn’t just teach a class about reaching out in love and then delegate the actual work to others. He not only taught but also showed us how to “succor the weak, lift up the hands which hang down, and strengthen the feeble knees.”¹²

Christ knows how to minister to others perfectly. When the Savior stretches out His hands, those He touches are uplifted and become greater, stronger, and better people as a result.

If we are His hands, should we not do the same?

We Can Love as He Does

The Savior revealed the perfect priorities for our lives, our homes, our wards, our communities, and our nations when He spoke of love as the great commandment upon which “hang all the law and the prophets.”¹³ We can spend our days obsessing about the finest details of life, the law, and long lists of things to do; but should we neglect the great commandments, we are missing the point and we are clouds without water, drifting in the winds, and trees without fruit.¹⁴

Without this love for God the Father and our fellowmen we are only the form of His Church—without the substance. What good is our teaching without love? What good is missionary, temple, or welfare work without love?

Love is what inspired our Heavenly Father to create our spirits; it is what led our Savior to the Garden of Gethsemane to make Himself a ransom for our sins. Love is the grand motive of the plan of salvation; it is the source of happiness, the ever-renewing spring of healing, the precious fountain of hope.

As we extend our hands and hearts toward others in Christlike love, something wonderful happens to us. Our own spirits become healed, more refined, and stronger. We become happier, more peaceful, and more receptive to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit.

With all my heart and soul I give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His love for us, for the gift of His Son, for the life and example of Jesus the Christ, and for His sinless and selfless sacrifice. I rejoice in the fact that Christ is not dead but risen from the grave! He lives and has returned to the earth to restore His authority and gospel to man. He has given us the perfect example of the kind of men and women we should be.

On this Easter Sunday, and every day, as we contemplate with reverence and awe how our Savior embraces us, comforts us, and heals us, let us commit to become His hands, that others through us may feel His loving embrace. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Here is the video of this talk, if you would rather watch than read:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Why I liked This Talk:

Well I have always loved Pres Uchtdorf and all of his talks, but this one really struck a chord in my heart. What I really got out of this, and what I really want to work on, is to put love into everything that I do and feel. I have noticed that when I go out and help others, without thinking about the time, but focusing on them and loving them. Also what I learned from this talk is that we need to emulate the Savior, and how in everything he did was out of love for us and everyone around Him. So should we: we should put love in every action, every emotion that we do in our daily lives to show others that we care. Also to those that aren't only just members, but others of other faiths and beliefs as well, to set a example that love isn't limited, its eternal in its truest form. 

Weekly Talk That Inspires- Friendship

One of the great tributes the Savior can give is to call us “friends.” We know that He loves with a perfect love all of His Heavenly Father’s children. Yet for those who have been faithful in their service with Him, He reserves this special title. You remember the words from the 84th section of the Doctrine and Covenants: “And again I say unto you, my friends, for from henceforth I shall call you friends, it is expedient that I give unto you this commandment, that ye become even as my friends in days when I was with them, traveling to preach the gospel in my power” (D&C 84:77).

We become His friends as we serve others for Him. He is the perfect example of the kind of friend we are to become. He wants only what is best for His Heavenly Father’s children. Their happiness is His happiness. He feels their sorrow as His own because He has paid the price of all their sins, taken upon Himself all their infirmities, borne all their troubles, and felt all their longings. His motives are pure. He seeks no recognition for Himself but to give all glory to His Heavenly Father. The perfect friend, Jesus Christ, is completely selfless in offering happiness to others.

Each of us who has made the baptismal covenant has promised to follow His example to bear one another’s burdens as He would (see Mosiah 18:8).

In the next few days you will have many opportunities to be a friend for Him. It may be as you walk on a dusty road. It may be as you sit down in a railroad car. It may be as you look for a place to sit in a Church congregation. If you are watching, you will see someone carrying a heavy burden. It may be a burden of sorrow or loneliness or resentment. It may be visible to you only if you have prayed for the Spirit to give you eyes to see into hearts and have promised to lift up the hands that hang down.

The answer to your prayer may be the face of an old friend, one you have not seen in years but whose needs suddenly come into your mind and heart and feel as if they are your own. I’ve had that happen to me. Old friends have reached out to me across the miles and the years to offer encouragement when only God could have told them of my burden.

Living prophets of God have asked us to be faithful friends to those who come into the Church as converts and to go to the rescue of those who have drifted away. We can do it, and we will do it if we always remember the Savior. When we reach out to give succor and to lift a burden, He reaches with us. He will lead us to those in need. He will bless us to feel what they feel. As we persist in our efforts to serve them, we will more and more be given the gift of feeling His love for them. That will give us courage and strength to reach out again and again in faithfulness.

And, in time and in eternity, we will feel the joy of being welcomed to the company of His faithful friends. I pray for that blessing for all of us and for those we will serve.

----------------------------------------------------------

This I found on LDS.org, and its the visiting teaching message, but I think its something that everyone could benefit, whether you are man or woman or child. I think its so vital to keep up with our friendships, because they are what lift and inspire us to be something better and higher than ourselves!!! To all those who have been such a good friend to me whether in the past or the present, I thank you, for your support and love!!!