EVERY DAY

On page 19 of the January 2012 Ensign there is a picture of  someone's concept of what the Israelites gathering Manna might look like.

This picture really got me thinking.

appreciation to this unknown artist - no credits given

Exodus 16:13,14, says that manna came with or like the dew and "when the dew that lay was gone up, behold, upon the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the hoar frost on the ground."

We have many very frosty days here. Most winters we have at least one day with lots of hoar frost. How long would it take to 'collect' a sandwich baggie (about the equivalent of 2 slices of bread)?

Maybe this would make an interesting (and easy) family home evening lesson on a frosty day. True they were not too cold when they had to gather it but it was a desert and they had to get it before 'the sun waxed hot, [and] it melted' - so they might not have been very comfortable out there picking it up, one crumb at a time, either ...

Elder D Todd Christoffersen (in the Ensign) says they had to collect it every day to help them remember God every day and keep him in their hearts and minds. I thought - FOR 40 YEARS! How long would that take each day to gather enough 'bread' to feed a family? ("Recognizing God's Hand in Our Daily Blessings" page 17)

HOPE: FAITH VS. FEAR topic summary

 Where I stand on this topic:

One of my favorite hymns, “When Faith Endures,” [i] expresses succinctly my understanding on this topic. It says: "I will not doubt, I will not fear . . . fear departs when faith endures."

President Boyd K Packer teaches this significant doctrine: “In the battle of life, the adversary takes enormous numbers of prisoners . . . . Every soul confined to a concentration camp of sin and guilt has a key to the gate. The adversary cannot hold them if they know how to use it. The key is labeled Repentance. . . .  

(D&C 58:42–43; Heb. 10:16–17).” [ii]

Elder M Russell Ballard counsels, “Remove any of your fear with faith. Trust the power of God to guide you.” [iii] President Henry B Eyring reminds us of this [iv] and invites, “This is His Church. [The Church of Jesus Christ]. ... He is God, the Creator, and perfect. We are mortals subject to death and sin. Yet in His love for us and our families, He invites us to be close to Him.” [v]

How this affects my future:

Although I am human and may face discouraging or traumatic events I can still trust Heavenly Father and rely on the Savior. They love me and will help me. Elder Russell M Nelson explains, “Not all of our prayers will be answered as we might wish. Occasionally the answer will be no. We should not be surprised. Loving mortal parents do not say yes to every request of their children. . . . Even the Son of God endured such an experience, 'saying, Father, if thou be willing, . . . nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done' (Luke 22:42).” [vi]

President Deiter F Uchtdorf teaches, "Even though we may feel lost . . . God promises the hope of his light. He promises to illuminate the way before us and show us the way out of darkness. . . . God's light is real. It is available to all. . . . It can be a healing balm for the loneliness and sickness of our souls. In the furrows of despair it can plant the seeds of a brighter hope. It can enlighten the deepest valleys of sorrow. It can illuminate the path before us and lead us through the darkest night . . . . How do we open our eyes to the hope of God's light? First start where you are. ... We don't have to be perfect to experience the blessings and gifts of our Heavenly Father. We don't have to wait to cross the finish line to receive God's blessings. In fact the heavens begin to part and the blessings of heaven begin to distill upon us with the very first steps we take towards the light." [vii] (My emphasis.)

Elder Ballard teaches, “Satan . . . will not have the power to tempt or disturb us beyond our strength to resist when we are studying the gospel and living its commandments. . . .When we focus on a few basic objectives, we are more likely to be able to manage the many demands that life makes on us. Remember, too much of anything in life can throw us off-balance. At the same time, too little of the important things can do the same thing.” [viii]

Elder Richard G Scott counsels, “We need not worry if we can’t simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do. . . . He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life. We can . . .become like Him one consistent step at a time.” [ix]

Elder Neil L Anderson comforts, “Like the intense fire that transforms iron into steel, . . . we are spiritually refined and strengthened . . . With faith come trials of faith, bringing increased faith . . . (Doctrine and Covenants 122:9).

