Hear Him!

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the April 2011 conference.

One of President Nelson's admonitions was to "Hear Him" especially as we made Jesus the focus of our lives, and let God prevail. Elder Uchtdorf's talk has some important reminders about how we can do exactly that.

To better hear His voice, it would be wise to turn down the volume control of the worldly noise in our lives.

 

My husband frequently asks me if I've heard about this or that in the news currently. Often I have only seen a headline but not followed through reading the whole article or listening to a podcast or YouTube video. I just don't have the "bandwidth" to keep up with all the bad news in the world. It gets to be so depressing and discouraging. (I wish there was a channel devoted to just reporting the good things that are happening!)

I love listening to the new hymns while I'm working around my home, currently packing up to move, or while I'm driving (it's forty-five minutes to the towns where I shop and attend church). The hymns are soothing, inspiring, and conducive to hearing the Spirit.

My dear brothers and sisters, let us strive to be among those whom the Lord can rely on to hear His whisperings and respond, as Saul did on his road to Damascus, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?"

Not only can we receive promptings for service, but answers to questions, solutions to challenges, and ways to move forward.

I remember what it's like to be home surrounded by clamoring children and in the throes of intense motherhood. Generally at the end of the day I could be heard saying, "Please, Mother needs peace!" Putting on some classical music to soothe the savage beasts helped relieve the clamor and brought a better spirit into our home, enough so that I could feel calm and be able to hear and perceive the Spirit. I remember a few times of receiving promptings of what I could do for the sisters I visited taught (the olden days). But also answers to what I could do for solving challenges we were facing in our family. Never discount the work we do in our homes with our families as somehow less than serving others outside. The people most important to us, now and in eternity, are our own family, spouse and children!

If we live according to our beliefs, people will notice. If the countenance of Jesus Christ shines in our lives, if we are joyful and at peace with the world, people will want to know why.

Once I asked my children if they could tell what was most important to me. "Yes, Mom, the gospel," they answered in an almost exasperated tone, as if that was a duh question. It made me feel good to know that I was doing something right and that they knew what and who my life was focused on, besides them.

Brothers and sisters, dear friends, let us not wait too long on our road to Damascus. Instead, let us courageously move forward in faith, hope and charity, and we will be blessed with the light was are all seeking upon the path of true discipleship.

Sunday Will Come

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday afternoon session of the October 2006 conference.

The thing that gave me the most comfort when our son took his own life and was gone, was my belief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the promise of the resurrection. I do not know how others get through life without it.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin said, "The Resurrection is at the core of our beliefs as Christians. Without it our faith is meaningless."

Not only our faith, but our very lives. What meaning is there in life if this is all there is? There would be no rhyme or reason for the vicissitudes that afflict us. We would go from struggle to struggle without any hope of relief or recompense. Thankfully, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, which includes His resurrection, all things can be made right, and we will see and be with our loved ones again.

". . . when Christ rose from the tomb, He did something no one had ever done. He did something no one else could do. He broke the bonds of death, not only for Himself but for all who have ever lived--the just and the unjust. 

"When Christ rose from the grave, becoming the firstfruits of the Resurrection, He made that gift available to all. And with that sublime ast, He softened the devastating, consuming sorrow that gnaws at the souls of those who have lost precious loved ones."

Amen!

"No matter our desperation, no matter our grief, Sunday will come. In this life or the next, Sunday will come. . . . The Resurrection transformed the lives of those who witnessed it. Should it not transform ours? . . . Because of the life and eternal sacrifice of the Savior of the world, we will be reunited with those we have cherished."

Elder Wirthlin's testimony is so similar to mine, "I am grateful beyond measure for the sublime true doctrines of the gospel and for the gift of the Holy Ghost, which has whispered comforting and peaceful words . . . From the depths of my sorrow I have rejoiced in the glory of the gospel. I rejoice that the Prophet Joseph Smith was chosen to restore the gospel to the earth in this last dispensation. I rejoice that we have a prophet, . . . , who directs the Lord's Church in our day. . . . That we may know that no matter how dark our Friday, Sunday will come, is my prayer, . . . ." 

Is There Ever a Time of Peace and Tranquility?

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Saturday morning session of the October 2002 conference.

A year after the terrorist attacks on September 11, many talks referred to the turmoil and uncertainty of the time. Of course, when you live long enough you can see that there is never a time of peace and unity. Troubles and problems abound, whether personal or global. Evil is constant and grows more pervasive with each generation. Having apostles and prophets to lead us is calming and encouraging.

Elder L. Tom Perry said, "We live in a world that is crying out for righteous leadership based on trustworthy principles." I think it still is! He went on, "When we arrive in the celestial kingdom of God, we shall find the most perfect order and harmony existing, because there is the perfect pattern, the most perfect order of government carried out, . . . and when the government of God shall be more extensively adopted [here], and when Jesus' prayer, that He taught His disciples is answered, and God's kingdom comes on earth, and His will is done here as in heaven, then, and not till then, will universal love, peace, harmony, and union prevail." He spoke further of priesthood leadership in the home and the church. What a wonderful day it will be when only the righteous remain and Zion prevails. In the meantime, we can have mini Zions in our homes and church units for practice.

Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf, at that time of the Presidency of the Seventy, asked, ". . . how many of us permit our fears to take control in this time of international tension, economical and political uncertainties, and personal challenges." Probably many of us. He spoke of listening to and following the living prophet, who speaks in the name of the Lord. "It is our responsibility not only to listen but also to act upon His word, that we may claim the blessings of the ordinances and covenants of the restored gospel." He asks some Alma chapter five type questions: "Are we diligent in living the commandments of God, without running beyond our strength? Or are we just leisurely strolling along? Are we using our time, talents, and means wisely? Are we focused on the things which matter most? Are we following the inspired counsel of the prophets?" It made me stop and consider how I'm doing. As I examine myself I find I'm doing well in some areas and not so well in others. Sometimes I think living the gospel is like holding jello in a mesh bag. I'm always juggling to keep stuff from oozing out. Elder Uchtdorf ended with this tender admonition, "Let us in humility and faith refresh our dedication and our commitment to follow the prophets, seers, and revelators in all diligence. Let us listen and be instructed and edified by those who hold all the keys of the kingdom. And as we attend this conference, may our hearts be changed, that there will be a great desire to do good, and that we will be pioneers in building a spiritual foundation that will establish the Church in our part of the world." This was significant to me because I've been pondering how I can be a better missionary and minister to build up our little branch. I still don't have complete answers but I feel that they will come as I continue to seek.

Elder Neal A. Maxwell gave an eloquent address. He began, "In the churn of crises and the sinister swirl of global events, true disciples will maintain faith in a revealing, loving God and in His plan for redeeming His children, which is the why of all that God does!" Other highlights, "The Atonement was accomplished, bringing a universal resurrection to billions and billions, lifting all from the grave--regardless of how and when we got there!" Such a  comforting reminder in those moments when I'm missing our gone too soon son. ". . . matching our behavior more closely with our beliefs will bring relentless reminders about the ongoing duties of discipleship." Another reminder to examine ourselves to improve. "The doctrines and revelations can likewise lift us--even amid 'wars and rumors of wars.'" And, "Regarding trials, including of our faith and patience, there are no exemptions--only variations." Exactly! No one, absolutely no one, gets through life without trials of some kind. And to outsiders, what might appear to be a gift or blessing, might be a sore trial, and vice versa. Finally, "Part of God's 'ample provision' consists of imperfect people like you and me, committed to shining and serving in our appointed orbits, knowing all the while that we are encircled 'in the arms of [His] love.'" (Which reminded me of Elder Holland's talk in April 2013 where he talked of God having only imperfect people to work with.)

President James E. Faust closed out the session with a wonderful talk about overcoming selfishness. He told of helping to settle the estate of a couple and the disputes that occurred among the heirs. "I learned from this that selfishness and greed bring bitterness and contention; on the other hand sacrifice and giving bring peace and contentment." I know a little of that. After my mother died there were problems and unkind feelings about the disposal of her possessions. My father put a clause into his will that anyone disputing anything would be cut out and not receive a thing. Fortunately, we learned from our mistakes and were much kinder to each other when Dad died. President Faust said, "I have learned that selfishness has more to do with how we feel about our possessions than how much we have." I've struggled with overcoming a scarcity mentality which can be detrimental and cause selfishness due to insecurity. President Faust instructed, "Taking up one's cross and following the Savior means overcoming selfishness; it is a commitment to serve others. . . . nothing is really [ours]--it all come from the Lord--we are only the custodians of what He has given us." Thinking of my possessions in that way helps me let go more easily to share with others. And lastly, "Almost every day brings opportunities to perform unselfish acts for others. Such acts are unlimited and can be as simple as a kind word, a helping hand, or a gracious smile." 

The answers to all the ills of the world, from the very personal and familial, to the global jockeying for power, can be found in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the teachings of living apostles and prophets every six months in General Conference. What a blessing to have the miracles of technology to hear, see and read their words. We don't have to be afraid of current or future events when we are founded on the Rock of Our Redeemer. We can have the Savior's peace in our hearts and extend that peace unselfishly to others through our words and actions.

Finding A Safe Harbor

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday morning session of the April 2000 conference.

The past five years we've seen an acceleration of changes in the church which is great; and an acceleration of the proliferation of evil in the world, which is dreadful. If we focus too much on what's happening in the world we can be overcome by the evil and feel helpless to move forward with anything positive.

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin spoke of turning to the Savior, as the ancient disciples did when caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. The Savior is the one who can say, "Peace, be still" and can calm either the storms in our lives, or calm us in the midst of the storms.

Draw close to the Lord Jesus Christ. He bears a special love for those who suffer. He is the Son of God, an eternal king. In His mortal ministry He loved them and blessed them.

 To the meek and discouraged, His every word was one of compassion and encouragement. To the sick, He brought a healing balm. Those who yearned for hope, who yearned for a caring touch, received it from the hand of this King of Kings, this Creator of ocean, earth, and sky.