President George Q. Cannon said:
       No matter how . . . great the affliction, [God] will never desert us. He never has, and He never will. He cannot do it. It is not His character. . . . We may pass through the fiery furnace; we may pass through deep waters; but we shall not be consumed nor overwhelmed. We shall emerge from all these trials and difficulties the better and purer for them, if we only trust in our God and keep His commandments.” [x] [xi]

My plan to apply it in my life:

As I trust in and wait on the Lord several things vitally affect my ability to endure hopelessness and continue to move forward. Consistent scripture study and prayer help me obey the commandments and renew the covenants I make to increase my understanding, grow nearer to the Savior, and become more like him as I serve and share the gospel.

Elder Uchtdorf encourages,"The perfect place to begin is where you are right now. ... The very moment you begin to seek your heavenly Father, in that moment the hope of his light will begin to awaken, enliven, and ennoble your soul. ... As surely as the night always gives way to dawn, the light will come. . . . [The gospel of Jesus Christ] teaches us . . . the things we must know, do, and be to walk in his light . . . . To all who feel they walk in darkness I invite you to rely on this certain promise spoken by the Savior of mankind, 'I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shalt not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of everlasting life (John 8:12).'” [xii]

Elder Jeffrey R Holland reassures, “In times of special need, [God] sends angels, . . . His help [is] always very near. . . . Usually such beings are not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. . . . In the course of life all of us spend time in “dark and dreary” places . . . but I testify that angels are still sent to help us . . .  Not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, . . . indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind.”

He adds, “Take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He ‘would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children (D&C 98:37).’ . . . The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants. [sic]

Elder Holland affirms, “God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. '[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved (Moroni 7:36).” On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” [xiii]

NOTES:

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[i]  When Faith Endures, Hymn 128, Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

[ii] President BOYD K. PACKER of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“Our Moral Environment,” 162nd Annual General Conference, April 1992

[iii] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

"That the Lost May Be Found" 182nd Annual General Conference,1 April 2012, or May Ensign, pages 97-99

[iv] President HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, 

“Where Is The Pavilion?” 182rd Semi-annual General Conference, 7 October 2012

[v] Elder HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, 

“Come Unto Me” 183rd Annual General Conference, 6 April 2013

[vi] Elder RUSSELL M NELSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“Sweet Power of Prayer,” 173rd Annual General Conference, April 2003

[vii] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, 

"The Hope of God’s Light," 182th Annual General Conference, April 7, 2013

[viii] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“Keeping Life’s Demands In Balance,” 157th Annual General Conference, April 1987

[ix] Elder RICHARD G. SCOTT of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

“For Peace at Home” 183rd Annual General Conference,6 April 2013

[x] “Remarks,” Deseret Evening News, Mar. 7, 1891, 4; see also Jeffrey R. Holland, “Come unto Me,” Ensign, Apr. 1998, 16–23.

[xi] Elder NEIL L. ANDERSON, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

"Trial of Your Faith" 182nd Semi-annual General Conference, October 2012 

[xii] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, 

"Your Wonderful Journey Home," 30 March 2013, Ensign, May 2013, 125-129

[xiii] Elder JEFFREY R HOLLAND of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 

 “The Ministry of Angels,” 178th Semi-annual General Conference, October 2008

PORNOGRAPHY topic summary

Where I stand on this topic:

“We are living in the last days, in ‘perilous times’ (2 Timothy 3:1)” teaches Elder Robert D Hales. “Today temptation finds you! Please remember that! Satan desires to have you . . . How will you resist his aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God.” [i]

President Boyd K Packer warns, "The adversary is jealous toward all who have the power to beget life. He cannot beget life; he is impotent. He and those who followed him were cast out and forfeited the right to a mortal body. His angels even begged to inhabit the bodies of swine. (See Matt. 8:31.) And the revelations tell us that “he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.” (2 Ne. 2:27) . . . Civilizations, like Sodom and Gomorrah, destroyed themselves by disobedience to the laws of morality. (2 Ne. 26:11; see also Gen. 6:3; Ether 2:15; D&C 1:33; Moses 8:17.)”   Sometimes we may believe that our individual small choices do not really matter. Choices about morality vitally affect all mankind. President Packer states, "God grant that we will come to our senses and protect our moral environment . . . The fate of all humanity hangs precariously in the balance. . . . [ii]

President Packer  explains, “ . . . Pornography is like unto a plague sweeping across the world, infecting one here and one there, relentlessly trying to invade every home, . . . Lucifer seeks to disrupt “the great plan of redemption,”  (Jacob 6:8; Alma 34:31) “the great plan of happiness. (Alma 42:8). . . We raise an alarm and warn members of the Church to wake up and understand what is going on. Parents, be alert, ever watchful that this wickedness might threaten your family circle. . . . Pornography will always repel the Spirit of Christ and will interrupt the communications between our Heavenly Father and His children and disrupt the tender relationship between husband and wife.

"The priesthood holds consummate power. It can protect you from the plague of pornography . . . [It] can show how to break a habit and even erase an addiction. Holders of the priesthood have that authority and should employ it to combat evil influences. . . . Every soul confined in a prison of sin, guilt, or perversion has a key to the gate. The key is labeled “repentance.” If you know how to use this key, the adversary cannot hold you. The twin principles of repentance and forgiveness exceed in strength the awesome power of the tempter. If you are bound by a habit or an addiction that is unworthy, you must stop conduct that is harmful. Angels will coach you, (See 2 Nephi 32:3) and priesthood leaders will guide you through those difficult times. Nowhere are the generosity and the kindness and mercy of God more manifest than in repentance. Do you understand the consummate cleansing power of the Atonement made by the Son of God, our Savior, our Redeemer?  . . . (D&C19:16).”   In that supernal act of love, the Savior paid the penalties for our sins so that we might not have to pay. . . . Priesthood holders carry with them the antidote to remove the terrible images of pornography and to wash away guilt. The priesthood has the power to unlock the influence of our habits, even to unchain from addiction, however tight the grip. It can heal over the scars of past mistakes. . . .”  [iii]

“The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has a single, undeviating standard of sexual morality: intimate relations are proper only between a man and a woman in the marriage relationship prescribed in God’s plan. . . Obedience to the law of chastity will increase our happiness in mortality and make possible our progress in eternity,” teaches Elder David A Bednar.  [iv]

Elder Deiter F Uchtdorf comforts and teaches, "Small errors and minor drifts away from the doctrine of the gospel of Jesus Christ can bring sorrowful consequences into our lives. It is therefore of critical importance that we become self-disciplined enough to make early and decisive corrections to get back on the right track and not wait or hope that errors will somehow correct themselves. . . . New technologies . . . can be a blessing . . .  Be cautious. . . dangerous traps are only a mouse click away.  . . . Minor decisions can lead to major consequences. . . . We proclaim the good news that is the gospel of redemption and salvation. No matter how terribly off course you are . . . Have faith, and believe in the cleansing power of the infinite Atonement of Jesus the Christ . . . confess and repent of our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9); (Isaiah 1:18). It may not be an easy path, and it requires self-discipline and determination, but its end is glorious beyond description. You are not doomed to a tragic end." (My emphasis.) [v]

How this affects my future:

Elder Robert D Hales taught BYU students, “‘The world has gone far afield . . . the Church will remain constant, and the world will keep moving—that gap is [becoming] wider and wider. … Be very careful. If you judge your actions and the standards of the Church on the basis of where the world is and where it’s going, you will find that you are not where you should be.’ [vi]

Elder Uchtdorf counsels, "Remember: the heavens will . . . [be] filled with those . . . who recognized that they were off course and who corrected their ways to get back in the light of gospel truth. . . .The more we treasure the words of the prophets and apply them, the better we will recognize when we are drifting off course—even if only by a matter of a few degrees.[vii]

 “In its widest application, sin includes every irregularity of behavior, every source of uncleanliness,” teaches Elder Dallin H Oaks. . . .”We can benefit from someone else’s [experiences]. . . we don’t have to have personal experience with the effects of serious transgressions to know that they are injurious to our souls and destructive of our eternal welfare.” President Oaks directs me to “Conduct [my] life today so [my] tomorrows are not burdened with bad or embarrassing memories.” [viii] He also taught, "The repenting sinner must suffer for his sins but this suffering has a different purpose than punishment or payment. It's purpose is change." [ix]

My plan to apply it in my life:

“All of us must come to an honest, open self-examination, an awareness within as to who and what we want to be,” Elder M Russell Ballard shared. “Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants [you] have made with the Lord … [Your] main goal should be to seek ‘immortality and eternal life’ (Moses 1:39). Eliminate from [your life] the things that clamor for and consume [your] thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to  . . .reaching …‘immortality and eternal life’ (Moses 1:39). . . . Just do the very best you can each day.  Do the basic things and, before you realize it, your life will be full of spiritual understanding that will confirm to you that your Heavenly Father loves you. When a person knows this, then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.” [x]

Elder Oaks guides, “Avoid the “promotional literature of illicit sexual relations” in what [you] read and [view]. . . . Once recorded, [filth] will always remain subject to recall, flashing its perverted images across your mind and drawing you away from the wholesome things in life.” [xi]

Elder Packer suggests, “One way you can learn to control your thoughts . . . has to do with music. . . . What do you do at a time . . . when the stage of your mind is commandeered by the imps of unclean thinking? . . . Choose from among the sacred music of the Church a favorite hymn, one with words that are uplifting and music that is reverent, one that makes you feel something akin to inspiration. . . . Go over it in your mind carefully. Memorize it. Even though you have had no musical training, you can think through a hymn. Now, use this hymn as the place for your thoughts to go. Make it your emergency channel. Whenever you find these shady actors have slipped from the sidelines of your thinking onto the stage of your mind, put on this record, as it were. (Emphasis mine.) I am working on memorizing more hymns and scriptures.

"'Music,' said Gladstone, 'is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind and spirit of man.'" [xii] The music I have in my mind strengthens me.

Elder Richard G Scott warns, “Many of us have a personal electronic device that fits into our pocket. We are seldom without its company; we may refer to it many times a day. Unfortunately, these devices can be a source of filth and wasted time. But, used with discipline, this technology can be a tool of protection from the worst of society.

“. . . Studying, pondering, and listening to [scriptures] during quiet moments of each day will enhance communication through the Spirit.

“Be wise in how you embrace technology. Mark important scriptures on your device and refer back to them frequently. If you . . .  review a verse of scripture as often as some of you send text messages, you could soon have hundreds of passages of scripture memorized. Those passages would prove to be a powerful source of inspiration and guidance by the Holy Ghost in times of need.” [xiii] (My emphasis.) I work constantly to memorize and retain scriptures and good quotes.

NOTES:

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[i]  Elder ROBERT D HALES of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostle, “Stand Strong in Holy Places,”183rd Annual General Conference, 6 April 2013

[ii] President BOYD K. PACKER,  President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Our Moral Environment,” 162nd Annual  General Conference, April 1992

[iii] President BOYD K. PACKER, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” 180^th Semi-Annual General Conference, October 2010

[iv]  Elder DAVID A. BEDNAR of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “We Believe in Being Chaste,” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, 6 April 2013

[v] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Matter of a Few Degrees,” 178th Annual  General Conference, April 2008, Ensign, May 2008, 60.

[vi]  (Robert D. Hales, “This Is the Way; and There Is None Other Way,” in Brigham Young University 1981–82 Speeches (1982), 3–4; available at speeches.byu.edu.)

[vii] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, “A Matter of a Few Degrees,” 178th Annual  General Conference, April 2008, Ensign, May 2008, 60.

[viii] Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Sin and Suffering," Fireside, Brigham Young University, 5 August 1990 or July 1992 Ensign

[ix]  Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, The Lord's Way page 223

[x] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Keeping Life’s Demands In Balance,” 157^th Annual  General Conference, April 1987

[xi]  Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Pornography,” 175th Annual  General Conference, April 2005; (Challenges for the Year Ahead (pamphlet, 1974), 4–5; reprinted in ‘Things They’re Saying,’ New Era, Feb. 1974, 18)” 

[xii]  President BOYD K. PACKER, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles,  “Inspiring Music—Worthy Thoughts,” January 1974 Ensign 

[xiii] Elder RICHARD G. SCOTT of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “For Peace at Home” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, 6 April 2013

HARD THINGS topic summary

Where I stand on this topic:

 “And go ye out from among the wicked. Save yourselves. Be ye clean . . . (D&C 38:40–42),” quotesPresident Henry B. Eyring. He then asserts, “The Lord always prepares a way to keep His commandments, you can expect that He will do that for each of you.” [i]

Elder L Tom Perry directs, “We must not pick and choose which commandments we think are important to keep but acknowledge all of God’s commandments. We must stand firm and steadfast, having perfect confidence in the Lord’s consistency and perfect trust in His promises.”[ii]

Elder Dallin H Oaks reminds us, “[Jesus Christ] invites all of us who are heavy laden to come unto Him, to learn of Him, to follow Him, and thus to find rest to our souls (see Matthew 4:19; 11:28).” [iii]

I am certain of these truths. The Lord does prepare a way, and we can have confidence in His promises. There is hope and peace for each of person. Elder Richard G Scott assists me to understand more: “Exercise faith and remember that there are some things that must be left to the Lord.. . . .When you feel that there is only a thin thread of hope, it is really not a thread but a massive connecting link, like a life preserver to strengthen and lift you. It will provide comfort so you can cease to fear.” [iv]

How this affects my future:

I don’t believe in abortion, but I have believed that women should have the right, in consultation with health professionals, to make the choice for herself and not have it legislated. Elder Packer corrected my doctrinal understanding in his talk,“Our Moral Environment.” Part of his teachings explain, "Regardless of how lofty and moral the ‘pro-choice’ argument sounds, it is badly flawed. With that same logic one could argue that all traffic signs and barriers which keep the careless from danger should be pulled down on the theory that each individual must be free to choose how close to the edge he will go.” [v] As I have studied it, this address has shaped my future views.

I struggle with public speaking and leadership. Elder Eyring teaches, “The Savior’s only motivation was to help people.” I am able to serve when I remember this and focus on serving and helping others. Elder Eyring also teaches about forgiveness. It is important to soften our hearts, especially towards family members and frankly forgive them. He said, “I have seen the Lord melt hearts . . . I challenge you to go for the Lord to someone, despite any fear you may have, to extend love and forgiveness. . . . You will feel the love of the Savior for that person and His love for you. . . . If you go for the Lord to bless others, He will see and reward it. If you do this often enough and long enough, you will feel a change in your very nature through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. . . .”  [vi] I have accepted Elder Holland’s challenge, and work to ensure my heart is not hardened towards others. I desire to feel a change in my nature.

Elder Eyring taught, “Sometimes we will receive counsel that we cannot understand or that seems not to apply to us, even after careful prayer and thought. Don’t discard the counsel, but hold it close. If someone you trusted handed you what appeared to be nothing more than sand with the promise that it contained gold, you might wisely hold it in your hand awhile, shaking it gently. Every time I have done that with counsel from a prophet, after a time the gold flakes have begun to appear and I have been grateful. The Lord said, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)." Emphasis mine. [vii]

      

Elder M Russell Ballard shared, “Come to an honest, open self-examination, an awareness within as to who and what [you] want to be.  . . . Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants [you] have made … [Your] main goal should be to seek ‘immortality and eternal life’. . . Eliminate from [your life] the things that clamor for and consume [your] thoughts, feelings, and energies without contributing to . . . ‘immortality and eternal life’ (Moses 1:39). . .  Just do the very best you can each day.  Do the basic things and, [soon] your life will . . .[know] that your Heavenly Father loves you. . . Then life will be full of purpose and meaning, making balance easier to maintain.” [viii] Elder Ballard reminds us, “Failure is only when you quit trying...if you keep working at a task and try to do what's right and honest, ultimately it works out." [ix]

When we are assured of God’s love and our own purpose in life, we can more readily follow Elder Robert D Hales counsel: “Sometimes we become the lightning rod, and we must “take the heat” for holding fast to God’s standards and doing His work. I testify that we need not be afraid if we are grounded in His doctrine. . . . we are never alone. . . . It is our sacred privilege to stand with [the Savior]! Ironically, standing strong sometimes means avoiding and even fleeing from the world.  . . .As we diligently live the gospel, we become strong in the Lord . . . to stand against any philosophy or creed that denies the Savior and contradicts the great, eternal plan of happiness for all of God’s children. . . . Let us glorify God’s name by standing strong with our Savior, Jesus Christ.” [x]