Today Jesus the Christ stands at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. Do you suppose that today He is any less inclined to aid those who suffer, who are sick, or who appeal to the Father in prayer for succor?

 

At one time in my life, when betrayed by a loved one, I called out to the Father to be comforted. I felt loving arms wrapped around me impressing upon my mind and heart the fact that I was loved and worthwhile. I didn't see anyone but felt more comfort than at any other time in my life. I know the Savior and His love for us is real!

 

Be of good cheer. The Man of Galilee, the Creator, the Son of the Living God will not forget nor forsake those whose hearts are drawn to Him. I testify that the Man who suffered for mankind, who committed His life to healing the sick and comforting the disconsolate, is mindful of your sufferings, doubts, and heartaches.

Elder Wirthlin uses the same analogy of learning to walk that I have used when trying to teach our children that they can do hard things.

What parent would say to a child, "Learning to walk is such a painful and difficult experience, you will likely stumble, you will most likely hurt yourself, you will cry many times when you fall. I will protect you from the struggle"? I have watched our youngest grandson, Seth, as he was learning to walk. Through this process of gaining experience, he now walks with confidence. Could I have said to him, "Out of my love for you, I will save you from this"? If so, because I could not bear to see him take a tumble at times, he may have never learned to walk. That is unthinkable for a loving parent or grandparent.

We have come to earth to learn from our experiences. The Savior is available to assist our learning process. Sometimes He will calm the storm, most times He will calm us, and give us the strength we need to make it through the storm. 

The gospel gives us that harbor of enduring safety and security. The living prophet and apostles today are as lighthouses in the storm. Steer towards the light of the restored gospel and the inspired teachings of those who represent the Lord on earth.

I've long said and taught that living the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer to all the ills of the world. It is also the answer to living in a sick world. Focusing on the Savior and building His Kingdom will help us weather the storms of life. From my vantage point of 65 years I see this more clearly than ever.

 

 

"Peaceable Things"

This post is part of the General Conference Odyssey. This week covers the Sunday afternoon session of the October 1996 conference.

This past Sunday I spoke in Sacrament Meeting about prophets and the importance of listening to and following their instructions. In this session of conference Elder Jeffrey R. Holland said:

A general conference of this church is a remarkable occasion indeed--it is an institutional declaration that the heavens are open, that divine guidance is as real today as it was for the ancient house of Israel, that God our Heavenly Father loves us and speaks His will through a living prophet.

He talked about how "peace and good tidings . . . are among the ultimate blessings that the gospel of Jesus Christ brings a troubled world."

Has there ever been a time when the world wasn't troubled? Perhaps brief moments in small isolated places, such as Enoch's city, and the Nephite/Lamanite nation after the visitation of the Savior. But otherwise, mortal life has been troubled.

In relating the blessings of the gospel Elder Holland talked about repentance and said:

Closely related to our own obligation to repent is the generosity of letting others do the same--we are to forgive even as we are forgiven. . . We don't want God to remember our sins, so there is something fundamentally wrong in our relentlessly trying to remember those of others.

He finished with this beautiful thought:

The better angels of our nature. That is what much of what the Church and general conference and the gospel of Jesus Christ are about. The appeal today and tomorrow and forever to be better, to be cleaner, to be kinder, to be holier; to seek peace and always be believing. 

We need the messages of general conference everyday! They help us face the realities of mortal life with greater courage and strength. I know I couldn't make it without the guidance, light and truth of the words of prophets, apostles and other inspired leaders.

Marilyn at Light in Leaves has more General Conference Odyssey.

 

After General Conference

It's been a week now since General Conference. The glow and delicious peace is beginning to fade as the realities of life continue.

I'm attempting to make this year different by studying each talk and writing quotes in a journal dedicated to recording the answers to my conference questions.

My thinking is that by writing down the answers I'll see what actions I need to take to change. For the better, I mean!

The first talk I studied was President Henry B. Eyring's Saturday morning address. I felt so grateful (and got real teary) that I am not alone in my feelings of loss of joy. His counsel was timely and welcome.

"Where and when we feel the closeness of the Savior depend on each of us."

"All us of have had our faith tested by . . . selfish interests that reduced our efforts to cultivate and soften the spiritual depths of our hearts."

". . . make the choices that will create in your heart a more fertile ground for the good word of God to grow and be fruitful."

 ". . . pray with full purpose of heart . . ."

I next chose Elder Steven E. Snow, of the Seventy, whose talk is titled Be Thou Humble.

"Humility is essential to gain the blessings of the gospel."

Towards the end of his address he quotes President Spencer W. Kimball (1895-1985, President 1973-1985).

"How does one get humble? To me, one must constantly be reminded of his dependence. On whom dependent? On the Lord. How remind one's self? By real, constant, worshipful, grateful prayer."

I want to improve! I want to feel joy. I know change is not easy, but I can't reach my goals without it. Following the counsel from leaders gives me a good place to begin.