My plan to apply it in my life:

Elder Eyring brings up an issue that is a struggle for many women. Should we work outside our home or only nurture and serve our spouse and families? He comments, “In our own time, we have been warned with counsel of where to find safety from sin and from sorrow. One of the keys to recognizing those warnings is that they are repeated. For instance, more than once in these general conferences, you have heard our prophet say that he would quote a preceding prophet and would therefore be a second witness and sometimes even a third. Each of us who has listened has heard President Kimball give counsel on the importance of a mother in the home and then heard President Benson quote him, and we have heard President Hinckley quote them both. The Apostle Paul wrote that “in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established” (2 Cor. 13:1). One of the ways we may know that the warning is from the Lord is that the law of witnesses, authorized witnesses, has been invoked. When the words of prophets seem repetitive, that should rivet our attention and fill our hearts with gratitude to live in such a blessed time. . .

The Lord said, ‘Be thou humble; and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand, and give thee answer to thy prayers’ (D&C 112:10)." [xi] This is never an easy choice but I find my way back, again and again, to believing it is better for my family and society when I can be with and available to my family members, even now when they are grown and have families of their own. This counsel is not always easy to apply or understand but I know it is the Lord’s will for women to be focus their time and talents in nurturing their families, as revealed by his servants the prophets.

   

Elder Dieter F Uchtdorf reminds us, “Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.” [xii]

"Jesus revealed that we pray to a wise Father who knows what things we have need of, before we ask Him (Matt. 6:8),” teaches Elder Russell M Nelson. “The Lord said, 'Search diligently, pray always, and be believing, and all things shall work together for your good' (D&C 90:24)’. We should pray ‘with all the energy of heart’ (Moro. 7:48) . . . The sweet power of prayer can be intensified by fasting, on occasion, when appropriate to a particular need.” [xiii]

 Elder Oaks teaches us to avoid sin, the things that separate us from God, and repent quickly of them when we err. He explains, “In its widest application, sin includes every irregularity of behavior, every source of uncleanliness. . . . [Some] wrongly think repentance is easy [and] a person is better off after he has sinned and repented. . . . [These ideas] are devilish lies of the adversary. . . . . . . We don’t have to have personal experience with the effects of serious transgressions to know that they are injurious to our souls and destructive of our eternal welfare. . . . Conduct your life today so your tomorrows are not burdened with bad or embarrassing memories.” Emphasis mine [xiv]

NOTES:

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[i]  President HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “We Are One,” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, 6 April 2013

[ii] Elder L. TOM PERRYof the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” 183rd Annual  General Conference, 7April 2013

[iii]  Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Followers of Christ,” 183rd Annual  General Conference, 7 April 2013

[iv] Elder RICHARD G. SCOTT of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “For Peace at Home” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, 6 April 2013

[v] President BOYD K. PACKER, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Our Moral Environment,” 162nd Annual General Conference, April 1992

[vi]  Elder HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “Where Is The Pavilion?” 182^rd  Semi-annual  General Conference, 7 October 2012

[vii]  Elder HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “Finding Safery in Counsel” 167th Annual  General Conference, April 1997, Ensign, May 1997 page 26

[viii]  Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Keeping Life’s Demands In Balance,” 157^th Annual  General Conference, April 1987

[ix] Elder M. RUSSELL BALLARD of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “True to the Faith,” by Kathleen Lubeck, March 1986 Ensign

[x]      Elder ROBERT D HALES of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Stand Strong in Holy Places,”183rd Annual General Conference, 6 April 2013

[xi]  Elder HENRY B EYRING, First Counselor in the First Presidency, “Finding Safery in Counsel” 167th Annual  General Conference, April 1997, Ensign, May 1997 page 26

[xii] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "Prayer and the Blue Horizon," Ensign, June 2009

[xiii] See Matt. 17:21; Mark 9:29; 1 Cor. 7:5; Mosiah 27:22–23; Alma 5:46; 3 Ne. 27:1; D&C 88:76. Elder RUSSELL M NELSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Sweet Power of Prayer,” 173rd Annual  General Conference,  April 2003

[xiv] Elder DALLIN H. OAKS of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, "Sin and Suffering,"Fireside, Brigham Young University, 5 August 1990, July 1992 Ensign

2ND COMING: LAST DAYS

Where I stand on this topic:

Elder Russell M Nelson teaches, “We are of the house of Israel, specifically of the lineage of Joseph, bearing the birthright and charged with the irrevocable responsibility to prepare the world for the second coming of the Savior.” [i]

Elder David A Bednar explains, “Priesthood authority, keys, and saving ordinances are again found on the earth . . . to receive the joyous blessings of the gospel . . . The heavens are not closed. God speaks to us individually and to the world through [His] authorized leaders.” [ii]

“Today we have congregations in 189 of the 224 nations and territories of the world. (1 Nephi 14:12),” stated Elder Neil L Anderson. "You and I are eyewitnesses of Daniel’s prophetic words . . . (Daniel 2:34–35) Our day is a remarkable time of miracles. . . .We are witnessing the miracles of the Lord as His gospel is spreading across the world.” [iii] “Being a disciple in these days of destiny will be a badge of honor throughout the eternities.  . .  If you’re not a full-time missionary with a missionary badge pinned on your coat, now is the time to paint one on your heart—painted, as Paul said, ‘not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God.’ (2 Corinthians 3:3).” [iv]

President Thomas S Monson commented about this time preceding the 2^nd coming. "Lest we at any time feel inadequate for the tasks ahead . . . may I share with you a statement made in 1987 by then-Church President Ezra Taft Benson:

      In all ages, prophets have looked down through the corridors of time to our day. Billions of the deceased and those yet to be born have their eyes on . . . [this] generation.. . .  

    For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the second coming of the Lord. Some individuals will fall away, but the kingdom of God will remain intact to welcome the return of its Head—even Jesus Christ.

    While this generation will be comparable in wickedness to the days of Noah, . . .  there is a major difference this time. . . . [v]

“. . . We represent some of His strongest children. Ours is the responsibility to be worthy of all the glorious blessings our Father in Heaven has in store for us." (My emphasis.) [vi]

"This . . . [is a] time when there is such confusion and such danger that our young people hardly know which way they can walk,” said President Packer. “Warned through the revelations that it would be this way, the prophets and apostles have always been shown what to do. . . . Fifteen years ago, with the world in turmoil, the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles issued “The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” . . . It is a guide . . . to read and to follow." [vii]

How this affects my future:

President Monson instructs, “As the winds of change swirl around us and the moral fiber of society continues to disintegrate before our very eyes, may we remember the Lord’s precious promise to those who trust in Him: ‘Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; Isaiah 41:10.’ What a promise!" [viii]

“Today we find ourselves in another war,” observed Elder L Tom Perry. “This is not a war of armaments. It is a war of thoughts, words, and deeds. It is a war with sin, and more than ever we need to be reminded of the commandments. . . . None of us should ever underestimate how driven Satan is to succeed (2 Nephi 2:11).” [ix]

Elder Deiter F Uchtdorf reassures, “We do not know many details about life in that premortal sphere, but we do know some. Our Heavenly Father has revealed to us who He is, who we are, and who we can become . . . Your Heavenly Father knows you. Even when no one else hears you, He hears you. When you rejoice in righteousness, He rejoices with you. When you are beset with trial, He grieves with you.” [x] He reminds us, “Prayer helps us transcend the stormy times. It gives us a glimpse of that blue sky that we cannot see from our earthly vantage point, and it reveals to us another vista—a glorious spiritual horizon filled with hope and the assurance of the bright blessings the Lord has promised to those who love and follow Him.” [xi]

My plan to apply it in my life:

In Primary, as a child, I learned a new song that makes me often think about the 2^nd Coming: "I Wonder When He Comes Again" (Children's Songbook, 82) I often evaluate my life and consider what I need to do to be ready. Isaiah 24:14 describes those that sing praise in a time of turmoil and darkness prior to the advent of Christ. I want to be able to sing praise. I decided to set a goal to learn additional hymns by memory.

Elder Packer cautions, “Each of us must stay in condition to respond to inspiration and the promptings of the Holy Ghost. The Lord has a way of pouring pure intelligence into our minds to prompt us, to guide us, to teach us, to warn us. Each son or daughter of God can know the things they need to know instantly. Learn to receive and act on inspiration and revelation.” [xii]

President Monson suggest “a formula that will ensure [your life’s ] success:first, search the scriptures with diligence (Alma 17:2-3);second, plan your life with purpose; third, teach the truth with testimony (1 Peter 3:15); and fourth, serve the Lord with love. There is no substitute for love,” D&C 4:2, 5-6,[7] . . . those souls [you] save may well be those whom you love.” [xiii]

Elder Holland reassures, “Take heart, be filled with faith, and remember the Lord has said He ‘would fight [our] battles, [our] children’s battles, and [the battles of our] children’s children (D&C 98:37).’ . . . (D&C 90:24).’ The latter days are not a time to fear and tremble. They are a time to be believing and remember our covenants. [sic] . . .God never leaves us alone, never leaves us unaided in the challenges that we face. '[N]or will he, so long as time shall last, or the earth shall stand, or there shall be one man [or woman or child] upon the face thereof to be saved (Moroni 7:36).' On occasions, global or personal, we may feel we are distanced from God, shut out from heaven, lost, alone in dark and dreary places. Often enough that distress can be of our own making, but even then the Father of us all is watching and assisting. And always there are those angels who come and go all around us, seen and unseen, known and unknown, mortal and immortal.” [xiv]

 “We are living in the last days, in ‘perilous times’ (2 Timothy 3:1)” teaches Elder Hales. “Stand strong . . .We stand in defense of our homes and our families . . .Today temptation finds you! Please remember that! Satan desires to have you . . . How will you resist his aggressive tactics? Put on the whole armor of God.” . . . “Be very careful. If you judge your actions and the standards of the Church on the basis of where the world is and where it’s going, you will find that you are not where you should be.’ [xv] [xvi]

NOTES

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[i] Elder RUSSELL M NELSON of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Call to the Holy Apostleship,” 154^th Annual General Conference, April 1984

[ii] Elder DAVID A. BEDNAR of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Special Witnesses of Jesus Christ,” lds.org viewed 10 July 2013

[iii] Elder NEIL L. ANDERSON, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles "It’s A Miracle" 183rd Annual General Conference, 7 April 2013

[iv] ELDER NEIL L. ANDERSON, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, 183rd Annual  General Conference, "What Thinks Christ of Me?" 1 April 2012, or Ensign, May page 111

[v]  Ezra Taft Benson, “In His Steps” (Church Educational System fireside, Feb. 8, 1987); see also “In His Steps,” in 1979 Devotional Speeches of the Year: BYU (1980), 59.

[vi] President THOMAS S MONSON,  President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, "Dare To Stand Alone", 181st Semi-annual  General Conference, Ensign, November 2011

[vii]  President BOYD K. PACKER,  President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Cleansing the Inner Vessel,” 180^th Semi-Annual General Conference, October 2010

[viii] President THOMAS S MONSON, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, “Stand in Holy Places,”181st Semi-annual  General Conference, Ensign,November 2011, 83, 86.

[ix] Elder L. TOM PERRYof the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Obedience to Law is Liberty,” 183rd Annual  General Conference, 7April 2013

[x] Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "Your Wonderful Journey Home," 30 March 2013, Ensign, May 2013, 125-129

[xi]  Elder DEITER F UCHTDORF, Second Counselor in the First Presidency, "Prayer and the Blue Horizon," Ensign, June 2009

[xii]  President BOYD K. PACKER, President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “These Things I Know,” 183rd Annual  General Conference, 7 April 2013

[xiii]  President THOMAS S MONSON, President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, “Come, All Ye Sons of God” 183^rd Annual  General Conference, April 6, 2013

[xiv]  Elder JEFFREY R HOLLAND of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “The Ministry of Angels,” 178th Semi-annual General Conference, October 2008

[xv] Robert D. Hales, “This Is the Way; and There Is None Other Way,” in Brigham Young University 1981–82 Speeches (1982), 3–4; available at speeches.byu.edu.

[xvi] Elder ROBERT D HALES of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, “Stand Strong in Holy Places,”183rd Annual General Conference, 6 April 2013